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Pettable Academy is designed to bring out the best in your pet Access Guided Dog Training Today If you live with a disability, a golden retriever service dog may help you obtain more independence while increasing your happiness and overall satisfaction with life. When it comes to service dogs, golden retrievers are one of the most common choices. Golden Retriever Service Dogs Golden Retrievers are often trained as service dogs to assist individuals with disabilities such as autism, hearing loss, or mobility issues. These intelligent dogs are also popular as therapy dogs due to their friendly and patient nature, making them great companions for those in need of emotional support. Bottom Line What are service dogs? Why Golden Retrievers as service dogs? They are friendly, loving, and excel at training. How to get a Golden Retriever as a service dog? Then you will need to train the Golden Retriever as a service dog, which you can do at home by taking our online PSD training program. What's the difference between a service dog vs. A service animal is any canine that has been specially taught to carry out duties for the benefit of a person with a disability, including one that is physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or mental. In order to display their abilities to others, service dogs must wear vests. An assistance dog increases the level of independence a disabled person can have, and no other species, regardless of whether they are domestic or wild, trained or untrained, are regarded as service animals. An individual's handicap must directly relate to the task s that the service animal is performing. Among others, the following are some examples of such tasks: Assisting individuals who are blind or have low vision with navigation and other tasks Alerting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to the presence of people or sounds Providing non-violent protection or rescue work Pulling a wheelchair Assisting an individual during a seizure Alerting individuals to the presence of allergens Retrieving items such as medicine or the telephone Providing physical support and assistance with balance and stability to individuals with mobility disabilities Helping individuals with psychiatric and neurological disabilities by preventing or interrupting impulsive or destructive behaviors. Types of Service Dogs Service dogs come in various types, each of which is trained to assist people with certain needs. Here are a few of the popular categories of outstanding service dogs. Service Dogs Guide dogs aid those who are blind or visually handicapped in navigating their surroundings. Deaf and hard-of-hearing people can be alerted to critical noises by hearing dogs. People who need wheelchairs or walking aids or have balance problems might benefit from the assistance of mobility dogs. Medical alert dogs perform a variety of tasks, including warning the user of allergies, detecting the start of medical issues like a seizure or low blood sugar, and many others. Psychiatric Service Dogs Assisting people with disorders including schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder is the work of psychiatric service dogs. Psychiatric service dogs may be used for tasks including halting repetitive behaviors, reiterating the need to take medicine, or entering a dark area and putting on a light to lessen stressful situations. Pettable offers a no-cost consultation with a qualified mental health expert to certify your dog as an official psychiatric service dog, enabling you to get a PSD letter of certification for your dog right away. You can read more about PSDs here. Did You Know? Psychiatric Service Dogs PSDs are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act and are legally granted access to places where pets are prohibited, such as airplane cabins, storefronts and restaurants. Golden Retriever History Golden retrievers originated from the Scottish Highlands, where they were used primarily as hunting dogs. The Scottish estate owners needed a dog to retrieve birds in water or on land because their hunting grounds had many ponds and marshes. As guns were improved, retrievers were required to be able to bring back birds from farther distances. To develop the ideal retriever, the Baron of Tweedmouth, Dudley Marjoribanks, crossed a Tweed water spaniel with a yellow-colored retriever. The four pups were then used in further breeding with lines including the Irish setter, bloodhound, St. John's water dog, and black retrievers. He kept detailed records throughout the later years of the 19th century, showcasing the goal of developing a dog with a soft mouth for retrieving the game that was also strong and active. During the early 20th century, golden retrievers were introduced to North America as both hunting dogs and a companion. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the golden retriever in .Presidential golden retrievers include those owned by Gerald R. Ford and Ronald Reagan. Why Golden Retrievers Make Great Service Dogs When choosing a service animal, there are a lot of breeds to choose from, but among them, the golden retriever remains one of the most common service dog breeds. Golden retrievers make good service dogs because they have the necessary qualities to excel at training. Friendly Disposition Golden retrievers are known for their friendly disposition. Your dog may have to accompany you in public spaces, such as grocery stores, public transportation, entertainment events, etc. Unfriendly dogs may be wary or reactive to strangers. A golden retriever is a loving dog, eager to please its owner and happy to meet new people. People may attempt to approach your service dog or touch him. In these situations, your dog cannot be quick to react negatively. While you can instruct people to steer clear of your dog, you cannot guarantee that no one will touch him. For this reason, you cannot have a dog that acts aggressively or anxiously towards strangers. Loyal Personality Some of the best therapy dogs and service dogs are the ones that do not leave their owner's side. Even pet golden retrievers tend to follow their human around. Many people use the term velcro dog when referring to goldens because they want to be close to you at all times. When a dog trusts you, he follows you everywhere. They may be service animals that help you, but they also look to you for approval. Trainable Temperament Goldens are a trainable breed. Historically golden retrievers were hunting dogs, so it is natural for them to work alongside humans. Dogs bred for work tend to be more obedient than other breeds. They are trainable because they are one of the most intelligent breeds. However, this does not always mean that it's easy to train your service dog without a professional's help. Professionally trained service dogs are more likely to pass their tests. Golden retrievers are people-pleasers and food motivated. These two qualities make them eager to learn. Extra-large dogs may take up too much space in your home or require too much food for your household. A medium-sized dog like a golden retriever, on the other hand, has enough strength to support you with his body, open doors, and push buttons. A golden usually performs well when you need a service dog to perform height and strength actions. Golden retrievers stand from 20 to 24 inches tall and weigh between 55 and 71 pounds. Active Energy Level Golden retrievers have a lot of energy and require activity and plenty of exercise. They thrive the most when they are in a home with someone for most of the day. They may become lonely, frustrated or feel pent up when left alone for long hours. As a service dog, your golden would be at your side most of the time. Working provides the dog with the stimulation he needs. Additionally, he has the energy level to perform tasks as required. Drive to Work Golden retrievers are known to have a high drive to work on any task they are given to please their owner. Golden retrievers are extremely intelligent, aware, reliable, obedient, and have a strong work ethic. They are obedient dogs which make them popular service dogs. They find great purpose in retrieving items in exchange for a good old pet or pat on the head. Intelligence Golden retrievers are very intelligent dogs. This makes them excellent service dogs, as they can quickly learn any task given to them by their owner and are smart enough to detect when their owner's blood sugar is low or if a panic attack is coming. They can learn more than a hundred words and their intelligence is comparable to that of a toddler. Your dog has to be able to perform tasks that help you function in your daily life to qualify as a service animal. The following are a few examples of service dog tasks performed by golden retrievers, one of the most common service dog breeds. Guiding Guide dogs help those who have visual impairments. Guide dogs help determine whether there are obstacles or unsafe conditions in a person's path. Keep in mind that a golden retriever service dog is not a GPS. The dog cannot read traffic lights, but it can see the vehicles crossing. Often, the owner has to listen for signals. The person can then command the dog to cross the street, and the dog decides how safe it is to move forward. Retrieving If you have mobility problems, teach your service dog to retrieve your items. For example, dogs can bring you your medication. They can also help you with daily chores. If you need to carry an object to the garbage, your dog can help. Comforting Therapy dogs are companions to their owners. For people with mental illness, a dog's presence can be comforting. A trainer can teach a therapy dog to comfort others. For example, if a person has a panic attack, the dog can use his body weight to ground the person. Alerting Canines have a strong sense of smell and the ability to detect various medical conditions. For example, service dogs can alert to low blood sugar for diabetics, heart abnormalities, and seizures. Your service animal can learn to nudge, paw at, bark or jump to alert you of a medical emergency. Blocking Blocking is a standard command for a therapy dog. If a person begins to feel uncomfortable in a crowd or around people, the dog can put himself between his human and any stranger. Medication Reminders Since golden retrievers are easy to train, they can be trained to remind their owners to take their medication every day, every four hours, or at any interval a person needs to take their medicine but may be forgetful or lose track of time due to their disability. Physical Support Golden retrievers can offer physical support to those with disabilities. This can include pushing a wheelchair, leading a person to a bathroom or bed, fetching an item that fell or is out of reach for a person, or any other duties that may assist a person living with a disability. Pettable has a simple process to schedule a consultation with a licensed professional. Though not required, you may opt to get a PSD letter from the therapist to certify your need for a psychiatric service dog. Then, you will need to ensure that your service dog is correctly trained. There is no requirement that a professional trainer be involved in the process and self-training is perfectly acceptable. Complete Our Assessment To help us analyze your circumstances and your needs for a psychiatric service dog, you must first complete our brief assessment. You will then state the PSD option you require, such as lodging, transport or a mix of both. Consult With a Therapist After completing the assessment, you'll be matched with a licensed mental health professional and provided a link to schedule a live consultation with them after completing our privacy and permission papers to allow our doctors to work with you. To find out if you are eligible for a psychiatric service dog, you will visit a mental health professional for an examination. Train Your Dog You will need to train your Golden Retriever to perform tasks that assist you with your disability. You can pay a professional trainer to do this or you can opt to train the dog yourself. If you want to self-train a psychiatric service dog you may benefit from our online PSD training program. The program is delivered through video lessons and can be completed on any timeline. If you are not satisfied with the training program within 7 days of purchase we will completely refund your money. A Golden Retriever may be taught to serve as a service dog, you can opt to hire a professional trainer or train the dog yourself. Having patience with your dog if you plan to train your service dog independently is crucial because the process might take a while. Training a service animal can be a laborious but extremely worthwhile process if you're sincere about your devotion to it. It's important to keep in mind that training is necessary for service animals before they can be considered a PSD, whether it's done independently or a qualified expert. Golden retrievers can be adopted at neighborhood shelters or breeders, just like any other service dog or ESA. Regardless of where the dog originated from or even whether it is an existing pet, any dog can be certified as a service animal. This option will require owners to train their dogs, satisfy certification requirements, and establish a bond with them. The adoption of service animals who have already received training and need a new owner is nonetheless possible through various services. A certified mental health expert must be consulted in order to determine your eligibility for a Golden Retriever service dog. But there are several mental and emotional conditions that frequently make someone eligible for a service dog, such as: Depression and Depressive Disorders. As far as companion dogs, this breed is a huge hit. The Golden Retriever has many amazing qualities and is a top dog breed for a nearly endless list of reasons. What sets Golden Retrievers apart is their friendly demeanor and gentleness. Goldens are outgoing, trustworthy and eager-to-please pups who do well with pretty much anyone. The Golden Retriever maintains a puppy-like zest for life all throughout adulthood and is very receptive to obedience training, service training, and pretty much any type of training or correction. Goldies are one of the most common service dog breeds for individuals with disabilities. Their size helps them overcome physical challenges, their temperament makes them a perfect match for their human partners, and their loyalty makes them amazing assistance dogs. Service dogs must be intelligent, well-focused and friendly, all of which are traits the Golden Retriever possesses. In fact, perhaps the most famous Golden Retriever service dog , Sampson, is a fine example of why Golden Retrievers make excellent service animals. Sampson was trained to work in a lab at the University of Illinois with his owner, Joey Ramp. He even wears his own PPE while he helps his disabled handler do work in his lab. What are Service Dogs? The definition of a service dog according to the U. There are many different types of service dogs, which we will discuss later, but all undergo a vigorous training process and are a valued member of society for the assistance they provide to their person. Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, alerting owners to a panic attack, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. A service animal can help with many things, but in this category, it is most often pups offering assistance with physical disabilities or impairments. Guide dogs: These dogs are also known as seeing-eye-dogs and help people with vision loss navigate the world. A guide dog will help their handler avoid obstacles, ensure they step over any holes or curbs, help them cross roads, open doors, etc. They undergo vigorous training and can accomplish dozens of tasks. Hearing dogs: These talented pups assist their deaf handlers in a world of sound. They are trained to help their owners with ensuring they receive vital cues of sounds they cannot hear themselves. They will guide their owner to the sound or to safety, depending on the situation. Medical alert dogs: These service dogs help owners suffering from seizures or epilepsy prepare for an upcoming episode and keep them safe during it. Another type of service dog under this category is a diabetic assistance dog, who helps alert their owner when their blood sugar is low or can seek medical assistance if necessary. Mobility assistance dogs: A mobility assistance dog is a type of service dog that helps humans with spinal injuries, leg injuries, or any injury that makes walking, standing or balancing difficult. These are typically larger breed dogs since they provide balance support for their handler. They help their human stay standing , open doors, retrieve items, etc. Psychiatric service dog: This special service dog assists people with mental disabilities. They have all the same rights as all the above mentioned service dogs, but undergo specialized service dog training to perform tasks their owner needs assistance with. An example of this could be including medication, or providing comforting touches. These service dogs help with mental health issues rather than mobility issues. Someone who suffers from depression, anxiety attacks, PTSD or other mental disabilities could greatly benefit from a psychiatric service dog. Click the below video to learn more about psychiatric service dogs. Therapy dog: A therapy dog is not a service dog, but instead a loyal pet that helps provide comfort to people in stressful situations. This is often a hospital or nursing home, but can also be schools, natural disaster sites, etc. There are even different types, such as hearing impairment therapy dogs, school therapy dogs, etc. They undergo specialized training, including passing an American Kennel Club Good Citizen test, then visit anyone who could need comfort. Emotional support animal: An emotional support animal is a companion animal that provides emotional support to their owner. They do not undergo any special training, and are not a service animal. Emotional Support Dog vs. These dogs undergo specialized training and have federally protected rights, such as the right to accompany their owner anywhere, including businesses, schools, non-pet friendly housing, on airplanes, etc. To get a psychiatric service dog, you must be diagnosed with a disability and prescribed a service dog who undergoes vigorous training to support you. An emotional support dog only requires a letter of recommendation from a doctor. They are a pet who offers mental and emotional benefits to their owner. It is very important to recognize the difference between these two types of dogs. Service dogs wear vests to set themselves apart, as they have a very important job and should be recognized as working dogs. It makes life for people with disabilities much harder, and poses a challenge to service dog owners, making the conditions of service dogs worse. Why Golden Retrievers? So why Golden Retrievers? To summarize, Golden Retrievers make excellent companion animals, but also great assistance animals, because of their size, temperament, friendliness, and intelligence. Golden Retrievers on average weigh about 55 to 75 pounds and stand between 22 and 24 inches tall, making them a medium to large sized dog by the public. They have multiple color variations, but all fall under the golden category: cream, dark golden, light golden, etc. Their average life expectancy is years. A Golden Retriever has a stockier build, but is still agile and beautiful. Their fur falls at a beautiful length, making them true stunners. They are considering a sporting dog, and as the name retriever implies, have a tendency to retrieve items and things, much like their sister breed, the Labrador Retriever. But energy level wise, the two are very similar. Goldens are loved for their permanent puppy attitude and their general zest for life and ability to remain calm and friendly in all circumstances. Goldens are extremely trusting and loyal. They aim to please, making them great mobility assistance dogs and service dogs. Golden Retrievers do well in public, are easy to train, have a lovely personality and make a great best friend. He was on a mission to find the best gundog to use at his estate. Over 50 years, he bred different variations of dogs in search of the best breed possible. Through this breeding, the Golden Retriever was created to fetch waterfowl from hunts, hence the name retriever. By , they were in dog shows and making their way into America. First off, their size gives them an advantage to help people with physical needs, such as balance support, opening doors, etc. They exude a quiet confidence and a general love for life. They strive to provide help for human needs, and do well in a breeding program, which makes it great for ethical breeding needed for healthy service dogs for an adult candidate. Good news, Golden Retrievers are very commonly bred for this sole purpose. They begin training as a puppy and are trained to be excellent service companions. Service dogs are only given to people with disabilities that hinder their quality of life. For a psychiatric service dog, you must consult with a licensed mental health professional. This is the only legitimate way to acquire a service dog. For physical disabilities, you must consult with a doctor in your area. If they recommend a service dog, the next step is finding a service dog for you. Look at rescues in your local area to see if they have any Golden Retrievers or Golden mixes available, or you can purchase a Golden from a breeder or service dog organization. If you adopt one or purchase one from a breeder, you will want to work with a service dog trainer or service dog program training to make sure your pooch becomes the best assistance dog possible. This is the best way to ensure you get a Golden Retriever that is healthy and has all the characteristics we love about the popular breed. Conclusion Now you see why Golden Retrievers are such a beloved breed, not only as pets, but also as service animals. Their gorgeous coat and all-star personality make them an easy candidate to become service dogs. Are you looking for a psychiatric service dog? Here at CertaPet , we can help. CertaPet is an online telehealth platform that improves access to mental health care in the U. We are currently coordinating with dog trainers who specialize in the service animal space and who will soon work in tandem with our network of licensed mental health professionals to make the process of getting and training a psychiatric service dog affordable, convenient, and hassle-free. Golden Retrievers are highly intelligent, friendly, loyal, obedient, driven and much more, making them a great service dog. How do I get a psychiatric service dog? First, you must consult with a mental health professional to see if you qualify. If you are diagnosed with a mental disability, you will begin your search for a dog and begin training What can a Golden Retriever service dog do for me? This breed is very versatile! They can be trained to do anything: calm anxiety attacks, fetch medicine, work as a seeing eye dog, alert to seizures, and much more. You may also like. Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds worldwide, that have been ranked No. Why so many people love the representatives of this breed so much and what qualities the breed representatives have as service animals, are some topics that we would like to discuss today. If you would like to read more about the ADA regulations in regard to service animals, you can click here. As you can tell from the definition, only dogs can be recognized as service animals. However, some states allow handlers to have miniature horses as service animals as well, so you should keep this in mind. Dogs and service dogs in particular should be evaluated based on their individual traits. Some people are still biased, that certain breeds are not allowed to become service dogs or just can not become good service dogs. The ADA states, that service animals must not be discriminated based on their breed, and all kinds of breeds can be trained as service animals. However, there are qualities, that every service dog should possess to be reliable enough to perform specific tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Among these qualities are: Intelligence, trainability, eagerness to learn and please their owner, friendly personality, loving nature, balanced temperament, loyalty. The Golden Retrievers are ranked one of the most affectionate dog breeds that can strongly attach to their owners. They can interact with family members, new people, and other animals with ease! If you have small children, you can be confident, that they will find a loyal and playful buddy that they can spend such a pleasant time with! The Golden Retrievers are considered one of the most intelligent and trainable breeds as well. They are known as quick learners, able to retain a lot of information, and obedient dogs, eager to please their owners. Of course, there is no complete happiness.Our lovely paw friends tend to shed moderately during the summer and the winter. During the spring and autumn, you can expect them to shed more actively. Those of you who decide to have a representative of this gorgeous breed at home should be prepared for a certain amount of hair on their furniture and clothes at all times. Luckily, these cute doggies require a moderate level of grooming, so you do not have to invest so much time to keep their lovely double-coat neat. If you are in love with this breed, you should be prepared to spend enough time to keep them physically and mentally fit. The Golden Retrievers are quite energetic and playful. These amazing doggies are not considered barkers. They bark occasionally as vocalization is a type of communication not only in humans but in dogs as well. In general, we can say that the Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds as both pets and service dogs due to its indisputable qualities. Mobility and Balance-Related Tasks The female representatives of the breed can reach up to kg, while the male representatives- up to kg in weight. Their height can reach up to 51—56 cm in females, and cm in males. Considering their size and personal traits, these dogs can become great mobility dogs. They can be trained to pull a wheelchair or support a person having balance issues. There is a certain type of harnesses equipped with a robust handle, that enables mobility service dogs to fulfill this task. Guide Tasks The Golden Retrievers can become great guide dogs as well. They can be trained to assist a person with visual impairments navigate in the surroundings. As guide dogs, these canines can alert their owner about an obstacle on their way or ensure that there will be enough distance between their owner and passersby. Retrieve Tasks As the name of the breed indicates itself, these dogs are great at retrieving objects. This ability can be traced back to the reason for their breeding and namely- to retrieve shot upland game birds like partridge and goose. If you have impaired mobility, or you often feel disoriented and light-headed due to a certain condition or as a side-effect of prescribed medication, you can rely on your Goldie to bring to you all items you need. Since they are medium to large in a size, they are not suitable for jumping on your lap. However, they can paw you, nudge you, place their chin on your shoulder, arm or lap to calm you down when you need. Also, they can guide you to a safe place, when anxiety episodes arise. There are the following options available for that: 1. Contact a training organization or a personal trainer, specializing in service dog training. You can arrange a consultation online or in person at your home or at the training facility so that your dog can be evaluated and a training program can be recommended. You can contact an organization engaged in service dog training and get a trained service dog. These two options will give you confidence that your dog or the dog that you will be provided with, has been professionally trained and has acquired the necessary obedience and social skills. However, these options can be prohibitively expensive for some people. Training your own dog with the help of a trainer or a training organization is more affordable, however, a training session in-person, that takes about an hour, may cost you a hundred dollars or more. Some training programs, especially those designed for more advanced training can reach thousands of dollars. Contact a non-profit organization. This option is the most affordable one. However, in this case, you are likely to be placed on a waiting list and you may need to wait for a year or two to get a trained service dog. You can train your Golden Retriever to become a service animal yourself. In this case, you can focus on the tasks that you actually need your paw friend to perform. Also, you will be actively engaged in the training process and will be able to strengthen your bond. The biggest disadvantage of this option is that you may lack the experience and skills to conduct training yourself. Also, you will have to invest a lot of time and effort. Patience, discipline, and consistency are other words that you will need to always keep in mind if you decide to go that way. Enroll in an online course. By choosing this option you will get access to learning materials and support from a tutor support by a trainer is often calculated in the price of many online courses. Also, you will be able to make your own schedule instead of complying with a schedule set by a professional trainer. Training at your home and at your own pace are other benefits of this option. Needless to say, you and your doggy will develop an even stronger bond, as you will spend much time together and will know each other better. If you consider this option the most suitable for you, we would recommend that you take a look at the online courses that Service Dog Training School International offers: Online Courses. Essential Principles of the Training Process If you decide to train your Golden Retriever to become a service animal yourself, you should consider some basic training principles. You should be very patient and consistent and not give up if difficulties arise. Also, you should remember that each dog is an individual and you need to take the personality and temperament of your canine into account when conducting training. Keep the training sessions short and always reward and praise your paw friend when they perform a certain task. Do not rush things. As we mentioned above, this breed is deemed highly energetic, so you should not forget to exercise and walk your doggy on a regular basis. Physical and mental exercises will also help your canine spend their excessive amount of energy, and will reduce the possibility of behavioral issues occurring due to lack of activity. The ADA does not require service dogs to wear any type of service dog gear, including vests, harnesses, or ID tags. That way passersby are less likely to initiate contact, which may distract your dog. No wonder, that the Golden Retriever is one of the breeds that most people welcome. Such lovely doggies! However, any breed of dog can be trained to perform specific tasks to help their disabled owners. Service dogs are not born ready for the job. Instead, they are trained and raised by elite breeders who are pros in recognizing the traits of a great service dog. Once a breeder comes along a pup perfect for the job, the dog is then trained and certified. Service dogs are allowed in all public places, including businesses, government buildings, and schools. The FHA protects people with disabilities from discrimination in housing. This includes renting, buying, or living in a home. If you think that a service dog could improve your quality of life, the first step is to consult with a medical professional or disability specialist to see if you meet the criteria for having a service dog. Not everyone who could benefit from a service dog will be eligible, as the training and care of a service dog can be costly and time-consuming. If you are deemed eligible for a service dog, the next step is to find one. You can get white golden retriever puppies from a certified Michigan golden retriever breeder and have the pups trained yourself, or you can purchase a fully-trained dog from a reputable service dog organization. They unconditionally love you.Give your love back! Supports your puppy's developing immune system Provides nutrients for proper growth Helps fortity bone structure Proper development of the digestive system Supports the nervous and cardiovascular systems Promotes a healthy skin and coat Don't forget to use order code !
