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It is simply an apricot version of a Labradoodle. It is a mixture of the Poodle and Labrador Retriever. Their color is a deep golden that can be described as a peach with an apricot tone. The color of an apricot Labradoodle is a unique color that resembles the inside of a ripe apricot. Its coat is soft; however, there are chances that the color will fade over time. The apricot color is a light cream color. It is lighter than that of a red Labradoodles. However, the apricot color will develop a golden hue as it ages. The Apricot Labradoodle breed is popular amongst pet owners. Its yellow-orange color is attractive and makes an excellent family pet. They are beautiful, intelligent dogs that need daily exercise. It is a playful, lively dog with a sweet disposition. They are one of the most popular types of Labradoodles because they are both hypoallergenic and friendly. Despite their fun, energetic and curious nature, they need plenty of human companionship in order to be happy. As such, they should have a separate space inside the home to relax and rest. An Apricot Labradoodle is an extremely intelligent breed, making them an excellent choice for households with other pets. They are great with kids and can even be trained as service or therapy dogs. The Labradoodle breed is a versatile dog that is eager to please its owners. For this reason, it is a good choice for busy homes, where visitors come frequently. Labradoodles are a mixed breed of Poodle and Labrador Retriever. They are available in various colors, including golden. The apricot coat color of the Labradoodle is not constant. It changes from one puppy to another, and even as an adult dog grows, it can change colors. The best way to ensure consistent color in your new pet is to buy an older dog with well-established coat color. The apricot coat color is a recessive gene, meaning that the apricot coloring is less likely to be passed on to a subsequent generation. This means that apricot Labradoodle puppies are rare and can sell out quickly. The apricot coat color is a result of the Rufus gene, a recessive gene. The coat color is much lighter than the red Labradoodle coat. It is also less likely to suffer from hereditary health problems than the standard Labradoodle. Appropriate owners can get apricot Labradoodle puppies from responsible breeders or shelters. Are Apricot Labradoodles Rare? They are extremely adorable and unique. The color is not very common, but the breed is very distinctive and beautiful. The color is a deep gold or rich beige color. Some puppy apricot Labradoodle puppies are born with the color, while others have a mixture of different colors. The distinctive red coloring makes these dogs quite unique, and the coat of an Apricot Labradoodle is typically one solid color with highlights. Apricot Labradoodles are a light version of red Labradoodle. As red is one of the rarest colors, it makes apricot Labradoodles pretty rare. In order to buy these puppies, you might want to wait as they sell out pretty quickly. The color of the apricot Labradoodle is the result of a recessive gene called Rufus, which is more common in the dominant breeds. Because apricot color is so rare, it is important to seek out a reputable breeder if you want one. Physical Characteristics of an Apricot Labradoodle Apricot Labradoodles have different physical characteristics as their coat color is unique. Here are some details about this dog breed. Size The apricot Labradoodle is a small dog with a medium-sized body and a moderately large head. They are very friendly, intelligent, and driven. The size of an Apricot Labradoodle varies with gender. The adult male is usually about 22 to 25 inches. Females are 21 to 23 inches tall. But other factors, including health and feeding schedule, can influence the size. The size of the parents has the most impact on the size of the puppy. Weight The weight of the Apricot Labradoodle is one of the most important aspects of dog care. It can vary depending on its age. Your Apricot Labradoodle will grow to be a medium-sized dog. They reach half their adult weight between 4. A medium-sized dog, the Apricot Labradoodle, should weigh up to 50 to 65 pounds. The Apricot Labradoodle is a medium-sized dog that should be about twenty-four inches high and weigh about 65 pounds. Female dogs can weigh up to 30 to 45 pounds. Appearance The Apricot Labradoodle has an interesting color scheme. This breed is predominantly golden or peach. The apricot coat tends to fade as the dog ages, making them easily confused with the Cream Labradoodle. The black-colored nose and eyes are common in this breed. They have the same curly hair and thick, bushy ears as their solid counterparts. The Apricot Labradoodle has a golden color that resembles caramel. The physical appearance of the Apricot Labradoodle is similar to that of an apricot Poodle. Their coat texture varies from curly, straight to wavy. Apricot Labradoodle Temperament The Labradoodle apricot is an excellent choice for people who are looking for an outgoing, friendly dog. This crossbreed has the same characteristics as the Labradoodle, but its unique color is the most appealing characteristic. They are family-friendly, easy to train, and eager to please their owners. As with all Labradoodle breeds, apricot Labradoodles are more difficult to find, but they offer the same great qualities. The temperament and behavior of puppy apricot Labradoodle are perfect for new dog owners. They are very intelligent, affectionate, and obedient. They are good with children, other dogs, and pets. They are not good watchdogs or guard dogs, and they need to be with their owners at all times. This can cause separation anxiety in some owners. This crossbreed is extremely playful and curious. Their personality is easy to describe, and they are generally very tolerant of other dogs. The temperament and behavior of apricot Labradoodles can be a bit tricky. The breed loves human contact and hates being alone. It can bark at neighbors, chew furniture, or scratch doors. It can also become depressed if left alone for long periods of time. To help combat this condition, consider training your apricot Labradoodle to be with you at all times. Care and Grooming of the Apricot Labradoodle The care and grooming of a puppy apricot Labradoodle are not difficult. The coat of these dogs is extremely soft, making it ideal for gentle brushing. The shedding of their hair is also minimal. You must use a brush to comb them daily. You should brush their fur at least once a week to avoid ingrown hairs and dander. Grooming is a major aspect of owning a Labradoodle Apricot. It is essential to regularly brush the coat of your dog, trim the nails once a month, and clean their eyes. Fortunately, this is easy to do at home and requires very few supplies. The nails should be clipped using dog nail clippers, and dewclaws must be trimmed on a daily basis. Regular brushing is necessary to keep the coat shiny and healthy. Depending on the coat type, this breed should have its hair cut as well as needs bathing to prevent bad odor. You also need to brush your teeth regularly to maintain dental hygiene. Dogs need to walk a certain distance to relieve themselves. They also need a certain amount of mental stimulation. Initially, dogs were used for work. You can provide mental stimulation by taking your dog for walks. If you cannot find a place for the Doodle to run and play, you can always use your backyard. A backyard is a good place for your dog to exercise. Apricot Labradoodles need at least 45 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. However, they may not be able to do too much jumping or running. If this is the case, try to stick with the same activities as before. Walking is one of the best exercises for this dog. Regular exercise will keep them healthy and prevent problems like obesity. It will also keep them in a good mood. You can play different games with them as a part of your exercise routine. It will keep them in good shape. The first step in training your new puppy is to introduce it to its name. This will also help you establish the concept of trust between you and your new puppy. Use this word when you want your puppy to behave, and never use it as a fearful word. Instead, use a stern voice to give your new pet the command. When training your puppy apricot Labradoodle, the first step is to create boundaries. This is very important as pups and kids require rules to establish mutual trust and kindness. When it comes to food, the first thing to remember is that Labradoodles are voracious eaters. Therefore, a good method to train your Labradoodle is to give him food in a bowl, wait for him to acknowledge your command, and then serve it. Apart from that, you need to give potty training to the puppy from an early age. These dogs are intelligent and easily pick up on routine habits. On top of that, you need to teach them early socialization. This way, they will not become aggressive and blend with everyone. Some breeds are more prone to certain diseases, while others are much healthier and live longer. Apricot Labradoodles can live anywhere from 12 to 15 years. Taking good care of your apricot Labradoodle will ensure that they have a long and healthy life. They should get plenty of exercise and lots of love, which will increase their lifespan. Some Labradoodles inherit certain health problems from their parent lines. Fortunately, Apricot Labradoodles do not suffer from the same health problems as other breeds. Apricot Labradoodle Health Problems Apricot Labradoodles are generally very healthy, but they do have some health problems of their own. Other conditions include Sebaceous adenitis, a skin condition characterized by acne and other skin irritations. In addition, they are prone to bleeding and bruising and may exhibit blood in their stool and urine. Another common health problem is allergies. While many dogs suffer from allergies, Labradoodles are no exception. Contact allergies are the result of a reaction to a topical substance, while inhalant allergies can be caused by an allergen in the air. Depending on the cause of an allergy, the veterinarian will determine the best course of treatment for your Apricot Labradoodle. Medications and dietary changes are often necessary. Labradoodles can suffer from joint problems. Some of these can be hereditary, but others may be related to genetics or unethical breeding practices. The signs of these health problems vary from individual to individual, but some are more common than others. These dogs have an increased risk for allergies and epilepsy, which may be transferred to Labradoodles from other parent breeds. They also need plenty of exercise and shade to stay healthy and active. Hip dysplasia is the most common health problem for Labradoodles. The thigh bone does not fit snugly in the hip joint, and this can cause pain and lameness. While the condition is treatable, long-term complications may include arthritis of the joint. Elbow dysplasia, on the other hand, affects the elbow joint, resulting in a weakened elbow joint. This condition is genetic and has no cure. This type of dog is very intelligent and is incredibly loyal. However, this breed can be difficult for first-time owners because of its separation anxiety. You need to give regular attention to this dog breed and spend time with them, or else they will develop separation anxiety and destructive behavior due to boredom. An Apricot Labradoodle is a mix between a Labrador and a Poodle. It is a medium-sized breed with long legs and a strong build. It has floppy ears and a high tailpiece, making it easy to identify it as an apricot lab. It also has a pleasant disposition, which makes it a wonderful family pet. This breed is also very good with children and is often great with children. It is an active and friendly dog and will be a good playmate for your kids. This dog breed enjoys being a playful, energetic companion. Despite its name, this breed of dog is not known for its gentle temperament. Rather, it is a cautious and energetic breed. As a result, the temperament of an Apricot Labradoodle may be influenced by genetics, coaching, and socialization. If you are planning to get this dog, check our Apricot Labradoodle Guide for all the information. Finding Apricot Labradoodle Puppies The process of finding an Apricot Labradoodle puppy is quite easy and fun, but there are some things that you should keep in mind when it comes to this crossbreed. There are also several online breeders that have pictures of these dogs that you can pin to your Pinterest page. You should know that the Apricot Labradoodle has a wide range of tones, from dark reddish gold to a light, creamy gold. However, the apricot Labradoodle will still be a Lab, so you should expect to have a puppy that will look like any other Lab. It is essential to research the breeder before purchasing a Labradoodle apricot puppy. Before making a decision, it is best to visit their facilities and view the dogs. Read and understand the contracts before making a purchase. Some puppies are also sold for more than five hundred dollars, and you can find them in many areas, including small towns. Make sure you check the health documents from a breeder to get a perfectly healthy and happy apricot Labradoodle puppy. Conclusion Apricot Labradoodle puppies are great for families with children and other pets. They are gentle and affectionate, and they are great with kids. They are considered among the most intelligent breeds of dogs, and they make great companions for kids. They are also very tolerant and easy to train. If you are planning to buy this dog, read our apricot Labradoodle guide to get all the information from the temperament of the dog to find them. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. Is the Apricot Labradoodle for you? What is an Apricot Labradoodle? The Apricot Labradoodle is a rare and popular dog. It is the result of breeding an Apricot Poodle and a Yellow Labrador. And it got its name from the soft and one-of-a-kind peach curly coat. Breeding a purebred Labrador with a purebred Poodle results in different coat colors and coat patterns. The apricot-colored Labradoodle is one of the results. These puppies are likely to change their colors as they get older, but when they are pups, you can enjoy their unique apricot color. Other than their distinct hue, you can expect their personalities, health, appearance, and health needs to be almost the same as any other Labradoodle. Yes, the apricot color is a rare color variation that makes Apricot Labradoodles extremely popular and expensive. Apricot is the lighter version of the Red Labradoodle. Red is already a rare color, so this makes the apricot twice as unusual and special. This is a recessive gene, so this color only shows up rarely. The more dominant genes tend to present themselves more often. Interestingly, Apricot Poodles share the same Rufus gene. They are one of the rarest and most exclusive canines. Finding an Apricot Labradoodle puppy is difficult, and due to its popularity, an apricot litter from a reputable breeder is sure to get reserved and sold out immediately. What are the Physical Characteristics of an Apricot Labradoodle? Apricot Labradoodles boast different characteristics aside from their apricot coloring. Here are some of the physical factors of this breed. Apricot Labradoodle close-up photo. Apricot Labradoodle Size This breed falls under the small dog category. Male adults usually reach a height of 25 inches, and female dogs grow up to 23 inches. They reach their maximum weight at 1 year, 5 months. Ideally, a healthy male Apricot Labradoodle may weigh up to 65 pounds while adult and healthy females reach 45 pounds. It is a lovely and interesting color, especially on animals. Note that Apricot Labradoodles are predominantly peach with golden streaks. However, this color coat is likely to fade as your dog matures to an almost cream-like and caramel color. Apricot Labradoodles sport black-colored noses and bright eyes, which is the standard for the breed. They have bushy ears and thick, curly coats. How is the Temperament of an Apricot Labradoodle? The temperament of your Apricot Labradoodle is significantly influenced by where you got your pet from. Also, remember that the parents of your Apricot Labradoodle come from two different breeds with two different temperaments. Poodles are not overtly friendly and as active as Labradors, but both share the same impressive intelligence and trainability. Labradoodles, regardless of color, are pleasant, playful, and easygoing. They are smart like their parents and love to be involved in human activities. This breed is known for its playful personality. These dogs love to please their humans. Apricot Labradoodles are perfect for families with children and other pets. Labradoodles are loyal and bond closely with their primary family members What is the Life Expectancy of Apricot Labradoodles? Apricot Labradoodles have an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. This is variable as several factors like overall health, genetics, nutrition, and environment can influence their life expectancy. Two Doodle dog best friends posing on a deck. Breeding and Genetics Getting your Apricot Labradoodle from a reputable breeder is important as you will have first-hand information on its parents. Top-of-the-line breeders will make sure that they vet check, worm, and vaccinate the pups. They will also test the parents so that they are at their healthiest at the time of breeding. This will ensure the litter does not inherit any disease from their parents. Trusted breeders will always breed ethically and not for quantity to ensure that they prioritize the health of the dogs. Good nutrition is not just feeding your Labradoodle enough calories. You also need to give it high-quality food. The food you give your Apricot Labradoodle should be dynamic, appetizing, and age appropriate. It should provide them with the required energy, vitamins, and minerals. If you have had your Apricot Labradoodle since it was a puppy, you have a greater advantage as you will know its eating habits and needs. You should also be well aware of the human food that your Apricot Labradoodle can eat. Environment Factors Even if your Apricot Labradoodle is mostly indoors, it is still susceptible to pollutants and chemical toxins. Note that like most dogs, they are closer to the ground, and they use their nose to explore their surroundings. Further, dogs use their tongues to groom themselves. This increases the possibility of them ingesting harmful chemicals. Uncontrollable and natural elements like extreme changes in temperature also affect your pet. The heat, snow, hail storms, and heavy rains become stressors to your Labradoodle causing them to age faster. Caring for your Apricot Labradoodle and grooming it is not difficult so long as you make it part of your routine. The coat of a Labradoodle is soft, so gentle brushing is enough to control the tangles. The shedding of this breed is minimal. And the good news is, you can do all of these grooming activities right at home so long as you have a suitable brush and nail clippers. Giving your Labradoodle baths is essential to keep the bad odor away. Labradoodle shaking dry after bath. What are the Exercise Needs of an Apricot Labradoodle? Exercise is imperative for any dog. They need to walk and be active to release some of their pent-up energy. This also serves as mental stimulation as they sniff and trace different scents when out on their walks. The good news is, Apricot Labradoodles do not need very strenuous exercise. Regular walking activities, some running, and playtime in your backyard are enough for a Labradoodle. But how much exercise does your Apricot Labradoodle need? Ideally, this breed needs about 45 to 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Labradoodles are not big fans of jumping and running, so walking around your neighborhood, to the dog park, or walking to do your errands with your dog in tow is enough for them. You can challenge the physical limitations of your Labradoodle gradually with the approval of your vet. Exercise is important is to prevent them from being obese. It also relieves their boredom and helps maintain their pleasant mood. If you have children at home, allow your Labradoodle to play with them in your backyard. This enjoyable activity will help keep them in shape. Labradoodle with ball plays at the beach. In general, Apricot Labradoodles are healthy breeds, but like all other breeds, they are also vulnerable to certain health problems. It is best to communicate with the breeder openly to be aware of any genetic health conditions they may be prone to. While the symptoms of this disease are rather general, you have to understand that this is a lifelong condition. Unfortunately, at this time, this bleeding disorder is not curable. Sebaceous Adenitis Sebaceous adentitis is a skin condition that can show up in the form of common skin irritation and acne. This makes the skin of your Labradoodle prone to bruising and bleeding. But the good news is that this disease is treatable and your dog can fully recover from it. My Labradoodle Max wearing his party hat. Skin Allergies Many dog breeds suffer from skin allergies and the Apricot Labradoodle is no exception. Something in their diet may cause an allergy, so tweaking their food and removing specific ingredients can ease this issue. This hybrid offspring of a Labrador Retriever and Poodle is certainly high in demand, but there are only a few reputable breeders that can supply it. This makes them pricier than other common breeds. If you are buying one, make sure that it is from a reputable breeder and not from puppy mills or backyard breeders who are more concerned about making a profit. Labradoodle puppy sitting on the wood. Apricot Labradoodles are cute and have very pleasant temperaments. They are an impeccable addition to any family. But is this breed for you? Only you can answer this question. This crossbreed is one of a kind, and you will have a satisfying learning journey with your Apricot Labradoodle. All dogs, irrespective of breed, want nothing but a good, safe, and loving home. And if you can provide that and more, the Apricot Labradoodle is perfect for you. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Their fun-loving and positive personalities combined with their gentleness and willingness to please their owners makes them the perfect family pet. Statistically speaking, Black Labs are the most common of all Labrador color variations. This is due to how coat color is inherited in this breed. Without getting too far into a scientific explanation for this, there are nine different possible gene combinations for coat color. Four of these lead to a black coat, three to yellow, and only two to chocolate. Due to random chance, Black Labs make up nearly half of all Labradors. Yellow Labs often have a very light brown or tan colored coat that can appear yellowish. Chocolate Labrador Image Credit: skeeze, Pixabay The rarest of the three major Labrador colors, the Chocolate Lab is beautiful and adorable with a deep brown, chocolate-colored coat. Chocolate Labs are regarded as the most energetic and hardest to train, and while there is no research-based evidence to support this, Chocolate Labs are the only Labs not used as service dogs by the leading dog training organizations. This is possibly due to a higher energy level. Their absence from service dog institutions may also be due to the fact that Chocolate Labs experience more health problems and tend to have shorter lifespans than their Black and Yellow counterparts. On average, Chocolate Labs live about a year and a half shorter than other colored Labs. Simply put, they have the genetics of a Yellow Lab but present a darker coat that appears reddish. White Labs usually have very pale brown fur that can appear purely white, especially in the sun. Their fur normally has light brown or yellowish tinges around the ears and paws. Albino Labs do carry additional health problems such as deafness, blindness, and other eye issues. Austin, Shutterstock Silver Labs are stunning, regal, and sleek. Their light grey coat shines beautifully in the sun, and their appearance is as striking as it is adorable. These pups are similar to Red Labs in that they have the same genetics as one of the major three Lab colors. Silver Labs are really Chocolate Labs, even though they may look more like Blue Labs, but their coat is light or diluted, and the result is a silvery appearance. Like their chocolate siblings, Silver Labs, unfortunately, inherit some additional health issues and tend to live shorter lives than Black and Yellow Labradors. Defining Physical Characteristics What is it that makes this breed so recognizable? Labs are often stocky and athletic with a broad chest and a thick, wide skull. Labs have short, dense fur that is water-resistant. In fact, they were named after the Labrador Sea off of Newfoundland where they were originally bred to retrieve waterfowl. No matter where they go, Labs seem to bring joy and happiness with them. They are loyal, loving, and affectionate. What more could you ask for in a dog? Labs have short, dense fur that is prone to heavy shedding and matting, so you should plan to brush your Labrador at least two or three times a week to cut down on shedding and keep their fur looking sleek. Labradors of all coat colors should be bathed about once every other month with a dog-friendly shampoo. Bathing more often can eliminate those healthy skin oils we mentioned, so avoid giving your pup a bath more often unless they find their way into some mud. Final Thoughts Labs come in three main colors but can have lots of different coat shading that makes them appear unique and especially striking. See also:. It may surprise you to know that the Labradoodle is actually a relatively new designer breed that was established around the turn of the new millenia. In , Wally Conron bred the first Labradoodle. In fact, the first Labradoodle was bred out of necessity. Conron worked for the Royal Guide Dogs in Australia, and he learned about a lady who had impaired vision. Her husband was allergic to dogs, so the typical German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever was out of the job. Conron bred a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle in order to produce a guide dog with a curly, hypoallergenic coat. It was a success. The Royal Guide Dogs went on to breed 31 more Labradoodles, and an astounding 28 passed the requirements to become service dogs, an encouraging number from a new breed. Their lively nature especially enticed families with little children. Along the way, similar breeds such as the Cocker Spaniel were sometimes introduced to the line in order to encourage desirable features. Because of the wide gene pool that results when two or more breeds are mixed, Labradoodles can come in many different sizes and coat colors. Apricot Labradoodles are rarer than certain shades, such as chocolate or cream, but are still recognized by breeders as being part of the breed standard. Neither the Labradoodle nor the Australian Labradoodle are recognized by any major kennel clubs. The Rufus gene is responsible for the red coat color A recessive gene known as Rufus produces the red color found in apricot and red Labradoodles. Solid red is the rarest Labradoodle color. Even if a Labradoodle had a purely apricot coat as a puppy, it might morph into more of a honey color as they grow up. Weighing anywhere from 30—75 pounds, the Apricot Labradoodle has a large range when it comes to size. Depending on your preferences, you might find that a Miniature, Medium, or Standard works best for you. Their personalities should stay about the same, regardless of size. You can expect an Apricot Labradoodle to possess oodles of energy. If allowed to run wild, they can quickly turn into a handful of mischief. Like all dogs, Apricot Labradoodles will experience health issues at some point. Unfortunately, there are both environmental and genetic factors, so hip dysplasia may not be completely preventable. Investing in pet health insurance can help offset the costs when accidents and illnesses do occur with your Doodle. The Apricot Labradoodle in particular may experience coat changes several times through their life as the red color lightens into strawberry blonde during sunny seasons, and turns darker during the cold months as you and your Dood spend more time indoors. Regardless of the coat variations , the Apricot Labradoodle possesses the same steadfast loyalty and energy characteristic of their parent breeds, which makes them a popular choice for a hypoallergenic family dog. Keep reading to learn more about the genetics behind this rare color, and whether this shade of the breed will suit your home. What is an Apricot Labradoodle? The apricot Labradoodle is a color variation of the Labradoodle hybrid. This mix is a cross between the purebred Labrador Retriever and the purebred Standard Poodle. It comes in a number of coat colors and patterns. Apricot Labradoodle coats are lighter than red Labradoodle coats. Plus, these puppies are more likely than some other color variations to change color as they get older. Other than this, you can expect their appearance, personality, and health and care needs to be generally the same as other Labradoodles. But why? Apricot Labradoodle Genetics As we mentioned above, the Labradoodle is a crossbreed and is the offspring of two different purebred parents. Both the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle can come in a variety of colors. That said, some coat colors are more likely to present themselves than others when it comes to the Labradoodle. All canine coat colors available are the result of red and black. Differences arise when other genes interact with these two initial pigments. So, how common is it to find Labradoodles with the genetic combination for apricot colored fur? Are Apricot Labradoodles Rare? Is the apricot a rare color variation of the Labradoodle? Actually yes, despite its popularity! This is because the apricot color is a lighter variation of the red Labradoodle, and the red Labradoodle color is a rare color indeed. So, you may have trouble finding apricot Labradoodle puppies. We will take a closer look at finding healthy Labradoodle puppies towards the end of this guide. They should be calm and confident. To properly socialize an apricot Labradoodle, make sure you introduce him to as many new people, places, and experiences as possible. This will help to reduce fear and anxiety, and thus problematic behaviors in the future. Keeping your Labradoodle properly trained using positive reinforcement can also help reduce behavior issues, as can ensuring your Labradoodle is mentally stimulated throughout the day. However, the good news is that a Labradoodle that is properly raised, trained and socialized at an early age is generally a family-friendly, playful, and energetic hybrid. Are Apricot Labradoodles Healthy? When it comes to the apricot Labradoodle, their health issues are relatively the same as their other Labradoodle color counterparts. With a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, a Labradoodle can be prone to suffering from: hip and elbow dysplasia.

