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Intestinal cancer Bacterial overgrowth If you feel that your dog may be suffering from something, do not hesitate to take them to the vet as soon as you can. If your dog is experiencing some kind of changes in his life, it can lead to changes in his appetite such as moving to a new place or even something small like changing where they eat, when they eat, or the bowl they eat in. All of that could make your dog stressed and will make them hungrier than usual but after adjusting to new changes they will come back to normal. How to handle a hungry Golden Retriever? First of all, you need to take them to the vet to make sure that they are not hungry because of a medical condition such as thyroid issues or diabetes. If they are physically fine and the real issue is just the hunger then you need to consult your vet on their actual dietary needs per day. Then you can make a schedule for them and just stick to it and only give them treats when they earn it by doing a good job. You can try one of the special bowls that have pillars in them to slow the gobbling. However, if your golden retriever is around six months old, then the problem is more likely to be with their meal and you should consider the switch to the adult dog food at this age. If you know someone who is struggling with their dog because they are always hungry, please share this article with them, it might be a helpful resource for them and I will appreciate it tons. Related Questions Why do golden retrievers eat everything? Your golden retriever could be stressed, they did not eat enough, they may be suffering from separation anxiety, or they are not getting the right nutrients in their diet, it might be one or a few of these reasons, however, you will need to train them not to eat everything they crave. Why is my dog hungry all of a sudden? Your dog could be suffering from polyphagia, which can be a result of abnormalities in the area of the brain that controls hunger, and it can be caused by a tumor, diabetes mellitus, stress, pancreatic insufficiency, trauma, parasitism, infections, and hyperadrenocorticism. Why is my senior dog always hungry? If you liked the article, you can share it using the share and pin buttons at the end of the post. If you click on a link and choose to make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no cost to you. As a Golden Retriever owner, you may have noticed that your dog always seems hungry. Then, shortly, as in seconds, after eating, he goes off searching for more food. It seems no matter how much food your Golden gets, he will never turn down more. Your perpetual food-obsessed Golden Retriever may have you wondering; why are Golden Retrievers always so hungry? However, at this time, the exact cause of why Golden Retrievers are always so hungry is unknown. However, it is rare to find a Golden Retriever who is a picky eater or too skinny or underweight. No, quite the opposite. Most Golden Retrievers will quite literally eat everything and anything put in front of them. Instead, there appears to be an interplay of both genetics and environmental factors. Is There a Biological Reason? Maybe not. Researchers recently found that a gene variant in Labrador Retrievers may be at the root of why retrievers are always so hungry. The findings were published in the journal Cell Metabolism. Researchers in the UK recruited adult Labrador Retrievers to participate in the study. All the labs recruited were healthy, although they ranged from overweight to not. The researchers collected samples of drool from a selection of 33 dogs. Next, scientists sequenced the DNA for candidate genes related to obesity from the samples collected. Researchers found that one gene variant called pro-opiomelanocortin or POMC was present in about 23 percent of the Labrador Retrievers. In addition, POMC variants have shown a past relationship in other studies between appetite and satiety or feeling full. The consequence is that the more variants a dog had, the more food motivated it was. We, therefore, hypothesize that dogs carrying the POMC deletion may be more likely to be selected as assistance dogs. The St. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the breed was exported to England. However, obesity has not previously been studied in this breed. Well, not necessarily. As noted, researchers theorized that Labrador Retrievers might make good therapy and service dogs because of POMC mutation. The mutation makes Labs more food motivated and reward-based, and combined with a good temperament; it meant they were excellent candidates for training service dogs. Makes sense. But that is equally true of Golden Retrievers. Golden Retrievers also make excellent service dogs, are food motivated, and are highly trainable. And yes, Golden Retrievers are very much prone to obesity. It seems that both the Lab and Golden Retriever genetic cousins are food motivated, prone to weight gain, and make good therapy dogs. Then there is the issue of the FCR. As noted previously, the Flat Coat Retriever, a cousin of both the Lab and Golden, actually possesses more gene deletions than the Lab but is less prone to obesity. So why does this breed not have the same level of obesity while possessing similar food motivation? For food-driven dogs without the POMC mutation like the Golden Retriever , there may very well be other genes involved in hunger and food drive that have not yet been identified. It also seems very reasonable that other environmental factors are in play. Like many genetic traits, these environmental factors may impact if, and how much, a genetic trait expresses itself and to what degree. What About Evolution? Some experts surmise that dogs have evolved a specific set of genetic traits passed down from their wolf ancestors. That friendly wolves hung around humans and then evolved genetically and hormonally to exploit an evolutionary advantage to obtain food. When the human ancestors provided the friendly wolves with food, it was gobbled up before any other wolf could get to it. Scarcity of food and feast and famine are common amongst wolves. As a result, they may not eat every day or for long periods. The reasoning was these feast-driven traits were passed down to dogs. Equally perplexing is why these ancestral traits show themselves more in some dog breeds than others. Or what fast eating has to do with always being hungry. Factors that drive behavior cannot usually just be explained by a genetic or biological cause alone. That is because living things do not live in a vacuum but rather in a complex environment with an interplay of many factors and influences. When it comes to dogs, the environment must play a part, as no other living being has been assimilated into the human environment as much as the dog. Dogs live with us, eat with us, and sleep with us. Dogs accompany us on vacation, to the market, and pretty much go wherever we go. Dog-Owner Relationships Dogs affect how we interact and behave with them, and we, in turn, affect their behaviors as well. We have a relationship with our Golden Retrievers, and just like human families, food is often a big part of that relationship. For example, a Golden Retriever puppy may not show an overly extreme high food drive until an owner feeds him from the table on occasion. Golden Retrievers quickly learn that food often drops from the counter during food preparation. So they become adept at scouring the floor, the countertops, and tables or waiting underfoot for food morsels to fall from the heavens. So, what could easily be seen as always being hungry is simply a response to the opportunity we provide. Similarly, suppose a Golden Retriever has access to tasty human food, which most do. After all, if it smells and tastes good to us humans, it will taste good to a Golden Retriever as well, maybe even better. Just like some families show love with food, we do as well with our canine children. Golden Retrievers understand that we control the food, that our food is delicious, and consequently, they have learned how to get it from us. We Teach Them Golden Retrievers are also highly intelligent and easy to train. After all, a Golden Retriever will rapidly learn that a specific behavior means a food reward, which in turn may contribute to and reinforce their food-obsessed behavior as well. As a result, the dog gets a reward in both tasty foods and for pleasing us. Suppose parents were to give their children high-value foods to reward behavior such as doing homework and chores. Not to mention that such high-value foods taste good, and those high-value foods may also trigger the expression of a food-driven genetic trait. Humans use food to alleviate boredom, stress, and anxiety. We may need to consider that we teach our Goldens to do this to some degree also, especially considering how tuned in they are with our emotions. Final Thoughts It would be nice to ask our Golden Retriever why they are so hungry all the time. And while science does offer some interesting theories, including the role of POMC, it does not give us a definite cause. So, more research is needed, and hopefully, this future research will shed light on the why. And the reality is we may never know for sure why Golden Retrievers are always so hungry and food-obsessed. Read the full disclosure here. Being a large and energetic dog, your golden retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a golden retriever feeding chart. Knowing how much to feed your golden retriever is always tricky but essential for their well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your goldie. Most first-time owners think their puppies should be chubby. In truth, golden retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food. To encourage proper growth and development without making your pup obese, you will have to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. For example, cheaper foods use fillers and have a smaller amount of calories, thus you will have to feed more than you would when using premium large breed puppy foods. Final Thoughts Why are golden retrievers always hungry? Do you want to know some of these common reasons that you must know in this regard? The very first reason why your golden retriever behaves like he is hungry because he needs more food. Commonly, a sedentary golden retriever needs between and 1, calories per day. However, for an active retriever, the range must be between 1, and 1, calories per day. Are they going through a super active stack of puppyhood? Tank into account that stage your dog is at in life and how active your dog is. Are you sure your golden retriever is getting enough food per day or not? Discuss it with your vet to get help in this regard. In some cases, you might be offering plenty of food to your golden retriever, but still, it is hungry. With the health problems golden retrievers are prone too we wanted to make sure we are putting in the freshest and most nutritious food we can. He is suffering from any illness. Another common cause why your golden retriever is always hungry can be that your dog is ill. If your dog has started behaving like this suddenly, then this would be the reason more likely. So, notice if your dog is showing any other sign of illness as well. If it seems ill, then it is always recommended to take it to the vet as soon as possible for a better diagnosis. Your golden retriever is suffering from separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is another common cause why your golden retriever has started to behave; he is always hungry. In such a case avoiding your golden retriever alone for an extended period of time may help you. Even if you need to do so, then make sure to check up periodically whenever possible. Even more, you can also make your golden retriever train to be less anxious when you are not around by following the tips below: Reward it for not being anxious when you are back and repeat it multiple times. Make your golden retriever feel like you will leave by doing actions like picking up your keys. Or open up the door and go outside for some time and come back. Repeat it by staying outside for a bit longer period of time. He is bored or stressed Your golden retriever might be bored, and it tries to stimulate itself by doing things just like eating things that it should be. This dog breed is meant to get exercise daily. So it could be your dog is your food to get attention because they are bored. Stress is another common reason why golden retriever behave like they are hungry all the time. If your golden retriever has started to eat more than it should, then make sure to notice the things that can cause your dog to be stressed. Golden retrievers are opportunists naturally. It is likely for golden retrievers to be an opportunist. If your golden retriever tends to eat more food when you are not looking while preparing their food. It will be unusual only if it has started doing so suddenly or you have found anything wrong. Then it would be better to try to catch the root of this behavior as quickly as possible. Undoubtedly, golden retrievers are loving family dogs and highly energetic. It is highly important to keep them healthy and happy all the time. Rather it is the source of food. Therefore, it is highly important to ensure that the product is balanced and complete. It means the dog food must be tested for its offered nutrients essential for your golden retriever to be healthy. Golden retrievers are more obesity-prone. So, if he is demanding more food or give you feed me more tantrums, then make sure to develop a proper workout routine for him. It is recommended to let them do one hour of exercise regularly. Giving your golden retriever some distractions is important as well. Use puzzles, toys, and bones to keep him busy. Final Thoughts When my golden retriever was a puppy he went through a stage where is was starving eating up to 4 cups a day! We now realize he was just going through a growth spurt. Now he still loves food and will certainly ask for anything we are eating but he just the normal golden obsessed with food. Working with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist can also help address the underlying issue and develop the right plan. A low-quality or imbalanced diet can also lead to nutritional deficiencies. Feed your golden retriever a well-balanced diet that meets their specific dietary needs. Always look at the ingredients before buying dog food and ensure they are high-quality. Consulting a veterinarian or a canine nutritionist can help you select the proper diet for your dog. The Aging Process Is your older dog suddenly hungry all the time? As dogs age, they may not be as physically active as they used to be, which can lead to obesity. In fact, a study suggests that triglycerides a type of fat were higher in older dogs. However, some senior dogs may still exhibit an increased appetite due to reduced nutrient absorption or underlying health conditions. Other aging symptoms include increased thirst, lethargy, coughing, and smelly breath. Regular veterinary check-ups and adjusting the diet to meet the specific needs of senior dogs are a must. Medication Reaction As we discussed above, one of the side effects of certain medications is increased appetite. For example, corticosteroids anti-inflammatory , anti-seizure drugs, glucocorticoid hormones type of steroid , benzodiazepines treatment of anxiety and behavioral disorders , progestins, and antihistamines for allergies can lead to excessive hunger. They may change their medication if necessary or share useful tips with you to control their hunger. Natural Opportunists Golden retrievers are natural scavengers and opportunistic eaters, which means they may constantly search for food, even when they are not truly hungry. No wonder they are called retrievers. Their instincts can influence this behavior and may seem like an insatiable appetite to you. However, you can talk to your vet about this behavior, and they will help you address it efficiently. It could mean that she is pregnant, which can be confirmed with an ultrasound or a pregnancy test to measure her hormone levels. Due to pregnancy, she may experience an increased appetite as her body requires more energy to support the developing puppies. Research says that you should expect a gradual increase in caloric intake and body weight as the pregnancy progresses. Even lactating dogs may eat a lot to meet their high-energy needs and may return to normal when their puppies are completely weaned, which is also when puppies can leave their mother. It is essential to avoid overfeeding your dog because it can have negative consequences on their health and well-being. Following are some reasons why it is bad for your dog to overeat. Obesity Why is my overweight dog always hungry? If your dog has been overeating for quite some time now, they may have developed a habit of eating more. In addition, petMD says that overfeeding can lead to obesity and reduce the production of a hormone leptin that controls hunger. This way, your overweight dog may always be hungry. Obesity can adversely impact the health and longevity of your golden retriever and lead to diabetes, orthopedic disease, cardiorespiratory disease, urinary disorders, reproductive disorders, mammary tumors, and dermatological diseases. Digestive Issues When dogs overeat, their digestive system may struggle to handle excess food, and its efficiency also declines. This causes digestive upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Rapid or excessive eating can also increase the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus GDV , a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists and requires immediate veterinary attention. Pancreatitis Dogs that eat a lot of fatty food in one sitting and those with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, an organ responsible for producing digestive enzymes. Pancreatitis triggers the release of these enzymes as soon as they are released in the body, leading to inflammation and severe abdominal pain. Pancreatitis requires prompt veterinary care and can be life-threatening if left untreated. Nutritional Imbalances Dogs require a balanced diet to meet their dietary needs. When dogs overeat, they may consume excessive amounts of food without getting a balanced variety of nutrients. Overeating can result in limited food variety and poor nutrient absorption, contributing to nutritional imbalances and malnutrition in dogs. You can also follow your golden retriever feeding chart approved by your vet to avoid overfeeding and their well-being. Look out for the following hunger signs exhibited by your dog. This behavior is often accompanied by intense staring, drooling, or nudging to get your attention. Dogs have a very strong sense of smell, and the aroma of food can make them eager for additional nourishment. Finishing Food Quickly If your golden retriever rushes to finish their meal quickly, it suggests they expect to be fed more by you. They may gulp down their food without taking breaks and chewing correctly or eating frantically, hoping for more food. Intense and Keen Look Golden retrievers are known for their strong bond with their owners. The intense gaze and focused attention they give you after finishing their meal suggest they are trying to communicate their hunger and hope for an extra serving You may also find your dog always hungry and panting near food, which is common in dogs to tell you they are hungry. Increased Vocalization or Whining When golden retrievers are hungry or unsatisfied with their food, they may increase their vocalizations to get your attention. They may start whining, whimpering, or barking more frequently than usual. This can include rummaging through trash cans, searching for food on countertops, or attempting to steal food from other pets if you have more in your household. They will also ask how your dog has been behaving lately or what concerns you the most. They will try to diagnose any underlying disease that may be causing their increased appetite by starting with the least-invasive procedures. They should show up any abnormalities in their health that may signal an underlying disease. Endoscopy allows direct visualization of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines and can help detect abnormalities such as inflammation, ulcers, or tumors. Biopsies can also be obtained during endoscopy for further analysis. The treatment approach for increased appetite in dogs depends on the underlying cause identified by a veterinarian. If the increased appetite results from medication, it may be a temporary side effect that diminishes over time without having to discontinue it. If insatiable appetite is due to learned behavior, your vet may recommend behavioral therapy to help your dog better cope with habitual eating patterns. If your golden retriever wants to eat constantly due to stress or anxiety, your vet will diagnose the cause of stress or anxiety and help eliminate it. If a serious underlying disease is present, it must be addressed to effectively resolve the appetite problem related to it. For instance, diabetes may require insulin injections and adjustments to their diet. Parasitic infections can be treated with antibiotics. Cancer may need to be treated through a procedure deemed most effective by your vet, like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Here are also some effective ways for you to better deal with your constantly hungry golden retriever. You should completely ignore them when they show begging behavior, but ensure you never scold or be rude to them. Alternatively, you can provide them with a safe chew toy or just a few frozen fruit treats. If they behave well, you should reward them with praise, hugs, and some treats. Fiber is also ideal for maintaining a healthy weight and improving digestion. Vegetables like carrots, green beans, and pumpkin and fruits like strawberries, apples, and mangoes are good sources of fiber that can be added to their meals or used as healthy snacks. Remember not to give your golden retriever too much fiber, which may cause digestive issues. Feed Smaller, More Frequent Meals Instead of providing one or two large meals, consider feeding your dog multiple small meals throughout the day. Instead of always offering treats, engage them in activities like going for a car ride or a walk. Moreover, it is also an excellent opportunity to work on training exercises. You can help reduce their cravings while spending quality time together by providing mental and physical stimulation. Additionally, exercise is beneficial for dogs that tend to overeat. Feeding them the right amount will help prevent excessive hunger and maintain their health. Engaging your dog in physical activities such as walks, playtime, or interactive games helps distract them from their constant hunger and provides mental and physical stimulation. Physical activities can help curb their cravings out of boredom and promote overall well-being. For example, a safe puzzle toy or a vet-recommended slow-feeder bowl can prolong mealtime and satisfy them. These devices encourage slower eating and prevent gulping down food too quickly, which can contribute to a sense of constant hunger. Additionally, feeding meals in a quiet and calm environment can help minimize distractions and allow your dog to focus on their food. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Are golden retrievers prone to overeating? Golden retrievers love food, but not all of them tend to overeat. How many times should a golden retriever eat? Golden retrievers should typically eat at least twice a day, divided into morning and evening feedings. However, the specific feeding frequency and portion size may vary based on age, size, health condition, and activity level. Consulting with a vet can provide personalized recommendations for your dog. Their positive behavior should always be rewarded with praise and a few treats. Post navigation.