We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. 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. This will help you to recognize the nature of the Sheprador a little better. This gave us the Labrador we have come to know and love in modern-day society. Your black Lab pup could weigh as much as 80 lbs, reaching heights of 24 inches. The black Labrador Retriever is an ideal companion because they are always eager to learn and a pleasure to train. These loyal fur babies come from a long line of useful working hounds. Did you know that up until the s, the lovable Labrador was pretty much only black and was intentionally bred to go along on hunting and shooting expeditions? Read next: black dog breeds. The Temperament of the Black Labrador Retriever These sweet-natured furballs are generally pretty active. They love to play and learn. They especially love meeting new people, and they have a strong sense of family loyalty. The American Labrador, or hunting Lab, is built with a daintier frame and tends to possess a bigger drive for retrieving. These doggos are successful at field trials and competitive activities such as hunting. Some Labs, however, are bred specifically for the show ring. Black Labradors are an asset in hunting and sporting communities, and although the popular choice was black, that has shifted slightly in recent years. Where hunting dog owners still do prefer a black coat, those wanting a Lab as a pet or in a show certainly have a preference for a lighter shade. Breeders today sell predominantly lighter-colored Labs, such as yellow, fox red, and chocolate. These good-tempered hounds can be proud members of your family for 12 years or even longer with a healthy diet and the right exercise regime. Standing tall at about 26 inches at shoulder height, this fuzzy friend is clad in a glossy coat and outlined with curvaceous, athletic proportions. A star student, the German Shepherd is delightfully reliable, courageous to the core, and a loyal companion to have by your side. Looking for more intelligent GSD mixes? Getting to Know the German Shepherd The beloved German Shepherds are loyal to the point of putting their own lives on the line when it concerns protecting their loved ones. German Shepherds are extremely courageous but are also one of the most intelligent dog breeds. But when they mean business, these hounds can give a cheetah a run for their money. Looking for a smaller companion? Read more about the most intelligent small dog breeds. The Temperament of the German Shepherd Stout-hearted German Shepherds have been described as the canines that lead the ranks of royalty. Moreover, their character is what sets them shoulders above the rest of the hairy hounds. They have, however, been noted to display a distant, cool quality that does not always bode well for making new friends. However, they still continue to be devoted guardians and valuable team members. Want a protective GSD mix? Yup, you guessed it. A hound that is a blend of two fantastic pups. Both bring enthusiasm and athletic abilities to the table. Labradors, for example, were originally bred as hunting hounds to retrieve fallen fowl from the water and aided as companions on the hunt. Two of the most popular doggos in America are the Labrador and the German Shepherd, so they make for a popular choice among breeders interested in exploring hybrid breeds. These designer pooches are the result of crossing two pure-blooded canines. The Nature of the Lab and German Shepherd Mix When mixing two different dog breeds, each with its own unique nature, there is a possibility for random and unexpected results. This is because traits are passed on and inherited randomly. We can, however, predict that a Sheprador puppy, much like any other hybrid, will inherit the best features from their parent dogs. Despite this, of the batch of hybrid Sheprador pups, some will display more of a German Shepherd personality, and others, more of a black Lab Retriever. Labradors are a very big success in the service and work industry, and to have as domesticated pets in the family home. Their gentle, laid-back nature was an asset to their human companions after a long day of hunting. Born and bred as herding dogs, German Shepherds make excellent security dogs and prefer to work at a distance from whoever is in charge. A handler or herder will get alerted by their German Shepherd whenever something suspicious poses a threat. Labradors are not similar in this regard. But like the lovely Lab, German Shepherds are incredibly versatile creatures and excel in any task they take on. Both doggos are gifted in service or military posts and even in the detection of narcotics. Socialization of the German Shepherd Labrador Mix An essential part of parenthood, when it comes to owning a dog, is socializing your pup. This process allows your pooch to get used to other animals and people. It also helps them to get to know new places and activities. Believe it or not, this is even more reason to prioritize socialization so as to ensure that when they do inevitably interact with other animals or people, they do so in the best way possible. The German Shepherds in your Sheprador will mean they are loyal to the end when it comes to their favorite humans, but they can definitely be wary of strangers. Luckily through early socialization during puppyhood, they can learn good habits. Socialization can even include having people over at your house so they can become used to new voices and faces. Getting them used to small children is also essential to avoid any unwanted accidents out of fear or nervousness. And, of course, if you have other pets, the earlier you introduce them to your Sheprador puppy, the better. Anything new should ideally be introduced earlier rather than later. German Shepherd Labs are likely to inherit this friendliness from both of their parents. Proper socialization will ensure that all parties are comfortable and that your pooch has the confidence to get out there and interact in a healthy way. Read more about why puppies whine so much and why puppies lick your face. Additionally, you should also be sure that you have lots of free time for games and activities that your dog can join in on, such as garden games or even jogging and hiking. These pups can get bored easily and become destructive if they are not properly stimulated. These dogs are really great with children, much like their parent breeds. If properly socialized as puppies, they are truly a joy to have around kids supervised, preferably. So if you have family members who can share the responsibility of entertaining these hounds, then that would be ideal. They are some of the least-aggressive dogs out there, thanks to the Lab in them. But, supervision is important because of their size and slight clumsiness. They can easily knock over a small child in the excitement of fun and games. As you can tell, these doggos are definitely on the needier side and require plenty of love, attention, and care. And not to mention, you are guaranteed a lifelong companion and proud family member. The Appearance of the German Shepherd Lab Mix When one combines these two brilliant pedigree pets, you are likely to end up with a lb hound offering servant-hearted companionship and a diligent, working spirit. Your German Shepherd mixed with Lab will stand tall at about 25 inches and will display the high intelligence and athletic ability of their parent breeds. However, predicting the coat pattern and color of the Sheprador puppy that will emerge from the breeding is not an easy feat. Predicting the inherited physical appearance of any dog is tricky enough as is. So, for the most part, the looks and personality of your Sheprador can be quite a gamble, as with any designer breed. This will simply make your precious pup all the more unique and special. But, if you are specific about the traits of your Sheprador pup, then a reputable breeder will be able to follow the genetic line of the parent breeds and make a rather accurate prediction. These physical and personality traits are a lot easier to predict when the parent dogs — in this case, German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever — are quite similar in nature, which they fortunately are. German Sheprador Coat Labradors have tight, short hair, while German Shepherds have a medium-length, double coat. They can also have longer coats that are wavy. Shepradors are not exactly low-maintenance dog breeds when it comes to grooming. True to its parent breeds, the Sheprador has a double coat consisting of a super warm undercoat and a coarser outer coat to protect them from the elements. These dogs historically worked outdoors, so adequate protection from the heat or the cold was essential. Due to the gene for long coats being recessive and very unusual among Labradors, your Black Lab German Shepherd Mix will most definitely have a neat, short coat like its Labrador parent. This means that even if their German Shepherd parent has a long coat, it is highly unlikely to be passed on to their puppies. However, a lint roller will definitely be your best friend when it comes to maintaining furniture and clothing. Consider also how this handsome hairball may affect any existing asthmatic or allergic conditions. The other main concern when it comes to apartment living is the exercise needs of these dogs. So, if you are available for a rigorous daily walk and plenty of playtime, then it can work. As long as these hounds have the opportunity for daily energy expenditure to keep them happy and healthy, all will be well. Other than that, they will be in their element if they can curl up on the couch for movies and naps with their favorite humans. Like most crossbreeds, mixed breeds are usually healthier than their purebred parents. So if your Sheprador takes after their German Shepherd parent, then you may encounter spinal problems that lead to arthritis and hip dysplasia as they get older. The silver lining is that the good health of the Labrador balances out the potentially compromised health that German Shepherds sometimes have, and the result is a stellar, mostly-healthy Sheprador pup. Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow Dysplasia is characterized by lameness in the forelimb and results in limping. Progressive Retinal Atrophy : This ailment affects the photoreceptor cells of the dog which causes them to deteriorate over time. It eventually leads to blindness. In addition to these conditions, Labradors are also prone to allergies. However, there are no DNA tests to detect this predisposition, so your best bet is to check with your breeder about a family history of allergies. It results due to a lack of von Willebrand factor protein vWF. Hypothyroidism: Marked by an underactive thyroid condition, this endocrine disorder in dogs is rather common. It causes bodily functions to slow down, and warning signs include lethargy and weight gain. Cataracts: German Shepherds are prone to eye problems like Cataracts. It occurs when the dog develops cloudiness in the eye, which disturbs its vision. It causes abnormal blood clot formation. More About the Health of Your Black Lab and German Shepherd Mix While this breed has some health concerns in its parent breeds, these can be detected early on with screenings. Other than that, conditions like obesity can be prevented by pet owners. The best thing you can do with your Sheprador puppy is to find a reputable breeder and ask many questions. Find out about the parent breeds, what their health and medical histories are, and be sure to ask for health screening certificates. Life Expectancy of the Sheprador Now that we know what health issues to look out for, what is the lifespan of these hounds? Labrador Retrievers live between 10 and 14 years, whereas German Shepherds typically live less long, between 9 and 12 years. Exercise Regime for the German Shepherd and Lab Mix With black Labs and German Shepherds being high-energy, athletic animals, combining the two of them results in a grown Sheprador in need of at least 2 hours of walking a day. These two types of dogs were bred with the initial purpose of being active and physical for several hours each day. They are excellent work dogs and will likely chew your furniture or dig up your rose garden if left ignored or indoors for prolonged periods of time. In addition to going for walks or runs, playtime with your Sheprador can include tug of war, fetch, and working on developing scent detection. In addition to needing lots of playtime and physical stimulation, they also need a lot of mental stimulation. This can include dog puzzles and dog toys — they are very mouthy pups, so multiple chew toys, or anything to clutch in their jaw, for that matter, will suffice. Not to mention, these hounds will be in their element with doggy sports like obedience training, agility work, and fieldwork. They are hard-working and love any opportunity to learn something new while pleasing their favorite humans. Both parents of the Sheprador were bred to spend several hours a day being mentally and physically challenged. And take note that no amount of fetch games with a ball launcher will be too much for these playful canines. Dietary Requirements of the Labrador and German Shepherd Mix In order to ensure you have a Sheprador with a happy and healthy life, you should be sure that you feed your pooch the right dog food. Not all dog food on the market is high quality, so carefully selecting the right brand is important. In general, a good rule of thumb is to opt for food with all-natural ingredients and high-fiber dog food that includes fruits and vegetables. Also, make sure they have a diet high in protein. You should also avoid food with filler ingredients, artificial flavoring, and preservatives. The Labrador side of these hounds will certainly mean they come with a big appetite and a love for snacking. Due to this, Shepradors are very prone to weight gain and overeating. To avoid gulping down their dinner, it may be best to invest in a slow feeder. If Shepradors are allowed to become overweight, they will suffer from joint problems, hip dysplasia, and, later on, arthritis. This mixed breed is quite widely accessible and is luckily not as pricey as other, more fashionable crossbreeds. The best route is to research reputable breeders and follow recommendations. Shepradors are not extremely expensive dog breeds. Adopting a Sheprador If you are struggling to find a reputable breeder or you simply have your heart set on a Black Lab German Shepherd, then rescuing is a great option. Be sure to check out your local shelters and adoption agencies. These pups have so much love to give and deserve a second chance at a happy home. They are also easily adaptable and should slot into their new environment and family without too much fuss. Remember that they flourish on positive reinforcement and rely on learning and training in order to thrive. Like with any relationship, there will be highs and lows. But, for the most part, the pros will likely outweigh the cons when it comes to the Black Lab mixed with German Shepherd. Cons of Owning a Sheprador They can inherit serious health issues: this is emotionally and financially stressful, but health screenings can, fortunately, help predict and prevent inherited issues. They need lots of exercise: without sufficient exercise and a generally active lifestyle, these hounds will grow restless, bored, and unhappy. They are likely to shed heavily: without a frequent brushing and sweeping routine, your pooch will leave your home in a blanket of hair. Pros of Owning a Sheprador Shepradors are outgoing with loyal personalities: your Sheprador is always eager to play, engage, learn, and meet new people, which makes them great companions. They are great family pets: affectionate and loving, Shepradors want to belong in your family and feel needed on the team. The dogs are excellent security dogs: the Sheprador is innately a protector and a watchdog and will alert you of any threats to your safety. Final Thoughts on the Sheprador There you have it, folks — the brilliant, blended Sheprador that we all adore. This razor-sharp, athletically-inclined hound is a sure companion to have at your side. They are eager to please and easy to train, which will make them a pleasure to have around in the home or on the job. You cannot go wrong with parenting one of these fur babies unless, of course, you have a problem with too much loyalty and brilliance. Looking for more GSD crossbreeds? Take a look at these posts next:. Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? There is no way to find out if your puppy will develop any of these conditions. All you can do is to take care of your dog properly to prevent some of these severe medical conditions. Your growing dog should maintain a healthy weight because extra weight can be an additional weight on its spine. The ideal dog nutrition will also depend on any nutritional needs of your dog. If you are training your dog, never give treats as a reward. This encourages obesity and will only cause more problems for your dog. Here are top dog food brands that your German Shepherd Lab will surely love. Its core ingredients include ground brown rice, lamb meal, white rice, and chicken. It is all natural and contains no preservatives. Even a picky puppy will surely love this dog food. Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula Precise Holistic contains chicken, brown rice, chicken fat, and oatmeal and is considered the best organic dog food for large dogs. This comes with extra calcium and phosphorus needed by dogs to achieve its full, large size. This is a portion of irresistible dog food for large breed dogs such as your Lab German Shepherd mix. Just like any other dog, never give your German Shepherd Lab the following human food. Not all human food is safe for dogs. Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Salty foods and junk food Chocolate, coffee, or tea Onions, chives, and garlic If you want your dog to grow strong and healthy, you need to give them the best care in the world. So, start with their nutrition! That means you need to stay away from the worst dry dog food, and try out the best dry dog food instead. Your hairy friend comes from different parents and therefore you can experiment with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Our puppy friends need nutrition that is full of proteins and easy to digest. You can look for some ideas in the best puppy food brands. Senior dogs, in their grandpa style, need food which contains moderate protein levels as in the best senior dry dog food. Because of this, you need to spend ample time in a day to exercise and to walk this dog otherwise; it can develop destructive behavior. Play with your dog regularly to develop a strong bond with your pet. Remember that this dog will love to swim because of its Labrador Retriever lineage. A local dog pool or a pond would work great with your dog. If you have a large yard, an old, large vat will work great just for him to play and cool off. All dogs love to fetch and play Frisbee. Use other kinds of toys like large ropes so you can play pulling games. Use a giant ball for fetches like an old football or a tennis ball. Here are a few ideas 1. This is available in six sizes so you will surely find the best size for your medium to large-sized Lab German Shepherd mix. It is indestructible so your dog will undoubtedly spend hours playing with it. It is made from durable materials that will never break or chip. This is indestructible, and your dog will surely love to play with this over and over again. It is soft but is made to be indestructible. Your pet will surely love to chew on this soft bone. This will be his favorite toy in no time. Lab German Shepherd Mix Training The Lab crossed with a German Shepherd is a brilliant dog, but it may need more than simple traditional training techniques to train this dog. The following tricks will help you make your dog obey you in no time. The Clicker Technique Learn how to train your dog using a clicker. Press this, and you will hear an audible click, a sound that dog loves very much. The clicker may be used in all kinds of tricks, but the most common is for positive reinforcement. Just click the clicker when your dog can follow the trick and then click again if you want to repeat the behavior. Invest in a good clicker which is available in most pet stores online. This can contribute to obesity and other health problems related to being overweight. Reward good behavior by patting your dog, playing with him or giving him a good scratch. Tell your dog what a good dog he is and combines this with a lot of pats as reinforcement. Every dog takes his time so you must be patient. His bed should at the same place where he found it the first time while his food bowls should also be in the same area. Consistency is the key to training dogs important stuff. Also, consider talking to everyone at home regarding your rules and commands to reinforce consistency in training your dog. Train Your Dog In A Familiar Environment Dogs like the Lab are easily distracted; therefore you must train your pup in a quiet and familiar environment first before you take him out for further training. Start inside a quiet room with only you and him. You can train him outdoors once he is less distracted to noise and the presence of other pets and people. You may also opt for professional training for your Lab German Shepherd mix dog if you want your pup to grow up and become a service dog or police dog. German Shepherd Lab Mix and Families Lab German Shepherds can be great family dogs because these dogs love to be with their masters and to please them every way they can. These are patient with children and will never roughhouse or bite. They can even tolerate toddlers and very intense games like dress up and role play games. Lab German Shepherd mix dogs will love to be with other pets and even other dogs. They are not domineering and will never cause a fight. The Lab German Shepherd mix may become anti-social and may become aggressive with people or other dogs when they are not introduced to people and other pets early on. Your dog should be trained first and exposed to other dogs and people to prevent this untoward behavior. Origin of the Black Lab German Shepherd Mix Designer dogs — the result of deliberately crossing two different pedigrees — are a relatively recent phenomenon. But the Labrador and German Shepherd pedigrees both go right back to the 19th century. And understanding their individual histories provides important insights into German Sheprador temperament. Labrador history Labradors were originally bred as hunting dogs, to retrieve fallen waterfowl from the water. Breeders selected breeding dogs for traits which made them great at this job: a strong build, a thick waterproof coat, and an enthusiasm to learn and work in a team with their handler. The best Labs were also gentle and chilled out companions once the hunting day was over. Which is why Labradors exploded so successfully onto the pet scene, and into service roles as well. Unlike Labs, GSDs needed to be able to work confidently at a distance from their handler. They also used to double up as watch dogs and guard dogs, alerting their owner to the arrival of anything unfamiliar, which might be a threat to their flock. Like Labradors, they also proved to be remarkably versatile, and succeed in a wide variety of roles — including police work, military work, narcotics detection, and service roles. What to Expect From a Black Lab German Shepherd Mix The whole purpose of establishing pedigrees for purebred dogs is to ensure that all the puppies descended from that pedigree look and behave in a reliable way. Inevitably, mixing breeds creates possibilities for unpredictable results. Puppies inherit traits from both of their parents at random. Designer dogs with parents who have a lot in common are easier to predict. Puppies from parents who either look very different, or were bred for very different purposes, are more variable. Black Labs can also carry the genes for chocolate and yellow coloring. Some Labs also silently carry the genes for markings like tan points. These genes hark back to when Gordon Setters contributed to the foundation of the breed. So a black Lab German Shepherd mix puppy might be black or dark brown, and have markings including sable shading or tan points. How big do German Shepherd black Lab mixes get? Labradors and German Shepherds are both medium to large sized dogs. Labs weigh 55 to 80 pounds, and GSDs weigh 50 to 90 pounds. For both breeds, females tend to occupy the bottom end of the weight range, and males the upper end. So, a black Lab German Shepherd mix could weigh anything between 50 and 90 pounds too. Their weight will be partly determined by all of the following: the general parameters of the breed the size of their parents their sex and environmental factors, like receiving adequate nutrition in puppyhood. Do black Lab German Shepherd mix dogs shed? Labs and GSDs both have thick double coats — ideal for insulating them against harsh weather conditions whilst working. So, one thing we can say for sure about the black Lab German Shepherd is that they too will be high-shedding dogs. Regular brushing, and seasonal grooming with specialist tools like a Furminator can help to keep your house clear of discarded fur. They also have a strong retrieving instinct — or in other words they like to carry things around in their mouths! Black Labs in particular have traditionally been favored for working roles, so they tend to be focussed and easily motivated to engage in training. German Shepherds are often described as courageous and loyal. They have strong herding and guarding instincts. Part of this is an innate distrust of unfamiliar people. Although, they are devoted and affectionate to their human family and regular guests. They are also very smart, and capable of picking up new cues quickly. But they are both talented problem solvers and quick learners. Sheprador puppies are sure to be smart and trainable too. So, the training and socialization you do with them while they are young will be very important. Puppies under 12 weeks old readily form positive associations with new things, if they have a good first encounter with them. Socialization is particularly important for German Shepherds and their mixes, because they are naturally inclined to be wary of strangers. It gives them the confidence to interact calmly with the world when they are older. Typically friendly breeds like Labs still need socializing too. And very friendly individuals will also need teaching how to greet people calmly, without jumping up or getting over excited. German Shepradors also need methodical leash training from a young age — being dragged along the sidewalk by a large dog is no fun! Exercise Labs and GSDs are both athletic dogs which have been bred to be mentally and physically active for several hours a day. An adult Lab GSD mix dog needs at least 2 hours of walking per day. At home, they enjoy additional games of fetch, tug and scent work. Training and puzzle feeders like Kongs and sniffle mats are valuable for providing mental exercise. A Sheprador is also likely to enjoy dog sports like fieldwork and advanced obedience training. Black Lab German Shepherd Mix Health Just like in every other respect, Sheprador health is a mixed inheritance from both of their parent breeds. Labrador Health.
They have always carried a deep sense of liking for animals in their lives. Before they ventured into puppy-raising, Ashlee was working as a veterinary technician for a veterinarian and she helped in different aspects of care for pets. These breeders do not ship their puppies but they require a PUG Nanny if in case the buyer cannot come personally to pick up the puppy. They also demand at least a dollars deposit. They will begin to develop a more consistent look over time and with repeated breedings. They have a compact, slim and well-muscled torso supported by long, straight legs. They are always bigger than the Pug, reaching up to 45cm in length and weighing between 8 and 16 kg. Cocker Pugs Sociability Cocker Pugs are bright dogs who like pleasing their owners. Every pet must be socialized. You must create limits early on and educate them to your Cocker Pug in a consistent and patient manner. As a result, your Cocker Pug will most likely have a low to medium level of activity. Cocker Pugs are often friendly dogs that like visiting a dog park and meeting new people. Your dog, on the other hand, may be more laid-back and content to simply lie about. Unfortunately, this can lead to weight gain. These dogs may be more heat sensitive due to their shorter snouts. Avoid walking your dog on hot asphalt to avoid burning their paws. Grooming While most members of the breed have a short coat, they just need to be groomed once or twice a week. A few have significant skin folds on their faces that must be washed. Because their floppy ears are prone to infections, they should be examined. Any wax should be removed, and most should have their ears cleaned every two weeks. Many of the puppies sold in pet stores come from puppy factories, where their mothers are compelled to produce litter after litter. Breeders with a good reputation can be identified online or via kennel groups. When it comes to the care and environment that these breeders provide for their pets, they are held accountable. They reduce inbreeding, which is significant. Final Thoughts A Cocker Pug is a delightful and sociable dog. They are continuously driven by food and desire attention from their owners. They make wonderful companions for any sort of owner. They will go to great lengths to please you, but they must be regulated or they will continue to do what they want. A Cocker Pug is the dog for you if you want a dog that is a lot of fun and is willing to work with you. We compile some of the most well-known breeders of all time. Here are a few breeders you should never ever skip to guide you in having the best cocker pug puppy your own. Health and breeding information What diseases can occur in Cocker Spaniel and Pug mix. Cocker Spaniel Pug mixes are popular dog owners because they combine a combination of both breeds. They are also known as a Carlin mix and are unique and one of a kind in every way. However, they can also be more prone to certain diseases and health problems than other dog breeds. One of the most common health problems seen in Cocker Spaniel Pug mixes is a respiratory disorder. This happens when the dog's upper airways are severely constricted, causing him to breathe heavily and not get enough oxygen. In more severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia and lung failure. Regular visits to the veterinarian can help diagnose and treat these problems. Another common problem in Cocker Spaniel Pug mixes is patellar luxation. This occurs when the kneecap is either prematurely or improperly seated in the joint. While this is not necessarily life threatening, it can lead to health problems that require early treatment and care. Other common, but not life-threatening, problems that occur in Cocker Spaniel Pug mixes include gingivitis, torn cruciate ligaments, allergies, and skin problems. Because these problems often require early treatment, you should visit your veterinarian regularly to make sure your dog is getting all the necessary vaccines and tests. It is important to remember that Cocker Spaniel Pug mixes can be sensitive to stress. Therefore, it is important to provide them with a calm, stress-free home where they can relax and stay away from anything that might upset them. Overall, Cocker Spaniel Pug mixes are a popular breed. Although they can be more prone to certain diseases and health issues than other dog breeds, proper handling and care can help them live a happy and healthy life. What does this mixed breed look like? A Cocker Spaniel and Pug mixed breed is a sociable and playful breed. It has a medium length, dense and fluffy coat. The color is usually chocolate brown or black with white markings. Sometimes the female has lighter colors such as cream, dark brown or blackish brown coat. The color of the undercoat is usually lighter than the top. The head and tail of the dog are larger compared to other breeds, which gives a very unique appearance. What are breed characteristics of this mix dog? A Cocker Spaniel and Pug mix usually has a short, soft coat with varying shades of color. The ears are usually long and hang down. The head is round and the nose is usually black. The body is muscular, the legs are short and strong. The root of the tail is slightly curved over the back. The mongrel has a weight between 4. Fur length. Lifespan Sociability When you are looking for the perfect puppy for your home, one of the best things you should do is find out everything about the dog that you can, so you know what to expect. Cocker Pugs tend to be loyal and affectionate dogs. They create strong bonds with their human companions and are a great choice for families. Their easily trained and are eager to play with anyone. The mix of the personalities of the Cocker Spaniel and the Pug balance each other out. They result in being intelligent and loving dogs. You need to exercise Cocker Pugs daily, otherwise, they will become pudgy. They need lots of attention. These dogs are very intelligent, but they are often stubborn. Many of them are motivated by treats or food. Cocker Spaniels are happy , affectionate, and social. They are also good with other dogs and children when socialized early, as well as being sweet and gentle. They always want to please you and they crave your attention. Cocker Spaniels are also energetic, so they love to explore and play. Pugs are known as being clowns, while at the same time being intelligent and not at all aggressive. They love spending time with you, and they do their best to take all of your attention. These dogs can also be lazy, which often will cause chubbiness. They have low levels of energy and are glad to simply hang out. If you are noticing that your Cocker Pug is taking after their pug parent, make sure that you are giving them exercise daily. Your dog will be good with children and other dogs , but they can be strong-willed and stubborn. Many times, the genes from the parents of the puppy will balance one another out, resulting in an intelligent, loving and charming companion. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Not much is known about cats. This will be covered when you purchase high-quality dog food. Fats also add Omega-6 and omega-3 to their diet, which is necessary for their skin, coat, heart, and brain. Cocker Pugs generally are social dogs that will enjoy going to a dog park and making some new friends. However, your dog may be more laidback, which means they are happy to simply lay around. Unfortunately, this can make them gain weight. Walking them daily so they get exercise will be needed to keep your dog from becoming overweight. Since they have shorter snouts, these dogs may be more heat sensitive. Therefore, you will need patience while training them. Some of these hybrids can be very stubborn. You can usually motivate your Cocker Pug with food, so use this to your advantage. You also want to use positive reinforcement, combining small treats and vocal praise for rewards during training. This can make them lose interest in their training. Their nails should be trimmed monthly, either by you, your vet, or by your groomer. Since he has floppy ears, you will need to keep them clean to prevent infections due to the buildup of bacteria. Your vet will be able to recommend a wash for you to use. You may need to bathe him each month, particularly if he loves rolling in the grass and dirt while outside. Brush his teeth each week to so that you stop tartar from accumulating. One of the biggest things is the possibility of it having a brachycephalic head with a short snout. If your dog has a face that is similar to a pug , they are going to have more health issues than if it has a Cocker Spaniel head. These dogs are occasionally diagnosed with kidney disease and obesity, and they may need tests such as hip x-rays, thyroid tests, skin scrapings, allergy tests, electrocardiograms, biopsies, and others. Minor Conditions. It is a cross between the Cocker Spaniel and the Pug. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. He was 4 years old on Christmas day. He is full of energy and very strong for a small dog. Very alert, smart, stubborn and loves constant attention. Pedro is absolutely great with kids. I can't tire him out, even on the longest walks. The only time he has embarrassed us is when in the company of people wearing hi-viz clothing, baseball caps and niqab's. Overall he has a fantastic temperament and is always entertaining us with his antics. He was the size of a full-grown Cocker, weighing in at 35 lbs. His ears were long and his snout was short, but not fully pugged. His tail was curled like a Pug. His coat was short, coarse and thick like a Pug, but was wavy by his tail. His eyes were prominent, but not "bugged" like a Pug. He was repeatedly mistaken for a Mastiff puppy, even to the age of nine. Sparky's disposition was even-tempered, tolerant and mellow. He never met a stranger. He had a courageous spirit and feared nothing. He was the happiest dog, and well known for his "full body wag. His tail is like the Cocker Spaniel and docked. He has an extremely soft and shiny jet black coat. He is solid like the Pug but the size of the Cocker. He is the best of both worlds. He was easily to train to sit , lie down, roll over, stay, and pretty much anything. He seems to know what you are saying. He is not too hyper like the Pug, but never runs out of energy for the long walks. Duke is a lap dog; happy and mellow and eager to please, yet our big protector! He is a 6-month-old Cocker Pug. He seems to have the personality of a Cocker; loves to play. He is 25 lb. He is a loving, energetic and adorable pup, with a great temperament. I think he is a perfect example of a beautiful Cocker Spaniel x Pug. In only one month she learned sit, wait, leave it, lie down, and some more of the fun ones: dance, spin, shake, speak and roll over. Her mother is a lb black Pug and her father is a lb. Although she was only 35lbs, she acted as if she were bigger and was the leader of all our dogs. Cudjoe was a great family dog who would never hurt anyone. Unfortunately, she was only 8 when she was diagnosed with cutaneous lymphosarcoma skin cancer and soon after died. She put up a fight to the very end and we were left broken hearted.