The highlight of both of these breeds is without a doubt their personalities. They make great watchdogs and will often bark to alert their owners of potential dangers. Lively: French Bulldogs are full of energy and love to play. They enjoy running around and playing games, and they thrive on physical activity. Playful: French Bulldogs are known for their playful nature. They love to interact with their owners and enjoy playing with toys and games. Athletic: Although they have a stocky build, French Bulldogs are surprisingly athletic. They enjoy physical activities such as running, jumping, and climbing. Sociable: French Bulldogs are very social dogs and enjoy being around people. They love to be the center of attention and crave affection from their owners. Stubborn : French Bulldogs can be stubborn at times, which can make training a bit of a challenge. They have a strong will and can be difficult to train if not done properly. Affectionate: French Bulldogs are very affectionate dogs and love to cuddle and snuggle with their owners. They make great lap dogs and will often follow their owners around the house. Clingy : French Bulldogs can be very clingy with their owners and may have separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. They love being around people and may become anxious or depressed if left alone too often. Frenchies are notorious for being stubborn When it comes to Frenchies, the biggest personality trait that stands out to me is their stubbornness! Frenchies are mischievous little buggers that are always getting into some goofy shenanigans. Frenchies have a reputation for being couch potatoes. They are known for their devotion and will often follow their owners around the house. Friendly: Boston Terriers are friendly dogs and enjoy being around people. They are known for their affectionate nature and love to cuddle and snuggle with their owners. High energy: Boston Terriers are high-energy dogs and require regular exercise and playtime. They enjoy running, jumping, and playing games, and they thrive on physical activity. More independent: Compared to some other small breeds, Boston Terriers tend to be more independent. They are intelligent and can be trained easily, but they also have a stubborn streak and may need consistent training to maintain good behavior. Intelligent: Boston Terriers are intelligent dogs and are known for their ability to learn quickly. They are eager to please their owners and can be trained to do a variety of tasks. Comical: Boston Terriers are known for their comical antics and playful personalities. They have a great sense of humor and love to make their owners laugh. Curious: Boston Terriers are curious dogs and enjoy exploring their environment. They have a keen sense of smell and are often fascinated by new scents and sounds. Sensitive: Boston Terriers are sensitive dogs and can be easily affected by changes in their environment or routine. They thrive on routine and may become anxious or stressed if their routine is disrupted. Boston Terriers are bigger athletes than Frenchies. They have round bat ears that stick straight up and are round at the top. Boston Terriers are more athletic Boston Terriers are a bit more slender and athletic than the Frenchie. Boston Terriers are more slender and lighter in build. Weight: French Bulldogs are generally heavier than Boston Terriers. French Bulldogs weigh an average of pounds, while Boston Terriers weigh an average of pounds. Drooling : French Bulldogs are known to drool more than Boston Terriers. Exercise tolerance: Boston Terriers are generally more exercise-tolerant than French Bulldogs. Boston Terrier Physical Traits Drooling: Boston Terriers are known to drool much less than French Bulldogs, which can be a consideration for some owners. Weight: Boston Terriers are generally lighter in weight than French Bulldogs. Boston Terriers weigh an average of pounds, while French Bulldogs weigh an average of pounds. Build: Boston Terriers are more slender and lighter in build compared to French Bulldogs. Exercise tolerance: Boston Terriers are generally more exercise-tolerant than French Bulldogs, making them a good choice for more active owners. Shedding: While both breeds shed, Boston Terriers shed a bit less than French Bulldogs, although regular grooming is still necessary. Frenchie vs Boston Terrier Health Issues While Frenchies are notorious for their health issues , Boston Terriers are less prone to health issues… With this being said, they still are a brachycephalic breed and experience breathing issues from time to time. More prone to health issues Breathing problems tend to be worse due to flatter faces. Dog Breeds Boston Terrier vs. But which one is the best dog for you? By Tracey L. Kelley After loving 19 cats, 11 dogs, and a canary, Tracey married someone allergic to all those creatures. Thankfully, she receives oodles of animal goodness sharing stories on Daily Paws! When not traveling, teaching yoga, or doing voiceover projects, she's an editorial strategist and developer for print, digital, and multimedia platforms. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Published on June 25, At first glance, if you spot a Boston terrier and a French bulldog trotting on a sidewalk together, determining which is which might stymie you a bit. The 'American Gentleman' and the 'Frenchie' are both popular dogs , mascots, and celebrity favorites. And if they're sporting a dual image of black and white tuxedo splendor, it's a real challenge to know who's who! While every small dog is unique, certain breeds are simply known for particular characteristics, and this is also true for these two English natives yep—the French bulldog actually originated in England! French bulldogs give you that wow factor as they defy gravity leaping through the air. He thrives on mental stimulation as most terriers do and will be much happier if you offer plenty of puzzle toys , tricks, and activities. Reinforcers help establish bonds and make training more rewarding. A Frenchie might need a bit more of your patience during positive reinforcement training , as she's slightly mischievous. Scampy, even. She might sit on cue , or she could break out into ' zoomies ' when she sees a butterfly. She'll often do whatever you like if there's a belly rub involved, but she's still a 'free thinker' with the attitude to match. Here are some other Boston terrier and French bulldog differences you might notice. French Bulldog Size, Appearance, and Age While you don't need a magnifying glass, you still might have to pause and peer closely at these two pups, as mere inches and a few pounds separate them. And you might be looking at a popular hybrid of the two, the Frenchton! You never know. So here's a handy guide to help you tell the difference between the Boston and the Frenchie: Without a doubt, a Boston terrier's perky ears look as though they can transmit satellite signals awwww! The Boston terrier is leaner and taller, standing up to 17 inches, whereas the Frenchie is stockier and shorter at about 13 inches. The bulldog is also more hefty than the terrier. Probably the greatest difference between Boston terriers and French bulldogs is their coat colors. While both breeds are often black and white , a terrier will likely be bi-colored with an even distribution of white and maybe chocolate, liver, and seal a reddish hue. Plus he'll almost always have a white stripe between his eyes. A bulldog might also be bi-colored in these same shades, but will often switch it up a bit with a solid coat, a black mask, or a big patch of an alternate color across her chest. However, both puppers will gaze at you adoringly with wide mocha-colored eyes, which of course makes them quite irresistible and worthy of every subscription box o' goodies! Boston Terrier vs. French Bulldog Health In this category, you'll notice many similarities between these good dogs. For example, both are susceptible to various eye conditions. And as much as we love their sweet little smooshed-up faces, Boston terriers and French bulldogs are brachycephalic breeds , which means they're frequently prone to respiratory diseases and breathing problems. Moyano says because they're flat-faced, both dogs also have a risk of obstructed airways, and sometimes surgery is necessary for better respiratory health. She adds brachycephalic dogs have difficulty breathing on airplanes, so it's best to arrange for a pet sitter when you travel—or plan on dog-centered road trips where they can ride along with you. Heat and exercise isn't really a good combination for Boston terriers or French bulldogs, either. It's just too tough for them to breathe. Find other ways to make them comfortable when it's hot too, such as a chill bed or a cooled dog house. Unfortunately, Frenchies have a heavy front structure and can't swim , but might enjoy splashing under a sprinkler! Both dogs are terrific pet pals for humans eager to explore all their best characteristics. Moyano offered a few more facts to help you determine which dog is most compatible for your lifestyle. You might prefer a Boston terrier if you're: Able to embrace his independence and intelligence by offering a safe environment with plenty of enrichment opportunities. Eager to have an active canine playmate who's great with kids. Dedicated to making sure he has his people to play, exercise, and hang with most of the day, every day, so he's not left alone too long. Truthfully, being with his people is what this dog loves most of all. A French bulldog might be your choice if: You can provide a patient balance of early socialization and training—along with the ability to laugh when she veers off-track. You're in need of the perfect cuddly apartment dog for yourself or an older loved one. Cleaning a little OK, maybe a lot! Was this page helpful? Appearance Much of the confusion surrounding Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs originate from how similar they are in appearance. Both breeds are small dogs just a size too big to be considered lapdogs. Both breeds are under 1. Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs also have different fur colorings. A Boston Terrier is well known for having tuxedo-style fur coloring. Meanwhile, French Bulldogs have brown or white fur. French Bulldogs also have a famous, distinctive ear shape: bat-like ears. They stand upright and are prominent on their square-shaped head. The ears on a Boston Terrier are not bat-like. Instead, they are pointed, jutting up from their round heads. Finally, both breeds have short snouts and broad jaws. However, their noses are different. Boston Terriers have black noses with a defined line between the two nostrils. In comparison, French Bulldogs have wider nostrils. Temperament Both dogs are known for being great for apartments and families. Both are super lovable, not prone to barking, and have less demanding energy needs than other medium size pets. Both dogs are happy to chill at home with you, though Boston Terriers have more energy than French Bulldogs. They enjoy running around outside, though they can control their energy indoors. This means that both dogs are great for apartments and other small living spaces. Additionally, both dogs are known for being great for families. They are lovable and patient with others. Of the two, Frenchies are known for being protective, especially of small children. That means that socializing your Frenchie with other people and dogs is more key than it is for Boston Terriers. Luckily, both Bosties and French Bulldogs are easy to train, making them great for first-time dog owners. Fair warning: French Bulldogs are known to be a little stubborn, so it will be important to establish your authority as soon as possible. Health Due to their flatter faces, both dogs are known as brachycephalic breeds. Their tiny nostrils, narrow throats, and long palates can lead to breathing problems. For this reason, many dog lovers have begun to advocate changing the standards of the breeds to allow for rounder noses and less restricted airways. Their short coats mean that there will be little shedding to deal with, but in return, both dogs are at risk whenever exposed to the cold. Both breeds are also prone to other health issues: French Bulldogs: obesity, problems with eyes, heart, and back Boston Terriers: cataracts, seizures, allergies, deafness As is, both breeds live to be at least ten years old on average, with Boston Terriers averaging year life spans. Written by. French Bulldogs vs. French Bulldog vs. However, Frenchies—as the name implies—were developed in France in the 19th century by English immigrants who wanted smaller lap dogs than the Bulldogs they brought with them. As the popularity of Frenchies grew throughout France, Americans visiting the region noticed the new dogs and brought them to the U. Similarly named after their place of origin, the Boston Terrier is from Boston. The first Boston Terrier immigrated to the U. Initially, breeders were hoping for a more compact and stronger fighting dog in the Boston Terrier but ended up producing a dog with a gentle temperament. Boston Terrier: Appearance Boston Terriers and Frenchies look alike thanks to their short snout, flat face, big eyes, and small stature. But if you look closely, there are distinct differences between the two breeds. Head shape: Boston Terriers have a rounder head, while Frenchies have a square head. Body: Boston Terriers have a lean, light body, generally reaching a weight of less than 25 pounds. Frenchies have a stockier body and can weigh up to 28 pounds. Coat colors: Both breeds can come in black and white, adding to the confusion. But Boston Terriers tend to have symmetrical tuxedo markings, while the Frenchie coat can be solid or have more patches. Boston Terriers may have brindle or seal colorings in place of the black. Frenchies can come in many more colors, including brindle, fawn, cream, and white. Also, Boston Terriers should have a white stripe between their eyes and this is not always true for French Bulldogs. Boston Terrier: Health Boston Terriers can live an average of 11—13 years , while Frenchies have a typical lifespan of 10—12 years. Both dogs have a short snout and flat face, making them brachycephalic breeds. They are also very susceptible to heatstroke during hot weather, so keep your pup cool by avoiding exercise in the sun. Brachycephalic breeds may also have trouble swallowing or sleeping, and may be prone to cataracts and other eye problems due to their shallow eye sockets. Additionally, French Bulldogs are at risk for developing hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia , patellar luxation , spinal problems, heart disease, and hypothyroidism. Boston Terriers, on the other hand, have a higher-than-average incidence of patellar luxation, deafness, and a spinal disorder called hemivertebrae. Boston Terrier: Temperament Both the Boston Terrier and the French Bulldog have a good-natured temperament, making them ideal family pets. Their small size and adaptable attitude mean they can fit right in to apartment life in the city. Boston Terriers are intelligent, active, affectionate, and lively. These dogs are bred to be companions, and they do well with family members of all ages. Because they can be so friendly, the American Gentleman also makes a good therapy dog, according to the breed club. While they can excel in agility contests, Boston Terriers may also have a lazy side and will be content snuggling with you on the couch. Equally cute French Bulldogs boast a mischievous and sassy personality. They are friendly dogs who often make their pet parents laugh with their goofy antics. However, they can have an independent streak as well. These affectionate and laid-back dogs will be happy to curl up next to you for a snooze. Considerations for Pet Parents Both Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs make great additions to families who can give them the affection they crave. They make great pets for first-time dog parents, but there are some things to consider before bringing one of these pups home. This means special considerations need to be taken in hot, humid weather and whenever your pet is exercising. Regular wellness exams will also be vital for both breeds to keep them healthy. To prevent obesity —and keep your dog mentally stimulated—make sure your pup gets about minutes of exercise every day. Early Socialization Is a Must While Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs tend to have a good temperament, pet parents must still socialize their puppy consistently. This will help them be calm in new situations and when meeting new people or animals. Home » Blog » Boston Terrier vs. French Bulldog: Which one is the Best? Boston Terrier vs. I was at the hairdresser the other day. While waiting for my appointment, I noticed that several customers mistook the puppies for French bulldogs. After all, the two breeds are very similar. But if you look at them closely, there are many differences! Of course, one needs to know what to look for when comparing Boston Terrier vs. French Bulldog. As there are many similarities between the two breeds at first glance, it can be a difficult decision for prospective owners to choose. This article will help to make that decision easier by outlining the common history of the two breeds, comparing their appearance, personality, temperament and health characteristics, and looking at their current prices. The shared history of the french bulldog and boston terrier Since it is easy for the uninitiated eye to confuse the Boston terrier and the French bulldog, it is perhaps not surprising that the two breeds share a common ancestor. Its name indicates that it is a truly American dog breed. Boston Terrier. Source: akc. The small, bat-eared variety quickly became popular among the Parisian women, giving rise to the French bulldog breed we know today. You can read the detailed, fascinating history of French Bulldogs here! Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! Well, the French Bulldog is stockier, while the Boston Terrier is slimmer and longer-legged. An adult Boston Terrier is on average 1. In contrast, the French Bulldog is only 1 foot tall, but can weigh pounds, which explains the stockier appearance. Boston Terriers are also called American Gentlemen because of their distinctive coat color, which is like a tuxedo. This is typical of all Boston Terriers, so if you meet any other color, it is probably a different breed. French Bulldogs, on the other hand, come in a wide range of colors, such as black, red, fawn, beige, cream, blue and lilac. For more information on the color variations of French Bulldogs, read this article. Both dogs love to be near their owners and feel a constant urge to touch. They love to cuddle and snuggle up to their owners. Both breeds can be trained to respond to commands through positive feedback, i. However, while the Boston Terrier is a quicker learner, the French Bulldog is a more stubborn kind. French bulldogs are truly free spirits: they often do whatever they feel like. In their case, the owner will need more patience during the learning process. Belinda, French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies Both dogs are comfortable in both urban and rural environments, but the Boston Terrier is more vocal. For this reason, if you keep your dog indoors, be sure to check beforehand how much the barking can be heard by the neighbors. Due to their small size, neither breed has a high exercise requirement. In the case of French Bulldogs, we recommend walks and 15 minutes of play twice a day. However, while French Bulldogs are happy to do any kind of activity together, the Boston terrier likes to have his mind worn out. Health As both breeds have brachycephalic flat faces, they are equally at risk of respiratory disease. Due to their short noses, both the Boston Terrier and the French Bulldog breathe loudly, which can be heard even when they are at rest. Boston terrier. Source: Dogster. And we know that sooner or later the gasses will leave the body. Unfortunately, we hear many horror stories of dog breeders regularly mating genetically defective parents. French Bulldog puppies at TomKings Puppies Responsible, ethical dog breeders such as ourselves test puppies for various genetic abnormalities up to six times from birth to adoption. If there is even a suspicion of a positive result, the puppy is not sold and definitely not used for breeding. Price Price can also be a deciding factor when choosing a breed. For example, a rare, long-haired fluffy French Bulldog is more expensive than a more common black-colored Frenchie. Dog prices can also vary from kennel to kennel, as different breeders take on different services with the dog. Here at TomKings Kennels, the final price of a dog includes over 10 extra services! For example, genetic tests, the price of three compulsory vaccinations, deworming, shipping costs, and lifetime support plus vet assistance for the owners. Lothaire, available French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies It can also adjust the final price of a dog if the new owner not only wants to keep the puppy as a pet, but also for breeding purposes. A breeding pet will always cost more than a hobby pet. This is true for all animals, whether they are horses, cats or parrots. Check out our French Bulldog Puppies So it is not worth making a decision based on price, as there can be many hidden problems and costs later on, which can make life miserable for both the dog and its owner. If you see a dog offered at well below market price, always be suspicious. Source: dailypaws. The reasons for this are difficult to pinpoint, but in all likelihood the price difference is due to the increasing popularity of French bulldogs. If you are interested in what is included in our prices, read this article! French Bulldog: which one is the best for you? And we got to the main question: which one is the best for you, a Boston Terrier or a French bulldog? The main difference between them is their personality. Boston Terriers are more active, and require more activities. French bulldogs, on the other hand, are a bit more couch potatoes. You should consider your current lifestyle, and choose the proper breed accordingly. Is a French Bulldog.

