golden retriever puppy vaccinations

An empty outlined icon indicating the option to save an item Save Article Once you go through the process of adopting a puppy , you can then have fun brainstorming dog names for the newest member of your family. But there can be a lot of pressure to find the perfect boy dog name for your totally cute dog , which is why we've done the hard work for you. Whether you just adopted a miniature toy dog or a large breed , these best boy dog names stretch across a wide variety of categories, from classy to funny , so we're sure you'll find one to match your pup perfectly. And after you've found the perfect moniker for your pup, we also have round-ups of the top girl dog names and best boy cat names. What to look for in a boy dog name? Before you hop into the boy dog name categories below, it may be good to take some time and think about what kind of name you want for your puppy. Do you want a shorter name or a longer one? Do you want his name to be easy to pronounce if you have young kids at home? Do you want a "human name" or a more traditional dog name? These questions can help you figure out what boy dog name not only matches his personality, but also makes sense for those who will be calling his name while playing fetch. Top Boy Dog Names Your pooch may be in good company with these trendy monikers. These male names topped the charts in , according to Rover. Getty Images. Go for something short, one or two syllables long. It is easier for dogs to learn short names, which means that they will recognize their name more easily. If you want to give your dog a long and complicated name, then remember that you will need a nickname for daily use. Considering it is the nickname that you will be using most and that they will recognize, make sure to give that careful consideration alongside their full name. Avoid tongue twisters. Moreover, as any human with a hard name to pronounce will know, it gets pretty annoying to have to correct people all the time. Consider choosing something that starts with a sibilant consonant or blend, such as an S or a SH, or a hard commanding consonant like a K or C. This helps your distinguish their name from the ambient noise. Avoid names that sound too much like commands that you will use regularly, as this can just confuse your pup. So, if it sounds too much like a command that you use regularly, such as sit or stay, they may confuse the two. Be a little bit wary of going for anything that is too trendy. Remember that trends change quickly, but your pup might be with you for 15 years. For example, if you decide to name your dog after a celebrity, go for something classic, like Elvis, rather than someone new. You never know what the person might do next, which could leave you regretting your dog name choice. You can draw inspiration from the way that your dog looks. What size are they? What color? What breed? Do they have a funny shape or any distinguishing features like floppy ears or an extra long tail? Do they have interesting markings? These can all be a great starting point for choosing a name that suits. Teach Your Dog Their Name Once you have chosen a dog name, you need to teach your dog to recognize it. Otherwise, how else will they identify this special sound with themselves? Training your dog to recognize their name is pretty much like any other kind of training. You show the response that you want to the word, and when they give it, positively reinforce the behavior with some kind of treat edible, praise, or play. So, the first step is to familiarize your dog with their name. Start with five-minute training sessions daily in which you have your dog in an attentive situation and then say their name. When they respond to you, give them a treat. Repeat this several times over a couple of minutes every day for a few weeks. Take them out on the leash even if it is only into the yard and let them explore. Then call their name. If they turn and give you their attention, great, reward them with a treat. When they do turn, you can say their name again, and then reward them for their response. With this kind of training, your dog will learn to associate their name with good things, and will always want to give you their attention. Wrapping Up Choosing the perfect name that your dog will use for life is a pretty big decision. It needs to suit them, and it needs to be something that everyone in the family is happy to use on a daily basis. It is worth putting in the effort to get it right. Sometimes inspiration hits quickly, and you just need to double check the name for any unexpected pitfalls, such as being a word that your dog may confuse with other confusing commands. Sometimes the problem is finding agreement among family members. When you are struggling to find a name, the best thing that you can do is expose yourself to as many names as possible, as you are increasing your chances of coming across one that feels right. We named our most recent male dog Downey after the actor Robert Downey Jr. Why Downey? Because he came from the Avengers litter and his litter name was originally Iron Man, thus Downey! How about you guys? Did you choose a name for your dog? Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Learn how your comment data is processed. Keep in touch.

Thank you for your interest in our AKC Goldens. See below to join our Farm News for updates on new litters. We accept deposits right here on our website to Hold the Gender of your Choice first paid-deposit, first reserved basis. If you have a preference for which momma you'd like, you can make note of that when placing a deposit. Otherwise, we will notify you when the next litter is available and confirmed through ultrasound! Your new fur baby will be ready to go home at 8 weeks old. The final payment must be made before taking the puppies home. Please join our email subscriber's here. Each puppy has such a precious, unique personality, so we like for our families to have time to interact with them and pick them out in person. We will schedule 1-hour appointments when the puppies are ready to be picked up 8 weeks old. Deposits are non-refundable. You or a flight nanny will need to meet us outside of the airport for puppy pickup. Additionally, If you are unable to fly to pick up the puppy or arrange a flight nanny , we are happy to provide the flight nanny service for you. The Flight Nanny charge is outlined below. Please feel free to message with more questions. We are happy to offer flight nanny service, though! The nanny is either ourselves or someone we personally know and trust. The flight nanny is attuned to your pet's needs and will give special attention to a smooth, caring transition from our farm to your arms. Flight Nanny fee must be paid ahead for scheduling purposes. We are happy to speak through these detail specifics with you. Be sure to watch for our mahogany. Heritage Gold weeks with foundational training Our week-old puppies go home with a great start in our Foundational training program. See our training page for more information including pricing. We are taking reservations now for week-old puppies. Our next planned litters are here and we are taking reservations now for these pairings. These puppies have been chosen for their exceptional learning abilities and superior structure and temperament, and are considered top candidates for our breeding program. These puppies are also ideal for those in need of service-trained dogs. We are pleased to offer these exceptional puppies for adoption, beginning at 12 weeks of age. Please visit our training page to learn more about our Crown Reserve puppies and reserve one today. We also invite you to contact us to schedule a visit with the puppies and their parents, where you can meet us in person and see how our dogs and puppies live. If you are interested in providing a loving forever home for one of these amazing pups, please contact us for the next steps and to complete the puppy application. Every day we are learning how to care for this breed and will continue to update on what we have found that works best for putting your puppy on the best road to happiness and health. Here are some tips, advice and links we would like to share. More Information You can contact us for more information on our upcoming available puppies and the pairings. In order to reserve a puppy, contact us about your interest in upcoming litters by going to our "Contact Us" tab at the top. At that point, I can let you know about the dam and sire pairings, your pick placement, and more about the puppy homing process. If you wish to be included in our e-mail send outs, please tell us that you're interested. Just so you know, our puppies are normally reserved very quickly, so the earlier you reserve your puppy, the better chance you have to receive one. If you would like to take the first steps toward finding out about bringing home a Classic Heritage Golden Retriever puppy, write me an email about yourself, your experience with dogs, or anything that may help me know more about you and the environment you will provide one of our puppies. This is to ensure a thriving future for our puppies. We look forward to placing one of our puppies with your family! New Puppies available. If you would like to have the puppy held for you, make a deposit online. You are certainly welcome to select your puppy this way without a deposit, but please note that availability may change on a daily basis. If you come and see the puppy, make your purchase and take the puppy home if the puppy is 8 weeks old or older. Skip to 6, unless you need to arrange travel for your pup. Connect with us and we will get the right information to deliver the puppy to you and set up the exact date and time. Enjoy the new puppy that you have adopted into your family. If you have any questions, please reach out to the breeder for help! How much is a Golden Retriever puppy, and why do the prices on the website vary? The price depends on the credentials of the parents and the number of puppies available at the time. This allows you to set up an appointment that fits both your schedule and that of our breeders. Our golden retriever puppies are all raised by families in the Northeast Ohio area, conveniently located about an hour and a half from both Cleveland and Columbus. This makes it easy to come visit our puppies and spend time playing with them in a home environment. How can I get puppy travel arranged if I am out of state? A little-known fact about golden retriever puppies is that they actually do very well with travel. Check out our puppy travel page here to find out more about how we go the extra mile. How do you raise your dogs? When buying a golden retriever puppy, the people who bred and raised them can have a big impact on the health and sociability of the dog! Because of this, we are dedicated to choosing caring, dedicated golden retriever breeders in Ohio who will get your pup started on the right track. Our small network of breeders in Ohio all are dedicated to the same principles. This starts by providing carefully-planned breedings to ensure the best pedigree for our pups. They raise healthy, socialized pups that can make a smooth transition to a new home. Most of our breeders actually have young children at home who help raise the puppies and play with them so they can become socially adjusted. How do I leave a review of my Golden Retriever experience?

More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. At Echocreek Poodles our goal is to provide loving companion and show families with beautiful healthy black miniature poodles. Our poodle puppies are beautiful, and intelligent with superior dispositions. We love giving references so you can hear, first hand, happy owners brag about our poodles. We have been breeding for 20 years so we have lots of references including our veterinarian who oversees our program. We breed black Miniatures and occasionally have a brown puppy. We are extremely conscientious about the long-term health of our dogs so we breed only healthy poodles with wonderful temperaments. This ensures healthy, sound pups. Our puppies are raised in our home with our family. They are well socialized from an early age. Each poodle puppy is priced according to it's own merit. Pet puppies are sold with a neuter contract as well as a limited AKC registration and are not to be bred. Puppies sold for the purpose of showing are by contractual agreement. To be added to our waiting list we require a deposit. Your deposit is a guarantee that you want the puppy and cannot be refunded. Please make sure you have thought of all the responsibilities of a new puppy before you make a commitment. We do ask for references before we place our dogs with anyone. Of course we give our references as well, including our veterinarian of over 15 years. New Echocreek Champion !!! For your friendship and for so beautifully presenting our girl! She finished with her second 5 pt Major over Specials! Daughter of Nicki. Beautifully presented by Sara Brooks. Shown by Sara Brooks. Finished with 3 majors at just 9 months September ! Bred by Terry Wellman. Owned by Cynthia Sublett. Shown by Sharon Svoboda and team. Bred by June Bierwas, Juniper Poodles. Presented by Sheila Basinger. Bred by June Bierwas. Please browse the rest of our website to see more of our dogs. Breeds The link has been copied! The Black Poodle is a widely sought after type of Poodle due to its elegant coat and charming personality. It is a coloration that can be present in various sizes of Poodles, including Standard, Miniature, Moyen , and Toy Poodles. Like all other colors of Poodle, black poodles are descended from water-retriever dogs. They have a long history of being both working dogs and companion dogs. There is a dispute about whether the Poodle originated in Germany or France. Either way, Poodles were originally working dogs bred to retrieve shot game and lost arrows. Poodles are a popular dog breed for several reasons. They are intelligent and friendly. They have a beautiful and striking appearance. Also, they have certain hypoallergenic qualities. Black Poodle Appearance and Genetics A black poodle can either have solid black fur over its entire body, or black along with another color. Black Poodles have black eyes, lips, noses, and toes. Entirely black Poodles are one of the most popular Poodle colorations due to their striking appearance. A genuine black Poodle does not have any white or silver tint in its fur. Poodles have both an outer and inner coat. The outer coat is the one that is easily visible. The inner coat is beneath the outer coat and is not so easy to see. All black Poodles have a black outer coat, but some have an inner coat that appears blue or gray. Having a blue or gray inner coat can make the black outer coat appear lighter. Standard Poodles are over 15 inches tall and weigh somewhere between 40 and 70 pounds. Miniature Poodles are classified as being between 10 and 15 inches tall and weighing between 10 and 15 pounds. The smallest size category is the Toy Poodle, which is under 10 inches tall and weighs only 4 to 6 pounds. Moyen Poodles fall between Miniature and Standard Poodles in their size and weight. Usually, Moyen Poodles are 15 to 19 inches and weigh 15 to 25 pounds. The Moyen Poodle is not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club, but with its growing popularity, it may be recognized soon. Fans of the Moyen Poodle praise their medium size. Their size makes them well suited to being lapdogs but also large enough to keep up with their owners during physical activities and outdoor adventures. You can learn more about the Moyen Poodle here. Regardless of what size category they fall into, all Poodles naturally have a muscular but slim form. Poodles also have long muzzles. Their fur is either corded or curled. Poodle fur is known to require high maintenance. What Causes Black Fur? The black fur color seen in black Poodles is caused by the same process that determines the coat colors of all dogs. These pigments are eumelanin and pheomelanin. To make it simple, if genes connected to eumelanin are dominant within a dog, that dog will have a black coat. The gene that leads to black fur is stronger than the gene for other coat colors. This means that it is easier to breed black Poodles even if they only have a small amount of eumelanin in their genetics. Black Poodle puppies can be born even if neither of the parents have black fur. This can happen if one of their ancestors further back had black fur. The genes that lead to black fur on Poodles do not have an effect on the Poodles' personality or health. Are Silver Poodles Born Black? Some silver or gray Poodles are born silver or gray. But some black Poodles do eventually turn silver or gray. There are two ways a black Poodle can end up turning silver or gray. The fur of true black Poodles does eventually start to turn gray, but this happens gradually when they transition from an adult to a senior dog. In this type of graying, the gray fur will not always spread to the entire body. Often, the graying will start around the muzzle and spread from there. In some cases, a Poodle can be born black and gray prematurely over the first two years of its life. It can be hard or even impossible to tell if a black Poodle puppy will remain truly black. Are Black Poodles Friendly? Black Poodles, when raised with proper training and socialization, are just as friendly as any other coloration of Poodle. Poodles are energetic dogs, so they need exercise every day. They are also intelligent, and thus need mental stimulation as well as physical stimulation. Though well-trained black Poodles are no different from other Poodles in their temperament, they unfortunately face a stigma due to their coat color. Several causes for black dog syndrome have been suggested. Often, large black dogs are portrayed as violent and intimidating in movies and television shows. Black dogs are also known to not photograph as well as lighter colored dogs. The only notable difference is that dirt and tangling can be harder to see on dark coats. Short haircuts are a popular choice for Poodles, since this makes their coils or curly fur easier to manage. Poodles need to be groomed daily. They also need to visit the groomer regularly, unless you feel comfortable trimming their coat at home. Poodles are naturally slim dogs. It is easy for them to become overweight if their diet is not properly monitored. It is important to talk to a vet about the best diet for your black Poodle. One thing that dog owners often forget is that treats used in training can add up in calories over time. Black Poodle Health The genes that cause a black coat in Poodles are not known to be connected to any health issues. As such, monitoring the health of a black Poodle is similar to monitoring the health of any other shade of Poodle. It is important to note that the likelihood of certain health conditions occurring can be affected by the size of the Poodle. Poodles can be affected by a wide variety of health ailments, but there are several that are especially common within the breed. These include: Dental problems All dogs are susceptible to dental problems, including tartar buildup and gingivitis. Heart problems The category of "heart problems" covers a wide array of issues that can affect all dogs. This includes heart murmurs and arrhythmias. Hip and elbow dysplasia Hip and elbow dysplasia refers to painful abnormalities in the hip and elbow bones. Patellar Luxation Patellar Luxation is an abnormality in the kneecap that can cause issues with mobility. Progressive Retinal Atrophy Progressive Retinal Atrophy refers to a group of diseases that cause photoreceptor cells in the eyes to degenerate, resulting in reduced vision. Sebaceous Adenitis Sebaceous Adenitis is a condition that affects the sebaceous glands. These are the glands in the skin that keep skin and fur healthy. When these stop working properly, damage to the skin and fur will result. This is by no means a complete list of health issues that can affect Poodles. Regular checkups at the vet are a must for any dog. Other Poodle Colors Poodles are known for having a wide variety of coat colors. These various coat colors do not lead to any differences in temperament. Possibly the most popular shade of Poodle next to the black Poodle is the white Poodle. Many people feel that white fur makes Poodles appear more soft and cuddly. Brown Poodles come in a variety of shades, from dark brown to a more tan color. Red and apricot are rarer than most other colors of Poodle. Their fur has hues of copper or auburn within it. Apricot is usually considered to be the color most recently introduced to Poodle breeding, so it is more difficult to breed. Not all gray Poodles are senior dogs. Poodles can be born gray. Or, as discussed earlier, they can gray prematurely. Conclusion Even once you have decided to bring a Poodle into your life, you still have many options when it comes to the size and coloration of your new pup. No matter your living situation or personal preferences, between the Toy, Miniature, Moyen, and Standard Poodle, there is sure to be a size that will work for you. And with their multitude of coat colors, you can be certain to find a pup that fits your aesthetic tastes. Many regard the black Poodle as the most beautiful and elegant of all Poodle colorations, and it is easy to see why. Still, with their friendly and energetic personalities, any type of Poodle is sure to bring light into your life. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Want to know more about TryFi. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. They can be found under Available Puppies. Just like all the other toy and miniature poodles we specialize in breeding, our black poodle puppies are of a quality unlike any others you will find. Please keep in mind that just as we have high standards for our poodles, we have in many ways even higher standards for the homes and owners we send them to. We want each of our black poodles to go to an owner who we know will appreciate and care for the dog as much as we do. In order to help us make a decision on why you may be the right person for one of our black poodles, we ask that you kindly fill out our Puppy Application form to provide us with some initial information. We look forward to learning more about you and why you hope to bring one of our lovely toy poodles into your home. Before applying, however, we invite you to browse our selection of black poodle puppies for sale to learn more about them. You will be able to view pictures and learn about their temperament, birth date, size, and more! Explore our website today to learn more about our black poodle puppies and our history of toy poodle breeding in general, and please contact us if you have any questions!