Oh, the humanity! Fret not, this article should shed a bit more light on this uncommon occurrence, why it happens and how it affects you. What are normal purebred German Shepherd eye colors? Different shades of brown, green, hazel …and blue are normal eye colors. But green, gray and hazel-colored eyes are also normal. More importantly, although blue eyes are rare, depending on the circumstances, they can occur naturally in German Shepherds. The recessive gene or a mutation therein, is typically the main reason as to why every once in a while, a black German Shepherd with blue eyes comes out of a German Shepherd litter of mainly brown-eyed offspring. If you still remember your biology class back in high school with your teacher endlessly droning on about Gregor Mendel and his genetics work, then worrying about your black German Shepherd with blue eyes is a textbook example of this application. German Shepherd eye color changes happen much in the same way that eye color changes happen in normal dogs. Recent research has shown that the amino acid melanin is chiefly responsible for lighter or darker shades of eye colors in dogs. Melanin also determines coat color. More on this later. Is my German Shepherd still a purebred if it has blue eyes? Yes, but not necessarily. To understand why blue-eyed purebred German Shepherds are such a controversial topic, it pays to know why purebred dogs are so highly-valued. Continuing on this line of thinking, blue eyes are a common trait inherent to the Siberian Husky breed and may be a telltale sign that your German Shepherd is not purebred. Purebred dogs are typically associated with the following traits: Well-socialized Prone to suffer genetically-acquired diseases Typically the only kinds of dogs recognized and supported by kennel clubs While mixed-breed dogs are known to exhibit the following: Prone to suffer fear-based behavior problems Have a higher risk of contracting infectious diseases Generally accepted as being more hardy than purebreds It is important to note, however, that white German Shepherds also known as White Shepherds are recognized as their own breed, and should not be confused with mixed-breeds or an offshoot genetic mutation. See also The German Shepherd Dachshund Mix Breed Guide And Information If you find cause for concern regarding your white German Shepherd with blue eyes or any kind of dog with unusually colored eyes for that matter , do some research, reach out to your local vet and inquire about genetic testing for your pet. Is it normal for German Shepherd eyes to change color over time? Melanin as a contributing factor to German Shepherd eye color change was a fact mentioned earlier. This happens because melanin takes time to produce. Because this is the case, it is not uncommon for a baby German Shepherd with blue eyes to have its eye color change over the course of a few months. On the same note, it is normal to find puppies with blue eyes regardless of breed because of this lack of melanin. In addition, it should also be noted that other eye conditions may result in eye color changes for your German Shepherd. All the more so if your German Shepherd is a puppy! More often than not, there are plenty of conditions that account for German Shepherd eye color changes or blue eyes outside of breed. See also The Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix Breed Guide On the downside, this may mean that there is a small chance your German Shepherd is experiencing some kind of degenerative eye disease or disorder. But in any case, with the advent of modern technology, it should be easier than ever to inquire about your German Shepherd with blue eyes, including requesting genetics tests. 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. Jul 22, Share You have probably seen a cat or husky with blue eyes, but have you ever seen a German Shepherd with blue eyes? Probably not. To learn more about German Shepherds with blue eyes, read on. This article covers everything you could possibly want to know about German Shepherds with blue eyes. The majority of both purebred German Shepherds and mixed German Shepherds have brown eyes because it is the dominant trait. In contrast, the blue eye color is a recessive trait. For a recessive gene to appear, both parents must have the same trait. Interestingly, the recessive trait that causes German Shepherds to have blue eyes is also found in humans, but it is simply more common in humans. Thus, the German Shepherd has a bluer appearance, and its eyes are blue instead of brown. Although it may sound weird that blue eyes are blue due to lack of pigmentation, the same is true of human blue eyes. Whereas humans with blue eyes can come in all sizes and races, German Shepherds with blue eyes tend to look the same, but they look different from the classic German Shepherd. German Shepherds that end up having blue eyes are called Blue German Shepherds. A Blue German Shepherd can come in three colorations, including blue and black, blue, and dark brown, and blue and tan. Often, the blue and black coloration makes the dog appear dark gray all over. It is considered very rare for German Shepherds to have blue eyes. Not only must the German Shepherd have the recessive gene, but it also must have blue eyes. Plus, most breeders prefer not to waste time breeding Blue German Shepherds for reasons we will discuss next. This recessive gene can be seen in other dogs, such as Dobermans. In Dobermans, the gene can cause the dog to have certain skin conditions. In German Shepherds, there is no negative health link between the recessive gene and the dog. That being said, many breeders avoid breeding Blue German Shepherds because kennel associations view them as a defect. What this means is that you cannot present your German Shepherd at dog shows because the blue coloration is a fault. Of course, you can always find a Blue German Shepherd if you want one specifically and have no intention of showing it. Final Thoughts If you have seen a German Shepherd with blue eyes, you have seen a real treat. German Shepherds can have blue eyes only if they have the recessive gene. Even though the gene is not associated with any health defects, kennel associations view the color as a defect and most breeders view it as a waste of time to breed these dogs. Despite the rarity of blue-eyed German Shepherds, they will bring you just as much fun, love, and companionship as a classic German Shepherd. Related Reads:. This recessive gene dilutes any black pigment on the dog including coat color, nose leather, foot pads, toe nails, lips, etc. It also affects their eye color. Blue pups have a beautiful light gray coat as babies, as they age however is usually darkens up quite a bit, the ones that darken up are called "steel" blues. To the untrained eye, they can be mistaken for regular blacks. There is also "Powder" blues, they tend to lighten up in color and always stay a very noticeable gray color. Powder blues are not seen very often. A blue pup with sable markings We have a couple blues and a few dogs who carry the blue gene. We choose these dogs first and foremost because their temperament, structure and health aligns with the goals of our breeding program. A beautiful unique color is just icing on the cake of an already exceptional dog. Our non-traditional color lines have some of the highest hip ratings in the US! We have produced non-traditional colored GSDs that compete in obedience, agility, nose work, etc. I personally love the non-traditional colored German Shepherds. These colors are been in the breed since the beginning and our foundation girl Rose just happened to be a blue! A German Shepherd can have blue eyes due to a genetic defect that causes one or both eyes to be a different color. Their piercingly blue eyes have little to no effect on their temperament, so you can expect the same characteristics as a typical German Shepherd. Watch This NOW! The genetic site that causes the blue color is the D dilute locus. The diluted pigment lightens coats from black to blue. It causes, in effect, a watered-down version of black. The two alleles connected with dilution are D dominant full color and d recessive dilute. It takes two recessive alleles dd to lighten black pigment to blue. In simple terms, both parents must carry and pass on the recessive D gene for a German Shepherd to have blue eyes. It is, therefore, impossible for a blue-colored dog to have any black on its coat. While these dogs are beautiful, the American Kennel Club classifies their eyes as an issue, docking points or refusing to let them rank in conformation. So although blue-eyed German Shepherds can enter events, they are seldom seen. This causes controversy among owners of blue GSDs, who often feel discriminated against. A German Shepherd with blue eyes is extremely rare because both parents must carry the recessive D locus gene, home to the dilution gene. When a dog is homozygous for dilute, a black dog will become blue. So it is highly uncommon to get two mutated copies of the gene that causes blue eyes. While many dog breeds can also lose pigmentation in their eyes to make them look blue, a German Shepherd can have truly blue eyes, albeit unique. German Shepherds with blue eyes can be purebred or mixed. This trait is much more common if mixed with a husky since these dogs can naturally have blue eyes. However, a purebred German Shepherd can have light brown, dark brown, golden, hazel, or blue eyes without another breed in the mix. Send a quick sample and find out if your pup is mixed or if his blue eyes are a purebred genetic rarity. All GSDs have striking features, but adding blue eyes makes them even more beautiful. Blue-eyed German Shepherds can also be quite confident and brave. When raised in the right household, these dogs will feel proud of themselves and their territory. Common Health Problems German Shepherds with blue eyes are prone to hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, and digestive issues as they age. All of these health concerns can be minimized or managements with the three following tips: Healthy food is crucial from birth through their senior years. German Shepherds need up to two hours of exercise daily. Attention and affection prevent the anxiety that can cause stress, seizures, and blood pressure problems. I also recommend you invest in a good orthopedic bed suitable for large breeds as they help prevent mobility issues and ease pain and discomfort caused by arthritis. Some owners might be concerned that blue eyes in a German Shepherd cause additional health concerns. But are blue eyes in the German Shepherd breed a health concern? These lovely dogs are just as healthy as the standard brown-eyed German Shepherds. Their health predictability is based on their genetics, diet, activity, and affection. So what causes the confusion? Some dogs, such as the Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, and Great Dane, carry the M-locus Merle gene that causes mottled white patches of fur, solid or piebald, on the face and body. Breeding two Merle gene carriers is, therefore expressly forbidden and deemed inhumane. However, this presents an opportunity to bring a gorgeous pup into your home. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. The few with blue eyes owe their eye color to a recessive gene that needs to be inherited from both parents. Blue-eyed German Shepherds can have two blue eyes, or they can be odd-eyed with one blue eye and one brown eye. Dogs with odd eyes are sometimes described as having heterochromia. A Blue German Shepherd is one with a color variation caused by a recessive gene. It dilutes black pigment so the fur will appear blue-gray or silver-gray rather than black. On the other hand, powder blue German Shepherds have lighter colors. Blue GSDs can be blue-and-black, blue-and-tan, or blue-and-sable dark brown. Strangely enough, Blue German Shepherds can appear in litters containing prototypical black-and-tan pups. While the blue color is a normal variation, both the AKC and many breeders consider it a defect of sorts. Well sometimes at least… The Dog Breed Info website includes a list of dog breeds that are known to have blue eyes on occasion. While all puppies are born with blue eyes, the breeds listed can actually retain their blue eyes as adults. A German Shepherd mix can inherit blue eyes from the GSD parent, or from the non-Shepherd parent if the breed has been known to have blue eyes. These dogs, which are also known as Siberian Shepherds or German Huskies, often inherit blue eyes from their Husky parents. Generally speaking, blue-eyed German Shepherds are as healthy as their brown-eyed relatives. There are, however, some unfortunate exceptions. While this sounds harmless and even attractive, dogs that inherit the merle gene from both parents often have birth defects. Mating two carriers of the merle gene is thus considered inhumane and strictly forbidden. However, a German Shepherd mix can have the merle gene. Such examples of breeds affected by the merle gene include the Australian Shepherd, the Collie, the Great Dane, and the Shetland Sheepdog. An albino dog will thus not only have pure white fur, but the skin around their nose and eyes will be a very pale pink. The eyes may have some pigment and be a very pale blue, or have no pigment and appear pinkish. The pink color is actually due to the blood flowing beneath the skin. Albino dogs of any breed are generally healthy, but they are very sensitive to light and are vulnerable to both sunburn and skin cancer. Are White German Shepherds Albino? In most cases, no. That gene has two alleles or versions: white and non-white. White is recessive, so a puppy would have to inherit the trait from both parents. One big difference between white German Shepherds and albinos is that the gene for albinism affects the skin and eyes as well as the coat. Those that do have blue eyes are the result of another recessive gene. Cataracts, for example, cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy and appear to be a hazy blue. Glaucoma can also make eyes appear cloudy blue. Yes, German Shepherd puppies are born with blue eyes! In fact, all puppies are born with blue eyes, no matter what breed their parents are. This is because the reason behind puppies having blue eyes has nothing to do with inherited genetics. Blue eyes are caused by a lack of melanin in the irises. It is natural for puppies to be born with this imbalance, as melanin is something that develops as they age. This is why puppies are born with blue eyes but will grow out of them by the week mark. But, the irises are never really blue. They are actually clear, but they appear to look blue. However, some dog breeds can retain blue eyes as they grow older. Full-blooded German Shepherds can have blue eyes, however, this is very rare. Blue eyes in German Shepherds are caused by a genetic mutation in the breed line, as the majority of German Shepherds will have brown eyes. However, this genetic mutation does not mean that your German Shepherd has something wrong with them. In some dog breeds, blue eyes can be a sign that something is wrong with your pet. But, German Shepherds are one of the few dog breeds where blue eyes are relatively common. So much so that a sub-breed is recognized for these German Shepherds with blue eyes. So yes, full-blooded German Shepherds can have blue eyes, and these dogs are just as healthy as any other kind of German Shepherd. How much is a German Shepherd with Blue Eyes? As German Shepherds with blue eyes, or blue Shepherds as they are otherwise known, are relatively rare, you can expect to pay more for them than a regular German Shepherd. This is because blue Shepherds are viewed as a premium dog breed. They are very rare, so when a breeder manages to breed this type of German Shepherd successfully, they will want premium prices for the puppies. Additionally, you should expect to pay higher prices for a German Shepherd that has a single blue eye, as this is also considered premium. Does a Blue eye mean a Dog is blind? No, a blue eye in your dog does not mean that your dog is blind, or that it is going to go blind at some point. Blindness is rarely the cause of this. You might also think that blue eyes are a sign that your dog is deaf. This is probably because blue eyes in cats have been linked with deafness. So, no blue eyes are not a sign that your dog is blind. In fact, there are no health concerns linked with blue eyes in dogs, it is simply a genetic mutation. Often used by police forces and militaries due to their physical strength and protective nature, the German Shepherd has also become a household favorite for millions of Americans. But can these dark-eyed beauties have blue eyes instead? A German Shepherd can have blue eyes, though this rarely happens. German Shepherd puppies are almost always born with blue eyes, but they grow out of this stage within a few months. Genetic mutations or cross breeding practices may also result in a blue-eyed German Shepherd Dog. In most of these instances, the blue eyes fade into dark brown eyes over time and are only seen in very young pups. However, in some rare cases, blue eyes have been seen in purebred, adult German Shepherd Dogs. This pale coloration is the result of an extremely uncommon genetic mutation carried by both breeding parents. The only other way to get a German Shepherd with blue eyes is to crossbreed it with a similarly-sized dog with naturally blue eyes. Still, dark eyes tend to be dominant over light-colored eyes, so the chances of breeding a puppy with mixed German Shepherd genes and blue eyes are minimal. Generally, blue-eyed German Shepherd Dogs fall into one of three categories. This biological certainty means that virtually all German Shepherd Dog puppies will be born with blue eyes. Well, for most growing puppies and adults, this is the truth. But GSDs are the product of more than a century of inbreeding, and this practice is infamous for bringing forth recessive genetic abnormalities. As such, breeding parents with recessive genes for blue eyes may still have mostly dark-eyed offspring. However, if you were to breed a German Shepherd Dog with a naturally blue-eyed breed like the Weimaraner, Australian Shepherd, or Siberian Husky , your chances of seeing blue-eyed offspring could be increased two-fold. You can increase your chances of getting light-eyed shepherding dogs by understanding Punnett squares , genotypes, and phenotypes. A phenotype is a physical characteristic that can be seen and categorized. Genotype directly influences the phenotype. For example, if you carry the genotype for tall height, your phenotype will reflect this, and you will be taller than the average person. Dog breeders benefit from being able to view the phenotypes of their animals and the resulting offspring. Using this information, they can begin to determine genotypes within their breeding pairs. This data allows them to choose breeding couples based upon genetic likelihoods. Of course, canine genetic testing is also available. Still, it may be worthwhile to perform canine genetic testing on your most prized German Shepherd Dog and a purebred breeding partner with a long ancestry of blue eyes. These dogs also tend to be medium-to-large in size and have robust, sleek bodies. Like other types of shepherd dogs, the German Shepherd has a relatively slim snout and pointed face. However, unlike other modern shepherd pups, the GSD almost always has dark, coffee-brown eyes. This difference is a stark contrast to the bright-eyed Australian Shepherd or the heterochromia -prone Blue Merle Collie. History The s was a very different time. In Germany, the various kingdoms and princedoms were still getting accustomed to being unified into a single nation. And a nobleman named Max von Stephanitz was opting to learn about veterinary medicine rather than military wit. In particular, Stephanitz had a deep love for German shepherd dogs. However, there was no such standardized breed when he was growing up. At the age of about 25, Stephanitz changed that. He then proceeded to breed that pup and create the German Shepherd Dog breed. Appearance German Shepherds are medium-to-large in size. They have dark brown or black coats that trail from their heads to the tips of their tails. Beneath this dark layer of fur is a creamy, brownish-beige layer. They tend to have muscular bodies built for running, jumping, and warding off larger predators. In many ways, their appearance is very similar to that of a wild wolf. However, generations of inbreeding have resulted in a standard coloration that is difficult to miss. Bi-weekly trips to the local dog park and daily walks are a must. This breed can become aggressive when not allowed to exercise and release pent-up energy. Inadequate training can also result in negative behaviors, including biting. Early training is necessary to curtail these unwanted behaviors. Still, German Shepherd Dogs are quite intelligent and tend to train very quickly. Nutrition Like many large active dogs, a German Shepherd Dog needs a rich, wholesome diet full of protein, heart-healthy oils and fats, and energy-sustaining carbohydrates. As such, a standard diet of store-bought dog kibble may not be enough to sustain them and keep them fit. Incorporating fresh foods like yogurts, lean fish, and dog-safe grains and veggies is an excellent way to keep German Shepherds in tip-top shape. Care German Shepherd Dogs have medium-length coats that are extra thick to help them survive cold and wet weather. They require weekly brushing, but sometimes could benefit from bi-weekly grooming as well. They only need bathing every four or five months. It is beloved for its loyal nature, intelligence, physical strength, and gorgeous appearance. Typically, a German Shepherd Dog has dark brown eyes. However, a GSD may have blue eyes when born or due to a rare genetic mutation. A mixed German Shepherd pup may also have blue eyes, and the likelihood of this result increases when the non-GSD parent is blue-eyed. They can occur thanks to a genetic variant in purebred dogs. This fact automatically makes them less valuable to breeders than dogs that can be shown in competitions. Because they are considered a fault, blue eyes are becoming rarer and rarer. Instead, most of them are neutered and sold as pet dogs. A breeder may continue to use a blue-eyed dog for breeding in rare cases, but only if they have exceptional features otherwise. The rarity is increased even more due to the recessive nature of this trait. Both parents have to be carriers of this gene for their puppies to have blue eyes. Brown eyes are dominant, which means that they will cover up the blue eyes trait. A dog may technically have blue eyes — but still, end up with brown due to a dominant brown-eyed gene. Instead, many of them focus on matching the breed standard — which means not using dogs with blue eyes in breeding programs. Breeders that breed show dogs will not have blue-eyed dogs available. However, you may be able to find them produced by breeders that concentrate on pet dogs. These people may even purposefully breed them because they are sometimes sought after by those looking for a pet. German Shepherds usually have brown eyes. This color is the most common and recognized by the breed standard. When many people breed German Shepherds, they aim to breed dogs with brown eyes. The brown-eyed gene is dominant. This means that the dog only needs to inherit one gene for its eyes to be brown. On the other hand, most other eye genes are recessive; the dog must receive two to develop the other eye color. The shade of brown can vary widely, though. Some dogs have dark brown eyes, while others are more of a tan. It largely depends on the amount of melanin a dog produces. More melanin equals a darker shade. There are multiple traits involved. Whether they are brown or blue is pretty easy to work out, but all the traits determining the shade can make determining their end eye color rather tricky. They may look like one of their parents — or they may not work at all. When they are first born, a puppy will not produce all the melanin that they will when they get older unless their eyes are a very light color — in which case they may never increase their melanin output. Therefore, most puppies will be born with light eyes, but they will darken as they get older. Usually, their eyes will reach their final color by the time they are about ten weeks old. This can vary widely from dog to dog, though. Some dogs may have their final color much earlier. Others may develop them much later. Some puppies may even be born with blue eyes — but these rarely stick around into adulthood. Typically, they will darken to brown within a few weeks. Instead, they happen to have blue eyes instead of the usual brown. This is a recessive trait, so your best chance of getting a puppy with blue eyes is to breed two blue-eyed adults. You may occasionally end up with a few blue-eyed puppies from breeding two brown-eyed dogs — assuming that they both have a recessive blue-eyed trait. Some German Shepherd mixed breeds also have blue eyes. Siberian Huskies are a typical example of this. Many Siberian Huskies have blue eyes. Therefore, if you breed them with a German Shepherd, your odds of getting a blue-eyed puppy are much higher. Of course, brown-eyed dogs are much more common. Finding two German Shepherds with blue-eyed traits is much more difficult than finding a Husky with blue eyes. At the moment, it is unknown. There have been few studies done on blue-eyed German Shepherds simply because there are so few of them. Most German Shepherds with blue-eyes are also mixed breeds. There are some health problems associated with blue eyes in other breeds, though. This is primarily because of the decrease in melanin that these dogs produce. For instance, German Dalmatians with blue eyes are more likely to have sensorineural deafness. However, this study also found that there was obvious inheritability even when eye color was controlled for. Therefore, other genes involved caused the deafness — not just the blue eye color itself. It may be that the blue-eyed gene itself has a large enough effect to cause deafness — or German Shepherds may not be affected at all due to their lack of this other deafness gene. Dalmatians also have an increased chance of being deaf if they have blue eyes. There have been other physical traits linked to increased deafness in Dalmatians in dogs, including the amount of spotting in their coat. This may suggest that German Shepherds will have an equal chance of being deaf if they have blue eyes. However, this is not known for sure. What About Merle German Shepherds? There are no merle German Shepherds. However, mixed-breed German Shepherds may have the merle gene — depending on the dog they are bred with. Sadly, the merle gene causes quite a few health problems. However, the science is pretty clear on this topic. Many proposed health problems may come along with a merle coat. However, only a few have scientific evidence supporting them. Dogs with the merle gene are nearly twice as likely to be deaf or blind than those without it. Multiple studies have drawn these conclusions. These health problems likely stem from the decrease in pigment the dog creates, leading to problems with their eyes and ears. Many breeders will not attempt to create merle German Shepherds for this reason. And these canines would not be purebred. It makes the dog worthless since they cannot be shown. Finding a blue-eyed German Shepherd is extremely difficult. For the most part, these dogs are rare. Most breeders produce dogs to be shown in the show ring. Instead, they are focused on producing pet-quality dogs. In this case, they may purposefully breed dogs with blue eyes, as many potential pet owners are willing to pay a high price for these German Shepherds. These breeders are few and far between. You may have to travel quite far to find one. And the waiting list may be substantial. If you want a dog now, you should probably settle on one with brown eyes. Due to their rarity, some people assume that this is a defect. However, it is caused by a recessive gene — it just happens to be a rare one. There may be some health problems associated with this gene. In other breeds, dogs with blue eyes are more likely to have certain health conditions. Plus, the current need for studies is relatively low, as these dogs are often not very common. If these dogs do have different health problems, the odds are likely not substantial. They might have a slightly higher chance of being deaf, for instance — but this chance will be meager. However, you may want to keep this in mind if you decide to adopt one. Conclusion Blue-eyed German Shepherds are very rare. The blue-eyed gene does exist in this breed. However, it is not nearly as common as the brown-eyed gene. Therefore, finding these dogs is difficult. Many breeders do not produce German Shepherds with blue eyes because they cannot be shown. They will avoid breeding these dogs where possible, though some blue-eyed dogs may pop up occasionally. These breeders usually market their dogs to pet owners. Stay on the lookout for more studies, which may be published as this dog becomes more popular. Author: Kristin Kristin was born in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and children. She is passionate about educating pet parents and helping them make the best possible decisions for their pets. She currently owns one dog, two cats, a lizard, and a variety of fish. Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.
