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Use tab to navigate through the menu items. To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Welcome to Quivira Goldens Contact us to place a deposit on our upcoming litter The rolling plains of Kansas are where we call home, and we are excited to be able to bring some of the best and brightest of the Golden Retriever breed to our families. We are certain you will fall in love with our Goldens just as we have done. Our health tested parents are a perfect blend of American bloodlines as well as some imported lines from our sires. We have been working at developing a unique blend of healthy, intelligent easy to train Golden Retrievers for nearly 20 years and can't wait to talk with you about our upcoming litters. Many of our Goldens are training or functioning as service dogs or emotional support dogs with veterans, law enforcement and in schools and nursing homes. The easiest way to join the Quivira Golden Family is to complete a puppy reservation form and place a deposit. We encourage all families to call or email prior to completing the form. Puppy spots are held based on the order deposits are received. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Kansas Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Kansas? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Kansas? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Now taking deposits for our January litter. Ready to go to new homesin March sometime. Call Soon to reserve your pup. Our never kenneled, well loved puppies make the perfect family dog! We are located in the Kansas City area however our puppies are adopted all over the United States. Five benefits have been observed in canines that were exposed to the Bio Sensor stimulation exercises. The benefits noted were: Improved cardio vascular performance heart rate Stronger heart beats More tolerance to stress Greater resistance to disease At three weeks old we start potty training our pups. We first designate a place in their whelping pen for them to do their business and as they are able to walk farther we gradually move their spot farther away. They are using a dog door to "go" outside between weeks old. Also at three weeks old we start beginning Manners training. That involves learning to sit and be patient before getting to go eat puppy food. The pups are also starting to spend time in an open crate and will graduate to closed crate time as they get older. Sometimes we keep our favorite pups longer to use for our breeding program or to offer a higher level of training for our clients. These pups depending on their age, know sit, stay can hold a stay while I go outside out of sight for at least 2 minutes come and sit at my feet, down, leave it, and on your bed. They are crate trained and also good on a leash. If you are interested in one of our pups in training give us a call. We have one 8 month old male available. Join our wait list Champion blood lines from a trusted breeder There are many options when looking for a Golden Retriever puppy. At Simply Golden Puppies We believe that Golden Retriever puppies and their mommas deserve a lot of love and attention. If you have ever had a Golden, you know that they are happiest when they are with their people. For this reason we keep our breeding program small. Our goldens are pets first. They are never kept in a kennel and spend a lot of time by our sides. We believe that if our momma's are happy the babies are happy too. The litters of Greta and Kate mark our sixth generation of puppies. We know very well how our puppies turn out. Our puppies have championship blood lines from 6 separate countries. That makes their gene pool phenomenal! You can expect a beautiful, healthy, very smart dog with therapy soft fur and blocky heads. They are devoted and loyal with fun personalities! While environmental factors play a big part in the health of your golden retriever you can be sure that we have done our best to ensure your puppy gets the best possible start in life. All of our personal adult goldens have lived past 12 years old with several living to be 16 years old. Our Puppies are vet checked healthy and vaccinated before going to their new homes and are sold as family companions with limited pet AKC registration. Why a Golden Retriever is the Perfect First Dog A golden retriever puppy is an excellent choice for those who are looking to get their first dog. The golden retriever is even-tempered, intelligent and affectionate. Golden retrievers are playful, yet gentle with children, and they tend to get along well with other pets and strangers. If you are consistent you can teach them very precise things like staying off of the carpet unless they are invited on it, waiting at an open door until they are invited in, not to bark unless there is something important to bark about.Because they are so smart, they can also learn to "work " the system so praise and being consistent is key. Goldens are eager to please and like to work which explains why they respond so well to Positive reinforcement training and are such popular service dogs. Many of our puppies have gone on to be service and therapy dogs. Our Golden Retriever Puppies are loyal — Golden retrievers are extremely loyal dogs. They were born to please you which makes them the best companion dog and another reason that they can be wonderful therapy or emotional support dogs. Our Golden Retriever Puppies are great with kids — Golden retrievers are great with children! They seem to instinctually know how to interact with them. One of our last customers had a one year old who tripped and fell in the grass. Our 12 week old puppy went carefully up to him, bent his head down to his face as if to ask if he was all right. It melted all of our hearts! Long ago my Daughter learned how to walk by pulling up on our first Golden Retriever. Our Golden Retriever Puppies are funny - They have the best personalities! They are loving, loyal, goofy, playful, gentle, and bring so much joy to our golden families! They are bird dogs at heart, so they love a good game of fetch or a swim. If exercise is provided daily, golden retriever puppies can adapt to any type of home, even if it is a city apartment. History: In , the golden retriever was the second most popular AKC breed. This ranking is no surprise, because the dog has many qualities that make for a perfect family pet. The golden retriever's roots are in the fields and waterways of Great Britain. The golden retriever was bred to be a bird dog, particularly for hunting water fowl, and the breed resulted from crossing a number of other breeds thought to include spaniels, setters, and the Newfoundland but not the Newfoundland we know today , and perhaps even a bloodhound. The combination created a hardy, strong swimming dog that could withstand cold water, track wounded game and deal with crippled birds. Today, golden retrievers are not only good bird dogs and family pets; they also are popular as service dogs for the blind and disabled, and as search and rescue dogs and contraband detection dogs. Few dogs can claim this breed's versatility.

While I have an arsenal of healthy treats now, a few months back, I was hard pressed for choices. Many pet owners do not know this, but English bulldogs have a sensitive stomach. You have to be quite selective when it comes to choosing the right treats for your bully. I was really interested in getting my bulldog some healthy treats, and after careful research and comparison, I have compiled the following list of healthy treats, in case it is of help to you. What treats are considered healthy for bulldogs? There are some factors which you should consider when choosing healthy treats for your bulldogs. I will share with you a few questions which I always ask myself before choosing the dog treats for my English bulldog. Currently, these are my favorite healthy dog treats for English bulldogs, which can be found on Amazon. We created a recommended products page which links to every product we personally use for our English bulldog, Ollie. Does it contain chemicals or added sugar? I like to avoid treats which consist of a high amount of sugar or any other chemicals. In my opinion, you should do the same. What is the fat content? A rule of thumb which I always follow is never choose a dog treat which consists of more than 10 percent of the daily fat requirement for your dog. Anything over that is pushing your dog towards obesity. What is the safe quantity of treats which you can provide to your dog daily? My English bulldog is pretty persistent. That is why I end up giving him at least a couple of dog treats. It is always important to read the labels of pre-packaged treats and know how much the recommended serving size is, before you spoil your dog with too many treats. Can you make dog treats at home? It is not always necessary to opt for the pre-packaged dog treats. You can easily make dog treats at home by using ingredients like raw vegetables, egg whites, and unbuttered popcorn. These are not only healthy but are also low in calories, and by making the treats yourself at home, you know exactly what your bulldog is ingesting. If you can manage them, it is a good idea to limit the store bought pre-packaged treats. How do healthy treats improve the health of the bulldog? I find that giving your English bulldog healthy treats rather than any random, cheap treats you might find at the store or online can make a difference to the health of your bulldog. I, for one, have seen this difference first hand. Below are just a few ways in which my English Bulldog has benefited from these healthy treats. No stomach issues Since switching to healthier treats, I have noticed that my bulldog has experienced less bloating, and had fewer instances of vomiting and diarrhea. These natural treats do seem to sooth his stomach better. Sugar in check Diabetes in dogs is becoming increasingly common. However, I have been able to keep the sugar levels of my bulldog in check by not only limiting the treats but ensuring that his treats are not full of artificial sweeteners. As you can see, the dog treats have a profound impact on the health of the dog. Top 15 healthy dog treats for bulldogs 1. Truth is, you can definitely consider them as treats between meals! Bananas, apples, berries, oranges, mangoes, and other fruits and vegetables are all great options. These not only provide essential nutrients to your dog, but plenty of them have a high water content which keeps them hydrated in any weather. However, moderation is key when giving your dog these sweet, natural treats, as they still contain lots of natural sugars, which are not good for your dog when given in excess. You should also stay away from the canned versions of fruits and vegetables, as they often contain additional sodium or sugars. Yogurt Plain yogurt is excellent for dogs with sensitive stomachs. You should avoid flavored yogurt, as it contains too much added sugar. Eggs Eggs are one of the most versatile treats which you can provide your bulldog. Not only is it delicious, cheese also contains protein, calcium, and vitamin A. But, make sure the salmon is cooked thoroughly and never give your dog raw salmon, as it could be very harmful to his or her health. Gluten-free dog cookies Grain-free cookies are one of the best English bulldog treats that you can keep in your arsenal. With so many different flavors to choose from, your bulldog will never get bored of them. Peanut butter Peanut butter is a great treat that you and your dog can enjoy together. I do recommend the sugar-free version as the healthier choice for your dog and you as well! Air-popped popcorn This delicious, salty treat contains numerous vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B, iron and protein. They are a pretty healthy treat, but do take precaution when you give your bulldogs a few, since kernels can be a choking hazard for your bulldog. The fish fillets by Honest Kitchen Wishes are a great choice because they consist of percent human-grade fish. There are a few options available in pet stores that are just as healthy. The advantage of the Orijen brand is that they only use wild caught meat and the treats get shipped to your doorstep quickly, which keeps them fairly fresh. The cookie-sized cube is moist and breaks easily, which makes it easy for your dog to consume. The duck meat is rich in iron and protein, which is what makes it so beneficial for your English bulldog. Jerky dog treats Jerky dog treats can consist of liver, seafood, meat, and other such ingredients. These are rich in protein and are great to use when training your bulldog. They do not consist of any growth hormones, antibiotics, or artificial colors. These are bit-sized delicious cookies that are grain-free and are made of wild caught salmon and pumpkin. They are human grade, so you can trust the quality. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Treats These treats are a great option for all dogs, but are especially good for dogs with allergies. They come in six different flavors, but with a limited number of protein and carbohydrate sources, so you know exactly what your dog is eating. They are grain-free and do not include any unnecessary additives or preservatives. With so many different preservative-laden treats available, it is time that we become cautious about the health of our dogs and provide them with the healthiest options available. Time to choose a treat which not only satisfies the nutritional requirements but also makes your dog happy! Proteins help in the development of nails, muscles, bones, and fur. They stimulate the production of hormones, neurotransmitters, and antibodies in the body and provide energy. This promotes healthy skin as well as a coat. Fat offers the necessary energy for your pup to function all day long. Each of these minerals offers unique benefits, thereby improving the overall health of your dog. Following are some of the types of threats that you should avoid giving to your Bulldog: 1 Animal Byproducts Animal parts that are not sold for the consumption of humans, such as ears, trachea, hides, hooves, femurs, rib bones, etc. These products are not generally cooked enough to kill all the bacteria. When they are packed and shipped in these raw forms to the pet stores, it results in a high contamination rate, especially for Salmonella and E. They have a hard design to make god chew harder. This will create more friction and will scrape off the plaque. And the company claims that this overall process will whiten the teeth and improve breathing. Bulldog has jaw structure, which makes them lose their teeth fast, and greenies are products that can further quick this process. They will continue to chew it, which can result in pain in their teeth. It is boasted of empty calories that can make them gain weight. Moreover, these treats have none to minimal nutrient content. Additional Rawhide treats can also damage the teeth of your pup. And large chunks of these pieces tend to expand in the stomach resulting in constipation, pain, gas, choking hazard, etc. Below are some of the food items that you should avoid giving your dog: 1 Grapes and Raisins These two items are very appealing to bulldogs. Although giving one or two may not do any harm, you should avoid them because they can be toxic for them. It is enriched with calcium oxalate, which is a great ingredient for humans. But for bulldogs, it can cause kidney or bladder stones. You should also avoid giving them ice cream. The amount of time you should feed your pup depends on its age. An adult bulldog should not eat less than twice a day. Giving one large meal can prove to be difficult to digest and can increase the risk of bloating. Therefore you should try to divide the meal into two smaller portions. When it comes to feeding a bulldog , you should measure the nutrition in terms of calories. On average, bulldogs should consider 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight. This means that if your dog weighs 50 lb, then you should consume around calories per day. Dogs that have a higher energy level, needing three hours of daily experience, should consume three times more calories than the aforementioned number. Before You Go When you set the right diet for your bulldog, it paves the way for a healthy life. Diet, along with exercise, can keep your dog healthy and active for a long time period. Dog treats are not a primary diet; instead, they are additional supplements that keep your pup feeling energetic. It is important that you choose healthy treats that add to their health. And above, we have mentioned some of the best dog treats that you can find on the market. Related Articles:. Safe Bulldog Treats Choose Safe and Healthy Treats for Your Bulldog Bulldog owners like to give their dogs treats, to encourage them during training for good behavior and for no reason, in fact. The right choice of dog treats will help to keep your Bully healthy and to make it happy. You can choose a flavor, a shape and a size of treats at your choice and your Bulldog's taste. Remember that treats you buy for the dog should comply with the quality standards. Soft Dog Treats Soft dog chew treats are also produced in a variety of sizes, shapes and flavors. They are perfect for Bulldog training. It's very convenient to use small pieces during education as an immediate reward. Jerky and Freeze-Dried Dog Treats These treats are similar to human food, especially when they are made for dogs. Meat, liver, poultry, seafood and other flavors are usually available for such dog treats. Many Bulldog owners choose them to increase the effectiveness of dog training because of their tasty smell. Natural Dog Chew Treats Natural dog chew treats are made of organic ingredients only and are vitamin- and mineral-enriched. The majority of experts consider them to be good for Bulldog's oral care. But they can cause digestive blocking if gulped. Indestructible Dog Toy to Hold the Treats Use special dog treat holders and dog feeding toys to prevent such occasions. Choose also an appropriate size of the dog chewing treat according to the size and age of your Bulldog. Animal Bones You shouldn't give your Bully animal bones because they can lead to teeth spoiling and chipping, digestive injuries and blocking. Any kinds of animal bones are harmful for Bulldogs, but the most dangerous are poultry bones even if they are cooked. Give your Bulldog special dog chew bones, dog chewing treats or dental dog treats instead of animal bones or hooves. Pig Ears Bulldogs like to chew pig ears, but they are too hard for them, furthermore, they can also be processed with chemicals that can be unsafe for dogs. It's better to avoid giving pig ears to Bulldogs because this can lead to obesity. Rawhide Dog Treats Rawhide is also not recommended for Bulldogs. It is made of animal hides, which are chemically modified as usual. As a result - gastrointestinal distresses and other health issues. It's better to treat Bulldog with dog dental chews. Yes, there are special rawhide dog treats developed by vets, which are good for dogs' digestion and health, but ask your veterinarian before give them to your dog. Human Food Not all human food is good for Bulldogs and other dogs at all. It is better to avoid treating your Bully with cheese, sausages, biscuits and other similar food. Carrot, apple, lean meat, poultry, seafood can be wholesome for the dog. Pay attention, these treats shouldn't contain spices and sauces. Grape, raisins and onion are absolutely forbidden to give because these products are poisonous for them. Garlic can also be dangerous, so give it to your dog carefully directed by the vet. Diet Dog Treats Special diet dog treats are perfect for Bulldogs, which are prone to obesity. It's better to consult with your vet about the right way of giving such treats to the dog. Keep a close eye on your Bulldog's nutrition and it will always be healthy, cheerful and full of energy. All-Natural Interactive Treats for Healthy Nutrition This dry dog food for