german shepherd puppies 6 weeks

We offer 3 separate buildings creating individual spaces for each dog. Every dog has their own door out to their own personal runs. With the owner living on site, Jim himself makes sure the dogs get out at least 4 times a day to run around and do their business at no extra cost. At Von Vinzant we treat your pet like family. History Jim and Doris started this kennel together in because of their love for and experience with dogs. Jim has been breeding German Shepherds with his brother since they were 14 and has been caring for dogs ever since. They bought the kennel in April of and after 6 months of remodeling opened Von Vinzant Kennels. They continue to treat every dog that visits as family. Jim and his wife Doris created a paradise for dogs at Von Vinzant Kennels. Our Dogs We breed and exhibit fine dual-purpose German Shepherd Dogs Our dogs are imported directly from exceptional German bloodlines. We strive for great temperaments and superb performance in competition. All our dogs are OFA certified for healthy hips and elbows. For the complete list please see our German Shepherd Breeders listings by region page. Puppies with show lines are more expensive than others because they have breeding potential. It is important to understand what you are paying for before choosing your new German Shepherd puppy. The price of a single puppy depends on its bloodline genetic background. Show quality dogs with excellent pedigrees tend to be expensive because they could potentially win championships and produce champion offspring in the future. Working line dogs that come from responsibly bred parents also vary in price on their genetic background. When looking for a breeder, it is important to ask questions about the health and temperament of the puppies. A responsible breeder will always have healthy puppies with excellent temperaments. They will also provide a health guarantee and be happy to answer any questions you may have. It is important to remember that not all breeders are created equal. Some breeders are more interested in making money than in the welfare of their dogs. However, there are some great breeders in the state of Washington. Visit Your Washington German Shepherd Breeder in Person When you have found a breeder that you feel comfortable with, it is important to visit them in person. This will allow you to see the breeding stock and meet the parents of the puppies. A good breeder will welcome your visit and be happy to answer any questions you may have. They will also let you take the puppy for a test drive so that you can see how he or she behaves in different environments. Finding a quality German Shepherd puppy is a wonderful addition to any home. With a little bit of research, it is possible to find a responsible breeder who meets all of your needs. A responsible breeder will always provide those who purchase their puppies with references. A good breeder should be happy to give you as many facts and as much information as possible before allowing you to take home one of their puppies. By investing the time and effort now, it will be easier to find a loving pet later on. These conversations should help answer any lingering questions that you may have before bringing home your new German Shepherd puppy. However, there are some great breeders out there that offer full disclosure, health guarantees and references. If you are looking for a quality German Shepherd puppy, it is important to do your research before choosing a breeder. A responsible breeder will always be happy to put you in touch with people who have purchased their puppies in the past. If a breeder refuses to let you speak with past customers, it may be wise to move on and find another breeder. Ask around and talk to as many people as possible. Meeting past customers is a great way to get an idea of what you can expect from the breeder. If a breeder refuses to let you speak with past customers, it may be a red flag. Find another breeder. A good breeder will be happy to answer any questions you may have. When looking for a Washington German Shepherd breeder, one question you should ask is what veterinarian they use. If the breeder does not have a regular veterinarian, this may be a red flag. Because it shows that the breeder is not responsible and does not take the health of their dogs seriously. A good breeder knows the importance of using a good veterinarian. This will help ensure that you find the right dog and the right breeder. A good breeder is passionate about their dogs. They should be more than happy to answer any questions you have during the puppy buying process. If they are not willing to answer your questions, it may be time to move on to another breeder. If you encounter an unethical breeder during the process, you can always report them to the Better Business Bureau or your local animal control agency. A good breeder will be able to tell you about the health of their puppies and will be happy to provide documentation from the veterinarian. If the breeder cannot tell you about the health of their puppies or does not have any documentation from the veterinarian, it may be a red flag. This could mean that the breeder is not taking care of their dogs and is not concerned about the welfare of their puppies. Always ask your breeder for information about the health of your puppy before buying them. This will help ensure that you are getting a healthy dog and that you are working with a breeder. It is also important to have your new puppy checked out by a veterinarian as soon as possible. This will help ensure that they are healthy and that there are no hidden health problems. A good breeder will be able to provide you with information about the health of their puppies and will be happy to answer any questions you have. If you encounter a breeder who is unwilling to answer your questions or is trying to rush the process, it may be time to move on. While they are small, you will need to make sure there are no dangerous objects around that could hurt your new friend. It is also important to get your puppy trained early on. This ensures that they will grow into well-behaved dogs that can be part of your family. While you prepare for the arrival of your new dog, it is important to keep their health in mind as well. A good breeder will provide information about the medical history of their puppies so you know what to expect during their first year with you. A few items you should get: Crate.

Key Takeaways Pro Tip: One in three pets require veterinary treatment each year and vet bills can come to thousands of dollars. Pet insurance can give you peace of mind when your dog gets sick, especially for breeds like the American Bulldog that are prone to certain health conditions. American Bulldog characteristics Physical characteristics American Bulldogs are stocky and muscular dogs. Male Bulldogs are visibly larger and stockier than females and typically grow 22 to 28 inches tall and weigh between 70 and pounds. Female Bulldogs can be 20 to 26 inches tall and weigh from 60 to pounds. The breed is characterized by a large, square head, broad and square muzzle, and powerful jaws. Their eyes are either almond-shaped or round and most commonly brown in color, but some members of the breed can have blue, grey, or hazel eyes. The ears are typically folded forward in a flap and the lips are pendulous. American Bulldogs have a short and soft coat which is typically white with patches of black, brindle, black, red, or shades of gray or brown. Personality The American Bulldog temperament is characterized as brave, loyal, and prepared to protect their owners whenever necessary. American Bulldogs are great with kids and enjoy the company of multiple people. Lifespan American Bulldogs typically live from 10 to 16 years the average lifespan is about .It has the longest life expectancy and fewer genetic health problems. American Bulldog care tips Training and exercise Puppy training classes and early socialization are highly recommended. American Bulldogs need strict routines, good training practices, and positive reinforcement in order to retain proper boundaries. American Bulldogs are very energetic and athletic dogs that require quite a lot of exercise and a wide range of activities that involve a companion, such as hikes, jogs, and tug-of-war games. Regular brushing is needed in order to keep their coat clean and shiny. The ears should be cleaned about once a month, the teeth should be brushed regularly, and the nails should be trimmed every couple of weeks. Nutrition Because American Bulldogs are muscular and very active, they require food that is rich in meat protein and omega-3 fatty acids but low in carbohydrates in order to prevent weight gain. Adult Bulldogs should also be given muscle and joint supplements. Living with Bulldogs As long you keep your American Bulldogs engaged and active, they will be happy in any type of home, be it a family house with a big yard or a city apartment. Be sure your yard is securely fenced so that your dog can run around safely. American Bulldogs can be quite persistent and can easily jump over a fence when chasing a squirrel or a rabbit. Consider creating a busy box or maze to provide enough mental stimulation and prevent boredom which might result in undesirable behavior. When you are not around, be sure to leave interactive toys to keep your Bulldog busy. Common American Bulldog health issues The American Bulldog is generally considered healthy but there are some genetic issues that are common to the breed, such as: Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis NCL, a group of progressive degenerative diseases of the central nervous system. Red skin Recurring skin infections If you notice any of these signs in your American Bulldog, contact your veterinarian for guidance. Feeding your American Bulldog a diet formulated for large-breed dogs as both a puppy and an adult is recommended for optimal growth and wellness. As American Bulldog puppies mature, feeding them two meals a day is recommended. Nutritional Tips for American Bulldogs Avoid feeding your dog table scraps, which may be dangerous to their health. Dogs fed a complete and balanced commercial food diet should not need any nutritional supplements unless recommended by a veterinarian. Because they are so loyal to their family, they can be useful watch dogs that bark to alert you when anything is amiss. A well-trained and socialized American Bulldog will typically get along with other pets and with young children. American Bulldog Behavior American Bulldogs can be watchful over their family and, as with every other dog breed, early training and socialization is vital. They are large, active dogs who need to be kept busy physically and mentally. Playtime and long walks are important for American Bulldogs—though they also enjoy a good afternoon nap. American Bulldog Training American Bulldogs are a large, active breed that require dedicated training. They can pick up training cues quickly, especially when training sessions are done consistently and with positive reinforcement. Fun Activities for American Bulldogs Agility. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic American Bulldog Overview American Bulldogs are generally happy, family-loving dogs that do well in homes where they have plenty of space to roam. A big, fenced-in backyard is practically a must-have for one of these energetic dogs, though exercise needs may vary by specific type and breeding. They may be just fine with urban life, so long as they get plenty of walks, and they can even make good jogging or running buddies. They do not, however, take very well to being left alone for long periods of time, and they can feel cooped up in an apartment. American Bulldogs need experienced owners who can be patient with training and start socialization early. Whether they are used for hunting and farm work or just cuddling up with their humans, the American Bulldog makes for an excellent, loyal companion and a competent watchdog. American Bulldog Highlights Temperament: They are known for their loyalty, protectiveness, and affection toward their families. American Bulldogs are often described as gentle giants, making them good family pets. Intelligence: These dogs are intelligent and trainable, but they can also be strong-willed. Early socialization and consistent, positive reinforcement training are crucial to ensure they grow into well-behaved adults. Exercise Needs: American Bulldogs are an active breed that requires regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy activities like daily walks, playtime, and even agility training. Lifespan: The average lifespan of an American Bulldog is around 10 to 15 years, depending on genetics, diet, and overall care. Family Compatibility: American Bulldogs can make excellent family pets when raised in a loving and consistent environment. They are known for their patience with children and are protective of their human family members. Guardian Instinct: Due to their protective nature, American Bulldogs can be good guard dogs. They are naturally watchful and alert, which makes them capable of providing security. These two lines may have slight differences in appearance and temperament. Always check local laws and regulations before acquiring one of these dogs. American Bulldog History The ancestor of the American Bulldog is the Old English Bulldog, which was brought to North America by working class immigrants who wanted to keep their working dogs to help on the farms. Rather than being concerned with maintaining breed purity or certain genetic traits, early farmers bred the dogs with the best working qualities for all-around farm work. Wild pigs were an invasive species not native to the American south that had no natural predators, and the strong jaws and muscular build of the American Bulldog was perfect for hunting them down. They were originally used in the barbaric sport of bull baiting. By the end of World War II, the American Bulldog was almost extinct until a few breeders scoured the south for specimens to revive the breed. Today, the American Bulldog is in no danger of extinction and is mostly a family-friendly companion. Adorable American Bulldog puppies will grow to 20 to 28 inches in height and 60 to pounds by the time they reach adulthood. Although these sizes are considered to be standard for the breed, American Bulldogs can be quite a bit larger or smaller. American Bulldog Personality American Bulldogs are friendly, intelligent, and affectionate , though that affectionate nature often leads them to be territorial and overly suspicious of strangers. This makes them lovely family dogs and watchdogs, even for families with children, but they will need socialization training, especially as puppies to get along with unfamiliar humans or other dogs that stop by for a visit. Luckily, their intelligence makes them highly adaptable and trainable. The American Bulldog is a playful breed that has some high exercise needs, and they do well in families that are able to stay active with lots of walks and play time. They can develop in American Bulldogs and may require surgical removal for treatment. It can lead to itching, hair loss, and skin irritation. Treatment typically involves medicated baths and sometimes oral medications. This can lead to weight gain, lethargy, skin issues, and other health problems. It is usually managed with lifelong medication. It can lead to lameness and discomfort, and severe cases may require surgical intervention. Elbow Dysplasia : Elbow dysplasia is another developmental disorder affecting the elbows. It can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis in the affected limb. Treatment may involve medication, weight management, and in some cases, surgery to correct the condition. American Bulldog Care Most of the care that is necessary for the health of an American Bulldog is meeting their needs for exercise and mental stimulation. Failing to do so can result in anxiety, boredom, and destructive behavior. So long as those needs are met, the rest is fairly standard. Maintain normal vet visits, check their ears weekly, keep up with monthly nail clipping and normal dental care. One of the issues you may face is the potential for drooling that is common among bully breeds. You should take care to wipe your dog as needed unless you want a generous amount of slobber all over your home. American Bulldog Feeding An American Bulldog diet should be formulated for a large to giant breed, and their high energy level should be taken into consideration. Their needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood. You should discuss with them how to form an appropriate diet for your dog. Traditionally they are white with patches of brindle, red, or black, but there are quite a few more color variations to the breed in modern times. They may have patterns that include shades of black, red, brindle, brown, or fawn. American Bulldogs usually have black on the nose and the rims of the eyes, but they may also have shades of pink. Their eye color is usually brown. Although these are breed standards, some American Bulldogs have been known to be merle or have coats that contain shades of blue. Weekly brushing should keep it under control with baths as needed. So long as they are trained properly, American Bulldogs are great with children and are very loyal to all members of the family. It is also important to train children on how to properly handle and treat animals to avoid incident. American Bulldogs are large animals, and overly energetic play can cause injuries. The same can be said for interactions with other pets. So long as American Bulldogs are socialized and trained, they usually get along with other dogs just fine. Play should be supervised, especially with smaller dogs that can easily get hurt when playing with a large, muscular American Bulldog. You can also check local shelters near you, or you can use our adoption page that lets you search by breed and zip code for adoptable dogs. American Bulldog Breed Organizations Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have health problems and behavioral issues. More Info For You. The same goes for ongoing costs of ownership. For advice on one specific dog, we always advise chatting with a vet. How much exercise do American Bulldogs need? American Bulldogs are a very active breed and will need over 1 hour of exercise per day. A shorter one in the morning is fine but make sure that they can have a nice long walk later in the day. We advise walking them during cooler times of the day and having plenty of water handy, as Bulldogs are known to struggle in the heat. To keep them happy and healthy, take them to a secure environment where they can run off-lead, with lots of interesting things to see and sniff. American Bulldog dietary needs Your American Bulldog will need a balanced diet rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Growing pups may prefer smaller servings during the day, rather than two larger meals. This can be reduced to two meals a day as your dog gets older. The recommended portion size will depend on your individual dog. To avoid weight gain, make sure your American Bulldog has a healthy and balanced diet and gets plenty of exercise. Training: how to train an American Bulldog Training an American Bulldog will often require the patience and understanding of an experienced owner. As is the case with all breeds, American Bulldogs will start to approach new experiences with caution when they are around 12 weeks old. Whilst they are still so young and receptive, it's a good idea to introduce your bulldog to other dogs, people and livestock as well as car travel and unfamiliar noises, such as traffic. Grooming: do American Bulldogs shed? American Bulldogs are low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Thanks to their short, dense coat, a quick brush once a week will suffice. You should only need to bathe your bulldog when they get muddy. Complete your American Bulldogs grooming routine with regular tooth brushing , nail clips and ear checks. Cost of owning an American Bulldog When considering the lifetime cost of owning an American Bulldog, remember to take into account the following costs:. Their personalities are easy to love; they have a confident demeanor and are known for their almost clown-like antics when excited, making them an excellent family companion. This breed is quite family-oriented but may be distant with strangers at first. Their characteristic aloofness to outsiders helps make them great guard dogs. With consistent training and established rules and boundaries, this powerful pup can learn with the best of them. As a working breed, they were known for their wild pig and cattle catching abilities, making them indispensable on southern ranches in the US. Grooming Hurray for easy care! Make sure your vet gives your pup a professional cleaning every year, too. Be sure to put nail trimming every couple of weeks and ear cleaning monthly is usually enough on the grooming menu, too. And as for baths, plan on a bath about once a month or so. You may be able to just use your nose. If you detect an unpleasant odor eww! Training When it comes to training, an American Bulldog puppy needs a confident pup parent who uses positive reinforcement to teach various skills, such as how to walk nicely on a leash and come when called. Start training your American Bulldog puppy early to get them used to the ropes. Once you understand what works for them, training becomes easy. Remember: American Bulldogs are smart. These social interactions give your dog a chance to explore a variety of environments and social situations. Feed your puppy large-breed puppy kibble for their first 14 months to support slow but consistent growth. Skip food or supplements with calcium until your pooch is fully grown and eating an adult diet. The added calcium could disrupt healthy bone development. Treats are an essential part of training and a great way to show your pup you love them. However, too many treats can lead to a tubby pup, so check with your vet if you need help figuring out a proper treat-to-mealtime ratio. Exercise Even though they have a moderate energy level, an American Bulldog needs a lot of exercise. And exercise is important to keep your dog out of trouble. If they have unused energy, an American Bulldog will resort to destructive behaviors to release that energy, like chewing on your favorite pair of shoes. This athletic dog benefits greatly from structured walks and play to work the mind and their muscular build. As a puppy parent, strive to offer non-impact movement such as hiding balls in the yard or offering a puzzle toy, as these games lower the risk of joint and bone damage early on. Get out of the house twice a day or more if your young dog is up for it for playtime and walks that last between 20 and 30 minutes. Trainers often suggest skipping the dog park because structured play is more difficult in this setting. Instead, get creative with activities. Think: fetch, tug-of-war with a rope toy or a chewy option filled with something delicious. You may even try lower-impact dog sports like agility or nose work. Both are an excellent way to keep your pup mentally and physically engaged. Remember, a happy dog is a tired dog! Ideal Environment Both city and country homes will suit the American Bulldog as long as you can offer lots of exercise and playtime. Still, families with kids are a good match for this protective and intelligent breed. A structured day with regular walks and chances to play with a variety of toys is the best environment for the American Bulldog. Staving off boredom is paramount, and, of course, no animal likes to be home alone for a long time. When considering the American Bulldog as a pet, bear in mind that training is the key to their success, especially when adding this breed to a home with kids or other dogs. Pup parents need to be aware of some of these issues so they can help their dog live the healthiest life possible. Joint Dysplasia: This joint abnormality is seen in the hips and elbows, and a dog with dysplasia may run, jump and climb less than usual. Most often, the issue is a rupture or partial tear. Cherry Eye: Did you know dogs have a third eyelid? Bone Cancer: Often found in the long bones arms, legs , the cause for this condition is unknown, though vets feel it may have a genetic or environmental component. Deafness: Deafness, which can occur in one or both ears, may be acquired via drug exposure or infection. But deafness could also be hereditary and is linked to dogs with light coats and eyes. Acquired deafness is usually permanent but may improve over time without intervention. A special diet may be the treatment or medications, depending on the cause. Spinal Issues: Degenerative myelopathy DM is often genetic in nature and affects the spinal cord, leading to weakness and hind limb paralysis. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis: NCL is an inherited, progressive and rare neurological disorder that starts showing up between 1 and 2 years of age. The most obvious symptom is behavioral changes in the dog, and the pup will usually lose coordination and eyesight. It can be discovered through a DNA test, and at this time, there are no treatments. This proud pup carries an imported pedigree, having been brought over from across the pond as a descendant of the English Bulldog, which was originally bred for bull baiting. Thankfully, this horrific sport was outlawed in England in .Back in the 17th century, early settlers packed these working dogs with them for service on farms and ranches. The American Bulldog became a utility player, stepping in to accomplish many tasks, such as guarding livestock and catching cattle and feral pigs. In fact, were it not for their success as an excellent catch dog in the southern states, we might not know the breed today. John D. Johnson and Alan Scott were able to breed the last few native American Bulldogs in the southern US, resulting in two types the Scott type and the Johnson type that thrive today. These breeds differ in appearance; the Johnson American Bulldog sports a bigger, stronger build, a larger head and short muzzle, and the Scott American Bulldog has more lithe features, such as an athletic, small-boned frame and a longer muzzle. Are you looking to add an American Bulldog as a family member? Check out the AKC puppy finder to find a reputable breeder. You can also seek out local American Bulldog rescues to find a worthy, loving dog to call your own, or keep an eye out for the breed at your local shelter. FAQs Do American bulldogs shed? Yes, American Bulldogs shed, albeit lightly and seasonally. Are American Bulldogs Pitbulls? Are American Bulldogs aggressive? American Bulldogs may be aggressive toward other dogs, particularly unfamiliar ones of the same sex, in part because of their protective and somewhat dominant nature. But with consistent training and early socialization, this breed is considered a loving family dog that does well with kids and other pets. How long do American Bulldogs live? American Bulldogs can have a generous life span, often living between 10 and 12 years. Providing your dog with the proper diet and exercise can help your pup live a full life. What are the most popular American Bulldog names? Get more dog names here. What are the most common American Bulldog mixes? Families of all kinds admire this agile, athletic breed and count themselves lucky to own such a loving, loyal pet. Female Names. They know how to finish a task, and they hope you'll appreciate it. They're brawny and well-built, they have incredible stamina, and they'll be at your side if you're out in the fields, in the woods, or hiking a rocky trail. They also enjoy cuddling. With a family, they're naturally loyal. Their hindquarters are narrow and lifted with sculpted haunches. They have a high, thin tail like a rudder and a long back. Standing about 2 feet at the shoulder, their broad, square head is positioned on a solid neck. With a quick glance, it's almost as though most of their 60— pounds is in the front of the body, but that's just because their burly chest ripples with strength and their forelegs are set wide apart. They have a prominent forehead, and their dainty upside-down, V-shaped ears drape on either side of their cap. They have soft, round brown eyes. Most American bulldogs are white or have a white base coat usually marked with black, brown, brindle, or tan. Their fur is short and neat. Temperament The American bulldog temperament is quite silly when excited or happy, and these dogs will clown around to make their human companions laugh. Your lap is often their favorite spot, regardless of how much oomph they have. They love to frolic and play, especially fetching and tug-of-war, and they'll spring many feet into the air after a Frisbee or another flying toy. They're so intelligent , it's easy to be enthusiastic about training to help them grow into effective hunters or well-mannered family dogs. American bulldog puppies need early socialization and consistent training , and mental and physical stimulation for bullies of all ages is a must. They were bred to do good work, and some of their job titles include feral hog wrangler, hunting dog , livestock herder, personal protection canine, and ranch hand. When a working dog is bored, their impish charm might toe the line, and they're more likely to engage in undesirable behaviors such as digging , chewing, and barking. Birt says new American bulldog owners need to be knowledgeable and vigilant! Include your American bulldog in any exercise you do. This helps them see you as the leader, and they'll jump for joy—literally! They're naturally wary of strangers and may need some extra association with your children's friends so they recognize their play together as non-threatening. Early and consistent socialization will help your American bulldog be more comfortable around new people. Living Needs As long as American bulldogs are kept active and engaged, they'll do well on a farm, in a house with a big yard, or in an apartment with a large-animal dog park nearby. As long as they're not left alone for too long, they're adaptable. Because American bulldogs crave activity and stimulation, potential owners should first talk with a veterinarian to determine if this bulldog's exercise needs match their lifestyles. All dogs benefit from early, positive socialization so they can learn to work well with their owners and children, and this is true for an American bulldog, too. Though he lives happily with animals he's known since puppyhood, Birt says he might get a little grumpy if his four-legged sibling tries to play with his toys or eat all his food. An American bulldog's temperament is so persistent, he'll probably dash through invisible fencing, especially if he's chasing a rabbit or squirrel. Tall plank fencing is a good option and hard for these dogs to jump over. Creating a maze or a busy box to provide mental stimulation is a terrific problem-solving activity to eliminate boredom and avoid undesirable behavior. Something simple, like tossing wads of crumpled newspaper across the floor with little treats hidden underneath, helps keep your American bulldog happy and engaged. When you're not around, he'll love interactive toys to keep him busy. Care There's no need to spend a lot of time spiffing up an American bulldog—he's a naturally handsome breed. Weekly brushing controls moderate shedding and spreads essential oils through his coat to keep it healthy. But you might need to give him an extra comb-through when spring and fall seasonal shedding picks up. They only need baths when they're dirty , and that's a good time to trim their nails and check and clean their ears , too. Regular home dental care is important, not only for healthy teeth and fresh breath but also because they have a tendency to slobber a lot, especially after eating and drinking. Their cute facial folds need cleaning throughout the day. Most types of bulldogs, including the American, are a bit gassy. A veterinarian can explain how their particular anatomy affects digestion and what diets minimize flatulence. Health An American bulldog's lifespan is 10—12 years, and they're generally healthy and robust. But as a brachycephalic or flat-faced breed , they're prone to overheating, and you have to take action quickly. According to the American Bulldog Association ABA , this breed can also develop elbow or hip dysplasia , a condition where the joint doesn't properly form. This results in a loose joint and, if untreated, osteoarthritis. The ABA also says American bulldogs can also develop two diseases: Ichthyosis: This is a skin disorder resulting from a genetic mutation. In less-severe cases, the dog has flaky skin and requires more frequent bathing and oiling to be comfortable. In severe cases, your pup will be itchy and need almost daily bathing and oiling. American bulldogs can also develop allergies , so talk to your veterinarian if you notice your dog excessively itching. Canine Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis NCL : This is a deadly, incurable condition where a dog loses control of his hindquarters, eventually resulting in him not being able to move. According to the ABA, signs of the condition begin appearing when a pup is about 2 years old. The good news: both of these conditions are detectable with genetic testing. Make sure your American bulldog breeder conducts all health screenings recommended by the OFA. If you're adopting through an American bulldog rescue, ask for all available health information. History American bulldogs' ancestry began in the English countryside, where they were often found in butcher shops. When laborers immigrated to the American colonies in the 17th century, they brought their stout working dogs with them. According to the ABA, this breed was originally known as the English white bulldog or the white English bulldog because of their mostly white coats, even though they didn't have the typical "sourmug" face of their English cousins. American bulldogs almost faded away after World War II, but breeders John Johnson and Alan Scott each worked to improve the animals' family sociability and guarding skills. Now, there are two primary strains of American bulldogs, and those with Johnson's traits are a little larger and more athletic than canines Scott's line. This breed is sometimes confused with pit bulls, but there are some things prospective owners need to know about American bulldogs vs. For one, the term "pit bull" in the U. But pit bulls are recognized as their own breed by the United Kennel Club. While both can be loving and rambunctious dogs, the American bulldog always has a white base for their coat, while pit bulls can be almost any color. They also have different lineages—American bulldogs descend from mastiffs , and pit bulls from various terriers, including American Staffordshire terriers and Staffordshire bull terriers —although some breed historians believe there's a little bulldog mixed in. Fun Facts American bulldogs can jump more than 3 feet in the air. Some have been known to bounce as high as 7 feet! American bulldogs have spent a lot of time on the big screen. Steve Martin's movies Cheaper by the Dozen and Cheaper by the Dozen 2 featured an American bulldog as the family companion. The couple also trained him for his movie debut. Was this page helpful? Dog domestic dog The American Bulldog is a large, muscular breed of mastiff-type that was used as stock dogs, catch dogs, and guardians on farms and ranches. John D. Johnson and Alan Scott are widely regarded as the forefathers of rescuing the breed from extinction. Small farmer and ranch owners used this all-around working dog for many tasks including farm guardians, stock dogs, and catch dogs. These dogs were not a bona fide breed by modern standards as was the case for most other dogs; kennel clubs and breed registries did not exist until , [6] at least two centuries after the Old English Bulldog first migrated to America. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Old English Bulldog had many different strains for cattle-droving, bull-baiting , farm dogs, and butcher's dogs. In America, no records remain, but rather landrace strains are acknowledged that initially depended on where a dog's master originated in England, the majority of which were bred to work as evidenced by accounts of the age in local newspapers and written inventories upon death. Later, breeding decisions were dependent on the best working farm dogs, despite breed or background. Later, in states such as Texas, several separate strains of the " bulldog "-type dogs were kept by ranchers as utilitarian working dogs. Other dogs in time became guard dogs on plantations. The bulldogs were the settlers' only means of sufficiently dealing with the vermin. Johnson scoured the backroads of the South looking for the best specimens to revive the breed. During this time, a young Alan Scott grew an interest in Johnson's dogs and began to work with him on the revitalization process. At another point, Johnson began crossing his original lines with an atavistic English Bulldog from the North that had maintained its genetic athletic vigor, creating the Bully type American Bulldog, also known as the Johnson type or the Classic type. All over the world, they are used variously as "hog dogs" catching escaped hogs or hunting feral pigs , as cattle drovers, and as working or sport K-9s. American Bulldogs also successfully compete in several dog sports such as dog obedience , Schutzhund , French Ring, Mondioring, Iron Dog competition, and weight pulling. The shoulders and chest tend to be the most muscular parts of the American Bulldog. Its coat is short and generally smooth, requiring little maintenance except a bath every few weeks. The breed is a light to moderate shedder. Colors, while historically predominantly white with patches of red, black, or brindle, have grown in recent years to include many color patterns, including black, red, brown, fawn, and all shades of brindle. Black pigmentation on the nose and eye rims is traditionally preferred, with only some pink allowed. Eye color is usually brown, but heterochromia also occurs, although this is also considered a cosmetic fault. American Bulldogs are known to drool more than other breeds of dogs. The Bully type is generally a larger, heavier dog with a shorter muzzle, but the muzzle should never be so short that it causes difficulty with breathing. Standard types are generally more athletic with longer muzzles and a more square head. Many modern American Bulldogs are a combination of the two types, usually termed "hybrid". In general, American Bulldogs weigh between 27 and 54 kg 60 to lb and are 52 to 70 cm 20 to 28 in at the withers , but have been known to greatly exceed these dimensions, especially in the "out of standard" nonworking stock. Temperament and characteristics[ edit ] This section contains instructions, advice, or how-to content. The purpose of Wikipedia is to present facts, not to train. Please help improve this article either by rewriting the how-to content or by moving it to Wikiversity , Wikibooks or Wikivoyage. August An American Bulldog at guard dog training American Bulldogs are typically confident, social, ebullient, and lively dogs that are at ease with their families. They are not as friendly, however, with people they do not know; their ancestors were farm dogs that guarded the home, the livestock, and the children when their master was away. That said, they do not have the affinity for water a retriever would: they swim if they have to do it, not because they particularly enjoy it. However, they also prize the breed having a soft, affectionate inner nature. Some health problems in American bulldogs are often found within certain genetic lines, and are not common to the entire breed, while others, such as neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis NCL , [25] Ichthyosis , disorders of the kidney and thyroid, ACL tears, hip dysplasia , cherry eye , elbow dysplasia , entropion , ectropion , and bone cancer are more common to the general population of American Bulldogs. Some American Bulldogs are prone to allergies. Due to the ideal of beauty regarding the shape of the face the skull malformation brachycephaly was increased by breeding selection. American Bulldogs in popular culture[ edit ] This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. February .Your browser does not support the audio tag. Description The very muscular, sturdy and powerful, yet compact frame of the American Bulldog remains higher on the leg, more agile and swifter than its English counterpart. Some individuals are reportedly able to leap six or more feet into the air. Males are characteristically stockier and heavier boned than the more refined females. The head is large with strong jaws. Agile and light on his feet, the chest is wide and moderately deep, giving the sense of athletic ability and power. The neck is muscular, tapering from the shoulders to the head and may have a slight dewlap. The head is square, large and broad with muscular cheeks relatively in proportion to the size and overall structure of the dog. There is a defined furrow between the rounded eyes, with a distinct, sharply defined, deep stop. The strong muzzle is broad and square. The preferred bite is reverse scissors, but a moderate underbite, scissors or even bite are acceptable. A variety of ear types are acceptable including cropped, rose, half-pricked and forward flap. Uncropped ears are preferred in the American Bulldog Breeders Association standard. Eyes are most often brown, but can come in any color. They sometimes have split eyes, where one eye is brown and the other eye is blue. Black eye rims are preferred on white dogs. Pink eye rims are considered a fault according to the written standard. The nose is black, red, brown or grizzle; black is the preferred color according to the standard. In black-nosed dogs, the preferred lip color is black, though some pink is permitted. The lips should be full but not too loose. The front legs are heavy-boned, strong and straight. The hindquarters should be very broad and thick with well-defined muscles. The tail is low-set, begins thick at the base, and tapers to a point. The coat is smooth and short, and comes in all shades of brindle including red brindle, varying degrees of white, red, brown, tan, fawn and piebald. Temperament The American Bulldog is loyal, reliable, brave and determined. Not a hostile dog. Alert and self-confident, this breed genuinely loves children. It is known for its acts of heroism toward its master. It has strong protective instincts, and needs a firm, confident, consistent pack leader. Well-socialize and obedience train them at an early age, to prevent them from becoming reserved with strangers. Without that strong-minded pack leader who can tell the dog what is expected of it, it may be aggressive with other dogs. They need to be around people and know their place in their pack to be truly happy. This breed tends to drool and slobber. Without enough daily mental and physical exercise they will become high strung and may become hard to handle. Height, Weight Height: Males 22 - 28 inches 55 - 70 cm Females 20 - 26 inches 52 - 65 cm Weight: Males 70 - pounds 32 - 54 kg Females 60 - pounds 27 - 45 kg Health Problems Prone to hip dysplasia. Living Conditions The American Bulldog will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. Exercise The American Bulldog should be taken on a long daily walk. Life Expectancy. American Bulldog Traits General Appearance Though they can vary in size and appearance depending on which line or strain they came from, American Bulldogs are typically stocky and well-built. The Johnson type American Bulldog is a large dog with a shorter muzzle, whereas the Scott type is smaller with a longer muzzle. Coat and Coloring The American Bulldog may be solid white or white with all shades of brindle i. Blue eyes can occur, but they are not common. Distinctive Physical Traits American Bulldogs have large heads, powerful jaws, and beefy builds that include a deep, broad chest, broad back, and muscular shoulders. American Bulldog Temperament American Bulldogs often serve as guard, hunting, and working dogs. They require daily mental and physical activity to prevent hyperactivity and undesirable behaviors. American Bulldogs also need firm, consistent obedience training and socialization to be friendly toward strangers and easy to control in all situations. As such, this breed is best for experienced dog owners. American Bulldogs can be wary of cats and other small pets and may react to strange dogs—especially those of the same sex. And there have been incidents of American Bulldog aggression toward other pets or people. But you can reduce the risk of such events through early socialization. Experts believe Bulldogs arrived in the United States as early as the 17th century, along with immigrant farmers and ranchers who put them to work as farm guardians protecting livestock , stock dogs herding livestock , and catch dogs catching and holding mature livestock for slaughter. By the late s, the Bulldogs approached extinction. But thanks to breeding programs set up by John D. Johnson and Alan Scott, the American Bulldog survived. There are now two American Bulldog types named after the breeders: the Johnson, also known as the classic or bully type, and the Scott, which is sometimes called the standard or performance type. The American Bulldog Association started in .And a year later, the United Kennel Club recognized the breed in the working class. American Bulldog Care Nutrition American Bulldogs need a high-quality diet formulated for large dogs. To ensure slow and steady growth, they should eat large-breed puppy food for the first 14 months of life. And you should not feed them foods with added calcium until they are eating adult food. Grooming Grooming American Bulldogs is relatively easy. Their coats are fine and glossy, with moderate shedding. That means the breed needs only occasional brushing, and baths can typically wait until they get into something messy. Exercise The American Bulldog is an athletic breed. Otherwise, bone and joint damage are possible. Adult Bulldogs, on the other hand, can enjoy a range of invigorating activities—from jogs, hikes, and tug-a-war games to training exercises. American Bulldogs often struggle when left alone for long periods. The boredom of solitude may drive them to develop a variety of behavior problems—such as chewing or digging. Meeting their needs for physical and mental stimulation can help prevent this. If exposed to good training practices, other dogs, and a variety of people, your American Bulldog will likely grow to be a well-mannered, manageable adult. American Bulldog Genetic Health Conditions.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Shipping is available if you are not within driving distance. Welcome to North Georgia Labradoodles! We are a small family breeder of Labradoodles located in Northeast Georgia. We are a mother and daughter team and have been breeding top quality dogs for years. We aquired our first labradoodle in and fell head-over-heels in love with the Labradoodle temperment. We raise our sweet Labradoodles right here in our home where they can get the love and socialization that they need. Our dogs share our home, occupy our couches, our laps and our beds. Our dogs are not simply a business, they are cherished members of the family. We focus on raising beautiful, loving, healthy, intelligent, allergy and asthma-friendly companions for you and your family. All puppies are raised in our home with individual love and socialization. Our parents are health tested and our puppies come with a one year health guarantee. North Georgia Labradoodles breeds standard-sized, multi-generational Labradoodles. Our puppies are bred for temperament, health, personality and — of course — looks! Yes, these puppies are incredibly adorable, but beauty is not the only thing that makes them special. Their cuteness, combined with their inherent intelligence and gentle temperament, makes these puppies completely irresistible. We think that starts with the parents. We health test before choosing our breeding dogs to ensure the healthiest puppies possible. We test using PawPrint Genetics. Click below to view the testing and results. Although the beautiful curls and waves of a Labradoodle alone can convince almost anyone to adopt them, there are various additional reasons that make Labradoodle puppies the best dog breed to adopt and take home. Physical Appearance Being a crossbreed, Labradoodles come in multiple types of fur or coat such as wavy coat, wool coat, and curly fleece coats. In addition to the coat, Labradoodles are available in three different sizes: Standard, Medium, and Miniature. Moreover, the variety of colors in which Labradoodles are available range from black, chocolate, apricot to cream, gold, and silver, making them one of the most attractive dog breeds. Adaptability Labradoodles are one of those dog breeds that can live anywhere, given that they receive a lot of care from you. They can tolerate high heat as well as cold temperatures. Also, if you live in an apartment with limited space, you can still have a Labradoodle as your pet. Hypoallergenic The ability of a Labradoodle to shed a minimal amount of hair during any season makes them one of the most desirable dogs, especially among people who are mildly allergic to dog fur. Moreover, the low shedding of fur also makes them require less maintenance. Also, since Labradoodles love water, it would make it easier for you to clean and groom them. So, if you suffer from mild allergies, then you can consider having a Labradoodle as your companion dog and enjoy its friendly as well as protective temperament. However, since they have high energy levels, you should take them for walks and exercise daily. Labradoodles are a big fan of water so you can take them for swimming as well. Moreover, Labradoodles are highly intelligent and can grasp any instruction given to them quickly. You can easily train them to be guard dogs as they are loyal and have a protective temperament towards their owners and family. Service And Therapy Dogs Labradoodles are considered to be one of the friendliest breeds due to which they make amazing service, therapy, and guard dogs. They are gentle, outgoing, playful, loyal, and protective at the same time. Most importantly, Labradoodles get along with children, elders, other dogs, and cats as well. So, if you or anyone in your house needs a support dog or a dog that could guide them through their day-to-day activities, you should consider adopting a Labradoodle puppy. Therefore, you can adopt Labradoodles from the four best Labradoodle Breeders in Atlanta mentioned above. Labradoodles would not only shower you with their cuteness and love but would also help you get through your day-to-day activities by always being there for you. They are hypoallergenic, gentle, and friendly, making them one of the best dog breeds to have as a pet. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and adopt the Labradoodle puppies in Atlanta. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. View fullsize Both our chocolate Labradoodle and our Poodle are beautiful dogs with excellent temperaments. They are our family pets. Because we begin with a Labradoodle and a Poodle, rather than a Lab and a Poodle, our puppies are much more likely to have the non-shedding Poodle coat. A F1b Labradoodle has been back-crossed to a poodle in an effort to insure a non-shedding coat. Even though most f1b Labradoodles shed very little or not all, it is impossible to guarantee that any dog even doodles or purebred poodles will not shed at all. Hypo- means less hypothermia is having a lower than normal body temperature. No dog can be said to be completely non-allergenic. Studies have shown that doodles are less likely to cause allergies, particularly f1b doodles. The ideal is to keep as much of the Lab head shape and super-friendly personality as possible while getting the non-shedding Poodle coat as well as the dignified, less vocal characteristics of the Poodle. Our Labradoodle methodology is quite simple. First, we get quality dogs. This is why we wanted to have pick of the litter for our Labradoodle and our Poodle and why we only obtained puppies from reputable breeders that we knew we could trust. Second, we try to treat our dogs Labradoodle and Poodle well. We feed our Labradoodle and Poodle high quality food with plenty of protein, and give them wonderful socialization and opportunities for exercise. We have 12 acres along the Enoree River with trails, additional property next to a Greenville state park, and property on Lake Hartwell giving us the opportunity to take the dogs kayaking. We recognize the importance of socializing young Labradoodle puppies so they will not be fearful as they mature. Our Labradoodle puppies have lots of opportunities to play with our children, and water games are definitely on top of the list. Labradoodles love the water and so do my kids, as you can see below. Third, we try to find appropriate families for our Chocolate Labradoodle puppies. To learn more about our process, check out this resource that gives a step-by-step guide between the application to receiving your puppy! A Chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle is not for everyone, and a puppy is not for everyone. If your family is not prepared for a Labradoodle puppy financially, time investment, etc. When can you get your puppy? Because we have only one Labradoodle mother and a couple guardian homes , puppies are available only occasionally. Contact us nathan crockettdoodles. We have a flexible waiting list and offer your deposit back if we do not have the ideal Labradoodle puppy for you within a certain window of time. Sometimes with mini Labradoodles we prefer to wait until they are a little older than 8 weeks because accidents tend to happen more easily with really small puppies. We will take several pictures of you with your Labradoodle puppy. We will send you the pictures for free place them on a USB thumb drive for you , and you will have full copyright privileges to all of the pictures to use at your discretion. You have the option of whether or not the photos appear here on the ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Although we never ship puppies, we will sometimes personally deliver puppies for a reasonable fee. Why should you consider getting a Chocolate Labradoodle from us? If a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy is right for your family, and if you are within driving distance of Greenville, SC, you may want to consider getting a chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle from us. If you read our Labradoodle puppy methodology and like what you read, you should consider adopting one of our puppies. We have a three-year health guarantee on each of our puppies if the forever home continues to feed TLC one year health guarantee on all others. How can you get a Chocolate Labradoodle or Labradoodle mini from us? If you think your family would be a good match for one of our Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppies, then start the conversation by emailing us at nathan crockettdoodles. You will have full access to all pictures and hold the copyright to make as many pictures as you desire. You keep all the pictures. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality collar. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality leash. We give you a bag of high quality dog food. We believe that you should give your new Labradoodle puppy or mini Labradoodle puppy the best food. Instructional materials about crate training and house training. Our goal is to do everything we can to assist in the house training and crate training process. A Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy or any puppy cannot be completely reliable in the house until the puppy is about 6 months old. The simple point is that no matter what some breeders tell you you will be partially involved in the house training process unless you buy an older Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle , but we want to help you with that process. A one-year health guarantee; extended to three years for all who continue to feed TLC. We are concerned with finding really good homes for our Labradoodle and mini Labradoodle puppies. Labradoodle Color To see a list of available colors, check out this page. At ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Ultimately we cannot completely control the color of puppies. Even though chocolate is the most desirable color, we sometimes have puppies of other colors even occasional merles. These puppies, will of course, also make excellent pets. These non-chocolate Labradoodle puppies are also available to great families, but we know that Chocolate Labradoodles are the most desirable. The Labrador Retriever has a short coat that sheds. By breeding the F1 Labradoodle back to an unrelated Poodle, the chances of getting the highly desirable non-shedding Poodle coat increase exponentially. Some F1B Labradoodles are bred back another time to a Poodle in an effort to guarantee a Poodle coat. If high quality dogs are chosen to breed that have the head shape of a Labrador Retriever it is possible to get a puppy that is very similar in many ways to a Labrador, but has the beautiful non-shedding Poodle coat. Both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are highly intelligent dogs, helping Labradoodles excel in smarts, train-ability, and a general desire to always please their owner. If you desire a family-friendly, kid loving, medium energy dog that is comfortable inside or outside, that loves the water and the land, you should definitely consider a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle. For more info about Labradoodle puppies or mini Labradoodle puppies, please email nathan crockettdoodles. Check out our sister site miniLabradoodlePuppies. We specialize in Chocolate Labradoodles and mini Labradoodles, but often we have other colors as well. Occasionally someone travels from Atlanta, Columbia, Raleigh-Durham or Knoxville, but our proximity to North Carolina and the popularity of Labradoodles in North Carolina make Charlotte and Asheville our most serviced locations. We also have some who are interested from distant states, but we primarily serve the Southeast U. Look no further! Our top-rated breeding facility is within driving distance of Atlanta, offering easy access to our lovingly-raised and well-socialized puppies. At our breeding facility, we specialize in breeding high-quality Australian Labradoodles. Our puppies are carefully selected and bred for their friendly temperament, hypoallergenic coat, and intelligence. We prioritize the health and well-being of our puppies, providing them with socialization and individual attention. As an Australian Labradoodle breeder within driving distance of the Atlanta Georgia GA area, we offer convenient access to our facility, where you can meet our puppies and choose the one that best fits your family's needs. We have a wide range of puppies to choose from, including different colors, sizes, and temperaments, ensuring that you can find the perfect furry friend for your family. With our focus on customer satisfaction and excellent customer service, we are confident that you will have an amazing adoption experience with us. Our dedication to our puppies and their well-being is second to none, and we take pride in helping families find the perfect addition to their homes. Contact us today to schedule a visit to our facility and meet our beautiful puppies. We can't wait to help you find your perfect furry companion! Our free litter notification email is the perfect way to stay up-to-date on our latest and greatest litters of adorable labradoodle puppies! Follow Along on Social Media! Popular Links. Home SkyeDoodles Austrailian Labradoodles. Breeding for excellence. At SkyeDoodles, we breed the finest quality bloodlines of Multi-generational Australian Labradoodles. We are a small family breeder just outside Atlanta, Georgia. Our breeding dogs live in our home or with a special hand-picked Guardian Family with whom the dog has been loved and cared for since the age of eight weeks. If you are looking for a gorgeous, healthy, intelligent, athletic, loving family companion who is allergy friendly and non-shedding, then a Skyedoodle is for you! All of our breeding dogs undergo extensive health testing for genetic diseases for which the highest standards must be met before a dog is qualified for breeding at Skyedoodles. Great care is placed on puppy socialization, the highest quality of grain free and raw food, vitamins, and of course a lot of love! See our available puppies. At Skyedoodles we value our clients. We understand how important it is to find the right puppy for your family. We work with every person individually, whether it is finding the right candidate for a future service dog or your new family member. See our beautiful expecting couples, and puppies available for adoption now. Hurry, puppies are often reserved before they are born. We appreciate your interest in our Australian Labradoodle puppies. We love to talk about our expected litters, the adoption process of our gorgeous puppies and what you can expect from Skyedoodles Australian Labradoodles. Giving Back. Charitable donations changing children's lives. Our community of SkyeDoodle families makes these charitible donations possible simply by purchasing premium quality Life's Abundance food, and essential suppliments from NuVet Labs. Our partenerships with these companies allows SkyeDoodles, and SkyeDoodle families to make a difference in children's lives. Connect with us online. See the cutest posts on Facebook and Instagram, and find out more about the top quality products we recommend. Like us on facebook! Be the first to see videos of new litters and more! Follow us on Instagram! Enjoy cute and funny moments, the instant they happen! TLC Pet Food provides an array of superior quality, safe and effective products, improving the health of people, pets and the planet. America's highest quality pet supplement since , made in the U. 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 Atlanta Georgia 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. We breed multigenerational Australian Labradoodles and American Labradoodles. Our goal is producing loving Australian Labradoodle puppies and American Labradoodle puppies to add to your family: with hypo allergenic qualities, beautiful wavy fleeces and curles and exceptionally smart. A smart dog is a happy dog, they are easily trained which adds to the enjoyment of your new family member. We have chocolate Australian labradoodle puppies for sale, chocolate parti Australian labradoodle puppies for sale merle Australian labradoodle puppies for sale and many other color Australian labradoodles for sale. Our puppies will be smart like their parents who know both hand signals as well as voice commands. Many of our past puppies have become service dogs for Epileptic Seizure Services, Hospice Services, and other Service related settings. Why do our dogs make such Great Service Dog Candidates, our wonderful Rocky passes his wonderful calm demeanor to all of his puppies. Also, many people love the look of our Merle labradoodles - They are absolutely stunning. We tend to have clients in the Chattanooga, Tennessee and Huntsville, Alabama areas that have a found interest in our Miniature Australian Labradoodles and clients in Florida are particularly interested in our Merle Australian Labradoodles. Of course clients in Dallas Texas and parts of Illinois have added our Standard size Australian Labradoodles to there households. Whether clients are on vacation or simply enjoying the local park, It's exciting when we hear reports from our owners that they ran into another Australian Labradoodle that turns out to be a Lord and Lady Labradoodle all over the country. And clients never cease to tell stories of how people they meet rant and rave over there Lord and Lady Australian Labradoodle. Serving Atlanta and the South East for 12 years! The Australian Labradoodle is different from all other labradoodles In the mids, The Australian Guide Dog Association received an inquiry from a blind lady requesting a guide dog that would not cause her allergies to flare. To achieve a hypoallergenic dog they needed to breed their proven Labradors to a dog that was already non-shedding, hence the Standard Poodle. The resulting Labradoodles subsequently have been bred to each other, continuing the multi-generational tradition without ever having to go back to the parent breed of the Labrador or Poodle. Even when the other types of Labradoodles are bred on for generations, the result is not an Australian Labradoodle, as the attributes of the infused breeds were not included in their ancestry. We have also produced many therapy and service dogs in Atlanta and the surrounding areas. Our puppies are birthed in our home and raised in our acre farm in the suburbs of Atlanta. Labradoodle puppies for adoption Atlanta Georgia. Australian Labradoodles near me Thank you to all of our Families.

Read more about the pups that are currently up for adoption. Read More… Foster Dogs FBRN is being faced with an increasing number of dogs who are ill, handicapped, or need expensive veterinary care before being placed. Meet our Foster Frenchies and please consider sponsoring one of them to ensure that they receive the care that they need. Read More… Surrender a Dog Life has thrown you a curve ball and you must surrender your French Bulldog… we are here to help! Read More… Volunteer We welcome you to join us in our efforts to rehabilitate and rehome needy French Bulldogs. We have many options for you to choose from, depending on your circumstances, time and resources. Our organization is composed solely of volunteers who nurture and foster these dogs as well as provide education and training. Our goal is to place healthy and happy French Bulldogs into forever homes. Read More… Contact Us Learn about the many ways that you can get in touch with us. He has a Staffie sister, Lettie, who he adores and who has taught him so much with her gentle patience. He has doggie friends at daycamp he sees once a week. He is the best snuggler ever! He used to be a resource guarder, but will now bring you his toys for a treat! He loves our daily walks and meeting people. Thank you FBRN for picking us to be his family- we love him so much! Despite being mostly blind and deaf, Ham is thriving in his golden years, especially with his folks now working from home. Thank you FBRN for our goodest good boy! We are so grateful for every day with him. She had cherry eye surgery in March right before Covid quarantine and the surgery was a success. A gigantic thank you to FBRN for allowing me to adopt this perfect little nugget. All Rights Reserved. A c 3 Non-Profit Organization. Tax ID: .Powered by Geeks4Rent. Vocality level 3 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament The French Bulldog is a clown in a lapdog. They enjoy playing and entertaining their family, as well as cuddling and snoozing with their favorite person. They are amiable, sweet, companionable, and willing to please. A short walk on lead is sufficient to meet most of its physical needs. Frenchie snores and may wheeze and drool. Require minimal coat care Facial wrinkles should be regularly cleaned. Brachycephalic syndrome stenotic nares, elongated soft palate Intervertebral disk disease CHD seldom causes symptoms or problems Allergies History Where are French Bulldogs from? In the nineteenth century, the Bulldog was fairly popular in England, especially around Nottingham. The French women, especially, were attracted to these little Bulldogs, especially those with erect ears a common but disliked feature in England. Dog dealers brought more of the clownish little dogs to France, where they soon became the rage of Paris. The dogs were dubbed Bouledogue Francais. How big do French Bulldogs get? Some Bulldogs are quite small weighing less than 25 lbs, however, dogs in this breed on average, weigh 28 lbs. What are some French Bulldog facts and information? Facts French Bulldogs are best known for: Bat ears. Should a French Bulldog Mix take after their Frenchie parent, they will be a small companion breed that bonds closely with their families. They tend to have an energetic, playful personality and love nothing more than being with their favorite humans. French Bulldogs tend to be friendly, playful, and affectionate dogs that get along with just about everyone. They tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets. They will even warm up quickly to strangers as long as they have been properly socialized. If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you should be able to expect the same from a French Bulldog Mix. You can also meet the mother in person to see what her temperament is like and the behavior she is modeling for the puppies. The breeder should have started some training and socialization, but it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home. Frenchies are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in apartments as well as larger homes. However, as a brachycephalic breed, they are extra sensitive to heat and also sensitive to the cold. They also do not like being left alone for long periods of time. If the other parent breed is similar, then you can expect a Frenchie Mix to also be a highly adaptable dog. The other parent will introduce their own traits and some potential quirks, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. They could inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, or they could inherit some or all of them. They can also be prone to allergies, have sensitive skin, and also a sensitive stomach. Good breeding practices will make a huge difference. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. Although French Bulldogs can sometimes be stubborn, they are eager to please and tend to be easy to train. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive praise and reward, they can be a good fit for owners of all experience levels. If the other parent breed is also easy to train, then you can expect a French Bulldog Mix to be highly trainable as well. Regardless of owner experience, there are many benefits of puppy training classes. A mixed-breed dog can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is a mix of both. You will also need to clean their facial wrinkles. Weekly ear checks with cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, a Frenchie Mix is more prone to developing dental diseases later in life. This makes good, consistent dental care for dogs even more important for them. Daily brushing with a dog-friendly toothpaste or using an enzyme toothpaste paired with cleanings at the vet when needed is ideal. Frenchies are known couch potato dogs that are happy to lay back, relax, and cuddle with you. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for this affectionate little dog. Even though they like to relax, they also like to play and will be energetic when they do. They can also be athletic and compete in dog sports. As a brachycephalic breed, you do need to be careful of overexertion and overheating. But, there are plenty of ways to safely exercise flat-faced dogs to make sure your French Bulldog Mix gets enough exercise. If the other parent breed is also a low-energy breed, then you can expect something similar from a Frenchie Mix. If the other parent breed requires more activity, then you will need to be prepared for the potential of a higher energy dog. Fully-grown Frenchies usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother, so make sure you ask the breeder about them. This can give you some idea of what size to expect in a fully-grown French Bulldog Mix. French Bulldogs generally live for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span in a French Bulldog Mix. Featured French Bulldog Mix Article. Share A Story! French Bulldog Rescues In Ohio A small commission may be earned on any purchases made via links on this page. Read our full affiliate disclosure. They have short noses, beautiful eyes, and bat-like ears. If trained properly, they are one of the best dogs, which is why they are the 4th most popular breed of dogs in the United States and one of the favorite family pets for people in Ohio. French bulldogs also tend to get complicated health conditions as they age, and these can get expensive to treat. There is also the fact that, unless properly trained, these dogs do not do well with other pets and sometimes are a menace to have around a new baby. The implication is that many of these dogs get sent to rescues and pet shelters, or they are abandoned or euthanized in worst-case scenarios. Fortunately, rescues are working hard to ensure that these dogs do not miss out on all the love they deserve. These French Bulldog rescues in Ohio are working hard to save as many of these dogs as they can and are helping them find new homes. There are many reasons why adopting a French Bulldog from a rescue is a good idea. You are providing homes to dogs that need them. You are ensuring that these dogs get the love and care they deserve. Adopting from rescues saves you money and help stop unnecessary breeders. You open up space for the rescue to save more dogs from being euthanized. If you are in Ohio and looking to adopt a French Bulldog from a rescue in Ohio, you have come to the right place. This article is a concise guide on the various rescues that have French Bulldogs for adoption and are located within Ohio. We will include contact details and include a note on their adoption processes. Our hope is that you will find the right dog for you and your family but also that you will choose to adopt and not buy. There is a very high probability of finding a French Bulldog for you and your family at this rescue. They are dedicated to providing a loving home, proper rehabilitation and healthcare to bulldogs with special health needs. These bulldogs are highlighted on their website as special needs cases. You can view their available Bulldogs for adoption here. Because of their dedication to ensuring the world is a better place for bulldogs, they go out of their way to find and rescue dogs who have been abandoned or sent to high-kill shelters. They also provide educational and informative resources on how to care for a bulldog. This is imperative because bulldogs are special dogs that require much financial commitment. Because of their commitment to providing healthcare and a loving home to special needs bulldogs, this rescue spends quiet a bit of money on vet care expenses. They are always open to donations and volunteer services from people who want to contribute to making the lives of these bulldogs better. The first step to getting a french bulldog from this rescue is to fill out and submit an online application form here. On their website, you will also find a list of adoption requirements. They do not give out dogs to people who are not older than 24 and who do not live in Ohio or are within a driveable distance from the rescue. Some of their dogs are special needs, and some require special conditions. So ensure you meet these conditions before applying to adopt a particular dog. The dog you want to adopt may also have other people hoping to adopt it. There could be a waiting period to review your application. The rescue will contact you and schedule a phone interview and a home visit if you are chosen. This is done to ensure that the French Bulldog is getting the best possible home for them. After this stage all you will need to do is make a final payment and pickup your new bulldog. Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center Columbus, OH Located in Columbus, this dog rescue is a government service that focuses on taking in and rehabilitating abandoned and stray dogs. They provide these dogs with love and care before they find new forever homes for them. Although they are not French Bulldog-specific, they welcome all dog breeds. Including French Bulldogs, and considering the sheer amount of dogs they take in, they are sure to get French Bulldogs from time to time. If you are in Ohio and looking for a place to get a French Bulldog, this shelter is a good place to start. Apart from serving as a dog rescue for homeless and abandoned dogs, they are also passionate about preventing animal cruelty and creating awareness about responsible pet ownership. They are always open to donations from people to help with their cause. Unlike other rescues that start their adoption process through an online form, this rescue starts their adoption process with a visitation. To adopt a dog, you visit the shelter, meet the adoption counselor, and talk about the type of dog you want and how qualified you are to take the dog. If the counselor decides that you are a good fit, you can go ahead and meet any of their available dogs. This is where you decide if the dog is a good fit for you. You can view their available dogs for adoption here. You are advised to come along with your family members and any pets you might have. The dog you are getting will be part of your family, so every member of your family should meet the dog before taking them home. If you have decided that you will get the dog, the next step is paying the adoption fee. Cheappuppiesforsale is your go-to website for finding inexpensive, locally available, and registered French bulldogs. Our primary objective is to assist you in locating the appropriate French Bulldog puppy for sale in your neighborhood History of French Bulldog French Bulldogs are considered one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States and around the world. They are known for their affectionate and playful personalities and are often kept as companion animals. The breed is a descendant of the English Bulldog, which was brought to France by English lacemakers. The French Bulldog was then developed by crossing the English Bulldog with local small breeds, such as the Terrier, to create a smaller, more delicate version of the English Bulldog. During the 19th century, French Bulldogs were used for bull-baiting and dog fighting. They quickly gained popularity among the upper class in France, especially in Paris, where they were considered a symbol of luxury and elegance. In the late 19th century, French Bulldogs were brought to the United States by American tourists who fell in love with the breed while visiting France. Temperament of Frenchies The temperament of a French Bulldog is generally described as affectionate, playful, and sociable. They are known to be good with children and other pets and make great companion animals. They are also known for their intelligence and trainability, which makes them easy to train and manage. French Bulldogs are very loyal to their owners, and they have a strong desire to be close to their family. They have a playful nature, and they love to play and interact with their owners. French Bulldogs are known for their expressive personalities, and they are known to be very vocal. They are known to make a variety of noises, including grunts, snores, and snorts, which can be quite endearing. They are also known for their sense of humor and their ability to make their owners laugh. One of the most striking characteristics of French Bulldogs is their easy going nature. They are known to be adaptable and easy to live with, which makes them great family pets. They are also known to be relatively low maintenance, as they do not require a lot of exercise or grooming. Let us introduce you to Riggs a handsome French Bulldog pup ready to venture off to his forever home. He is AKC registered, vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, plus the breeder provides a 1 year genetic health guarantee provided by the breeder. His momma is Amber. Riggs enjoy spending time with the children he is currently being raised with. Sex: Male.

