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So it sounds as if the 2am bathroom break went well, but at 5am, she had decide it was morning and wanted to get up. For that we'd usually recommend you set your alarm half an hour earlier to pre-empt the noise and work your way forwards from there. But it's clear that your puppy is quite muddled about night and day and doesn't feel very at home in her crate. Plus three weeks of sleepless nights has got to be taking its toll on you. And your puppy almost certainly could last six or seven hours during the night from a physical point of view at this age. So the waking and disturbing you is more of an emotional thing - she's figured out that crying gets you up. If she's peeing very frequently during the day though, do get a pee sample over to your vet to check for a bladder infection. If she doesn't have a UTI You have several options really. One is to take her back into your bedroom at night and start again with daytime crate conditioning. Getting her to love the crate and never leaving her alone in there during the day until she can settle happily in it with you in the room, whenever you put her in there. Another is to visit your neighbours with flowers or wine and chocolates and tell them there will be some noise for the next two or three nights, let her out at before she starts to cry. Then leave her to cry at 5 am and get up immediately she stops. So as to break out of the cycle of reinforcing the yelling with your very desirable company. The third option is to put a play pen around the crate with puppy pads inside the playpen outside the crate and leave her all night. Let her pee on the pads. I'd probably go for that one at this stage in the game, but it all depends on how well you can function without a decent sleep. You'll still require chocolates for option three. Most people will not object if you show you are really sorry to be disturbing them. Between 8 weeks and 10 months, your puppy has a ton of growing to do, and they change drastically from month to month. Each stage of growth requires specific attention, exercise, and diet, so there is much to learn and pay attention to these different growth stages. There may be behavioral challenges while your pup adjusts to their new life without their mother and siblings. This period of adjustment can sometimes lead to fearful and timid behavior, and your puppy will need as much attention and affection as possible. They should be eating 3—4 small meals a day at this stage. You can begin basic command, leash, and potty training at this point too. Although the schedule is not complete this is a critical period to begin socialization and making sure they are calm and friendly with other dogs, just make sure they are also vaccinated. We highly recommend making training a part of their daily activities at this age. Biting can be an issue at this stage too, as they will begin teething, and they will start exploring and chewing whatever they can find. Chew toys and consistent command reinforcement are both vital for avoiding this behavior. The good news is that your puppy will grow out of this habit at around 6 months old. Your lab should also be house-trained by this point, but there may still be the occasional accident. Remember to be gentle but firm when this happens, and your pooch will likely move through it swiftly. They will begin losing their baby teeth at this point, and biting and chewing may reach its peak. Firm but gentle commands, chew toys, and loads of patience are essential at this stage. Your puppy will be testing the limits and may start showing dominance, ignoring known commands, and asserting more independence. You can now drop their meals down to two meals per day, but be sure that they are not eating too quickly. Your puppy will start to closely resemble an adult at 6 months, but remember that mentally, they are still puppies and will need loads of direction and training. Females may enter their first heat at 6—7 months, so keep a careful watch for stray males. They will still display puppy tendencies and traits and have a ton of excitable energy, but they should be fairly obedient and well-trained by this stage. Be sure to give your Labrador plenty of exercise at this stage to help keep them from misbehavior. They will have reached their full height by now but may still gain weight and muscle mass in the coming months. Unless you intend on breeding, you should consider neutering and spaying your puppy to avoid wandering and unwanted pregnancies. While some breeders recommend that you wait until a year old, this is a perfectly suitable time to perform the procedure. They may still gain weight and muscle mass but much slower than during the past few months. They will still display puppy characteristics and even test boundaries, but all in all, they should be obedient and well-trained by now. They will have a ton of energy and still enjoy playtimes and loads of exercise. While they are at their full height at this age, some Labs may appear lanky and still have weight to fill out in the coming months. When Do Labradors Stop Growing? All dogs are unique, and the question of when they stop growing is largely dependent on the individual. Anecdotally, your Lab should have reached their full weight by 18 months and full height by 9—12 months. Most breeders agree that your Lab will stop growing at some point during their second year. Even so, any weight gain during their second year will be minimal, and they will have done the majority of their growth by their first birthday. Mentally, they are out of the puppyhood phase of testing boundaries and disobedience by their first year— if correctly trained. If you have been consistent in training thus far, your Lab should be friendly, obedient, and well-behaved from their first birthday and into adulthood. In males, neutering can sometimes result in a calmer, more relaxed dog, and this, in turn, will slow down his need for exercise and may result in weight gain. A study in showed that dogs neutered before 37 weeks may gain more weight, while dogs that had the procedure after 37 weeks had a slower growth trajectory. The difference was minimal, though, and there is no reason to assume that these procedures have much of an effect on growth rates in dogs. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth While some puppies may grow quicker or slower than the agreed-upon average, this is usually nothing to be concerned about due to the individual and unique nature of dogs. However, if your pooch is gaining weight rapidly or not gaining enough, there may be deeper issues to look into. If your dog is from working or hunting stock, they may be smaller than average Labs and are usually lighter for work in the field. Size may also be genetic, and if your Lab comes from small parents, they will be smaller than average. The same may be true of heavier-than-average Labs—if their parents are large, they will likely be similar in size. However, larger-than-average weights may also be due to overfeeding or a lack of exercise , or a combination of both, so be sure to keep their exercise and feeding habits consistent. Image Credit: rebeccaashworth, Shutterstock Growth Distinctions of Different Labradors Although they are designated under the same breed, there are two different types of common Labradors: English and American. English Labradors tend to be stockier and more muscular than their American counterparts and have a thick, waterproof coat , while American Labs have a slender build with a slightly finer coat. English Labs are slightly shorter, topping out at around 22 inches, but their stocky and muscular build often makes them heavier than American Labs. In fact, English Labs have been known to weigh up to 20 pounds more than American Labs without being considered overweight. American Labs are known to be slightly more active and energetic than English Labs, while English Labs tend to be less excitable and more laid back. English Labs are by no means lazy, though, and they still have plenty of energy and stamina to go around. Conclusion: Monthly Labrador Growth Pictures Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the growth rate of your Labrador puppy and given you a better idea of what to expect during the different stages. See also:. Your puppy is almost 3-months old! It really is crazy how fast puppies grow and develop that first year. It feels like that for us too. Learn about training your week-old Labrador puppy. Get the full story! This is post four of a step-by-step training and socialization program for Labrador puppies. If you read our first post , you know that this series follows our training of Bubba, a female chocolate lab puppy. Bubba is already sold as one of our Custom Trained Retrievers, so it is our responsibility to raise and train her until she has progressed to the level of training the owner has requested. In this case, Bubba will be with us for almost a year and a half. Bubba Training and socialization for week-old Labrador puppy — week four home Your week-old puppy has been with your family for almost a month. Besides growing bigger each day, you should be seeing some other changes in your Lab puppy. Bubba is as feisty as she is sweet. She is testing the rules every day but is also quick to heed a command of warning. This shows me that she knows the rules, knows when something is off-limits, but just wants to check and see if anything has changed since yesterday. This is a healthy attitude and behavior for her. Here are the things we worked on this week for training. Crate training Bubba is doing great at crate training. We follow this by one hour of play time or time out on the tie out. She understands the routine and is fairly compliant with going back in her kennel after a time out. We had to move Bubba into a larger crate this week. This crate should work until she is ready for her full-sized kennel. But it is now time to expect more from her. The next step is getting her to go into her crate by herself on command. We will accomplish this in a series of steps. If Bubba moves toward the door and goes into the crate, we will praise her. Then over time we will move her further and further from the crate door until she is going into the crate by herself. At this age, you need to hover over the puppy and be ready for them to make a run for it. Looking for more information on crate training? Housebreaking Housebreaking Bubba is going well. She often sits in front of the outside door when she needs to go out, and we quickly take her out when she does this behavior. We want her to understand that outside is the right place to go when you need to go potty, so we praise and reward her for sitting in front of the door or scratching at the door with taking her outside. Looking for more information on housebreaking? Commands we use in week four We continue to use the commands from week one , the commands from week two , and the commands from week three. There are no new commands for week 4. Obedience commands We continue to work on obedience commands this week and next week we will start some formal obedience training. She sits nicely while I put the leash on her and take it off. She is also sitting quickly on command before she is given permission to eat. It always surprises me how fast dogs learn this command when it comes to food. She is starting to understand and rarely pulls when we go on walks, although she still does not prefer to walk in the proper HEEL position. No worries, that will come. This is always a struggle with young puppies, there is a lot of distractions, and they seem to forget what they are doing mid-way through running to you. One safety note. Make sure the check cord does not have a loop on the end you hold. If your puppy is dragging the check cord, that loop may get caught on something and hurt your puppy. Either buy a check cord that is simply a straight long rope or cut the loop off. The long check cord is important for teaching HERE because it gives you something to grab a hold of or step on if your puppy decides to play games instead of being obedient. Never use a HERE command if you are not in the position of being able to enforce the command. If every time your puppy comes to you, you put her away or take something away from her, soon your puppy will not want to come to you. You must work hard to make coming to you a good experience for your puppy. So, call her, praise her when she comes and release. Socialization, socialization, socialization You can never do too much socialization. Anything you can think of. The more things and situations you expose your puppy to, the better your puppy will be equipped to adjust and learn in the future. Just a few days ago I was walking Bubba and I slipped and ended up dragging my shoe along the road. Bubba jumped a foot in the air and tried to bolt away. This new noise was something Bubba was unprepared for. This is why you can never do enough socialization; you want to prepare your puppy to handle as many new situations as possible. Learn more about socialization. But not ALL hunting elements. Please do not start shooting a gun around your puppy just yet. Introduction to gun fire is the very last element that we introduce hunting dogs to. And when we do, there has been a lot of pre-work done so that we have removed much of the likelihood that the puppy will respond negatively. Learn more about how and when to introduce your dog to gunfire. Water introduction If the weather is cooperating, now is a great time to get your puppy swimming. Find a pond with a slow gradual decline into the water. Throw a puppy bumper next to shore and if your puppy retrieves it, then the next throw should be just a few inches into the water, then about a foot out and then 2 feet out, etc. Some puppies get a little panicked by the first time the ground falls away and they need to swim. Just praise your puppy and keep going. Decoy introduction Our first introduction to decoys is done very simply. We have decoys set out for training and we move them around occasionally. We simply let Bubba run around while we pick up and move the decoys from one side of the field to the other. This gives her the opportunity to smell the decoys, paw at them and learn that they are not much fun. In a week or so, we will start doing some puppy marks in the decoys, but not yet. Continuation of assistant marks Bubba will continue to get assistant marks most days from now until she is done her training. The marks will continue to increase in distance and complexity but all our marking scenarios for our afternoon sessions involved gunners out in the field. For now, we will continue marks on short grass with white plugs so that Bubba can clearly see the item on the ground. Not too far down the road we will start incorporating some other marking concepts such as crossing deeper strips of cover and longer marks, but right now we are teaching the puppy to mark, to watch where the bumper falls and to run to the bumper. If we move to deeper cover too soon or make the marks too difficult we will inhibit Bubbas learning and marking ability. Final thoughts on training for your week-old Labrador puppy Your week-old puppy is quickly growing and changing. The training does not need to take a long time, but it does need to happen on a consistent basis. Keep at it and you will reap the benefits as your puppy grows into a full -sized dog and a stable hunting companion. If you are struggling or need additional help with your new puppy, you can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time, happy retrieving. You should take your puppy outdoors and let him exercise his socialization potential at a young age. Visiting friends and family is one way to go about it. You can also spot a dog park and carry him there. Remember that your pet is still learning to follow directions and walk with you. You cannot expect him to cover long distances. The best way to avoid this is to take them far enough from the house and ensure they have a positive outside experience. It is worth noting that you should do this as often as you can, preferably daily. Start Potty Training It would be best to start potty training your Lab puppy the first day you bring him home. Start by showing your pup where you want him to potty, such as a sectioned-off area of your yard or garden. A good idea is to cordon off a small area and add some bark chippings. Next, you need a potty training schedule such as first thing in the morning, after mealtimes and play, and hourly for young pups. Many owners use dog crates to help with house training. I have a step-by-step guide on Labrador puppy crate training where you can learn tons more. Discourage Biting If you follow my blog, you know I am against punishment-oriented training. If you train your dog young enough to avoid harsh bites, you will not need punishment-driven discipline strategies. In any case, using physical force or yelling at your pup will only instill fear and distrust and can cause aggression in your dog. You can also check out my article, How to Discipline a Labrador , for greater insight into this topic. Instead, you can wait until your Labrador bites during a positive activity and then discontinue it. It will anchor the consequence better. Follow up using positive reinforcement by rewarding the correct behavior with a treat. Your Labrador will quickly learn that displaying good behavior reaps nice things. Puppies need to learn their bite inhibition soft-mouth by continuing the excellent work their mother and siblings taught them. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Instill Patience You must use your best judgment when training your dog to be patient. Generally speaking, your Labrador will be mature enough to learn self-control by the tenth week. You can use a clicker or a whistle to teach your puppy to assume the natural heel position. Chances are, at first, your Labrador will try to change his pace to be behind you because of the force of habit. Walking in areas familiar to your dog will eliminate this problem. While you previously trained him to assume a heel position, you can also teach him these techniques. You may notice that your puppy can tell your words apart by the thirteenth week. So by the time he is four months old, you can use the position cues and positive reinforcement to get your dog to follow. These included whistling, clapping, or saying a specific word to indicate that your Labrador is doing a good job, typically followed by a well-deserved treat. Now is the time to see whether the anchors work! Where you previously whistled when your Lab ran towards you, now you must whistle, so he begins his run. This is the start of his Labrador recall training. Teaching good recall is an ongoing process. My dog was around 12 months old before seeing a noticeable improvement in her recall. Please avoid forcing the dog, as that only introduces confusion. Build Comfort With Crowds — Work on Socialization You have trained your Labrador to acknowledge close friends and family in the past few weeks. While this enables the puppy to be more social when you have visitors, a grown dog must learn to walk outdoors without acting out. This transition must be gradual, and try to keep experiences positive. Whether it is a cuddle, a pat, attention, or something tasty, you must teach your pup target training , for example, to touch a target with a specific part of his body. Remember that your Lab may end up biting or clawing to communicate if you do not teach him more acceptable communication methods. Here, I recommend teaching your Labrador to touch your hand with his nose. Ultimately, this is an excellent replacement for bites! Hand targeting is fun to teach, helps your pup build trust, and gets him using his brain! You have laid a strong foundation of discipline and positive reinforcement, making it easier to train your dog to follow more complex commands. In these weeks, you will introduce him to assuming different positions, obeying your commands as he moves away from you, and reacting to more nuanced anchors. Remember, 4-month-old Labrador puppies have a short attention span, so avoid long training sessions. Teach the Sit and Stay Teaching your Lab to sit and stay is a useful command for him to learn. Train Your Dog to Fetch If you have taken your Labrador to public parks and he has seen other dogs play fetch, it will be easier to teach him to retrieve whatever you throw. Your Labrador may not bring the toy back to you for a second round, but he will soon get the idea of retrieving it. You can gradually turn it into a game of fetch over the next few weeks and reward your doggo with high-value training treats. Continue Potty Training In the fourth month of Labrador training, you will continue potty training with a degree of independence. Continue with a good schedule and sync your walks with his natural cycle to align with the times he needs to go. You can use it to control your Labrador and later to test his ability to execute a command off-leash. A harness is also a good idea and is used for outdoor training and walks. Many owners will opt for a rear-attaching harness. Related: Harness vs. Collar for Lab Puppy: Which is Best? How to Train a 5-Month-Old Lab Puppy A five-month-old Labrador puppy is ready to be tested for his general obedience and the ability to deal with distractions, whether other dogs, people, or other animals such as squirrels or birds. Earlier, I mentioned that you could not expect an eight-week-old puppy to delay gratification. Your puppy can deal with distractions at five months old if you introduce them slowly. You must be prepared for your dog to run ahead of you now! However, suppose you have developed a solid relationship with your pup and worked on his training. In that case, he will stay within a reasonable distance, remaining by your side and showing loyalty. Once your Lab puppy has reached his 6-month milestone, it also marks the point where you introduce him to advanced obedience training. The good news is that all the training you have previously given will make it easier for your dog to follow your lead. Conclude Potty Training Your dog has had months to learn how to communicate his need to go potty. He has also likely refined the patience to hold it instead of relieving himself on the floor. Therefore, you can communicate your disappointment with your body language if your dog makes a mess. Avoid physical punishment and even verbal chastising as it impacts your dog negatively. All dogs can still have the odd accident up to 12 months old. Moreover, you must be prepared for your dog to relieve himself indoors if he is excited or frightened, known as either excitement or submissive urination. Increase Exercise Now that your Lab puppy is six months old, you can increase his exercise to thirty minutes twice daily. Energy levels, especially for larger breed dogs, escalate during this time. While the average exercise for a pup before this is generally five minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day, a six-month-old Labrador can be out for one hour if you split his walks into thirty minutes a day. To train your 6-month-old Lab puppy, start with two commands with the most practical use. From six months onwards, until your Labrador is a well-trained adult, you can teach the following commands or tricks in any order. How to Train a 7-Month-Old Labrador As your Lab progresses to seven months old, a lot of the previous training needs to be kept consistent as you gradually teach him to comprehend more commands. Maybe there is a trespasser, and you want your dog to scare them away. You will need to continue training your dog to hold things or release them on command, but you can also proceed to add distance and even more background distractions. Ironically, you need to teach him to bark on command before learning to be silent on cue. Over this month, he will learn to associate the respective commands with barking and silence. This is quite tricky, but your Lab will eventually get there if you practice and stay consistent. The eighth month is ideal for training your Lab to go to different places upon hearing the command word. Either way, do not overload him with place commands, and stick to no more than two per month. Or you can use the ninth month to teach a cool party trick! After a week, you can remove the treat and teach your Lab to follow your finger. Of course, you will still need to reward him after he follows the command. By the third week, you can cue your doggo to spin and see if he does so without your finger guiding him in a circular motion. It might take an extra week or two, but I recommend this as an addition in the ninth month because it allows you to continue training your pet to learn previous commands better. You can teach him to go to different places, hold or release objects, and fetch toys. You can now progress this further and teach him to roll over on command. Your 1-year-old Labrador only learns to comprehend more at the same pace as he has since the 6-month mark. You should also audit previously taught commands and see any weak associations you can reinforce. How to Train an Month-Old Labrador You will not have to alter your training regimen dramatically if you have trained your Labrador properly from eight weeks onward. If anything, this is the period where you customize his training to your convenience. Now is when your dog must learn to be compatible with your life. From the month mark onwards, you must train your dog to be harmonious with modern adult life within reason. It is sad to see dog owners having to give away their pets because of behavior issues. Such things are avoidable if you train your dog correctly and sufficiently exercise him. It would be best if you simply established authority by having a positive yet commanding presence. Once your dog acknowledges your authority and sees you as a guide, you can merely treat him as a six-month-old, albeit on an accelerated schedule, and train him accordingly. Your job becomes even easier once you have a workable training schedule and stick to your routine. This month-by-month Labrador puppy training schedule will help you successfully train your doggo and turn him into the beloved companion you always desired. Good luck with your training! Related Posts You May Like:. But those first weeks of puppy development are very similar whatever the breed, and these landmarks are good general rules for any dog. Puppy development week by week, changes quickly. Newborn Puppies Newborn puppies are born at the end of nine weeks of pregnancy, with their eyes and ears tightly closed. They already have a fur coat but they cannot yet control their own body temperature. They are dependent on their mother or another heat source to keep them warm. Newborn puppies may cry if cold. But they do not have the strength to cry for long. Newborn Labrador puppies snuggle together to keep warm when their mother is away How Helpless are Newborn Pups? Although they rely on mom for a lot at this stage, newborn puppies are not completely helpless. They can use their front feet to drag themselves towards a heat source or their milk supply. This means their mom, not milk alternatives like cow or goat milk. Newborn pups have no teeth yet. But they can move their heads about to search for a nipple, and they can latch on and suck strongly. Their mother leaves them only to eat, drink and for bathroom purposes. While she is away, the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat, as you can see in the photo above. They may also crawl under a heat lamp source to keep warm. In every other respect newborn puppies are completely dependent on the care of their mother. Newborn pups have little control over the rear end of their bodies. The mother dog washes them and licks their bottoms to encourage elimination, licking up and swallowing anything they produce to keep her babies and their nest scrupulously clean. In fact, he may even double his birth weight! One week later and the puppies have doubled their birth weight. Changes are taking place under his eyelids to prepare them for opening. And usually begins during the second week of life. Ears open at this point too, so your puppy will begin to hear. The Labrador puppies in this picture are two weeks olds. Two weeks old and the puppies eyes are now open! You can see that their eyes are now open and the puppies are beginning to look a little more dog-like. The breeder will be handling the puppies more now. And most puppies are wormed for the first time at two weeks old. Most 3 week old puppies can stand and sit, and are beginning to totter about. They are also starting to develop their individuality. No longer are they just a row of identical little fat furry sausages! This little three week old puppy :- Can easily be distinguished from his brother: Teething and Further Development At 3 weeks old, this is also the point at which puppies start teething — cutting their first deciduous baby teeth. Obviously the teeth are appearing for a reason! Some breeders will start to offer the first tastes of solid food at this point. Especially if the litter is a large one and putting a strain on the mother dog. It is lovely to watch a litter of 3 week old puppies beginning to interact with their brothers and sisters. They are running, playing enthusiastically, and have started to wag their little tails. The puppies will start to show bowel control as they move away from the other puppies to defecate. And solid food is becoming a major part of their diet. These little pups are tucking into some puppy food. Four week old puppies having their dinner in the fresh air If the weather is warm enough, puppies will be spending some time outdoors now. Mealtimes are a messy process, so feeding puppies out in the yard can be a good idea. Breeder Involvement Some mother dogs will lose interest in cleaning up after their pups at this point or soon afterwards. And many puppies will be wormed again this week. Vocalizations are becoming stronger at this puppy development stage. The litter will greet their mother noisily when she returns to them, and try hard to follow her out of the whelping box whenever she leaves. The puppies themselves are now eating solid food several times a day and gradually being weaned of their dependency on her milk. Puppies will still suckle ravenously when their mother returns and she will now often feed them standing up and only for a short time. She will also be teaching the puppies not to bite too hard. So, they should be increasingly spending time with humans and learning to be familiar with the sounds and sights of a human family environment. Puppies being raised in kennels must be brought into a home environment regularly from now on to ensure they develop into confident, friendly dogs. Six weeks old and full of mischief Puppies Still Have a Lot to Learn at 6 Weeks In some countries, puppies are taken to their new homes at this age. But this is not a good idea, and can result in a puppy that has poor bite inhibition and is challenging to manage. The puppies are learning not to bite too hard from the reactions of their mother and siblings. Growth is not quite so fast now. But the puppies will still grow strongly for the next few months. Many puppies will be wormed again this week. All that remains is for plenty of great socialization experiences to be packed into this week, with final checks on health. Many breeders will arrange for each seven week old puppy to have a vet check this week. And though some vets advise against it, some puppies are also given their first vaccinations before they leave for their new homes. Some breeders will now have the puppies trained to pee and poop on puppy pads or newspaper. And some will have been whistling to the puppies at meal times to get them used to coming to a human signal. Potty training is now underway and puppy socialization plans are being made. At this point, many of you will be thinking about training your puppy too. The next four weeks are vital in puppy development stages. Your main job is socializing your puppy. This means taking him to lots of new places and exposing him to lots of new experiences. So, life will be starting to get back to normal. Most puppies in the U. In the U. So, not all puppies will get their vaccinations at the exact same age. Socializing your puppy is still the most important job for you at this age. But, you cannot put your puppy on the ground outside until they have received their final vaccination. So, make sure you know exactly when their final jab is. And carry on introducing them to as many new people, things, and experiences as possible throughout this puppy development stage. Some people can suffer from the puppy blues at this stage too, as your life has completely changed! But, that does not mean socialization can stop. Puppies who are isolated at this point will soon lose that friendly fearlessness. You have an important job now, building on what has been achieved so far, and introducing your puppy to the world at ground level. This part of his education can begin once his vaccination cover is complete. He should be fully immunised at around this point. But check with your vet for confirmation of the actual date. Three months also marks the point at which many puppies will drop down from four daily meals, to three. This can cause problems for some puppies because the portions are larger If your puppy gets an upset tummy when you make this change, just go back up to four meals again for a few days, and give smaller portions for a few days when you try again. But, many will need another month before they can cope without frequent bathroom breaks and the occasional accident. Your puppy will begin to lose his baby teeth. This can also be a time at which biting can be most challenging. And try not to worry, this stage will soon be over! A few will need another month or two to complete the process. Remember, no two puppies are the same. That puppy fluffiness will have gone. For many puppies, five months is an awkward, gangly time. A five month old puppy may have shed the last of his soft puppy lines and be looking quite skinny. By the end of this month most puppies will have finished teething but an urge to chew may continue for another few months in some breeds, Labradors included. Some female dogs will have their first season during this month. But, for many, it will be another three or four months before this happens. This is a major milestone for your puppy. He is now looking very much like an adult Labrador. Still a Puppy Because he looks quite grown up, people expect a lot of their 6 month old puppy. But inside, he is still very much a puppy. The beginnings of adolescence and with it an increasing independence of spirit can bring its challenges, but also a whole lot of fun. Puppy training development after 6 months It is very tempting to get carried away with puppy training. Your young do is so willing to please and such fun to be around. It is important to go at a happy pace for you both. Positive reinforcement training is the right choice for your puppy because there are no negative consequences to getting something wrong. But you can still both suffer from burnout and frustration if you try to reach the later puppy training stages without totally aceing the earlier developments. Your Puppy Training Schedule This may not be exactly the same for each puppy, especially with retrieving which is more Labrador specific. However, it gives you a rough idea. Constantly changing direction. Stopping frequently for cuddles and rewards. This means I blow the recall whistle whenever the puppy runs towards me, no compulsion, and no whistle unless the recall is already underway. Socialisation: Lots almost daily of outings to different places rural and urban carried Visits to family and friends. Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow mouthing. Working with food: Learning how to take food gently without snatching or grabbing at the treat pot. I still give the puppy lots of encouragement by running away as soon as I blow the whistle. Socialisation: More socialisation, at least twice a week to busy public places. Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow gentle mouthing. Retrieving: Encourage chase and pick up retrieve drive. Hand touch: I teach all new puppies to touch my hand with their noses. This is a great foundation for other skills. Recall: Puppy recall continues, reduce my run to a walk, avoid any distractions. Still frequently blow the recall whenever the pup runs towards me of her own free will. Socialisation: From ground level after vaccination. No other leash walking at all Bite inhibition: No biting, gentle mouthing allowed. Retrieving: Continue to build drive. Positions: I introduce three positions — sit, stand, down. What to expect from your 3 month old puppy Most three month old puppies will be sleeping through the night. And will be having less potty training accidents in the house. There are a few potty training problems that arise at this age, and they are all covered in 15 potty training problems solved. Biting is a big shock and a big problem for many new Lab puppy parents so do check out our complete guide to biting , and join the forum for help and support. Help encourage your puppy to stay in their bed while you are eating. I have a pot of dog treats on our kitchen table, and whenever we sit down to a meal, the puppy gets a treat each time she steps into her basket. Just a treat for stepping in there. What to expect from your 4 month old puppy Your 4 month old puppy will be pretty much potty trained, but accidents still happen if they are left alone too long. Biting is usually starting to subside now, and many four month old puppies will be able to mouth at your hand without hurting you. At this point I start to discourage all mouthing. I teach every puppy to let me touch her face or approach her with my hand, food, a leash etc while holding eye contact and not grabbing at me, or at what is in my hand. This is the age at which people often start to push forward with training. Your 4 month old puppy is capable of quite a lot. There is nothing wrong with teaching your puppy different cues and even some tricks. I recommend you still avoid long duration activities at this point as they are a common stumbling point with puppies young enough to have a short attention span. A ten second sit is ample. Add mild distractions Recall: Fade additional cues. Begin to whistle the pup and stand still. Add mild distractions. Clicker train to polish this in more mouthy puppies. No commands are needed for this. Gradual introduction of distractions. Advanced puppy training begins in earnest This is where I start a programme of sporting training with my Labs. You can begin raising your standards and expectations, asking for longer and more complex behaviors. Teaching your puppy to walk to heel nicely for longer distance and past all kinds of distractions and temptations. Or teaching your puppy to sit and stay for longer periods of time, and even while you go out of sight or while other dogs play nearby. What to expect from your six month old puppy Six months is a common time for people to have a lot of questions and to be struggling with a few challenges. This is now a very bouncy, quite powerful and rapidly maturing young dog. And you may need to patch up a few holes in his training or manners. We have a great article for owners of six month old Lab puppies.