We take our time to understand your needs regarding your future furbaby, and its here waiting to go home with you. French Bulldog Breeder in Boston, MA The most ethical french bulldog breeder in Boston We are re-defining the pet store, with transparency and a focus on socialization, health, and temperament. Just as people want to know where their food comes from, so should they know exactly where that Blue french bulldog puppy for sale near you came from as well. By fostering proper socialization, we reduce transitional shock and encourage stability, ensuring your new Frenchie becomes a loving, well-adjusted companion. .So we offer the strongest Health Gaurantee in the industry. To read more about where why you should never chose a frenchie from a faceless entity. If this decision is important to you, then stick around and learn more about our French Bulldog program and the various colors and personalities we produce. Also check out our Education blog before taking home your puppy to ensure that you are well prepared. If you are looking for the best quality French Bulldog Puppy Breeders In Massachusetts state , then you are in the right place! I have listed them down based on their Frenchie pedigree, breeding philosophy, breeding history, a customer review. You will get to know better about them as you read through the following descriptions. I made this list of Frenchie breeders based on the information I found on google. I have done some research to find out the best breeder possible just for you. And still researching to find out more about other quality breeders. Finally I made a list of the top 8 reputable French Bulldog breeders in Massachusetts who offer you the best quality puppy possible. All of the breeders have their own breeding style, philosophy and story. Hope the following Frenchie breeder list will make it easier for you to choose a good breeder. They take pride in providing you with a healthy, happy puppy that will be with you for many coming years. Stacked Bulldogs started French Bulldog breeding program with a mindset to the preservation of this breed. They are specialized in producing standard and rare colored French Bulldogs. Stacked Bulldogs 1st priority is to raise healthy, well socialized Frenchie babies with cheerful temperament for you that is friendly and outgoing. Stacked Bulldogs only use quality studs and females to give you a better quality puppy. They only have limited planned breeding and only have one to two litters a year. So be fast to order your desired puppy. Your puppy comes with- One year health guarantee. Socialization training. Puppy pedigree, puppy care guide. Puppy starter kit. Breeder support for life. If you are interested in having a puppy from them be sure to contact them fast to know more about their puppies. You can also give a visit to their website to see the puppy pictures. As one of the healthiest states to live in, Massachusetts prides itself on its greeneries, quality of life, and family activities that you could do with your loved ones. This is definitely the best state to live with your family and another one to the group, which can be a pet to take care of and love. A french bulldog is smart, fun-loving, and jolly, you could definitely take these cute pups out for a walk while breezing in the fresh air of Massachusetts. Here in Smiling bulldogs, we have compiled a list of the best French Bulldog breeders in Massachusetts to house in a Frenchie that will surely be the sunshine of your daily life! The Fox Hill Farm prides in Frenchies who will truly complete your family and give love and care to its owners. They strive to breed the most beautiful Frenchies with superior health and phenomenal temperaments. These dog enthusiasts have been breeding, raising, and training dogs for over 20 years. They also guarantee our dogs for life. A lot of careful planning went into producing each litter and the bloodlines, health, and confirmation points of each dog have been carefully assessed. The owners behind Cape Cod French Bulldogs enjoy the relationships they have built with their buyers and the happy endings that follow. Their French Bulldogs are home raised and treated as their own family. We have answers. The prices of French Bulldog puppies for sale in Boston depend on many factors including color, coat, pedigree, and experience of the breeder. Finding the best Frenchie puppy for you is made easier through Uptown because we match you not only with puppies within your area but also within your price range. What kind of dog is a French Bulldog? The French Bulldog is a lovable breed designed to be a faithful companion to its master. They are short, cuddly, and have adorable faces that are impossible not to smooch. French Bulldogs are cousins to English Bulldogs and were intentionally bred to be smaller while retaining the best traits of its bigger cousin. Why are Boston French Bulldogs so expensive? Unknown to many, French Bulldogs are difficult to successfully breed. Because of their narrow hips, these dogs need to be artificially inseminated in order to get pregnant and need to undergo a C-section to deliver the puppies. The medical expertise needed to produce a healthy litter is what makes them pricey. Will I be matched only with French Bulldog breeders in Massachusetts? The Uptown Puppies network spans 48 states and you are allowed to find the best Frenchie for you beyond your area! French Bulldog breeders and businesses with Uptown are knowledgeable about transporting puppies into their new homes -- even if that means traveling to another state! You can arrange for pick up at the closest airport or you can travel to their kennels if you prefer. What is the screening process for French Bulldog breeders in Boston? Our vetting process means verifying always have ethical breeding practices and quality healthcare. Breeders and businesses accepted into the network are required to make a legally binding pledge. These two types of businesses often produce sickly puppies that are not up the breed standard. Uptown Puppies is dedicated to helping families find a healthy French Bulldog puppy that was bred ethically. What is a puppy mill like for French Bulldog puppies in Massachusetts? A puppy mill spends as little money as it can to produce as many litters of puppies as often as possible. As a consequence, French Bulldog puppies that come from puppy mills are often plagued with health issues that are difficult to treat, as well as dangerous behavioral problems. Fixing these issues can be quite costly and stressful for pet owners. Are there any French Bulldog puppies in Boston right now? Uptown Puppies is the easiest way to find your ideal Frenchie puppy in the Boston area.

Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Nevada 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 Nevada? 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 Nevada? 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. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Retriever has been an AKC-recognized breed since and was commonly used as a gun dog and for retrieving small game such as waterfowl, and for companionship. The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands. The first Lord Tweedmouth, Dudley Majoribanks, is credited with developing the breed and keeping detailed records to create the ideal gun dog for the terrain. Great discipline and a gentle spirit make the Golden Retriever a perfect retrieval breed since the goal of this task is to bring the trophy back as undamaged as possible. Golden Retrievers first appeared in dog shows in at a British dog show. They also started appearing in the United States around the same time as they were brought across the Canadian border. They gained popularity with sport hunters and in general. Their popularity really took off in the s and they are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds. If you are not the sporting type, bringing a Golden Retriever into your family as a pet is just as rewarding because they are one of the most loyal and jovial breeds out there. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are the epitome of friendly and make fantastic family dogs. Golden Retrievers are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. They tend to be good with kids, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Goldens love attention and they bond closely with their families. They are affectionate with them, and also just about everyone else. Although they do tend to get along with everyone, they love being around their favorite humans the most. They will bark to alert you and can end up barking a lot if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. They can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. These dogs do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they are not at all happy about being left alone for long periods of time. Although super-friendly and attention-loving, Goldens can also be sensitive to their surroundings; make sure they feel included, but have a quiet place to go if things get too noisy or overwhelming. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Golden Retriever include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, elbow dysplasia , and hip dysplasia. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders 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. Goldens are considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are highly trainable dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. These traits make them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. It also helps them excel at obedience competitions. As one of the smartest dog breeds , Golden Retrievers can get bored easily. Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored with too much repetition in training. If your dog has mastered the command, move on to something more advanced or another activity. You can also enroll in puppy training classes for some variety in training and also some socialization. Golden Retrievers have a long double coat that will shed a little year-round and will be heavier twice a year as the seasons change. Brushing a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding along with a bath as needed is usually enough for at-home care. You will want to go to the dog groomer for a professional trim a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Daily tooth brushing, along with cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. Golden Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep these dogs happy and healthy. But, they are high-energy dogs that will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Much like the Labrador , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They tend to start winding down a little around the age of 3 and settle into your lifestyle, but they will still be high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity. Goldens are known for being versatile and athletic dogs. They tend to love swimming. Once they are done growing and the vet clears them for higher-impact activities, you can try other things too. They are one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. You can also teach them how to play frisbee or play fetch. Training for dog sports is another good option. In addition to obedience, Golden Retrievers are well suited for agility, dock diving , rally, flyball, tracking, and more. Fully-grown Golden Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Golden Retrievers generally live for years on average. With their intelligence, eagerness to please, and gentle disposition, Golden Retrievers are versatile working dogs. In addition to being one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs , Goldens can be found working as emotional support dogs, certified therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, military dogs, police dogs, animal actors, and more. Featured Golden Retriever Article. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for New Mexico Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in New Mexico? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in New Mexico? 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.

The English Bulldog — Quite a Chap! The English Bulldog can be expected to have certain traits: Affectionate, easygoing, and lovable Quiet—not much of a barker Good with kids and other pets An excellent guard dog, courageous and dependable Adaptable to a wide variety of living conditions Outgoing and friendly personality You may also these characteristics in your bully buddy: Can be gassy and drool a lot Makes a lot of snorting, snuffling, and wheezing noises, and she may snore Can become overweight easily if not exercised regularly Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a puppy Sensitive, matures slowly Can be possessive of toys and food, tending to show dominance She is an intelligent and dependable companion that forms close human bonds. With early socialization and consistent leadership , she is a social and cheerful addition to any family. The modern Bulldog, with a heavy, thickset, low body and massive head, originated in England after the elimination of bull-baiting in .The Old English Bulldog was crossed with the Pug to create a more docile and affectionate family pet. The Bulldog retained its protective and fearless nature, but aggressive and ferocious tendencies were removed from the breed. Bulldogs serve as popular mascots, representing strength in the face of adversity for the US Marine Corps and more than 30 US Universities. Bulldogs are famous for their gentle nature, fondness of children, and clownish antics. The Bulldog is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Bulldog. By knowing about health concerns specific to Bulldogs, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Bulldogs to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Bulldogs. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your English Bulldog looking and feeling her best. And unfortunately, your Bulldog is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections Bulldogs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Bulldogs. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Bulldog is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time. This is convenient for you and easy for your friend. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Genetic Predispositions for Bulldogs Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Bulldogs. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. Keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! When Bulldog puppies are allowed to grow too quickly, the cartilage in their joints may not attach to the bone properly. This problem is known as osteochondritis dissecans or OCD. If this occurs, surgery may be required to fix the problem. Feed a large-breed puppy diet rather than an adult or a regular puppy diet. Weigh your puppy every three to four weeks. The cranial cruciate ligament is one of the four tough bands of tissue that hold each knee together. A torn cranial cruciate ligament is a common injury in active dogs, which includes your English Bulldog. Usually surgical correction is done to stabilize the knee and help prevent crippling arthritis. Physical therapy and multimodal pain management are necessary to get the best outcome. Keeping him at the right weight, feeding a high-quality diet, and avoiding too much twisting of the knees like playing Frisbee are key in avoiding this painful injury. Spinal Deformities Bulldogs are more likely than other canines to be born with spinal deformities a condition called hemivertebrae , which may lead to spinal cord damage, instability, or disability. Unfortunately, Bulldogs can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye. This is one of the most commonly inherited diseases in dogs, and your Bulldog is more likely than other dogs to develop this painful condition. If untreated, these abnormal hairs can cause corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain. Several treatment options are available, and the prognosis is good once the hairs have been permanently removed. Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea surface of the eyeball. This is an extremely irritating and painful condition that can ultimately lead to blindness. It can happen in any dog breed; however, your Bulldog is especially at risk for this heritable disorder. Surgical correction is usually successful if performed early. Dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS, is common in Bulldogs. The tear glands no longer produce enough tears to keep the eye moist, which results in sore, itchy eyes and infections. Symptoms include a thick discharge, squinting, pawing at the eye, or a dull, dry appearance of the eye. This is a painful condition; please call us immediately if you notice any of these signs. Dogs have a third eyelid that contains a gland that produces about one-third of the fluid that bathes the eye. If the gland is sore or swollen, it looks like a red blob in the corner of the eye. This condition is called cherry eye, and it can occur very suddenly in one or both eyes. If this happens to him, we may treat it with ointment first, but surgery is often the best option. Bladder or Kidney Stones There are a few different types of stones that can form in the kidney or in the bladder, and Bulldogs are more likely to develop them than other breeds. Call us immediately! Respiratory Distress Syndrome This disease, also known as brachycephalic syndrome, affects dogs with a short nose, like your Bulldog. As a consequence, the soft palate the soft part at the back of the roof of the mouth , is too long and hangs down into the airway. The nostrils are often too small, and sometimes the trachea, or windpipe, is narrow and undersized. All of these things lead to a narrow and obstructed airway. Many of these dogs can barely breathe! Watch for exercise intolerance, loud breathing, coughing, bluish gums, or fainting. With his short nose, he is also more likely to develop other problems, such as flatulence from excessive air intake, pneumonia from aspirating food, or heat stroke. In severe cases, surgical correction may be recommended. Bleeding Disorders There are several types of inherited bleeding disorders that occur in dogs. They range in severity from very mild to very severe. Many times a pet seems normal until a serious injury occurs or surgery is performed, and then severe bleeding can result. Reproductive Difficulties Breeds with a large head and small pelvis are more prone to difficulties during the birthing process. Her pelvis is just too small to pass puppies and a C-section is often required for her health and that of her puppies. If you are interested in breeding your English Bulldog, speak with us first. We can help you make an informed decision based on body conformation of both sire and dam. Heart Disease Bulldogs are prone to multiple types of heart disease , which can occur both early and later in life. Veterinary dental care and weight control go a long way in preventing heart disease. Multiple Skin Problems Your English Bulldog is susceptible to different kinds of skin infections and diseases. One of them is caused by yeast Malassezia dermatitis. When it infects the ears, it causes itching, redness, and an accumulation of brown waxy discharge. On the skin, it leads to greasy, hairless areas, especially on the neck and throat, with a characteristic odor. Another common skin disease called seborrhea can cause dry, flaky skin or greasy, oily skin. These diseases make your pet itchy and uncomfortable. The earlier you call to have his skin problems checked, the less likely it is that you will end up caring for an itchy, bald, smelly dog. Mange Demodex is a microscopic mite that lives in the hair follicles of dogs. All dogs have them. In mild cases, pet owners may notice a few dry, irritated, hairless lesions. These often occur on the face or feet and may or may not be itchy. Secondary skin infections may occur. Prompt veterinary care is important to keep the disease from getting out of hand. Many pets seem to outgrow the problem, while others require lifelong management. Laryngeal Paralysis Older Bulldogs may develop this disease, in which the vocal cords become paralyzed and hang down into the airway. Watch for noisy breathing, especially when exercising or in hot, humid weather. In severe cases a pet can collapse and have difficulty breathing. Mild cases can be managed with changes at home and possibly medication. Cancer Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. Your English Bulldog will likely live longer than many other breeds and therefore is more prone to get cancer in his golden years. Many cancers are cured by surgically removing them, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. Early detection is critical! Dental Abnormalities Teeth abnormalities are often genetically induced and are relatively common in dogs, especially in purebred dogs like your Bulldog. An overbite or underbite is called a malocclusion, or a bad bite. Oligodontia is a condition where only a few teeth are present. Misaligned teeth can also occur and cause lots of problems, but can usually be corrected with braces or extractions. Yes, dogs can get braces! Taking Care of Your Bulldog at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your English Bulldog live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She has low grooming needs. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Her deep wrinkles need to be cleaned and dried often to prevent infections. As an adult she can have a tendency to be lazy, so you must ensure she receives adequate exercise by providing a daily walk. She is sensitive to temperature extremes; avoid any prolonged exposure and be very alert to the signs of heat stress. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Bulldog needs help. 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. Following these recommendations will help you raise as many healthy pups as possible and make the experience as easy and enjoyable as possible for both your family and your Bullbitch. When you raise a litter, you will feel an enormous sense of having accomplished a difficult task. You will enjoy many pleasurable hours with your pups, if you also make a profit, that is fine. But go into this venture with the realization that you may do everything right and still not raise a single pup. You may be emotionally traumatized by having your favorite pup die in your hands. You may lose every dollar you spend. Do not breed your bitch unless you are sure that you or a responsible person will be available to care for the bitch when she is ready to whelp and have time to care for the pups for the first few weeks. This may even mean having someone to care for the pups for 24 hours a day. If you anticipate your bitch will be due for her boosters at about the time of her season or during her pregnancy, have her boosters given early before the time you expect her to be in season. Before she comes into season, have her checked for intestinal worms and deworm her if necessary. This is for the bitch's good. It will not keep the pups from being born with worms. They will still need to be checked and dewormed. Your bitch should be checked for heartworms within the last 12 months. She should be on heartworm prevention. There is a fairly common misconception that heartworm preventive medicine causes infertility. This is nonsense! Heartworm infestation and heartworm disease cause infertility. Heartworm prevention is an absolute necessity. We recommend either Heartgard or Interceptor monthly. Go to dog shows and compare your Bullbitch to the champions and winning dogs. Decide what your bitch's faults are. Long back, small head, narrow jaw and light bone are the most common faults. Now select a stud that does not have any of the same faults your bitch has. It is not wise to breed to a closely related dog father, brother, uncle except in very special circumstances. Breeding to a very good quality more distantly related relative grandfather, granduncle many times will produce better pups than breeding to an unrelated dog. Breed to a dog that has produced some good quality pups. A champion stud that meets the above criteria will be a better choice for stud than a non-champion. We can provide you the names of serious breeders in the San Antonio area who have proven champion Bulldog studs. See as many studs as possible and choose the one that fits your breeding purposes THE MATING On a normal heat cycle, a bitch is ready to be mated the first time about the eighth to the thirteenth day. There is a lot of variation among bitches. Breeding according to the day of heat alone is not an accurate way of catching her at the right time. Vaginal smears can determine when a bitch is ready to breed. The cells lining the vagina change types when a bitch ovulates and is ready to mate. Bring your bitch in for us to do a vaginal smear about the fourth day of heat for the first vaginal smear. Then we will tell you when she will need the vaginal smear checked again. Do not be concerned if your bitch has a bloody discharge throughout her season. This is not unusual in bullbitches. We breed on the first day the vaginal smear indicates ovulation, skip a day and breed again. If there is any doubt that these were the best days, we will skip a day and breed a third time. Particularly when breeding a bitch that has failed to conceive before, it may be best to breed more than twice. We use only artificial insemination to breed bulldogs. Artificial insemination is easier on the bitch, the dog and the person doing the breeding. When people talk about "natural breeding" of bulldogs, they are really referring to hand breeding. This involves strapping the bitch to a breeding board and physically helping the stud dog mate her. We breed only by artificial insemination, Breeding boards are not used in artificial insemination. Serious breeders who have experience artificially inseminating with their own stud are usually very capable and can do the AI at their house. After you take your bitch home after breeding, continue to keep her away from all males for at least a week. For any bitch that has failed to conceive on a previous breeding, we strongly recommend using Progesterone tests to determine the correct time to breed. This is more expensive than breeding by vaginal smears but is worth the cost. The liver during their season increases fertility, during pregnancy reduces the chance of pups with cleft palates and makes for healthier pups with bigger livers of their own. This increases their chance of surviving any neonatal problems. Either beef, pork or venison liver is fine. Cut the liver into 1 ounce pieces and freeze them five pieces to a bag. That way you can thaw out a new bag every five days and make a pound of liver last 16 days. Some bitches will not eat liver the first day. Try again tomorrow and she will eat it. Some bitches will get loose stools from liver. Stop the liver and give cottage cheese with her food until the stools firm up and then start the liver again. During pregnancy, feed your bitch a good quality food. We recommend Purina Pro-Plan. Feed adult dog food for the first four weeks of pregnancy, feed half adult and half puppy food Purina Pro-Plan Puppy the fifth week, then puppy food through the rest of pregnancy and throughout all the time the mama is nursing pups. Do not feed generic or store brand dog food. With a good quality dog food, we feed no supplements other than the liver. Do not give bone meal or any other calcium supplements. They are not needed and can be harmful. With a bitch that will relax and cooperate, we might be able to feel the fetuses in her abdomen at 3 to 4 weeks. From 4 to 7 weeks, there is a lot of fluid around the fetuses making it difficult to feel them. By 7 weeks, most pregnant bitches will be obviously showing it. Almost all bitches will have some mammary enlargement 3 to 4 weeks after their season whether they are pregnant or not. If her vulva does not decrease much in size after she is out of season, she is probably pregnant. We can x-ray the bitch anytime after 45 days after breeding to determine pregnancy. Withhold food by 8 PM the night before the x-ray and be sure she is given a chance to move her bowels before bringing for the x-ray. Let her have all the water she wants. A sonogram done at 28 days is a very accurate way to determine if she is pregnant. We can refer you to a veterinarian who can do a sonogram if you wish. Even if your bitch does not look pregnant, bring her in one week before her due date for us to examine. A large bitch with only one or two pups can hide them up under her ribs and not appear pregnant. If there is any doubt, have an x-ray taken. If her season and discharge last longer that 3 weeks, bring her back for a check-up. She might be a bitch that just has a longer than 3 week season. Or the extended discharge might indicate an infection. If any time after her season she has a vaginal discharge again, bring her back for an exam and a white blood cell count. She could be aborting pups. She could have a minor vaginal infection or a serious uterine infection. A uterine infection needs immediate attention. The Cesarean Section is scheduled 60 days after the last breeding. We will make the appointment for 8 AM. We will also schedule an appointment for a week before the Cesarean to examine her and answer any questions you have. We can also do the pre-surgery lab work at that time. While this 60 day schedule works almost every pregnancy, occasionally a bitch will start labor before the Cesarean Section appointment. If your bitch starts labor during our regular office hours, call us to let us know you are coming in and bring her to the hospital. We will do the Cesarean. If your bitch starts labor during the night, weekend or holiday when our office is closed, call one of the emergency animal hospitals and take her there for the Cesarean. When you call our regular office number, the answering machine will give you the numbers of three emergency hospitals. We do not do emergency Cesarean surgery during non-office hours. A Cesarean requires a full staff of personnel that we cannot provide during non-office hours. Labor is not nesting or passing a mucus plug. Labor is seeing her abdomen contract and seeing her push. She may pass some fluid or you may see part of a puppy. This is labor and indicates she needs her Cesarean. Bullbitches have a difficult time trying to whelp naturally for a number of reasons. The pups have large heads. The bitch has a small pelvis. A bullbitch that has any breathing difficulty can find that labor is too strenuous for her. A bitch with a large number of pups can get too tired and exhausted before she has the last one. When there are only one or two pups, they are usually larger and more difficult to deliver. Many bulldog pups die during attempts at natural whelping. They could have lived if delivered by Cesarean section. A bitch that becomes exhausted trying to whelp naturally is then not a good anesthetic risk for Cesarean section. It is better to plan for a Cesarean ahead of time rather than make it an emergency procedure. It can be scheduled at a more convenient time than 2 AM some morning. Of course, saving only one pup with the Cesarean that might have been lost free whelping pays for the Cesarean. Most bitches will start nesting a week or so before they are due to whelp. They will gather up towels or scratch in the carpet or dig a hole in the yard to make a nest. This does not mean labor is imminent. While your bitch is pregnant, she has had a mucus plug in her cervix to seal it. She will start passing this clear mucus the last week of her pregnancy. This is normal. At the appointment for the Cesareans section, bring a box full of towels to take the pups home in and a sheet to lay the bitch on in the car on the way home. The bitch will have a heavy discharge for 3 days - red, black, green, almost any color is normal. After 3 days, the discharge should be no more than a little spotting - several half-dollar size spots a day at the most. A heavy discharge after 3 days or a brownish-red tomato soup discharge with a bad odor anytime is an indication of trouble. Bring your bitch back to the hospital. If the bitch has any discharge from her surgery incision, wash it with hydrogen peroxide and dry it before nursing. If the incision is dry without a discharge, leave it alone. If the incision should gap open more than a quarter of an inch or if a lump develops under the incision, bring her back to the hospital. It is not unusual for bullbitches to lie on pups and smother them. Some bullbitches will accidentally step on a pup and kill it or badly injury it. A few bullbitches will intentionally harm pups. For these reasons, we keep our pups in a puppy box and put them with the mama only while nursing. An adult or older child must be there watching all the time the pups are with her to be sure she does not harm the pups. Of course, this is a lot of trouble and takes a lot of time. But bulldoggers have found that this is the best way to raise as many pups as possible. We use a wooden puppy box. If you anticipate raising only one litter, a cardboard box will do. Our puppy box is 32 inches long by 16 inches wide and 12 inches deep. It has a Plexiglas window in the lid. There are holes in the side that can be opened for ventilation. There is a 60 watt light in one end of the box for heat. The light has a rheostat so that the heat can be controlled and adjusted. If you use a cardboard box, you can adjust the heat by using different watt light bulbs and by moving the light closer or farther away from the box. The important thing is to have a rectangular box with the light in one end. Adjust the heat by watching where the pups stay in the box. If the pups stay right under the light, adjust the heat higher. If the pups stay in the other end of the box to get away from the heat, adjust it lower. The box temperature will need to be about 95 degrees the first week, 85 degrees the second week and 75 degrees thereafter. However, it is important to adjust the heat according to what the pups do, rather than according to the thermometer. If pups lie on a hard flat surface all the time, they will become what we call swimmers. Their chests flatten out and their legs spread out sideways. They cannot get their legs under them. When the chests flatten they start having breathing problems. To prevent swimmers, it is important for the bottom of the box to be soft and irregular. We line the bottom of our box with foam rubber egg crate mattress pad material and cover it with towels. Two alternatives to egg crate material are rubber hot water bottles half filled with air and covered with towels or to wad up newspaper into balls to fill the bottom of the box and cover with towels. The first few days the pups should nurse every 2 hours. Put an old quilt on the floor for mama to lie on. If there is any discharge from mama's Cesarean incision, wash it off with hydrogen peroxide and dry it before putting the pups down to nurse. The first few times, squeeze the nipple to get a drop of milk to come out on it and put the pup's mouth to it. Watch to be sure all the pups get attached. Be sure the big pups do not push the little pups away. Allow the bitch to lick the pups to stimulate urination and defecation and to clean them up. If the mother refuses to lick and clean pups, you must use a cotton ball dipped in warm water to stimulate elimination. Rub the pups' sides, genital area and anus with the cotton ball. Pups can not eliminate freely on their own for the first 2 to 3 weeks of their lives. Someone must stay with the bitch all the time the pups are nursing. After you can see that the pups are gaining weight and are sleeping longer than 2 hours before they awaken and cry, you can start slowly lengthening the time between feedings. If the pups are not definitely gaining weight nursing on mama, start tube feeding them. If one pup is not growing like the rest, tube feed him. Also if you tube feed, you can go a longer time between feedings than you can nursing. We will be happy to show you how and help you start tube feeding and get you the equipment you need. Tube feed Esbilac Puppy Formula. If necessary, use Similac baby formula until you can get Esbilac. If for any reason you are tube feeding the pups exclusively, do not neglect stimulating their bowel and urinary functions. Either let mama lick them or use the cotton balls. Put Esbilac in a shallow bowl or pie pan. Put a pup up to the edge and spoon a little formula up to his mouth. Some of the pups will start eating on their own right away. Others will take a few days to learn. Grind the Puppy Chow in a blender to a fine meal. At first, mix just a little ground puppy chow with the Esbilac to make a thin gruel. When all the pups are eating this, gradually make it thicker. To get as close as possible to providing complete protection for your pups from preventable diseases, follow this vaccination schedule until you place the pups in their new homes and recommend that the new owner continue this schedule: Start vaccinations canine distemper, hepatitis, coronavirus, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus at six weeks old. Repeat this combination vaccination every three weeks till the pups are sixteen weeks old. The last vaccination should also contain Leptospirosis. Rabies vaccination can be given anytime after twelve weeks. If you have pups that did not nurse on the bitch during the first 24 hours of life, start their five-in-one combination vaccine at 3 weeks of age. However the time from 6 weeks to 12 weeks is a very important age for the behavioral development of the pup. During this time the pup must have both interaction with other dogs mother and littermates and interaction with people. Therefore 8 to 10 weeks is the best time for the pups to go to their new homes. Pups that go too early to a new home that does not have another dog in it may later in life have a fear of other dogs or be aggressive to other dogs. Pups that stay with their litter too long before being placed in their new homes may have a hard time adjusting to their new home after 12 weeks of age. If any pups are not going to their new homes by 10 weeks of age, be sure to socialize them to people. Separate them from the litter and give them individual attention for at least 30 minutes every day. All pups should have some contact with children before they are 12 weeks old so they will not be afraid of children later. Of course it is important that they are not hurt by a child early in life. If I send prospective puppy buyers to you, that means that I have recommended you and your pups to the prospective buyer. It does not mean that I am recommending the prospective buyer to you. It is not my place to screen buyers for you. It is up to you to interview prospective buyers and determine which ones can be entrusted with your precious pups. Ask about other dogs in the household. Do they have a fenced in yard? Do they know bulldogs need to be inside air-conditioned dogs? Will they continue the vaccination series? Do they know bulldogs are generally more expensive to care for than other dogs? Is the prospective buyer buying