Puppy Supplies Welcome to Buck Family Farm, a place where our love for Golden Retrievers has evolved into a passion for providing families with affectionate, intelligent, and healthy Golden Retriever Puppies. Our goal is to make sure your next family pet is everything you expected and more. Our Dogs Our family specializes in raising Golden Retrievers of all coat shades who enjoy our spacious 20 acre farm. It is important to us that each dog gets special attention and care each day. Our family-style setup allows our dogs to have the luxury of running free and romping around to their hearts' content while playing together and with our family. Also, since this is our at-home classroom, someone is always available to play ball or give a much needed scratch on the belly and pat on the head. Genetic testing is also performed on each dog to help us make wise choices for the best pairings and to produce puppies with the best probability of excellent health. Of high importance however, is taking into consideration the temperament of each of our Golden Retrievers to produce a well balanced and friendly companion, who exhibits all of the classic traits of the breed. Puppies Buck Family Farm puppies are AKC registered, vet certified, have first shots, are wormed and will come to your home with a 1 year health guarantee and a first bag of puppy food. We also send a blanket with mommy's scent and all appropriate NYS paperwork as well as copies of parents' health clearances. Our desire is to make your experience with us and our puppies everything you expected and more. Puppy Applications If you are interested in purchasing a puppy from our farm please fill out an adoption application to help us get to know you a little better. When your application is accepted you will have the opportunity to place your name on our waiting list for an additional fee. This ensures a courtesy call when a particular color, gender or litter of choice has arrived. You will then have the opportunity to place a deposit on one of our puppies. You will receive a courtesy notification of the litters' arrival and have opportunity to place a deposit. However, deposits that are not submitted promptly will affect your pick-order. Deposits are usually non-refundable. Placing a Deposit Once a new litter is born and determined to be healthy and thriving, we open them for deposit. First, to those on our waiting list, and then to families who have pre-approved applications. We choose puppies at 5 weeks of age in the order that deposits were placed. Please contact us for Paypal, zelle and Venmo handles. Visiting We frequently update pictures of all puppies on a regular basis. You will not be allowed to visit the puppies or parents until mommy is settled in and feeling comfortable with visitors. At 5 weeks of age we have adopting families visit our farm and choose their puppy. Puppies are chosen in the order that deposits were placed. Homecoming At 8 weeks of age and after veterinary examination, puppies will be united with their forever families! Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for New York 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 New York? 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 New York? 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. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Retriever has been an AKC-recognized breed since and was commonly used as a gun dog and for retrieving small game such as waterfowl, and for companionship. The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands. The first Lord Tweedmouth, Dudley Majoribanks, is credited with developing the breed and keeping detailed records to create the ideal gun dog for the terrain. Great discipline and a gentle spirit make the Golden Retriever a perfect retrieval breed since the goal of this task is to bring the trophy back as undamaged as possible. Golden Retrievers first appeared in dog shows in at a British dog show. They also started appearing in the United States around the same time as they were brought across the Canadian border. They gained popularity with sport hunters and in general. Their popularity really took off in the s and they are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds. If you are not the sporting type, bringing a Golden Retriever into your family as a pet is just as rewarding because they are one of the most loyal and jovial breeds out there. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are the epitome of friendly and make fantastic family dogs. Golden Retrievers are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. They tend to be good with kids, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Goldens love attention and they bond closely with their families. They are affectionate with them, and also just about everyone else. Although they do tend to get along with everyone, they love being around their favorite humans the most. They will bark to alert you and can end up barking a lot if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. They can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. These dogs do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they are not at all happy about being left alone for long periods of time. Although super-friendly and attention-loving, Goldens can also be sensitive to their surroundings; make sure they feel included, but have a quiet place to go if things get too noisy or overwhelming. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Golden Retriever include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, elbow dysplasia , and hip dysplasia. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Goldens are considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are highly trainable dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. These traits make them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. It also helps them excel at obedience competitions. As one of the smartest dog breeds , Golden Retrievers can get bored easily. Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored with too much repetition in training. If your dog has mastered the command, move on to something more advanced or another activity. You can also enroll in puppy training classes for some variety in training and also some socialization. Golden Retrievers have a long double coat that will shed a little year-round and will be heavier twice a year as the seasons change. Brushing a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding along with a bath as needed is usually enough for at-home care. You will want to go to the dog groomer for a professional trim a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Daily tooth brushing, along with cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. Golden Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep these dogs happy and healthy. But, they are high-energy dogs that will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Much like the Labrador , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They tend to start winding down a little around the age of 3 and settle into your lifestyle, but they will still be high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity. Goldens are known for being versatile and athletic dogs. They tend to love swimming. Once they are done growing and the vet clears them for higher-impact activities, you can try other things too. They are one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. You can also teach them how to play frisbee or play fetch. Training for dog sports is another good option. In addition to obedience, Golden Retrievers are well suited for agility, dock diving , rally, flyball, tracking, and more. Fully-grown Golden Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Golden Retrievers generally live for years on average. With their intelligence, eagerness to please, and gentle disposition, Golden Retrievers are versatile working dogs. In addition to being one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs , Goldens can be found working as emotional support dogs, certified therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, military dogs, police dogs, animal actors, and more. Featured Golden Retriever Article.

Conclusion: How many puppies do Goldendoodles have? It is typical for a female Goldendoodle to birth puppies per litter, with up to two litters per year. They can do this for around years, as long as their health is adequate. Several different components influence the size of a Goldendoodles litter. These items can include genetics, health, age, size, and diet. One way to ensure a large litter is to feed your dog a healthy diet consisting of high-quality ingredients and adequate portions. This act will allow her to get all the necessary nutrients needed to sustain herself and her babies during conception and pregnancy. Doing so will also enable a quicker recovery, which will create more extraordinary conditions for future litters. You also want to ensure healthy birth practices with the appropriate veterinary care. Doing this twice a year for multiple years can also take a toll on their bodies, especially without proper care. Just like a human mother, having pregnancies too close together can cause health issues or increase the risk for problems down the road. Calculating Litter Size Two super small brown or chocolate Goldendoodles Being that a Goldendoodle is part Golden Retriever and part Poodle, there are variants when you look at the exact breed of Poodle. With Golden Retrievers, there are different sub-breeds, but they are all quite similar. Even outside of the size variations, their care and temperament also have other characteristics. Whereas a Toy Poodle has a small dog mentality, the Standard Poodle can be more friendly and inviting. And just how does this play into the litter size of a Goldendoodle? The type of Poodle that the Golden Retriever mates with will significantly affect the number of babies conceived. The Golden Retriever breed has eight puppies per litter on average. However, poodles vary based on type. Some Poodle breeds can produce up to five babies in a litter. Others may only birth one of two babies with each pregnancy. Therefore, the parenting genetic combination and the lineage between the two come into play to dictate the litter amount. When you combine this with the many other factors that influence litter sizes health, age, diet, genetics, height , it is truly a guessing game until the birth occurs. The more pregnancies that occur will bring larger litter sizes as long as the dog is in good health and receives appropriate veterinary care. Therefore, do not be disappointed if the first Goldendoodle litter results in a small number of puppies. Future births will likely turn out more babies. When Breeding Can Start Those who make a living out of breeding animals often want to get started as soon as possible. It is worth knowing that Goldendoodles tend to go into heat at around six months of age. This is true for a smaller Toy Goldendoodle and Mini Goldendoodle as well. Going into heat means that their bodies are capable of reproducing, similar to women who start puberty. However, it would be best if you always waited until at least the second heat cycle before attempting to breed. The reasoning is because despite being able to conceive and birth them, the dog is not at an appropriate maturity due to their young age. Without proper care from their mother, the puppies could suffer from poor health or even die. As you learn about animals and the life processes they go through, it is easy to see the connections between animals and humans. Humans are capable of producing at a young age, similar to animals. However, we are discouraged from doing so due to the mental and emotional levels needed to parent a dependent being adequately. This instance is just one situation where there is overlap between species, and it points out how similar things in life can indeed be. This need pertains to both the mother and the father. If you again compare this situation to humans, it is similar to how fertility is higher in younger couples. Our eggs and sperm are of higher quality and mobility in our youth. Therefore, we often find it more simplistic to conceive in our earlier years. This case is the same for dogs. As they age, the quality of their reproductive components goes down, making it more difficult to conceive. In their earlier years, the process of conceiving is much easier. This is true of the female dog and male dog. On the flip side and in similarity to humans, as dogs age, they are likely to give birth to larger litters. This likelihood is based on whether the dog has previously given birth or not. If they have and conceive again in later years, it is of the high probability that they will have a large hybrid dog litter. Correspondingly, if a human gets pregnant later in life, the chances of conceiving multiples go up. There is a higher likelihood of a woman naturally conceiving more than one baby at a time over the age of .For Goldendoodle dogs, this age is five. Issues That Negatively Affect Litter Size There are a lot of factors that go into a successful birth and the size of a litter. There are also several things to stay away from if you want to achieve the best-case scenario. Having a calm and serene environment lays the best foundation for pregnancy, even in canines. Although the idea makes sense, conception is more likely if it is done naturally. In this way, it is more conducive to the actions of the body and the natural process that happens when in heat. As a dog owner this is unacceptable, and not the actions of a reputable breeder. Genetics: We have talked about how breed genetics can influence litter size. However, it does need to be understood that just because the parents of a dog conceived quickly or birthed large litters does not mean that the children of those dogs will have the same fate. As we know, genetic can often skip generations or not show back up at all. These anomalies can happen within dogs as well. Poodles typically have puppies per litter but this can vary. Inbreeding: There is a certain percentage of genetic similarities that are acceptable to breed between. Some people whoa re trying to create the perfect doodle puppy designer dog cut corners and make mistakes. Inbreeding is dangerous because of the medical issues it can cause in dogs that are a product of the situation. In the search for a F1b Goldendoodle or multigen Goldendoodle mny breeders cut corners and run out of unrelated dog. This is unacceptable. A reputable breeder cuts NO corners. Inbreeding can also cause problems for future litters, inbred or not. The reason is because of the abnormalities that trickle down like predispotion to hip dysplasia or poorly formed body parts. Because of this, smaller Goldendoodles litter size can become more prevalent. With Goldendoodles being a highly desired breed with high demand, it is vital to remember the key concepts above. Successful breeding and large litter sizes result from careful practices. Conclusion: Dog breeding is a complex subject, affected by many different elements. It is important to remember that you can only control so much and that having healthy dogs to give to new families is the desired result. Breeding dogs, especially popular breed types, is a form of income for many people. Because of this, larger litter sizes equals higher profits. However, it is essential to remember that dogs are not machines. They are members of the family. Their health and safety are a priority, just like yours. Accounting for their wellbeing will benefit you more in the long run, so it is essential to focus on that. Although the prospect of an eight puppy litter is enticing, so is the health and happiness of our best fur friend. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. We will also talk about some of the factors that can affect this number. The average litter size for Goldendoodles is three to eight puppies. However, this number can range from one to twelve puppies. Litters of ten or more are considered large, while litters of four or less are considered small. There are a few factors that can affect the litter size of Goldendoodles. Some of these include: Stressful Environment: One of the most common reasons for small litter size is stress. If the dam mother is in a high-stress environment during pregnancy, she is more likely to have a smaller litter. This is because the stress hormone cortisol can cause the dam to abort some of her fetuses. Younger dogs tend to have larger litters than older dogs. This is because their bodies are more capable of handling multiple pregnancies. If the dam is not in good health or if she is not getting enough nutrients, she is more likely to have a smaller litter. Additionally, if the dam has had previous litters that were small, she is more likely to have another small litter. This is because her body may not be able to produce enough milk for multiple puppies. Genetics: Genetics plays a huge role in litter size. Some breeds of dogs are more likely to have larger litters than others. For example, Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers tend to have larger litters than toy breeds. Additionally, some individual dogs may be predisposed to having smaller litters due to their genes. Inbreeding: Inbreeding can also impact litter size. If two closely related dogs are bred, they are more likely to have smaller litters. This is because inbreeding can lead to genetic defects that can impact fertility. Additionally, inbred dogs are more likely to have health problems that can make it difficult for them to produce large litters. How The Insemination Took Place: Another factor that can impact litter size is how the insemination took place. If artificial insemination was used, the number of puppies that are born may be smaller than if the dogs were allowed to mate naturally. This is because artificial insemination can cause damage to the eggs or sperm, which can reduce fertility. Additionally, if only one dog was used for artificial insemination, the litter size may be smaller than if two dogs were used. The age of the Goldendoodle can also impact litter size. This is because their bodies are not yet fully developed and they may not be able to produce as many eggs. Additionally, younger dogs are more likely to experience complications during pregnancy and delivery, which can lead to smaller litters. The average age for a Goldendoodle to have its first litter is between 24 months and three years old. However, some Goldendoodles may have their first litter as early as 18 months old, while others may not have their first litter until they are three years old. The average age for a Goldendoodle to have its last litter is between six and eight years old. However, some Goldendoodles may continue to have litters until they are ten years old or older. Beyond this, you can put your Goldendoodle at serious risk of health complications by continuing to breed them. At this age, the puppy will begin to eat solid food and will no longer need to drink milk. Weaning a puppy too early can cause health problems, so it is important to wait until the puppy is at least six weeks old before you begin weaning them. Conclusion: We would like to conclude by saying that the number of puppies a Goldendoodle can have depends on many factors. The health of the mother, the age of the puppy, and the weight of the mother all play a role in how many puppies a Goldendoodle can have. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine if your Goldendoodle is healthy enough to have another litter of puppies. View Larger Image How many puppies do Goldendoodles have? Like many Doodle lovers, you might be asking yourself this question. First, a Goldendoodle is the most popular Doodle dog. Its parent breeds are the Golden Retriever and Poodle. A Goldendoodle comes in these sizes: miniature, medium, and standard. Female Goldendoodle puppies go on the heat for the first time in six months. Even so, the best time to mate the dog is during the following one or two heat cycles. If you desire to raise Goldendoodle dogs, read the rest of this article to know about its pregnancies and litters. What are the various Goldendoodle generations? F1 Generations — The best hybrid Goldendoodle litter comes from the first generation, the F1 Goldendoodle. In the F1BB Goldendoodles category, puppies have .The next F2B Goldendoodle litter size is .The F2BB Goldendoodle litter consists of .How many puppies do Goldendoodles have after the first litter? The latter generations get more Poodle genes. Poodle is the dominant parent determining factors like size, intelligence, and coat. As Poodles can be miniature, medium, or standard-sized, they can bring forth puppies of varying heights and weights. How many puppies do Goldendoodles have? Now you understand a few facts about the Goldendoodle generations and backgrounds. Next, we will answer this: how many puppies do Goldendoodles have? On average, a Goldendoodle female gives birth to three to eight puppies. This number is an estimate because several factors affect the litter size. The dog generations matter when estimating the litter size. Arriving at an accurate answer requires first answering these two questions. First, how many puppies do Golden retrievers usually have? Golden retrievers produce eight puppies on average. The next question to consider asking yourself is this: how many puppies do Poodles have? Poodle dogs tend to have more babies as their size increases. Hence, a toy Poodle produces three puppies, while a miniature one produces five. But what number of puppies do standard Poodles have? Standard Poodles are the biggest dogs in the lot. They produce about seven puppies in one litter. A Goldendoodle dog should produce a range of three to eight puppies. Litters can be bigger than eight or smaller than three. Nobody can accurately answer this, how many puppies do Goldendoodles have? It is a matter of chance. When your dog gives birth, you can tell if your estimations are correct. What can increase or reduce the litter size? Goldendoodles are some of the loveliest Doodles. No person can mind having many puppies in a litter. Sadly, you might expect many puppies only to get three or fewer. A secret to having a larger litter size lies in the degree of care you offer the female dog. Although you cannot control some biological factors affecting fertility, you should play your part. Goldendoodle size Generally, the litter size depends on the Goldendoodle size. A poodle is the determinant of size. Earlier, we noted that Poodles have more babies as their sizes increase. Thus, larger Goldendoodles come from mating a standard-sized Poodle and a Golden Retriever. These hybrid dogs will produce more puppies than miniature and medium Goldendoodles. Here is the breakdown: How many puppies does a standard Goldendoodle have? How many dogs does a medium Goldendoodle produce? How many puppies does a mini Goldendoodle have? Goldendoodle generations We already told you how generations could affect the number of puppies a mother can have. The offspring can be big or small depending on the percentage of parent genes in a Goldendoodle. Where the gene ratio is , you might have fewer or many puppies. If a dog inherits more dominant fertility genes from its Golden Retriever parent, it might have a big litter. In most cases, though, puppies have more Poodle genes. How many puppies do Goldendoodles have based on this notion? If Poodle genes are dominant, the litter size will be three to eight puppies. We must also consider this: What number of puppies does a standard Poodle have? Standard Poodles have seven puppies on average. You will be at an advantage if mating Goldendoodles that came from a Standard Poodle parent. The odds are high that the litter will be big. Food A female Goldendoodle needs to eat enough calories each day. It also needs to eat a balanced diet to get fertile many times. Likewise, pregnant dogs require a healthy diet to deliver puppies with higher odds of survival. How many puppies do Goldendoodles have when eating a proper diet? First, a young female dog should always eat a healthy meal to better its chances of going into heat. Provide the best dog food for Goldendoodle during pregnancy time to get healthy puppies. Secondly, the dog should eat a more nutritious minerals and vitamin diet when pregnant and after giving birth. If you follow these easy rules, your Goldendoodle might sire more puppies. Unhealthy mothers deliver smaller litters and weak puppies that may not make it to adulthood. Current health status How many puppies do Goldendoodles have if their health status is good? Healthy Goldendoodles produce more puppies than unhealthy ones. For instance, your Goldendoodle boasts a lot of mental and physical energy. It needs proper physical and mental stimulation to get fit and feel happy. A Goldendoodle requires sixty minutes of exercise daily and some quiet time. Another determinant of good health is the number of medical checkups you offer your dog. Before mating your Goldendoodle, call a professional veterinarian for a thorough medical checkup. After breeding your pet successfully, keep taking it for pregnancy testing and evaluations. A veterinarian can guide you on how to care for a pregnant Goldendoodle pet. The pet does not need regular prenatal checkups like humans. Take the pet to a vet in the beginning and toward the end of a pregnancy. How many puppies do Goldendoodles have at birth? A health checkup done two to three weeks before birth ensures that the mother can deliver all puppies safely. If the mother and litter are healthy, wait for the birth date to deliver the puppies at home. As with humans, puppy deliveries are not always safe. As anything can happen, visit your veterinarian if an emergency crops up. Whether the dog delivers at home or not, it requires a thorough medical checkup about forty-eight hours after. The vet will verify if the mother and puppies are doing fine. How many puppies do Goldendoodles have if the pregnancy ends well? The dog might not have stillbirths, which means all the puppies in the womb will come out. A younger woman has optimal fertility levels, unlike an older woman. Also, an older woman than thirty-five years has higher odds of carrying twins, triplets, or other multiple pregnancies. Hence, how many puppies do Goldendoodles have based on age? Younger Goldendoodles with smaller body sizes reach maturity earlier than their larger counterparts. Also, older Goldendoodles can have more puppies than younger mothers. Nonetheless, an older dog should be super healthy to avoid having weak puppies in one litter. Younger dogs produce fewer but stronger puppies and can come on heat faster than older dogs. Breeding conditions The environment in which you breed your dog can determine the litter size it would produce. If the female dog has stress, it will deliver fewer puppies. It might also deliver weak puppies with limited chances of reaching adulthood. How many puppies do Goldendoodles have in favorable breeding conditions? Your dog can have a bigger litter if it has no stress. Human mothers respond poorly to stress during pregnancy. Some suffer from miscarriages, hypertension, and more. Dog mothers are similar in that they can lose a pregnancy due to stress. To help your Goldendoodle get pregnant and not suffer a miscarriage, provide a nurturing environment. Inbreeding The choice of dogs to mate with is crucial when answering this part: how many puppies do Goldendoodles have? If you keep mating the same related dogs, the chances of having smaller litters are high. Inbreeding leads to genetic defects in dogs and other animals. Additionally, the resulting offspring might inherit health issues from the family lineage. The more health problems the dogs have, the lower their survival chances. Even surviving puppies might later pass bad genes to their offspring. The solution to inbreeding is finding a male from another dog family. Artificial insemination can lead to higher or lower-quality puppies. It may also decrease the litter size. Dogs sire more puppies when they mate naturally. Besides, the professional conducting artificial insemination should use more than one dog to increase the litter size. When should you allow your dog to mate for the first time? A mating cycle can affect the puppies numbers. As we mentioned, a female can reach its first mating cycle at six months. Do not give your female to a male dog at this age. Its body is too young and might not have adequate eggs. Besides, a young dog can develop pregnancy complications and deliver