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Beneath the curly, hypoallergenic coat is an elegant athlete and companion for all reasons and seasons. All three varieties have the same build and proportions. At dog shows, Poodles are usually seen in the elaborate Continental Clip. Most poodle owners prefer the simpler Sporting Clip, in which the coat is shorn to follow the outline of the squarely built, smoothly muscled body. All Poodles can be trained with great success, as they are highly trainable and very intelligent. They do have a weaker bone structure than some other small breeds, but are still a tough little dog. They make wonderful pets because they love people so much! A distinct breed with the right mental stimulation can properly interact and is loved by young children. Their short coats look like velvet against your hand when you stroke them. There are many new colors coming out with advances in breeding and DNA technology. Some breeders will only breed traditional colors, whereas we breed for more specialty and exotic colors. Our main stock is health tested and cleared and the pups make excellent pets. There are quite a few champions in the pedigrees and they're laid back compared to some bloodlines. The Standard Poodle began its development as a retrieving water dog more than years ago. With a crisp, curly coat as protection against the elements, superlative swimming ability, and off-the-charts intelligence, the Poodle was, and still is, a magnificent retriever. Hunters wanted their dogs to have free range of movement in the water, but they also wished to protect vital areas of the anatomy from the cold. They shaved the legs, neck, and tail but left the chest, hips, and leg joints coated. The rounded tufts on the legs, hips, and tail tip are called pompons. Note the spelling: Cheerleaders have pom-poms; Poodles have pompons. Elegant Poodles of the Standard and Miniature varieties found favor among the nobles of France and, eventually, all of Europe. An excellent nose brought the Poodle additional work as a truffle hunter. The Standard was bred down to the Miniature. The Toy was first bred in America, in the early 20th century, as a city-dwelling companion dog. Well-bred specimens of each variety are exact replicas of each other and are bred to the same standard. After a puppy is reserved its is our goal to make the update within minutes with few exceptions outside holidays and unforeseen events. You can be confident the available puppies and their pictures shown are accurate and up to date. Breeder of Poodle Puppies for Sale in Illinois Welcome to the most well respected breeder of red and apricot poodles in Illinois! We specialize in breeding and selling red, apricot, cream, and black poodle puppies, varying in size from toy, miniature and moyen. Unlike many other dog businesses, who have multiple different breeds, we specialize specifically in breeding poodles. For more information, either contact us or visit our facebook page! We have well over followers on Facebook and most of the posts on our page are from previous owners showcasing the poodles they have purchased from us. We encourage you to scroll through all the tabs and learn even more about us and our puppies! A little about me… My name is Frank Reliford. I am a husband, father of 8 children, grandpa to 4 grandkids, Christian, retired school principal hence, the name , and full-time poodle whisperer! Okay, well, maybe not that last part… However, I have been in the poodle business for roughly 20 years and have learned a thing or two! I love the poodle breed. Poodles are so well respected that so many other breeds are mixed with poodles trying to get the favorable qualities that poodles have into their mixed puppies. A little about my business… As previously mentioned, Poodle Pups with Principal is a family-ran business, with many of the family playing an important role! All of our puppies are kept indoors until the begin to wean. The most common feedback we get from our buyers is how social and adjusted our puppies are. From day one our puppies are handled regularly by members of our family, especially kids and grandkids! We back that up with a written two-year health guarantee on all of our puppies. Some congenital issues are guaranteed for life! Frank Reliford owner. Paisley Classic Canine Moyen Poodles We are a small, family-owned breeder of quality Moyen Poodles in the midwest area with over 20 years of breeding experience. The Poodle selections we offer include solids, brindles, parties, phantoms, and merles. Our parent dogs have exceptional temperaments and conformation. Health testing of the parents ensures that our puppies are among the healthiest and hardiest available. Our puppies live in our house and are handled from day one. Our puppies learn manners and socialization skills from our home environment and my grooming shop, where they are exposed to noise, children and people. We can also do extensive training at an additional cost. Each of our puppies comes with a paid microchip and a two-year health guarantee. All of our puppies come vaccinated with tails and dewclaws removed and are dewormed. We work with each of our customers to match the perfect puppy to them - our puppies are ready for loving, caring families when they are 8 weeks old. Learn More Getting Your Puppy! We are within driving distance of Illinois, Wisconsin Indiana and Iowa. Outside of our immediate area, we have ground transportation and flight nannies available to safely and easily transport your puppy to you. We don't breed a lot of litters, and are very selective with our parent dogs. We specialize in unique colors and excellent conformations. Check the schedule and get on our mailing list to keep informed of new litters. We take great pride in raising stunning red standard poodles that are intelligent, elegant, and incredibly affectionate. With a meticulous selection process and rigorous health testing, we aspire to provide the healthiest quality offspring. Experience the joy and elegance of a curly, red-haired four-legged companion by welcoming one into your life from Sunset Maple Poodles today. Explore our Available Puppies page and find your perfect Red Standard companion today. We have carefully created a go-to resource to answer your questions about our poodles and puppies. Discover valuable insights and essential puppy care tips. Learn what to expect when bringing a Red Standard Poodle into your home. Delve into our thorough procedures and protocols designed to ensure the health and well-being of our beloved puppies. Visit our puppy page today and find a trove of information to help you determine if our Standard Poodle puppies are suitable for you and tips and educational material on best caring for your new puppy. Our passion stems from the incredible personalities, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty that these dogs possess. And as a result we take great pride in our careful selection of breeding pairs, prioritizing lineage that promotes the health and well-being of our puppies. By diligently considering their genetic background and lineage, we strive to ensure the continued vitality and robustness of our beloved Red Standard Poodle breed so that the breed may be enjoyed by many for generations to come. Our utmost delight comes from witnessing the growth and development of our puppies, as they bring happiness and love to countless families. To learn more about our backstory and how we came to love the breed visit our About Us page. Sign up here for our monthly emails about upcoming litters, available puppies and more!

Further information: Bullenbeisser Friedrich Robert and his boxer, The Boxer is a hunting mastiff developed in Germany in the late 19th century from the now extinct Bullenbeisser , a dog of English Mastiff descent, and Bulldogs brought in from Great Britain. Its task was to seize the prey and hold it until the hunters arrived. In later years, faster dogs were favored and a smaller Bullenbeisser was bred in Brabant , in northern Belgium. The Brabanter Bullenbeisser is generally accepted as being a direct ancestor of today's Boxer. The club went on to publish the first Boxer breed standard in , a detailed document that has not been changed much since. During World War I , the Boxer was co-opted for military work, acting as a valuable messenger dog, pack carrier, attack dog , and guard dog. Taken home by returning soldiers, the dog was introduced to a wider audience and soon became a favorite as a companion, a show dog, and a guard dog. Boxer early genealogy chart Flocki, the first Boxer German citizen George Alt, a Munich resident, mated a brindle-colored female dog imported from France named Flora with a local dog of unknown ancestry, known simply as "Boxer", resulting in a fawn-and-white male, named Lechner's Box after its owner. This dog was mated with his own dam, Flora, and one of his offspring was a female called Alt's Schecken. George Alt mated Schecken with a Bulldog named Dr. Flocki was the first Boxer to enter the German Stud Book after winning the aforementioned show for St. Bernards in Munich , which was the first event to have a class specific for Boxers. Blanka von Angertor, Flocki's sister, was even more influential when mated with Piccolo von Angertor Lechner's Box grandson to produce the predominantly white particolored female dog Meta von der Passage, which, even bearing little resemblance with the modern Boxer standard early photographs depict her as too long, weak-backed, and down-faced , is considered the mother of the breed. Our great line of sires all trace directly back to this female. She was a substantially built, low to the ground, brindle and white particolor, lacking in underjaw and exceedingly lippy. As a producing female, few in any breed can match her record. She consistently whelped puppies of marvelous type and rare quality. Those of her offspring sired by Flock St. Salvator and Wotan dominate all present-day pedigrees. Combined with Wotan and Mirzl children, they made the Boxer. Breed name[ edit ] The name "Boxer" is supposedly derived from the breed's tendency to play by standing on its hind legs and " boxing " with its front paws. Brace's Pet Owner's Guide to the Boxer, this theory is the least plausible explanation. At that time, the spelling "baxer" equalled "boxer". Both the verb boxen [English "to box, to punch, to jab"] and the noun Boxer were common German words as early as the late 18th century. The term Boxl, also written Buxn or Buchsen in the Bavarian dialect, means "short leather trousers" or "underwear". The very similar-sounding term Boxerl, also from the Bavarian dialect, is an endearing term for Boxer. These dogs were the result from mixes of Bullenbeisser and other similar breeds. Bier beer probably refers to the Biergarten, the typical Munich beer garden, an open-air restaurant where people used to take their dogs along. The nickname "Deutscher Boxer" was derived from Bierboxer and Boxer could also be a corruption of the former or a contraction of the latter. This seems improbable. Any such action would likely result in a badly bitten if not broken leg. On the other hand, a German breeder of 40 years' experience states positively that the Boxer does not use his feet, except to try to extinguish a small flame such as a burning match. But a Boxer does box with his head. He will hit not bite a cat with his muzzle hard enough to knock it out and he will box a ball with his nose. Or perhaps, since the German dictionary translates Boxer as "prize-fighter", the name was bestowed in appreciation of the fighting qualities of the breed rather than its technique. Boxer is also the name of a dog owned by John Peerybingle, the main character in the best-selling book The Cricket on the Hearth by Charles Dickens , which is evidence that "Boxer" was commonly used as a dog name by the early 19th century, before the establishment of the breed by the end of that same century. A brindle Boxer with two white socks Brindle, fawn, and white Boxer puppies See also: Dog health A healthy Boxer puppy Leading health issues to which Boxers are prone include cancers , heart conditions such as aortic stenosis and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy the so-called " Boxer cardiomyopathy " , [35] hypothyroidism , hip dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy and epilepsy; other conditions that may be seen are gastric dilatation volvulus also known as bloat , intestinal problems, and allergies although these may be more related to diet than breed. An emerging health concern among boxers is Boxer Juvenile Kidney Disease JKD , where the kidneys do not develop normally during gestation and leads to chronic renal failure. There is strong evidence to suggest JKD is an inherited condition in boxers with research being undertaken by the University of Ohio to determine the gene mutation, as well as other work separately by the UK Boxer Breeder Council. Mortality due to infection increases significantly with increases in inbreeding. The breed is particularly predisposed to mast cell tumours, a cancer of the immune system. Because of their brachycephalic heads, they do not do well with high heat or humidity, and common sense should prevail when exercising a Boxer in these conditions. See also: Dog food Boxers need plenty of exercise, which means their diet should be high in quality calories. The main source of these calories should be lean animal protein, which include lean chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish. They sometimes appear at dog agility or dog obedience trials and flyball events. These strong and intelligent animals have also been used as service dogs, guide dogs for the blind, therapy dogs, police dogs in K9 units, and occasionally herding cattle or sheep. The versatility of Boxers was recognized early on by the military, which has used them as valuable messenger dogs, pack carriers, and attack and guard dogs in times of war. Notable Boxers[ edit ] Punch and Judy were awarded the Dickin Medal for conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in a military conflict. Boxer Puppy kibbles are designed with an exclusive shape and size to make it easy for the Boxer puppy to pick up and chew. Guaranteed Analysis Crude Protein min. Ingredients Chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, oat groats, brown rice, chicken fat, wheat gluten, pork meal, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp, fish oil, pea fiber, vegetable oil, coconut oil, sodium silico aluminate, potassium chloride, monocalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, psyllium seed husk, fructooligosaccharides, sodium tripolyphosphate, vitamins [DL-alpha tocopherol acetate source of vitamin E , niacin supplement, L-ascorbylpolyphosphate source of vitamin C , D-calcium pantothenate, biotin, pyridoxine hydrochloride vitamin B6 , riboflavin supplement, thiamine mononitrate vitamin B1 , vitamin A acetate, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement], hydrolyzed yeast source of betaglucans , salt, DL-methionine, L-lysine, choline chloride, glucosamine hydrochloride, marigold extract Tagetes erecta L. Daily Feeding Recommendations.