Conclusion Price These are scarce variety , and therefore, costly too. Origin This color is a part of pug genes, and surprisingly this is not a mixed breed. Pugs have a dominant and a recessive gene. The recessive one is apricot, and both the parents have to pass on the recessive gene to get the apricot-colored pug. Physical Appearance Since apricot is a subcategory of fawn-colored pugs, these are similar to fawn pugs. The coat is smooth and elegant. They have a few reddish-brown hair, scattered around their skin, which gives their fur a reddish shade making it look like an apricot. The apricot puppy pugs are generally more red than the fawn puppies. As they grow older, the intense red color starts fading to a lighter tone forming a peach hue. This is one of the reasons why these are pricey. Health Issues These pugs manage to avoid many coat-related health issues and do not need any extra care or unique treatments. However, one should always keep things in mind while keeping this dog. Conclusion We are all aware of the great companionship that these pugs offer to humans, and for pugs, with an apricot coat, we get some extra beauty and rarity in our home that is eye candy for the onlooker. Post navigation. Pug Dog Colors Overview Pugs can be found in four major colors, though not all are standard colors with certain kennel clubs. The two most common colors are fawn and black. Silver and apricot can also be seen with this breed, and while not standard colors per the AKC, these colors are indeed recognized by the FCI and other kennel clubs. Brindle Pugs do exist, though this is not without some controversy. All non-black Pugs have black masks and black ears. There are some unique color markings that can appear on Pugs which include the trace and the thumbprint, found only on non-black Pugs. This section will cover all of the details regarding Pug colors, both standard and alternate, as well as various markings and other color-related elements. But, of course, since other colors exist, an AKC Pug can be silver also known as silver-fawn , apricot also known as apricot-fawn , or even the rare and controversial brindle. If you have a Pug with a non-standard color silver-fawn, apricot, or even brindle , as of the time of this writing, if you register your Pug via postal mail not online and send in photos of your Pug that clearly shows the non-standard coat, the AKC will usually grant you a registration with the appropriate color or pattern listed as an alternate color. Though a Pug of any color can be registered, this does not mean the color is accepted in the show ring. For AKC conformation events, any color other than fawn or black is a disqualification. It should be noted that the AKC, which follows the guidelines set forth by the Pug Dog Club of America, used to accept both silver and apricot-fawn. If you are in the US, where most Pugs are either fawn or black, keep in mind that owners from 27 countries took part in the survey. Other well-recognized kennel clubs such as the FCI and KC make this much easier, since they accept apricot and silver coat colors in the show ring. And, the CKC allows distinction between fawn and sliver, by having 'silver-fawn' as an option. With these clubs, fawn is a light to medium cream. However, because the AKC will register a fawn as a fawn and an apricot or a silver as a fawn because they are non-black Pugs , but can also grant a registration for an apricot or silver to be as such via an alternate color, an AKC fawn Pug may truly be a fawn ranging from light cream to medium cream or technically be a silver or apricot more ahead on these colors. All non-black Pugs, including fawn, have black ears and black masks more ahead on this. Variances: Fawns are not always solid, there are variances in the coat. Many Pugs have a trace which is a stripe of back-tipped hairs running down the back that break up the fawn color. And, it is not uncommon for two shades of fawn to be seen within one coat; for example, a light cream fawn can blend into a light apricot-fawn. The wrinkles on a Pug are also responsible for color variances since a thumbprint may be present which is black fur in the creases and folds of the forehead. AKC Color Disqualification: Though fawn has a range of light to medium, the AKC does make it clear that anything other than fawn or black is a disqualification in the show ring. This refers to not only what the registration papers say but by what color is seen in person during the competition. Since there is sometimes a blurred line between silver and fawn or apricot and fawn, this can make things tricky. These colors are found all throughout the world, but in the US, show breeders focus on keeping the fawn a fawn without silver or apricot tones. Examples of Fawn Pugs: Dubi at 6 years old, a fawn Pug photo courtesy of Carmina Bautista Poppy, at 4 months old, a Pug with a combination of light and medium fawns photo courtesy of Maria Silver Fawn and Silver Overview: This is a color that is not overly common with Pugs; though, many owners of silver or silver fawn Pugs can easily be labeling their dogs as fawn, especially if that is what the registration papers state. Because, as the name implies, silver fawn is a type of fawn. It is very light and is in fact the lightest color that a Pug can be. The AKC does not recognize this as a standard color, but may grant a request for a silver-fawn Pug to be registered as such via an alternate color, and if so, generally only responds to requests that are sent via postal mail. Both the FCI and KC allow for silver and the CKC allows for silver-fawn; both are essentially the same coat color but are referred to with these different terms. With some other breeds, this sort of orange hue is referred to as fawn like with Boxers or as orange like with Pomeranians. But, with Pugs, this is a nice, shiny orange hue that is set apart from the more common fawn coat. It is very common for apricot Pugs to not be fully apricot; there may be some fawn or even an almost white color found in patches, most often on the chest. Though, just like silver or silver fawn, this is also a color that may be present in the coat, but owners refer to their Pugs as simply 'fawn', especially if that is what the registration papers deem the Pug to be. And, just like other non-standard AKC colors, an apricot Pug may be registered as a fawn or as an apricot if the owner requests for this alternate coloring to appear on the document. With the CKC, apricot is not its own color, but rather their definition of fawn includes all shades in the fawn family including light to deep apricot. Apricot Pugs have black masks and black ears. And, just like all non-black Pugs, a trace and a thumbprint are desired in the show ring of all well-recognized kennel clubs. Example of an Apricot Pug: Peggie, at 4 years old, a registered apricot Pug photo courtesy of Susi R Ludlow Black Pugs Overview: It is rather amazing how very different the two main colors of Pugs are; fawn is a very light cream with black ears and mask, and black Pugs are just about the complete opposite with a rich, dark black coat. Of course, the ears and mask are black too, but there is no discernible difference since the entire Pug is black. Many black Pugs have solid coats, but it is possible for there to be a small white marking; if this is present, it is usually on the chest. As Pugs age into their senior years, gray hairs may appear on the face or in different areas of the body and this is much more noticeable with black Pugs. Examples of Black Pugs: Henry, at 10 months old photo courtesy of Maxine Aird Pearl photo courtesy of Saz Race Wonder how much exercise Pugs need and how to keep activity safe for this brachycephalic breed? Check out Pug Dog Exercise. Brindle Pugs Overview: Brindle is a pattern of interlocking light and dark colors which creates a striping effect. With Pugs, this is typically in the grey to black range. This type of coat pattern is found with quite a few other dog breeds including the Bull Terrier, Boxer, and American Bulldog. The Debate: Many wonder if a purebred brindle Pug can even exist. The answer is yes. This said, there are some explanations to be given. On one hand is the argument that brindle does not exist within the Pug's bloodline. It is true that this is not a color pattern that should be seen with today's breeding programs since it is not a standard color. One of the goals of reputable breeders is to produce dogs that come as close to breed standards as possible. So, brindle is not something that most breeders would strive for and any champion dogs would not have recessive brindle genes. But, did brindle appear in the bloodline at some point in the past? The answer is, yes, it very well could have. This goes back, in part, to the fact that every single dog breed that exists to day was developed from the pairing of other breeds. As to which breeds, exactly, were used to develop the Pug is unknown. We know that this breed was developed in China. Somewhere around B. And he was indeed successful. Therefore, the first element to note is that no one can say if, looking back, brindle is or is not found in the Pug's bloodline. In fact, paintings from the 's show Pug dogs with brindle coats. This said, those brindle lines most likely died out. It has also been debated that brindle Pugs are a myth since the gene responsible for the pattern is dominant and would 'take over' the entire Pug breed with eventually only brindles existing, making fawns and black obsolete. But, that point is not accurate. Brindle exists in other breeds and does not take over. One example is the Boxer dog in which there are both brindles and fawns. So, if there are brindle Pugs, however rare, where does the brindle come from? The answer is that brindle was introduced into the bloodline via another breed at some point. For each individual Pug, this could be recent or it could be many generations in the past. This may seem contradictory. As time goes by, a random brindle is thrown every now and then. Examples of Brindle Pugs: Luna at 8 months old, a brindle Pug photo courtesy of Brenda photo courtesy of Mike Dillow Color Changes It is normal for a Pug puppy's coat to change coat color to a certain degree as he or she is maturing from pup to adolescent. With fawn Pugs, the coat may lighten or darken, predominately during the first year. It's not uncommon for there to be smuttiness at a young age which is the term for black hairs intermingled with a light color coat. This may remain, lighten, darken, or fade in other areas except for a line running down the center of the back which is known as a trace. The ears and mask may darken into a more solid black as a Pug grows. For example, here we see Yoda as a young puppy first photo below on mobile with a fawn base and lots of black hairs running through the coat referred to as smuttiness - details ahead. And, then we can see Yoda as a 3-year-old adult Pug second photo below on mobile , the fawn is much lighter and the black-tipped hairs are now a much more faded trace that runs down her back. The black mask has darkened and her head wrinkles are fully developed. There can be other color changes as well. Apricot tones may not appear until a Pug is a bit older; so, a Pug that is registered as a fawn may very well be an apricot. Another change that typically happens with black Pugs, but may also be seen on some fawns, is that hairs around the muzzle and face may gray as a Pug transitions into the senior years. If this occurs, it is generally starts around the 8 year mark and increases in time. Wondering how much sleep a Pug needs and ways to help this breed achieve a good night's rest? Check out Pug Dog Sleep. Smuttiness If you take a very closeup look at a light-colored Pug, you may see a scattering of a few black hairs over the body and this is generally not enough to classified a Pug has having smuttiness. Smuttiness on a Pug refers to a noticeable overlay of black hairs on a light coat fawn, silver, silver-fawn, apricot, or apricot-fawn. These patches of black hairs are thin enough to see the lighter hairs underneath, however it gives an overall appearance of a "haze". The more there is, either in density or coverage, the more smuttiness a Pug has. Note that black or darker hairs are desired in certain places on a Pug; running down the center of the back the trace and on the forehead the thumbprint - more ahead on both of these markings. But, when there is an overabundance of these black hairs in areas other than the forehead wrinkles or the back, the term smuttiness is then used. Smuttiness may appear in just about any area on a Pug including the saddle back , flanks, legs, and head. In the show world, this is not a disqualification, however it is considered to be a fault points are deducted. Example of Smuttiness on a Pug: Winston at 11 years old; this is an example of heavy smuttiness on the head. Though not something rewarded for in the show ring, there is no denying how cute this Pug looks. In fact, this is such a heavy intermingling of black hairs that Winston almost looks like a half fawn and half black Pug dog. The trace may begin on the nape of the neck or further down the back. It will run in a predominantly straight line, ending at the base of the tail. The thickness and the density of the trace can vary. Though a trace is a very desired trait in conformation dog shows, not all non-black Pugs have this marking. A trace may be very apparent during the puppy years and then fade as a Pug matures. On the flip side, this marking may not show at all during the newborn phase and then become apparent as the Pug grows. This particular element is considered to be an official marking of the breed and is thought to give Pugs character. In the show ring, the blacker the trace, the better. That said, if your Pug does not have a trace, this is nothing to be concerned about. If, however, when Pugs are being considered for a breeding program with the goal of producing show quality dogs, those with no trace at all are often excluded since this is a heredity trait. Example of a Trace on a Pug: Do you have a Pug and are worried about leaving them home alone? Find helpful tips for Pug Dog Separation Anxiety. The Thumbprint A Pug's thumbprint, also referred to as a thumb mark or diamond, is a darkened spot centered on the forehead. This, of course, is not seen on Pugs with black coats. Though this is another desired trait when Pugs are judged in conformation events, not all non-black Pugs have a thumbprint. Another way to look at this is that approximately 3 out of 4 non-black Pugs have a thumbprint or thumb mark. Though it is sometimes called a diamond, it may resemble an oval, a circle, or be an irregular shape. While the wrinkles on the forehead can cause shading that may appear to be a thumb mark, the thumb mark is actually a splash of darker color on the fur. This type of marking is usually present at birth. It is rare for a Pug born without this to develop one as he ages. When a young pup has a small thumbprint marking, it may grow larger or become darker as a Pug ages and matures. Example of a Thumbprint on a Pug: This is Tommy, a Pug with a nice thumbprint on his deep forehead wrinkles. This is an area of black that typically starts under the chin, covers the muzzle, and extends around the eyes. Though this is the general description, the mask can vary quite a bit on Pugs. One element to take note of is that the black may be mainly on