This comes at no extra cost to you. At three months of age, Golden Retriever puppies get a little more confident, mischievous, and, of course, bigger! As a puppy parent, you might have lots of questions about your three-month-old Golden. Is this normal? Am I handling this the right way? Should I be doing something differently? At three months old, a puppy is feeling more settled in their new home. They are experts at identifying patterns and routines, and are understanding how things work around the house. You may notice increased confidence and curiosity around the house, as exploration can be fun for sixteen-week-old Golden Retrievers. This confidence boost may also come with more antics, like shredding the toilet paper in the bathroom and pulling down your nice throw pillows to wrestle with. You might observe that your three-month-old puppy has more energy than they did last month, as well. At this age, they also have better control of their bodies and are more coordinated, as opposed to when they were a two-month-old puppy. You may notice that they are running faster, jumping higher, and tackling obstacles like stairs. At three months old, a pup is still in the critical socialization window. What your puppy learns and experiences between three and sixteen weeks of age helps set a precedent for the rest of their life. Providing them with positive educational experiences with the sights, sounds, and experiences they will encounter as an adult dog is extremely important during this time. Avoid scary and stressful experiences with a three-month-old Golden Retriever puppy , as those can leave lasting negative associations resulting in a fearful or anxious dog. Remember that a pup at this age is still so young and needs lots of patient guidance as they grow into their adult self. Three-Month-Old Golden Retriever Puppy Size Most three-month-old Goldens will weigh between 15 and 35 pounds, but each puppy is a unique individual so there could be some that fall outside that range. Female puppies tend to be smaller than males, but there are exceptions to that rule. They will be growing a lot this month, so you may notice those legs getting longer by the day! Their cute little snout may also get a little longer as they develop. Golden Retrievers can have a variety of builds and sizes, so your vet can help you make sure that your puppy is at an appropriate weight if you have any concerns. With all that growing comes the need for a lot of sleep. Sixteen-week-old Golden Retrievers need about 18 hours of sleep a day. As much as possible, let your puppy sleep as much as they choose. At this age, they may not always be the best at settling themselves down for a nap even though they really need rest. Sometimes puppies can get overly tired and become super wild and bitey — puppy tornado mode! This is when your puppy needs you to step in and help them get the sleep they need. Utilizing a crate or pen is super helpful for this as it limits their options and promotes settling in for a nap. Set up the crate or pen so it has a comfy place for them to snooze. You can also offer them something like a bully stick or a stuffed kong to work on while they drift off to sleep. Many three-month-old puppies do well when the crate is covered, which cuts down on visual stimulation. You can also drape an old bed sheet over the panels of a pen to give the same effect. If your puppy struggles to settle, you can sit near their crate or pen, as your presence is a comfort to them. If you notice your pup curling up for a nap, you can pick them up and put them in their pen or crate. Behavior issues like excessive chewing , biting , barking and just general hyperactivity can come from lack of sleep. Ensuring that your puppy gets enough uninterrupted sleep is very important for their physical, mental, and behavioral wellbeing. If you got your puppy when they were two months of age, you may now notice that your three-month-old Golden seems to have more energy. With all that puppy energy, you might think that you need to wear your puppy out with exercise. While puppies certainly do need exercise, be careful not to overdo it. Exercise should be guided by the puppy. That means letting them set the pace and duration of exercise. Three-month-old Golden Retrievers do not yet have the physical and mental stamina for structured exercise like long leashed walks. Instead, short, easygoing walks are great at this stage. Think of walks more as adventures! Instead of trying to walk a certain route or distance, set an amount of time for the walk. Ten to twenty minutes is probably sufficient at this age. Free play is also a great outlet for exercise for three-month-old Golden Retrievers. Indoor playtime with toys is also a fun way for active pups to burn some of that puppy energy. Avoid long games of fetch, as the repetitive nature of the game can be hard on their growing bodies. Finally, getting your puppy out in nature is a great way to get them some exercise while also providing lots of mental stimulation. Historically, Golden Retrievers were bred to spend a lot of time outdoors in the fields with their owners. Our modern-day Goldens still absolutely adore getting outside in nature, and puppies are no exception. I recommend putting your puppy on a well-fitting, non-restrictive harness , and a fifteen or twenty feet biothane long line. This longer leash allows your puppy to explore more freely and makes pulling the leash less likely. Keep these outings short, and let your puppy take breaks as needed. It sounds a bit silly, but it can be easy to forget that a puppy is not a human! Keeping this in mind helps you stay patient as you teach your new best friend the ways of the world. One of the most important things for a puppy to learn is how to be alone. Even if you work from home, you have to run errands, hang out with friends and family, and go to doctor appointments. Using a crate or pen, or gating off a small space, is invaluable, as leaving a three-month-old Golden Retriever loose in your house would likely be a disaster! This e-book walks you through all the steps to teach your puppy how to be comfortable with confinement and being left home alone. Potty training will also be an ongoing process, so keep at it with your puppy this month. Just a few minutes every day is enough to start building some great skills with your puppy. You may also notice that some days your puppy has more energy, and on other days they are more relaxed. With their growing bodies comes a bigger appetite! Most three-month-old Golden Retrievers eat about two cups of food a day, split over three meals. As always, each puppy is a unique individual and so some puppies may eat more or less than that amount each day. Some days your puppy may eat all their food, and some days they may leave a little in the bowl, though Goldens are known to be chowhounds so your puppy might scarf down each and every meal. It can be really fun for both you and your puppy to feed meals in more creative ways. There are lots of toys available that make mealtime more mentally and physically enriching. You have to feed your puppy, so why not burn some puppy energy in the process! Here are some favorites:. At what age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? As larger dogs, Golden Retrievers can take up to two years to reach their full weight. Most Golden Retrievers will be close to their adult height and weight around a year of age but may need one more year to fill out their chest fully. A six-month-old male Golden Retriever will weigh between 35 to 45 pounds, while their female counterpart will weigh around 30 to 35 pounds at the same age. As for their height, most Golden Retrievers will still need another three to six months to reach their adult height. At this age, they will likely be a few inches away from their adult height, which ranges from .Pro Tip: Check out this ultimate pet parent guide with 39 dog care tips on bonding with your pet, puppy-proofing your home, training, microchips, and more! How much bigger will my Golden Retriever get? There are a few ways you can estimate how much bigger your Golden Retriever will get. If they are less than a year old, they still need more time to reach their full adult size. Many Golden Retrievers can take up to two years to completely fill out, though their weight at one year old is usually close to their full adult weight. A puppy is rarely larger than their bigger parent, so this will also give you a general idea of their maximum weight. If their paws still look large or oversized next to their body and legs, they are probably still filling out and have some growing left to do, as this is a classic sign of adolescence in canines. What is the size of a full-grown Golden Retriever? As adults, Golden Retrievers will appear overall symmetrical and have a powerful body hidden beneath beautiful, golden fur. Golden Retrievers are stunning, sunny dogs that easily steal our hearts. Unfortunately, as a purebred dog breed, they are more susceptible to genetic diseases, which can compromise their lifespan and quality of life. However, many genetic disorders can be treated or prevented with regular veterinary care. Remember that prevention is almost always easier and less expensive than treatment. Your veterinarian may recommend a large-breed growth food to your Golden Retriever puppy to support their growth rate which can help prevent or decrease the severity of hip dysplasia in adulthood. According to the Veterinary Centers of America , Golden Retrievers are also more prone to gaining excess weight. Golden Retrievers are also susceptible to various genetic health disorders, such as oral tumors and aortic stenosis. Aortic stenosis is most commonly found in large, purebred dogs, including Golden Retrievers, and occurs when the aortic valves to the heart narrow. Aortic stenosis causes the body to struggle to pump blood through the valve, creating additional stress on the body. If untreated, aortic stenosis can lead to muscle failure and even fatality. However, veterinarians can treat many genetic diseases like aortic stenosis and oral tumors through surgery and medication. Even with proper prevention and wellness care, necessary veterinary visits can be expensive, with many treatments costing thousands of dollars. Out of over 20, pet parents surveyed , only .The last thing you should be focused on when the worst happens is how to finance a needed surgery or treatment for your beloved pet. This is where pet insurance comes in. Just like people, dogs are living longer lives and will need additional veterinary care to maintain a happy quality of life. Let pet insurance help you with these costs should the worst happen to your dog. Wellness plans are also available as an add-on to help with the ongoing costs of regular veterinary care , like x-rays and exams. Act now and give yourself peace of mind knowing that your Golden Retriever is covered should anything happen. Compare top Golden Retriever pet insurance plans side-by-side with Pawlicy Advisor today! Key Takeaways On average, male Golden Retrievers weigh pounds and females weigh pounds. At full height, Goldens stand between .Although puppies groww extremely fast, the Golden Retriever breed can take as long as 2 years to reach full maturity. Owners should keep an eye on their Golden Retriever's diet because they are very prone to obesity. Pet insurance helps cover the cost of care necessary to give your Goldie a happy, healthy life. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. The first vaccination for your Golden takes place between 6 to 8 weeks. Since everything is new to your pup, he might be timid and get easily scared. Golden puppies just left their source of security and are away from their littermates and mother for the first time. Bring your pup out to relieve him after every meal. Divide it into four small meals throughout the day. This is also the recommended age to start training. Housebreaking is especially important to avoid bad habits from developing. If you want him to be friendly to all, socialization at this age is also essential. This will help him grow familiar with strange sights, smells, and sounds. For the diet, stick to feeding him four small meals a day with the same amount mentioned for 7-week Goldens. After the vaccines, keep your Golden pup away from other pets for at least two weeks. Golden Retriever at 3 months This allows them to have full immunity, especially against the fatal parvovirus. They are becoming more curious, and you might have a problem with biting. Stay calm and teach him gently but firmly that he is not allowed to chew on you or anything else, except his chew toy. You can also acclimate him to grooming. Get him used to being combed and his paws handled. Introduce him to the blowdryer and praise him when he stays calm. You can start to be more serious about training. Spread 2 cups of kibble over the day, and cut one meal out by the end of the week. He should also be picking up basic commands. If your pup is quick to learn, kick it up a notch by teaching him a few tricks. Golden Retriever at 5 months Offer some chew toys that you can cool in the fridge to alleviate him discomfort. You may also start exercising him for 20 minutes a day, as this is the stage where he should show excitement for the outdoors. Swimming, fetch, and walking are great to start things off. Some Goldens are potty-trained around the 4-month mark, although accidents might still occur. He will have the body of an adult, but the legs and tail of a puppy. Golden Retriever at 6 months Also, his nose and ears will grow faster, so you end up with a goofy-looking pup. You need to be careful with him for the next six months because this is when they are most vulnerable to developing hip dysplasia. Avoid long walks, going down the stairs, and stopping suddenly while running. The pressure from those activities might cause joints to deform. Your Golden may also start to display signs of sexual maturity in the next few months, if not neutered or spayed. Some of them never grow out of it and will stay young at heart into their old age. To be sure he is free from hip dysplasia, have him checked by the vet when he is two years old. When do Golden Retrievers stop growing? Golden Retrievers grow the fastest between 3 to 6 months of age. Around the six-month mark, their growth starts to taper off. This will prevent him from reaching his full potential. If left untreated, it can cause lasting damage to their bones, muscles, immune system, skin, and digestive system. Being ill for an extended period might also affect his development. Your puppy may be stunted due to malnutrition. Dangers of stunted or accelerated growth Some people prefer bigger Goldens, but some like them small, like Mini Golden Retrievers. This might lead to under or over-feeding, neither of which is ideal. Accelerated growth can cause hip or elbow dysplasia. It can also be responsible for bone disease and arthritis. Stunted Golden puppies, whether by illness or under-feeding, are generally weaker, and make them susceptible to falling sick. What is the best age to spay or neuter your pup? You can spay Golden Retriever puppies as early as 8 weeks old, but any time before they reach sexual maturity is preferred, which is around one year old. This will prevent undesirable behaviors such as marking, territorial behavior, or a fixation with toys. All of which are hard to correct when they manifest. For breeds that are predisposed to hip dysplasia, vets recommend spaying around the 6-month mark. Will neutering or spaying your Golden pup affect his or her growth? Yes, fixing a Golden before they reach sexual maturity generally causes your dog to grow bigger. This is because sex hormones suppress growth hormones. Without growth inhibition, your Golden will continue to grow. Aside from joint problems, there are also a few issues connected to spaying or neutering. They can become more prone to some forms of cancer. Some dogs also experience a change in behavior after the operation. The lack of estrogen can make female dogs more aggressive. Male dogs may also experience an increase in fearfulness. Sexual maturity usually occurs in Golden around 8 to 12 months. This gives you ample time to decide whether to sterilize or not. How heavy is a newborn Golden Retriever puppy? But, puppies as small as 10 oz at birth have been recorded. They usually leave their mom at 10 lbs. Also, bigger litters generally have smaller puppies, but they should all catch up by their 8th week. How to identify an overweight Golden Retriever? Use your eyes and hands to assess if your Golden is overweight or not. A survey in showed that .While it might look cute or funny, overweight dogs actually have shorter lifespans. Being excessively chubby shaves off two years and causes health issues. Do Golden Retriever types have different growth rates? Show dogs are often heavier than working dogs. Aside from other factors we mentioned, a nutritious diet and an active lifestyle will help keep your Golden healthy and happy. Remember, their final size will vary from one another, depending on variation and pedigree. Raising a puppy to adulthood is a great way to help build a deep, life-long bond with your dog. Tracking the growth of your Golden Retriever from puppyhood to young adult is a hallmark responsibility of a good dog owner. Keeping track of the growth of your puppy will help you to make sure that your puppy is growing as he or she should. Remember that every puppy is a unique individual, however, there are standards you will want to follow to ensure your puppy gets the best start in his or her life with you. And beyond that, there are working-class dog lines and show dog lines, which also impact the typical appearance and weight of the individual dog. Regardless of which you have, this guide can be used for all of them. Just keep in mind the following: American Golden Retrievers tend to have a leaner appearance than British Golden Retrievers and tend to weigh slightly less as well. Conversely, British Golden Retrievers tend to be stockier and more muscular than American Golden Retrievers and tend to weigh towards the upper end of the weight range as well. Canadian Golden Retrievers tend to be taller than both American and British Golden Retrievers, but with shorter, less feathery coats. Throughout each of the development stages, careful and appropriate handling will help them to grow into healthy, confident adult dogs. But even before your puppy is born, you can begin tracking information. That alone will give you a general approximation of what to expect when your puppy is an adult, as well as the initial health of your puppy. When born, a Golden Retriever puppy usually weighs between 14 to 16 ounces. While eight puppies in a litter are average, typical litters range from four to twelve puppies. First-born puppies tend to be the largest in the litter, while the last-born puppy tends to be the smallest in the litter. Sometimes, the smallest puppy is noticeably smaller than the rest of the litter. They start out unable to walk, instead of squirming around and then eventually crawling to be able to nurse. They are born with their ears and eyes closed; their only senses are taste, touch, and smell. They rely on mom to keep them clean, warm, and fed. Sometimes, first-time moms might need a bit of guidance to take care of the puppies, especially if there is a runt in the litter. She will also need some extra food, to ensure she has enough nutrition not just for herself, but also for the puppies she is nursing. Some moms will instinctively ignore the runt. If that happens, it is up to the humans to ensure that the puppy is being fed. Towards days 10 through 14, the eyes and ears will open up, baby teeth will erupt, and by the end of the third week, the puppies should be walking — albeit unsteadily — and beginning to explore their world. Stage 2: Socialization, 3 Weeks to 3 Months This is a truly transformative stage in puppy development. At the beginning of this stage, they are shakily beginning to try to walk. By the end of this stage, these little bundles of energy will run and play until they are ready to drop from self-induced exhaustion. As the puppies begin to walk, they will also begin to play with each other. They should be allowed to play as much as they want. This early socialization is critical so that your puppy learns all the fundamentals of interacting with other dogs. They learn important skills such as bite inhibition and can be very vocal during play. This will bolster the nutrition that mom is providing through nursing. This also allows the puppies to begin self-weaning. At first, they will begin to realize that their little tummies feel fuller when they eat the wet food, rather than strictly being nourished by their mom. Assuming mom allows you to handle the puppies, you should interact and socialize with them. Help them get used to being touched; stroke their tiny paws, rub their ears. These will help lay the foundation for future grooming. Check the package for any instructions about moistening the kibble for the puppies, as well as how much to feed and how often to feed. New puppy owners — especially those who are first-time puppy-raisers — tend to overfeed their puppy. While a roly-poly fat puppy can look ever-so-cute — they tend to grow up into overweight adults, putting excess strain on their joints. Always, always ensure your puppy has access to fresh drinking water. Use treats wisely; it is far too easy to give that cute puppy a few treats too many! Keeping mom and the puppies together has many benefits, even if mom is done nursing the puppies. You can begin housetraining the puppy, letting mom set the example. It is best if you work with each puppy individually for a few minutes at a time, several times a day. Keep your rules and commands consistent, and let the puppy learn each command one at a time. It is also an appropriate time to begin socializing the puppy with other people, animals, and experiences such as car rides, and sounds such as hair dryers, vacuum cleaners, and mowers. It is very important to introduce new experiences to the puppy in a manner that is supportive so that the puppy develops the sensations of enjoyment and curiosity when experiencing anything new. However, this does not mean taking the puppy to a pet store or to a dog park. Always wait to bring your puppy to such places until after the puppy has been fully vaccinated, especially for parvo. Your vet will guide you on this. If you must take your puppy to a pet store or anywhere that other dogs frequent, carry the puppy to minimize the risk of parvo, and do not allow the puppy to physically interact with other people or dogs. This is also the time for most puppies to receive their first vaccinations. Some breeders will begin sending the puppies to their new families at this age, but some breeders will wait until the puppy is closer to 12 weeks of age. Neither is necessarily wrong, but there is mounting evidence that puppies who remain with the mom and littermates to at least weeks of age benefit from this additional socialization period. There is evidence that puppies who are separated at an early age are more likely to have issues with appropriate interaction with other dogs as they become adults. Tracking the growth of your Golden Retriever from puppyhood to young adulthood is a hallmark responsibility of a good dog owner. The second three months in the life of your puppy is when most Golden Retrievers grow the fastest. Additional vaccinations are given around weeks of age. Your veterinarian will know which are appropriate for your puppy, but one of the most common vaccinations at this age is for parvovirus. Parvovirus is very contagious and frequently lethal to puppies, so this is not a vaccination to be skipped. The parvovirus vaccination is typically given as a combined vaccination, along with distemper, parainfluenza, and adenovirus. That combined shot is called DHHP. Other changes are happening on the inside as well. Your puppy will want to chew on just about everything as they lose their baby teeth, and the permanent teeth erupt. Provide your puppy with appropriate toys for teething puppies, so that they are less likely to destroy other items — like your favorite sneakers. Housetraining, also known as housebreaking, or