a pup for himself or is he a broker that is going to resell the pup? When you know the new owner is not going to breed or show, encourage the new owner to spay or neuter their pets. Spaying females prevents mammary cancer, uterine infection and accidental pregnancies. Neutering males prevents perianal cancer, perineal hernias and prostate problems. Be sure you are satisfied that your pup is going to a loving home. Tell the new owner that if something happens that causes them to have to give up their bulldog that you will take him back or help them place him in a good home. Fill out the dam's part and send it to the American Kennel Club. They will send you individual forms for each pup to be registered. This takes two to six weeks. The early care and environment of the English Bulldog newborn puppy are very important. Reasons a English Bulldog puppy might die early on are usually due to difficult whelping, congenital or genetic defects, environmental factors i. Things to have handy in case of an emergency: a box of Amoxi-Drops anti-diarrhea medication like Biosol, Kaolin-Pectin, or Neo-Pectilin thermometer Karo syrup or honey tube feeding kit 10 feeding tube and 10cc feeding syringe several cans of puppy formula like Esbilac; however, it is very important that a English Bulldog puppy get its mother's milk if at all possible during the first 5 days to protect it from infection and give it antibodies from the mother's milk You can purchase pre-made formula from your vet and outside of the mother's milk, it is best. However, the following formula is cheaper and provides all the nutrition. It's been used by many people and gives good results: l can Carnation evaporated milk some prefer canned goat's milk. Many use it instead of evaporated milk - both can be found in the bakery section of your grocery store. If this seems to be, change to bottled water to make the formula. Keeping the litter box tempature between degrees with no drafts for the first few days is usually adequate. Other sources of warmth can be heating pads or heat lamps. If using a heating pad, monitor the intensity of heat, as pups have been known to cook on pads set on high settings! There are many excellent heat lamps on the market, but remember that caution is needed. Heat lamps have been known to start fires! The temperature on the English Bulldog puppies 1 inch above the bottom of the box should be about degrees with a corner that is slightly cooler and allow them to scoot to wherever they like best. There should also be plenty of clean blankets, as this will allow for regulation of temperature. If a English Bulldog puppy has its mouth open, it's too hot. If a English Bulldog puppy is too cool, it often won't show anything - but it can be deadly. Hydration is one of the most important things to monitor in new bulldog pups, as it can be one of the first signs of problems. Check hydration by by pinching the skin on the back of the neck or on the top of the back. If the pinched skin stays creased, the English Bulldog puppy is dehydrated and needs fluid replacement. Also, a dehydrated bulldog pup's coat will sometimes have a ruffled or scruffy appearance. Dehydration can either be a result of inadequate nourishment, too much heat, or sickness. It is strongly suggested that you use regular newborn or infant bottles and nipples. The ones available for purchase for cats, dogs, ferrets, etc. Bottle feeding is far more preferable. The sucking on a nipple, the handling and holding of the English Bulldog puppy is so very important to their overall development. The English Bulldog puppy should be held with his head upwards and his body and tail down in a 45 to 90 degreee angle when bottle feeding. If English Bulldog puppies and their blankets are not kept clean, it is very easy to come down with a staph infection and diarrhea - which is serious, as bulldog puppies can go downhill quickly. As mentioned before, it is equally serious if the English Bulldog puppies get chilled so avoid drafts. Even if you have them in a basket with a heating pad, you need to cover the basket with a towel to keep out drafts. A chilled English Bulldog puppy must be warmed up. Put it in a pocket so that it's warm and jiggled as you walk around, or if you are a woman put it in your bra for your body heat. There are lots of little ways to accomplish it. Don't worry about feeding formula to a chilled English Bulldog puppy because it will have the opposite effect: their body cannot handle the food and makes it all the worse for the English Bulldog puppy. Priority should be to get the bulldog puppy warmed up slowly. Newborn English Bulldog puppies cannot regulate their body temperature or body functions like urinating and stools. It is important that they are pottied at each feeding. They might not have a stool each time, but they will urinate. This is what the mother does when she licks them. But some mothers don't want to be bothered, especially the first few days. After that, she will become a good mommy. Some might start off being good, then after a few days, or even a couple of weeks, not want to be bothered and might even be nasty to the puppies such as snapping and biting them. Always be careful and watch. Don't leave her alone until the bulldog pups are big enough not to be laid on, or big enough that you know that the bitch is a good mother. If the mother will not clean the babies, you must be sure to do it. Using a kleenex, gently rub the area to stimulate their potty. Then be sure to clean them well. Make sure to check them even if the mother cleans them. Often the stool will get stuck to the tail and be dry. If that happens, or if the English Bulldog puppy seems to be straining and constipated, try the following: Run warm water in the sink slowly. Put a drop of soap on their behinds, and wash and massage their behinds; it will get the tail and poop unstuck, clean them up, and cause them to potty very well. Make sure they are well rinsed, and dried thoroughly so they don't get chilled. If the little bottoms are red and sore, use some Desitin ointment. You may see green puppy stools and stools that have an appearance of bunches of tiny seeds. If all else seems normal, this seems to be harmless and short-lived. However, watery diarrhea can be very serious if left unchecked. There can be many causes, like the mother's diet, or infection. Diarrhea together with vomiting usually means infection. For the first 3- 5 days an average English Bulldog puppy ouncer will take about 10 cc's every hours. It should be broken into feedings every 2 hours 5cc per feeding. If it is a good sized bulldog puppy 1 lb. Towards the end of a week, you should increase the food needed to about cc or more. For the first week they should eat every two hours. If they are good size bulldog babies, you can sometimes go longer. By the second week, as long as you don't have any problems and they are of good size, you can usually go hours between feedings. An average weight for newborn English Bulldog puppies is around ounces. Good size puppies are oz.

Mixed Breeds By K9 of Mine Staff 19 min read July 14, 23 Comments K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. Labrador retrievers are well known for their even-tempered personalities, loyalty, fun-loving natures, and complete devotion to their family members. In fact, the Labrador retriever continues to be the most popular dog breed in the US — a position the breed has held for 27 years straight! Take a gander and share your thoughts in the comments below! Note: K9 of Mine does not endorse irresponsible breeding — please keep in mind that this photo collection is intended for enjoyment and pooch appreciation, not as any kind breeding recommendation or resource. There is very little official data about mixed breed dogs, so the photos displayed here are chosen based on information given by owners. We are unable to personally verify the breed heritage of the pooches shown here — instead, we must simply trust that owners are truthfully describing their dogs with they share photos of their mixed breed canines. TL;DR: Just enjoy the cute photos of doggos! The Basics of the Labrador Retriever Before we introduce you to some of the cutest Lab mixes around, it is important that we talk about a few of the basics of Labradors. This will help you decide whether a Lab mix may be a good fit for your family! Labradors usually weigh between 60 and 80 pounds and stand about 22 to 24 inches at the shoulder. Labs have moderately long lifespans of about 12 years, though some reach even older ages. Labs are members of the sporting group, who were originally bred to help fisherman tend nets, until their owners started using them to retrieve downed birds. Labrador retrievers have a friendly, happy-go-lucky demeanor, and they usually get along with most two- and four-footers they encounter. Labs are full of energy and often make superb running or hiking companions. Labrador retrievers can make great pets for first-time dog owners, so long as you provide plenty of exercise and stimulation each day. Labs are people-oriented dogs, who thrive best in homes that are rarely empty. Labrador retrievers are generally intelligent and eager to please, making training a breeze. Labs tend to shed pretty heavily, thanks to their thick double coats. Labrador retrievers do often suffer from a few common health problems, including patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and osteochondritis dissecans. No dog breed is perfect for all situations or scenarios, but as you can see, Labs are certainly one of the most appealing breeds in the world and they have quite a bit to offer the right family! Without further ado, here are some Labrador designer breeds that are sure to steal your heart. In some cases, like the Labradoodle a cross between a Labrador retriever and a poodle , the names are pretty popular and used widely. Australian Shepherd Lab mixes also produces some puppers with pretty adorable coat color patterns , which just adds to their appeal. These pups are best paired with active owners. But while they may have blockier builds than typical Labs, most of these guys and gals are big softies, who love nothing more than cuddling with their humans. Like Labs, American bulldogs excel at a wide variety of tasks, making them great all-around dogs for families, farmers, hunters, and more! Labs are lovable goofballs who are all about fun and games, while Akitas are no-nonsense pooches, who project an air of competence and quiet dignity. One pooch in the litter may take after the Lab parent, while another may more closely resemble the Akita. Name aside, these playful pups have energy levels that are off-the-charts, so be sure you have a big yard and plenty of time to visit the park before adding one of these dogs to your family. Well, the Beagador may be just the thing! But, they can be a bit aloof around strangers. But when you cross a bullmastiff with a Lab — a dog who views all strangers as potential pals — all bets are off! These mixes can be a bit of a house-keeping headache, as Labs shed pretty heavily, while bullmastiffs are Olympic-caliber droolers. Labs have held the 1 spot since , but the cocker spaniel has sat atop the popularity pyramid in 23 different years since the s. Note that there are two different corgi breeds the Cardigan Welsh corgi and the Pembroke Welsh corgi , and each will produce a slightly different version of this mixed breed. Either are considered Lab Corgi dogs. Doberdor Labrador Retriever X Doberman Pinscher A post shared by Charli the doberdor charlithedoberdor Given that Dobermans and Labs are both very affectionate dogs who bond strongly with their owners, Doberdor mixed breed pups will make great companions for individuals and families alike. The Doberdor loves his human family and will make it known with endless puppy kisses and loyalty. Wanna see more Doberman mixes? Check out 15 of our favorites here! You may just want to consider the Dalmador. Labs make pretty good jogging partners themselves, and Dalmatians can run for days. Honestly, there are a variety of Dalmatian mixes available for fans of polka-dotted pooches. Dachsador Labrador Retriever X Dachshund. Moderate Grooming Moderate Grooming Although enthusiasts would advise any interested dog owners to ask which line their Lab mix puppies come from, it's still important to note that there is only one Labrador breed. Whichever your Lab mix is from, I'm sure it'd still be the best boy or girl you can ever care for. Labrador Mixes Size Because Labradors are considered medium to large dogs, so they definitely affect their hybrid size. For example, small breeds mixed with Labradors may stand and weigh more than the other purebred parent. Mixed with larger breeds, then they may stand and weigh less than the larger parent. It all boils down to your preference and lifestyle as the owner. Labrador Mixes Life Span Numerous studies have found that mixed-breed dogs may live just a little bit longer than purebreds. The same goes with Labrador mixes as they are expected to live for 12 to 14 years, slightly longer than a purebred Labrador of 10 to 12 years. But as long as they are happy and healthy, Lab mixes can surely accompany you for a much longer time than that! Labrador Mixes Health Generally, Labradors are quite a healthy breed. The same goes with Lab mixes, although they can still be prone to diseases inherent to their parents' breed even though they are expected to be genetically better. Some health concerns that Lab mix owners need to watch out for are different eye diseases, Elbow and Hip Dysplasia , Arthritis, Obesity, etc. Labrador Mixes Temperament Knowing the temperament of a purebred pup is easy, but not for mixed breeds. As they are born from two different breeds with different personalities and temperaments, your guess is only as good as mine on how a Labrador hybrid will turn out. If possible, meet both parents to know what personality your dog may pick up. Or you can also observe their behavior and temperament in the kennel, especially if they are at least 6 months of age or older. Labrador Mixes Energy Level Because Labradors are energetic, their mixes can also be quite energetic too, especially if combined with an equally active breed. As a rule of thumb, a Labrador mix needs at least 1 hour of physical activity a day or else, they'd redirect their energy to chewing off things, and you don't want that! And depending on how active they are, they can do zoomies way longer than that! Apart from running or playing fetch, Labradors are also known swimmers—maybe that's something your Lab mix would also want to try! The over-the-top cuteness of a Labradoodle won the hearts of millions of dog owners worldwide with their cute smile, teeny ears for a big body, and fluffy fur. They are low-shedders and a perfect family dog, especially for children! Unlike the Labradoodle, Goldador can be heavy shedders. Their double coats need brushing every other day. Also, they require plenty of physical exercise so having a spacious house or yard is better to accommodate a Goldador's energy. Although they have short coats, they can still shed quite often, so regular brushing and grooming are also necessary. This hybrid is very much protective, loyal , and affectionate to its family members. Apart from being playful, they mostly retain their Border Collie parent's herding instinct, so there may be some nipping-at-the-heel action going, especially if they're not trained. There's no other way to describe a Labrbull's appearance but that. Since Pitbulls have such a bad rep just a misunderstanding, if you ask me! They may look fierce, but Labrabulls are sweet and easy to care for! Great Danes are gentle giants, and so do Labradanes. They are great for families with kids and don't need as much exercise as other Labrador mixes. First-time owners would surely do well in caring for a Labradane. It's quite difficult to guess the temperament of an Aussiedor because its parents' personalities are polar opposites. While Labradors tend to be friendly and outgoing, Australian Shepherds are more of I-don't-need-friends-I'm-shy-but-I-got-you types of dogs. Aussiedors can also inherit their other parent's herding instinct, which may be a problem for your small kids if you have one! Beagadors can go along with other pets. However, training may be quite difficult, especially if they mostly take after their Beagle parent. But because both its parents are intelligent, Labraheelers can do well in agility and obedience training. Houses with yards are preferred, but apartment living is fine too, just as long as they get their daily hour walk. There's no mistaking the parentage of this mixed-breed dog with its startling blue eyes and regal demeanor. Huskadors are intelligent and intuitive. They can easily pick up new commands and tricks as they are being taught. However, they got the extra shedding coat of their Husky parent, so extra brushing is also needed. Plus, they can also be the clingy type, so don't leave them too long on their own. Labmaraners do well in outdoor activities, which means couch potato owners may have to exert more effort in keeping them happy. They can also weigh up to 90 lbs, so beware of small kids and little pets! Labmaraners are generally friendly, but they may get too friendly without giving a mind to how big they actually are! One thing's sure, though—they are working dogs through and through, so lots of physical activities are necessary. You can also expect a year-round moderate shedding thanks to their thick, double coats of fur. Dachsadors are quite lively and motivated, and thanks to their size, they'd be contented playing zoomies even in an apartment setting. They'd also happily cuddle with you on the couch as they don't require much physical activity, unlike the others. Spanadors can weigh up to 50 lbs and can do well in different canine agility sports. But if you only want to relax on the couch, they can be the perfect companion for that too! Apart from being sociable, Dalmadors are great guard dogs thanks to the protective genes of a Dalmatian. However, because they're intelligent, you may need to try different approaches in training them, or else they'll get easily bored! Because of this, their energies if not used wisely may mostly be spent chasing after smaller animals. On the other hand, Springadors will do their best to please their owners, so you'll definitely get an attentive and faithful companion out of them. Mixed with an equally active Labrador, we get a tiny furball of pure energy from Labrahuahuas. But don't worry, whatever aggressive behavior their Chihuahua parents typically have wasn't picked up by the Labrahuahua. They love being the center of everybody's attention and would happily entertain everyone they know well. Just be mindful of those skin folds—they need constant cleaning, too to prevent any complications from developing! Chabradors are extremely loyal dogs that tend to bond well with one human. They don't need much exercise, but they do need a lot of grooming and brushing because of those thick, double coats that shed quite often. And depending on how large the Labrador parent is, they can actually weigh up to a whopping lbs! Another thing they commonly inherit from the other parent is a gentle and mellow personality. However, expect to clean your house more frequently because Labernards can also be quite the shedder! A full-grown Doberdor can weigh up to lbs and will definitely need a lot of active time to be fit and healthy. They are also quite a friendly mixed breed when socialized properly, and their alertness makes them excellent watchdogs too. Well, just imagine a Pug's face