Please be sure to provide many chew toys to help with this transitional period. Cow hooves can be found at many pet stores and are recommended. Stay away from pig ears and cheap rawhide, and "greenies," as these can cause severe diarrhea, bloat, and are a choking hazard. For instance, keep an eye out for diarrhea if you change your pup's food. If your bulldog develops diarrhea then stop all food for 12 hours. If it persists for more than 24 hours, contact your veterinarian immediately to prevent dehydration. Puppies can dehydrate very rapidly so you need to take it seriously when diarrhea occurs. Dogs can pick up some unwanted guests: ticks, fleas, mites, lice, and intestinal worms. Your dog can be the perfect host for these pests if regular treatment for these nasty pests is not given. Your veterinarian is the best source of knowledge for the local bugs that bug the local dog population and how to prevent these pests. Heartworm is a widespread disease present spread by mosquitoes throughout most of the United States. There is a treatment for heartworm, but it is expensive and takes a toll physically on the dog and can take months to combat. This is especially important for dogs that spend a lot of time outside, that live on farms, or that hunt, as they are at increased risk of contracting this tick-borne disease. Puppies will generally have a first veterinary visit at the age of six weeks by the person who has the mother dog. The veterinarian will examine the puppies to make sure there are no hernias, heart, lung, or eye or ear problems in any of the pups. At 9 weeks, and then again at 12 weeks, the de-wormer and distemper vaccines will be repeated. Then these can be given once a year or on a schedule determined by you and your veterinarian. Lowell Ackerman. This vaccination is required by many communities. There can sometimes be severe penalties if your dog is not rabies vaccinated especially if the dog bites a person or another pet. As your dog ages, more frequent examinations will need to be given. Twice yearly examination will catch medical issues before they become big problems. Older dogs frequently suffer from arthritis and heart disease just like elderly humans. There are effective and safe treatments that can help your older dog live reasonably pain-free and pleasant golden years. It is important to spay females or neuter male your puppy. In addition to various health benefits for the dog decreased chances of certain tumors and infections , there is a big societal benefit in the decreased number of unwanted dogs. Microchipping is also encouraged in case your dog ever becomes lost. The inner ear part of the ear is normally white or darker colored, usually corresponding to the color of the dog's coat, so look for discoloring. The puppy's ears should also not smell nor have any discharge in the ear or on the flap. The ear should be free of debris, dirt, or parasites, like ticks or mites. Any of the following are abnormal: [9] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Scratching or pawing the ear. Shaking the head excessively. If in doubt, or if you suspect an ear infection, have your veterinarian look in the ear using an otoscope to examine the eardrum. Never stick a q-tip or similar type of product into the ear canal. You will not be able to see the entire ear canal and should not try to put anything down there. Never use human toothpaste on a dog; only use dental toothpaste made for dogs. The fluoride in human toothpaste is poisonous to dogs and can cause serious health problems. Place a little puppy toothpaste on your fingertip and let your puppy lick it off. The next day put it on your finger and rub it along the outer gums. Then try to put a little on a dog toothbrush, let the puppy lick it then run the toothbrush along the outer edges of the teeth and gums. Only the outer part against the cheeks needs to be brushed. Even with regular tooth brushing, dogs may need dental cleanings once in a while. Plaque and bacteria can build up under the gum line causing problems there or in the roots of the teeth. Just like with their human owners, regular mouth examinations by their doggy dentist should be done once a year. Share this article Share She also slammed the fact that Tuna has to go through so much 'in order to be able to breathe'. It is not okay and we should be fighting against how this has become normal for these breeds,' Katherine added. The puppy pictured on the day of left and after right the procedure Tuna - who was rescued in September last year as part of an RSPCA animal welfare investigation - had snored 'extremely loudly', with her body straining for air when she slept. The roll of excess skin around her nose - known as 'the rope' was also causing sore skin and hot spots which could lead to infections. The pup has also had an operation on her eyelids, as, to add to her list of troubles, the weight of Tuna's face pulled them down, making her weep. A brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome surgery - which will help her breathe by widening her nostrils and removing excess tissue from her soft palate - is next on the list. Katherine added: 'Tuna has had thousands of pounds worth of surgery so far, and she's only months-old. Tuna pictured before her surgery. The roll of excess skin around her nose - known as 'the rope' was also causing sore skin and hot spots which could lead to infections 'She's also very lucky to have access to a vet who specialises in these surgeries as they are very complex, and also incredibly expensive. RSPCA dog welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines has also hit out at the focus on how our pets look, leading to unhealthy breeding practices. Some can't run and play with their doggy friends, and many find the hot weather incredibly difficult.

Born 6. Buy Now Rehoming Thomas The only reason why im rehoming is because our landlord wont accept pets so i need to rehome him asap. Buy Now Puppies available 4 week old puppies available soon. I'm located in Elmira MI. I'm willing to meet halfway. .Both mom and dad are great dogs that love being around our 3 kids, 2 cats and many chickens. These puppies will be great family pets with very calm loving temperaments. Buy Now Doodle puppies Two puppies one male one female. Mom is cocker-jack and dad is medium sized bernedoodle. Puppies have been socialized with dogs, cats, and kids. Buy Now Mini olde english bulldog french bulldog cross Mini olde english bulldog. French bulldog and olde english cross. Perfect size dog not to big not to small. Bree is a beautiful blue brindle. She is very sweet and smart. Two series of vaccines and multiple wormings. Contact us if you would like more information. Up to date on shots and dewormer including vet check. Great with kids and other dogs. Located in xxxx. Sam is a beautiful brindle with a sweet disposition. He is currently 5 lbs of cuteness. Mini olde english bulldogs are a great family edition. I currently have 5 females and 3 males available. They will be treated for worms and fleas. If interested email me at xxxxxxxxxx xxxxx. Mostly potty trained with the exception of some night time accidents. Will grow to be loyal protective family members. Ready for their furever homes! Born February 11, first shots and worming. Ready for their furever home. Elderly mother in law is unable to take care of her due to bad hip. She is a sweetheart and needs a new forever home! Puppy has all updates shots and is potty trained. They are 5 weeks old so wont be ready to go for at least 2 weeks. I will give them their initial shots and deworm once completely weaned before pick up. The Golden Shepherd tends to be a friendly, energetic, and affectionate dog that is loyal to their family and tends to be protective of them. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, and more. A Golden Shepherd tends to bring the all-around friendly personality of the Golden Retriever and the intelligence and devotion of the German Shepherd into one dog. They love their families and tend to get along with everyone including children. These dogs are not necessarily suspicious of strangers, but they are alert and will tend to bark if they see something they feel you need to know about. Golden Shepherds are moderately adaptable dogs. Because they are high-energy, they tend to do better in homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living as long as plenty of time is dedicated to giving them the daily exercise they need. They tend to do well in most climates. But, as with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Because Golden Shepherds are devoted to their families and thrive on spending time with them, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. A mixed-breed dog can inherit the potential health issues common to one, both, or neither of their parent breeds. As a larger, barrel-chested dog breed, the Golden Shepherd, like their parent breeds, is also at a higher risk for bloat. The Golden Shepherd is a highly trainable dog breed. They are intelligent, eager to please, and pick up on things quickly. This makes them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Puppy training classes can still be a great idea because they offer opportunities to socialize a puppy while also strengthening your bond with them. The Golden Shepherd will have a thick double-coat that sheds moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year as seasons change. A quick daily brushing, especially during seasonal shedding sessions, will help remove loose fur to make your dog more comfortable and also help keep more fur contained to a brush instead of everywhere else. Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. Monthly nail trims are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long or causing issues. Plus, if anything is starting to happen, you can get the vet before it gets more serious. Because many dog owners overlook this, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal. The Golden Shepherd comes from two high-energy dogs, so they require a lot of daily exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime and time to run are the minimum. But, a Golden Shepherd will likely be up for more activity if you are. A trip to the dog park for some off-leash time, playing frisbee or chasing a ball, hiking, swimming, running, and more can all help this dog expend some extra energy. You want to keep their activity low-impact as they are still growing, but once they finish growing, try different activities to see what you both love doing together. You could even try training them for dog sports! A fully-grown Golden Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Golden Shepherd generally lives for years. Currently, we do not have any Golden Shepherd puppies available, but we can alert you when new Golden Shepherd puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address! Related Breeds.