potty-training , is one of the most make-or-break training activities you can do with your puppy. It may take several weeks before your puppy is reliably housetrained, and the tips for successful housetraining are worthy of an article all on its own. This is also a good time to talk to your veterinarian about spaying or neutering your puppy. Keep in mind, that puppies that are spayed or neutered tend to grow a bit taller than those who are not spayed or neutered. That is because sex hormones inhibit growth hormones. By three months of age, you should begin to practice grooming. Gently brush your puppy, but do not shave your puppy. Teach your puppy to accept being petted and touched everywhere. Gently open his or her mouth to look at the teeth, and if you are able, use a puppy toothbrush to clean the teeth daily. Also spend time handling the paws, as your puppy will eventually need to be accustomed to nail trims. Take care when exposing your puppy to new experiences. Do your best to ensure that every interaction is as positive as possible. There are usually two fear periods; typically one in the third month and another towards the end of the fifth month. Training should be an activity that you do at least daily, and ideally, several times a day. Training should be in very short sessions, appropriate to the attention span of your puppy. Every session should be fun and end on a good note. Gradually add on additional commands as your puppy demonstrates that they are ready for new skills. Stage 4: Sexual Maturity, 6 months to 1 year Golden Retrievers typically reach sexual maturity soon at, or soon after, they are six months old. For females, this means having heat cycles , roughly every six months. Both males and females , begin to exhibit mating behavior, which may include frequent urination to mark their territories. Many Golden Retriever puppies tend to develop separation anxiety around the eight-month mark. During this time, your Golden Retriever will also develop a desire to figure out their place within the family pecking order — and this may include willful disobedience of commands, even those they know well. Be consistent, fair, and firm when asking your Golden Retriever to perform your commands. If your dog has not been spayed or neutered, this rebellious stage may be worse. There are other physical changes going on as well. Your Golden Retriever may be a very leggy six-month-old, but he will grow into those legs. But until he does, he may be a bit clumsy and even accident-prone. Likewise, the nose and ears may seem overly large, but he will grow into those long floppy ears as well. It can be very tempting to over-exercise your puppy during this period because they will seem to have unlimited energy. However, this period of rapid growth puts strain on their bones and joints, so avoid over-exercising your puppy, and avoid high jumping. One of the last things you want to have to happen is for your Golden Retriever puppy to damage its canine cruciate ligament and to require surgery as a result. They have a few more months of where they will fill out, but they have generally reached their full height when they turn one year old. They pretty much look exactly like they will for the rest of their adult years. Mentally, however, most Golden Retrievers will still exhibit puppy-like excitement and energy for a few more years. When your dog — who is no longer a puppy — is two years old, you can have their hips checked for hip dysplasia by your vet. This is especially important to know if you are considering taking your dog on very long hikes, training for the agility ring, or breeding your dog in the future. It is also important to keep your dog at the appropriate weight, especially if they are prone to hip dysplasia. You should be able to feel the ribs of your dog, but not see the ribs under that fluffy coat. Golden Retrievers typically love to eat as do most dogs but are prone to overeating if allowed to by their owners. Carrying excess weight creates or exacerbates numerous health issues. These can include arthritis, diabetes, cancer, heart health, joint and bone health, kidney and liver failure, and high blood pressure. Show dogs also tend to be heavier than working dog lines. Weight: Adult male Golden Retrievers should weigh in at 65 to 75 pounds, while females should weigh in at 55 to 65 pounds. Height: Adult male Golden Retriever should measure between 23 to 24 inches at the withers. Females should measure .Height is more important than weight when looking at the AKC breed standard, but weight in relation to height indicates the overall fitness of your dog. Keep in mind, that these charts are guidelines. Insufficient growth may be due to something as serious as a genetic defect, or something as easily treatable and correctable as roundworms. Growing too quickly may be due to overfeeding — and that is equally dangerous for the long-term health of your dog. At this stage, nipping bad behaviors in the bud is more important than imprinting positive ones. Instead, just redirect them to positive behavior and reward them accordingly. By this point, your puppy should have already been given their distemper and parvovirus vaccinations. By this point, they should be fully housetrained or close to it. Your dog will be likely to gnaw and bite on anything they can get their chompers on—including you. Stay calm and redirect their attention to appropriate objects like chew toys. Your Golden should be fully accustomed to their new kibble at this point, and you should feed them three to four times per day. A 3-month-old dog should also get a DHHP booster, which protects them from parvo, distemper, parainfluenza, and adenovirus. You can play with your pup as much as you like, but take care not to put too much stress on their joints. Avoid a bunch of running and jumping, especially on hard surfaces. Your dog can transition from four meals per day down to three at this point, but the meals should probably be larger. This can cause digestive issues until your dog gets accustomed to it, so be prepared to clean up a few messes. Training should continue, although your primary focus will likely be convincing your pup to chew on something besides your shoes. Your dog will need another DHPP booster at this point, as well as a rabies vaccination. Other optional vaccines include Bordetella, Lyme disease, coronavirus, and leptospirosis. This could cause a brief burst of intense biting and chewing, so power through it. Make sure your pup has plenty of chew toys available to them. Stairs in particular should be avoided. Your pup is likely to start asserting itself at this stage and may start to mature sexually if not spayed or neutered. There are no vaccinations required at this point. Everyone knows how much fun it is to raise teenagers, right? This can lead to undesirable behaviors like aggressiveness, increased tendency to roam, and destructiveness. As a result, you may think that your dog is too skinny, but resist the urge to increase their rations. While most breeds have a puppy coat that they eventually grow out of, Goldens do not. Instead, their puppy coat becomes their undercoat, so you may notice your dog becoming increasingly fuzzy. The teenage rebelliousness should be wearing off by this point, and your dog is ready to begin training in earnest. You should still be feeding them twice daily, and they should stay on puppy kibble for at least another 6 months. Goldens reach their full height between 9 and 12 months old. Females tend to get there faster, but males will be taller in the end. You may also need to cut back on the amount that you feed them. It depends on the individual dog, but females generally reach maturity first. Spaying or neutering your dog has its pros and cons. The pros are fairly obvious: less marking, reduced misbehavior, and zero chance of getting an unexpected litter of puppies. Spaying and neutering can also protect against certain cancers. You may want to wait until your dog is at least 12 months old before getting them fixed. This also leaves the window open longer in which they can suffer skeletal damage, though, so be careful about how active you allow them to be. However, stunted growth and growing too quickly can cause serious health problems, so you should check with your vet to make sure your dog is growing on schedule. Stunted growth is usually caused by malnourishment or a medical problem. You should have your pup tested for parasites like hookworm or ringworm, and consider switching them to a higher-quality, calorie-dense food. If left untreated, malnourishment can lead to weak bones, muscles, and immune system. As you might expect, growing too quickly is often caused by feeding your dog too much. American and British Goldens are similar. However, American Goldens tend to be less stocky and muscular, instead having a leaner appearance. They may weigh a bit less as well. They tend to be taller as well, often standing an inch or two higher than their counterparts. Conclusion Golden Retrievers make excellent pets, and we understand how hard it is to resist the temptation to bring a puppy home. If you do, though, you should understand what to expect from your new dog. Steady growth is what you want to see, without too many peaks or valleys. This sets your dog up for a long, healthy lifespan. Every dog develops at their own pace, so as long as you feed your pup an appropriate amount of high-quality puppy kibble and get them vaccinated regularly, you should be fine. See also:. Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! By Tom Massey Mar 02, Adopting a golden retriever is one of the best decisions you can make. These loving dogs are constantly praised for their gentle and calm, yet playful nature, making them perfect dogs for all walks of life and types of families. So when you do finally bring your Golden Retriever puppy home, you want to do everything you can to give them a long and healthy life for years to come. This is a wide range, so keep in mind that the weight of your Retriever will vary depending on genetic factors and sex. For example, female Golden Retrievers will weigh closer to 55 pounds while Golden Retriever males are heavier and will weigh closer to 75 pounds. Females also typically reach their full size by their first birthday, while males may continue growing through their second year. You can usually tell the size males and females will be based on what their parents look like, which is why Snowy Pines encourages meeting the parents or browsing through their photos and biographies online. Then, calculate 1. What to Expect: This age is crucial for mother-puppy bonding since he will depend on his mother for food, cleaning, and socialization. Image Source Weeks months Golden Retriever Male Weight: Between 8 to 12 weeks, your male puppy will average between 10 to 22 pounds. Golden Retriever Female Weight: Although females will grow to be smaller than males, they are typically around the same weight at this age group. The puppies become very playful, curious, and discover their voices little by little. Introductory training like house training is essential. Socialization is also important, which is why Snowy Pines ensures that all puppies stay with their littermates until adoption. For female puppies, 6 months is a little over the halfway point to their full-size, and males are essentially smaller versions of their adult bodies. Remember, at this age, you can multiply by two to determine their adult weight! What to Expect: Socialization is still crucial at this age, and more intense training can also begin. The puppy should also be kept in happy and safe environments, as any exposure to something fearful at this age may impact him long-term. This is entirely normal: Think of your puppy as a teenager who is going through adolescence and waiting for the rest of his body to catch up. They may get territorial and challenge you and other pets for dominance. Most Golden Retrievers will be fully grown by 24 months old, although this varies. Golden Retriever Female Weight: In most cases, females are finished growing before 16 to 24 months. Whatever their nature is like at the to month mark is likely what it will be throughout their adult life. They are loyal, friendly, and calm, making them the perfect companion for small and large families alike. However, Goldens are susceptible to certain illnesses and diseases that are common in bigger breeds that are typically caused by overfeeding, stunted or accelerated growth, and genetic issues. One of the most common diseases that goldens experience is Osteochondritis dissecans OCD. OCD is a developmental disease that affects large-breed dogs because of the accelerated growth they experience. It is an inflammatory condition that causes abnormal cartilage development on the end of a bone in the joint. This can lead to joint problems like arthritis and hip dysplasia which commonly appears in the elbow, hip, and knee. Image Source The good news is that, although larger breeds like golden retrievers are prone to joint issues like this, you may be able to help prevent it through proper practice. OCD is a specific disease that is more common in dogs that receive too much energy and calcium in their diets. Other common factors are genetics, rapid growth, and hormonal factors. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, and all that extra weight can leave your puppy with skeletal abnormalities that put too much weight on joints. Another way to avoid accidentally stunted or accelerated growth is to ensure your golden retriever puppy is getting fed appropriately and receiving the right amount of calories. Image Source Months Between 2 and 4 months old, your puppy should eat 4 times per day with 2 ounces per meal. This will add up to 7 to 9 ounces per day, depending on how much he willingly eats. Keep him on puppy food through his first year before switching to young adult food. They must receive regular exercise every day. However, this depends on their age. As previously covered, the more your puppy grows, the more susceptible to common diseases like joint problems. Breeders with years of experience, like the team at Snowy Pines, work hard to keep pure bloodlines so that all of the parents and their litters are as healthy as they can be, which helps guarantee a lifetime full of happiness without any issue. Share on. Not all goldens will grow to the same size and at the same rate. The size of the parents is always a good indicator of whether your dog will be above or below average in size. However, while natural variation is nothing to worry about, stunted growth or accelerated growth is. If a golden retriever puppy is malnourished or suffering from an unidentified medical condition usually hookworm or ringworm , their natural growth can be compromised. This can lead to serious medical issues in later life, as it can leave them with weak bones, weak muscles, and a weak immune system, as well as a tendency to develop both skin and digestive issues. Growing too quickly, largely as a result of overfeeding, can also pose a major health risk. As well as leading to obesity, carrying too much weight at the development stage can leave your golden retriever with skeletal abnormalities, hip dysplasia, and osteochondrosis , a condition that affects the joints. With these tips, you will help fight off those genetic health disorders as well. Appropriate Diet Start off by speaking to your vet for guidance on foods to use for the different life stages. At the very least, you will need a nutritionally complete and balanced diet made for large breeds. Good food will help your pup gain the right amount of weight, look healthy, and have enough energy. Proper exercise will build their muscle and bone strength, prevent obesity, increase their agility, stop destructive behavior, and help them release pent-up energy. Vaccines will help to prevent infectious diseases such as hepatitis, parvovirus, rabies, and distemper, all of which could affect the growth and overall health of your puppy. This will be a plus for her overall health. It would also be great to have your vet do routine health checks on your puppy. This way, no issue will go unnoticed, and treatment can be administered early for better outcomes. A shiny coat and bright eyes are a plus. Alternatively, if you notice rapid weight gain or loss, unusual bumps and lumps on their skin, digestive issues, changes in behavior, and visual or hearing complications, take your dog to the vet right away. Compared to other breeds, Golden Retrievers, especially females, grow pretty quickly. Males could take up to 18 months to achieve the same milestone. However, both will still need an additional year to fill out the chest fully. Adult height, on the other hand, will be reached between 9 and 12 months. As always, females will get there a bit faster than males. You can get a rough idea of how big your golden retriever will grow by first studying the parents. Take note of the size that both of the parents and previous litters have had. Rarely will a puppy grow larger than its parents, so the measurements you gather will give you a better idea of how tall and heavy your golden retriever will get. Full-grown, healthy, male golden retrievers have a height of between 22 and 24 inches while the females are 20 to 22 inches tall. In terms of height and body structure, the Canadian golden retriever has no rival. Spaying and neutering specifically affect the development of bones and also ligament and tendon strength. In fact, some studies report higher incidences of cranial cruciate ligament tears and hip dysplasia among golden retrievers that went through this procedure. Therefore, consult your vet when deciding if and when to spay or neuter your dog. The weight of your golden retriever is a good indication of their healthy development. While male and female Goldens will have different weights and show goldens tend to be heavier than working goldens, overall, they should be hitting the weights listed in the growth and weight chart above. If your dog is not hitting these milestones, consult your vet about malnutrition, possibly caused by worms, and excessive golden retriever growth, which is often the result of overfeeding. If you feel like your pooch is missing any of them, again, it is time to consult your vet. In general, good nutrition and a loving home is a recipe for a happy and healthy golden retriever. If you want to know more about your golden retriever, you can do a DNA test, too. You can choose one of the tests below:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This was the first time we had a chance to chart puppies from birth until 8 weeks old. We tried to take as many pictures as possible so we could have a journal of our Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week. When raising guide and service dog puppies we usually bring home our puppies at around weeks old. On occasion we are allowed to see puppies before 8 weeks of age, but they need to stay with their mother and siblings during those important early weeks to get milk and antibodies from mama and learn how to interact properly with siblings, learning important behaviors like bite inhibition. During our days as a foster we raised two litters of puppies , but both were already weeks old by the time we got them home. We actually own the Puppy Culture DVD and Workbook which includes charts, lists, worksheets and other great information for raising your litter. Keep your eyes and ears open and absorb it all like a sponge! Birth To 1 Week Old Guess what? This was the first litter we ever whelped!? We got a lot of advise, but we were largely on our own. Large Puppy Dish — great for feeding the puppies when they moved to solid food. Whelping Mats — we ordered 2 of these mats and washed them several times a day. Whelping Box — We have a homemade whelping box built by my father-in-law, but if we continue raising litters I plan on purchasing an EZWhelp Whelping Box. Our homemade box lasted three litters. We ended up purchasing the Magnabox which was hellu expensive but if you plan on raising multiple litters we highly recommend it. We recently put together a whelping checklist with all the supplies we gathered together to help out with our second litter of Golden Retriever puppies. Check out our whelping supplies checklist here. However, none were overly huge and none were extra small. No runts and no beasts. It was my understanding that when the cord was chewed down to the base of the belly it was sometimes difficult to get it to stop bleeding. I took the hemostat and pinched the umbilical cord about 2 inches from the base of the pups belly then cut the cord rather than let Raven chew it off. I kept the hemostat on the cord for about 2 minutes to let it clout. The umbilical cord dries up quickly and then within a day or 2 it falls off. Raven was a good mama and took care of her poops. Puppy eyes and ears are closed at this stage and puppies army crawl around the whelping box looking for a teat to suckle. We did everything we could to make sure our pups stayed warm by adding a watt heat lamp to the whelping box and portable heating unit in the puppy room. As I mentioned Raven stayed in the whelping box most of week 1 and of course… the puppy piles! One thing I learned is if I had a puppy on my lap then do not let Raven lick those areas or be prepared for a little accident on your lap. While caring for Raven and her litter Raven was really blowing out her coat that first week, but as time went on it slowed down. I heard from other friends this is common and that Raven blew out her coat much less than other mama dogs. We got Probiotics for Raven before her first litter, but forgot to order them for her second litter. After an upset stomach for the first week or so we realized our mistake, got Probiotics, and no more upset tummy. Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. Have you ever had a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Tell us about your experiences with puppies in the comment section below. Are you about to raise a litter of puppies? Not raising a litter, but getting ready to bring home your first Golden Retriever puppy? Puppies for Dummies will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

