growth rate of labrador puppy

But boxers are not for everyone. They require a lot of exercise and do not do well when left alone most of the day, Wendy Morawski, a boxer breeder for 33 years, said in an interview. The boxer breed is also known for hereditary disorders, such as cancer and dilated cardiomyopathy, that can be passed to their progeny. As with any breed, the boxer's temperament can vary from dog to dog. Boxer aficionados have identified a few things to look for in selecting the right boxer for your family. Step 1 Take a trip to the library and read all you can about boxers. Visit your favorite social media websites and look for groups dedicated to the boxer dog. Engage in discussion and learn what other boxer owners feed, how they train, and what sex or color they prefer. Educate yourself about what you're getting into, then decide if the boxer is still your breed of choice. Step 2 Look for a responsible breeder who does health tests on the boxer parents before breeding and who has a history of long-lived boxers, Morawski suggests. Boxer breeders sell puppies as companion animals not intended for show for various reasons, such as markings or conformation. Step 3 Visit the breeder's home to ensure that the pups are raised in clean conditions. Expect the "third degree" when being interviewed as a prospective boxer parent, writes author and breeder Stephanie Abraham in her book "The Boxer. Step 4 Insist that the puppy have veterinary clearance as to its health, Morawski advises. A good breeder will have excellent knowledge of the pups offered for sale and will be honest about the litter's pedigree. Step 5 Select a lively, alert puppy who happily greets you and your family; however, if one puppy hangs back, don't dismiss it as not being well-adjusted. Dogs have a pecking order within the litter, and he may not be outgoing until he leaves the pack and gets adjusted to his new home. Step 6 Choose the gender and color you prefer, if you have a choice. Quality breeders usually take deposits or reservations on certain dogs, so you may have only one or two puppies to choose from. A boxer's coat is either fawn, brindle or white. White boxers are not allowed to be shown. Don't buy into the myth that white boxers are rare and that they are all deaf, Morawski says. Step 7 Consider rescuing a boxer dog. These can be fabulous dogs that are given up by their owners for various reasons, including divorce, a move, or never having trained the boxer to control behavioral issues such as fence-jumping or soiling in the house. Morawski, who has worked with numerous rescue organizations, says she has found rescued boxers to be responsive to training and affection. Buying A Boxer Puppy? Finding Your Puppy -- Buying From the Breeder The conscientious breeder plans a breeding to reproduce the best characteristics of an outstanding sire or dam. His guide is the official AKC Standard of the breedthe written "blueprint" that helps keep the breed uniform for generations to come. You can find the breed standard, revised in , at the American Boxer Club website: www. The more common disappointments for pet purchasers come from commercial sources--especially pet shops that often buy puppies from the infamous "puppy mills" that take little notice of the quality or health they are producing. The pet store or dog broker will sell you a puppy with a breeder's name attached to the paperwork--but this puppy may easily have been born in a puppy mill. The reputable breeder, on the other hand, will not only be able to demonstrate the pedigree and registration papers, but will also show you either the sire or dam themselves, or pictures of the parent who may be owned elsewhere. Though the mere presence of "papers" does not guarantee good health, conformation, or temperament, you will most often find these attributes in the puppy who has been raised with loving care in the home or kennel of a conscientious hobby breeder. The serious breeder often strives to produce a potential "champion. Sometimes the distribution of white markings alone may make the difference between the so-called "pet" and show-potential puppy. The pet puppy will have benefited from the same proven bloodlines, nutrition, and medical care as its "champion" littermate. His breeder will have health tested the parents and done the best he can to insure good temperament, soundness, and longevity. Here is your best buy. Boxer magazines publish ads from breeders. The American Boxer Club web site www. Usually any time after weeks. Many states have regulations regarding minimum age. However, your individual circumstances must be considered. Do you have the time to spend with a very young puppy? Will someone be home to housebreak him? Would an exuberant 6-month old puppy overwhelm a tiny child? Or would he be better matched with a 6-year-old youngster? Remember too that the puppy under 3 months needs lots of time to rest. Don't forget that adult dogs, already trained, also make ideal pets. While much can be told at six to eight weeks about the puppy's eventual looks, if you are seeking a show prospect you might be better off waiting until the pup is six to eight months of age. At that time, be prepared to pay a higher price for all the additional time and effort that the breeder has spent raising the show potential Boxer. Male or Female? This choice is a matter of personal preference. Both males and females make admirable pets. Breeding is a serious committment of time, energy, and money, and not to be taken lightly. If breeding is not anticipated, it may be appropriate to spay or neuter your dog. This procedure is best done as your Boxer approaches adolescence. Please be aware that these surgeries should be discussed with your veterinarian as to safety of anesthesia and any long term effects other than sterilization. Spayed and neutered animals are not eligible to compete in the conformation ring but may be shown in performance events. Check this list! Tails should have been docked within a few days of birth. Optional removal of front dewclaws fifth toes is done at the same time. The Boxer has no rear dewclaws. Ear cropping is customary and appropriate but not required--it is a matter of personal preference. Uncropped ears are permitted under the breed standard. If cropped, this procedure is done under general anesthesia, usually between six and nine weeks of age. If the puppy is taken before cropping, the breeder usually makes arrangements. The breeder also advises regarding aftercare and taping if ears are not already standing. Sometimes this is a lengthy process. In the male, both testicles should be descended into the scrotum. They should be in place by two to three months of age. A dog with undescended testicles may still make a fine pet, though he would be ineligible to compete in the conformation show ring. Consult your veterinarian for advice. Avoid the unusually quiet, inactive puppy, or the one that might shy away from you. This might mean a fault in temperament or even ill health. Papers the Seller Should Furnish: a. A three or four generation pedigree signed by the seller. There should be no extra charge for this. The pedigree preferably gives the color of the sire and dam, and the AKC registration numbers of each. The registration from the AKC, which is an official document identifying your puppy's individual registration number, sex, birth date, sire and dam, and name of the breeder s. There are two ways to register puppies for the first time: 1 Limited Registration If the puppy is not to be bred, and is being purchased only as a companion pet, the breeder may check off the Limited Registration option. This does register the puppy with the AKC. However, it does not allow any registration of offspring from the mature dog. The breeder and only the breeder can cancel the limited registration should the puppy at maturity be considered of breeding quality. Records the Breeder Should Furnish: a. Date and type of vaccines given. Depending on the type of vaccination program started, your veterinarian will advise you on following through. Vaccination protocols are evolving even among the medical professionals. Date and agent used for worming, if done. Do not worm your puppy without consulting your veterinarian. Avoid store-bought preparations which can be dangerous. Diet your puppy has been receiving. It is well to maintain the regimen begun by the breeder, especially while the puppy is adjusting to his new home. If changes are to be made. When he is an adult it will be wise to maintain your Boxer on two smaller meals a day. Maya 4. Boxers Prefer to Be Warm Most boxers are not fond of cold weather. Yes, they admire a perfect warm place during cooler days and cold nights. Regardless of the weather, boxers prefer warm conditions. So, you can keep your boxers at home or within its den at night. Also, you must keep your eyes on your boxer puppy as they are not fond of the cold atmosphere. Sudden temperature drop may not be a perfect condition for them to dwell. A warm and hygienic place is just a requirement for him. So, you must be careful of its accommodation. Possible Health Issues You must focus on some common health issues of your boxers. Yes, they are sensitive to certain things. Here are common health issues you boxer may face: Degenerative Myelopathy: This is a disease that affects the nervous system and lower spine of the boxers. It can cause some negative impacts as partial or full paralysis of the lower limbs. When you notice any kind of clumsiness in the hind legs, consult with the best veterinarian in your area. Boxer Cardiomyopathy: It generally happens when a boxer reaches at his two. This is a heart disorder found in boxers below 2 years of age. It has higher risks of sudden heart failure. So, you must take the necessary precautions. Bloat: The detrimental issue of boxers leads to this disease. You should treat your dog carefully and take care of his food, digestion, and passage of stool. Hip Dysplasia: In this case, the hip joint is continuing to stay fit to the hip socket. Running and jumping activities may get a hamper during this stage. We suggest you treat your dog well during such conditions and take necessary advice from the veterinarian. Seizures: These are the most frightening medical conditions to see among boxer breeds. This is an unfortunate reality for a boxer owner too. Potential seizures may damage the brain and affect other nervous systems. So, be careful during such periods and prefer immediate treatment. There is no grouping of age that the puppies of boxers fall in love with. Especially, children find him adorable and the statement is just the same for them too. In the early phases, you must show how much you are fond of him. The nature of all boxers is to cuddle with their masters and need a full arm grasps upon the couch. They just love your companionship and you must provide that all the time. Vigilant watchdogs are the best roles they can play. Barking is their tendency to show. You must provide them with plenty of chew toys. What are they going to do with them? Well, chewing is an old habit of all dogs and this is the most common habit of boxer puppies too. So, it is a better choice to provide them with multiple chewing options so that they will keep your in-house matters safe and sound. The casual behavior of your boxer puppy should not surprise you as it is their common tendency. Assess Temperament Boxers are highly energetic, intelligent, playful dogs. They can keep you too busy. Their temperament shows their breeding. Your puppy can be the loyal one and perfect option as a guard dog for your family. Double Check Health All health conditions mentioned above must be checked thoroughly. Before Adopting Boxer Puppies, you must be aware of their health-related facts. So, checking on their health status gives you the upper hand. Consider Whether Gender Matters This is a personal choice for all owners and dog lovers out there. You can keep it as per your preference. Male or female, both are productive and attractive in their ways. So, it is your choice with whom you should go. So, when you prefer the best one as per your reference, you must go with the right plot. Coat color is important but keep an open mind while selecting a boxer puppy. Attributes like temperament, health, character are more valuable things to consider than the coat color. Can you go narrow or go deep down? Well, that depends on your current situation. This is the best tip to follow when you Adopt A Boxer Dog. The Bottom Line If you have the luxury to Adopt Boxer Puppies, then you can opt for a cute dog as they are adorable and verify all types of paperwork associated with it. The boxer breed is lovely and keeps a perfect connection with other dogs. So, this is your chance to be a glamorous owner of a Boxer Dogs for Sale in Bangalore , puppy. However, before you concern yourself with raising a Boxer, you first need to focus all of your energy on educating yourself about the breed, so you will be able to pick out the best Boxer pup that is healthy and has been well bred. How do you discover what Boxer puppies have been well bred? For starters, you find a reputable breeder and compare the liter they are selling with the Boxer breed standard. For instance, Boxers are recognized for their strong builds. They have chiseled heads that feature a small arched skull which should not appear round. No wrinkles or creases are present on the head, except when the Boxer is alert. Boxer puppies should have square jaws. The lower jaw is undershot and curves a little upwards. The strong jaws of the Boxer are home to a perfect set of white teeth that form a full scissor bite that is extremely powerful. Their muzzles are short, and are one of their most distinctive features. The nose has wide nostrils and is black. The ears of Boxers are usually cropped, which enhances their hearing, one of their more developed senses. Their ears are thin and rest on the highest point of the skull. They are set wide a part. If the ears are not cropped, they will fall forward and lay flat and close to the cheek. Boxer puppies have adorable dark brown eyes that are proportioned to their head, and are surrounded by dark rims. They are deeply set and look directly forward. They eyes convey a soulful and intelligent expression. A Boxer has a muscular body that is equipped with a deep chest, well arched ribs, well defined withers, and short loins. The back extends to the tail which is usually docked. If the tail of a Boxer is docked it is carried high and upwards. If it is not docked, the tail is carried high and free. Boxer puppies come in two different coat colors: Fawn or Brindle. If the Boxer has fawn coloring their coat can be any shade of dark brown-red to light fawn. If the coat is brindle, the Boxer will have a fawn ground color, as well as have black stripes that run parallel to their ribs throughout the body. The stripes in brindle coats contrast well with the fawn color of the coat. Note: it is also permissible for Boxers to have white markings in their coat, but the white should not cover more than a third of the fawn coloring. Finally, regardless of the color, the coat itself should be short, shiny, smooth, and close to the body. The last part of Boxer puppies you will need to inspect is their legs and feet. The front legs of a boxer are straight, strong boned, and slightly slanted. Their hindquarters appear straight from behind but have good angulations. You will notice that the front feet of the boxer are small and not unlike a cat, while the back feet are touch longer than the front. All four paws have strong, hard pads. There is plenty for you take into account when selecting from Boxer puppies. Therefore, make sure you talk to the breeder, and seek the advice of other owners who are familiar with breed. The more you know, and the more experience you have with real Boxers, the better your chances of selecting a healthy and well bred dog. Related Posts. Why only through a reputable breeder? All dogs have a history of carrying certain genetic defects or disease common to their breed and Boxers are no exception to the rule. Some of the more common problems inherent in the boxer breed are Cardiomyopathy, Aortic Stenosis, Bloat, Cancer, Canine Hip Dysplasia and Histiocytic ulcerative Colitis inflammation of the colon. He will choose to breed only dogs from good bloodlines that have a healthy pedigree, free from these common problems, therefore greatly increasing the chances of producing a healthy dog. Stay away from pet stores! Some people are tempted to buy a puppy from a pet store. I caution you to stay away from these places as they purchase their dogs from puppy mills. These breeders have absolutely no interest in the boxer breed. They could care less about there bloodline or their health for that matter and are only in the business to make a lot of money. That little boxer puppy in the pet store window may pull at your heart strings, but the chances of these dogs being diagnosed in the future with one of the above mentioned defects or diseases is greatly increased when they are breed by one of these low life breeders. When you meet with the breeder there are a few things you should look for in helping you choose a puppy. The majority of boxers sold in the U. There are certain characteristics in a puppy that you need to look for to increase your chances of bringing home a boxer pup that will exhibit good behavior, have a great temperament, and be a great companion for you and your family. When you meet with the puppies for the first time look for one that is happy to see you and is not afraid to come to you. Avoid any pups that shy away from you or keep their distance. A puppy that is overly aggressive to its siblings will probably be a bit more difficult to train so you would want to rule these pups out also. This should narrow things down considerably. Now with the remaining group you want to hold them one by one in your hands. Look for the puppies that like being held by you and appear to be very calm in your hands. These puppies would most likely be your best choice. After all, the breeder has already spent 10 to 12 weeks with the puppies and could be very helpful in helping you make your final decision. When you think you have your winner just take a few minutes to examine the puppy. You want a pup that has a nice shiny coat as well as clear eyes no discharge or cloudiness and is free from fleas or ticks. Boxer color choices Boxer dogs basically come in 3 different types of coats; Fawn, which is tan to dark brown with white markings on the legs, face, chest and underside and they may have black markings on the face that looks similar to a mask. Brindle, which is similar to fawn with the addition of a black coat over the base tan or brown that, gives the boxer the appearance of being striped. White, or may be white with some small patches of fawn or brindle called checked. The reason the tail is docked is to prevent injury of the tail when they mature. Another common procedure performed on boxers is cropping of the ears. I personally prefer the un-cropped look and most breeders will give you the option of having this done. Male or Female? No offense to my female readers, but most of the experts believe that the male boxer makes for the more affectionate in the breed. This makes a lot of sense when you think of all the hormonal changes a female dog can go through. Another thing to keep in mind is if you are introducing your boxer into a home with another dog. Your dogs are more likely to get along if they are of the opposite sex. Just go with what you prefer. My boxer, Tori was a neutered female and lived in our home with another female and she was just as sweet as could be.