the muzzle and then again with black fur around the eyes with little connection between the two points or, quite contrary to that, black may extend from the muzzle to the eye area with no interruption at all. In addition, while a very dark black mask is desired in the conformation show ring, the black mask on some Pugs may contain any number of fawn or lighter-colored hairs. This can range from medium to dark brown and eyes can be so dark that they almost appear black. With canine breed standards, the term dark means dark brown. Coat color does not affect eye color; for example, a fawn Pug does not automatically have lighter eyes than a black Pug. You may be curious to know if Pugs can have blue eyes. Blue is not in this breed's genetic code. However, similar to humans, dogs are usually born with dark blue eyes due to low levels of melanin in the eyes. The eyes darken as melanin levels naturally increase. This transition is usually complete by week six or seven. White Paws Can a Pug have mitted, white paws? The term 'mitted' is often used with cats since it is much more common for felines to have this type of color marking. It refers to coloring that falls on the paws that is different than the main body color, as if the animal is wearing mittens. White paws on a Pug is not common at all and is considered a major fault in the show ring; however, it can happen. This Pug below has a fawn coat and white markings on the paws and on the chest. Both photos are of Mr. Mittens, at 3 months old; photos courtesy of Suzanne White markings like this are able to exist due to the parti-factor gene. This very same color gene is responsible for small white markings on the chest that are occasionally seen with Pugs of all colors. Rarely, the parti-factor is thrown to one, some, or all paws, resulting in purebred Pugs with white mitted paws. Are you taking care of your Pug's teeth? For this brachycephalic breed, dental care is very important. Learn how to keep your Pug's teeth clean and healthy. Behavior and Personality Traits Based on Color Many people wonder if there are inbred character traits that vary depending on the coat color of the Pug. As with any other breed, the coloring of the coat has no effect on energy level, personality, behavioral quirks or any other element. But, it is easy to leap to the belief that color matters in this regard. An owner may have a black Pug that is more energetic than his fawn counterpart, for example. However, there are just as many owners who have energetic fawns compared to laid back black Pugs. Each dog is an individual, and Pugs will have their own unique personalities, regardless of coat color. Differences in Coat and Shedding Most Pugs have coats consisting of two layers of fur, an inner and an outer coat. Some, but not all black Pugs are single coated. For this reason, a percentage of black coated Pugs may shed less in comparison to fawn, apricots or slivers. And, the color of your carpeting and furniture can affect how much shedding you notice. Fur that sheds from a black Pug onto light-colored surfaces is going to be much more noticeable than fur that falls from a fawn Pug. And, fur that sheds from a fawn Pug onto dark surfaces is going to be much more visible than fur that falls from a black Pug. Though it's not suggested to buy furniture and flooring that matches your Pug, this is something to keep in mind. Did you find this to be informative? See what's inside. Related: Black Pug Dogs - More photos of black Pug puppies and dogs with a recap of color information. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Final Thoughts The Ideal Pug Owner Before jumping straight into the different Pug dog colors, let's look at this toy breed in more detail and see if you would be the right fit. As mentioned before, this is such a dainty breed; they're perfect for an apartment. If you know an older person who wants company, they're even better suited! Unlike some dogs, most Pugs only require one hour of exercise daily. This can be achieved through play or a walk. Their playful personality makes them great entertainment for kids, and they are highly affectionate. If you're the type of person who loves to kick back and watch Netflix, then a pug will easily climb into your lap for a cuddle. They do have some comical moments and sleep a lot when they get older, being relatively low maintenance. However, their coat sheds regularly and requires frequent grooming every 6 weeks. So, if you suffer from allergies, especially dog hairs, the Pug breed may not be the best to have in your home. They also state the unrecognized clubs for competitions also. All The Pug Colors Many more Pug colors exist in addition to the ones recognized by the kennel clubs, which are: Black Black pugs have a dark rich coat that is solid in color. They also have a black mask, ears, and nose also. Sometimes there may be small white markings that occur on their chest, but this does not always happen. When a black Pug ages, it may be prone to having gray hairs on its face or body. For a Pug to have a black coat, only one of its parents must carry the black gene. Unlike some genes, black is the most dominant gene and overpowers other colors. However, black Pugs are the second most popular coat type, first is fawn. Fawn Out of all the Pug colors, fawn is the most common. To describe this color, it closely resembles a lightly toasted marshmallow or a milky coffee. A fawn Pug is not always solid; there can be slight variances. Sometimes fawn Pugs can have a stripe of hairs that are black on their tips, running down the back that break away the fawn color. This is because Fawn pugs can have coat color temperatures ranging from light to medium. The major difference between an Apricot Pug and a fawn Pug is the orange in their coats. Often they will have richer orange hues that are deeper than the ones seen in a fawn coat. This color contains a shiny gray sheen on the coat and is also the lightest coat color for a Pug. Many kennel clubs do not recognize the silver fawn Pug, so they may request the Pug to be registered under fawn. White A post shared by Truffle the White Pug trufflethewhitepug In extremely rare situations, you may come across a white Pug. If you do find this, then the Pug is most likely to be an Albino. They will have a light pink nose, paws, lips, and ears alongside their coat. Their coat hair will look in between white and cream. On the contrary, white Pugs may also exist due to a genetic mutation called Leucism, making the melanin in their DNA difficult to form. These colors tend to be black, ranging to grey, and are often seen in other dog breeds like the American Bull Dog, Boxer, and Bull Terrier. Compared to other Pug colors, this coat is not accepted and is often heavily disqualified in the show ring. Like a Panda, they have a smooth black and white coat. This coat color is believed to be created by a Pekingnese and a Pug. However, this coat color is rare, and many breeders will charge extremely high prices for them. Merle A post shared by Rebecca Schmidt happypug. They also have patches of blueish grey and blue in the coat. As opposed to coat color, merle is more like a pattern seen in the coat. Often Merle Pugs are not purebred and are associated with many health problems like hearing impairments, hip dysplasia, skin infections, vision impairments, and risk of skin cancer. Most of the breeds in the toy group were bred specifically to be companions to people. Their smaller size means they are portable, making it easy to travel with their owners. The toy group is known for being sociable and affectionate, and the Pug is no exception! Historic lore says a Pug saved the life of William, the Prince of Orange, by raising an alert about an imminent attack in the night. Today, Pugs are frequently found as family pets. These clever little dogs can also excel at sports like obedience and agility. They are very devoted and affectionate companions. Although small, Pugs are mighty. They adjust well to country or city life, including being great apartment dogs. They get along with other dogs but can also thrive as an only dog. They typically do very well with other pets in the household. Their coat is low-maintenance, and their shedding is manageable. They can be a perfect match for a first-time dog owner. These are the only colors that are allowed to compete in the dog show ring. Both colors have a black mask, but on the black Pug, the mask is invisible amongst their totally black fur. The fawn tan color has a range of shades, including apricot and silver. Other kennel clubs worldwide have separated some of the colors within the fawn range into their own color categories. The Kennel Club in Britain allows silver, apricot, fawn, and black as four distinct colors. Apricot Pug image source: Pinterest As a baby, apricot Pug puppies may be difficult to differentiate from fawn puppies. Pug puppies are darker at birth and lighten as they grow. Apricot Pugs can either be a deep shade of apricot, a rich orangey color, or a lighter shade that is more similar to fawn. Conversely, some apricot Pugs get darker as they age, finishing up with deeper gold color. Silver Pug image source: Pinterest A silver pug puppy may also be difficult to spot amongst their fawn siblings. They will appear very similar as young puppies. As they age, the silver color will become more apparent. The silver color is described as being a cold, silver cast. Where an apricot or fawn Pug will reflect the color of the sun, a silver Pug will be the color of the full moon. The markings are to be as clear and defined as possible. They should have black on the muzzle, ears, spots on the cheeks, a diamond called a thumb mark on the forehead, and a line from the occiput top of the skull to the tail, called the back trace. The only difference between a silver Pug and an apricot Pug is their color. In America or Canada, they would both be registered as fawn, even though they look distinctly different. Both are purebred Pugs. There are no differences in size, health, or temperament associated with either color. They love people and are great with children. They make excellent family pets. They get along well with other animals and other dogs. Pugs are friendly and outgoing. They make excellent therapy dogs. They are gregarious and love meeting new people. Silver and Apricot Pugs: Health and Nutrition Overall, Pugs are a reasonably healthy breed, but the breed does have some health concerns. All four colors of Pug share the same breed predispositions. Their Nutrition Pugs have no dietary requirements unique to their breed. A high-quality, balanced and complete commercial diet will be appropriate for them. Many Pugs do well on fresh or home-made diets. These can be extremely painful and very serious. If you believe your Pug has a scratch on their eye, they should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. KCS is an inflamed, dry eye as a result of a lack of water in normal tears. Tears are vitally important in eye health. Without proper tears, eyes become irritated, and the outer layer of the eye cornea turns brown to protect the eye. Left untreated, dogs with KCS will go blind. Breathing Issues The adorably squishy Pug face can pose challenges with breathing. If your Pug seems to struggle to breathe or snores excessively, have them examined by your veterinarian. Some brachycephalic short-faced dogs need surgery to allow them to breathe more easily. Joints Pugs are prone to hip dysplasia and luxating patellas. Hip dysplasia is a developmental abnormality in the hips. Hip dysplasia can be diagnosed in young dogs through x-rays. Many dogs may not show symptoms until they are older and have developed painful arthritis in their unstable joints. Luxating patellas refer to the kneecap being able to luxate or pop out of place. A common symptom is a dog who will occasionally hop on one leg as they run. When the kneecap pops back in place, they resume running normally. A veterinarian can examine the knees and determine whether they will luxate. Pugs with luxating patellas often require surgery to correct the problem. Fawn, female Pugs are at a higher risk than other colors. Because apricot and silver are variants of fawn, they would also be at a higher risk than black Pugs. This deficiency results in easily damaged red blood cells. Pugs are at a higher risk for this disease. Although this disease can be managed, it is usually fatal over time. There is a genetic test to determine whether a Pug is at risk. Health Testing Any potential Pug parent should undergo health testing before breeding is planned. Ensuring all the health testing recommended by the Pug Dog Club of America is done gives future puppies the best chance of a long, healthy, happy life. Training your Pug Silver and apricot Pugs are incredibly intelligent and obedient. However, they do have a minor streak of stubbornness which can be tackled by training them properly. Since they are gentle and soft-hearted, they do not respond well to strictness and harsh punishments and can often turn against you and rebel. Hence, positive reinforcement and appreciation are necessary to train your Pug. Overall, Pugs are friendly with everyone and have good socializing skills. Even then, you need to train your Pug to be more sociable and behave well in specific environments. Exercising your Pug Apricot and silver Pugs have the same energy level as fawn and black Pugs. Pugs love to snuggle with you on the sofa. They are not a high energy breed, but they are playful and lively and would love to join you on an adventure. Brachycephalic, or squishy-faced, dogs like the Pug are less tolerant of hot weather. On hot summer days, ensure they have lots of breaks, plenty of fresh water, and avoid strenuous exercise. The best time to walk your silver or apricot pug is early morning or later evening, missing the heat of the day. Pugs benefit from regular exercise and would enjoy at least 30 minutes of walking every day. Walks are essential for environmental enrichment as well as exercise. Regular walks will help keep your Pug fit and lean. Walks are an excellent chance for your Pug to sniff and explore, enriching their life. Silver and Apricot Pugs: Grooming Pugs are a low-maintenance breed for grooming. You can do everything your Pug needs in your own home. The Pug coat is short, fine, smooth, soft, and glossy. Pugs shed a lot; you will certainly find hair around your house and on your clothes. By following the list we have created, you can help keep your Pug healthy and happy. Bathing your Pug no more than once a month will keep their coat in good condition. Pugs do not need frequent bathing. If they are mucky after a walk or have found something gross to roll in, you can bathe them in your sink or tub. Their short coat will dry quickly. Trimming nails weekly helps keep their feet and joints healthy. Long nails make it difficult to walk and can cause pain. With some practice, your Pug can tolerate nail trimming calmly. Cleaning wrinkles and nostrils as needed to keep your Pug healthy. Wipe between wrinkles and nostrils to prevent build-up. Look at shelters and rescues in your area and see if there is a Pug who would be a good fit for your life. This article can be a great place to start the search for your perfect Pug. All Pug colors are equal when it comes to health and temperament. Either Apricot Pugs or silver pugs are delightful dogs who can be a wonderful fit for even a first-time owner.