supplemental feeding is healthy and wholesome. It contains natural ingredients and has no artificial additives. These treats are safe for Bulldog digestive organs. They are perfectly suitable for treat dispensers to make Bulldog feeding gradual and measured. Insert the kibble into a treat dispensing dog toy and give it to a dog. Your Bully will play with the toy and get tasty delicacies piece by piece. The dog will feel happy and won't overeat. Develop your Bulldog mentally and physically with the memory of its health! See also special treat toys and interactive feeders for Bulldogs, click on the pictures! Published testimonials are genuine and are not edited or altered by English-Bulldog-dog-breed-store. My dog has a lot of fun with it. From: Ann, UK Choose top quality dog toys for interactive feeding of your Bulldog in our online store. Looking forward to seeing more of you on here, and lots of pictures of your new baby Mia. You have a young one, the best advice I can give you is to find a good quality dog food and to use a puppy formula until she is about 6 or 7 months old. Puppy food provides the best nutrition for the rapid growth and development needed for a puppy. You want to choose a food that is a 4 Star or higher rating. We feed our huys Fromms Beef Frittata. You can switch to an adult formula when she is 6 or 7 months old. It is best to feed her 1 cup of kibble 3 times a day as a puppy, and then reduce her feelings to 1 cup twice a day feelings when she switches to adult food. She is a little young for treats, but when you are training her to go potty, or wanting to teach her things, I find the best treat is a piece of her own kibble. When she is a little older maybe around 12 weeks, you can give her an occasional treat, we stay away from the store bought treats with lots of additives, or preservative, and you want to stay away from the chicken jerky treats and other treats from China, and milkbones, they have had a lot of recalls on these products, and they have caused many illnesses and deaths due to kidney failure in dogs. We give our guys Wellness soft chews, and the Wellness yogurt and fruit cookies, Fruitables, , and their own kibble. We also give our guys supplements such as we add 1 Tbsp. There are a lot of benefits to ACV, such as its a natural anti inflammatory, it kills the bad bacteria in the body, so boosts the immune system, and it also balances the Ph levels of the blood. Your bully can also have what we call toppers, or extras occasionally. Our guys also like frozen yogurt as a treat once in a while. You can also home bake many natural treats with simple ingredients like peanut butter and rolled oats, cinnamon, and other natural ingredients. There are many good recipes in the recipes forum for healthy and natural treats, and when you make them yourself, you know what's in them without all the added ingredients and preservatives found in store bought treats that are toxic and dangerous. Unfit for a dog sensitive to wheat or corn Difficult for dogs with no teeth 2. It consists of soft meatballs that are easy to eat for any dog size, including the small ones with few or no teeth. The three are also great sources of protein, which means your exercising dog has a better chance of boosting his amino acids. More on that, the snack has Gelatin, a unique amino acid profile that increases brain function and lessens the signs of skin aging. So, you can help improve the intelligence of your dog in solving simple tricks. Pros: The treats are soft and easy to chew Safely cooked in the USA Contains no grains or artificial additives Has Pea fiber to support digestion Includes carrots and parsley to provide antioxidant properties They are highly palatable They can leave an obsolete mess on the feeding area Too soft, which makes them difficult to serve without crumbling 3. It features a lovely formula of high-quality ingredients, including a real salmon and flaxseed. Thus providing your pet with DHA and omega-6 fatty acid, which are spectacular natural sources for boosting skin health. They do have hardworking antioxidants from blueberries, apples, and carrots. So, your bulldog has better protection against respiratory disease and other free radicals. As such, they might not work very well with the broad and square jaws of mature bulldogs. Pros: They have a soft and easy to chew texture All cooked in the USA Very healthy and nutritious Contains no artificial colors or flavors Naturally delicious Perfect to promote brain development Cons: Quite expensive for the amount you get They dry pretty quick when exposed to air 4. They comprise a hearty beef recipe, with an excellent blend of Ground peas and sweet potatoes to boost energy tank and digestion. Similarly, the treats have a two-layer form, which features a real meaty marrow at the center and a tender semi-crunchy exterior. The cooked bone marrow helps supplement calcium and other essential minerals to support healthy teeth and bones in your dog. Still, the pet snack recipe has a safe amount of vinegar and ground flaxseed, both of which are very helpful in improving the digestive tract health. The flaxseeds also have a significant amount of omega -3 fatty acids. Thus, very helpful in maintaining the thick, glossy coat of your bulldog. The question, however, is should they eat them? The problem is that some treats are loaded with salt, fat, fillers, artificial ingredients, coloring, and, sadly, even more. If, however, you feed them low-quality treats all the time, they will start to suffer from various health problems, including obesity, joint problems, tummy problems, diabetes, and several more. Below are a few ingredients you should avoid when choosing a treat for your English Bulldog. Do your best to avoid treats with these ingredients. Salt Like sugar, salt often goes by other names on the ingredient list, like sodium chloride, iodized salt, and sea salt. Yes, some salt is needed, but not much. Like humans, too much salt can cause various health problems in dogs. Dairy Dairy products, while generally healthy, are also a common cause of food sensitivity. If your English Bully has problems with sensitivity, avoid treats with any dairy in them like cheese and milk. Corn Unfortunately, corn is a cheap meat replacement found in many dogs treat recipes. First, grains can provide some needed nutrients. Also, peas are often used in place of grains, and peas have been linked to diet-associated canine heart disease DCM. Calories Calories are great when your English Bulldog needs some quick energy. Long-term chews usually have the highest calorie count, so give them sparingly to your English Bulldog. What To Look for in Dog Treats for Your English Bulldog Just as there are ingredients you should avoid, there are several you should look for in a good dog treat for your English Bulldog. They include:. Bulldogs, as a sedentary breed, are prone to weight gain. They are also prone to food allergies or intolerance, as well as sensitive stomachs and flatulence! To put it frankly, providing the optimum nutrition for your Bulldog might be difficult. Bulldog Eating Behavior Bulldogs will eat almost anything you put in front of them, but choosing the correct food sources is just as crucial. One of the most crucial aspects of dog training is motivation. People employ several reinforcer methods to produce motivation. Many pet owners, in particular, utilize food because it is simple and convenient. Throughout this article, we will show you the best healthy treats for English bulldogs. Nutrient and Vitamin Requirements Once you have an English bulldog on your home, you will discover that they adore eating. Bananas, lamb, salmon, and beef are the ideal foods sources for your English bulldog. Bulldogs require a minimum of 22 percent protein during development phases and 18 percent protein as adults. When compared to other breeds, English Bulldogs require a lot of protein. And if you have previously or presently own a different breed particularly a smaller one , you may be used to an entirely different sort of diet. Bulldogs require more protein than smaller breeds, but as a general guideline, ensuring your Bulldog takes 1 gram of protein for every pound of bodyweight will guarantee he consumes enough to maintain his lean mass. Best Types of Treats for Bulldogs. When looking for what are good snacks for bulldogs, look for products that do not have a high calorie content. Balancing Treats with Regular Food. Healthy treats are an excellent tool for effectively training your dog. Training your dog is an excellent way to strengthen your relationship with them, keep them cognitively and physically active, and demonstrate to your friends that your dog genuinely listens to you. For example, if your dog requires calories per day, treats should account for no more than 50 calories, with the other coming from their regular meal. Final Recommendations. To summarize, bulldogs enjoy eating flavorful food all day, but you need to keep an eye on what you use to train your dog as well as what they should eat as normal food. Before you begin tossing treats, you must first determine how many calories or kcal your dog need every day. Your veterinarian should be able to supply you with a more accurate number, but this calculator by Pet Nutrition Alliance will give you a sense of what this number may look like. Finally, enjoy watching your baby devour some of the best treats for English Bulldogs shown on this list and continue on your journey to train your dog to become their best version.

Temperature Dogs have different natural habitats. But they are highly adaptive! Their sweat glands are located only on their foot-pads. Their average body temperature falls within to .This may call for a life-threatening case, such as dehydration and heatstroke. These GSD, which is also called Alsatian, can tolerate both hot and cold weather as they have their standard stock coat. But not too hot nor too cold. They can survive in hot weather only if they have a place to drink cold water, and shade is accessible. But be informed that they dig up in frozen dirt during the summer season to cool themselves. Medical Condition One Veterinarian advises that if the owner tried everything already and the dog any breed still breathes or pants heavily and continuously, this may mean that they have a particular chronic health issue that needs to be treated right away. Cardiovascular conditions such as heartworm disease, heart problem, and Dilated Cardiomyopathy or Heart Disease caused by insufficient blood and oxygen pumped to the body where the heart becomes enlarged, build up fluids in the lungs, and thinner ventricular and chamber walls. For some time, observation is much needed. However, if the obvious signs or complications arise, take them already to the vet! Indigestion Have you even notice your GSD eating or biting almost anything they see! Nonetheless, these can cause reasons for indigestion or even obstruction. Your German Shepherds might have eaten something that was spoiled already. You can also say that they might have eaten big chunks of bones or objects that were stuck down to their throat. Just bring them to a real vet for a faster and effective treatment! Stress or Anxiety This might not be news to you, but German Shepperd is a social dog that can be usually found in the residential area. They are loyal and close to humans. This is also a reason why they can get separation anxiety. They breathe slowly and loudly once they experience stress or anxiety. This is because when they are left alone, they become really stressed. But only because they have this love and desire to keep their owners safe and close. How sweet! Another cause of their stress that can make them pant heavily is noise pollution. This includes the sound of fireworks, thunderstorms, heavy speakers, and basically noise everywhere! If not, this can shorten their life expectancy. What You Can Do? Let them enjoy the exciting moment in their dreams! Before getting a GSD, make sure that you know the basic facts about them and, most importantly, their medical condition. Be cautious at all times and treat them as a real family. If you observe anything unusual, researching or asking an expert is recommended, yet going to the veterinarian clinic would be the best option to choose. You should be aware of the signs that were showing heavy panting nor breathing. The normal heartbeat of dogs is between 60 to beats per minute. As for German Shepherd, the former applies. On the other hand, their average body temperature is to .Anything that made it less or exceeded is dangerous. You can also use the digital rectal thermometer. Count their heartbeats for 15 seconds, and you can multiply it four times to get the pulse per minute. 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. It is active and a big dog German Shepherds tend to be big dogs and they can be very active. If your German Shepherd is big and it tends to be very active then it could be that it breathes fast because its body requires more oxygen naturally. However, if it is big and active but it has suddenly started to breathe faster than normal then it would be more likely that it would be due to something else. Not enough exercise German Shepherds are a breed that are supposed to be getting a lot of exercise on a daily basis. When they do not get much exercise it can cause them to develop behavioral and health issues. If yours is not getting much exercise then it could be the case that it needs more. Generally, it is recommended that German Shepherds get an hour of exercise daily. Related post: Ways to exercise your German Shepherd. Illness or injury An illness or injury could be the cause. There are many diseases that can cause dogs to breathe faster including heart problems. If yours has suddenly started breathing rapidly, it has suddenly changed its behavior and it has been showing other signs of illness or injury then it would be more likely to be due to illness or injury. If it does seem like yours might be breathing fast due to illness or injury then it would help a lot to take it to a vet. It has been active recently If your German Shepherd has just been doing exercise then it would be likely that it is breathing fast as a result of that. If it is breathing much faster than it normally does after exercise then it could be something more serious especially if it persists. If it is breathing much faster then it would be more likely to be due to things such as heatstroke or an allergic reaction. Heatstroke If your German Shepherd has been out in the sun for a while and it has started panting a lot then it could be because it has heatstroke. It would also be more likely if it is drooling more, its heart rate is very high, it has diarrhea and seizures. If it does then make sure to let it into a cool and shaded area, to give it water and to follow the advice in this article then to take it to a vet. In this case, it would help to give it access to a cool, shaded area and water. If it does seem to be showing the signs of heatstroke mentioned above then it would be important to follow the advice in the above article. Medication If your German Shepherd has started doing it after being put on medication then it could be a side effect of the medication source. This would be more likely if heavy breathing is listed as a side effect. However, it would help to make sure it is ok with your vet. Allergic reaction The cause could be that it has had an allergic reaction to something. If it has been showing signs of having an allergic reaction then it would help to take it to a vet. Things to consider There are many things that you can consider when trying to figure out why your German Shepherd has been breathing fast. If it always pants fast If your German Shepherd has always panted fast then it would be more likely to be natural especially if the vet has not found any issues on previous visits. However, it would still help to ask if the panting is normal on your next visit. If it has started panting fast suddenly then it would be more likely to be due to a more serious problem unless it has just been doing a lot of exercise. When it first started panting fast The timing of when it first started panting fast would be helpful to consider. Whereas, if it has just been running around then it would be more likely to be due to that. How to get your German Shepherd to stop breathing fast The best way for you to get your German Shepherd to stop breathing fast will depend on the cause. However, I will show you some options that you have below. Keep it cool If it has been hot outside then it would help to make sure that your German Shepherd has access to a cool and shaded area and water. It would also help to avoid exercising it during the day and to try to do it in the early morning or evening instead. Another thing that you can do to help keep it cool would be to remove its undercoat with a de-shedding brush. Give it exercise If your German Shepherd has not been getting much exercise and the vet has not found issues then it would be important to make sure that it does get exercise. You can make sure to give it exercise by walking it, playing fetch with it or getting a dog walker to do it for you. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link. Side Effects of Medication Watching their beloved pup sleeping is one of the sweetest things in the world for many owners. Our pups are gorgeous, but when they sleep, especially in a funny position, we just can not resist them. Looking after our paw friends during sleep is not only quite normal, but it can also be very helpful, as we can recognize any breathing issues that may be present. However, the normal breathing rate for each pup is individual, that is why you may want to consult a veterinarian for accurate information about your paw friend. After 30 seconds you can just multiply the number by two, to determine the breathing rate of your paw friend. Why Do Pups Breathe Fast As mentioned above pups have higher breathing rates than adult dogs, which applies even more to hyper pups, who are eager to play and explore. In general, we could say that there are three types of reasons for faster breathing in pups: 1. Physical-related causes they are quite normal, and you should not worry ; 2. Psychological causes; 3. Underlying medical issues. Psychological causes might be related to stress triggers, that may cause anxiety and lead to increased breathing rate. The third group includes underlying health conditions like heart failure, respiratory problems, Cushing's disease a. In this case you need to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. It is important that the area is not draughty as, as your puppy may get sick. You should always keep in mind that heatstroke is dangerous not only for humans, but also for dogs. During this stage the eyes move fast behind closed eyelids , the heart rate increases and the breathing gets irregular. However, from a medical point of view, there is nothing to worry about. Stress triggers can usually be a rapid environmental change, i. Your Pup Is Breathing Fast During Sleep - When Should You Consult a Veterinarian If you notice that your paw friend is breathing rapidly even when they are resting, or they are panting with a closed or not fully opened mouth, you should contact a veterinarian. Coughing, retching, wheezing as well as producing other sounds , having blue or pale gums, are other signs of underlying health conditions, that require a veterinarian check. This condition can cause permanent lung damage. Coughing occurs as a response of the body in order to help the airways clear the excess mucus. Bronchitis can be acute and chronic. While acute bronchitis is usually caused by infection viral or bacterial and is a temporary condition, if its symptoms remain more than 2 months, it is deemed chronic. Trachea Problems The trachea is a part of the airway system, supported by cartilaginous rings that open to let air in and out. This is a progressive disease, most common in toy breeds like the Pug, the Yorkshire Terrier , the Miniature and the Toy Poodle, the Chihuahua. Tracheal collapse is perceived as an extension of chronic bronchitis. The treatment of trachea problems may feature both medication and preventative care. Dyspnea Dyspnea or the so-called shortness of breath is a condition that prevents the lungs from expanding. As a result, they can not get enough oxygen into the bloodstream which leads to breathing problems. Initial treatment may feature: providing oxygen, taking out fluid from the chest cavity, doing tracheal intubation, inhalation, keeping the pup hydrated, treating any bacterial infections if present. Heart Problems Fast breathing can be a sign of congestive heart failure. Accompanying symptoms can be panting, experiencing fatigue, having difficulties breathing or breathing very rapidly, coughing, and having blue gums. Medication to correct the heartbeat or prevent fluids from build-up may be prescribed. Also, surgery may be administered. Certain types of food such as chocolate, garlic, onion, chives, macadamia nuts, avocado, xylitol, corn on the cob can be harmful for your paw friend. We always recommend that you keep human food which is potentially dangerous for your dog locked and always supervise your paw friend while outdoor. Side Effects of Medication Sedatives and pain relievers can lead to breathing problems in your paw friend. In most cases these medications do not lead to labored breathing when used properly , however, if your dog has an allergic reaction, heart issues, anemia or internal bleeding, breathing problems may occur. Faster breathing And so on. .In that case, you have to first and foremost limit the exposure of your dog to heat. After that, you have to consult your vet. The vet will be able to prescribe the proper treatment for heatstroke. Once you opt for that treatment, faster breathing will reduce as well. High Temperature Many times, German shepherds are also negatively impacted by the temperature outside. They might not come in direct contact with the sun. However, if the temperature is on the higher side, their breathing might become fast as well. The best way to tackle is to place them in a shaded area and provide them with plenty of water. Even then, if the faster breathing of the German shepherd does not subside, it is a good idea to contact the vet. Allergy Another cause of the faster breathing of German Shepherd is an allergic reaction. The allergic reaction can be to food, material, or other things. That is why, if you have introduced anything new to your German shepherd, that is probably resulting in faster breathing in one way or the other. If that is the cause, you have to revert to the earlier diet. Once you do so, the breathing will also come to normal. Because of Medication Side effects of medication is another reason why the breathing of your German shepherd might become faster. Certain medications can increase the heart rate of your German shepherd. When that happens, breathing will also increase. Since the cause is medicine, it is a good idea to contact your vet for a remedy. Respiratory Problems In some cases, the respiratory problem can also result in faster breathing. In that case, until you treat the cause, it will become difficult for you to stop the faster breathing of your German shepherd. I will go into the symptoms of respiratory problems below. These are the most common causes why German shepherds have faster breathing. In many cases, even when your dog is resting or sleeping, the breathing can become fast as well. Wondering why does that happens? I will highlight the same below. It has been proven in animals and humans that dreams can result in physical reactions from your body. In the dream, your dog might be chasing or playing around. In that case, the breathing of your dog will simulate that activity. Since while running, breathing becomes faster, the German shepherd may be breathing faster is because of dreaming. Unfortunately, in that case, you cannot do much. It is not a good idea to wake up your German shepherd as well. However, if that happens pretty often, you will have no other alternative but to contact your vet. Before determining whether your German shepherd is breathing fast or normal, it is essential to know the normal level. Ideally, a German Shepherd should breathe between 20 to 34 breaths per minute. Only when the rate is above that can you conclude that the German shepherd is breathing fast. As I have highlighted above, one of the causes of German Shepherd breathing fast is respiratory problems. It is essential to know the symptoms of respiratory problems to determine the cause. What are the signs of respiratory problems? Besides faster breathing, the other signs of respiratory problems include: 1. Coughing The number 1 sign is coughing. If your German shepherd is coughing regularly, that is another sign that the dog has respiratory distress. Nasal Congestion Along with faster breathing, if your dog also suffers from nasal congestion, it is clear that the dog is suffering from respiratory problems. If all these symptoms persist, it is a clear-cut indication of a respiratory problem. Intolerance To Exercise German shepherds are quite active dogs. However, the older German dogs can become intolerant to exercise. After becoming intolerant, they will suffer from respiratory problems and faster breathing if they indulge in exercise. Then, the solution is to discourage them from exercise in that case. Still, if the problem persists, you have to contact your vet. Only the vet can provide you with a treatment for the long-term solution to this problem. Panting Panting is another reason why a German Shepherd might end up breathing fast. It can result in various other respiratory problems as well. These are the symptoms of respiratory problems, along with faster breathing. If you notice any of them, you can directly point to a single cause of fast breathing. In case your dog has respiratory problems, you have to contact your vet as soon as possible. In many cases, medication might be needed. You have to keep in mind that respiratory problems will not go away with time or when you ignore them. You need to find a particular solution for them. Only once you do so you can treat them. Let me warn you; the solution is not instantaneous or easy. You might have to opt for longer-term treatment. However, you cannot ignore the respiratory problems of your dog either. That is why contacting the vet and starting the treatment as soon as possible is the only solution. Conclusion So, there are quite a few key reasons Why do german shepherds breathe so fast. Some of these reasons can be tackled on your own. Some of them require a change in the schedule of your German shepherd. However, some reasons are quite serious. In that case, the only option which you have is to contact your vet. Once you go through my guide above, it will become easier for you to pinpoint the cause. After pinpointing the cause, I have highlighted the action steps which you should take as well. In a nutshell, after going through this guide, there should be no confusion regarding the faster breathing of your German shepherd or what you should do after that. Post navigation. German Shepherd breathing fast while sleeping? Do German Shepherds Breathe Fast? German Shepherds breathe fast because they are strong and athletic dogs, they pant more frequently than other breeds. An accelerated pace of panting or breathing heavily at bedtime or cold weather could indicate medical issues such as anxiousness or cardiovascular distress. Why do German Shepherds breathe fast? During rest, a healthy dog will take between 15 and 35 breaths per minute BPM. Your dog will pant considerably faster while doing exercise. A breathing rate greater than 45 BPM, when a dog is in the resting phase, is considered unhealthy and should be investigated. To find out how many breaths per minute your dog is taking, record his chest motions for 15 seconds and multiply by four. There are several causes of heavy panting in German Shepherds. Some of them are normal physiological signs, and some show ailment. Dog size German Shepherds are large dogs that can be extremely energetic. Large German Shepherds usually breathe quickly because their size requires more oxygenation. Insufficient physical activity They may develop psychological and physiological problems if they do not receive enough workouts. There are several reasons to figure out heavy breathing in German Shepherd dogs. Numerous conditions, particularly cardiac difficulties, can drive dogs to pant excessively. If it seems that your German Shepherd is panting rapidly due to an ailment make sure a vet does an examination of your dog. Recent Activity If your German Shepherd has recently exercised, it may be breathing quickly as a natural outcome. Suppose it is trying to breathe far quicker than anticipated upon workout. Heatstroke Whenever a German Shepherd has been exposed to direct sunlight and is panting profusely, it could suffer from heatstroke. Apart from heavy breathing, other clinical indications can entail: Glasslike eyes. There are a number of reasons why a German Shepherd is breathing fast, and most of them are going to be fairly easy to manage. Typically, you are looking at a minimum of 2 hours of exercise a day for adult Shepherds, and young pups between 3 and 5 months old are typically going to need 30 — 45 minutes a day. Take a note of how long the fast breathing lasts, and if your dog gets it under control fairly quickly then, insufficient exercise might be the culprit. Heart problems can cause fast breathing and a number of diseases, so if the behavior has started fairly recently, then a vet check-up is a good idea at this time. A little time in the shade and some water should help you to see if this is the case. However, if you see signs like drooling, diarrhea, or even seizures, it could actually be a heat stroke! Signs of an allergic reaction may include hives, inflamed skin, diarrhea, and vomiting. Shepherds are very active dogs and generally on the large side, so they are going to require more oxygen when they are out and at play. Unless this behavior is very new, then there might not be a problem at all. Is Your German Shepherd Overweight? If your German Shepherd is a little on the overweight side, then a bit of fast breathing is to be expected. Reaction to New Medications May Cause Heavy Breathing If your vet has recently prescribed some new medication for your dog, then this might be the culprit. Check the side effects associated with the medication, and then you will want to contact your vet. They may be able to prescribe a different medication or a specific regimen for your dog while they are taking it. There are a number of ways to determine if your German Shepherd is breathing a bit on the fast side. One of the first things you should do is try counting their breaths while they are sleeping. This helps to give you a baseline rate with which to compare by. If your dog is breathing fast, listen for any sounds that might give a clue to the reason behind it. Wheezing, for an instant, may be a sign of allergies, and high-pitched sounds may indicate an obstruction located in the upper airway. Contact your vet if you encounter any of the following systems. If you see this, an immediate vet visit is required, and your dog will likely be placed in an oxygen chamber in order to get their breathing under control so that the source of the issue can be identified. If Your Dog Is Vomiting If your dog is panting fast and includes vomiting, you will want to contact your vet for further investigation. It could be an allergic reaction which we will detail a bit more shortly , or if it is very hot outside, then you might be seeing signs of heatstroke. A little shade and a wet towel can help you to cool down your dog, and then you will want to get in touch with your vet immediately. Sudden, Excessive Drooling Excessive drooling is another sign to watch out for. While it is one of the symptoms of heatstroke, it may also indicate an abscessed tooth that your vet will need to deal with to get your dog feeling better and breathing more normally. If You See Signs of an Allergic Reaction Signs of an allergic reaction include itching, hives, skin discoloration, and in some cases, vomiting, sneezing, and diarrhea. It could be that your dog has eaten something or may have been stung by an insect, and they are reacting to this. Your vet will be able to run some tests and confirm if this is the case. Signs of Heat Stroke Drooling, diarrhea, and seizures are all warning signs that your dog may be having a heat stroke. An X-ray and a number of tests will be required to see what is causing this distress, but this is definitely a sign that you do not want to ignore. Keep Your Dog Cool Be sure to pack plenty of water and some towels that you can get to help your Shepherd keep cool. This is important on days when it is very hot out, as these large dogs can quickly overheat if you are not careful. More Exercise Might Be the Answer If your adult Shepherd is not getting 2 hours of exercise a day, then it is a good idea to change your daily routine up for some extra trips for walking or playing outside. Shepherds are very active dogs, and so this daily exercise is an important part of keeping your dog happy and healthy. Sudden, fast breathing that was not occurring before may be caused by a number of things, and testing with your vet can help rule out any illness or injury. This is especially common with rescue animals who may have undergone trauma before you took them home. If you think that this might be the case, your vet can help you to determine the best medications and training strategies to help your dog with this. Cheaper than replacing everything they might break. And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone. And the best part is it also has a day money-back guarantee! You can also check out a full review here to learn exactly what the course has to offer! FAQ Below, we have answers to some of the most common questions we receive regarding German Shepherds and their breathing patterns. A healthy adult Shepherd will have an average rate of 15 — 35 breaths per minute while at rest. If your Shepherd is breathing at 40 breaths per minute or higher when at rest, then you will definitely want to check with your vet to investigate and determine the cause. Why is my German Shepherd breathing fast at night? If your Shepherd is breathing fast at night, in some cases, they might just be dreaming. If the fast breathing is fairly consistent, however, this is a definite reason for a check-up with your local vet to determine what is going on. Count the beats for approximately 15 seconds and then multiply this number by 4. This should give you the number of beats per minute. For temperature, the easiest method is a thermometer treat with water-based lubricant so that you can check the inside one of their eyes. Finally, for the breathing rate, you should be able to simply count the breaths per minute, and if they are over 40 when the dog is at rest, then you should be concerned. Related Posts:.

They are small, affectionate, and easy to train. We have a wide selection of Frenchies for sale, and our knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect one for your lifestyle. Stop by Citipups today and take home your new best friend! French Bulldogs are relatively easy to train and make good watchdogs. They need moderate exercise and do well in small spaces, making them ideal for city living. French Bulldogs are a popular breed and make great family pets. We also offer financing options to make it easier for you to take home your new furry friend. Stop by our store today and find the perfect French Bulldog for your family! Animal shelters sometimes have French Bulldogs available for adoption, and many breeders offer discounts on puppies that are not show quality. You can also check online classifieds websites like Craigslist or eBay for French Bulldog puppies for sale. If you're looking for a Frenchie, be sure to do your research first. French Bulldogs are a popular breed, but they're not right for everyone. Make sure you know what to expect before you bring one home. Citipups is the best place to find Frenchies for sale in NYC. We have a wide selection of Frenchies for sale, and our knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect one for your family. Stop by our store today and take home your new best friend. Some of the best places to find French Bulldog puppies for sale are: Citipups. Questions about French Bulldog puppies for sale in New York? We have answers. How does French Bulldog puppies for sale in New York work? Many factors contribute to the prices of French Bulldog puppies in NYC including color, coat, and pedigree. Prices typically vary from breeder to breeder, with the most experienced businesses charging higher. Searching for your Frenchie through the Uptown network allows you to find the best puppy in your area that fits your price range. What kind of dog is a French Bulldog? French Bulldogs were first bred in the s and were designed to be smaller versions of the English Bulldog. They were meant to be lapdogs and were well-loved by socialites of the time. To this day, Frenchies have maintained their reputation of being wonderful pets and are adored by small and big families everywhere. The short answer is that French Bulldogs are difficult to breed. Their narrow hips make both getting pregnant and giving birth a challenge. Frenchies are artificially inseminated to get pregnant and later, they have to undergo C-section to deliver the pups. No, you are welcome to search the entire Uptown network for your dream Frenchie! This means you can search all 48 states Alaska and Hawaii excluded to find your best match. Most breeders are knowledgeable in transporting puppies safely across state lines so you can pick up your new family member in a major airport near you. Once approved, the breeders are required to take a legally-binding pledge to uphold high breeding standards and quality canine healthcare. Our mission is to help loving families and breeders who truly love dogs connect so that puppies can go to happy homes. We make your search for a healthy Frenchie puppy easy and simple by making sure that everyone that you meet through our network is an ethical dog breeder. Uptown Puppies would never allow a puppy mill to join our network. Puppy mills only care about making money. These horrible places produce litter after litter of puppies at the lowest cost possible meaning that they eschew proper healthcare for the dogs. French Bulldogs from puppy mills in NYC are often sickly or have developed behavioral issues that are very expensive to treat later on. Uptown Puppies makes finding healthy and happy Frenchies easy and hassle-free. Training French Bulldogs can be stubborn, but on the positive side also people pleasers, and therefore not too difficult to train. Early socialization is key, and we do our best to make that happen. After the dog is in your care enrolling in a puppy class would be beneficial. Don't forget to bring snacks - they are very food motivated. Ethical Frenchie Blog French Bulldog blog for new puppy owners. Tips and tricks on care. Home made treat recipes and more. .Adopters Saying Got a puppy from Ethical Frenchie in .My baby is super happy, healthy and no breed related issues so far. Great quality French Bulldogs for sure! We felt very comfortable working with them as such experienced breeders. It was obvious that they care very much about each puppy that is placed and follow up. We are happy to be part of the Ethical Frenchie Family! We absolutely adore our Sweet Violette! They are professional, kind, accommodating and answered all of my questions confidently without hesitation. We still keep in touch and they check on our little boy constantly. Highly recommend. Olivia Patterson Food. Be caring and responsible. Research the breed and make sure you are ready to commit before exploring French Bulldog puppies for sale. Check out to see what we recommend.