Puppy Supplies Welcome to Buck Family Farm, a place where our love for Golden Retrievers has evolved into a passion for providing families with affectionate, intelligent, and healthy Golden Retriever Puppies. Our goal is to make sure your next family pet is everything you expected and more. Our Dogs Our family specializes in raising Golden Retrievers of all coat shades who enjoy our spacious 20 acre farm. It is important to us that each dog gets special attention and care each day. Our family-style setup allows our dogs to have the luxury of running free and romping around to their hearts' content while playing together and with our family. Also, since this is our at-home classroom, someone is always available to play ball or give a much needed scratch on the belly and pat on the head. Genetic testing is also performed on each dog to help us make wise choices for the best pairings and to produce puppies with the best probability of excellent health. Of high importance however, is taking into consideration the temperament of each of our Golden Retrievers to produce a well balanced and friendly companion, who exhibits all of the classic traits of the breed. Puppies Buck Family Farm puppies are AKC registered, vet certified, have first shots, are wormed and will come to your home with a 1 year health guarantee and a first bag of puppy food. We also send a blanket with mommy's scent and all appropriate NYS paperwork as well as copies of parents' health clearances. Our desire is to make your experience with us and our puppies everything you expected and more. Puppy Applications If you are interested in purchasing a puppy from our farm please fill out an adoption application to help us get to know you a little better. When your application is accepted you will have the opportunity to place your name on our waiting list for an additional fee. This ensures a courtesy call when a particular color, gender or litter of choice has arrived. You will then have the opportunity to place a deposit on one of our puppies. You will receive a courtesy notification of the litters' arrival and have opportunity to place a deposit. However, deposits that are not submitted promptly will affect your pick-order. Deposits are usually non-refundable. Placing a Deposit Once a new litter is born and determined to be healthy and thriving, we open them for deposit. First, to those on our waiting list, and then to families who have pre-approved applications. We choose puppies at 5 weeks of age in the order that deposits were placed. Please contact us for Paypal, zelle and Venmo handles. Visiting We frequently update pictures of all puppies on a regular basis. You will not be allowed to visit the puppies or parents until mommy is settled in and feeling comfortable with visitors. At 5 weeks of age we have adopting families visit our farm and choose their puppy. Puppies are chosen in the order that deposits were placed. Homecoming At 8 weeks of age and after veterinary examination, puppies will be united with their forever families! Website: Hilltopgoldenretriever. They want to breed healthy, content dogs that will make devoted companions. Four adorable Golden Retriever puppies wandering on the flower bed. What a lovely day! Every parent dog has undergone a health examination, and their pedigrees are posted on their website for anyone to view. The breeders socialize the puppies with kids and adult dogs and desensitize them to household noises. They also ensure all puppies are vet checked and certified. The pups come with AKC registration, a 1-year health guarantee, and litter pedigree. They will have received their latest shots and deworming. Nevani Goldens Nevani Goldens sets the standards high. They raise their dogs at home, where they interact with their children. The Golden Retriever puppy smiles while sitting on a blanket. Each parent dog has undergone genetic testing and received an OFA clearance. The breeders raise the puppies using puppy culture techniques, so the pups are content and healthy. They monitor their health from birth and offer a 2-year health guarantee with the pups. Her love for the breed soon made her a breeder, a passion she is very dedicated to. Golden Retriever family lying on the grass. She breeds animals at home and places a high value on temperament. They are also cleared for OFA, eye, elbow, and heart. Timberscombe Golden Retrievers Timberscombe is a family breeder that breeds healthy Golden Retrievers. The dogs are raised in their home and loved like family members. The breeding program does not use animals that do not pass these tests. The breeders feed them premium dog food so that they enjoy optimum health. The puppies are socialized to make them great companions. They are dewormed at 2, 4, 5, and 7—8 weeks of age and vaccinated at 6 weeks. All puppies come with limited or full AKC registration, depending on your preference. They accommodate buyers and are ready to meet them if they are within a 1. Breeder Details:. Both of which conduct yearly inspections and verify my dogs are all well cared for. I have been breeding Golden Retrievers since .I hold a degree in Animal Science. I have worked several years in an active animal hospital. I administer most of my own vaccines, conduct progesterone testing with my own machine determines best timing of breeding through collection of blood sample , and I conduct my own ultrasound at home for confirmation of pregnancies. I conduct natural breeding with all my dogs. Delivery of puppies also occurs at my home naturally unless an emergency health issue dictates otherwise. I am very passionate about the care of my dogs and strive to have the healthiest and happiest puppies possible. If you would like to see more detailed information about Hilltop Golden Retriever, please continue to read on and click through all the tabs of this website. Hilltop Golden Retriever Location: If your still unsure of where South Westerlo is located, we are about 25 minutes northwest of Catskill and 35 minutes southwest of Albany capital of NY. We are closest to Albany International Airport if you are looking to fly. If you are looking for a direct flight, you might want to look into Newark but would require a car rental and some travel time on the road. If you are traveling from decent distance away and in search of a hotel. If your early for your puppy pickup appointment and looking to get something to eat, a few minutes away in Greenville you can find the Tasting Lab or the Tiny Diner to sit down at. If you want something quicker check out the hot dog stand in front of the Tiny Diner or the Dunkin Donuts just up the road off of .I worked several years as a veterinarian technician assistant in a very active animal hospital. Over the years I learned so much and gained a lot of experience that has helped me excel as a breeder. While I was attending college, I ended up meeting my husband. He also shared my passion in dogs. She was my dream come true and truly encouraged me to be the breeder I am today. I fell in love with a dark female puppy from the litter. Over time and seeing so many families pleased with our puppies we wanted to grow. We felt that a large property was a must for our dogs to exercise and play. We ended up selling our first home and purchasing the house where we reside now. Technically our mailing address is in Greenville however we are in fact in South Westerlo within the hills of Albany county. Both of our families are from the area, so the transition was very supportive and the location is very easy to travel from or to the New York State Thruway or from Interstate I.Soon after our move we have spent so much time with creating the best environment and care for our dogs. Throughout the year we get visited by the state and AKC to verify our dogs are in the best care possible. Everything was thought of during this build. The building consists of two floors. Fans are optional throughout the entire interior. We have additional propane heaters that will work with no electricity. The floors have built in drainage and are covered in grippy flecked epoxy. Our dogs have constant access to water and have comfortable Kuranda beds to lay on. We have designated areas for our older puppies after mom is done nursing them. These areas consist of very nice over-sized play areas. The walls are made out of washable white plastic, and we use g-flooring with fresh wood chips for the bedding. The puppies have plenty of toys and their own Kuranda bed s that they love to lay on or hide below it. Our outside run area consists of a fully covered roof, so our dogs are protected from the elements, with lighting and fans. The play area has over feet of beautiful black chain link fencing. The large play area also offers a doggy playground area where they have plenty of toys to tug and pull on. About our Dogs: We strive to provide the best and healthiest lines of Golden Retrievers. We spend endless hours in search and communication with multiple breeders from all over the United States. Checking pedigrees and clearances prior to committing with a new line. We have made some amazing relationships with some of the best breeders, all of which share the same common goal of breeding healthy AKC Golden Retrievers. We raise and train all of our puppies within our home. We work with commands, potty training, and socialization on many different platforms and various environments. Early on we are verifying their personality and traits are conclusive with a possible prospect for future breeding. As time goes on, we decide if they are a good candidate or not for breeding. If they are a good candidate additional health testing is scheduled per their age. We conduct several medical tests to verify healthy lines prior to breeding. The health tests set us apart from most breeders that claim their dogs are healthy per a veterinarian check or that claim that they conduct DNA genetic health testing but nothing else. One of the first health tests that we conduct and one of the most important tests on all our dogs, is DNA genetic testing. We have used Animal Genetics in the past but have been shifting towards using Embark. This test allows us to verify we have the best pairing of parents prior to breeding and that we are not passing on bad genes that could be avoidable issues in the future. After our dogs turn 1, they proceed to get OFA testing of their eyes and heart. A specialist either looks at their eyes or heart to verify they have no health conditions that could be passed to their offspring. If we are lucky enough that our young golden passes, we will move forward to the next health testing stage. The next health test that we typically conduct once our young golden is 1. While they are sedated to have these x-rays we usually also have Penn Hip testing done. Also, per our vet the Penn Hip is a better test to know the overall health of the hips as they test the elasticity and movement rather then judging based on an image. Last health test we do is done at the age of 2 years old. As the dogs age their bones calcify, a dog with failing elbow or hips younger then 2 could very well change to passing once they turn 2. Under each dog there is a link from K9 data. Unfortunately K9 data will not allow preliminary testing information in the link which is the OFA elbow and hip test results if the dog is under 2 years of age when the test is conducted. However we do list the preliminary test results under each dog. Once we have the official results K9 data will be updated to reflect their latest test results. We are constantly conducting health tests and updating K9 data as well as the webpage. Lots of factors could play into why a dog could fail their OFA elbows or hip tests. It may not necessarily be genetic but instead could be from the environment that they are raised in. Limiting their jumping heights is extremely important. Simply slipping on ice can cause unforeseen affects to their overall development. It is also highly recommended for additional joint supplements as they grow, we prefer the use of NuVet supplements see link on website tab for further information on NuVet products. Lack of vitamin C in their food is another considered attribute to not having passing scores. All of these factors are highly overseen during the raising of our potential breeding dogs. Unfortunately, sometimes our dogs do not pass all of their tests. We sometimes keep them, but we also have found amazing homes for them. We are even more particular in their home placement as we know their personalities and what would be the best fit. They will be spayed prior or be contracted to be spayed soon after being placed in their new homes. We are very focused on ensuring we know our breeding stock through both their individual health and their genealogy testing. Our dogs and puppies get a lot of socializing. Daily they are engaged with our other dogs, our young sons, our friends, and other family members. They all get a ton of love and attention. This ensures they keep up on their house manners and it also makes it incredibly easier when pregnant moms deliver within our home. Our dogs are not kept outdoors like you might see with other breeders. We also have them go into large fenced in play areas where they play in large groups with each other. We do not show our dogs or conduct any competitions with them. When I am not raising my children, I am constantly spending time with my dogs or interacting with potential customers. My husband works many hours in his law enforcement career to dedicate any additional time in competitions, trials, or shows. Once he retires and the children are older, we may pursue that however it is not our current focus. Some of the lighter goldens that we have also known as English Creams do have championship titles in their bloodlines as does our darker red field goldens. Any of our puppies with proper training could and would be amazing for shows or hunting trials as its in their bloodline. About our Puppies: I usually make the determination of puppies after 30 days of a breeding. I have my own ultrasound machine and can get a good determination of how many puppies are present. It does not give me an exact count. Only way to really narrow down the number of puppies is by an x-ray, around the day mark. I do not conduct my own x-rays and that would require a visit to the animal hospital. To reduce stress on mom and the puppies we do not do x-rays. I get a final count upon delivery keeping mom where she is most comfortable. Delivery of puppies take place in my home around the days after being bred, unless an emergency C-section requires otherwise. Typically, all our puppies are delivered naturally. Someone is always with the mother for the entire delivery. It is very strenuous but has the best outcome for both mom and pups. When all the puppies are born, we will post pictures on the Facebook page. We will then reach out to anyone on our waiting list. If by chance, there are any extra puppies we will make an announcement on Facebook after exhausting our wait list. Sometimes people back out and puppies do come up available at various times. During the initial few days into the few weeks mom and puppies are spending a lot of quality time together. We are keeping a close attention that everyone is gaining weight and seem to be progressing. The pups are handled daily by us. After about 2 weeks eyes and ears will begin to open. The fourth week they are starting to find their legs and moving around exploring. The fifth week if all are doing well, I begin the weaning process where mom is nursing less and less as I introduce kibble to their diet. We begin the deworming process and also begin the first vaccine. We do not travel with the puppies to an animal hospital. I feel it could be stressful for the puppies and creates an opportunity for the puppies to be exposed to other pet sicknesses. I have a traveling vet come and conduct full physicals on all of the puppies. You will receive a copy of her report in the puppy folder upon pickup date. We have outside play areas and toys for them to interact with. They will also be played with by children and handled by adults. They will have several toys to interact with. Obstacles will be in there play pens to learn jumping and crawling. Process Purchasing a Puppy: If you decide that you would like to move forward with getting a puppy, we recommend that you first look at the females and the males that we have. Sometimes the males could change if multiple females come into heat at the same time. We also have an additional tab where you can view planned future breeding so you can have a better idea of potential pairings. Next, I would like to have a phone interview so we can find out more about yourself and the home that a puppy of mine would be going to. In our discussion I would like to know which mother you were leaning towards and whether you prefer a male or female puppy. I can go over all additional questions that you may have including total costs. If both parties are fully satisfied, I will move forward with sending you over the contract. I sell all my puppies with limited AKC registration. Under certain circumstances I will offer full AKC registration for an additional charge. If you are wondering what the difference is between limited and full registration. Limited registration means you can never breed a puppy from me and it will be expected upon proper age that the dog is spayed. Full registration is only for breeders that want to purchase a puppy with intentions of breeding. I am not against giving another breeder full registration however it must be discussed prior, and all requirements must be met that I have. I do require the final payment to be in cash upon pickup of the puppy, so there no issues of bounced checks or issues with sending monies from one bank institution to another. No exceptions. I typically only reserve the first 3 females and the first 3 males as there are no guarantees of how many puppies are born. I go in order of when I am contacted. For an example if you contacted me in May for a female, and John Doe contacted me in January for a female from the same mother then John Doe will get first pick and you would get second pick. It seems to be the fairest method I have come across and will be moving forward with that process unless I discover a better way. I also reserve the right to have first pick so I can sustain my future breeding line as it dictates. I do not allow visitation to the puppies until they are ready for pickup. It also increases the chances for the puppies to get sick and potentially all die from a condition call parvo, as they are not full vaccinated. I have scheduled meetings with individuals that would like to meet me and the adult dogs fully vaccinated prior to making a commitment but not when I have current litters. I would recommend if you want to see the puppies earlier to log into Facebook and follow my page on there. I conduct live videos where you can see all the puppies. After a few weeks old we begin to collar them so you can tell them apart better. I do not place or pick certain pups for certain homes. Some people may not like that due to a puppies drive or behavior. I personally feel training is key to your dogs behavior. You have to spend time with this puppy and be consistent. Goldens just want to please you, but they will test you to learn their place in the household. If you lack experience in training dogs, I do recommend you work with a trainer and read literature so you can achieve the most success with your puppy. You will get an hour to choose your puppy. Please be mindful as I will have others scheduled after your hour of time is completed. I will need some of that time to go over paperwork that is required through the state to complete. I have no problems if you want to bring a trainer or conduct your own tests to see if one puppy might be a better fit based on their opinion. Please be respectful of my property and do not go adventuring around wherever you may like without me being present. Once you pick your puppy and all paperwork has been completed, you will be provided with vet records of your puppy and the vaccines that were previously given. At this time, I do not microchip any puppies. I personally feel the best time to microchip a puppy is when they are sedated which I recommend during the spay. We do require that you schedule an appointment with your vet within 14 days of the pickup date. You may want to schedule this prior to arrival as animal hospitals have been extremely busy. We will have gift bag for you. There will be some surprises in there for your pup, including enough puppy food for the next several days so you can either remain on it or gradually change the food to one of your liking. We highly recommend slowly changing the food over time if you decide to change it as they have extremely sensitive stomachs at this age. Sybil and Knox had a handsome litter of eight males 9. Reservations are now open. Pups can go home in 8 weeks! Toga and Knox are planning a litter to arrive around October .Three male and three female reservations are now open. Mercy and Knox are planning a litter to arrive around November 7. Golden Testimonials This is Rex. Age 2. A proud Saratoga Goldens sporting his new official Therapy Dog vest and badge. He loves bringing smiles and cuddles to everyone he meets. Emily Cal dark green is doing well and enjoying his new home! Thank you so much for such a happy and healthy puppy. He is so loved! Allie We love our little Emma aka Cream!! She is so smart and growing quickly before our eyes! She is very happy and playful, has imprinted on her big brother Cobe, easily climbs up and down stairs, walks on a leash around the property, enjoys the autumn leaves, sleeps all night, and is a joy to our lives! He spends a few days per week making visits to local schools, hospitals and retirement home. Everyone loves him! Ryan Daisy is happy and healthy in Massachusetts! She's especially in love with tennis balls and using them as excuses to dig under the fence we're working on that training. We're thrilled to have her as part of our family! Lock in your puppy price with a reservation deposit today. Please see our lower price on our link at the bottom of this page. We accept all major credit cards, Apple Pay, and cash. Reserving online ensures you get a puppy when they are ready to go to its new home. As responsible hobby breeders, we will not breed dogs with DNA deficiencies. We use the Golden Retriever DNA testing for six areas, including the eyes to ensure the best parental genetics in furthering the Golden Line. Every dog is different, and genetic mutations are always possible in any line, but we do our best to ensure healthy and happy puppies. Training a puppy takes time and patience, but you can do it! The companion and friend you develop in your puppy will be an excellent addition to your household for many years to come. Place a deposit down for your puppy to ensure you get your puppy from our next litter. Please read the details below: What are the advantages of a Saratoga Goldens puppy? Our Golden puppy parents are each genetically tested. Please view each mother's dog for her complete testing details. Our Goldens have a 1-year health guarantee as described in the reservation contract. Our Goldens are enriched with a daily multivitamin and are treated with supplements from Nutrivet as needed. You will also receive a bottle of vitamins with your puppy. Our Goldens are raised in a clean, safe property with our loving family. Our Goldens enjoy lots of sunshine and exercise. Our Goldens are exposed to other dogs and other animals, such as domestic rabbits. Our Goldens are veterinarian checked and will have all age-determined vaccinations Duvet Spectra 5, week 6 and worming before pick up. Just off I.Many customers make a memorable trip and enjoy the attractions in the Saratoga region when picking up their puppy to take home. Our Golden puppy online selection process in week six reservation 1 receives 1st pick, the 2 reservation gets 2nd pick and so forth. If necessary, our Golden 3 free boarding days after pick-up day. Standard boarding fee for extra days. Our Golden price is competitive with regional breeders. See price here. Online reservation deposit options include payment with any major credit card and Apple Pay. We will contact our waiting list once we have puppy litter news! Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for New York Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in New York? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in New York? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. History Where are Golden Retrievers from? One of the best documented and most fortuitous efforts to produce a breed resulted in the Golden Retriever. The man responsible for the breed was Lord Tweedmouth, who lived just north of the Scottish border along the Tweed River. How big do Golden Retrievers get? Goldens can reach a weight of 55 — 75 lbs, and a height between .A Golden Retriever has a dense, straight or wavy outer water-repellent coat, which sheds heavily twice annually and lightly throughout the year. Groom a Golden Retriever weekly to maintain the double coat and control shedding. What are the Golden Retriever colors? The breed was first considered to be a yellow variety of Flat-Coated Retrievers but was recognized as a separate breed, the Yellow or Golden Retriever, in .What makes the Golden Retriever dog so popular? The breed was valued for the hunting abilities so ably produced by the careful blending of foundation stock, and only later became popular as a pet. How long do Golden Retrievers live? Golden Retrievers have a lifespan of 10—13 years. What are some Golden Retriever facts and information? Facts Golden Retrievers are best known to: Push through heavy vegetation.
