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Imagine you could come home to a lovable, dedicated, companion for life! If you knew what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy, you could find your next best friend. Before you buy your new best friend, read this information so you know what to look for in buying a healthy, quality German Shepherd puppy. I group them into major categories. Will you show him in conformation? Do you want to work with him in Schutzhund or herding? Or do you want a confident and alert companion? Know exactly what you want from your puppy. These dogs are the least costly since they have a trait that prevents them from winning in conformation competitions. These flaws rarely matter to most pet owners. And many minor faults like flat withers or slightly smaller offset ears will probably go unnoticed by most owners. The vast majority of GSDs are family pets. These dogs make great pets as long as they have sound temperaments! They breed some dogs for certain traits that are highly desirable but considered a fault. For example, long-coat or plush-coat GSDs. Show-quality dogs have good temperament and health. You usually buy them for their breed standard qualities that make them able to compete in confirmation or show events. A show-quality dog may cost significantly more if they have the traits desirable to win at a show. This group comes from Championship show lines with a long history of winning. If you plan on showing your Shepherd this is the quality you want. Beware of any breeder who claims they only raise competition-quality dogs. Even the best breeders produce many pet-quality dogs and if a breeder says they only breed perfect dogs, this is a red flag to not buy from them. The GSD is a herding breed, and the working-quality dogs excel at working trials such as scent competitions and Schutzhund. Other work includes climbing and jumping competitions or searching and tracking. They need mental stimulation to keep them occupied and take a lot of time to handle properly. These dogs are better with experienced handlers since you use them for high drive working and competition. They require hours and years of training and preparation for you to have total control during competition. We base this decision on preference. With the correct upbringing and training, both sexes are loyal companions and good with children. They may grow into more dominant dogs, so a confident handler is more desirable. Males may hike their back legs to mark their territory. This can occur on any object — chairs, walls, couches or even your leg. I suggest an extra bout of socialization during this stage, especially with other well-behaved dogs. So they may be better for the first-time owner. Unspayed females come into season every 6 months, so they must receive monitoring and watch to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Their season time can vary from as little as every 4 months to every 9 months. They can attract males to your property and on walks that will harass them if not spayed. Certain breeders and organizations will deal only in a certain coat length and color. The standard coat length is a short coat with double layers. Guard hairs on the top cover a softer underlayer of hair that provides warmth and protection. But there are many coat lengths available depending on your liking. Look online at the different GSD coat lengths to get an idea of what type of fur you want your dog to have. The longer the fur the more grooming involved. The color you choose is a matter of individual taste. Keep in mind the color of many Shepherds alters from their puppyhood to around 2 years of age. Your dog may become lighter or darker. Perhaps they will lose some of their markings as the color fades into the adult pattern. The best way to know what color and patterns your dog grows into is to see the parents of the litter. If the father is unavailable, then ask for photos. Why should you care where your dog comes from if you only want him as a pet companion? You want to get a dog that will live a long and healthy life from a source that has quality puppies. These tips will help you make the best decision on what type of pup fits in your life. Newspaper and Internet Classified Ads Newspaper and internet ads are in abundance. Many backyard breeders hide behind ads online or in local papers. But some breeders who use newspapers and classified ads are reputable and knowledgeable. The problem is you need to visit them to find out, and this can take time to sift through them all. Try the following more reputable suggestions to save yourself time. Dog Care Professionals Ask dog professionals for recommendations. Check with your local veterinarian, groomer, and boarding kennel personnel if they know reputable breeders in town. These professionals are good sources of quality leads. Use the same caution that you will for a classified ad. Verify their suggestions. Many of these organizations regularly receive puppies they need to re-home. While you might not know the full pedigree of the dog, purebred GSDs find themselves in shelters and rescues from no fault of their own. These organizations are a good resource for your first pup. Before adopting, find out as much information as you can. Was the puppy exposed to children? Did he live with other dogs or cats? A well-organized shelter or rescue helps you choose a German Shepherd match for your lifestyle. Start with looking online for GSD rescues and local shelters. Dog Clubs Dog clubs are local and national. These groups put you into contact with registered breeders through their own programs. They can give you the name of the GSD club contact closest to you for breed contacts. Dog clubs also have dog shows open to the public. This is a good time to watch the breed in action and to ask around for quality breeders. While using a dog club to connect you with a reputable breeder is not the only choice, it is one of the more reliable. If you are using a breeder to choose your German Shepherd puppy, this section will help you know the good from the bad. Use these tips to stay safe. Are selling overpriced or under-priced dogs. Lie to you and say you can make money off your new puppy by breeding them, despite them having flaws. Tells you that the GSD is a dog for everyone, with no disadvantages. Breeds multiple types of dogs and claims to be an expert on them all. If a breeder lets their mothers get pregnant more than once a year, this affects the quality of the puppies, so ask how many litters the mother has. These breeders selling unhealthy puppies also will refuse to take bag their dogs if you need to return them for any reason and have no contracts. They have healthy puppies and will answer your questions and have you make multiple visits. Openly show you where the mother and pups spend their time, including their garden or yard. Tells you the up and downs of owning the breed. Have all pedigree and vet paperwork on hand for your review. Specializes in breeding only GSDs source. They openly share this information with you. They have screened their dogs for health issues and can confirm this with documentation which they proudly give you a copy. Healthy mothers are given rest from breeding, and a reputable breeder gives their mothers time off from reproduction. Ask if your breeder if they are willing to take back their dogs if you cannot keep them, as this is standard for a quality breeder with a good reputation. Make sure your breeder has a written contract with detailed information and health guarantees. These are expected for safe breeding practices. How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy Following this guide gives you the best chance of buying a German Shepherd puppy that suits your lifestyle. Know what you want from your GSD and where to find quality dogs. Learn what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy to stay safe from a sick pup and a bad breeder. German Shepherds have their own unique set of challenges. They are a large, active, and intelligent breed that requires an understanding owner who is willing to train their GSD using positive techniques. Devote yourself to their overall health to see the best results and help give you and your dog a lifetime of happiness. Remember, your pup will need mental stimulation to keep their brain active , a gentle exercise program , and need daily love and affection. Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a choice for your whole life that will bring you many years of joy and excitement! Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. So, while this is not a reason not to get a GSD, it is a reason to look for adequate breeders, to ask for health certificates, to take good care of your dog, and to go to routine vet check-ups. German Shepherds can also be costly to take care of not just to purchase The regular vet visits, the high need for exercise, and the extra-space requirements all make the GSD a relatively expensive dog to take care of in terms of money as well. German Shepherds are very smart but that also makes them easily bored — they require lots of mental stimulation As with all smart dog breeds such as retrievers and other shepherds, the high intelligence of the GSD can be a curse as much as a blessing. So, what can be done to avoid boredom? Toys and time. However, an inexperienced dog owner can find a GSD to be more than a handful. Why is that? Simple — because they are so smart! Yes, their intelligence means that you can train them a lot but it also means they can be temperamental, manipulative, and stubborn! This breed is cute and cuddly at home but socially awkward in public German shepherds are incredibly cute, social, and loving animals. They are loyal to their family and would do anything for those close to them. What does this mean for you? Even if you just get a random GSD and not give it any special training or socialization, the dog may still get along just fine with a cat or a newborn baby. However, in general, the social awkwardness and guard-dog nature of GSDs means that they often need to be socialized well if you want to make other additions to the households down the line. Make sure that you teach your growing GSD to get along with other dog breeds in the dog park or at home. If you have a cat or are thinking of getting a cat, make sure your German Shepherd is accustomed to interacting with cats without any aggression. One of the best and easiest ways to avoid most of the problems above is to just get a second German Shepherd! Yes, we did just say that this breed can be a handful. However, a second dog usually brings much more benefits than negatives: The second dog will join the first in the playtime, meaning that both will exercise with each other very often and minimize the need for your involvement. Having a second GSD also means more mental stimulation for both dogs — again, less work for you and more fun for them. As natural guard dogs, German Shepherds may need to be trained not to bark Unfortunately, GSDs are especially bad for apartment owners not just because they are big but also because they tend to bark at strangers. They are guard dogs after all. This can be avoided, of course, there are ways to train any dog not to bark at strangers or at outside noises. There are several reasons for this: The frequent barking we mentioned above. Yes, you can train that behavior away but your landlord may still forbid you from getting a GSD. Getting a carpet or another type of floor insulation will help here. Giving your dog enough playtime outside will also alleviate this problem. But you may still get in trouble with your neighbors. They are just a large breed and many people, including parents of small children, are afraid of large dogs. Not only are GSDs not hypoallergenic, but they also tend to shed a lot! There are two main reasons for this: The aforementioned health concerns that some German Shepherds have and that get more and more likely as the dog gets older. The simple fact that the GSD is a large dog breed and larger breeds just have a shorter lifespan than smaller ones. As you can see, there are lots of factors to consider before getting a GSD. In general, the right GSD owner can be characterized as such: Has a larger-than-average home, a yard, and a nearby dog park. Has enough time to spend with a German Shepherd. Knows how to train and socialize a GSD properly. Has the financial means to support a German Shepherd. Wants a second dog to play with the first one. How to prepare for getting a German Shepherd? Just like soon-to-be-parents before their first baby, there are lots of books and research to comb through if you want to give your future German Shepherd the care, upbringing, socialization, and care it needs. So Make sure your home is ready for a large dog to soon start springing through it. Make sure you have the time and daily schedule to play with a GSD. Consider owning a Cairn Terrier! In this article, we explore who would benefit them as furry friends! Check them here! Read on to discover nine types of people who should consider owning this unique breed. Check this article to learn more about the types of people who are perfect for owning a Poodle dog! Before you bring this dog home, there are a few things to understand about the German Shepherd breed. They are highly intelligent. German Shepherds are animals that catch on quickly to almost everything. Your daily routine, commands, and household expectations are all things that are a breeze for them. With intelligence comes a lot of stubbornness. They require mental stimulation. Long walks are enough to tire out a lot of dog breeds, but with their intelligence, these dogs need more than just physical activity. German Shepherds are working dogs, and they benefit when there is a mental challenge as well as a physical one. If you genuinely want to tire them out, you must incorporate physical exercise with mental exercise. They have a lot of energy. Many German Shepherds benefit from agility courses to give them the appropriate amount of exercise. When you keep them stimulated, they are less likely to act out and cause destruction around the house. Image Credit: Niels Hansen, Pixabay 4. German Shepherds fiercely love their owners. German Shepherds tend to bond more closely to one family member than the rest. Still, they are lovers instead of fighters. They want to spend just as much time cuddling with you at night as they want to be out working during the day. They are great listeners. What else would you expect with those enormous ears perched on top of their heads? Those radar ears are listening to even the most minor sounds, and they are always eager to hear your voice. Image Credit: Capri23auto, Pixabay 6. German Shepherds were bred to be guard dogs. German Shepherds were originally bred to guard the fields of sheep and cattle. Whenever an intruder or predator came onto their land, they immediately alerted their keeper. Without the proper training, this behavior is sometimes territorial and can be aggressive towards other dogs and strangers. However, with the proper training, it makes you feel at ease whenever you go to bed at night. They are clingy. Not every German Shepherd is clingy, but this breed is known for following people everywhere they go. They are known to bark and howl when left alone for long periods. They are better suited for experienced dog owners. German Shepherds are a handful. These dogs require constant training and dedication. Without it, they could be aggressive or destructive. Image Credit: nori jaafer, Pixabay .They do better in pairs. Owning a dog is a better experience when it is mutually beneficial to both of you. Related Reads:. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available.

Follow our Weaver Dairy Goldens Facebook group for updates on this and upcoming litters. These dogs are eager to please, and can adapt to many different environments. Goldens have a very pleasant personality. The Golden Retriever's coat ranges in color from light to dark gold, with varying shades of red. Their easy-going temperament makes them one of the most popular breeds in America. Our breeder obtained Goldens from these lines and has been breeding the lines since .Pups from this bloodline have been known to live up to 18 years we sold a pup in April to a family whose male pup from these lines lived to be 18, and several others to families whose pups from these lines lived to be years. We moved to Bessemer City, North Carolina in .As a profession, Ken is a truck driver and I am a Legal Nurse working from home. We have owned dogs and cats for as long as we have been together. She looked like a black Golden Retriever, and had the best personality and temperament ever. He is our pride and joy. School and his fiancee', Hannah, keep him very busy. They have the perfect little family. Mags and Baley are even more spoiled with the kids than when they lived with us, which I never guessed would be possible. After researching both breeds, we chose the Golden because they are a little less energetic, but still have a great personality and are eager to please. Our first Golden, Zoe, was on the higher end of the energy spectrum for a Golden. We didn't realize how laid back the breed could be until we got our next Goldens, Baley and Maggie Mae litter mates. Then Baxter, who came from the same breeder but a different bloodline, showed us just how chill these wonderful dogs can be. The fact that this is the best breed ever has been confirmed with each Golden we have had the pleasure of owning over the years. We will likely never own another breed. Hobbies: Our Goldens are our main hobby and our passion. We are constantly learning better ways to take care of them. We love have puppies once or twice a year.We also enjoy spending time together as a couple and with friends, riding our Harley Davidson motorcycle in the mountains. It is a great stress reliever. Our Location. Thank you for your interest in our AKC Goldens. See below to join our Farm News for updates on new litters. We accept deposits right here on our website to Hold the Gender of your Choice first paid-deposit, first reserved basis. If you have a preference for which momma you'd like, you can make note of that when placing a deposit. Otherwise, we will notify you when the next litter is available and confirmed through ultrasound! Your new fur baby will be ready to go home at 8 weeks old. The final payment must be made before taking the puppies home. Please join our email subscriber's here. Each puppy has such a precious, unique personality, so we like for our families to have time to interact with them and pick them out in person. We will schedule 1-hour appointments when the puppies are ready to be picked up 8 weeks old. Deposits are non-refundable. You or a flight nanny will need to meet us outside of the airport for puppy pickup. Additionally, If you are unable to fly to pick up the puppy or arrange a flight nanny , we are happy to provide the flight nanny service for you. The Flight Nanny charge is outlined below. Please feel free to message with more questions. We are happy to offer flight nanny service, though! The nanny is either ourselves or someone we personally know and trust. The flight nanny is attuned to your pet's needs and will give special attention to a smooth, caring transition from our farm to your arms. Flight Nanny fee must be paid ahead for scheduling purposes. We are happy to speak through these detail specifics with you. Be sure to watch for our mahogany. Helms family .We are conveniently located about an hour outside of Charlotte, in Norwood, North Carolina, in the small community of Cottonville also just 15 minutes from Albemarle, NC. Our property is sixty acres of fields, grass, woods and a creek for our Goldens to explore and enjoy. We are situated off the main road, so our girls and boys can play to their hearts content every day. So take a look around, and visit with us. We believe in taking as natural approach to their health as possible, so our pups are raised with limited intervention, aside from their vaccinations and regular dewormings, These babies receive lots of socialization from our small children and other visitors we have : We also supplement with NuVet Plus, and send home samples with each pup. We are AKC inspected, and welcome your visit by appointment, can't wait to meet you! See our Reserving a Puppy page for answers to frequently asked questions and to download a copy of our reservation form and health guarantee.We are continually updating these as we receive them. This allows us to carefully select our moms and dads, to ensure you the healthiest pup! We screen for hips, elbows, eyes, and heart, as per the Golden Retriever standard. To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. All open houses are pm — pm weather permitting At Golden Creek Kennels, located in Durham, North Carolina, our goldens have been the passion of our lives for over 20 years. With so many families, so many memories and so many beautiful golden puppies. Golden Creek Kennels began soon after we built our first home. I had asked my husband, Crawford for a golden puppy for Christmas, that was our girl Kelsey back in .Twenty years later we are as happy as our goldens are. Our beautiful goldens will always greet your as a true golden should, with a wagging tail, and that marvelous golden smile that they are so well known for. All of our puppy owners are families that come back time and time again, showing up for Open Houses to let their golden run with the others, and of course to show off their golden. We also do boarding for our customers who would not leave them with just anyone. Many of our families near and far are repeat customers seeking their 2nd and 3rd golden pup. We pride ourselves as breeders, that provide families with goldens that are top quality, healthy, intelligent, and temperament tested. Family members for years to come. All our goldens come from top ranking championship lines, and every puppy goes home with a 26 mo guarantee against such genetic disorders as hip dysplasia, heart murmurs or cataracts. Golden Creek Kennels is here for our families before and after the pup goes home. But the wonderful character is the same for both the American and English goldens. Friendly, reliable, and trustworthy. At Golden Creek Kennels, we offer the best of both worlds. The American and the English Golden Retriever. The American Golden.