Sometimes the blue coloring is due to a coat color called merle , which features "irregularly shaped patches of diluted pigment and solid color," according to the University of California, Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory. Merle is incredibly popular, but it can become harmful for dogs in some cases: Breeding two merle-colored dogs together can lead their puppies to have auditory and visual problems. Other dogs from certain breeds sometimes rarely have blue eyes. German Shepherds, for example, will rarely have blue eyes due to a genetic variation , though most breeders consider it a fault. Sometimes dogs will have two differently colored eyes, with one blue or partially blue, which is called heterochromia which can sometimes indicate a health problem. Scientists have also found that for some breeds, blue eyes are caused by a genetic mutation that is passed down through recessive genes, which means both of the parent dogs must carry the gene to pass it to their offspring, according to National Geographic. For other breeds, blue eyes are the result of a genetic mutation that actually results in decreased pigmentation, so the dogs' eyes aren't really blue — they just look like they are. But, in addition to the fascinating — and confusing — science behind the trait, dogs with blue eyes are mesmerizing just because, well, they are. Here are 10 dog breeds that can have striking blue eyes. Also, contrary to what their name tells you, Australian Shepherds likely originated in the Basque region of Spain. Melanin is what determines eye color, and when puppies are born, their eyes don't produce enough of it to give them a clear color. Something similar can happy with white babies, who are often born with blue eyes that then change to green or hazel or brown. Shepherds with the variation are often called Blue German Shepherds. Often, blue eyes in a Shepherd would result if the dog is actually a mix with something like a Husky. Border Collies with just one blue eye are called "walleyed. When the Great Dane has a merle gene that causes merle coat coloring their blue eyes can remain. The black-and-white coat that can cause blue eyes in a Great Dane is known as "harlequin," according to the AKC. Sanitary Wipes Can German Shepherds have blue eyes? Blue eyes are possible in German Shepherds , although it is scarce. Brown eyes are the most prevalent in German Shepherds. However, some exceptions exist where some German Shepherds possess grey, hazel, amber, and green eyes. How rare is a German Shepherd with blue eyes? Blue eyes are occasionally seen in German Shepherd dogs. It fades into dark brown eyes over time in most of these cases and is only seen in very young puppies. Adult German Shepherds can have blue eyes due to a rare gene mutation in both parent breeds; however, it is rare. Many mature German Shepherds have brown eyes, but blue eyes are prevalent in mixed-breed dogs. Can Purebred German Shepherds have blue eyes? No, because it is not in the breed standard. A healthy purebred German Shepherd will not have blue eyes. Can German Shepherds be odd-eyed? A German Shepherd can possess two blue eyes or be odd-eyed i. While most breeders consider the feature a flaw, many dog owners believe it is desirable. These dogs are often referred to as Blue German Shepherds not only because they have blue eyes. They have classic markings, and the recessive gene responsible for the blue eyes can also give them dark patches on the hair, which seem more blue or silver instead of the usual black. Blue-eyed German Shepherd Dogs are classified into three groups. These can be summed up as follows: 1. However, puppies do not produce a large amount of melanin before or after birth. As a result of this, nearly all German Shepherd puppies will have blue eyes when they are born. Understanding Punnett squares, genetics, and phenotypes will improve your chances of acquiring blue-eyed German Shepherds. A genotype is a group of genes that determines how the body functions. A phenotype is an observable physical characteristic that can be classified. The phenotype is influenced directly by the genotype. For instance, If you possess a tall height gene, it will show in your phenotype, and you will be taller than an average individual. The ability to see the phenotypes of their animals and the progeny they produce is beneficial to dog breeders. It will help them determine genotypes within their breeding pairs using this knowledge. And also, they can use this information to select breeding pairs based on their genetic compatibility. You can also conduct a genetic analysis for your dog. However, this form of expert testing is better suited to individuals looking to avoid congenital disorders caused by inbreeding rather than identifying the eye color of future pups. Genetic Mutation German Shepherds result from more than a century of inbreeding, which is notorious for producing recessive genetic disorders. As a result, offspring from breeding parents with blue eyes recessive alleles may be predominantly dark-eyed. However, their offspring may get the recessive blue-eye feature. In that case, there is a higher chance of getting blue-eyed puppies. Health concerns for Blue German Shepherds German Shepherds with blue eyes are usually equally as healthy as those with brown eyes. However, your dog could be at risk for various health issues, ranging from pigmentation loss to genetic flaws. Skin Disorders German Shepherds are highly vulnerable to skin infections and allergies. However, the presence of recessive alleles for blue eyes makes their vulnerability skyrocket! Genes function primarily to regulate skin cell production. They produce new skin cells to replace dead ones. Recessive genes function differently. It increases the likelihood of your dog developing a skin disease. The presence of the merle mutation increases the risk of auditory and ocular defects such as hearing loss and blindness. To rule out any congenital disabilities, perform an ear and eye examination for your dog. Sensitivity to Light A lack of melanin characterizes blue eyes, which does not appear to be a problem until you realize that melanin protects the eyes from UV rays! As a result of their light sensitivity, blue-eyed German Shepherds are frequently seen squinting or avoiding sunlight. How to care for your blue-eyed German Shepherd? If you suspect that your German Shepherd is suffering from eye pain, here are a few preventive measures you can take: Use of doggie shades As previously stated, German Shepherds with blue eyes may be light sensitive. As a result, taking your dog out on bright days may cause discomfort. You can buy a pair of doggie sunglasses to protect their eyes from sun rays. Eye ointments In case of an eye infection or injury, contact your vet immediately. You can apply an eye ointment as a handy treatment to tackle the problem right away rather than waiting for the vet. Always make use of wet sanitary wipes to keep their eyes clean and hygienic. Oh, the humanity! Fret not, this article should shed a bit more light on this uncommon occurrence, why it happens and how it affects you. What are normal purebred German Shepherd eye colors? Different shades of brown, green, hazel …and blue are normal eye colors. But green, gray and hazel-colored eyes are also normal. More importantly, although blue eyes are rare, depending on the circumstances, they can occur naturally in German Shepherds. The recessive gene or a mutation therein, is typically the main reason as to why every once in a while, a black German Shepherd with blue eyes comes out of a German Shepherd litter of mainly brown-eyed offspring. If you still remember your biology class back in high school with your teacher endlessly droning on about Gregor Mendel and his genetics work, then worrying about your black German Shepherd with blue eyes is a textbook example of this application. German Shepherd eye color changes happen much in the same way that eye color changes happen in normal dogs. Recent research has shown that the amino acid melanin is chiefly responsible for lighter or darker shades of eye colors in dogs. Melanin also determines coat color. More on this later. Is my German Shepherd still a purebred if it has blue eyes? Yes, but not necessarily. To understand why blue-eyed purebred German Shepherds are such a controversial topic, it pays to know why purebred dogs are so highly-valued. Continuing on this line of thinking, blue eyes are a common trait inherent to the Siberian Husky breed and may be a telltale sign that your German Shepherd is not purebred. Purebred dogs are typically associated with the following traits: Well-socialized Prone to suffer genetically-acquired diseases Typically the only kinds of dogs recognized and supported by kennel clubs While mixed-breed dogs are known to exhibit the following: Prone to suffer fear-based behavior problems Have a higher risk of contracting infectious diseases Generally accepted as being more hardy than purebreds It is important to note, however, that white German Shepherds also known as White Shepherds are recognized as their own breed, and should not be confused with mixed-breeds or an offshoot genetic mutation. See also The German Shepherd Dachshund Mix Breed Guide And Information If you find cause for concern regarding your white German Shepherd with blue eyes or any kind of dog with unusually colored eyes for that matter , do some research, reach out to your local vet and inquire about genetic testing for your pet. Is it normal for German Shepherd eyes to change color over time? Melanin as a contributing factor to German Shepherd eye color change was a fact mentioned earlier. This happens because melanin takes time to produce. Because this is the case, it is not uncommon for a baby German Shepherd with blue eyes to have its eye color change over the course of a few months. On the same note, it is normal to find puppies with blue eyes regardless of breed because of this lack of melanin. In addition, it should also be noted that other eye conditions may result in eye color changes for your German Shepherd. All the more so if your German Shepherd is a puppy! More often than not, there are plenty of conditions that account for German Shepherd eye color changes or blue eyes outside of breed. See also The Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix Breed Guide On the downside, this may mean that there is a small chance your German Shepherd is experiencing some kind of degenerative eye disease or disorder. But in any case, with the advent of modern technology, it should be easier than ever to inquire about your German Shepherd with blue eyes, including requesting genetics tests. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Jul 22, Share You have probably seen a cat or husky with blue eyes, but have you ever seen a German Shepherd with blue eyes? Probably not. To learn more about German Shepherds with blue eyes, read on. This article covers everything you could possibly want to know about German Shepherds with blue eyes. The majority of both purebred German Shepherds and mixed German Shepherds have brown eyes because it is the dominant trait. In contrast, the blue eye color is a recessive trait. For a recessive gene to appear, both parents must have the same trait. Interestingly, the recessive trait that causes German Shepherds to have blue eyes is also found in humans, but it is simply more common in humans. Thus, the German Shepherd has a bluer appearance, and its eyes are blue instead of brown. Although it may sound weird that blue eyes are blue due to lack of pigmentation, the same is true of human blue eyes. Whereas humans with blue eyes can come in all sizes and races, German Shepherds with blue eyes tend to look the same, but they look different from the classic German Shepherd. German Shepherds that end up having blue eyes are called Blue German Shepherds. A Blue German Shepherd can come in three colorations, including blue and black, blue, and dark brown, and blue and tan. Often, the blue and black coloration makes the dog appear dark gray all over. It is considered very rare for German Shepherds to have blue eyes. Not only must the German Shepherd have the recessive gene, but it also must have blue eyes. Plus, most breeders prefer not to waste time breeding Blue German Shepherds for reasons we will discuss next. This recessive gene can be seen in other dogs, such as Dobermans. In Dobermans, the gene can cause the dog to have certain skin conditions. In German Shepherds, there is no negative health link between the recessive gene and the dog. That being said, many breeders avoid breeding Blue German Shepherds because kennel associations view them as a defect. What this means is that you cannot present your German Shepherd at dog shows because the blue coloration is a fault. Of course, you can always find a Blue German Shepherd if you want one specifically and have no intention of showing it. Final Thoughts If you have seen a German Shepherd with blue eyes, you have seen a real treat. German Shepherds can have blue eyes only if they have the recessive gene. Even though the gene is not associated with any health defects, kennel associations view the color as a defect and most breeders view it as a waste of time to breed these dogs. Despite the rarity of blue-eyed German Shepherds, they will bring you just as much fun, love, and companionship as a classic German Shepherd. Related Reads:. The few with blue eyes owe their eye color to a recessive gene that needs to be inherited from both parents. Blue-eyed German Shepherds can have two blue eyes, or they can be odd-eyed with one blue eye and one brown eye. Dogs with odd eyes are sometimes described as having heterochromia. A Blue German Shepherd is one with a color variation caused by a recessive gene. It dilutes black pigment so the fur will appear blue-gray or silver-gray rather than black. On the other hand, powder blue German Shepherds have lighter colors. Blue GSDs can be blue-and-black, blue-and-tan, or blue-and-sable dark brown. Strangely enough, Blue German Shepherds can appear in litters containing prototypical black-and-tan pups. While the blue color is a normal variation, both the AKC and many breeders consider it a defect of sorts. Well sometimes at least… The Dog Breed Info website includes a list of dog breeds that are known to have blue eyes on occasion. While all puppies are born with blue eyes, the breeds listed can actually retain their blue eyes as adults. A German Shepherd mix can inherit blue eyes from the GSD parent, or from the non-Shepherd parent if the breed has been known to have blue eyes. These dogs, which are also known as Siberian Shepherds or German Huskies, often inherit blue eyes from their Husky parents. Generally speaking, blue-eyed German Shepherds are as healthy as their brown-eyed relatives. There are, however, some unfortunate exceptions. While this sounds harmless and even attractive, dogs that inherit the merle gene from both parents often have birth defects. Mating two carriers of the merle gene is thus considered inhumane and strictly forbidden. However, a German Shepherd mix can have the merle gene. Such examples of breeds affected by the merle gene include the Australian Shepherd, the Collie, the Great Dane, and the Shetland Sheepdog. An albino dog will thus not only have pure white fur, but the skin around their nose and eyes will be a very pale pink. The eyes may have some pigment and be a very pale blue, or have no pigment and appear pinkish. The pink color is actually due to the blood flowing beneath the skin. Albino dogs of any breed are generally healthy, but they are very sensitive to light and are vulnerable to both sunburn and skin cancer. Are White German Shepherds Albino? In most cases, no. That gene has two alleles or versions: white and non-white. White is recessive, so a puppy would have to inherit the trait from both parents. One big difference between white German Shepherds and albinos is that the gene for albinism affects the skin and eyes as well as the coat. Those that do have blue eyes are the result of another recessive gene. Cataracts, for example, cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy and appear to be a hazy blue. Glaucoma can also make eyes appear cloudy blue. Yes, German Shepherd puppies are born with blue eyes! In fact, all puppies are born with blue eyes, no matter what breed their parents are. This is because the reason behind puppies having blue eyes has nothing to do with inherited genetics. Blue eyes are caused by a lack of melanin in the irises. It is natural for puppies to be born with this imbalance, as melanin is something that develops as they age. This is why puppies are born with blue eyes but will grow out of them by the week mark. But, the irises are never really blue. They are actually clear, but they appear to look blue. However, some dog breeds can retain blue eyes as they grow older. Full-blooded German Shepherds can have blue eyes, however, this is very rare. Blue eyes in German Shepherds are caused by a genetic mutation in the breed line, as the majority of German Shepherds will have brown eyes. However, this genetic mutation does not mean that your German Shepherd has something wrong with them. In some dog breeds, blue eyes can be a sign that something is wrong with your pet. But, German Shepherds are one of the few dog breeds where blue eyes are relatively common. So much so that a sub-breed is recognized for these German Shepherds with blue eyes. So yes, full-blooded German Shepherds can have blue eyes, and these dogs are just as healthy as any other kind of German Shepherd. How much is a German Shepherd with Blue Eyes? As German Shepherds with blue eyes, or blue Shepherds as they are otherwise known, are relatively rare, you can expect to pay more for them than a regular German Shepherd. This is because blue Shepherds are viewed as a premium dog breed. They are very rare, so when a breeder manages to breed this type of German Shepherd successfully, they will want premium prices for the puppies. Additionally, you should expect to pay higher prices for a German Shepherd that has a single blue eye, as this is also considered premium. Does a Blue eye mean a Dog is blind? No, a blue eye in your dog does not mean that your dog is blind, or that it is going to go blind at some point. Blindness is rarely the cause of this. You might also think that blue eyes are a sign that your dog is deaf. This is probably because blue eyes in cats have been linked with deafness. So, no blue eyes are not a sign that your dog is blind. In fact, there are no health concerns linked with blue eyes in dogs, it is simply a genetic mutation. A German Shepherd can have blue eyes due to a genetic defect that causes one or both eyes to be a different color. Their piercingly blue eyes have little to no effect on their temperament, so you can expect the same characteristics as a typical German Shepherd. Watch This NOW! The genetic site that causes the blue color is the D dilute locus. The diluted pigment lightens coats from black to blue. It causes, in effect, a watered-down version of black. The two alleles connected with dilution are D dominant full color and d recessive dilute. It takes two recessive alleles dd to lighten black pigment to blue. In simple terms, both parents must carry and pass on the recessive D gene for a German Shepherd to have blue eyes. It is, therefore, impossible for a blue-colored dog to have any black on its coat. While these dogs are beautiful, the American Kennel Club classifies their eyes as an issue, docking points or refusing to let them rank in conformation. So although blue-eyed German Shepherds can enter events, they are seldom seen. This causes controversy among owners of blue GSDs, who often feel discriminated against. A German Shepherd with blue eyes is extremely rare because both parents must carry the recessive D locus gene, home to the dilution gene. When a dog is homozygous for dilute, a black dog will become blue. So it is highly uncommon to get two mutated copies of the gene that causes blue eyes. While many dog breeds can also lose pigmentation in their eyes to make them look blue, a German Shepherd can have truly blue eyes, albeit unique. German Shepherds with blue eyes can be purebred or mixed. This trait is much more common if mixed with a husky since these dogs can naturally have blue eyes. However, a purebred German Shepherd can have light brown, dark brown, golden, hazel, or blue eyes without another breed in the mix. Send a quick sample and find out if your pup is mixed or if his blue eyes are a purebred genetic rarity. All GSDs have striking features, but adding blue eyes makes them even more beautiful. Blue-eyed German Shepherds can also be quite confident and brave. When raised in the right household, these dogs will feel proud of themselves and their territory. Common Health Problems German Shepherds with blue eyes are prone to hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, and digestive issues as they age. All of these health concerns can be minimized or managements with the three following tips: Healthy food is crucial from birth through their senior years. German Shepherds need up to two hours of exercise daily. Attention and affection prevent the anxiety that can cause stress, seizures, and blood pressure problems. I also recommend you invest in a good orthopedic bed suitable for large breeds as they help prevent mobility issues and ease pain and discomfort caused by arthritis. Some owners might be concerned that blue eyes in a German Shepherd cause additional health concerns. But are blue eyes in the German Shepherd breed a health concern? These lovely dogs are just as healthy as the standard brown-eyed German Shepherds. Their health predictability is based on their genetics, diet, activity, and affection. So what causes the confusion? Some dogs, such as the Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, and Great Dane, carry the M-locus Merle gene that causes mottled white patches of fur, solid or piebald, on the face and body. Breeding two Merle gene carriers is, therefore expressly forbidden and deemed inhumane. However, this presents an opportunity to bring a gorgeous pup into your home. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. They can occur thanks to a genetic variant in purebred dogs. This fact automatically makes them less valuable to breeders than dogs that can be shown in competitions. Because they are considered a fault, blue eyes are becoming rarer and rarer. Instead, most of them are neutered and sold as pet dogs. A breeder may continue to use a blue-eyed dog for breeding in rare cases, but only if they have exceptional features otherwise. The rarity is increased even more due to the recessive nature of this trait. Both parents have to be carriers of this gene for their puppies to have blue eyes. Brown eyes are dominant, which means that they will cover up the blue eyes trait. A dog may technically have blue eyes — but still, end up with brown due to a dominant brown-eyed gene. Instead, many of them focus on matching the breed standard — which means not using dogs with blue eyes in breeding programs. Breeders that breed show dogs will not have blue-eyed dogs available. However, you may be able to find them produced by breeders that concentrate on pet dogs. These people may even purposefully breed them because they are sometimes sought after by those looking for a pet. German Shepherds usually have brown eyes. This color is the most common and recognized by the breed standard. When many people breed German Shepherds, they aim to breed dogs with brown eyes. The brown-eyed gene is dominant. This means that the dog only needs to inherit one gene for its eyes to be brown. On the other hand, most other eye genes are recessive; the dog must receive two to develop the other eye color. The shade of brown can vary widely, though. Some dogs have dark brown eyes, while others are more of a tan. It largely depends on the amount of melanin a dog produces. More melanin equals a darker shade. There are multiple traits involved. Whether they are brown or blue is pretty easy to work out, but all the traits determining the shade can make determining their end eye color rather tricky. They may look like one of their parents — or they may not work at all. When they are first born, a puppy will not produce all the melanin that they will when they get older unless their eyes are a very light color — in which case they may never increase their melanin output. Therefore, most puppies will be born with light eyes, but they will darken as they get older. Usually, their eyes will reach their final color by the time they are about ten weeks old. This can vary widely from dog to dog, though. Some dogs may have their final color much earlier. Others may develop them much later. Some puppies may even be born with blue eyes — but these rarely stick around into adulthood. Typically, they will darken to brown within a few weeks. Instead, they happen to have blue eyes instead of the usual brown. This is a recessive trait, so your best chance of getting a puppy with blue eyes is to breed two blue-eyed adults. You may occasionally end up with a few blue-eyed puppies from breeding two brown-eyed dogs — assuming that they both have a recessive blue-eyed trait. Some German Shepherd mixed breeds also have blue eyes. Siberian Huskies are a typical example of this. Many Siberian Huskies have blue eyes. Therefore, if you breed them with a German Shepherd, your odds of getting a blue-eyed puppy are much higher. Of course, brown-eyed dogs are much more common. Finding two German Shepherds with blue-eyed traits is much more difficult than finding a Husky with blue eyes. At the moment, it is unknown. There have been few studies done on blue-eyed German Shepherds simply because there are so few of them. Most German Shepherds with blue-eyes are also mixed breeds. There are some health problems associated with blue eyes in other breeds, though. This is primarily because of the decrease in melanin that these dogs produce. For instance, German Dalmatians with blue eyes are more likely to have sensorineural deafness. However, this study also found that there was obvious inheritability even when eye color was controlled for. Therefore, other genes involved caused the deafness — not just the blue eye color itself. It may be that the blue-eyed gene itself has a large enough effect to cause deafness — or German Shepherds may not be affected at all due to their lack of this other deafness gene. Dalmatians also have an increased chance of being deaf if they have blue eyes. There have been other physical traits linked to increased deafness in Dalmatians in dogs, including the amount of spotting in their coat. This may suggest that German Shepherds will have an equal chance of being deaf if they have blue eyes. However, this is not known for sure. What About Merle German Shepherds? There are no merle German Shepherds. However, mixed-breed German Shepherds may have the merle gene — depending on the dog they are bred with. Sadly, the merle gene causes quite a few health problems. However, the science is pretty clear on this topic. Many proposed health problems may come along with a merle coat. However, only a few have scientific evidence supporting them. Dogs with the merle gene are nearly twice as likely to be deaf or blind than those without it. Multiple studies have drawn these conclusions. These health problems likely stem from the decrease in pigment the dog creates, leading to problems with their eyes and ears. Many breeders will not attempt to create merle German Shepherds for this reason. And these canines would not be purebred. It makes the dog worthless since they cannot be shown. Finding a blue-eyed German Shepherd is extremely difficult. For the most part, these dogs are rare. Most breeders produce dogs to be shown in the show ring. Instead, they are focused on producing pet-quality dogs. In this case, they may purposefully breed dogs with blue eyes, as many potential pet owners are willing to pay a high price for these German Shepherds. These breeders are few and far between. You may have to travel quite far to find one. And the waiting list may be substantial. If you want a dog now, you should probably settle on one with brown eyes. Due to their rarity, some people assume that this is a defect. However, it is caused by a recessive gene — it just happens to be a rare one. There may be some health problems associated with this gene. In other breeds, dogs with blue eyes are more likely to have certain health conditions. Plus, the current need for studies is relatively low, as these dogs are often not very common. If these dogs do have different health problems, the odds are likely not substantial. They might have a slightly higher chance of being deaf, for instance — but this chance will be meager. However, you may want to keep this in mind if you decide to adopt one. Conclusion Blue-eyed German Shepherds are very rare. The blue-eyed gene does exist in this breed. However, it is not nearly as common as the brown-eyed gene. Therefore, finding these dogs is difficult. Many breeders do not produce German Shepherds with blue eyes because they cannot be shown. They will avoid breeding these dogs where possible, though some blue-eyed dogs may pop up occasionally. These breeders usually market their dogs to pet owners. Stay on the lookout for more studies, which may be published as this dog becomes more popular. Author: Kristin Kristin was born in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and children. She is passionate about educating pet parents and helping them make the best possible decisions for their pets. She currently owns one dog, two cats, a lizard, and a variety of fish. Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.