Buying from backyard breeders and puppy mills is highly discouraged. On the other hand, when adopting a Malinois X, keep in mind that these dogs may exhibit difficulty or misbehavior. You can browse through their website and check out their currently available dogs. They have been breeding dogs for 18 years now. All their German Shepherds come from working backgrounds, so rest assured that their dogs are fantastic protection canines! Keystone Puppies — Keystone Puppies is a platform where breeders can put their puppies up for adoption. Visit their website to find Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix puppies. If you need more options, consider going through our guide on the best German Shepherd breeders and the best Belgian Malinois breeders. Some breeders on these lists also raise and sell Malinois X mixes! On the flip side, if you fancy adoption, below are some rescues where you might find German Malinois puppies for adoption: American Belgian Malinois Rescue — The American Belgian Malinois Rescue is dedicated to rehoming purebred and mixed Belgian Malinois. They are based in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Check out their website right now, as they have available German Shepherd Malinois mix puppies all the time. Make sure you visit their webpage to know their adoption days and hours and contact information. Malinois X mixes are frequently found in this rescue, so keep an eye out! German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — This non-profit organization aims to save neglected purebred and mixed German Shepherds. In addition to these, look at our guide on the best German Shepherd rescues. For sure, many pet lovers will help you find the Malinois X of your dreams! There will be upsides and downsides to any pet, just like with the German Shepherd Malinois mixes. In this section, we will take a look at the pros and cons of owning a Malinois X. Hopefully, this will help you decide whether or not this hybrid dog is for you. Here are some advantages of owning a German Malinois: Highly intelligent: Thanks to its German Shepherd parent, the German Malinois is a bright, highly trainable dog. That is, of course, if you have already established yourself as a leader to them. Great guardian dogs: The Malinois X come from parent breeds that were originally trained as guards and herding dogs. Thus, the German Malinois mix has a reliable guard dog instinct! This is an excellent dog for busy people! On the other hand, owning a Malinois X is not all rainbows and sunshine. There are also some things that may be deal-breakers for you. Here are some disadvantages of owning a German Malinois: Can be aggressive: The German Malinois may show aggression against strangers or smaller animals. Socialize them early and put them through obedience training to minimize this tendency. It could often be difficult to trace the origin of each individual German Malinois. Frequent shedders: While they are relatively easy to maintain, German Malinois are still shedders. They are not suitable for people with allergies as they tend to shed moderately. Whether or not the pros outweigh the cons depends entirely on your lifestyle and preferences. That said, it is important to consider the aforementioned points carefully before getting a Malinois X. Belgian Malinois are intelligent, protective, playful, and energetic. They tend to make great family pets. Should a Belgian Malinois Mix take after this parent, you should be able to expect something similar. A Belgian Malinois is known for their intelligence and prized for their hardworking nature and protective instinct. Their high energy and playful personality means they tend to retain a puppy-like demeanor until they are about three years old. They get along well with children as well as other dogs and pets in the household as long as they are socialized with them. Because of their protective instinct, socialization and training early and often are particularly important. The other parent breed could introduce some potential traits that could affect temperament. So, you do want to ask the other breeder about them. You can also meet the mother dog in person to see what sort of temperament she is modeling for her pups. Belgian Malinois are moderately adaptable dogs. Their high energy tends to make them a better fit for homes with securely fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living as long as sufficient time is dedicated to giving them the exercise and training they need. As long as the other parent breed has similar adaptability traits, you should be able to expect the same in a Belgian Malinois Mix. Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? A mixed-breed dog can sometimes win the genetic lottery and inherit none of the potential health conditions common to either parent breed. At the same time, they could inherit potential conditions common to one parent or both parent breeds. From the Belgian Malinois side, potential health concerns include hip dysplasia, thyroid disease , and progressive retinal atrophy. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to avoid passing issues on to puppies. Although the Belgian Malinois is highly intelligent and picks up on things easily, they are also high-energy dogs with an independent nature and a strong will. This means they are generally not a good fit for first-time dog owners. Puppy training classes are recommended, even for an experienced owner, as these classes often offer opportunities to socialize a puppy. A Belgian Malinois Mix can inherit a coat similar to one parent breed or a coat that is a blend of both, so grooming requirements will be different depending on coat type. Should they inherit a Belgian Malinois coat, they will shed moderately year-round and heavier when seasons change. A weekly brushing and the occasional bath are usually sufficient for this coat. And, you will want to brush them more often during seasonal changes. When checking ears, you are making sure they are clean, dry, and free of debris or pests. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal. But, many dog owners skip or overlook this, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. The Belgian Malinois is a high-energy, athletic dog breed. They need daily walks, playtime, and extra activity every day to stay happy and healthy. They also need a job to do and are good candidates for dog sports like flyball, agility, and more. If the other parent breed is also a high-energy dog breed, then you can expect a Belgian Malinois Mix to be a high-energy dog as well. But, you will still need to be prepared for the potential of a high-energy dog. A Belgian Malinois tends to be inches tall and pounds once fully-grown. The other parent breed could affect this, so you want to make sure you ask the breeder about it. You also want to pay attention to which breed is the mother as this will also affect the size of the puppies, especially in a mixed-breed dog. Belgian Malinois tend to live for years. The other parent breed may affect this slightly, but you can likely expect a similar life span in a Belgian Malinois Mix. Featured Belgian Malinois Mix Article. Life Span Did You Know? The Malinois originated in Belgium in the late s and was bred to guard and herd livestock. The Belgian Malinois is one of four different types of Belgian sheepdogs, including the Tervuren , Laekenois, and Groenendael. Of the Belgian sheepdogs, the Malinois is the most common and widely recognized. Although they were originally bred for herding, the Belgian Malinois excels as a military or police dog. The Belgian Malinois was used for military purposes as far back as World War I with many soldiers bringing their Malinois dogs home to the States after the war ended. Following that time, the AKC saw a large increase in registrations of this breed. Today, the Malinois is more commonly found as a working breed. Some facts about Belgian Malinois are that they are versatile working dogs and popular military dogs. These dogs are exceptional at finding explosives, narcotics, and tracking fugitives attempting to avoid apprehension. The Malinois is a protective and highly intelligent dog breed. As one of the most active dog breeds , the Malinois is a hardworking dog that may be serious when on task, but will also likely exhibit a puppy-like playfulness and energy until around the age of three. As long as they are properly socialized and trained, Belgian Malinois tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Because of their protective instinct, they will be initially wary of strangers. But, if they are well-socialized, they will tend to warm up once introduced. They tend to bark to alert, which can become a nuisance if you unintentionally encourage the behavior or do not train your dog to stop barking early on. The Belgian Malinois is a moderately adaptable dog breed. Although they can adapt to apartments if enough time is dedicated to daily exercise and mental stimulation, they are better suited to homes with fenced yards where they can run. They do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat and are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Because they bond closely with their families, have a lot of energy, and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Belgian Malinois include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy, and thyroid disease. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As one of the smartest dog breeds , the Belgian Malinois picks up on training quickly and is generally eager to please. However, they are also energetic, get bored easily, have a strong herding instinct, and can be strong-willed. First-time owners are encouraged to enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a trainer. Belgian Malinois have short, waterproof coats that will shed a little year-round and will shed heavier as seasons change. Brushing weekly or a few times a week and the occasional bath are usually enough to keep them comfortable and their coat looking great. Cutting nails once or twice a month is usually enough to keep them from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Daily tooth brushing, along with cleanings at the vet as needed, is ideal dental care for dogs. Belgian Malinois are high-energy working dogs. They need a lot of daily activity and a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime and time to run are usually enough, but they will also usually be up for more activity if you are. These dogs are versatile and athletic. Once puppies finish growing and their bones are done developing, you can try a variety of activities with them. Playing frisbee , running, hiking, swimming, and more can all be fun activities to do with your Mal. Fully-grown Belgian Malinois usually stand inches tall and weigh between pounds. Belgian Malinois generally live for years on average. The Belgian Malinois is a world-renowned military service dog. A life-size bronze statue of a Belgian Malinois is featured in the memorial to military dogs in Fayetteville, North Carolina. There are also many dog movies featuring them, like the film Max, which features a great and heart-touching story about a former U. Marine Service Dog. Featured Belgian Malinois Article. Our dogs make a great family dog! They are very active and enjoy going for hikes or walks. My dog training experience includes training protection, French Ring, Schutzhund, bird dogs, sled dogs and herding dogs. Anyone that has had a dog that has shown the pure enjoyment of being able to perform for what they have been bred for, understands. Those are dogs that have the human connection to succeed at any task to where dog and human succeed. Although I have tapped into police lines, the German Shepherd females I am breeding are the type that are super sweet but have the brain power, physique and are extremely bonding. They look after our children. I love everything about the pure bred Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd but sometimes they can be too much dog for the average person and environment. The cross between the breeds is producing a very solid, relaxed, bonding dog and you can see improvement on health, coat and longevity. I do live on a farm and I still prefer the working temperament but I may not need some of the extreme working drive that are bred for specific tasks per say, such as herding, police, etc. Those dogs our dogs can be used for jogging, hiking, etc. All three breeds bond like no other and can take whatever life throws at them. These dogs adore our children and are able to shut down when they are in our home. I am after breeding the type of dog that barks at strangers but does not full out attack, is still able to go to dog parks and enjoy hiking and is the perfect jogging companion. These dogs should be capable of search and rescue, herding and protection. Our dogs have had zero health issues and minimal shedding of the coat. Some of our dogs have made it to 16 years old and the eyes, hips, shoulders have held up! The response from past puppy homes have been overwhelming positive. You must email us to schedule a visit. We chose the Shepinois name for it's simplicity. But they are truly the best of both breeds. They typically have the physical characteristics of the Malinois, they tend to be flat coated with a fawn or mahogany coloring with a a dark overlay. The weight for a female is typically pounds and a male is pds. They have the extreme good health and orthopedics of the malinois as well. They have the athleticism of the Malinois, but not the extreme drive. They are good natured and have the general disposition of a German shepherd. They tend to be a little more level headed like the German shepherd. They are not as overly active as the malinois and they are much easier to live with as a house pet. They make for an excellent family dog and companion, but also a great protection dog or competition dog. They are a loyal and devoted companion. They are good with children; they do well with other animals. They are very affectionate and love to be the center of attention. They thrive in a family environment and are very protective of their home and family. They love to travel and be a part of any activity that involves their family. They are very quick to pick up anything and tend to train at the level of a malinois. They are more like the malinois in their training ability and pick up any type of training very quickly. They also have the tenacity of the malinois and can work for long periods of time without becoming winded. They need daily exercise not only to stay healthy, but to burn off energy. The Shepinois needs exercise daily, not just once a week. The Shepinois is quick to alert you of any strangers or visitors making them excellent, loyal Protection dog. We feel that the overall genetics behind both breeds in very important to making sure this cross turns out the best of both breeds, although the malinois breed does not tend to have hip and elbow problems, we still do the hip and elbow certification on all of our dogs and by doing so we hope to continue to produce the best quality of both breeds as well as this new cross. At Camelot Shepherds we believe in orthopedic soundness, solid nerve and overall temperament. We want your family companion to live a long and healthy life and to bring you many years of love and dedication. Here are some pictures of the previous Shepinois puppies: About.

What is the price of a golden retriever puppy? Do you require a deposit to reserve a golden retriever puppy? No, we do not require a deposit. Do you deliver golden retriever puppies? Yes, if we have at least four puppies going to the Chicago area, we are open to making a trip to Chicago to deliver puppies. While heading to Chicago, we could also make a stop in Champaign, IL. Do you ship golden retriever puppies? No, we do not ship golden retriever puppies. What is the average size of the golden retriever litter? On average each litter will produce around ten golden retriever puppies. What is your return policy? Although we do our best to match personality, energy level, and temperament, there is no guarantee on these issues since socialization, life experiences, training or lack of , and environmental issues are beyond our control. This offer only applies to original owners. What testing is done on the adult golden retriever dogs being bred? With the exception of Cleo and Sophie our older golden retrievers who have had proven litters , our adult golden retriever dogs are OFA certified and Embark genetic tested; certifications are available upon request. What color are the golden retriever puppies? The color of our golden retriever puppies is litter-specific and will not be determined until puppies are born. Where are you located? See the map below for reference. 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. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Chicago 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 Chicago? 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 Chicago? 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. We have answers. There are a number of factors that affect how much Golden Retriever puppies Illinois would be. A Golden Retriever breeder Illinois that has more experience also tends to sell their dogs at a higher price. Do your breeders transport puppies out of state? Are there Golden Retriever breeders near me? We work with breeders and businesses from all 48 states in the continental US. All of them have a proven track record of transporting dogs safely to any major airport. How do you screen breeders? Learn more about our criteria at the Breeder Pledge page. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places? Simple: We care about animals and the families they will go home to. With us, you are. We have a wide network of partner breeders and companies, and we can attest to the legitimacy of each and every one of them. What is a puppy mill? Puppy mills are businesses that prioritize money over animal welfare. They produce puppies with no consideration of animal rights, ethical breeding practices, or health condition--the only thing that matters is the bottom line. If you buy a Golden Retriever for sale Illinois from a puppy mill, expect to spend a lot on vet bills—with no guarantee how long your dog will live. Are there any purebred Golden Retriever puppies for sale near me? What is the MatchMaker process? We want to make your life with your new best friend the happiest it can be--and it starts with choosing the right puppy for you. Some of our happy clients share their stories below. We hope one day, you will too.