As mentioned, some breeding purists denounce any Labradors other than the three classics and believe that the emergence of other colors is due to cross breeding with Weimaraners. However, no solid evidence supports this theory, and a quick glance at the science reveals that the unique Silver Lab puppies, and their Charcoal and Champagne counterparts, come from a rare combination of recessive genes. A big D is considered dominant, while a little d is recessive. This is why the AKC allows Silver Labs to be fully registered as Chocolate Labs — they come from pureblood, they just have recessive genes. These are even more rare than the trendy Silver Labradors. Hunters loved them for their innate ability to retrieve ducks and after a whole century of developing the breed and meticulously recording characteristics of each litter, Labradors were formally registered with the AKC in .Most kennels strived to breed Black Lab litters, but records include documentation of tan, red and brindles, in addition to the traditional Yellow and Chocolate Labs. But Silver Labs? No one seems to know quite where they come from. They emerged seemingly from nowhere, only adding to their allure. This is because there are only 7 traceable bloodlines. The gene pool is small, and most responsible breeders only allow their female Labrador to produce litters before retiring her. Basic supply and demand keeps the price of Silver Labs very high. There are however, specific rescues geared toward finding the perfect home for Labrador Retrievers of all ages and coat colors. You may find your new Silver Lab puppy through an online search of local rescue organizations. Decade of Friendship: Labrador Life Expectancy When compared to other Labradors, Silver Labs have a typical life expectancy of years - with an average of .Labs generally are known for their friendly, gentle personalities and ability to bond with multiple family members. They are very patient and typically get along well with children and other pets. When socialized from a young age, they enjoy interacting with the whole family. Silver Labradors are well suited for an active household, as they thrive with at least 60 minutes a day of vigorous walking, running, playing, and swimming. As they are natural born swimmers and retrievers, Silver Labs will be happy romping and splashing through water, or chasing a tennis ball. Many owners love to combine the two! Start by finding a clean, safe source of water for your new pup. Then, let him practice his retrieving skills by tossing a ball or other toy that floats. Watch as your new furry friend blossoms into his instincts! Be sure to keep your new Lab puppy physically and mentally stimulated to avoid destructive behaviors like chewing. Puppy puzzles are a great way to provide entertainment without getting outside. The first step in avoiding an unexpected health concern is buying a Lab puppy from a reputable breeder. Still, any Labrador can develop these conditions. Overtime, this condition leads to pain, lameness, and even an altered gait. Though it sometimes requires corrective surgery, if caught early, it can usually be managed with medication and physical therapy exercises. Due to their diluted genes, Silver Labs have additional health risks. Color Dilution Alopecia CDA is a genetic disorder that causes flaky and itchy skin, as well as hair loss. The first sign is thinning coat, which usually occurs at 6 months old. You can also help by providing your puppy with a healthy, balanced diet rich in essential fatty acids and Vitamin A. Coconut Oil is a great supportive supplement! If there is food around, they will find it and eat it so keeping food secure is a must! Adult Labs require between and calories per day from a high-quality, protein-rich food. Most vets recommend splitting their daily needs into two meals, to make digestion easier. Both male and female Labradors are prone to unwanted weight gain and obesity. Monitoring their food and treat intake is essential to raising a healthy dog. Training Tips: Best ways to Teach a Labrador Labradors are a national favorite because of their trainability. They respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement, and reward-based methods, especially when rewarded with food or treats. However, they can get bored easily and training sessions should be kept short, but frequent. As mentioned above, they are highly food-motivated and should easily learn basic commands like sit, down, shake, stay, etc. Just remember to account for the extra calories! Their unique color is due to a simple combination of genes. They love to play and will live best in an active family where they are socialized from a young age. So what do you think? Are you team Silver Lab? Let us know! Conclusion: Why the Silver Labrador Retriever? How much does a Silver Labrador Retriever cost? If you find one for adoption, the cost will be lower. What Is a Silver Labrador Retriever? Silver Labs are Labrador Retrievers with gray, silver coats and haunting grayish eyes. Silver Labradors most likely developed from a recessive trait found in some Chocolate Labradors. However, there are many who believe that Silver Labradors are not true Labrador Retrievers at all. Major breed clubs including the Labrador Retriever Club Inc. Frances O. In this section, we will explore the most common Silver Labrador Retriever traits. However, please note that not all Silver Labs will be identical to each other in terms of personality. There will be differences between individual dogs. Still, this list will give you a basic sense of what to expect from the Silver Labrador Retriever temperament. Sporting Dogs are bred to work in partnership with humans as hunting companions, pointers, flushers, and retrievers. Therefore, these types of dogs thrive when they have a purpose or a job to do. Silver Labrador Retrievers are very active dogs, especially when they are young. They need an ample amount of daily exercise as well as mental enrichment. If you leave an energetic lab pup home alone for hours on end, be prepared to come home to evidence of destructive behavior such as chewing or digging. A young lab needs about an hour of vigorous exercise per day. If you are not able to provide that level of exercise, consider adopting an older Lab or Silver Lab mix. Silver Labrador Retriever exercise can include activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, or romping at the dog park. Doggie Daycare is another great way for Labradors to fulfill their daily exercise needs. Labradors were bred to work in tandem with their human guardians out in the field. Therefore, they are very attentive and eager to please. They may not be quite as clever as some of the herding breeds such as the Border Collie or the Australian Shepherd , but they are still very smart. They can be trained for all types of jobs including hunting, search and rescue, and police work. Silver Labs tend to get along well with other animals and children, especially with proper socialization. Of course, it is still advisable to supervise your Silver Labrador anytime he or she interacts with kids or other animals. Photo by Nilda Guzman These dogs are notorious for getting into mischief when left alone. Crate training is highly recommended, especially for puppies and young labs. Labradors are especially obsessed with finding food! Labs love to eat. Do not leave food accessible on countertops and make sure your trash can has a dog-proof lid. Joyful, Goofy, Fun One of the most beloved components of the Silver Labrador Retriever temperament is the joyful nature of this breed. Labs are happy, silly, fun-loving dogs. They enjoy romping in the snow and swimming in the summertime. Silver Labs love to play! They are especially fond of playing fetch with tennis balls for hours on end. If you add a Lab to your home, your home will soon be filled with laughter! Labrador Retrievers originated in Newfoundland , Canada. They were bred to work alongside hunters and fishermen as water retrievers. Their popularity began to soar in the s as specimens spread to Europe and America. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in .The Lab has held the highest-ranking since .The American Kennel Club recognizes three color varieties: black, yellow and chocolate. The Silver Coat Coloration Photo by Nilda Guzman The silver coloration first appeared within the last few decades and has caused great controversy within the Labrador community. It is not recognized as a distinct coloration. The silver color has become incredibly popular and desired because it is attractive and rare. Consumers are willing to pay exorbitant amounts of money for a silver lab puppy. Respected, responsible breeders discourage the practice of breeding specifically for a physical attribute. They argue that a good breeder should always prioritize health, function, temperament, and the improvement of the breed. When breeders are breeding solely for appearance, health and temperament are inevitably compromised. Size and Appearance The Silver Lab has the same general appearance as any other Labrador, other than the color. They are the same size and shape as other Labs. For example, the Silver Labrador Retriever weight range is between 55 and 80 lbs. Likewise, the Silver Labrador Retriever height range is between 21 and 24 inches at the withers. These measurements are the same for all coat colorations. Silver Labrador Retriever colors are described as gray or silver. They have gray noses, nails, and gray pads on the paws of their feet. The gray color occurs as the result of breeding two dogs that each carry a recessive gene for dilute coloration. How to Train a Silver Labrador Retriever? In fact, Labrador Retrievers are trained to do many important jobs including drug detection, search and rescue, and therapy work. They are also commonly used as service dogs for people with disabilities. There is no doubt that this is a very trainable dog. However, like all dogs, training a Silver Lab takes patience, effort, and consistency. Make sure you find a trainer that uses modern, positive, force-free training methods. There is no need to use painful training devices such as shock collars, pinch collars or choke chains. Instead, find a trainer that uses reward-based training. This type of training is more effective and more enjoyable for you and your pet. Once you have mastered basic commands, you can look into more advanced activities such as canine sports. Silver Labs can excel at sports including flyball, dock jumping , water retrieving, agility, tracking, nosework, Frisbee and much more! His online resource contains Hundreds of Excellent Dog Training Videos that will take you step-by-step through the process of developing a healthy, happy well-behaved dog. You will need to brush and bathe your Silver Labrador on a regular basis. However, professional grooming should not be necessary. Labradors are moderate shedders, so be prepared for some dog fur in your house. Are Silver Labrador Retrievers Hypoallergenic? Labrador Retrievers of all color varieties are NOT hypoallergenic. If you are looking for a breed that is hypoallergenic, check out this article for some possibilities. Silver Labrador Retrievers are prone to certain genetic conditions, and your vet can give you an idea about what to expect in terms of care and financial cost. For example, be on the watch for signs of the following conditions:. How Much Does a Labrador Cost? And, this is just the upfront cost of the puppy. This includes the cost of food, veterinary bills, grooming, bedding, and so on. Labrador puppy costs depend on a few factors. Quality of the breeder Quality of the parent dogs Type of Labrador eg. For instance, puppy prices tend to be higher before Christmas, so buy a puppy in the spring, instead. Originally, black Labs were favored above other colors. Brown and yellow Labs were extremely uncommon, and were not at all desirable. Over time, this opinion changed and brown and yellow Labs became more accepted. Shooting communities still tend to prefer the black Lab, but yellow Labs are very common in other working roles, like as therapy dogs and guide dogs. On the whole, each official Labrador color will cost a similar amount. But, yellow and brown Labs may cost slightly more than black Labs, since the genes that cause their coloring are recessive and therefore are less common. Non-Standard Colors Labrador costs can be hugely increased or reduced by non standard colors or patterns. For instance, dilute shades or mismarks. Dilute coloring is recessive and highly controversial in the Labrador community. The genes that cause these shades will dilute pigmentation, turning black Labs into charcoal Labs, chocolate Labs into silver Labs, and yellow Labs into champagne Labs. Some believe this color results from cross-breeding. But, others believe the recessive genes simply remained hidden over generations, like original yellow and chocolate coloring. Dilute colors are not accepted in the official breed standard. So, many breeders will not adjust their price, and may even lower it for unexpected dilute puppies. The same is the case with mismarks. Mismarks can include white patches and spots, brindling, and even tan markings. Extensive mismarks will disqualify a Lab from show. Show type Labs are bred to fit the Labrador breed standard. They are usually slightly stockier and less active than field types. Field types are more often bred for their working ability than for any specific appearance. Labradors cost more when they are bred to show standards. Field Labs tend to be cheaper than Labradors bred for show. But, you should consider which type is best for you, rather than just going for the cheapest Labrador you can find. Field type Labs can be much more energetic and active than show types. First time owners may find the English Lab slightly easier to raise and train! Conversely, Labrador costs can be highest with field trial champion bred dogs that are likely to win awards. Labrador Costs From Breeders vs Shelters Labrador puppies from reputable breeders will cost more than dogs from a rescue center. Whilst Labs from breeders can cost thousands of dollars, Labradors from rescue centers can only be a few hundred dollars. A major difference between Labs from a breeder and Labs from a rescue center is the history of the dogs. Puppies from a breeder will stay with their mom and siblings until 8 weeks old. At 8 weeks, puppies can go to their new home. Rescue center dogs can have unknown histories, or even histories that involve abuse. Labs from rescue centers are usually older, and have often lived with other families. However, many Labs are given up for non-behavioral reasons. They can be just as wonderful pets as puppies from a breeder. And, many dogs from rescue centers will have basic training, including house training, obedience, and potentially recall. Why Are Breeders So Expensive? Reputable breeders tend to cost more than any other puppy source. Breeders have to spend a lot when breeding a litter, and all of this will lower their profit margins. Labrador breeding costs include: Health testing and certificates. November 22, There is no denying that Labradors have long been one of the most popular dog breeds. In this guide, we are going to reveal everything you need to know about Silver Lab puppies. Just like traditional Labradors, these dogs are adored for their outgoing and friendly personalities. They are lovable, sociable, loyal, and energetic. The only real difference is their unique grayish-blue color, which is adorable, to say the least. For the price of or to apply for one of our silver labs contact us at the bottom of this page here. You may be wondering how we have ended up with Silver Labs, and why they are the perfect family companion. Another feature of a dilute dog is the color of the eyes and the nose. The dilute gene is something that you will find in a lot of different dog breeds. Nevertheless, it has only appeared in Labrador Retrievers quite recently. The dilute gene and coat color The American Kennel Club recognizes three different Labrador colors: chocolate, black, and yellow. You will notice that three colors are missing from the list: champagne, charcoal, and of course, silver. Just like silver is considered a diluted version of chocolate, champagne is a diluted version of yellow, and charcoal is a diluted version of black. The way the dilute gene works A set of genes controls the coat color a Labrador has. When it comes to the silver color, it is the D gene that is at play here, acting as a type of switch. This means that a Labrador is going to require two copies of the dilute gene to have dilute fur. This means that a silver coat can only be produced with the final combination. Unless one little d is paired with another little d, it is not going to have any impact. There are some dog breeds whereby all of the individuals will have two little d genes, with Weimaraners being a prime example. Where do we get Silver Labs from? In the United States, reports of Silver Labradors were first seen from around the s. One of the earliest kennels to produce Labs in this new silver color was Culo Silver Labs. Our Silver Labrador Romeo Precisely how this new color came to be is a question that a lot of people debate, with a number of different opinions on the subject. How did Labradors end up with the dilute gene? There are a number of different options that can explain the appearance of a new gene in a purebred dog. This includes the following: Hidden genes Spontaneous mutation Mixed breeding The first and most obvious explanation is that there was a cross between a Labrador and a breed of dog that carries the dilute gene at some point. The capacity of a rare gene to stay hidden for an extended time period is a phenomenon that the majority of scientists are aware of. The explanation for the appearance of the Silver Labrador in the s is arguably the most valid alternative to the theory of cross-breeding. We know that some genes are more dominant than others, and can hide or mask them. These are known as recessive genes. A lot of diseases happen as a consequence of recessive genes, and they only appear when the unfortunate individual inherits two copies. Rare diseases that are carried by genes can actually remain hidden for years and years and years, only to appear when dogs that are closely related end up mating together. This is something that happens more regularly when the gene pools are small, as is the case in pedigree dog populations. Colors can be recessive or dominant as well The B color gene is one that determines whether or not a Labrador is brown or black, with black dogs being favored. Brown is a recessive color, and a Labrador is going to require two copies of the little b brown gene in order to end up with a coat that is brown in color. Brown Labs only became popular when breeders intentionally set about mating them to each other. Some people believe that the rare dilute gene has been present in Labs all along and that it only appeared when two dogs that were closely related were bred — as some rare diseases end up doing. It was not until that the AKC registered the first Labs. This includes the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, which is a breed that does have the dilute gene. Spontaneous mutation Another theory to consider is spontaneous mutation. It is not uncommon for genes to mutate. This is another way that an unusual or rare characteristic can appear in a family of dogs that were not affected by it previously. This is a theory that is not overly popular for the appearance of the dilute gene in the Silver Lab. The reason for this partly comes down to the fact that hidden genes are such a plausible explanation. For a mutation to be identical to a gene that exists already for unusual coat color in a different breed would be a coincidence. A lot of people feel that the spontaneous appearance of the dd dilution gene in the Silver Labrador Retriever gene pool is, to say the least, unlikely. However, this is not something that we can rule out. Mixed breeding A lot of people believe that the first Silver Labrador were, in fact, crossbreeds. This is a theory that is plausible, and there are evident motivates for dog breeders wanting to create a new color variation of an existing breed. Motives can include the allure of creating something new and the financial gain, although they may not have realized that Silver Labradors would be so popular. A lot of people that believe mixed breeding is at play here believe that Labradors were mixed with Weimaraners, creating a cross. However, it is worth pointing out that this theory has lost a bit of credibility as of late because of the genetic testing of Silver Labrador, which has not shown any connection to Weimaraners. The appearance of a Silver Lab Of course, the stunning silver coat is the first thing that people tend to notice about a Silver Labrador. This smooth, double coat appears almost like it is velvet, and it tends to be a faded brown or a slate grey shade. Another one of the defining features is their straight otter tail, which enables the dog to move through the water safely. They are built for both water and land, and they have long, muscular legs, which are made to suit swimming and running. Colors The Silver Labrador can come in a number of different shades. Typically, it is a bluish-grey or slate, yet, faded brown is another possibility. The coat is incredibly smooth, and when you stroke a Silver Labrador, it feels a lot like plush velvet! Size Once a Silver Labrador has fully grown, the girls are going to be between 21 and 23 inches tall, and the boys are going to stand between 22 and 24 inches tall. The females are between 55 and 70 pounds while the males are between 65 and 80 pounds. Silver Labrador longevity and health Silver Labradors suffer from the same health problems that other purebred Labs can experience, including over-eating and a predisposition to joint issues. Two studies that have been carried out record the lifespan for a Labrador at between 11 and 12 years of age, and Labs also have a higher cancer rate when compared with other breeds, i. On the balance, though, Labradors are a breed that is well-constructed and healthy, free from some of the different disabilities that plague a lot of other purebred dogs. However, this is a possible medical issue linked with the coat color dilution gene that you need to be aware of. Color dilution alopecia The color dilution gene — the dd gene that we have been referring to that causes the beautiful silvery coat — is sometimes linked with coat issues. Particularly, it may be connected to a type of hair loss. It is not typically a condition that is life-threatening, but it also is not curable either. It can result in progressive hair loss in young dogs and could cause a recurrent infection in the hair follicles. Coat dilution does not always result in skin issues. Not all dogs that have the dd gene are going to have the faulty alopecia variant. And, you will find that the majority of Silver Labradors do not have alopecia. However, it is important to be aware of the fact that this can be an issue. To date we have not seen it in our bloodline. In a lot of respects, therefore, the health of a Silver Labrador is a lot like any other type of purebred Lab. Silver Lab training and temperament No matter the origin of the Silver Labrador, the Silver Labs we see today are very much Labrador in both conformation and temperament. Training a Silver Lab puppy can be a great deal of fun. Of course, it will take a little bit of patience and time, as Labs can be a bit nippy when they are small, and rather bouncy when they grow into their teens. So, you are going to need to make sure you have a little bit of time every day for training. As long as you are able to handle the high energy that your Silver Lab has, you should not have too much trouble. Aside from the need for mental stimulation and high activity level, the requirements that a Silver Labrador has are very basic, even kids can learn to care for one. Grooming, training, and feeding do not need to go far beyond the needs of other dogs to be happy and healthy. It is not going to take too long for your friendly Silver Labrador to fit right in. Health considerations Chocolate and Silver Labradors are more likely to suffer from skin diseases and ear infections when compared with other fur colors. This dirty water can remain in their ears, which can result in an infection. There are a number of different symptoms that can arise, including crust and itching around the ear, and darkening and redness of the ear canal. Of course, your vet will be able to advise you. With Silver Labradors, you also need to be on the lookout for painful skin lesions that are known as a hot spot. These sorts of lesions happen when a dog picks or licks a spot of the skin that is injured. Sunburn, insect bites, and regular injuries can all form hot spots. For problems like this, anti-inflammatory medication tends to clear up the issue, yet you may need to place a cone on your dog to prevent him or her from picking at it. Nutrition Another important factor to consider when it comes to Silver Labs is that their nutritional requirements are different at different points within their lives. Once your dog has grown fully, it is going to require between and 1, calories each day. In terms of what you feed them, any premium quality kibble is going to be suitable. Never feed raw pork or beef to a dog. Healthy fats are next on the list. The last thing should be carbs. It is important to make sure that all of the ingredients are derived from natural sources instead of artificial fillers. Expected growth for your Silver Lab It is important to know about the growth stages for your Silver Labrador. Your puppy should weigh between 10 and 22 pounds when they are seven to 12 weeks old. When your dog is between 12 weeks and six months, it should be around 40 pounds, which is half of its adult weight. Between six and nine months of age, your puppy should be around three-quarters of his or her way onto the adult size. Puppies when they are this age tend to weigh between 50 and 65 pounds. Finally, your dog is going to be their full weight once they reach one year of age. This is between 55 and 80 pounds. Grooming Despite the fact that a Silver Labrador has short fur, they are not deemed a breed with low shed. If you do bring