Let's talk about our sweet boy Henry.Let's keep this momentum going!!! If you don't know Henry's story, Let's talk about him. He's a 4yo male boxer who was hit by a car in Ohio and left for dead. The shelter picked him up, and he waited alone for five long days for his family to come get him. They never came. A complete stranger saw the shelter's story about Henry online and wanted to help. This good Samaritan, despite knowing they couldn't keep Henry long-term, picked him up from the shelter and took him home and began to arrange medical care, while at the same time starting a search for others who could help find Henry a forever home. That's where MNBR comes in. One of our members saw Henry's story and connected us, and we stepped in to help secure a foster and ongoing medical attention for this good boy. Henry's original prognosis was that his injuries were catastrophic. He would need to have one of his legs amputated, plus additional surgeries to address what appeared to be major spine damage as well as damage to two of his other legs and hips. The situation seemed dire. But as it turns out, our boy Henry is a fighter!!! Despite his situation, he was in good spirits and started to show improvements in his legs, so the team decided to move forward with finding a treatment path for him. An MRI and assessment revealed that Henry's injuries, while extensive, were operable, and the orthopedic surgeon believed that they could save all Henry's limbs! Since then, Henry has had several therapies, including new water therapy, and he is healing! Henry is a sweet boy who is the definition of a champ! Henry arrived in Minnesota finally in January, since then he has been being seen at the University of Minnesota Veterinary medical clinic. But we are not getting too excited his care is not over quite yet. And he will also need follow up appointments from the surgery he just endured, bandage changes, etc. Donations are tax deductible. Click HERE to donate now. Highlighted Dogs. Boxer puppies for sale Duluth, Minnesota Boxer puppies for sale Duluth, Minnesota Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. His main purpose is for hunting large game. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. It is said that he got his name due to using his front paws for just about anything. Boxer dogs look intimidating with their stern-looking faces and powerful bodies. But they are actually very loving family dogs that get along with children and other animals. They love being with their families, and being separated from them can lead them to develop separation anxiety. Since this working dog is highly intelligent but stubborn in nature, he is better suited for experienced owners. The average lifespan of the breed is 9—10 years. Look for a boxer puppies for sale Duluth Minnesota? Here is a brief background of this protective dog with a good sense of humour. History of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed is a descendant of the now-extinct Bullenbeisser a fighting dog with Mastiff ancestry and the Old English Bulldog. He was developed in Germany in the 19th century as hunters of deer, wild boar, and bear. Later on, he was used to guard and drive cattle. The man responsible for the creation of the Boxer breed was Georg Alt, who was from Munich. He crossed a brindle-coloured female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown breed. In , the first German Boxer dog named Flocki joined a dog show in Munich. After winning the dog show, he was the first-ever Boxer dog to be listed down in the German Studbook. Modern Boxer dogs were believed to be the descendants of Flocki. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. The American Boxer Club was established in .In both world wars, various military tasks were given to Boxer dogs including guard dogs, attack dogs, and messenger dogs. The British Boxer Dog Club was then formed in .The Boxer breed was recognised by the Kennel Club shortly thereafter and classified under the Working Group. Versatile and hard-working, these dogs are capable of carrying out different canine work. Boxers are good choices for protection dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Temperament and Intelligence of the Boxer puppies Duluth for sale Extremely patient and gentle, the Boxer breed is good with children. But he is recommended for families with older children as he may accidentally knock over toddlers. Befriending other pets is possible if the Boxer dog is properly socialised at a young age. It will keep him from viewing small animals as prey and reduce his tendency to dominate same-sex dogs. Is a Boxer a good family dog? Yes, the Boxer breed is a good family dog. He may look noble and intimidating, but he is actually considered the Joker of the Dog World. Boxer dogs are playful and fun-loving. They love to be part of family activities and be the centre of attention. Are Boxer dogs dangerous? Boxer dogs may be tough-looking, but they are not generally aggressive. But they will stand guard and defend their families if necessary. Boxer dogs are initially wary of strangers, but they eventually warm up to them if no danger is detected. Their protective and loyal nature makes them good guard dogs as well as watchdogs. Are Boxers easy to train? Yes, Boxer dogs are easy to train if you are already experienced in handling the breed. They are intelligent but tend to be independent and stubborn. Due to this, they are not suited for first-time owners. Boxer dogs respond better to people that are firm and consistent. However, firm does not mean harsh. Instead of strict training methods, positive reinforcements are more effective in teaching this breed basic dog manners and tricks. Boxer Breed Highlights The Boxer dog breed is a loving, loyal, and protective companion. Boxer dogs are comical companions despite their intimidating appearance. The Boxer breed has low-maintenance grooming needs. As an energetic working dog, he has high exercise needs. Boxer dogs tend to be destructive when they are left alone or unable to let off steam. Are there miniature boxers? Yes, but they are rare. Miniature boxers are either a product of mating purebred runts or cross-breeding small dogs that have similar characteristics to boxers, such as Boston terriers, pugs, rat terriers, and fox terriers. While some of these minis may closely resemble their larger counterparts, they may not act similarly. Are boxers hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, boxers are not hypoallergenic. What problems do Boxers have? Boxer dogs are brachycephalic, which means they have flat faces. This trait narrows their airway and causes breathing problems. As a result, Boxers should not be out in the sun for a long time as it can lead to heatstroke. Overexercising them must be avoided too to avoid triggering breathing difficulties. How long do Boxer dogs live? The Boxer dog breed has a short lifespan compared to other dogs. He can only live up to 9—10 years, and this is due to the prevalence of health issues in the breed. When buying a Boxer puppy, look for a reputable breeder whose breeding stock and litters are health-screened. This will help you determine how likely is your chosen Boxer puppy going to develop certain health conditions. Duluth MN Duluth is a port city in the U. Louis County. It is a hub for tourism and cargo shipping. Commodities shipped from the Port of Duluth include coal, iron ore, grain, limestone, cement, salt, wood pulp, steel coil, and wind turbine components. Wiki Duluth Drop us a line! We will not send you unnecessary notices in the future. My name is Tetyana and I am glad to welcome you on the site of the breed nursery.

All dogs are spayed or neutered. Read each bio very carefully, as not every rescue Frenchie is suited to every home. Our adoption fees offset only a portion of the veterinary expenses for the dogs in FBRN. As these costs rise we have had to increase the adoption fees as one measure to try to keep up with expenses. Our Available Dogs page is updated weekly, so check back often! We are currently reviewing the applications that the dog has already received. Please do not attempt to apply for a dog with a Pending Adoption banner. Your application will not be processed without the fee. If you experience any problems completing the application or you do not receive an auto confirmation for your application, please contact FBRN at [email protected] Thank you. Fees have recently risen. You may see some dogs of the same age have different fees. We elected not to raise the fees on dogs that were posted before the increase. Our fees can be found on the Adoption Info page. Any communication will come through email. Please never share any personal information with anyone who indicates they are a volunteer unless it is coming through the correct channels. If you have received a FB messenger message, please send it to [email protected] so we are aware. In the meantime, check out our Foster Page to see if we might be a good match! Read more about the pups that are currently up for adoption. Read More… Foster Dogs FBRN is being faced with an increasing number of dogs who are ill, handicapped, or need expensive veterinary care before being placed. Meet our Foster Frenchies and please consider sponsoring one of them to ensure that they receive the care that they need. Read More… Surrender a Dog Life has thrown you a curve ball and you must surrender your French Bulldog… we are here to help! Read More… Volunteer We welcome you to join us in our efforts to rehabilitate and rehome needy French Bulldogs. We have many options for you to choose from, depending on your circumstances, time and resources. Our organization is composed solely of volunteers who nurture and foster these dogs as well as provide education and training. Our goal is to place healthy and happy French Bulldogs into forever homes. Read More… Contact Us Learn about the many ways that you can get in touch with us. He has a Staffie sister, Lettie, who he adores and who has taught him so much with her gentle patience. He has doggie friends at daycamp he sees once a week. He is the best snuggler ever! He used to be a resource guarder, but will now bring you his toys for a treat! He loves our daily walks and meeting people. Thank you FBRN for picking us to be his family- we love him so much! Despite being mostly blind and deaf, Ham is thriving in his golden years, especially with his folks now working from home. Thank you FBRN for our goodest good boy! We are so grateful for every day with him. She had cherry eye surgery in March right before Covid quarantine and the surgery was a success. A gigantic thank you to FBRN for allowing me to adopt this perfect little nugget. All Rights Reserved. A c 3 Non-Profit Organization. Tax ID: .Powered by Geeks4Rent. This team of volunteers rescues Frenchies from puppy mills and even local animal shelters. They can also be contacted in cases where a family can no longer care for their dog for whatever reason. Families who want to bring home a French Bulldog are methodically evaluated. This is in place to ensure that the dogs are placed in suitable homes. With the Chicago French Bulldog Rescue managed by volunteers, this organization is always on the lookout for volunteers that can help in the fostering process, evaluation, training, and assist in the various fundraisers for the benefit of the rescues. This is a non-profit group that has been operating since , and its main objective is to care, love, and place French Bulldogs with their forever families and homes. A sad French Bulldog is lying on the floor. Rescue French Bulldogs aims to rehabilitate their rescues, but being a non-profit association, they mainly rely on donations to run their operations. Note that all the French Bulldogs that go under the care of Rescue French Bulldogs are surrendered to the organization anonymously. After confirming that the Frenchie is in a healthy state or existing medical conditions are treated, Rescue French Bulldogs initiate the re-family process. French Bulldog standing in the street with a woman. And they believe that a significant element in their mission is to invest in awareness about the breed and what responsible ownership entails. True to this commitment, other rescue groups contact them for additional resources to give rescued French Bulldogs a better second chance in life. As long as the dog needs a new home and another opportunity to belong to a family, the Village, without questions, accepts it into its fold. Any Frenchie is welcome, regardless of whether the dog is healthy or has behavioral problems or medical conditions requiring assistance and attention. The Village is committed to accepting all French Bulldogs and eventually finding them new homes. After a thorough screening and home visits, the Board and the coordinators decide which home a rescue will go home to. And the impressive fact about this group is they do what they do excellently with the help of volunteers alone. French Bulldogs feel dry and sleepy after taking a bath. They are responsible for the entire state of Texas and even help out nearby states of Louisiana and Oklahoma. And like all rescue groups, they also aim to rehome French Bulldogs after rescue and rehabilitation. Their rescues come from different sources. This includes Frenchies that owners surrender personally, those brought to the local pound and shelters, stray dogs, import brokers, commercial breeding kennels, and other private rescue groups. In particular circumstances, Short Mugs can get rescues from Louisiana and Oklahoma but only from these areas. The reason behind this is all the volunteers of Short Mugs are situated in Texas. Dogs up for adoption are also posted on their website, but these are not the entirety of the rescues as some are still being treated and rehabilitated. The adoption process varies based on the number of dogs for release and the number of interested individuals. Short Mugs Rescue communicates with all possible fosterers and adopters so they are aware of their application status. Short Mugs Rescue Contact Details:.