in a Lab's body! This mix can grow up to 50 lbs and can be quite the shedder too. Pugadors are also good as playmates and companions for kids! No wonder Labrakitas got this personality, too, although on a calmer level because of the Labrador genes. There are excellent watchdogs and companion dogs, too, when trained if you manage to get over their natural stubbornness. Labrakitas are well-suited for families with no children. They can be your hunting companion, your family companion, or simply just your companion on the couch. They can even adapt to apartment living just give them an hour a day of outdoor exercise, and they'll be good! Vizsladors can be quite independent, too, though, so patience is key in training them! They're not much of a shedder, but they sure are slobberers! Otherwise, they can be quite destructive and nobody wants that! Rottadors shed moderately, can stand up to 27 inches tall at the shoulder, and can weigh up to lbs. Because if the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the country, the French Bulldog comes second for , at least. They're also one of the friendliest breeds you'll meet in the bunch! They can be playful, too but not expend as much energy as a purebred Labrador. If you're not on an adventure, though, try to keep them busy still. Otherwise, they'll look for something to get busy with themselves, and you may not like it! Combining them with a Labrador, an equally athletic breed, brings about a mixed breed that naturally needs lots of active time. Greyadors also need structured training and physical activities. Be wary because, at times, they can get pretty stubborn too! Their sizes also make them a little clumsy, so apartment living is definitely not the best idea for a Labrador Corso. Depending on which parent they take the most after, their ears can either be floppy or erect. Weekly brushing is often necessary for their thick and dense coats, and just like their Labrador parent, they don't mind taking a few splashes in the pool every once in a while! They range from medium to large size with short, straight, dense fur that can be red, black, brown, or sable in color. And just like their parent Basenji, Labrasenjis don't bark—they yodel! If you haven't heard how Basenjis yodel, check out this video! Their sizes range from medium to large dogs, and they don't require much grooming. Rhodesian Labs are also energetic , but one thing about them is they tend to eat more than what they really require, so you may want to be strict about that portion control! They also love to swim. Good thing they have water and weather-resistant coats! But running around may be the easiest activity to keep them fit, so urban or rural living is your best bet to keep your German Wirehaired Lab happy. They do well in a hot or cold climate, thanks to their thick coat. The catch is they do shed a lot, so frequent brushing is required. Bassadors love the attention , though, especially from their favorite human, so they don't mind getting brushed on a regular basis. This means they are not just casual pets—they require tasks and work to be done. They also do well in sporting activities, so make sure to engage them in one to maximize their fullest potential. The American Bullador is a stocky mix breed of yet another two purebreds loved by the American population. Like any other Lab mix, they require at least a weekly brushing as their short but dense hair can still be prone to matting. Their nails are also hard and tend to grow fast, so trimming them every 2 to 3 weeks might be necessary. American Bulladors also tend to be stubborn; you gotta have a lot of patience and positive reinforcements on hand to train them. Corgidors look just like a Labrador but with shorter legs which make them the cutest! Because of their size, they don't mind small living spaces, but they still do require regular exercise every day. They're also very patient with children and are quite the people-pleaser too! Just look at how fluffy those furs are! The Labernese is very much affectionate with their family, so much so that they can get anxious when left alone on their own. Joggers in the family can enjoy the company of a Labernese for their everyday run since this large mix breed also needs its daily exercise. Cavadors are naturally intelligent and affectionate, thanks to the similar personalities of both parents. Plus, they also do extremely well with kids! Just watch out for what and how much they eat because they are also prone to gaining too much weight! Plus, their high activity requirements can keep them warm even during the chilly season! Alaskan Maladors are intelligent and easy to train, yet they may not be the best option for first-time dog owners. They also have a high prey drive and tend to bark or howl a lot. They sure need strenuous activities to keep them entertained, and they can also excel in agility competitions if trained. Physically active owners will find the best companion ever with Chesadors. But surprisingly, they are not quite as active as their dog parents. They still need to be kept entertained. Otherwise, they'll probably dig holes around the yard. Lab'Aires are the offspring of two heavy-built, medium-sized dogs, so the same can be expected of their size and stance. They are seasonal shedders, so moderate grooming is only needed for this mixed breed. They can be average barkers, only to alert you when there's a stranger or danger in place. However, they also tend to shed a lot, and they can be notoriously chewers, too, especially when bored. The thing is, New Labralounds are high maintenance, grooming-wise. They will need five to six times brushing per week, and a pin brush and de-shedder will be your best friends in doing this. They are also easy to care for and are low-maintenance, but socializing them at a young age is important. Because of their size, they surely need a large space to wander about. They can weigh up to 80 lbs so a large living space is ideal, especially since they love running and playing around. Labrasetters also love the company of children, other pets, and their family! Because both parent breeds are intelligent, Kelpadors are also clever and eager to please. However, depending on who they take on after the most, they can be either friendly or reserved. Nonetheless, if you ever come across this unique mix, don't pass on the chance! They are also perfect for new dog owners, so there is nothing to worry about. So it's no surprise that some breeders thought of mixing these two together. And what a winning combination Labratzus are! Combine a Shih Tzu's spunky attitude and a Lab's easy-going personality, and you'll get the perfect companion dog for your family, especially kids! Another perfect companion dog for families who love to snuggle. Just don't expect them to be watchdogs, though. They are too friendly that all they might do only is befriend strangers! They are also energetic and quite affectionate with their families. Appearance-wise, they can stand up to 27 inches tall and weigh 75 lbs when fully grown. And while they do well in families with kids, it's best if the kids are a bit older and know how to interact with a dog properly. Some of the adjectives to describe them are brave, strong-willed, and devoted. They are also intelligent with excellent judgment, that's why they also make the best family guard dogs. Because of this, Schnauzadors can also come in varying sizes depending on their dog's parent. Although they are friendly, Schnauzadors can also get too bossy at times. They'd always try to show other dogs especially same-sex who's the boss! However, they still make for great family dogs, especially for children and older people. Never mind the sit, stay, roll over command. They just gotta watch that stranger passing by the window! It's hard to guess what temperament their mix will turn out; it depends on which parent they will take after the most. One thing's sure, though, they are loyal through and through and will love their humans for as long as they can. These Labrador mixes, however, need an experienced dog owner who can confidently show them who's the alpha. Otherwise, they'd decide for it themselves, and you may have a hard-time training and disciplining them! They're family-oriented dogs who love playtime! However, early socialization is still important, even how friendly this breed is, so make sure to introduce them to new people and animals. It's not advisable to leave them on their own as they can get too anxious alone. They are generally healthy Labrador mixes too, but also with the potential for weight gain, so watch out for what and how much they eat! Although they are a fairly active breed, they can do well in smaller living spaces and only require 30 to 45 minutes of daily exercise. Personality-wise, they tend to take after their Plott Hound parents, so they may be a little reserved around strangers compared to their Labrador parents. German Shorthaired Labs only require moderate grooming, and they are actually quiet and just observant most of the time. Don't get intimidated by their size and appearance; they'd still be a perfect fit for first-time owners—just as long as that owner loves physical activities as much as this mixed breed. Depending on the other purebred they are combined with, a Labrador mix can be slightly larger or smaller than Labs themselves. However, on average, a Lab Mix can grow from 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 45 to 90 lbs. How can I tell if my dog is a Lab Mix? The best way to know whether your dog is a Labrador mix or not is thru DNA tests. There are available DNA test kits that you can purchase online that will not only determine your dog's ancestry but also their traits and possible health complications so I'd say it's worth giving a try! Do Lab Mix dogs shed? Labradors are heavy-shedders, so yes, Labrador mixes can be shedders too. However, some breeds like Poodles can somehow tone the shedding down when mixed with Labradors. Labradoodles, for example, are said to be non-shedders and a perfect match for dog owners with allergies. After reading all the information you need about this popular mixed breed, like the Labrador mix's life span, size, temperament, and health, I hope this article helps you decide which Lab mix is the best fit for you and your family's lifestyle. Related Articles:. As affectionate and intelligent pets, Labs are the perfect fit for families who can give their pups lots of love and activity. And when you combine these traits with other personalities from popular breeds such as German shepherds, corgis , and huskies, the mixes are sure to melt hearts. A Bit On Labrador Retriever Mixed Breed Health and Genetics Before adopting a new puppy, it's important to understand the health and genetics of the breed in order to provide all the loving care you can. When dog breeds mix, traits from both parents present themselves in the breed, creating both adorable physical characteristics and loving personalities as well as various health risks. Theresa Entriken , DVM, says health risks aren't meant to discourage pet parents from choosing mixes, but it's important to stay alert for as your pet ages. Early signs typically include noisy panting , a raspy bark and tiring easily with exercise, but later signs can include vomiting and muscle weakness. Before adopting, make sure to research breeders carefully and avoid breeders who aren't putting the puppies' health and safety first. And be sure to consult a veterinarian to learn about the health risks of both parent breeds. Now, on to these fun-loving mixed dog breeds! Along with being adorable and easy to train, their curly poodle coat offers minimal shedding for us allergy-suffering dog lovers. Whether you're looking for a companion to explore the outdoors or a puppy to train, this mix is sure to deliver the fun. These intelligent dogs are full of energy and affection, making them the ideal companion for any active owner. The caring and active personalities from a Lab and golden retriever makes this crossbreed a perfect fit for anyone looking for a loving, active dog. Beagles are natural scent hounds and Labs love to have fun outdoors, so this gentle mix will want long walks to sniff every corner they can. Jul 13, Share Labradors have been the most popular dog breed in the United States for quite some time. Their mild demeanor and affectionate temperament have endeared them to many. Originally bred for hunting as a waterdog, the Labrador is as intelligent and energetic as it is loving. They make excellent working dogs, companions, and family pets. But there are plenty of lovable dog breeds out there. What happens when you mix the iconic Labrador with one of these other excellent breeds? The 43 Labrador Mix Breeds 1. Boxador Boxer and Labrador mix Image By: Luke Sadler, Shutterstock Boxers are known for their bouncy, spunky, highly-energetic nature, which definitely tends to show through with the Boxador. Labs can also be a high-energy breed at times, so when mixed with a Boxer, expect your Boxador puppy to be rambunctious, ready to go, and a complete goof! The Boxador can be a pretty large dog, often reaching weights of 80 pounds while standing about 18 inches tall. All that size can make a Boxador quite the bull in a china shop when their excitement grows! But it also makes them adorable, and their loving temperament endears them to every member of the family. Like the Labrador, the Golden Retriever was bred as a hunting dog, so they both have plenty of intelligence and the desire to please their owners. Likewise, they make excellent family dogs. Golden Labradors have a friendly disposition similar to both parent breeds. After all, the Boston Terrier is just a fraction of the size of a Labrador Retriever! But surprisingly, the Boston Lab is a great pup with a friendly and loving personality that makes it perfectly suited for families. These dogs love to please their owners and will go out of their way to do so. They are also highly intelligent and much calmer than most pure Labs thanks to the more easy-going demeanor of the Boston Terrier. But look out, because the Boston Lab does sometimes show their stubborn side! When combined to make a Labsky, also called a Huskador , you can usually expect the offspring to display a similar personality. Huskies can also be a bit stubborn at times, but Labs are known for their obedience and intelligence, which can temper the stubbornness in the Labsky. Labskies can be about 24 inches tall and weigh around 80 pounds. They often inherit the long, thick coat of the Siberian Husky. This means year-round shedding and lots of maintenance. When mixed with a Lab, the resulting offspring is just as high energy and can still have plenty of herding instinct left over. Both parent breeds of the Labraheeler are highly intelligent working dog breeds. Because of this, the Labraheeler is great at training and can easily learn to perform tasks or follow obedience commands. This is a rare breed, but despite their rarity, they make excellent pets because of their loving demeanor and undying loyalty to their family. This breed sheds non-stop, so expect lots of loose hair and plenty of grooming time. But thanks to their high levels of intelligence, they can be trained well and will easily learn obedience commands. But the result is surprisingly cute; a small to mid-sized dog that looks like a small lab with short legs and big, floppy ears. What they do have are some known medical concerns. They also have interesting body proportions that can actually result in mobility issues because of how short their legs are compared to their body length. Once mixed, any of these issues might show up in the offspring. The Dachsador is starting to gain popularity. They were originally bred to reduce the health issues that both Labs and Dachshunds commonly display. Labradors are more playful and upbeat and quite a bit larger. The French Labrador is about as friendly of a dog as you could meet. This is especially true because of how closely they bond with their owners who they desperately want to please. It was originally bred to maintain the best traits of the Lab while reducing the numerous health concerns that plagued the breed. The Corgidor that results when you mix these two breeds will have the stubby legs that distinguish the Corgi, but with the face and colors of the Labrador. Hailing from two well-respected working dog breeds, your Alaskan Malador will need a job to keep it happy. They often have the colorations and markings of a Rottweiler and can grow to the same size, up to 27 inches tall. This mix makes for a very large dog that can be somewhat unpredictable in temperament. Make sure to properly train and socialize your Labrottie. But Rottweilers have shorter life expectancies than Labs, so your Labrottie might not live as long as a purebred Labrador Retriever. Labs are much more active and energetic, though. When bred together, the resulting Labernard could go either way. Because both parent breeds were bred as working dogs, Boradors have the innate intelligence necessary for training. They can learn easily, but they can also have very high levels of energy from the Border Collie side of the family, so a firm hand and plenty of patience are necessary to train a Borador. Because the Border Collie has much longer hair than a Labrador, the Borador is going to require some extensive grooming. They also have a natural herding instinct that tends to display itself around small children, so this breed is best for individuals or families with older kids. Great Danes are known to be very gentle, calm, and affectionate. They make great family pets and even do great as service dogs. Despite their large stature, Labradanes only need a moderate amount of exercise. German Shepradors make excellent guard dogs. Labollie Collie and Labrador mix A post shared by Maple mapleypup Collies are loyal and friendly dogs that were bred for sheepherding. Labradors are friendly and loyal dogs that were bred for hunting. Combine them, and you get the Labollie; a hard-working dog with above-average intelligence and an utterly friendly disposition. They have plenty of energy, but they also know when to be calm. They have lots of energy and need tons of exercise. But when you mix them with Labs, the resulting offspring can look very similar to a Dalmatian, or just barely show their Dalmatian lineage. The signature spots that the Dalmatian is known for might cover the entire coat of the Dalmador. But the Labrahuahua actually seems to work quite well! They can vary in size drastically and take their visual cues from either side of the family. But they can also be playful and happy dogs from the Labrador side. But this makes them a danger to children, especially considering their high prey drive. This breed is highly intelligent but can still be difficult to train because of their stubbornness. Once trained, they can make excellent companions, but socialization will be very important with Labrakitas. But Beagles are much smaller with fewer space demands. It gets its massive size from the Bull Mastiff side of the family and can sometimes be as heavy as pounds. You might expect such a massive dog to need loads of exercise, but the Bullmasador is a bit of a paradox since it really just needs one walk each day. This is a very loyal breed that makes an excellent companion. They are very intelligent, which makes them easy to train. Both of these breeds were originally used as hunting dogs, so the Spanador offspring they create are good-natured and very intelligent. They are excellent with children and make great family pets due to their calm, gentle personalities. Still, the