a Silver Lab into your home, you should expect to see a few of their silver hairs on the carpet and the couch. The dog will shed throughout the year moderately, and you will need to brush it at least once per week. Throughout the spring months, your Silver Labrador will drop a lot more hair than usual. The same goes for the fall, as they prepare for their seasonal coat. If your dog is active, you are generally not going to need to cut its nails. Just be sure to check their nails every fortnight. Silver Labrador exercise The Silver Labrador is a breed that has a lot of energy and will spend most of the day on its feet. They will want to jump and run for most of their waking hours. This is why it is critical to make sure they have a minimum of one full hour of physical activity each day. A game of fetch in the pool with your Silver Labrador can be heaps of fun. They can also enjoy games of chase, and you can even play tag with your fluffy friend. We would rank their activity level as a four out of five, and your Silver Labrador will need to have at least 60 minutes of activity on a daily basis. Some helpful tips on buying Silver Labs If you are thinking about buying a Silver Lab, we have a number of different tips and snippets of information that can assist you with your purchase: Make sure that your property has sufficient space to accommodate a Silver Labrador, as this is a breed that is very active. If you do not have your own garden, you are going to need to take your dog to the park for at least an hour per day so that they can let out their energy. Even it means paying a little bit more, it is important to be sure that you receive the Canadian Kennel Club CKC certification for the puppy. You want to be certain that your puppy is what you expect, and that they have been cared for properly as a youngster. A Silver Labrador can be more costly when compared with other common colors, so it is imperative that you budget effectively. There is often a waiting list that you will have to get onto and wait for your puppy. Established breeders have a greater demand for their dogs because of the quality of puppy they breed. Final words on Silver Labs So there you have it: everything that you need to know about Silver Labradors and the characteristics associated with this breed of dog. We hope that this guide has helped you to get a better understanding of Silver Labs, and why they make such good pets. If you are looking for a friendly, lovable, and unique dog to bring into your family, a Silver Labrador Retriever is well worth considering. In the end, the color of coat of any dog should not make a difference unless you plan to show it. Remember, a silver lab is a chocolate lab with only 1 more copy of the dilute gene. How could this make them unsuitable as a pet? So, our suggestion is as it always has been. Love your dogs not based on a superficial quality such as color of coat, love them because they love you unconditionally and will serve you until their final breath. FAQ about Silver Labs We are going to finish by answering some of the most common questions we receive about Silver Labradors, so you can get a better understanding of this breed. Are Silver Labradors rare? In some countries, Silver Labs are rare, as this is deemed a relatively new color variation. This is partly to do with the fact that registering silver puppies is not widely permitted. Although these sorts of dogs are not considered rare, Silver Labs are more unusual when compared with the likes of Brown, Yellow, or Black Labradors. How big do Silver Labradors get? The recommended breed typical height for a labrador is up to 23 inches and a half for females and 24 inches and a half for males. Nevertheless, individuals can vary a couple of inches to either side of this. With regard to body weight, the variations can be even more diverse, and a lot of this is going to depend on which of the two groups the Silver Lab falls into, i. English or American. Female Labs tend to reach about 60lbs in weight. Male Labs will often reach approximately 70lbs in weight. However, there can be a difference of around 20lbs to either side of that. American Labrador Breds, which are used for retrieving and hunting, tend to be taller and slimmer, and so they are often lighter than the chunkier English type, which you would see in a show ring. Do Silver Labs make good family dogs? Yes, Silver Labs are known as excellent family dogs. Ideally, a Silver Labrador Retriever is going to be suitable to an outdoor-loving, active family, with children over the age of five years old. As Labradors can be bouncy dogs when they are young, a Silver Lab puppy is not always the best choice if you have toddlers in your household or anyone who is unsteady on their feet. However, a calmer, older Lab can be ideal if you have a household with younger children. Labradors, no matter their color, are incredibly sociable. They are happy when they are in a family environment whereby there are people at home for at least some of the day, if not most of it. How much do Silver Labs cost? You may be wondering how much it will cost for you to add an adorable Silver Labrador to your family. We always suggest to find the best quality puppy you can find, not the cheapest. An investment into the health of a well bred silver pup is something that will follow. For more on what a quality Lab puppy looks like visit this page. The rarity of this breed of Labrador has pushed the price up. If you were to go for a classic Black Labrador or a Yellow Lab, you would not need to pay as much. Of course, it is all about finding the perfect companion for your family. Silver Labs cost more than standard colors because they are less common than the standard Black, Yellow, and Chocolate varieties. For the most part, they behave just like the Labradors you grew up with as a child—the most loveable things on four legs. Why this particular color causes so much contention, however is a much more heated subject. The life expectancy is 10 to 14 years, just like any other Labrador. I cannot tell you what to believe when it comes to this difficult subject. Before you decide which side to settle on, however, you should be aware of the important points. In this article we are going to dive into the issues and help you educate yourself on everything surrounding Silver Labradors. For reasons that we will address later on, the Silver Lab costs more than standard Labradors. These are all AKC Labradors. Some of the litters have parents with health clearances. Others do not. Issues Surrounding the Labrador Breed in General You are already treading on some pretty thin ice when you are talking Labradors. With that many devoted fans, you can guarantee there are some serious feelings surrounding the breed. That might be the biggest issue when it comes to the Silver Labrador. You could probably start selling Green English Foxhounds and nobody would care. When you start messing with the number one breed, however, it becomes a different story. The problem arises in the fact that there is a huge demand for this incredible breed and demand has brought a lot of backyard-breeders into the market. These breeders are not concerned about or capable of protecting—at least in the eyes of professional—the overall health of the breed. The rarity of the silver coat has made this particular variety of Labrador even more attractive to backyard-breeders. As a result, the divide between opinions when it comes to the Silver is even more contested. If the answers were clear cut, then the whole controversy would have ended decades ago. Unfortunately, there are no absolute when it comes to the issues that really make up the debate. So, the best you can do is to learn as much as you possibly can before deciding which side to take or whether to just ignore the issue altogether. Having said that, I think it is also important to point out another great quote on uncertainty. The standard colors are as most people know black, yellow, and chocolate. The three standard Labrador colors are black, yellow, and chocolate. The black and chocolate varieties have really remained the same over that time, but the yellows have experienced some variation. Today, however, Yellow Labradors can vary from almost pure white to a fox red or butterscotch without any raised eyebrows. On the other hand, if someone comes with a dog that is designated a Silver Lab or a Champagne or Charcoal it can be another story. So, why do people that accept such wide variation in the Yellows have a problem with the Silver Labs? It really comes down to one accusation that some breeder somewhere crossed a Labrador with another breed of dog to introduce the unique color. So, technically speaking, in order for a dog to be considered a Labrador, it must meet the breed standard setup by the corresponding kennel. These are the ground on which people want kennels to refuse to register a dog that is silver in the Labrador world. There are other disqualifying features that will get a Labrador excluded. Some of those include: Pink nose or one without any color at all Eye rims without pigment Docked tail or otherwise altered When it comes to color, the AKC website says: The Labrador Retriever coat colors are black, yellow and chocolate. Any other color or a combination of colors is a disqualification. A small white spot on the chest is permissible, but not desirable. White hairs from aging or scarring are not to be misinterpreted as brindling. Black: Blacks are all black. A black with brindle markings or a black with tan markings is a disqualification. Yellow: Yellows may range in color from fox-red to light cream, with variations in shading on the ears, back, and underparts of the dog. Chocolate: Chocolates can vary in shade from light to dark chocolate. Chocolate with brindle or tan markings is a disqualification. To some purists in the breeding game, this statement says it all. Photo by Marcus Benedix on Unsplash Those that support and love the silver or charcoal and champagne colors, there is more to the story. What Causes the Silver Coat? The arguments for and against the Silver or Charcoal Labs is set with the origins of the color. Genetics tells us what makes the silver coat, but it cannot settle the debate over where it came from. It is not art. This is science and it allows us to predict what color of puppies result in any combination of dogs. Gene Combinations There are 9 possible gene combinations when it comes to Labrador retrievers: eeBB, eeBb, and eebb will always result in a yellow lab. Eebb and EEbb will always result in a chocolate lab. It seems to reason that there are more black labs in the world than yellow or chocolate. There are more possible combinations that can lead to that color. So every lab has these two pairs and when you breed two dogs they each pass on one of the allele associated with their pair. For example, if you have a black lab with the genetic makeup of EEBB then that dog will always pass on one E allele and one B. On the other hand, if your black lab has the genetic makeup of EeBb, then your puppy might receive an E or e and a B or b. If both parents are yellow labs, regardless of what the B alleles are, you will always get yellow puppies. On the other hand, if you have two black labs, your litter might include yellow, black and chocolate puppies. The following chart might help you see how this works. The top row represents the contributions of the male and the far column represents the female contributions: Labrador color is determined by science. The Dilute Gene There is another gene pair in labs that typically does not influence the color. This gene pair is made up of the D allele or its recessive counterpart d. Historically, that pair has almost always been DD. For a lab to have the silver color that has become so popular over the last several years, this D pair must have two recessive alleles dd and results in a dilute color of the solid color. If there is even one D in the pair, the lab will have one of the three acceptable colors. As a result, in their minds, the AKC should refuse to paper these dogs. Additionally, the dogs would be refused entry in field trials. Other Diluted Colors Although we are focusing this article on the Silver Labardor, each of the three standard Lab colors have their own diluted variation. The Silver Lab is a Chocolate Lab with the dd gene. When a Yellow Lab gets the dd gene, the diluted color is called Champange. This may be the most difficult to recognize because the colors of Yellow Labradors already have a significant amount of variation in them. If you ever see a Champange Labrador, you will still notice a slight difference. If a Black Labrador ends up with the dd gene, the dog will have a charcoal look. When did Silver Labs Show Up? When such a drastic change comes into a popular breed like the Labrador, people start asking questions. Just puppies of the black, yellow and chocolate varieties. There are plenty of speculations as to how the dilute color was introduced to Labrador breed. Some breeders and enthusiasts, based only on appearance, accuse breeders of having crossed a Lab with a Weimaraner. Here is one breeder and geneticist that believes the Silver Labrador resulted in a cross with a Chocolate Lab and a Weimaraner. Remember what I said about uncertainty? If you have ever seen one, you know what they are talking about. The color of a Silver Lab almost matches that of a Weimaraner perfectly. The similarities have given room for reasonable doubt and a plausible explanation as to where the color variation came from. Although the colors seem to scream foul play, the heredity records seem to dispute the accusation. Some people see this as the smoking gun. It is cold, hard proof in their heads that somewhere along the way Labs were crossed with Weimaraners. Some people claim that there is another connection to the Weimaraner. They claim that Silver Labs have longer ears a distinctive Weimaraner feature. Mutated Genes The other side of the argument against Silver Labradors is that the particular gene mutated along the way. Breeders that believe the gene mutated hold the position that those dogs should have been bred out of the breed when the color first appeared. In other words, the breeder should have refused to let dogs with the gene reproduce. This is why the AKC refuses to register Labradors with the disqualifying features that were mentioned above. Those that hold this view see the AKC has the culprit. They had a duty to stop this problem before it could grow to where it is today. Although this kind of gene mutation is extremely rare, it does happen and there is evidence throughout the animal kingdom. It is hard for some people to believe because the mutation if that is what happened resulted in a gene combination that already existed in another dog. For that to happen would be even more uncommon than the mutation happening in the first place. According to scientists, even though mutations like this can happen, they typically do not reproduce. So, I think mutation is the least likely of the explanations. Evolutionary Progress Those that support the diluted variations claim that the gene has always been present in Labradors. These supporters point to the fact that the first Labradors were predominantly black. They claim that Yellows and Chocolates are recent additions to the breed and that the silver and charcoal colors are just the next evolution in the breed. Breeders that love the silver color, would have us accept the new shades and expand the breed. It seems pretty obvious that the genes causing these other two standard colors were present from almost the beginning—even though they were more rare than Black Labs. The reality is that people preferred the Black Labrador to Yellow and Chocolate. So, that preference weighed in on how people bred their dogs. You can see the preference for colors if you consider the Field Trial winners over the last 50 years. Although Yellow dogs were more common, the Blacks were winning everything at one point. Then, slowly, there were more and more Yellow dogs taking the wins. Recessive Hidden Genes There is a scientific phenomenon where genes remain hidden for long periods of time. This phenomenon is the other explanation for why the Silver Labrador may have taken so long to surface rather than hitting the scene at the same time as the Yellows and the Chocolates. This is actually not unlikely as you might think. The likelihood of the eventual pairing of the diluted genes if it was there all along increases as the Labrador breeding pool shrinks. Once you have the paired genes, it becomes more likely in the later litters. Before there was a Labrador breed, individuals were mixing and matching breeds to get the perfect dog for their situations. In the case of Labs, one of the dogs that was used in the mix was the Chessie. The kicker is… Chesapeake Bay Retrievers carry the diluted gene. The AKC has actually ignored the problem. In doing so, they have made the contempt among the breeders even more intense. The AKC does not recognize the diluted Labrador colors. So, then how do dog owners get their Silver Labradors registered? Well, you have to register them to the non-diluted color. Charcoal Labradors are registered as Blacks. And, Champagne Labradors are registered as Yellows. The truth about the kennels, in my opinion, is that they are never going to make a ruling on this matter. To tell you the truth, I am not sure that they can do anything but accept the dog if the pedigree seems to be in order. This is really difficult to answer because we cannot settle on whether or not this is a variation of the Labrador breed or a Labrador mix. The answer to that question will determine what we can say about their temperament. If it is a part of the Labrador breed, then we would expect to see Silver Labs with the typical Labrador personality. Although there are always variations within that breed, there is a breed expectation. On the other hand, if the Silver is the result of a cross-breeding, then we would need to know what the other breed is to anticipate any changes to the Labrador behavior. Most people assume that any cross-breeding would have been with the Weimaraner. So, take a Labrador and give it copious amounts of caffeine. That is pretty much how I would describe this breed. The Weimaraner has a huge prey-drive more than a Labrador. The higher energy levels and increased prey-drive would make a Silver Labrador if the cross happened more difficult to train than standard Labradors. There have been some concerns about the diluted dogs health. Some writers have even suggested that Silver Labradors will experience increased health concerns because of inbreeding. In the earlier days and still today in the case of lousy breeders , there were not enough of the diluted colors available. As such, the breeders had to use dogs that were closely related in order to continue the color deviation and ensure silver or charcoal litters. Although recent studies of the diluted dog suggest that there are more than enough Silver Labs to keep them from inbreeding problems. Regardless, rumors still concern potential buyers from investing in a Silver Lab puppy. The reality it is that any Labrador can succumb to the ill-fate of bad knees or hip dysplasia. If you are considering buying any puppy, you must do your due diligence. Make sure that both parents have the proper health clearances. This should be done regardless of what breed or puppy you get. Click here to learn more about hip dysplasia. What is the Life Expectancy of a Silver Lab? As the Silver Lab gets more and more common, we will get a better feel for things like their longevity. I anticipate, however, that the life expectancy of a Silver Lab will be the same as any other healthy Labrador. When you bring your little silver bundle of canine chaos home, remember that you have somewhere between 10 and 14 years to love and care for him. Should I Purchase a Silver Labrador? Only you can answer this question. In addition to the typical questions you should ask before making this huge commitment. There are all the typical questions that you must ask before taking the plunge with a new puppy. You need to consider how much space you have and whether your schedule allows you to give the dog enough time. These are difficult questions, but you must be honest with yourself. In addition to the normal questions that you would tell your friends to consider what you want to do with your dog. Are you going to run him in field trials and hunt tests? If that is your plan, then you need to consider the fact that you will likely be allowed to run every time, but that in doing so, you will also likely get heckled by the purists. Although there is mounting evidence that suggests this could be the case, it is mostly circumstantial evidence and nothing more. There are other explanations that offer somewhat equally-plausible explanations. If you purchase a Silver Labrador, you will be able to get it registered. You will not, however, be able to register a Silver Labrador. What do I mean and why does it seem like I am talking in riddles? In order to register the litter, the breeder had to tell the AKC that he had a litter of Chocolate puppies. You can register your little pup, but when you go to register him do not look for the box that says: Silver. It does not exist. Ultimately, you can register Silver Labs, but not as Silver Labs. Fact: It is impossible to determine if Silver Labradors are purebred with current testing. Some supporters of the Silver Labrador adamantly insist that tests have been run to ensure that Silver and Charcoal and Champagne are purebred Labradors. Unfortunately, the current DNA tests for canines are not sophisticated enough to identify ancestral markers. They are really good at pointing out parentage. Reasons People Oppose Silver Labradors It does not take much time in the retriever world to realize that there is some stiff opposition to Silver Labs. All you have to do is attend one Field Trial or Hunt Test with Silver Labs to find out how deep the controversy and the animosity goes. As you bounce around the different forums you can get a feel for how ugly the debate can get. Sharon Wagner does not pull any punches about her opinion on Silver Labs. She said, There are many reasons why silver Labradors should not be produced and the main one is that they are a disqualification and adhering to a standard while breeding is what keeps a breed a breed. The Labrador looks and acts like Labrador and not a German Shepherd because of the dedicated breeders preserving the breed. A standard is a blueprint and varying because it looks nice will undoubtedly cause the structure to fail see full article at www. I think this is the most common and logical argument against the Silver Lab. This leads me to believe that they are breeding simply to make money and do not care about a superior individual nor do they care about the breed in general. Unfortunately, Ms. Wagner allowed herself to stoop to the type of exaggeration that has blown this argument out of proportion over the decades. If you are in the market for a Silver Lab or charcoal or champagne then you had better be ready to pay a little extra. Although their numbers are increasing, they are still a rarity, especially in the UK. This fact has led some to believe that it is the only reason breeders choose to breed for this rare gene. As they become more common, it is likely that the prices will come down, although they may never reach the level of standard labs that meet the AKC regulations. If you are planning on running your dog in AKC events, understand that you will likely run into problems with other handlers. Not everyone is ready to move on. Some of them will express their frustration with the AKC on innocent dog handlers that just want to run their dogs in a Hunt Test. Conclusion Regarding Silver Labs The reality is that this argument and discussion hopefully more of the later will continue to rage on. It does not seem like anyone is even close to presenting information or facts that will completely establish the truth regarding Silver Labradors. Whether you love the color or believe that it is going to bring the downfall of Labrador Retrievers across the globe, we should all agree on the fact that we need to be civil and treat each other with respect.

