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Breeds The link has been copied! The German Shepherd breed has always been popular in America. In fact, they have been ranked as number 1 in popularity throughout most of U. If a female German Shepherd dog GSD has joined your family, and you are thinking about breeding from her, you may be curious about how many puppies you should expect in one litter — as well as how many she might have over her years with you. On average, a German Shepherd can have puppies per litter. Some have as many as 15 or as few as one puppy per litter. On record, the biggest German Shepherd litter was 17 puppies by a dog named Mosha. The gestation period is approximately 63 days about two months after conceiving. However, this number may vary by several days. A German Shepherd dog can have two litters per year until around the age of 8. This means that a German Shepherd Dog can have approximately 14 litters in her entire lifetime. Well, the answer to this may help you understand the quantity of puppies they produce in a litter. The German Shepherd is native to Germany and is a cross breed between working sheep dogs and a dog believed to be a quarter wolf. They were originally bred to protect families and to herd livestock. Are there factors that affect the number of puppies a female German Shepherd can have? How many times in a year can they give birth? Knowing how many puppies to expect may help you plan resources to accommodate them if you are planning on becoming a breeder. A female German Shepherd with a small body will have a smaller litter size compared to a GSD with a bigger body. If you want a larger litter size, therefore, you should breed your German Shepherd before they are seven years or older. The best breeding years are between 2- 5 years of age. As the male dog ages, their sperm count decreases, and this affects the number of puppies in the litter. If you are a breeder, it is best to practice breeding when the male dog is in its prime years, between 2- 5 years. This way, you are likely to get a bigger litter size. The female should also have a healthy diet before breeding. Diet and health go hand in hand. A diet that consists of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates will help your GSD to have a larger litter size. Your vet will help you determine the perfect diet before, during, and after your dog's pregnancy. Although it may be nerve-wracking, you need to be there to help your German Shepherd give birth. A whelping box with a heating pad or a heating lamp will help keep the new-born puppies warm. New-born puppies are unable to regulate their body temperature, hence why the heating pad or lamp will come in handy. Heating pads: place them under the blankets or towels where the puppies lie. Make sure the setting is comfortable for them. At birth, they weigh about 0. German Shepherd dog puppies have four developmental life stages after they are born. You will notice the mother licking her puppies to clean them. Milk from their mother is very crucial at this age. They can begin eating some main foods but still nurse and feed on soft foods. By eight weeks, a puppy has all its teeth, and the teething process begins. At this time, you should ensure each puppy starts to wear a properly-fitted dog collar. For added security, choose a collar that allows you to track their location via GPS. Final Thoughts Owning a dog is a joyous experience, and when you own a German Shepherd, you have a loyal, smart, fierce, and protective dog for life. To add to that, German Shepherd dogs make good mothers and they know what to do during and after giving birth. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Fi smart dog collars make it easier than ever. Once your dog has had them Factors that determine the number of pups that the dog will have Although the body of most animals operates synchronously and wonderfully, dogs are not machines. Therefore they do not always have the same number of pups. In addition, some factors may interfere with the amount of puppies present in the litter, which may vary according to: The age of the dog - the most numerous births often occur from the fourth heat onwards. If the dog is properly nurtured and fed. The dog's general health. When the dog is bred. Female dogs have only two fertile days and breeding them at this stage will ensure greater litter numbers instead of doing it a few days earlier. Dog sperm can survive inside the female for two days, so if bred two days before the fertile time, the female can still get pregnant - but it is likely that only a few sperm are alive to fertilise those eggs, reducing the amount of the dog's litter. It's the bitch who frees the number of eggs that will be exposed to fertilisation depending on factors such as size and heritage, thus the myth that a dog is a stud and that depends solely on the male for the amount of puppies is false. The number of puppies depends on the number of mature eggs that emerge from the ovaries, the day the sexual intercourse is done and then, of course, the fertility of the male dog. Besides, German Shepherds with pedigree tend to have fewer puppies than those that do not have such a pure lineage