Apply to Adopt A little about us.Genuine Australian labradoodle puppy breeder since .Located in Monterey, California just two hours south of San Francisco. We are a small in-house breeder specializing in breeding miniature to medium labradoodles from the seeing eye dog Australian lines. We do not ship our puppies but will meet new owners at the airport. We average four to five litters a year. This gives us the time to complete early neurological stimulation starting at three days and desensitizing to fireworks, thunderstorms, etc. We give each litter and each puppy the love and attention it needs during those first irreplaceable eight weeks of your puppy's life. We take great responsibility in giving every puppy the best start in order to grow into a well-adjusted, highly socialized, and healthy member of your family for many years to come. Our puppies are born in our bedroom, raised in our kitchen and get the best of care and lots of handling from their first day. We not only guarantee genetic health but also have very strict requirements for the temperaments of the breeding dogs in our program. Puppies are examined by a veterinarian, vaccinated, and micro chipped before going home. About Australian Labradoodles.Australian Labradoodles are beautiful, healthy, allergy and asthma friendly. They were originally bred to be service dogs and not a 'designer' pet. The Labradoodle breed started with a request over thirty years ago by a family needing a seeing eye dog but who also had a family member with asthma. After some research and years of breeding by leading service dog breeders, Tegan Park and Rutland Manor in Australia, the Australian Labradoodle was born. Our top goal is excellent health, fantastic temperament, and service qualities. Just like any other breed that becomes popular, though, some breeders have started breeding for the popularity of these dogs and not for the benefit of the breed itself. So here's how to make sure you're getting the dog you want. Here are some helpful tips to understand what a breeder means when they are using these phrases. The multi-generation Australian Labradoodle, which is the original Labradoodle, has a foundation stock including six different parent breeds. These dogs were developed in Australia, and hence the "Australian" in the name of the dogs. This was a breed that was developed with goals in mind for a low shedding service dog, not a designer dog. The multi-generation Labradoodle has only poodle and lab in its heritage. It does not include the other parent breeds that were originally used by the creators of the breed. These have been primarily developed later in the U. These dogs tend to shed their coat since they are more closely related to the Labrador and often have a wire hair look to them. The "Back Cross" or "F1B" is a dog from an F1 see above mated back to a poodle usually for coat correction. These dogs have not had the multiple generations of Labradoodle mated with another Labradoodle nor the addition of Australian Labradoodle foundation stock or multiple parent breeds. With 17 years of experience in breeding Australian Labradoodles, we pride ourselves on selecting only the best dogs for our breeding program, which in turn ensures that we are producing the best puppies imaginable. We work closely with our licensed vet to perform health testing, including hip and elbow testing; eyes, heart, skin, and patella testing; and a series of genetic tests, on all of our breeding dogs. We provide a temperature controlled, in home my master bedroom environment, with sound therapy to expose your puppy to lifes sounds from an early age. This helps desensitize your puppy to the sounds of life traffic, fireworks, outdoor machinery, crying baby, misc appliances, automobiles, etc. We start crate training at 5 weeks with a soothing heartbeat snuggle puppy to comfort them as they transition to sleeping alone and all the puppies love it and sleep better with minimal crying. We add nutrients and special additives for puppies to their drinking water. We add probiotics to their food for a healthy GI tract and immune system. We make special liver water, gruel, with puppy supplements, dog milk formula to their nutritionally dense food to support eyes, ear, bone, joint, coat and heart health. We expose your puppy to sunlight daily on the deck right outside the puppy nursery area. There is always a plush bedding for their cozy comfort in their play areas for those impromptu naps puppies love. Our puppies are held and played with while being bathed and exposed to water, in our walk-in shower, which builds a positive experience, with water, for their lifetime. Bath time is with a human sitting in this large shower allowing plenty of space for your puppy too roam around and enjoy water in a nurturing experience. The puppies love it instead of being in a sink with a dry human just washing them. Water is actual playtime while they get clean and build positive experiences with being wet. Instead we utilize Puppy Culture, Badass Breeder protocols and tons of love from humans that are passionate and dedicated to what they do. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. We look forward to providing you with your fury best friend! When full grown, these health tested, Australian Labradoodle puppies will be approximately pounds with wavy fleece coats, curly fleece coats or the occasional straighter hair fleece coats. Our puppies can go home as early as 8 weeks old. We can also hold back a puppy if you are interested in training services. Sugar Pine Doodles on Facebook. Would you like to be a guardian for one of our breeding doodles? Please click for our Guardian Home Program to learn more. Find the Next Member of Your Family. We strive to produce dogs absent of the genetic diseases prevalent in many purebred dogs today. We offer a 2-year Health Warranty against severe genetic defects and pledge to provide lifetime consulation support for your dog. We aim for a "personal" touch in our relationship with our puppy families and are happy to answer any questions you might have about the breed, about our dogs and about what you might expect from an Australian Labradoodle Puppy. Pictures and stories of our most recent litters and adult dogs on our "Puppy Photo Blog"! Happy Fall ! Puppies Are On The Ground! We are taking reservations for our 4 litters going home December- March .Chocolates, Reds, Apricots, Caramels in large mini to mediums. A Guardian Home will keep the dog as their own family pet, while we retain breeding rights for a specified number of litters in the case of females , after which she will be spayed and retired to the family forever. Males will need to remain intact for years. Please phone or email for more information on this opportunity. A few key facts about our program.You can follow how our puppies grow on our "Puppy Photo Blog"! Our dogs live in our homes as beloved family members or in loving Guardian Homes. The adult dogs play an important role in socializing puppies and teaching them canine "Good Manners," while the human family members devote countless hours to individualized puppy care. Puppies are exposed to a variety of different stimuli including vacuum cleaners, car rides, a cat, chickens, annoying pop music, unusual culinary aromas, an excess of televised sporting events, and the bagpipes! Careful but Extensive Socialization While we are extremely careful about keeping young puppies protected from disease and from stress, we try to expose the puppies to a variety of humans throughout their lives with us. Personalized "Match-making" While we appreciate good-looks as much as the next person, temperament and sound health are the key factors behind breeding quality Labradoodles. Can you judge a book by its cover? We evaluate our puppies' personalities extensively and focus on achieving the optimal match between puppy and family. Ongoing Support Have questions about how to manage your new family member? Need advice on food or training? Referral to a vet or groomer? Or would you like a lesson on grooming your dog? Vacation boarding for your new puppy? We are committed to providing assistance to our Labradoodle community throughout the life of the dog.

It loves to be on the move and play all day. Chipoos are social butterflies and thrive for attention. They are kind, loyal, loving, friendly and outgoing, so trips to the dog park will do him wonders. He does also love his family and will enjoy sitting on your lap and snuggling. Keeping them busy will prevent mischievous behavior caused by boredom! Who is the Choodle Best Suited For? A Chipoo is an indoor dog, so consider this before bringing one into your home. They do well in apartments, small homes, and condos. They get along with other dogs and are good with children. The Poodle Chihuahua mix is a great companion dog and loves to be part of a family environment. Does the Chipoo Require Exercise? Yes, the Poochi thrives on physical activity, but a lot of exercises is NOT required. Just be careful not to let the little guy overexert himself. Also, provide him with plenty of water to keep him hydrated. Potty Training the Choodle Small dogs have smaller bladders. House training them can be a challenge. The number one rule is to start early! Brushing at least one to three times a week will remove dander and loose hair. It also keeps the coat smooth and tangle-free. This breed can also inherit overactive tear glands, which may cause tears to dry under its eyes and turns the fur a dark color. So use a wet cloth or a very fine and blunt comb, as needed, to keep this issue under control. Dental health is also important, so brush their teeth times a week. Keep a close eye on the nails. Training and Socialization Tips Intelligent dogs like the Chipoo are usually easy to train. Keep things positive and offer lots of praise. For their safety, be sure to leash train them and socialize them early! A properly trained Poochi can go anywhere with its family. Once they develop their strong personality and independence, they can become stubborn. Handle this right away in a firm way and with patience. Your Chi-poo will likely alert you of intruders by barking. Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, can occur in this breed. To prevent this, feed several small meals throughout the day. Chihuahuas have soft teeth, which can lead to dental diseases. Keep an eye out for: Cardiovascular disease. Temperament: Playful, loving and independent. Chihuahua Poodle Mix Appearance A Chihuahua Poodle mix is a small, lightweight dog that you can carry around with you. Those who inherit more Chihuahua will be long and slender. Whereas those with more Poodle in them with be shorter and chunkier. Their eyes can be light or dark and their noses are usually brown or black. They walk and run with a real spring in their step. Height and Weight Males stand between inches tall and weigh between pounds. Females stand between inches and weigh between pounds. So as you can guess this mix is no different. Black, white, grey, and many shades of brown are all possible fur colors. They may be all one color, or a mix of two or three different ones. Their fur is medium length and can be styled to your fancy. While letting your pup hitch a ride in your bag can be fun, it is important that even the tiniest dogs get time on their feet to walk. The Chihuahua originated in Mexico, while the Poodle is a European breed. The mix is thought to have begun in the United States. Chihuahua Poodle mixes are safer for owners with dog allergies due to their minimal shedding. The Poodle is one of the smartest dogs there is and all Poodle mixes are renowned for this intelligence. They makes cute and cuddly lap dogs and love to be carried or held. As it is very easy to spoil them rotten they can develop a bossy streak. They will spend their day following you around right at your heels. Even as they grow up they never lose the curiosity and playful behavior of puppyhood. Every day is a big adventure for this lovable little pooch. They are surprisingly independent for a toy breed and do not mind spending time alone. These playful pups will keep themselves and their owners amused with all kinds of tricks. Just about anything will keep them entertained. Their energy comes in quick bursts and they enjoy short play sessions throughout the day. Both parent breeds are known for being very chatty dogs so you will likely hear a lot of yapping from your mix. Reducing excessive barking whilst they are a puppy should be a priority. These dogs will eagerly socialize with their family but can be shy and anxious around strangers. This anxiety will lead to much more barking and yapping. Keeping your pup close by your side while you take them out to socialize will help them feel much more comfortable. They tend to be very suspicious of other pets but will get along with other toy dogs with similar personalities. Never keep one with a large dog or an especially pushy breed. Young children are often too noisy and rambunctious for these delicate dogs to handle. These delicate pooches can snap or bite if handled roughly. Owners should be able to keep up with its bursts of wild energy throughout the day. These dogs are not at all difficult to care for and are in fact easier than other toy breeds. Housetraining and finding the right diet are the biggest challenges of the breed. Exercise Requirements A Chihuahua mixed with Poodle will keep its youthful energy throughout their life. When they want to walk or play they will bark and tear around the house until you take them out. They will need short walks a day — each walk should be about 10 minutes each. Your dog should be on leash while walking. When they are tired they will wait patiently for you to pick them up. For the rest of the day you should let them burn their energy as necessary. You can teach them how to jump small hurdles and catch a ball. Your dog will be happy playing indoors or out, so long as they have enough space. Giving them their own play room in your house is a good idea. Number of Walks Per Day: .Total Exercise Needed Per Day: 45 minutes. Feeding and Diet Finding a nutritious diet to a small dog can be very difficult. It is easy to give them too much or too little dog food. These formulas are packed with all of the nutrients your little pup needs to fuel their day. Split one cup of kibble a day into two half cup meals. A good small breed formula will be packed with protein and have very little carbs and fats. It should have a high vitamin content and no extra fillers or additives. This leads to weepy or crusty eyes, redness and irritation. Dogs that suffer from this chronically will need their tear ducts flushed every few months. With little planning ahead you could get reimbursed for every vet bill from now on! Chi-Poo Highlights Chi-Poos are mixed-breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Chihuahua or Poodle parents. The main colors of Chi-Poos are; cream, brown, blue, brindle, silver, grey, fawn, white, and black. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a blend of of colors. There are longer-coated Chi-Poos, as well as shorter coated Chi-Poos. Chi-Poos can adapt to any living situation. Apartment or large home, single person or big family, they will fit in anywhere. They handle heat better than cold, but you may need to apply doggy sunscreen in summer. Because the Chi-Poo is a small dog, they can be easily injured by overly excited children. Chi-Poos prefer to be mostly around adults or older kids who know how to play gently. Chi-Poo History The Chi-Poo dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Chihuahuas and Poodles in the US in the s—right around they same time they started developing Cockapoos. Mixing breeds can often minimize health issues, as well. They continued to create Chi-Poos as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the Chi-Poo breed got its start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you. Check your local shelters, look up Chi-Poo rescues, or check with breed-specific Poodle or Chihuahua rescues, as they sometimes try to re-home mixes. Chi-Poo Size As the Chi-Poo is a relatively new breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between Chihuahua and Toy Poodle parents, you can expect Chi-Poos to be on the small side. Most weigh in at five to 20 pounds and range in height from five to 15 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. While both parent dogs, the Poodle and Chihuahua do not like being left alone, the Chi-poo is an anomaly. Most of them do just fine with working parents who have to leave the house for long periods. These pup are energetic and definitely would need to be with a person who is on-the-go or busy around the house. They enjoy watching you and would even enjoy participating in lots of activities, including walks and play sessions. A few short walks per day should suffice with lots of potty breaks for their small bladders. Make sure to have an assortment of toys, as they will happily entertain themselves. They do well in single person families and large households with kids. They will adapt to just about any environment. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Different breed organizations have recognized it by various names. A significant trait that the Chi-Poo may have partially inherited from the Chihuahua is their habit of bonding intimately with a particular person of the house, following him wherever he goes. These amicable dogs are not a good option for children below ten years of age as the latter may harm or rashly handle them. They can thrive well indoors or even in apartments if they have sufficient space to run around freely. This Chihuahua-Poodle mix gets along well with other dogs and pets when brought up with then since their puppy days. They are however not too comfortable with strangers. Care Exercise These active, playful dogs require a lot of physical activities to be healthy and happy. Taking them out for a walk daily under moderate temperature is a good option. In fact when outdoors if the temperature falls below 50 degrees, it is safe to take a coat or sweater for them. They get bored and destructive when left alone for too long. Therefore, give them adequate mental exercise by introducing a lot of interesting toys to them. Grooming Though they shed less, their coats should be groomed at frequent intervals in a week on the basis of the length by using a brush with soft bristles. Bathe them once or twice when needed. It is best to brush your dog before bathing it as this will help in removing loose hairs, also preventing it from getting matted after being wet. In fact, if your pet Chi-Poo has a coat similar to Poodle then brushing at regular intervals as well as clipping is essential. Make sure to brush their teeth two to three times in a week to prevent any dental infections. Because of their overactive tear glands similar to Poodles, it is required to remove the dried tears by cleaning the region around their eyes using a fine tooth comb devoid of any sharp edges. Health Problems They may suffer from diseases like luxating patella, tracheal collapse, hydrocephalus building up of fluid in the cavities of the brain , dilated cardiomyopathy, glaucoma, and chronic valvular heart disease. They also have the problem of dry skin, being incapable of absorbing anything through their skin. Some of them may possess an inverted eyelid that may heal on its own or in the extreme case require surgery. This breed is also prone to hypoglycemia that can turn fatal if not treated properly. Training Being intelligent just like the Poodle they will respond well to training when handled by a tactful trainer who will not be harsh on them but handle their stubbornness in a firm and patient way. Loving to amuse their owners with impressive tricks, they will be adept at it when groomed with an efficient hand. The techniques of rewarding and praising will encourage them to respond in a positive way. Proper socialization training is also required to be given to the puppies to help them get over certain behavioral problems like barking, showing possessiveness regarding their toys or belongings or getting destructive. Moreover, they should be trained to get over their habit of being attached to a particular individual of the family as his absence may trigger intense separation anxiety in them. They are to be leash trained for their safety. Feeding They should be given the diet of small or toy dogs probably wet food as most of them may face difficulties in digesting the contents of the commonly used dog foods. This breed may be picky while eating, thus it can take time to feed them. Give your pet about three fourth to one and a half cup dry dog food. Feeding your chipoo healthy food many times in a day will reduce the risk of hyperglycemia. Interesting Facts They act as perfect alarm dogs, warning their family at the very sight of an unfamiliar person or any uncommon sound by barking. The earliest evidence of the Chihuahua is found in paintings and pottery from around AD. It is thought that the breed originated in China and was then brought to Mexico by Spanish traders. The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog in the world, and it is known for its large eyes and long ears. The average lifespan of a Chihuahua is about 15 years. The Poodle Poodle dogs are a popular breed of dog that is known for their intelligence and loyalty. Though Poodles come in many different sizes, they all share the same general characteristics, including curly hair and a highly trainable nature. Poodles are believed to have originated in Germany, where they were originally bred as hunting dogs. Though they were originally bred as hunting dogs, poodles quickly became popular as companion animals due to their loving nature and easy-going temperament. Today, poodles are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. The Chi-Poo The Chi-Poo is a relatively new breed of dog, so there isn't a lot of information available about its history. However, we do know that they were first bred in the United States in the s. The AKC only recognizes purebred dogs, therefore the Chi-Poo cannot be registered with the organization. While this may seem like a minor distinction, it does prevent the Chihuahua Poodle Mix from competing in AKC-sanctioned events. For those looking to purchase a dog that can compete in agility or obedience trials, the Poodle Chihuahua mix may not be the best choice. Poodle Chihuahua Mix Appearance Poodle Chihuahua mixes typically have a medium-sized build, with a long, slender snout and large ears. They come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, white, and cream. They usually have a curly or wavy coat, which may require regular grooming. The height of a Poodle Chihuahua Mix can range from 6 to 9 inches, and the weight can range from 4 to 8 pounds. As a designer breed, the exact height and weight of the Poodle Chihuahua mix can vary depending on which parent breed they take after more. Chi-Poo Temperament Chihuahuas and Poodles have very different temperaments, so the temperament of a Chihuahua Poodle Mix can vary depending on which traits he inherits from his parents. However, both the Chihuahua and the Poodle are intelligent, loyal, and loving dogs, so it is likely that the Chihuahua Poodle Mix will inherit these qualities. He may also inherit the high energy level of the Chihuahua and the need for regular exercise. Chi-Poos are small dogs that are intelligent and eager to please. They are also known for being loyal and protective of their owners. Chihuahua Poodle Mix dogs are generally good with children and other pets. However, they can be distrustful of strangers and may bark excessively. They should be socialized at an early age to help prevent these behaviors. Chihuahua Poodle Mix dogs are active and playful, but they can also be calm and quiet when they are in a comfortable environment. They are typically easy to train and make good house pets. It's important to introduce them to different types of animals early on so that they can learn to get along. With that said, some Chi-Poos may be more comfortable around other dogs than other types of animals. They may also become territorial and try to assert themselves as the alpha dog in the home. Proper socialization and training can help to reduce these tendencies. Poodle x Corgi — Corgipoo Poodle x Yorkshire Terrier — Yorkipoo The Chihuahua Poodle mix is not as popular as some of the other Doodle-dogs, but it will still make a fun-loving family pet. What are the main characteristics of the Chipoo? Crossbreed dogs, like The Chi-poo or Wapoo are no more likely to inherit health problems than purebred dogs; in fact, it is believed they may actually be stronger as they are adding more variety into the gene pool. It can be heavily weighted towards the characteristics of one parent. The characteristics of the Chipoo are a combination of nature and nurture: genetics of each parent, the environment, and the quality, type, and amount of training and socialization. The Chipoo dog coat: A short-haired Chihuahua is the usual dog in the Chipoo mix, with its moderate shedding, smooth, straight-haired coat, while the Poodle has a wiry and stiff, wavy coat that sheds less. Poodle—mix dogs, such as the Chipoo were initially crossbred, in the United States, to be hypoallergenic and be suitable for people with dog hair allergies; it had mixed results. Loyalty and companionship The Chihuahua Poodle mix breed will become very attached to its family and especially the master. Reputation: The Chihuahua and the Poodle are both intelligent and sociable dogs that are not known to be aggressive. However, they are known to bark at strangers and other dogs they see as a threat to them or their families. Their size and non-aggressive temperament make them an ideal house pet for any experience of a dog owner, in any type of living accommodation. The Poodle mix is quieter and more reserved than the Chihuahua parent, but both are known to bark when startled or challenged. The Chipoo will be playful and full of energy so be prepared, if you get one, it will expect you to play with it and to have sufficient exercise. Popularity: This Chihuahua and Poodle mix, the Chipoodle, is not the most popular of the designer poodle mix dogs; yet their parents rank as No 6 the Poodle and the No 35 the Chihuahua , in the AKC list of most popular dogs. Perhaps this mix is not as well-known as the other Doodle-dogs and in time could rise in popularity as its parent breeds have. Trainability: When both parent breeds are intelligent and easy to train the Chihuahua Poodle mix should be too. A Chipoo puppy may be tiny but it will be full of energy and high spirits. It will get excited and just want to play and run around, so it should be obedience trained and socialized early. The size of this small dog makes it delicate and vulnerable in play and handling, especially with young children. Therefore, it needs to learn control and understand voice commands, and know when to avoid a situation that might endanger its safety; especially when outdoors in public places or dog parks while playing with other dogs, or boisterous children. This Poochi is very active and needs to be kept occupied to stop boredom and from getting up to mischief; chewing, barking or destroying things. Positive reinforcement and small treats work best for this little pooch, as it likes to please and be praised. It will enjoy and need working challenges incorporating mental and physical stimulation. Socialization: A Chipoo puppy needs exposure to different situations and people early, and practice leaving it alone to help it manage its feelings of separation anxiety, but with you close by. This puppy does not like being left alone for long periods of time and will yap, and may annoy the neighbors! Early socialization and discipline are needed for any active mixed breed dog that likes to be protective of its loved ones. Despite its small size it will be fiercely protective and bark and try to guard its family in the company of other dogs or strangers. Purpose: It will just want to play and hang out with you. It does not have a prey or hunting instinct but it will get bored easily and want to be kept stimulated. In return, it will offer you its love, devotion, and companionship. Behavior: A Chipoo is smart and energetic despite its small size. Obedience training needs to begin early in the puppy years. It will need early leash training as it needs to learn to control its excitement outdoors. It will be naughty if it feels it is not getting enough attention. Physical Characteristics of the Chi-poo This small pooch is friendly, full of energy, and is very sociable. For Females up to lb 1. Temperament: A Chipoo is not known to be aggressive, but it can be mouthy with other dogs and strangers. How should you train a Chi Poo? A Chipoo is intelligent and active and needs to be trained early. You will need patience as the Chipoo can be quite a handful and at times stubborn or moody. Positive reinforcement and reward-based training work best, but never aggressive treatment. Types of training required: obedience, discipline, agility, and socialization. So, if you are not going to use a professional dog trainer: 1 Develop your basic command words: Find keywords such as Stop, Sit, Down, etc. You will have to lock the cage in the early days so it knows it can sleep there and be transported in it. There are products available to help, such as mats and odor sprays to attract puppy go to the same spot each time 4 Walking on a leash — this Poochi is playful and full of energy so early leash training is recommended. Also, practice voice commands and road safety awareness firmly but not harshly. Health problems and health issues Although mixing breeds can often minimize health issues, the Chihuahua Poodle mix could still suffer from certain hereditary health problems from both parent breeds, such as: Luxating Patella — dislocated kneecap — A congenital condition that affects the kneecaps often causes dislocation or loosening of the kneecaps and extreme pain and affected mobility. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA — this is a genetic condition where the retina in the eye degenerates and it can lead to vision loss if not diagnosed and treated early. Other eye problems include: Glaucoma, Cataracts, Dry Cornea or Overactive tear glands — watering eyes from blocked or narrow tear ducts; as a result of swelling, or inflammation and the tears are unable to drain away and will build up in the tear sac. Its eyes need to be wiped often. Other health issues include Cardiovascular Heart problems , Dental problems due to their very small jaws , Obesity as they like to eat a lot , and Allergies — dry ears and dry skin conditions and low blood sugar levels. Life Span Did You Know? Chi-Poos are compact and energetic little dogs that love their families. They tend to be energetic and playful, and love nothing more than being around their favorite humans. Although the Chi-Poo is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable canine organizations. A Chi-Poo tends to be sweet, loving, and affectionate with their families. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They can be initially wary of strangers and strange dogs. But, as long as they have been well-socialized, they tend to warm up quickly. Chi-Poos are fantastic watchdogs because they will alert you to things, people, noises, etc. Because of this, they can be prone to barking a lot. If you start to train your dog to stop barking early on, you can keep this from becoming a nuisance behavior. Chi-Poos are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in apartments as well as larger homes with or without yards. These little dogs do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Due to their small size, they may also need to bundle up with some winter dog products to stay warm while out on walks when the temperatures drop. Because these little dogs bond closely with their families and crave attention from them, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. This also means they can be prone to developing separation anxiety. So, you will want to make sure you socialize your dog and spend some time making sure they can be comfortable when you are not around. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Chi-Poo include glaucoma , luxating patella , hypoglycemia, and overactive tear glands. As a small dog breed, the Chi-Poo is more prone to developing painful dental diseases later in life. Gum disease in dogs is one of the most common health issues and has serious consequences. Chi-Poos are highly intelligent dogs that are eager to please and pick up on things quickly. Inconsistent training can make them stubborn. But, as long as training is kept consistent and focused on positive reward and praise, they are a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Puppy training classes are still an option. Aside from the training, there are several other benefits of puppy training classes. If they take more after their Chihuahua parent, they will shed a little year-round, require weekly brushing, and need the occasional bath. If they inherit the Poodle coat, they may not shed, but they will need a lot more grooming. Daily brushing is required to remove tangles and prevent mats from forming. In addition, professionally grooming and clipping are needed every weeks. If you are visiting a dog groomer regularly, they may be able to help out with some things, but you will still need to do maintenance at home between visits. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep them from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Dental diseases can be prevented later in life with consistent dental care. Daily brushing or use of an enzyme toothpaste in addition to cleanings at the vet as needed are ideal. Although a Chi-Poo will be energetic when they play, they are small dogs and will tire themselves out quickly. Usually, daily walks plus some playtime are enough to keep this little dog happy and healthy. Because they thrive being around you, they may be up for more activity if you are. Just make sure you keep an eye on them to make sure they are not overexerting themselves trying to keep up and be prepared to potentially have to rest or carry them. A fully-grown Chi-Poo usually averages inches tall and pounds in weight. Chi-Poos generally live for years on average. This mix is usually called a Chi-Poo. Other nicknames include Choodle, Poochi, Chipoodle, and Poohuahua. Featured Chi-Poo Article.