in an emergency. These factors can lower their odds of having many puppies. It is better to have your Goldendoodle reproduce at twenty-four months or after. After the eighth to the tenth year, it is safer to forbid your Goldendoodle to have other litters. It can develop risky health issues and die before its fifteenth year. A Goldendoodle should get pregnant in its second or third cycle. Their gestation period is sixty-one to sixty-four days. As we earlier said, the type of Poodle used to breed your Goldendoodle can affect its future offspring. If the Poodle is of medium size, chances are that the mother would produce five to six puppies. Again, if the mother has stronger reproduction genes from its Golden Retriever parent, her chances of reaching six puppies go up. A Goldendoodle dog will deliver three to eight puppies in their first litter. The more Poodle genes the dogs have, the higher the odds of having a smaller litter. But when considering standard Poodles, the litter gets bigger. Three or eight puppies are not standard figures but estimates. Ever asked this: how many puppies do Labradoodles have? Labradoodles have twelve puppies per litter. They produce a larger litter than Goldendoodles. Miniature Goldendoodles can have three to 4 puppies per litter. They produce the least number of puppies on average. What is the Best Age to Breed a Goldendoodle? The correct age to mate your Goldendoodle dog is 24 months. Six to twelve months is usually the first cycle in most dogs. It is not the best age because the pet is too young to nurture puppies. The second or third cycle is the best time. Related Posts. Dog domestic dog The Goldendoodle, also known as a Groodle, is a designer dog created by crossbreeding a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. First widely bred in the s, they are bred in three different sizes—each corresponding to the size of Poodle used as a parent. Goldendoodles often demonstrate Golden Retrievers' intuitive and human-oriented nature in addition to the intelligent personality and "allergy-friendly" coat of a Poodle. An example of this was done by Monica Dickens , the great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens , who crossed the two breeds in .The original aim of the Goldendoodle's breeders was to produce an alternative to the popular Labradoodle. Goldendoodles have been developed beyond the F1 Golden Retriever crossed with a Poodle and are now available in deeper generations created by crossing two Goldendoodles. These are called multigenerational or multigen Goldendoodles. Appearance[ edit ] The appearance, sizes and coat of Goldendoodles can vary considerably according to their breeding generations and what type of Poodle parents they have. Their coat is wavy, with loose, shaggy curls. This type of coat is the most common amongst Goldendoodles. Curly coated Goldendoodles resemble the coat of a Poodle. Their coat is thick and curly. If they inherit just one furnishing gene, their shedding is often in lesser quantities than many other dogs. If they carry two furnishing genes, they likely will not shed allowing them to be considered hypoallergenic for many allergy sufferers, however some people are allergic to even non-shedding dogs. Cream Goldendoodle. Related posts: The average litter size for a goldendoodle is six puppies. The goldendoodle is a unique and beloved breed of dog that is slowly growing in popularity. Unlike many regular canine breeds, goldendoodles are fairly renowned for their larger-than-usual litter sizes — averaging around six puppies per litter. For goldendoodle owners who want to take the plunge into responsible parenting, this large of a litter can seem pretty daunting! However, with the proper supplies and resources, raising and loving multiple goldendoodle puppies can become an incredibly rewarding experience that all members of the family can be involved in. Standard goldendoodles can have litters of anywhere from two to twelve puppies, but six is the most common number. Goldendoodles, a cross between a goldendoodle and a poodle, are an increasingly popular family pet. Not only are goldendoodles beautiful, but they come with the intelligence of a poodle and the outgoing attitude of a goldendoodle. See also The Secret to Getting AKC Documents for Your Goldendoodle When it comes to goldendoodle litters, there can be quite a range from two to twelve puppies per litter — however six is fairly typical. This is why goldendoodles make such great companions; not too many puppies all at once to manage! Each pup has an individual personality that adds to the charm of having one in your life. Some factors that can affect how many puppies a goldendoodle has include the age and health of the dam, as well as the size of the litter. When it comes to goldendoodle puppies , there are a few factors that can affect how many puppies the pup will have in a litter. Additionally, sometimes goldendoodles may unexpectedly only have one puppy in a litter — even if both parents are healthy and relatively young. This is due to numerous things including genetics and size difference between parents which can make it difficult for goldendoodles to have large litters. However, most goldendoodles have a somewhat average-sized litter ranging from three to six puppies depending on these other factors. If you are thinking about getting a goldendoodle, be prepared for a lot of puppy kisses! Goldendoodles are a unique and loving breed of pup, and getting one promises life full of unconditional puppy love! As the offspring of two majestic breeds—Golden Retrievers and Poodles—Goldendoodles are highly praised for their good temperaments, intelligence, and trainability. Of course, this means that you can also expect an abundance of puppy kisses when you bring a goldendoodle into your home. Get ready to be showered with tail wags and slobbery smooches! Goldendoodles make wonderful companions who will stick around to keep you company for a long time. All in all, goldendoodles are a great breed for many reasons and the litter size is no exception. In conclusion, it is possible for standard Goldendoodles to have anywhere between one and twelve puppies, although the average litter size is usually six to eight. Additionally, it is essential to consult a vet in order to make sure that both mother and puppies stay safe during the birthing process. Related posts:. By Jennifer Nelson When you are looking to get a Goldendoodle, it is likely that you will have a lot of questions about the dog and how they will do within your family. And if you decide to take it to the next level and breed the Goldendoodle yourself, you need to learn as much about this type of dog as possible to be prepared. One of the first questions that you can have in either of these situations is what is the average litter size of a Goldendoodle. What is the Average Litter Size of a Goldendoodle? Goldendoodles usually have between puppies in a litter. Poodles average 6 puppies per litter and Golden Retrievers average 8 per litter, so Standard Goldendoodles usually have bigger litters while minis and smaller have progressively smaller litters. Keep in mind that larger dogs will often have a larger litter because they have the right body size in order to carry more of the puppies at the time. This is why small dogs like the Pomeranian are just going to have an average of 1 to 3 puppies while a big Bullmastiff will be able to have up to 13 puppies. For the Goldendoodle and other crossbreeds , we are going to need to look more at the averages for the parents rather than for the dog. And the exact amount can vary depending on if you are working with a standard Goldendoodle or a mini Goldendoodle. When we take a look at the Golden Retriever, the average litter size for this dog is 8 puppies. Since this is the average, you will find that each litter is going to be a little bit different when it comes to the Golden Retriever. Some will give birth to as few as four puppies while others may give birth to up to 12 puppies in one litter. Then we can take a look at the Poodle parent as well. The Poodle will have different types of litter sizes based on the type of Poodle that you work with. The Standard Poodle is going to have an average of six puppies. Then the miniature Poodle will have five and the toy Poodle will have between one to three puppies for each litter. Mini Goldendoodles are going to be somewhere in between all of this and the exact amount will depend on the size of the Goldendoodle that you are trying to breed. For example, if you are working with the mini Goldendoodle, they will be able to produce between three to eight puppies in each litter, giving us an average of five puppies. Then there are standard Goldendoodles, which are going to be able to have more puppies per litter, many averaging between 6 to 8 in each litter. Keep in mind that this is not an exact science and there are a number of factors that can happen to determine how many puppies will be born in a litter. For example, the first litter for a female is often going to be smaller in size compared to the following litters. While the older females are often going to produce larger litters, the opposite is going to be said with the father. An older dog might be affected by sperm mobility issues so the dogs will be smaller in the process too. Whether you are just starting out with the Goldendoodle and using the Poodle and Golden Retriever to get this done, or you would like to breed your Goldendoodle, you do not want to start the puppies on their first litter too early. To start, the female dog in the grouping is going to be ready to have babies when she first goes into heat. This will happen sometime between 6 to 12 months of age. Most experts agree that you should not breed them right away. The dog is not prepared to be a parent yet and this can be hard on their body. It is best to do it after the second or third fertile cycle at the earliest before you allow the dog time to mate. This will allow their body to become fully grown and makes it more likely that the dog will be able to handle the pregnancy. For the Golden Retriever parent, it is best that they wait until they reach the age of two before they are used for breeding. This will usually happen around the third heat cycle. This is a pretty common rule for all types of Poodles as well. If you wait until the female is five years old or older, they will generally have smaller litters than doing it before this time. Breeding between the ages of 2 and 5 is often best. While it is technically possible for the female to have puppies each time they go into heat, this is not a good idea. You should not force the dogs to go through one pregnancy after another because this can have some negative health effects for the dog. At most, you can mate the female twice in a row and then give them a few cycles to recover and regain their strength and to prevent issues along the way. If you are ever uncertain about whether it is a good idea to start breeding the dog, it may be a good idea to discuss this with the vet ahead of time to keep your dog healthy. The first step to helping breed your Goldendoodle is making sure that you do not start this process too early for your dog. Once you have decided when to start, it is time to figure out when you should stop breeding the dog. Technically, the female dog in the couple is able to breed and have puppies throughout their whole life. However, this is not something that is recommended. While each dog is going to be a little different, when it comes to the Poodle and the Golden Retriever, it is best to not mate the dog much past the age of 8 at most. The health of your dog should be an important factor to consider if you are worried about when to stop breeding. However, most dog clubs try to provide an incentive to stop you from breeding a dog that is too old. For example, most of the common dog clubs that you can choose from will not register a dog if their mother is older than 8 when they are born. This is done to help discourage continuous breeding up until the time the mother dies. In most dogs, once they reach the age of seven to eight, the pregnancy is going to have more complications. This is going to put the life of the mother in danger and is not that healthy for the dog or their puppies at all. Being careful with breeding when the dog starts to get older is not a good option. If you start to notice that the pregnancy is not going well for your dog or they seem to have a number of other health issues that may affect how well they are able to have puppies, then it is time to stop. The health of the mother always needs to be a top priority to make sure that they do not get sick. Taking care of the mother is a top way to keep the puppies in that litter a little safer as well. Breeding Your Goldendoodle Breeding a Goldendoodle, or their parents to make a Goldendoodle, can be a fun adventure that you are sure to love. This can help you to get some cute puppies that you can use for yourself or you can use to give out and sell to others who would like this kind of dog. No matter the reason for breeding your dog, you need to make sure that you are doing it the right way so that you do not cause any harm to the dog and can help them and their puppies to stay as healthy and happy as possible. These are two great dog breeds. These dogs were originally bred to be service dogs. Goldendoodles are very popular because they are beautiful and graceful. These breeds are playful and active. Goldendoodles are an excellent choice for pets because they are gentle and respectful of their owners. Goldendoodles were bred for the first time in the s and are still considered a young breed. Different physical characteristics distinguish Goldendoodles from other breeds. They have a charming appearance due to their wrinkled coats. They are intelligent and have good memories. They can calm anxious children and are excellent therapy dogs. They can also be very loyal and loving, making them a perfect choice for families with children. No better breed offers companionship, fun, and lots of it than the Goldendoodle. These dogs are energetic and can be very demanding. It is a wise idea to socialize your dog as soon as possible. A common question about standard Goldendoodle ownership is how many puppies can Goldendoodles have? A female Goldendoodle can have between 3 to 8 puppies per litter and as many as two litters in one year. As long as their mental and physical health is good, they can usually do this. This means that all puppies are born simultaneously or on the same bed. A litter is a group of puppies born at once. Is Dog size and breed effective? Because the Goldendoodle is a part Golden Retriever and a Poodle, there are a variety of variations when looking at the kind of Poodle. In addition to the differences in size, their temperament and care are also different. While a Miniature Poodle is a small dog, a Standard Poodle can be warm and welcoming. What factors influence the litter size for Goldendoodles? Genetics is the first. Some Goldendoodles reproduce at high rates, while others have very low rates. This is due to their genetic structure. A Golden Retriever has an average litter of eight puppies. For Poodles, however, it is more complicated. Their size is the most important thing. One to three puppies can be born to a toy Poodle. The bigger the dog, the larger its litter size will be. If your Goldendoodle is tiny, you should expect fewer puppies per litter. For a standard Goldendoodle, the average of 5 puppies per litter is reasonable. Also, the first litter of a female canine is usually the smallest. It will go up for the next litter. A female Goldendoodle can have two litters per year. Their fertility can last up to 8 years. It is most recommended for a female dog to mate before two years old. Five months is the average time for a litter of puppies to be born. What is the best time to start breeding? It is best to wait for the second cycle of fertility to pass, then start breeding. A female should have her first litter within the first two years of her life. This will increase her fertility and litter size. You may like: are huskies dangerous Breeding tips. Knowing the average size of a Goldendoodle litter will help you make informed decisions about breeding programs that will work for your dogs. What problems Impact the size of litter? Numerous elements affect the success of birth and the number of babies. There are a few factors to avoid to have the ideal scenario. Stressful environment: Dogs can feel stress. This could impact the fertility of your dog. As a dog owner, this is unacceptable and is not the behavior of a respected breeder. Genetics: Genetics of breeds can affect the size of litters. As we all know, genetics can often skip a Goldendoodle generation or not appear again. Inbreeding: It is dangerous because of the medical issues it can cause in dogs that are a product of the situation. Many breeders cut corners and run out of unrelated dogs searching for an F1b Goldendoodle or multigene Goldendoodle. This is unacceptable. A reputable breeder cuts NO corners. Goldendoodles fall into this category due to their natural tendencies toward hyperactivity and intelligence. They are perfect family pets as they are highly affectionate, energetic, hypoallergenic, and loyal. While they are young bred, they are gaining increasing popularity. This makes them suitable dogs for breeding. This is a subject close to my heart as a breeder of Doodles and a former breeder of Labrador Retrievers. The gestation period is counted from the first day of ovulation rather than the first day of mating as these two dates can differ somewhat. While it used to be believed that a bitch would only mate on the days she was ovulating we now know, thanks to the help of the tools available to us today, that this is not always the case. This means that they ovulate earlier during their heat period than some other breeds and also give birth slightly earlier. Most breeds usually ovulate and are ready to be mated from approximately the fourteenth day of being in heat the first day of the heat period is counted as the first day you see bleeding but I have found with my Goldendoodle girls that they ovulate as early as day .With that in mind, in the early days of my breeding career, before progesterone testing was readily available, if I had used the fourteen-day rule of thumb I may actually have missed my girls ovulating. This means that mating slightly too late does not necessarily mean she will not become pregnant but that she may have a smaller than optimum sized litter. For this reason, we do not allow our bitches to be mated only once — it is important to repeat the mating again 48 hours later meaning a minimum of two matings. If you are taking your girl out to stud, rather than using your own in-house stud, it is particularly important to know when she is ovulating to avoid a wasted journey or wasted mating. Some bitches will stand to be mated slightly before and after ovulating, so allowing the dog to mate her is not indicative of ovulation on its own. I have found this to be especially true of my Goldendoodle girls who always seem keen to mate early in their heat periods. In addition to ovulating early in their cycle, I have also found that my girls give birth earlier than other breeds, generally giving birth on day 61 of their pregnancy rather than day 63 or 64 when my bitches of other breeds delivered their litters. I have found this to be true not only of my own Goldendoodle bitches but also of the bitches that have been brought in to be mated by my stud dogs. There are several ways we can confirm pregnancy in our Goldendoodle bitch starting from day 21 after ovulation. Many breeders also report a clear mucous discharge from the vulva at around this time. From day 28 you can have an ultrasound examination to confirm pregnancy however this is not a reliable way to ascertain litter size and bitches can also reabsorb fetuses even after this point. From roughly the fifth week after mating, however, you should be able to tell just by looking that your girl is indeed pregnant. I always notice that her rib cage looks wider when viewed from above at this stage. You will often find that her appetite increases around this time too. During the last two weeks of gestation, your vet can carry out an x-ray to check the number of pups that your bitch is expecting. This is more accurate at this point as calcification will have occurred and a good radiographer and often an experienced breeder can count the number of skulls and spines seen. Before even considering breeding from your Goldendoodle bitch there are a number of checks that should be carried out. No vet is needed for genetic testing as this is done via cheek swabs which are sent away to a laboratory; however, this takes several weeks. Assuming all these checks are OK before actually mating you must ensure that your girl is up to date with vaccinations, worming, and flea treatment and have her checked over by a vet to confirm that she is in perfect health and fit for breeding. Once she is actually pregnant apart from the confirmation of pregnancy, she should need no further pre-natal checks. Average Litter Size of a Goldendoodle Like most large breeds, Goldendoodles do tend to have large litters. The average litter size is 8 to 11 puppies. In my own personal experience, this has proved to be true with my smallest litter being ten pups and my largest thirteen. Goldendoodles are generally great mums and my girls have raised their litters beautifully and I have not had to assist with feeding, even with my largest litter. Can There Be Any Outside Impacts on Gestation Period Generally, if a bitch is having a smaller litter of four or fewer pups, she is more likely to give birth later than expected compared with a bitch having a larger litter. However, usually not by more than a day or two. Pups born seven days or more before their due date have a very low chance of survival, but this is thankfully a rare occurrence. If a bitch experiences trauma or contracts an infection during her pregnancy this can also cause early onset of labor or even abortion, so it is important to protect the pregnancy by ensuring the bitch is in optimum health and kept in suitably clean conditions. It is wise to avoid any unnecessary veterinary drugs or exposure to chemicals during her pregnancy. Your bitch will need to be wormed during pregnancy but make sure to use products specifically for use during pregnancy to avoid damage to the unborn pups. What is the Average Whelping Time? However, I have found that for a normal-sized litter 8 to 11 pups it usually takes on average around 8 — 10 hours for all pups to be born. Usually, once pushing starts the first few pups are born in relatively quick succession, but this slows down somewhat towards the end of delivery. This is caused by several things. There is no need to panic so long as the bitch is not distressed or actively pushing for over an hour without delivering a pup. The normal temperature is to .Once you observe this temperature drop it is vital to stay by her side. As labor progresses the bitch will pant and become restless often becoming stressed if you leave her even to pop to the toilet. She will start to dig, especially out in the yard so make sure you accompany her on toilet breaks. She may also have diarrhea or vomit. This is the time to encourage her to move to her whelping box. Tips on Caring for Your Goldendoodle During the Gestation Period During the gestation period, it is important that your Goldendoodle is kept in the very best of health. Make sure she has plenty of high-quality food, puppy food, or a complete raw diet are best and let her eat as much as she likes. Exercise is also important as a fit bitch will have an easier delivery. My own girls usually continue their daily walks right up until the day before delivery. Start worming the bitch on day 40 of her pregnancy with a pregnancy-safe product at the correct dose for her weight and continue this until two days post whelp. By Dr. Merliza Cabriles, D. Breeding Goldendoodles is both a science and an art. It comes with important and crucial responsibilities. Responsible dog breeders always share an underlying purpose—to improve the breed. This is achieved by making sure that the parents have been tested for specific Goldendoodle health issues , including prenatal checks. Breeding Goldendoodles will entail devoting time to acquiring in-depth knowledge about the breed, including genetic testing and the standards established by the Goldendoodle Association of North America GANA. A responsible Goldendoodle breeder is dedicated to learning about Goldendoodle pregnancy, health, breeding, and raising puppies. Goldendoodle breeders also recognize the importance of attending breed-specific events and establish good relationships with reputable Goldendoodle breeders. How Long Are Goldendoodles Pregnant? The average gestation period of Goldendoodles is 63 days, although it could vary from 58 to 68 days. When calculating the number of days of pregnancy, you should bear in mind that conception is often hard to ascertain. This means the act of mating is not a reliable way to start measuring the gestation period. The gestation period refers to the time between when the fetus was conceived and birth. The gestation period of Goldendoodles may vary if the female has been bred several times or if the eggs are fertilized by the sperm a day or two after mating. It is calculated from the first day of ovulation and not during the day of mating. When Can Goldendoodles Get Pregnant? The minimum age for Goldendoodles to get pregnant is years of age. The maximum is 12 years old. The first heat cycle of female Goldendoodles takes place between 6 and 18 months of age. While they are able to get pregnant at this time, this is not the best time to start breeding your Goldendoodle. When Can Male Goldendoodles Breed? The minimum age that male Goldendoodles can breed is 2 years old. The maximum is 10 to 12 years of age. Once male Goldendoodles become sexually mature, they will be able to mate every day throughout their entire lifetime. The viability and vitality of the sperm can be affected by the aging process, illness, or exposure to toxins. What is the Best Age to Breed a Goldendoodle? Female Goldendoodles can get pregnant throughout their lives. A Goldendoodle can be bred every 6 to 8 months. However, experts recommend letting one heat cycle pass in between each litter to avoid over-breeding your Goldendoodle. The earliest sign of heat in Goldendoodles is swelling or engorgement of the vulva. However, there are female dogs in which the swelling is not as obvious. For some female dogs that are in heat, the vaginal discharge will become apparent several days after heat has begun. The amount of vaginal discharge during heat varies from dog to dog. As the cycle progresses, the color and appearance of the vaginal discharge change. The bloody discharge during the early part of the cycle eventually becomes thin, watery, and light red in color as days pass. How Long is a Goldendoodle in Heat? The estrus cycle of Goldendoodles can vary from weeks with an average of 3 weeks. Morning sickness such as nausea and vomiting is rare but may occur in some dogs around days 21 to 25 as a result of hormonal changes. Signs of pregnancy in Goldendoodles are typically exhibited during the second trimester or during the third week of pregnancy. Have a question for a vet? Click here to live chat instantly with a verified veterinarian! Two to nine days before whelping, milk may be present. Drop in Body Temperature — This usually occurs 24 hours before labor. The normal temperature of Goldendoodles is between .Signs and Stages of True Labor As labor becomes more imminent, the frequency and intensity of the contractions will increase. The dog may not have much of an appetite and her abdomen hardens like a bag of rocks. Nesting may continue and the dog may keep on rearranging the bedding in her whelping box before a puppy is born. What is the Average Whelping Time of a Goldendoodle? So, for a litter of 5, the whelping time normally takes about 5 hours total. What is the Average Goldendoodle Litter Size? The average Goldendoodle litter size is puppies. To learn about responsible Goldendoodle breeding, you should consider becoming a member of the Goldendoodle Association of America , which is the first and only breed club for the Goldendoodle. There are also a large number of Facebook groups where you can connect with and learn from other breeders in your area and across the world. Read More….

Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Labrador Retrievers are consistently among the most popular dog breeds worldwide, due in large part to their cheerful personalities and obedient natures. If you live in California and want to expand your pack with a new Labrador Retriever puppy, the breeders on this list should be the first places that you check. The 8 Labrador Retriever Breeders in California 1. However, they emphasize preparing their pups to be working dogs, ready to help you with your next hunt. For an additional fee, you can have your new dog taught basic obedience and advanced gun dog training. Summerland Labradors Visit Their Website Phelan, CA Summerland Labradors is a small operation, producing only two to three litters per year, so you need to be on the ball if you want to adopt from them. Kenya Labradors Visit Their Website Santa Margarita, CA The biggest downside in buying a dog from Kenya Labradors is that the animals are raised on a gorgeous, acre plot overlooking the California coast, so the dog might be a bit disappointed when they get to your house. Still, all that room enables these dogs to get plenty of exercise and socialization before they join your pack. This kennel breeds well-pedigreed dogs, and your pup will come with more paperwork than the average new car. Your dog will be accustomed to living like you do long before you pick them up, which should cut down their adjustment time significantly. All their dogs are AKC-registered, and each one has many generations of champions in their heritage. They go to great lengths to try to match each pooch up with the perfect home for them, so your dog will be chosen based on how their temperament fits in with your existing lifestyle. They also guarantee that their dogs will be free of genetic defects up to 1 year of age or your money back. Your new pup will be thoroughly vetted, registered with the AKC, and microchipped before being handed over to you. They also have an extensive blog that answers just about any question that you might have about raising your new family member. You may also be interested in:. Life Span Did You Know? Black Labrador Retrievers, or just Black Labs, are a common coat color variation of one of the most popular dog breeds. The Black Labrador Retriever is not necessarily a separate dog breed. Black Labs are still Labrador Retrievers; they just have a distinct coat color that is a specifically-bred characteristic. Like other Labrador Retrievers, Black Labs are energetic, playful, and affectionate dogs that make great family companions. Although they are active and energetic dogs, Labs are also known for their gentleness and patience with other family members. Well-socialized Black Labs tend to get along well with just about everyone including children, other dogs, pets, and even strangers. They are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , Black Labs thrive on attention, especially from their favorite humans. They are happiest when they are spending time with their families and receiving affection and attention from them. Despite their high energy, Labs are highly adaptable dogs. They do tend to be better suited to homes with fenced yards where they can run, but they also adapt well to apartments provided they get enough daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. They do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat and extreme cold like many dog breeds. As such, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Black Labrador Retriever can include elbow dysplasia , hip dysplasia, heart disease, hereditary myopathy, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Another potential health concern is EIC exercise-induced collapse , which can occur in young adult Labs and has a genetic link. Because carriers can be identified by DNA tests, it is recommended that breeders test for them. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you talk to the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Labrador Retrievers are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Although their high energy and puppylike exuberance can sometimes be a challenge, they are intelligent dogs that are eager to please. As long as training is kept consistent and focused on positive rewards and praise, novice owners still tend to do well with Black Labs. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training too. Black Labs have a short, water-resistant double coat that sheds year-round and sheds heavier as seasons change. Depending on how active your Black Lab is and what they get into, they may need a bath more often, especially if they are swimming a lot. Weekly ear checks and careful cleanings when needed help prevent ear infections. Good dental care for dogs , like daily brushing and cleanings at the vet when needed, can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. As one of the most active dog breeds , a Black Labrador Retriever will need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are a minimum. Your Black Lab will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood. They tend to maintain a puppylike exuberance until they are years old. Although they do tend to mellow out as they get older, they are still active, energetic, and playful dogs. Once they are fully grown, you can try other things like hiking, running, dock diving, and more to find other activities you and your Black Lab can enjoy together. Fully-grown Black Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Black Labs generally live for years on average. Black Labrador Retrievers came before the also-popular Chocolate Lab. All modern Chocolate Labs can be traced back to three Black Labs in the s. It was the December issue of .Featured Black Labrador Retriever Article. As my website states, I am not like other breeders in many ways. First, I want to explain how the average Labrador breeder raises their pups the first few weeks of their life. They expect these tiny pups without their senses fully developed to find their way to a nipple without being smothered. I understand that this is what dogs do in the wild, but this is also why many puppies die in the wild. .Then, on top of that they hope that each of the pups will get enough milk on it's own to make it through the 1st week of life. They expect the Lab mom to do all the work, so they don't have to lose a wink of sleep. This is all very sad to say but it's true. I, on the other hand, care about each individual pup's life, I care that each and every one of them survive so that they can live a full and happy life. So, I make sure that each individual pup is given outstanding care. How do I do this? I began with hand raising each one of my pups the first 3 weeks of its life. What do I mean by hand raise my pup? It means I personally make sure each individual pup is fed every 2 hours- 24 hours a day, the first 2 weeks of its life. At feeding time, I make sure each puppy gets on a nipple so they don't have to struggle to find one. I make sure that each puppy gets an adequate amount of milk. Then, once I see that they have been well fed. I pick up one pup at a time and have the mom lick it to go potty. And then I put them in their little crib to ensure they are safe and not smooth by the mother until the next feeding 2 hours later. At three weeks, we feed the pups every 4 hours. But at this point, even though the pups eyes and ears are open. I still supervise the feeding to ensure that each pup is adequately fed and again not smothered by it's mother. I believe in giving these pups outstanding care. Even if that means that I lose a lot of sleep, and even if it ends up just saving one pups life. That one pup could be the next Labrador that I get a testimony about how it brought so much joy into one person's life! So, in the end, all the work and lack of sleep is worth it. I am up now about to give my pups their 3 am feeding. Hope this helps you all understand what is put into each litter. She is from our breeding between Cash and Bella, both parents are health certified. Sugar is overnight crate trained and has some other training. She has the sweetest disposition; we absolutely love her! However, we have had a family emergency that has come up that may cause us to have to put Sugar up for sale. If you would be interested in Sugar, please email us and let us know about yourself, and the lifestyle that you would be able to give Sugar. We will be reviewing potential families who would be interested in Sugar and pick the best family for her, and make a decision later this month. They are given constant positive attention their whole time with us. We have a big game room that we call the "Labby Room" This room is designated for our labs and their lab puppies. The puppies get a lot of interaction with all our kids in this room. They also become well adjusted to all the sounds of the home life, like the sound of a vacuum. When the pups are born, I will contact you and inform you on how many pups were born. We will post up pictures of each litter soon after they are born. And try to post weekly picture updates so you can watch the puppies grow. We will also post video on our face book page. When the pups are 6 to 7 weeks of age, I will contact you to set up an appointment for you choose and pick up your pup at 8 weeks of age. If you had first deposit in for a male pup you will have first choice of all the males available. If you have second deposit in, you will have the next appointment to choose from the males that are left and so forth. This order of reserving pups would also apply to the females as well. We honor all reservations on a puppy by not selling the puppy to anyone else. So if you are interested in a litter and don't want to make a reservation until "you see the litter". An appointment can be made to view the left-over puppies when they are 10 weeks old, and no sooner. No appointments will be allowed at a younger age, except for the families that made a prior reservation. We will not allow our baby puppies to be exposed to potential life threatening viruses from people that are just "shopping". We wait until all puppies that have been reserved are safely home, before we show any left-over puppies. Any left-over pups will be at least 10 weeks of age before any viewings are allowed, to insure they have at least had 2 sets of shots in. The only other accommodation that we can offer is a zoom call, so you can see the pups before you make a reservation. Most of our sweet puppies are sold before they are even born. Reserve your puppy today!

According to Tufts Veterinary School , food aggression is when dogs become aggressive when someone approaches them around food. There are a range of fixes for this, including training a dog to stop showing this behavior, or just effectively managing it and minimizing the risks around it. How To Prevent Aggression In Golden Retrievers The best thing to do about aggression in golden retrievers is to stop it from happening in the first place. Since bad behaviors usually stem from a mix of environmental and genetic factors, here are three ways to try to prevent aggression in your golden: 1. Socialize your dog Dogs usually become aggressive when they feel threatened. Choose a good breeder Since genetics definitely play a role in whether or not golden retrievers can be aggressive, make sure to choose a good breeder than is breeding good-tempered dogs. Also, breeders are the first ones to socialize your puppy , and responsible breeders will know how to do that, as well as care enough to do it. Goldens are big dogs with big teeth, so if you have an aggressive golden, it could be dangerous. Conclusion Although it is not common, it is possible for golden retrievers to be aggressive. To prevent aggression in your dog, be sure to never physically punish them, choose a good breeder, and properly socialize them. Related articles:. Print Retrievers, for the most part, make great family dogs. They are also smart, so they learn quickly and their strong willingness to please often makes retrievers a great addition to the family. But some retriever puppies are a high-energy ball of fire, one that is difficult to train or even handle in daily life. And sometimes there will be signs of aggressive behavior that are concerning. However, there is a fine line between puppy play behavior and hyper and aggressive behavior. Some owners are reluctant to stop such behavior thinking that it is just puppy behavior and therefore the dog will outgrow it. If you have a retriever puppy that is hyper or aggressive you might wonder what can be done and why they are acting that way. Here is some guidance on this topic. What are normal puppy behaviors? It is normal for very young puppies to nip at your hands and your feet. It is also normal for them to chew on things, jump on you and walk all over you. An 8-week-old puppy nipping at your hand might at first seem cute and sweet. But one bite from those exceedingly sharp puppy teeth and you might decide its not so cute. Those teeth can puncture your skin in a second and draw blood just as quickly. So, while it may be normal for a puppy to nip at your hand or foot, it is not a behavior that you want to ignore. Puppy play is naturally aggressive When puppies playing with their litter mates, the play can be very aggressive. This is natural, as dogs, they are always figuring out their pack and where they fit into the pack. Recognizing puppy play You can recognize when a retriever puppy is playing by the stance they take. They also may run around in circles, growling, or barking in high pitched barks, but when they do this their ears will be up, their tail wagging and they do not look threatening. It is uncommon for puppies under 12 weeks of age to exhibit true aggression. True aggression involves a dog exhibiting prolonged growling with a stiff posture and baring of teeth. Their hackles the hair on their back will be raised and they will be poised in a threatening position with ears back. If you were to approach a dog in this position which I do not recommend they will often move toward you and try to bite or snap at you. This type of aggression is something to be fearful about and is not healthy. Isolate the dog as much as possible and consult a veterinary or other professional for help or advice. What are signs of aggression in puppies All puppies can act aggressively, but if you take steps to address the aggressive behaviors while your dog is a young puppy, you can make a huge difference on how or whether that aggression progresses. These are all forms of aggression and none of them should be tolerated, not as a puppy and certainly not as a dog. There are also dominance behaviors that puppies exhibit that are often mistaken as aggression. They include things like jumping on people, stepping on people, pushing you around, forcing you to pet them and others. While these behaviors can be done aggressively, and should still be corrected immediately, they are not the same as aggression. Definition of puppy Because we often get clients that bring out their dogs that are close to a year old and refer to them as puppies, I want to define what I consider a puppy. A puppy is a dog under six months of age. Most retrievers are a good size by around six months. They will often continue to grow up until about a year and a half, but they have the bulk of their size by the time they are six months. And by six months, you need to have a handle on any aggressive behaviors, or you are going to struggle with eliminating them. Is it normal for a puppy to be very aggressive? It is normal for a puppy to test you with aggressive behaviors. And to be clear, that place should be at the bottom of the pack, under all your family members. I understand that your dog is a part of your family but allowing your dog to be in a position above any or all your family members is just asking for trouble. Treating your dog as a human and attributing your dog with human thoughts and reasoning is not fair to your dog or to your family. Love your dog, but make sure your dog is the lowest member of your pack and you will have a much easier time with obedience and basic good behavior. How to stop puppy growling Growling is often the first step for dog aggression. Or, if you try and take a toy away from your dog. No matter how or when you see the aggression start, it is important to nip it in the bud right away. A sharp NO command sometimes is all that is needed, especially if it is well-timed with the first sign of the growl or nip. Other times you may need to grab your dogs muzzle and squeeze. If these corrections do not seem to be helping, I would immediately crate my dog if it growled at me. Be sure you do not let your dog out of the crate while he is exhibiting a growling behavior. Only let him out if he is behaving appropriately. How to stop puppy nipping or biting A dog that nips or bites you often started as a very young puppy. We teach our puppies at 8-weeks-old that biting and nipping people is not allowed. And at this very young age, they learn it very quickly. Your pup may cry out or squirm, but that is fine. In fact, you need to be quite stern to make an impression. If it continues, you are not being firm or consistent enough. How to stop puppy growling while tugging During play, it is not uncommon for retriever puppies to growl and tug at toys, blankets, even your pant leg. This behavior is usually just playful and natural. However, I would still try to end this behavior as soon as possible. While almost harmless at first, this behavior can escalate quickly as your dog grows bigger and stronger. You can end this behavior first by not participating in it. If you start tugging with a toy with your puppy, you are going to encourage the behavior. The second step is to discourage the behavior with a sharp NO command. It can help if you say GIVE when you take the item. This will start to teach him the GIVE command that will be helpful later if you are a hunter. How to stop puppy baring his teeth A puppy or dog that bares his teeth to you is threatening to bite you. Even if the puppy goes no further than to bare the teeth and growl, you need to end this behavior. This behavior is far more dangerous than the puppy that nips at your hand. The nips may be done in play, since that is how puppies play with one another, but baring of teeth and growling is different. And you must handle it differently. I am not talking about lifting your dog off the floor with the shake, but if your puppy is very young, that may indeed be a great correction. Have you ever witnessed a mama dog correct her puppies? This is not a violent thing, just a natural correction for a puppy. The puppies rarely cry out or whimper when given this correction, they just walk away and understand that the behavior they were exhibiting is not acceptable. If your dog continues to bare his teeth even after this correction, you may have a bigger problem on your hands, and I would proceed carefully. True dog aggression is no joking matter. Dogs with aggression problems can snap at any time and go from baring their teeth to full out attacks. Hyper behavior is different from aggression. A hyper dog has a lot of energy and may not know how to control or channel that energy. Often hyper behavior is a genetic trait. In this sense, it is not something that you can eliminate. But you can take steps to make it more manageable. Exercise more Dogs that are hyper need more exercise than dogs that are more docile in nature. If your dog is hyper and is not getting enough exercise, the hype behavior is going to drive the dog to other behaviors that you may not enjoy such as chewing up your dining room table leg or your favorite pair of shoes. For instance, if your dog is hyper and is jumping up and down all the time, and you not only allow the jumping but pet him or her and give praise while your dog is jumping, then you are unknowingly rewarding the jumping behavior. Give your puppy time to mature Retrievers are often full of energy while they are young, well some a bit longer, but tend to slow down as they mature. But as they mature they do usually slow down and