or care. How many puppies do German Shepherds usually have? We must bear in mind that the German Shepherd is a large breed, so the ovaries have the capacity to produce more eggs and the uterus has more space to store the puppies, which means that they usually have large litters. A German Shepherd which does not have a pedigree lineage usually has between 7 and 9 puppies, while those with pedigree lineage often pop out between 4 and 6 puppies. It is essential to note that this is not a standard because many factors interfere with the formula. There may be bitches that have more or even fewer puppies than indicated here. Once your dog has had them It is essential to respect the time of birth and the first hours in which both puppies and your dog are together. Remember that dogs are highly olfactory, so you should not bathe your dog after giving birth or you could remove its natural odour and thus confuse the puppies. However it is useful to carefully clean the dog basket and wipe it with a damp cloth that has been dipped in warm water. Then dry it with some towels and return it to those puppies. During the first 12 hours, your bitch will not want to eat, but it is important to give her plenty of fresh water to keep her hydrated. When the animal regains its appetite, it must have at its disposal nutritious food. German Shepherd puppies should not be separated from the mother before 8 weeks. This could affect their learning and development. The recommendation, in fact, is to wait until 10 weeks to give them a new home. Aug 3, Share German Shepherds tend to have between five and nine puppies in a litter. Eight is the average. According to the AKC , the largest litter registered was 17 puppies. This litter size is significantly larger than some other breeds. German Shepherds are larger dogs, so they are going to have more puppies than smaller breeds. For instance, Dachshunds only have one to six puppies on average. The largest litter ever came from a Neapolitan Mastiff, a breed that can reach pounds. When it comes to litter sizes, size does matter. It is impossible to tell how many puppies that a particular dog might have until she gets further into her pregnancy. These factors may help you make a good guess, however. This is most obvious when comparing different dog breeds. In turn, small breeds have small litters. However, the exact size of the dog also matters. Smaller German Shepherds will have smaller litters on average than larger German Shepherds. If your dog is larger, she may end up having a larger litter, or she might not. This will reduce the overall size of the litter. Even if you feed her excellent food and take care of her, underlying health problems can cause puppies to perish before they are fully developed. Diabetes is an excellent example of this. However, improperly fluctuating blood sugar can have a massive impact on growing puppies. Without the proper blood sugar levels, many puppies will not develop properly. Short-term conditions can also cause some puppies to develop improperly and be reabsorbed. For instance, infections can cause one or more puppies to stop developing altogether. Most miscarriages go unnoticed without any clinical signs, especially if only a few puppies are lost. Only late-term miscarriages usually get noticed. This seems to happen most commonly in purebred dogs, according to the vets at High Street Steeping Vet Clinic. Purebred dogs may have more genetic abnormalities than mixed breed dogs because they inherit traits from a smaller genetic pool. The odds of them inheriting something harmful is higher, simply because there are fewer genes for them to inherit. Many purebred dogs are also inbred, including the German Shepherd. Middle-aged German Shepherds tend to have larger litters than younger and older dogs. German Shepherds typically have the largest litters around age 5. After that, they may decline in size. However, this decline is more rapid and apparent in some dogs than others. Many older dogs have health problems, which likely affects their litter size too. Some of these health impacts may go unnoticed and therefore, be wrongly attributed to age. Season There is evidence that the season that the dog gives birth affects the litter size. However, other studies found no correlation between when the litter was born and the overall litter size. There may be a regional component to this, though. In areas with more significant seasonal changes, the season may make more of a difference. In the tropics, it may not. However, more studies are needed to determine this possibility. Heritability Studies have found that dogs may inherit their litter size potential. Dogs that are born to bigger litters tend to have bigger litters themselves. If there is another factor at play, it will likely take precedent. Plus, much of this heritability may be linked to the size of the dog. Many dogs are going to be a similar size as their parents. Nutrition Image Credit: Monika Wisniewska, Shutterstock There are a few nutritional components that can affect litter size and the overall health of the mother and her puppies. When a mother dog becomes pregnant, her nutritional needs change. Protein is essential for pregnant dogs. This