The German Shepherd is not necessarily as known as being bred for snowy climates. So, the question remains: Do German Shepherds like snow? Although it depends on the individual dog, most German Shepherds love the snow! German Shepherds enjoying playing in, running on, jumping in, and even eating the snow once they have been exposed to it. Do German Shepherds naturally like snow? It has been my experience that German Shepherds naturally like the snow. German Shepherds may not be known like some breeds to be snow dogs, but they are actually more built for the colder weather than the warmer weather given their double coat. Why do German Shepherds like snow? Here are some of the reasons German Shepherds like snow so much. German Shepherds enjoy the colder weather German Shepherds are a double coated breed; thus they are more suited for cooler weather than warmer weather. The snow is fun to play in The snow is like a big outside play toy for our GSDs. They can run in it, roll in it, jump into it, eat it, and chase it as it falls. My German Shepherds loves it when I make a snowball and toss it to her. She gets all confused if she misses the catch and it disappears into the rest of the snow. When it snows, she wants to stay outside all day to play. The snow is different Another reason German Shepherds like snow is because it is a different new phenomenon for them. Snow is edible How often do you allow your dog to eat their toys? Hopefully never! Just be mindful of how clean the snow is where you let your dog play, especially if they like to eat the snow. The snow provides an added layer of fun to a normal game of fetch. Once you toss the frisbee or ball to your dog when it lands it usually will get covered by snow so it adds an additional searching aspect to the normal game. If your dog is comfortable, putting them in a sled with you or your kids and sliding down a hill is an absolute blast! Skijoring If you live on a large property and have skis skijoring is another fun activity to consider doing with your GSD in the snow. Skijoring is where you are on skis and your German Shepherds pulls you through the snow. Your dog would be wearing a harness with a leash attached and you would hang on for the ride! This is would also be fun for older kids and teenagers to have their dog pull them around in the snow. Check out this video to see skijoring in action: Tracking Tracking is another activity that is really fun in the snow. My German Shepherd does search and rescue and when she was learning how to track her trainers would tell us that teaching a dog how to track in the snow is great because you as the handler can physically see where the track is laid. Have your dog on a leash and take them to the start of the short path and gesture to get them to look for the treats. It may take a little practice for them to get it down, but once they have it you can have them track different family members all around the yard in the snow. If you have enough snowfall, you can make different structures to hide inside or around, and you can also have a family member cover themselves with snow and have your dog look for them. Give it a try, it is fun for the whole family! Final Thoughts In summary, do German Shepherds like snow? They enjoy the colder weather and the snow is like a big plaything that gets them extra excited. Let me know in the comments! Here is what you need to know about how German Shepherds handle the cold. Are German Shepherds built for the cold? German Shepherds are large, active dogs with dense double coats that do a wonderful job of keeping them warm in the cold. Are all German Shepherds equally well suited to the cold? What are some things that you should keep in mind when bringing your German Shepherd out in the snow? Here is everything that you need to know about the German Shepherd and cold weather. The German Shepherd is known as the finest worker among dogs and is renowned for their loyalty, courage, and steadiness in the face of danger. However, what makes them a great cold-weather breed? History German Shepherds were bred to work year-round in the freezing temperatures typical of Germany, so they have been adapted to chilly temperature since the beginning. German Shepherds were initially bred as livestock herders and Guardians, so they spent most of their time out in the elements with their flock. As time went on, German Shepherds were also trained as war dogs, police dogs, and guard dogs. In each of these careers, German Shepherds had to be able to hold up to long days of freezing temperatures. Size The first physical attribute that prepares German Shepherds for the cold is their size. Male German Shepherds weigh from 65 to 90 lb while females range from 50 to 70 lb. This significant size means that Shepherds have some bulk to keep them warm as the temperature decreases. The outer coat is dense, a bit harsh to the touch, and lies quite close for a sleek appearance. The undercoat is soft, lush, and provides extensive insulation. These two types of coats work together, with the outer coat protecting from weather and wind and the inner coat providing dry insulation regardless of the weather. It is important to note that there is another type of coat in German Shepherds that is not recognized by the AKC. Because these dogs are not accepted by the AKC, they are considerably rarer and often more expensive. Importantly, while long-haired German Shepherds may look fluffier and seem like they would do better in the cold, most of the time these dogs only have one coat, rather than the double coat that characterizes the standard German Shepherd. With only the guard hairs to protect them, long-haired Shepherds are much more vulnerable to the cold because they do not have the dense undercoat required to insulate them. You can expect your long-haired Shepherd to get cold faster and be less resistant to weather than shorter varieties. On the plus side, they shed less too. It is unusual, but occasionally long-haired Shepherds do have an undercoat. In these cases, they would likely do even better in the cold than short-haired Shepherds. If you want a German Shepherd who truly excels in the cold, it may be worth seeking out the somewhat unusual double-coated long-haired Shepherd. Keep in mind that even though these dogs have a double coat like the AKC recognized variety, they are still not recognized. Activity The German Shepherd is a highly active breed who can likely keep themselves warm on a chilly day just by staying busy. Your Shepherd will probably want to run at least several hours a day and of course, Shepherds are skilled in all sorts of activity from agility to herding, to tracking. This is a dog who is bred to go all day regardless of the temperature, and all that activity helps to keep your Shepherd warm. How Cold Is Too Cold? Unlike some Northern breeds who were bred to live and sleep in the snow, like Huskies, Saint Bernards, and Malamutes, German Shepherds were bred to live and work with people and livestock. The German shepherd loves the winter season. The snow is fresh on the ground, spreading its thick white embrace on everything in sight. Your dog springs into action, pouncing and leaping from one end of the yard to the other, tossing up frosty clusters like a pro snowboarder. So, why, you ask, does your German shepherd get that extra boost when coming into contact with snow? Dogs love to investigate their environment, and snow provides a dog with a new, exciting experience. Predators love change. Animals love to play. They will create new games with each other, wrestle and dig. Verga, a veterinary behaviorist, wrote a book about the inner lives of animals. Verga suggests that animals use snow as a new toy, Object Play. Stay Cool. Dogs get more energy as the temperature cools and are able to run and play for longer periods of time without overheating. Your dog is designed more for insulation from the cold than cooling down in the heat. German shepherds are built to withstand cooler temperatures. They have a double coat that is water resistant and a great insulator against the cold. The Chihuahua, in comparison, is equipped with a thin coat and does not enjoy the cold. Research has found that dogs have exceptionally good venous anatomy in their paws, which leads them to do better in the snow than we might think i. Thank you for reading, and share your experience with your German shepherd in the comments section below.

Our adorable and playful puppies are bred with love and care to ensure their health and happiness. At our Texas-based breeding facility, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality Goldendoodles at affordable prices. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to bring home a loving and loyal companion without having to spend a fortune. Our Goldendoodles are raised with love and attention and come with up-to-date vaccinations, ensuring that they are healthy and ready to join your family. These lovable pups are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, making them the perfect combination of friendly and intelligent. These adorable pups are a crossbreed of Golden Retrievers and Poodles, making them loving, smart, and hypoallergenic. Browse our selection today! Exotic Mini Goldendoodle Puppies for Sale in Texas Endless Variety Pick your perfect color, pick your perfect size, pick your perfect puppy—PuppiesGoldendoodles offer more variety than you can shake a stick at. Fur all over the carpet? Fantastically Friendly Puppies Goldendoodles Texas are famous for their personalities. This patient, friendly dogs make the perfect pal for all of your little adventures. Facebook Puppy Pricing A lot of time and money has been invested in our dogs. They have all had specific health tests performed on them before even considering them as a breeding candidate. They are all AKC registered and have been raised with our family. Our puppy prices are not the lowest you will find, nor the highest. We will not charge our customers prices that are unwarranted. This is however, happening more and more frequently as the popularity of Goldendoodles increases. Read more about price comparison below. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns, or for more information. It is our hope that we will establish a life-long relationship and that your experience with us is one that will be very rewarding. Buyer must demonstrate that vaccinations and proper health care were administered Health Record with list of vaccinations, de-worming and diet instructions. Puppy kit including toy, blanket with litter scent, etc. We occasionally make trips to fly puppies out. The nearest airport is in Minneapolis. If we do so, we often will bring puppies with us to meet families. This is done for your convenience and we do not charge for this. Buyers agrees to spay or neuter their puppy at the age specified. We prefer not to ship our dogs and will only do so after we have exhausted all other possibilities. Balance will be due in the form of a cash payment when you pick up your puppy. Waiting lists will be kept in a first-come, first-serve order for the expected litters. If a suitable puppy is not available from current litter, you will have first pick from next available litter. Pricing Comparison It is important to understand a few things regarding puppy prices. In purebred circles, and crossbreeds like Goldendoodles, there is a wide range of prices. There are common pet store and newspaper puppy prices, which are typically the lower of the prices. A lot of time and money has been invested in our dogs. Adopt a Pup.

Lifespan Sociability If you get a Sheptese, get ready for the questions. People are going to ask you all the time, what is it? The parent breeds are similar in some personality aspects. They are both affectionate with their families. Remember that the Maltese was—and still is—a pampered pooch. He knows it, too. This pup has the sassiness and bravado of many toy breeds. Few realize that they are small dogs. The German Shepherd probably fuels this attitude. He is confident because he has the stuff to back up his aplomb. This pup has earned his stripes and then some! Every day will be a new adventure with this pooch. Selective breeding refined the German Shepherd to the stately dog we see today. The AKC appreciated the efforts and recognized him in .The first pup on the books was named Queen of Switzerland and worthy of the title. The German Shepherd took on the wrath after the world wars. It was also replaced at one time with Alstaian. The Maltese has retained his place with the rich and famous. While the Maltese got his start with Roman royalty, he has retained this status with his fans today. Many things go into the mix, including breed dominance, history, and size. That makes it hard to generalize about the Sheptese. The German Shepherd brings keen intelligence to the mix. He is easy to train and can learn a variety of tasks and commands. The Maltese is equally as smart. That means that you need to challenge your pet mentally. Are These Dogs Good for Families? He wants all the attention. Separation anxiety is a concern with the Sheptese. This pup is relatively friendly with strangers, but early socialization is imperative to seal the deal. It comes from his history as a herding dog. It also means trouble for your cat or other small animals. This pup is moderately tolerant of other canines. Many of the caveats depend on the dominant breed. If not, rely on the advice of your veterinarian for the particular care that your pet will need. The size of your pup is a vital consideration. Use those observations as your guide because foods for small and large breeds vary. If your pup is more like a Maltese, you must make sure he eats at every meal. Dogs of this size are more inclined toward drops in blood sugar levels. Begin with three or four meals a day for a puppy with two times for an adult. Walks and trips to the doggie park will seal the deal. This pup has a moderate tendency toward weight gain, so regular activity is imperative to keep him healthy. Think of your time together as opportunities to bond with your pet. He can also handle more challenging tasks, which is why he performs on the agility circuit in dog shows. The key to success is consistent training. Let your pet know what you want him to do. The Maltese is easy-peasy with his silky hair and regular combing to prevent mats. The Shepherd needs regular brushing to keep the hair in check. The key is to remain consistent. You teach your pup what he needs to do, and you make it easier for you. Handle his paws often to make trimming his nails easier. A post shared by Aaki aaki. Minor Conditions. While they may be larger than a Maltese, they rarely grow to be the size of a German Shepherd. Very likely, they will be around 10 to 18 inches tall and weigh between 20 and 25 pounds. Even when the GSD parent dons another color, its mutt is likely to inherit the same color and the same medium-to-long double coat. However, the German Shepherd coat it might inherit means a double coat that sheds year-round and blows off twice a year. This means having to brush at least once a week to control the shedding and then as frequently as once daily during the shedding seasons. As for the ears, maintenance will depend on which set the pup inherits. All dogs benefit from regular nail trimming, and the Maltese-German Shepherd mix is no different. It will also require frequent toothbrushing to ensure good oral health. Strength The strength of the German Shepherd — Maltese cross will mainly depend on its size. They may, however, still have considerable bite strength relative to the size of their muzzle. The build and size of the German Shepherd unsurprisingly make it a faster runner at approximately 30 miles per hour. Given the running speeds of its two parents, the Maltese — GSD mix is expected to run quite fast. Of course, its speed will be proportional to its size as longer legs mean larger strides. Nevertheless, you can expect these dogs to be quick on their feet, agile, and energetic. Exercise Requirement The Maltese — German Shepherd mix may be more laid back thanks to the lower energy levels it inherits from the Maltese parent. However, having a GSD parent means they are likely to still be quite energetic. They will thrive on physical exercise of at least 30 minutes per day in order to avoid the development of bad behaviors. The intelligence and work drive they are likely to inherit from the German Shepherd parent also means they will require plenty of mental stimulation. These may be in the form of puzzle toys , enrichment games, and training. They may also excel in canine sports, which would ensure both physical and mental wellbeing. It belongs to the highest tier of dog intelligence, which means it only takes up to 5 repetitions for them to learn a command. The Maltese, however, is not quite as trainable. These dogs belong to the fifth tier of dog intelligence and may need up to 80 repetitions to master a new command. Nevertheless, what it lacks in natural intelligence, it makes up for in its eagerness to please. With early exposure and socialization, these crosses can be well-behaved and delightful companions. They relate better with other dogs and are much more likely to relax and switch off at home. Compared to the Maltese, however, they have much more energy and a stronger drive to work. Although these dogs are highly adaptable, they will benefit from plenty of training and even a job to do at home. But no matter which parent it takes its personality from, the Maltese — German Shepherd mix is sure to be affectionate with family and playful yet gentle with young children. You can also expect them to be slightly wary of strangers because of their protective nature. Health Any Maltese GSD cross will require regular vet checkups from puppyhood because the difference in size between the two parents can lead to several complications. Conversely, its heart might be too small to support a larger body. Additionally, the genetic conditions of both parents will play a huge role in the health of their offspring. The GSD parent brings up concerns of hip and elbow dysplasia while the Maltese parent makes it more likely to suffer from patellar issues. But if both breeding stocks are screened and healthy, the resulting offspring are likely to be healthy as well. Lifespan Barring any complications from mismatched sizing, a Maltese — German Shepherd cross is generally expected to live between 10 and 12 years. To ensure longevity, take your pup to regular vet check-ups and feed them a high-quality diet throughout its life. Additionally, keep your dog from becoming overweight as this will lead not only to cardiovascular issues but will also cause unnecessary wear on their joints and give them a much harder time in their senior years. Nevertheless, it can participate in the AKC Canine Partners program, which accommodates the registration of mutts and allows them to participate in a number of club-hosted events. Among the events that the German Shepherd-Maltese cross is expected to excel in include Flyball and Rally. It would be difficult for you to find a German Shepherd — Maltese mix because responsible breeders would not produce them on purpose. The difference in size between the two breeds puts the resulting puppies at great risk. If the Maltese is the female that will carry the litter, its life will also be at risk because the puppies might be too large for its body to handle. Nevertheless, you may still encounter the occasional GSD-Maltese cross as a result of an accidental mating. When you do, it will surely be an interesting dog with plenty of unique characteristics. Even more so because of its incredibly unique appearance and combination of personality traits from the two parents. However, these dogs may need careful and regular vet examinations throughout their life since the difference in size between the two parents can bring life-threatening health conditions. It grows up to 10 inches for a male and 9 inches for a female. An adult Maltese regardless of gender can weight up to 4 pounds. A Maltese fall under the toy group classification. Its color is white, and it comes with a long coat. It requires regular grooming. The Maltese are one of the few dog breeds that need a regular bath. If you are looking for a cute family dog that your kids can play with, this sweet and affectionate breed is highly recommended. In his YouTube video , AnimalWised showed reasons why Maltese is one of the most loved family dogs in the world. Getting to Know Your German Shepherd Breed GSDs or German Shepherd dogs are known for many things according to AKC — loyalty to its owner, courage, ability to learn and understand commands, confidence, and willingness to save the ones they loved. It is not just a pet and a friend, it is also a guardian. An adult GSD can weigh up to 95 pounds. It grows up to 26 inches in height. It has the size of a Maltese and the physical looks of a German Shepherd. You can find a cute image of a Sheptese from Dog Breed Info. This is the only information available about a Sheptese online. It is probably because it is not easy to breed a small Maltese with a large German Shepherd. In a forum posted in Quora , members expressed fear from a possible Maltese German Shepherd mix. And if it worked and the female Maltese carries a large GSD pup, would she survive the birthing process? Perhaps these questions hindered most breeders of today from crossing these two breeds. A GSD has a lot of great characteristics that pet parents would love. When it comes to popular GSD mixed breeds, the following are the most popular ones. Mix them and you get the top two best guard dogs out there. These breeds are energetic, obedient, loyal, and brave. Collies and GSDs are known as herding dogs in the early s so you can expect this cross-breed to be very active especially outdoors. Despite being a large dog, your kids can safely play around Shollies especially those trained ones. This breed is often seen cuddled by Hollywood stars. Combine it with another breed and you can get an equally cute and cuddly pet baby. When it comes to popular Maltese mixed breeds, the following are the most popular ones. Maltese and Poodle Mix Maltipoo Charming, affectionate, and loving — this is how little Maltipoos are often described. Because of its poodle genes, it often comes in brown color and not white. The cute face is the same though and it remains to be a great family pet. Maltese and Shihtzu Malshi Do you want a furball that you can bring anywhere you go? The Malshi would be a great cross-breed to have. It is very small that you can even place it in your bag while doing your window shopping. An active dog, the Malshi is a good company even if you just want to binge-watch over the weekend. Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier Morkie Are you a fan of small and cute dogs? The Morkie is an example of a family dog that you can leave with your child with a peace of mind. This is a friendly, loving, and very active breed too. Final Thoughts on the Maltese German Shepherd Mix Finding information on the Maltese German Shepherd mix is challenging because very few breeders had probably tried it. According to Breeding Business , it is difficult and worrisome to breed dogs of different sizes. There are health concerns involved and increased risk. The strain on the smaller female can be stressful and can even lead to death. If you are into German Shepherds or Maltese, it is best to choose from their popular mixes as these are proven to be healthier and more reliable breeds.