Why you should get a Doberman German Shepherd Mix 1. What does a German Shepherd and Doberman mix look like? Half Doberman and half German Shepherd, Doberman Shepherds are muscular, compact dogs , with long muzzles and dark eyes that hint at their smart nature. The ears of the German Shepherd Doberman mix are typically upright, like those on the Doberman Pinscher. These puppies have a soft but short coat that may come in black, tan, or black and tan colors. How big will a German Shepherd and Doberman mix get? Doberman-German Shepherd puppies grow up to be large dogs , reaching up to 22 to 26 inches 55 to 66 cm in height and weighing 90 to pounds 40 to 45 kilograms in adulthood. What are the characteristics of a German Shepherd and Doberman Mix? Doberman Shepherd dogs come from pure breeds that are similar in temperament. This crossbreed is also known for its affectionate nature and its loyalty to its owners. This dog needs plenty of space, and it thrives in homes with huge backyards where it can run around. The German Shepherd Doberman mix will also be more comfortable in warmer climates. This crossbreed may have inherited this trait from the Doberman Pinscher, which has a low tolerance for cold weather because of its low body fat and short coat. What makes the Doberman Shepherd an excellent guard dog? The Doberman German Shepherd mix is the cross of two of the most well-known guard dogs in the world. Its sheer size and strong muscles give the German Shepherd-Doberman dog a considerable advantage when it comes to subduing attackers or intruders, whether people or other smaller animals. Another thing that makes the German Shepherd Doberman mix a reliable guard dog is its bone-breaking bite. This Doberman Shepherd has a high bite force due to its size , plus its parent breeds have some of the highest-rated bite forces among dogs today. Doberman Shepherds are also highly observant and alert. These dogs use a loud, attention-grabbing bark to let you know of potentially dangerous situations and unusual activity on your property. Properly training your Doberman Shepherd ensures that you can keep its aggression under control while making the most of its guarding skills. The best way to train a Doberman German Shepherd Mix is to use positive reinforcement. These hybrids are generally easy to train because of their intelligence and willingness to learn. Make sure to train and socialize your German Shepherd Doberman mix at an early age. This way, your dog can safely interact with other people and animals as it grows. Leave your German Shepherd Doberman mix in this area for increasing periods and pet it when you come back. How do I keep my Doberman Shepherd as healthy as possible? A healthy German Shepherd Doberman mix has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Follow these tips to ensure that your dog has a long, happy life: Give your Doberman German Shepherd Mix at least 90 minutes of exercise and activity per day. Take your dog on long walks around your neighborhood or visit the dog park at least thrice a week. Your Doberman Shepherd will also love playing mentally challenging games. A daily diet of 4 to 5 cups of dry dog food, divided into at least two meals, ensures that your Doberman Shepherd maintains a healthy weight. With a proper diet, your Doberman and German Shepherd crossbreed can avoid obesity, which is a common problem in large dogs. This way, your German Shepherd Doberman mix can get the energy it needs for its daily activities and keep its muscles and bones strong. The Doberman German Shepherd mix is a low to moderate-shedding dog, but you still need to brush its coat every couple of days. Are there any health issues to watch out for in the Doberman German Shepherd Mix? Doberman Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, but they can still inherit various health problems from their parent breeds. Doberman Pinschers, for instance, are prone to cardiomyopathy and Wobbler syndrome due to cervical vertebral instability. On the other hand, its German Shepherd parentage gives the German Shepherd Doberman mix a predisposition to conditions such hip dysplasia , megaesophagus, and degenerative myelopathy. Breed clubs and rescue organizations for the parent breeds may also help with your search for German Shepherd and Doberman mix puppies. Here are some breeders and rescues you can get in touch with:. History of the German Shepherd Doberman mix Like most other designer or hybrid dog breeds, the German Shepherd Doberman mix breed probably evolved sometime during the s. But despite not knowing a lot about their origin, the best way to determine how this crossbred will turn out is to look into the history, characteristics, and skills of both its purebred parents. In , a tax collector named Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, who the breed now takes its name from, looked to create a breed that could accompany him on his work, being a loyal guard dog and a good companion. He mixed several breeds, including the Rottweiler , Weimaraner , and German Pinscher, to create the first Doberman. Their use in war is evidenced at the war dogs cemetery on the island of Guam, where many Doberman Pinscher graves can be found. These slim and sleek dogs stand 24 to 28 inches 61 to 71 cm tall and weigh 60 to 80 pounds 27 to 36 kg. Their defining characteristics include their black, red, or blue coat, and their upright, triangular-shaped ears are often docked. However, this practice is outdated and illegal in some places. During the end of the late s, Stephanitz bred a variety of local shepherd dogs to develop a dog that could be used effectively in military and police work. His first German Shepherd was officially registered under the term German Sheepdog. The goal of the organization was to develop a good herding and all-purpose working dog. When World War I broke out, these dogs were used as war sentries. This name was only changed to the German Shepherd in .The German Shepherd is a large dog that stands between 22 and 26 inches 56 to 71 cm tall and weighs 75 to 95 pounds 34 to 43 kg. This breed of dog features a double coat of medium length which is typically straight and features black and cream, tan, or red patterns. This powerful and energetic dog features a muscular body and thick and sturdy thighs. Their body structure is rectangular, and their hips are slightly sloped. They are said by some to have a wolf-like appearance due to their upright ears and long muzzle. A Doberman German Shepherd mix dog sneaking on a park German Shepherd Doberman mixes have a commanding, unmistakable appearance. This breed is characterized by their muscular and agile bodies combined with their large ears that stand on their own. Their faces feature a long muzzle, black nose, and brown or black eyes. How big does a Doberman Shepherd get? Given the size of its parents, the Doberman Shepherd mix will be a large dog with an average weight of 90 to pounds 41 to 50 kg and a height of 22 to26 inches 56 to 66 cm. Typically, females are slightly smaller and slimmer than males, standing roughly 2 inches shorter and weighing about 10 pounds 5 kg lighter. Even Doberman Shepherd puppies are quite large, weighing between 25 and 30 pounds 12 to 16 kg at three months old. Puppies start to reach maturity at around 8 to 10 months old and are considered fully grown at 24 to 30 months, with the females reaching full size quicker than the males. Their size can make them difficult to handle, and this should be kept in mind when purchasing a puppy from this hybrid. Does the Doberman-German Shepherd mix shed? Combining the GSD with the Doberman Pinscher created this intelligent and independent hybrid born to be an alpha. They have an affectionate side and would show how loving and loyal they are to their human family. Early socialization and training should be consistent and continuous to ensure that your fido is a well-behaved canine. With that said, this designer dog is not recommended for families with very young children, while first-time dog owners may struggle to provide for the needs of the German Shepherd Doberman mix. All that time spent together makes this mixed breed prone to separation anxiety. That alone can lead to behavioral issues such as barking and digging. The rest is covered in exercising, feeding, and grooming. Give your Doberman-Shepherd cross enough exercise With a lot of energy, at least 90 minutes of exercise a day will be sufficient for this doggo. Canines who are bred to work need to be raised with a job or feel like they have a mission to do. Besides that, weekly cleaning of the ears with a damp cloth is necessary to prevent ear infections from developing. If you feel like this is a lot of work, bring your fur baby to a professional groomer. What to feed your Doberman Shepherd? As a large breed, the Doberman German Shepherd mix will require 4 to 5 cups of dog food divided into two meals daily. Having trouble choosing between dry kibbles, canned food, and raw? Each type of diet or dog food offers different benefits like dental health, more palatable, and fresh ingredients. Then, you have to consider if he has any food sensitivities, so you know if you should get him a recipe with grains or without grains. Is the German Shepherd Doberman healthy? Bred as working dogs, Doberman and German Shepherd mixes are tough and resilient with few health issues. Major concerns include elbow and hip dysplasia , which are common in German Shepherds, and cardiomyopathy and CVI or Wobblers Syndrome. Other minor health problems that can affect the Doberman Shepherd include gastric torsion, which often occurs in large dogs, as well as osteosarcoma, cataracts, and dermatitis. With proper care and a healthy lifestyle, German Shepherd Dobermans have a lifespan of 10 to 13 years. Where to buy a German Shepherd Doberman mix? Visit their site if you want to avoid problems, like health issues, with your puppy later on. Currently, no specific kennels are breeding this hybrid, but you can check out these rescues for each purebred parent and see if they have an available GSD-Doberman mix. If not, check out the other German Shepherd mixes or Doberman mixes they have. Similar German Shepherd mixes include:. Buying a Doberman Shepherd puppy for a very low price usually indicates they came from a puppy mill. Here are some reputable breeders where you may find Doberman Shepherd puppies for sale: AKC Marketplace — A great way to find a Doberman German Shepherd mix is to trace it back to its parent dogs. Vom Hismerh German Shepherds and Dobermans — Having been in the industry since , this breeder imports their top-quality dogs straight from Germany. All of their dogs are of show quality and free of defects, ensuring that your next Doberman Shepherd mix is healthy. A quick search on this site yields over a hundred listings for Doberman Shepherd puppies! Aside from the sources above, check out our comprehensive list of Doberman and German Shepherd breeders for more options. You might be able to score local shepherd dogs near you! If it seems complicated to find a reputable breeder in your area, or if you want to save some cash, you can try your luck with adopting Doberman Shepherd puppies instead. Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus — While this non-profit organization primarily focuses on Dobermans, they also accept other official breeds and mixed breeds. If you adopt a Doberman Shepherd from this rescue, you can be assured that your future companion dog is already neutered, vaccinated, and treated for heartworms. To help you further, check your local German Shepherd rescues since they are more likely to cater to mix breeds than Doberman Pinscher rescues. As a bonus, check out our ultimate dog adoption guide. Here, you can learn extremely helpful tips about acquiring rescue dogs to make adoption a breeze! First, here are the advantages of owning a Doberman German Shepherd mix: Their appearance is enough protection. While most dog owners are simply in awe of the striking looks of the Doberman Shepherd, some people are intimidated by this dog breed. Being seen with this loyal guard dog may be enough to deter robbers. Doberman Shepherds are natural bodyguards. They may act all soft and friendly with human family members, but this dog will go head-on with any threats. Although the Doberman Shepherd has more potential to harm humans than other dogs, they receive commands quite well. Training will be even easier since they make it a goal to please their masters. Indeed, the Doberman Shepherd is a good balance of brains and brawn. Now, here are the disadvantages of owning a Doberman German Shepherd mix: Their size might be too much. A mix of this size is challenging for first-time dog owners. Apart from consuming a lot of food, Doberman German Shepherds are prone to breaking items in your home if bored. Additionally, a larger dog can be brushed and bathed more often due to its larger stature. Doberman Shepherds may develop serious health problems. Doberman German Shepherds are prone to various severe health problems. Moreover, most of their diseases are very expensive to treat and require intense medical attention. They have higher energy levels compared to other dogs. Doberman German Shepherds are indeed the offspring of two highly energetic parent breeds. If you cannot keep up with such liveliness, you might end up with chewed-up furniture and broken glassware. Doberman Shepherds have both advantages and disadvantages strongly correlated with their size and intelligence. For over a hundred years, generations of Dobermans have been selected for independence, stubbornness, and aggression. But with Germany unpopular during the war years, these Allied pooches were called Alsatian Wolf Dogs instead. Doberman Pinschers were created as the perfect guard dogs At the end of the 19th century, a German named Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann set out to create the greatest guard dog ever bred. He combined several German breeds to reach his goal. In the military, they can be therapists as well as fighters, with their loyalty and watchfulness making them excellent companions for soldiers living with PTSD. Both of its parent breeds are loyal and watchful, but they also like to get their way, especially Dobermans. In addition to being bold and protective, they love to romp and play just like any other dog. The best way to socialize a Doberman Shepherd is to start introducing it to new people as a puppy. Their natural instinct is to aggressively protect their master, but they also love to be around people. They might see the child as a threat, and if they start attacking or biting, it can be difficult to make them let go. If anything, it will ignore your other pets entirely in its eagerness to spend more time with you. We recommend 4 to 5 cups of dry food each day, split into two meals. Choose an organic kibble with specific ingredients that supply it with protein, whole grains, and fat. We reviewed the best organic dog treats — check out our top picks here! Every day, be sure to give them at least 90 minutes of physical activity. Take it on walks, let it run free at the dog park, or incorporate it into your usual workout habits. Their need for lots of exercise makes Doberman Shepherds the perfect dog for active owners who already have a daily fitness routine. As your puppy grows into an adult, continue spending lots of time with it every day, exercising, and playing with toys. They shed and drool very little. Related Read: Doberman Pinscher vs. German Shepherd: Which Dog to Choose? However, there are still a few things to watch out for. Minor Conditions Dermatitis: A skin rash that develops in response to allergies that usually appear in dogs between 1 and 3 years of age. It can be treated with medicine baths, anti-histamines, and special diets. Separation Anxiety: If left alone too much, this can reach the level of mental illness. Serious Conditions Cardiomyopathy: An enlarged heart that sometimes affects large dog breeds. Abnormal breathing, lethargy, coughing, and bluish skin are common symptoms. Dysplasia: A joint deterioration, most often of the hip and elbow joints, that commonly results from obesity and malnutrition in large dogs. Male Doberman Shepherds are prouder and focus more on being in charge of their territory; this can make them a handful compared to the more nurturing female Doberman Shepherds. However, the dispositions of each gender pale in comparison to the difference that good or bad training can make. A well-trained male is infinitely easier than an untrained female Doberman Shepherd every time. On the other hand, the rewards of successfully bonding with a Doberman Shepherd are too great to put a price on. Related Reads:. It is a cross between the Doberman Pinscher and the German Shepherd. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. Ella the Doberman Shepherd mix at about 2 years old—"Ella is a very calm dog. She likes to eat and play with her owner. When our old dog passed away, we wanted a friend for our Vizmaraner. She has been great with learning and listening to orders, though has been a bit of a challenge at times. She always wants to have a job and something to do. She loves playing with her 'brother' Blitzen, and she adores our daughter. She also puts up with the cats , but doesn't seem to care much one way or the other. She is spayed , but otherwise unaltered. She has her full tail and her ears have been left alone. Cairo was DNA tested to validate his breed s. So from the results it is safe to say both of his parents were purebreds. NO other breeds were detected. He was a rescue dog, but based on his appearance he does not appear to be an accident. When I got him from the rescue he was 76 lbs. He has many traits and features that point to the Doberman breed coloring, coat and feet and others that lend themselves to the German Shepherd tail, ears and intelligence. He weighs a little north of lbs.!!! He is a very gentle but protective dog with an amazingly loving personality. He loves his big old chin scratched!!!! This guy is so tall he can lick the counters without having to get up on his hind legs and can look over a 6-foot fence easily. Other Canine Clubs Adoptapet. You could also attend professional dog shows, contact or join dog clubs, or talk with a veterinarian who may know or refer a Doberman German Shepherd mix breeder to you. Since the dog would appear like its Doberman parent dog, its short hair does not result in excessive shedding. The Doberman German Shepherd does not like bathing in water, so the dog should be trained to tolerate bath time during puppyhood. This dog shampoo is biodegradable and made of a coconut cleanser, oatmeal, and aloe. It is made of aloe and oatmeal and helps in maintaining a healthy and shiny coat for the dog. The dog shampoo also has a pine scent and is a hundred percent satisfaction guaranteed. Do not forget about maintaining the nails of the dog. Just like many dogs, the Doberman German Shepherd mix also needs its nails trimmed using specialized nail clippers for dogs. The occasional cleaning of the ears and brushing of the teeth should be done as well. Regular exercises and occasional visits to the vet is recommended to prevent the following health problems: Cardiomyopathy. This umbrella term covers both Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Dilated Cardiomyopathy, or Enlarged Heart, is a disease that affects internal organs and results in lung and heart failure. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, or Heart Disease, is a rare case of blood distribution problems by the heart in dogs. The symptoms of Cardiomyopathy include abnormal breathing patterns, anorexia, lethargy, coughing, blueish skin discoloration, and loss of awareness. Wobbler Syndrome. Scientifically named as Cervical Spondylomyelopathy, wobble syndrome is a predisposed condition in large dog breeds such as the Doberman Pinscher. It is described by a bone malformation in the cervical spine which is located on the neck of the dog, resulting in wobbly walking and neck pain. Hip Dysplasia. This is a genetic illness that is common to many dogs in general. In other cases, obesity and improper nutrition and diet can contribute to the development of hip dysplasia as well. The hip joints of the dog slowly deteriorate and could result in skeletal malformation. Megaesophagus is generally characterized by the enlargement of the esophagus in dogs. It is a congenital or inborn, disease that causes problems in traveling food from the mouth to the stomach. Some signs and symptoms include vomiting, weight loss, anorexia, and bad breath. Degenerative Myelopathy. This disease is described as the slow degeneration of the spinal cord in the dog. It may eventually result in paralysis as well. Warning signs include a steady weakness of hind limbs, stumbling, inability to stand, muscle atrophy, poor hygiene, stress, and depression. Separation Anxiety. Part of viewing a health issue should not only remain within the physical aspect. The Doberman German Shepherd mix is also prone to mental disorders like separation anxiety. This occurs when its owner spends less time with the dog despite its deep attachment and loyalty with the person. The Doberman German Shepherd mix does not necessarily have any health issues or illnesses that were explicitly pointed out. Nevertheless, the sicknesses and health problems that were mentioned above can still be passed on to the offspring derived from the genes of both parent dogs. Doberman Shepherds Food Requirements As a big and energetic breed, the Doberman German Shepherd mix may eat plenty of food and become obese if the dog is not supplemented with proper nutrition and a balanced diet. It needs to consume substantial amounts of protein and a moderate amount of carbohydrates and fats and is fed twice a day depending on the activities that the dog did during the day. Feeding your German Shepherd Chow mix should have a balanced diet just like any other dog. You should consult with your veterinarian about these dog foods and devise a holistic dietary plan. Too much protein is too much calorie for the dog and may result in too much weight. Your hairy companion deserves the best, so choose the highest-quality dry dog food in the market you can find. Whelps need the energy to be active, and lots of vitamins and minerals too. Food that rounds off everything their body needs is on the best puppy food brands list. Older canines have different necessities, so take a look at the best senior dry dog food list. It will help them stay strong and show off proudly. You can also find useful ideas on the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food lists, which may contain some food that your pooch will adore. German Dobermans Exercise Requirements This is an active and energetic dog with parent dogs that were bred for working. The Doberman German Shepherd mix requires a substantial amount of exercise to channel and release its stored energy. Intellectual activities are also sufficient sources of mental stimulation for the dog. Below are some activities for the dog: Racing. A team of four dogs is set on the course that fetches a tennis ball through an obstacle course and returns the ball to its handler. The first team to complete the task with all their dogs wins. Like the Doberman and the German Shepherd, the Doberman German Shepherd mix can significantly benefit from this activity. Since most dogs live in urban settings, herding allows the dog an opportunity to utilize its herding instincts that were long unused. Military Training. Sending the dog to the military is an advantage for the dog to act on command and the owner to gain leadership points. On the softer side, the dog may be used as a service dog for war veterans or soldiers who are suffering from PTSD. Scenting or Tracking Games. The German Shepherd parent dog side of the German Shepherd Chow mix was tracking dogs that loved to hunt things. Some games include finding the treat, hide and seek, and find the toy. Both the Doberman and the German Shepherd are renowned guarding dogs and, and its offspring are more likely to display aggressive behavior towards suspicions and threats. The dog should learn how to safely interact with different people and animals, especially with children. Here are some training methods that you could apply to the dog: Socialization. The Doberman German Shepherd mix is a dog with a bold disposition. The dog needs to be exposed with children and other animals and dogs as a puppy to help expand its sense of protectiveness and guarding instincts towards others. The dog will eventually learn new social skills and become more mature to regulate its aggressive tendency. Positive Reinforcement. Rewarding your dog while teaching it commands can come a long way to its relationship with you. You give your dog a reward such as a treat or a toy whenever it successfully responds to your command but gives it nothing until it learns how to react correctly to your call. Puppy Training. The most important part of training the dog as a puppy is giving it your time and company. This should teach your dog the value of your bond with it and will soon acknowledge you as its alpha. Let it play with toys that you give so that it learns that being with you is a rewarding experience. Knowing how to address this reaction of the dog on its guarding instincts is vital before it grows older. But the Doberman German Shepherd mix is also a loyal and affectionate dog once it grows up. It may even feel emotional when its owner deprives the dog of reciprocation or companionship. They make excellent guard dogs and make intruders think twice before barging into your house. The dog needs a backyard space to deplete its energy levels throughout the day. It is not an ideal dog for people living in an apartment since the dog may always feel insecure and wary of strangers that walk the hallways every day. It may even act more aggressively to different people who you interact with and affect your social life as well. If your family lives in colder states and have fewer opportunities to bring out the dog, then it is not a suitable dog for you. Altogether, the Doberman German Shepherd mix makes a fearsome but loving family dog. The important thing to remember is that it is a dog that will protect the family with its life no matter how dangerous the situation could escalate References:. They can also be stubborn at times, so these dogs are not ideal for novice owners. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. That said, they are exceedingly loyal and highly intelligent and make one of the most loyal family protectors around. They are also versatile and make a great exercise companion too, giving you a dog that can do it all! They can be a challenge for first-time dog owners, though, as they are strong-willed and need a strong, confident leader in training. Continue learning from this Doberman Shepherd care guide to know what type of diet, exercise and attention they need to grow into happy and healthy dogs. They are stubborn and strong-willed at times but make up for this with their love and affection toward their owners. With the right training and socialization, their more negative traits can be largely mitigated. They become extremely bonded to their human family, so while they are bold and brave on the outside, they are actually highly sensitive and suffer from separation anxiety when left alone. If you are away from home frequently, this is unfortunately not the breed for you. These dogs are just as energetic and athletic as their parent breeds, if not more so, and they can be a challenge to properly exercise. It is essential to give these dogs the right amount of exercise, though, as without it, they can swiftly become bored, destructive, and even aggressive. Proper training is arguably even more important, and these dogs need a strong, confidant leader; otherwise, they will take the position themselves! They are generally gentle and affectionate with kids but can easily knock them over and hurt them mistakenly while playing. For families with older kids, though, they are wonderful family dogs, as they are loyal as they come and formidable protectors. Doberman Shepherds generally get along great with other dogs and are usually fine with cats too. Dry food is great, so long as it is free from filler ingredients and has animal protein in the top three ingredients — ideally, the first-listed one. They should not be free-fed because they are notoriously poor at self-regulating and can quickly get obese. Also, as with any dog, make sure they have access to fresh, clean water at all times. That said, they do have a stubborn streak that can be a challenge for novice owners. Early socialization is essential with Doberman Shepherds and will make training far easier because they will be far less distracted by other dogs and humans when you take them out for walks. While these dogs are intimidating and powerful animals, they are fairly sensitive and do not respond well to harsh training methods, and this may even cause aggressive behavior. Gentle, reward-based methods are best and will build a wonderful relationship of trust and bonding with your pooch. Other than that, you may need to trim their nails occasionally to prevent injuries, and keep their teeth brushed and clean to avoid dental disease. That said, they may still be susceptible to the genetic issues of their parent breeds and can be prone to issues that affect most other dog breeds too. These dogs love to eat and are not good at self-regulating their food intake. This can swiftly lead to obesity if they are overfed, but their daily meals should also be split into two to three smaller meals to prevent them from eating too fast. Large dogs that eat their food too quickly are prone to gastric torsion, a condition resulting from swallowing too much air with food. This condition is unfortunately fatal in most cases. Minor Conditions.

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Non-necessary Non-necessary Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Rarity What makes fluffy Frenchies so rare? Like we already mentioned, fluffy French Bulldogs are still hard to come by despite the huge demand in recent years. Why is that? Frenchies that carry only one LH gene have regular short coat, but they are still valuable for breeders. If such a Frenchie is bred to another carrier of the long hair gene, they are likely to produce fluffy puppies, although the chances of that are still quite low. Long-haired pups are only guaranteed if two visual fluffy French Bulldogs are bred together. Their size depends not only on genetics but on their lifestyle as well how many times you take them for a walk, do you have a backyard, do you have other dogs or pets and even the food that you give them. Male Frenchies are usually stronger and stockier than females, they have bigger heads and wider chests. Female Frenchies tend to be a bit smaller and less muscular. On average, they weigh about 5 lbs less than males: their adult size is around 25 lbs, while boys can go up to 30 lbs. They are insanely affectionate making them the perfect companion dogs, they just want to spend every minute of their time with their owner. They are extremely friendly with kids and other animals too; they love basically anyone they meet! Thanks to their easy-going nature, a fluffy Frenchie will adapt to your lifestyle very quickly no matter where you live. Even though fluffy Frenchies are most popular among French Bulldog breeders, any responsible dog owner can become the parent of one these amazing dogs. Another thing to consider is your financial situation. Buying a fluffy Frenchie is one thing, and maintaining them is a whole different story. Each pet has to visit the vet regularly to get the compulsory shots, which costs money. Not to mention any sickness, which can easily happen at any age. Vets are not cheap, but having pet insurance helps to lower medical costs. All French Bulldogs are prone to overheating due to their flat-faces, but fluffy Frenchies are in even more risk because of their thick long coat. So, if you live in an area with a hot and humid climate, you might want to opt for a regular short-haired Frenchie puppy instead. Their price ranges on a wide scale and is largely determined by their color and gender: standard colored fluffy puppies are valued around 10, USD while unique ones like lilac tan and merle can go up to 19, USD. Female Frenchies normally cost more than males. FAQ What makes fluffy Frenchies fluffy? Fluffy Frenchies have the rare long hair — LH gene also known as the Fibroblast Growth Factor which gives them their furry look. Do Fluffy French Bulldogs Shed? Regular grooming is recommended for them, especially during spring and fall. Why are fluffy French Bulldogs more expensive than other Frenchies? Fluffy Frenchies are much rarer and more unique than short-haired Frenchies because of the rare LH gene they carry, which makes them more expensive as well. When looking for a fluffy Frenchie, you will most likely come across cheaper offers than the prices detailed above. Make sure to do your research and get your fluffy Frenchie from a reputable breeder, and you will have a happy and healthy furry family member for at least a decade. Look no further! Browse our website and embark on the exciting journey of finding your perfect furry friend. Our platform connects you with a wide range of affordable French bulldog puppies, each one waiting to become your loyal and loving companion. With our dedication to affordable prices and reputable breeders, you can find the perfect Frenchie for your budget and create a lifetime of memories together. Unveiling the History of French Bulldog Puppies The history of French bulldog puppies is a captivating tale that dates back to the s. Originally bred in England as companion dogs, these adorable canines quickly gained popularity across Europe. French bulldogs eventually made their way to the United States, captivating the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. At Cheappuppiesforsale. Understanding the Temperament and Health of French Bulldogs Frenchies are known for their unique temperament and distinctive personalities. These affectionate and sociable dogs make fantastic companions for individuals and families alike. They are known to be friendly, playful, and adaptable, making them a great fit for various lifestyles. How much do frenchies cost About Daisy Hi there! My name is Daisy. I have just met you, and I love you. My current family has raised me to be the most amazing, little puppy you will ever meet. I love to play, take naps, and give kisses. I am a great puppy and will come home to you up to date on my vaccinations and vet checks. I am in search for stuffed animals and toys; will you help me find them? I love to play with everyone. Will you be my new family? Sex: Female.