Our breeding program has earned the the highest level of accomplishments that a kennel in the United States can achieve. Nadelhaus breeds purebred German Shepherds year round and we also import both German Shepherd puppies and adults direct from Europe for our clients. Long-haired German Shepherds are technically called a long coat German Shepherd, while a short-haired German Shepherd is called a normal coat or stock coat German Shepherd. Dogs with either coat have the same physiological structure and both have double coats: an undercoat and a top coat. The only difference between the two is the top coat. The long haired German Shepherd will have a heavier top coat than the undercoat. The double coat of a German Shepherd is an important feature of the breed. The double coat weathers and insulates the dogs—it protects them from the cold in the winter and the heat in the summer. The length of the coat of a German Shepherd has no impact on its ability as a working dog. What does a long haired German Shepherd look like? The skeleton and structure of a long-haired German Shepherd will be the same as a short-haired German Shepherd. Both dogs will have an undercoat, but the difference is that the top coat of a long-haired German Shepherd will be longer. The long coat GSD has longer and silkier hair on the chest, back, face, tail, and on the backside of its legs. Short on the head, including the inside of the ears, on the front side of the legs, on the paws and toes, somewhat longer and more strongly covered in hair on the neck, almost forming a mane. On the back side of the legs the hair extends to the carpal joint or the hock and forms clear trousers on the back side of the haunches. Historically, German Shepherds originated in Germany and were native sheepdogs. He firmly believed that the standard of the German Shepherd breed should not include dogs with long hair. Throughout the s, long haired German Shepherds were considered unsuitable and unacceptable for breeding. It is important to note that long-haired German Shepherds are the result of natural genetic diversity and not a separate breed. Their long coats are an inherited trait that can occur when both parents carry the recessive long-hair gene. This gene manifests as a more luxurious and abundant coat, offering a striking contrast to the traditional short-haired German Shepherd appearance. The breeding of long-haired German Shepherds follows the same rigorous standards and principles as their short-haired counterparts. The focus remains on maintaining the breed's exceptional temperament, working abilities, and overall health. Over time, breeders recognized the value of long-haired German Shepherds and began selectively breeding them to maintain and enhance their unique characteristics. Through careful pairings and strategic breeding programs, the long-haired variety established itself as a distinct and cherished branch of the German Shepherd breed. How big do long-haired German Shepherds get? Long-haired German Shepherds are structurally the same as short-haired German Shepherds, therefore they can both grow to similar sizes. Males: inches tall, pounds Females: inches tall, pounds Since both German Shepherds are physiologically the same, they also have the same temperaments: loyal, intelligent, energetic, courageous and protective. German Shepherds are ranked 2 on the AKC Breed Popularity list and make for wonderful family companions and working dogs. How can I identify a long-haired German Shepherd puppy? In the photo below are two litter mates from a recent Nadelhaus litter. The puppy on the left is a long coat and the puppy on the right is a normal coat. The long coat has wispier hair on the chest, back, face, tail, and on the backside of its legs. Long-hair female German Shepherd next to short-hair male German Shepherd. Genetically in German Shepherds, the short hair gene is dominant and the long hair gene is recessive. This means if two short-haired German Shepherds are mated, but neither carries the recessive long hair gene, then no long haired puppies can be produced. However, if two short-haired German Shepherds are mated and both carry the recessive gene, then long-haired German Shepherd puppies can be produced. Long-haired German Shepherds are considered a less common variant of the breed, adding to their allure and exclusivity. While short-haired German Shepherds dominate the breed standard, enthusiasts of long-haired Shepherds appreciate their unique beauty and elegant appearance. Due to their rarity, finding a reputable breeder or rescue organization specializing in long-haired German Shepherds may require some research and patience. However, the joy of owning one of these beautiful dogs is well worth the effort for those who appreciate their longer coats and exceptional qualities. Do long-haired German Shepherds shed more than short-haired German Shepherds? No, this is a common misconception. Although they shed less than short haired German Shepherds, their coats still require regular maintenance. They will need regular brushing and grooming, especially if you enjoy hiking or outdoor activities with your GSD. While it is a rare occurrence for a long-haired GSD to not have an undercoat, most of them do have undercoats. And just like short-haired GSDs, their undercoats will shed more or less throughout the year depending on the season. Should I trim my long haired German Shepherd's coat? The decision to trim a long haired German Shepherd comes down to personal preference, but it is not a necessity. Trimming can help make for more manageable living around the house. If you choose to trim, you can trim around the backs of the ears, on the back of the legs both front and back and then thin the bushy tail. Shaving a German Shepherd on the other hand is never recommended. Their double coats help keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. What are long haired German Shepherds called? Regular brushing: Long-haired German Shepherds require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles. Aim for at least a few brushing sessions per week to keep their coat in good condition. Finish your brushing session with a gentle dog brush to clean up loose hairs. Bathing and drying: It's important to bathe your long-haired German Shepherd as needed, using a dog-specific shampoo. Be sure to thoroughly rinse out all the shampoo to prevent any residue. After bathing, use a high-velocity dryer or a cool air dryer to dry their coat thoroughly, as moisture trapped in the fur can lead to skin issues. Professional grooming: Consider taking your long-haired German Shepherd to a professional groomer for occasional trimming and coat maintenance. A groomer can help keep the fur around sensitive areas, such as the paws and ears, tidy and reduce the chances of matting. Watch for seasonal shedding: Like all German Shepherds, long-haired ones will undergo shedding seasons. Be prepared for increased shedding during these times and brush your dog more frequently to remove loose hair. A de-shedding tool can be helpful in managing shedding and keeping their coat healthy. Remember, each dog is unique, and the specific care requirements may vary. Does Nadelhaus sell long haired German Shepherd puppies? Nadelhaus breeds German Shepherds puppies year round and while the majority of puppies we sell are short hair, we do have occasionally have long haired puppies. We breed all our German Shepherds in the black and red color. If you are looking for a long haired adult German Shepherd, we can also import long-haired German Shepherds direct from Europe. Contact us for more information. Females: pounds. Height Males: inches. Females: inches. The German Shepherd dog originated in the late 19th century with the goal of developing the ideal herding dog, one with high levels of intelligence, speed, agility, and devotion. German Shepherds quickly gained popularity outside of herding circles due to their high intelligence and trainability. They were very effective in many roles, such as search and rescue, police and military, and guide dog for the visually impaired. Their intelligence, flexibility, and eagerness to please their human companions earned them a reputation as a superior working breed. The breed gained widespread recognition during World Wars I and II, when German Shepherds were an integral part of military organizations. Messenger dogs, guard dogs, and search and rescue dogs all relied heavily on the intellect, bravery, and adaptability of these canines. Because of the significant roles they played throughout these difficult times, they have become one of the most admired and admired breeds in the world. German Shepherds are still highly regarded because of their adaptability, intellect, and devoted nature. Herding, obedience competitions, agility trials, and other working responsibilities are just some of the many areas in which they thrive. Their unique physical characteristics—a powerful, muscular body and a noble expression—only add to their appeal. German Shepherds have stood tall as a symbol of loyalty, intellect, and undying devotion to their human companions for centuries thanks to their impressive history and impressive abilities. Breed Characteristics Head: Somewhat Mesaticephalic to almost dolichocephalic in skull-type. Strongly developed, moderate in size, rectilinear, shaped like an elongated wedge, and in proportion to the rest of the body. The topskull is moderately wide, with a flat plane. The median furrow is not well defined. The occiput, brow, and zygomatic arches are only slightly developed. The head is clean-cut without excess skin or wrinkle. Ears: Somewhat small in size, set high on the skull, and triangular in shape with pointed tips, carried firmly erect. When alert, tips point straight up. The ears are never overly long, overly large, or broken Eyes: Moderate in size, oval to almond in shape, obliquely set, and medium to dark brown in color. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Muzzle: The muzzle is of a moderately long length and strongly developed. It tapers gradually toward the tip of the nose, giving the head the appearance of an elongated wedge. The plane of the muzzle is straight or slightly convex. Upper and lower jaws have good bone substance, are strong, well developed, never appearing snipey or weak. Upper and lower jaws split wide apart at hinge, revealing back molars when the mouth is held opened. Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black, or self-colored according to the coat. The nostrils are well-opened. Neck: Moderate length to allow for proud head carriage, strongly muscled with a slight arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut, without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap. Chest: Deep, broad, but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows. Body: Powerful, solid, and with good substance without appearing heavy, coarse, or bulky. Capable of great endurance, agility, and performance, without appearing racy or refined. Width at forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters. Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads. Movement: Energetic, efficient, effortless, tireless, and agile. The characteristics of healthy structure are evident: when moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither moving in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the center line of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in a line with the nose. The width between the forefeet when extended should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring. Tail: Set neither high nor low on the croup, but as a natural extension of the topline. Thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. Of a somewhat long length with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints, or below, when held down. Tail may be straight, gently curved, or with gently curved toward the tip. Temperament: Belgian Sheepdogs are confident, active, energetic, watchful, and devoted dogs. They retain the characteristics that were honed and developed over centuries in Belgium to make them excellent working dogs and unmatched companions for the right owner or family. They are highly intelligent, highly agile, very powerful, and well aware of their capabilities. They can become very protective of their people, family, and property, making them excellent watchdogs. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed. About the German Shepherd The German Shepherd is a breed that is looked up to and respected because of how impressive it is. This is one of the most well-known dog breeds in the world due to its iconic status as a symbol of loyalty, intelligence, and adaptability. The massive stature and powerful, athletic frame of a German Shepherd are well-known characteristics of this breed. They average between 50 and 90 pounds in weight and 22 and 26 inches in height at the shoulder, though this might vary by gender and heredity. Their agile and strong nature is reflected in their strong, muscular build, making them suitable for a variety of strenuous pursuits. Their double coat consists of a robust, straight upper layer and a fluffy, insulating underlayer. Coat colors and patterns for this breed range from the traditional black and tan to sable, black, and even white. This stunning coat serves dual purposes, improving their visual attractiveness and shielding them from the elements. The German Shepherd breed is known for its high level of intelligence. They have a remarkable capacity to acquire and comprehend new material quickly and easily. Their exceptional intelligence makes them well-suited for many jobs, including those in law enforcement , the military, search and rescue, and as service animals. German Shepherds thrive when their minds are challenged and exercised via consistent training and interesting pursuits. German Shepherds have a well-deserved reputation for being devoted and attached to their human families. Because of their strong motivation to serve their human companions, they make wonderful pets and reliable watchdogs. Their instinct to protect those they care about and the environment they live in make them excellent watchdogs. German Shepherds are highly skilled workers, but they are also wonderful pets for active families. They do best in households with consistent routines, where they may exercise and learn new things, and where they are loved and cared for. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation in the form of walks, games, and stimulating training sessions. Like dogs of any breed, the German Shepard benefit greatly from early socialization and training. They become well-rounded persons whose personalities can adapt to different social contexts and interactions with other animals and humans if they receive early socialization. The German Shepherd is a breed that has stood the test of time because of its extraordinary intelligence, unflinching devotion, and striking good looks. German Shepherds are one of the most valued and respected dog breeds in the world due to their outstanding attributes, which create a lasting impact whether they are working colleagues, trustworthy companions, or beloved family pets. All of our puppies have received rigorous obedience training, both on and off-leash, so that they can respond to your every instruction, no matter the setting. Because of the time and effort we put into their training, you can tell that our puppies are of the highest quality. Not matter your needs, we have the perfect dog just for you! Visit Our Dogs. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article. The breed is well proportioned and strong with a sturdy, muscular, slightly elongated body that has a light but solid bone structure. The head should be in proportion to its body and have a little bit of a rounded forehead. The nose is most often black, but blue or liver colors still do sometimes occur. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. Its eyes are dark and almond-shaped but never protruding. The ears are wide at its base, pointed, upright, and turned forward. However, it is natural for German Shepherd puppies under about six months to have ears that droop slightly. It also has a bushy tail that reaches below the hocks and hangs down when resting. There are three varieties of the German Shepherd: double coat, plush coat, and longhaired coat. It has a double coat made-up of a thick undercoat and dense, slightly wavy or straight outer coat. Most German Shepherd dogs have tan and black or red and black hair, medium in length and tend to shed all year round. There are some other, more rare color variations such as solid black, solid white, liver and blue. The white coat version is recognized as a separate breed by some breed clubs and is called the American White Shepherd. A piebald color has also occurred and is now being called a Panda Shepherd. Discover more about our German Shepherd puppies for sale below! Disposition The German Shepherd is an intelligent and versatile breed. The breed requires an active lifestyle and makes for an ideal companion, protector, and guard dog. Very devoted to its family and home and usually maintains a suspicious demeanor around strangers. German Shepherds can be dominating and assertive towards other dogs, though normally friendly with other pets in the home. Therefore, it is important to begin training your dog beginning as a puppy in order to avoid negative behaviors later. Exercise This breed is very active and athletic. It requires a lot of physical and mental exercise. Without the proper amount of exercise, it can become frustrated and develop negative behaviors. Participating in canine activities such as agility, herding, tracking, and diving is great exercise and fun for the dog. Training Puppy socialization and training are critical, as well as continuing obedience training to ensure the puppy will become a well-mannered adult. The German Shepherd is a highly intelligent companion and extraordinary worker. Use consistent and positive reward-based training for best results. Grooming The German Shepherd sheds regularly and is a heavy seasonal shedder. As a result, it is best to brush them daily. You only need to bathe them when necessary, however, as over bathing can cause skin irritation from removal of oil on their skin. Check their ears and trim their claws regularly. Origin The German Shepherd Dog originated in Karlsruhe, Germany from longhaired, shorthaired, and wire-haired local herding and farm dogs in the mids. Its now famous qualities of intelligence, agility, speed, stealth, and courage were developed not in a police or military academy but in the sheep pastures of s Germany. The breed gained popularity in the United States during the early s due to the canine movie stars Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart. Unfortunately, because it is among the German breeds including the Dachshund it suffered a decline in popularity due to anti-German sentiment during and after both world wars. However, due to the rise of modern livestock management and the decline of herding as a dog occupation, von Stephanitz promoted his breed as an ideal K-9 worker and today is therefore the preferred breed for police and military units all over the world. See store for details on this particular puppy. American Canine Association.

What an incredible boy, with the most contagious smile ever! Nathan has brittle bone disease. He has broken many, many bones and endured countless surgeries. He is unable to walk, and is confined to his wheelchair. What an incredible example and inspiration Nathan has been to our family. What an honor it has been to be able to provide Nathan with a dog, to be his best friend and support as he tackles each new day with incredible enthusiasm. Liberty was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 2 years old. Every time she plays, every time she is sick it affects her insulin. If her blood sugar goes too low she can go into a coma. It truly is life threatening every day. Her mom has to set an alarm every night to check on her to make sure it is not too high or has dropped too low. We were so excited for the opportunity to be able to provide a best friend and a life saving companion for Liberty. Luke was diagnosed with Leukemia at 6 months old. He endured many surgeries, treatments and many long stays in the hospital. Luke would smile at everyone, and anyone that needed to be cheered up. What a blessing it was to be able to donate a puppy to Luke. He loved the puppies and was able to pick out the perfect puppy for his family. Luke peacefully left this world at the age of 2. She has endured countless physical therapy sessions and many more to come. What a pleasure is has been working with her and her family and seeing the impact Champ has made in her life! He always helps me when I go on hikes or when I fall. He wears a harness and helps me keep my balance. Champ is also a very social dog and is friendly to everyone. He always loves and supports me and I am truly grateful to have him in my life. You can pay by sending money via Venmo or Check. We will send you an email announcing their birth, along with a picture of the litter. We will then send you an email each week updating you on what we are working on with the puppies and more!! At 6 weeks old, we will ask for your selection as we contact each new owner in order. We will meet with you in person or via FaceTime. By then we will have completed are three week temperament testing program and will be able to help you match the perfect puppy with your family. Puppy pick up day is a very special day. We will be contacting you and scheduling a time that works best for you to pick up your new puppy. We will then provide you with a "puppy folder" full of wonderful information to get you off to the best start possible. Your puppy will be fully bathed, very familiar with a crate, and ready to become apart of your family. Our dogs are a part of our family and we are so grateful for the opportunity to be able to share such a wonderful blessing in our lives with others. She is just great fun to have around. Regulars at the neighborhood outdoor cafe expect to see Lily come by every day, wagging her tail, looking for attention from everyone. I can't overstate how the Herbsts did everything to give her a good start on life, and to ease the transition from farm to her new home, and to point me towards a puppy who would be a good fit for me. He has a very loving personality, quickly attached to our entire family, loves to play with everyone, and has been easy to train. We potty trained him in just a week by praising him like crazy every time he went outside, and he understood so quickly. He learned all the basic commands very easily as well. He loves people and lets strangers come up to pet him. Katie Lewis "Daisy May" is doing great. Super smart and perfect for our family. She loves to play and is super obedient. By far, the smartest dog I ever owned. Being so obedient, I was considering doing trials or shows with her. Greg Fitzgerald Since Rex joined our family, my wife and I have both commented on how much laughter and joy he has brought to our day. He is such a sweet dog, a quick learner and absolutely wants to please! Ron Harrison He is a great family dog. He has been house trained. We are happy to report that he has not had one accident inside the house. He is well mannered. Shaunie Critchfield Timmy learns fast and shows good potential for competitive obedience events at some time in the future. She is able to immediately light up a room with her happy demeanor. Our three older children, ranging in age from 4 to 7, needed a friend after losing their brother. Maese has been the perfect addition to our family, and a wonderful therapy dog for us all! He has an amazing temperament and is very empathetic. He seems to know when the kids or my husband or I need some comfort. Maese does everything with our family, from hiking and vacations to working the yard or watching a movie. He was the easiest puppy to train, and has continued to be very well-behaved. He's only a class or two away from being certified as a therapy dog, and we look forward to taking him to the local Children's Hospital cancer floor for pet therapy days.We love our Maese! She is gentle with my grandchildren and friendly to everyone she meets. Her disposition is everything the breeder promised and more. Julie Bench When I came to the nursing home, I had to give my dog away to my family. Seeing Buck every day made me feel right at home. Vetrans Home Finny is a physically beautiful golden and we are constantly asked if we will consider him as a show dog. Our vet has also told us repeatedly that Finny is a perfect example of flawless breed standard. We could not be happier with Finny and do hope to get another dog from Amazing Goldens in the future. Mo Smith I just want to update you on our beautiful dog, Sage. She will be one year old on Sunday. We absolutely adore her. She is smart, she is sweet, she is loyal. We couldn't ask for a better canine family member. I've attached a couple of photos of her. She is about 5 months in the fall picture. She just earned her Canine Good Citizen certificate this week, just in time for her first birthday. I plan on continuing training her and eventually will have her serving as a therapy dog. She loves people so much, I know she will be excellent in the role of a therapy dog. I hope all is well with you and your family. Lisa Bakhsheshy. Share 0 Shares Everyone knows what a Golden Retriever is and how lovable they are. Besides the obvious golden color of a Golden Retriever, they also come in dark golden, cream, lightly golden, and red. They are full of energy and make the best companions especially if you love the outdoors and have an active lifestyle. Since they are Retrievers, naturally they love the water so bring them to lakes and oceans for a nice swim! They are expected to live from years old which means plenty of time for love and cuddles. Males and females will also have some distinct characteristic traits, if interested in the difference, check this article. To bring home the perfect Golden Retrieve means that you need the perfect breeder. It is important to find a breeder who focuses on the health, longevity, and temperament of their dogs. The Golden Retriever puppies should also be well socialized before going to their forever home and be screened for genetic hereditary problems including hip and elbow problems. Make sure their Goldens are also AKC registered as well! Many of their dogs are trained to hunt and train on their acre farmlands. Their program is versatile and produces a healthy and optimal Golden Retriever. All their dogs are AKC registered and on their website, there is a tab that if you click on it, will provide you with the dams and sires information pertaining to overall health and genetics. They take the quality of life of their Goldens very seriously and will only be giving their Goldens away to the right people. All puppies will be sold with limited AKC registration and with WM Farms kennel name requirement for tracking purposes. A thorough 6-week exam and first vaccines will be conducted before you receive your puppy. There is a lot of information on their website from their training programs to how they started this business. I suggest contacting them directly for more detail as they are extremely professional and care about their dogs. Name of Owner. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Utah Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Utah? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Utah? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved.

Vocality level 2 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament As a crossbreed, it is hard to say for sure which behavioral and personality traits each Doodle will possess. Overall, pet parents report that Goldendoodles are friendly family dogs who do well with children and other pets. Good puppy socialization is key to their development as a well-rounded adult dog. They have an average to high energy level and require roughly minutes of exercise daily. Due to their loyal, people-pleasing nature, Goldendoodles can be easy to train, and if done properly with positive reinforcement, can be extremely obedient pets. They prefer room to run around, so would thrive with a fenced yard. They may not be the greatest choice for apartment dwellers, unless you are big on daily outdoor exercise. Upkeep With an average-to-high energy level, Goldendoodles do best with more active families who can dedicate time to playing games with them. They thrive on socialization and playtime with other dogs to help to burn their energy. Mental stimulation in the form of agility or ongoing training will help keep their adventurous spirit content. If not properly occupied, they can sometimes become destructive -- another reason why they might not be the best match for a small apartment. Goldendoodles have a double coated fur that can be quite dense. Some have fur that can be left in its natural state but you should still expect to brush it out roughly once per week. Others may have fur that will require more upkeep, including professional grooming every weeks the more dense the fur, the more it will trap dirt. Otherwise, bathe your Goldendoodle as needed, brush teeth regularly, and trim nails times per month. Be sure to check and clean their ears to remove any buildup and avoid infections! The mix of the two did not appear in America until the s, but has been gaining popularity as people value a type of dog that could possess the low dander levels of a Poodle and the intelligence and happy personality of a Golden Retriever. The Goldendoodle was originally offered as a larger alternative to the Cockapoo, one of the early intentional crossbreeds. Because Goldendoodles are so popular, they certainly can be found for adoption in animal shelters and Doodle-specific rescues. If sharing your home with a Doodle is your dream, be sure to consider adoption! Related Content. We are Cindy and Jeff Suit, and we strive to produce puppies with the very best temperaments and personalities, and the health and overall condition of our Goldendoodles are a top priority. All of our puppies come with a two-year health guarantee, have been vet-checked, have received their first shots and have been wormed on a regular basis. The care we take in breeding to create the best puppies is matched by the thorough socialization we give them after they are born. After more than two decades of producing exceptional puppies, our reputation speaks clearly about our breeding methods, the level of care we provide and, most importantly, the great love we have for these wonderfully sensitive and intelligent dogs. We take great care in matching you with the right puppy. So, if you would like more information about our puppies, please fill out the puppy application on our website. We will call you to discuss your preferences and our available litters. Available Goldendoodle Puppies The health, beauty and temperament of a Blue Ridge Goldendoodle puppy is second-to-none. This page features the stunning selection of pups we currently have available. Learn More Meet Our Dogs The secret to continually producing great puppies is to always use the very best breeding pairs. We carefully select our sires and dams for health, temperament, beauty, size and coat type. Visit this page to learn more about the exceptional dogs we use to create our second-to-none Blue Ridge Goldendoodle Puppies. They are up-to-date on shots and have been wormed regularly and thoroughly checked by our vet. We send a detailed vet record with every one. Each puppy also comes with a blanket or toy that was played with and rubbed on the mom and the siblings. This helps in the transition from our home to yours. We also test them for problems with the elbows and heart, check for patella luxation and make sure that their eyes are cleared for Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA , a degenerative vision disorder. In addition to these checks, our breeding dogs are DNA tested for a battery of genetic diseases. Blue Ridge Goldendoodles is a member and recommended breeder at Goldendoodles. About Goldendoodle Puppies Goldendoodles are the result of calculated crossbreeding between pedigreed Golden Retrievers and any of the three officially recognized Poodle varieties standard, miniature and toy. Exceptional breeders like Blue Ridge Goldendoodles are able to produce puppies with the best attributes of each lineage — physical beauty, loving and loyal personalities, high intelligence, a strong desire to please and a size range that suits apartment dwelling, farm living and everything in between. Their patience and gentle spirit make Goldendoodles especially good with small children. If acquiring a Goldendoodle is the right choice for you or your family, start by locating a top-quality breeder. All puppies should be examined and okayed, too. These exams are standard operating procedure at Blue Ridge Goldendoodle Puppies. No, all dogs shed a little, that is nature. There is low shedders and high shedders. A low shedder would have more texture of the poodle coat. Where as a high shedder would have the lab texture. Most Goldendoodles are low shedders. What is the main difference between Labradoodles and Goldendoodles? Cindy Suit T What is the main difference between Labradoodles and Goldendoodles? The differences between Labradoodles and Goldendoodles depends mostly on the breeding stock chosen for the parents. With that being said, there really is no difference between our Goldendoodles and Labradoodles. Most people cannot tell the difference between the two breeds. Please feel free to look at my Doodle Hall of Fame and see if you can tell the difference. Are Goldendoodles easy to potty train? Cindy Suit T Are Goldendoodles easy to potty train? Goldendoodles are highly intelligent and motivated to please, this makes them outstanding pupils for housebreaking, crate training, learning tricks and more. What is the difference between and F1 and F1B? It depends what genes they inherit. What is an F2? Cindy Suit T What is an F2? In genetics, an F2 means a second generation cross, or a cross that is 2 generations away from the original parent breeds. There are 2 ways to get to the second generation. The second way is described above, as an F1B. So breeding an F1 Labradoodle or Goldendoodle back to a Poodle to get an F1B, is resulting in a second generation of the hybrid. Are Goldendoodles appropriate for apartment living? Cindy Suit T Are Goldendoodles appropriate for apartment living? Yes, Goldendoodles are a very adaptable breed that can thrive in all residential settings. All they need is proper love and care from you to flourish. Plus, potential owners have the option of choosing a standard, mini, toy or teacup Goldendoodle based on the ideal size fit for their living conditions. While this is an impossible question to answer with any specificity, the average lifespan of a Goldendoodle is calculated to be between 10 and 15 years. Do Goldendoodles get attached to one person? Cindy Suit T Do Goldendoodles get attached to one person? Goldendoodles are extremely affectionate dogs who love to give and receive outward signs of love. They have the propensity to become more attached to one person, but their drive for attention prevents them from limiting their interactions in this way. To the dog, anyone willing to spend a few minutes giving a belly rub is worth an abundance of licking. Are Goldendoodles lap dogs? Cindy Suit T Are Goldendoodles lap dogs? Whether your canine companion is a five-pound teacup or a pound standard, they will see themselves as equally small and act accordingly. If that sounds the least unpleasant, know that new owners quickly get used to having their entire laps swallowed and grow to love these times of bonding. Still have more questions about Goldendoodles? Check out our reference pages below:.