Labrasenji is a dog that will need a lot of exercise each day and just as much patience to properly train them. Cavador Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Labrador mix A post shared by Paul Martin Jones jaypjay44 Cavadors are incredibly friendly dogs, which makes sense since both parents are known for their friendly disposition. These dogs are often described as charismatic. Look out for problems like mitral valve disease and syringomyelia. They have a short lifespan of around eight years, which is common with such large breeds. When mixed with a Labrador, the lifespan will likely even out between the breeds, so you can hope for a ten-year lifespan in a Labernese. Labs tend to be friendly and trusting, but the Bernese Mountain Dog is the opposite. Socialization is extremely important with the Bernese Mountain Dog, and it will be just as important with the Labernese. They can make great companions, but make sure to socialize early on to avoid the distrusting behavior that can develop in the Bernese Mountain Dog. They have lots of affection to give and want to receive the same from their person. Labradoodles often inherit the curly mop of hair from their Poodle parent. Expect to spend plenty of time grooming to keep all that hair in good condition! Labrabull or Pitador Pitbull Terrier and Labrador mix Image Credit: Stephanie Denise Powers, shutterstock Pitbulls are muscular, stocky dogs with large heads and powerful bodies that are low to the ground. Labrabulls are easy to care for and require little maintenance. What they do need is socialization. Labmaraner Weimaraner and Labrador mix. Typical Lab mix traits The best Lab mix breeds are of course a matter of opinion. As with any purebred dog, it depends entirely upon why you want a canine companion. If you want a small Lab mix as a family companion then getting one who is crossed with a smaller, calmer breed is a good choice. But if you want a dog for sports or hunting then going with a Labrador crossed with another working breed is a sensible move. If you want a dog to have a go at agility, then a Collie cross is a great place to start. Lab mix dogs are often found in shelters or Lab rescue centers. What is My Lab Mixed With? Labrador mix bred dogs can often look very different to either of their parents. And in some cases, if the parentage is unknown it is entirely possible that they have more than one breed in their genetic makeup. If you are rescuing an older dog, the only way to know with reasonable certainty where your mixed breed dog came from, is to order a DNA test. This will give you as many as three or four generations back, and give you a great idea what breeds went into your wonderful dog. They are fairly rare, as Afghan hounds are not terribly numerous. Your Afador puppy is likely to grow to be fairly large, as both Afghan Hounds and Labradors are reasonably tall. You could therefore end up with a dog with medium to long fur, which will require regularly grooming. Afghan temperaments tend to be more aloof than that of Labs, with less boisterous enthusiasm for everyone they meet. Basset Hound Lab mix Another rare cross but one which has great appeal to some people, is the Bassador. They are on average around 14 inches tall as adults, with body proportions suiting a larger breed of dog and shortened legs. Working line Basset Hounds tend to be in far better shape than their show bred cousins, and this is where you should start your search if you have your heart set on a Bassador. Border Collie Lab Mix Border Collies are incredibly intelligent dogs, who work very well with their owner if properly trained. Loyal to their families, and fairly indifferent to everyone else. They are quick to learn and can be taught a mind boggling range of activities through positive reinforcement training. The show dogs tend to be the least driven, although still high energy dogs that require a lot of stimulation. Like Labs as puppies they can be very nippy. This can express quite strongly around children, as they attempt to herd them around. They are not generally therefore recommended to families with very young kids. They do however often make excellent pets when older for active, busy families who enjoy training and working together. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are without a doubt some of the friendliest little dogs in the world. They are charismatic, fun and loyal. They also have a fairly good average lifespan of 11 years. However, there are a couple of big, scary health problems associated with large numbers of this breed, so be very careful and do a lot of research if you are thinking of bringing one into your home. Health problems impacting a vast quantity of these little dogs include mitral valve disease , a heart problem which causes early death, and syringomyelia. This is a neurological problem caused by the size and shape of their skulls, not allowing their brain and brain stem to be properly accommodated. Two very popular breeds of gundog with a lot of similarities, this is one of the cross breeds where can be fairly confident of the type of Lab mix you will be getting when you bring home your puppy. Goldadors are very popular seeing eye dogs. They are well known for being intelligent, fast learners and very co-operative with their handlers. Like their Golden Retriever and Labrador parents, they tend to have very friendly temperaments and love spending time with their human family. Golden Retrievers are similarly sized dogs to Labradors, but with a far longer and wavier coat. Most Goldadors seem to have shorter fur more like the Lab parent, but this is not guaranteed. Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to be fairly calm and aloof as adults, and require a lot of dedication to socialisation when they are young due to potential nervousness around strangers and guarding tendencies. Due to their size, they are not really recommended for homes with young children or frail adults. Bernese Mountain Dogs are very large, growing up to 28 inches tall and weigh up to pounds. They also have a long coat, which requires a lot of grooming to keep in a good condition. Unfortunately like many extra large breeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs do not have very long life expectancies, averaging around 8 years long. When looking at longevity size is a big factor, and giant breed dogs regardless of whether they are mix bred or not will have shorter lifespans. You could therefore expect to see your puppy potential live fewer years than the average purebred Lab. They are utterly beautiful dogs, and if well managed can make wonderful companions. Labmaraner The Weimaraner is a beautiful dog, and an intelligent one too. Like all members of the gun dog group he has been bred with co-operative working in mind. Although he tends to be slightly less people focussed in general than your average Lab. This means that they are not as obsessed with greeting everyone when you take them for a walk. However, they can also be a little harder to engage in the training process and in some cases be even more driven than a Labrador. Like Labs, Weimaraners can also be prone to separation anxiety when left alone for long periods. Labradoodle Labradoodles are the most popular Labrador Retriever designer dog breed at the moment. A Labradoodle will not necessarily be a non-shedding dog, and may require some extreme grooming or very regular visits to the poodle parlour in order to not become matted. Pitbull Lab Mix The Pitbull Lab mix should be a great family dog, full of energy, with a short, easy care coat. Rottador or Labrottie Rottweilers crossed with Labradors are known as Labrotties. Or Rottadors. And they can be incredibly beautiful and dedicated companions to their families. Rottweilers can be up to around 27 inches tall, with big heads, deep chests and well muscled bodies. They are powerful dogs and need commitment to positive training from day one from their families in order to understand how to behave in their homes. Rottweiler temperament is also quite different to that of your average Labrador Retriever. There is no way of knowing which of his parents your Labrottie will take after. Rottweilers are a guarding breed. Extremely loyal to their family, but known to be wary of strangers and unpredictable around children if improperly socialised and managed. Your Labrottie puppy must be very well socialised, just as you would with a pure guarding breed dog. Make sure he has regular positive contact with people of every age, and is familiar with things like beards, hats and unusual items of clothing. Springador Springer Spaniels crossed with Labs are often referred to as Springadors. They can make fabulous pets or working dogs, but can have the extremes of both breeds. They are not for the inexperienced or inactive owner. Springers are very lively dogs with an incredibly high prey and hunting drive. They benefit from positive reinforcement training from an early age. In general Springers have great temperaments. However, there are some working lines which have nervous aggression problems and fixations on light chasing. Make sure that you meet the Springer parent to ensure that they are confident and not agitated. English Springer Spaniels tend to be smaller and lighter than Labs, with a longer coat. Springadors often have shorter coats, and can look a lot like a slightly shaggy black Lab with a few white markings. Lab Mix Temperament When you buy a mixed breed dog, their temperament will be a product of their varying lineage. They could end up with any mixture of the two lines temperaments, or something completely different. Make sure to meet both parents to ensure that they are confident, friendly characters. If both lines are happy, loving dogs then the chances are good that your puppy will be the same. Photo kindly provided by N Pappalardo. If your Labrador is a known cross, then you can make an educated guess that he could be anywhere between the average sizes for those breeds. However, it not always the case. And with a Labrador mixed with unknown other dogs, then they really could be any size at all. The Labrador element to their genetics does not limit their growth. Nor do they mean that they will definitely have any specific height to them. There will potentially be huge variation even within the litter. I grew up next door to a family who had two Labrador x Terriers from the same litter. One looked exactly like a Labrador in every way, except she had very short legs. The other was Labrador height but with a totally different shape. If size matters to you, then a purebred puppy or dog over 18 months old might be a better choice. Lab Mix Health Mix breed dogs can still be susceptible to the diseases carried by their parents. Especially if those diseases are common in both breeds. The Labrador parent should have a clear eye test of less than a year old. They should be PRA clear, and have a lower than average hip score. For full health testing for Labs check out this article. The other parent may also need a clear eye test, and a good hip score. The most important thing is to pick a puppy whose parents have both had all of the health tests relevant to their own breed. And whose personalities you would be happy to see replicated in your pup. Alternatively, look for a rescue dog that you have met and fallen in love with yourself. Should a Lab Mix take after their Labrador Retriever parent, they will be a playful, energetic, and affectionate dog that loves their families. Labrador Retrievers are energetic dogs that tend to have an extended puppyhood. They are also social, friendly, and tend to be patient and gentle with children. This makes them fantastic pets as they also tend to get along well with other dogs and even other pets, despite their retriever tendencies. If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you can expect the same from a Labrador Retriever Mix. You still want to ask questions about the other parent breed as they are bound to introduce some potential quirks of their own. Although Labs are happiest with room to run, they adapt well to apartments as long as they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and affection. They also do well in most climates, but do not like to spend long stretches of time alone. If the other parent breed is also highly adaptable, then you can expect the same from a Labrador Retriever Mix. Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? As with purebred dogs, health often depends on reputable breeding practices. Just as a mix can inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, they could also inherit all of them or some combination of them. From the Labrador side, potential health concerns to be aware of in a Labrador Mix include patellar luxation , hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cataracts. The other parent breed will likely introduce some other potential conditions to this list. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Labrador Retrievers are highly trainable dogs that can be a good fit for owners of any experience level. First-time owners may have a challenge at first with their high energy and exuberance, but tend to be successful. If the other parent breed is also highly trainable, then you can expect the same from a Labrador Retriever Mix. If the other parent breed tends to be more challenging to train, then you will want to be prepared for that potential and be ready to enroll in puppy training classes if you need them. A Lab Mix can end up with a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is truly a mix of both. Should they inherit the Labrador Retriever coat, it will be short and will shed throughout the year with heavier shedding as the seasons change. Weekly brushing and the occasional bath keep a Lab coat healthy. Trimming nails once or twice monthly keeps them from growing too long. Because dental care is often overlooked, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth every day or using an enzyme toothpaste daily in addition to cleanings at the vet as needed helps prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Labrador Retrievers are high-energy working dogs that need plenty of exercise and a job to do to be happy. If the other parent breed is also a high-energy dog breed, then you should expect a Labrador Mix to be a high-energy dog as well. Even if the other parent breed sits in a lower activity range, you will still want to be prepared for the potential of a high-energy dog should they take after their Lab parent. Fully-grown Labrador Retrievers tend to stand inches tall and weigh pounds. The other parent can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother. Labs generally live for years. Although the other parent breed could affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span from a Labrador Retriever Mix. Featured Labrador Mix Article. Labradoodle Parents: Labrador Retriever and Poodle The teddy bear-like Labradoodle is a medium-sized breed that has a curly coat similar to the Poodle and the sweet face of a Lab. If you are looking for cute and cuddly, the Labradoodle is definitely for you. This hybrid was first bred for their adorable appearance and low-shedding coat. The most common genetic line is the F2b generation. F2b labradoodles normally shed less than other mixes as they have more Poodle in them. However, just because a dog sheds less hair does not make them hypoallergenic! Labradoodles have fun and contagious personalities. Most will have the quick wit and trainability of the Poodle while also having the loving and gentle nature of a Lab. This personality type makes them perfect for families with young children, other pets, and even those with disabilities. Goldador Parents: Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever Have you ever wanted a Golden Retriever, but did not want to commit to their long coats and high shedding? This Golden Retriever mix may be what you are looking for. Goladadors have a short coat that does not need much grooming beyond brushing. The Golden Retriever and the Labrador have many similarities in personality and body size. That makes this mix fairly predictable when compared to other mixes in this list. The personality of the Goldador is gentle, loving and friendly. Boxador Parents: Labrador Retriever and Boxer Are you looking for a dog that is both loyal and a running buddy? Many people love Boxadors due to their fun-loving nature and how extremely friendly and sociable they can be. With the boisterous energy of the Boxer and the loyalty of a Lab this breed is perfect for any family, especially those who love spending time being active outdoors. Boxadors sometimes need early socialization training to make sure they do not become overly bouncy or overprotective of family members. But, generally these traits can be easily removed. Borador Parents: Border Collie and Labrador Retriever Boradors were one of the first labrador mix dogs and have been popular since the s. They are great for anyone that loves herding dogs but wants to avoid extreme energy and exercise requirements. This breed is friendly, attentive, loyal and is relatively easy to train. However, training the Borador is more difficult than training a Labradoodle because they need to be socialized a lot as a puppy. For any herding breed, socialization is important to reduce their protective aggression towards strangers or nipping at the ankles of children. This mix is best in a home with children over the age of 10 due to its desire to herd younger members of the family. Labrabull Parents: Labrador Retriever and Pitbull Labrabulls are a large-sized affectionate adventure buddy. Many people love this mix due to their desire for adventure and loyalty to their families. This breed has a muscular build, an extremely short coat, and weighs 45 to 90 pounds. This fun-loving and energetic lab mix goes by many names, the most popular include the Labrabull, the Bullador, and the Pitador. If you adopt this mix, it is important to note that your Labrabull will need to be properly socialized. Many types of Pitbull dogs have been labeled as aggressive. But, when trained properly they can be very affectionate to everyone they meet. They are not only large in size but they also have the biggest hearts. Typically, this mix is very human-oriented and enjoys living in a big family home with many people to give them attention. Like the Great Dane, the Labradane will often forget how big they truly are. You should be prepared to own the largest lap lab of your life! Despite their large size, this breed is great with young kids. If you love the beautiful merle pattern of an Australian Shepherd, but do not want to deal with their high energy, the Aussiedor is perfect. This mix is very similar to a Mini Australian Shepherd but, due to the calming Lab genes, has less energy. This mix stands at around 18 inches tall and their coat can be long and flowing, like the Australian Shepherd, or short and dense like the Lab. Aussiedors are very intelligent, in order to not become bored they need a job. A bored Aussiedor can quickly become destructive in the home. Retrieving the mail, or playing fetch with the kids, will help to reduce boredom and keep them busy. This mix is very loving and loyal with high energy levels. These qualities make Beagadors excellent pets for families with children who also love to play. However, this Beagador can become easily bored, since both parents were originally bred for high energy activities like hunting and scent detection. Because of this, they may become destructive or howl loudly from loneliness. Make sure to offer this mix at least 60 