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 Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma? 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 Oklahoma? 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. Oklahoma City: .It is a large-sized gun dog used in retrieving shot waterfowl during hunting and shooting parties. Discover more about our Golden Retriever puppies for sale below! Breed History The Golden Retriever is believed to have originated from the Russian tracker dog which has now gone into extinction. It has its origin from Scotland, United Kingdom and originally bred in Scotland in the midth century. As of then, wildfowl hunting was a quite popular sport amongst the Scottish elite. The retriever breeds as of then were inadequate in retrieving the games from both land and water and as a result, the best water spaniels as at then were crossed with existing retrievers which is how the Golden Retriever came to being. Temperament The Golden Retriever is best described as a kind, friendly and confident which is why it makes a really good family pet. It also has an eagerness to always please its family. In addition, it is a very active and fun-loving animal with a well-mannered temperament. Environment This breed is well suited to rural environments and homes that have yards, it can also easily adapt to a cold environment because it possesses a lot of hair. Although it loves the outdoor life, it still remains a family dog that requires regular family interaction. The Golden Retriever can do well both indoor and outdoor if it is properly trained and stimulated. Exercise A Golden Retriever requires exercise at least twice a day in order to avoid boredom and hence destructiveness. Golden Retrievers in a working field will require more exercise than non-working Retrievers but on average, the Golden Retriever should be exercised for at least one hour twice a day. Grooming This breed requires regular baths and grooming, in order to prevent ear infection, it needs its ears cleaned regularly. With frequent grooming, the amount of hair shed by the Golden Retriever is minimized. However, excess shedding in the Golden Retriever is an indication of an underlying health issue. Our Golden Retriever puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Contact us today to learn more about the availability of our Golden Retriever puppies for sale. We look forward to helping you find your next family member. Our pet counselors can answer any questions you have about our Golden Retriever puppies. A healthy male Golden Retriever weighs between 65 to 75 pounds while growing up to 23 to 24 inches tall. A female weighs between 55 to 65pounds and can grow up to .How long does it take a Golden Retriever to reach its full size? For Golden Retrievers, full physical maturity takes one to two years. Once this is attained, its bones become fully grown and can perform the same amount of physical exercise as an adult dog. Do Golden Retrievers smell? Golden Retrievers often smell bad because of its thick water-resistant coat. You can, however, maintain its cleanliness to control its bad odor. How can you keep a Golden Retriever healthy? There are several ways to keep this dog healthy few of which are high-quality food, providing it with plenty of clean and freshwater, developing a good feeding schedule, etc. How many times a day should a Golden Retriever be fed? The required food for a Golden Retriever is dependent on its age, activity level, size and built. Vets recommend about 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food per day for two meals. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? This dog is a sporting breed and therefore requires a whole lot of exercise when fully grown, high-intensity exercise is very beneficial to it. Is it alright to get a Golden Retriever in a hot climate? The Golden Retriever can thrive well in hot climates; all it requires is a shaded and aerated area with lots of water. However, it should not be allowed to exercise too much in the heat. What age can a Golden Retriever Puppy be brought home? A puppy Retriever should not be taken from its mother earlier than when it is 8 weeks old. This is because up until that age, it gets important socialization and learns important skills from its mother and siblings. Should a Golden Retriever be left indoors or outdoors? A Golden Retriever naturally wants to be with its family, if its family is indoor, you will find it right there with them. Does a Golden Retriever bark a lot? The Golden Retriever is not one to bark a lot except in cases of boredom or mental stimulation. If you need a reliable, intelligent, friendly and trustworthy dog, the Golden Retriever is a great choice.

January 24, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? What does it take to be considered ideal for a family dog? How do you know if the Golden Retriever is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Golden Retrievers! Bred in the highlands of Scotland by Lord Tweedmouth in the mid to late s, Goldens are a cross between a Yellow Retriever and an extinct dog breed, the Tweed Water Spaniel. Lord Tweedmouth wanted the ideal gundog to accompany him during fowl hunting and be able to withstand the rugged terrain and rainy conditions. Aside from being able to retrieve fowl, Lord Tweedmouth wanted an even-tempered dog to have at home when not hunting. And so, the Golden Retriever was born. Later in the s, they soon became a popular breed amongst American families when President Gerald Ford had a Golden named Liberty as his family dog. Golden Retrievers, like their name states, are golden! Their luxurious coats come in a variety of light to dark shades, ranging from light like the white Golden Retriever or English Cream to dark golden colors, even close to chocolate. Their coats feature feathering down their backs, chest, belly, hindquarters, and tails. Goldens have soft expressions combined with floppy expressive ears that give them a puppy-like appearance even as adults. Another thing to note of the Golden Retriever is that those fluffy coats are actually what are known as double coats. A strong water repellant coat on top coupled with a dense undercoat to regulate their body heat. This all means these pups can be heavy shedders! What are Golden Retrievers Personalities like? There is something to be said about being named a perfect family dog. The Golden Retriever breed is loyal, affectionate, playful, and gentle. If brought into a home with children, your Golden Retriever puppy will be a great addition for help introducing your new Golden Retriever pup to your kids and how to play together, check out our blog! But being a great family dog doesn't mean they are easy! Goldens have lots of energy which can come out in more jumping and being more mouthy, especially as puppies. Check our training tips for raising a well-mannered Golden at the end of this blog! Two to three daily walks are a must, and throw in fun activities like hiking or going for a swim, your pup will stay golden! Golden Retrievers are eager to please type of breed. They generally have happy go lucky demeanors which lends itself to affection and friendliness, including toward strangers. If you wanted a pup that could eventually become a service dog, a Golden Retriever is a great choice and make for excellent working pups! As a high-energy breed, Golden Retrievers do best in a home that will provide them ample access to romp around. Homes with fenced in yards or access to a park or field on a daily basis where they can run and fetch to their hearts content are the best environment for Goldens! These pups, with consistent early socialization, can adapt and thrive to living in a home with other dogs, or pets, and children! They love to play and make great playmates. That being said, their social nature can lead to dependencies on their owners and family. Golden Retrievers may develop separation anxiety if left alone and not properly trained from an early age. Golden Retrievers may also contract heart disease called subvalvular aortic stenosis SAS that with early diagnosis and treatment can allow for a regular life-span. When you are looking to add a Golden Retriever puppy, make sure you are working with a reputable breeder that cares for the health quality of the dogs they breed. Take advantage of that natural drive and eagerness to please by setting foundations at home. Start your puppy a regular daily puppy schedule to create structured routines in the home. Include consistent feeding, nap, play and obedience training times throughout the day to help your Golden pup learn what to expect and build confidence at home. During their puppy training focus on their obedience commands to help your puppy learn to look to you for guidance, build their communication with you, and solidify a trusting relationship! Since Golden Retrievers love to work, positive reinforcement and food rewards will be valuable motivators to get your puppy focused and listening. In-person and online puppy training programs will walk you through how to teach the commands, exercises to help your puppy learn them, and troubleshoot when your puppy needs it! Teach Your Golden Retriever How to Greet New People and Dogs While their open friendly disposition will help your puppy make new friends where ever they go, make sure to teach your puppy the right way to do so! Some overly energetic and friendly pups can get excitable around new people and dogs. That can result in some unwanted whining, lunging, and jumping. When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on those common over-excited behaviors when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer or join an online puppy training school to help set you up for the best success! Do Calming Obedience Exercises With all their high-energy and high-drive, teaching your Golden how to be calm in everyday scenarios will help tame that wild side! Great calming exercises include having your puppy learn to wait for their food bowl and in thresholds each time you enter or leave a space. This also extends to activities like fetch. Goldens are a natal for this! This can be done simply by having your pup drop the toy when they return and pausing for a few moments giving them a chance to settle before throwing it again for them to retrieve. Teach Them to Walk Nicely on Leash Many high-energy pups have a tendency to lunge toward exciting new things! Couple that with a social nature, and you may encounter that your Golden Retriever puppy will start to pull on leash. Focus on teaching them proper leash manners including how to walk in Heel position and how to pass other people and pups without lunging, jumping and excited whining, barking or nipping at them! That can greatly help possible bad encounters with strangers and other dogs while teaching them great habits! Did you recently bring home a Golden Retriever puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! Next up is another thing to do before you bring your puppy home… How To Puppy Proof Your House When puppy-proofing your house, think like a puppy. Crawl around on the floor and take note of what you see. Puppies will chew nearly anything, so make sure that there are no valuables down at puppy-height, or things that could be poisonous to them or be a choking hazard. Make sure there are no open cabinets or pantries where your puppy could get into food. Be careful of small trash cans that could hold some smelly trash that would be enticing to a puppy. And finally, next are a few other random tasks to do before you bring home your new puppy. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! Not exactly. Find a vet. Find the closest emergency animal hospital. This is not something you want to wait until you need it before looking it up and making a plan. Find a list of local poisonous plants and animals. Talk to your vet and do some research so that you know which plants and animals to avoid. Find a puppy kindergarten class. This will help with training, socialization, and general learning how to be a puppy parent. Check your yard or house for any escape routes. This next section will cover everything from what to expect with a puppy, what to do the first 24 hours of bringing them home, how to train them, and more. A week after bringing Oliver home, it was very obvious to me why she asked me that. Puppies are hard work! Their little bladders can only hold it for a few hours, so this is expected. Chewing Puppies will try to chew any and everything. Like every thirty minutes often. Now, for the most important expectation of them all… You will miss puppyhood! Yes, you will miss the sleepless nights and puppy bites. So make sure to take lots of videos and pictures. How would you like to be treated in this situation? Here are some tips to help your puppy get comfortable in their new home. Let your puppy make decisions When you get to your house, set them at your open front door and let them choose to walk inside. Let them explore their new home on their own terms. Letting them make decisions can give them a sense of confidence, hope, and control, and ease into their new home. Limit visitors Now is the time to build the bond with your puppy and let them get to know you, not overstimulate them with a lot of people. Limit their access to your home Getting used to a new home with two rooms will be a lot easier than getting used to a new home with five rooms. Only let your puppy have access to a few rooms so that they get acclimated to their new area quicker, then as they get more comfortable you can allow them to explore new areas of the house. You can use baby gates to restrict access to sections of the house. Bonus benefit: this will also decrease the chances that they leave you a present in the guest room. In general, just keep things low key when you bring them home and let them get used to their surroundings. Training Your Golden Retriever Puppy Training your golden retriever puppy is one of the best things you can do both for them and with them. They have short attention spans and like to have fun, so short training sessions and training games work best. A lot of people think that training is just obedience training, like sit and stay , but it also includes life skills like crate training , potty training , how to not jump on people or bite them, and how to not pull on the leash. Socialization Socialization is something that is not talked about as much as it should be. It can help mitigate fear and aggression and help them become confident, well-adjusted adult dogs. You can socialize your puppy with other dogs by setting up play dates with gentle dogs that you know are vaccinated and by going to puppy kindergarten. Dog to other living beings includes humans, cats, and other animals. You can socialize them with other people by taking them to a pet-friendly store like home depot, and you can socialize them to other animals by taking a walk by the neighborhood cat with lots of distance between them, so neither animal gets overwhelmed. Dog to stuff is the broadest category, but no less important. When Oliver was very young we were on a walk and a FedEx truck drove by. He had never heard a big truck like that and was terrified. So make sure that your puppy is comfortable with trucks, cars, the garage door, buses, umbrellas, and whatever other objects they may encounter. For instance, if you live in Chicago, get them used to trains, buses and crowded streets. Every day, separate out five special treats for your puppy. For example, you might let your neighbor give your puppy a treat, or maybe you take your puppy to a bus stop and when the bus goes by you give them a treat, or maybe you introduce them to a cow and give them a treat. The treat helps them have a positive experience with these new things and people, plus it helps you easily remember to expose them to lots of these new things. Do this for the first four weeks of their life and before you know it, your puppy will have been exposed to new dogs, people, things, or environments, and will be well on their well to becoming a well-adjusted adult dog. Puppy Raising Mistakes Below are some mistakes that new puppy owners make that could make it harder to train and raise their puppy into a happy, confident adult. Not remembering how young they are Puppies are like little toddlers. Waiting to train your puppy until they have a problem Training your puppy before they have any behavior problems will make life so much easier for you. Forcing things too quickly Things like crate training and potty training take time. Setbacks hurt more than stretching their limits will help, so be patient and take things slowly. Conclusion Golden retriever puppies might just be the best living beings on the planet. However, they are a lot of work and can be quite naughty sometimes. Have any questions about golden retriever puppies? Let me know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is thinking about getting a golden retriever puppy, please share this with them. Related articles:. Golden Retrievers were first bred in the early s in Scotland as hunting dogs. Although they are still used for hunting, Goldens also excel at many other activities, including search and rescue jobs and guide work. They require ample exercise—swimming in particular is a great outlet for their endless energy, and most Goldens love it! Their beautiful coats require brushing and in some climates a summer trim may be in order. Goldens are intelligent, understanding, and eager to please their families. The Golden Retriever is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Golden. By knowing about health concerns specific to Golden Retrievers, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Golden Retrievers to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Golden Retrievers. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Golden looking and feeling her best. Unfortunately, your Golden is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections Golden Retrievers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Golden Retrievers. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Golden is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Genetic Predispositions for Golden Retrievers Cancer Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. Your Golden will likely live longer than many other breeds and therefore is more prone to get cancer in his golden years. Many cancers are curable by surgical removal, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. Early detection is critical! Hemangiosarcoma is a type of bleeding tumor that affects Golden Retrievers at greater than average incidence. These tumors commonly form in the spleen, but can form in other organs as well. Unbeknownst to a pet owner, the tumor breaks open and internal bleeding occurs. Some tumors can be volleyball-sized or larger before signs of sickness show. We often find clues that one of these tumors is present during senior wellness testing, so have his blood tested and an ultrasound performed at least yearly. Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that afflicts Golden Retrievers more than other breeds. This disease makes the body form abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Because white blood cells can be found throughout the body, this cancer can show up almost anywhere. Lymphoma is a very treatable form of cancer with an excellent success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy. Luckily, lymphoma is one of the few types of cancer that can often be found with a blood test, so we may recommend a complete blood count twice yearly. Mast cell tumors are a particularly nasty type of skin cancer found more often in Golden Retrievers than other breeds. The sooner these tumors are surgically removed, the better. Unfortunately, mast cell tumors often look very similar to other kinds of skin lumps and lesions, many of which are not harmful. Therefore, all suspicious lumps should be tested and surgically removed as soon as possible. Many cancers are cured by surgical removal , so early detection is critical. Bloat Gastric dilatation volvulus, also known as GDV or bloat, usually occurs in dogs with deep, narrow chests. This means your Golden is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes up , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Golden Retrievers. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is also sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. And keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Goldens. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. Glaucoma, an eye condition that affects Golden Retrievers and people too, is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated. Symptoms include squinting, watery eyes, bluing of the cornea the clear front part of the eye , and redness in the whites of the eyes. Pain is rarely noticed by pet owners though it is frequently there and can be severe. People who have certain types of glaucoma often report it feels like being stabbed in the eye with an ice pick! Glaucoma is a medical emergency. Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye. This is one of the most commonly inherited diseases in dogs, and your Golden is more likely than other dogs to develop this painful condition. If untreated, these abnormal hairs can cause corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain. Several treatment options are available, and the prognosis is good once the hairs have been permanently removed. Allergies In humans, allergies to pollen, mold, or dust make people sneeze. In dogs, rather than sneezing, allergies make their skin itchy. The feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most commonly affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs of allergies. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for these conditions. Allergies, swimming, overgrowth of hair in the ear canals, and accumulation of earwax can all predispose your dog to ear infections, which are painful and annoying. Goldens are very often afflicted by allergies, which can cause itching and inflammation in the ears and elsewhere. The earlier we diagnose and treat these ailments, the less discomfort and pain your pet will suffer. Be sure to call us if you notice him scratching or shaking his head, a foul odor from the ears, or if his ears seem painful to the touch. By monitoring for ear infections and treating them early, we also reduce the likelihood of eardrum damage that can lead to deafness. Most ear infections tend to recur until we work together to control the underlying cause. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, and Golden Retrievers are commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, episodes will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and efficacy. Note the length of the seizure, and call us at or call an emergency hospital. Heart Disease Some Golden Retrievers inherit a heart condition known as aortic stenosis. This disease causes a partial obstruction to the blood flow leaving the heart, which means the heart must work harder to pump enough blood to the body. If the condition is severe, your dog may faint or seem to run out of energy during exercise. He may also have difficulty breathing, cough frequently, or have stunted growth. Golden Retrievers are also especially prone to a life-threatening heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, in which the heart becomes so large, thin, and weak that it can no longer effectively pump blood to the body. As this problem advances, your pet may act weak or tired, faint or collapse, breathe in a labored way, or cough. If indicated, treatment includes medication and dietary supplementation. Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in dogs. Any breed can be affected, but Goldens have an above average incidence. Dogs with diabetes are unable to regulate the metabolism of sugars in their bodies and require daily insulin injections. Diabetes is a serious condition and one that is important to diagnose and treat as early as possible. Symptoms include increased eating, drinking, and urination, along with weight loss. If he shows signs, we will conduct lab tests to determine if he has this condition and discuss treatment options with you. Treatment requires a serious commitment of time and resources. Well-regulated diabetic dogs today have the same life expectancy as other canines. Some of the blood supply that should go to the liver goes around it instead, depriving the liver of the blood flow it needs to grow and function properly. If your friend has PSS, his liver cannot remove toxins from his bloodstream effectively. Surgery may be needed, but in some cases, we can treat with a special diet and medication. Bleeding Disorders Your Golden Retriever is prone to a bleeding disorder called hemophilia. This is an important test as we may not otherwise know whether your pet has hemophilia until severe bleeding occurs during surgery or after a serious injury. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, and other behavioral changes. Treatment is usually as simple as replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. Taking Care of Your Golden Retriever at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Golden live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She needs a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Twice a year she blows her coat and loses crazy amounts of hair; daily brushing is recommended during this time. Golden Retrievers generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. She excels at dog sports like flyball, agility, dock diving, and obedience events. She has a passion for water, and swimming is a perfect form of exercise for this water retriever. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Golden Retriever needs help. As long as they are socialised well as a puppy, Golden Retrievers can happily fit into family life. They are gentle but need to be treated with respect by all members of the family, including young children, as like any dog their patience will eventually run out. Common health problems in Golden Retrievers Like any purebred dog, Golden Retrievers may encounter some breed-related health problems throughout their lives. Often, Breed Clubs will also be able to provide advice on what tests your breed may need and where to get these done. Make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by these upsetting conditions. For Golden Retrievers, this is because they can have short legs in proportion to their body and a tendency to become overweight. Eye problems — screening tests are available and dogs should be screened on a yearly basis, especially if intended for breeding. Multifocal retinal dysplasia - abnormal development and growth of the back of the eye retina which can lead to blindness. Generalised progressive retinal atrophy GPRA — slowly leads to progressive blindness over months or years. Retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy RPED, or central progressive retinal atrophy — a genetic problem which causes issues in the back of the eye retina and loss of vision. Glaucoma — high pressure within the eye causing pain and loss of vision. Ichthyosis — a skin disease that causes thickening of the footpads and makes other areas of skin rough and covered with thick, greasy flakes that stick to the hair. Caring for your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are usually real big softies and can make a great addition to a home. How much noise they make will be down to the individual dog. Training and socialisation Golden Retrievers thrive off training and are very intelligent dogs. They love nothing more than to be given tasks to do to keep them occupied and have fairly good problem-solving skills — for a dog! As long as your Retriever is properly socialised from a young age , they should be confident around new people and situations. Retrievers also like their chill out time but will be more than happy to show you plenty of affection on their own terms. Exercise Golden Retrievers are very active dogs and need plenty of opportunities to exercise , play and get rid of excess energy. Your Golden Retriever will need a minimum of two hours of good exercise per day. You can find out how much exercise your dog needs , or even find exercises you can do together. Because they are intelligent dogs, Golden Retrievers can get bored easily so make sure you keep their brains active as well as their bodies. As their name suggests, retrieving is what they were bred for, so nearly all Golden Retrievers love a good game of fetch! Grooming Golden Retrievers have medium to long coats and generally do shed a lot. They are not a dog to take on if you hate hoovering! Ideally, they should be brushed or combed three times a week at a minimum. Where necessary you can trim their coat with the right tools, but seek advice from a professional dog groomer or vet first. You may also find that your Retriever loves water including any and all muddy puddles and swimming. Make sure they stay safe around the water and if they get mucky, use a dog safe shampoo. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate Golden Retrievers and children If you have a young family then Golden Retrievers can be fantastic with children. If socialised properly from a young age, Retrievers can be quite calm and tolerant. Always supervise children and vulnerable adults with your Golden Retriever and make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and play with dogs with care and kindness, to prevent any issues. Golden Retrievers and other pets Well-socialised Golden Retrievers are very easy-going, which usually means they can be great around other dogs and pets, too. Any introductions should be done carefully and following the right advice for your other pet, too. Always supervise your dog with other pets, even if they have known them for a long time. Obesity can cause other health problems for your Golden Retriever, so keeping them in shape is extra important. Make sure to monitor their weight and keep an eye out for any sneaky snacking. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. If you give your dog an occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily food allowance. Use healthy treats in moderation instead. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave a gap before exercising and after eating. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. If you want to buy a pedigree puppy, we recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they have to do extra health tests and meet higher standards. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. PDSA Pet Insurance Fun facts As they were bred to fetch game, they have a naturally gentle grip, called a 'soft mouth', so they don't damage the birds they carry back in their mouths. Golden Retrievers have an amazing sense of smell and are often used as search and rescue dogs in other parts of the world. They absolutely love water well, most of them do. Most Retrievers will take any opportunity to have a swim. Luckily, their coats are thick to keep out water and keep them warm. Golden Retrievers make really good assistance dogs and are often a top choice for training to be Guide Dogs for the Blind. Make sure you have the knowledge and dedication to give to these sweet natured dogs to keep them happy and the time and space to exercise them. While they make great family pets, make sure you are absolutely ready to take on the commitment of getting a dog first. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a Golden Retriever. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in Golden Retrievers are out there too. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy a Golden Retriever puppy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. Not sure if the Golden Retriever is the right pet for you? Read the full disclosure here. They rely on you for everything and their health and well-being is well and truly in your hands. In order for your Golden to live as long and as healthy and fit a life as possible, you need to first educate yourself on how to care for them properly and build this knowledge into actions and routines. A balanced and nutritious diet, regular exercise , grooming and regular veterinary health checks are all essential parts of maintaining good health and quality of life. All of these are under your control. By taking steps to do the best for your Goldens health and monitoring their well-being regularly, you can prevent illnesses happening, avoiding pain and discomfort for your Golden and vets bills and heartache for you. At first, being a caring and responsible owner can seem a daunting and herculean task, but breaking it down into little manageable routines really does make it easy. Health Care Routines For Your Golden Retriever You should keep a diary and set up daily, weekly, quarterly and yearly routines to make sure every need is met and your Golden is well looked after. Example routines would be: Daily: Provision of nutritious food and clean water, regular and sufficient exercise, general health check via bodily inspections. Weekly: Inspection of ears, eyes and oral health and hygiene. Comprehensive grooming and nail care. Quarterly: Bath your Golden. In the past, any more often than this was bad for their coat quality and skin. Scheduled visits to a veterinarian and canine dentist, perhaps alternating every 3 months so two visits to each per year. Yearly: Vaccination top-ups. Following is a brief discussion of areas you need to pay attention to in order to care for your Golden well. Particularly during their puppy years they can get themselves into all sorts of trouble around your home and garden so you have to undertake a certain amount of puppy-proofing your home : Fence off swimming pools or ponds in your yard as they will get in there but being so small they may not be able to swim well and could find it impossible to get out unaided. Research the plants and flowers you have in your home and garden as there are in excess of one hundred plants known to be toxic to dogs and Goldens love a good chew! Remove or make safe any sharp items in your home that your Golden may play with, rub against or walk over in their playing. Hide away any electrical cables because a dogs sharp teeth and electricity are a particularly dangerous combination. Goldens can learn to open simple storage units and household chemicals therein are extremely dangerous to your dog. For now, just pretend you are an inquisitive dog, tour your home and garden and imagine just how they could get themselves into trouble in any of the areas they have access to. Then take steps to make those areas safe. Diet, Nutrition and Water Intake Dogs in the wild would hunt and scavenge, eating a wide variety of different foods, taking care of their own diet and ensuring they get all the nutrients they need. Modern dogs no longer hunt and scavenge and instead rely on their owners to provide them everything they need. You need to research, find and provide a good scientifically formulated diet to match their very particular nutritional requirements. You should note that a puppy has different nutritional requirements to an active adult dog, that is again different to a very senior dog who may have somewhat slowed down. There are dog foods balanced to meet a dogs different needs for each stage of their lives and activity levels. One thing you really need to watch out for with Golden Retrievers is over-feeding. And a Golden will never say no, they just love to eat! So please be mindful of their food intake and monitor their weight. No dog should be overweight. It can lead to joint problems, which leads to mobility problems, as well as diseases of their internal organs which can really shorten their lives. As well as good food, your Golden needs access to a good, clean and fresh supply of water every day. Dehydration is a real problem, as is over-hydrating in some dogs. And any drastic changes in their intake usually signifies an underlying health problem and you should seek the advice of your vet. Exercise Golden Retrievers are a sporting breed, bred for working and hence considered a high energy breed. To keep them fit and healthy and to occupy their minds you will need to provide them with lots of opportunity for structured exercise. Notice I said structured exercise! This means you cannot simply let them out into your yard and hope they take care of exercise themselves. They will walk around a bit and mostly just spend their time begging to be let back in with you. You have to plan structured exercise such as running, playing fetch or swimming. You have to take them out for a minimum of 45 minutes of exercise per day on top of their normal walks, and preferably with a good 2 hour bout of longer exercise at least once per week. The five minute rule is that a puppy needs no more than 5 minutes structured exercise per day for every month they have been alive. So a 4 month old puppy needs just 20 minutes, a 5 month old puppy 25 minutes etc. So take it easy with a puppy. Training Just how important training is for your Goldens quality of life cannot be overstated. A dog that listens to and responds to just a few well-trained commands can be kept infinitely safer than an untrained dog. So you should provide your Golden with a decent firm yet soft bed and a nice comfortable lining for their crate if you use one. If you have a yard and your Golden will be expected to spend any length of time outside you should provide a form of shelter so they can keep off the cold wet floor in winter and get out of the sun in summer. There are many options for suitable kennels and many of them are reasonably priced. If you fail to keep up a regular schedule of brushing, their coats very quickly become knotted and then matted and these are all but impossible to remove without the help of a pair of scissors. Regular brushing also helps to keep your Goldens coat clean and removes dead hair. When it comes to bathing, Golden Retrievers have a double coat and natural oils that help waterproof them so bathing too often is actually bad for their coats…at least it always used to be. Just be sure if you do wish to bathe them often that you research the shampoo used and pick one suited to regular bathing for Goldens. Human shampoo will never do as it will strip their oils and is too acidic for their skin and will irritate them. And cheap dog shampoos will strip the oils too. You