If you click on a link and choose to make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no cost to you. Chances are, regardless of where you live apartment, condo, or house , you have stairs. And, if you are a Golden Retriever owner, then it is inevitable that your dog will need to climb those stairs. So, that begs the question: can Golden Retrievers climb stairs? Adult Golden Retrievers can climb stairs with no issues if they are in good health. However, stairs may pose a problem if the dog is older or suffering from health issues that affect mobility. Climbing stairs may also be difficult and risky for young puppies, so they should be monitored to prevent falls. Stairs are fine for healthy adult Golden Retrievers Climbing stairs at some point is almost a given for a Golden Retriever. However, there are a few instances when care must be taken, which will be discussed. Additionally, we will also explore some benefits of stairs and if there is an age restriction on when a dog should climb stairs. For pet owners with Golden Retriever puppies, stairs are an understandable concern. Often their little bodies have difficulty navigating and climbing stairs. So, understandably pet owners may wonder when at what age can a Golden Retriever puppy climb stairs. Healthy Golden Retrievers puppies can safely climb stairs at 12 weeks of age. However, Golden Retrievers can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Therefore, preventing or limiting access to stairs until they are eight months of age or older can help decrease abnormal development of the joints. So, it depends. If you believe your Golden Retriever puppy will have no hip or elbow issues, then 12 weeks is the minimum safe age. However, consider that Golden Retrievers are often highly prone to hip dysplasia and have a medium risk for elbow dysplasia. Both dysplasias are inherited. The concern is that before eight months of age, the stress from stairs on the hip joints may interfere with the normal development of the sockets. Stairs can be dangerous for young puppies. If you purchased your dog from a high-level breeder, they might have assessed their breeding stock to ensure no hip and elbow issues. These dogs are often examined between four to 24 months of age and then certified as having no problems. Alternatively, if no certification is done and you trust the breeder, you can take their word that there are no issues. While hip and elbow certifications are no guarantee of an issue-free dog, it does add some degree of confidence. Our Golden Retriever did not come from parents with hip and elbow certifications. However, the breeder noted the parents had no joint issues, and we were comfortable letting Bailey on small flights of stairs two to three stairs only. However, we blocked access to any large flight of stairs, including the upstairs and basement. As a result, Bailey was almost a year old before he had access to the upstairs. I discuss some tips in the next section on how to make stairs safe, and the last tip outlines how to prevent access to stairs. Golden Retrievers are highly active and high-energy dogs. Therefore, stairs for most Golden Retrievers are of no issue and instead can be a great source of exercise. But is there any situation where climbing stairs is bad for Golden Retrievers? Stairs can be bad for Golden Retrievers if they have mobility issues or are prone to dysplasia. Golden Retrievers puppies under 12 weeks old should not be allowed on stairs due to the increased risk of falls and serious injury. However, stairs are not bad for healthy adult Golden Retrievers. So, stairs are typically acceptable for healthy Golden Retrievers at the appropriate age. Stairs become problematic when there are mobility issues such as bad knees, hips, or back. In those instances, care must be taken to prevent falls and not aggravate existing mobility issues. Due to their increased risk for hip and elbow dysplasia, it is recommended to prevent access to large flights of stairs until eight months of age or older. The other potential risk for stairs is to very young puppies less than 12 weeks old. Very young puppies do not have the size or coordination to navigate stairs. The risk of injury to their still fragile bodies is a concern. Senior Golden Retrievers with no severe mobility or health issues are okay with climbing stairs. In fact, as we will discuss in the next section, stairs can benefit Golden Retrievers, including older dogs or even ones with arthritis. Typically older dogs take the stairs slower, which is fine. Stairs are not bad for healthy adult or senior Golden Retrievers Safety Tips for Stairs However, stairs can still pose falling issues even to healthy Golden Retrievers. To ensure stairs are as safe as possible for your Golden Retriever, consider the following tips: Clean up any dirt or spills, as they have the potential for the dog to slip. Water can be incredibly slippery on hardwood floors for your dog, so make sure its paws are dry, and any water on the stairs is cleaned up. Add stair runners or carpet to hardwood stairs for extra traction. Ensure the stairs are well-lit. Dark stairs or poorly lighted stairs increase the chance of a misstep. Remove items off the stairs to prevent tripping hazards. If your dog is old or has severe mobility issues consider installing a dog ramp. If stair railings have wide openings, be careful of small puppies falling through or getting their heads stuck choking hazard. Block them off until the puppy is large enough and can no longer fit through railings. Consider installing baby gates or any blockade to prevent access to stairs for puppies when you are not around or able to supervise them. Watch for Wet Paws and Spills Hardwood can be slippery and especially when it is wet. If your dog has wet paws, hardwood becomes slippery to them. Moreover, wet feet can transfer water to stairs increasing the likelihood of a fall for all household members not just the dog. Add Traction Carpeting stairs add traction, but if that is not feasible, consider adding light-colored stair runners. They are relatively inexpensive, but they add traction and increase visibility. You could also consider adding toe grips. Well-lit stairs are safer for your Golden Retriever and you as well. Some dogs have poor eyesight, and their vision can worsen with age. So, having good visibility on stairs helps reduce missteps and potential falls. Often you can find inexpensive lighting options that are battery-operated and attach to walls, negating the need for extensive electrical wiring or hiring an electrician. Dog ramps work well for small flights of stairs such as two to three stairs only, and make it much easier for senior dogs or dogs with mobility issues to go up. Just make sure you select a dog ramp with good traction. Do not overlook stair railings. Small puppies can and have fallen through the space between stair railings. At the top of high stairs, such falls can cause severe injuries and even death. Even if the puppy is too big to fall through, it may try to stick its head through the railings. If its head gets stuck, this could become a choking hazard. Puppies can fall through or get stuck and choke in stair railings. Be careful. A temporary solution that works well is cutting strips of cardboard and attaching them across the bottom of the railing so the puppy cannot fall through. Once your dog is big enough to no longer fit, remove the cardboard. Old Amazon boxes, cereal boxes, or pretty much any old cardboard will do, and it is inexpensive. We had an issue with the railings when my curious Golden Retriever Bailey was a puppy. As the above picture shows, Bailey could squeeze through the railings, so we ran pieces of cardboard along the bottom to prevent access and falls. Block Stairs Additionally, consider gates to block stairs if there is a potential for falls when you are not home or the puppy is out of sight. The images below illustrate a gate we placed on the stairs to the basement, just off the TV room. It was too easy of an opportunity for Bailey to get to the stairs, and it was dark, so we blocked it off plus the cat sleeps down there. Our homemade gate to prevent Bailey from accessing the stairs For the staircase going upstairs, we just rolled his feeder container and a chair in front. It was enough to block him, and it cost us nothing. As a precaution, Golden Retrievers should wait to climb stairs until they are eight months of age or older. Doing so helps mitigate any potential for stairs to aggravate the normal growth of joints. Once the Golden Retriever is of an appropriate age, stairs are fine and present little issues. In fact, climbing stairs can actually provide some benefits. Some benefits of stairs include: Stairs can build strength in the legs, back muscles, shoulders, and hips. Climbing stairs can increase the range of motion, including in those dogs with arthritis. Obviously, access to hills is much better than stairs for the benefits listed. Hills provide the same resistance with less stress on joints. As well, the gradual grade of hills makes falls less likely. However, for a healthy Golden Retriever taking the stairs at home provides minor issues for an appropriate aged Golden Retriever. Additionally, stairs also help strengthen muscles and improve coordination. In turn, increasing muscle strength helps build coordination and keeps tendons strong, which helps preserve healthy joint movement. In fact, walking UP stairs can be a great way to help improve active range of motion, muscle strength, and proprioception the awareness of the position and movement of the body. Source However, CARE cautions that walking downwards on stairs is problematic due to the increased force on the front legs and the need for more control to go down slowly. If your Golden Retriever is arthritic, consider hills with gentle inclines and declines hills are less stress-inducing than stairs. At home, consider using dog ramps. CARE also suggests adding carpeting or runners on stairs and using a harness to support an arthritic dog to help it feel more secure when navigating stairs. So, while stairs can be an excellent supplement for Golden Retrievers, they should not be the primary source of exercise. Instead, take your dog for a long walk, and if there are some soft hills included, all the better. Adequate amounts of walking, even on flat surfaces, will benefit your Golden Retriever more — both for developing muscle and tendons and its heart. Swimming is also a great activity for dogs with arthritis or joint issues. Final Thoughts Generally speaking, most healthy Golden Retriever adults will have no issue with stairs. However, stairs should be avoided for ALL puppies under 12 weeks. If you have concerns about hip or elbow dysplasia or other joint problems, keep your Golden Retriever off the stairs until eight months old, at a minimum. After eight months of age, your Golden Retriever should have no issues running up and downstairs. However, make sure stairs are not overly slippery and are well-lighted and clear of obstructions. Lastly, start your puppy off on smaller staircases so they can learn in a safer and less intimidating environment. Avoid large staircases where your puppy might fear looking down such a long distance. In addition, consider that a puppy is more likely to be injured if it falls down 12 stairs versus two or three, so start them slowly. As such, we kept Bailey off these until he was a year old. Most Golden Retrievers learn to climb stairs very quickly as puppies. The key is to not allow them on large staircases that pose a greater risk of them becoming fearful or injured. Instead, start them on small staircases, and when they are old enough, you can let them climb stairs as their heart desires. And Is It Safe? Using the stairs will only worsen the conditions, leading to further pain and even more problems. Arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other hip and joint problems can cause severe pain and limit their mobility, and you will likely see your older dog or senior golden retriever begin to avoid the stairs on their own. Below are some tips to help your golden retriever use the stairs safely without developing hip and joint problems. Supervise Your Golden on The Stairs Supervising your golden retriever on the stairs is a great way to see if your dog struggles with stairs or is not using the stairs safely. Dogs are infamous for hiding their health problems. Therefore, you may not know right away if your dog is struggling with any joint or hip conditions. When your golden retriever is near stairs, pay attention to any signs of fear or reluctance to use them. Furthermore, if they are using the stairs slowly or awkwardly, then they may be in pain. If you see these signs, you should have your dog checked out at a vet for any hip and joint issues. Supervision is also a great way to ensure your golden retriever puppy is using the stairs safely. Make sure your puppy is not running up or down the stairs, skipping steps, or doing anything that will injure themselves or hurt the development of their hips. As mentioned before, golden retriever puppies should be carried up and down the stairs for the first twelve months of their life or until they become too heavy. This option may seem like a hassle, but it is the best way to avoid any injuries or hip problems while your puppy is still growing. Note: While good in theory, a month old golden retriever is going to be too heavy to carry for many people, so just carry them on the stairs as long as you reasonably can. Injuring yourself to try to protect your golden retriever is not a good trade-off. If your adult or senior golden retriever is having trouble on the stairs, you may need to carry them if possible on occasion. Do not force your dog to use the stairs in these cases, as that will only worsen their pain and condition. If this is happening, you will need to find a way to keep them off the stairs or reduce their pain. Gates are very effective for this and not too expensive. Baby gates can be installed at the foot or head of any set of steps you need to keep your dog away from and should help to