When you bring a new puppy home, it's important to keep feeding it the same food that it has been eating at its previous home. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Talk to the person or organization that you are adopting your puppy from to see what food they are feeding it. They should willingly provide that info and they may even send you home with some if you can't find any to buy. If you can't find the right food in your local pet supply store, consider ordering it online. However, you would need to order it ahead of time so that you have it on hand when the puppy comes home. If you want to feed your puppy a different food from what it has been eating, you will need to switch its food over the course of several days. Feed that mix for several days. Finally, you can give the puppy all new food. If you are content to give your puppy the food it was originally eating, it's fine to do that. Every puppy will have different nutritional needs. Because of this, it's a good idea to discuss proper nutrition with your vet. They can suggest great foods to give your puppy and how much it should be eating. Go to source The right portion size depends on the size of your puppy and its metabolism. Ask your vet to teach you how to body score your puppy. This will allow you to do a quick visual check to see whether your puppy is losing or gaining weight. Tip: If your vet suggests a specific food but doesn't tell you how much to give your puppy, follow the instructions on the packaging. Doing 3 or 4 feedings per day allows your puppy to get enough nutrients without overwhelming its digestive system with a huge amount of food at once. This is especially important when your puppy is under 6 months old, as they have delicate systems. Go to source Don't just leave the food out all day. Take the food away after the puppy eats for about 10 or 15 minutes. Lab puppies should always have access to fresh water so that they can stay adequately hydrated. Put out a dish of water and dump it out, clean the dish, and refill it daily. Some puppies are really messy with their water dishes. To prevent a mess, try putting the water dish on a tray, so that spilled water won't go right onto the floor. All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. Puppy training development after 6 months It is very tempting to get carried away with puppy training. Your young do is so willing to please and such fun to be around. It is important to go at a happy pace for you both. Positive reinforcement training is the right choice for your puppy because there are no negative consequences to getting something wrong. But you can still both suffer from burnout and frustration if you try to reach the later puppy training stages without totally aceing the earlier developments. Your Puppy Training Schedule This may not be exactly the same for each puppy, especially with retrieving which is more Labrador specific. However, it gives you a rough idea. Constantly changing direction. Stopping frequently for cuddles and rewards. This means I blow the recall whistle whenever the puppy runs towards me, no compulsion, and no whistle unless the recall is already underway. Socialisation: Lots almost daily of outings to different places rural and urban carried Visits to family and friends. Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow mouthing. Working with food: Learning how to take food gently without snatching or grabbing at the treat pot. I still give the puppy lots of encouragement by running away as soon as I blow the whistle. Socialisation: More socialisation, at least twice a week to busy public places. Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow gentle mouthing. Retrieving: Encourage chase and pick up retrieve drive. Hand touch: I teach all new puppies to touch my hand with their noses. This is a great foundation for other skills. Recall: Puppy recall continues, reduce my run to a walk, avoid any distractions. Still frequently blow the recall whenever the pup runs towards me of her own free will. Socialisation: From ground level after vaccination. No other leash walking at all Bite inhibition: No biting, gentle mouthing allowed. Retrieving: Continue to build drive. Positions: I introduce three positions — sit, stand, down. What to expect from your 3 month old puppy Most three month old puppies will be sleeping through the night. And will be having less potty training accidents in the house. There are a few potty training problems that arise at this age, and they are all covered in 15 potty training problems solved. Biting is a big shock and a big problem for many new Lab puppy parents so do check out our complete guide to biting , and join the forum for help and support. Help encourage your puppy to stay in their bed while you are eating. I have a pot of dog treats on our kitchen table, and whenever we sit down to a meal, the puppy gets a treat each time she steps into her basket. Just a treat for stepping in there. What to expect from your 4 month old puppy Your 4 month old puppy will be pretty much potty trained, but accidents still happen if they are left alone too long. Biting is usually starting to subside now, and many four month old puppies will be able to mouth at your hand without hurting you. At this point I start to discourage all mouthing. I teach every puppy to let me touch her face or approach her with my hand, food, a leash etc while holding eye contact and not grabbing at me, or at what is in my hand. This is the age at which people often start to push forward with training. Your 4 month old puppy is capable of quite a lot. There is nothing wrong with teaching your puppy different cues and even some tricks. I recommend you still avoid long duration activities at this point as they are a common stumbling point with puppies young enough to have a short attention span. A ten second sit is ample. Add mild distractions Recall: Fade additional cues. Begin to whistle the pup and stand still. Add mild distractions. Clicker train to polish this in more mouthy puppies. No commands are needed for this. Gradual introduction of distractions. Advanced puppy training begins in earnest This is where I start a programme of sporting training with my Labs. You can begin raising your standards and expectations, asking for longer and more complex behaviors. Teaching your puppy to walk to heel nicely for longer distance and past all kinds of distractions and temptations. Or teaching your puppy to sit and stay for longer periods of time, and even while you go out of sight or while other dogs play nearby. What to expect from your six month old puppy Six months is a common time for people to have a lot of questions and to be struggling with a few challenges. This is now a very bouncy, quite powerful and rapidly maturing young dog. And you may need to patch up a few holes in his training or manners. We have a great article for owners of six month old Lab puppies.

Cockapoo The original Doodle, the Cockapoo , is still a popular choice among those looking to adopt a littler dog. The loving loyalty of the Cocker Spaniel and the proud intelligence of the Poodle makes for one heck of a combo. The perfect canine companion, these gorgeous mutts fit nicely into just about every lifestyle. As one of the small Poodle mixes, moderate exercise needs, and lack of mouthiness, they even do well with apartment living. However, you will need to make plenty of time for these people-oriented pups. Maltipoo Highly sociable, clever, and cute as a button, Maltipoos are excellent for those looking for an absolutely allergy-friendly pal. They love kids, other dogs, and perfect strangers, too. That being said, these dogs can be a little on the loud side at times and will benefit from training and plenty of socialization to reduce this at times irritating behavior. Peekapoo For fans of playful pups, the Peekaboo could be the one. With a history almost as long as the beloved Cockapoo, these darling dogs, formed from regal Pekingese, make excellent lapdogs. While they will stick to their favorite person like the velcro pups they definitely are, they can also be energetic and plenty sporty, given the opportunity. One downside is that Peekapoos could end up inheriting that flat face that creates many of the health issues in their parent pups, but careful breeders are working to eliminate that problem. Pomapoo Known for their Spitz-like good looks all done up in miniature, the foxy Pomeranian passes plenty of its cuteness on to its Doodle offspring, along with that feisty, fun working-dog attitude. Great for inexperienced owners and perfect for fans of super small pups, the Pomapoo is generally a laid-back, happy kind of dog. The biggest issue with these pooches is that their companion animal nature makes them the kind of canines that suffer greatly from separation anxiety. They cannot be left alone for long periods. Schnoodle With two parent breeds that come in an assortment of sizes, the Schnoodle undoubtedly belongs on this list. Still, it can be included among the large Doodles, too, if a Standard Poodle were to be bred with a Giant Schnauzer. In terms of personality, Schnoodles are very terrier-like, which means they tend to be much more active than your average lapdog and so do especially well with outdoorsy families. Yorkipoo The Yorkshire Terrier may well give the Poodle a run for its money in the intelligence stakes making the delightful Yorkipoo a very smart dog indeed — which is great for training. Shihpoo Set your Shihpoo up on a velvet cushion, and they will adore you for life. On a serious note, though, these dogs are consummate lapdogs. As such, they love to be doted on and spoiled more than anything else in this world. With their larger-than-life personality and a tendency towards stubbornness, you might not get very far with trying to teach these dogs new tricks or making them into athletic companions. Still, their playful, funny nature will certainly earn them a firm place in your heart nevertheless. Chi-Poo Right at the smallest end of the Doodle spectrum, the Chi-Poo has all the character of the daring Chihuahua but, much to the relief of fans of the breed, far fewer of their associated health issues that come when toy breeds are made just way too toy. Chi-poos are also quite a bit more independent than most other smaller Poodle crosses, which makes them more adaptable to various home situations. They make great first-time pets and work as well in an apartment as they do in a house with a yard. That being said, they can be pretty energetic little so-and-sos, which is something you will need to keep in mind if you do decide to take on one of these lovely pups. Something else you will need to think about is that these dogs also generally require pretty regular grooming sessions. Westiepoo Westiepoos are some of the most social and loving dogs around. They are super fun, super easy to look after, super quick to train, and super to have in your home. The West Highland Terrier — Poodle mix contains the very best of both these excellent pups. They are fun, funny, active, and larger than life in their characters. That Terrier nature of theirs means Westies have a tendency towards both barking and prey-chasing behaviors. Yet, with their superior intelligence, these are things they can be trained out of. Pugapoo Pugs have recently become quite controversial for the issues they have with breathing due to those flat faces of theirs. Happily, though, when combined with the mightily different Poodle, this becomes far less of a problem. Crossing Pugs in this way with longer-nosed hounds is a way of preserving these quirky, cute, and comical dogs. Pugapoos undoubtedly make delightful pups who are loving and loyal as they are gorgeous. With very modest exercise needs, indeed, they are perfect little lapdogs. Doxiedoodle The thing about Daschhunds, one half of the darling Doxiedoodle , is that not only are they the sweetest little sausage-looking pups, but they vary massively in both appearance and temperament. What you will know for sure, though, is that they will be gorgeous, they will be smart, and they will be floofy little bundles of perky hound. Take care, though, as these dogs can grow larger than you might think. Bassetdoodle Otherwise known as Bassetoodles , Bassetdoodles are lesser-known Doodles for sure, but an interesting combination of breeds nonetheless. Like some of the other pups on this list, they are sometimes formed from Standard Poodles, making all-around larger dogs, so make sure that the breeder knows you are looking for a smaller-sized pup. These pooches tend to be calm, friendly, joyful, and yet slightly on the stubborn side too. They also often inherit a bit of a mischievous streak that keeps their owners very much on their toes. Bossi-Poo Boston Terriers are unique-looking dogs with plenty of heart to go alongside their distinctive features and markings. When coupled with the posh Poodle, you get the amusingly-named Bossi-Poo. Cavapoo Spaniels have long been dotted on dogs, and the Cavalier King Charles is no exception. With their cute faces, beautiful coats, and happy little natures, they make friends wherever they go. When the winning personality of the Spaniel is added to the smart, comedic nature of the smaller Poodle, magic truly does happen. Cavapoos really are some of the most popular Doodles around. Jack-a-Poo Another Doodle of many names, the Jack-a-poo , Jackadoodle, or Poo-Jack, is a bright and vivacious mutt who is super loving but requires a mite more care than some of the other Doods on this list. The reason for that is not their coat which tends to be short or slightly fluffy, but, either way, very manageable, but rather the fact they tend to be teeny firecrackers, filled with all the joys of life. While this makes them entertaining sidekicks, it does mean you have to have a fairly energetic nature ayourself to keep up with their antics. Aside from their distinctive features, these dogs are known for their alert, big-dog attitudes, playful personalities, bravery, and extreme love of people. For all these reasons and more, their offspring Papipoos make a unique and excellent pet choice. Poogle Admittedly not the most glamorous name in the world! A Boodle? A Beapoo? Friendly, curious, and hopelessly devoted to their families, Poogles make excellent pets for just about anyone. They get along with everyone, from kids to other pets. However, they do need plenty of socialization to counter that sometimes fairly high prey drive of theirs. With two intelligent parents, and given that these dogs are dedicated people pleasers, Corgipoos do well in the training stakes. The Corgi actually has a fascinating history. Said to be the companions of fairies, legend has it that they were first gifted, during the Viking era, to those who needed protection in their homes. So, as you can imagine, Corgipoos are great guard dogs in addition to being excellent companions. As one of the most popular and well-known of the Doodles, these tend to be the ones that many opt for. Plus, progressive generations of Goldendoodles have enabled them to be bred in more apartment-friendly sizes as small Poodle mixes. Photo used with permission. These dogs really have it all — a sociable nature, even temperament, high trainability, and gorgeous good looks. On the downside, these dogs blow coat and how! Beyond that, their large size means they need a bigger space to hang out in and more intensive exercise than smaller breeds. Enter the Mini or Toy Labradoodle… With their smaller size and tendency toward inheriting the Poodle coat, they are even more perfect than perfect. In that case, the Bernedoodle may well have caught your