A low-calorie diet is enough for an older dog, but it should still be full of nutrients. Moderate protein and fat content are still needed. Typically, Golden Retriever puppies need to be fed at least three times daily. Meanwhile, adult and senior Golden Retrievers are satisfied with two meals per day. A Golden Retriever puppy should be fed three times a day at scheduled intervals until it reaches six months. You may divide the three meals into breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When your Golden Retriever puppy turns six months, you can begin feeding it twice a day until it reaches adulthood. For adult Golden Retrievers, the most ideal feeding schedule will be twice a day with equally spaced meals. You can give it high-quality food in the morning and evening. The same goes for senior dogs but with fewer calories. For an easier routine, you can create a customized feeding plan based on your daily schedule or commitments. A proper routine also prevents under and overfeeding. As Golden Retrievers have a ravenous appetite, you might be tempted to feed your dog often. But you should be firm and watchful to avoid any weight-related problems. Here, we provided the optimal feeding times you can follow for your Golden Retriever: 2 to 6 months: am — am, pm, pm 7 months to 8 years and above: am — am, pm — pm Ideally, you should not feed your Golden Retriever puppy after pm. Instead, give your pup an ice cube to chew on when it gets thirsty. Your Golden Retriever puppy should also be fed in the same area daily without distractions. This way, your young puppy can focus on eating its puppy food. Allot around 20 to 30 minutes for your Golden puppy to finish its meal. Remember that some Golden Retrievers like to gorge on more food while some are finicky. Keep your pooch lean with the right feeding schedule, feeding amounts, and proper physical activity. You can also consult your vet for more insights. You may give your pooch kibbles or cold-pressed dog food. Both are packed with necessary ingredients that are filled with nutrients! It can be a bit costly, but wet dog food is still a better choice for Golden Retrievers that are picky eaters and for senior Golden Retrievers, too. You may either mix them or alternate the two at every meal. Just make sure that when you take this approach, your pooch is getting the right food with proper calorie and nutrition requirements. Complete Raw Diet: Feeding your Golden Retriever raw food should be fine after it turns three to four weeks. However, feeding dogs with this option is linked to many food safety concerns. Meanwhile, freeze-dried dog food is also a raw food that has been repacked. Both have no preservatives added and are easy to store with long shelf lives. When choosing the best dog food for your Golden Retriever, you should take into account the ingredients, nutrient details, and feeding instructions as well. Based on the general guidelines, the nutrients you should be looking for besides meat products or animal protein and fats are high-quality grains such as brown rice. Fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals are also vital. This can be ideal for dogs that are sensitive to different types of grain. But grain-free food has been controversial due to its link with heart disease. Your vet can also help you personalize a diet plan for your dog. Curious to see what a homemade meal looks like for Golden Retrievers? Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are known for their strong appetite, and on top of this, they are also curious. Several foods are toxic to Golden Retrievers, such as chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, walnuts, and macadamia nuts. Alcoholic drinks and foods that contain xylitol are also dangerous for your dog. Even a tiny amount of alcohol can cause severe issues to your dog, such as vomiting, and diarrhea, among others. Meanwhile, xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is also unsafe for your pooch. If your Golden Retriever consumes too much xylitol, it can result in a dangerously low blood sugar level and even acute liver failure. This substance is usually found in sweet candies, gums, cookies, and the like, so make sure that you check what treats you give your dog. Read food labels or buy organic brands instead. Other vegetables that are harmful to your Golden Retriever are Brussel sprouts, kale, and wild mushrooms. The pits, skins, and leaves of avocados contain a toxin called persin. Meanwhile, cherries contain cyanide which can be extremely harmful to your dog. You may also consult your vet to check the safety of specific foods, especially if your pooch has allergies or sensitivities. These gradual transitions typically occur over 5 to 7 days. The range of amounts is based on the activity of your Golden for the day, either low, moderate, or high level of activity. Golden Retrievers should have scheduled times to eat daily. The scheduled times will help them with their energy levels and keep them healthy. You can schedule their eating times as to what works best for your schedule. For example, feeding them before you leave for work and then when you get home. As a puppy, they will eat three times a day, so you will need to find times in those first few months to feed them more often. When they are an adult or senior, the scheduling of feeding times will be easier because they will only eat twice daily. For a Golden Retriever puppy, the best feeding schedule is once in the morning, noontime, and in the evening. For example, you could feed their first meal at am, lunch at noon, then dinner at pm. Planning their mealtimes around your mealtimes will often make it easier for you and the puppy. Make sure to give them plenty of time after eating to got to the bathroom a couple of times before heading to bed. Hopefully, this will help them sleep for a longer period. After about six months, your Golden Retriever can go down to two daily feedings. This usually occurs once in the morning and once in the evening. They can usually last about 12 hours between meals. If it goes past 12 hours, they could become nauseated. Golden Retrievers can experience food allergies often caused from proteins in dairy or meat products. If your dog experiences symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or itching they may have a food allergy. They warn that feeding dogs any raw animal-source protein could cause illness because it has not gone through a process to remove harmful pathogens. However, a raw diet can be healthy if you are willing to go through the extra cleaning processes of the meat. This is a lot of work and difficult to do correctly and safely. We do not recommend it without expert veterinary help. Before starting a raw diet with your Golden, be sure to consult a veterinarian. Find one that is familiar with raw foods and can help with the proper handling of the foods. If you work hard to make sure your homemade foods are rich in the vitamins and minerals that a dog needs, then it might work for your Golden Retriever. It takes a lot more time to find recipes and make sure it has all the nutritional value of a store-bought dog food. If you are willing to research expertly formulated recipes internet is making it easier to do this , and take the time to cook for your golden then go for it! Consulting your veterinarian is a must before starting any homemade diet. A veterinary nutritionist should also review your plan before starting. Feeding your Golden Retriever table food is not the best practice but a small amount of dog healthy table food is fine. Some example table foods that are healthy for them are carrots, blueberries and plain yogurt. Just be aware that feeding them too much table food can throw their entire diet out of whack. They may not be getting enough vitamins and minerals like they do from their dog food. Conclusion Making sure your Golden Retriever is getting the right foods at the right amounts will help them live their best life. There are many choices of foods with all the right ingredients. Be sure to choose one that works best for you and your Golden. Consult with your veterinarian on which food will bring the most nutritional value to the health of your Golden Retriever. If your Golden is experiencing any health issues related to changing foods, visit your veterinarian. If this article was helpful, please consider sharing this post on Facebook with the button below! She is board certified a specialist in canine reproduction. In her day job, she is a leader in a small biotech where she and a team of veterinarians and scientists work to develop new medications for pets. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of this wonderful breed of dogs. She and her husband have 2 children, 3 dogs and one cat. They love camping and hiking and she can often be found with her head in a good book. Recent Posts. You should also call your vet, as the quicker you treat pet poisoning, the easier and safer it is to treat. People typically feed their Golden Retriever either dry food kibble or canned wet food, but there are several different kinds of dog food, and it can be daunting knowing where to start. So, what type of dog food is best for Golden Retrievers? The best dog food for Golden Retrievers is dry food, such as kibble or cold-pressed. Dry food is more practicable for medium-large breeds, provides more nutrients per bite than wet food, and is less costly. Even if you choose a premium brand, dry food will still be less expensive. You must, however, also meet your own needs and beliefs. This means that the food must contain all of the requisite nutrients in their appropriate proportions. Relevant nutrient details should be prominent. Feeding instructions must be provided. Premium protein sources beef, poultry, lamb, pork, fish, etc. Superior dog foods will also include additional protein sources, such as eggs and plant-based proteins, such as vegetables, grains, and legumes. This information will help you to decide what kind to feed your dog. Dry Foods One of the most popular types of dog food is dry food. Complete dry dog food comes in two varieties. So what exactly is kibble? Kibble is essentially ground-up ingredients shaped into various shapes and sizes of pellets. All kibble is produced similarly by using the same kind of machinery. Even premium kibble made with the best quality ingredients uses the same process. What is cold-pressed dog food? The food is produced at a much lower temperature and cooked faster to retain higher nutritional value, vitamins, and flavor before being pressed into different shapes. It is widespread in the United Kingdom and Europe and is becoming more popular in the US and other regions. Here are the main points to consider when contemplating feeding your doggo dry food: Since kibble and cold-pressed food contain less moisture, they have more nutrients per bite than wet food. Dry food can also aid Goldens with dental issues because it helps clean their teeth and gums. For a medium-large dog, such as a Golden Retriever, dry dog food is the most sensible option; however, kibble and cold-pressed dog food come in all shapes and sizes, so smaller breeds can choose from a smaller range. Pro Tip! She also loves tuna, which leaves her coat and skin looking lustrous and healthy and reduces shedding. When I add a topping, I reduce the amount of dry food she eats marginally to prevent her from gaining weight. As a result, the higher the water content, the fewer nutrients, so your Golden Retriever will need to consume more to get all the nutrition he needs. Here are some things to know about wet dog food: Not every brand of canned food provides enough protein for your Golden Retriever. You should avoid low-quality wet foods since they commonly use thickeners such as wheat flour, white rice, or other grains. A wet diet may be more costly, especially if your dog is the size of a Golden, but it may be ideal if your dog enjoys eating a more significant portion. A wet diet may also be preferable for smaller breeds. If your dog is a picky eater or you have a senior Golden Retriever with a reduced appetite, wet food might be a better selection. You can also buy semi-moist dog foods. However, these are not as popular as they offer the least nutritional value and can be expensive. Unfortunately, dog food manufacturers incorporate sugar and salts to extend the shelf life of their products. Artificial color, chemical preservatives, and chemical flavor enhancers are commonly found in semi-moist foods. A semi-moist diet may not be suited to your Golden Retriever, especially if he is on the heavy side and needs to lose a few pounds. On the other hand, if your Golden Retriever has trouble digesting other food types, semi-moist food might be the best option. If he is a picky eater, he will appreciate the meaty flavor and find this kind of food more appealing. The foods may be mixed or alternated at each meal. For example, wet in the morning and dry in the evening or vice-versa. Home Produced Diet Some owners like to feed their Golden Retriever a home-produced diet referred to as home-feeders. Because of the ease and variety of dry and wet dog foods, I wondered why anyone would want to be a home feeder. Here are the main reasons people choose to feed a home-produced diet: Home feeders sought alternatives to commercial pet foods as they were worried about the nutritional value of the ingredients used. Home feeders enjoyed the process of preparing the food and strengthening the relationship with their dog or satisfying their opinions. Home feeders fear their dogs will merely not like or refuse to eat commercial dog food. A home-prepared diet may be essential to help with a diagnosis e. Home feeders sought comfort for dogs with chronic or terminal illnesses. There are several drawbacks to making dog food at home. It is possible, but it will take a lot of effort and hard work, and it may end up costing more than the highest-quality dog food available. Homemade diets can provide total nutrition. However, you need to make sure your Golden Retriever gets the correct balance of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins, and this is not easy to do every day. Professional pet nutritionists accredited by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition can also help you customize a balanced diet for your Golden Retriever. Here is their directory that you may find helpful. You should also cook vegetables and grains for easier digestion. Your dog will need routine health tests, ensuring that he does not lack any nutrients. While sled dogs and racing greyhounds have long eaten a raw food diet, there is a trend that surfaces now and again for feeding dogs an all-raw diet that includes raw meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruit, and some dairy. When determining whether or not to feed your Golden Retriever a raw diet, there are two crucial things to remember. The first is to ensure your dog has a well-balanced diet that includes all the nutrients he needs to stay healthy and disease-free. When feeding a growing puppy, this is especially necessary. For example, homemade raw diets can be challenging because you must ensure that you are not under or overfeeding essential nutrients. This is especially important if your Golden Retriever is sick, pregnant, or nursing and has different nutritional needs. Food safety concerns about bacterial or parasitic infection in raw meat are the second most crucial issue. When feeding raw foods to dogs, food poisoning is a significant concern. Many raw-feeders believe that eating a raw diet has numerous health benefits, including increased energy, improved digestion, a shinier coat, better skin, cleaner teeth, and overall healthier life. However, there have been insufficient studies to measure the risk or benefits of feeding dogs a raw diet. Therefore, most believed benefits of feeding raw foods remain speculative. Nonetheless, according to this study, there is enough evidence to compel vets to discuss the human health consequences of raw food diets with pet owners and the risk of disease to the pet. If you choose to feed your Golden Retriever a raw diet, you can do so at home or buy commercial raw foodstuffs. These include whole foods, usually sold frozen or freeze-dried, which brings me nicely onto the next topic. Dehydrated and Freeze-Dried You can feed your Golden Retriever a dehydrated or freeze-dried diet; both have become increasingly common in recent years. These diets are similar in that they extract moisture from the food to preserve it and eliminate the need for artificial preservatives, but they vary in several ways. Dehydrated foods. These are partially cooked at low temperatures to extract most of the water. The food is heated but not fully cooked, so nutrients and enzymes remain whole. They are a complete diet and are frequently seen as a step-up from ordinary extruded kibble. To make it edible, you need to add warm water to dehydrated dog food. As a result, the food has a texture comparable to canned wet food but is much less refined. These foods are easy to store, prepare, and have a long shelf life because they do not need refrigeration. A dehydrated diet is also a good option if your Golden has a sensitive stomach as the food is easier on the digestive system due to the gentle cooking method. Freeze-dried foods. In a nutshell, freeze-dried foods are essentially a repackaged raw diet. The raw ingredients in freeze-dried dog food are frozen, then placed in a vacuum to turn the moisture into vapor. After that, the food is sealed in an airtight container. Unlike a true raw diet, this method reduces the number of bacteria such as salmonella. Although freeze-dried food looks like kibble and does not need to be rehydrated before eating, your Golden Retriever will find it more palatable and digestible if some water is added first. They are usually very high protein diets with fruits and vegetables occasionally added. Freeze-dried foods are more expensive than regular kibble, but as the food has most moisture removed, they are more nutritionally dense, so you feed your Retriever less. Feeding Your Golden Feeding Your Golden With the wide array of foods available today, it can be hard to make a good choice of what to feed your golden. Goldens are particularly sensitive to dietary concerns, and feeding them a high quality diet can help boost their health and immune system. Feeding a high quality food is not necessarily more expensive. Price is misleading: cheaper foods require more volume to be fed, up to several cups at each meal. With the wide array of better foods available today, you can make a smart choice of what to feed your golden. A golden will normally eat about two cups of premium food per day. It can be adjusted a little more or less based on activity level and metabolism. Goldens are prone to skin problems, and a poor quality diet will cause skin problems which translates into costly veterinarian bills. You will need to go to the pet store to purchase your food. Grocery store brands do not offer the nutrition goldens need for good health. Do not be persuaded by fancy advertising. Many commonly hyped foods are not high quality and maybe lacking the necessary nutritional value