reduce their time spent struggling up and down the stairs. Also, if your golden is used to sleeping, eating, etc. This option is best for adult golden retrievers that have developed arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other conditions. Furthermore, a dog ramp makes navigating the stairs easier and safer. You can install a dog ramp even if your dog is not experiencing any medical problems. Training your dog to use a dog ramp early on in life will help prevent hip and joint conditions from developing in the first place. The PetSafe Happy Ride Folding Pet Ramp from Amazon will provide a safe and secure surface to walk up without any climbing, saving your goldens hip joints. Use Stair Treads To Help Your Golden Navigate The Stairs If you have bare wood stairs in your home, your golden retriever may have problems with slipping and sliding while climbing or descending the steps. This can cause falls and injuries, in addition to fostering a lack of confidence regarding stairs on your dogs part. In this case, adding some non-slip stair treads can make a world of difference. These pre-cut Delxo Carpet Stair Treads Amazon have an adhesive backing and can be easily stuck to each step to provide traction for your golden retriever. Give Your Golden a Joint Supplement Many dog owners begin giving their golden retrievers joint supplements when they start displaying hip and joint discomfort, but a much better idea is to start giving your pup these supplements long before they experience pain. Giving your golden retriever a good joint supplement, such as Cosequin Max Strength Plus MSM from Amazon, containing Glucosamine and Chondroitin early on will be a much greater help than waiting until your golden is older and experiencing pain. Golden retriever puppies can begin using these hip and joint supplements as early as 8 weeks of age, although you will want to consult with your vet regarding your specific puppy before starting any supplements. Final Thoughts In most cases, a healthy golden retriever can use the stairs without any problems. Puppies and golden retrievers with hip and joint problems should either use a dog ramp or avoid the stairs altogether. You most likely guard him against bolting out the front door and running toward traffic in the street. But you may not have thought about the stairs in your house and how soon your puppy can safely begin to climb those stairs. Depending upon who you talk to, a puppy should not go up and down stairs from the age of 3 months to a full year. For small dogs, carrying a puppy up and down the stairs may work for several months. So, this can present a dilemma for owners of larger dogs. Fortunately, most veterinarians agree that the majority of puppies can begin climbing stairs when they are 3 months old. However, puppies should be supervised for several weeks to ensure their safety. And some dogs who are prone to hip dysplasia should use the stairs as little as possible. They should not be allowed to jump or bound up and down stairs in a way that could be hard on their joints. Climbing stairs for a young pup can be very hazardous due to injury or physical developmental risks. Most young pups are usually a little frightened of stairs and rightly so! Just think about how daunting it would be for us to run down a flight of stairs head first! Young pups are still developing muscles, bones, and cartilage until they are about a year old. However, this depends on size and breed. Larger dogs mature faster than smaller dogs. Additionally, puppies are still learning how to balance and coordinate their growing body and legs and can be a little clumsy in the beginning. So, stairs present a special challenge. Falling The most obvious danger when puppies try to navigate stairs for the first time is that they may fall. Hardwood stairs with no carpet or any type of traction can be very slippery and challenging for your pup to get a foothold. Even more dangerous are outside stairs that may be wider apart and made of stone, cement, or metal. Therefore, the risk of injury can be higher on outdoor stairs. Inclement weather such as rain, ice, or snow produces even greater challenges. If your puppy or young dog does try the stairs on his own and falls, be sure to take him to a vet immediately if you think he has been injured. Joint Damage Puppies are still developing their muscles and bones and undue stress at an early age can cause some joint damage. This can turn into osteoarthritis as they age, which can lead to an unsteady gait, pain, weakness, and limping. Be sure to see my post about how chiropractic care can help prevent some of this damage. This is why trainers discourage agility training for dogs under a year old, to give them time to fully develop strong muscle tone and bones. Any activity that includes intensive jumping or rigorous running or stair climbing is usually discouraged for puppies until they reach full maturation. When this happens it wears away the cartilage and eventually causes bone-on-bone rubbing and friction. This leads to pain, weakness, gait problems, and lameness. The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. During growth, both the ball the head of the femur, or thighbone and the socket in the pelvis acetabulum must grow at equal rates. In hip dysplasia, this uniform growth during puppyhood does not occur. Additionally, it can be caused by too little exercise that does not allow for muscle development, being overweight, and sometimes hormonal changes and neutering are thought to be possible causes. Dogs who are raised in cages at puppy mills with little to no exercise can be just as susceptible to hip dysplasia. This is true for dogs who are allowed or trained to jump and run too much before they are 3 or 4 months old. Breeds that are most susceptible to hip dysplasia include: Golden and Labrador Retrievers. Some dog breeds are too small or have hip issues which make climbing stairs difficult. But what is almost guaranteed is that puppies will struggle to climb stairs, whether in an upwards or down direction. Their size combined with a fear and unsteady balance will make stairs a potential hazard for them. When can puppies climb stairs? Puppies can usually climb stairs safely at the ages of 12 to 16 weeks. However, this is very much breed and size dependent, as some puppies will still not be big enough at the point to successfully navigate a staircase. Keep reading so you can let your puppy do stairs safely at the right age. Are puppies allowed to go up and downstairs? Puppies are allowed to go up and down stairs, but when they are too small, you should supervise behind them. I would suggest also carrying them downstairs if they cannot go down one step without jumping — that means they are too small and run the risk of tumbling. But in most cases, the age that puppies can do stairs is around 3 to 4 months. Is it bad for puppies to climb stairs? It can also be bad for certain breeds of dog to climb stairs. For example, stairs can be bad for puppies from the French Bulldog breed where the risk of hip dysplasia is higher. Young puppies will be naturally cautious of stairs during their formative months. More about puppies and stairs By and far the biggest challenge that puppies are faced in your home is how to overcome stairs. For young puppies, stairs can almost resemble mountains, continuing upwards for what seems like forever. Just one step at a time can prove a massive undertaking for a puppy, regardless of its age, and it can take many months until they begin to finally master the art of scaling them successfully. Unfortunately, it is not that unusual for older canines to never quite get the hang of climbing stairs, with many choosing to avoid traversing them later in life. For this reason, you must teach your puppy how to do this while they are still young. Without this skill, older dogs can quickly develop extreme anxiety towards climbing stairs, refusing to follow their owner upstairs, or enter properties where steps are abundant. However, there is one question that many dog owners fail to ask themselves before attempting this task, a question that when left unanswered can commonly result in many younger dogs developing long-lasting injuries. At what age can puppies climb stairs? In general, it is not advisable to introduce a puppy to stairs until they are at least 12 to 16 weeks old and fully confident on their legs meaning no clumsiness or wobbliness. That being said, it is not uncommon for younger pups to take on smaller steps from time to time, especially if they are very confident or boisterous. If you find your puppy can climb areas with small sets of steps in the home, do not immediately panic as this is completely normal behavior. Likewise, you should not chastise your pup as this could cause them to develop a negative association with the activity. If your pup is regularly climbing one or two steps, such as those found on a porch or patio, allow them to do so as this is unlikely to have any negative impacts on their health and will, instead, help them build confidence in tackling stairs for the first time. However, that being said, always deter your pooch from climbing larger sets of stairs such as those leading to a higher floor in the house , until they are of an appropriate age to minimize the chance of injury. Furthermore, this advice is especially relevant when it comes to larger breeds such as Labradors and Golden Retrievers, which we will explore in further depth later in the article. If you own one of these breeds or a similar-sized dog, make sure to keep them well away from stairs until they are at least 16 weeks old. In fact, failure to do this could be disastrous in the long run. Additionally, you should also realize that it takes time for smaller breeds, such as Yorkshire Terriers, West Highland Terriers, Chihuahuas, Mini Poodles, and Jack Russel Terriers, to grow to a size in which they can easily manage steps without any trouble. This is due to their diminutive size and overall shorter legs compared to medium and larger breeds. Furthermore, owners of small dogs should be careful not to force their pups into climbing stairs when they are very young, as doing so could lead to nasty injuries as a result of a fall or tumble. Although we may not realize it, stairs can be extremely high for small breeds. Unfortunately, many large breeds of dogs are prone to hip conditions, namely Hip Dysplasia, which can plague them throughout both their puppyhood and adult lives. Dogs suffering from this mainly inherited genetic condition develop issues with the ball and socket mechanism that allows their hip joint to move smoothly. Instead, the ball and socket will constantly rub and grind, causing canines significant amounts of pain. Over time, this abnormal motion will result in deterioration in the joint, with some dogs completely losing maneuverability after a few years have passed. Although not conclusive, there is some evidence that puppies can increase their risk of developing Hip Dysplasia by climbing stairs before their limbs have properly developed and strengthened. Despite being primarily hereditary in origin, some dogs can develop this condition solely through experiencing excessive stress on their joints or by suffering injuries. Once they reach a certain age, puppies will be bounding up stairs at will. Therefore, before introducing your pup to stairs, try and ascertain whether they are at risk of developing Hip Dysplasia. If they fall into this category, then prevent them from climbing stairs until they are at least 12 months old. However, it is worth mentioning that Hip Dysplasia can appear in medium or smaller-sized canines from time to time, although this is rare. If you find yourself worried about Hip Dysplasia occurring in your puppy, discuss this with your local veterinarian. Often, they will be able to inform you whether your breed of dog is at a higher risk of developing this issue in the future. With proper care and early treatment, dogs can easily live a relatively healthy and pain-free life. Is it safe to allow your puppy to climb stairs on its own? Alongside the risk of Hip Dysplasia, young puppies who regularly climb the stairs unsupervised are naturally at a greater risk of injury. Therefore, you should make sure to keep a close eye on your pup when they are attempting to navigate stairs, even if they have successfully done so before. Despite many dog owners feeling this is excessive or unnecessary, all it takes is one nasty tumble for a puppy to seriously injure itself. To minimize the chance of this happening you should always block the stairs when leaving the home, even if you are only gone for a short time. Alternatively, if you are unable to block access you can ask a friend or family member to keep an eye on your pup. In the case of older puppies 9 months plus , it is normally okay to allow them to climb stairs on their own. At this stage, they will have developed all the functions and skills to climb stairs without any problem. That being said, be careful not to leave any objects on the steps to limit the chance of your pup tripping and falling. Likewise, you should discourage your pup from playing or running up the stairs, as this can also increase the risk of an accident. Furthermore, this behavior is not only dangerous for dogs but can also result in owners being seriously hurt as well. How do you teach a puppy to use stairs? Teaching a puppy how to climb stairs is a relatively straightforward task. For example, one popular method used by dog owners is placing treats on the stairs. To start, grab some treats and place them on the first 2 or 3 steps, slowly encouraging your pup to climb each one. After they have done this successfully, place a few more treats higher up and repeat the process, continuing this until they have completely climbed to the top of the stairs. Make sure that you reward your puppy for any steps they have cleared successfully as this will reinforce their belief that they have nothing to fear. Additionally, you should remember to remain patient as it could take multiple tries before they feel comfortable. All puppies are