About Labradoodles What is special about Alpen Ridge and why get your puppy here? Alpen Ridge has always been based on a guardian program where the breeding dogs live with families not in kennels or overcrowded situations. This allows them to be the companions they were bred to be and have their life long families. My focus is quality puppies that are reared in a home environment. You become part of the Alpen Ridge Family, not just a customer. Here are some helpful tips to understand what a breeder means when they are using these phrases. The original multi-gen Australian Labradoodle, which is the original Labradoodle, has a foundation stock including 6 different parent breeds. This was a breed that was developed with goals in mind for a low shedding service dog, not a designer dog. The multi-gen Labradoodle has only poodle and lab in its heritage. It does not include the other parent breeds that were originally used by the creators of the breed. These dogs tend to shed their coat since they are more closely related to the Labrador and often have a wire hair or feathered look to them. F2 would be two F1 bred together and there can be quite a variation in coats. These dogs have not had the multiple generations of Labradoodle mated with another Labradoodle nor the addition of Australian Labradoodle foundation stock or multiple parent breeds. They are often developed to bring new bloodlines into the breed and bred into the mulit-gen lines. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Home Welcome to Adelaide Doodles. We are situated in the suburbs of Adelaide, and are lucky enough to enjoy the surrounding beach and hills and beaches on a regular basis. We love our daily walks, games, swimming and other shenanigans. They are intelligent, friendly, cheeky, and outgoing. In general Doodles shed less, and are less prone to genetic diseases than their pure-breed counter parts. Both Jess and Tara are up to date with their vet checks, have been DNA tested for genetic diseases, and have well rounded personalities. Tara AKA Tazza loves human attention and interaction. She is always keen to do anything and everything with her human companions. She loves the water, and can't resist splashing about in everything from puddles, to her water bowl, to the ocean. She is a little clumsy, and doesn't seem to realise how big she actually is. She loves her food, any food, all the food, and her favourite toy is her Kong Wobbler. She loves trying to round up our cat, and keeping an eye on everyone. Off lead time is Jess' favourite, when she can run, follow scents, explore the unknown, and meet new humans. Jess is not very interested in toys, but loves any toy that is smeared with peanut butter, bones, and dried dog chews. We love to spend time with them, in the back yard and beyond. Jess and Tara's health and well being is our number one priority. We keep them mentally stimulated with new sights and sounds, 'enriching' toys such as dog puzzles and Kong dispensers, and consistent positive training. They are regularly exercised, and get a blend of quality kibble, wet food, treats, bones and chews. When looking at homes for pups, we expect buyers to acknowledge the requirements of intelligent active dogs, and plan to provide as good an environment as possible for the pup. That's what being a responsible pet owner is all about. Adelaide Doodles. Australian Labradoodle Breeder - specialising in miniatures and small mediums Family Feedback My precious girl Ruby, had the best start in life, Peter and his family provided a secure and loving home, where she and her litter brothers and sisters were socialised with children, adults and other animals. Being raised in this family environment means Ruby has a great temperament, she is such a happy little dog, I think she was born with a smile on her face. Her mother Tess and auntie Bella are beautiful dogs, together they raised five healthy and adventurous puppies, all have great personalities. Ruby settled into her new family without any issues and quickly found all the best snoozing spots. Being so intelligent she was very easy to toilet train, we attended puppy school then dog training. She requires very little grooming, her coat is non-shedding and does not matt, I brush her once a week and have her clipped about every twelve weeks. Regards Kathy There are no published blog posts yet. We may have another Beachcomber birth towards the end of the year. Please complete an adoption inquiry and we will contact you. Beach Shack Honeymooners. But, unfortunately, there are so many organisations only in it for the money, charging exorbitant prices and neglecting the health and wellbeing of their puppies and dogs. One of the most obvious signs of an unethical breeder is the poor or neglectful treatment of their puppies and breeding dogs. An ethical labradoodle breeder in Australia will; Strive to find the right home for their puppies. Instead, they go above and beyond to make sure they find the perfect home for each puppy. Usually, the search involves asking potential buyers a range of questions about their home and lifestyle, so they can pair families with a puppy that has a temperament right for them. Provide the highest quality care and living conditions. Ethical breeders ensure that both the puppies and breeding dogs have premium quality care, including comprehensive health checks, socialisation, and training. Rehome adult dogs. Once the female is retired, she is de-sexed and either adopted by our internal staff or a loving family. Never separate the puppies early. Puppies Downunder waits until the puppy is ten weeks old before we allow them to join their new family. Meet and exceed all the necessary requirements. We comply with all codes and requirements set by the Domestic Animal Act, actively assist with inspections of our facilities, and have received approval from the Chief Veterinary Officer of Victoria to operate as a Commercial Breeder and the Minister for Agriculture. The breeder should be asking plenty of questions. A puppy is a long-term commitment, so ethical breeders ask plenty of questions to make sure the buyer is the right fit for the puppy. Here are a few examples of questions you can expect to hear; How much space do you have? Will you be home often? How often will you exercise the dog? Do you have kids? Do you have other animals? Where will the puppy sleep? They should encourage you to visit the breeding facility. When looking for Australian labradoodle puppies for sale, you need to make sure the breeder will allow you to inspect the facility and meet the parents. You can also ensure the dogs and puppies are raised in clean, high-quality conditions by visiting the facility. The Puppies Downunder team understands that not everyone can come and visit our facility, so we have plenty of photos of both the breeding facility, puppies, and dogs online. The breeder should try and find out the address the puppy will be living, the details of the new veterinarian, and any other relevant information needed to ensure the puppy is being well looked after. Your breeder should have organised the first two vaccinations, microchipping and worming and parasite prevention, before going home with their new family. At Puppies Downunder, we go above and beyond, providing a complete medical history. We also provide you with information about their individual dietary requirements, socialisation, registration, medications, and required vaccinations. An excellent ethical breeder should be vetting potential buyers to find the right family for that specific puppy. Is the puppy cheeky? How much exercise does the dog need? Unfortunately, a lot of unethical breeders will understate or flat out lie when telling buyers how much exercise their new puppy will need. For example, people looking for a labradoodle for sale in Australia might be told they have a moderate activity level, which is accurate. However, they may be given the same advice for bordoodle, which is wildly inaccurate for this high-energy, restless dog. Can you provide references? The breeder should be able to provide you with references from a veterinarian and previous customers. We offer lifelong support. At Puppies Downunder, we continue to provide support for our customers throughout the lifetime of their puppy. Do they offer a guarantee? At Puppies Downunder, we provide a health guarantee for the first 21 days of sale. Do they provide the essentials to give the puppy the best start to life? Dogs are our passion, and we dedicate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to their care. In fact, we have the highest ethical standards of any dog breeder globally. We absolutely adore mini labradoodles, and we take advantage of any opportunity to share our love of them with others. What Is A Mini Labradoodle? Their beautiful, calm temperament and high intelligence make mini labradoodles ideal candidates for therapy pets and service dogs for individuals with autism, PTSD, diabetes, and other disabilities. How big do they grow? A mini labradoodle will typically grow to cm in height and around kg in weight, so they stay relatively small. From elderly couples to families with small children, the mini labradoodle will fit right in. Do mini labradoodles shed? That all depends on their coat. If a mini labradoodle has a wool coat, the tight curls will catch any dander, fur, and dirt, thereby minimising shedding and reducing allergies. However, wool coats are high-maintenance and require brushing every day. It all depends on the type of coat your mini labradoodle has. Fleece and hair coats are very low maintenance, but wool coats are pretty high-maintenance. They have a pretty moderate level of activity, and they enjoy minutes of exercise per day as well as playtime and mental enrichment. Are there any health concerns we should keep an eye out for? Mini labradoodles are a crossbreed, so they have very diverse genetics making them less likely to develop genetic diseases. They may also develop hip or elbow dysplasia if over-exercised or overfed. Labradoodles have adorable long ears, but this means they are prone to dirty ears and ear infections, do their ears need to be checked regularly. From birth to 8 weeks, puppies benefit from valuable socialisation time with their siblings and mother. However, not crate training your puppy may be doing more harm than good. We suggest introducing your puppy to their crate throughout their first day, enticing them with treats and making sure they associate the space with positivity. Open the crate door throughout the day, so your puppy can retreat to their safe space whenever they feel the need. Make sure your puppy has a separate area to go to the bathroom at night. Puppies Downunder are an ethical mini labradoodle breeder, and we take great pride in our high-quality breeding facilities and our commitment to providing a safe, comfortable home for our dogs. They have incredibly high intelligence and need to be kept mentally stimulated; otherwise, they can become bored, stubborn, and destructive. Dogs with high intelligence love a challenge, and they love working for their food. You can either purchase puzzle or interactive feeders such as snuffle mats or Kong toys, or you can create your own DIY slow feeder bowl. We suggest having a few different puzzles in varying difficulty levels, so your puppy is always mentally stimulated at dinner time. The labrador retriever in your labradoodle will have an instinct to retrieve, and the poodle side will have an instinct to hunt, so try to incorporate these traits into games. Silicone licking mats are a fantastic way to keep your dog entertained. Smear some peanut butter, wet food, or baby food on the mat and pop it into the freezer. Once frozen, get it out and give it to your puppy to lick for a refreshing summer treat. You can buy or make plenty of toys that encourage your puppy to solve a problem before receiving treats as a reward. For example, grab a muffin tray, some treats, and some tennis balls. Put treats in a couple of the openings and block them all with tennis balls. Your dog will need to snuffle and work out which balls have treats underneath. Cut a slot in the bottle and fill it with food or treats, and let your dog bat it around to get the treats out. Dogs who are allowed to sniff and explore on their walk are far more stimulated than dogs that just walk. Dogs are our passion, and we dedicate 24 hours a day, seven days a week to their care. Labradoodle Puppy. Apply for a Puppy Sunset Hills welcomes you! You will find available some of the most beautiful allergy and asthma friendly Australian Labradoodles for sale as family companion pets and breeding stock. Our Family Care Home Program Our breeding centre is dedicated to the development and breeding of the multi-generation Australian Labradoodle. The majority of our breeding dogs live with our carefully selected care homes as their family pets here in South Australia. This is one of the many ways we ensure our puppies come from the best possible sires and dams who have already proven their success living as adored family pets themselves. Temperament and trainability are a very important consideration with our family. You will find in your research of the breed that our breeding stock is some of the best Australian Labradoodles to be found in the world. Assurance of Quality Sunset Hills goal has been and continued on in providing beautiful, well figured, healthy, genetically sound, well rounded, excellent temperament, allergy and asthma friendly dogs to families and breeders throughout Australia and around the world. We have strong confidence about our investment of genetically sound, and healthy lines to the Australian Labradoodle breed and its future health. Thank you for visiting Sunset Hills website. If you have any enquiries, please feel free to contact us at any time. Full Name. Importantly, our dogs and puppies are well-socialised with children, making them "Kid Friendly". Our two children are both very fond of animals and… Read more Health All of our dogs are DNA checked for heritable diseases. We worm regularly. Puppies are not treated for fleas and ticks unless fleas are present. There aren't ticks in our environment. Our dogs predominantly eat premium dry food with the occasional cooked chicken and greek yoghurt, as recommended by our vet. Home environment We are located on a farm at Warramboo on the Eyre Peninsula. Our puppies grow up in a predominantly indoor family environment but we also have loads of space in our outdoor environment for a game of chase or play and tumble. When they are old enough to explore the outdoors, we have a large secure yard full of… Read more Included with our puppies Our extensive puppy pack includes: - Thorough Vet check fit to fly available upon request - 1st Vaccinations - Micro-chipping - Up to date worming - Access to an online training platform upon payment of deposit. It can result in puppies or dogs who collapse after only five to thirty minutes of exercise. There is a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition. Canine Elliptocytosis Genetic Test Canine Elliptocytosis is a rare genetic disease causing the red blood cells to be abnormally elliptical in shape, rather than round. It generally does not cause a clinical problem to affected dogs, but puppies may be mildly anaemic and smaller than others. There is a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this disease. A DNA test is available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition. It is a blood disease resulting in low numbers of very large platelets. Cystinuria Genetic Test This condition mainly affects Newfoundlands although other breeds can be affected. It is a genetic condition which results in the production of kidney and bladder stones. There is a DNA test available to confirm that breeding dogs are not carrying this condition. Degenerative Myelopathy DM Genetic Test This is a disease affecting the spinal cord of older dogs, initially causing wobbliness and eventually hindlimb paralysis. It can affect a wide range of breeds. There is now a DNA test that can indicated if a breeding dog is carrying this disease. It results in the dog collapsing after periods of intense exercise, even if they are normally able to cope with lower levels of exercise. There is a DNA test available which can indicate if a breeding dog is carrying this disease. Elbow Dysplasia Physical Test These breeders have had x-rays taken on their breeding dogs to assess the quality of their elbow joints. It causes very dry and crusty skin around the nose that predisposes to infections. There is a DNA test available to determine whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition. HUU Genetic Test Hyperuricosuria HUU is a genetic disease that causes a build-up of uric acid in the urine, predisposing to painful bladder and kidney stones. It can occur in a range of breeds. There is a DNA test available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this disease. It results in the body rapidly overheating and is sometimes fatal. There is now a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition. MPS Genetic Test Mucopolysaccharidosis is a genetic lysosomal storage disease that can cause various problems including stunted growth and bone deformities. There are a few different variants of this disease that have been identified in different breeds. For many breeds there are DNA tests available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying the condition. Affected puppies are small and lack coordination. Within weeks, the puppies may have difficulty holding their head up or standing and may collapse after exertion. There is a DNA test available to identify whether a breeding dog might be carrying this condition. Narcolepsy Genetic Test Narcolepsy is a genetic disease which causes affected animals to fall asleep suddenly following periods of excitement, such a feeding or play. These dogs might collapse and appear drowsy or might completely fall asleep. They usually grow out of the condition after about one year of age. There is a DNA test available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition. There are a variety of sub-types of PRA, which can occur in various breeds. There are various DNA tests available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition. I am Beck, a Preschool Director and my husband Troy, is a grain and sheep farmer - Glenroy is the name of the family farm. Why we got involved in breeding My first taste of breeding was prior to having children where I bred a litter of Kelpies. Once we had a family we were looking for a small dog for our daughter who was animal mad! I had never heard of a cavoodle before so when researching for a dog i was searching "small dog with Kelpie temperament".As Beck is a teacher she values early education. Included in our puppy package is the Puppy Parent Modules. Connect with us.