attention. While the Standard versions of these pups can be pretty giant, given that the Bernese Mountain Dog is classified as a large breed, smaller versions of the Bernie come from combining them with little Poodles. These have all the best of their qualities, often including their stunning tricolored coats, but in a much more manageable package size-wise. All small Poodle mixes make great dogs for the right owners, so the question should be not what is the best one but rather what is the best one for me. The dogs on this list differ significantly in terms of their appearance, temperament, energy levels, and care needs, among other things. What is the calmest small Poodle mix? While every dog is as totally unique in its specific traits as every person is, and so it can be tricky to judge how rambunctious they will be, Doods that combine the more giant breeds with Poodles tend to be among the calmest dogs. Pups bred to be companion animals also tend to be on the lower end of the energy spectrum compared to those originally used as work dogs, such as Terriers and Spaniels. What is the smallest Poodle mix? The smallest Poodle dogs are going to be a combination of two of the most miniature parents. While that will vary depending on individual animals, Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers tend to be high up on any smallest dog lists. So if you are looking for a totally teeny pup, then a Chi-Poo or Yorkipoo might be for you. Which Poodle mix is healthiest? Luckily, for Doodle fans everywhere, due to their more diverse mix of genes creating something known as hybrid vigor , small Poodle mixes tend to be far healthier than most pedigree pups. However, differences in health will come down to how the dogs were bred. Responsible Breeders health screen their animals to ensure that the possibility of genetic conditions being passed down to their offspring is much reduced. Miniature Doods are the ideal option for those looking for a more manageably-sized dog with all the spunk and personality of their often larger parent pups. Hopefully, the information included here has helped you narrow down your choices a little in your quest to find your new best friend. You Might Also Like. These dogs are born from Poodles with other purebreds like pugs, Labradors, or Cocker Spaniels. Since the s, doodle dogs have increased in their popularity—and it's not a wonder why. These breeds are often low- to non-shedding, and are consider to be a safe bet for most people with allergies. Their personalities make them ideal companions for many people, too. For example, Bernedoodle dogs tend to be more stubborn but they have lower energy than a Goldendoodle. Another thing that people should look at is the generation of the doodle. Generation refers to how far removed from a purebred pairing—like a purebred Poodle and a purebred Labrador as parents. Which ones are your favorite? This has become one of the most sought-after "Doodle breeds" due to their winning combination of good looks, smart wits, and hypoallergenic coats. They also make reputable therapy pets. If you admire these gentle giant dogs for their goofy, placid personalities, then one of these pups might be for you. This tends to be a good choice for those with allergies because the poodle coat is often inherited rather than the Labrador coat—however, you can find a variety of colors depending on the parent. These dogs are intelligent, friendly, and moderately active. Friendly and caring, they usually manage to stay happy with other pets and family members. And while these dogs are sweet, they may require some training to rein in their playful personalities. They also go by the name of Wheatendoodle, the Wheatenpoo, the Sweatendoodle, and the Sweatenpoo. These are energetic dogs, but despite their high energy, they don't tend to bark much. They are a rare breed mix and may be difficult to find. This small, fluffy, high energy breed is an adorable addition to the family—especially if you are looking for a dog that's rambunctious and loves to play with the kids. The is likely to be a shaggy yet stately looking dog, with an obvious athleticism derived from its strong hunting poodle origins. Compact, feisty, and fun in spirit, what these dogs lack in size, they make up for in their personality. They are on their best behavior in the company of their owners, as they tend to bark or dig when left alone at home. Incredibly smart, energetic, and loyal, these pups have a work-hard, play-hard mindset that best suits someone with an active lifestyle. These are big, lovable dogs that are incredibly smart and equally stubborn. But while training them takes additional patience, the reward of their loyalty and devotion is well worth it. These dogs are charming, funny, and smart, and their alert nature—thanks to that double dose of working-breed attentiveness—makes them excellent watchdogs. These dogs are friendly and affectionate little comedians with a sweet temperament and a zest for life. It's also believed to be the oldest of the designer dog breeds in America, dating back to the s. It's also commonly known as the Havadoodle or Havanoodle—their intelligent and playful personalities make them a total joy for the whole family. And if you want a calm, sweet dog with lots of love to give, then this mix fits the bill. But calm doesn't mean small. They can grow to be as big as pounds. Because of their eager-to-please personalities, they tend to be protective of their families. This dog may have the curly coat of a Poodle or the long, straight coat of a Shih Tzu, but he always has a cute, alert expression and a sturdy body. When it comes to big breeds, this mix wins the prize—weighing anywhere between 70 to pounds. These dogs are fun-loving, affectionate family companions that need lots of room to run around and plenty of food to meet their nutritional needs. Petite and curly-coated, this is a delightful mix that is likable in personality, if not a little feisty at times. They tend to be vocal if alerted to something, and so they make good little watchdogs. Was this page helpful? What they lack in size, they make up for in spirit— Yorkie-poos like to make their presence known and aren't afraid to bark back. Luckily, the Yorkie-poo has a penchant for her people and takes well to positive reinforcement training at an early age. The shih-poo—a cross between a shih tzu and toy poodle—is a small doodle breed with loads of love to spare. In fact, the shih tzu has a long history of gracing the laps of Chinese royalty , and these poodle mixes adore being pampered. With their floppy ears and curly coats, a look from those puppy dog eyes is liable to melt any heart in sight. Cockapoos are known to shadow their owners , tailing them from room to room, and to shamelessly seek attention—you shouldn't plan to leave them alone for long periods of time. They are lovable companions who adore praise and are well-suited to people of all ages and lifestyles, so long as those people have endless adoration to give. The sheepadoodle, while larger than many other doodle dog breeds, is just as gentle—if not more so. Easygoing, goofy, and floofy, these family-friendly dogs enjoy the companionship of both humans and other dogs. Luckily for these doting families, the Bernedoodle can live up to 18 years, long past the typical lifespan of the Bernese mountain dog, who typically only live around seven years. Their long, curlicue coats must be maintained through consistent weekly grooming, as well as a trip to a professional groomer around every six weeks. Though low-shedding like their poodle and doodle counterparts, the cavapoo does shed seasonally, or "blow coat," in the spring and fall, so an allergic reaction is not entirely out of the question for super-sensitive owners. Though loyal and friendly , the schnoodle does best in a home with older children and adults and is not typically a natural with young children like his fellow doodle dogs. However, even the most shy of schnoodles can adapt to family life just fine if socialized as a puppy. Their cream-colored, curly coats require daily grooming, so be sure to break out the brush often. Though they are gentle and good with children, it's recommended Maltipoo owners supervise any interaction between small children and their pup—the Maltipoo is so small, she may be harmed accidentally by a child during playtime, no matter how well-intentioned. There are more than 40 types of poodle mixes to choose from, and each comes with a unique set of traits to love. While some of these names may sound like they belong on the pages of a Dr. Seuss book, these furry friends are sure to make an excellent addition to your family. Here are some of the most popular dog breeds mixed with a poodle to consider if you're considering adopting a dog. No matter your decision, all these four-legged, furry friends are sure to put a smile on your face. Goldendoodles are known to be great family companions and are highly intelligent. As a result, they're usually easy to train but have enough energy to keep up with an active family. Some Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic, which may help family members with allergy issues. They're adorable and will get a lot of attention from anyone who sees it. Yorkiepoos are typically sweet, playful, and intelligent. Their diminutive stature makes them a perfect fit for apartment or condo living. However, because they're small, they often do better in a home with older children or adults who know how to handle them with care. Like other smaller dogs, the Yorkiepoo can tend to bark excessively without proper training, so be proactive to curb this behavior. If you love the gentle, sweet nature of Bernese Mountain dogs but are overwhelmed by their large size, a Bernedoodle might be the perfect compromise. While poodles can be energetic, Bernenoodles tend to be a little more content to cozy up on the couch, thanks to their Bernese mountain dog traits. Many Labradoodles have a poodle's coat and shed less than purebred labs, though coat style and color can vary. Labradoodles love company and are happy to be a part of the family. Whoodles are typically medium-sized and filled with energy, so they will not enjoy being couch potatoes. Though they mean no harm, Whoodles want to chase smaller animals, so they'll fare best in a home without cats, rabbits, or other small creatures. Pomapoos tend to be small but have big personalities and are highly affectionate. They love their families so much that they can face separation anxiety if left alone for too long. They train easily and usually get along well with kids and other pets. You may also hear them called a Sheepapoo or Sheepdogpoo. They tend to be intelligent and friendly and usually get along well with other dogs. Because of their herding background, they may play rough with smaller animals or little kids, so be mindful of your family's makeup before adding a Sheepadoodle to your brood. These dogs are intelligent and easy to train, with plenty of energy to burn. They may be territorial over their home and family, so don't be surprised if they bark for a few minutes when visitors come by. However, they're ultra-sweet once they're comfortable with you. Cockapoos were among the first popular "designer dogs" and have been highly in demand for decades. They make cheerful family companions. Though they're beautiful dogs, cockapoos tend to require a reasonably intensive grooming routine, which may not fit families already pressed for time. These pups tend to have a "pack" mentality, which means they'll love participating in family activities. Cavapoos typically don't shed much and skew on the smaller size. They're usually gentle, friendly, and love to cuddle. This pup, a blend of Bichon Frise and poodle, is sure to steal the hearts of everyone in your family. If you're looking for a furry best friend that loves to cuddle, a Poochon is a perfect pick. Just be sure to work on barking when your dog is young to prevent them from becoming a loudmouth as they age. Though they're diminutive in stature, Maltipoos have highly expressive faces. They're incredibly affectionate and make great companions, but their excessive love for their family can spur some separation anxiety. They're not ideal pets if you work long hours outside the home. These dogs are intelligent and sweet-natured. Schnoodles are a blend of two working dogs, which means you'll get an attentive, alert pup that can make an excellent watchdog. Chipoos love to play and cuddle. They tend to be protective over their family and home, so even though they're tiny and not very intimidating, their "hey, what's this person doing here? These little guys and girls are typically highly intelligent, energetic, and loving. Appearance varies depending on whether your dog favors his Jack Russell or poodle side, but in almost all cases, these dogs are relatively small. Jack-a-poos need plenty of exercise time, so this puppy is best suited for a family looking to engage in many games of fetch. Besides being adorable, these pups are sweet-natured and highly intelligent. Aussiedoodles have a wide variety of coat colors and textures. They're loyal companions eager to please, making them a great addition to your family. These striking pups make loving, calm family pets. But, as you might imagine, their Pyrenees side means that Pyredoodles aren't exactly pocket pups. They can weigh up to pounds when they're fully grown. This type of dog probably isn't a fit if you live in a small apartment. Depending on your particular pup, these darling dogs may have the curly coat of a poodle or the straight, soft hair of a Shih Tzu. Either way, they make perky, playful companions. They love attention and are more than content cuddling with their humans on the couch. Frequently Asked Questions Which poodle mix is the calmest? Among larger doodles, the bernedoodle and goldendoodle have a reputation for being calm, while the maltipoo and cavapoo are considered calm toy mixes. Choose a poodle crossed with a laid-back breed to increase the chances you'll get a calm dog. Which poodle mix does not shed? Poodles aren't shedders, which is one reason why poodle mixes are so popular. A poodle mix with another breed that isn't a shedder is more likely to be a no-shed dog. Was this page helpful? Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. But have you ever considered bringing home a Poodle mix? Poodles are known for being one of the smartest dog breeds out there. You might also be surprised to learn that they are very athletic animals, despite having a reputation for being a bit prissy. One of the biggest advantages to adopting a Poodle, however, is the fact that these dogs are considered hypoallergenic. This is because they have hair instead of fur, which means they do not shed the way that other dogs do. In this article, we will discuss some of the most popular Poodle mixes and why you should consider adopting one. Poodle Sizing Unlike most dog breeds that grow to be one standard size, Poodles actually come in three different sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Some people refer to a fourth size, medium, but medium-sized Poodles are not widely recognized and are often considered standard size instead. Mixed breed dogs do not tend to have a uniform size because offspring will favor one parent or the other. Because Poodles come in different sizes, you will notice that the size of Poodle mixed breeds will tend to vary widely. If you are interested in purchasing a Poodle mixed breed puppy, make sure to ask your breeder what size the Poodle parent is so that you know how big you can expect your dog to get. The Top 50 Poodle Mixes 1.