kinda get what you pay for. To keep their coat healthy and prevent irritation you need to remove all the soap. Note: Click here for a selection of the best dog brushes suitable for your golden Nail Care Depending on how often your golden walks on hard abrasive surfaces, they will probably need their nails trimmed every 10 or 12 weeks. But if your golden is constantly walking pavements and roads, they may never need a trim due to concrete and tarmacs abrasive, nail-file like effect. Anyway, you should regularly check your dogs paws. This can be very uncomfortable for your dog and if it gets out of control even painful. You can quite easily trim your dogs nails at home , or you can take them to the vet where they will do the procedure for you. If you do wish to do it at home, I recommend taking your dog to the vet first and asking for advice on how to do it, being shown and learning from the pros rather than risking it alone from a book. Better safe than sorry! Look inside to make sure they are a healthy looking color, not bright red and inflamed. Also check for lots of small little grainy looking brown dots. These are the droppings of ear mites and a sign of a parasitic infection which should be treated ASAP. Dental Care Dental hygiene is an often overlooked area of dog care by many people but is very important. Much like us, dogs can suffer with tooth decay, cracked teeth, gum disease and a build up of plaque and tartar. Not only does this detract from the overall good looks of your dog, it can be quiet uncomfortable, sometimes painful and can lead to more severe problems if left untreated. So you should regularly check their teeth and gums yourself, make use of available chews that help to clean their teeth and take your dog to a canine dentist every 6 to 12 months. Try to treat your dogs teeth as good as you would treat your own. Parasitic problems Fleas, ticks and other parasites can be a real problem for dogs, leading to many problems ranging from mild skin irritation, to extreme sores and infections, and in the most extreme cases dramatic weight loss, tape worms and Lyme disease. So you should regularly check for parasites in your Golden which is very easy to do if you are sticking to a regular schedule of brushing their coats. Simply spend an extra minute to inspect closer to their skin looking for ticks, fleas or small dots droppings in their fur which would indicate the presence of parasites. Treatment for fleas and ticks can be administered at home as there are many treatments for this available over the counter. Try to make it every 6 months, but once per year as a minimum. This will allow your vet to become familiar with your dog which makes spotting changes easier for them. And it gives them a chance to spot problems early that you without an untrained eye may not pick up on. As always, prevention is better than cure and if there is ever a problem then catching it as early as possible is vital for more effective treatment and minimal pain and discomfort for your pet. Regular visits to the vet allow this early discovery. You will also need to see your vet to have your puppy vaccinated. There are many diseases, some fatal, that can be prevented easily with a course of vaccinations. Distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis as well as the infamous rabies can all be kept at bay with vaccines. A puppy will require shots starting at 6 weeks with a course of various shots taking them up to 18 weeks or so. The rabies shot is administered at about 6 months of age and after this your Golden will require just a yearly top up to maintain protection. Highly Recommended Training Course For a detailed program to follow in the form of a video library, including a step-by-step roadmap for raising a puppy from 8 weeks old all the way to a confident, well-trained and happy adult dog, you could do a lot worse than checking out The Online Dog Trainer. This program contains over follow along videos of an NZ SPCA endorsed professional dog trainer, covering all aspects of dog training, solving behavior problems in real life scenarios, explaining the theory, giving practical advice and more. You can see him getting real results in real-life consultations with his clients, so if you ever have a behavior problem you need to solve, you can follow along for almost guaranteed results. Of course, we are developing a fantastic training resource here at TotallyGoldens. Click here to learn more at TheOnlineDogTrainer. Caring For Your Golden Retriever Final Thoughts Regular grooming will keep your Golden retriever not only looking at their absolute best, but also with your help and intervention it keeps them healthy and disease free too. You May Also Like. My husband and I are bringing home our first puppy in September a goldendoodle and this was super helpful! Emily June 29, , am Thank you so much for this, Jen! I look forward to the post on favorite dog toys! We just got a puppy and, while its only been a week, we are definitely having some issues getting puppy to embrace his crate. He is doing really well with potty training, and has yet to have an accident in his crate, but soon after he enters his crate the howling begins. This way he associates it with a positive place. Also, leave treats in there. Some dogs do better with their crates covered so like drape a blanket over the sides so it feels more like a cave. You might also try placing a t-shirt or something that smells like you in there. Also, leave the door open all the time and praise him if he goes in on his own. Good luck! OH, what a difference! Long after they no longer needed their crates, we kept them and always left the door opened. They would go into them when they were tired, knowing they were in a safe place; their place. Friends always said to us that they would have a dog if it behaved like our dogs. Be consistent. Fun for all of you. I can definitely see how teaching while a puppy can make a huge difference. Looking forward to your next dog related posts :. Reply Link Megan June 29, , pm Ahh thank you for this post! My husband and I are looking into getting a pug puppy soon and these tips are so helpful. Looking forward to reading more posts on this, especially the crate training. Love the tips, we are still trying to stay the course with the UD group classes! Golden are the best! It has been such an eye-opening month with our new puppy. Our other dog is 8 so everything feels brand new. I actually wrote about it in my post for tomorrow, but a puppy is like a baby. My boyfriend and I are getting a golden pup in the fall and while I grew up with the breed I have never trained a pup on my own. We made the choice to get a puppy mostly to instil good habits and behaviour long term. So long story short, I would never put a puppy or young dog or any age in airplane cargo! Reply Link Megan June 30, , pm Good tips! Socializing him right away and crate training him were so key to having an awesome, well-adjusted dog! Reply Link Josi August 20, , pm Hello! Just wondering where you got your goldens? This really helped me figure out what to do when she gets here. Jen May 3, , pm YAY! Our 3rd Golden in about 33 years and know he has some big paws to fill Taegan was wonderful for 14 years. We are so excited!! I have a new English Cream Golden. I feel like I need to work for his affection. Great otherwise! Not super energetic. Bursts of energy followed up by lots of naps but never really interested in walks. First timer here. Your pup could really benefit from basic positive obedience! I would recommend seeking out an experienced trainer in your area to help you as your pup grows! Having a puppy in the home can be fantastic, but you also need to make sure that you can offer it the best as well. She has been really easy to house break. We are excited to bring her home. Thank you for the helpful tips. That is a good idea to make sure that we are committed to doing the work to train this dog. We do really want him to be well trained. Thanks for the tips! Thank you so much for this super informative post! Reply Link Jen January 22, , pm I always made sure she went before we got to the gym and walked her frequently. Meghan January 29, , am Thank you so much for the reply!! We kept each of our puppies on a leash in the house, never out of our sight except when they were in the crate for 4 months before we gradually gave them independence. We always messed with them and held them. They had accidents as you would expect until fully house trained at about 4 months, but never any destructive or aggressive behavior. We gave them plenty of tough chew toys. Also training classes. They were never nervous or skittish. They love to lay on us and never have had any trouble with grooming, food guarding, loud noises, children or other animals. Goldens are great dogs but like any dog, they can only know what you teach them. Great article!! Kathrinne May 5, , am Hi Jen, how old are your puppies when you let them go out? Jen May 5, , am What do you mean? Reply Link Carly September 8, , pm Thank you so much for your article! What would your input be? Do you think they would focus on each other more than their humans? Would 2 puppies be so much more difficult than 1? Any advice is greatly appreciated!! Love the name Zoey!! Any tips to Prevent that?? Reply Link Christine November 1, , am About to get golden 3. Learning all over about everything. Reply Link Jen November 1, , pm It is like starting over again but you will figure it out! Every pup is different but be patient and consistent! This is my first large dog breed so a little nervous. I read your post and you give wonderful tips that I will follow. Please let me know if it is safe to put a flea collar on the puppy. Thank you. Reply Link Jen January 29, , pm I would consult with your vet to see what they recommend for flea prevention and treatment. Also, about the scratching. It could be due to something else like an allergen outside. I have not had a dog in 3 years because I lost my last one in a painful way for me and I am afraid to get another one. I am now ready to get one and this page has helped me prepare for my new puppy. I am a 74 yr old male in pretty good shape no health issues, and retired so I should be around a while to look after a dog. My wife passed about four months ago so I guess I am looking to fill a void. I live in a single family home and have plenty of time to spare. Thanks Reply Link marion duffield April 14, , am I am picking my pup up in 2 weeks! This is the best AND most realistic article I have read about training…. My pup Tank will be 4 months when we get him. He is absolutely adorable. Have only seen photos. He lives with his breeder in Missouri and we live in Canada…. I am so excited for you!!!! Puppies are intense but so much fun. And wow, that is going to be an adventure! Reply Link Theresa April 30, , am Do you have suggestions about golden retriever puppy biting? We got ours at 7 weeks. She is now .How do we stop her from snapping and biting? She is smart and loving. The biting has been rough though. Can you help? But I love dogs soooo much. This info is everything to me. I love this post Soo much. Thanks a ton. You left puppy in car? Or what? Reply Link Madeline October 31, , pm I am picking up my 7 week old golden in 2 days! I am so excited! How did you go out taking him places before he had his full shots? I want to socialize him, and of course potty train him immediately, but obviously there are risks. Whats your take on this? So the whole crate training thing is not going so well. She hates it. Emily Camalo April 2, , pm Hi! Really appreciate you sharing all of this advice! It was super valuable. Reply Link Julie April 11, , am Loved your comments. I have a 9 week double doodle. I have crate trained since day 1 and she has been really good, day 1 upset for a couple of minutes. Day 2 no problem at all. Now just the occasional cry when I leave her but that is over with in a very short space of time. I also leave a low radio on for her. She uses the garden most of the time for toileting, but occasionally she will come into the house and do another wee. The problem I have at the moment is trying to stop her biting. I have tried the gentle command which she listens to some of the time. And I have tried standing and turning my back on her so she realises I am not playing when she bites, but she will then go for trousers or feet, which I try my best to ignore, or she will just go off and do something else like chew a mat or something which is a no no. Any ideas? Regards Reply Link Stephanie January 25, , am Really great info, thank you for your article. Our puppy arrives in 5 days and we have been preparing for months. Your advice is. Very helpful. Blessings to you. If you also have brought a newborn golden retriever puppy to your home, you need to be extra careful in handling him. It is significant to note that newborn golden retrievers should not be handled like human babies. In this article, I will suggest you 10 tips that will definitely help you to take care of a newborn golden retriever effectively. Before owning golden retriever, it is necessary to know about his temperament— Know everything about golden retriever temperament Ideally, it is better to allow the mother of golden retriever puppy to take its care and responsibility. The puppy must be allowed to stay with his mother and the litter for the first few days. The puppy owner must take care of the puppy as well as its mother and ensure that they are totally comfortable and at ease. Mother as well as the puppy must be fed properly and their nutritional demands must be met properly. A newborn golden retriever puppy may have a lot of needs and its mother can take better care of its growing needs. Since, initially, the puppy is non-explorative, it requires more attention as far its safety is concerned. Mother as well as the dog owner must take care of the highly vulnerable puppy. Proper diet and clean water must be provided to the mother, especially if she is nursing her baby. It is important to ensure that high quality ingredients are available in the food being provided to the mother and the kid so that their nutritional requirements are met in the most effective manner. I have listed some good commercial foods that are must have for the mother of new born puppy:.

Gallery Pine Winds Pine Winds Labradoodles, located 25 miles north of Kansas City, Missouri, began with one dog and the desire to volunteer as an animal partner therapy team. I retired from teaching after 34 years and with all three children grown I decided to pursue this adventure by purchasing my first labradoodle. Marley joined our home as a puppy, became a Canine Good Citizen, and continued on to pass her evaluation enabling her to be registered as a therapy dog with Pet Partners. Occasionally she was bred and produced puppies with exceptional temperaments, several becoming therapy dogs as well. Most importantly the puppies have become excellent fur members of families. Mia, my second dog, is a puppy from the breeding of Marley to another labradoodle who was a registered therapy dog. Mia became a registered therapy dog as well. Poppy, Mias offspring, is now my registered therapy dog. My dogs are working dogs whether they are visiting, enrolled in agility classes or taking refresher obedience training. Mia, Poppy and Rosie are proven to represent the best of temperaments and mind set a labradoodle should possess. I have two breeding dogs so I am able to spend quality time working with each puppy. I search out the best males with exceptional traits that I can find to breed my dogs to, hoping to continue with a lineage of therapy partners. Raising a litter of puppies is hard work but seeing them with their families certainly makes it worthwhile! Check to see if they are members of the ALAA or any other recognized body, as these organizations have high standards for breeding. The health and well-being of the parents are paramount in producing healthy, happy Labradoodle puppies! You can also go on Meetup to discover local dog owners who have Labradoodles in your area so that you can meet them in person! They are also very friendly and outgoing, making great family dogs! If you want a dog that will help you stay active, look no further than the Labradoodle! As you can see, there are a lot of great alternatives in Missouri when it comes to Labradoodle breeders. They go above and above to ensure the puppy comes first and is properly cared for and nurtured. 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. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. All of our Labradoodle puppies are meticulously cared for from the moment they are born and treated like a member of our family. Australian Labradoodles are loyal, beautiful and rewarding family companions. With a docile disposition, magnificent appearance and extraordinary health, Australian Labradoodles from Heartland Labradoodles are a perfect addition to any family, from new couples to singles to young families or retired couples. Our exceptional Labradoodle girls and boys give their puppies the best health traits and the best physical characteristics of the breed, as well as a winning personality. This helps our Labradoodle puppies grow up happy, healthy and handsome. Choose from chocolate, jet black, cream, apricot and shades in between to breed your own champion Labradoodles or find the perfect color. See our available puppies and find the new addition to your family or call Heartland Labradoodles for more information. For the safety of our puppies, we deliver to neighboring communities within a maximum of a four-hour drive, including areas in Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin and our home state of Iowa. Puppy Spotlight. The Labradoodles and Goldendoodles in our breeding program live with us in our home, not a kennel. Our puppies are whelped in our home and exposed to daily family life. At Blessed Day Doodles one of our top priorities is that our doodles are part of our family and receive daily love and attention. Our breeding dogs live with amazing and carefully chosen guardian families. Guardian homes allow our breeding dogs to be part of a forever family and receive the love and attention every dog deserves. Why Blessed Day Doodles? Labradoodle and Goldendoodle Health The Australian Labradoodle is a hybrid between the poodle, labrador retriever, and cocker spaniel. Miniature goldendoodles are a hybrid between the poodle and golden retriever. Our breeding dogs must pass extensive health testing to become part of our program. Labradoodle and Goldendoodle Temperaments Goldendoodles and Australian Labradoodles are incredibly social, intelligent, and equally loving. Doodles love people and animals alike, coupled with their low to non-shed qualities, it makes them the perfect family pet. Because of their social nature it would be a punishment to leave a doodle alone for long periods of time without human contact. Furthermore, we encourage you to consider that dogs, like humans, are happiest with a mate, so in their case…another dog. With this in mind, you may want to consider having two dogs so they can keep one another company. We humans are great company but dogs are happiest with another canine companion.