is similar to what puppies need, so many pregnant dogs are often fed puppy-intended dog food. Fatty acids may also play a role. Dogs with lower levels of serum glucose in their amniotic fluid tend to have smaller litter sizes. Therefore, feeding them a diet higher in omega fatty acids may be helpful. Image Credit: J. Feeding your canine a better diet may result in a bigger litter, for instance. If your dog is sick, it is paramount that you treat them before attempting to create a litter. However, these factors have to be adjusted before the dog gets pregnant. Once the dog has conceived, it is impossible to increase their litter size, though you can prevent losses. There are also many factors out of your control. While there are a few things that you can do to reduce the risk of these issues, you can never prevent them entirely. Even if your dog lives in a clean environment and is healthy, infections can still occur. You should be feeding her food suitable for puppies as soon as you plan on breeding her or at least as soon as you find out that she is pregnant. Choosing which dogs to breed also impacts litter size and can be controlled to a certain extent. However, some dogs may have small litter sizes but may otherwise be great breeding candidates. In general, to increase your dog's litter size, we recommend doing the following: Regular testing for infections Regular vet checks for reproductive tract disease Final Thoughts The average German Shepherd litter size is about eight puppies. However, there are many factors that can go into this. Keeping your dog healthy is essential to maximizing litter sizes. But many factors are outside of your control. If a puppy inherits specific genes, they are less likely to develop correctly and make it to birth, lowering the overall litter size. Related Reads:. Health A healthy German shepherd will produce many healthy puppies compared to an unhealthy one. Always take your GSD to a vet clinic to confirm that she is in a healthy state. This is because the larger ones have a bigger carrying capacity. Diet Diet plays a crucial role in influencing the size of the litter of a GSD. Feed her a balanced diet rather than only kibble throughout. Age German shepherds are more fertile between the ages of two to three years. If she gets older than that age, she is less likely to deliver a large litter. Individual Genetic Factors If a German shepherd delivers a large first litter the chances are that she will do the same in the second and the third litter. Gestation period for a GSD Their pregnancies take around 64 days which is a little more than other dogs. This is influenced by their bigger size. What to Expect of a Pregnant German Shepherd Change in Appetite The appetite might increase or decrease depending on the stage of pregnancy. She can show signs of morning sickness like vomiting. In case of a reduced appetite, you should try to feed her her favorite meal. Decrease in Activity If your GSD feels exhausted most of the time, she will be taking a nap more than usual. If your dog likes sleeping a lot, this sign might go unnoticed. Unless you have confirmed that she is pregnant, sleeping a lot should be seen as a red flag especially for active dogs. Behavior Change Behavior change will depend on an individual dog. Some German shepherds will seek extra attention and will be around you most of the time, while others will like isolation and will be hostile whenever you get closer to them. Her abdomen will enlarge, though this is among the last signs of pregnancy. This should not worry you as she will be back to her normal size once she delivers. The nipples might get dark red in color. Other times the milk might leak in the late stage of pregnancy. Frequent Urination A female German shepherd can increase the no of times she urinates during pregnancy. Sometimes it can be territory marking. She can pee anywhere, in the living room, the seat, or in the corner of a room. Nesting Behavior During the last stage of pregnancy, she will start preparing a place for the expected puppies. She will shred anything from blankets, newspapers, or clothes and keep them in her nest. Proper Feeding Feed your expectant German shepherd a balanced diet. Buy her the best dog food you can afford. It is advisable to increase the quantity of food you feed her. Instead of giving her a lot of food at once, divide the food into smaller portions and give it to her many times. This is to ensure that that the mother and the unborn puppies are healthy. Give Her space Due to hormonal changes, your dog will have mood swings. If she is not willing to eat or play do not compel her. Just give her space to be herself. Whelping Box A whelping box is set on the last stage of German shepherd pregnancy. It is a safe and comfortable place equipped with all the necessities needed for safe delivery. The place should be noise-free. Bottom Line German shepherds are caring parents. In rare cases, German shepherds eat their newborns. Be watchful to avoid such instances. Related Posts:. Puppies If your German Shepherd is pregnant or you are planning on breeding you may be wondering how many puppies can a German Shepherd have. The amount of puppies each German