We offer a health guarantee and have noted Champions in our dogs' pedigrees. Litters are planned in advance, and puppies are usually available within 2 months of deposit. Visitors are welcome with restrictions to protect puppies. We lost a couple pinnacle girls that I was counting on. This happens from time to time and not all good Labs are good breeders. This is why we test extensivity and conduct OFA certifications to give our customers the best chance at a quality Labrador with no serious issues. Now we have nine girls where I use to only have six most of these girls are young and will be going through certifications as they grow. Toko was recently bred to our handsome boy Max with a due date of October .These puppies will be Christmas Puppies ready 4 days before Christmas. If all goes well Our beautiful girl Lena will be available for her first breeding in November. I hope to breed her to Dutch Maybe giving us both yellow and black puppies in January. There should be good availability with this litter. Ruby is our dark yellow who has a fox red background, she also is due to have her first breeding in November. I'm a co-owner with her having to deal hard to get this bloodline. I owe my fellow breeder 4 puppies from her. I'll have to get approval for use of which stud, and it might not be mine. I'm thinking about another yellow litter and have a couple options. The deposit waiting list will go quick. To lock in your place in line leave a deposit. For more information, visitors can check the link or contact Gene. We are a small hobby kennel in Central Nebraska where our family travels and shows together. We do health testing and temperament testing to ensure that we are breeding the best. We usually have an average of 2 litters a year. The love for the breed came from my closest friend, Mocha. He was my first chocolate lab and that was the beginning of Mocha Labradors. Black and Chocolate Puppies available. Males and Females. Please check out our puppy page. She amazed us from day one. Winning back to back Best of Breeds as a 6 month old puppy. She has produced some wonderful puppies for us. She finished quickly at 13 months old. She is almost finished with her Grand Championship. She is out training for her Junior Hunt Title. She is such a momma's girl. We want to thank him for entrusting such a wonderful girl to us. This was her first weekend out with me and she was reserve winners bitch on Saturday and Winners Bitch on Sunday for her first Major win. Sitara finished her championship quickly. She has also passed all her health clearances. This is our daughter, Cejay showing Truffles for the first time. She beat me with Bridget and also professional handlers. She has 4 champion pts. After a year off, Truffles goes Reserve Winners at the Scottsbluff show.

These pups are irresistible, especially at a young age, but before you head to the breeder, you should know what to expect from your Frenchie Pug puppy. First and most importantly, know that Frenchie Pug puppies are not easy to train. This breed can be stubborn and a bit strong-willed, so be prepared to dedicate some time to teaching them the basics. This includes commands like sit, stay, and come, but it also includes housebreaking. These things often take more time with Frenchie Pugs than they do with other breeds, so you must have patience and be consistent with training. You should also know that since Frenchie Pugs inherit traits from both French Bulldogs and Pugs, their appearance can vary quite a bit based on which parent they resemble more. Frenchie Pugs Come From Royal Ancestors You know that Frenchie Pugs are the offspring of a French Bulldog and a Pug, but what you may not know is that their Pug ancestors were believed to be the preferred companion dog of Chinese royalty. Unlike most mixed breeds that can inherit personality traits and behavioral tendencies from one or both parent breeds and ultimately vary quite a bit, the Frenchie Pug comes from two pretty similar parent breeds. What this means for you is that you can rest assured that the dog you welcome into your family will be loving, affectionate, playful, energetic, and needy. Knowing what to expect in terms of the temperament of your dog is very important to some people, so this is definitely a positive feature of this crossbreed. Frenchie Pugs Are Good for Apartment Living Finding a dog that is suitable to live with you in an apartment can be challenging for many reasons, but one of the biggest is barking. If you do live in an apartment where noise is a big issue, the Frenchie Pug may be perfect for you. This breed is generally very quiet and barks very rarely. If your routine will leave your Frenchie Pug at home alone for long stretches, this may not be the best type of dog for you. The more human interaction and attention your Frenchie Pug gets, the happier they will be. Are These Dogs Good for Families? In fact, while some breeds are simply good for families and children, Frenchie Pugs thrive in a family environment. Socialization early on will aid in cultivating this kind of calm and accepting personality, but your Frenchie Pug will likely have these traits naturally. Like all breeds, Frenchie Pugs should be eating a high-protein diet that includes healthy fats and complex carbohydrates. No specific diet restrictions exist with this breed, so any high-quality commercial dog food will do. It should be noted that high-quality food is key, as low-tier dog foods that contain fillers can lead to health problems for any breed. This is particularly important for dogs like the Frenchie Pug who is genetically predisposed to medical issues already. Many small dogs are prone to overeating and obesity, and the Frenchie Pug is no exception. One minute walk each day or a few minute walks on a daily basis will be perfect for this breed and will help minimize weight gain. To put it simply, Frenchie Pugs are pretty lazy dogs, and as long as they get their recommended walking time in each day, they will happily lie on the couch with you or sit with you while you work or watch TV. Routine walking will keep your puppy in tip-top shape. However, these dogs are also strong-willed and can offer up some serious difficulty for inexperienced dog owners. Like we mentioned earlier, the French Bulldog Pug mix normally takes a bit longer to get housebroken, so expect to put in some additional effort to get your pup to this point. This will make your job and your life a whole lot easier. Shedding is, however, one downside to this breed, as Frenchie Pugs do tend to shed quite a bit. While you may not have to brush your pup too often, you should be prepared to vacuum regularly. Since Frenchie Pugs inherit some of their physical traits from their wrinkly Pug parent breed, your dog may have skin folds that require regular cleaning to prevent infection. This largely depends on how much of that adorable wrinkliness your Frenchie Pug exhibits; physical traits can vary on an individual level. Lastly, regular grooming practices like teeth and ear cleaning every other week or so will go a long way in preventing tooth and gum issues as well as ear infections. French Bulldogs and Pugs are not known for their heartiness, and their common ailments can be seen in this breed as well. Regular vet visits are essential for the French Bulldog Pug Mix, and your pup may require more testing and medical screening than other breeds. This can lead to higher-than-normal vet bills, so be aware of this and the below common conditions found in this breed. Minor Conditions Eyelid issues like entropion and ectropion Patellar Luxation. Hundreds of abandoned and abused dogs are surrendered so there might be a chance for you to find a French Bulldog Pug here. Brush the hair with firm bristles at least once a week to get rid of dead hairs. You can use a wet cloth to wipe off a speck of dirt or bathe your dog entirely if he becomes all grubby and grimy. Always see to it that the creases on the face are thoroughly dried up to prevent any infection. Clean both ears and trim their nails regularly. French Bulldog Pugs Health Problems It is typical for hybrids like the Pug and French bulldog Combination to inherit the health condition that has afflicted the parent breed. Being born hale and hearty is not always a guarantee that they will not develop the same problem. Screening tests are now available to help breeders determine which dog to breed. Ultimately, you need to be conscious and be able to recognize the signs for these illnesses. Glaucoma is caused by high pressure that builds up in the eye. This may impair the optic nerve and can result in total blindness. It usually starts with just one eye and can progress into the other. Cataracts affect the lens of the eyes, making them dense and opaque. The most common cause is genetic. Diabetic dogs are more vulnerable and prone to develop this disease. Eye injury and infection are also common causes. Allergies or allergic reaction whether from food or the season may be in progress if you notice an increase in scratching, licking, and chewing. Antihistamines usually work wonders. Atopic Dermatitis is a chronic skin disease related to allergies. Like most allergies, the signs include itching, scratching, rubbing, and licking, especially around the face, paws, and underarms. Entropion is when the eyelashes, including the skin around the eye, have direct contact with the cornea. This condition is either congenital caused by an anatomic defect or acquired as a result of trauma. Dogs with dislocated kneecaps exhibit prolonged and abnormal movement of the hindlimb. You may find them occasionally skipping or limping. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome is characterized by elongated soft palate, stenotic nares, everted Laryngeal Saccules. Brachycephalic dogs like the French bulldog and Pug mix, often have difficulty breathing and may have respiratory problems. Health issues may affect their quality of life. Therefore, it is your responsibility to look after the welfare of your Pug French bulldog. It is essential that you limit activities that may lead to excessive physical exertion. Keep in mind that these mongrels are also unable to swim so try to keep them away from pools or puddles. Exposure to direct sunlight and excessive heat can make them susceptible to illnesses so make sure that you monitor their temperature. Pug French Bulldog Food Requirements Your primary goal is to properly nourish your French Bulldog Pug, so you may want to give him only the best food brands available in the market. They could do with approximately one and a half to two cups of dry dog food in a single day. Measuring the amount of food you serve and monitoring how much he eats are highly recommended. Find products that they will also enjoy eating. Canidae Grain Free Pure Foundations Puppy Formula Canidae Grain Free Pure Foundations Puppy Formula contains omega-3 and 6 fatty acids to support supple skin and a beautiful coat, antioxidants for a healthy immune system, and probiotics to assist in proper digestion. It is free from any artificial ingredients, by-products or fillers. It is also rich in antioxidants, Omega fatty acids, probiotics and more. It has DHA that promotes optimum brain development and probiotics that aids digestion. It also has omega-3 fish oils, vitamins, and minerals. It has no additives and harmful chemicals; VeRUS provides ample nourishment for a growing dog. It is one of the most popular natural dog foods in the market. It is totally free of grain and corn, wheat and soy which makes it easy to digest and definitely safe for dogs with sensitive stomachs. With percent which is by far the highest animal-based protein compared to other dog food, Nulo does not use by-products or any other food derivatives. Their recipe is free of artificial flavors and colors, and preservatives. With no common allergens added, this dog food is an excellent choice for Pug and French bulldog combination with sensitive stomachs and skin allergies. It is completely free of wheat, corn, and soy and has probiotics for good digestion. Orijen Senior Dog Orijen Senior Dog food is manufactured with 80 percent meat and fish making it a good source of high-quality protein. It provides natural sources of chondroitin and glucosamine which supports healthy joints. Key benefits include Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to ensure healthy skin and coat, an increased amount of protein and L-Carnitine for healthy muscles, carbohydrates for energy, Vitamins, chelated minerals and antioxidants for immune system health and natural sources of chondroitin and glucosamine for mobility and healthy joints. The formula is enhanced with guaranteed probiotics and fiber to help support digestion especially among sensitive pets, high-quality protein to maintain ideal body condition, and added glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints. Chicken, turkey, and beef are great sources of protein. Salmon and tuna are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which promotes healthy brain and heart and good eyesight. Rice, wheat, and grains are carbohydrates that our pets can actually digest. But as they grow old, they become more relaxed. They are known to be moderately active dogs, so too much exercise is dangerous. Physical activities for about minutes ensure that your dog gets a sufficient amount of exercise and stimulation. A leisurely walk each day is one activity that your dog will surely enjoy. You may also engage them in play using toys. Luckily, these toys are readily available in the market: Throwables — for playing fetch and tossing JW Pet Products Hol-ee Roller — Your dog, develops problem-solving skills as they work to extricate treats or toys from this rubber ball. Launchers and Chuckit! Ultra Ball — Bring your fetching experience to the next level with the launcher and a high bouncing ball that also floats in water. Chewables — for chewing and teething Kong Original Toy Rubber — Stuff it with treats and your dog will find this satisfying. It also reduces distress caused by separation anxiety. The toy teaches your dog how to focus attention and helps lessen hyperactivity. The structure provides adequate comfort and optimum levels of relaxation. Furthermore, consistent and regular training will help you achieve desirable results. Obedience — Training your Mix of Pug and French Bulldog may be a little daunting as they prove to very obstinate and may have difficulty picking up on tasks. Establish yourself as the master and let him know you are in control. Watchdog — You may start this training by letting your dog socialize or mingle with other people. This will provide him experiences that will help develop his sense of inquisitiveness. Through this, your Mix of Pug and French Bulldog will be able to recognize suspicious activities around him. Tricks — They will always aim to please so you can use this opportunity to teach your pet friend entertaining and interesting tricks like a handshake, kiss, crawl, walking backward and a lot more. Ultimately, it is important to reinforce training with love — let your mix of French Bulldog and Pug know and feel your appreciation by giving him treats or toys. French Bulldog Pug and Families The cross between Pug and French Bulldog are gaining much popularity as household pets because of their lovable and affectionate nature. This is very appealing, especially among the younger generation. Before you take home the newest member of your family, there are certain things that you need to consider. Establish the rules and assign responsibilities like who is going to feed, bathe, and walk him. Designate one activity room in your household where family members can mingle with your new pet while pointing out which rooms is off-limits. Being the champion chewers as they are the combination of French Bulldog and Pug have a penchant for biting into things so you need to organize your belongings ahead of time. You may consider building up a temporary living space that is gated off. Dogs who lack exercise and lie around all day are more prone to obesity. Albinism While looking for the perfect Frenchie Pug, you may come across a pink Frug. The pink tone is actually albinism which is a condition that causes little to no melanin production. This poses serious health problems and is not a rare coat color. How long do French Bulldog Pug Mixes live? Much like any other canine breed, a Frug usually lives about 11 to 15 years. Frug dog breeders Legitimate dog breeders may be hard to find, but finding one is not impossible. Before deciding to buy a puppy from a puppy mill which is not a good option , consider searching carefully for responsible Frug breeders. The best way to know if the French Bulldog Pug Mix breeders are legit is to meet them in person. This way you will know if they are really passionate dog lovers, or are just in it for the money. Always ask questions about the breed, the puppies, and their breeding procedures. Take note of their responses. Lastly, check if they have met specific health testing standards and are eligible for breeding. Frug puppies Bringing home a Frug puppy to your family should not be taken lightly. Always remember that the tiny French Bulldog Pug Mix puppies are a 15 to year commitment. Here are some reminders you need to know before finally signing the adoption papers for your Pug Mix French Bulldog Puppies. If they see electrical wires, shoes laying around, or ropes hanging, they will most likely chew them due to their curious nature. French Bulldog and Pug Mix puppies are not the most intelligent dogs out there, and sometimes it gets really hard to potty train them but it is not impossible. Consistent training, patience, and persistence can help make training easier. Be ready to have loads of energy when bonding with your Bulldog Pug puppies. They are extremely energetic and can play for long hours. Speaking of playing, these tiny toy-sized Bulldog Pug Mix puppies are the perfect playmates if you have a toddler in your house. Pug French Bulldog Mix puppies are not only cute, playful, and cuddly, but they are also extremely needy. Here are some sites where you can find Frenchie Pug puppies for sale. The Shelter Pet Project theshelterpetproject. Greenfield Puppies greenfieldpuppies. It is easy to navigate and its listings are easy to see. They recently listed over 13 Frug puppies on their site. Log in, filter your searches, and look for the puppy you wish to add to your family. Here are some listings of Frenchie Pug Mix for sale online. Preloved preloved. Dogs Now dogsnow. They have all the information you need to know about the Frug breed, and even have legitimate reviews from satisfied customers. The uniqueness of the Pug Mix with French Bulldog gene may gain high levels of praise among dog breeders, but there are some cons you may want to be aware of before getting one. Pros They are fun and friendly. Stubborn and often difficult to train. Friendly towards strangers and other dogs. Enjoy snooping around and destroying things around the house. Active and energetic. Tend to be couch potatoes when not in the mood. Does not require much food to keep them healthy and full. Prone to stomach flatulence when overfed. Affectionate, sociable, and loving. Develops anxiety when left behind for a long time. Easy to bring with you anywhere. May develop aggression towards strangers when not trained as a puppy. In order to know whether the Pug Mix French Bulldog is the right breed for you, it is important to learn the origin, characteristics, health conditions, and maintenance that a Pug French Bulldog Mix needs. You will have the best 15 years of your life with this fur baby. A French Bulldog Pug Mix has several names. Is a FRUG a good dog? Yes, Frug is a good dog. Frug dogs are friendly, affectionate, and active. They make great family dogs since they get along with other pets in the house as well as small children. How much does a French Bulldog Pug Mix cost? How much does a FRUG puppy cost? No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Frug Description The Frenchie Pug is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the French Bulldog and the Pug. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. Their mother is a brindle French Bulldog and their father is a fawn Pug. He enjoys play dates with his best friend Ginger who is a Corgi. They play for hours chasing playing tug of war and wrestling. Banx is a cuddler, and loves being by my side. What a gift, a true blessing. He was the best birthday present for me. He also thinks he is a guard dog, but warms up very quickly to the guests; he will even sneak a kiss in if he can. He loves to go rollerblading and running like a wild man with other dogs in the park, but his favorite things to do are eat and sleep. When he passes out, he snores very loudly, and there's no waking him up. She is very devoted, and hasn't got a drop of aggression in her. Very balanced dog. Very clever too. Robber the second-generation white and black Frenchie Pug puppy at 4 months old See more examples of the Frenchie Pug. Should a French Bulldog Mix take after their Frenchie parent, they will be a small companion breed that bonds closely with their families. They tend to have an energetic, playful personality and love nothing more than being with their favorite humans. French Bulldogs tend to be friendly, playful, and affectionate dogs that get along with just about everyone. They tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets. They will even warm up quickly to strangers as long as they have been properly socialized. If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you should be able to expect the same from a French Bulldog Mix. You can also meet the mother in person to see what her temperament is like and the behavior she is modeling for the puppies. The breeder should have started some training and socialization, but it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home. Frenchies are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in apartments as well as larger homes. However, as a brachycephalic breed, they are extra sensitive to heat and also sensitive to the cold. They also do not like being left alone for long periods of time. If the other parent breed is similar, then you can expect a Frenchie Mix to also be a highly adaptable dog. The other parent will introduce their own traits and some potential quirks, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. They could inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, or they could inherit some or all of them. They can also be prone to allergies, have sensitive skin, and also a sensitive stomach. Good breeding practices will make a huge difference. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. Although French Bulldogs can sometimes be stubborn, they are eager to please and tend to be easy to train. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive praise and reward, they can be a good fit for owners of all experience levels. If the other parent breed is also easy to train, then you can expect a French Bulldog Mix to be highly trainable as well. Regardless of owner experience, there are many benefits of puppy training classes. A mixed-breed dog can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is a mix of both. You will also need to clean their facial wrinkles. Weekly ear checks with cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, a Frenchie Mix is more prone to developing dental diseases later in life. This makes good, consistent dental care for dogs even more important for them. Daily brushing with a dog-friendly toothpaste or using an enzyme toothpaste paired with cleanings at the vet when needed is ideal. Frenchies are known couch potato dogs that are happy to lay back, relax, and cuddle with you. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for this affectionate little dog. Even though they like to relax, they also like to play and will be energetic when they do. They can also be athletic and compete in dog sports. As a brachycephalic breed, you do need to be careful of overexertion and overheating. But, there are plenty of ways to safely exercise flat-faced dogs to make sure your French Bulldog Mix gets enough exercise. If the other parent breed is also a low-energy breed, then you can expect something similar from a Frenchie Mix. If the other parent breed requires more activity, then you will need to be prepared for the potential of a higher energy dog. Fully-grown Frenchies usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother, so make sure you ask the breeder about them. This can give you some idea of what size to expect in a fully-grown French Bulldog Mix. French Bulldogs generally live for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span in a French Bulldog Mix. Featured French Bulldog Mix Article.