minutes of exercise a day. The Labraheeler is your perfect match. Blue Heelers were first bred by breeding Australian Collies to the wild dingo to help cattle farmers in Australia. This lab mix will do best in a family that loves physical activity, especially in the great outdoors. This fun loving breed stands between 20 to 28 inches tall and is not able to live in small homes or apartments. They need a large yard to explore and release extra energy and a family that can provide at least 60 minutes of high intensity exercise a day. Huskador Parents: Husky and Labrador Retriever Many dog owners love Huskies, but not all of them love their wild and loud nature. If you love the beauty of the Husky, but you want a dog that is calmer and not as loud, the Huskador is a good choice. A Huskador can look like a Lab, with dark soulful eyes, but most lean towards a Husky and have beautiful blue eyes. You may even be lucky and get a puppy with one brown and one blue eye. The coat colors will vary greatly based on whether a yellow, black, chocolate or silver lab is used for the mix. The personality of the Huskador can be highly variable too, just like any mixed labrador breed. Some will be calm and loving, others will be high-strung and energetic like the Husky. With plenty of training and early socialization Bulladors can also make a great pet for adults. If you have toddlers in the home, it is best to adopt another mix. They are a great dog for active adults who can provide a large backyard to play in. Labmaraner Parents: Labrador Retriever and Weimaraner The gorgeous silver coat of the Weimaraner looks like something from a fairy tale. Luckily, many Labmaraners share this brilliant silver color too. Labmaraners are a large dog breed weighing in at close to 80 pounds. They are taller and heavier than a traditional English Lab but are smaller than a Great Dane. This breed tends to be more aloof than most Labradors, so you will not need to worry about them wanting to stop to greet every dog or person they meet. This mix prefers to be loyal to one or two people. One trait that both the Lab and the Weimaraner share is the potential for developing separation anxiety. It is likely your Labaraner will develop this trait. German Sheprador Parents: German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever There are many people who love the appearance of a German Shepherd, but not many have the time and energy to devote to their doubled-layered coat and difficult personality. If this sounds like you, consider bringing a German Shepherd mix home. They make loving and loyal dogs. German Shepradors love to do a job, just like their Labrador parent. They love retrieving, agility courses, and using their intelligence as a service dog. German Shepradors are also used for airport security as police dogs. Their appearance can vary greatly, some will be a solid black or golden color and others have the classic saddle-back markings of the German Shepherd. This breed can also have the stereotypical upright ears of the German Shepherd or the large floppy ears of Labs. Dachsador Parents: Dachshund and Labrador Retriever The Dachsador is one of the cutest and smallest labrador mix breeds. This dog is an adorable small-sized mix that weighs less than 30 pounds and stands at 15 inches tall. They almost look like Miniature Labs! They are perfect for anyone who does not want a large lab. This breed is also very playful and loves to snuggle, which makes them a great pet for families with young children. Their unique appearance is sure to draw attention! Both the Lab and the Dachshund have a wide variety of genetic based health conditions that are different from one another. Breeding them together helps to create a breed that has a decreased chance of inheriting these conditions from either parent. This is known as hybrid vigor. Dachsadors tend to be a very healthy little pup! If you want a dog that is as loyal as a Labrador, is a constant companion, and loves to curl up on your lap, the Spanador may be perfect. This mix also does well with children of all ages and makes a great playmate. The only downside to this super cute puppy is their availability. Do not be surprised if you are put on a waiting list until one of these cuties can come home with you! Dalmador Parents: Dalmatian and Labrador Retriever Dalmatians were originally used as a guard dog for horses and carriages. Many people love the striking spotted appearance of the Dalmatian. The best way to make sure a Dalmatian does not have aggression issues, is to mix it with a calm and friendly dog like the Lab; this is why the Dalmador was bred. Springador Parents: Springer Spaniel and Labrador Retriever If you are skimming through this list of labrador mix dogs to find a hunting breed, then read more about the Springador. This mix is the perfect size to load into a truck and bring into the backcountry. Sprigadors have sweet and loving personalities, but do not let their cute faces fool you. Their Spaniel genes make them working dogs that have an incredibly high hunting and prey drive. However, once this breed has had a good workout, expect a cuddle a good cuddle and nap on the couch. The Springador is best suited to a home that is cat free, as they will likely chase and terrorize cats. They are also not the best choice for a home with small children. Springadors prefer to have some space which toddlers do not always understand; this could result in accidental nips. This loveable breed tends to weigh around 25 pounds and stands 10 inches tall. Labrahuhuas are usually bred by artificial insemination due to the size difference between Labs and Chihuahuas. One of the best traits of this breed is that you will never feel lonely. Both the Chihuahua and the Lab are very people oriented, so if you are looking for a fun-sized companion, this is the breed! The Labrahuahua does best in a large family where someone is home most of the day, but they can adapt to apartment living as long as they have plenty of toys at home to entertain themselves when left alone. The Shar Pei was originally used as a Chinese fighting dog, so protecting your home and family will come naturally to this mix. They are extremely loyal and obedient to their owners, but they do have a tendency to be aloof to strangers. The face of the Lab Pei looks similar to a purebred Shar Pei just with fewer wrinkles. Most Chabradors have a standoffish personality towards strangers, but will be very loyal and affectionate towards family members. You will need to make sure your Chabrador puppy is exposed to many different kinds of people, different ages, sizes, races, and genders. There are many reasons why you may want to consider bringing home this fluffy Lab Mix. But, there is a price to pay for their very thick coat. Regular grooming, brushing and cleaning will be absolutely necessary. This giant breed typically weighs between to pounds. Gentle and sweet, the Labrenard is happy to be used as a working dog or as a loveable family pet. The Labrenard may turn heads due to their very large size, but they love meeting strangers and other animals, even very small ones. If you have the space for a dog that is gigantic in size and heart, the Labernard may be the perfect fluffy breed for you! The Doberman is a popular breed that has been a favorite of many celebrities such as John F. Kennedy, Kevin Hart and Mariah Carey. Their sleek dark figure and striking markings give the Doberdor a wow-factor only black dogs can have. The Doberdor is a large breed that will typically weigh between 60 to pounds. They are very similar in size to a purebred Doberman, but their body type tends to be stockier. Doberdors are friendly, playful, and almost too smart for their own good. If you are ready for a dog that has amazing beauty and personality, but maybe challenging to train, consider bringing home a Doberdor today. Pugador Parents: Pug and Labrador Retriever Pugadors are an adorable curly tailed breed who are always ready to be your favorite lap dog. Many Pugadors will have a partially curled tail and a wrinkled face. This medium-sized labrador retriever mix is perfect for someone who loves Labs but wishes they were smaller. Thanks to Lab and Pug genes, the Pugador is affectionate, gentle and loyal. They make a great family pet and like to live with a family that is home most of the time. This is because Pugs have a fear of being alone. If you own a Pugador, you will likely not be able to walk down the street without someone asking to pet your sweet and loveable puppy. Labrakita Parents: Labrador Retriever and Japanese Akita For someone who loves Japanese culture and wants a dog that radiates grace and dignity, consider bringing home a Labrakita. Labrakitas have many similar qualities of the Japanese Akita including their size and body type. This mix is a large dog and will have a boxy, muscular body. Both parent breeds are working dogs, so it is no surprise that this mix is best in a family that is able to provide at least 90 minutes of walks per day. A downside to the Labrakita is a weariness towards strangers. They need early socialization and positive reinforcement training to reduce the chance of this aggression becoming an issue. Vizslador Parents: Vizsla and Labrador Retriever The next dog on this list is another hunting breed that is particularly talented at pointing and tracking. Due to the excellent genes from both the Lab and the Vizsla, the Vizslador is extremely intelligent and active. It is very important to make sure they get at least 75 minutes of intense exercise per day. This breed is definitely not all work and no play, they also love to show affection and have the purest of hearts. If you are looking for a mix that is truly meant for work and play, then consider making a Vizslador part of your family. Labloodhound Parents: Labrador Retriever and Bloodhound The Labloodhound is a lab mix that arguably has the longest ears of any breed on this list. Bloodhounds are known for their larger-than-life droopy ears, wrinkly face, and their somber expressions. The Labloodhound may not have all of these features, but they do have some of their Bloodhound roots and are just as cute in their own way. The personality of the Labloodhound is very contagious. They are often very outgoing, happy-go-lucky, gentle with everyone from children to the elderly, and love nothing more than to please you. Traits like these have made this mix important in many different jobs such as drug detection, hunting, and search and rescue. Rottador Parents: Labrador Retriever and Rottweiler The Rottador is a large dog that is tall and muscular, just like their Rottweiler parents who were originally bred to drive cattle to market and pull carts for butchers. Many Rottadors have the beautiful markings of a Rottweiler with the long face and ears of the Lab. Rottweilers and Labs have very different personalities, so this mix can have a wide range of personality types, even more so than other Lab Mixes. Some Rottadors will be calm and gentle and others may be protective and weary of strangers like Rottweilers. Summary Each Lab mix is truly unique and has a different personality and appearance from other mixes. To understand more about your puppy, it is very important to learn about the temperament and history of both parent breeds. Mixes like the Labradoodle, Goldador, or Labradane are great for families with young children. Families with limited space may prefer a smaller breeds like the Pugador or the Dachsador to complete their family. Some mixes in this list are great working dogs and prefer to live in homes without young kids. Rottadors make a great guard dog while the Vizslador makes a great hunting companion. Regardless of what Lab Mix you prefer, there is one thing that will always be true; each is beautiful and wonderful in their own special way. Let us know if you have adopted one of these mixes in the comments. She has worked with many dog patients over the past six years as a student and a veterinary technician and enjoys client communication and education. Her favorite dog breeds are Salukis, Boxers, and Weimaraners. You May Also Like.

Bringing a pug puppy home is not far from bringing a child home or having someone to live with you. Pugs are living creatures with personalities of their own. Some pug breeders offer pug mix puppies for sale in PA and you have to reach out to them as soon as they post their listing as there are many pet owners that are interested. Below are some of the steps you can take to help you select the perfect pug puppy for your home and choosing the right pug breeders. Create a Comprehensive List of Breeders Your search for adorable pug puppies will begin with a list of reputable breeders. Finding the best pug breeder will solve more than half of any future problems you might have with the pug. Instead, try to build a list of your options. Be specific with what you are looking for. This can be the need for crate training or an assurance of a health guarantee. This allows you to choose not only the best pug puppies but also enables you to get the best deal you can get. Once you have a list of at least five 5 pug breeders, you can talk to each of them and figure out which breeder has the best pug puppy for you. Identifying the Best Pug Breeder Now that you have a list, you can set appointments for each of the pug breeders. Talk to the pug breeders and ask them important questions. Of course, while pug breeders value owners who are enthusiastic about getting the best puppies home, be respectful with the manner you ask your questions. Always try to build a relationship and ask for information in the context of understanding how to take care of the pug you are about to bring home. Some buyers would indicate their need for the puppies to undergo crate training and would seek a health guarantee. Do your best to ask for these details when you talk to pug breeders. To properly identify a pug breeder who follows ethical practices in breeding pug puppies, look for these small signs or signals that they are legit: Legitimate Breeders Volunteer Information. Check out their listing and see if they are providing complete information about the puppy. This means that if there are issues with the puppy, they will volunteer the information. Do not fall for big claims like the puppy coming a champion sired pug without proof. Take what the breeder is saying with a grain of salt unless proof is established. They will be upfront about the total cost of the transaction and will not include any hidden fees. Legitimate Breeders Value a Vet Check Since part of any breeding program is the vet check, a good pug breeder will not shy away if you want to bring a vet along with you. In fact, it will be their delight since a third party can confirm the health status of their adorable pug puppies. How do I Identify a Healthy Puppy? Check if the gums of the adorable puppies are healthy pink and that their nose does not close when they inhale. Check the head and the hip for soft spots. With the pug breed, hip dysplasia is a common physical illness that needed to be detected at the earliest symptoms. There are good places to identify if a puppy has health issues. Confirm with the breeder if the first shots were already given and also dewormed. Legitimate Breeders Follow Age Guidelines The safest time frame for pups to leave the litter is after at least 8 weeks. It is not an ethical practice to release pups before this time. If the adorable puppies were released before the 8th-week mark, it will have a damaging impact on the health of the puppy. Good breeders will even wait until the 12th week before the puppy is released. Look for Guarantees A good breeder offers a health guarantee as a practice, even with other pets. This assures the new owners that the puppies are vet checked and health tested. Knowing if the pug puppy is family raised can be a good guarantee, too. A new puppy should be released with health clearances that will enable them to grow and mature into adult dogs. A mixed-breed can inherit any combination of traits from their parents. Should a Pug Mix take after their Pug parent, they will be an affectionate, social dog that loves their families. A Pug tends to be playful, social, friendly, and gentle. They thrive on attention and affection and tend to get along well with children, other pets, and other dogs. As long as they are well-socialized, they also tend to be open and friendly with strangers. They can be prone to barking and it can become a nuisance behavior if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you can expect the same from a Pug Mix. You still want to ask the breeder about the other parent breed as they will likely introduce their own potential quirks. You can also meet the mother in person to get a sense of her temperament and see the behavior she is modeling for her puppies. Although the breeder should have started socialization and training, it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home. Pugs are moderately adaptable dogs. Although they do well in apartments as well as larger homes, they are particularly sensitive to heat and cold as a snub-nosed dog breed. They also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. If the other parent breed is similar, then you should be able to expect the same from a Pug Mix. The other parent breed could still introduce some traits that affect adaptability, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. Mixed-breed dogs can sometimes be healthier than purebred dogs, but it is not a guarantee. They can inherit none, some, or all of the conditions common to their parent breeds. From the Pug side, potential health conditions to be aware of include eye problems, luxating patella , encephalitis, and hip dysplasia. As a brachycephalic, or snub-nosed, dog, they are prone to allergies and respiratory issues. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues on to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. A Pug is eager to please and tends to pick up on things quickly. They tend to be a good fit for owners of all experience levels. The other parent breed could make a Pug Mix easy to train or more difficult, so you want to make sure you ask the breeder about them. A Pug Mix can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is truly a mix of both. Should they inherit the Pug coat, it will shed a bit year-round, require weekly brushing, and the occasional bath. Cutting nails once or twice monthly keeps them from growing too long. Ear checks on a weekly basis with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day in addition to cleanings at the vet as needed are ideal dental care for dogs. Pugs tend to sit in a low to moderate energy range. Usually, daily walks and some playtime are enough to keep them happy and healthy. They may be up for more activity, but can also get easily overheated. There are safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs to help make sure they get enough activity. If the other parent breed also has a low to moderate activity level, then you can expect something similar from a Pug Mix. However, if the other parent breed is a higher energy dog, then you will want to make sure you are prepared for the potential of a high-energy dog. Fully-grown Pugs are usually inches tall and weigh pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother. Although it is not a guarantee, you can meet the mother in person to get an idea of what to expect in a fully-grown Pug Mix. A Pug generally lives for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, but you should be able to expect a similar average life span from a Pug Mix. Featured Pug Mix Article.