The I wonder if I will be lucky enough to review one of these amazing products. This then makes me start to get a little excited for Christmas; planning presents and seeing what toys are going to be on every Christmas list this year! This product actually unboxes itself! Make sure you pull the tag and WAIT. Kids love anything interactive and my eldest is also desperate for a pet. Not sure will work forever. My Mum is getting dog soon, so I hope this helps her forget her pet need for a bit and unboxing a new Present Pets Puppy should do as well! My 3 year almost 4 year old is pretty sensible, so she of course got involved, fully supervised. Batteries are included but you will need 6 x AAA when they run out! Have some spares. We received a Purple Glitter themed box! Your puppy from the Glitter themed box is so excited to meet you, she paws her way out of her own gift box! They are so cute with wide eyes and glittery ears and a gorgeous bow! The box will instantly start to shake as your sweet pup paws and kicks her way out! The front panel pops open to reveal Cocoa or Casey and she sings a cute unboxing song. Your Present Puppy is so excited and cuddly and loves to play. Her tails wags and she taps and shuffles her paws. She has over sounds and actions and imitates you! Unboxing Present Pets or letting it Unbox Itself! The girls were really excited one Saturday morning to unbox or as I said before, let the Present Pets unbox itself! My eldest was as usual stupidly excited and her hands always move at lightening speed, which you get from my photos! She was dying to see who she would get Casey or Cocoa. The first step is easy and involves removing the outer layer of cardboar. There is an easy pull to do this. You are then left with a purple box and are reading for the exciting unboxing. The puppy inside started going mad. It was barking, yapping and kicking like mad; starting to unbox itself. However my daughter made an error! She was so excited when the puppy was going crackers in the box, that she pulled open the front to reveal beautiful Cocoa! My eldest was not patient at all. You need to watch and wait. You see little paws disappear from the box, as it actually paws its way out. Do bear this is mind and explain to your kids, as I only noticed afterwards. But it is the main concept of the product!!! There are instructions; we just got a bit carried away. She then revealed Cocoa! She was kicking and yapping load and is so cute!! The girls immediately wanted to get her out and start playing. She is quite a noisy Pup! It is quite easy to switch her off by turning her over and the switch to do so is on her foot! This will of course, save the battery. She does go quiet though, if you leave her for a while. I was stumped as usual but my hubby figured you move the purple bones to let her out and yes you can see it on the instructions above! I need to learn to read. You can see the purple bones below. The girls proceeded to have a fight over who was playing with Cocoa but we had a look at in the instructions to see what she could do. She has a Cuddle Mode by pressing the top of her head. After a while of cuddling she does get sleepy and fall asleep and both girls were the most excited to do this for a while and snuggle her. Your Present Pets Puppy also has a Excited Mode by ticking her tummy and she does yap and kick and get excited! There is also an Instant Trick by pressing her bark button on her back and then patting the head. We did have problems doing this however and need to have a few more tries. I always struggle a bit with the more complex bits! However, I have been informed if you press the button and pat away quickly on the head it does work. The pup may miaow or something funny! However, we still struggled to do this. If you speak or bark at your puppy, she will imitate you! This is really fun and the girls enjoyed chatting and barking at Cocoa. The below photo cracks me up as my eldest got Cocoa in Games Mode. To do this you hold down the bark button on the back for a couple of seconds and you hear a chime. There are 2 games; the first the puppy starts barking and you have to copy the number of barks. You get a happy sound if you do and a sad sound if you fail! This starts as a short rhythm and gets longer! If you can do it, you win and get a happy chime! You can skip to game 2 by short pressing the back button and get out completely by a second short press. The games worked really well and I had a laugh watching the girls. It was pure joy and this will makes kids so happy on Christmas Day. Toys have been about unboxing for years but no one has thought about a toy that unboxes itself before! Cocoa has gorgeous big blue eyes and is fluffy and just adorable. The girls fell in love with her immediately. I found this with some of the Hatchimals but Present Pets are easy to work and great for kids. The recommended age range is perfect. Always a plus for me. You would think as an experienced toy reviewer I would have and my daughter would have calmed down but nope! Do the process slowly to get the best unboxing experience. However, I do think the instructions are a little unclear. However, this is a bit of a con, as would your child be able to do it? If you are bothered by this, maybe a no in your mind as a present for your child. Overall, we love Cocoa and the Present Pets concept. They are so adorable and loveable, not too complicated and so interactive. They would make a lovely gift and one that kids continue to play with for days to come. My eldest has carted it around solidly since we have opened it, so it has gone down very well! I hope this Present Pets review has helped! Disclosure — we were provided with this product in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are our own. Just like Lady desperately tried to lift the lid off her box by herself, these surprise interactive pups will nudge and push against the cardboard box in order to lift up the lid, separate the sides and BURST their way out out of their packaging! Predicted to be a top 10 must have toy for Christmas which lets face it, needed SOMETHING fun to happen , we were lucky enough to be able to complete a Present Pets Review with Spin Master prior to their 1st October release date and the girls were quite literally bouncing off the walls! I have to admit I was too. Hopefully the pics and our full unboxing video below will give you a good idea of Present Pets and what to expect! Here we showcase not only the live unboxing process but also visual demonstrations of each of the different interactive modes. How does the Present Pets Unboxing work? The girls were so excited when they learned we were doing a Present Pets review. Step 2 — Pull on the gift tag on the box. Once the outer layer is lifted away a small Instructions pack drops out and it is recommended that you read these first to know what to do next. The second step is to pull on the gift tag. This is impossible to miss as it is clearly marked with the word PULL! As the tag is pulled away from the Present Pets box, it triggers the automatic unboxing process. You can then sit back and watch in awe as your Present Pet unboxes from the packaging to reveal which puppy is hidden inside! Step 3 — Watch as your Present Pet Unboxing Begins As soon as the tag is removed your Present Pets toy puppy springs to life and you can hear the audible barks and yelps from inside the box as well as movements that physically move the box from side to side. .The Present Pet puppy then starts to poke and prod at the cardboard packaging, poking away 3 perforated paw prints to create holes in the box and reveal a little glimpse of what your puppy looks like! The most impressive part of the Present Pets unboxing is when not only do the paw prints get poked away by the Present Pet but the sides of the box start to be ripped away too, before the two sides split apart completely and drop open on their own to reveal the interactive Present Pet puppy sitting happily inside. The Present Pet puppy plays a happy little song as the final unboxing moments take place. First Impressions of our Present Pet Once the Present Pets box had burst open, the girls first set their sights on Cocoa, our adorable pup sitting inside. She has a large fabric shimmery ombre bow attached to her right ear, sparkly blue expressive eyes with a heart shaped patch of fur over her right eye and a cheeky sticking out tongue. She is wearing a removable collar with her name on and has super soft plush fur. After her unboxing, the Present Pet puppy is barking and already making lots of fun interactive sounds, but before play, she needs to be removed from her fixed point on the base of the box. The Present Pets pup is held in place on the base of the box by two small bone fastenings at her feet, which need to be twisted to move them into the unlock position, after which your Pup can be pulled away. What do the Present Pets do once open? The Present Pets instructions are pretty overwhelming, and I have to be honest, I really wish that toy manufacturers would use nice bright colour leaflets with good pictures or photos to make life a little bit easier for us parents! Instead, the instructions for Present Pets are quite a daunting black and white photocopy which obviously comes in lots of different languages. Despite there being a quick start guide with illustrations, it still felt a bit tricky to understand some of the elements of the interactive play. After lots of trial and error however, we have now successfully got to grips with all the play modes — there are a number of interactive options for playing with your present pet which create different modes of play. Cuddle Mode The first mode is Cuddle Mode. Erin loved pulling Cocoa in for a cuddle and tapping the back of her head. After some extended play, we found the Cocoa responds best when her head is patted firmly in a stroke like action rather than a pat or tap. To trigger excited mode you simply tickle, touch or tap the Present Pets pup on her tummy. Here she lets out of happy little yelps, licks, laughter and excited barks as her legs flick rapidly backwards and forwards, just like a child does when they are tickled! To trigger the trick mode, you need to press on the back button and tap the head. When you bark or speak to the puppy, it will respond to you and imitate you in barks. After 3 exchanges of listening and responding, the puppy will return back to standard play autonomous mode. She made some lovely little sounds when Erin spoke to her, and you can see examples on our video above. The important thing to note here is that some of the sounds are confirming whether you got it right, and are NOT part of the sound for you to copy — this caused a bit of confusion with us at first. There are two rounds in game mode and if you want to skip to Round 2 you can quickly press the back button again. Otherwise just wait and listen out for the first barks to begin. If you get it wrong bark too little or too many times, he will make a frustrated grrrr noise. There are 3 stages to round 1 and each time your child has to copy back a particular number of barks. My video footage shows this a bit clearer, so please do check this out if you want to see it in action. The puppy will start by barking a short rhythm and waiting for you to copy it by barking back the same rhythm. Again, there are 3 stages and they progress in difficulty. After a short initial rhythm the puppy then barks a medium length rhythm and waits for you to copy again. Finally the puppy barks a long rhythm and if you are able to copy it correctly the game is won! As with Round one, he makes a happy sound if you get it right, a growl if you get it wrong, and a happy dance when you complete the round. You can quit the Game mode by pressing the back button again. I will be honest, at times it did feel like they were both girls and our Present Pet were just making lots of noise and I am not sure how quickly the novelty of game mode would wear off, but both my girls were happy regardless! Present Pets toys can make over sounds and actions — we have had ours almost a week now and are still discovering new reactions. Present Pets Volume Control — Parents will be pleased to know that Present Pets do come with an off button thank you toy gods! There is however only one volume setting and no present pets volume control as such. In my opinion it is a touch on the loud side, particularly if your children are early risers! Present Pets toys require 6 AAA batteries batteries are included and these can be changed by unscrewing the paw prints on her feet 3 batteries in each paw. Our Overall Present Pets Review What we loved about the Present Pets toys: Present Pets toys have a really fun unboxing process — the Present Pet Pups really DO unbox themselves by poking and prodding their way out of the cardboard, and need absolutely NO assistance from children other than pulling the tag to trigger and start off the process. The rest is cardboard. This is a real positive, as the majority of the packaging can easily be recycled. The girls Neve in particular have played with her lots since. For parents who may need to keep things quiet when working from home or may get bored of the barking — there is the welcome addition of an off button!! How could Present Pets toys be improved? As is often the case, some of the instructions for Present Pets are a little overwhelming and I wish there was just a simple colour sheet which outlined each mode and what it did. There is a quick start guide in the instruction leaflet but even the sight of all that text is enough to put any parent off, particularly when you have an excited child raring to go! I assume more videos including mine will emerge to make it easier for you guys so hopefully that will help! Neve however, who is just under the recommended age at 4, did find this more of a difficult task. A few people have asked me since my review was published whether Present Pets toys only come in the puppy variety. At the moment, yes there are only four different puppies available, but it may be that future waves of Present Pets feature other animals like Cats and Rabbits — that would be pretty cool too!

But in general, this is an energetic, and affectionate dog that loves to play. He is cuddly, affectionate, and tends to be unaware of his size; he wants nothing but to be on your lap, curling next to you and sharing your side in your activities. At one time this dog may be full of energy, rowdy, and rambunctious followed by periods of lethargy, torpor, and a lazy streak. Most Labernards form close attachments with their owners the one that feeds them. They can get quite destructive and vocal when left alone for extended periods, are not exercised, or are bored. As such, teaching this dog to tolerate being alone for at least one or two hours from an early age will be paramount to your co-existence. A well-socialized and trained dog should be calm around strangers and should not be overly protective, territorial, or aggressive. Many of these crosses, to varying degrees, retain some of their working instincts and are happiest when given a job to do. They need an experienced owner who is used to handling large dogs, is firm but fair, and has time to dedicate to training and exercise. A large, fenced-in backyard is ideal for this dog to get quality playtime. They are not suitable for small spaces or apartment living and are not recommended for first-time owners. As a family dog: The Saint Bernard Lab Mix is a fabulous and devoted family dog as they are loving and affectionate. They are excellent pets for families as they love all members equally and will greet you with a wagging tail and a smiling face when you come home- even if you have been away for a few minutes. Children and Labernards are a lovely and winning combination provided the children are encouraged to handle and play with the dog appropriately. The dog also needs to be gentle and understanding with children. Children should never be left unsupervised with any dog, one especially large as this Lab mix. With other pets Most accept other family pets if introduced early, but due to their high prey drive, some may chase smaller pets such as cats or rabbits. You may have to protect your rabbit, ferret, or gerbil from a rambunctious puppy. Finding a Saint Bernard Labrador If you are interested in getting a Saint Bernard Lab mix, you can use the following channels; Contact reputable Saint Bernard or Labrador breeders and ask for recommendations of possible leads to a crossbreed breeder. Use websites and forums such as Puppyfind. Instagram and other social media pages like this or this one can give recommendations on where to find a knowledgeable breeder or an owner with the occasional litter. Many times, the dogs being bred are simply treasured family pets and the owner breeds the dogs in the hopes of creating another dog just like their pet. Word of Mouth: Asking other dog owners for recommendations from owners such as this one or this one is another way. Local pet stores, veterinarians, dog trainers, and other Labernard owners can offer referrals to reputable breeders. The best way to find a St Bernard Labrador mix is through a reputable breeder who has been involved with the breed for several years and knows the breed well. You can also find a St Bernard Labrador mix from a rescue group or local shelter if you are lucky enough. When buying a puppy, research the breed and choose a reputable breeder. Ask about the health and temperament of the parents, ensure genetic health testing is done, and look for a written health guarantee. Avoid pet stores or puppy mills. Consider the age, sex, color, and coat type of the dog you want. Cost: Before getting a Labrador St Bernard mix, consider the cost involved. It is important to make sure you have the resources to care for a dog, including money for vaccinations, spaying or neutering, emergency vet care, and other supplies such as food, toys, leash, and collar. Selecting a Pup Before buying a St Bernard Lab mix puppy, do your research to increase the chances of finding the puppy for you. See the whole litter so that you can compare your puppy against the others. Observe the puppies interacting with each other, and make sure the litter appears healthy. The dam of the litter should also be shown to give an idea of her temperament and to observe her with the litter. When choosing a puppy, look for a cheerful one with good, solid, sound bone formation, straight and sturdy legs, and a healthy appearance. Check for bright and clear eyes, a moist nose, clean and healthy ears, and elastic skin with no signs of bare patches, rawness, scabs, or skin disease. The puppy should walk freely with no stiffness in the joints. The one who fleas in terror, or who cowers at the extension of your hand may turn out to be a good dog but you are far safer if you choose one who touches his damp nose to your fingers, stretches his neck, and wriggles his body in welcome. Choose the pup that outrightly chooses you. Male Vs Female The choice between a male or female dog is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Male dogs tend to be more aggressive and better suited as guard dogs, while female dogs are usually easier to housebreak, gentler with children, and more responsive to training but go into season twice a year- theirs is a sex problem. Ultimately, both male and female dogs can make great pets and the choice between them is a personal one. St Bernard Lab mix Puppy Essentials Before bringing a puppy home, make sure you are in a suitable environment and have the resources and agreement from everyone in the household to care for a dog. Before leaving the seller, make a daily routine schedule for the puppy and get a list of what they have been eating, continue their diet for a few days before gradually making changes. Check for loose electrical wires, cords dangling from blinds or chewable items on the floor. In the kitchen, put away all knives and utensils, get a tight-fitting lid trash can, and store household cleaners in cupboards with child-proof latches. In the bathroom, store all household cleaners, medicines, vitamins, and personal products in secure cupboards. In the bedroom, securely put away potentially dangerous items, jewelry, and chewable items. In the rest of the house, tape up electrical cords, secure potentially dangerous items, put houseplants out of reach, move breakables, and pick up chewable. In the garage, store gardening supplies, car fluids, and dangerous substances out of reach, clean up spills and put away tools. In the yard, put away gardening tools, and toys, secure cords, and fences, and inspect for toxic plants. Look for wide and low bowls that weighted in the bottom to prevent tipping. Get a 6-foot leash that is easy on your hand but strong. The most common leash material are leather, woven nylon, chain, or cotton rope. Start with a fitting nylon buckle collar, and adjust the size as the dog