How much is a French Bulldog puppy? Most French Bulldogs are sold or adopted as puppies, so the cost and considerations above apply to puppies and adults. Younger dogs will likely cost more because people prefer to bring puppies into their homes for several reasons. Puppies are cuter and easier to train, and owners get more time with them because they are younger. Most breeders will not sell puppies until they are at least eight weeks old because they need to spend their first two months of life with their mother. So the youngest you can usually get a French Bulldog is eight to ten weeks. An eight-week-old French Bulldog will cost more than a six-month-old French Bulldog simply because there is a higher demand for very young puppies. Learn about the top factors that increase the price of a Frenchie below. Colors and Patterns The color is possibly the most important factor in the cost of a French Bulldog. There are several coat color options, and some are rarer and more sought after than others. Sable: Sable is a light brown, beige-ish color. Sable is one of the most common colors in French Bulldogs, so sable dogs are not typically more expensive or sought after. The color is the same as a fawn, except their snout and sometimes the tip of their tail are black. Blue French Bulldog: Blue dogs are popular among celebrities and the extremely wealthy, boosting. The color is a cool-toned dark gray, almost a soft blue. The gray is comparable to slate gray. They need two dilution genes to create this color, which can lead to some coat-related health problems like alopecia. Despite the potential health problems, people pay high prices for blue Frenchies. Chocolate: Surprisingly, chocolate Frenchies are very rare. The chocolate color requires two recessive chocolate genes but is not associated with health problems. Chocolate Frenchies can be dark, deep brown, or soft brown. Aside from the delicious coat color, chocolate Frenchies are popular because they often have unique eye colors, like green, gold, bright yellow, and even orange. Lilac French Bulldog : Like blue Frenchies, lilac Frenchies are rare and in high demand among famous and wealthy people. The color typically requires two chocolate genes and two blue genes , which are both rare. Other unusual gene combinations can result in the lilac color. They can suffer from the same health problems as blue dogs, but they cost twice as much. Isabella Frenchies are lilac dogs with a proven genetic code for the color. Cream: Cream Frenchies have an eggshell or cream-colored coat. Their coat has a subtle tan tint, and they often have dark-colored snouts. Their features are typically black, unlike white bulldogs with lighter, pinker features. White: White Frenchies are a bit more common than cream Frenchies, and they have a much brighter, lighter white coat. As mentioned above, they often have light features, like pink eye rims, bright pink ears, and sometimes a pink nose. Pure Black: Pure black Frenchies are surprisingly rare. Black genes are not rare, but the lack of genes for any markings can be hard to cultivate. Most Frenchies with black genes are merle or have tan markings, so pure black coats are harder to find. Black and Tan: Black and tan Frenchies are rarer than you may expect, but not nearly as hard to find as blue, cream, white, pure black, or lilac dogs. Many breeders specialize in black and tan dogs, so they can be pretty expensive. They are typically mostly black with tan marketing on their chest, face, and paws, but can also be mostly tan with black markings. Black and White: Black and white Frenchies are just as common as black and tan, but will almost always be primarily black with white chests or necks. There are also Piebald Frenchies, which are technically a different coat color and are primarily white not cream with large black spots on their backsides and rear. Merle: Merle French Bulldogs are different because this coat pattern is unnatural in their genetic code. Merle dogs have spots and patches, usually black and gray. Dogs with this coat often have health issues like eye and ear problems. Merle dogs are rare but not as sought after as other colors. Blue Fawn: Blue fawn Frenchies have the fawn and dilution genes, creating a soft, blueish-brown coat. Sometimes, their snouts have a lilac or blue color, and their eyes are usually a lighter color, like blue or violet. Bloodline and Purity Bloodline and purity are typically the top factors that affect the price after color. Many people who buy Frenchies from breeders expect to get a purebred Frenchie. Purebred Frenchies will cost more than mixed breeds, but the bloodline is important too. People want dogs with strong bloodlines and little to no genetic disorders or diseases. Breeders charge more when they can prove not only the health of the dog for sale, but the health of their siblings, parents, and grandparents. Genetic tests and health records that show that their lineage is healthy will substantially increase the price. Breeder Reputation The breeder's reputation will increase the price too. As breeders become more reputable and highly rated, they will likely increase their prices because they can. Also, the best breeders often only produce a handful of litters a year, so they need to charge more for each puppy to make their investment back. Some breeders may produce only one or two litters, but the best usually produce no more than three in one year. Reputable breeders offer DNA tests, genetic information, lineage history, and other things that guarantee a healthy and genetically pure Frenchie, so they charge more. Frenchies typically weigh between 16 and 28 pounds and stand about 12 inches tall. Most people seek smaller Frenchies because they are likely to live longer, so a Frenchie expected to be 15 pounds will be more expensive than one expected to be 30 pounds. Something as simple as a high-quality GPS tracking collar ensures you can always find your sweet Frenchie, no matter how far they run. Protect your pup with the Fi GPS tracking color, so no matter what happens you can always find them and bring them home. Personality One of the reasons people love Frenchies is their charming personalities. They are typically very good with other dogs, bark sparingly, are easy to train, and have moderate energy levels that are manageable. Frenchies are playful but still protective, and are usually friendly enough with strangers, making them easy and fun dogs to love and care for. Size and Weight As mentioned, French Bulldogs weigh between 16 and 28 pounds and are around 12 inches tall at the shoulder. Average Lifespan The average lifespan of a healthy French Bulldog is between 11 and 15 years , which is standard for smaller breeds. While some coat colors are associated with health problems, none of these problems are fatal eye, ear, skin, fur problems. Unlike light, athletically-built dogs, Frenchies have low endurance and moderate energy. Approximate Lifetime Care Costs The cost of owning a dog can range widely depending on how you take care of them, like the quality of food you give them, how often you take them to the vet, and if you invest in training. How much is a French Bulldog as a lifetime pet? Also expensive. So, how can you lower these costs? The top way to keep the cost of your Frenchie down is to be open to all coat colors and sizes, as choosing a common coat color can save you thousands. Buying a slightly older Frenchie can also save you money. As far as lifetime costs, you can save money by training at home, buying affordable food, using pet insurance, grooming at home, and having friends or family pet sit instead of boarding can all make owning a Frenchie cheaper. When you do get your beloved pup, make sure you protect them with a Fi GPS Tracking Dog Collar , so if they ever get lost, you can find them easily. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Want to know more about TryFi. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. However, that price can increase significantly, even into five figures, depending on the location and reputation of the breeder. Reproducing requires artificial insemination. These factors increase the investment for French bulldog breeders. The more investment a breeder makes into producing healthy high-quality dogs in good environments, the higher the price will be. The rarer the color is, such as blue, lilac or chocolate, the more you can expect to pay. Certain coat patterns, such as pied, merle or brindle, will also be more expensive. Female French bulldogs and those with blue eyes are pricier as well. Adopting through the French Bulldog Rescue Network is a more affordable way to acquire a new puppy or adult Frenchie. The French bulldog breed is exceptional with many rare characteristics that make them popular among dog owners. But there are also some challenges and things to watch out for. French Bulldog Size Fully grown French bulldogs average 12 inches tall. Adult females often weigh between 16 and 24 pounds, and males reach 20 to 24 pounds. Most French bulldogs will continue to gain weight until about 14 months old but stop gaining height between nine and 12 months. There are also mini Frenchies, also known as teacup French bulldogs. These are bred to be miniature versions of standard French bulldogs, weighing between five and 14 pounds. They typically shed in spring and fall, so you should increase coat brushing during that time to help reduce hair in your home. This can help you save on grooming costs. French Bulldog Appearance Along with breeds like English Bulldogs and pugs, French bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed, which means they have a shortened snout. Their faces are wrinkly and scrunched, giving them a distinct look, even as puppies. French Bulldog Colors French bulldogs come in many different coat colors. These include neutral colors — such as cream, gray, tan and black — as well as more rare colors like lilac, blue and chocolate. The rarer the color, the more expensive the price of a French bulldog will be. French Bulldog Temperament These pups are affectionate and playful, making them great companions. Training is recommended for French bulldogs since they can march to the beat of their own drum without guidance. Most Frenchies respond well to training, especially when treats are involved. Trainers believe French bulldogs understand commands but are moody and will respond as they feel like it. Frenchies are great family dogs, do well around other pets and prefer companionship. A companion will also allow you to leave them alone for longer periods of time without them getting frustrated. But, of course, another pet will come with its own costs. French Bulldog Activity Level Frenchies are not the best dog if you want a jogging companion. French Bulldog Life Expectancy French bulldogs have an average lifespan of 12 years if well taken care of. If they remain in great health, they can live as long as 15 years. Your veterinarian will periodically examine your Frenchie to ensure he or she is growing properly. Due to their flat faces and short necks, it can be difficult for French bulldogs to use standard feeding bowls. You can instead provide elevated dog food and water bowls to help your pet eat and drink more comfortably. Buying treats, toys or a comfortable dog bed can also help your Frenchie feel welcome in its new home. They were bred to be smaller versions of the larger bulldog and quickly became popular companions for Parisians living in small spaces. They have bat-like ears, can have a range of colors, and boast a short, smooth coat. They tend to weigh 28 pounds or less and are easily trainable. This is something to consider before bringing one into your home. The cost of a French bulldog varies based on where you buy it, as well as other unique factors about the dog. Purchasing a French bulldog from a breeder will typically cost more than adopting one from a shelter or rescue. How much does it cost to buy a French bulldog from a breeder? How much does it cost to adopt a French bulldog from a rescue? Sometimes, adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue organization is free. Why are French bulldogs so expensive? French bulldogs have long been one of the most popular dog breeds in the country. French bulldogs are also difficult to breed. They typically require artificial insemination and C-sections upon delivery. This can increase the cost for breeders, who pass those expenses onto the consumer via high prices. Factors that affect the price of a French bulldog Many factors can make a Frenchie — or any dog, for that matter — more expensive than the next. Some colors are very common, including white, cream, and black. Rare colors, like merle, blue, brindle, and lilac, are more unique and typically fetch a higher price. Gender: Female dogs usually cost more than males since they have the ability to produce future generations — and future income if you decide to sell any of her puppies. Bloodline and genetics: If a dog has parents or grandparents who've won shows, have other accolades, or were AKC-registered, this can increase their price. Dogs with health guarantees may also cost more. Breeder: The location and quality of a breeder — as well as the animals, methods, and facilities they use — can vary widely. You can expect a highly regarded, long-time breeder with a great reputation to charge more than someone with less experience breeding French bulldogs. Sometimes their price can be double that of a Frenchie in a common color like white or black. Boarding or pet sitting If you send your pup to doggie daycare, have them boarded while traveling, or hire a pet sitter, this will add to your ongoing costs. Ongoing classes may cost more than this, though. Pet insurance — if you decide to purchase it — may offset some of these costs, as well as other medical expenses. The American Kennel Club claims that Frenchies need coat grooming only once per month. What are some common French bulldog health problems? Hemivertebrae: Hemivertebrae can cause your dog to develop triangle-shaped vertebrae that can result in pain, weakness, and paralysis. Hip dysplasia: This is when the hip joint degenerates and no longer fits properly into the socket. It can often occur in Frenchies that are over-exercised. Patellar luxation: This condition occurs when the kneecap slips out of place. It can cause walking problems and arthritis. Your Frenchie may also develop issues outside of these breed-specific problems that may also need treatment. What is the best insurance plan for your Frenchie? Some pet insurance plans cover only accidents and injuries, while others include preventative care, dental care, vaccinations, and other services. Consider your lifestyle and what activities you plan to do with your Frenchie before selecting a plan. Additional coverages may cost more. Asking for referrals from friends, family members, or colleagues who have bought Frenchies is one place to start. This can help you gauge the conditions the dog will be born into and the genetic line they come from. You can also look out for the signs of a responsible dog breeder, as outlined by the Humane Society of the United States. Is a French bulldog the right dog breed for you? French bulldogs might be right for you if you can afford the potentially high initial investment and are willing to spend time playing and socializing with your pup, as they are affectionate, playful, and active animals. The American Kennel Club says this breed is good with young children, good with other dogs, and overall very trainable. French bulldog FAQs French bulldogs are a unique and popular breed. What is the life expectancy of a French bulldog? French bulldogs have a life expectancy of nine to 12 years. This is slightly less than the average dog, which lives an average of 10 to 13 years. Do French bulldogs bark a lot? French bulldogs are not big barkers. A short daily walk should be enough for this small breed, making them a good fit for apartment and city life, where yards and large lots can be hard to find. What is the cheapest French bulldog? Purebred dogs represent only a small portion of shelter animals, so you may find yourself with a mixed Frenchie if you adopt one. What is the most expensive Frenchie? The rarest Frenchies tend to be the most expensive. How much is a French bulldog worth? Related articles. Check out our French Bulldog Puppies What is included in our prices? We provide nanny service to all major US airports for an extra fee. Shipping to other countries is also possible, contact us for more info! PayPal and Stripe have payment insurance which means that they keep your money pending until you get the puppy. We get your money just after you have confirmed that your puppy has arrived in your arms safe and sound! Shots up-to-date worth USD Our pups receive all the necessary shots while they are with us: 1. Deworming worth 50 USD Our puppies are dewormed every two weeks from the age of 4 weeks old and they also get Simparica Trio against ticks, fleas and heartworms right before they leave. Anti-parasite treatment worth USD We give our puppies anti-parasite treatment against all parasites before they leave except for heart worms. Echocardiogram heart examination, worth 1, USD We do echocardiogram on our Frenchies and when we find the slightest chance of heart murmur in one of them, we rather cancel the adoption and find a loving home for them locally. Valer, French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies Membership and right to post in the TomKings Frenchie Family closed Facebook group We created a Facebook group for our adopters where we answer their questions and they share their experiences with each other. We are a Family because we are connected by the love towards Frenchies and we are always there to help and support each other, as well as share valuable experiences and advice! Only TomKings Frenchie parents are allowed to post and ask from us or any other member in the group. Participation in TomKings Frenchie Meetups We organize Frenchie Meetups in major cities throughout the States where you can talk with other TomKings Frenchie owners and exchange advice while your Frenchies are playing with each other. Frenchie Love eBook worth .Lifetime Health Guarantee We give you a lifetime health guarantee on all genetic disorders which cause death, which means that we send you another puppy if your Frenchie dies. We have never had that so far since the parent dogs go through a rigorous selection process before the breeding program and our vet checks the puppies often. We know that Frenchie owners have a bunch of questions about feeding, raising, training, etc. Our goal is to have only happy and healthy puppies so we will always be there to answer your questions! Lifetime vet assistance Frenchie owners have a lot of questions about the health of their puppies and most of the time they run to their vet right away and leave a fortune there for nothing. We even tell you whether you need to visit your vet at all! Health certification TomKings Frenchies are examined strictly before they leave for their new homes and we give you a health certificate which can be used if you want to have insurance for your puppy which we highly recommend. Exceptional care We treat every puppy as a family member from the moment they are born. We believe that the secret of having socialized and healthy Frenchie puppies is spending time with them all day long and letting them run and play in the backyard. Potty training It is crucial how puppies are trained at the beginning of their lives. At TomKings Puppies we are focusing not only on their health but their proper training as well. We start potty training for them so that you have a much easier job! Ultimate Guide. Depending on where you live sorry California, it is expensive where you are! This could indicate the dog is coming from a puppy mill. You can read why you should avoid buying dogs from puppy mills here. But the popularity of the dog means there can be a lot of competition for the Frenchies that do need a home. There are a lot of factors that can influence price, and if you are looking for a show dog or a dog for breeding, you should expect to pay a lot more. Certain colors, which are desirable but genetically quite rare, can also push up the price. A brindle or black puppy will usually be at the lower end of the scale, but a breeder might ask a lot more for a platinum or blue fawn puppy. This is Micro, a perfect body specimen for a Frenchie. He also has a blue coat and orange eyes, which are quite rare in dogs. What About Mini Frenchies? Mini Frenchies, also known as Teacup Frenchies, are the same fantastic dog, but they are quite a bit smaller than usual. You can expect them to weigh just 5 to 14 pounds on average. Due to their smaller size, though, their bodies can be fragile, so it is important not to engage in rough play with them. These dogs are even harder to breed see below than standard French bulldogs, so they are also quite a bit more expensive. Why are they so expensive, then? One factor is high demand since they are a very desirable dog breed. But that is not the whole story, since Labs are also one of the most popular dog breeds. Health Problems One of the biggest factors is these dogs have a lot of health problems. Most of their health issues are related to their flat, brachycephalic faces similar to Pugs and American bulldogs , which makes them particularly prone to breathing issues and allergies. This unique facial structure can also affect the formation of their jaw, and the health of their eyes, and can even affect their healing from certain illnesses and injuries. On top of this, they can also be prone to hip dysplasia, kneecap shifts, and heat stress. Fortunately, breeders try to control these breed-specific issues. It is essential that responsible breeders do their best to control these conditions, which means DNA scanning, genetic testing, multiple trips to the vet, and paying extra close attention to the developing puppies. Of course, all of this comes with a cost. Breeding Problems The other big problem is that Frenchies are extremely hard to breed. As well as the operation itself is expensive, the mother and pups need extra care afterward. Plus, breeders need to give their mother dogs significantly longer to recuperate before they can think about breeding them again. On top of that, French bulldogs have small litters—usually just three puppies. It is very unusual for a Frenchie to have five or more puppies in a single litter. So, if you are looking for a French bulldog puppy, you can expect to be on a waiting list for several months before a puppy is available. As well as being expensive to buy, French bulldogs can be pretty costly to care for, again mostly because of their health problems. They will probably need regular trips to the vet, and insuring them can be expensive because they are known to have health issues. But what are some of the main costs that you can expect to incur when bringing home a new puppy? Supplies It can surprise pet parents just how many things you need to care for a new dog. For starters, your new pup will need a bed, toys, bowls, a collar, and a leash. A crate can also be a big expense if you choose to crate train. However, because crate training is not so common among French bulldogs, first-time owners might also want to consider some professional training classes. Food Food is one of the biggest neverending expenses for any dog. Puppy food is also a bit more expensive than adult food because of its high protein content. Ideally, your dog should be eating puppy food until they are about 9 months old. French bulldogs should be eating around 25 to 30 calories per pound of their body weight each day. You can read more about pet insurance for puppies here. They will usually only bark when there is something wrong, so it is worth paying attention when they do vocalize. This is one of the reasons why they make excellent apartment dogs. While French bulldogs are adorable, they are specifically bred for their appearance, and this has led to a lot of genetic issues that affect their health and can leave them in a lot of pain in their later years. Many people object to putting the health of an animal second to appearance and therefore object to buying French bulldogs and supporting the purebred breeding industry. In theory, if there was no demand for these dogs, this kind of exploitative breeding would stop. In practice, this is difficult to imagine, considering how popular the breed is. Can French bulldogs stay home alone? French bulldogs actually tolerate being left alone relatively well. However, all dogs need a lot of love and companionship, and no dog responds well to being left on their own for 10 hours a day five days a week. Dogs become members of the family, and if they are going to thrive, they need to be treated with that kind of attention. Are Frenchies hard to potty train? However, they are little dogs with small bladders. They also tend to gobble down their food, which means they can be prone to smelly gas expulsions. How much exercise does my Frenchie need? French bulldogs do well on just a 15 to minute vigorous walk each day. They are also quite playful, so they burn off energy just playing around as well. Are French bulldogs aggressive? Despite the reputation of bulldogs, Frenchies are not aggressive. They are friendly and get on well with people and other animals. However, all animals are a combination of nature and nurture, so they can learn aggressive habits if they are not properly cared for. Are Frenchies high maintenance? They can also be left alone without expecting too much trouble. On the other hand, their tendency towards breed-specific health issues does mean they need regular visits to the vet. They may need special medications for things like breathing issues, and in later life, they may need things like a special bed. The Verdict French bulldogs are excellent dogs. They are great little companions who will find it easy to live in your apartment with you, but they are also fun-loving and curious. While they are great dogs, they are also quite expensive. This is due to high demand and some pretty serious difficulties when it comes to breeding them. They have small litters, almost always delivered by c-section, and health screenings and vet visits are a big burden for breeders. If you want something special, such as a rare color, you should expect to pay a lot more. You can also expect them to be relatively expensive dogs to own because they do need regular and close contact with a good vet to maintain their health. At a glance, the French bulldog is: Highly intelligent and trainable Small, meaning it does well in fairly small apartments Expensive due to demand and how difficult they are to breed Prone to breed-specific health issues So, are they worth all this expense and trouble? We think they are. French bulldogs can be the ideal pet for first-time owners with limited space and time but a lot of love to give. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.