become a bit less energetic. Training Highly energetic dogs can benefit greatly from structured training programs. Programs such as the ones we offer here at Otter Tail Kennels, can teach an energetic dog control and channel their energy into hunting or retrieving which can make home life more manageable. There are even some things you can do at home to get more control of your energetic dog. Practice sitting I know this sounds boring, and for you it is. But for an energetic dog that does not like sitting at all, having them sit for 30 seconds, or a minute or two can be very challenging. They will need many reminders at first, but over time they will learn to settle and sit calmly. You can slowly increase the amount of time. This simple obedience drill will help your dog learn control. Teach your dog the kennel command so that when you say Kennel, they run into their crate and stay there until you release them. This basically sends your dog on a time out and forces them to practice control and settle. Final thoughts on why my puppy is so hyper and aggressive For dogs under 6 months of age, much hyper and aggressive behavior is simply puppy play. You must teach your puppy boundaries and the earlier you teach them the better. Be consistent in your corrections and persistent, and over time you will reap the benefits. You can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. Lunging Biting Dogs can display these behaviors toward adults or children, as well as other dogs or animals in the home. However, they can also act aggressively toward strangers or unfamiliar pets. What should you do if you see these signs of aggression in your dog? If you ignore this behavior, someone could get hurt. To address the underlying issue, seek professional help from a licensed dog trainer or animal behaviorist. If they do show signs of aggression, there is a reason. So, what causes this kind of dog aggression? Causes of Aggression in Golden Retrievers Are golden retrievers aggressive in most cases? But do golden retrievers have the propensity to act aggressively as a result of certain factors, just like any dog breed? Food aggression and resource guarding is relatively common among dogs, including the golden retriever. Dogs might also be possessive about their toys, bedding, a certain room in the house, or a certain family member. Dominance Because dogs are pack animals, they tend to look for hierarchy. Aa dog may try to assert their dominance over another pet or, in some very rare cases, a family member. We generally find golden retrievers are fantastic family dogs. Fear Another type of aggression is fear-based aggression. Fear aggression occurs when your dog is frightened of something or gets startled. A loud noise like thunder, a stranger in the house, or the prospect of a car ride could trigger this. They can be, just like any dog. A golden could snap when someone steps on their tail or massages a sore arthritic joint too hard. They can help alleviate joint pain, improve mobility, and help with long-term joint health. Abuse or neglect can result in a fear or distrust of humans and other animals, so a golden who has experienced this kind of mistreatment could be more likely to act out aggressively. However, like any other dog breed, they can display aggressive behavior under some circumstances. The question is, how can you avoid such circumstances and encourage more positive responses? Here are the best ways to avoid bad behavior, including canine aggression, when you own a golden retriever: Give Proper Training Dog owners can avoid many behavioral problems with good long-term training. Your dog should know the fundamental commands like sit, stay, come, heel, and lay down. They should also be crate and leash trained. If you need some help, consult a dog trainer for help or enroll your pet in obedience training classes. Kids need to know that your dog is not a toy and needs to be given the proper space and respect. Socialize Your Dog Proper socialization means exposing your dog to a wide variety of people, animals, situations, and environments at a young age. That way, your pooch grows up familiar with everything they may encounter as an adult, which helps to avoid unwanted behavior like aggression. You can socialize an older dog as well as a golden retriever puppy — it just might take a little more time and patience. Positive reinforcement is a much better tactic. This means rewarding your pet with treats and verbal praise when they exhibit good behavior and correcting them when they need it, rather than resorting to punishment. Choose a Reputable Breeder Are golden retrievers aggressive when they come from a breeder? Not necessarily, but poor breeding practices can certainly contribute to aggression. Dogs who come from backyard breeders or crowded settings may have had to compete for food, toys, or territory, increasing the likelihood of aggression later in life. Most shelters work with the dogs in their care to make sure they have basic training and socialization. Are Golden Retrievers Aggressive or Not? Are golden retrievers aggressive? No, not inherently. On the contrary, golden retrievers are extremely friendly dogs who are social, affectionate, gentle creatures. They tend to get along very well with adults, kids, and other pets, making the golden one of the best dogs for families. While golden retrievers are not aggressive by nature, there are several possible reasons why they might show aggression. Any dog can be possessive, try to assert dominance, be afraid or in pain, or come from a background of abuse or neglect. To avoid aggression in your golden retriever, commit to training them and socializing your pet. Last but not least, adopt your dog from a reputable breeder or shelter that has instilled some training and positive socialization already. Browse the Native Pet blog. Read more. Are Golden Retrievers Aggressive? The Honest Truth Posted on April 5, by Galen Kauffman Share: Golden Retriever owners will most times be highly indignant if you dare to suggest that their Goldens have even an iota of aggression in them. They will be quick to tell you that dog experts will even use this big golden, friendly dog as an example breed when looking to confirm what a calm, amicable dog is. And the puppies? Are golden Retrievers aggressive as puppies? Not at all. Alright, so as a puppy it is only natural that he will nip and bite your hand as he is teething. He has the cutest little growl too. However, not training your puppy and not taking him along to socialization classes can allow this puppy habit to develop into something serious. Is Aggression Common in Golden Retrievers? Are Golden Retrievers aggressive? Only very seldom. Calm and laid back as your Golden Retriever is, there are going to be times when your golden doggo may be aggressive. They are loving, playful, calm, friendly, smiling, amiable dogs. Are male Golden Retrievers aggressive more often than females? Not really. As mentioned, these dogs are rarely aggressive, but it is more likely that the male Golden Retriever will be more aggressive than the female. Aggression in Golden Retrievers nearly always comes from poor breeding, bad dog owners, inadequate training, and lack of socialization. You can also add in abuse, neglect, and cruelty. Golden Retrievers are known as control groups for aggression A control group is a standard to which comparisons are made in a dog aggression experiment. There is a control group and an experimental group. The inclusion of a control group helps the researcher to make conclusions from the study. It is only with a control group that a researcher can determine whether a treatment can have an effect on an experimental group. In the study, golden retrievers were tested and used as a control group. Seventy Golden Retrievers were tested in the temperament test. Levels of escalation in aggressive behavior were scored. A total of .Goldens are not typically aggressive Most Golden Retriever owners are familiar with the good-natured temperaments of their Goldens, and they would consider an aggressive Golden Retriever to be an unheard-of thing. Dogs are like kids and the Golden is just a big loving child wanting to please you. And rightly so. Nobody in their right mind would want an aggressive Golden Retriever around their small children. Nonetheless, even though the chances are almost nil that your Golden has any aggression in him, there are one or two factors that can cause aggression in Golden Retrievers, and with good reason, and we look at some of them below. Fear Fear causes any dog faced with a threat to defend itself by biting. Veterinary behavior specialists tell us that fear-related aggression is just that — it is used as self-defense. It may well be out of sheer desperation that a cornered dog bites when it anticipates a threat. A Golden Retriever that has been regularly smacked learns to generalize — believing that every human hand wants to strike him. He goes into self-protection mode by biting the hand that reaches out to him. Fear is also instilled in a dog such as the Golden Retriever when an owner uses harsh, cruel punishment-based training methods. Harsh behavior increases aggression but also anxiety. Danger Dogs act in unusual ways when they sense danger. Can Golden Retrievers be aggressive in the face of danger? This abuse can take different forms. Goldens who have suffered from emotional and physical abuse can respond to anyone with aggression. He will in all likelihood be scared, agitated, and aggressive. Socializing your Golden Retriever will prepare him for a broad range of situations so that he is able to interact with various animals, people, and situations. It teaches him to react to the world out there in a calm way without fear and aggression. Illness Aggression in a Golden Retriever can have a medical cause. Just like the human child gets whiney, cranky, and aggressive when ill and with a bad headache, our canine friends do as well. Medically-induced aggression in a Golden Retriever can result in warning signs of growling, baring teeth, and general aggression. Brain inflammation occurs in conditions such as rabies and encephalitis. The aggression in this instance is most times a neurological reaction to the effect of the inflammation on the brain. Low thyroid levels affect mood and thyroid therapy can relieve aggression in dogs with hypothyroidism. Dogs are like humans in some ways and if they have woken up feeling under the weather, they may respond by showing signs of aggression. Injury There are many causes of aggression in dogs and injury is a common cause of canine aggression. Your Golden Retriever is nearly always a well-behaved dog, so if he suddenly shows signs of aggression, you just know there is something unusual up with him. If you find him acting out of character and wanting to nip you, get him to the vet as soon as possible for a thorough examination. He could have chewed on something that has caused injury to the teeth or even lodged somewhere, causing injury and pain inside the mouth. Irresponsible Breeding Canine aggression always poses concerns. Aggression in dogs is researched by people wanting to understand breed differences. Research always reveals that the Golden Retriever is a calm, good-natured golden beauty with hardly an aggressive bone inside him. But what about irresponsible breeding? A dog can suffer from all kinds of complications in pregnancy and when ignored because of the costs it can be tragic and heartbreaking. A responsible Golden Retriever breeder is one who knows the breed well and who has health clearances to show that both parents are free of genetic disorders. They follow the AKC breed guidelines for health testing. The test includes hips, elbows, thyroid tests, hearing tests, DNA testing, and heart tests. Also before breeding, dog parents need additional tests for Brucellosis testing and both dogs need to be up to date with all their vaccinations. Their characteristics, their bad attitude, their lack of affection, their lack of concern, and their troublesome lifestyle all cause aggression in Golden Retrievers. Signs of Aggression in Golden Retrievers Golden Retrievers are sometimes like other dogs in showing their aggression and they will growl and bark while simultaneously becoming hyperactive. Their floppy ears are raised, the feathered tail is raised and stiff and their hackles are raised. If your Golden has turned into a bit of a biter, snapper, and growler, there has to be a good reason. So how does one stop aggression in Golden Retrievers? Socializing Ensure that your Golden Retriever puppy stays with his mother until he is 8 weeks of age. Just like young kids have to be disciplined in order for them to display appropriate behavior, your puppy Golden will need to be trained and socialized. Check out with your local vet where the best puppy socialization classes are. Choosing a Good Breeder By the time your Golden Retriever puppy is 8 weeks old, he is ready to go to his new home. The way he has developed so far will be dependent on how the breeder has raised him and his siblings. Puppies kept in an unloving, cold, hostile environment will have aggressive tendencies later on and not be able to function properly in your household. Choose a good breeder very carefully. Are you wanting to buy the cutest, most beautiful, friendliest, balanced, loving, non-aggressive Golden Retriever puppy? My Golden Retriever Puppies has just what you want, after all, they are the trusted source for responsibly-raised Golden Retriever Puppies in Ohio. Know your breeder and find yourself a healthy, lively, happy, amicable Golden who has been raised with love and care and dying to shower you with Golden Retriever kisses. Training Although it is difficult to find one iota of aggression in a Golden Retriever, any kind of aggressive behavior can be avoided with proper training. Apart from early socialization, you can train your dog firmly, fairly, and consistently. You could also allow a reputable professional dog behaviorist or trainer to train your Golden to mix with other people and dogs without showing aggressive tendencies. Positive reinforcement training is great when a tasty treat is given as a reward for the desired behavior. Never confuse your dog, and make sure that everyone in the family uses the same signs and commands that he is familiar with. Exercise If you want to avoid aggression in your Golden Retriever, exercise him. Dog aggression is a concern for any dog owner and even your mild, calm Golden can begin to feel the stirrings of aggression when he is never exercised. The Golden Retriever is a large dog and he is also a sporting breed. Your Golden will need a consistent workout every day for at least 20 minutes at a time. Hitting a ball for him with a tennis racquet can be an excellent running exercise for him. You have to be patient with him and show him kindness, gentleness, and fairness when training him. Conclusion Are Golden Retrievers aggressive? They can be, but only under certain circumstances. It is things such as improper breeding, abuse, and fear from humans that put aggression into any dog. Know your Golden and get him to the vet if you suspect uncharacteristic aggression which could be brought on by pain or illness. You can easily find one by checking out our puppies here! All our puppies are raised by our own group of small, independent breeders who lovingly care for and socialize with each of them daily so they grow up happy. We even take all the extra steps to provide the best healthcare for them. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. How on earth does one of the most lovable and gentle dogs out there become aggressive? Unfortunately, it is not unheard of. Golden Retrievers are just as likely to show aggressive behavior as any other animal or human out there. We look at a few of the factors that can cause aggression in Golden Retrievers and a few of the common warning signs. We also look briefly at the methods that you can use to help prevent aggression in your Golden. Abuse This is an unfortunate truth. Neglect Neglect is absolutely a form of abuse. It can be withdrawing any kind of love or affection or even just attention from a dog, but it can also include not providing the dog with the basic necessities of life, such as food and water. When a Golden has been malnourished, they start to exhibit food-guarding behavior , which includes growling and biting at anyone or anything while they are eating. Image Credit: chendongshan, Shutterstock 3. This is considered one of the most common causes of aggression in most dogs. Illness or Pain Dogs that are in pain or are sick can react with aggression. They feel vulnerable, and if they are in pain or some form of discomfort, they can lash out in a protective or defensive reaction. Specific Illnesses This is different from a dog feeling sick. There are certain illnesses that can cause aggression. The most famous is rabies, but hormonal imbalances or metabolic and genetic disorders can also cause aggression, such as hypothyroidism, neoplasia, and psychomotor epilepsy, to name a few. Image Credit: Piqsels 6. Danger or Threat All dogs will react aggressively if they feel threatened or feel the need to protect their territory , including their families. This is particularly true for a mother dog protecting her puppies. A dog without the proper socialization will be nervous and fearful in new situations and around new people. Image Credit: pixels, Shutterstock 9. But they can also breed undesirable traits into their puppies. So, if the parents or grandparents had aggressive natures, this might be passed down to the next generations. The Warning Signs It is helpful to recognize the warning signs before a dog acts out from aggression. A few of these will be obvious, but most signs can be overlooked or misunderstood. Body language that your Golden might display, in order of the aggression ramping up, include: Squinting, turning head or body away from the situation, and avoidance of eye contact Licking of the lips or yawning Flattening of the ears tightly against the head Crouching down and tucking the tail under the body Freezing in place and stiffening of the body Growling Snapping Biting These are all signs that a bite might be imminent, so proceed with caution if your dog is exhibiting these signs. That said, many of these tips can be applied to almost any dog at any age. Image Credit: Piqsels 1. Socialization Just as improper socialization can lead to eventual aggression, the right socialization can prevent it. When your puppy or dog is introduced to as many environments, situations, people, and animals as possible, they gradually learn to not be afraid of new things. Using praise, pets, and treats when your dog does something right is the best method for training all breeds. Image Credit: Piqsels 3. Find a Good Breeder The genetics of the dog is important and so is how the breeder raises the puppies. Patience and Love This is important for every single dog out there but is particularly true for rescue dogs. Rescue dogs will gradually learn to trust again. Image Credit: Standret, Shutterstock 5. If you have a handle on what causes an aggressive reaction from your dog, try to fix it. But first take your dog to the vet to rule out any injury or illness. Exercise Ensure that your Golden is receiving plenty of exercise. They are energetic dogs that need to engage in many types of activities and training, which effectively reduces aggressive behavior. You should also look into enrolling your dog in obedience classes or even agility trials and dock diving. These dogs are hard-working, and if you give them a job to do, they are less likely to become aggressive. They are the fourth most intelligent dog breed behind the Border Collie , Poodle , and German Shepherd , and they are highly sensitive dogs. The first sign of any kind of aggression needs to be addressed, even if it means talking to an animal behaviorist or vet. Just spend time with your Golden and give them plenty of love and attention, and that dog will absolutely be devoted and confident and unquestionably, a happy and loving companion!