Shepherd has will vary on many different factors. This article will answer dive into the factors to help you better predict the number of puppies your GSD will have. Generally, you can expect a German Shepherd to have between 5 and 8 puppies per litter. However, German Shepherds have had litters as large as 14 and as small as only 1. There are many factors that contribute to the size of the litter. A German Shepherd can have puppies twice a year. Large dogs like German Shepherds go into heat around every 6 months. During their heat is when they are capable of becoming pregnant. A normal heat cycle lasts between two and four weeks long. Thus, if you breeders or individuals who are looking to breed their GSD track their heat timing and plan to have them mate during their heat. German Shepherds are pregnant for nine weeks on average. Factors That Affect German Shepherd Littler Size Although it is normal for a German Shepherd to have between five and eight puppies a litter, there are many factors that can increase or decrease the litter size. The most common factors are below: The size of the female dog The size of the dog has a big impact of how many puppies they can carry. Although German Shepherds are considered to be a large dog breed some female German Shepherds are larger than others. A female GSD that is larger will be able to carry more pups than a smaller one. Inbreeding Another factor that can contribute to litter size is inbreeding. A pregnancy that is the result of inbreeding will generally produce less puppies than one that is not. Accordingly, if you want to increase your GSD litter size make sure not to bred a female with a male that is related. The age of female The age of the female German Shepherds also plays a role in their potential litter size. Older German Shepherds will generally have smaller litters. The prime age to breed a GSD is between 2 and 5 years of age. You should not breed an elderly GSD. Just like with human males, the sperm count of male German Shepherds will decrease as they age. This decrease can make it harder for them to get a female pregnant and can also impact the litter size if they do get a female GSD pregnant. Health of the female Another factor that is important is the overall health of the female German Shepherd. In order for any dog to produce a healthy plentiful litter of puppies the dog carrying the pups has to be in prime health. Leading up to pregnancy your dog should be fed a high-quality diet, and during pregnancy a GSD will require a diet in that a certain amount of protein, fat and carbohydrates to ensure a health pregnancy. Additionally, pregnant German Shepherds can sometimes need dietary supplements if they are not getting the appropriate nutrients through their diet. Conclusion There are many factors that impact how many puppies German Shepherds can have. Most commonly German Shepherds will have between five and eight puppies, but age, health, and inbreeding can cause a GSD to bear a smaller litter. Breeders who are looking to increase litter size will need to make sure that all those controllable factors are in line and let nature do the rest. A junior is the canine version of a teenager, and this is usually the time period between six and twelve months old. Adult dogs have completely finished growing and range between one and seven years old, while mature dog is at least seven years old. After this age, the dog will then be considered middle-aged. The ages of the last two categories will depend on the breed. A senior dog is an older dog that has reached the final quarter of its life expectancy. Since a German Shepherd has a life expectancy between 12 and 14 years, it will enter its senior years when it is between nine and .A geriatric dog is one that has reached the end of its stated life expectancy — and is still going strong. If Gunther the German Shepherd makes it to 15, he is considered geriatric. Is it true that dogs age seven years for every human year? She says it may have stemmed from an observation that dogs lived to be 10 years old, while humans lived to be 70 on average. It is true that dogs age much faster than humans, but the extent and speed of this process depends on many factors. Larger dogs tend to age faster and have shorter life expectancies than smaller dogs. The AKC divides dogs into four size categories: Small 20 pounds or under Medium 21 to 50 pounds Large 51 to pounds Giant Over pounds An adult male German Shepherd usually weighs between 66 and 88 pounds, and an adult female generally weighs between 49 and 73 pounds. Then, until they reach the age of five, they age four years every year. Large dogs that are over five years old then generally age five or six years every year, and a German Shepherd that lives to be 14 is comparable to a human of .How many puppies can German Shepherds have? It is born completely helpless and depends on its mother for everything; it even needs her help to go to the bathroom. The puppy will typically start to crawl when it is a week old, and its eyes will open a few days later. The first baby teeth emerge when the puppy is two weeks old, and it will start going to the bathroom on its own around the same time. The socialization period