Things to do with your English Bulldog Oregon is a great place to live with an English bulldog. The state has a diverse landscape, plenty of outdoor activities, and dog-friendly businesses. Hike the Trails Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking trails in Oregon that are perfect for English bulldogs. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, and take breaks often. Visit the Campground Camping is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many campgrounds in Oregon that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in Oregon, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to get a fishing license and follow all the rules and regulations. Go Boating Boating is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many places to boat in Oregon, both on rivers and lakes. Be sure to bring a life jacket for your dog and follow all the safety rules. There are many places to swim in Oregon, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to supervise your dog at all times and follow all the safety rules. Visit a Dog Park Dog parks are a great place for English bulldogs to run and play off-leash. There are many dog parks in Oregon, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Pet-Friendly Businesses Oregon has a number of pet-friendly businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and stores. These are just a few of the many things you can do with your English bulldog in Oregon. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Oregon is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in Oregon? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Questions about Bulldog puppies for sale in Portland OR? We have answers. How much are Bulldog puppies for sale in Portland OR? Bulldogs in Portland are a very special breed as they require a veterinarian to breed them through artificial insemination. What if there are no Bulldog breeders in Portland? What are backyard breeders? Bulldogs are bred with the help of a veterinarian. These Bulldog breeders Portland and businesses are never professional. They breed their dogs in their backyards. The only way to ever get a healthy and happy true Bulldog pup is through a reputable breeder or business. Why is Uptown Puppies a different experience? What is a puppy mill like? People who own these awful places see it as money making machines by exploiting the innocent lives of Bulldog puppies in Portland. Puppies from here often cost their owners thousands in vet bills. What important Bulldog health issues do I need to be aware of? Portland Bulldogs for sale suffer from two main chronic conditions. These chronic conditions worsen if they come from puppy mills. Bulldogs Portland get chronic skin conditions because of the folds of skin on their faces. These constantly need to be cleaned. Are there any Bulldog puppies to purchase currently? Without a doubt, there are wonderful Bulldog pups currently available! Uptown Puppies makes all your pooch dreams come true, so just begin searching for your perfect Bulldog puppy today, connect with its breeder or business, and make the necessary travel arrangements! What kind of dog is an English Bulldog? An English Bulldog for sale in Portland is a really friendly dog that hates being alone. They love being hugged, kissed and played with. They adore children, and are happiest when allowed to laze around and sleep for long periods of time. They constantly need cool and fresh air. Are Bulldogs easy to train? Bulldog puppies Portland are easy to train when using positive reinforcement. What is the rarest color for English Bulldogs? Bulldogs for sale Portland come in 8 different colors, but some colors are rarer than others. The following colors are rare to rarest: black, blue, chocolate, and lilac.

We are a German Shepherd breeder that specializes in quality, intelligent dogs with proven superior genetics. We sell German Shepherd puppies that are the perfect choice for professionals and families. We focus on producing a stable, protective line of German Shepherds that you can trust with your children. Sweet tempered companions that will protect your family and property Our German Shepherds have incredible pedigrees and we carefully choose only the best genetics to constantly improve upon the German Shepherd bloodline. We have German Shepherd puppies for sale in Texas, but arrangements can be made to sell a puppy to any state within the 48 contiguous states. We are always happy to talk or visit with you and would love to show you our beautiful German Shepherds. Our German Shepherd Dogs can be used for search and rescue, tracking, guarding, guide dogs for the blind or physically disabled, police work, show and of course a family pet. Our dogs are well socialized with children and other pets. Our puppies are AKC Registered and come with a health guarantee. Our high quality puppies are excellent with children and very easy to train. We have carefully selected world class German Shepherds with proven superior genetics. Our puppies have the potential to become champions in the show ring and your family hero. The West German bloodlines are bred to have great personalities and superb temperaments. They go through extensive training and rigorous testing to earn their titles. The West German Shepherd bloodlines are not just tested on their beauty and showmanship, but also on their ability to perform difficult tasks that require a high level of intelligence, motivation and desire to please their master. As a German Shepherd Breeder, it is our desire to provide you with an exceptional puppy that can bring you the same joy that ours have brought to our family. Our German Shepherds are the perfect choice for personal protection and are great companions for all ages. Testimonials: "Hi. He blended right into our family and we don't remember life before him. His temperament and intelligence are above average. At the vet I heard the vet and techs in the back gushing over how behaved he was and they sent me home with extra goodies for him hehe. He's already house trained. I've already been able to teach him two commands "here" and "place". He's also the best snuggler and is sooo very patient and forgiving with my tornado of a two year old son. He is the best dog I've had in my entire life and love him to the moon. I can't wait until he's old enough to start going on adventures with us. Thank ya'll for a wonderful dog! We get soooo much attention with her! We've had people literally pull off the road just to comment on her! Lots of people asking if we are going to breed her! We are meeting with someone on Friday to evaluate her for protection training. She's my girl and she knows her job well! Btw, people always ask me where I got her.I tell them all about you guys! Here are pictures of Liberty sunbathing with her sister, Queen Bitsy! She loves her boy! We have answers. German Shepherd cost will vary based on a number of different factors, as breeders may charge differently for experience, pedigree, coat color or type white German Shepherd puppies for sale in Houston , and even gender. We eliminate that risk using our strict screening process, a binding Breeder Pledge, and a powerful MatchMaker system that matches great breeders and businesses with great families. Does Uptown Puppies breed their own German Shepherd puppies? Instead, we focus on making connections between dog-seeking families like yours and the ethical breeders and companies you can count on to bring you on the healthiest, happiest puppies. With Uptown, you can skip straight to the fun part of finding a dog. What is a puppy mill? Puppy mills are almost like factories for dogs, where dogs are bred on an industrial scale for the sole sake of profit. Do you have Houston German Shepherd puppies now? As the Uptown partner network expands and grows, odds are great that we can help you find your dream dog. Basically, MatchMaker is how we ensure that the right dogs are going to the right families. How can I be sure Uptown is trustworthy? Puppy mills and dishonest breeders are all over the web. Just have a look at some of our Alumni to see the difference a bit of love can make.