By Chris German Shepherds are known for their guarding instincts, loyalty, and companionship. They make great home guards as well as family pets. If you own one, you must regularly groom the animal to keep them in good health and strengthen your bond with it. One way of grooming your German Shepherd is by brushing its fur to detangle, remove excess hair and dirt, and maintain its skin health. Keep your furniture and floors free of pet hair.A durable shedding tool! Healthy, shiny pet coat! Rid your four-legged friend of undercoat and loose hair effortlessly, and keep at bay allergies by frequently brushing them! Have your pet thankful for the professional.TA Thoughtful gift to all pet owners! Easy to use and causing not a speck of discomfort, this grooming brush will put a wide smile on the face of the lucky pet owner! It will relieve their dog or cat.Click Add to Cart now! We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Its ergonomic handle allows for a better grip for extended shedding. It delivers great results in brushing all hair sizes, including short , medium, and long hair. Press the quick-release button on the head of the brush to replace the blades or remove them for efficient cleaning. The package includes the de-shedding tool, mm stainless steel comb, and 4 free ebooks for dog breeding. Use the ebooks to familiarize yourself with the basic first-aid tips for German Shepherds and how to keep their fur and skin in top-notch condition. It works great on all German Shepherd hairs, from medium to long to curly. One of the amazing features of this brush is its soft, angled bristles, great for removing dirt, mats, tangles, and loose hair to reduce shedding and keep the skin healthy. Push the button at the top of the brush to retract the bristles for effective combing and cleaning. The brush is easy to use. Pros: Removes mats, tangles, and loose hair painlessly The bristles do not bend during use. Easy to clean, given the retraction feature Cons: It might not be comfortable for short-haired dogs. A woman holds a dryer and a slicker brush. Use the fur ejector button at the front of the brush to release any trapped hair to keep the comb in a top-notch performance. It comes in small, medium, and large sizes to fit dogs of all sizes. A reusable device with the stainless steel blade. Cons The handle may loosen with age. Though designed for German Shepherds with coarse and matted coats, the brush is also great for combing dogs with medium to long-haired coats. The Coastal pet safari dog comb is easy to use due to its lightweight 3. Better still, the brush comes with a non-slip handle to enhance your grip and reduce the chances of accidents while brushing. Pros Sturdy bristles for ridding mats and tangles Easy to use Not ideal for short-haired German Shepherds German Shepherd nudges his owner to show affection. By getting under that undercoat, this pet brush can help reduce shedding and helps promote healthy blood flow. Built to Last: Your furry friend deserves the best, and this dog and cat brush for shedding and grooming is a great way to tell them. This deshedder won't snap on even course, matted hair. No-Slip Handle: Don't get knotted down! The non-slip handle on our dog and cat grooming brush moves through long or short haired fur with ease. Quick Release: The handle on this cat and dog shedding brush comes with a quick-release button for easy blade removal and cleaning! For All Pets: This brush isn't just for our typical pets out there - it's great for any pet with fur! With the stainless steel shedding blades, you can say goodbye to excess fur of all kinds. The blades are detachable to allow for easy removal and cleaning. It comes in multiple sizes to offer options for different sizes of German Shepherds. German Shepherd sits with his owner in the field. Our best overall brush for German Shepherds is the grooming brush by Pet Neat. The included four free ebooks are also a plus. The second best brush on our list is the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush due to its self-cleaning feature and ability to detangle and de-matt both medium and long hair without bending. The remaining three brushes are equally great for grooming your German Shepherds, so you can feel free to pick any of them. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. The 10 Best Brushes for German Shepherds 1. Outside of the heavy-shedding season, this brush is the tool we think does the best job for your Shepherd and makes it easiest for you. Even better, they retract at the push of a button, leaving all the hair free to be removed. The handle was comfortable to hold, but much more importantly, the grooming experience seemed extremely pleasurable for our doggos! After using the Hertzko brush, our pups would get excited about grooming because they enjoyed the feeling so much. And it makes sense because this brush painlessly de-tangles while gently massaging and increasing circulation. All in all, we think this is the best brush for german shepherds. It provides the same functionality as our top pick at about half the price. That said, it has its drawbacks that prevent it from overtaking the Hertzko brush in our top spot. With the pull of a trigger, a plastic plate slides over the bristles to make hair removal easy. However, we noticed that some hair, particularly around the edges, would be wedged in and require some digging to get out. The Upsky brush provided a very comfortable grooming experience for our German Shepherds, which is one of the most important factors for us. It did a great job of removing tangles and mats, and the dogs seemed to genuinely enjoy it. That said, the bristles have very sharp tips, so be gentle with short-haired Shepherds. Better yet, a year replacement guarantee ensures the HappyDogz brush will be around to groom your dog for most of its life. Many of the shedding brushes on the market today are self-cleaning and able to remove all the fur at the push of a button. Despite missing this feature, the HappyDogz brush is one of the more expensive options we tested. Cleaning the brush adds even more time, so the head of this one detaches to make it easier to clean. We still prefer the self-cleaning brushes, but this is one is priced too affordably to include such a feature. The most important trait for a brush is effective hair removal from both the guard coat and the undercoat of your German Shepherd. Pros Head detaches for easy cleaning Very durable and comfortable. December 19, 0 German Shepherds are muscular and agile dogs. They are loyal and protective of their loved ones and wary of strangers. In , German Shepherds ranked fourth among the most popular dogs in the United States. According to the AKC , Americans love German Shepherds because of their ability to learn commands, confidence, loyalty, and willingness to protect their loved ones with their lives. Every German Shepherd owner in the U. As a result, German Shepherds need frequent brushing to help reduce the amount of hair that ends up on the furniture around the house. However, you will need the right tools for the job. I have compiled a list of some of the best brushes recommended for German Shepherds by groomers. The tool is designed specially to reach through the topcoat of your dog and to safely remove loose hair up to ninety percent with frequent use. If you own a German Shepherd dog with hair less than two inches in length, then this brush may be the better choice for you. To obtain the best results, brush your German Shepherd every few days or so to remove the undercoat and reduce shed hair. Key Features and Specification:. You can also get the conditioner to use with the shampoo if you need to bathe your dog more often. Conditioner restores hydration, prevents dry skin, and nourishes and repairs the coat. This little tool is designed to collect hairs from furniture and clothing and is better than a sticky lint roller. De-shedding Willow! Does that work? Well, in most cases. As a result, it can result in tangling. Comes with 4 types of nozzles. Oneisall Hair Trimmer Did you think that grooming is all about giving your German Shepherd a quick bath and then combing them later? One essential element in the grooming process is trimming their nails and hair. Rechargeable dog trimmer with built-in battery is good for exceptional flexibility. It can also be used when charging so you dont have to worry that it will stop working and have half groomed dog. Safe and Sharp Blade. Upgrade stainless steel fixed blade and ceramic moving blade can provide excellent cutting performance. The blade sharp enough for a long time using. Detachable blades,easy to change and clean. Low vibration and ultra quiet design. The noise when working is only about 50 db, to help the pet feel at ease, not afraid cut hair any more. The adjustable clipping comb is applicable for clipping hair of different lengths; and the detachable guide combs make for quick, easy comb changes and increased versatility. Please Note: if your pets get long and thick hair, you need to use scissors cut shorter at first, otherwise the clippers may jam up and dont work proper Buy on Amazon Sometimes, my German Shepherd has a lengthy fur that gets matted and messy. It costs a ton of money to hire a groomer. After a quick thought about various products to trim dog hair, I found that Oneisall is a wonderful brand offering a beginner-friendly hair trimmer. Grooming your German Shepherd also typically includes trimming their nails. Otherwise, they can suffer from breakage when exposed to rough surfaces. Recommended by veterinarians and pet grooming professionals, painlessly and precisely trim your pets nails anywhere. And with 3 ports to match small, medium, or large pets, simply choose the appropriate port and speed depending on your pets size and nail hardness. However, our electric pet nail grinder uses a superior motor with super-quiet technology that produces a very low vibration. Help sand pets claws faster and easier. Each grinder has a built-in battery that lasts 2 hours after a 3-hour charge. The lightweight and ergonomic body design also makes it easier to handle in your right or left hand. Considerate Customer Care: Our products experts teams are available 7 days a week. Response in less than 24 hours. Contact us at any time. We will help you at our best. This will allow your young puppy to get used to the daily brush and his other grooming tools. Teach your dog to be comfortable with being handled in general. This will put him at ease when it comes to grooming time. Most German Shepherds are affectionate and will tolerate being petted ; however, all dogs are different. Make the grooming session enjoyable for your German Shepherd. If he is the nervous type, reassure him, speak calmly, and offer treats as rewards. He will learn to associate grooming with pleasant things. He will be too tired to care when he sees you coming towards him with the brush, making your job a lot easier! I find this works for me, and I tend to get a quick brush when my girl is tired. I usually FURminate my girl in a nearby field during the heavy shedding periods. Never discipline your GSD during a grooming session, as this will make him dislike it even more and will be counter-productive. Instead, distract his poor behavior and reward good behavior using positive reinforcement, such as giving treats. Never shave your German Shepherd. His undercoat is designed to keep him cool in the summer and provides insulation against the heat. Shaving can also cause skin irritation and infection and expose your dog to harmful sunlight. Never let your dog play with your grooming kit to avoid any accidents. They are not toys! Keep them in a safe place and out of reach. You can also check the health of his ears, nails, and teeth. The best type of brush for a German Shepherd is a slicker brush. It is also gentle on the skin and does not cause any discomfort to the dog during grooming. Slicker brushes are handy for German Shepherds when they lose a lot of fur during shedding season. What are the most common grooming problems that German Shepherds have? One of the most common grooming problems that German Shepherds have is their long, thick coats. German Shepherds have a double coat, which means they have a thick, dense undercoat and a longer, coarser outer coat. This combination of coats can be difficult to maintain, as the long outer coat can become matted and tangled if not brushed regularly. How often should you brush a German Shepherd? During shedding season, which usually happens in the spring and fall, daily brushing is recommended to remove loose fur and prevent it from accumulating in the house. Also, brushing is a great way to bond with your German Shepherd and promote their well-being. Do German Shepherds like being brushed? Most German Shepherds enjoy being brushed, especially when they are used to it from a young age. Brushing can be a relaxing and bonding experience for both the dog and the owner. However, some German Shepherds may not like being brushed if they have sensitive skin or mats or tangles that cause discomfort. In these cases, it is essential to be gentle and patient while brushing and to use a detangler spray if necessary. You should also ensure the dog is comfortable and relaxed during the grooming process by offering treats and praise. Final Thoughts Choosing the best grooming tools for your German Shepherd may seem a quick and easy task, but there are so many different brands it can be challenging to know where to start! I hope you have found this article helpful as not only do you now know the type of grooming kit your dog needs whether you have the short-haired or long-haired variety of German Shepherd , but you can see the tools I use. Some people may say they are too expensive. However, I disagree as you are paying for top-quality tools that do what they are supposed to and will last an age. However, when choosing stuff for your dog, doing your own research is essential. Related Posts You May Like:. Made of silicon material giving it a rubbery feel. Has an adjustable strap to secure your wrist Soft tips Stickiness to hair, making it easy to collect hair Machine washable For Delomo, producers of the Delomo Pet Grooming Glove, brushing the mess created by pet hair is a priority. The tool is great as a German Shepherd brush. Their products are created to make your German Shepherd feel at home with you — making a complete family. The rubber tool can be used in all types of dogs with any type of hair. Mainly for deshedding, the grooming tool provides a great way to clean your pet while massaging them. What great comfort indeed! We have two hairy, senior, sister German Shepherd dogs. Lots of dog hair to be had — it seems that just looking at them makes hair fly off of them. Regular grooming with the Furminator removes a lot of hair but the dogs will only tolerate its use on their backs and sides, due to tender arthritic joints and generalized soreness from aging. So, I thought I would give this product a try — and what a difference! While the gloves do not remove quite as much as hair as the Furminator, there are other distinct advantages for their use. First, they can be easily used over the whole body — including legs, soft belly, tail, and even the head. All areas can actually be massaged, which the dogs clearly enjoy. The dogs LOVE this. In fact, as soon as they see the gloves they go into their happy dance, happy face mode, while hip-checking each other out of the way to be first in line. Since using the gloves for a while now it seems that the quality of their coats is actually better — perhaps a benefit of massaging the skin and stimulating hair growth more hair?? Their coats are softer and more glossy. Bottom line: these gloves have been absolutely great for my aging hairy dogs, and clearly they will be my only grooming aide for the girls. What else is there to say? Maybe give them a try. The tough edge made of stainless steel can easily reach through the topcoat and safely removes loose hair from the undercoat while protecting the topcoat and skin at the same time. The handle fits snugly into your hand while the curved edge of the tool matches your pet's natural body shape perfectly. The Furminator German Shepherd size you choose should always be large and depending on your dog you can also choose between the short hair and long hair versions. To find the best Furminator for German Shepherds review you can click on the link above. A unnique feature of this cleverly designed slicker brush for dogs are the slightly curved bristles that gently but effectively penetrate fur of any thickness without ever irritating or scratching the skin of your furry friend. The comfortable grip makes longer grooming sessions a breeze and also features an anti-slip handle. If you are are undecided because of the slicker brush vs pin brush dilemma then the ease with which this dog brush removes stubborn knots, tangles, loose undercoat hair and dirt should convince you that this is the best slicker brush for dogs. Perfect for dogs of all sizes and a unique self-cleaning feature eliminates messy cleaning after brushing. Simply press the button for automatic instant bristle retraction and you can easily remove and dispose of all the dead hair that you have brushed off your dog. The versatility of the Coastal Safari Shed Magic De-Shedding Tool makes it suitable for dogs with single or double coats, and it's perfect for short- and long-haired dogs. It's gentle on your pet's skin yet firm enough to stimulate the natural oils in the fur resulting in a shinier topcoat and a healthy skin. Cleverly designed by pet grooming experts it also has a strong stainless steel blade. The handle is lightweight and well designed with a grip that is non-slip and comfortable to hold. Click on the link above for more info. This dog dematting tool effectively removes knots, dirt and dander from the knotted areas of your dog's fur. Because this dog grooming comb is well suited for all dogs we recommend it as the best dematting comb for dogs of all sizes. The teeth are are no-scratch and gently massage your dog's skin while still penetrating down to the undercoat. If you are looking for the best dog comb for a multi-pet home then the anti-slip comfort grip will make grooming sessions a breeze. It's durable design also makes it the best dematting tool for long haired dogs. It features both pins and bristles to give a shiny, clean and soft look to your dog's coat. The Safari dog brush removes knots and tangles with ease. Use this pin brush for dogs to remove dirt and loose hair. Use the bristles to brush firmly and help distribute the skin's natural oils to produce a shiny, healthy coat. The comfortable ergonomic bamboo handle allows you to firmly grip the dog grooming pin brush when you brush aginst the hair growth direction to fluff up your dog's fur a little and to spoil your furry friend. This helps to prevent the nasty skin irritations caused by trapped moisture, odor and dirt. A number of high quality design features make the Safari dematting comb a candidate for our best dematting tool for dogs. These include safety-first rounded stainless steel blades that are serrated and expertly sharpened to remove tough, matted hair while still protecting the sensitive skin of your furry friend. Make your grooming wrist-strain free and easy with the snug, rubberized handle that gives a nice comfortable anti-slip grip. Groom and massage at the same time for improved blood circulation and a shiny coat. It's professionally designed to prevent skin irritation and scratching but remove loose hair, dirt and dander with ease. Ergonomically designed to protect both you and your pet it has a soft-grip handle with proven anti-slip properties. With a light weight of it's been a favorite with salon owners nationwide for many years and is the ideal wire pin brush for short hair dogs as well as dogs with thicker fur. The Safari brand of pet grooming tools is produced in the US by Coastal Pet Products Inc which is a trustworthy family-owned company that has been operating since and is still going strong. This comfortable right-handed one-size-fits-all pet deshedding glove has soft rubber tips and works well to reduce shedding by collecting all loose fur quickly and easily. It's the best dog grooming glove for all types of dog coats and can be used on dry coats before baths, as well as wet coats after baths. It's durable but soft rubber surface collects all loose hairs while you massage your pet for a pleasant experience for both you and your furry friend. Designed by professionals, it is comfortable, well padded and made of durable mesh with a fuzzy strap fastener that is adjustable to fit all hand sizes. And cleaning it is a breeze by effortlessly wiping all the collected loose fur from the rubber surface of the mitt. Some dogs normally shed a lot, even though it may seem excessive, but sometimes health problems are to blame — like poor nutrition, stress or medical issues. How to stop a dog from shedding? Here are some tips to help you cope with dog shedding: Daily brushing will remove excess fur and is an easy way to keep a dog from shedding and effectively reduce the amount your dog will shed daily. Lots of water and moisture in his diet is another tip to stop my dog from shedding. A well hydrated pet will shed less! Regular baths will remove excess fur and reduce daily shedding. Vacuum your home regularly and for easy removal of dog hair from your clothing use a lint roller. Do German Shepherds shed a lot? At other times during the year you might get away with brushing them only three times a week or every other day. Shedding can get worse if your dog is not in prime health and then you need to ask the vet to eliminate medical problems like a poor diet, stress, dehydration and skin irritation from fleas and allergies. How to take care of a German Shepherd? Learning how to look after a German Shepherd is easy as long as you stick to a few basic principles. Give your dog good nutrition, regular exercise, daily brushing and lots of love and attention and you will make a very good pet owner. How to stop a German Shepherd from shedding? Tips on how to reduce German Shepherd shedding depends a lot on how well you take care of your furry friend. Most important is a good nutritious grain free diet containing a high proportion of meat related products. Properly dog grooming your dog will also go a long way to help control German Shepherd shedding. That means regular daily brushing to reduce coat shedding and to improve skin circulation and coat health. How often should you brush a German Shepherd? Daily brushing is best but doing it 3 to 4 times weekly is the absolute minimum. This keeps shedding under control and promotes a shiny, healthy looking coat. Which Furminator is best for a German Shepherd? So the best size dog Furminator to choose would be the large short hair dog FURminator deshedding tool or the extra large model.