Blue French Bulldogs are widely loved for their blue-gray coat color. The distinctive blue hue of their coat is the result of a genetic mutation that causes a dilution of the black pigment in their fur, resulting in the enchanting blue-gray appearance that has captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts worldwide. Their distinctive appearance is characterized by a solid blue base color with beige markings on various parts of their body, including their paws, chest, bottom, cheeks, and eyebrows. Size French Bulldogs are a small breed, making them an excellent choice for apartment dwellers and families alike. Color French Bulldogs are renowned for their wide range of coat colorations. From traditional Frenchie patterns like brindle and pied to the more exotic tan and merle markings you can choose from a wide range of choices. The cost of a French Bulldog can fluctuate based on several factors, including gender, color, pedigree and the very breeder you get your puppy from. Normally, the average price of a quality Frenchie from a reputable breeder is around 5, USD. Personality French Bulldogs are known for their affectionate and playful nature. They make wonderful companions and are great with families and singles alike. Consistent and positive reinforcement-based training will ensure that they grow up to be well-behaved pets. As mentioned earlier, the cost of acquiring one of these delightful pups can vary. The variation in price can be influenced by factors such as their age and the beauty of the puppy. Purchasing a Blue and Tan Frenchie from a responsible and reputable breeder like TomKings Puppies is crucial for several reasons: Health and Quality Assurance: Our breeding program focuses on the health and well-being of our dogs. We conduct regular health checks, provide proper nutrition, and prioritize socialization to ensure your puppy starts life on the right paw. Ethical Practices: TomKings Puppies adheres to ethical breeding practices, placing the welfare of our dogs at the forefront of everything we do. We provide ongoing support and guidance to ensure your pup thrives in its new home. Contact us today to learn more about our available pups and how you can make one of these beautiful dogs your own. Currently the American Kennel Club ranks them at number 4 in their long list of most desirable. These dogs make their point communicating with expressive eyes, energetic attitude and possibly the Frenchie Talk. French Bulldogs are excellent watch dogs who adapt well to family life or single. They don't mind being inside most of the time. They get along well with cats and other pets and they like to make friends with your guests and family who drop by. No wonder this a favorite dog for city life from Europe to the US and beyond. The Frenchie dog breed comes in a variety of unusual colors. This article will look at rare colors found in French Bulldogs like merle, lilac, blue and more. Those colors come in pied only if the mother and father are both pied in theory. Rare colors in French Bulldog puppies can be exceptionally expensive and there is some debate about how healthy a rare colored Frenchie can be. Frenchies are one of the few breeds that come in a bewildering variety of colors. Most Frenchies are Brindle. This is a dark colored coat mixed with lighter color strands of hair and the most frequently found color in the Frenchie. Fawn is a lighter tan colored coat that can range from very light to a dark reddish tan. These French Bulldogs often have a darker face mask and ears with some brindle streaks thrown in for variety. The third most common color in this breed is white. White French Bulldogs have a very porcelain white coat and most of the time come with a darker mask. Frenchies with tan points - black and tan Frenchie, blue and tan Frenchie, lilac and tan Frenchie, chocolate and tan Frenchie etc. Trindles - French Bulldogs which have brindle in their tan points. All black French Bulldogs - with no trace of brindle is also quite rare. The Blue French Bulldog is one of the rarest colors. For that reason alone people pay very high prices for them. There is usually a waiting list for blue aren't so much blue as gray puppies. You can expect to pay twice or triple as much for a blue French Bulldog than the average price for a standard French Bulldog. Blue Frenchies are quite striking however can be prone to Color Dilution Alopecia or CDA ;a recessive inherited condition that causes patches of hair thinning or loss. This is most commonly seen in dogs with blue or fawn coats. The puppies are born normal looking, but the hair thinning and loss symptoms can start at 6 months up to several years later. It is most often associated with Blue Dobermans. CDA is not curable but it's fairly easy to manage. It is important to mention that our blue Frenchie never suffered from any symptoms to his coat. Not all blue Frenchies will be prone to the coat problems however, your vet can help you keep your blue French Bulldog healthy and happy if any issue arises. Blue Frenchies get cold easily - Some owners have stated the blue Frenchie gets cold easily, we are unsure if this is just a myth or based on actual research. Either way French Bulldogs can't regulate their body temperature well. Having any Frenchie in cold climate is not ideal due to their short coat. If you live in a cold climate there are ways you can keep your Frenchie warm. Always dress your French Bulldog with our specially tailored for Frenchies hoodies , Frenchie pajamas etc. The blue Frenchie skin condition can also impact your grooming regime. We have not experienced any of the above with our blue Frenchie. We also know plenty of the standard color Frenchies who suffer from skin conditions and allergies. We are not trying to promote or discourage buying the standard or rare colors we simply don't discriminate over colors. We love all our French Bulldogs friends that come in all colors of the rainbow. What are the different coat colors of a Blue Frenchie puppy? All Blue Frenchie - meaning all blue without any other colors to the coat. Blue Pied Frenchie - Frenchies with blue coats and patches of white or cream on their bellies, chest, legs etc. Blue fawn Frenchie- Frenchie coat that looks like a mix of blue and fawn. Blue brindle Frenchie - Blue coated French Bulldog puppy with brindle streaks. Blue merle Frenchie - a combination of different patches and streaks that are irregular and unusual. Blue and Tan Frenchie - Blue coated French Bulldog puppy with tan points usually around paws and face. A sable Frenchie usually looks like a fawn Frenchie with darker black hairs covering throughout the coat. There are rare Frenchies with cream or tan sable coats as well. Isabella French bulldogs Isabella color in French bulldogs come from dilution of the recessive gene. A Frenchie puppy can be born with a blue coat and mature to a more of a pale greyish brown or golden coat. For a puppy to acquire this rare coat color he or she needs to have the genotype dd. DNA of an Isabella Frenchie puppy will be ddbb which means that he or she will have two copies of each chocolate and blue gene. The Isabella Frenchie is the only lilac that is testable for the chocolate gene therefore some French Bulldog breeders consider the Isabella to be the true lilac. This rare French bulldog color is usually the most expensive due to their stunning looks and variety of rare coats. Isabella Frenchies usually look different with lighter shades of noses and eyes. Why are they so much more expensive than other popular breeds? Most Frenchies can't have live babies the normal way. They have narrow hips that aren't designed for natural birth. The high price tag reflects the expense of artificial insemination and c-sections to deliver the puppies. They also require constant attention and care when they are born. They require many health and genetic exams. These dogs have always been expensive. Reports have it one of the wealthy individuals named Robert Williams Daniel who survived the Titanic had his Frenchie along with him. While Robert survived when the ship sank on April 15th, sadly his French Bulldog did not make it. Many breeders would agree good breeding practices can greatly reduce the risks of genetic disorders that can lead to hearing loss, hip problems, and respiratory illness in French Bulldogs. Buying a well bred French Bulldog can help avoid a lifetime of vet bills and care. You are much more likely to get a happy, healthy dog who can enjoy a full, rich life. Merle is a pattern in a dog's coat. Merle French Bulldogs can have tiger stripes, spots, or patches. These come in different colors and patterns and are determined by heredity and genetics. Health issues can occur when two merle dogs are bred, therefore breeders usually mate a merle parent with a solid coat parent. While Merle French Bulldogs can be quite exotic and strikingly beautiful, this kind of breeding can come with a number of serious problems from skeletal defects to blindness to deafness to increased fetal mortality. This is why it is extremely important to choose a reputable Frenchie breeder. The blue merle is the rarest of colors that exist in the Frenchie breed. They are best described as gray with spots or how we like to call them cookies N' cream. They are so different from the standard common French Bulldog however, being that rare may not be a great thing especially when one considers all the health problems blue and merle Frenchies can have. It is important to mention that some merle French Bulldogs can live a healthy uneventful life. It is critical and essential to find a reputable breeder with good breeding practices especially when considering a rare color Frenchie. Also expect a blue merle to come with a hefty price tag. One of the most in-demand of rare colors is the Lilac French Bulldog. The lilac Frenchies are only produced occasionally and usually by breeders limited to the West Coast of the United States. They have a purple lilac coat color that can be quite attractive. Price is always higher than the already expensive standard French Bulldog puppy. Excellent Lilac Frenchies have a distinct color and vibrant eyes. This happens when they receive a combination of chocolate and blue DNA from both parents. As you can imagine, this rarely occurs. The Lilac coat can range from cool blue to a very classy looking silver and purple hue. Some have white markings on their chest and face. Another rare trait are their light colored eyes. This remains from the time they are puppies throughout life unlike the standard French Bulldog. The rarest colors of French Bulldogs are blue, lilac, blue and tan, and chocolate and tan. Add that Merle coats. A blue merle is perhaps the rarest of them all. In a world where a standard French Bulldog costs several thousand dollars, these rare colors can sell for tens of thousands. Since rare color Frenchies are prone to health and genetic problems , it is extremely important to find a reputable breeder who uses responsible breeding techniques with the right precautions otherwise you may be sinking your life savings into a dog that will be at the vet all the time, will be sick and may die prematurely. Rare Frenchies are just that - rare. Active breeders may only see one every few years if at all. Most rare colors are produced by breeders who specialize in producing them at a more frequent rate. Breeding rare color French Bulldogs is serious business. Most rare color breeders are running family operations dedicated to become experts in producing the highest quality rare French Bulldogs possible. Breeders expect to spend a significant amount of time answering your questions and sending you information. Be sure to ask them questions about the health of the puppy, their bloodline, and what to expect. The Frenchie is sweet and charming. It's no wonder so many people love their little Frenchie. These dogs are compact, muscular, lovable, and oh so smart. They are just right for apartment life and smaller homes with diminutive yards. Rare colors in French Bulldogs are perhaps the most exciting development in this already delightful breed. Rare colors in this breed can come with health issues so it is imperative to seek a reputable breeder who specializes in rare colors which will greatly reduce the risks of genetic disorders. They surprised me. She is now a mom to a Lilac , Brindle, and a pure Black babies. So exciting. I have a six month old male frenchie. When will he be sexually mature to breed? He has a blue tan coat I believe. Do I get a free puppy after? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Jera Benedict June 02, I have a black and tan make frenchie. I have several female frenchie owners asking what is my stud fee. He is 1 year old. He has the markings if a rottweiler. He has never been sick, has all his shots and was bred by a private breeder a former veterinarian. I have read numerous reports that I should beware of illness and disease. How rare is it to never have healty issues with the Blue Merle? Thank you so much for all the info! Where can I find info about it? Thanks Jules April 13, Very interesting reading thank you! Both parents are Kennel Club registered and Mum has Champion bloodlines. He has really strong red eye in the dark, does this mean he is a true Lilac? Thank you. I had to send AKC pictures for color matching. Frenchiestore Team March 03, Hi Georges, It sounds like one of the parents for your future Frenchie puppy is blue which is a rare color in French Bulldogs. Rare colors in the Frenchie breed can come with health concerns so it is vital you get your puppy from a reputable breeder who specializes in rare colors and does genetic tests etc which will greatly reduce the risks of genetic disorders in your Frenchie puppy. Thank you for your question, we hope we can continue giving you valuable information about the Frenchie dog breed. Thank you for reading and commenting on Frenchiestore blog, we hope we can continue giving you valuable information about the Frenchie dog breed. Gracias Joe A wonderful article. I learned a lot from reading this and gained some insightful information. Thank you for providing. Laurie October 02, Hi Benita, Thank you for the feedback. We hope we can continue giving you valuable information about the French Bulldog breed. We hope you found valuable information about potty training your Frenchie and other related topics that will help with bringing the puppy home. Photo from: bleucreekbullies The final non-standard color, at least one of the more popular ones, is red fawn. Is It Worth The Price? Personally, no. If you can afford it without feeling much of a dent in your expenses, then go for it. The French Bulldog is often considered to be one of the friendliest dogs out there. Above all, they like it when things are fun and like an owner who can share in that fun with them and can take a bit of shenanigans here and there while giving the doggo the attention that he needs while providing him with adequate training. While this was an aesthetic choice for breeders and the many dog owners of this breed and a few others like the pug for many years, this ended up affecting the breed negatively health wise. The obvious reason is their difficulty to breathe due to obstructed airways from their shortened muzzles. That then leads to increased fatigue and lack of stamina in general due to improper breathing which can further lead to making the dog prone to other health complications. And, of course, it makes them unable to take the heat as well as some of the other dogs. Another relatively common condition for most dogs is bloat. The condition essentially describes the stomach twisting in on itself after distending for one reason or another, usually due to extreme exercise or eating too quickly and too much and it retracts in a weird way. Once it twists around itself, it ends up trapping the food, fluid or gas within the stomach which creates this slightly bloated look, but the biggest risk apart from the intestinal blockage is that the blood flow to a lot of surrounding organs also gets cut off. This puts the dog in life threatening risk really quickly and he will require medical attention to resolve the issue. Skin Infections Frenchies, compared to many other dogs, seem to be more prone to various rashes and other skin infections. The latter can manage, the former is already going to have a lot of problems with mobility and being more prone to heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions. The best way to help reduce the likelihood of this happening is to establish a healthy and balanced diet for your canine companion. Separate his food into more portions if you need to to better monitor his intake and to pace him better. And, of course, make sure he gets his daily exercise in to help work through those calories. Ear Infection The French Bulldog is a relatively vulnerable dog breed, and his ears are no exception to that rule. Make sure to look him over for any irregularities that may occur around the ears so you can act quickly before something ends up making the condition worse and get him the help that he needs to resolve the issue. It pays to be mindful of what you feed him so you can discern the potential culprit in case his allergies start acting up so you can swap food accordingly. The most common culprits tend to be grain allergens like wheat, corn, or soy, but other products can be potential allergens too. Whatever the case, regulating his diet is the best way to help relieve the issue. Other than that, parasites are always something to look out for, worms in particular. The most common worm parasites tend to be hookworms, tapeworms and ringworms. Should he end up getting a worm in his system by eating some contaminated food or otherwise, make sure to get a stool sample over to the vet. You can either by sending it over or getting your dog to the vet directly so he can determine whether or not worms are the cause of the issue. Pinkeye Finally, an issue that French Bulldogs are more prone to than a number of other breeds is pinkeye or conjunctivitis. He should be back to his old self in a week or so though, if everything goes well. They certainly do. In Conclusion As we can see, the tan French Bulldog is certainly a rare coat color for the French Bulldog, but it may not be worth pursuing due to the price and the potential health problems that come with it. Until next time, pet parents. How much it costs French Bulldog Puppy Pricing Country Club Frenchies is pleased to offer optional delivery of your new furry companion with our flight nanny to most major airports, for a small fee. This added convenience means you won't have to worry about transportation costs and can instead focus on preparing for the arrival of your new pet. FAQs How much are your puppies? Thank you for your interest in our puppies! Additionally, Limited Registration means that the puppy is sold as a pet and cannot be used for breeding purposes. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. Do you offer breeding rights? At Country Club Frenchies, we're committed to ensuring that our puppies go to loving homes where they'll be treated as cherished family members. For this reason, we sell our puppies as pets only, with limited AKC registration. Why choose Country club frenchies? At Country Club Frenchies, we believe that quality is priceless, and we provide the assurance that comes with it. When you adopt a French Bulldog, you're making a long-term commitment to a furry friend who could be by your side for over a decade. That's why it's essential to choose a reputable and licensed breeder who prioritizes the health and wellbeing of their dogs. Our commitment to excellence and responsible breeding practices means that our customers can trust that they're bringing home a happy and healthy pup. At Country Club Frenchies, we offer unbeatable service and peace of mind that lasts a lifetime. We understand that people may forget the price they paid for their French Bulldog, but they'll never forget the quality. That's why we're committed to offering top-notch quality and service at Country Club Frenchies. Our customers keep coming back to us because we provide unparalleled service and excellence. When you invest in a new furry family member, it's crucial to remember that you get what you pay for. Don't settle for anything less than the best - choose Country Club Frenchies for an exceptional and unforgettable experience. Get on our free waitlist and be the first to find out when the new litters are born Want to ensure you get a puppy from the next litter? Learn more and pay your puppy pick deposit on this page. Clair is our female Blue and Tan Frenchie with tan points. Our French Bulldogs have had no health problems. I get questions about blue alopecia; we do not have that issue with our dogs or the puppies we have produced. We feed high-quality dog food to curb any skin or digestive problems. Yes, Frenchies can have gas and throw up; feeding high-quality food will get you close to eliminating these problems. We work on producing puppies with a little bit of a nose to help with breathing problems. On a cool morning, our girls will walk a mile or more with no issues. Never walk your French Bulldog in the heat, no matter the size of the nose. We do not produce extreme Frenchies with a flat nose and face or minis. Why are French Bulldogs so expensive? French Bulldogs require artificial insemination and c-sections to reproduce. They also have very slim hips, which makes it difficult for them to reproduce naturally. Breeding French Bulldogs is also a full-time job; they require constant attention and care. Are French Bulldogs good companions? French Bulldogs have the sweetest, funniest, and most unique personalities. Our Frenchies keep us entertained all the time. They are the biggest clowns! Frenchies will be as lazy or as active as you want them to be. But as with all dogs, they do need some activity. A short walk, playing ball, or just some mental activity helps keep your Frenchie fit inside and out! Deposits are not refundable if purchase is not completed due to no fault of Wild Blue French Bulldogs. We will meet in a public area. Outside the local area must be agreed upon prior. We do not ship puppies but can recommend a flight nanny. You can see more info and photos of her on her own page here. On this page, you can visit her past litters. She has ironically had some of my most favorite Frenchies of all so far. I say ironically because I was not particularly a fan of black and tan french bulldogs. So far that has not worked. So, I do plan to breed her one last time in where I plan to hold back another nice compact little bully girl. We will feature photos of them both as they were pups up through adults as we receive photos. We are a Tribe of Our Own, and once you purchase a Frenchie puppy from us you become a part of that Tribe. If you are interested in one of our future french bulldog puppies you can start the process by completing our application HERE , or for a future litter be sure to get on our waiting list or contact us below. Something in my gut told me to AI with Dillion as well. I am very glad I did otherwise we would not have had a litter this last go round and I would not have gotten my solid blue girl Haiku! A solid blue has been on my wish list now for over a decade! We loved this pairing so much that this was a repeat breeding from her last litter. Individual photos coming soon. Blue and tan beauty.