for your dog. For example, Grain Free foods may play a major part in taurine deficiency in Golden Retrievers and other large breed dogs. This deficiency can cause serious heart problems for your dog see Taurine and Grain Free information on this web page. Here are some guidelines: Look for food free of chemical preservatives. Some of these additives are suspected of causing cancer. Look for food preserved with Tocopherols Vitamins C and E as well as rosemary and other herbs. Make sure you have several months before this date. Frequent stores where there is a good turnover of food so you get a fresh bag. Always store dog food in a tight airtight container in a cool, dry place. If you only have one dog, consider buying pound bags instead of pounds bags so the food is fresher. Look for a food that has some form of meat as the first ingredient — such as lamb, chicken, or turkey. Avoid foods that have grain as the first ingredient. Also look for multiple meat proteins in the first seven ingredients. Protein from multiple sources is generally viewed as being beneficial such as lamb, chicken and fish , unless your dog is allergic to certain proteins. Dog food companies sometimes list several types of grains in the first seven ingredients. Beware of this — your dog needs animal protein in his diet! These are the intestines of the animal including what is in the intestines!! Most by-products are not desirable. By-products normally contain beaks, feet, feathers, heads and other slaughterhouse wastes — not the most nutritious part of the animal. Avoid foods that have sugars or artificial colors or flavors or a lot of added salt. Semi-moist dog foods are the worst — they usually are loaded with artificial colors and sugars. Added vitamins and minerals are beneficial only when applied after the baking process, because heat destroys vitamins. The best foods are made up of ingredients that would be suitable for human consumption. Most dog foods contain meat products that are not fit for human consumption. They can include meat from diseased livestock, condemned material from slaughterhouses such as tumors cut away from meat , and as horrible as it sounds, some pet foods include euthanized pets sold to rendering plants and even road kill. Is it any wonder why so many dogs die from cancer when they are being fed meat from these sources? Grains — many dog foods will contain some grains, for example, brown rice, barley, corn, wheat, etc. We have found that some goldens in our rescue program generally do poorly on a food that contains corn or soy. Many goldens are allergic to corn or wheat. So if your golden starts getting a lot of hot spots or skin problems — check his food. There is a big difference in quality of grain products. Look for whole rice or brown rice in the ingredients; white rice and ground brewers rice are much lower in nutrients than whole or brown rice. Often pet food companies take the sweepings off the mill floor and put it in pet food. Look for whole grains instead such as oatmeal, brown rice, barley, or whole oats. Grain Free foods. Grain Free foods have become increasingly available as food companies try to offer foods that are easier to digest with lower levels of complex carbohydrates and grains. One misconception is that grain free dog food is also low-carb, however, vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, green peas and tapioca often replace the grains in grain-free dog foods, especially in kibble foods, making them as high or higher in carbohydrates than grain-based dog foods. Studies have shown peas, beans, pea starch, legumes, potatoes and sweet potatoes that have replaced the grains in dog foods block the function of taurine. Taurine, a sulfuric acid, is essential for healthy cardiovascular function in Golden Retrievers. If left untreated, taurine deficiency in Golden Retrievers can cause dilated cardiomyopathy DCM , congestive heart failure and possibly death. Read all the ingredients in the food which should include taurine and check with your veterinarian before selecting or feeding any grain free food to your dog. Detailed information on dog food ingredients and taurine can be found on this web page under Taurine and Grain Free information and at: Diet Associated Heart Disease Treats — beware of many dog treats out there. They are filled with sugars, preservatives and artificial colors. Try buying biscuits at your local dog bakery or making some yourself. The dog food companies listed below have high quality treats available for your dog. Is your dog overweight? Beware of some diet dog foods, they can be loaded with fillers that provide no added nutrition. At least green beans are healthy. You can also use canned pumpkin. Typically goldens love it! DO NOT free feed your golden; instead feed a measured amount of food twice a day. Most adult goldens will eat 1 cup of premium dog food twice a day. Is your dog too fat? You should be able to feel its ribs and your dog should have a waist. We have found that we have a different view of what constitutes a fat dog than many veterinarians. They will typically allow dogs to carry more weight than is optimal. This perhaps is because they do not want to insult their clients and risk losing business. Letting your golden get too fat is like chopping years off of its life. We also see lots of hip problems with goldens, and keeping weight in check will give your dog better mobility. Fat goldens are an epidemic from our experience. We routinely get goldens into our rescue program that have to lose 30 — 40 pounds!!! Therefore we have a lot of experience at taking the weight off! It is very discouraging and upsetting when an adoptive home will let some weight creep back on. You may think you are loving your dog by giving it too much to eat, but if you really love it you will keep it at a normal weight. Remember — Ribs and Waists! Can you feel and see them on your dog? If not, break open the cans of green beans! The bottom line is read the ingredients, consult your veterinarian and research reliable resources. Making sure your dog has the best nutritional food will help to insure he has a long and healthy life. Here, from Whole Dog Journal, are some additional links for selecting best dry dog food and the best canned dog reviews. Goldens Rescued Since .Read the full disclosure here. Being a large and energetic dog, your golden retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a golden retriever feeding chart. Knowing how much to feed your golden retriever is always tricky but essential for their well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your goldie. Most first-time owners think their puppies should be chubby. In truth, golden retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food. To encourage proper growth and development without making your pup obese, you will have to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. For example, cheaper foods use fillers and have a smaller amount of calories, thus you will have to feed more than you would when using premium large breed puppy foods. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. We all want our golden retriever puppies to be healthy and happy. We envision them running through a verdant field chasing a ball. Full of energy with the beautiful, lustrous golden coat. But, just like us, eating the proper food in the proper amounts will help your golden properly grow and thrive. After all, what we eat impacts how healthy we are. How much you should feed your golden retriever puppy will vary depending on the quality of food you feed, his age, his weight, his general health, and his activity level. Your golden will be growing for up to two years. And the amount of food during that time will have to be adjusted depending on his needs. Because most people feed kibble to their pup, this article will focus on that. Kibble is convenient and cost effective. Instead, they should be lanky and full of energy. They should love to eat their food with gusto. Instead, you should be able to feel his ribs when you pet him there. There should just be a thin coating of fat under his skin. And he should have a defined waistline. Of course you should check with your veterinarian to make such adjustments. And remember a young puppy should get only so much exercise a day. Their joints and bones are developing and can be damaged if the exercise is too extreme. Assuming you have an eight-week-old puppy, he should receive three to four meals a day. From eight weeks old until about five or six months old, three meals per day are advisable. Of course, feed at the same intervals every day and split the total amount per day in half to be given at each feeding. After about six months of age through adulthood, two feedings per day are the norm. Always check with your vet regarding how much and how often to feed. These are just guidelines. Feed him at the same distraction-free location so that he focuses on eating. As much as goldens love to eat, a young golden puppy is also very easily distracted. This can lead to possible health problems, including joint and bone problems. Goldens can easily become overweight. Free feeding can also lead to a picky eater. Some puppies figure out that if their buffets are always there, and they can just go graze at will. Most foods you purchase will have guidelines on their bag or box. When you first get your puppy, feed him the same food that the breeder or rescue fed him for a few weeks. Then, if you want to change his food, do so over at least 10 days. Add more of the new food and subtract more of the old food each day. After about five days, you should be giving him approximately 50 percent of the new food and 50 percent of the old food. Switching food over such a period of time will help prevent stomach upsets and diarrhea. Overfeeding will result not only in him becoming overweight but it will also make him grow too fast. Periodically—even weekly— test whether you can still feel his ribs without them protruding. You can then increase the amount he eats. You should also feed his last meal of the day at least 90 minutes before his bed time so that he can digest his food and potty before bed. A well-balanced, high-quality food should provide all the nutrients he requires. Golden puppies require a formula made for large-breed dogs. Puppy formulas for large-breed dogs regulate their growth. Eating too quickly can lead to digestive upsets and even bloat, which can be deadly. I rescued my golden retriever Riley when he was about six months old. To say that he ate as if it were his last meal would be an understatement. He had a voracious appetite. I bought one of the maze bowls to slow him down. The kibble is placed between each section of the bowl, and he had to forage for his food. It worked! He ate at a more normal pace. Of course, dogs should be given free access to fresh water. Other Feeding Options Although I concentrated in this article on feeding kibble to your new puppy, there are other options. There are some drawbacks to them because they may not be nutritionally complete, may be cost prohibitive, or may be too time-consuming to make. Wet Food Canned food alone or mixed with kibble is an option. But wet food alone is very expensive. He may become a picky eater. Feeding raw is controversial. Dehydrated raw foods reduce some of the risks. The ratio of calcium to phosphorous is crucial to puppy development. Homemade Diet Cooking for your best friend can be very appealing. And many people do. You know what ingredients and their quality are. But it has its drawbacks. Of course, the amount you feed is important for his growth rate and general health and well-being. But there is no one-size-fits-all in determining how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. Any amounts you see are just guidelines. Adjust them as necessary regarding your own special puppy. Do you have a golden retriever puppy? How did you determine what and how much to feed him? Please leave your comments in the section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation. They are famously loving and playful family pets, always eager to jump in the pool or snuggle up with you on the lounge. They are patient and energetic dogs who are easy to train, making them excellent service animals as well as loyal companions. If you are bringing a Goldie into your family, you might also be aware of their reputation as food lovers. Your Goldie might want to eat anything and everything you put in their bowl — and maybe even anything left on an unattended plate. In this Golden Retriever feeding guide, Hypro Premium will take you through everything you need to know when it comes to food options for your pup. The best food for most young puppies is milk. If you are weaning a puppy, you can start to mix in a little dry kibble with their puppy milk to create a paste. You can feed this mix to your puppy up to four times a day, slowly reducing the amount of milk you mix in. Over time, your Goldie puppy will get more comfortable with solid foods, until you no longer need to include any milk in their diet. While chubby little puppies are cute, your Goldie should not build up too much excess fat once you start feeding them solids. Goldies go from a small 4kg puppy at 7 weeks old to an almost 30 kg adult dog in the space of only 10 months. At six months old your puppy will still be growing, but more slowly as they reach most of their body development milestones. This is why appropriate feeding in the first year of their life is vital to the overall health of your Goldie for years to come. Over time this can increase to up to 4 cups a day at 10 months old, though females should usually only need 3 cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy is often dependent on their size and sex. While they may have some growing left to do, it depends on your dog. Some Goldies will continue to experience growth spurts before their second birthday, while others will stay the same size. Large breeds can be at risk of growing too fast, which can make them more vulnerable to skeletal and weight problems when they get older. Golden retrievers are especially prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be avoided through diet control. You should feed your Goldie between 3 — 4 cups of food per day over two meals. Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs. This is important to take into consideration as you are establishing a feeding schedule for a Golden Retriever puppy. Puppies require more calories to support their rapid growth than adult dogs, but they also have much smaller stomachs, which means they get fuller faster. Because of this, puppies can easily overeat, especially Golden Retrievers. You can help your puppy avoid overeating by allowing them a short amount of time to eat, and then removing their bowl. All puppies grow a lot during their first year, but large breed puppies are more likely to suffer from negative health consequences as a result. In order to provide your Golden Retriever puppy with the most appropriate food to support their rapid growth, consider choosing a large breed puppy food. Goldie puppies need lots of protein, fibre, and fatty acids to support the development of their bodies and provide them with energy. These foods also take into account the difference in nutrient digestion between small and large breeds. Too much of these nutrients can cause your large breed puppy to develop skeletal abnormalities. So how much do you feed a Golden Retriever? Your adult Goldie could need anywhere between and 1, calories per day. The amount of food you feed your dog will be determined by a few important factors. The first thing to consider is the sex of your dog. On average, your male Golden Retriever will need slightly more food than a female dog. Senior dogs will usually be less active and so will need less food. Goldies in particular can have a lot of variation in the amount of food they need on a daily basis. No matter how much you feed your dog, it is ideal that you feed your adult Golden Retriever two meals a day at evenly spaced time intervals. Feeding your dog twice, once in the morning and again in the evening, can be useful for establishing a routine and avoiding overfeeding. This routine can also include exercise, and is useful for encouraging healthy behaviour around food and toilet training. Special Considerations Your Golden Retriever could be predisposed to several health conditions that are important to consider when you make decisions about their diet. Firstly, Golden Retrievers are known for their beautiful coats, but their skin can often become infected. Goldies love swimming, but this can cause problems if water irritates their skin. They can also be susceptible to atopic dermatitis, which causes extreme itchiness, resulting in licking and biting behaviours in dogs that can cause even more damage. For dogs prone to skin and coat issues, a fish-based diet can help alleviate symptoms. Fish contains plenty of fatty acids, which support coat and skin health, and rarely triggers any allergic reaction in dogs. Goldies often benefit from healthy grains in their diet, especially as avoiding them can actually leave your dog more vulnerable to nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy, or nutritional DCM. This heart disease is common in Golden Retrievers, and can be triggered by consuming too much grain-free pet food that contains legumes like lentils and peas. You should consider feeding your Golden Retriever foods that are full of grains and proteins like chicken or fish. These are the benefits and drawbacks of the three most popular options — wet food, a raw food diet, and dry food. Wet food can be a great option for dogs that need plenty of protein and fat, like working dogs or dogs with certain health conditions. It also hydrates your dog while they eat, which can be useful for dogs suffering from any illness. For dogs with highly restrictive diets, raw food prepared by you can be a great way to avoid allergens. You can have complete control over a raw diet, which does require a lot more work on your part, but can have great results. For instance, a Golden Retriever with heart issues should eat a low salt diet, which can be easier to achieve if you are preparing their meals from scratch. However, low quality kibbles tend to be made up of a lot of low quality fillers, which can be hard for your pup to digest. Whatever option you choose for your Goldie, make sure it is suitable for large breeds and contains high quality ingredients. This will help prevent degenerative health disorders in the long run. Your Golden Retriever will probably love food, and will probably try to eat anything you put in front of them, which means you need to help them avoid the negative consequences of overeating. Golden retrievers, like other large and active breeds, need plenty of exercise. Not only is this vital to their physical health, but it also ensures they grow up well socialised and mentally stimulated. As your Goldie grows from a puppy to an adult dog, the amount of meals they need a day will reduce as their digestive systems become more developed. Your dog will need two meals a day, once in the evening and once in the morning, from the age of 6 months.