Health and breeding information Possible diseases in mixed breeds of German Shepherd and Wolfsspitz. German Shepherds are characterized by their impressive presence and strength and enjoy great popularity among dog lovers. The Wolfsspitz is equally known for its intelligence, courage, and affectionate nature, and scores points for its special friendliness and high adaptability. Together, the combination of these two breeds creates a truly fascinating overall picture. However, mixed breeds of these breeds are not only known for their positive qualities, they can also be prone to or inherit certain diseases. Mixed breeds of German Shepherd and Wolfsspitz tend to have an increased risk of inherited diseases. These include, for example, hip dysplasia HD , a serious malformation of the hip joints that can lead to significant movement restrictions. Other diseases such as osteochondritis dissecans OCD , a degenerative disease of bone and articular cartilage, or atopy, in which allergic reactions of the immune system occur, may be more prevalent in this mix. Environmental factors can further promote these diseases, especially if the dogs are not adequately vaccinated or cared for. It is therefore essential to have such a mixed breed checked regularly by a veterinarian. Early detection and timely treatment of disease symptoms or ailments are of utmost importance. Prevention is critical to prevent health complications in German Shepherd and Wolfsspitz mixes. This includes routine health checks, vaccinations, a balanced diet, adequate exercise and ongoing health monitoring. Anyone owning or considering owning such a mongrel should always be mindful to seek professional advice and assistance to help their four-legged friend live a long and healthy life. What does this mongrel look like? The appearance of the mongrel between a German Shepherd and a Wolfsspitz is a harmonious combination of both breeds. Typically, the coat of this mixed breed presents a medium length and a soft texture. While the dominant shades are mostly black and brown, the color spectrum of this dog may also include shades of red or cream. The texture of the coat varies depending on the genetic heritage of the animal. It can be both smooth and slightly wavy, depending on which genetic traits were inherited more strongly. A characteristic feature of this mongrel is the often longer hair in the head and ear area, which gives the dog a particularly attractive and distinctive appearance. In addition, the mongrel can have a robust stature, marked by the athletic physiognomy of the German Shepherd, combined with the somewhat more compact and fluffy appearance of the Keeshond. His eyes often radiate deep intelligence and curiosity, while his ears can either stand erect or tilt slightly forward, depending on the dominance of his inherited genes. His paws are strong and well padded, giving him good mobility in both urban and rural environments. The tail, which is often carried bushy and high, often swings in a wide arc when pleased or excited. This mongrel displays an impressive fusion of strength, elegance and charm in its overall appearance, making it a real head turner. It should be noted, however, that due to genetic diversity, coat texture and other physical characteristics may vary. In some cases, certain areas of the body may be more densely coated, while other regions may have less fur. This is a fascinating example of the diversity found in the world of mixed breed dogs. Fur length. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The German Shepherd is known for being intelligent, curious, and alert. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the German Shepherd Dog or the Keeshond? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful German Shepherd Dog Keeshond Mix. While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their German Shepherd Dog Keeshond Mix puppy. If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills. Von Stephanitz had in his mind what a good working dog should be and a few generations of breeding fulfilled what Hektor envisioned. Horand von Grafrath is known to be the first German Shepherd Dog. Horand von Grafrath was bred to other similar styled dogs that were believed to have the same traits as what Von Stephanitz was looking for. His most successful offspring was Hektor von Schwaben. Von Stephanitz is widely credited for being the founder of this incredible breed. Von Stephanitz had intended for his breed to work as herding dogs, however, as Germany became more and more industrialized he saw the need to make it working dog. He convinced the German government to use the breed. The breed initially became popular in World War 1. Many American and allied servicemen grew attached to the breed during the war and brought them back to the states after the war was over. The Allied troops fell in love with the breed but not with the fact that it had German roots. It became common for police departments and those looking for true working dogs to import their dogs from Germany because the American dogs had such bad health problems. This is an older breed of dog. It has quite the history. Throughout some political unrest in Holland it was a symbol of the Rebel Party and it quickly became popular among ordinary people. When this party was overthrown many dogs were destroyed but it did manage to hold on. Around the year interest in the breed picked back up and it migrated away from just being on barges and such. It became a recognized breed with the American Kennel Club in .Should a Keeshond Mix take after their Kees parent, they will be a small dog that makes a great companion for single owners and for families. They also often make great watchdogs. Keeshonden are playful and energetic. They are also affectionate, friendly, and love to be around their families. They tend to get along well with children and other dogs, but may need some extra socialization with other small pets. They also tend to be open and friendly with strangers once introduced, but will bark to alert you. If you do not train your dog to stop barking early on, their alert barking can become a nuisance behavior. If the other parent breed has similar temperament traits, then you can likely expect the same from a Keeshond Mix. You will still want to ask the breeder about them as they will introduce their own quirks that you will want to be aware of. You can also meet the mother in person to see what her temperament is like and the behavior she is modeling for puppies. The breeder should have started some training and socialization. However, it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home. The Keeshond is a highly adaptable dog that does well in homes with larger yards as well as apartments. They do not like to be left alone for long periods of time and tend to handle most climates well. If the other parent breed is also highly adaptable, then you can expect the same from a Keeshond Mix. Mixed-breed dogs can sometimes be healthier than purebred dogs. But, it all depends on the parents, and good breed practices make a huge difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Keeshond Mix that come from the Keeshond can include patellar luxation , eye issues, elbow dysplasia, and hip dysplasia. You will want to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed. Since reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies, you should be able to ask them about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health clearances or tests that have been done. The Keeshond is a highly trainable dog. They are eager to please and intelligent, which means they pick up on things quickly. If the other parent breed is also easy to train, then you can expect something similar from a Keeshond Mix. A Keeshond Mix can inherit a coat that is just like one of their parents or a coat that is some combination of both. If they end up with a Kees coat, they will shed moderately year-round, shed heavier as the seasons change, need weekly brushing, and require professional grooming every weeks. The dog groomer will be able to help with some of this during appointments, but you will still need to take care of things at home between visits. Nail trims once or twice a month keep nails from growing too long. Ear checks on a weekly basis with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Daily brushing with a toothpaste for dogs or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, in addition to cleanings at the vet as needed, can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. A Kees sits in a moderate activity range. Daily walks and some playtime or time to run are usually enough for this dog, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. If the other parent breed is similar, then you can expect the same from a Keeshond Mix. If the other parent breed requires more or less daily activity, then you will need to be prepared for that potential range. Fully-grown Keeshonden 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, you need to ask the breeder about them. A Keeshond generally lives for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span from Keeshond Mixes. Featured Keeshond Mix Article.

Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Goldador Overview The idea was to create a working dog with the sensitivity of the Golden Retriever and the tolerance of the Labrador Retriever. It worked. Cross them, and the result is the unequivocally genial Goldador. Thanks to their easygoing nature and keen intelligence, Goldadors have proven outstanding guide dogs, service dogs, search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and bomb detection dogs. But like their parent breeds, Goldadors are happiest simply working alongside a person they love. Goldadors are active and require at least half an hour of daily exercise — most enjoy retrieving games as well as hiking and swimming. Training the eager-to-please Goldador is relatively easy — they come from a long line of dogs who work closely and willingly with people. This makes them an excellent choice for first-time owners, provided they get the exercise, structure, and positive reinforcement they crave. Goldadors are also a good option for families with children though they can be a bit rambunctious for toddlers , as they want nothing more than to be part of family activities. The ideal residence for a Goldador is a home with a fenced yard, but with regular exercise and companionship they can live and thrive in apartments and condos. Whatever his home, a Goldador should live indoors with his people. Goldadors are good family dogs and generally do well with children of all ages. The Goldador sheds moderately and requires weekly brushing. Goldadors require about 30 minutes of exercise per day. They enjoy being outdoors and can make excellent jogging companions. Although a house with a fenced yard is the ideal home for a Goldador, he can do well in an apartment or condo with proper exercise. Goldadors can be a good choice for first-time dog owners. Goldador History The Goldador was first developed more than a decade ago: the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever were crossed with the hopes of creating a sensitive, tolerant working dog. The effort proved successful. At this time, there are no breed clubs or any efforts to create a breed standard for the Goldador. Goldador Size The Goldador is one of the few designer breeds with a fairly predictable size, as both parent breeds are large and similar in size and shape. The Goldador is usually 22 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 60 to 80 pounds. Goldador Personality The Goldador is affectionate and loyal, alert enough to make an excellent watchdog, but too friendly to be an effective guard dog. His intelligence and desire to please render him highly trainable, and he responds best to positive reinforcement techniques. Socialization helps ensure that your Goldador puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Goldador Health Goldadors are prone to certain health conditions. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but it can be worsened by environmental factors, such as rapid growth from a high-calorie diet or injuries incurred from jumping or falling on slick floors. Elbow Dysplasia is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem, or medication and weight loss to control the pain. Cataracts are an opacity on the lens of the eye that causes difficulty in seeing. The eye s of the dog will have a cloudy appearance. Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels are regulated in part by insulin, which is produced in the pancreas. Glucose sugar is needed by the cells of the body to burn for energy; insulin is the key that lets the glucose into the cell. Without insulin, the glucose cannot enter the cell, so the cells are hungry even though there are high levels of glucose circulating in the blood. A diabetic dog will eat more food to try to compensate, but he will lose weight because food is not being used efficiently. Signs of diabetes are excessive urination and thirst, increased appetite, and weight loss. Diabetes can be controlled by diet and daily insulin injections. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA : This is a degenerative eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. PRA is detectable years before the dog shows any signs of blindness. Fortunately, dogs can use their other senses to compensate for blindness, and a blind dog can live a full and happy life. Both parents should have health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for hips, elbows, heart, and thyroid and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation CERF certifying that the eyes are normal. Goldador Care The ideal home for a Goldador is a house with a fenced yard where he can play safely; however, he can do well in an apartment or condo if he gets daily walks or runs. Interested in dog sports? Goldadors make formidable competitors in agility and flyball. Mental stimulation is crucial as well. Teach your Goldador to fetch the paper or your slippers, practice obedience training regularly with him, and put his mind to work from time to time with an interactive dog toy. As with all dogs, positive reinforcement techniques praise, play, and food rewards work best with the Goldador. Goldador Feeding Recommended daily amount: 3. Note: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. For more on feeding your Goldador, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Goldador Coat Color And Grooming A Goldador should have the same double coat as a Labrador Retriever, with a short, thick, straight topcoat and a soft, dense undercoat some have a slight wave down the back. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush will remove dead hair, helping to keep it off your clothes and furniture. During seasonal shedding periods, however, daily brushing is recommended. Bathe your Goldador as needed, and be sure to give him a thorough freshwater rinse any time he goes swimming. The Goldador can be prone to ear infections, so check and clean the ears weekly. Other grooming needs include dental hygiene and nail care. Trim his nails once or twice a month, as needed. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth and ears. Goldador Children And Other Pets Goldadors are an ideal family companion and are generally gentle and loving toward children of all ages. As puppies, they can be a bit rambunctious and may knock over smaller children unintentionally, so close supervision is important. Social and easy-going, Goldadors do well with other dogs and pets, especially when raised together. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how good-natured, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Goldador Rescue Groups There are no official rescue groups for the Goldador, but this cross is frequently available at private and municipal animal shelters. More Info For You. Breed Title Goldador Puppies Temperament Goldadors are an amazing combination of the intelligence and trainability of the Labrador and the friendly, gentle personality of the Golden Retriever. With their outgoing, friendly character and sweet disposition, Goldadors make excellent family pets around children and other animals as they have a great aptitude for understanding people. In terms of temperament, these beloved pups are highly sociable but not overly boisterous or hyper; they enjoy playing fetch but rest just as happily on your lap or at your feet while you work. Golden Labrador Retriever Puppy Health Considerations Though generally very happy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around years — our Goldadors for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Golden Labrador Retriever puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. Finding a Golden Labrador puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can also dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. Depending on the climate they live in, Goldadors may need regular baths — however omitting shampoo once or twice a year will ensure their coat retains its natural oils. Finally it is recommended to check the ears regularly and trim nails as needed. Adopted Golden Labrador Retriever Puppies. Labrador Retriever Mix, or a Goldador Dog. The Goldador dog is a playful and good-natured, large dog. When you cross a purebred Labrador Retriever with a purebred Golden Retriever , even though both parents are recognized purebred dog breeds, the result — the Goldador — is a hybrid dog; recently known as a designer dog. Designer breeds come in a variety of coat colors and types, depending on the genes and appearance of the parent breeds. This cross-breed dog has parents with hunting and retrieving skills. They are often used as therapy dogs, guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and other types of service dogs, even bomb detection: but not as a guard dog or watchdog! This hybrid dog breed has the classic appearance of the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever dogs; inheriting their friendly, smiley face and their big brown eyes. The Labrador Golden Retriever mix is soft, loving, and intelligent. This is a large, bouncy, and easy-going dog that loves to be active. It will want to be wherever you are; in your bed, on your sofa or in the bathroom with you! A Goldador puppy is simply adorable. But remember, nowhere is private with a Goldador around! Fact: When two different dog breeds are intentionally mixed it called a designer dog; any hybrid dog will inherit its characteristics and health problems from both parent breeds but the result will not be seen until the puppy is born and observed as it grows up. A Goldador is friendly and will always want to be close to you. In , Lord Tweedmouth, a British Aristocrat, wanted a loyal and hard-working gundog to retrieve waterfowl while hunting on his estate in Scotland. So he crossed a wavy-coated yellow retriever sire with a Tweed Water Spaniel dam and produced 3 Golden-colored Retriever puppies. Fact: the Tweed Water Spaniel is now an extinct dog breed. Lord Tweedmouth mixed this new breed Retriever with an Irish Setter dog to breed the recognized Golden Retriever dog breed. In , the Golden Retriever dog breed was registered by the UK Kennel Club, and they quickly became popular as family pets and show dogs. Parent 2: A brief history of the Labrador Retriever parent — a purebred dog The Labrador Retriever is the best-loved and most popular dog breed in the world! It has a solid- color double coat in one of 3 colors; pure black, chocolate brown, or yellow. Whatever the coat color this is just a good looking dog breed for any level of dog owner or family member. The Labrador Retriever dog is from Newfoundland, Canada, and was used by fishermen to retrieve fish from nets and catch those that escaped back into the sea. They are good swimmers and have a gentle mouth grip that will not further destroy any prey they are ordered to retrieve. The Newfoundland and Labrador Province, in Canada, provided this hunting and retrieving dog with its name — the Labrador Retriever or Lab to its friends! The Newfoundland Labrador Retriever dog breed came to Great Britain around , to be used as gun dogs for retrieving waterfowl from land and water, during the shooting season, in Scotland and England. Ongoing breeding is believed to have continued the pure Newfoundland lab bloodline in our Labrador Retriever breed today. Meet the offspring: The hybrid offspring of these two purebred dogs is the Golden Retriever Lab mix — the Goldador puppy. This mixed breed puppy will be happy, affectionate, and will easily become a family member for sure. Fact: Designer dogs are increasing in popularity and so is the trend to give them a cute combo name that reflects a bit of both parent names. The Goldador puppy will inherit characteristics from both parents. What are the main characteristics of a Golden Retriever Lab Mix? Like any other crossbreed, a Labrador Golden Retriever Labrador mix can inherit the characteristics of either parent or both. Crossbreed dogs, like The Goldador, are no more likely to inherit health issues than purebred dogs; in fact, it is believed they may actually be stronger. Any mixed puppy can inherit all, some, or none of the health issues its parent breeds have. It can be heavily weighted towards the characteristics of one parent more than the other. The characteristics of The Goldador are a combination of nature and nurture: genetics of the parents, the environment, and the quality, type and amount of training and socialization. The Goldador — possible coat colors Both Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever parents have a thick, double coat: a water-resistant topcoat and a warm undercoat. Therefore the Goldador will inherit the same double coat but is likely to be short-haired like the Labrador. With its impressive and popular parent breed mix it will be loyal with a loving temperament and good around children and other dogs. It will be caring and become and active companion, that just wants to be by your side all the time. Reputation: This large Golden Labrador mix breed dog comes from two of the best-loved and most popular dog breeds. This is why they can make such good service and guide dogs, therapy dogs or even search and rescue dogs. They will still need to be trained and socialized early to teach them how to use that energy positively and learn how to behave in public. They are people-friendly and need exercise. They would not make a good guard dog, or watchdogs as they are approachable with strangers and make friends easily. So watch your slippers! Trainability: The trainability of this intelligent Golden Labrador mixed breed should be easy. The Goldador needs to be trained and socialized early as it will inherit a herding instinct and be highly active. They may attempt to take over and herd small children and smaller pets so they need to be controlled. Positive reinforcement and small treats will work well but not harsh discipline, or any form of negative punishment or physical restraint. Power and intelligence: This mixed breed dog is very intelligent, strong, and active with a herding and working drive. It will enjoy and need working challenges incorporating mental and physical stimulation, but it will be curious and want to investigate the other side of the fence. Socialization: Early socialization and discipline are strongly recommended