Brushing is important for all dogs, but especially for poodles. Poodle hair can easily get matted together as the dog sheds, and for this reason, it is often recommended that poodles with long hair be brushed every day. Brushing once or twice every week is generally acceptable if the dog has shorter hair. Use a slicker brush to gently remove thick tangles and mats. It's important to remove mats whenever you find them, as they can pull at the skin, causing discomfort to your pet. Because of the way they shed their hair, poodles are prone to matting if they go for long periods without grooming. In extreme cases, matting can cause skin infections that are painful for your pet. Marie has over 10 years of pet grooming experience specializing in dogs and cats. Marie Lin Licensed Pet Groomer Expert Warning: If you have to cut out a thick mat, use scissors to cut through in the direction of the hair growth—not across! Also, be sure you can see the pointed tip of the scissors before you cut, to ensure you don't cut the dog's skin. Afterward, the mat should be loose enough to be combed out. You should be sure to bathe your dog before trimming him with clippers, as dirty or overly oily fur can prematurely dull your clipper blades. The ASPCA recommends bathing your dog every three months or so unless more frequent baths are required. Some dogs treasure bath time, while others dislike being bathed. If your dog does not enjoy bathing, you may want to get a helper to aid you in keeping the dog in the tub during the bath. Use a cup or a pitcher to flush water all over your poodle from head to tail. If you massage your poodle's back while rubbing in the shampoo, he may enjoy the bath a bit more. Use a shampoo specifically made for dogs. Continue rinsing with clean water until the water runs clear and no longer appears soapy. It's important to clean inside and under your dog's ears to prevent bacteria, yeast, and parasites from living there. Use a toothbrush to gently remove plaque buildup around the base of your poodle's teeth. Choose a toothpaste made specifically for dogs. Your poodle will inevitably swallow some of the toothpaste, and human toothpaste can upset your dog's stomach. Brush gently. Remember, your dog may not be used to having its gums rubbed. Brushing too hard or fast can cause pain to your poodle's sensitive gums. Be consistent with your poodle's dental care. Brushing your dog's teeth can help prevent tartar buildup, which causes periodontal disease and can lead to potentially-fatal bacterial infections. But you also want to avoid trimming them too short, as this can cause bleeding. Shaving a poodle on your own depends on your level of willingness and ability to use hair clippers. If everything points in the right direction, you can go ahead and shave your poodle. For example, your poodle may not get the desired look, but you need to stay motivated. It can be quite dangerous if you are not comfortable or nervous with a trimmer in your hand. Apart from shaving your poodle, you can start learning about using clippers for simple trimming. Most poodles need to get their face shaved. They can be extremely painful for your pooch and even the process of removing them is quite uncomfortable. Shaving poodles can also make them comfortable during hot weather. Most owners like to shave the face of their poodles but leave some hair around the joints, head, and chest. This will protect the vital organs and keep the joints warm. Another reason for shaving poodles is to retrieve things from their mouths easily. You have to locate all the tangles and mats and then remove them by using a good quality conditioner. This will make it easier to shave a poodle. You will need clippers with a number 10 or number 15 blade. Always clip towards the growth of hair and use the clipper gently. After shaving under the ear, move the clipper in front of the ear. Clip towards the corner of the eyes and observe caution while trimming under the eye. Always check the blade of your clippers while shaving as a hot blade can cause discomfort to your poodle. How Often Should Poodles be Shaved? When it comes to hairstyles, poodles have several different styles , including shaving their coat. Most groomers recommend that owners should bring their poodles in for grooming every weeks. This means that you can also shave a poodle after 6 weeks. Some poodle grooming styles leave more hairs around the feet and legs. Shaved feet can also be useful for managing any kind of cuts, scraps, and other wounds. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This loving breed has secured a spot in the Top 10 most popular dog breeds for a reason, and they deserve the best from their owners. If you own a poodle puppy or plan to adopt one soon — this guide is for you and will include everything you need to know to groom your poodle puppy! So how do you groom a poodle puppy? Clip his nails Brush his Teeth We will also cover tips for how to care for your poodle puppy and help them develop into the healthiest canine possible. Being a pet owner is a great responsibility. A bit of research will go a long way in caring for your fur-baby, so bookmark this page and prepare for all the puppy wisdom in store. However, you can absolutely groom your poodle from home. It will take proper care and education, maybe even studying on YouTube to see how to groom your pup. This time you spend grooming can save you money and be meaningful to your pup. This is a bonding time for you and your poodle, and no groomer will love your dog the way you do. Treat your pup with tender care, and the grooming process will likely be easier and result in much less fight and combativeness. The steps you should take to groom from home properly are: 1. Prepare the space — since they are often medium to large in size, trimming their hair on the kitchen counter or the Foldable Dog Grooming Table are the best spots for their grooming session. If it feels like a cold metal table, they will be miserable like any living creature, so find them a spot as serene as your salon. Bathe your pup with the recommended shampoos and conditioners above and dry with a hairdryer to get that voluminous style that the poodle is notorious for. DO NOT place the hairdryer on a high temperature and keep in mind they have sensitive skin. Keep the temperature on warm, not hot. Keep the blades parallel to the body, with a safe distance from their skin kept during the entire trimming. Close trimming should be done with an electric razor that has a protective plastic covering over the sharp parts. Start with their face, holding the poodles face still and secure gently but unable to move , and clip towards the ear. Keep the blade facing away from their eyes and basically flat against their cheek, just trimming the long hairs that have grown around their face and neck. Clip slowly and always with the sharp tip facing away, and the blade parallel to the body. Take your time and leave as much hair as looks flattering on your pup. Next, move to their feet. Have them sit down or laying comfortably if possible. Clip around the extra fluff on their paws and separate the toe pads to clip superfluous fluff between their toes. You can also gentle take the electric clipper around the feet from outside toe to inside, careful to mind the nails. Now you can trim the tail to as thin or round and silly as you prefer! This is why the body will be trimmed last. Use the more sensitive parts of their body to set the framework for how short of a trim looks appropriate for your pup. Can you Shave a Poodle Puppy? Yes, you absolutely can shave a poodle, but they will look like this. When can you Groom a Poodle Puppy? Do Poodles Have Fur or Hair? Pets The Nest says that the actual reason behind this breed being hypoallergenic is because they have hair instead of fur. It will be less necessary in the colder months when dogs enjoy having an extra layer for warmth. The curls actually give the poodle the appearance of not shedding at all, but they do. Puppies hair will be different than adult poodle hair because it will be more sensitive and even softer. Poodles will be as hypoallergenic and non-shedding as most any dog can get. They may be 3 years old before their full adult coat comes in. It is very important that you get your puppy comfortable with grooming and brushing during these early months so that they are not stubborn or fighting you during grooming sessions. Keep it strictly-business and try to make it a serious but soothing practice that will help them bond to you. Grooming is a time where you let them know they can relax while you brush out their mats. It can be annoying as with any puppy to get them to do what you want, but regular brushing will train them that this time is not for play. Not only will this make your life easier, but also your groomers, so train them early! Popular Clips AKA Hairstyles for Poodles The most popular styles you will see on a poodle are as follows with linked pictures for a visual : The Puppy Clip — this look received its name because it is common for poodles under 12 months to use this haircut. It shaves the face, feet, and tail with an optional topknot. The Teddy Bear Clip — this cut is incredibly endearing, especially on smaller poodles. It gives them the rounded facial angles like a fluffy teddy bear and clips the hair evenly all around. The Lamb Clip — when you picture the fancy and poufy poodles at dog shows with the thin legs and well-proportioned lines, this is the Lamb Clip. This style is like your pup is wearing a thick bathrobe or fur coat, but it can be very glamorous if adapted to a certain style. The Lion Clip — just as it sounds, this clip shaves their body but leaves the upper and lower parts of their body fluffed and mane-like. The Town and Country Clip — this look is great for summertime because they have a belly, face, neck, and feet all shaved. What remains is left to grow out on its own. Also, be sure to utilize this hilarious resource of wild and crazy poodle haircuts for inspiration! Poodle Grooming Tools We will cover brushes in the next section because they need their own category, but you will want some back-up tools for at-home appointments. You can take them into the groomers each month or do some maintenance in-between from home to save time and money. Especially in the winter months when it is less important to have them groomed. Regardless, your poodle will need daily brushing to untangle mattings and knots that easily occurs in their soft hair.

These predictable, durable, steady breeds, like Labs and Goldens, are great with kids and offer the whole family more dog to love. Our industry setting Puppy Guarantee makes buying one of our pure-bred Labrador retrievers one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Labrador Retriever owners from around the country. Our Labs can be found across the country in forty 40 states from the great Southwest to historic New England, from frigid Alaska to the Sunshine state. Located near Laurel Hill, NC, we have delivered more than 8, world class Labrador retriever puppies and adults to locations as far away as Alaska. We can easily deliver our guaranteed Labs to your location in or around Tuscon. For details, Visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-the-minute puppy information at .Labrador Retrievers Make Good Therapists In recent articles, a licensed professional counselor with thirty years of experience, explained how owning a Labrador retriever can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children and seniors. Having a dog helps teach responsibility to children. Caring for the dog will teach children that their pet is dependent on them for food and exercise and love. Dogs require a lot of care; they need to be fed, walked, played with and trained. Children come to understand that dogs have to learn discipline in order to be pleasant around the family and others. Children come to appreciate discipline by observing how important it is in their dog. Having a dog teaches children patience, commitment and selflessness. Living a longer life may be just as simple as getting a dog. Studies have found that pet ownership has a direct correlation in the number of years that you will live. This is not the only benefit that can be found from having a dog, however. Recuperating from illness or injury is made much quicker and more efficient with the companionship of a pet as well. This is why they tend to be a great choice for senior citizens. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! Labrador Retriever Description Labrador Retriever puppies have long been regarded as the most suitable pet throughout the world and is the most popular breed in the U. It is a remarkable working companion often used in physical assistance and personal protection. Highly intelligent, good-natured, very willing and eager to please, they are among the top choices for service dog work. Its loyal and friendly temperament makes it an outstanding pet; reliable and superb with children and other dogs. The Lab features a strong jaw set in a broad head with strong legs and shoulders which add to its fast pace. They also have webbed feet to aid in swimming. The coat is straight, dense and short with the outer coat being a bit coarse and the undercoat thick and soft making it almost completely waterproof. Their coat also comes in multiple colors including black, chocolate, silver, or yellow. Discover more about our Labrador Retriever puppies for sale below! Disposition The Labrador Retriever is loyal, playful, alert, curious, patient, and good-natured. Labrador Retrievers have a distinct elegance, carrying themselves in an upright, proud demeanor but with a friendly expression making them so endearing. One of the most popular breeds in the U. They love to play, especially in water, never wanting to pass up the opportunity for a good swim. Exercise Labrador Retrievers require a lot of exercise and playtime as they have a high degree of stamina, energy, and strength. Labs love to exercise so be sure that you like to exercise too. Adult Labs are very strong so train them while they are a puppy to heel on the leash, and not to bolt out of doorways and gateways before their owners. They can also become destructive without enough mental and physical exercise or if they are left too much to their own devices. Training The Lab is highly intelligent and willing to learn, always loving a job to perform so your job as a trainer will be easy. However, you need to be a calm, knowledgeable owner giving consistent and committed leadership to your Labrador Retriever using motivational training methods. They crave human leadership and need to feel as though they are part of the family. Your Lab may be reticent with strangers unless socialized, so train and socialize your Labrador while they are still puppies in order to avoid negative behaviors as they get older. Labrador Retrievers love to eat and many owners need to keep the food out of reach and even under lock and key because this breed will find a way to get to the food with or without the owner; sometimes eating until they get sick. Grooming The Lab is an average shedder with a smooth and thick, water-repellent double coat. As with all dogs, trim their nails and brush their teeth regularly. Origin The Labrador Retriever is from Newfoundland and was bred to work with fishermen. They were trained to work in the water to pull in the fishing nets and to retrieve fish that came loose from the lines. In the 19th century, this breed was brought to England where they were crossed with various breeds of Spaniels, Setters, and other Retrievers to advance their hunting skills. Today this breed shines in hunting, tracking, retrieving, search and rescue, military and police K-9 units, narcotics detection, assistance and guide dogs, and field trial competition. See store for details on a particular puppy. American Canine Association. We have answers. Labrador Retrievers were first bred in Newfoundland where they worked alongside fisherfolk, retrieving nets and fishes from the frigid North Atlantic waters. Today, their intelligence and obedience are still prized traits that make them such popular dogs. Finding your dream Lab puppy is easy through Uptown! Some people like to visit the breeder in person so they can be sure about the puppy they are getting. However, we know this is not an option for many. We created a network of reputable Tucson Labrador Retriever breeders so you can search for your dream dog online without having to worry about puppy scams or backyard breeders. Are there any Labrador Retriever puppies in Tucson available right now? We can help you find out! However, Labrador Retrievers are very popular dogs and new puppies quickly find families. So when you find a Labrador Retriever Tucson that you like, contact the breeder right away to reserve the pup! Does Uptown Puppies have a transparency policy when it comes to breeding puppies? These honest businesses are ready to share the breeding and health records of their Labrador Retrievers for sale Tucson when you request for it. Do I still need to pick up my puppy in person? Do you offer the cheapest Labrador Retriever puppies Tucson? Not really. This was never the goal to begin with. What the breeders on Uptown offer is the best possible service for people looking for a Labrador Retriever for sale Tucson. By maintaining exceptional breeding standards and transparent health records, they are hoping to provide families a stress-free experience when finding their dream dog. Do you recommend specific food for my dog? Even among Labradors, each dog is different. What food one dog might like, another dog might not even touch. Are Labradors easy to train? This is because they are easy to train. Just remember to be patient and consistent with Lab puppies. Want to see more of these amazing dogs? Browse our Tucson Labrador Retrievers for sale today! Are Labrador Retrievers good family pets? Labrador Retrievers make the best family dogs. They are kind, friendly, and patient, especially with children. If you have other pets at home, a Labrador will take to it quickly as these are even-tempered dogs. Ready to welcome a Lab into your home? Uptown can help you find a Labrador Retriever for sale in Tucson!