different, and some may take weeks before they can climb the stairs without getting stuck or feeling frightened. Similarly, try to project confidence towards your puppy, regardless of whether you are nervous on the inside. They will quickly pick up on your positive attitude and feel less fearful when attempting to climb stairs for the first time. Conclusion Although home environments are mostly a safe and comfortable place for puppies to grow up, there are often several areas that can provide a challenge for even the most adventurous of pups — along with balconies , stairs are up there with the worst of them. With puppies and stairs you need to keep a close eye on them until they are older, more agile, and big enough to climb up or down. You might also like…. Got something to ask a vet? Thank you. The rest of the article continues below. Introducing your pet to stairs is all about taking it slow and having a blast! Start by making those stairs enticing. Grab some tasty treats or their favorite toy to lure them in. Begin with just a few steps at a time, allowing their little bodies to get stronger and more confident. If your pup seems unsure or refuses to go up or down, encourage them with yummy treats to get those paws moving. Patience and positivity are crucial. Cheer them on, shower them with praise, belly rubs, and high-fives for each step conquered. Safety Tips for Golden Retrievers Puppies Using the Stairs To ensure the safety of your furry pal while climbing stairs, you need to take a few precautions. First and foremost, make the space safe. If the railings of your stairs have wide gaps, install blocks or barriers to prevent small puppies from falling through or getting their heads stuck. Additionally, consider adding carpet runners or traction pads to make the stairs less slippery. This will provide your puppy with better grip and stability while climbing up or down. Next, you gotta remove any clutter that could cause your pup to trip. When training your pet to climb stairs, try using a harness or leash to maintain control. This will prevent your pup from excitedly lunging or jumping which may lead to accidents. You should also not leave your pet unsupervised during the training process. Stay close so you can quickly intervene if the need arises. A short rest allows your puppy to get their energy back, preventing fatigue-related mishaps. Climbing up or down a flight of stairs in your home can be dangerous for your puppies. One major concern is the risk of falling and getting injured. Puppies are still learning to control their limbs and may misjudge their steps or lose their balance, leading to falls that can result in sprains, strains, or even fractures. Another important consideration is the impact on their growing joints. Excessive or premature stress on the joints, such as from climbing stairs too early or too frequently, can potentially worsen these conditions or contribute to the development of joint problems later in life. Signs and Symptoms of Joint Pain or Discomfort in Golden Retrievers One common indication that your pup is suffering from joint pain is when they fall or stumble frequently while navigating stairs or jumping onto elevated surfaces. Difficulty getting up, walking, or engaging in physical activities they used to enjoy is another possible indicator of joint pain. And last but not least, if you notice any kind of limping, stiffness, reduced activity level, and excessive licking or biting of the affected joints, these are all warning signs that a vet visit might be in order. Doggy says, you might be keen to read this too: Is Bengay safe for dogs? If your furry pal is experiencing joint pain, undergoing post-operative recovery, or has a known medical problem, it is advisable to restrict their access to stairs. Additionally, during the puppy stage when their joints are still developing and growing, it is generally recommended to limit stair usage. Pregnant or elderly pets may also benefit from avoiding stairs to minimize the strain on their bodies. Alternative Exercises and Activities for Golden Retrievers Who Cannot Use Stairs When stairs are not an option for your four-legged companion, there are several other activities that can get them moving. Leash walking is a great activity to provide low-impact exercise and mental stimulation for your furry friend. Exploring different routes and environments during walks is always fun and engaging. Going for a quick dip in the water is another good idea since this breed is a natural swimmer. Look for dog-friendly pools, lakes, or beaches where they can safely enjoy the water. Puzzle toys and games are a wonderful way to engage their minds and challenge them to solve problems while obtaining treats or rewards. Additionally, playing a game of fetch in a safe area can provide physical exercise and mental stimulation. Your pet also needs to exercise their brain, not just their body. These activities help keep them active and happy, even without the use of stairs. Installing a Dog Ramp for Your Golden Retriever Installing a dog ramp can be a helpful solution, especially if stairs pose a challenge for your pet. A dog ramp is basically a sloped surface that allows dogs to walk up or down at a more gradual incline. In my opinion, it offers several benefits, including being gentler on the joints, making it a suitable option for elderly dogs or those with medical conditions. Dog ramps will work great for shorter steps stairs, and up and down sofas or cars. Collapsible Dog Ramp. Excessive ball throwing and catching. Fast-paced walks. Walking on hot days. Running a puppy alongside a bike. Dogs and puppies should not be exercised immediately before or after eating, as this can cause problems such as bloating. How to Exercise A Golden Retriever Puppy Providing puppies with the opportunity to exercise is a very important aspect of their healthy life. Not only does exercise have multiple health benefits, but it also gives them a good opportunity to socialize and bond with their owner. Check the temperature outside to avoid overheating. Make sure they wear a proper collar and tag. Make sure they are comfortable with their collar and leash. During Eeercise One way to help your puppy get exercise is by having them on a leash with you and following these tips: Walk at a normal pace. Stop to rest if your puppy keeps sitting down and continue when they get back up. Avoid over-exercising. You can also allow your puppy to exercise without a leash. Allow your pet to run freely in a safe environment, such as a backyard or designated dog park. Having them off the leash is a good way for them to regulate their own pace and exercise they want but do watch for: Watch out for signs of fatigue, including panting, slowing their pace, and lagging behind you. Watch for overheating signs such as excessive panting, drooling, vomiting or agitation. Keep your puppy hydrated. Signs that your dog is overheating and what you can do to help After exercise After your puppy has finished his exercise, make sure to offer them plenty of fresh, clean water and allow them to rest. After they have calmed down and rested, you can offer them a healthy treat or feed them. Exercise For Your Puppy In addition to giving your puppy short, daily walks, here are some other options of exercise that your pup will enjoy. Swimming Swimming is a great exercise for all dogs as it helps strengthen and tone muscles. Get your puppy familiar with water first after they are 3 months old. Fetch Golden Retrievers are meant for retrieving, so a good game of fetch will come naturally to them. Just make sure to watch for any signs of tiring. Dog toys that move There is a wide variety of interactive toys for puppies that are highly stimulating and can help with exercise. Play with other dogs Having your puppy be around other dogs is a good way to give them an exercise buddy while they work on important social skills. Whist Golden Retrievers instinctively know how to retrieve, they need to be trained from a very young age to catch. Signs Your Puppy is Getting Too Much Exercise Exercise keeps joints limber, promotes good range of motion, maintains muscle mass, and can help prevent injury. But too much of it can actually cause injury. Watch out for signs of over-exercise like sore muscles, behavioral changes, and joint injury. Sore Muscles Sore muscles are a sign that your pup is getting too much exercise. Refusing or struggling to go up and down the stairs. Refusing to eat because it hurts to lower down. If you notice signs of soreness, give them time to rest and lower the amount of exercise they are getting. Continuing to exercise, at this point, can lead to injury. Behavioral changes If your puppy usually enjoys going for walks with you but starts to shy away from walking or whimpers when you begin the walk, this is showing you that something is not right. Inconsistent conditioning can lead to changes in behavior as well as injury. If there is a joint injury, your puppy will begin to limp or favor one leg over the other. Another sign that is said to be a sign of joint injury is if you notice your dog putting its head down while walking on the good leg but lifting its head when walking on the bad leg. Heat sickness Heat exhaustion is a concern during the warmer months. Younger dogs have difficulty regulating body temperatures, so too much exercise can cause them to overheat. Signs of heat exhaustion are excessive panting, disinterest in eating, and drooling. Stopping suddenly can also scrape the bottom of the paws, causing the outer layer of the pad to wear off. It is good not to drag your dog while they are leashed, instead, be patient with them and listen to their cues. Golden Retrievers are popular dogs for outdoor activities. That is why we feature them here at Outdoor Dog Fun with these articles:. Golden retrievers range in weight when fully grown but are considered to be in the medium to large class of dog. A common thing that many golden retriever owners will know is that large dog breeds are more likely to suffer from joint issues. In order to avoid hip dysplasia or at least lessen its effects, you can begin by feeding your golden retriever a healthy and balanced diet, as well as ensuring they get plenty of exercise including swimming, which golden retrievers love! Furthermore, making sure that your golden retriever undergoes proper physical development when it is a puppy is key to ensuring that you can help maintain the joint health of your beloved dog. Stairs can be bad for puppies joints if they attempt to climb them while they are still too young. It goes without saying, but stairs are designed with humans in mind ask a shih tzu about this. As such, a staircase is really only meant to climbed by a human, though many four-legged species manage the mechanics of it well enough. In order for a dog to climb stairs, they must exert energy into their muscles and joints that is very different from the pressure they would put on them if they were just walking or running normally. As such, a golden retriever puppy should be carried up stairs until they reach a certain age. Important Note: Most medium sized breeds can start using staircases when they are about twelve weeks old, while larger breeds should really be waiting until they are at least sixteen weeks old. Thus, for golden retrievers, it is a good idea to wait between twelve and sixteen weeks before training them to climb stairs. In order to further avoid the risk of developing or worsening hip dysplasia, ensuring that your aging golden retriever does not need to climb stairs past a certain age is essential! If your golden retriever is getting older and still climbing stairs like in apartments, you should take precautions to make certain that they will not need to do so for much longer. For example, if your house is composed of more than one floor, make sure that everything your golden retriever could need is on the first floor, including their food, water, bed, and toys. If your dog prefers to sleep with a family member on an upper floor, trying to gradually discourage this behavior to avoid them climbing the stairs as they continue to age. Using a pet gate could also be an ideal solution to discourage your golden from taking stairs that are harmful to them in their senior years. As mentioned previously, stairs were designed for humans to use, not puppies. Because of this, puppies will look on the contraption with confusion and might even develop anxiety about them. You might find yourself at a loss when it comes time to teach them how to climb the stairs, but rest assured that there are many methods that are tried and true. Once your golden retriever has reached at least twelve weeks of age, the first step in training them to climb the stairs is to ensure that they are already reasonably comfortable and obedient on a leash. When you feel that your golden retriever puppy is ready to take its first steps on a staircase, leash them and have them sit on the bottom of the staircase. Using the leash as a gentle guide, coax your puppy up the stairs alongside you. If they are well-trained on a leash, they will understand that they are meant to follow you. Positive encouragement like kind words, gentle pets, and healthy treats are really helpful throughout this process, especially if your golden retriever is particularly nervous. When your golden retriever puppy has successfully climbed their first set of stairs, make sure they know how proud you are of them. Following this, you can then begin the process of teaching them how to climb down the stairs. Sometimes, climbing down a staircase can be even more daunting for a puppy than climbing up. Keep in mind that their perception of the world around them is much different than yours, so what is just a set of stairs to your mind could appear to be a treacherous cliff to theirs. Never use harsh tones or exhibit frustration when training them to climb stairs, as this will discourage your golden retriever and might even cause anxiety. An anxious puppy could lose focus and trip over their feet, resulting in a possible stumble down the stairs and a potential joint injury.