lasts from the third to the twelfth week. Then, when the puppy can move, see, and hear, it needs to learn the social skills that will enable it to successfully interact with humans and other dogs. However, it still needs to stay with its mother during this time, so she can teach it proper dog behavior and other vital life skills. German Shepherds this age should also be introduced to humans to begin getting used to their presence. They will generally begin playing with their littermates and their humans when they are about four weeks old. Puppies that are at least seven weeks old can then be housebroken. The following video covers the growth and development of a German Shepherd puppy from when it is seven weeks old to six months old. The owner noted such physical changes as increasingly erect ears and darkening fur. The juvenile period lasts from three to six months and ends when the dog reaches sexual maturity. By this age, the puppy has all of its baby teeth. The puppy will be old enough for obedience school towards the end of the juvenile period. By the time a German Shepherd is six months old , it will look mostly like an adult dog, but it has not yet finished growing. It will have reached about 70 percent of its adult height and weight, and it will also have all of its adult teeth. German Shepherds, at this age should be spayed or neutered unless their owner plans to breed them. How many puppies do German shepherds have in their first litter? April 27, We all know that German shepherd is an intelligent dog and quite active in all his areas. But apart from his intelligence, he is the most fun-loving dog. And I also found that this is the only breed of dog which is so versatile, he can be your family dog, a guard dog, a military dog, a police dog, a search and rescue dog and a herding dog as well. I can say that this is the most versatile dog. Pregnancy and litters of German shepherd dog The bodyweight of a female German shepherd is around 30kgs and height are between 20 to 24 inches and this is a bodyweight for the healthy pregnancy of a German shepherd dog. German shepherd dog becomes a wonderful mother and she has a huge number of litters in her pregnancy. This is no fixed numbers of puppies in the German shepherd litter and it can vary from 1 to 15 puppies. Usually, a female German shepherd dog has 8 puppies in her first litters. A Female German shepherd has two litters in a year and this started from an early age and continues up to the age of 8 which means that she can have 14 litters in her entire lifetime. Factors affecting the size of litters.

Reversible design provides year-round comfort in any type of weather or climate. One side features knitted corduroy that is soft and warm during the winter. The other side features a smooth, faux suede that is cooler during warmer weather. Rectangular bed is the perfect shape for setting up a private sleeping nook for both cats and dogs in the corner of any room. Enough filling, have your dog deeply sleep and relax We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Dogs that like to feel safe, secure, and really comfortable will appreciate the four walls that this bed has — curling up in the middle and sleeping soundly knowing that they are protected. The dog bed is also an excellent option for pet owners who want to put a great dog bed inside a crate. Engineered to be soft and stable. The best thing about this Goldendoodle dog bed is that it can accommodate animals up to pounds without any extra compression making the dog bed uncomfortable. As long as your Goldendoodle weighs in at less than pounds, the odds are excellent that they will feel real relief and support every time they lie down. The company also has fantastic customer service and support should you need a replacement or a refund, so you can order this with real confidence. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. This company has absolutely knocked it out of the park when it comes to raised dog bed options. While keeping your Goldendoodle fresh, keeping them supported, and shaking things up a little bit in the traditional dog bed world. This hammock-style option gently supports and cradles your dog off the ground. Being raised alleviates a lot of pressure that would have been pressing on their bones, muscles, joints, and tendons. This design also supports much higher airflow when your dog is sleeping — and that helps to keep them cool when temperatures start to climb. Best of all, this whole unit is machine washable. Replacement covers can be purchased affordably. You can use this dog bed indoors as well as out with zero headaches or hassle whatsoever. The bolstered sides provide ultimate comfort for dogs who love to cuddle, curl and snuggle while sleeping. The cozy.Frequent washing can avoid dirt and provide a comfortable and clean bed for your dogs. Stuffed with eco-friendly PP cotton, cozy beige plush provides an ideal sleep.We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. With this dog bed, though, washing and drying things has never been more uncomplicated or straightforward. This cuts down on the amount of time you spend cleaning and maintaining these dog beds. Still, it guarantees a more sanitary and hygienic sleeping platform for your dog as well. This simple cleanable option is top-notch because it combines some high-quality materials including memory foam materials , environmentally friendly PP cotton choices on the exterior, and a variety of different sizes designed to accommodate all kinds of dogs. This is perhaps the ideal dog bed for large Goldendoodles. This belongs right up there amongst the best of the best options as far as top-quality dog beds are concerned. How long do Goldendoodles live? Take a closer look at the best dog bed for Goldendoodle options. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Kuranda Elevated Dog Bed The Kuranda Elevated Dog Bed is perfect for your Goldendoodle with allergies or sensitivities, the durable fabric repels dust mites and other irritants. The frame is made from a sturdy PVC pipe for durability and a cordura fabric for the bed base. The bed is easy to clean and made to stand up to years of use. Elevated bed is made for those with allergies, fabric repels dust mites Sturdy PVC pipe frame makes for a durable bed Easy to clean and made strong for years of use Goldendoodle Dog Bed Buying Guide As you can see from the above, there are many different types of dog beds on the market that your Goldendoodle will love. Each one has a wide variety of features that make the bed a great choice. Some of those features you may not care for or find you have no use for. I will be going over these features in depth for you to decide what your Goldendoodle needs in a dog bed. Hypoallergenic Hypoallergenic is a term commonly used in medical fields or the pet product industry. Hypoallergenic means that the product was made to make someone who has allergies life easier. In the case of a dog bed, it means the bed is made with materials that repel irritants such as dust mites. If your Goldendoodle has allergies or sensitivities then this is a feature you want. Elevated Elevated dog beds are generally a stretched, sturdy fabric that is lifted off the ground by a frame. These are especially nice because most of the time they are hypoallergenic, see the above term for explanation, and they are easy to clean. All you have to do is wait for your Goldendoodle to get off them and give it a quick wipe down with water. Orthopedic Orthopedic is another term commonly used in the medical and pet industries. Orthopedic means that the product it is tied to is made to help joint, muscle or bone problems in people or animals. This causes accidental injuries that a non slip bottom can fix easily. Machine Washable Having a bed that is machine washable is a Godsend for the busy pet parent. Goldendoodles, from what I experience, love mud and dirt. The only thing they love more is getting that mud all over your clean house and their bed. Having a bed that you can just throw into the washer, or remove the cover and throw that into the washer, is an amazing time saver. Recommended Reading:. My first thought when I saw it was the bed from Austin Powers the one that spins. As you can see in the image it's pretty large, so it's great for goldendoodles or other large dogs. I wouldn't recommend it if you have a toy or mini goldendoodle as they would probably feel lost on it. The bed is made of orthopedic memory foam which is great for dogs with arthritis or mobility issues. It comes with a waterproof liner and a machine-washable cover. Some reviewers have had issues with the zipper breaking on the outer cover, but I didn't really have that problem. Bailey felt like a rockstar in it! All he needed was a cocktail and aviator glasses umbrella and he would have been set. It's a really great bed, and I would definitely recommend it if you have a large breed dog. How to Choose a Dog bed for your Goldendoodle? Your goldendoodles' dog bed should be large enough and it should allow them to sleep freely in any position. A dog bed that is too small will limit their movement and make them uncomfortable. Make sure you pick one up that is machine washable, has a waterproof liner, and is made of high-quality materials. There are a few things to take into consideration when choosing a dog bed for your Goldendoodle: 1. Your Dogs Sleeping Preferences We all know that our puppies like to sleep in the weirdest positions. Bailey likes to sleep on his stomach with his legs stretched out behind him. Some like to curl up in a ball, while others sprawl out. Just like we humans have preferences, like some of us like to sleep on our side, some like to sleep on our stomach or back, dogs also have preferences. If you have a dog that likes to sprawl out while sleeping, then you should get a mattress style dog bed. If your dog likes to curl up, then a donut bed or a pillow bed would be a better option. If your goldendoodle likes to lean on something and rest his head while sleeping, then a bolster, sofa bed would be ideal. Joint Health of Your Dog The second thing you need to take into consideration is the joint health of your Goldendoodle. If your dog has arthritis or hip dysplasia, then you need to get a bed that will be easy on their joints and will not exacerbate their condition. Memory foam dog beds are great for dogs with joint issues because they