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. Remember, Labs do not have a natural food intake regulator so you will need to monitor them with portion control. Using a cheaper brand is a poor option at half the price. You will use twice as much and you will have to clean up larger amounts of waste in your yard. To allow for an accurate control of body weight and growth rate, this amount of food can be dispensed over 3 meals per day. After 5 months of age, the feeding regularity can be reduced to two meals per day with the commensurate increase in food quantity. The amount of food a Labrador puppy requires will increase then level out during first 14 months of their life. At months, their bone density is increasing and their growth plates are set. We do not recommend desexing you pup until at least 3 years of age. This allows for an appropriate development and supply of hormone which in turn produces proper bone, muscle and vital organ development. Table foods dispensed randomly to dogs are not nutritionally balanced. We do not offer our dogs table food at all. There will be no problems if you are feeding a puppy with a homemade diet but it should be prepared from prescribed recipes that are nutritionally complete and balanced. Diets consisting of an unplanned and indiscriminate mixture of human foods particularly including carbohydrates will likely result in obesity and even dietary-induced disease. When you Lab reaches 14months of age, it should be given an adult food that contains less energy and calcium. This will decrease the risk of obesity and orthopaedic conditions. And do not feed them coffee or tea as they can contain caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. These toxic substances can dangerously affect the heart and nervous system. Onions, garlic, raisins and grapes can be severely toxic in labradors. Raw meat is potential source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria for your puppy. Eggs yokes are an excellent source of protein. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin a B vitamin. This can, in extreme cease, lead to skin and coat problems. Liver contains higher levels of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Raw liver can be a source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria. Excessive amounts of liver can cause Vitamin A toxicity. Raw bone chewing will control tartar buildup on a pups teeth. However, bone chewing can cause intestinal blockages and perforations. Never use cooked bones. Commercial Puppy Foods Most commercial puppy foods are designated for small, medium, large and giant breeds. This designation can be found on the label. Puppies of medium sized breeds are less than '25 kg fully grown adult body weight'. A full grown and lean Labrador will usually weigh between 25kg and 45kg. We feed our dogs at the 'lower' level of the recommended range. The 'Hills Body Fat Index' is a very helpful body shape indicator. The same food as the bitch You should feed your new puppy with the same brand of food as the bitch received during lactation. From 2 weeks into pregnancy, our expectant mothers are fed 'Royal Canin Labrador Puppy' food. Introducing a new brand of food If you are wanting to introduce a new brand of food to your puppy, then blend it gradually with the existing brand in increasing amounts over 3 days. This should prevent food rejection and any kind of gastric upset. It is best to choose a diet designed for large breed puppies. Selected commercial feeds should contain a limited percentage of filler compounds. Pawlinglabs uses Royal Canin Labrador as our preferred option. Growing labradors Labrador pups have a very steep growth curve, and their total daily energy needs do increase as they grow. Calculate the amount of puppy food that will satisfy that need. The feeding guidelines on the commercial pet food label provides an estimated quantity of feed for several different ranges in body size. These instructions will give you an estimated starting point for the particular brand. Medium or large? Medium breeds should be transitioned to an adult diet by 12 months of age, while large breeds between 14 — 18 months of age. Mature female labradors are medium and weight approx kg. Mature males are large and weight approx kg. Their calcium and energy content should not exceed that level recommended by a registered nutritionalist. Sound skeletal development Sound skeletal development in labradors is produced by the interaction of genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. The phase prior to weaning and the growth phase, up to 14 months are integral to sound skeletal structure. Don't take your young pup on extended distance walks and certainly not 'running' until at least 18mths of age. You must avoid stairs and slippery floors for the same reasons. Their growth plates are set at about mths of age. Feeding and Overfeeding Large breeds like Labradors are the most susceptible to skeletal disease. Feed consumption, nutrients balance and feeding methods influence our ability to produce sound skeletal development and eliminate skeletal disease. Appropriate food consumption and nutrition plays a critical role in bone development. Overfeeding will not increase or benefit the growth rate of young and growing labrador puppies. And it does not correlate with optimal adult size. However, it does increase the risk of skeletal abnormalities. The vast majority of skeletal disorders occur in large breeds including labradors and they are associated with consumption of table food and an excessive intake of a commercial food and supplementation. The large breeds like labradors are limited in their ability to cope with an excess of minerals such as calcium. The result of this over consumption is abnormal bone development and skeletal disorders. Nutritional management will be critical in the to prevention of bone and joint diseases. In most cases, skeletal disease can prevented by appropriate quantities of feed in a regulated diet with optimal nutrient levels. A complete and balanced commercial diet is essential. Dietary deficiencies will be of little concern if your labrador pup is fed with a complete and balanced commercial diet. Brands like Eukanuba and Royal Canin are specifically formulated for young, growing labradors. There is real potential for harm by over feeding and giving additional supplementation. Housing safety and activity levels Housing safety and activity levels are under the your influence. Nutrition is also under your control and it is the single most important factor affecting the development of the musculoskeletal system. Energy, protein, and calcium are the critical nutritional components affecting skeletal development. However, if they are given in excess, they will be detrimental to normal bone and joint growth. Most pet owners feed commercial dog food. These prepared diets are balanced and complete. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. The source of protein matters when considering a high-quality diet. FATS The rest of the diet should be made up of fats, carbs, and vitamins. Labs need to have a correct protein -to-fat ratio, where protein takes the lead. Dogs tend to convert fat into glucose, so this is an important source of energy. Dogs rely mostly on protein and fats, but carbs are necessary. That said, a low carb diet is best for puppies. However, you still need the right percentage of carbs, since this gives your dog the sensation of being full. These include starches, fibers, and sugars. Try to opt for more complex carbs like starchy grain and veggies because these are easier to digest. Your Lab puppy will thrive when his or her diet includes: Vitamin B12 especially during puppy development , Vitamins A and E, C, Vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium, Potassium Each of these required vitamins and minerals contributes to a healthy, happy, and energetic puppy. They also help offset issues like obesity. Vitamins A and E are important because they help your dog burn calories and promote eye and skin health. Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, on the other hand, are part of a trifecta that works to strengthen teeth and bones. Potassium is a heart health-preserver. Labs with poor genetics are especially prone to orthopedic issues. Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are common health problems for this breed. Glucosamine, an amino-sugar, together with chondroitin sulfate, helps replace and support naturally degrading cartilage during old age. Recently,"grain-free" foods are being championed as a preferred and even high-quality form of dog food. That's, not the whole story. An investigation launched by the FDA revealed that there are potential links between a form of canine heart disease and grain-free foods. So far, researchers have provided an update to this researchers have provided an update to this research staring that the issue may not just be grain-free diets. Grain-free may be part of other trends knows as "BEG"- boutique companies. Puppy diets don't' need to be complicated. They also don't need to include ingredients that humans might enjoy. Enjoyment doesn't necessarily bring any nutritional value to your puppy's development. Keep it simple, using the guidelines for fats, proteins, and carbs above and don't shy away from food with grains in them. It's not their presence that's a problem it's often the ratio. There shouldn't be more carbs or grains than protein. Nor does including only legumes, seeds, lentils, or chickpeas as the primary ingredients make the food more superior. It's perfectly healthy to include complex carb sources like starchy rice and other grains. Grain-free isn't and shouldn't be a qualifying factor for your choice in puppy food. Feeding Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is dried, pelleted food that stores well is easy to eat, and is pre-formulated with everything your puppy needs to thrive and grow in his early developmental months. There are plenty of popular brands that don't measure up to the Snowy Pines standard. That's why it's so vital for you to learn how to read puppy food labels. Puppies should stick with "puppy stage" food, while adults should stick to bags marked "adults. Instead, your dog should have regular bowel movements, allowing them to absorb all the nutrients available. You should also keep in mind that caloric intake is calculated a little differently for puppies. Kibble diets are measured by how many calories the proteins, fats, and carbs represent for each gram. For puppies, this should be 3. Sticking to these ratios will help ensure your kibble choice is a healthy one. It's also important to note that kibble calories are often higher when compared to wet food. If it's high-quality wet food, it won't have as much fat to preserve it, which means fewer calories. You may have to supplement with dry food, especially if you're trying to keep the calories of carbs, proteins, and fats in the right per-gram ratio. Fourth meal 5 pm You should follow this type of feeding schedule until your Lab puppy is 14 weeks old, after which you can adopt a two meal per day plan. However, keep in mind that Labs are especially prone to overeating and obesity, so if you use treats, ensure you give them sparingly. In fact, a study in the UK listed Labrador Retrievers among the eight breeds most prone to being overweight. So your food-loving Lab puppy requires a bit of control. One way to keep them from overeating treats is to portion out their food for the day and use that as their reward. In most cases, the puppy will respond just as enthusiastically to kibble. Place a bowl of water in a location accessible to your puppy and supervise him to ensure he drinks enough but not too much. Puppies at this age should drink between half and one ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. So if your eight-week-old Lab is 12 lbs 5. This is an essential part of puppy care. As mentioned, if you get your puppy from a reliable breeder which should always be the case , the pup should have already started with his vaccinations, and the breeder should provide the vaccination records. Then, make an appointment with the vet for any vaccination follow-up. Also, ensure your pup stays on worm preventative medication as puppies are more prone than adult dogs to worm infection. Sometimes puppies are also born with certain types of worms from an infected mother, especially roundworms and hookworms, where mother-to-puppy transmission is a significant mode of spreading. Be especially sure that your Lab puppy gets the heartworm vaccination. Heartworm is a dangerous and potentially fatal disease, and once your dog is infected, the cure is expensive and extremely harsh on your dog. A trained dog will learn how to behave in and outside the home and around other humans and pets. I have a full beginner guide on how to train an 8 week old Labrador puppy , but in a nutshell, there are three training areas you should focus on in terms of pet training: housebreaking, obedience, and socialization. Housebreak Your 8-Week-Old Labrador Puppy Housebreaking means training your puppy to eliminate outdoors or at a designated location inside the home instead of doing it anywhere and at any time. Puppies need frequent bathroom breaks because their system is not yet mature enough to hold it for long. Luckily you can take advantage of that to teach your dog to always use the same spot. Pay attention to the signs your puppy gives when they need to ease themselves, like circling, whining, or sniffing their groin. Puppies naturally need to eliminate at these times: First thing after waking up in the morning. Last thing before retiring at night. After every meal. After drinking plenty of water. Upon waking up from a nap. During or after play or exercise. When they wake up during the night. Their brain, at this point, is like a sponge that will easily absorb new info. Also, teaching these commands early will make living with you easier for your dog as he will know what is expected of him. Teach your Lab puppy to sit, lay down, stay, leave, and other basic commands that are foundational for more advanced training later. Remember to use only positive reinforcement training approaches and reward your puppy with verbal praise, positive gesture cues, and treats. Exposure to these realities will help your Lab puppy adjust fast and nurture proper social behavior. In addition, exposure will preempt signs of poor puppy socialization, like aggression and fear around people and other animals. In general, your eight-week-old Labrador puppy should have two minute sessions of exercise daily. In addition, keep the following in mind: Keep exercise sessions short in the beginning and allow your puppy to adapt gradually. Playtime counts as exercise, so be careful not to over-exercise your Lab puppy. This is the harness I use. Allow your pup spontaneous rest moments between play. When exercising your puppy , avoid taking him for walks during the coldest or hottest times of the day. There are several ways to ensure your eight-week-old Labrador puppy is always safe, including ample supervision and choosing the right kind of toy. They might also try to get away on an exploratory walk if the door is left open. To avoid these dangers, puppy-proofing your home before getting your eight-week-old Lab puppy is vital. Read more here, What Foods are Poisonous to Labradors? Unplug power cords and put them away when not in use, as your puppy could try chewing on them. Remember that your puppy is young and still learning. It is also a legal requirement in some countries, such as the UK, and it may be required when traveling. While name tags are an excellent way to identify a dog, they can be easily removed or get lost, which means you are better off microchipping your Lab puppy, or even better, do both. Choose Safe Play Toys for Your 8-Week-Old Labrador Puppy Like us, eight-week-old puppies still have their baby teeth which they gradually lose to make room for their adult teeth. So, expect a lot of chewing and nipping during this time. Like humans, teething can be uncomfortable, and chewing is their only way to relieve some of that pain. To that end, ensure your Lab puppy has the right chewing toys to avoid damaging teeth or accidentally swallowing toy pieces. This toy is great for teething pups, doubles as a fetch toy, and is also a treat-dispensing toy where you can stuff it with peanut butter or other goodies. If proper toys are not provided, your Lab puppy will chew any available object in the house, such as table legs, shoes, remotes, or your hands. As such, they need proper resources for resting and sleeping. That includes the time to do so and a place where they will feel safe in. This synthetic dog bed has an ultra-soft feel and provides maximum comfort for your Lab. You can use it in the crate or as a stand-alone bed, and it comes in a few different styles and sizes. I like this bed due to its 3. Ensure the bed is in a location with no draft and where your puppy does not get any disturbance when resting. If you put your puppy straight into the crate without helping them adjust, it may react poorly. When buying a kennel, the best approach is to buy one that your pup can use as an adult dog, which for a Lab would be around 42 inches .Just be sure to get a crate with dividers so you can make the space smaller for your puppy. An 8-week-old Lab puppy can only walk for approximately minutes at a time. In most cases, young puppies will not walk but rather jump around and play. Still, keep in mind that they do not need long exercise sessions. Instead, keep playtimes short and allow for lots of rest. Remember that puppies should only walk about five minutes for every month of age, twice a day. At three months, you can stretch it to 15 minutes. Overwalking your Lab puppy can cause joint and bone issues and should be avoided. As such, a dog from a larger breed will need more food as a puppy than a smaller breed. An 8-week-old Lab puppy should be fed three to four meals of no more than cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy will depend on his size and weight. For example, if your puppy is between lbs 4. These measurements can vary with each dog food product, as different manufacturers have varying ingredients, so ensure you check the packaging first. Eight week old Lab puppies sleep for approximately 18 to 20 hours a day. An 8 week old Lab should pee as soon as they wake up, after eating and drinking, after waking up from a nap, during or after a session of play or exercise, just before going to bed at night, and when they awake during the night. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. Made with real meat and no artificial colors or flavors how much should a lab eat? Allergies Labs can also have allergies. Some dogs may be allergic to wheat, macadamia nuts, etc. It can manifest as a runny nose, high volumes of shedding, rashes on the skin, and so on. Different dietary needs are crucial, especially if they display allergy symptoms. Avoid all types of human foods. You can give your lab puppy supplements You can get great quality adult dog food and puppy kibble from companies like Royal Canin Labrador Retriever, Blue Buffalo, Canidae Grain-Free, etc. Only adult food must be given to labrador retrievers who have crossed 1. Your puppy needs 4 small meals consisting of half a cup of food per meal till he is 2 months old. From 2 to 6 months, he needs 3 meals daily consisting of 1 cup of food per meal. From 6 months onwards , you can give your puppy 2 meals daily of 2 cups of dog food per meal. Is This A Problem? Yes, this is a major problem! Fat dogs are adorable but also extremely unhealthy. An adult labrador retriever should weigh at most pounds. Labs that are fatter than this stand at the risk of obesity, arthritis , and other lifelong diseases. Refrain from feeding your labrador too many dog treats. Onions and garlic: surprisingly, anything in the onion and garlic family is incredibly toxic to dogs. Meat with bones: if not chewed properly, sharp edges can rupture the throat, stomach lining, intestines, and other parts of the digestive tract. Other human foods and beverages to avoid giving your dog are alcohol, sugar, citric fruits, and anything with caffeine. Your labrador retriever should weigh between 55 to 70 pounds at full adulthood. Male labs are heavier than female labs, so they can fall on either side of the optimal weight spectrum. Some healthy treats for your labrador retriever are cut fruits and vegetables. Carrots, celery, cucumber, beetroot, apples, bananas, and berries strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, etc. Dogs also love peanut butter! Veggies dipped in peanut butter also make a great snack for your dog. This is entirely up to you as dog owners. If you have the time and patience to cook meals for your dog, go for it. Store-bought food is easier and is filled with the right nutritional requirements for your lab puppy. On the other hand, with the right recipe, home-cooked food works, too. What Should I Do? A dog growling at you when you go near his food bowl is most commonly a trauma response or a way to protect his food. We often see this with rescues. House training your lab puppy is equally important to avoid food aggression. Labrador Retrievers get piddly after their meals. Dog owners must take out their lab puppy as frequently as they eat sometimes even more often to let their energy out and adult labradors less frequently. A lab puppy needs a ton of exercise. The amount of kibble you should feed your Labrador puppy will vary depending on their age, weight, and activity level. A good rule of thumb is to start with cups of kibble daily and adjust as needed. Best Dog Food For Lab Puppies: The best dog foods for lab puppies include those that are high in protein and low in fillers. The food you should feed a black lab puppy is the same as for any other Labrador puppy. A chocolate lab puppy should be fed the same food as for any other Labrador puppy. A 2-year-old chocolate lab should eat about cups of kibble daily. You should stop feeding puppy food to your Labrador at around months of age. At this point, their growth plates will have closed, and they will no longer need the extra nutrients found in puppy food. Labradors live for years. They start to slow down around 7 and may develop some health problems in their senior years. You should also increase their exercise level. Lab breeders feed their dogs high-quality dog food specifically formulated for large-breed puppies. A lab puppy should drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. This amount may increase as they get older and more active. A labrador needs at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This can be a combination of walking, running, and playing. Golden labs live for years. Chocolate labs live for years same like labs of any color. Labradors lose their baby teeth between 3 and 6 months of age. You can start to transition your puppy to eating twice a day at around 6 months of age. By the time they are 1 year old, they should eat only once daily. You should stop feeding your large breed puppy food at around 18 months of age. Why Are Labs So Hungry? Labradors are a very active breed of dog, and they need a lot of calories to fuel their energy levels. They are also prone to gaining weight, so keep a close eye on their food intake About The Author Shradha Kabra Shradha is a seasoned writer at Labradorandyou. Her experience as a pet owner and dog enthusiast drives her to create meticulously researched and fact-checked content, offering valuable insights on Labrador training, grooming, and health. Each article reflects Shradha's passion and dedication, enriched by personal experiences with her beloved Labradors, Tom, and Kurt. Whether exploring breed-specific training techniques or providing product reviews, Shradha ensures Labrador owners receive the most accurate, up-to-date, and trustworthy information, aimed at enhancing their companions' health and happiness. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, you can reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress. You are planning to adopt a Labrador puppy, or already are a proud pet parent of one, you must be anxious about how best to assure optimum growth and health to your pup. This piece of writing is an attempt to give you some useful information about the kind of food which you can feed and also about how best you can feed it. In earlier times, the breed was mostly utilized and appreciated for being a versatile hunter. It can hunt on land as well as water; besides, this intelligent dog is a possessor of a gentle temperament, which makes it easily fit into the role of a friendly family dog. Types of Dog food Broadly speaking, the food for your pet is available in three forms — Wet, Dry and Raw. Wet food is the commercially manufactured food which offers chunks of meat, with or without gravy, with added vitamins, minerals and other important elements to make it nutritionally complete and balanced. Dry food consists of pellets called kibbles of food, which are easy to store and convenient to serve. The ready-made food bits meant for puppies consist of nutrients in the right proportions to support a healthy growth. Raw diet consists of raw meat, bones, fruits and vegetables. There are benefits and risks involved in administering a raw diet, which one should be aware of before adopting a fully raw diet. You may go for dry, wet or raw diet, or a combination of them. You may also consult your vet to guide in case you are confused about your choices. Labradors are always hungry and that is because of their huge appetites. As a pet owner you need to monitor the amount of food they eat, as their greed for food can easily drive them towards obesity, and consequently towards various diseases. Commercially made food Many companies categorize their foods on the basis of life stage puppy, adult, senior , breed large, medium or small , or may offer pet food specifically targeting a particular breed like Royal Canin Labrador Junior , which seeks to take care of a Labrador dog up to 15 months of age. The formulation of diets like this are based on the assumption that all pure breed dogs have their unique needs, which if addressed would bring the dog to an optimum level of health. Information from the breeders If you have brought the puppy from a breeder, then he would supply you a diet routine which needs to be followed, some food or may be some information regarding feeding. Follow it religiously for some days to give some sort of familiar touch to the puppy that is undergoing the stress of being separated from its mother and siblings. In absence of any information from the breeder, best thing would be to consult a vet. Milk for the puppy? Beware of confusing food labels Learn how to read a food label. The food label is given in decreasing order, making the first ingredient the biggest element in the food. That is why it is very important to know what the first two or three ingredients of the food are. Ideally, the first element of any dog food should be a specific kind of meat like chicken, duck, beef ; meat-by-product, meat or animal should not be mentioned on the package as they present an ambiguous picture. Leftover of slaughter houses can find its way to your dog food, something which cannot be classed in the category of healthy and complete food. So if you care for your dog, be aware and make the right selection. Water Make sure that water is available to the puppies at all times of the day, except for one hour before sleeping time. Divide the daily diet The daily dietary requirement of your Labrador pup should be properly divided into portions of meal to be fed at regular intervals. This would help in managing digestion and for keeping its overall health at a good level. You can begin by feeding four meals a day to your 8 to 12 weeks old puppy, and have a time marked for each. Have a gap of at least 3 hours in between each meal so that the little doggie is able to digest it well. Two meals a day is also something which most dog owners continue to feed even after the dog grows up. Feeding your dog once a day after 12 months of age can work as long as you feed it raw meat. The dry kibbles tend to swell once the dog drinks water, and this may cause bloating and also damage its stomach, hence is strictly not recommended. Teach the dog to eat at meal times Your dog would learn to eat the food when it is offered to it if you take back the bowl after a specific interval of time, say 15 to 20 minutes. Household scraps Avoid giving leftovers from your own meals to your puppy, unless you have enough knowledge and experience in dealing with the nutritional requirements of a growing canine. The nutritional needs of your puppy are different than that of humans; also it may differ from one breed of dog to another. The growing pup needs complete and balanced diet to achieve its potential growth, otherwise lifelong disabilities or problems can find easy entry into its life. As, your heartfelt, but nutritionally lacking edible additions might unbalance the diet of your dog. How much to feed? How much food to feed your dog each day is something no one can precisely tell. But the guidelines on the package of the food you are feeding, along with your observation of how the dog is doing with the quantity fed, would help you decide an adequate quantity. The important thing to remember is that the dog should neither be too fat or too slim. Following some instructions related to diet, regular appointments with vet, observing the puppy and showering it with lots and lots of love would give such environment to the little canine in which it would thrive. About Petsworld Team The blog editor of Pets World is a pet aficionado and fervently follows her pet-obsession. A pet parent to animals big and small for the past two decades. The sum of all experiences gathered is an amalgamation of useful knowledge and research. More like this.