for any crossbred dog especially those with herding and service dog parents. The Labrador Golden Retriever Mix wants to be active and occupied; if bored it may become destructive and bark. When trained and socialized this mixed breed dog will be approachable and friendly around all types of people, children, and other animals. Purpose: Any herding or working dog will want to be useful and please its owner. It will need to be trained and socialized early as it will help with control its excitement in public and develop obedience norms. It will form an early bond and lasting companionship with its owner. Either parent will still give it an athletic, well-balanced build and a strong working ethic. Tomato leaves stem or unripe fruit Alcohol, beer, wine or liquor Grapes or raisins Golden Retriever Crossed with Labrador Exercise Requirements The Lab Golden Retriever Mix has an active temperament so they might get destructive if they get bored. It is recommended to exercise them at least 2 hours daily. Getting them to do physical activities every day will help keep him happy and healthy. Here are some outdoor activities that you can try with your Golden Retriever Lab Mix: Hiking: It is a great way to turn your daily walk more challenging and exciting for your dog. Swimming: Utilize your private pool and do a swimming exercise with your dog companion. Swimming does not only serve as an exercise activity to yourself and to your companion dog, but it is also a great bonding experience. It also provides relief from the heat during the summer months. Make sure you supervise your dog all the time while doing this activity. Dock Diving: This is a fun sports activity to enjoy with your dog. All you have to do is throw a floating toy and encourage your dog to jump and swim out to retrieve it. If you and your Golden Retriever Lab Mix want to upgrade the challenge, you can try joining a Dock Diving Club and compete with other dogs. Play Fetch: This is a classic outdoor game that is great to do in summer. Challenge your dog by putting a twist to the activity, you can either use a Frisbee or a tennis racquet to make the object travel farther for your Golden Labrador to retrieve and return back to you. However, you should not be working them too much because when it comes to recovering objects, both parent breeds of Golden Retriever Lab Mix can be overly enthusiastic. However, even though they are intelligent dogs and has a friendly nature, you still need to put time and effort to train them better. Both parent breeds were bred to carry things. The best way to teach your Goldador not to bark is to socialize them frequently with strangers. Use Positive Reinforcement The Labrador crossed with Golden Retriever is a sensitive type of dog, so training them using positive reinforcement will be very helpful. Make sure to avoid negative punishment-based training since this hybrid dog may end up fearing you rather than respecting you as their leader. Make it a regular routine to reward your puppy whenever they do something right. Training your Goldador consistently in a positive method will give you pet companions that are obedient and good-natured. Do Mental Exercise The Golden Retriever mixed with Lab is an intelligent dog, and they need stimulating mental activities to avoid developing any aggressive behaviors, such as nuisance barking and chewing. Without proper mental exercise, Goldador puppies will grow into a passive, timid and uninspired dog. Labrador Golden Retriever Mix and Families Despite its large size, the Labrador mixed with Golden Retriever is a great family dog because of its easy-going personality. It is extremely friendly and affectionate. The Goldador is the type of dog that goes well in a loving and active family — one that considers him as a family member. The Golden Labradors cherish the company with children. They are naturally gentle, but they can play tirelessly as long as your kids can keep up. However, due to their sheer size, supervision is still needed around toddlers and infants. The Goldadors makes an excellent therapy and companion dog. Because of their affectionate nature, they generally do well when given lots of attention and affection. These hybrid dogs love to be with people, and hence it is tough for them to cope with solitude. So give love lots of love and affection to your Goldador Lab Retriever Mix and expect that it will shower you back with love. The double coat has a soft undercoat below a rough top coat that is water resistant. Either way, their coat will be fairly high maintenance. Shedding and Grooming Your new friend is going to shed, sometimes a lot. Both parent breeds heavily shed their coats with the change of seasons twice a year. For the rest of the year, expect a moderate level of shedding. Increased brushing during transitional times can help catch the loose hairs and stop them from spreading everywhere. Golden Retriever Labrador mixes will need weekly brushing, likely more during shedding season. Their nails should be trimmed regularly as well. Are They Hypoallergenic? The Goldador dog will not be hypoallergenic. They are high shedders, spreading dander from skin and saliva liberally around your home! With designer breeds like the Golden Retriever Lab, you can only make an educated guess about their temperament based on the general demeanor of their parents as well as the temperament of the parent breeds as a whole. If they are left alone a lot, they may become very destructive to your home. They will chew out of boredom or anxiety. As many Lab lovers know, these dogs do not know a stranger. Generally, the Goldador will get on well with children and other pets. Socialization Socialization from an early age is important for any breed, including the Golden Retriever Lab. Even though it hails from overly friendly and sociable breeds, there are still no guarantees to the temperament of your dog. Since training and socialization are both best started early on, puppy training classes can be a great way to both train and socialize your puppy at the same time. Training Tips The Goldador has an easygoing and eager to please temperament that helps make them highly trainable. Owners should start training early, from the time their puppy comes home. The parent breeds have a long history as service dogs, bomb detection dogs, hunting dogs, and now therapy dogs. Obedience classes will help create a well-mannered dog but also strengthens the bond between the dog and owner. Since Goldadors grow to be large dogs, obedience is also important to prevent them from jumping up at your guests! Energy Levels Golden Retriever Labrador puppies will grow into high-energy adults with a love for playing and a passion for retrieving! A Labrador Golden Retriever Mix makes a great companion for jogging, hiking, or cycling. This is a breed that also loves to swim. Canine sports, like agility, obedience trials, and tracking, are also a great way to keep your dog physically active, mentally stimulated, and out of trouble. As a very social breed, they do best as indoor dogs, but with a large, fenced in yard to run around. In addition to self-exercise, they need walks or other forms of daily activity with their owners. Exercise is especially important for the health of your Goldador since both Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers have a tendency to develop elbow and hip dysplasia. Weight management is one way of combating these joint problems. Health and Care All pedigree dog breeds are inbred to some extent. The measure of this is called the coefficient of inbreeding COI. The higher the COI, the greater the risks of health issues arising specifically from inbreeding. In a crossbreed such as the Goldador, the COI is usually much lower than it is in a purebred dog, and this is a good thing. To begin to look at the health and care of a Goldador we first need to consider the inherited health risks from both parent breeds Labrador and Golden Retriever. Labrador Health Labrador Retrievers are prone to a few hereditary health conditions and joint problems, as well as some health issues common to most dogs. To help minimize the likelihood of hereditary health issues in your new Goldador pup, check that your breeder has followed the recommended testing for the Labrador Retriever breed: Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis HNKP. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Labrador is a designer dog breed that originated in the United States. They are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever. The goal was to combine these two highly popular breeds to create a dog that exhibits the best traits from both of them. A mixed dog breed can take after one parent breed more than the other or any combination of traits from the parent breeds. This can result in some variation among individual puppies. But, overall, a Golden Labrador is friendly, intelligent, energetic, and affectionate. Although this mixed breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club and more. This large designer breed is characterized by their energetic personality and friendly disposition. Both of the parent breeds in this cross are open, friendly, and affectionate, so you can expect the same in your Golden Labrador puppy. They are very playful and get along fabulously with children, other dogs, and other pets. They may be alert enough to be a good watchdog, but they do not make good guard dogs. They are instinctually more interested in making new friends and getting attention than they are with anything else. They can have a slight prey drive, but most of the time, they are just curious and interested in playing and making friends. The Golden Labrador is a moderately adaptable dog breed. Their large size and energy tend to make them a better fit for larger homes with room to run. They can adapt well to apartment living as long as they are given enough exercise and mental stimulation. But, small spaces can be a challenge because they are large dogs that are so playful and energetic. Golden Labradors do well in just about any climate. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because they love their families, thrive on attention, and get bored easily, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. As a mixed breed, a Golden Labrador can inherit the potential health conditions of one or both of the parent breeds. Although the Golden Labrador is a relatively healthy dog breed, there are some potential health conditions to be aware of. These include eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy and joint issues common to large dogs like patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. Like their parent breeds, the Golden Labrador can be prone to weight gain, which does put them at risk of diabetes later in life. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to ensure genetic conditions are not being passed on to puppies. Regular vet visits, proper nutrition, and sufficient exercise can help keep your dog healthy and reduce preventable diseases. Both of the parent breeds in this cross are highly intelligent and highly trainable, so the Golden Labrador should be no different. Eager to please their owners, these dogs pick up on things quickly and respond best to positive training methods focused on praise and reward. This dog breed, like both of the parent breeds, is a great fit for owners of all experience levels, including first-time dog owners. Their high energy can sometimes be a challenge, so you may want to consider puppy training and obedience classes. This designer dog breed may be called a Golden Labrador, but they can show up in many colors. A cream, yellow, or golden coat may be the most common, but a Golden Labrador can also have a black, red, or brown coat. It tends to be a dense double coat that is short or medium in length. This dog breed will shed moderately year-round with heavier shedding sessions twice a year as the seasons change. During seasonal changes, you may want to increase to daily brushing. Not only will this make your dog more comfortable, but it will also decrease the amount of loose fur that ends up around your house. In addition to coat care, you will also need to handle nail, ear, and dental care for your Golden Labrador. Floppy ears tend to trap more dirt, moisture, and debris, which makes them more prone to developing ear infections than ears that stick straight up. Unfortunately, this is often overlooked, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Beyond that, you can use vet-approved dental hygiene chews and treats and even a specially-formulated dental care diet to supplement your efforts. Getting them used to it early and keeping it a positive experience can make grooming a lot easier as your puppy grows into a big dog! Plus, it can become a bonding experience that your dog looks forward to. Golden Labradors are high-energy dogs. Daily walks, playtime, and some extra activity are generally enough for this dog to stay happy and healthy. But, they will probably tire out before you do! Their friendly nature makes the Golden Labrador a great fit for trips to the dog park. Try teaching your dog how to play frisbee. With their retriever background, it could become one of their favorite activities. You can also train your Golden Labrador for several dog sports like agility, dock diving, obedience, and more. A fully-grown Golden Labrador usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. A Golden Labrador generally lives years. Although Golden Labrador is the most popular name for this designer dog breed, they are also sometimes referred to as a Goldador or a Goldador Retriever. Featured Golden Labrador Article.

An Apricot Mini Labradoodle my puppy Max! Fried chicken is a hue of brown, so the dogs on our list have that coat color. Usually, those are your reddish brown dogs, which one might also refer to as apricot. Light brown and curly Goldendoodle puppy sitting in a basket. Tight curls work best because they look like ridges from afar. Fried Chicken or Puppy? Without further ado, here are our top five dog breeds that look like fried chicken: 1. Poodle It only makes sense to start with the breed that makes it possible—the Poodle. These dogs have curly coats that often look fluffy, and they come in various sizes as well. Labradoodle Starting with the breed that makes it possible, we now arrive at the dog that looks most like fried chicken—the Labradoodle. It is a mix of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. Their curls are so defined that it looks just like you took them from a bucket of extra crispy chicken from your favorite restaurant. Irish Doodle The Irish Doodle is another breed that looks like a piece of fried chicken. Irish Setter and Poodle are the parent dog breeds of an Irish Doodle. Irish Setters are breeds endowed with red coats, a perfect color for fried chicken. Consequently, you end up with a pup with a thick coat of curly ringlets that can be cream, red, brown, or apricot. Remember that their coats can be curly or wavy, but the tighter the curls, the better. Interestingly, the Poochon inherits the curly hair trait from both parent dogs. Consequently, Poochons have a great chance of looking like fried chicken. Poochon stands on the grass at the park. This Poodle mix typically makes puppies cream, tan, and apricot in color. However, since the fur color of a Bichon Frise is white, your Poochon depends on the Poodle parent tremendously for their color. To maximize your chances of your pup looking like fried chicken, search for a puppy whose parent Poodle is a darker color. Cockapoo Another dog that looks like a crispy piece of fried chicken is the Cockapoo —a Cocker Spaniel and Poodle mix. Two happy Cockapoos running! The Cockapoo has an assortment of colors , including black, chocolate, apricot, red, white, and golden. Additionally, there are other patterns such as phantom, parti, tricolor, and merle. For example, your Labradoodle simply lying or sitting on the couch or floor may not take the shape of fried chicken, so you may have to improvise. It may give people the impression of fried chicken cooking on a grill at first glance. Or, you might try purchasing a round white blanket and placing all your newborn pups strategically. The common traits among these breeds are their curly and reddish-brown fur. Lastly, the Poodle lineage is the final component that these breeds have in common. Because Poodles pass that curly hair trait, they make up the bulk of fried chicken dog breeds. When you combine this curly trait with the distinct coloring of the other dog breeds , you create a litter of puppies that look just like fried chicken. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Posted across Twitter and Reddit multiple times in recent days, the picture is believed to have originated from the Facebook page of a pet store in Pingtung, Taiwan. In the picture, four adorable puppies are seen inside a cage. With one fluffy white dog and three orange fluffy puppies that viewers have likened to fried chicken. Referencing all four puppies in the picture, one Twitter user said: "I will take the 3 'lil chickens and the fluffy mashed potatoes, to go, please. A resurfaced viral picture of puppies that look amazingly like fried nuggets has delighted the internet. One user wrote: "When I saw the picture, I honestly thought the title was gonna say: this fried chicken looks like puppies. I thought this was fried chicken pic. The Doodle was created by an Australian veterinarian who wanted to create a dog that could assist humans with allergies. Particularly popular for this reason, their curly coats make them more allergen-friendly thanks to minimal shedding. Whether Labradoodle —Poodle and Labrador or Goldendoodle—Poodle and Golden Retriever, the dogs have soared in popularity in recent years. But it is important to remember that no dogs can be truly hypoallergenic. This is because allergens are carried in dander, saliva, and urine and so are impossible to escape. It is always advised to spend time around the breed before deciding to bring one into your home. Another commenter on the viral puppy picture said: "Forbidden chicken," while another wrote: "I actually thought these were stuffies made to look like chicken. Now I'm hungry. By Beth Satterfield Dogs are like garbage disposals because and Goldendoodles are not always an exception they will eat just about anything you give them! However, you should not feed them several foods. The question we must ask now is can a Goldendoodle eat chicken, or is that a bad idea? Chicken is not bad for Goldendoodles. Goldendoodles can sometimes have sensitive stomachs, which means they need a well-balanced diet of good fats and proteins. If a dog is sensitive to chicken, cut it from its diet. Naturally, if you are a good dog owner you want to do whatever is the very best for your Goldendoodle which includes feeding it the best food that is available. But the question is, what food is the best for your Goldendoodle? Below you will find some info on what kind of food is good for Goldendoodles and hopefully will help you to determine what kind of food you should be feeding your canine friend. What Can My Goldendoodle Eat? Because they are such high-energy dogs, they are extremely active and therefore will burn a lot more fat. Since this is the case, they can afford to have a much larger fat quantity in their diet since they burn it off so quickly. Vets and other dog experts would recommend that you feed your dog a commercial dog food diet. A lot of people opt to make their own dog food to make it healthier for their pets, but because commercial dog foods are expertly prepared, they are most likely to have the correct balance of nutrients that a Goldendoodle needs every day. Chicken is a great source of both fat and protein. It is very lean meat that will give your dog a good boost every day. However, you cannot allow your doodle to eat chicken bones because they are small and thin enough that they become a major choking hazard. You should do your best to purchase dog food that is rich in vitamins and nutrients and low in GMOs and sugars. Good dog food is often somewhat expensive, but you might find that the cost is worth it. Aside from feeding your dog a good brand of dog food, there are a couple of snack options you could probably afford to give them for a healthy supplemental boost in their day. You should probably avoid processed human foods and large amounts of human foods altogether, but there are a few you may want to give a try. Feeding dogs vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and sweet potatoes can give them a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. You can also feed them healthy proteins such as salmon, eggs, peanut butter, and pork. All of these things are fine for dogs to consume and can even give them a boost in their health. Grains are a must as well! Popcorn has a few vitamins but not as much nutrition. Unfortunately, there are a few foods out there that dogs ought to avoid at all costs. As most dog owners know, any kind of sugar should generally be avoided for dogs. Chocolate is probably one of the worst kinds that you can feed to dogs. Even, and especially, unsweetened, chocolate can cause problems as severe as swelling and internal bleeding. This is usually only the case when dogs ingest dark and unsweetened chocolate. When your Goldendoodle ingests sweetened milk chocolate, it will likely exhibit symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. You will have to be careful with feeding your Goldendoodle certain types of fruit as well. Grapes and raisins, for example, are filled with things that can be toxic to dogs in general and should thus be avoided. Apples, too, contain certain toxins that had best be avoided by canines. This includes the pits, stems, and seeds of said fruits as well. While some vegetables like carrots and broccoli are safe for dogs to ingest, there are others like avocados, onions, and garlic that should never be fed to dogs. Each of these things contains toxins. Onions and garlic are potent enough that dogs will stay away from them, but avocados will have to be more religiously avoided. Goldendoodles cannot be allowed to consume alcohol, tea, or coffee in any amount. Any of these things will make your dog extremely sick. Tea and coffee contain large amounts of caffeine which dogs are unable to metabolize properly. With the social distancing in place if you plan to do this having the product shipped is ideal currently. But once things get back to normal we recommend looking at bulk purchasing and checking with local butchers, etc for scraps, etc to save money if you plan to do this long term. Whether your dog has medical problems or not, you need to always tell your veterinarian that your dog eats a homemade food. Submit Your Homemade Dog Food Recipe To Be Featured If you have a homemade dog food recipe or raw diet recipe you would like to share with our Goldendoodle community and are a veterinarian or accredited breeder and have a recommended recipe or dog food diet please shoot us a direct message over on our Facebook community page. We require a link to your clinic or breeder website, recipe broken out with any specific instructions as listed above and picture if available. We will also need your name for given credit and linking over to your website. We look forward to your approved dog food recipes and helping our community grow! Related Posts.

Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors are amongst the most popular family pets in the UK thanks to their loyalty, gentle nature, and intelligence. Like most dogs, they thrive with regular exercise, keeping them healthy and happy. How much exercise does an adult Labrador need? A healthy adult Labrador generally needs at least 80 minutes of high-quality exercise per day. Of course, when setting exercise goals for dogs with existing health issues including obesity , you should consult your vet first. What types of exercise are best for Labradors? When we say high quality, we mean just that. Try and incorporate off-lead time into their exercise routine and take a ball or toy to play fetch with — running will help to raise their heart rate and burn off more calories. How much exercise does a Labrador puppy need? For their first three months, your puppy will get enough exercise from tearing around the house, playing and causing chaos. How much exercise does an old Labrador need? At an advanced age, your dog will have less energy in general and be more likely to suffer from health issues that may limit their mobility. Be observant — being the loyal companions they are, Labradors will push through a lot of pain to keep up with you. Watch for excessive panting, changes in their movement, and exhaustion as signals that they have overstretched themselves and adjust their activity accordingly. Can you over-exercise a Labrador? Labradors have the capacity to build up incredible fitness that will see them on the go all day long, but for most, there is a limit on how much they can do. Gradually increase their activity levels, using a PitPat to check in on their progress. How far can a Labrador walk? A working Labrador could be expected to cover many miles every day through the undergrowth and even water. However, your pet Labrador will have slightly different stamina, depending on how much exercise they are used to. Getting out and about with your Labrador keeps them happy and healthy and can be a highly rewarding experience for you both. Download our app for free to see if PitPat is for you. You might also like Single page Single page Top 10 most active dog breeds Got energy to burn? Single page Single page 10 ways to exercise your dog indoors Whether you find yourself stuck indoors because of the weather or for any other reason, your dog still needs plenty of exercise. Here are our top tips for exercising your dog indoors. And just like us, their cardiovascular system becomes more efficient the more its used. The benefits of exercising your dog are many. Exercise helps your Labrador grow more blood vessels and effectively oxygenate his body, as well as build muscle and strengthen his bones. It also helps with weight control to a certain extent. Firstly, he will tend to get bored and will be bursting with pent up energy. Your lab will expend all that energy by resorting to destructive behaviors like chewing and digging, and barking excessively. So, how much exercise does a Labrador need? Generally speaking, however, a healthy, adult Labrador needs an hour of exercise every day. If your dog is the relaxed kind, 45 minutes will do, while a really energetic dog could work out up to 1. Labradors, like all dogs, love to explore. Even a quick hike or walk around a nature trail will be great exercise. Just make sure you have the right hiking gear for your labrador. Just their normal playtime will tire him and give him enough of a workout. This is five minutes of structured exercise per month of age, until your puppy is grown. And that should be enough to keep him fit and burn off excess energy. There are plenty of games you can play with your dog which double as exercising. Tug-of-War is a great form of play and exercise. This can be played indoors—as long as you have enough space—or outdoors. A couple of tips to keep it safe. And if your Lab especially a puppy grabs any part of you or your clothes, stop the game for a time before trying again. Another good idea is upgrading a rubber ball to a Frisbee. Balls tend to sink and roll away, but Frisbees hold air much longer, making them a very fun toy for your Labrador. See if you can teach your Lab to jump and grab the Frisbee midair for even more of a workout. A low impact game which is a great brain teaser for your Lab is finding the treat under the cup. Start by having your dog sit and show them a piece of their favorite treat. Hide it under a plastic or Styrofoam cup right in front of them. Once your Labrador has gotten the idea of how it works, rub a piece of treat over three cups to keep your dog from cheating with his nose. Then place the treat under one of the three cup and ask your dog to find it. Labradors were bred to be full of energy and want to work. They need lots of regular exercise. While naturally athletic and full of energy, they need to be well exercised in order to expend their high energy. Labrador needs to be trained and exercised from the time they are puppies, otherwise, they can become destructive and difficult to control. A well-trained and healthy Labrador can also excel as service and guide dogs. In fact, the military and the police consistently use Labradors in search and rescue, hunting and as performance dogs. To realize the full potential of a Labrador they should be exercised regularly and correctly as puppies. In this article, we will show you how you can exercise your Labrador puppy so that it grows into the perfect companion for you. To learn more about this fascinating field, be sure to check out our in-depth article, Labradors as Service and Therapy Dogs. They were ideal for the task as they can run chase and swim in some of the most difficult conditions. This quality, combined with their strong sense of smell and sturdy body structure, makes them ideal for demanding physical work. While currently, they are the most popular choice as indoor family dogs, they are genetically programmed to handle high-energy activities. Their bodies crave lots of physical activity and if they are not given opportunities to expend their high energy they can become destructive. Labradors Gain Weight Easily Labs are strong and sturdy dogs and, consequently, tend to be voracious eaters. A lack of exercise can easily cause them to put on the extra pounds. An overweight Labrador is prone to all sorts of health problems and excessive weight may lead to issues like heart problems, hip, and joint damage, increase blood pressure, etc. An obese Labrador cannot be a helpful member of your family, nor can it achieve its full physical potential. To have your Labrador mature into a good companion and be of service, he must be in good health. Involving your Lab in activities that fit his genetic makeup is the key to keeping him in good health. Hyperactivity and destructive behavior A lack of activity can cause your Labrador to become bored and can result in hyperactive behavior. If they have not been exercised well from the time they are puppies it may lead them to become disobedient and uncontrollable as mature dogs. Their naturally pleasant personalities can turn sour with excessive barking, restlessness, and hyperactivity. Most owners become puzzled when their Labradors exhibit personality problems, unaware that the cause of this is rooted mostly in the lack of proper exercise and properly expending energy as puppies. Loss of Muscle Mass Since Labradors are genetically muscular and well-built, lack of exercise can harm their natural body shape as they lose muscle tone. This can also lead to impaired organ function and can also have an impact on their nervous systems. After their first three months, however, you will need to provide avenues for expending their ever-increasing energy. After 3 months of age, a puppy needs a minimum of at least 45 minutes to 1 hour of exercise per day. As the puppy matures, you can gradually increase his activity levels. At 4 months old, begin with 5 minutes of planned, regular exercise per day. After that, increase his exercise gradually by 5 minutes for each additional month of age. When your Lab hits its first year, you can also consider a well-planned exercise regimen in addition to his daily natural playtime. This dedicated exercise time will become increasingly necessary as your Labrador moves into adulthood. With his increasing levels of energy, it may become increasingly difficult to control him. Walking is a low impact exercise and can easily be done almost anywhere. No equipment is necessary and most owners can engage in this activity along with their puppies. All puppies enjoy running. It may be too early for the puppy to run with you but you can certainly do a few minutes of running a day with the puppy so that he gets used to it. While most dogs are on a leash you will also see that some owners manage to train their dogs to run beside them without a leash. This is achieved by training the dog when it is a puppy. So some early running is advisable but not too much in the initial months. It is an excellent activity and is loaded with lots of adventure for your puppy. Regular hiking trips on a mountain trail or through forested areas can bring great joy to your Labrador puppy as there are a lot of interesting scents and scenes that are exciting for them. Just be aware that may be difficult to keep them on the path at first as they will be eager to chase after anything that moves. Labradors are natural swimmers and their bodies develop excellently if swimming is added into their exercise regimen. Swimming is a full-body exercise and strenuous enough to expend all the energy of the puppy. Initially, you should limit the swim time in order to ensure that the dog does not overtire itself. Swimming also cools down the puppy and they get a lot of pleasure playing in the water. Related: But is it true that all Labradors are naturals when it comes to water? Playing fetch. Lab puppies love to play fetch. All Lab owners inevitably find this out and it is often the most preferred type of play for your dog. Labradors, with their natural retrieving trait, usually take to this game early on. All you need is their favorite toy to throw and a lot of space for the puppy to run and fetch the toy. Usually, owners use toys like balls or sticks but the beauty of the activity is that almost any object can be used for this game. Agility training. This exercise is more for puppies whom the owners would like to prepare for competitions. Agility training involves activities such as the puppy going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. This requires a proper agility training course and the puppy has to be trained to engage in the activity. It is advised that Labrador owners wait until the puppy is at least one year to start agility training activities. It is a common sight to see dogs and owners playing Frisbee, in playgrounds and yards. Frisbees is an exciting activity for your puppy that engages all his muscle groups. It includes jumping, leaping and running, all of which are important and healthy activities for a Labrador. This also involves their favorite pastime, retrieving, which Labrador puppies will enjoy. Ensure that the Frisbee is light and flexible as it can harm the puppy if thrown with force. How to Exercise Your Lab Puppy Indoors While most owners can take their puppies outside for exercise, some may not be able to do this. This could be due to extreme weather conditions like rain, snow or heat, or just the lack of accessibility to open areas, such as if you live in an apartment complex that does not have a pet-friendly facility. It can be difficult in these cases to ensure that the puppy gets the exercise it needs but there are ways to get around this inconvenience. Here are some ways you can exercise your puppy indoors. Use a treadmill. While it may seem surprising for many, a puppy can be trained to use and enjoy a treadmill. While it may not happen immediately, you can get the dog used to the treadmill slowly. Start with getting them used to the sight and sound of the treadmill in action. Briefly put the puppy on the treadmill. Try this for only around 5 minutes at first and then increase the time gradually. Once the puppy gets adjusted to the activity you can increase the pace for an adequate workout session. Play fetch. It can be tricky when you play fetch indoors as space is constrained and there could also be accidents and breakage of valuables. So it is best to prepare a fetch course for the puppy. Clear out parts of the house so that there is a clear path for the puppy to run without breaking or hitting anything. You may not have enough room in your place to create a long running path but that is okay. It may be difficult to do for one hour and may become boring for the puppy. It can be combined with other indoor activities to provide adequate exercise time and fun. Obstacle courses. Since an indoor exercise area can be limited you can maximize your indoor space to do more with it. An ideal way to accomplish this is with an obstacle course. You can create an obstacle course with everyday objects and supplies found around the house. For example, old tubes and cardboard boxes for tunnels, chairs for jumping across, stools for climbing, etc. Plan out your own course in a way that makes the puppy to crawl, jump, run and climb. Initially, the puppy may not get the idea but with effective use of treats and encouragement can help it learn. While not necessarily the best exercise for the puppy, it is certainly good for the overall strength and muscle building. The neck, jaws, legs, and torso get a good workout with some intense tug of war activity. It is also great fun for both the owner and the pup. A good way to start a tug of war is to wait until the puppy is biting or chewing a non-food object — anything that will not encourage the puppy to chew on inappropriate household items. Hold on to one end of the object and start pulling. The puppy usually cannot resist pulling off the object from your hands. This will lead to a tug of war and the more you engage in it the puppy will find it thrilling. Hide the treat. This is another fun activity and will keep your puppy active. You can take any treat that the puppy likes, have them smell it, and then quickly run with it and hid it in hard to get a place like under the rug on a slightly high chair or table or behind a door. When you hide it does ensure that it is not impossible by slightly difficult to reach. If it is impossible to reach the puppy may lose interest in the game. Also, ensure that you do not place in areas that can be potentially risky of the puppy. Other than these you can come up with many fun games to keep your puppy active, like playing with bubbles or playing hide and seek. The two puppies will naturally play and exercise with each other. Depending on the age you can have longer durations but do not engage in any exercise before the first 3 months are completed. In the fourth month, you can start with 5 minutes of playing, throwing the ball, or walking. Walking is easier if the puppy does not yet know how to do fetch. Continue doing this at approximately the same time each day so that the dog is accustomed to and ready for the activity. Choose a schedule that works best for you and that you can keep consistently — such as after you come home from work or early in the morning. In the fifth month, you can increase the time to 10 minutes. Do not worry if the exercise is not continuous in the beginning. Maybe you can get the puppy used to the leash and lightly jog along with it. In the sixth month, you can increase the time to 15 minutes with a greater intensity of activity. By this time you will also notice that the puppy has gained a lot of energy and can do the activities with vigor. Following this pattern, you can increase his exercise time a few minutes each month so that by the fifteenth month the puppy will be getting an intensive 1-hour exercise daily. Choosing Activities for Exercising the Labrador Puppy Most new Lab owners are unsure about which exercises to choose for the puppy. The best course is to initially try out a variety of exercises. Maybe you can switch activities every three days. Try walking a few days, the other days jogging and then throw and fetch. As you progress and the puppy engages in more activities you will find a few that the puppy enjoys the most. When that is identified try to include those more. Always remember that mental stimulation is equally as important as physical activity, so come up with interesting activities and add variety every once in a while. Do not force the puppy to do activities that they dislike. Also, if some days the puppy does not seem energetic or is sick you can skip those days. The activity should be tiring but not exhausting; a good way to gauge this is to check if the puppy is enjoying the activity and is fully involved. If its interest seems waning them maybe it is time to stop or change the activity. Keep It Fun Puppies only want to have fun. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. Also, include an ample amount of both physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will be the result. If the puppy seems ill or in pain, it is best to not exercise that day. You can choose a milder form of activity like a leisurely walk if you are unsure. Slow and steady is a good rule to follow. Have the right equipment for exercise whether it is a toy or a leash and take adequate safety precautions While swimming is an excellent exercise, do not force the puppy into water. Let him get used to the water gradually before making him swim. Initially, if the puppy cannot swim, a life jacket or any floatation device could be used for safety. Do not take the puppy outdoors if the weather conditions are extreme. Avoid exposing the puppy to any extreme weather condition be it rain, heat or snow. Do activities indoors on those days. In warmer seasons, early morning and late in the day are ideal for outdoor activities. Try to take the puppy for outdoor exercise during those times to avoid overheating. Keep plenty of water available if you are engaging in outdoor activities. Take frequent breaks, especially if the activity is too strenuous or is new to your puppy. Check the puppy for scrape and bruise after the activities. In the activities, if the puppy hurts itself take necessary steps for its care. Check with the vet before you start on an exercise regimen and keep the vet updated on your observations If you have the puppy on a leash try to not jerk or pull on the leash suddenly. It can hurt you as well as the puppy. Do not pull on the leash too hard to curb the puppy from going towards any object or animal, instead, you can physically pick up the puppy and move away from the distraction. When running or walking on remember that the paws of the puppy may need time to toughen up and may hurt sometimes. Pavements can be very hot on summer days even after the heat subsides, so be alert to how the puppy reacts. Because puppies are covered in fur, watch signs of excessive panting or wet paw prints sweat glands tend to be near the paws Try to have softer surfaces for walking or running like a lawn or soft sand. Too much of anything is never good — including exercise. There is an active debate going about the optimum amount of exercise for puppies. While everyone agrees that exercise is necessary the limits have not yet been clearly defined. It is better to err on the side of safety. A good 15 minutes to one hour depending on the age of the puppy is recommended. Beyond that, it depends on the fitness and endurance of the particular puppy and the activity itself. It would also be better to split up the time between morning and evening. This will ensure that you do not overtax the puppy. Do remember also that the puppy will be active during the day too so too much activity may tire out the puppy and lead to injuries as well. There is no easy approach or any hard and fast rules. It is better to let common sense influence your decisions in this matter. Also, talk to a vet and get his or her opinions as they will have greater insights into the condition of the puppy. No, if you are feeding a balanced and nutritious diet then the exercise alone does not warrant increasing its food intake. In fact, this may have adverse effects and lead to unnecessary weight gain. It is better to also seek advice from your vet in this matter before changing anything. If a Lab owner is unable to properly exercise their puppy then it would be better to hire someone to do this. While the owner is the best person to exercise with the puppy, life situations and work-related inconveniences can lead to an inability to exercise the puppy. In such cases, someone who will properly care for your puppy, like a relative, a family friend, or an agency that offers such services can be given this responsibility. Exercising your Labrador puppy can be a fun activity but what also matters is the bonding and enjoyment that result from this activity. A good exercise regimen benefits the owner as well as the puppy. So commit today to exercise your Labrador puppy and watch it grow into a good-natured, happy, and healthy dog. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Whether you're a new or seasoned Lab owner, one of the most important parts of keeping your pup healthy is regular exercise. Because a Labrador Retriever is a working dog, these dogs need even more exercise than most types of dogs. No matter the age or size of your dog, daily exercise of some kind is crucial for their health. So how much exercise does an adult Lab need? And how much exercise for a puppy? First, let's look at why exercise is so important for your Lab. They've been bred to be working dogs, specifically retrieving game for their owners in hunting. Because they're retrievers, their muscular build and thick coat prepare them to trudge through mud, snow, water, heat, and many other kinds of conditions. They're very active dogs, so unless you take them hunting every day, you must prepare to give them opportunities to get all this energy out with both rigorous and mild exercise. Without sufficient exercise, your Lab will have pent-up energy that could lead to bad behaviors, like chewing on your furniture, digging in your carpet, or running away when left outside. Labs will generally be less controllable and well-behaved if they don't have enough activity throughout the day. But they can also experience health problems without proper exercise, including issues with their hips and joints, weight gain, and heart disease. Dogs can also lose muscle mass if they're not getting enough exercise, which makes them weaker. Exercise for Lab puppies So, how much exercise does a puppy need? Lab puppies will have a ton of energy, so you may think that puppies require more exercise than adult Labs. But, when they're really small, they often wear out easily just from normal play around the house or yard. Puppies need a lot of rest, so don't overdo the playtime or over-exert them during the first few months. After they're about three months old, your puppy will start to need more exercise, so gradually increase playtime and outdoor time. In addition to regular playing, start to introduce dedicated exercise time, starting at 15 minutes and increasing slowly until the dog is full grown. Pay attention to your Lab's energy level and don't overdo it. But get him or her used to daily exercise. Exercise for adult Labs The exact amount of exercise a Lab needs will vary depending on your dog's health, size, and energy level. All Labs are different, and some need to expel more energy than others. However, make sure you're giving your dog about an hour of exercise every day, with less energetic dogs needing 30 to45 minutes, and more energetic dogs needing 1. You'll have to adjust your exercise regimen for elderly Labs. Many Labs, unfortunately, develop health and mobility problems as they near10 years old, so talk to your vet about how much exercise your dog should be getting if he or she develops arthritis or other issues. Swimming is a great form of exercise for any Lab, but especially for elderly dogs, since it's gentler on their bodies than running. It's important not to strain your dog, so pay attention. If they're in pain, don't push them. Ideas for apartment or small-space living Giving Labs the exercise they need can especially be challenging for city dwellers or those with small living spaces. This is when it's time to get creative to meet your dog's needs. Ideas for exercise in these cases include: Going to a nearby park to play with a ball or chasing games try this HyperPet ball launcher from Amazon Taking your dog on a run or bike ride Going to a dog beach where you can let your dog off-leash Lab training programs Socializing your Lab with other dogs in a dog park Longer, more rigorous walks with your Lab at least an hour Think of ways that your Lab can actually sprint. It's important for their heart health and muscle strength. Ideas for exercise during inclement weather Another challenge for Lab owners is knowing what to do when the weather conditions are rough outside. This is when you can think about how to challenge your dog both mentally and physically in your home. Indoor games work well. Try playing with a ball, hide and seek, or hiding a treat inside a toy like a KONG toy or this treat ball toy from Pet Zone IQ , where they have to really work to get it out. Hiding food or treats is a great way to keep your dog stimulated indoors. Another indoor game could be to play tug of war with your dog. Try this Chuckit! These can keep your dog active and entertained for a while. For Labs, another good idea is to get a dog treadmill, like the dogPACER treadmill , especially if you live in a place where the weather is bad a large part of the year. You can also check out dog classes or programs in your area where you can let your dog exercise indoors in a safe place. But remember that even in the snow and rain, Labs thrive outdoors. They have thick, double-layered coats that keep them warm and dry, and they're not deterred by bad weather. Invest in dog shoes for your Lab when there's ice and salt on the ground, and they'll be good to go get that energy out. Just like humans need regular exercise to stay fit, strong, and healthy, so do Labs. Make sure you're providing daily exercise for your dog, while challenging their mind as well. Your dog will live longer, become stronger and happier, and show better behavior when properly exercised. Otherwise, all that pent-up energy can lead to both behavior and health problems. Ideas for owners with busy schedules Unfortunately, we have found one of the biggest reasons that Labs don't typically get the proper amount of exercise is that their owners simply do not have the time that they expected they would have when they brought their Lab into their family. One of the best ways to combat that is to provide your Lab with the independence to get the exercise they need on their own. Simply installing a doggy-door large enough to accommodate your Lab will be one of the most rewarding decisions an owner can make. There are generally two main types; one that requires cutting through your interior and exterior walls here is one of those available on Amazon and the other can be fit into a sliding glass door like this one from Amazon that doesn't require any permanent modifications to your home. You will obviously want to check the measurements to make sure that it will work for your setup. Of course, allowing your Lab to self-serve and get outdoors on their own is just the start of it! You'll want to make sure there's always plenty of toys available to help keep them occupied! We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Whether young or old, big or small, yellow, black, chocolate, from field lines or show lines, your Labrador needs exercise. It will keep their heart and muscles strong, their mind stimulated and their weight under control. But how much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors Are a High Energy Breed The Labrador Retriever is a high energy working breed, initially bred for very physically demanding work retrieving game for hunters. This would involve all day hiking, running and swimming in sometimes difficult conditions. So Labrador Retrievers were bred to have lots of energy and be very active. And though their main role in life today is as a family pet, they still have those same genetics that made them suited to their original role. Dog Ball Thrower. Yes, you can throw a tennis ball extra far with the Chuckit, but two reasons why I love it: 1. In this state they will often resort to destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing…and will often be very restless, may bark excessively and try to escape your home and garden at every opportunity. Insufficient exercise can also lead to weight problems with Labradors. Excess weight is a problem because it can lead to all sorts of problems such as damage to their joints hips and elbows , heart disease, increased blood pressure and increases the risk of diabetes. So a lack of exercise leads to behavioral problems, hyperactivity and possibly an assortment of health problems. However, as a general rule of thumb, a normally healthy adult Labrador Retriever will need 1 hour of exercise every day. The more relaxed Labs just 45 minutes per day, the more energetic 1. This can be made up of running, swimming, playing fetch , jogging alongside you…anything that goes beyond a gentle walk. But if the first consideration is your Labradors age, how much do puppies and the elderly need? Nice for long runs with your Lab. If you have older dogs or children, the puppy may well try to keep up with them and over-exert themselves, playing to exhaustion and damage their developing joints. So keep an eye on them and interrupt play if need be, to give them plenty of rest. Once they are fully grown, they can go out for much longer. The 5 minute rule should be sufficient to keep your lab puppy fit, burn off excess energy yet not over-exert them and cause possible developmental issues. Continue the 5 minute rule until your puppy is at least one year of age where you can then begin to exercise them more vigorously. This is highly dependent on your labs overall health and can vary wildly from one Labrador to another. Some labs may need to slow down from the 7th year onwards, while others remain extremely active beyond their 10th year. As Labradors get older, many develop arthritis, dysplasia and other health issues that can prevent a Labrador from enjoying or needing exercise as much as they used to when young and healthy. They will likely still try to chase a tennis ball all day and hike mountains just to please you, even if it may be doing them more harm than good. Try not to put them in this position. As your Labrador ages, you need to be more observant , looking for changes in their movement, excessive panting, slowing down, feeling tired. And during grooming sessions and massage, check for any painful spots indicative of sore joints or other problems. We noticed Linus was stiff getting up in the morning and decided to try adding glucosamine to his diet. We saw a noticeable difference a few days later and an added spring in his step. If your Labrador tears around your home like a tornado. If your Lab displays any of the restless and destructive symptoms described above, try increasing their levels of exercise for a few days and see if their behavior problems improve. However, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket you might want to check out PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher. Over-exercising very young and elderly Labradors can do more harm than good. For your adolescent and adult Labrador, exercise them well. As a general rule of thumb, aim for 1hr per day and scale this up or down depending on your Labradors individual needs. This could mean 45 mins for the more sedate and elderly, or 1. And at the end of the day, think of it like this: You have the best exercise machine to rival that of any gym to keep you fit and healthy yourself. And hey, what fun!!! What better motivation and need is there to keep yourself in shape? Do you mostly agree with the above? Please let us know in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Just like us, Labradors need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Whether you have a young or old dog, they all need to get the blood flowing to stay healthy and live long happy doggie lives. Regular exercise with your Labrador is very beneficial for you both. Exercise stimulates neuron growth in the brain, encourages the production of endorphins with a known mood-boosting effect , helps strengthen your bones and muscles, improves blood pressure, and can significantly help with depression. Are you having a hard time figuring out how much exercise your lab needs? Answers vary drastically from one dog to another. The amount of exercise to give your Labrador depends mostly on the age of the dog. The key to taking your Labrador puppy out for exercise is to be patient. Some labs are athletic, and thus need more exercise than others. Also, certain Labradors are genetically programmed to be energetic and have high metabolism rates, whereas others are more laid-back. Here are some exercise guidelines a new lab owner can follow to make sure their dog gets the right workout. With older dogs or children, a lab puppy may well try to keep up with them and exhaust themselves before they reach their adult size and stamina. Hold off on structured games and other forms of heavy physical activity for the first three months. This will set the stage for long-term, healthy exercise habits. This rule states that you should take your Labrador puppy out for at least five minutes of exercise per month of age up to twice a day until he or she is fully grown. This can be anything from a walk around the block to a run in the dog park. How old your dog is will make a difference in their stamina. To determine how much exercise your dog needs, first take their age into consideration. Labs that are four years old and above need between one and two hours of exercise per day. The truth is Labradors can lead a perfectly healthy life with just an hour of daily active playtime. The Labrador Retriever was bred to retrieve game for hunters. That means they naturally love to play fetch. All you need is a toy for playtime and room for running around. Tug-of-War is less cardio-oriented but helps with muscle mass and body structure in growing dogs. Plus, they love it! It requires that you prepare your puppy with a proper agility training course. Agility training is great for completing a total-body, structured workout, while also providing mental stimulation for your labrador. This involves activities such as going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. You will need to train your lab to engage in the activity and this involves proper instruction. Find one that fits his size and abilities, as well as your own personal comfort level. Either due to space or having a small yard, it may be difficult to get their puppies out every day. The good news is that, with a little creativity, indoor exercise can be just as viable and fun! Here are a few ideas you can try at home. Try Treadmill Training Sessions With Dogs A dog can be trained to use a treadmill and enjoy it, but the experience will take time. Build an Obstacle Course for Your Labrador Use everyday things found around the home or office to create an obstacle course. It also boosts their energy levels and problem-solving skills. For example, you might use old boxes and trash bags to make a tunnel, chairs or stools to jump across, and other furniture for your puppy to climb. At first your puppy may not catch on, but with effective use of the treat and lots of encouragement, you can help it learn as it goes. Hide-and-Seek With a Treat! Hide a treat around the house, and let your puppy work to find it. As you hide treats around the room, remember to make sure they are not hiding somewhere that is unreachable. Tip 2. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. All dog breeds respond positively to lots of physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will flow. Tip 3. Make an Exercise Routine and Schedule for Your Dog Lab owners, take note: maintaining the health of an adult Lab is all about consistency. And this starts with walks at a young age. Take regular walks with your dog, no matter the weather conditions. Walk at the same time each day in order to create an exercise pattern that both you and your dog can stick to. Maybe you can get the puppy used to a leash and casually walk through your neighborhood with it. That way, you can vary the activity occasionally. In six months, increase the amount of time your dogs are running to 15 minutes. This keeps their energy high and stops weight gain as they mature. Conclusion As a dog owner, your foremost responsibility is protecting the health and safety of your pet. Insufficient exercise causes health problems in dogs , like hip dysplasia especially those already prone to hip or joint problems. Share on. Tweet on Twitter Puppy exercise requirements vary between different types of dog, and as a puppy grows the exercise they need will increase. It is possible to give a puppy too much exercise so I will give you a puppy exercise chart, as a guide to how far a puppy can walk at different ages. Taking your new puppy for a walk We all look forward to the day we can take our new puppy for a walk. For many people, daily dog walks is a huge part of why they bought a Labrador in the first place. Others already take quite small puppies for quite long walks and are surprised to discover that many experts believe this to be a bad thing. So just how much exercise does a puppy really need? How much exercise does a puppy need? This rule of thumb says that a puppy should have no more than five minutes of walking for every month of his age. So that would be fifteen minutes a day maximum for a three month old puppy, twenty minutes for a four month old and so on. This concern about excessive exercise has arisen because it is widely believed that exercise is a factor in the development of serious joint disorders. Especially in larger breed puppies such as Labradors Breeders are particularly concerned about hip dysplasia, a serious and complex disorder of the hip joints, that is believed to be influenced both by inherited factors passed from dogs to their puppies and by environmental factors In addition to factors influencing growth rates, the stresses and strains placed on the vulnerable growing joint by excessive exercise are believed to be a contributory environmental factor in the development of inadequate hip joints. It seems likely, that a puppy that had inherited a tendency for poor hips, could have its soft and still forming hip joints made a good deal worse through prolonged or hard exercise. It is also possible that a puppy that has inherited excellent hips, will come to no harm whatsoever through hard exercise. On the contrary, a certain amount of free running exercise is a good thing Running off-leash A Norwegian study published and which included labradors, showed that puppies given the opportunity to exercise off leash in a park before the age of three months were less likely to develop hip dysplasia HD , not more. Stair climbing The same study showed that puppies that had to climb stairs on a regular basis during the same period were at increased risk of HD You can read about this study in Science Daily. So what does this study tell us? Well, it is only one study, but it suggests that playing in a natural way, with other pups or simply running about at their own speed is probably going to benefit a small puppy Strenuous exercise Whereas more strenuous activity such as climbing hills and stairs, may not be such a good thing at a very young age. Another study has suggested that running hard for a retrieve, may not be great for joint health either. And some breeders also prevent dogs from jumping for the first twelve months to reduce impact on the shoulder and elbow joints. This may be especially important for some of the heavier breeds of dog, and those that are slow to mature. How far should my puppy walk? But how does that translate to distances walked? If you like to think in distances rather than time, a mile is around steps for an adult human and takes about twenty minutes at a moderate walking speed. So a maximum walk for a four month old Labrador might be about a mile. And of course if you are walking out and back again, that means not taking the dog more than half a mile from your home or car, whichever is your starting point. With young puppies, you need to keep a balance. Think about the overall energy your puppy is expending rather than focusing on walking alone. Walking is only one form of exercise and is no more valuable or important than games or training exercises. If you have been to visit a friend with your five month old pup and their dog has played for half an hour in the garden with yours, your dog does not need a walk as well. It is the total exercise that counts. How much exercise is too much? And you are bound to know of someone whose puppy had far more exercise than this and came to no harm. However taking a puppy for long walks or asking him to negotiate very steep or uneven surfaces when he is little, is probably a bad idea. Beware of letting a puppy play for too long with an older dog that does not want to stop. And keep an eye on children who may inadvertently exhaust a puppy by encouraging him to play when he needs to sleep. Crating your puppy when he is tired or overexcited, will enable you to make sure that your puppy gets some well deserved down time. Summary Young puppies need the time and space to run about freely, and free running exercise is beneficial. You do not need to attempt to prevent puppies playing in the garden, trotting about the house or playing with another young puppy for a while. Provided that the puppy is free to stop and rest whenever he wants. As far as we know at the moment, formal exercise — walking on a lead — for example, is probably best restricted using the five minute rule as an approximate guide. And strenuous exercise such as stair climbing, and chasing balls should be limited or avoided altogether in puppies under three months of age. Remember, an adult dog can become an amazing athlete, but like all athletes, fitness and stamina are best built up in gentle stages if injury is to be avoided. Do talk to your vet about exercise at your first appointment with your puppy. We are still learning about hip dysplasia. Research is ongoing, knowledge increases all the time. Your vet should be up to date with the latest information regarding the optimum amount of exercise for your new puppy. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was originally published in and has been extensively revised and updated for References Slater et al. Diet and exercise as potential risk factors for osteochondritis dissecans in dogs. Am J Vet Res. Sallander et al. American Society for Nutrition. Krontveit et al. Risk factors for hip-related clinical signs in a prospective cohort study of four large dog breeds in Norway. Learn more » While Labrador Retrievers are a popular companion dog worldwide, they were initially bred as sporting dogs and have retained a lot of their working prowess even after the shift to companionship. AKC compliant breeder Ruffwood Labs emphasizes that exercise is not a value of time exercised but exertion. Puppies According to Ruffwood Labs, Labrador puppies need to be walked for around 5 minutes for every month of life. So, a minute walk would be appropriate for a four-month-old puppy. However, not all walks are equal. Take into account the terrain that you will be walking on eg. The most important part is not the length of the exercise but the quality of it. Puppies are being walked to help with socialization and lead skills rather than a need for exercise per se. Let them guide the activity- sniffing and investigating or running around madly for a few minutes. They will usually stop and sit or lie down if they need a rest, let them do this. Additionally, Ruffwood Labs warns against overexercising your puppies. Hip dysplasia is multifactorial and genetics, diet and exercise all play a part. Ruffwood Labs recommends that Labrador puppies not be vigorously exercised and kept away from stairs to avoid causing damage to their delicate, growing joints. Once they are mature, by 18 months, they will be able to engage in more vigorous exercise and start to go jogging with you if you wish. Your average labrador would enjoy around 1 to 2 hours of exercise a day but this can be divided into manageable time slots. Exercise also includes brain stimulation such as training and scent work. So your morning and evening walks can be supplemented with training sessions at home too. Labradors love to swim and this can be a great form of exercise for them. Get creative, play games, use puzzle feeders and have fun together building your bond. If you see any of the following signs while exercising your Labrador, stop the activity and let your dog rest. Damage to the Paw Pads Some dogs get so absorbed in their play that they accidentally put excessive strain on the paw pads. Even though paw pad injuries are typically painful, some dogs will ignore the very clear sign that they need to stop to continue playing. Soreness or stiffness will typically become visible once your dog has rested up following their play session. Image By: SeventyFour, Shutterstock Behavioral Changes If your dog is not quite themselves or behaving oddly, especially around the time you would typically exercise, this is a good sign that something is wrong. Your dog may be feeling under the weather, or maybe you went a little too hard the day before. If the problem persists, contact your veterinarian to rule out any medical diagnoses. Injury or Heat Intolerance If your dog is injured during play or starts showing signs of heat sickness , you should halt play immediately and bring them to a veterinarian. Prompt treatment is of the essence with these kinds of situations. Final Thoughts Exercising your dog is a critical component of being a dog owner. So, it makes sense to learn as much as you can about how to properly keep your dog healthy before you get one. So, keep that in mind before bringing your new dog home.