Choosing a reputable breeder, however, can be rather difficult. The answers you receive will help determine the quality of your breeder and puppy and provide you with information you need to help raise your puppy. Important Questions to Ask a Breeder 1. Study up on your specific breed to see if there are common genetic problems worth discussing. Is that the size dog you want? Can I meet the entire litter? View and interact with the entire litter. This will allow you to evaluate the cleanliness of the environment and the size, personality, energy level, and health of the puppies. The puppies should interact and be playful with other dogs and comfortable around people. They should not cower when you approach or touch them and not resist when you roll them on their backs and hold them in that position. Make sure that they appear to be in good health and evaluate their overall temperament. Are they shy, aggressive, or well-adjusted? What preventative care do you provide to the parent dogs? A measure of the quality of care provided for the puppies can be evidence by the care delivered to the parent dogs. Optional vaccines include Lyme and the canine flu, which depend on disease risk. Have the parent dogs had health problems? What health problems have the parents had to date? When did they develop and how were they treated? This will help guide you as to what to look for and take preventative measures for your dog. How old are the puppies? What age can I take my puppy home? Puppies ready for adoption should be between 8 and 12 weeks old. It is important that the puppies socialize with their litter mates and other dogs early in life. Taking them away too soon can be a problem. Puppies not taken by other buyers over 12 weeks old or puppies that have been returned can indicate problems as well. Have the puppies been socialized? Have the pups been around other dogs and people? Socialization is critical in puppies ages 6 to 16 weeks. Proper socialization consists of positive experiences with other dogs and humans of varying ages, race, and sizes. Have vaccines been administered to the puppies? How many shots have the puppies received and when are they due for their next round of shots? Puppies generally start their vaccine series between 6 and 8 weeks of age. Ideally, vaccines are administered by a licensed veterinarian rather than a feed-store vaccine. Have the puppies been dewormed? All puppies are born with worms and routine deworming is recommended. This often begins as early as 2 weeks of age and most puppies have at least one dose of dewormer by 6 weeks of age. How many veterinarian visits have the puppies had? Have any puppies in the litter been sick? Have the puppies seen the vet, been examined, and declared healthy? If not, what problems have they had? If any of the puppies were sick, what were the signs, the diagnosis, and treatment measures? Have they been on any medications? Have any puppies had parvovirus? Ask for medical records that includes examinations, weights, deworming treatments, and vaccines. What is your guarantee? What guarantee does the breeder give with their puppies? If the puppy is found to have a severe illness, what will they do to compensate? How long does the guarantee last? This is a difficult topic, but one that is a lot easier to cover up front rather than after the fact. When do I need to go for the first vet visit? How soon is the first vet visit? Consider it a probationary period to see your vet and get the puppy evaluated before finalizing the contract. Do you have any references? Ask the breeder for references from puppy owners that they have sold to within the past year. Call their clients and find out if the breeder was fair, if they were happy with their pets, and how any problems were handled. If so, what is in it? Is the breeder willing to take the puppy back at any time if you are unable to keep it? Do you require puppies to be spayed or neutered by a certain age? If that is the case, it may not be an issue, but it is best to know before you get your puppy. Ask if the breeder has information about the breed line. For example, ask how long most dogs in the breed line have lived and what they typically die from. What are you currently feeding the puppies? Regardless of what they are feeding, it is ideal to continue feeding the same food for the first few days at home to minimize the risk of gastrointestinal distress. Learn how much and when they are feeding to keep your puppy on the same schedule for the first few days. Will you supply a health certificate and certificate of sale? Ask the breeder if they will supply a veterinarian-issued health certificate for your puppy. Also, be sure to ask for a certificate of sale, which may be required depending on your location. Are there any required certificates if you are shipping out of state? Do you belong to a breed club? Do they have any training tips that have worked well for their puppies? One of the most challenging things a new puppy owner has to deal with is housetraining their puppies. Breeders have a lot of experience training and may have useful tips that have worked well for other puppies. Do you offer support? Top breeders are passionate about their puppies and adamant about finding them the best homes. In fact, they usually want to interview you more than you want to interview them. Many want to track the lives of their puppies and are willing to answer questions and help you navigate small issues as you raise the dog. What do you provide with the sale of the puppy? When you are finally ready to pick up your puppy, what will the breeder provide? What an exciting time! After a short phone call, arrange a visit by yourself. No matter how tempting it is to bring the kids along to visit a room full of puppies, you have to make the first visit on your own. To make sure you're prepared, here's our handy check list of the 15 questions you'll need to ask your puppy breeder. How old are the puppies? It may seem like a silly question but you want to make sure they are between weeks old. Are you able to see the puppy with its mum and dad? You want to assess the temperament of the mum and the puppy and how they interact with each other. Is she aggressive or caring? Is the puppy hyperactive or docile? These answers will help you decide whether this is the right puppy for your family. Are you able to see and handle the full litter? The average litter will be between five and six puppies. By handling a few fluff-balls, you will be able to see whether they are all of similar size, character and health. You can also see how they interact with other dogs and you. Are they weaned? What social experiences have the puppies had so far? Most modern breeders ensure that every puppy has had ample interaction with people and their puppy siblings before they are ready to be sold. What should I feed my puppy? Do you have a diet sheet to take away? A lot of breeders even keep a diet sheet that you can take home with you, letting you know when to feed them and how much. Pretty handy! When am I allowed to take the puppy home? Puppies should not be allowed to leave their mothers before 8 weeks because it can affect their development. The majority of breeders will let you take the puppy home after 8 weeks but some choose to keep them until 12 weeks. Which vaccinations has the puppy had and when is the next dose due? Puppies should receive vaccinations between weeks old and another dose at weeks old. If you are keen to take the puppy home at 8 weeks old, you need to know what vaccinations they still need to have before they can go and explore the big wide world or the local park. Has the puppy received any other treatments such as worming? Similar to vaccinations, around the same time, puppies should be treated for worms and fleas. Did you know all puppies are born with worms? Poor things! Do you have any copies of health certificates for the parents? Depending on the breed, some pedigree dogs have hereditary conditions that can be passed down to their puppies. Can I return the puppy if there are any health problems? Is the puppy registered with the Kennel Club? If you are looking to buy a pedigree dog, the breeder should have registered the puppies with the Kennel Club and be able to provide a certificate to state that they are, indeed, pedigree. If the application is still pending, it might be worth asking to see the certificate of the mum and dad. Are you able to get references from any previous puppy buyers? If they are a professional breeder, you might be able to contact previous buyers and visit their dogs. This way you can get a second opinion about the breeder and discuss openly whether their dog is everything they hoped for. Will there be a contract of sale? All reputable breeders should provide you with a contract of sale. This will state the responsibilities of both you and the owner and as well as an official document for your records. Does the breeder place any caveats or guarantees on the sale of the puppies? Occasionally, a breeder may require you to have the puppy spayed or neutered or you might not be able to show the dog. It is essential you know this before deciding to buy to avoid any disappointment. And of course, if you're about to purchase a brand new puppy of your own, they're going to need somewhere to sleep! Don't forget to check out our excellent range of luxury dog beds available here in the UK and here in the USA! Related Blog Posts. Your next choices are just as important: What breed of dog will you bring home, and will you look for them at a reputable breeder or a shelter or rescue? Doing research is crucial, and it helps to know exactly which questions to ask a dog breeder during your search. Even if you ultimately adopt from your local shelter or rescue, talking with responsible dog breeders can give you the inside intel on their breed and even help point you toward breed-specific rescue groups. Again, the answer is research. We spoke to representatives from two national dog breed clubs to learn some of the most important questions to ask a dog breeder as you search for the newest member of your family. This is one of the most important questions to ask a breeder before buying a dog, according to American Kennel Club Executive Secretary Gina M. The AKC has two breeder programs which DiNardo says are considered the hallmark of responsibility, making them good ones to look for as you assess breeders: AKC Breeder of Merit , which recognizes breeders who are committed to breed preservation and raising healthy, well-socialized puppies; and AKC Bred With H. Aside from genetic testing, Smith says, you can also ask to look at veterinary records to find out if your dog or puppy has been vaccinated and dewormed, or if the dam or any of the puppies in the litter were ever sick. DiNardo explains that finding a breeder who is part of an AKC club is a good sign, because clubs uphold traditions of responsible breeding and dog ownership. Are the dogs healthy? Observe their behavior and physical condition. Are their eyes bright? Do they look happy? Responsible breeders should be very curious about you and your family, too. Do you have time to adequately exercise your dog? Are you willing to brush your dog three times a week? Are you home a lot or are you gone 20 hours a day? Will you take puppy socialization classes? Learn more about individual dog breeds here. They can also provide general or very specific nutritional advice, such as whether they give their dogs supplements or other food. Sometimes a breeder will take the dog back into their own home; in other cases, they will assist with rehoming. But remember that a contract is only as good as the two people who sign it. Read More. This document should help guide your evaluation, and may be printed to take notes initially when talking by phone and later when you meet in person. Buyers should feel free to ask about any subjects of concern to them, and reputable breeders will voluntarily point out potential health risks all lines have some. Guarantees: No matter how carefully bred, risk of disease can never be zero. The best assurance of a healthy puppy lies in selection of the breeder, multiple generations of health certifications, and your preventive health care — and whether a specific health guarantee is offered in the contract is less important. AKC Limited Registration: Companion puppies are usually provided with Limited Registration, which means, among other things, that litters produced by that dog would not be eligible for AKC registration. This is not usually recommended for owners who do not themselves have an interest in competition or breeding, because co-ownerships generally come with strings attached. While it is true that these connections often offer some benefits, they will also include obligations that may continue for several years. Breeders appreciate a call when problems are minor so they can help owners avoid more major concerns, and they often have useful preventive health care tips that can save trips to the vet. Finding a knowledgeable breeder with whom you have good rapport and who wants to spend time teaching you about Goldens is almost as important as the selection of the litter, and such a breeder can be a valuable part of a support system if troubles arise. Finally, committed breeders remain available to assist in finding an appropriate placement for the dog at any time during its life if circumstances change and this becomes necessary. Questions to Ask Breeders Are hip, elbow, eye, and heart certifications for both sire and dam verifiable at www. May I have a copy of it to review in advance? Can you provide references from members of a local Golden club? Are your puppies examined by a veterinarian before they go home? Before the puppy is released to its new home, it is customary that the first set of puppy vaccinations will have been completed, that preliminary worming or negative stool check will have been done, that the vet will have examined the puppy thoroughly, and that any concerns discovered during the examination will be disclosed to the buyer. How do you socialize your puppies? How many litters have you bred, and how many years have you been a breeder? How many litters do you typically have in a year? Can I visit you and meet your dogs? What is the general health and temperament of the sire, dam, and their first degree relatives parents, siblings, and offspring? Temperament concerns e. Skin problems, allergies itchy skin, runny eyes, frequent skin or ear infections, orange stains on toes from licking? Epilepsy or seizures? Lameness or stiffness such as after exercise or upon waking? Below is a sampling. Are you aware that raising a puppy well takes about the same amount of time and energy in the beginning as caring for a 2-year-old toddler? Will someone be home with the puppy for much of the time during the first month? Have you owned a dog before? What breed? What pets do you currently have? What activities or lifestyle would you like to share with your dog? Are you planning to crate your puppy when it cannot be supervised? How many children do you have at home? What are their ages? Are they comfortable around large dogs? Do you have a fenced yard? How do you plan to exercise your Golden each day? Consider contributing to The Golden Retriever Foundation. More Information. This could cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills down the road. On the other hand, when you buy the animal from a licensed Golden Retriever breeder, you can pick out your future puppy with confidence. Not only will proof of his pedigree show that your breeder is certified, but it will also verify that your puppy is a true Golden Retriever. The best puppy breeders take pride in providing healthy dogs through careful genetic research. They should be so confident in their work that they offer you a health guarantee , which will tell you what to do if your puppy faces any unforeseen health issues. Since breeders are there from the day the puppies and their parents! And picking the right pet for your family starts with finding a breeder you can trust. No matter how nice they seem or how attractive their website looks, you should always do a little bit of research before choosing a Golden Retriever breeder. Here are important points that all breeders should address: Image Source Does the breeder give back to the breed? Breed preservation should be the primary goal of Golden Retriever breeders. They should participate in keeping the species alive through membership at a Golden Retriever breed dog club, a performance club, or an obedience club. What type of experience does the breeder have? Do they stay true to the pure genetic traits of the breed? Do they provide health screenings and health guarantees? Can you meet the puppies and parents in person? How many litters do the females have each year? Female Golden Retrievers can have up to two litters per year. However, breeders who follow ethical practices will only allow the females to have four to six litters in their lifetime. A female can breed between the ages of two and eight. Once you choose a breeder that seems like a good fit for you and your family, you should write up some questions to ask them. And in return, expect some questions about you, your lifestyle, and your home! One of the first things any breeder you inquire about should provide is a list of former buyers. Reviews posted online are one thing, but being able to talk with customers directly speaks volumes about the legitimacy of the breeder. When you speak with their former customers, ask questions about their buying experience and how their dog is doing years after purchase. Puppies should receive some level of preventative care that is appropriate for their age. Newborn puppies up to eight weeks old should stay with their mothers, but they will also receive their first round of core vaccines during these few weeks. They should have a yearly examination by a licensed veterinarian that will perform vaccines, flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, as well as general health checkups. A reputable, passionate breeder will be more than happy to receive updates and questions about their puppies well into adulthood. With that being said, the breeder should also provide a health guarantee. A health guarantee states that you are not financially liable for any genetic issues in the puppy, as long as the health condition is verified by a certified veterinarian. This is an essential point that you might not think twice about. A good Golden Retriever breeder will ask questions to determine if your household is a good fit for their puppy. Image Source 1 Why do you want a dog? This is a simple yet important question that you should have an answer to. Golden Retriever breeders that dedicate their livelihood to continuing the pure genetic bloodline will want to know what appeals to you about these energetic companions. Additionally, the breeder might ask who will be walking, feeding, and playing with the dog. Golden Retriever puppies require tons of attention, especially during the first two years of their lives. If the breeder asks this, they want to know how your children will be participating in the handling of the puppy. They also want to understand how you plan to introduce the puppy to other pets so they can coexist safely within the same home. No matter how nice a breeder may seem, you want to avoid accidentally contributing to backyard breeders or a puppy mill disguised as a reputable breeder. Doing so can cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills and years of potential heartbreak. Here are some of the most critical and obvious warning signs of an untrustworthy breeder. Less experienced breeders will charge on the lower end, and more experienced breeders usually with generations of pure genetic proof! Additionally, some of the best breeders will only sell trained puppies to ensure their pooches are family- and forever-home ready. Therefore, you should receive standard documentation upon adopting your new Golden Retriever puppies, such as care instructions, registration papers, vaccination records, and necessary contracts. The contract may also state that you agree to surrender the puppy instead of adopting him out to a shelter or the pound. Some warranties will say that the breeder should have the right to reclaim the puppy in an unexpected situation like this. If you do ask for references, and they give you a list of written reviews instead of contact information for former clients, this is a red flag. A refusal for a tour means that the breeder knows potential clients may be turned away by the environment. If you are invited to tour a facility, learn about what a professional kennel should look and smell like first. The bottom line is, you need to do plenty of research. However, before you decide to bring that ball of fluff into your home, keep in mind that the way a dog is bred has a huge impact on the type of dog you are receiving and the experience you will ultimately have. Here are a few questions to ask an AKC golden retriever breeder before committing to a purchase. How old are each of the parents? Golden retrievers need be a fully mature two years old before issues can be officially cleared by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and other health officials. Have both parents been cleared of eye issues, heart and thyroid disease, epilepsy, allergies and seizures? Be sure to request the documentation on each of these. How often has the mom of this litter been bred? You will want to be wary of breeders who breed the bitch in consecutive heat cycles. Do you offer written contracts in the purchase of one of the pups? An AKC golden retriever breeder should provide this with every sale. How long have you been breeding golden retrievers? The longer a breeder has been in practice, the more knowledgeable they will be about any potential health issues and ethical concerns of breeding. Which organizations are you a part of? An active participant in clubs dealing with golden retrievers can indicate a genuine concern and interest in the breed. Should there be any issues that arise, can the pup be returned to the breeder? The answer should be a yes, if within a reasonable amount of time. This should be clearly outlined in the contract. Is there documentation of the pedigree of the parents, as well as extended generations? Is there documentation of health clearances for multiple generations? Can you provide references? A good breeder should be able to provide references for former customers, veterinarians with whom they have worked, and others in the industry who have seen their practices over time. Working with an AKC golden retriever breeder can be a fun and educational experience when finding that next addition to your home. Make sure you ask the right questions upfront to ensure a quality relationship and a happy and healthy canine.