Lab Puppy proof the house. Things like dangerous chemicals, solvents, cleaning solutions, paint and other dangerous substances need to be secured. As well you will need to look at cords hanging and things falling on the puppy if they accidentally pull something down. Stairs need to be gated off until your puppy is older and learns how to walk down them without trying to jump off. Purchase a quality dog food. It never ceases to amaze me how some people end up feeding a low quality food to their dog, or something experimental like a vegan food, or even feed them a so called raw diet and not balance their nutrition requirements. The single biggest thing you can do for your dog is feed them a proven diet with nutrients delivered in the proper ratios. A second thing to consider is where your food is made and how you can be notified if there is a recall. At the time of writing this there is a popular food under recall for toxic levels of vitamin D. There have been numerous cases of deaths related to this and yet the company claims they independently test their ingredients. The food we recommend is such because we have years and years of experience over 13 years with it using it ourselves and recommending it to those who adopt our puppies. We have actually had so few health issues with our puppies and aging adults eating this food that we have increased our warranty to 4 years and include all major organs. Bottom line, feed a high quality proven food from the day you bring your puppy home, not necessarily one with the most protein. We will provide you with feeding suggestions once you place your reservation for a puppy and a proven puppy food to feed them. Visit the pet store for the required equipment. You are going to need a large dog crate with a divider so in the beginning your puppy will have just enough room to sleep. Crate training is the best way to protect your puppy while making them safe when unsupervised. As your dog grows you can remove the divider so it has room to lay down and not touch the walls. We stock the most popular toys and cover all the different types you will need so that you can get them when you pick up your puppy. They come with explanations of how the different types are used to both stimulate, calm and play with your puppy, how to cycle them, teething, and more. A stainless steel water and food bowl is also another good choice. I would wait on getting a collar so that you can fit them properly. We have inexpensive training leashes that adjust to any size for you to purchase when you are here. Have a family meeting to establish expectations. Every human in the home will need to follow the same rules consistently so that your puppy understands what is expected of them. Schedule an appointment with a good Veterinarian. Not all Veterinarians are of equal experience. We have heard some pretty crazy stories, so we suggest you get some referrals of some long term relationships of people you trust for a Vet. You should take your puppy to the vet a couple of days after you get home so it has time to get use to its new surroundings before being taken somewhere. Prepare fore the Drive Home 1. Your puppy can last about 2 or 3 hours without a potty break. We normally feed your puppy early in the morning on the day of pick up so that it has time to go potty before the drive home. Our recommendation is to give your puppy some water every 3 hours and then let them have a pee. This could also go along with letting them play or explore outside a bit. When you stop, find an unused grassy space to potty on. Arriving at home with your puppy 1. First quickly bring them to the spot you want them to potty. This is the beginning of your dog being house trained. They will likely have to go right after you get out of the car. So when you stop, give them a drink in the area you want them to relieve themselves in. Wait until they go and then you can take them into the home. Treat your puppy like a puppy. It is breakable and will be a puppy for about a year. Things like playing with larger dogs and such should be carefully supervised. Constant supervision. Your new puppy needs to be constantly supervised until they can be trusted and you know that they understand the rules. Constant supervision means either you or someone watching them, they are in their crate the crate is the supervisor , or that they are in a section of the home baby-gated off or also an outside run with a kennel and a cement floor so they cannot dig under the fence yes they will dig. After a potty bring your puppy to the room with their crate. Introducing them to their crate perhaps with a few pieces of kibble in it will show them where their safe space is. This is also where they need to be comfortable enough to self-calm and fall asleep. If you have another dog, first introduce them outside on neutral territory. Bringing a new puppy and simply coming straight into the home could have one of three effects. The first being that both dogs might be ok with it. Second is that the older dog has an issue with a new strange animal in its territory. This would result in your older dog being defensive, maybe even protective or possibly anxious and scared and once this has happened it is out there. Undoing this type of trauma could take days or weeks. Relax and let them get to know each other and all will be good. After some get familiar time begin training your puppy without distractions using Positive Reinforcement training methods. We suggest that everyone participates in some training classes either in a group format or private. The important thing to understand is that you are training you to train your puppy. Your puppy will also lose any training it has done if it is not reinforced by everyone in the home. Other resources are 80 Puppy Training tips that you can learn as well as an excellent site with video called Puppy Trained Right. We have a discount code available for those who are taking home one of our puppies. This will allow them time to eliminate most of their food and urine and will give a better chance of sleeping the night without having to go potty. Prepare their crate in a quiet, dark spot. Make it a sleepy place, place a blanket over the top and down 3 sides to block draft and to make it den-like. Some mild exercise or training just before bed. Just like a human, you want them to be tired before bed. So for example if you let them sleep from 9 to 11 pm they may not need to go down at 11 to sleep. The last while before bed try to stimulate them mentally and physically so that they are ready to turn in. This can be training sessions, a walk, a play session or even fetch in the house. One final potty around 11 pm. After you prepare them for sleep take them out one more time and give them ample time to relieve themselves. Bring them back in, let them settle in the crate, put an item of clothing in there that smells like you for them to snuggle on. The quicker they learn the new pack and learn to settle in the crate the better and that happens by not reminding them of their old litter. If they smell their old litter they will whine for them to find them. Settling in their crate. Once your puppy goes down you will want to be teaching your puppy that the time in their crate is for sleep, they are safe in there, and that if they bark or whine they cannot summon you to save them. So, what if they really have to go? This is something you will have to figure out. It may be possible that they must go outside to relieve themselves, but, they may also just want you to hold or feed them. If they go, just put them back in their crate to settle and go back to sleep. You will know within reason that next time they are just lonely. This normally stops after about 2 or 3 days. Whoosh them out to their pee spot. Pick them up and carry them quickly to their pee spot. When they go reward them with praise and say the potty word that you use. Feed, and then woosh them out again to their pee spot. Puppies often need to poop right after they eat, or sometimes while they are eating. Some exercise, training and mental stimulation. After waking up and eating they will be ready for a walk and some training. Setting them up for their first full day in the home. Plan their day out so that there is a balance of play, training, napping, eating, and potty. In the beginning your puppy will need about 20 hours or so of sleep a day so be sure it is getting enough. If your puppy gets nippy they may be trying to tell you they are tired and want to be left alone in their crate. Every opportunity that your puppy presents in the form of nipping is a training opportunity to teach bite inhibition. Coming home to your puppy after work. Learning how to greet them. If you work full time it is important to understand that a young puppy cannot hold their bladders for more than 3 or 4 hours. If you work full time you will need someone to watch them or at least visit them once or twice during the shift to let them out, drink and play. When you arrive home this is the time to teach them manners. Most dogs will be excited and will jump on you to greet you. Be sure you teach them how you want them to greet people. We will teach a dog to sit in front of us before it gets any attention. No attention means no talking, no eye contact and no touching. Will they need to relieve themselves? If they have been in a crate you will likely need to let them go potty, a walk or some fetching would also be good at this time because they likely have some energy to expend. Training pre or post feeding? There are also some Labs who are not food motivated. So if your Lab is not responding well to training after they are fed, you may want to train them before eating so the hunger is on your side. Socialization with people other than your family, and animals other than those in the home. While socializing you want to expose them to many people while not overwhelming them. To start we recommend 1 new person each morning and one new place each night. After you can see that your puppy is not overwhelmed you may decide to increase the frequency of exposure to new places, animals and things. Prepare for night time routine. Get your new furball ready for bed time as outlined above. Setting your puppy up for success. Avoiding dog parks and strange dogs. Until your puppy is fully vaccinated around 14 weeks old they are vulnerable to other diseases by unknown dogs. By all means, if you know someone who has a dog and you can verify that their dog is up to date on all shots such as Parvo, Rabies, Leptospirosis, Kennel Cough, Distemper, Hepatitis, Corona and Para Influenza, 2. Get into a reputable training class or private training with a reputable trainer. Training classes are mainly to train you. Ask around in your area for a recommendation of a good trainer at a reasonable price. Gentle, regular exposure to everyone and everything. For example, while you are exposing them to people you will need to expose them to female babies, toddlers, pre teens, teenagers, young adult women, middle aged women and older women. You will need to include women with glasses, hats, soft voices, loud voices, etc…. Adjust their food as they grow and as their activity level increases or decreases. If for example your dog is much more active or much less active then the recommended feeding amount will not be correct. Instead use your eyes. You might have to adjust the food amounts up or down as your Labrador gets more or less activity. Positive Reinforcement training by everyone in the pack. When you get into your car and you to go somewhere, you tell your gps where you want to go. Dogs are the same way. Instead teach your dog what you want it to do. Instead of scolding, simply withdraw your attention. This is enough punishment. Then, get back to showing your dog what you want it to do. If your puppy is not eating or has a loose bowel movement. Not eating much is pretty common when a puppy goes to its new home, however if it stops drinking then that would be cause for an immediate vet visit. In a new home your puppy might not be comfortable for a couple of days and eating might be just grazing. This is ok as long as it is drinking and seems to be playful. Loose bowel movements in the beginning could be due to nerves or your puppy could also have a parasite. At this young age puppies put everything, and I mean everything into their mouths. It is quite common for puppies to get loose stool from a parasite. This can be addressed easily if you take a stool sample into your Vet for analysis. What is a puppy emergency that requires a visit to the vet? Our rules for an emergency trip to the vet are: Uncontrollable bleeding, puppy not breathing properly, broken bone, puppy is not drinking and appears lethargic. If any of these present themselves you may want to consider getting help right away. Other things can normally wait until the next morning to be addressed because they are not critical. Depending on where you live however you may have a vet that is open 24 hours and even on the weekends. So this is a start for you to think about when you take a Labrador Puppy home. Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. Frankly and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases franklymedia. Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox! Morning Headlines. We get down on our hands and knees and look at the world from our puppies eyes. We often find many hidden dangers that go unnoticed from our regular vantage point. You can buy them on-line or at your local pet supply store. Important items include: A Crate. You can get a wire crate or plastic kennel. The crate should be big enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down in comfortably. We still have and use the first one we bought for our Lab mix rescue pup, Linus over 16 years. Toys, Treats, and Chewies. Having a variety of toys are important to keep him busy and entertained. They also help his mental development. I get some that squeak and some that honk when the pup plays with them. Different textures like rubber and latex can provide some variety. Puzzle-like toys can make him figure out how to work them. Kongs frozen with a little moist food can keep him busy and help teething needs. Chewies such as Nylabones, bully sticks, and antlers can meet his teething needs. Puppy training treats can help train him. Treats should be no larger than the size of a pea. His kibble can be used as a treat too. Check out some of the best chew toys for your puppy. You can continue to give him the same puppy food. There are formulas for small dogs and puppies that will become large breeds as adults. Puppy Pee and Poop Cleaner. Although we try to avoid accidents, some are inevitable with a young puppy. There are some great enzymatic cleaners to help remove housebreaking indiscretions. They even make types for different surfaces such as wood and carpet. Follow the instructions on the bottle. Always test on an inconspicuous area before using. If you just try to wipe the stain away without such products, the pup may be drawn back to the area to use as his potty yard. Potty Pads. These are pads with a plastic backing and paper top that is pre-scented to draw the puppy to use them as his bathroom. They can be very useful in some circumstances. Some people live in an apartment and the puppy may not be able to hold it on the way out. Or you may have a toy or small breed dog like a chihuahua or Yorkie and intend to use the pads throughout his life. Leash, Collar, and Harness. Have sizes that fit your pup and a six-foot leash. The breeder or rescue you obtain the dog from can help you get the right sizes, as can knowledgeable pet store employees. Safety first. Water and Food Bowls. They should be sized for the puppy. What a Mastiff needs as an adult and as a puppy are very different. I prefer stainless steel because they last forever and are easy to clean. Bitter Apple. This is a chew deterrent that can help save your precious chair leg. Always test on an inconspicuous spot before using. Puppy Exercise Pen. The name is misleading. They come in wire, plastic, or cloth. It can also be used as a safe containment area. Grooming Tools. Ask your breeder or rescue group what they recommend. Safety Gate. You may need this in order to block the puppy from other rooms or stairs. Ideally, everyone living with the puppy should meet to determine who is handling each task with the puppy. Basically, our night stands are crates. You can move the crate or have a second one in the area where everyone hangs out, like the family room or living room. By keeping our pup to the exact same routine helps them learn more quickly. Set up a wellness check with a trusted veterinarian. They can potty the pup and even play and walk him. Choose a name if your family can decide on one prior to his joining his household so that you can start teaching him his name. Feed the puppy at the same times every day, generally three times a day for a young puppy under five months old. Puppy Potty Training. The puppy will have to potty after sleeping, eating, playing, chewing, and any excitement, and prior to going to bed. I know, it seems as if all he does is go to the bathroom — outside, inside, everywhere!? But it will get better as he gets more bladder control. So, a two-month-old puppy should be able to hold it for about three hours. Be prepared to be very sleep-deprived the first week and maybe a little longer. Closely observe you pup to see when he has to go to the bathroom. Some pups start to sniff the floor as a cue, others seem agitated, others spin. Try to get the puppy outside whenever you see these signs. Try taking him out the same door, the same route, to the same area. It saves a lot of time. Immediately after the pup potties, remember to praise and reward the pup with a small treat no bigger than the size of a pea. A piece of his kibble can be used. And you can praise and reward with a small treat immediately after he potties. Just watch him more closely. The Great Explorer. Let the pup explore the puppy-proofed room at his own pace. If possible, play with a toy he had at his former placement. Gently squeak it and toss it a foot away from him. Let him know you represent great times. Great Crate. Leave the door to his crate open, tethered back so it will remain open and not scare him by moving. Have a toy or blankie from his former home in the crate to make him more comfortable. You can help him enter by tossing the toy into the crate with him watching nearby. Or you can have a couple of his kibbles present to toss in too. Even though your family and friends want to meet the new addition, give him at least a few days to settle in before overwhelming him with too many new experiences. Familiar Scent. It will help his bond with you and get him to know good things happen there. Take him out to potty right before you put him to bed. Gently place him in his crate or throw a couple of pieces of his kibble in his crate and let him go after them. You want him to like his crate. Have the blankie with the scent from his prior home in his crate. A warm water bottle wrapped in a blanket can help some pups adjust. It simulates a heartbeat and has a warming pack inside to help the puppy be calm and ease his loneliness in the first critical nights of his adjustment. Puppy panic. The pup may squeal, whine, and bark. Generally, I let the pup cry himself out. Give him a couple of minutes to potty. If he goes, praise and reward. One of my puppies had an ear-piercing scream the first night in her crate. She eventually settled and slept. Each successive night got better and better when she learned her new routine and stopped panicking. Sleeplessness: Yours. Be prepared to have some sleepless nights for at least the first few weeks. The puppy can only hold his urine for a few hours. I recommend even setting an alarm for the first few nights so that you can take him out after three hours. Leave him for a few hours after the first few days of his adjusting to his new home. My newest puppy is an Aussie mix I named Millie. She was about 11 weeks old when I adopted her. She was full of energy and never met a stranger in her foster home. Even though she was so outgoing, I still gave her about five days to adjust to meeting new people. Some pups are shy and reserved in meeting new people. Others want to run up to new people and jump all over them. Set him up to succeed. Have only a few people meet him at a time. Meeting people should be a positive experience. Have the people give him a small tidbit of a treat or a piece or two of his kibble. You can teach him that such interactions are good first over the first week or so; once he likes being held or having his feet touched by you, then I would have others gently do so while rewarding and praising him. But you can still take him on the road towards the end of the first week if he seems to be adjusting well. I carry a soft fleece dog bed to put into a shopping cart with the puppy in a harness and on a leash. Give him a treat as people come up to pet him. Have them meet on leash assuming your pup has adjusted to his harness and leash. Just a short meeting of about a minute is fine. Eventually, if the pups are about the same size and have similar play styles, they can play for a few minutes off leash for a few minutes in a safe area such as a puppy-proofed room. Be careful of the puppy meeting new dogs. Not all dogs will tolerate the antics of a puppy. Wait until you have a puppy more than a week and until he knows some basic commands like sit and his name. Make sure that the dog he meets, both being on leash, is very tolerant of puppies. Going in a car is new to him and he has to get used to the motion and going new places. The more fun, positive places he goes, he should get used to traveling and even look forward to it. He has to brave the new world of TVs and dishwashers. Make sure such encounters are pleasant. In the same way, get him used to other everyday sights and sounds such as the TV on or the phone ringing. Eventually, get him used to new sights and sounds outside the house. Puppy Training Training is composed of having the pup learn a new language and the rules. Socialization and training also give him confidence in his world. But there are certain other commands the pup should start to learn the first week. You can also reward with a small treat no larger than a pea. Remember to always set your puppy up for success. For example, have your pup exercised before he works so that he can settle down and focus. A short five-minute play session tossing a toy can help. His Name. Have him in front of you and say his name. It should always be positive. Nothing negative should happen immediately after he comes to you. At first have him in front of you, show him the treat and lure him to you as you back away a few steps. Crate Training. Practice having your puppy go into the crate with the door open. Throw a treat or toy in and praise when he enters. Make sure the crate is an inviting place. Place a towel or blanket in it that has the scent of his old home and littermates to help him feel more comfortable in his new home. Get your new puppy used to handling. Have him on your lap or a table with a rubber mat so he has secure footing. Gently: massage his body; touch his ears; touch his feet. Once he gets used to handling, you can start a very short grooming session. Brush him gently with an appropriate grooming tool like a slicker brush. Only groom a small section at a time. Always end on a good note. It will take at least a few days for the puppy to get used to wearing a collar or harness or being on leash. After putting the collar or harness on, -try to play with the puppy to distract him. Many puppies buck like a bronco after a leash is attached. You can let him drag the leash for a short time. Attach it to his collar or leash and play with him for a short time. Never leave the leash, collar, or harness attached unsupervised. Be patient. It will take multiple training sessions for the puppy to get used to these new training devices. More important than anything: have fun with and enjoy the time you have with your new best friend. Puppyhood goes by so quickly. The good news is a little planning goes a long way when preparing for your first new puppy. Reading this article is a great start. Take the advice in this article to heart and start preparing for your puppy. If you already started your first week then start doing the things outlined in this article. Are you thinking about getting a new puppy? Are you currently raising a puppy? Or is this all old news to you? Tell us about your experiences in the comment 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. How does it feel to be a new puppy parent? You must be chuffed. Take a look at these first few articles. All the ingredients you need for a happy home. But for now, beside your bed is the best place for your puppy to sleep — it will help them feel safe. Puppies like their crates rather cave-like; we suggest covering it with a blanket to block out light, but keep the front open so that they can see outwards. Make sure to make it snug inside with something like a vet bed or a blanket, or why not take it up a notch with a heat pad or hot water bottle to recreate the feeling of their mother. Nothing feels more comforting than that. Before you head to bed, take your puppy out for one last round of loo-going. Set your bedtime at a later time too — midnight sounds about right. Come back calmly, and place your puppy in the crate and turn out the light. Stuff you should know about Sleep Training your Labrador Your puppy will wake up several times in the night and will need the toilet at least once! Be prepared for not-so-deep sleeps and tired mornings — just for the first few weeks. Having them sleep next to you is only temporary. Consistency is key! As for you, full nights of sleep will start getting closer and closer. Alone Training How can I teach my Labrador puppy to be ok on their own? Start by feeding your puppy in their crate during meal times. If they seem worried by you leaving, stay in view, and just pop right outside their confinement area. Keep it short and sweet: No need to stay away for long, 60 seconds tops will do for now. Repeat: Do this at least once a day to make progress go steady and smoothly. Socialisation Exercises To Do this week Letting your Labrador puppy explore the garden Besides the gnomes and questionable garden furniture you may have, letting your puppy explore your own garden is a great and safe way to start showing them the sounds, lights and wonders of the outside world. Exploring different surfaces exercise Make sure that the surfaces you use are safe — nothing too crazy just yet. Gather surfaces such as An oven tray with a small layer of water A piece of astro turf A carpet tile A large piece of tin foil, cardboard or something crinkly PRO TIP: Set up for this exercise in the room your puppy spends most of their time in — it will help them to feel safe and confident. Pop the surfaces out safely on the floor and allow your puppy to investigate them. Nobody has ever enjoyed walking on those. Remember to be patient! Lucky for you — teaching them their name is easy peasy. Say their name in a happy jolly tone and reward with a treat. Repeat five times, 5 and take a break. Practice this 2 or 3 times a day so they get the hang of it. Teach your puppy to sit Teaching your puppy how to sit is a popular one. The first two are far more common though. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow it up with a food reward. In puppy logic, stinky means yummy. How to do it Start at home; where there are no distractions. Just make sure to shut off Gogglebox in the background. Recall — How to teach our Labrador puppy to come back when called Your puppy already knows their name at this point, so this should be a walk in the park. How to do it Treats and a cheerful voice will be what works here. Do these exercises before meal times so your puppy is more motivated. Practice this 5 times a day and in 3 different places in your house and garden to get them used to coming to you in all settings. How to do it Show your puppy that you have their favourite toy, and start to get them excited about it. When they show interest, throw it a little bit away from you. They will likely follow it and pick it up. If they do, encourage them back to you with your voice, so remember to sound happy! Swap the toy for a treat or another toy and do the process again. Repeat this about 5 times. Instead create more distance and excitement sounds to get them to come to you — spaniels like to show off, so they will likely want to parade what they have! Always swap the toy for something when they have it, this could be a treat or another toy. Resource guarding occurs when we force puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. For breeds like Labradors who are designed to want to hold things in their mouths, this is pretty important! Resource guarding is when a dog protects a resource from being taken by someone else — dog or human. For some reason, there is a solid list of things puppies find irresistible: Socks. First day and night with puppy First day with a new puppy Your first day and night with a new puppy Getting a puppy is a really huge step for anyone and if it's your first puppy it's important to know what to expect. We've put together our tips and advice on the first 24 hours with your four-legged friend. A new member of the family is a big commitment but also really exciting. If you're a first-time puppy owner, you might have heard stories good and bad about owning a puppy. Your first day and night together will help to set the tone for your time together, so it's really important to be prepared. Our vets have put together their advice on dealing with your first day with a new puppy. Be prepared before bringing your puppy home Before you even bring your puppy home, there's a lot you can do to prepare! Remember to make sure to get all the supplies you need first - our new puppy checklist can help you decide what to get. This will be an area they can go and take naps in, chill out in when they want a bit of alone time and generally feel safe in. If you do decide to get your puppy a crate, remember they might not be used to one so you will need to take your time introducing them to it to make sure they are comfortable and happy with it. Take a look at our guide on crate training for more advice. Growing is thirsty work, after all! Ideally you want this near to their quiet area and bed. Set some ground rules Before your puppy comes home, you have some decisions to make. Will they be allowed on the sofa? Are they allowed on the bed? You need to set some rules and make sure everyone at home knows what they are — and sticks to them! Consistency is key when training any dog and your puppy will be learning all the time. Puppies will need to go to the toilet regularly, so giving them the opportunity straight away will help before they go inside. Remember to give them lots of praise or even a treat when they go to the toilet in the right place — for more information, visit our toilet training guide. When you take your puppy inside for the first time, try to take them to their space first. Too much too soon can get them over-excited or stressed, so slow introductions to new things is key. Make sure you keep your home and everyone in it! The breeder or rehoming centre can let you know when, what and how much your puppy normally eats. Offer lots of toilet time. Give your puppy the chance to go out to the toilet regularly and give them lots of praise when they go in the right place! Playtime can be OK. Short playtime sessions are absolutely fine, but remember that your pup will tire out quickly so keep them short and sweet. Naps are important. Puppies are still growing, which is tiring! Avoid walks. Your puppy is unlikely to be fully vaccinated when you first get them. Stick to supervised playtime in a secure garden, keeping them away from water sources and thick undergrowth where rats could have been. Spend lots of time together. Your puppy is always learning, so make sure you spend lots of time with them so they know they can be happy and safe around you. Pets love routine, so get your puppy into a regular routine as soon as possible! Decide where they are sleeping. Whether you plan on your puppy forever sleeping in your bedroom, or want them in a separate room, you need to start this from the beginning and stick to it. If you have your puppy in your bedroom but plan to move them into a different room at a later date, this can be really distressing for them. Keep calm. Keep bedtime as calm as possible for your pup. Give them gentle praise such as a few strokes when they settle where you want them to. Sleep in the same room for the first few nights. For the first few nights, your puppy will need time to adjust to being without their mum. Remind them of mum. Pop this where they sleep every night as it will help to comfort them and keep them calm. Night time toilet breaks may be needed. Puppies have little bodies and little bladders! For the first few weeks you might find they need a toilet break during the night. If your puppy is worried during the night, they might cry or bark. This is completely normal as they adjust to a new home and environment. When your puppy is scared, comforting them will help, but being ignored will make them feel isolated and even more frightened. Got a question? Print We recently brought home Bubba, a female chocolate lab puppy. Bubba is already sold as one of our Custom Trained Retrievers, so it is our responsibility to train her and raise her until she has progressed to the level of training the owner has requested. That means Bubba will be with for almost a year and a half. We train one or two of these puppies each year, and over the years we have gotten pretty good at it. We also train adult dogs for hunting and competition, so we see a lot of dogs come into our program. Dogs that have each been raised differently. There are some definite training tips that can help you help your lab grow up to be the best version of himself. Training and socialization for very young Labrador puppies — week one The first week of a puppy being away from its litter is very stressful for the puppy. Most often, the first two days, the puppy will sleep a lot! The pup is adjusting to all the changes, and they need time to do that. After the first couple days you may notice a spike of energy. This is your sign that the puppy is adjusting well and is ready to be exposed to a few more things. Labrador puppy training that first week home Here are the things we work on during week one. A nylon adjustable one is usually best since puppies grow quickly. It often takes the puppy a few days to adjust to having a collar on. Intro crate We introduce our puppies to a crate on day one. Literally the day we bring them home. Most puppies will cry, bark or howl while in the crate the first few or many times. Ignore it, it does not hurt the puppy at all. Always wait until the puppy settles down and is quiet, even if that quiet only lasts for just a minute or two. Learn more about crate training. Intro to housebreaking Another day one lesson and one that will last for a few weeks or months. We introduce housebreaking day one by allowing the puppy to run around an enclosed area under close supervision. If your puppy then goes potty outside, great! The thing to remember about housebreaking, is that your puppy should never be allowed to roam the house or a room without supervision. The only way to housebreak a dog is for them to get caught in the middle of an accident. That is how they learn that what they are doing is not right. Learn more about housebreaking. Intro leash We introduce a leash to our puppies around day three of being home. But once they start getting more energy and get more inquisitive, we use a Flexi-lead attached to the nylon collar to take the puppy outside. This accomplishes two goals. The gentle tugs on the leash and pressure when the puppy strains against the leash are great training for handling pressure as they get older. Intro to pressure and correction The last thing we introduce to our new puppy during the first week home is pressure and correction. This is an often-missing element to training that can severely handicap a dog that you want to be a hunting companion or competition dog. The kind of pressure I am talking about is very mild such as saying NO to the puppy when they are chewing up your shoes or scratching through the carpet. This is the way mama dogs carry their puppies and it does not hurt them at all. This does not hurt the puppy; it is exactly what a mama dog does to teach her puppies. Learn more about introducing pressure and correction. Commands to start using that first week home The first week there are some commands we start using so that the puppy will associate the words we use with actions. Puppies play and explore with their mouths, and often they will think it is great fun to bite your hands and feet. If this does not curb the behavior, I grab her lower jaw, wrapping her gums around her teeth and squeeze. I have found this to be very effective, especially if you start this the first week you have the puppy home. The longer you wait to start, the harder it becomes to stop this behavior. It takes very little pressure to stop a 7-week-old puppy from biting. Learn more about how to stop your Lab puppy from biting you. Off command The OFF command is also started day one. The OFF command is used to stop a puppy or dog from jumping on you. It can also be used to keep a dog off a sofa or other furniture. Starting day one, I gently use my knee to push down the puppy each time they jump on me. I say OFF when I do this. Usually, a gentle push with the knee is all it takes with a very small puppy. They learn this command very quickly. If your puppy is a bit more energetic or stubborn and tries to jump on you despite your gentle pushes, then you may need to use a little more force. Even if you were to knock your puppy backwards onto her back, that is not going to hurt her seriously. But it will likely make a good impression and cause her to think twice before jumping on you again. With jumping, consistency is important. You must knock your puppy off every time she jumps on you. Learn more about how to stop your Lab from jumping on you. We use this as a que when we are taking the puppy outside to go potty. We use this while the puppy is on a leash, and we are pulling them toward us. I only use this command for very young dogs. Your goal is to get the puppy to rest in your arms and not move. But if you keep at it, you will see your dog settle for longer and longer periods of time. Introduction to retrieving Lastly, since all our puppies are retrievers, we start introducing the puppy to retrieving. The first few times are simply throwing a toy a few feet and if the puppy runs out and gets it and comes back to you, great. Then take the item and throw it again. If the puppy does not come back or does not even run out to get the item, then stop for the day. Just let the retrieving develop naturally. Next week we will start more formal retrieving training. Final thoughts on what you should do that first week with your new Labrador puppy As you can see, there is a lot of training that you can do with your seven- or eight-week-old puppy. And while you can wait for training, your puppy is ready and able to learn quickly right now. I will be posting weekly on the training we are doing with Bubba, so you can get a week-by-week snapshot of how we raise and train a puppy up to be a excellent, responsive hunting or competition dog as well as a well-mannered family dog. If you are struggling or need additional help with your new puppy, you can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time, happy retrieving. Quiet nights and crate training. This article will take you through everything you need to know, from what to buy, to how to help your pup settle in on his first day and night. Bringing a Puppy Home Bringing home a new 8 or 9 week old puppy is a potentially stressful experience for you and the pup. Of course, it will be better if you have been able to visit your puppy regularly before collecting him. But for most people, time and distance make this an unlikely option. Everything he sees, smells and hears, in your home will seem very strange to him at first. Fortunately, most puppies leave their mother and siblings at an age when they will readily accept their new friends and family. In a few days time, he will have settled in and accepted your home as his, and your family as his own. Holding Your Puppy The first thing to master when bringing home a new puppy is holding them the right way. This is the most comfortable position for puppies. But if you have had a long car journey, the first thing your puppy will need is to pee! Carry him in your arms to the area you want him to use for toilet purposes, and put him down there. Your first steps in potty training have begun. Maintaining Regular Bathroom Breaks Puppies vary widely in how often they need to empty their bladder. Some may last an hour or more from day one, whilst others seem to need to go every 15 minutes or so. During the course of the day, take the puppy to the toilet area at regular intervals half hourly at least to begin with. In addition, take him there every time he finishes a meal or wakes from a sleep. Set an alarm on your cell phone to remind you. Many Labrador puppies are very greedy and will eat astonishing quantities of food. New puppies are especially prone to upset tummies. The new environment and the stress of leaving home all add to the risk. You can reduce that risk by feeding little and often. If you want to change diets, do this gradually once the puppy has settled in. How often to feed Four times a day is the minimum number of feeds for an 8 week old puppy. Five or even six portions are better for a puppy with an upset tummy. Remember that the daily quantity is the same. More portions means smaller portions. If you get this right, there will be little or nothing left to put in the bowl when mealtimes come around You can find out more about using puppy food in training games by joining our Puppy Parenting course Meeting the Kids Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time for all the family. For much of the first day, your puppy will probably be cuddled and admired. Kids should also be aware of safety precautions, such as learning to let the pup be if he seems uncomfortable. Some older dogs will play too roughly with a puppy. Others will growl and appear to reject the puppy at first. These are normal reactions but they do indicate that you are going to need to keep a close eye on things for a while. A baby gate or other barrier is a perfect way to keep a puppy from annoying the resident dog or cat while they adjust to the newcomer. As the day draws to a close, your thoughts will turn to night time, and getting your puppy to sleep! Or he howls the house down either constantly or intermittently throughout the night. There are two approaches to choosing where a puppy sleeps for those first few nights. One is to get him used to his permanent sleeping quarters right from the start. The other is to have him next to your bed until he has got over his homesickness usually three or four days. And if you keep going back, the howling may well increase. Leaving a puppy to cry alone in a strange house is also probably very distressing for the puppy and not a great way to start their new life. But we recommend having the puppy next to your bed for the first three nights. This reduces the risk of getting into an increasing spiral of night howling or having your puppy miserable for the first week. Just pop his blankets in there and put the box right next to where you sleep. Night waking Most 8 week old puppies wake in the night to pee for the first week or so. But the first few days is a time for settling your puppy in, building their confidence and avoiding bad habits such as whining or howling, getting started The best way to meet all those goals, is to keep your puppy very close to you until their homesickness has passed. Bonding with your puppy Your main objective now is to bond with your puppy. Spend lots of time with your puppy. Make him feel at home. Pay him a lot of attention when he is quiet, fuss and praise him when he pees outside. Once he has settled in, there will be plenty of time to think about crate training and learning manners, but for now just enjoy his Labrador puppy loveliness, and that scrummy new puppy smell. It will be gone all too soon, replaced by a bouncing, boisterous, and joyful friend who all too often smells of pond water. What you are doing is establishing good habits, which will last a lifetime. What About Crate Training? A quality dog crate is an excellent source of help with potty-training. But a puppy should not be left inside a crate for longer than his immature bladder can hold its contents. For some puppies, this is not very long at all. Socialization is a big part of bringing home a new puppy. This is the process we take puppies through, to make sure they are comfortable with all aspects of living in human society. For instance, dogs need to be confident around things like vehicles and machines. They should be happy to meet people of all different shapes and sizes and to go boldly wherever people want to take them. A confident dog is not just a happy dog; he is a safe dog. Socializing also means taking your puppy out and about. Naturally, many worry about exposing a not-yet-fully vaccinated puppy to the risk of infection. Yes you can! If you use modern dog training methods, you can get going right after bringing home a new puppy! In the first week puppy training is based on a series of fun games. So that your puppy will be learning without even realising. The games you play should lay foundations for future good behavior, teaching your puppy not snatch, to say please, to focus on you, to love their crate, to wear a harness or collar and to run towards you rather than away from you. A lot of people worry about whether or not to take a puppy to classes, and some are unable to do so. But there is a great deal you can do at home by yourself. You can avoid this by getting off to a great start with recall training in the very first week. The video below will help you. And never chase after a puppy. Puppy recall training starts right after bringing home a new puppy. Build an association between the act of running towards you and the sound of the recall word or whistle. If you call the puppy and he does not come, you will have begun to teach him that the recall command is optional. Check out our puppy recall training video to give you an idea of how easy it is to build this a good association if you start off in the right way. You can find out more about building a great recall from the beginning in Total Recall. But for now, in these first few days at home together, make sure no one calls the puppy to them. When they want him, they can simply pick him up. If he runs away, all they need to do is run in the opposite direction and he will come chasing after them. For the first few days after bringing home a new puppy, focus on bonding and helping him to feel safe. Consider having your puppy next to your bed for the first few nights. This will comfort him while he is feeling homesick and missing his mom and playmates. Expect to get up in the night to take your puppy out to pee for at least the first couple of weeks. Set a reminder to avoid teaching your puppy to cry for your attention. During his daytime naps, dive into the feeding, potty training, and obedience training guides mentioned in this article, and head over to the forum for support from our other readers, many of whom have been where you are now, and come safely out the other side! If you want help choosing an adorable puppy name, make sure you take a look at this article too!