Nutritional requirements of a German Shepherd What exactly should the diet of a German Shepherd consist of for optimal health? Protein from quality meat sources 2. Essential Fatty acids and omegas 3. Natural vitamins and minerals from bone and plant sources 5. Hydration — high moisture foods and drinking water 1. Protein When selecting what to feed your German Shepherd, choose a diet with high-quality animal-based protein sources, such as beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, eggs, and fish. As such, protein impacts canine health in many ways, including: Providing consistent energy Forms new skin, hair, nails, and other tissue. Keeps the immune system healthy. Makes hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. Properly balanced fats are essential for optimal health, and also provide energy. Dietary fat we generally refer to as a triglyceride. There are two types of triglyceride, saturated and unsaturated fat. In balance, they promote a healthy coat, skin, eyes, nervous system, control hormones, fuel brain and learning, and reduce inflammation. Carbohydrates, such as vegetables and some fruits, provide fibre, prebiotics food for beneficial bacteria , and antioxidants that are lacking in meat alone. Dogs are carnivores, but they can benefit from some vegetation in their diets for optimal health. Natural vitamins and minerals A raw food diet aims to replicate what dogs evolved to eat in the wild. As such, meat, bone, offal and a small amount of plant ingredients are all important ingredients in the diet of a German Shepherd, each adding highly beneficial vitamins and minerals to meal times. Incorporating ground bone in meals or providing recreational bones for enrichment add nutrients that will support digestion, skin and bone health, and mobility. As such, water is a vital nutrient for all cells, systems and functions, including: The regulation of body temperature Maintaining healthy organ function. The digestion and absorption of nutrients. Detoxification; water helps to flush out toxins and waste products from the body. Preventing dehydration which can lead to serious health problems, including kidney damage and heat stroke. Lubrication and cushioning of joints, thereby supporting ease of movement. Discover more about a raw food diet for dogs in our complete. German Shepherd raw feeding guide Whilst you could create homemade raw food meals for your German Shepherd, dog owners new to raw feeding can often find making their own raw dog food meals complicated. Formulating meals with the appropriate ratios of key ingredients is essential to ensure your dog receives optimal nutrients, so going it alone can seem daunting. The good news is there is a much simpler approach. By choosing a reputable supplier of pre-prepared raw dog food supplier, you can stock your freezer with quality raw food meals at the click of a button. German Shepherd Feeding Chart. This type of diet has some possible disadvantages as well, including the following: A higher cost to feed your dog, compared to commercial diets Dangers of feeding raw meat, such as salmonella food poisoning or E Coli infections Skeletal problems, such as bone fractures Greater chance of food allergies A more complicated diet plan that takes up more time and effort. This type of dog food is also usually fresh and not stored for long periods, whereas most commercial diets can be stored for months. Many companies sell premade raw food plans for German shepherds. These are typically either whole carcasses or pre-ground food that comes in bone-in or boneless form, and can also come ground for easier meal prep. Some diets are created so they have less need for supplements, but it is still important to read the ingredients list to make sure you know what your dog is getting each day. Some vets are advocates of this type of diet for dogs, but others are not. If possible, get a second opinion from another vet. Yes, a german shepherd can eat a raw diet. A gradual transition is recommended over trying to make too many changes at once. Transitioning to this type of diet may require some extra effort on behalf of the owner. My brother and his wife adopted a 1-year-old purebred GSD from the local rescue who was fed kibble her whole life. This dog had an expensive surgery that required us to pay for it thank goodness we could do that! My brother tries to keep up his diet, but he works from home. His girlfriend has a hour commute every day! The dog is only fed kibble at night when she gets home from work. I would like to think that this is not the case, but after watching my sister-in-law do this the dog gets overly excited for each bite. See also Male vs. And then she poops sorry TMI. And then when she comes home from work she immediately goes outside to defecate. A few weeks ago, the poop was bloody. They saw the vet again, and the doctor said she has food allergies. Everyone wants to know what it is so they can change her diet. I want to be supportive of them…but the dog was doing so well on raw! Their friend gives them kibble, and the first kibble she tried of course it was their fault! So now all of these options are closed to them. The choice to feed your dog a raw diet is an individual one. As with any type of food plan , there are benefits and disadvantages of feeding this way. This type of food plan can take more time and effort than simply feeding kibble because it requires the owner to do extra preparation when making each meal. This is especially important in the case of raw meats, which must be stored correctly and safely before they are given to your dog. Most people who choose a fresh food plan for their GSD seem to do so because of the health benefits they see when feeding them this way. They find that their dog has fewer skin problems, allergies, yeast infections, and other medical problems than they did before. Many dogs also tend to have more energy, better coat quality, and improved dental health when given raw meat instead of commercial food. Although it can be an expensive dog food plan with all the preparation involved, the benefits may make the extra cost worthwhile for you. However, there are some disadvantages to feeding your dog raw food. This type of diet can be dangerous if not prepared correctly, especially when you are talking about meats and the risk of food contamination. There is also an increased chance of skeletal issues like bone fractures, especially with large or powerful breeds like German shepherds , who need high levels of calcium in their diets. For many people feeding their dog raw food is a new experience, and they are often unsure how much to feed. Several factors play an important part in determining the amount of food to be given. The size of the dog, its metabolism, or activity level are all very important factors to consider when deciding how much raw food should be fed. The size and weight of the dog will give you a good indication as to how much food should be given. Generally speaking, if you feed your German Shepherd puppy three meals a day, then an average meal would be around g — g for male dogs and — g for female dogs. However, there is no definite answer as to what is the best amount to feed your dog. There are many factors involved when feeding your dog, so it is merely a guide based on averages. Sprouted seeds — Sprouted seeds are extremely healthy for your German Shepherd too, although for some reason they are not as popular as raw meaty bones. You can sprout them yourself or purchase them from your local health store. You can cut up small pieces of hard vegetables such as carrots, apples, etc, and feed them to your dog each day as a treat. Dairy products — Dairy products are suitable for dogs, especially those not affected by lactose intolerance. Plain yogurt is healthy and can be given to dogs as it contains many beneficial bacteria that aid digestion. Cottage cheese is a nutritious dairy product and contains around 22g of protein per g serving making it an excellent source of protein for your dog. A small amount can be mixed in with their dry food each day to add extra flavor and make the meal more interesting, or you could add some water or milk and feed it as a wet meal. Commercial dog food — Commercial dog food is not as healthy as raw meaty bones, sprouted seeds, and vegetables however it can be fed as an alternate to the regular diet, especially if you are going away or need a break from making homecooked meals for your German Shepherd. As long as the commercial food is healthy, it can be fed instead of raw food for a few meals here and there. You can find these in meaty bones especially the liver , vegetables, fruits, and dairy products. Feeding whole foods is the best way to ensure that your dog gets all of the vitamins and minerals it needs. See also German Shepherd Allergies German Shepherd Puppy And Raw Diet German shepherd puppies on a raw diet are often healthier than dogs fed commercial kibble because raw food is better suited to their digestive tracts. There are numerous benefits for the German shepherd puppy when switching from a processed diet to raw meat that includes weight gain, healthy skin and coat, better dental health, increased energy levels, and larger bone structure. When feeding a german shepherd puppy on a raw diet, you should note that not all raw food is appropriate for puppies. Bones should be excluded in the beginning, green beans and mushrooms can be dangerous for their health, and bones in beef necks are not recommended because they could splinter. It is important to check with your vet before you start feeding your German shepherd puppy on a raw diet. Blocks of frozen raw food can be bought from pet stores and your butcher may also be able to get hold of german shepherd puppy food. Make sure that the raw food is not completely thawed out before you give it to your German shepherd puppy, as this can cause bacteria growth on the meat. Feeding a german shepherd puppy raw food will meet these needs, as well as provide the minerals that are needed for healthy bones. Raw meat is not recommended for all dogs, including German shepherds. If you are not keen to feed your German shepherd puppy on raw meat, you can still give it a healthy diet by feeding it high-quality dry kibble without grain fillers. Conclusion When deciding to feed a raw diet to german shepherds , it is important to speak with a vet to determine if this diet would be appropriate. The article above offers tips for those who want to feed a raw diet as well as those who prefer their German shepherd puppy to eat dry kibble or a combination of both. As always, thank you so much for reading! If this was helpful at all, please share it with people you know who would like this information as well. Have a great day! Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Simple Guide To Feeding A Raw Diet Jun 01, Raw diets are controversial diets that are new to many people, but as old as the domesticated dog itself. Raw diets are gaining in popularity at a phenomenal rate. It's now at the point that raw diets can even be found pre-made at not only pet stores, but in the cold food and freezer aisles at grocery stores. Here's what you need to know about making your own. Dogs can get all the nutrition they need from the meat, organ and bones found in prey animals. Check the end of the article for foods to avoid. The PMR gets it's name from the fact that it mimics the contents of a prey animal by their meat, organ and bone content. To make raw feeding simple, keep it simple and relax. Again, keep it simple and relax. Simply feed more when you notice the weight loss. No need to panic. If you're switching from kibble to raw it's normal to be nervous, but exercise common sense and you'll be fine! What about sourcing food to keep things simple? You can buy in bulk at the grocery store, and talk to the butchers that are working in the meat section. You can also visit your local butcher, talk to local farmers; and even contact restaurant supply companies if you have the freezer space or a lot of dogs. Speaking of freezer space, buy a deep freezer. The bigger the better. You'll be glad you have extra space if you come across a good deal on lbs of meat and it'll make raw feeding easier! What should you buy to keep a raw diet simple? Simple answer: Buy what's cheap! Chicken necks and backs are very inexpensive, so are chicken quarters and livers. You can also buy whole chickens and cut them up. Avoid chicken that has "added salt solution. Chicken quarters, thighs, legs and necks with the skin can be fattening. You should trim the fat off if your dog isn't active or is overweight. Raw poultry bones are probably going to be your 1 source of bone. Pork is also cheap, but certain parts like pork bellies are very fatty. Pork necks contain a lot of edible bone. As far as beef goes, there are lots of inexpensive cuts of beef that are mostly for stewing and contain little fat. Cuts like sirloin tri-tip roast, top chuck roast, first cut chuck roast, top blade roast, bottom round roast, chuck shoulder roast and bottom round rump roast are inexpensive and good for the base of your dog's diet. Fish, especially oily fish are very healthy. Feed at least twice a week. Organ can be tricky to source. Many Asian and Latino food markets have organ for sale. You can also try local farms. Many simply throw out organ. If you can't find what you're looking for, many raw diet vendors exist online. You can have frozen organ delivered to your door on ice! Sourcing bone is easy. You'll do it by accident when feeding bony cuts of poultry mostly. Your dog's droppings will be much harder when feeding raw. This often results in healthier anal glands. If your dog's stool is too soft, add more chicken necks, feet, backs, pork necks, ribs etc to solve the issue. If your dog seems to have too much difficulty going, you should cut back on the bone. Now you know what to feed, how much to feed and even where to source your dog food, but here's where we make it really easy. A lot of people meticulously weigh their food and prepackaged and freeze a week or even a month's worth at a time. They balance each meal with an exact amount of meat, organ and bone and it takes hours! The secret is that not every meal has to be balanced. You don't weigh and balance each meal of your own, do you? Your diet balances itself out over time. You can do the same with your dogs raw diet. Instead of a lot of pre-packaging, simply thaw out 3 days worth of meat and bone and 3 days worth of organ. Just mix and match meals and let them balance over time. For example, on Sunday you could put 3 days of frozen chicken quarters, beef chuck, mackerel and calf liver in the fridge to thaw. Then you have meat ready to put in your dog bowls from Monday - Wednesday night. On Wednesday evening, you could put 3 days worth of goat meat, turkey necks and sheep kidney in the fridge to thaw. When it's time to feed on Thursday morning, add a sardine or 2 if canned, make sure they're canned in water , as well as a raw egg with shell to your dog's breakfast. Do the same Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning. That's 3 eggs and sardines from Thursday-Saturday 3 eggs a week are plenty. That also covers every meal from Thursday-Saturday. On Saturday evening, take out another 3 days of food and repeat. Now you're on an easy schedule where you don't have to bag entirely balanced meals for every meal of every day of the week. You've cut down your bagging from 2 or 3 meals a day per month meals prepped to 10 pre-packaged 3 day meals a month! Remember, just relax! I do suggest you start by weighing your food, but after a couple of months you'll be able to eyeball how much food is enough for each of your dogs. If you notice a dog seems to be losing or gaining a little weight, that's no problem. Dogs lose and gain weight very fast. Just feed a little extra, or a little less depending on the circumstances and you'll notice the difference in your dogs weight inside of a few days. Once you master eyeballing the amounts of food to feed and learn to eyeball your dog's weight, scales become unnecessary, which will save you more time and make things that much simpler. To conclude, I said that I would go over items to never feed. Wild pork and bear alike can contain parasites. Farmed pork in the US and Canada are safe. If you procure wild deer, elk, goose, rabbit etc, be sure to freeze it for 3 weeks. Also remember 1. No wild pork and no bear ever. Not even after freezing. It can contain a bacterium that's dangerous to dogs. Canned salmon and mackerel are cooked and perfectly safe. Farmed, raw salmon is also fine and usually comes from Norway. Fish, especially oily fish, are very healthy. Avoid fish with sharp spines and barbs, like catfish, unless they're removed. They are hard and will cause premature wear, or even breakage of the teeth. If the prey animal is bigger than about 10lbs, only feed the spine and ribs to be safe. No leg bones, pelvis etc. Please do your research so that you know what vegetables and fruits are safe to feed! Avoid cow's milk completely and limit cheeses and yogurts. Make sure yogurts are plain. Grinding up meat mixes the germs on the outside of the meat all throughout the ground meat. Also remember that ground meats don't contain bone unless otherwise specified and do not have the added bonus of cleaning teeth. Feed the leanest ground products possible. Thank you for reading. It's impossible to have a full, comprehensive conversation about raw feeding in an article. This is a guideline for those who are interested. I suggest you read books and source information from several authors and friends who feed raw to best educate yourself. Faster nutrient absorption Weight management A BARF diet ensures dogs eat fresh, wholesome, and allergen-free foods, as no chemicals, additives, or fillers are used in raw diets. Raw Dog Diet Research Increased lifespan. Generally, raw-fed dogs are so much healthier. The changes are profound. A study on feeding practices in the United States and Australia indicated that .Lisa M. Freeman Freeman, a nutrition professor at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, tells WebMD many benefits attributed to a raw food diet for dogs, such as a shinier coat, are the result of the high-fat composition of the typical raw diet. Ingredient contamination. Raw ingredients pose a higher risk of contamination with potentially harmful pathogens i. Coli that can sicken your pet and possibly be transmitted to humans. Feeding whole bones to dogs presents a risk of choking, broken teeth, intestinal obstruction, or internal punctures. Nutritionally unbalanced. Raw allergies. Dogs might be allergic to raw ingredients. Wash all meats, organs, and other raw ingredients. Buy raw products from reputable grocery stores or butchers with high sanitary standards. Raw bones. Avoid big bones and feed only raw bones that are small or ground bones. Never feed cooked bones. They become softer after cooking and are more likely to splinter when chewed. Speak with a vet nutritionist. They can provide nutritional guidance to formulate the best German Shepherd raw diet or recommend a raw dog food delivery service. However, after two weeks of storage, most samples declined compared to salmonellae. We also analyzed the price for the most popular meats. According to the U. It might be cheaper. Conversely, buying commercial raw-meat food over traditional kibble is a tad more expensive, but we think the health benefits and convenience are worth the price. Read our feeding raw dog food on a budget guide for tips on how to feed raw for cheap. Choose lean cuts. Raw meat is the main source of protein. Builds and repairs muscles and other body tissues. Needed to make new skin cells, grow hair, hormones, enzymes and more. Ground bones are the safest choice. Avoid heavy or big bones - They can break teeth or get stuck in the digestive tract. Provide essential calcium, phosphorous, and other essential nutrients. Great source of high-quality protein; vitamins A, B12, B6; folic acid; iron; zinc; and essential amino acids. Organs are a great source of vitamins and minerals. The more organs you add to the diet of your dog, the better the mix of nutrients your dog will receive. Fruit such as apples, cranberries, and blueberries. Fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, and oregano. Never feed toxic fruits or veggies Fruit provide antioxidants while vegetables have carotenoids, flavonoids, antioxidants, and many other phytochemicals that are beneficial to immune function and health dogs. It states every dog meal should have six indispensable nutrients to create a balanced meal that supports life and proper function in dogs. These include protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water. No fruits or veggies. Always consult with your vet. Adding a multivitamin like Zesty Paws Multivitamin Chews ensures your German Shepherd gets the recommended balance of vitamins and minerals. For common GSD problems like osteoarthritis and other joint maladies, look for products containing glucosamine and chondroitin , which may help treat or prevent symptoms. Do you have a busy lifestyle with little time to cook for your pup? This company is the pioneer of raw dog food. They deliver Biologically Appropriate Raw Food straight to your door. Their formula is a balanced blend of raw meat, fruits, vegetables, organs, and bones. All of their ingredients are USDA-sourced. Their formulas are developed with the input of a veterinary nutritionist to meet the nutritional guidelines set by AAFCO. The body weight percentage method is the most straightforward alternative to many raw feeders new and experienced. Please consider his metabolism, activity level, lifestyle, health, and other factors to determine the perfect amount. Senior, less active, or overweight dogs weight loss : Feed 1. For a German Shepherd that weighs 65 pounds, here is how much raw food you would need to feed him daily. Key Takeaways A raw dog food diet has a high nutritional value beneficial for German shepherds. The digestive system and general behavior of the German Shepherd breed account for the diet tendencies. One of the easiest raw dog food recipes for German shepherds: Grind 3 lbs ground meat, 2 lbs organ meat, and 3 lbs fruit and vegetables. I love the German shepherd breed! They are beautiful dogs with such strong personalities. German shepherd dogs GSD can and should eat a lot of raw meat, considering they are one of the closest relatives to the timber wolf. Wolves are carnivores, which is why such dogs have a genetic predisposition to similar traits like hunting. It is for this very reason why pet owners often seek raw dog food recipes for German shepherds as this is healthier and more affordable in the long run because you get to save those trips to the vet. A beefy mix recipe with 3 lbs ground meat, 2 lbs organ meat, and 3 lbs fruit and vegetables is one of the simplest meal you can prepare for your German shepherd. Commercial dog food is not the best alternative for these dogs as they require a high-nutrient diet. Choosing the best fresh dog food or raw diet is the perfect option. Raw Dog Food Recipes for German Shepherds Homemade raw dog food is easy to make as meat is the main ingredient in all recipes. Eating raw meat is a natural thing even for a German shepherd puppy. However, when making raw food for your pets, observe food safety and only get ingredients from reputable sources. The following are a few you can use for your furry friend. Beefy Mix Beef is the go-to protein for dogs considering it is readily available and one of the more affordable options. A German shepherd dog would particularly appreciate both beef muscle and organ meat. This raw dog meal can also be mixed with different vegetables to make a palatable meal. Ingredients Three pounds of ground beef muscle meat Two pounds of beef organ meat One pound of cut spinach One pound of broccoli One pound of mixed berries Preparation Cut the organ meat into small cubes if you cannot grind it. You can mix the organ and muscle meat with even distribution. Blend the spinach, broccoli, and berries in a food processor. Add water to make a puree. Mix the vegetables with the meat combination with even distribution and divide them into small containers. Turkey and Veggies Turkey meat is uncommon in most dog diets, but it is an ideal option for dogs with food allergies [ 1 ] to chicken or beef. It is also low in fat, so it is excellent for weight loss. You can use it as the base protein for your meal plan for your German Shepherd. Ingredients Five pounds of ground turkey Two pounds of turkey organ meat One teaspoon of dried rosemary One pound of broccoli One pound of mixed berries Preparation The first thing would be to combine your meats, so mix the ground turkey muscle meat with the organ meat. Make sure the organ meat is cut into small cubes or ground, so it is easier to combine with the muscle meat. Chop the vegetables, carrots, and berries into small pieces and blend them in a processor. Mix the blended vegetables with the meat combination and separate the whole into small containers. Tuna with Vegetables Like other meat options, tuna is an excellent alternative for German Shepherds. These fish are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, which are great for your dog. It also has omega-three fatty acids, which are suitable for its skin and cardiovascular systems, promoting activity. Fruit Dairy These diets need to be well balanced to provide your German Shepherd puppy with all of the essential nutrients he needs to thrive. When can I start feeding my German Shepherd puppy raw? It would be ideal to feed raw to your GSD puppy from 12 weeks on, when they finish teething and their permanent dentition is fully developed. This can ensure they have teeth strong enough to engage in active chewing of bones and not just gulping it down. What are the benefits of a raw food diet for German Shepherd puppies? Feeding your German Shepherd puppy a raw food diet simulates the way they would have eaten before domestication. Because of this, there are several benefits you will see if you switch your puppy over to raw food. The gold standard diet is as close to the evolutionary diet of dogs and cats as is practically possible, is made from fresh frozen raw meaty bones, meats, organ meats, fruits and vegetables, minimally processed by mincing and freezing. The diet contains no added synthetic supplements, additives or preservatives. Raw food cuts out all of the processed food and additives included in commercially produced dog foods. The ingredients you give your pup will be completely under your control and natural. It would be boring, right? Dogs feel the same way. It will be something your dog looks forward to. Not only will he be getting the extra health benefits of raw food, but he will also be getting the excitement and flavor of different types of foods. German Shepherds have double coats. After all, GSDs are work dogs. Unfortunately, GSDs are susceptible to sensitivities. German Shepherds sometimes become allergic to gluten or common animal proteins found in commercial dog foods. They can get itchy, dry, and red skin from allergies either in their environment or diet. Raw food helps eliminate many of the causes of those skin irritations, leading to healthier skin. Also, you are adding many healthy fats and oils through proteins such as fish and with supplements such as nuts that encourage shinier coats. Many cheaper commercial dog foods use grains as a cheap alternative for protein. Carrots are rich in Vitamin A, an antioxidant and protector of white T cells. GSDs are prone to stomach sensitivities, especially to proteins such as beef, lamb, and chicken commonly found in commercial dog foods. By feeding raw, you can offer your dog alternative proteins to keep their stomach happy. This promotes more solid stools and fewer episodes of nausea and diarrhea. You can provide high-quality proteins with nutrient-packed organ meat and whole, raw vegetables packed with vitamins. Many cheap commercial dog foods fill their formulas with low-quality grains with little nutritional value, such as wheat sweepings. Many dogs, especially German Shepherds, can become sensitive to these ingredients, causing stomach issues. What are the drawbacks of a raw food diet for German Shepherd puppies? Coli and Salmonella, handling raw meat still poses a threat for humans. These bacteria can cause you to become very sick 1 to 10 days after exposure with the following symptoms : Stomach cramps Vomiting fever It is important to wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat. It may seem obvious, but in the hustle and bustle of daily life, you may forget. You can use this video as a guide. If you choose to feed raw, it is important to prep each meal carefully because you are in charge of providing all of the nutrients your puppy needs to be healthy. This will include planning out the meals, purchasing the meats and foods, prepping the foods and meat, and supervising the feeds. If you want to get an idea of what the process of putting together a raw food meal looks like, you can watch this video: 4 Feeding a balanced raw diet can be challenging A balanced raw diet that contains high-quality meats is always ideal for your German Shepherd puppy. But is can be difficult to get the right mix when you first begin. The right ratios of muscle meat, organ meat, and bone, as well as the correct levels of vitamins and minerals, are critical to making a balanced diet. What kinds of raw meats are good for German Shepherd puppies? There are many raw meats you can feed your German Shepherd puppy. The best part about raw feeding is you can use literally every part of an animal, which provides the most benefit to your dog. You can feed your puppy the following raw meats: Boneless chicken. It seems many of us can relate to health problems we have encountered while feeding our dogs dried processed dog food. He is 8 years old, so an older dog, and I was told he may have cancer. Knowing this, I knew I had to focus on his bone health and at the same time stay away from all sugars and grains as cancer can feed on both of these. I also make sure to feed Boaz raw organ meats times a week. Organ meats contain nearly every nutrient including B vitamins, folic acid, minerals like phosphorus, iron, copper, magnesium and iodine. They also provide the important fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Also important is making sure that Boaz is getting vegetables into his diet. Every week in his own batch of broth, I include vegetables with dark leafy greens which he devours. The calcium in his diet is coming from the raw beef and chicken bones and fermented dairy of yogurt and cottage cheese. When feeding dogs bones, make sure they are always raw. Never feed your dog cooked bones of any kind as they can splinter and cause intestinal problems. For his essential fatty acids, I give Boaz a teaspoon every day of fermented cod liver oil and cold pressed flaxseed oil.