evenly distribute your dog's weight and provide support for their joints. The Age of Your Dog One of the most important aspects to look at when choosing a dog bed for your goldendoodle is to look at the age of your dog. For younger dogs a bed that they can burrow into would be ideal, as it will make them feel safe and secure. Raised edge beds are also great for young dogs, as they can use the raised edge to "hide" behind. Fortunately Bailey didn't really chew on a lot of stuff when he was a puppy, but we all know that puppies like to destroy things so for a puppy or younger dog, you will need a bed taht is more durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Young pooches also tend to have more accidents, so a bed with a waterproof liner is essential. Senior dogs, on the other hand, need beds that are easy to get in and out of. If your goldendoodle is older and has mobility issues, don't pick a bed that has raised edges, like a sofa type bed as it would be very hard for them to get in and get out. Just imagine yourself with a bad knee, trying to get in and out of a high bed, it wouldn't be fun, would it? Instead, choose a lower-lying bed, like a mattress-style bed. Most dog beds for senior dogs are actually not that soft. They are built to support your dog's joints and provide them with comfort. These beds have orthopedic memory foam which contours to your dog's body and provides support for their joints and muscles. If the mattress is not thick enough, they can actually touch the floor when they lie down, which can be quite painful for them. Size of the Bed It's also very important to get the right sized bed. While you might want to get a huge bed for your goldendoodle puppy, it's actually not a good idea. They just simply won't be comfortable in it, or warm themselves up. At the same time, if you buy a bed that is too small, your dog will feel cramped and uncomfortable. Before buying a dog bed, measure your pooch from the tip of his nose to the base of his tail, and add about 10 inches to that. This is the size bed you should get for your dog. Material of the Bed When choosing the material of your pooches dog bed, there are two things to look at. The material of the foam and the material of the cover. The material of the cover matters because you want something that is durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear, but at the same time is soft and comfortable. The material of the foam is important because you want something that is going to be comfortable for your dog and provide support for their joints. There are a few different types of foams you can choose from. Memory foam, latex foam, and orthopedic foam are all great options. Price Of course, the price is always a factor when choosing anything. But when it comes to dog beds, you definitely get what you pay for. The cheaper dog beds might seem like a good deal at first, but they will not last as long and your dog will not be as comfortable in them. Investing in a good quality dog bed will save you money in the long run because you won't have to keep replacing them. Conclusion Bottom line, when choosing a dog bed for your goldendoodle, make sure to take into account their age, size, and needs. And don't forget to measure before you buy! Do your research and choose a bed that fits both your budget and your dog's needs. A good night's sleep is important for both you and your furry friend! Frequently Asked Questions Do Goldendoodles like beds? Yes, goldendoodles love beds! Every dog is different, but most goldendoodles enjoy having their own bed to sleep in. Do Goldendoodles need beds? While goldendoodles don't technically need beds, it is recommended that they have one. Beds provide a sense of security and comfort for your dog. If you have a young goldendoodle, a waterproof liner is definitely necessary. Puppies and young dogs have accidents and you don't want your dog's bed to get ruined. Yes, the cover of your dog's bed should be machine washable. This is because accidents happen and you want to be able to clean the bed easily. Will my Goldendoodle use the bed I get them? Well, that all depends on your dog. Some dogs love their beds and will use them all the time, while others could care less about them. It really just depends on your individual dog's personality. Keep reading for more in-depth reviews. The faux fur material is soft and cozy, and the memory foam mattress supports dogs in all the right places. Quad-layered and with an energy gel layer to help keep your dog cool, the Sealy Lux Bed is soft, durable, and easy to take care of. It features a waterproof lining, a machine washable cover, and a non-slip base. The FurHaven Sofa Bed for dogs with its faux fur sleeping surface and fluffy bolster sides is perfect for pooches who like to burrow down into their beds. The memory foam filling contours to their shape for extra comfort and support. With its 7-inch thick memory foam base, the Kopeks ortho bed is great for larger dogs or those with age-related aches and pains. The water-resistant inner and outer covers keep it protected while the rubber base grip stops it from sliding around. While it may seem like no big deal to have a bed that is just slightly