With high energy, this breed is not for the faint of heart. While your Mini Labradoodle will be perfectly content to snuggle up on the couch with you, he needs rigorous exercise to ensure optimal health. Thanks to their Poodle ancestry, our Mini Labradoodles are whip smart — making them a breeze to train with positive reinforcement — but this is tempered by the easygoing nature of the standard Labrador. Sociable and friendly, our Mini Labradoodles for sale get along well with other dogs — but their high energy may make them a bit too exuberant when it comes to play! Mini Labradoodle Puppies Health Considerations Every breed of dog comes with its own unique health considerations. Though generally healthy and long lived — with an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years — our Mini Labradoodle puppies for sale are no exception. This will help you quickly identify symptoms and seek immediate treatment should an issue arise. They can also be short, dense, and sometimes harsh in texture, more similar to the Labrador. Like all doodles, Mini Labradoodles come with a range of coat varieties. Some take more after their Labrador parent—with straighter coats—and others have the tight ringlets of their Poodle parent. Most will fall somewhere in between, and nearly all Mini Labradoodle puppies have coats with minimal shedding. Initially, you will need to brush your Mini Labradoodle puppy around four times a week until his coat is established — at around eight to 12 months, you can reduce this to three times a week. You can take your Mini Labradoodle pup to the groomer for a trim between two and four times a year — with many owners opting for seasonal cuts — but should wait until your pup sheds his baby fur before taking him for his first cut! Meet Mini Labradoodle Puppies for Sale. Their incredible versatility of an easily trainable and adoring temperament as well as their social nature make them a perfect family pet. These beautiful, miniature versions are also commonly referred to as Australian Labradoodles, Mini Labradoos, and Mini Labrapoodles. The Mini Labradoodle is the smaller version of the equally amazing Standard Labradoodle that is a cross between a Standard Poodle and a Labrador, both purebred dogs. The standard-sized versions were bred to be guide dogs, and this trait is dominant in Mini Labradoodles as well. This designer breed is a dog of many talents. Mini Labradoodles are highly intelligent, affectionate, and as loving as can be. They can be trained for a myriad of dog jobs, and are quite the athletes when it comes to dog sports. Appearance and Grooming With two very different parent breeds, it can be difficult to know what each puppy will look like. Some litter pups take on more characteristics of the Poodle parent and others take after the Labrador more. Their low-shedding coat may resemble that of a Poodle : long, curly, and thick, or they may have fur that resembles that of a Labrador: short, straight, and dense with color variations of black, brown, chocolate, cream, golden, silver and white. This breed has a double coat which may require daily brushing depending on the thickness. They will also need regularly scheduled professional grooming appointments every 4 to 6 weeks. The size of Mini Labradoodles can vary quite a bit as well since they are a crossbreed of different-sized dogs. They may be smaller or larger depending on who they take after more. The typical size for these cuties is 14 to 16 inches tall with a weight of 16 to 25 pounds for a full-grown Mini Labradoodle. With both parent breeds being family-friendly, happy-go-lucky breeds, it is no surprise that this puppy will have the same fun-loving nature. Family and Companionship Perfect for families with children of all ages, the Mini Labradoodle is certain to fit in anywhere. This sweet dog will need plenty of love and attention, so staying away for long periods of time is not ideal for the overall emotional health of this breed. Because of their smaller size, they can thrive in all environments, be it a city apartment or in a rural setting with lots of lands. Keep in mind that your puppy will need lots of exercise and play so make sure you have plenty of places to let them run and sniff. Exercise Taking on the energetic tendencies of both parents, the mini Labradoodles are extremely active dogs who enjoy going for walks, running, and even swimming much like the Poodle. Like the Retriever, they love to play and retrieve things. Be prepared to keep them busy and spend at least an hour of active playtime with them each day. They can be pretty active chewers and seekers of mischief, so giving them something to play with is imperative. Training and Socialization Inheriting the intelligence of the Poodle parent will not only make this dog super trainable but also a wonderful option for a service or therapy dog. Its natural intuition makes it easily adaptable to people and places. However, it is very important to begin training the moment you bring your mini Labradoodle puppy home. You should start exposing it to new places, people, and other dogs as early as possible. Early socialization is paramount in the overall wellness of this unique breed. They are happy and healthy dogs that have amazing personalities. Our Mini Labradoodle breeders as well as our Puppy Agents interact with these pups daily to ensure they are socialized early and ready for their transition to your home. How big will my Miniature Labradoodle get? They will grow to a height between 21 to 23 inches and weigh between 55 to 80 lbs. What is the life expectancy of a Miniature Labradoodle? The average life expectancy is 10 to 12 years. What is the appearance of a Miniature Labradoodle? What is the temperament of a Miniature Labradoodle? They are spirited animals with a zest for adventure. They are full of love and affection and devoted to their humans. They have a playful and sometimes rambunctious side so creating boundaries and providing proper exercise will be important to keep these little ones in shape and out of mischief. Is the Miniature Labradoodle a good choice for first time dog owners? In fact, they are a perfect match for first time dog owners as they are super intelligent and easily trainable. They start learning at a very young age. Should I socialize my Miniature Labradoodle puppy? Though it is always important to socialize your puppy, please do so in safe places until the puppy has received all of its vaccinations. These little ones love people, but can exhibit a protective nature. Proper socialization will bring out the best of their sociable, easy-going temperament. How much exercise will my Miniature Labradoodle require? These are lively little pups with energy to spare they will need to have 30 to 60 minutes of vigorous activity per day, including walks and active play. Playtime and mental stimulation such as training exercises and interactive toys are recommended as well. How much food will my Miniature Labradoodle require? This breed is prone to obesity and bloating so proper nutrition must be shown from puppy and throughout adulthood. Because the sizes of these dogs vary so widely so will the amount of food they should get. Talk with your veterinary care provider about getting your little one on the right track. What type of coat does the Miniature Labradoodle have? Miniature Labradoodle coats come in many different colors and textures. They could have a shorter, double Labrador coat or a long, curly Poodle coat. Most of the time they fall somewhere in between while still showcasing those distinctive Poodle curls. What colors are the Miniature Labradoodles? They come in several solid colors including yellow, golden, chocolate, black, blue, brown, gray, and white. How often will my Miniature Labradoodle need to be groomed? This is a fairly high maintenance breed that requires frequent, brushing and regular trimming. They are excellent family pets, especially for active families. They are full of love and devotion and are always up for a new adventure. They do great with children. Is the Miniature Labradoodle hypoallergenic? Though not a fully hypoallergenic, they are a great choice for anyone that suffers from allergens. The AKC does not recognize mixed breeds. Mini Labradoodle Reviews. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Broomfield Colorado and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted.

One look and an instant calm will probably wash over you. Stress simply melts away. Because Golden Retrievers are notoriously loyal and obedient. They can look silly with their big goofy grins. Or they can look stoic and wise beyond their years with their striking, deep brown eyes. CutenessOverload Everything they do is adorable Just watching your pup go from an adorable average of 10 pounds right when you get them at 8 weeks old to a sizable 70 pounds at the year mark is cuter than anything you can imagine. Or falling asleep in your lap. Or busting your pup discreetly chewing on your brand new pair of sneakers in their new closet lair is the cutest. There are too many cute things! Everything will be adorable and glee-inducing if done by a Golden Retriever pup — even the behaviors that, by all logic, should annoy you to no end. This is a good thing because a puppy this adorable is definitely going to be a popular one. Golden Retriever puppies make friends with kids , adults, and other animals while keeping their trademark smiles on their faces. They are so friendly, in fact, that they may not be the best bet when looking for guard dogs. A Golden will usually greet any stranger, including during a break-in, with a welcoming smile on their face. But they will love you best Again, the loyalty of a Golden Retriever pup cannot be stressed enough; it is strong. At the end of the day, your athletic, big-pawed, adventurous, silly, and loving Golden pup will only have eyes for you. Fluffy Golden pup on bench Chunky Golden pup running through yard Golden puppy with big ears looking directly at camera Fluffy pup in a basket on grass Scrawny Golden pup in yard Golden puppy in lavender field Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue. Christina Donnelly is a small animal expert focusing on dogs and writer with over 12 years of experience in animal welfare. In fact, golden retrievers have snagged the third spot for most popular dogs in the United States for the last several years! These pooches are on the larger side females range between 55 and 70 pounds, while males weigh in between 65 and 75 pounds and require lots of exercise, which may make some families shy away. But don't let their size—or high energy—deter you. Golden retrievers are highly intelligent, easy to train compared to other breeds of dogs , and incredibly friendly. Whether you're already a golden puppy parent or considering adding one to the family, read on to learn some fun facts and see some seriously cute photos! One even surmises that goldens are descendants of Russian circus dogs! These alternate theories were debunked, however, when the personal records of Lord Tweedmouth of Inverness, Scotland were made public. Lord Tweedmouth was an avid waterfowl hunter who wanted to breed a dog with some serious bird retrieving skills. So, in , he bred a yellow retriever named Nous with a liver-colored Tweed Water Spaniel named Belle. The result? A pack of puppies with the exact hunting skills he was looking for, which he dubbed golden retrievers. Golden retrievers were later brought to North America—sometime during the s—where they became hugely popular for their beautiful looks and sweet personalities. Then, in , they were officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club. Continue to 2 of 9 below. They can range from a very light, snowy white, to a yellow-gold, to a dark, coppery red. No matter the color of their coat, however, it's important to never cut your golden retriever's hair—doing so can put her at risk of skin cancer, among other health issues. Their coats are made up of two layers—the long, silky, waterproof outercoat and soft, warming undercoat—and act as insulators against all types of weather. So, if you think to trim your golden's coat in the summer to keep it cool, think again! It'll be much cooler and its skin will be protected from the sun with its coat intact. Continue to 3 of 9 below. Bred to fetch waterfowl, golden retrievers love a good swim session but would be just as happy with long walks, games of fetch, or even agility games. Aim for about one hour of exercise each day, but keep your dog's age and activity levels in mind—you may have to adjust accordingly. Continue to 4 of 9 below. If taken to a rescue site, for example, they can quickly learn how to perform search and rescues to help those in need. In addition to their smarts, golden retrievers' downright sweet demeanors make them the perfect pick for therapy dogs. They can bring a lot of comforts—and joy—to people who have experienced traumatic events, are living in hospitals, or are stressed out during college exams. Continue to 5 of 9 below. Their love of food can cause health problems like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease , so it's important to feed your golden the right amount of food for her weight, age, and activity level. Not sure how much is right for your dog? Talk to your vet about a healthy diet. And take it easy on the treats! It's true that goldens love to eat, but they like to carry non-food items in their mouths, too. Their mouthy nature makes everyday stuff such as sticks, shoes, or even the remote control a highly prized possession. Because golden retrievers have very gentle mouths, challenges such as the golden retriever egg challenge—in which a golden is tasked with holding an uncooked egg in its mouth without breaking it—have popped up all over the web. Continue to 6 of 9 below. Tons of major movies, such as the "Air Bud" series, "Homeward Bound," "A Dog's Purpose," and even thrillers such as "Poltergeist" and "Friday the 13th" have goldens in the credit roll. What's more? There are a few golden retrievers in presidential history, too. Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford had goldens during their presidencies. Golden retrievers are often considered the all-American dogs, so it makes sense, right? Continue to 7 of 9 below. Todd, the sweet golden pictured here, is one of those puppy heroes. During their hike, Paula nearly stepped on a rattlesnake—and when the snake lunged at her, Todd jumped in front of her to protect her. Although Todd was bitten on the nose and had severe swelling in his face, he's expected to make a full recovery. Because of his heroic deed, the internet has hailed Todd as a very, very good boy. And believe it or not, Todd has found a way to be an even better boy: He has a GoFundMe page to help other heroic doggies who have suffered from the same injuries. Continue to 8 of 9 below. Even in their senior years, it's not uncommon for older goldens to keep up with their puppy counterparts. Continue to 9 of 9 below. And for good reason! Not only are they adorable, but they prove goldens are some of the sweetest puppers around, too.

At what age is a Poodle fully grown? Poodles are considered fully grown adults at two years old and tend to show emotional signs of maturity, like a calmer nature, around 18 months. At a year old, most Poodles will have reached their final height or very close to it. However, most Poodles will require a full two years to fill out their chest and reach their final weight. Image Source: Pexels How big should a 6-month-old Poodle be? A six-month-old male Poodle will weigh around 41 to 48 pounds, while a six-month-old female Poodle will weigh about 28 to 34 pounds. Both male and female Poodles at this age stand at around 18 to 22 inches tall, which for some Poodles is already their full adult height. Pro Tip: Check out this ultimate pet parent guide with 39 dog care tips on pet first aid kits, puppy-proofing practices, training, veterinary appointments, and more! How much bigger will my Poodle get? There are a few ways to assess how much bigger your Poodle will get. The first is age. If your Poodle is less than a year old, they still have significant growth left! If your Poodle is between one and two years old, they are likely still filling out a bit, but are probably at their adult height. Do they still look oversized next to their legs and body? If this is the case, they are probably still filling out as this is a classic puppy feature! A Poodle puppy will rarely grow larger than their bigger parent, so this will also give you an idea of their maximum size. What is the size of a full-grown Poodle? According to the American Kennel Club Official Poodle Standards , an adult male Poodle is 60 to 70 pounds while an adult female Poodle weighs between 40 and 50 pounds. By these standards, full-grown Poodles will be over 15 inches tall when measuring from the ground to the highest point of their shoulders while standing. Most Standard Poodles will stand between 18 and 24 inches tall. Smart lifestyle choices are essential in keeping your Poodle happy and healthy. The Veterinary Centers of America recommend a long walk, jog, or intense play to fulfill their daily exercise needs. Poodles were bred as retrievers and, as such, are keen on games involving retrieving like fetch. Many Poodles also enjoy swimming. Due to their full coats, Poodles can put on excess weight without their pet parents realizing it. Poodles are not overly prone to weight issues with a balanced diet, but their coat can disguise weight changes. Their full coats also require regular upkeep like brushing and combing every other day, professional grooming every six weeks or so, and watching for potential eye problems. Poodles are prone to weeping eyes and eye irritation from lashes or hair, so keeping their eye area free of long hair is ideal. As a purebred dog breed, Poodles are more susceptible to genetic health problems. Many of these genetic health problems can be screened for early on using DNA technology. These early screenings can help you and your veterinarian prevent and minimize health complications from these genetic diseases. A bove all else, regular veterinary care is the best way to make sure your Poodle stays healthy. Between health screenings, regular veterinary care, bloodwork, x-rays , dental cleanings , and more, your veterinarian is your best resource in caring for your precious Poodle puppy. Be aware, vet visits can quickly become expensive - especially when immediate treatment or surgery is needed for an emergency or illness. With many treatments and surgeries costing thousands of dollars, this can quickly put pet parents in a pinch should the worst happen to their pet. Poodles are larger dogs, which can also increase the price of treatment. This is where pet insurance comes in. Pet insurance reimburses you for out-of-pocket veterinary costs and provides a safety net should the worst happen to your Poodle. As purebred dogs, Poodles are more prone to genetic health problems, like bloat or hip dysplasia, which can quickly become expensive to treat. Final Considerations Poodle puppies grow into elegant, proud dogs who are true aristocrats of the dog kingdom. We know how much your Poodle pup means to you and that they deserve the best! Give yourself peace of mind today when you use Pawlicy Advisor to compare personalized pet insurance quotes from the top Poodle pet insurance companies. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. The poodle's bright demeanor and people-pleasing nature make him an excellent pal for humans and peacekeeper among other pets. Standard poodles are the most athletic and agile of all the poodle types , and they take quickly to training. Poodles also have the privilege of being low odor and among the least-shedding of all coated dogs. So they're pretty much perfect, right? Not so fast. The timid poodle can border on neurotic at times, and he's easily stressed out by noise and any amount of chaos or conflict. Poodles can also be time-consuming and expensive to groom. But if you can deal with these quirks, you'll be rewarded with a loyal, lively pet who loves to make you happy. Appearance Poodles are known for their curly coat, long pointed nose, and small dark eyes. They're also famously associated with one of the most ornate dog grooming styles ever—the topiary continental clip, which leaves curly pom-poms of hair carefully shaped around the joints and chest. Those unfamiliar with poodles might be surprised to find that the flamboyant continental clip is largely seen only on show dog poodles—family pet poodles usually go with the more subtle sporting clip, which is a short and fuss-free style. You'll most often find poodles with white, black, or brown coats, but they exist in a wide range of shades from apricot to silver. Miniature poodles are between 10—15 inches, and toy poodles are under 10 inches. Standard poodles can weigh between 50—70 pounds, with female dogs tending to weigh less than the male ones. The standard is the largest and strongest of all the three poodle types. Temperament Poodles are loyal, smart, and playful. And while they're friendly pups, they will bark to alert you to any noises or visitors. The breed's response to unfamiliar faces can range from friendly and engaging to shy and reserved. These highly intelligent dogs also seem to have a sense for reading their owners' body language and expressions, making them intuitive companions. Their sensitivity doesn't stop there; they're also prone to getting pretty emotional themselves. Poodles are hypersensitive pooches who can be easily startled by touch or sound, so watch out for bouts of anxiety. These happy, high-strung animals love to romp around, bounce, run, and play nearly non-stop as puppies and young dogs. But their activity levels do change with maturity, and you can expect them to calm down a bit between 18 months and 2 years of age. Standard poodles are also generally more calm than miniature and toy poodles. Living Needs Poodles need tons of exercise and opportunity for movement, so access to a spacious fenced-in yard is ideal. If you don't have a big backyard to offer your pup, make sure you make plenty of time for walks and visits to the dog park or another pet-safe open area for them to run and play. If you're a nature-lover, a poodle is a great pick. They're naturally adventurous and love the water , so they make excellent outdoor companions. Try not to spend too much time away; this curly companion thrives on time spent with his people and poodles can develop separation anxiety issues if he doesn't get enough attention. They're gentle and polite with kids , but because of their hypersensitive nature they can be easily overwhelmed by small, loud children and will need time to decompress. Poodles are better suited for families with older or no children. Similarly, if your home is often chaotic, noisy, or conflict-prone, your peaceful poodle may develop some anxiety issues. Poodles much prefer and appreciate a calm, quiet living arrangement. Care The poodle is the original "hypoallergenic" dog breed thanks to his single-layer coat that doesn't shed much though remember that no dog is percent hypoallergenic. If you or someone in your family suffers from dog allergies, a poodle could be the pup for you! But heads up: His coat, low-shedding as it may be, requires a lot of attention. And, even if