We at Aussie Labradoodle believe we are breeding the most loving, healthy, and reliable family pets around! Of course, we may be a bit biased :. Beginning with our first imported Australian Labradoodle, Macey, from Tegan Park in Australia, we've been doing our best to improve this breed since ! Initially bred in in Australia to provide assistance dogs for folks with allergies, the Australian Labradoodle became a beloved family pet that offered the best of both worlds: a large family-oriented people pleaser, highly intelligent, with low shedding to no shedding and no doggie odor. Today in Australia they sometimes call them Cobberdogs. We use only the top quality Australian and American multigenerational lines in our breeding program. We take health testing seriously, and were among the first to test hips and elbows in many lines coming out of Australia. And we are absolutely thrilled with the outcome! Although we cannot foresee every problem that could present itself, we are doing all we can to minimize the chances of health problems in our doodles. We also offer a two-year health guarantee against genetic health issues to give you peace of mind. The foundation of our Australian Labradoodle breeding stock, Macey, was purchased in whelp from Tegan Park in Australia. She blessed us with gorgeous chocolate and cream labradoodle babies and has since retired. Two of her chocolate offspring, Kona and Bella, became the foundation of our breeding stock. Their adorable curly fur and expressive faces make you want to cuddle them — and these little guys love nothing more than a good squish. All this and more makes our labradoodle puppies for sale one the most in-demand in our center. Activity-loving families adore these dogs for their propensity towards sports, and anyone who prefers low-shedding pooch benefits from their wooly or fleecy fur. Labradoodle puppies for sale are so cute and come in such a wide range of colors that it makes choosing your new best friend super-hard! While spearheading the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia breeding program, he conducted the crossbreeding of a standard poodle and Labrador retriever in view of it being a hypoallergenic guide dog for blind people. The first example of this type of dog, called Sultan, went to live with a lady in Hawaii, where other breeders saw him as an inspiration and this is how Australian Labradoodle puppies started. Both the International Australian Labradoodles Association and the Australian Labradoodles Association of America are working hard to incorporate more intergenerational breeding so these dog breeders can register this type of dog as a purebred dog. Its gentle, obedient and intelligent personality combined with a hypoallergenic coat make it ideal for family members with allergies, but it also makes an excellent service or therapy dog. Labradoodle Puppies Lifespan When properly taken care of, healthy dogs tend to live anywhere from 10 to 13 years. The lifespan of our Labradoodle puppies for sale is slightly above average at 12 to 14 years. Here are the life stages of multigenerational Australian Labradoodles: Puppyhood: First five months Adolescence: Between five months and two years Adulthood: Between two and three years Middle age: Between seven years and 10 years Senior: Over 10 years Labradoodles need the most attention and care in the first and last stages of their life. During puppyhood, their minds are highly impressionable, which is ideal for training. During their senior years, Labradoodles are more susceptible to health problems, which means owners need to keep a watchful eye. Labradoodle Size The size of labradoodle puppies for sale directly relates to the size of their parents and which generation of breed Labradoodle breeders chose. The larger the puppies, the larger the adult dog will be, and the faster their growth will be coming out of the puppy stage. A standard labradoodle puppy will weigh from pounds by the time it reaches two months of age. By a year old, it will have grown dramatically to up to 80 pounds, depending on the size of its parents. Medium Labradoodles occupy a spectrum of sizes between standard and mini Labradoodles, with the specifics depending heavily on the details of the breeding pair that birthed them and the breeding program they come from. Labradoodle Puppies Temperament While Labradoodle breeders originally bred the Australian Labradoodles as therapy dogs, their fun, friendly personalities made them popular pets. Now you can find these sociable dogs in homes across the globe. Here are some of the top personality traits of our Labradoodle puppies for sale. They tend to do best in active households where they can work off all that pent-up energy. You can fulfill their needs through the following activities: Walks or jogs: Labradoodles make great walking companions and can even keep up with you during a jog. Playing in the yard: Enjoy a game of fetch with your furry friend in the yard or just let it loose on its own. Dog sports: If you stay active through sports, consider making your labradoodle a part of your routine. Bring it on bike rides, go for a run together or kick a ball around in the yard. Obstacle courses: Set up an obstacle course for your dog using household items. Scavenger hunt: Creating a scavenger hunt for your canine is a great way to exercise its body and brain. In general, Labradoodles need anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. You can also enroll them later at a Labradoodle puppy alumni school for proper training. Friendliness What makes Labradoodles the perfect puppy compare to other dog breeds is their ability to get along with just about anyone. They inherit this trait from their Labrador retriever parent, a breed also known for its outgoing nature. You can trust your labradoodle to form friendships with everyone, from children and older adults to strangers and other puppies. Thanks to their affectionate, sociable personalities, Labradoodles make great pets for first-time owners, families, or anyone looking for a companion. Intelligence Thanks to their poodle parent breeds, Labradoodles are incredibly intelligent dogs. Because Labradoodles are intelligent, they often crave mental stimulation. Labradoodle Puppies Grooming Our Labradoodle puppies for sale have a variety of coat textures that dog owners enjoy, but in general, their low shedding coat needs brushing at least twice a week. Not only does this keep them tangle-free but it also removes excess debris from their coat, keeping them fresh and hygienic. Regularly trim the hair around their eyes and in between their paws to prevent these problem areas from causing irritation. Pooches with fleece coats tend to have longer fur and benefit the most from going to a professional groomer — although every dog loves getting pampered once in a while. At Pride and Prejudoodles, we send a can and a bag of the foods we use for free with your hand-delivered bundle of joy. If you need to change it for any reason, it must be done gradually to avoid stomach upsets. Just bear in mind that a diet is such a crucial aspect of wellness that feeding them good quality food will add years to their lives compared to opting for low-quality feed. Pride and Prejudoodles is here to help. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Labradoodle puppies for adoption. Labradoodles are Contagious! Our home is located on a hillside in beautiful Southern Oregon. It is our belief that every dog should be raised in a loving home with a family to call their own. Because of this belief, we do not used kennels for our breeding program. From Our Home to Yours Our puppies are raised in our home experiencing all types of sounds and life. They grow up listening to music, lawn mowers, vacuum cleaners, telephones ringing and children playing. We make it a point to familiarize them with balloons, wheel chairs, older dogs, cats, visitors, crutches, umbrellas, roller skates, fireworks and many other stimuli that can often scare a dog if not properly introduced. This foundation encourages well balanced, curious puppies that are far more confident and content than puppies raised in kennels. Outstanding Care Prior to adoption, all of our puppies are micro-chipped, temperament tested and will have received all age appropriate vaccinations. Each dog is sent home with a goody bag which includes their medical records, pedigree, gifts from home and a blanket that smells like their mama. As added assurance to your investment, our puppies come with a two year written health guarantee. See our current litters , view upcoming litters , or contact us today. Located in Beautiful Southern Oregon, we deliver our puppies nationwide. A Serious Case of Puppy Love. From Our Home to Yours. Welcome Australian Labradoodle Lovers! As Australian Labradoodle breeders in California, we specialize in allergy-friendly Australian Labradoodles. We choose to breed just a few, select mini and medium labradoodle puppy litters each year. We have a whimsical, silly outlook on life and we like to think that our Labradoodle puppies are the same. We are located in between Northern and Southern California, however we do have a Puppy Nanny who will ensure that your Moo Cow puppy arrives to you safely, regardless of your location. Instead, we love that we can personally deliver these adorable California Labradoodle puppies when we have Labradoodle puppies for sale. Email us at moocowlabradoodles gmail. As premier Australian Labradoodle breeders in California, we take our Labradoodle puppies seriously! Our dogs are a part of our family and live indoors. Every Australian Labradoodle has completed health testing and we strive for proper temperament, ability and conformation. Learn more about our Multigen Labradoodle breeding practices and state-of-the-art puppy nursery on our About Us page. Even if you are outside California and want a labradoodle puppy we have for sale, we can personally deliver it via our labradoodle puppy nanny service!
Hello Welcome Our mission is simple: To love and care for each and every lab puppy just like we would want someone to take care of ours and to produce healthy lab puppies for sale. We only have healthy and happy lab puppies. If you have been searching for that perfect lab puppy. We would like for your search to be over and welcome home a Mabry Lab for your next puppy. Come to beautiful Southern Illinois and pick out your new best friend. All puppies are raised in a large area, no small cages. They are housed in a large climate controlled home built for them. This is not in a garage or back room of a home. This is made just for them so they can be raised safely. This also keeps our mothers calm and relaxed to help make wonderful calm puppies. We introduce them to other puppies and adults. Highly socialized with people. Someone is always here with them. They have toys and blankets. There is an onsite laundry area so that every thing is cleaned multiple times a time. Introduced to loud noises. Raised with puppy culture to promote happy and well secure babies. We always will be improving to remain the best labrador retriever breeder of yellow, black and chocolate lab puppies. Our labradors are health tested. Please, visit our page on genetic testing to find out more information on what genetically we can prevent in our lab puppies for. About Us Experienced Breeders If you have been searching for that perfect lab puppy. Our adults are provided with an inside area with toys, beds and excellent vet care. A radio plays for them as well. Most prefer to lay up on their Kuranda beds most of the time with their toys or play with a friend. They get their areas cleaned at a minimum of four times a day and disinfectant is used twice a day. Adults get treats, vitamins and are fed daily with a probiotic added for health. We have natural and artificial lighting as well. The dogs even have their own washing machine to clean blankets, toys and towels daily. Dogs are walked, given access to the pond when weather allows for swimming, let out to run in the open yard, play fetching and work on obedience training. Favorite thing of most is to find a human and crawl into their laps. Yes, our labs even come into our home and crawl into our chairs and onto the couch. Adults are treated monthly for worms, and provided vaccines as recommended by the vet. Once you see a dog with EIC or CNM you will understand why we test our labs to make sure our puppies will never be affected by these diseases that can be prevented by selective breeding. A Furever Friend If you want a Labrador retriever with brains and beauty then look no longer as you have found the right place. We breed healthy and happy puppies. A lab puppy can be your best friend and even a hunting buddy. We hope to see you in the future when you pick out your Furever Friend. Thank you for looking at our labrador puppies for sale. We treat all our animals humanely and ethically. Our animals are part of our family, they are treated very well. You won't find another breeder that does what we do here. Some have been trying to replicate how we raise our labs, but none have come close to doing it yet. Someone is always here with the puppies making sure they are doing well. Training and play time is an everyday thing, so when you call you may have to leave a message. We keep up with our puppies in their new homes. We have places on the internet just for our owners to access information and ask questions about our lab puppies for sale. There is over acres with a large lake for the puppies and adults to get out on. We study our genetics very closely and strive to send home excellent puppies. Learn More You won't find another breeder out there that cares more about the puppies then Mabry Labs. We work hard on socialization and health. Raising black, yellow and chocolate lab puppies. Lab puppies available for deposit. Click on photos to learn about the litter. Contact Us. We have AKC English Lab puppies for sale Our goal here at Winter Valley Labs is to breed excellent dual purpose AKC Labrador Retriever puppies that make great companions and family pets, that also have the ability to excel in the field as well as show ring. And of course, in our hearts. We breed for quality, not quantity. We breed English Lab puppies! Each of our litters is carefully planed and bred with purpose. We are a small breeder in Hatley, Wisconsin. Our love and passion for Labrador Retrievers drives us to better the breed and provide families with healthy, happy, perfect pets, companions and hunters. We have been breeding labs for over 10 years, and look forward to that number growing. We bred our first litter in January of .We hope to grow in size now that we have the room for it. We love to take the dogs out bird hunting, and am excited to get them started on waterfowl this year as we are located on the river. I have been around dogs my whole life, but the lab has always been my favorite. I started studying at the UW of Stevens Point for Wildlife Ecology and Captive Wildlife management, and had done some study in veterinarian medicine but complications with pregnancy forced me out. I decided after my first son was born that I wanted to stay at home with my babies anyways both human and canine. So I am now a stay at home mom for all of our babies. Prior to that I had worked at an animal shelter as well as a grooming and boarding facility. I am doing some online studies for genetics and animal behavior, as I am always striving to be very well educated with the dogs. I am an avid hunter and LOVE spending the days outside with the dogs. Please note; We do not breed silvers, charcoals or champagne. We do not breed labradoodles, golden labs or any other designer breed. We do have English lab puppies for sale- We breed Fox red lab puppies, yellow lab puppies, black lab puppies, chocolate lab puppies and white lab puppies. Fox red and white labs are registered as yellow labs! These ARE akc recognized unlike the dilute colors. Click here to see what english lab puppies we have that are ready to go and looking for their loving forever homes! Our focus is on the English Lab breed. Please contact us for more information on any of our wonderful English Lab puppies, or upcoming and planned litters! We will help you find the perfect puppy for your family! All of our English Lab puppies are vet checked with the vaccines that are needed and also wormed. They also have their dewclaws removed. If in any case a dew claw, or partial dew claw grows back, that will be the buyers responsibility to take care of, if they feel the need to do so. This can be done at the time of spaying or neutering. This is not a common thing. All of our English Lab Puppies are placed with limited registration Pet homes only If you are looking for full registration Breeding rights Do not wait until pickup day to discuss this with us. A furry companion who will be by your side for years to come? Look no further than our adorable Labrador puppies! These dogs are sweet, gentle, and affectionate. Lab puppies are the perfect option for individual companionship or a family pet. These pups will make you feel right at home! They love nothing more than spending time with their owners and making new friends. These dogs are known for their sweet and gentle nature, and they make excellent companions for both adults and children. They are also very playful, which makes them an ideal pet for anyone who wants to have fun with their dog. In the past, Labrador Retrievers have been used for many purposes including guide dogs, therapy dogs, as well as search and rescue dogs. The fact that they have the ability to learn quickly and easily makes them a popular choice for many types of work. English Lab puppies can be very energetic when they are young but as they grow up, they become more laid back and relaxed around the house. They tend to be very loyal to their owners but not overly aggressive towards other people or animals and their gentle nature makes them great family pets for families with small children. English Labrador Retrievers — The Perfect Family Pet If you are looking for a great family dog that loves to play, then you should consider getting an English Lab puppy. Our Yellow Lab puppies for sale are a dependable and pleasant breed that is excellent with children. Their high intelligence and eagerness to please their owners have made them one of the most popular breeds in the USA. All of these factors combined make English Labrador Retrievers the perfect family pet. We do this by intentionally breeding only the healthiest dogs from a well-researched bloodline. Learn more about how we keep our Yellow Lab puppies for sale healthy by visiting our health guarantee page! What our clients say.He has a clean facility for the dogs and takes excellent care of all of them. His family are all involved in with the puppies so they are used to children. Our Lacie white as lace loves everyone and has picked up commands quickly. I would highly recommend visiting Richard is you are looking for a lab puppy.