Here are some things to consider: Size Do you want a big or a small golden? Sex Do you want a male or a female? Style Or a stocky, blocky-headed golden retriever? Color Do you want a dark gold or red golden , a cream-colored golden , or something more in the middle? Personality Do you want a calm golden or more of an energetic one? Nobody will be able to tell you what you want out of a dog but yourself. Consider your lifestyle, home, whether or not you have kids , what you like to do on the weekend, etc. If you want to get a good feel for what a puppy will be like, look at their parents. Temperament and health are hereditary and no puppy test or observation will be as accurate as what their parents are like. So that being said, pick a good breeder that is breeding dogs that resemble what you want. There are two important things here: Talk to the breeder and tell them what you want Observe the puppies and look for the puppy that resembles what you want Talk To The Breeder The breeder has spent the last eight weeks with the puppies and knows them best. By telling them what you want they can help you decide the right one for you. But assuming the decisions lays in your hands, this next section will help you out. Selecting A Puppy From The Litter When we went to pick our puppy from the litter we knew exactly what we wanted: a big, calm, sweet boy. He had probably worn himself out trying to impress them because two days later we were wondering what happened to that calm puppy as a fluffy little tornado was tearing around our apartment! Are they submissive? This might give you some insight into their personality. Take note of their energy levels. Consider how your puppy interacts with people. How are they with you, whoever is with you, and the breeder? Are they fearful? A friendly dog will be outgoing and interested in you. Toss your keys or a toy. Put the puppy on their back. Either cradle them in your arms on their back, or roll them on their back on the floor. A dominant pup may squirm a lot, but a well-adjusted pup should calm down shortly. They should be ok with being handled. Shoutout to Vet Street for a few of the tips above. In addition to choosing the right puppy, you also want to choose a healthy puppy. Now even if you have your checklist and run each pup through these tests, it may all go out the window if a puppy picks you. But as we tried to give each puppy a chance and interact with all of them, Oliver kept coming back to my wife and nuzzling his nose into her to tell her that he was the one. Conclusion When picking a puppy you first want to decide what you want. Then pick a breeder that breeds dogs that resemble what you want. When it comes to actually picking the puppy from the litter, talk to the breeder about it and try to see which puppies match up with what you want. However, know that puppies may be different than how they initially appear. And finally, you might not even need to worry about picking the right puppy because the right puppy just might pick you. Have any questions about picking a golden retriever puppy from the litter? Let me know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is about to pick up a puppy, please share this with them! Related articles:. January 24, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? What does it take to be considered ideal for a family dog? How do you know if the Golden Retriever is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Golden Retrievers! Bred in the highlands of Scotland by Lord Tweedmouth in the mid to late s, Goldens are a cross between a Yellow Retriever and an extinct dog breed, the Tweed Water Spaniel. Lord Tweedmouth wanted the ideal gundog to accompany him during fowl hunting and be able to withstand the rugged terrain and rainy conditions. Aside from being able to retrieve fowl, Lord Tweedmouth wanted an even-tempered dog to have at home when not hunting. And so, the Golden Retriever was born. Later in the s, they soon became a popular breed amongst American families when President Gerald Ford had a Golden named Liberty as his family dog. Golden Retrievers, like their name states, are golden! Their luxurious coats come in a variety of light to dark shades, ranging from light like the white Golden Retriever or English Cream to dark golden colors, even close to chocolate. Their coats feature feathering down their backs, chest, belly, hindquarters, and tails. Goldens have soft expressions combined with floppy expressive ears that give them a puppy-like appearance even as adults. Another thing to note of the Golden Retriever is that those fluffy coats are actually what are known as double coats. A strong water repellant coat on top coupled with a dense undercoat to regulate their body heat. This all means these pups can be heavy shedders! What are Golden Retrievers Personalities like? There is something to be said about being named a perfect family dog. The Golden Retriever breed is loyal, affectionate, playful, and gentle. If brought into a home with children, your Golden Retriever puppy will be a great addition for help introducing your new Golden Retriever pup to your kids and how to play together, check out our blog! But being a great family dog doesn't mean they are easy! Goldens have lots of energy which can come out in more jumping and being more mouthy, especially as puppies. Check our training tips for raising a well-mannered Golden at the end of this blog! Two to three daily walks are a must, and throw in fun activities like hiking or going for a swim, your pup will stay golden! Golden Retrievers are eager to please type of breed. They generally have happy go lucky demeanors which lends itself to affection and friendliness, including toward strangers. If you wanted a pup that could eventually become a service dog, a Golden Retriever is a great choice and make for excellent working pups! As a high-energy breed, Golden Retrievers do best in a home that will provide them ample access to romp around. Homes with fenced in yards or access to a park or field on a daily basis where they can run and fetch to their hearts content are the best environment for Goldens! These pups, with consistent early socialization, can adapt and thrive to living in a home with other dogs, or pets, and children! They love to play and make great playmates. That being said, their social nature can lead to dependencies on their owners and family. Golden Retrievers may develop separation anxiety if left alone and not properly trained from an early age. Golden Retrievers may also contract heart disease called subvalvular aortic stenosis SAS that with early diagnosis and treatment can allow for a regular life-span. When you are looking to add a Golden Retriever puppy, make sure you are working with a reputable breeder that cares for the health quality of the dogs they breed. Take advantage of that natural drive and eagerness to please by setting foundations at home. Start your puppy a regular daily puppy schedule to create structured routines in the home. Include consistent feeding, nap, play and obedience training times throughout the day to help your Golden pup learn what to expect and build confidence at home. During their puppy training focus on their obedience commands to help your puppy learn to look to you for guidance, build their communication with you, and solidify a trusting relationship! Since Golden Retrievers love to work, positive reinforcement and food rewards will be valuable motivators to get your puppy focused and listening. In-person and online puppy training programs will walk you through how to teach the commands, exercises to help your puppy learn them, and troubleshoot when your puppy needs it! Teach Your Golden Retriever How to Greet New People and Dogs While their open friendly disposition will help your puppy make new friends where ever they go, make sure to teach your puppy the right way to do so! Some overly energetic and friendly pups can get excitable around new people and dogs. That can result in some unwanted whining, lunging, and jumping. When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on those common over-excited behaviors when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer or join an online puppy training school to help set you up for the best success! Do Calming Obedience Exercises With all their high-energy and high-drive, teaching your Golden how to be calm in everyday scenarios will help tame that wild side! Great calming exercises include having your puppy learn to wait for their food bowl and in thresholds each time you enter or leave a space. This also extends to activities like fetch. Goldens are a natal for this! This can be done simply by having your pup drop the toy when they return and pausing for a few moments giving them a chance to settle before throwing it again for them to retrieve. Teach Them to Walk Nicely on Leash Many high-energy pups have a tendency to lunge toward exciting new things! Couple that with a social nature, and you may encounter that your Golden Retriever puppy will start to pull on leash. Focus on teaching them proper leash manners including how to walk in Heel position and how to pass other people and pups without lunging, jumping and excited whining, barking or nipping at them! That can greatly help possible bad encounters with strangers and other dogs while teaching them great habits! Did you recently bring home a Golden Retriever puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! But simply picking a Golden Retriever from the litter might not be quite as easy as it seems, remember, this pooch would be with you for the rest of its life, so you have to be sure that the Golden Retriever pup you are selecting is just right for you and your family. There are a lot of things to consider, and lots of questions to be answered: What color should I pick? What temperament would I want? Should I pick a male or female Golden Retriever? Lots of questions that require answers. Your experience with the beautiful Golden Retriever should be enjoyed. First off, is Golden Retriever the right dog for you? I assume that you probably did a lot of research on the Golden Retriever breed before picking a reputable breeder to patronize or work with. The Golden Retriever is quite energetic and clingy, and as such does require a lot of time and attention. It requires a lot of exercises to keep from being destructive and for an adult Golden Retriever, an average of hours would be required daily to properly exercise the breed. And for those allergic to dogs or dog coats, the Golden Retriever might not be the best breed for you. This is because the Golden Retriever is a moderate to heavy shedder during shedding season. You might want to consider a Labrador Retriever, checkout our comparison for more detail: Golden Retriever Vs. When trying to decide what sort of Golden Retriever is best for you, answers to these questions would be needed. Male or Female Golden Retriever? This sort of decision might be quite easy for some and incredibly difficult for others. This is because to some, any gender is good enough they have no preferences , while for the rest, specific reasons or purposes could cause them to favor a particular Golden Retriever gender over the other. Both the male and female Golden Retrievers are very lively and equally playful at this stage of their lives. The only slight difference, however, that might occur or might be noticeable between both breeds might be size, as the male Golden Retriever is only slightly bigger or larger than the female when looking at the same litter. As both Golden Retrievers approach their individual sexual maturity, you might begin to notice a lot more differences. A lot of generalization is done between both, the male and female genders of the Golden Retriever breed. Some might say that the male Golden Retriever is a lot more hyperactive and could be harder to train than the female Golden Retriever, or that the female Golden Retriever matures quite faster than the male Golden Retriever, but again, these are all generalizations and speculations. Another popular generalization or myth is that the female Golden Retriever is a lot more independent and affectionate than the male Golden Retriever, again, it could still just be a myth. What Size of the Golden Retriever should I pick? As we already stated earlier, the gender of the Golden Retriever has a huge impact on the size of the Golden Retriever. Golden Retriever males are bigger than Golden Retriever females when comparing two Golden Retrievers from the same litter. What style of the Golden Retriever should I go with? Deciding on what Golden Retriever style you would like is equally important. Are you looking for an athletic Golden Retriever or a slim Golden Retriever, or are you in search of a more stocky and blocky-headed Golden? What Color of Golden Retriever should I go with? Of course, the Golden Retriever has a variety of different coat colors that you could be interested in. Some of these colors are; red-gold or dark gold, or perhaps, maybe a cream-colored Golden Retriever. Either way, there are some interesting Golden Retriever colors to choose from. What sort of personality should I look for? This is yet another decision that can only be made by you. The personality of the Golden Retriever you choose is quite important, so you definitely need an answer to this question. Are you looking for an energetic Golden Retriever dog or a calmer and more gentle companion? You might be searching for a friendly and outgoing Golden Retriever or perhaps a shy or reserved Golden Retriever. The breeder should know them best, being that they have spent approximately 8 weeks with the puppies. The breeder should be able to tell in each litter which of the Golden Retriever puppies is more dominant, which is shy, which is, which barks a lot, which is calmer, and of course, which of the Golden Retriever pups is most energetic. So, by simply telling him what exactly you are looking for in a Golden Retriever, he