they are taking the dog to a groomer, they will still need to keep up with daily needs, including brushing. Most owners have their poodle's coat cut to one short length, in a grooming style known as the sporting clip. Poodles who are left with their manes to grow need meticulous daily brushing —once their curly coats become matted, the only solution is to shave them down and start over. Unless you're taking up the clippers and teaching yourself to groom your poodle, you'll need frequent grooming appointments. It's an expense you'll want to keep in mind when considering adding a poodle to the family. Poodles are extremely active, athletic dogs who need plenty of daily exercise and love long walks. They're up for adventure and love to stay busy, so it won't be hard to keep them moving. Most poodles love to swim, and swimming can be an excellent workout for your curly cutie. They also love playing fetch and can get some of that abundant energy out chasing after balls and sticks in the backyard. Thanks to their high intelligence and people-pleasing nature, poodles are fairly easy to train and enjoy making their humans happy. Keep training upbeat and encouraging, with lots of praise and consistency to get your eager-to-please poodle in his groove. Relative to other breeds, the poodle is easy to potty train. It also often leads to a dog who enjoys learning and wants to participate in other activities," Hunter Mayer says. Check with your veterinarian about the appropriate recommendations for dog food brands and ingredients, how much and how often to feed your dog , and other dietary concerns. Health Poodles have a lifespan of 12—15 years and are generally healthy dogs. Additionally, reputable breeders routinely test breeding stock for health issues, so if you're taking care to research the breeder you're working with when picking a purebred dog, you should know the dog's lineage and what health problems if any run in the family. Standard poodles are also prone to contracting Addison's disease , an issue with the adrenal glands, as well as a life-threatening condition called bloat , which is an accumulation of gas or fluid in the dog's stomach. Keeping regularly scheduled veterinary appointments will help you stay up-to-date on your pup's health and well being. History The name "poodle" most likely comes from the word pudelin, a German-language reference to the breed's fondness for water, according to the AKC. The breed originated in Germany as duck-hunting, water retrieval dogs. The flamboyant continental clip haircut style that most associate with the poodle has functional origins. Because the dogs were jumping into freezing water to retrieve their owners' hunt prey and too much heavy hair would weigh down the dog, owners would strategically clip the fur on their limbs to give them freedom of movement while swimming, leaving longer hair near the dog's organs and joints to protect them in the cold water. Courtesy of Presidential Pet Museum The poodle's friendly temperament and lovable looks eventually caught the attention of members of French nobility, and the breed soon became popular throughout Europe. Poodles' natural elegance and trainability also made them the stars of many European circus acts. The standard poodle was eventually bred down to the miniature and toy poodles we also know and love today. In fact, the poodle is the only breed with three size classifications. Fun Facts The poodle is the national dog of France despite the breed originating in Germany. The French call the breed caniche, which means "duck dog. Was this page helpful? Your browser does not support the audio tag. Description The Standard Poodle is a medium- to large-sized dog. When groomed to show dog standards the body is meant to give off a square appearance. It is approximately the same length as the height at the withers. The skull is moderately rounded with a slight but definite stop. It has a long, straight muzzle. The dark, oval-shaped eyes are set somewhat far apart and are black or brown. The ears hang close to the head and are long and flat. Both the front and back legs are in proportion with the size of the dog. The topline is level. The tail is set and carried high. It is sometimes docked to half its length or less to make the dog look more balanced. Dewclaws may be removed. The oval-shaped feet are rather small and the toes are arched. The coat is either curly or corded. While it does not make the written show standard, some breeders are breeding parti-colored Poodles. See grooming for different types of Poodle clips. Temperament The Standard Poodle is proud, graceful, noble, good-natured, enjoyable and cheerful. This highly intelligent dog is one of the most trainable breeds. Some can be trained to hunt. The Standard Poodle is generally lower energy and often calmer than the smaller varieties of Poodles, but will become high strung if you do not give it the proper amount and type of exercise. It is sensitive to the tone of one's voice and will not listen if it senses that it is stronger minded than its owner, however it will also not respond well to harsh discipline. Owners need to be calm, yet possess an air of natural authority. It are not the type of dog to live outside in a kennel, as it enjoys being with its owners and dislikes being alone. It is generally friendly toward strangers, and is excellent with children. The Standard Poodle is good with other dogs. Some can make good guard dogs. Make sure you are this dog's firm, consistent, confident pack leader , providing daily pack walks to avoid separation anxiety and other unwanted behavior issues. Height, Weight Height: 15 inches 38 cm or more. Weight: Males 45 - 70 pounds 20 - 32 kg Females 45 - 60 pounds 20 - 27 kg The sizes of the official AKC-recognized Poodle breeds are determined by height, not by weight. The Standard Poodle is over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders. Health Problems A long-lived breed, Poodles are, nevertheless, subject to many genetic diseases. Runny eyes, cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, which may cause blindness. Hip dysplasia and ear infections are also common. They are prone to Von Willebrand's Disease. Brown Poodles tend to become prematurely gray. Prone to bloat , so it is wise to feed your Standard small meals a day, rather than one large one. Living Conditions If given enough exercise, Standard Poodles are relatively inactive indoors. They will be okay in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. A small yard will suffice. Exercise The Standard Poodle needs to be taken on a daily walk. Although they adore water and love to go for walks, Poodles are not demanding as far as exercise goes, so long as they get their walk in. They however, will keep in better spirits and be fitter if given regular opportunities to run and play off the leash in a safe area. The Standard retains its sporting instincts, has great stamina, and needs more activity than the smaller varieties. Life Expectancy About or more years Litter Size About puppies Grooming Extensive grooming is needed if the dog is to be shown. Poodles must be bathed regularly and clipped every six to eight weeks. Clean and check the ears frequently for wax or mites or infection and pull out hairs growing inside the ear canal. The teeth need regular scaling. Since the coat does not shed it needs to be clipped. There are several different types of Poodle clips. The most common for pet owners is an easy care clip called a "pet clip," "puppy clip" or "lamb clip," where the coat is cut short all over the body. Popular show clips are the English saddle and the Continental clip, where the rear half of the body is shaved, bracelets are left around the ankles, and pom-poms are left on the tails and hips. The AKC standard allows for a dog under a year old to be shown in a show-style puppy clip which has special requirements such as a pom-pom on the end of the tail. Other clip styles are the modified continental clip, town and country clip, kennel or utility clip, summer clip, and the Miami of bikini clip. Poodles shed little to no hair and are good for allergy sufferers. Origin The Poodle has been known throughout Western Europe for at least years and is depicted in 15th century paintings and in bas-reliefs from the 1st century. France has taken a claim on the origin, but the AKC gives the honor to Germany, where they say it was used as a water retrieval dog. Other claims have been Denmark, or the ancient Piedmont. What is certain is that the dog was a descendant of the now-extinct French Water Dog, the Barbet and possibly the Hungarian Water Hound. The name "Poodle" most likely came out of the German word "Pudel," which means "one who plays in water. They would leave hair on the leg joints to protect them from extreme cold and sharp reeds. The hunters in Germany and France used the Poodle as a gundog and as a retriever of waterfowl and to sniff out truffles laying underground in the woods. The French started using the breed as a circus performer because of the dog's high intelligence and trainability. The breed became very popular in France, which led to the common name "French Poodle," but the French people actually called the breed the "Caniche," meaning "duck dog. In the 18th century smaller poodles became popular with royal people. The three official sizes are the Toy, Miniature and Standard Poodle. They are considered one breed and are judged by the same written standard but with different size requirements. Some of the Poodle's talents include: retrieving, agility, watchdog, competitive obedience and performing tricks. Life Span Did You Know? Although the Poodle is the national dog of France, they actually originated in Germany over years ago where they were commonly used as a duck hunter. Their curly coat protected them from the elements and they were bred for their excellent swimming skills, high intelligence, and incredible retrieval skills. The Poodle comes in three sizes — Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Throughout history, this dog breed has served many purposes. From living in the lap of luxury as companions to nobility to working out in the field as a valuable hunting companion to entertaining people in circuses around the world, the Poodle is right at home. Although they are more popular as a companion dog, the Poodle still maintains their athleticism and working dog instincts. Poodles are known for their intelligence, cheerful disposition, and sensitive nature. They are versatile dogs that make great family companions. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their sensitive nature, they tend to be a better fit for older children who understand how to approach and interact with a dog appropriately. These dogs prefer peace and harmony in the household, so very young children that are too loud or rough can stress them out. The Standard Poodle also tends to be quite energetic until they are about two years old and may be prone to knock over small children in their excitement. Standard Poodles also tend to make great watchdogs and have some protective instincts. Without proper socialization, they can become skittish, nervous, and wary of strangers. Making sure any puppy is socialized early and often helps them grow into a confident, well-rounded dog. Standard Poodles are highly adaptable dogs. Their energy level tends to make them better-suited for larger homes with room for them to run. But, they can adapt well to apartment living as long as they receive the exercise, mental stimulation, and affection that they need. They tend to do well in most climates. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to very hot and very cold weather. These dogs are in-tune with their owners and thrive on human companionship and affection, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Poodles are a relatively healthy dog breed, but there are some potential health concerns to be aware of. Because of their larger, barrel-chested body type, the Standard Poodle is also at risk for bloat. Responsible breeders will screen and test their stock to ensure the genetic propensity for breed-related conditions is not passed along to the puppies. Poodles are highly intelligent, sensitive, and eager to please their owners. They are highly trainable, pick up things quickly, and are a good fit for owners of any experience level. Because they are sensitive and in-tune with their owners, they respond best to consistent, positive training techniques focused on rewards and praise. Poodle coats are curly or corded and come in a wide variety of colors. Although Poodles are known for their low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats, their coats still require a lot of maintenance. Keeping your Poodle in a short clip can help reduce daily maintenance, but still requires regular professional grooming every four to six weeks to maintain it. A longer coat requires daily brushing in order to prevent matting in addition to professional grooming every four to six weeks. Regular professional grooming often helps with this as nail trimming should be done monthly, at least, to keep nails from growing too long. Dental care for dogs , like brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, is essential to protecting them from painful dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. You, your dog, and your groomer will thank you for it! Who knows? If you ensure these experiences stay positive, they could even become a bonding time that your dog enjoys. These are high energy dogs that require a good amount of exercise and mental stimulation every day in order to be happy and healthy. They love to stay busy and may enjoy running with you, going for a swim, taking trips to the dog park , hiking with you, and more. They also tend to be a good fit for several dog sports, such as agility, dock diving, obedience, flyball, tracking, and more. A fully-grown Standard Poodle usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. They can be slightly smaller than the usual as the Standard size is denoted by being more than 15 inches tall at the shoulder. A Standard Poodle generally lives years. Featured Standard Poodle Article. What to consider before bringing your poodle home Our Philosophy We believe that standard poodles are loving members of the family. They are excellent companions who are devoted to their people. Poodles have a range of personality traits with varying levels of play drive, retrieve drive, prey drive, and, of course, couch-potato-ness. Most poodles love to play. Average, well-socialized poodles love to go everywhere with their family. The hallmarks of the standard poodle personality are well-rounded athleticism, intelligence, and a will-try-anything attitude that makes for a can-go-anywhere kind of dog. Standard poodles don't shed, are good with with children, and generally interact well with other pets. Just like people, each is unique and comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. Whether it's one of many solid colors, spotted or parti, a brindle, tuxedo, sable, or a phantom pattern, there's a standard poodle for everyone. Poodles need quality time with people and other animals, physical exercise and mental stimulation, quality food, medical care and grooming. Poodles are not outdoor dogs to be left tied up, away from people. Due to their high intelligence and athletic abilities they need something to do, someone to play with, and someone to guide them. If you have any questions about how best to care for your new family member, just ask. We're happy to help! Heart Song Standard Poodles is located just outside of Huntsville, Alabama on 4 acres where the poodles can watch our horses, bark without fear of bothering the neighbors and enjoy the natural outdoors. We strive to improve the breed with each puppy we bring into the world. We focus on temperament, health, diversity, and the breed standard. We carefully select our mothers and fathers, producing happier, healthier dogs in a range of colors. As advances in genetics improve our understanding of health issues, we continually adapt and modify our breeding program to take advantage of the latest science. As professional breeders we breed red, apricot, black, creme, white, brown, parti, phantom, sable, solid colored and brindle standard poodles. This is not written by us but it's how we do things. I thought of you years before you even realized. I planned for and cared about your baby long before you started thinking of adding to your family. I worried about your future with that puppy before you knew there would be one. There were hours upon hours spent researching lines for the parents of your puppies. Going over breeder after breeder, choosing not only my pet but looking for a dog that will make you your pet. Worrying if you'd be happy, if I had chosen correctly and your puppy would grow up healthy and happy. Going over puppy after puppy with fellow breeders, running over my program with as many knowledgeable breeders as I can, determined to not miss anything. Tracing lines back as far as I could, learning the ins and outs not only for my knowledge but so that I was informed, prepared to go over every detail with you, to answer the questions that sometimes you don't even ask. Then there's years of watching your puppies parents grow. Loving them and enjoying them as part of my family. Taking them every where I can, training them, socializing them, watching how they fill out. Asking myself I had made the right choice in both of them. Scrutinizing their conformation, how they move, and their temperament. There was the stress of health testing. Praying not only that my babies were healthy but that they had the genes to make your baby healthy. Finally came the time to put your puppies parents together. For the next 63 days I worried, I obsessed, I grew excited. I watched your puppies mom like a hawk. Making sure my baby was ok, monitoring her diet better than I do my own. Concerned that she was getting enough of the right nutrients and that your growing baby was getting the best start possible. I spent hours on the couch, floor, and dog bed with her watching her tummy grow and anxiously waiting. As your baby and mine grew I laid my hands on her tummy and felt the first movements of your puppy. As the time grew close I spent most nights in the nursery with her. Making sure she didn't go into labor without me knowing, in case something went wrong and one of our babies needed help. When labor started my whole life stopped. I spent every second with her. Your baby was born into my hands and I held my breath as I cleaned them up, watching for movement and breathing, cleaning them up, checking them over, and wondering if you'd love them as much as I already did. I helped your babies brother when mom got tired and he was stuck. I cried when your babies sister didn't make it. For the first 8 weeks most of my life was filled with your baby. Watching them grow and making sure I was doing everything possible to make sure they started their lives the right way. Making sure each one was getting enough to eat, enough socialization time, that they were de-wormed and given their shots. I was the first person they saw when they opened their eyes. I spent my weeks playing with them and keeping them safe. I searched for you and interviewed you. As you spoke I tried to read your character. Would you love them as much as I do? Would you bring them in as part of your family? Would you care for this tiny life that I brought into this world that I am responsible for? Some of you were turned away but some of you were welcomed into our family. The day you took your baby home was harder than I'd ever let on. I was excited for you but I was also terrified. Had I chosen correctly? Were you who you seemed to be? My love and worry didn't end there. I thought about your baby regularly, saddened when I didn't get updates, ecstatic when I did. I hoped you were caring for your baby the way I care for mine. I answered your questions happily and answered them again just as happily to your babies siblings new parents. When your puppies sister ate a couch I stayed up that night she was at the vets, waiting to hear that she was ok. When their brothers parents decided he no longer fit in their life I welcomed him home, sorry that I had chosen wrong for him and promised him it wouldn't happen again. I loved your baby first and I will never stop. Our puppies have been placed all over the United States. They adapt easily to any environment and travel well. We have puppies happily living in downtown Atlanta, Nashville, Miami and other large cities. Some of our puppies live in typical suburban homes, others in a rural setting or on the beach. You must fly with your puppy or drive to pick them up in person. We do not ship puppies. The poodle is also regarded as the national dog of France, where it was once commonly used as a retriever. Many poodles love water starting from a young age. Poodle puppies often play in their water bowls. Poodles also drink from the hose and frolic in the rain. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the poodle who doesn't want to get their feet wet, walks on the sidewalk, and refuses to go out in the rain. This poodle stands in the doorway, sniffs the rain in the air, and looks at you to say, "Do we really need to go out today? Sometimes, a poodle's size is described as teacup or royal standard. These terms are used to describe a very small toy or a large standard poodle, but are not official size categories of poodle. In Europe, there is a fourth size, known as a moyen in France meaning medium or a klein poodle in the rest of Europe. Moyen or klein poodles range between 15 and 20 inches at the shoulder. In the United States, a moyen or klein is considered a small standard poodle. At Heart Song Standard Poodles, we breed standard poodles. A standard poodle is a poodle that is 15 inches or over at the shoulder. Standard poodles can range from the smaller 15 inch to the larger 27 inches or more. The majority of standard poodles are between 45 and 60 pounds. Standard Poodles come in a variety of colors and patterns, including red, black, white, creme, apricot, silver, blue, brown, silver-beige, cafe-au-lait, parti, phantom, tuxedo, abstract, brindle, and sable. Some poodles are solid colored, while others are multi-colored. Multi-colored poodles include parti poodles, phantoms, brindles, and sables. AKC does allow both multi-colored and solid-colored poodles to participate in all other events including obedience, agility, rally, and more. Poodles are classified in the non-sporting group in the AKC. UKC allows both solid colored poodles and multi-colored poodles to be shown in conformation. They allow all poodles to compete in all events. Poodles in the UKC registry are classified in the gun dog group. Dogs that are advertised as merle poodles are not full blooded poodles. The poodle breed has no gene for the merle color. Dogs that are merle colored must have been mixed with another breed, even if it was many generations back. Be careful when anyone claims to have merle poodles. Unfortunately, unsuspecting buyers may purchase a merle puppy thinking it is a purebred poodle. They often pay a premium price because it is advertised as a rare color. Heart Song Poodles Blog Everything poodles, articles and tips on how to care for your poodle. Read our latest news.