grows. You will have to replace that collar a couple of times as he grows. Choose a sturdy, easy-to-clean crate that is large enough for the dog to stand, turn around, and lie down. Replace toys as needed when they get destroyed. Invest in quality products such as high-quality pet food and a cozy dog bed for large breeds. Welcoming a puppy For your journey home, put the puppy in a sturdy carrier. Alternatively, you can have someone help you hold the pup or use a secure doggie seatbelt. Here are some steps to help with this transition: Put a tag on the collar with your phone number on your puppy right away. You can add his name later once you pick one for him. Make sure you have a safe and comfortable place for the pup to sleep. Let him settle down on his own. Establish clear house rules and discourage the pup from going into restricted areas or climbing on the furniture. When a new puppy arrives, there will likely be a lot of excitement and attention. Avoid chasing after the puppy, and let him approach you or follow you. Handle small pups gently. Wait for a period of silence and then praise the puppy for being quiet. At night, the puppy may whimper, but avoid making a big fuss as this will reinforce the behavior. Indoors, the crate should be introduced gradually, and the dog should not be left in the crate for more than 2 hours. Puppies should be introduced to their outdoor kennels as soon as they arrive. A secure, shaded, and sheltered area with access to fresh water should be provided for dogs kept outdoors. A stone kennel is recommended for outdoor housing to protect the dog from the elements, with a clean, strong surface such as paving slabs for the ground and sturdy, escape-proof fencing. The kennel should be cleaned regularly and the fences should be well-built. Labernard Care Guide On average, the dog lives 11 to 14 years and requires attention and care from its owner to live a long and healthy life. The dog will be happy and bring joy to its owner if it is given love, good food, adequate company, play, and training. It can be done for about 10 minutes a day and should be a pleasant experience for the dog. Grooming helps keep the coat healthy and tangle-free and strengthens the bond between owner and dog. The recommended tools for grooming are a fine-toothed comb, wire brush, rubber grooming pad, and a velvet cloth or chamois leather. Brushing: Brush the dog times a week. Start from the head and work down the body, brushing through the coat to the skin. Pay special attention to under the ears and shoulder to croup, flanks, and under the tail. Use a stiff brush or hound glove for short-haired dogs. Bathing: Bathe the dog no more than once a month using safe shampoo. Apply shampoo and rinse thoroughly, protecting eyes and ears. Dry with towels and a hairdryer, avoiding hot air. Dental Care: Maintain oral hygiene by brushing regularly and using baking soda, salt, and pumice mixture. Chewing bones, toys, and hard biscuits also help. Professional teeth cleaning may be necessary in some cases. Ear Care: Check ears for excess wax and dirt, wiping ear flap with cotton wool and ear cleaner. Avoid probing ear canals and use separate cotton wool for each ear. Eye Care: Clean eyes with cotton wool dampened in cold tea or tear stain remover. Rinse haws under the eyes with warm water. If eyes have discharge, redness, or irritation, call a vet. Paw Care: Trim and round paws regularly. Trim nails every 2 weeks. Gradually trim dark nails. Trim dewclaws or remove if overgrown. Trim hair on paws with scissors. Keep paws clean. Malnourishment can manifest itself as skin issues, coat problems, behavior problems, and immune system problems. The dog should not be fed from the table or with scraps as this can lead to begging. Saint Bernard Labrador crosses can be tall enough to reach countertops and dining tables and have a good appetite, eating almost anything. Feeding a Saint Bernard Labrador mix is not an exact science. Choosing a Diet Choosing a diet for your Saint Bernard Lab mix is an important aspect of maintaining its health. A balanced diet consists of essential ingredients including protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and water. Avoid feeding your dog spicy, fried, or sugary foods, as well as bones and scraps from the table. Offer fresh, cool water to your dog multiple times a day, and avoid giving water before or after eating or exercising. A 2—3-month-old puppy should be fed 4 times a day with a mix of kibble and meat-based or raw meat. From months, the portion size can be increased to 3 meals a day with one serving of milk and two portions of meat. When the dog is 18 months you can switch him to an adult diet. Food types Commercial pet food: Convenient, intelligent, and economical way to feed pets with commercially prepared food. Look for high-quality food with recommended levels of protein, carbs, and fats. Avoid foods with by-products and soy products. Choose food with animal protein listed first and other ingredients including digestible carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, preservatives, fiber, and additives. Avoid artificial fillers, colors, and sugars. Homemade diet: A carefully balanced diet with all necessary nutrients can be made but requires research and consultation with a vet. Make sure the diet is complete and contains all the necessary nutrients for the dog. Tripe is a favorite food for the dog, but chopped beef or chicken can be used as an alternative. Proprietary dry food with lamb and rice is a good option. Food storage is important. A fridge and freezer are necessary for canned, semi-moist, and raw foods. Puppies require more food than adult dogs. It is recommended to feed a dog 30 calories per pound of body weight. The amount can be adjusted accordingly using the factors in the table below. Life Stage Energy needs a factor of adult maintenance Growth Birth to half mature weight. The Saint Bernard Lab Mix can be a great family companion. Both the St Bernard and the Labrador Retriever are known for being gentle, patient, friendly and obedient dogs. This means the Labernard is a great choice for families with young children, provided they are supervised. Due to their size and exercise needs, this pup is not a good choice for small spaces or apartment living. They are also not well suited to first time owners. They need an experienced dog owner who is used to handling larger dogs. The Labernard requires plenty of space to move, run and play around. Having his favorite humans around is vital to the well-being of this pup. You need to dedicate time to him and offer him a lot of attention. Bernard Mix Exercise Needs The St Bernard Lab Mix is a very energetic dog that will need plenty of exercise and is a great choice for a family or individual who enjoys various outdoor activities, including jogging, running or hiking. As with other active dog breeds, insufficient exercise can lead to boredom and anxiety, which can ultimately develop into destructive behaviors. Ideally, the owner should have a large, fenced-in backyard where this big guy can enjoy quality playtime to supplement his walks and other fitness activities. Your intelligent Labernard will also need interactive dog toys to help with keeping him occupied and mentally stimulated. St Bernard Lab Mix dogs have a stubborn streak that might make housetraining difficult. Of course, this will vary from one dog to another. They are also difficult to control because they are very strong. Patience is necessary when training these dogs. However, they are still awesome dogs and if properly trained and socialized, they can be a great addition to your family. Make sure to employ a positive approach to their training and use plenty of positive reinforcements, such as treats and praises. Grooming and Shedding Whether the Saint Bernard parent is long-haired or short-haired, his coat requires regular brushing to get rid of dirt and any loose hair. As such, they need daily brushing especially during the shedding season. The St Bernard Lab Mix is a moderate shedder. Therefore, he requires brushing at least three times per week to remove loose hair. Bathing will only be necessary once they get too dirty. However, it is important to clean their coat regularly using quality deodorizing wipes for dogs. Since these dogs have floppy ears, they can accumulate wax or moisture, so you should make it a habit of checking and cleaning their ears regularly to help prevent ear infections. Moreover, all dogs should have their teeth brushed regularly and nails trimmed whenever they get too long. Keep in mind that prices will change from breeder to breeder. Unfortunately, the more qualified and reputable the breeder, the more expensive the puppies. As an alternative, you can always seek a Labernard for adoption. Both parent breeds save people. From the imaginary Lassie to the very real Balto, dogs have saved individuals and entire towns before. But the Labernard is special because both of its parent breeds have saved people. When it comes to rescue dogs, few dogs have as many lives to their name as Saint Bernards. Originally from the Swiss Alps , these dogs were used for many years to rescue people that got trapped in the mountains, often deep in snow. The Saint Bernard breed is credited with around lives saved. Barry, the most famous Saint Bernard, saved 40 lives on his own. However, in reality, he died a much less fantastic death in his bed at a ripe old age. Labrador Retrievers are one of only a handful of breeds that have been known to sniff out cancer. The volatile organic compounds VOCs in cancer have an odor that some of these dogs can detect. There are even many stories of these dogs licking their person repeatedly, only for them to soon discover a cancerous lesion in that area. Their stubborn streak makes them hard to train. Big dogs can be more difficult to train than smaller breeds just because of their large size. Of course, this is going to vary from dog to dog. But if your Labernard is one of the more stubborn ones, you can expect to have a more difficult time training them. To properly train a stubborn Labrador St. Big dogs are incredible pets, but they have a serious drawback — they die much younger than smaller dogs. Unfortunately, it seems that the larger a dog is, the shorter their lifespan. Between two Labernard dogs, the larger one is most likely to die first. Labrador Retrievers, on the other hand, are a high-energy breed. Some might even go as far as to call them hyperactive. When you combine these breeds, the result is a Labrador St. But the Saint Bernard in their veins still shows through, giving the dog a lazy streak that sees them curling up beside you while you sit. Labrador St. Bernard Mixes are also very affectionate dogs with a deep love for their family. Are These Dogs Good for Families? This allows your dog to receive ample attention, helping to avoid the destructive behaviors that may otherwise pop up. This is even more true if you take care to socialize your dog properly from a young age. Bernard —"These are some pictures of my Labernard Toby, a —lb. He has the temperament of both breeds. The loving loyalty of the St. Bernard and Labrador, the protective qualities of a St. Bernard, all while being the gentle giant they both can be. He is one big teddy bear!! It is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Saint Bernard. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. Bernard mix with his rope toy "Ben as a 5-month-old puppy in the picture, St. He is 7 months old and weighs 75 pounds in this picture! His mom was a purebred black Lab and his Daddy a purebred St. Samson is a big, goofy, clumsy puppy who is the happiest when he is around people. He's very good at wearing himself out by chewing rawhides , running in the yard or chasing his tail! Because he is still a puppy he loves to chew.Samson is currently being trained, and picks up on his obedience skills very fast, even though he has a short attention span. He's very good at waiting for the "ok" to eat, go out the door or chase a toy, and is even catching on to playing dead! He loves all people and dogs equally, but is very protective over his backyard.One of his favorite things while outside is to find the biggest fallen tree limb and carry it all over. Oh, did I mention he loves water?! He loves hoses, sprinklers, mud holes with water, and putting his dirty paws in his water bowl and "digging" in it after he drinks. Samson loves digging holes, and despite our efforts of teaching him to have only one spot to dig, he still digs many holes! He is very sweet and gentle and loyal, and pretty much lets you do anything with him you want! His mother is a purebred St. Bernard and his father is a purebred black Labrador. But, even with testing, they cannot always be avoided. St Bernard Lab Mix Lifespan Studies show that mixed breed dogs live, on average, longer than purebred breeds. But, the best way to predict a ballpark figure is still to look at the parent breeds. Fortunately, there are several studies that examine lifespan in purebred dogs. The average lifespan for the Labrador Retriever is around 12 years. However, the larger a dog breed is, the shorter their average lifespan becomes. The St Bernard only reaches an average age of 7. Of course, some will live longer, but some may not even reach 7. A St Bernard and Labrador mix will usually live somewhere between 10 and 12 years. Some individual dogs may exceed this average prediction, but others may have shorter lifespans like their St Bernard parent. Choose a reputable breeder and offer the best daily care possible to extend this potential lifespan. A food designed for large dog breeds is usually best. As a food-motivated dog, this mix can easily become overweight. Excess weight and obesity can contribute to and worsen many health problems. Keeping your mix at a healthy weight is a good way to extend their lifespan. A Labernard dog will usually have a dense, double layered coat that sheds moderately all year round. Most of these dogs have short hair, but some may have short to medium length fur. But, grooming is a great way to keep on top of shedding. So, can be important, particularly in hotter months. This mix will also need an occasional bath, especially if they roll in anything smelly when exercising! Check their ears regularly for waxy buildups and infection. And, keep their nails trimmed to avoid breakages and splits. Grooming should start from a young age, to familiarise your pup with the processes and tools. The St Bernard Labrador mix can be a good family dog in the right home. They will be a large, affectionate, energetic mix. So, they are best suited for homes with lots of space, and families that have lots of time to spend with them. Socialization is vital from a young age, particularly to reduce wariness to strangers and other dogs. This mix is friendly and playful when well socialized. They are also going to be heavy shedding dogs. Training is also vital for the Labernard dog, as dogs as large as this can accidentally hurt people when they jump up or pull on the leash. So, owners must be prepared to dedicate time every day to training. But, the St Bernard Lab mix is not one of the most popular combinations available. So, you may struggle to find breeders near you. Avoid backyard breeders and puppy mills, as these dogs and puppies are often less healthy, less well-cared for, and can experience behavioral problems as they age. Instead, look for a breeder that provides evidence of health testing, and who puts the health and care of their dogs and puppies above all else. The best breeders will ask you plenty of questions, have no problems answering your questions, and will be willing to take the puppy if you need to return it for health reasons, or anything else. The cost of a puppy depends on a lot of different factors. This includes your location, the popularity of the mix, the quality of the parents, the color of the puppies, and so on. Since mixed breed dogs are so popular at the moment, their price may be higher than average due to demand. However, the St Bernard Lab mix is not one of the most popular mixed breed dogs available. But, these prices may vary depending on your location, demand, and the coloring of puppies. More popular colors may cost more. Rescuing a St Bernard Lab Mix An alternative to buying your puppy from a breeder is to check local rescue centers. Many general rescue centers will accept mixed breeds, though they might not always know the exact genetic makeup of each dog they have. Rescue dogs are usually cheaper than puppies from a breeder. But, some may even have some basic training. And, a rescue dog can become just as much of a loving companion as a puppy that comes home at 8 weeks old. But, make sure you have plenty of space, time for training and socializing, and patience for shedding fur! And, be aware of the unpredictable nature of mixed breeds. It will all depend on the traits they inherit. Do you have a Labrador St Bernard mix at home? We would love to hear about them in the comments! Readers Also Liked. If a Saint Bernard Mix takes after their Saint Bernard parent, they grow into a large, friendly, and gentle dog that loves nothing more than being around their favorite humans. Saint Bernards are known for being gentle giants. They tend to be friendly, playful, and affectionate and get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. As long as they have been well-socialized, they are also open and friendly to meeting strangers. If the other parent breed is similar, then you can expect a similar temperament from a Saint Bernard Mix. You do still want to talk to the breeder to make sure you are aware of any potential quirks the other parent breed could introduce. You can also meet the mother in person to see what her temperament is like and the type of behavior she is modeling for her puppies. The breeder should have started some socialization and training, but it is up to you to continue those things once you bring a puppy home. A Saint Bernard is a moderately adaptable dog. They tend to be better suited for larger homes that have enough space for them. They can adapt to apartment living, but their size is an obstacle in smaller spaces. They are a cold-weather breed that can do well in a variety of climates, but not necessarily tropical or hot climates. They also do not like to spend a lot of time alone. If the other parent breed does not introduce any traits that could affect adaptability, then you can expect a Saint Bernard Mix to be moderately adaptable as well. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies, so make sure you are asking about the health of the parents. From the Saint Bernard side, potential health concerns to be aware of in a Saint Bernard Mix include eye disease, elbow dysplasia , and hip dysplasia. As a large dog breed, they are also at a higher risk of bloat. Knowing how to reduce the risk of bloat in dogs and what symptoms to look for can make sure you are able to get help if you need it. Although they grow into a giant dog, the Saint Bernard is a good fit for owners of all experience levels. They are intelligent and eager to please. If the other parent breed is also easy to train and a good fit for novice owners, then you can expect the same from a Saint Bernard Mix. There are several benefits of puppy training classes outside of training, so they tend to be a good idea regardless. A Saint Bernard Mix can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is a combination of both of them. The Saint Bernard coat has two varieties — long and short. No matter which coat type, the care is the same. If a Saint Bernard Mix inherits the Saint Bernard coat, they will shed moderately year-round with heavier seasonal shedding. Weekly brushing and the occasional bath are the minimum; daily brushing is recommended during seasonal shedding events. Nail trims once or twice a month keep them from growing too long. Ear checks weekly with careful ear cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Daily dental care with dog-friendly toothpaste helps prevent dental diseases later in life. The Saint Bernard may be a large working dog, but they are not high-energy. They sit in a more moderate range. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough to keep them happy. Because they are happy to spend time with you, they will likely be up for more activity if you are. If the other parent breed also sits in a moderate range, then you can expect the same from a Saint Bernard Mix. If they are lower or higher energy, then you will need to be prepared for a mix to be somewhere in that potential range. Fully-grown Saint Bernards usually stand inches tall at the shoulder and weigh pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother. A Saint Bernard generally lives for years on average. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span from a Saint Bernard Mix. Featured Saint Bernard Mix Article.