Puppy food is high in protein and basic nutrients and as such will help your dog gain that much needed weight. You might choose to begin feeding your pregnant pooch puppy food when you discover her pregnancy or if you know that your dog is prone to weight fluctuations, you might decide to wait until weeks before its whelping the birth. Moreover, you should choose the puppy chow that you plan on feeding your puppies. This will make it easier for the puppies to transition to puppy food — in terms of their overall health and more specifically their GI balance. Begin when they turn 3 weeks old. Over the next 2 to 3 weeks, you'll feed them puppy food more and more and they'll nurse less and less. Do not rush weaning for any puppies that are slow to eat on their own. This can lead to malnourishment. It's better to let them continue to nurse from their mother and slow the puppy weaning process a bit. Most likely, if you place the puppy in front of its food, it will eat it. Some puppies, on rare occasions, may resist eating the puppy chow. Simply pick up the puppy and place it in front of its food. Do this once or twice. Eventually, your puppy will chow down on the food. Start by separating the puppies from their mother for 1 hour, 2 or 3 times a day. Take the mother to another part of the yard or house. Leave the puppies with their food bowls. During the weaning process, monitor their health. Make sure that they are gaining weight equally. Check for vomit and diarrhea. Consult your veterinarian if any problems or questions arise. As with all the other steps, the key is gradual change. This will help her digestive system cope with the change and it will continue to give her milk the nutrients of the puppy chow. Over the next couple of weeks, switch her entirely back to her normal adult dog food. At around 7 weeks old your puppy should be completely weaned. They should also be eating dry puppy food and drinking water. This natural process allows puppies to become independent feeders and reduces the physical demands on the mother as the puppies grow. The discomfort of nursing teething puppies may cause the mother to pull away before her puppies are completely satisfied. Hungry puppies will naturally seek an alternate source of food. Steps for Weaning Puppies To start weaning, you will remove the mother from the puppies for an hour, two to three times a day, to try eating solid food. Step 1: Make a Gruel Make a gruel of canned or dry puppy food mixed with puppy milk replacer or water. Look for a well-known, name-brand puppy food that is not grain-free. Ideally use the same brand of food that the mother dog eats. If the puppies do not take to the gruel, try blending this ratio: 2 cups of puppy food .Place the puppies in front of it. If the puppies do not seem interested, try dipping your finger in it and then touching their mouths so they can taste it. They may get messy in the process of exploring this new food. Step 3: Reunite the Puppies With Their Mother When the mother dog is reunited with her puppies, allow her to lick the remainder of the food from the dish and to lick the puppies clean. The gruel should be transitioned to less liquid and more solid until the puppies are able to eat the canned or dry food without diluting it. If a puppy is not ready, continue to offer meals in the presence of another puppy, if possible. The example of exploration with solid food will encourage this behavior. How to Feed Puppies After Weaning After the puppies are completely weaned , offer them three to four solid food meals a day until they are 6 months old, then two to three meals a day depending on their breed requirements and growth. Be sure that each puppy is gaining weight and not vomiting or having diarrhea. Seek veterinary care if problems arise. What to Feed the Mother Dog The mother dog should begin to eat puppy food during pregnancy , especially during the final two or three weeks. Consider a puppy food from the same brand that she is already accustomed to eating. She should continue eating the puppy food as she begins to nurse her puppies. Dry puppy food should be available at regular meal times. This will keep the mother dog from excessively eating it and allow the puppies to develop an appetite between meals. The demand for producing milk will decline as the puppies begin to eat solid food. With less time spent nursing, her milk production will decrease. At week four, gradually transition the mother dog back to eating regular dog food, which will also help to reduce her milk supply. By week seven or eight, her milk production will cease without the stimulation of nursing puppies once they are completely weaned. Featured Image: iStock. She completed an internship in small.Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? It's important for them to begin to rely on their own instincts and abilities to find their food at this age. This means hungry puppies are more motivated to try new sources of food. In the wild, mothers wean their puppies by regurgitating their food and letting them learn to consume the vomit. Some domesticated dogs may do this, and it's nothing to worry about. In other cases, domesticated puppies may need further assistance. Weaning Puppies: Step-by-Step Guide It's essential to keep in mind that the weaning process for puppies should happen gradually. Some anxious dog breeds require more maintenance in this regard. While the process may seem tedious, patience and encouragement will lead to the best results. Generally, puppies will be separated from their mother for small increments of time until they get used to the separation. Because puppies are very attached to their mother, weaning should start small, with puppies spending only a few hours away from them. Weaning is also often instigated by the mother at around a month after birth. Don't forget that removing puppies too quickly from their mother can cause them stress and behavioral issues later in life. However, as puppies reach their 4th week, you can introduce softer foods instead of milk, including gruel or mush. To make a suitable soft food, simply mix milk or formula and dry puppy kibble with water and leave it to cool until it's mushy. Other pet owners prefer to grind meat, like chicken or turkey, into mush for their puppies. You can serve the soft food in flat, shallow bowls or plates and can also keep dry puppy food available. Puppies should be fed four times a day if each meal includes enough nutrition through its ingredients. These types of ingredients will support their body and brain development. Make sure not to overfeed the puppies at this stage. A lot of food packaging will include instructions for feeding puppies and making gruel. Timing when your puppies are hungry and when you feed them is a crucial component of how well they transition away from their mother and eat new foods. At the start, the puppies might need a little bit of encouragement in order to eat the new soft food. Have the mother eat some of the food so that the puppies can watch her and emulate the behavior. Then, you can slowly add more gruel and have the mother leave for a longer period during the day. It's also important to get your puppies to drink plenty of water, especially as they start weaning because most of their hydration has been coming from their mother's milk. These types of symptoms can be a sign of a health condition that requires treatment. For some symptoms, such as bulging eyes, you might be able to massage them and release some of the tension or pressure. Puppies then usually start standing after a couple of weeks, and by 3 weeks they might be yelping or wandering off on their own more often. If you noticed that one of your puppies isn't developing as fast as the others, or is having trouble standing at 3 weeks, then you can contact your vet so that they can help you set up a treatment plan to help your puppy grow strong. Once your puppies begin barking and making more noise, you can look at different tips to help you figure out how to train your dogs to stop barking. Cleaning Weaning Puppies In the first weeks after the puppies are born, their mother will care for them, clean them by licking them, and keep them neat. Socializing Young Puppies Another part of the weaning process involves the social aspect of growing up with their mother and litter until they transition into life with other dogs and animals. It's important to give your young puppy opportunities to socialize in environments like puppy classes or spaces where they can learn about how other dogs behave. This will help prevent them from developing behavioral issues, such as aggressive or fearful behavior when they're around other animals, dogs, and people. Quick Tips for Weaning Puppies There are a few aspects of weaning puppies that can make the process challenging, such as getting the timing right and ensuring they get the correct amount of food in the first weeks. Getting some sort of enclosure or playpen to provide the puppies with a space to release their pent-up energy can go a long way in protecting your furniture and preventing destructive habits. Just like introducing your puppies to other animals early on can help them socialize better, it also helps to bring other people around so that your puppies become used to socializing with adults and kids. It's also helpful to know the puppy's growth in the early weeks. Puppies grow very quickly, and their birth weight usually doubles within the first week or so. Having these notes detailed can also help provide your veterinarian with the information they need to learn about their body and health and provide better care. In the first few weeks after your puppies are born, it's essential to check their stool samples because intestinal parasites can be passed from the mother to the puppies through the mother's milk. One of the most common parasites passed on to puppies through the milk are roundworms, and you may be able to spot them in fecal samples. Puppies can be treated with anti-parasitic medication when they are a couple weeks of age in most cases, but it's more common to receive treatment when they are a bit older at around 4 to 6 weeks. Other signals you can watch for are abnormal behavior issues, such as dog chewing paws or fearful behavior. Weaning puppies too early can cause them stress and anxiety, leading to long-term anxiety behaviors. Separating the puppies from their mother can also lead to puppy separation anxiety , so gradually introducing these situations is paramount to maintaining their mental and emotional health. How to Take Care of Your Mother Dog While Weaning Puppies During the puppy weaning process, you should monitor the mother for the following signs: Check she has no discharge from her vulva Check that her mammary glands are shrinking up to her body her nipples may remain prominent The less the puppies suckle, the sooner her milk will dry up If her mammary glands are still hanging down after a few days, you may need to help her milk dry up with a lower calorie diet for a few days The mother dog should begin to eat puppy food after a few weeks into the pregnancy and while she starts to nurse her puppies and wean them. You can transition her back to regular dog food at around month 4, when the puppies begin to wean off of their mother. It's very important to monitor the mother's health during pregnancy and ensure she has a proper diet and nutrition, so she can stay healthy. The puppies are relying on her health, and with the support of a veterinary expert, you can ensure that she and the puppies stay healthy throughout the pregnancy and delivery. This can be a stressful time for both the mother and the puppies, so encouraging the mother and being patient throughout the process can also help ease the transition. It's also crucial not to adjust the mother dog's diet too quickly. Many veterinary experts and pet nutritionists suggest that the mother dog should have good levels of omega-3 fatty acids and a nutrient-rich diet that will help support the development of her puppies. If you feed the mother dog too much, this can also increase stress during labor and lead to other health issues. It's important to help your mother dog maintain her weight in the first couple of trimesters. The key is that she doesn't lose weight as the pregnancy progresses. You may notice your mother dog has less energy, especially at around 6 or 8 weeks because the demands on her body and the rapid growth the puppies are experiencing take a lot out of her. As the puppies grow, this can put pressure and cause stress on the mother's GI tract making digestion difficult. This is why having the help of a vet expert to plan the mother dog's diet and nutrition can greatly impact their health. Most breeders and pet owners usually start weaning their puppies at around 3 or 4 weeks but some puppies will start a week or so later, depending on their environment and how well-timed feedings are as they make the transition. How do you wean puppies off their mother? The weaning process for puppies should begin gradually at around a month of age. Simply add dry puppy food to water and let it sit until it's soft enough for them to eat. You should slowly increase the amount of time puppies are away from their mother , and those that have trouble at first can stay behind for another week. There are a variety of methods that can help make the transition process for puppies successful. It's not uncommon to give the mother dog more food while she is nursing puppies, so in order to transition the puppies off of their mother's milk, you can consider returning the mother's food supply back to normal rates. In turn, it will cause her milk supply to run dry. To start the weaning process, you can place your saucer with formula close to the puppies. You can also take your finger, dip it in the formula or food, and wipe a bit on the puppy's nose to pique their interest. This can help puppies that don't show interest in their new diet immediately. When should puppies stop feeding off mum? Mother dogs have a natural instinct to start weaning their puppies off of their milk supply at around a month. Sometimes, puppies are weaned off their mother's care and milk after a month, while others don't until 6 weeks. Your puppies will usually eat small amounts often when they're transitioning to more solid food. They can eat as often as 6 times a day and are generally completely weaned by around 10 weeks of age. At 10 weeks, you can feed your puppy around four times a day. What should I feed weaning puppies? Making soft food for weaning puppies is fairly simple. All you need is dry dog food and water. You can also use other ingredients, such as milk or yogurt. The best diet for your puppies may also partly depend on their breed. You can grind up dry kibble in a coffee grinder until it's fine, combine it with water or milk, and leave it to cool. Before giving your weaning puppies any supplements or nutritional vitamins outside of their regular diet, you should consult your veterinarian since having too much of a certain nutrient or vitamin can cause health complications. Final Notes Weaning puppies is a critical part of their development. Getting the timing right and ensuring puppies get all the necessary nutrition in the early weeks are key elements of a successful transition away from their mother's milk. Pregnancy takes a big toll on the mother dog's body and energy levels, so it's important to help her maintain her weight by providing adequate food and nutrition without overfeeding her. Knowing exactly how much to feed your weaning puppies and making sure they get a balanced diet as they grow isn't always straightforward, but our team at Dutch is here to help you through the process and ensure your puppy lives a happy and healthy life. Published on Jan 24, and updated at Apr 05, .Weaning and Sale Weaning: At 3 to 4 weeks of age, a dish of water and dish of gruel should be introduced to the pups. Feed a high quality dry puppy food, softened with warm goat milk or water to make a gruel. This can be fed in a low heavy dish 4 times daily. Gradually decrease the amount of time the pups spend with their mother at this point. Beginning at 2 weeks of age, they should be wormed with NemexR for the first time, then weekly until 2 negative fecal samples results are obtained, unless the bitch was on the PanacurR protocol during pregnancy. By 5 to 6 weeks of age, they should be weaned and eating only puppy food. From this point on, the pups will become more fun and a lot more work. It can become difficult to keep the pups confined and they can be messy and destructive. An exercise pen or playpen can be helpful. The first 3 weeks with the puppies are relatively neat and clean. Mom will lick them frequently and ingest all of their urine and feces. However, upon starting on solid food, the mom will give up this quest and you will now have to deal with excrement. There are many ways to keep the pups clean. This, with some practice, will give the pups a place to eliminate thereby keeping their bedding clean. In addition to providing bedding to allow for good footing, the shavings tray, and food and water dishes, the pups should have a bed to sleep in and acceptable chew toys. Stuffed Kongs, soft toys, and rawhides should be changed regularly to provide environmental variety and developmental stimulation. By this time, they should have increased human social contact. At 8 weeks, your pups should be examined, vaccinated, checked for worms, and wormed. Boosters should be administered every 3 to 4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. By 6 weeks of age, they can go outdoors with supervision for brief periods, if the weather is acceptable. Leaving The Nest: Eight to ten weeks is an ideal age socially to place pups in their new homes. The pups should have a great deal of human contact. A great challenge comes in selecting which, if any, pups are to be kept. It can be difficult to let them go out into the big world. Potential puppy buyers should be carefully screened to assure they are the right home for your pup. We recommend you sign a contract with puppy buyers. Contracting For Puppy Sales: We recommend all puppies sold be sold with a written agreement defining the details of the the sale. For example, the health guarantee and conditions of sale are topics that need to defined prior to the sale to avoid any misunderstandings. Thanks to Dr.