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Availability of puppies and conditions of sale are at the sole discretion of the individual breeder. You are not obligated to purchase a puppy from the breeders whose names you obtain from GRCA puppy referral. They truly love their golden's and have passion for what they do.Beautiful dogs.We researched breeders in and found BBG to adopt a puppy our 4th golden for our family of five and none of us looked back! We found a breeder with knowledge, support, advice, respect, kindness, compassion, care and incredible love for the dogs! Best decision ever!!! After doing her research, Kerry flew all the way from Washington to PA to add new blood to her line to insure healthy puppies for her offspring and their owners. I selected BBG as a breeder due to Kerry's passion for breeding healthy and happy dogs. With health checks for multiple generations of both the Dame and Sire lines, it was very important to me that I was not supporting a puppy mill or irresponsible breeding industry. I couldn't be happier with my two boys, other than I can hear one of them in my closet as I write this.You will become a member of the BBG family, and it is fantastic. If you want a gorgeous, correct golden with just the right blend of show and field lines that has been given the absolute best start in life, you want a BBG golden. I live on the other side of the country, and I did an absolute TON of research on the lines carried by Golden Retriever breeders from across the country, and I kept circling back to BBG. BBG is truly unique, not just their look and lines, but also the fact that they keep it small, so your puppy will be given daily love, attention, and neurological stimulation with everything from baby slides and toys, to moshing in a fun ball pit! You won't just get daily photos and videos of your special puppy from birth on, but your puppy will also leave their care having been extensively socialized and exposed to just about everything a family dog will experience, because he or she will be born and raised INSIDE their home. My BBG golden is incredibly intelligent, and is everything a Golden should be! Thank you, Kerry and Vicki! Always on hand to answer any questions! BigBendGoldens does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information you find on this website BigBendGoldens , is strictly at your own risk. From our website, you can visit other websites by following hyperlinks to such external sites. While we strive to provide only quality links to useful and ethical websites, we have no control over the content and nature of these sites. These links to other websites do not imply a recommendation for all the content found on these sites. Site owners and content may change without notice and may occur before we have the opportunity to remove a link which may have gone 'bad'. Please be also aware that when you leave our website, other sites may have different privacy policies and terms which are beyond our control. Please be sure to check the Privacy Policies of these sites as well as their "Terms of Service" before engaging in any business or uploading any information. Consent By using our website, you hereby consent to our disclaimer and agree to its terms. Update Should we update, amend or make any changes to this document, those changes will be prominently posted here. Proudly created with Wix. Post not marked as liked4 about us About us Hello Friends! We here at Hoekema Homestead Goldens would be honored to invite you into our hearts and home as you await the arrival of your new fur friend! We take great pride in raising happy, healthy, and beautiful AKC English Cream Golden Retriever puppies and placing them in the perfect home. Golden Retrievers are definitely the perfect family dog as they are widely known for being incredibly intelligent, extremely trainable, devoted, loyal, gentle, eager to please and have an endearing love of life. We are thrilled to be able to have the opportunity to share this amazing breed with you and your family. We strive to provide an enriching environment for all our pups at the correct developmental stages of life to be able to enhance your lives once they are ready to go home with you. Great awareness and special attention have been put into early socialization, and we implement the Early Neurological Stimulation process on all our pups. Always hand raised and handled constantly and consistently by our loving family. This has been a key priority for us that we take great pride in as it shines in their personalities by the time they are ready to enter your home. We will do our very best to make sure the right pup is the perfect match for your family. Our puppies are from beautiful European bloodlines with light coats, stockier build, lower cancer rates and generally live longer than the more common American Golden Retriever. They are from the highest quality parents with strong pedigrees, great genetics, excellent temperaments and vet-approved health clearances. Check out the rest of our website to find all up-to-date information regarding our dogs, current and future litters, available puppies, Lots of gorgeous pictures in our gallery, additional info about us, our Puppy Health Guarantee and more. We at Hoekema Homestead Goldens hope you enjoy browsing our website. We are first and foremost about matching high quality English Cream Golden Retriever puppies with families who are looking for a healthy, happy, and beautiful four-legged companion. Let us know how we can be part of your journey in this process! Want to be in the know? Join our mailing list here. Be the 1st to know and recieve blog updates on current pups and notifications on future litters. Subscribe Now. Fortunately, we have not yet had cancer or debilitating hip dysplasia reported back to us.The lighter colors are a popular trend in recent years and breeders must select for the lighter colors to produce them.Our Goldens have light cream to medium golden colored coats. Our puppies can range from very light to dark cream and sometimes into the medium golden shades as their adult coats grow in. There are no genetically pure white Golden Retrievers, nor should there be as it goes against the breed standard. They were originally bred to be a hunter's companion and yellow.Picking Your Puppy: The best way to pick a puppy is to to get to know it! So we give you all the time you need to make your choice. Here, you may visit the litters anytime by appointment and you actually pick your puppy on the day you take it home which is after the pre-purchase veterinary exam has been done. You should have the exam results before you pick your puppy! And vet's want to see the puppies as close to eight weeks as possible. Also, seven to eight weeks of age is when their personalities are starting to blossom, so you simply don't know what personality you're getting if you pick at a younger age. Male or Female? Generally speaking, males are devoted and loyal. Females are sweet and precocious. These tendencies relate to the breeding behaviors of each gender. Both are wonderful! When you visit us, you will see where and how we raise our puppies and you will get to meet both parents of your puppy. Since then, the breed has covered the globe! Since the lines and standards are different, over many decades the breed developed a bit differently in different parts of the world. The English standard allows for extremes of coat color and is the standard used in Europe, thus some European Goldens have lighter coats, a stockier build and sometimes a calmer demeanor. Some have more drive than others, but all Goldens can be taught to be calm start early! Use caution with anyone who advertises pups bred for coat color as there are dozens more important things to consider when choosing matings. Coat colors generally deepen during the first couple years. A light "cream" puppy can end up a light to medium golden color at years old. The off-white puppies will typically stay lighter as adults. There are no pure white Golden Retrievers, nor should there be as it not allowed in the breed standard. However, our veterinarian told us that these days most Goldens live full lives which is really good news! To help dogs live longer like they used to please discuss with your veterinarian about doing as few vaccinations as possible and doing titer testing to see if boosters are necessary. Also, a partial raw diet like chicken RAW skin, meat and bones may also help your pet live healthier and longer. And, for Golden Retrievers, waiting much longer to spay or neuter or not doing it at all can prevent disease and illness according to recent research. A veterinarian with 40 years of experience told us that tight hips determined by Penn Hip is highly heritable and the main factor in healthy hip joints over the life span of the dog. It's also important for breeders to do OFA hip assessments to know the conformation of the hip joint. Owners also need to manage your dog accordingly to avoid joint injuries.Moderation is key during the first two years of growth. Please note: There are various types of health testing available and sometimes a dog's results will vary between tests. And, a dog with an audible heart murmur can pass an echocardiogram test and have a heart with normal structure and flow and be cleared for breeding by the veterinarians. A dog with certain findings on an eye exam can be given a "BO" breeder option designation. Suffice to say, not all anomalies are heritable and ultimately "the proof is in the progeny". If any dog passes along abnormalities such as cardiac, renal or other defects , then it should not continue to be bred. The important thing is for the breeder to know what they have, cull when necessary, and to continually strive to make it all better with each generation. According to the vets, the good news is that nowadays most dogs live long, healthy lives. And we can not emphasize enough about mothering skills, reproductive efficiency, lactation and the weaning process. We let the dams naturally wean their puppies and stay with their litters even beyond eight weeks. Puppies from attentive and caring dams that are weaned gradually and naturally by their dams not abruptly at 6 weeks seem so well adjusted and that carries over to their interaction with humans! Think about it.She teaches the pups "No! This is not to say that the dam does the breeder's job of socializing, but the dam play's a crucial role as the puppy's first teacher.This makes our job of initially teaching the puppy what humans expect of it so much easier and most importantly less confusing and stressful for the pup!!! Just let us know if you would like to do this testing with your puppy and we'll do it together! It requires that a puppy be at least seven weeks old and does not know the tester. It's just a wink in time, but it can give you a clue as to your puppy's future tendencies. Through our years of experience, we find that at just eight weeks of age Golden puppies consistently either tend more toward a people-pleasing disposition.Many more personality traits will blossom in your puppy even after eight weeks and how you raise your puppy will teach it how to act for the rest of its life. Helpful hint: Start as soon as you get that pup in your possession and remain consistent. The more you yourself teach it, the deeper your pup will bond with you. Laura has also bred poultry, rabbit and fish since starting farming. After acquiring our first breeding Goldens, we now typically retain the best females from our own litters as breeding prospects. We own our studs who we obtain from other breeders we know who work constantly to improve the AKC Golden Retrievers from European lineages. Our Program Personality We understand that each English Cream Golden Retriever puppy has their own unique personality and temperament traits, including assertiveness, motivation, energy level, tenderheartedness, intensity, and focus. Our observation of their socialization and interaction with humans and other animals such as cats, provides important indicators for your puppy's needs and lifestyle. Family Looking for a lifelong companion for your children? Our English Cream Golden Retriever puppies are loving, happy, and easygoing playmates, who not only create great memories but also promote emotional and physical development. From building self-esteem to developing empathy and responsibility, our companion puppies have many positive impacts on children. Socialization At Golden Beaches, we believe in providing our puppies with the essential socialization necessary to become lifelong companions. Our multi-pet household allows our puppies to have early exposure to cats, which promotes respect and understanding for other animals and children. This socialization also benefits cats by overcoming fears and promoting positive behavior. Many of our clients with multi-pet households have found this approach beneficial, and some have even added a kitten to their family after starting out with one of our puppies. Nutrition At Golden Beaches, we prioritize the health and well-being of our Golden Retrievers by providing them with premium, holistically formulated dog food from puppyhood to adulthood. Our food has never been recalled and is packed with nutrients and protein, ensuring that our dogs have shiny coats, bright eyes, and long-term benefits. We believe that good nutrition is key to keeping our dogs healthy and happy, so we take the time to ensure that they receive the best possible care, socialization, and early training. Adventure Experience the great outdoors with your athletic, water-loving Golden Retriever. Our playful companions are the perfect adventure buddies for hiking, swimming, and exploring nature. With our Goldens, you'll make unforgettable memories while staying active and healthy. Join us on our journey and let us help you embrace the beauty of nature with your beloved furry friend. Confidence At Golden Beaches, we prioritize the early development of our puppies by exposing them to different sights, smells, and sounds. We even play various genres of music and sounds to help them adapt to new environments. Our approach includes using evaluation methods like the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test, as well as introducing them to different activities and tests. Through these efforts, we gain a better understanding of your pup's unique level of confidence, ensuring they will be comfortable in any situation.