golden retriever puppies lancaster pa - Conclusion So today, we are going to debunk all the stereotypes about toy poodles by discussing their history, breed, appearance, health, temperament, and fun facts. Keep reading the article and find out why poodle enthusiasts are the proudest breed owners. Shall we begin? About the Breed As the name implies, these dogs fall in the category of toy breed due to their extremely small size. However, even with this small size, these toy poodles have great personalities. Originally miniature and toy poodles were made by breeding small poodles instead of breeding poodles with toy breeds. Many people believe that poodles are the result of the breeding of various European water canines including Russian French, German, Spanish, Hungarian, and Portuguese water dogs. Depending upon the toy poodle mixes, you may get to see a wide variety of sizes in the same breed, from a standard poodle to a miniature poodle. The breed is originally a water retriever by nature and therefore, ranked as the best duck dog. In fact, their English name poodle is derived from the german word pudelin or pudel meaning splashing the water. Whereas in French, these toy poodles have the name Caniche which means duck dog. Their sole purpose is to please their owner either by completing a hunting mission or doing hilarious things. The best thing about this toy poodle dog breed is that they make up for great apartment dwellers and are super social simultaneously. Training toy poodles are super easy which also makes them the perfect choice as a family pet and the best breed for people with a busy lifestyle. Yes, they crave cuddles and companionship, but these toy poodle puppies also understand and get settled according to the lifestyle of their owners. They find their enjoyment to keep themselves busy when the poodle parents are not around remember that famous Tik-Tok star poodle puppy, biscuit? However, like all the other dogs, these also need to stay busy otherwise they might get subjected to huge mental and physical destruction. So you better not leave them for long hours or at least assign these small dogs a task before heading to the office. Luckily, with their many talents, toy poodles love to do every task and indulge in all sorts of sports activities for having super athletic natures. Toy Poodles History Although poodles have been around for more than four hundred years, toy puddles are quite newer than standard poodles. Many people believed that the miniature poodles emerged soon after the original german poodles, but we still think they were not there before the s. Unlike the original german poodles that were bred which were bred to retrieve fowls and ducks from water bodies, toy and miniature poodles were designed for a different job; to perform in circuses, and streets, and to adopt as pure family dogs. Pet owners, especially the French, use these working dogs to search out for mushrooms and truffles in the woods which make up a super essential ingredient in most french cuisine. Since the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, poodles were dogs only possessed by rich and famous people whereas, in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, toy poodle puppies became a status symbol among the wealthy and merchant class. Due to this very reason, you may easily find famous ancient art pieces, featuring toy puddles, including French artworks, courts of aristocracy, and the paintings of the world-renowned german painter Albrecht Durer. Even today, after hundreds of years, the royalty and aristocracy associated with this dog breed are intact. British kennel poodle club register its very first poodle puppy in whereas the American kennel club registered its very first poodle pup in .Until , toy poodles were extremely rare dog breeds in the US but after world war 2, a fair increase in their number and demand was seen, making them the most popular breeds for more than two decades. To participate in competitions as show dogs, each poodle must have to stick to specific hairstyles — following the rules about where their furry pom-poms and puffs will go. Adult poodles may choose only one of the three hairstyles including the English saddle, the modified continental clip, and the general continental clip. Poodles are one of those dog breeds that contain hair, not fur. Fur refers to hairy growth which elongates to a special length and then shed off whereas hair grows to an infinite length without shedding. Due to their unmatchable agility and intelligence, this intelligent dog breed is serving mankind as service dogs. Toy Poodles Appearance Based on their size, poodles are divided into three groups; miniature, toy, and standard. All of these poodle types look nearly the same, with the same physical attributes dark eyes, ears hanging close to the skull, and black nose , coat, behavior, markings, and texture. All these poodles look extremely fragile with their long, curled coats and delicate moose. The only difference is their height and weight. Well, among the three categories, the smallest poodle is the toy poodle with a size of up to ten inches. After the toy poodles, miniature poodle puppies come which may stand anywhere around eleven to fifteen inches tall. Lastly, the standard poodles are the tallest of all and may stand anywhere from fifteen inches to twenty-two inches tall. Speaking precisely of toy poodle size then the male poodle can grow up to seven to ten inches maximum. On the other hand, female toy poodles tend to grow only up to six to nine inches tall. Weight The weight of the poodles may vary as per their size. For example, a toy poodle may weigh anywhere around pounds whereas a miniature poodle may weigh around pounds. The standard french poodle, on the other hand, is the heaviest of all as it can weigh around pounds. Speaking precisely of toy poodles then male toy poodle may weigh around four to six pounds whereas female toy poodle weighs around three to five pounds. Coat The coat texture of all the poodles is nearly the same with long, curly hair that needs to be groomed every four to six weeks. However, one thing that you should know before owning a toy poodle is that their coats are highly prone to matting so you better trim it regularly and sort it out using a puppy clip or pet clip. Coat Color When it comes to coat colors, the poodle varieties are endless. From black to grey to blue to the brown and white toy poodle, choosing one can be seriously intimidating. Speaking of the most popular poodle coats then red and black ones are considered the supreme options. Toy Poodle Temperament and Personality Speaking of the personality and temperament of poodle puppies then they are super friendly, active, and superb trainable. Since they are famously known as companion dogs, they crave companionship and develop lonesome anxiety very quickly. As a result of this separation anxiety, these toy poodles can turn your entire house upside down by chewing out the couch and digging out the pot plants. Although you can leave them alone for a small period, as stated before, at least assign them some sort of activity to ensure they are busy enough not to feel your absence. As a watchdog, toy poodles are works well since they can hear even the slightest sound and bark their ass off to alert you of invaders. However, This loud and excessive barking also comes out as a problem for dog owners sometimes but since they are super smart, a little training will be sufficient to make them behave correctly. Last but not least thing you need to remember that toy breed standard poodles are intelligent not only to learn good habits but also bad ones. Toy Poodle Health and Care The life expectancy in toy poodles is twelve to fifteen years if they get a proper diet and exercise. Some of these severe health problems are genetic whereas some other arises afterward, due to improper care and negligence. To discard the chance of genetic disorders, make sure you are purchasing your pup from a reputable breeder. Gastric dilation volvulus is generally caused by eating way too quickly, drinking water in gulps, or having a large meal one time a day. If timely medical attention is not provided, your poodle may die. Progressive Retinal Atrophy Progressive retinal atrophy is an eye condition in which the retina deteriorates day by day. During the initial stage of this disorder, night vision begins to lose. If not treated, your pup may develop day blindness too, making him completely blind. Besides progressive retinal atrophy, distichiasis is also a commonly inherited toy poodle disease in which hair grows at the internal side of the eyelid. The best treatment plan to solve this medical condition is the prognosis and surgical removal of hair. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a common genetic condition in which the thigh ligaments and hip sockets are poorly attached, causing severe pain and soreness in movement. Sometimes, hip dysplasia is also caused by way too strenuous exercises, high chlorine diet, abnormally fast growth, and being overweight. Chiropractic treatments may treat this condition to a great extent but for complete treatment, your pet needs to undergo proper medication, supplements, and sometimes, surgery. Skin Diseases Sebaceous adenitis is quite common in toy poodles in which the hair begins to fade in the form of bare patches and the skin of your poodle turns super dry and scaly. The exact cause of this skin condition is unknown, it takes quite a long time to get better completely. Generally, the vet recommends changing the diet by adding more fatty acid supplements to it. Besides sebaceous adenitis, toy poodles may also develop skin cancer which originates at their toe-bed. The cancerous region often seems in the form of protruded lump or bulb. Despite looking extremely fragile and being suspected to develop so many different health ailments, taking care of your toy poodle is not a too difficult task. And what falls under general care? Well, make sure your dog is getting a healthy diet. For this purpose, search thoroughly for the best dog food around and avoid the ones having high amounts of preservatives or artificial ingredients. Since your toy poodle is super active and energetic, he needs a diet full of calories, protein, and fiber. Vegetables and real meat make a good choice for poodle feed since they offer a natural source of nutrition, without so many fillers. To prevent skin and coat conditions, brush your poodle daily and trim the excessive hair every month. Other things that should be added to the lifestyle of your healthy puppies are Brushing and grooming. The poodle coats tend to be thick, long, and curly which means they can be matted super quickly on wearing a wrong collar or by cuddling a little more extra. Therefore, to save yourself and your toy poodle from the hassle of painful detangling, brush their coats daily, from root to end. Usually, a fine brush with narrow and sturdy nails is preferred to prevent matting. Just make sure you are purchasing your pup from reputable toy poodle breeders so you can get the exact health information about your pet-to-be. If you have any questions related to this cutest dog breed, feel free to drop them in the comment section! Cody Mitchell Cody Mitchell is a pet lover and a passionate pet writer. He has worked as a professional writer for over 6 years, with a focus on creating compelling content for pet-related brands. His work has been featured in major publications. When he's not writing, Cody can be found playing with his two dogs a labradoodle and a cocker spaniel or cuddling his cat. Leave a comment Your email address will not be published. Post Comment. I affectionately refer to her as my niece. She is a Toy Poodle and is 14 or 15 months old in this picture. She is so cute and can balance well on her hind legs. She is a Toy Poodle puppy and is 8 weeks old in this picture. She is a very playful and intelligent puppy. She loves to sleep on her back and hides her toys in her bed when playing with them. She gets along great with people and other dogs. Most people that have seen the pictures of her say she is a stuffed animal which I cannot blame them, because she really looks fake. She is just a perfect example of a little princess. Whenever I am eating something he is my best friend, but the moment I'm done he is off to socialize with someone else! He is 10 lbs. His birthday is May 16 and his middle name is Vincent. I was just outside taking pictures of my yard on a windy day, and the wind caught his ears.Teddy is a purebred Toy Poodle. He was 6 years old when this picture was taken. We got him when he was just a puppy. He has been a good dog and companion. He's very sweet, loves to lick you. He can be obsessive-compulsive at times. Some good habits are that he knows what a bath is we have to spell it out.LOL , and he knows when we are leaving!! And a bad habit is he doesn't eat his own dog food, which can be annoying sometimes. So my grandma gave him to my aunt and I paid my aunt for him. At first I had no idea what to call him. He had quite an attitude and was very ornery and still is. It came right out when my grandma and grandpa got him out of the car to go potty when they got him to my house they came from Kentucky to Ohio with him. That little runt squatted right over grandpa's shoe and peed on it! Nobody could understand why I named him that because he looked so innocent, but after a little while they began to see the little troublemaker inside. As he has grown his hair has gone from the rusty pumpkin color in his baby photo to more of a creamy apricot color, but his personality is still pretty much the same: energetic, playful and downright ornery. This is Todo, a year-old Toy Poodle. This sweet little dog is named Daisy. Four-month-old Magoo. Less - The Toy Poodles have a shoulder height of up to 25 cm 10 in and weigh kg lbs. Poodles are very elegant in appearance. They have a long, narrow muzzle, slight stop point at which the forehead meets the muzzle , dark eyes, and wide ears. Toy Poodles have flat backs, straight, docked tails and small, oval feet. Their length is approximately the same as their height. The Toy Poodle is sensitive, intelligent, lively, playful, proud, and elegant. It bonds closely with family and makes a great companion. Toy Poodles are very smart, obedient, and graceful, which makes them one of the most popular pets in the world. The Toy Poodle is bouncy, alert, and usually eager to play. Toy Poodles are more energetic than Standard Poodles, and more likely to bark. In 18th and 19th century Europe, the Poodle served a wide variety of purposes, including duck hunting, guiding, and later circus performing, from whence the modern grooming style likely arose. The Poodle became a popular pet for the French aristocracy, and in time was officially adopted as the national dog. Poodles were imported to America in the 20th century. The origins of the poodles are still discussed with a dispute over whether the poodle descends from the old French Barbet breed or from Germany as a type of water dog. PROS: Intelligent, long-lived and easy to train. In the UK these are separate breeds each with their own register. But in the USA, the different Poodle sizes are all categories of the same breed — the Poodle — rather than distinct breeds in their own right. To find the history of the Toy sized poodle, we need to look at the breed as a whole. There they were originally bred as retrievers for fetching ducks and other waterfowl from the water. Poodles are derived from Barbets — water dogs which are still around today. Scaling down Miniature and Toy Poodles were created by gradually scaling down the big Poodle dog. This was first done for specific hunting tasks. But changed to breed them for companionship. Fun Fact! Poodles are loved by everyone throughout history. Elvis was one of these well known Poodle lovers. He adored Poodles so much he often gave them as gifts to his loved ones. He gave one called Little Bit to an early girlfriend, gave one named Duke to his mother, and gave his wife Priscilla Presley a Toy Poodle called Honey! After that a dog would be categorized as a Miniature or Standard Poodle depending on how much bigger they grew. Miniature Poodles can measure up to 15 inches. That puts our curly toy breed on the same scale as other toy dog favorites, Pugs and Shih Tzus. In the show ring, where two of these tiny toy poodles are equal in all other respects, the smaller dog will take the rosette. So what is the magic tipping point when a Miniature Poodle becomes a Toy? This, again, is less than a Miniature Poodle, who should weigh in between 10 and 15 pounds. The toy poodle adult is a very small dog. And their puppies are very tiny indeed. This tiny size makes this small Poodle dog breed vulnerable to injury at any time but especially when they are new puppies, and this is something to consider when deciding between a puppy and a rescue dog. Like many other smaller dogs, this small poodle breed reaches maturity sooner than their larger cousins, and your Toy Poodle dog will be fully grown by their first birthday. How long do Toy Poodles live? This is a breed with a relatively good life expectancy. A small sample of owners in the UK who were willing to complete a survey for the Kennel Club including details of how their pets had died 20 dogs in total , found that the average lifespan of those Poodles in the toy group had been 14 years and eight months. And it is not that unusual to hear of a 17 or 18 year old Toy Poodle. Fourteen is a respectable age for any dog. It also reflects the general rule that small dogs tend to live longer than large dogs the average age for Standard Poodles in the same survey was 12 years. And pleasingly, the leading cause of death when the time came was simple old age. They have dark, oval eyes and their ears hang close to their heads. Poodles have long, straight muzzles, and of course a very distinctive coat. Toy Poodle Tail In the USA the toy poodle tail is usually docked, which means that the tip of the tail has been cut off. This is a procedure that is carried out when puppies are just 2 or 3 days old. Tail docking is illegal in much of Europe and in England and Wales is only permitted for working dogs such as terriers, retrievers, and spaniels. Generally toy dogs and companion dogs are no longer docked there. Toy Poodle tail length after docking is about half to two thirds the original length of the natural tail toy poodle sitting patiently Does A Toy Poodle Shed Hair? That means some form of grooming is a must. It will also need trimming every six to eight weeks. For most Poodle parents, this is as straightforward as an all-over haircut, known as a pet clip or a puppy clip. They will initiate you into the fascinating and dare I say it? A teddy bear Toy Poodle is one that has been given a teddy bear Poodle cut which leaves more hair on the face and paws, giving a puppyish look. And if all this makes you think the that a corded coat might be the way to go, bear in mind they are the highest maintenance coat of all to keep clean. Are They Hypoallergenic? One defining feature that all poodles have in common is those glorious curls! And an important feature of tight curls in any dog is that when the dog sheds, as all dogs do, the shed hair remains trapped in the curls rather than ending up on your clothes and furniture. Because shedding is reduced in Poodles some people with allergies are able to tolerate being around them when they are not able to tolerate dogs with coats that shed freely. Coat Colors There are a staggering ten Poodle colors. Some of them incredibly vibrant — a full grown red poodle, for example is a very striking sight! Other shades are more muted and subtle. There really is a color to suit every taste. You can also get tan Poodles, a pale version of the brown Poodle puppy. Fun and intelligent, your Toy Poodle will romp with you during the day, then sink happily onto the couch to cuddle when the sun goes down. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. With their standard curly fur, small appearance, and tiny stance, the Toy Poodle has been called a handbag dog and even a teddy bear. However, the Toy Poodle, like its parents, is actually loving and cuddly. Toy Poodles are calm and welcoming but are known to bark when strangers appear at their front door. This breed is also very intelligent, which is great for when it comes to training them to get along with other pets, families, and even training them to use the bathroom outside. Image Credit: bodnar. However, this breed is better with older children than younger ones because they can be so easily hurt. So make sure to instruct children on how they should play with your Toy Poodle, no matter what age they are, for the best results. While this breed is great for families, they do need to be socialized and trained from an early age to ensure compliance as they get older. First, however, you need to know a bit about exercise, training, food and diet requirements, and any major and minor health issues you might have to deal with. Remember, they have tiny limbs, so too much exercise can end up with your puppy becoming injured. Positive reinforcement in the form of treats and toys is your best option for training this breed. As with any other dog, starting early is your best bet if you want a well-trained Toy Poodle when he or she reaches adulthood. Brush your Toy Poodle every day, or at least every other day, to avoid painful matting and to keep their fur silky and fluffy. You might also want to take your Toy Poodle to the groomer regularly to be pampered and groomed. Those will be listed below. Minor Conditions.
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golden retriever puppies lancaster pa - Thank you for your interest in our AKC Goldens. See below to join our Farm News for updates on new litters. We accept deposits right here on our website to Hold the Gender of your Choice first paid-deposit, first reserved basis. If you have a preference for which momma you'd like, you can make note of that when placing a deposit. Otherwise, we will notify you when the next litter is available and confirmed through ultrasound! Your new fur baby will be ready to go home at 8 weeks old. The final payment must be made before taking the puppies home. Please join our email subscriber's here. Each puppy has such a precious, unique personality, so we like for our families to have time to interact with them and pick them out in person. We will schedule 1-hour appointments when the puppies are ready to be picked up 8 weeks old. Deposits are non-refundable. You or a flight nanny will need to meet us outside of the airport for puppy pickup. Additionally, If you are unable to fly to pick up the puppy or arrange a flight nanny , we are happy to provide the flight nanny service for you. The Flight Nanny charge is outlined below. Please feel free to message with more questions. We are happy to offer flight nanny service, though! The nanny is either ourselves or someone we personally know and trust. The flight nanny is attuned to your pet's needs and will give special attention to a smooth, caring transition from our farm to your arms. Flight Nanny fee must be paid ahead for scheduling purposes. We are happy to speak through these detail specifics with you. Be sure to watch for our mahogany. This will allow your veterinarian to become more comfortable and familiar with your dog, making it easier for them to detect unusual changes. Aside from vet bills, pet insurance is an important investment that most dog owners tend to ignore. You may not be able to avoid employing the services of pet daycares, dog walkers, and others if you are going out of town or busy with work. These kinds of services are becoming increasingly popular these days. Your pet will be cared for by trained pet handlers at pet daycares. Travel Expenses: If you enjoy traveling with your Golden Retriever, you may need to pay some extra fees because many hotels do not allow pets. Dog Training: This breed has a high level of intelligence. With the right puppy training, your puppy should be able to learn a variety of tricks. Basic obedience training and socialization are important for a growing Golden puppy. Emergency Medical Treatment: Medical emergencies cannot always be avoided. Of course, these scenarios typically come at a high cost. This breed is recommended to visit a professional groomer once every 8 to 10 weeks. All these potential expenses are optional, except for emergency medical treatment. You can learn how to avoid these fees entirely as you go, which will save you even more money if you want to be practical. Make sure to talk to the breeder before adopting or buying, as not all breeders have the best intention for their puppies. They also raise funds for canine health research. Their puppies are sold with a contract for neutering or spaying as well as a registration from the American Kennel Club. This means that the quality of their dog is in their best interests. Sun-Golden Kennels — This Golden Retriever breeder operating in Wisconsin raises all of their dogs in their home, so the temperament is fairly balanced. They allow their dogs to run around inside their home and sleep beside their bed to socialize with them. They also involve them in activities such as playing ball, hiking, and swimming with other dogs. The rescue organization also houses other breeds such as the Labrador Retriever and mixed breeds like the Goldendoodle and Labradoodle aside from Golden Retrievers. Their dogs are ready for adoption and have undergone health screenings, rabies vaccinations, heartworm vaccinations, deworming, neutering, and flea and tick treatment. This shelter is open to long-distance adoption in collaboration with other regional rescue groups, as long as the adoptive family meets specific guidelines and conditions. These fees are usually used by rescues for vet bills, registration papers, and other expenses for their dogs. You can also check out our compiled list of reputable Golden Retriever breeders and rescue organizations that house purebred Golden Retrievers to help you with your search for your perfect dog. You may also want to read our ultimate dog adoption guide to ace your adoption application at any of the rescues listed above. Here are some money-saving tips for Golden Retriever owners: Make your own food and treats. Instead of buying store-bought dog food and treats for your Golden, you can learn how to make them yourself. Recommended dog food for the Golden Retriever includes chicken , healthy whole grain meals, approved veggies and fruits, and unseasoned and natural ingredients. Consider home grooming. Grooming a Golden does not have to be a difficult chore. Grooming Golden Retrievers cost a fortune when brought to a professional groomer. Your dog does not require as much grooming as many other breeds. The simple task of brushing and combing their coat will keep shedding under control and the buildup of mats and tangles at bay. Bring them to the vet regularly and keep an eye out for accidents. Because vet bills can be pricey, you must ensure that your Goldie does not suffer from any significant illnesses or injuries. Try training your own dog. Paying for dog trainers may cost you more money. If you do not want to participate in dog shows or contests, it is preferable to train your Golden yourself. This would save you a few bucks while also providing a bonding opportunity for you and your Golden. Choose quality dog supplies. It is recommended that first-time dog owners get high-quality products for their dogs. Choosing a cheaper item may end up costing you more in the long run because you may need to replace it on a regular basis. You can save money where you can, but make sure your Goldie receives the care and attention it deserves. Always remember that a healthy dog is a happy dog. A healthy Golden Retriever is not hard to maintain. With the right mindset, you could keep your pooch in tip-top shape while saving money. Keep in mind that expenses may vary based on the lifestyle you keep for your Golden. By ensuring their good health and condition as well as applying practical money-saving tips, raising a Golden Retriever is not a difficult task. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. One or both of this puppy's parents is OFA Heart certified. This puppy has had early neurological stimulation exercises. It is also important to understand there are different types of golden retrievers which may affect pricing. For example, if you decide to choose the lowest golden retriever cost option, those puppies almost never have the necessary 3rd-party assurances or veterinarian procedures like dewormings, vaccinations, health-tested parents, or a thorough health checkup. These missing costs and services will be your responsibility, making the total cost ultimately the same. Not to mention the added stress on you these extra expenses and issues create! Adopting vs. Please note that depending on the shelter, you may have to pay additional costs for your Golden certain shots and procedures. Depending on if the golden retriever is a boy or a girl may affect the price as well. Some male vs female golden retriever differences may make you prefer one over the other. This will ultimately save you time and money on your golden retriever price because breeders often pay lower veterinary rates than individuals do. Distemper, for example, is a highly contagious disease that attacks the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and nervous systems of dogs. Unfortunately, there is no cure — just a lot of expenses and stress which really adds to the overall cost of your Golden Retriever puppy. It is wise to ask your vet for guidance on this decision. Talk with your vet about the procedure, when you should get it done, and how much it might cost. Dental Care for Your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers, like many dogs, can be prone to dental issues such as plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. These cleanings typically involve scaling, polishing, and potentially extractions if necessary. Some insurance providers offer optional dental coverage as an add-on or as part of more comprehensive plans. If dental coverage is included in the policy, it typically covers a portion of the costs associated with dental cleanings, extractions, and other necessary dental treatments. This typically includes services such as bathing, brushing, trimming, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and sometimes additional services like de-shedding or dematting. Some groomers may offer package deals or discounts for regular appointments or bundled services. This monthly expense may seem like an additional cost, but it can be a worthwhile investment when considering the potential savings on veterinary bills for treatments, surgeries, and medications. By having pet insurance in place, you can ensure that your Golden Retriever receives the necessary care without straining your finances in the event of unexpected health issues. Puppy Training and Socialization Classes Attending puppy training and socialization classes is highly recommended for the comprehensive development of your Golden puppy. These classes provide structured learning environments, social interaction, and essential obedience training. By enrolling your Golden Retriever puppy in these classes, you ensure they receive the necessary foundation for good behavior, social skills, and overall well-being. The cost for food will depend on the size, age, and activity level of your companion. Fortunately, the cheaper brands of dog food can be just as good as the more premium brands as long as they meet the standards of AAFCO and are made with minimal processing. When making your decision, make sure to avoid artificial ingredients and preservatives where you can, since they could cause health problems for your dog. Puppies cost more than adult or senior Goldens. This holds true for all dog breeds, because there is more demand for puppies than older dogs. Age affects the adoption fee, but it does not reflect the quality of the dog in most cases. This can be thousands of dollars less than a puppy, but this does not discount the love and affection an adult can offer. Surprisingly, this dog comes in more than just gold color varieties. There are also red, cream, brown, and yellow color varieties. There will, very rarely, even be a Golden Retriever that has black-tipped ears or has a black spot on its body. These puppies have cream-colored coats and are very rare. Goldens that have black markings on their coat are often cheaper. A puppy with healthy warranties and pedigree certification will be twice as much as a puppy without them. One of the top health certifications is hip dysplasia screening. Choosing A Breeder Not all breeders put a lot of time, effort, and money into their Golden Retriever puppies. Breeder associated expenses include breeding fees if the breeder does not own both a breeding male and female , breeding license, veterinary care for mom and pups, health tests and certifications, warranty, registration, insurance, whelping and food. Golden Retrievers typically have eight puppies in each litter. Puppies that are bought from pet stores can come from large-scale commercial dog breeding operations i. Commercial dog breeding facilities should be avoided. A chronic lack of space, insufficient nutrition, poor hygiene standards, and routine overbreeding of the dogs are par for the course in puppy mills. This is inhumane and causes a number of serious health issues for the puppies: matted fur; eye, ear, and throat infections, dental problems and severe genetic deformities. So, how do you make sure you adopt a dog from a trustworthy and reputable breeder? One of the first steps you can do is to check the status of a breeder. All puppies sold via this marketplace are purebred, pedigree and health certified. In the United Kingdom, the Kennel Club has a list of approved breeders. All puppies sold via this marketplace are insured, pedigree and health certified. There are a handful of additional factors that also affect a Golden Retriever price. Breeder location is one of them. Certain cities and states enforce breeding regulations and charges. Breeding licenses normally apply to professional breeders who breed more than 20 puppies each year. Home-based breeders can get exemptions. Full AKC registrations are a decision that will be made on a case by case basis. Puppy selections are made on the day of puppy pick up. We believe this is a very big step for most puppy-parents, so to be fair we want you to have the opportunity to watch all the puppies as they grow bigger and develop their little personalities. Selecting your puppy at eight weeks will also allow you to better identify size and coloration if that is your preference. You will raise your puppy with the confidence it is recognized by the American Kennel Club as a purebred Golden Retriever. As a consumer, you are spending a lot of money on a puppy and there is great value in knowing your breeder has followed all the criteria needed to fulfill the requirements set forth by AKC. This information will be mailed to your home, usually within weeks. Full AKC Registration is exactly the same as the limited registration, with one difference: should you decide, as your puppy gets older, you want to breed it with another fully registered Golden Retriever, you will be able to register the litters with the American Kennel Club. Did you ask the owner where they got it, and how much it cost them? The most often asked question I get by e-mail is how much does a golden retriever puppy cost to purchase. Even more specifically, how much does a golden retriever puppy cost in California? In this article, I will discuss how much a golden retriever can cost and why the variation in prices. Often, but not solely, it depends on the investment the breeder has in the parents as well as the time invested in the pups. A reputable breeder will research their lines extensively. When I research buying a pup from other breeders I check all their certifications, pedigrees, as well as the age of death and whether or not they died of cancer. Purchasing a pup with full rights can be expensive. A breeder generally should get OFA certifications on both parents. Many breeders will get preliminary consults at one year of age which doubles the cost. There are additional tests that breeders can also get for their Goldens. Assuming a breeder owns both parents, the cost for the OFA certifications are doubled. Many breeders show their dogs. The costs of showing are in the thousands of dollars, per dog. AKC shows can cost in the thousands for a single weekend. Many breeders have to travel hundreds of miles, pay for a hotel, pay for groomers, hire handlers, purchase crates, and spend hundreds of dollars for entrance fees. To gain an AKC championship you have to attend multiple shows. Conformation in a show does not mean the dog is healthy. This is an entirely different topic that can open a can of worms. Another cost to a breeder is the cost of the litter occur themselves. When I have puppies, I have a room dedicated in my home to the pups. It is tiled, and has an expensive whelping pen, pads, heaters, toys and so much more. Every day we clean up after the pups multiple times. Cleaning supplies can be expensive. I know many breeders who breed in kennels. They just spray down the kennels with water. The socialization of pups alone is why many breeders I know charge more. It is my opinion those who socialize their pups in their home offer a better quality pup in terms of temperament. Not only does it cost more, but the investment in time is unquantifiable. Lastly, most breeders vaccinate, deworm, microchip, and visit the vet for a puppy well check. God forbid any problem to occur with the mother and a cesarean is needed. Sometimes breeding has unintended consequences. Say a dog fails their certifications or needs unexpected surgery, that investment has to be recuperated somehow. A few years back Ember had to have surgery. She decided to chew on some plastic that got lodged in her stomach. She nearly died and was in the hospital for two weeks. After recovering from surgery, I had all her certifications done, and at the age of 2, she got pyometra. Another 10 grand, and we had to spay her. She never had puppies. Unexpected costs like this make breeding an expensive endeavor. In the long run, the costs to treat those illnesses can far surpass the initial high price of purchasing a healthy pup from a reputable breeder. You may have to work on training more extensively, but it is very rewarding. For a list of Golden Retriever rescues in Southern California click the link. As we discussed throughout this article the price will depend on whether or not you purchase a puppy from a reputable breeder, or a run of the mill breeder trying to turn a quick buck. No matter how much a puppy may cost initially, you have to be ready for the cost of ownership once you are taking care of them. Once the pup is in your home, they should become another child. This oversight, aside from behavioral issues, is one of the biggest cause of pups ending up in a shelter. Research is key. Best of luck on your puppy searching adventure. Learn more about our training services here. Interested in applying for a puppy? Submit a free, 1-minute application on GoodDog. Apply Now on GoodDog. I feel very lucky to have found SWD after months of searching for a breeder with the right fit for what I was looking for. Jordan provided great communication, knowledge, and advice throughout the adoption process, which was essential to me as a new dog owner. I could not be happier with my puppy, and would recommend them to anyone. Thank you, SWD! From the first time we reached out that we were interested in this breed to bringing our sweet baby home we felt like a part of this family. We were drawn in by their philosophy and mission for this beautiful breed and family dogs and will forever be grateful to be a part of it. Their love and compassion for their dogs and the homes these puppies go to knows no bounds. So thankful to have our sweet girl and will always recommend Southern Water Dogs for families looking for an amazing golden. Thanks so much for helping add to our family. We were kept informed of every major phase of our puppy's development, from conception to when we picked her up. Jordan and Haley did an outstanding job of not only socializing the pups to other people, kids, etc. Our girl is such a confident, happy puppy not only because of her genetics but also because of the way Jordan and Haley raised her!