should be able to make helpful suggestions and recommendations. This is quite common in breeders today, they usually do the picking for you based on the requests and information you give them, which I personally feel is better. These 6 tips would be quite beneficial in deciding which Golden Retriever puppy is best for you. Does it dominate the other Golden Retriever puppies or is it a more submissive puppy? Try to notice the energy levels of each Golden Retriever pup A great way to figure out the temperament of a Golden Retriever pup would be by checking out their energy levels. A Golden Retriever pup that spends half its time barking and the other half running around is a clear indication that it is anything but calm. Notice how your chosen pup reacts or interacts with people In addition to watching how your pup reacts with other littermates, you also have to watch how they react with people. When you interact with them, how do they react, also watch their interaction with the breeder and basically strangers? Do they react in a curious manner? Are they quite fearful? Or are they the outgoing and friendly type that seems to be quite interested in interacting with humans? Try tossing a toy or your keys at the pup This is a great way to identify how alert your Golden Retriever puppy really is. Once you toss your keys or a toy at the pup, try to notice how quickly your Golden Retriever reacts to it. Does your pup run after it? Or does it follow the toy or keys with its eyes? Try putting the Golden Retriever pup on its back As you pick and cradle the Golden Retriever pup, you could try placing it on its back while in your arms or placing it on its back while on the floor. For a dominant Golden Retriever pup, it should squirm or struggle a bit, while for a more submissive and calmer puppy, it should also struggle for a bit but shortly relax. Try Caressing your Golden Retriever puppy You could try caressing your chosen Golden Retriever pup by gently rubbing its ears, tails, paws, and mouth. A calm Golden Retriever puppy should be cool with it. Note: Be sure to check the health of your chosen pup before choosing. Also, your Golden Retriever might pick you. This is not new, as some dog owners have shared their various experiences. Some pups could run up to you all sweetly and cute looking for a cuddle, some could pee on you while others might even go as far as peeing on you, but all in all, when a puppy picks you, you would know. Final Thoughts Picking a Golden Retriever puppy that is just right for you and your family is not an easy task, but it is quite important as this dog would be with you for a huge part of its life. So do ensure you stay attentive when choosing. Ensure that your chosen pup is quite healthy, ensure they are well tested and strong. Following all the steps listed above should be enough to help you when selecting a Golden Retriever pup. In all you do, please ensure that you shower your new Golden Retriever with so much love and care. Drink a lot of water, eat well and of course, always stay devoted to dogs. How exciting! Puppies are adored by everyone. Not every puppy will be the right fit for you. Choose a Trusted Breeder A responsible breeder is the best place to find a well-bred, healthy dog, whether you are looking for a family pet or companion animal. Breeders carefully choose the parents of each litter to emphasize desirable traits and minimize defects in their lineage. What is the best way to find a reputable and responsible breeder? A carefully planned breeding program As a Golden Retriever breeder, it is our goal to raise healthy, socialized puppies that represent the breed well and are ready to go into new homes with ease We guarantee the genetic health of each puppy we place for a period of two years Meet Your Puppy In-Person A puppy should never, ever be purchased without seeing it first. Use your senses to judge the environment. Buying a dog requires good observation skills. Clean conditions, plenty of space for the dogs, and a look of health and well-being in all regards are essential when visiting your chosen breeder. Puppies should be healthy, well-fed, lively, friendly, and free of any illness-related symptoms like runny noses, itchy eyes, blisters, or fleas. As a breeder, the puppy should be raised in the house, with normal daily activities so that it becomes accustomed to sounds and human interaction. When in doubt, walk away. Trust your instincts. A good breeder would not breed puppies without her present. If a breeder is unwilling to let you see her, walk away. Ask as well if you can see the father. This may not always be possible as the father may be owned by another breeder and used exclusively for stud purposes. At least three generations should be included the parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Lastly, find out how often the mother of the litter has been bred and the number of litters she has had — If she has had multiple litters in a year, then this is too frequent. Ask Questions A reputable breeder will conduct an interview with you. You will be evaluated carefully before the puppy is given to you. Breeders who care about placing their puppies in good homes take the interview process seriously. You should also expect the breeder to have a lot of knowledge about the breed and be able to answer any questions you may have. Breeders should also know about the major problems within the breed. Breeders of reputable dogs will have developed a breeding program that reduces or even eliminates the risk of such disorders occurring in their dogs. Ensure that both the mother and the father have formal health clearances even if the father is not present, the clearances should be on file. The mother and father should be at least 24 months old to receive final health clearances. No reputable breeder would sell their puppies without getting them inoculated and having a general checkup. Our pups undergo these simple exercises to prepare them for life. Since we see the benefits of Early Neurological Stimulation and know that it will help our pups grow into lovable canines, we will continue to use it. Take Your Puppy to the Vet Schedule a new puppy vet visit within a few days of picking up your new puppy, no matter what the breeder has already done. Any potential health concerns will be identified through a full physical examination and lab tests. The breeder intends to make sure that each puppy is in good health when adopted or delivered. Due to this, we ask that the buyer make every reasonable effort to have the puppy examined by a vet within three days after taking possession. Can You Return The Puppy? Under strict circumstances, we will offer returns on puppies. Is There a Contract? We do have a sales contract available for every puppy we sell. It is advised that your read the entire contract before signing. A copy will be provided to you. Picking Up Your Puppy It is ideal to pick up your puppy at the breeder, but we understand that this may not be feasible for everyone. If you cannot pick up your puppy in person, we offer two options for puppy travel and delivery : Puppy Air Travel Airport Selection We will find and select the most convenient airport that provides a pet program and an incoming flight schedule that is most convenient for the pup. Coordination To make sure your pup is well-prepared for the day of travel, we coordinate with you and the breeder. Our team will work with you and the breeder to coordinate schedules, and you will receive an itinerary for all flights. Puppy Pickup Our team will transport your puppy from the breeder to the airport. This is a great way for us to spend extra time with your pup to ensure that their travel day is as easy as possible! Accommodations The airline-approved kennel your puppy travels in includes absorbent bedding, food, and water. Joyful Reunion We will keep in touch to let you know your pup is on its way, and we look forward to hearing the good news that your pup has arrived safe and sound! Puppy Pickup Your puppy will be picked up from the breeder and brought to your home or a prearranged third-party location. Joyful Reunion This is the best part! Bringing the love of your life into your arms from our arms to yours is always a pleasure! A dog breeder needs to provide all the necessary documents when you purchase a dog. You should expect to be provided with proof of vaccinations and health certificates. In addition, papers verify that a puppy was bred ethically. Expect the following: Sale contract. This could cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills down the road. On the other hand, when you buy the animal from a licensed Golden Retriever breeder, you can pick out your future puppy with confidence. Not only will proof of his pedigree show that your breeder is certified, but it will also verify that your puppy is a true Golden Retriever. The best puppy breeders take pride in providing healthy dogs through careful genetic research. They should be so confident in their work that they offer you a health guarantee , which will tell you what to do if your puppy faces any unforeseen health issues. Since breeders are there from the day the puppies and their parents! And picking the right pet for your family starts with finding a breeder you can trust. No matter how nice they seem or how attractive their website looks, you should always do a little bit of research before choosing a Golden Retriever breeder. Here are important points that all breeders should address: Image Source Does the breeder give back to the breed? Breed preservation should be the primary goal of Golden Retriever breeders. They should participate in keeping the species alive through membership at a Golden Retriever breed dog club, a performance club, or an obedience club. What type of experience does the breeder have? Do they stay true to the pure genetic traits of the breed? Do they provide health screenings and health guarantees? Can you meet the puppies and parents in person? How many litters do the females have each year? Female Golden Retrievers can have up to two litters per year. However, breeders who follow ethical practices will only allow the females to have four to six litters in their lifetime. A female can breed between the ages of two and eight. Once you choose a breeder that seems like a good fit for you and your family, you should write up some questions to ask them. And in return, expect some questions about you, your lifestyle, and your home! One of the first things any breeder you inquire about should provide is a list of former buyers. Reviews posted online are one thing, but being able to talk with customers directly speaks volumes about the legitimacy of the breeder. When you speak with their former customers, ask questions about their buying experience and how their dog is doing years after purchase. Puppies should receive some level of preventative care that is appropriate for their age. Newborn puppies up to eight weeks old should stay with their mothers, but they will also receive their first round of core vaccines during these few weeks. They should have a yearly examination by a licensed veterinarian that will perform vaccines, flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, as well as general health checkups. A reputable, passionate breeder will be more than happy to receive updates and questions about their puppies well into adulthood. With that being said, the breeder should also provide a health guarantee. A health guarantee states that you are not financially liable for any genetic issues in the puppy, as long as the health condition is verified by a certified veterinarian. This is an essential point that you might not think twice about. A good Golden Retriever breeder will ask questions to determine if your household is a good fit for their puppy. Image Source 1 Why do you want a dog? This is a simple yet important question that you should have an answer to. Golden Retriever breeders that dedicate their livelihood to continuing the pure genetic bloodline will want to know what appeals to you about these energetic companions. Additionally, the breeder might ask who will be walking, feeding, and playing with the dog. Golden Retriever puppies require tons of attention, especially during the first two years of their lives. If the breeder asks this, they want to know how your children will be participating in the handling of the puppy. They also want to understand how you plan to introduce the puppy to other pets so they can coexist safely within the same home. No matter how nice a breeder may seem, you want to avoid accidentally contributing to backyard breeders or a puppy mill disguised as a reputable breeder. Doing so can cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills and years of potential heartbreak. Here are some of the most critical and obvious warning signs of an untrustworthy breeder. Less experienced breeders will charge on the lower end, and more experienced breeders usually with generations of pure genetic proof! Additionally, some of the best breeders will only sell trained puppies to ensure their pooches are family- and forever-home ready. Therefore, you should receive standard documentation upon adopting your new Golden Retriever puppies, such as care instructions, registration papers, vaccination records, and necessary contracts. The contract may also state that you agree to surrender the puppy instead of adopting him out to a shelter or the pound. Some warranties will say that the breeder should have the right to reclaim the puppy in an unexpected situation like this. If you do ask for references, and they give you a list of written reviews instead of contact information for former clients, this is a red flag. A refusal for a tour means that the breeder knows potential clients may be turned away by the environment. If you are invited to tour a facility, learn about what a professional kennel should look and smell like first. The bottom line is, you need to do plenty of research.