too small or big for your pooch, this can cause several problems. It could also leave you out of pocket as larger beds tend to be more expensive. Save yourself the hassle of having to return the product by making sure that you get it right the first time. Measure your dog from their nose to the tip of their tail and from shoulder to shoulder at their widest point. Add around 8 to 10 extra inches to both those numbers to give them a little room, especially if they move around a lot or like to sleep in crazy positions as many Doodles do. Then compare those numbers with those of each of the bed sizes of the one you want to buy. Keep in mind that if you are purchasing for a puppy, you will need to consider their adult size when making your decision. Unless, you are planning to switch out their bed as they grow. See Also: Click the image Best Dog Beds for Goldendoodles: Buying Guide Beyond the size, there are various other things you will need to think about when deciding on the best bed for your pup. This includes: The Age of Your Dog Older and younger dogs tend to have significantly different needs and preferences when it comes to a bed. Younger dogs and rescues may like something comforting and calming that has raised edges or even a cover. They may also prefer soft cushions that they can burrow down into for a feeling of security. Younger dogs may also be more inclined to chew and scratch, so you will need something built to withstand this. They also may be more prone to little accidents, so a waterproof cover might also be a good option. With senior dogs, you will want to pick a bed with a mattress properly designed to provide adequate support to prevent them from having issues with sore and painful muscles and joints. You will also need to think about potential mobility issues, so a bed with bolsters on all four sides might not be the best choice. Related Content.

Although there is only one Labrador breed, there are two widely recognized sub-types within the breed. Our breeding program focuses on the "English" type, also referred to as show or bench type. We feel that the English lines produce dogs better suited for family pets, which is the main focus of our program. Just let us know what you're planned purpose for a dog is and we can recommend the lines and breeding best suited to your needs. We have litters throughout the year and produce all three recognized colors.You are welcome to call anytime for more info! All puppies come with a written health guarantee against genetic defects. If you are just looking for a pet, your puppy will come with limited AKC registration papers, which you can fill out and send in to complete the registration process. Full AKC registration is available for puppies placed in breeding or show homes at additional cost. If you are seeking full registration, please let us know when you first inquire so that we can give you the appropriate information. Ground shipping is available at buyer's expense. I can provide info on shippers I've personally dealt with for you to contact. Most people prefer to fly in and take their puppy back home as a carry-on. Nanny service possibly available. Some of our puppies in Patriot Paws' service dog training program!! Share 0 Shares If you live in Texas or come visiting, you have likely met at least one Labrador Retriever throughout your time there. This is because the Labrador Retriever is the most popular breed of dog in the country. The breed has earned a special place in the hearts and minds of dog lovers worldwide thanks to its exceptional intellect, amiable character, fun-loving temperament, and degree of commitment to its owners. If you want a Labrador Retriever, make sure to look for a reliable breeder by doing your research. Also, ensure to talk to the breeder in person or over a video call till you have a feel for them. This will help you to identify if they are trustworthy breeders or not. Good Labrador Retriever breeders are not only in for the money, and they do care for the dogs. Fortunately, the reputable Labrador Retriever breeders in Texas are included in this article. Although this is not an exhaustive list, finding the ideal Labrador Retriever puppies for you and your family should be made easier with the guidance of this list. Hope Retrievers There are many Labrador retrievers breeders in Dallas, but, among this lot, Hope retrievers stand out. This Dallas Labrador breeder specializes in training Labrador retrievers for different client tastes. So, if you visit them, you will definitely get what you want. In addition to hunting training, they also do gun training for Labrador retrievers. To spicy up their program, their dog obedience is top-notch. Hope retrievers chocolate Labrador retriever puppies are one-of-a-kind. Their hairs are well-groomed and their nails are neatly trimmed. Hope retrievers also do love breeding Labrador retrievers, so, they offer boarding services. So, even if you are traveling or going to work, you can trust them to take good care of your Labrador retriever. They are not just a Dallas Labrador retriever, they are one of the best Labrador retrievers in Dallas. Hope Retrievers Contact Details. Print Looking for a new gun dog or duck dog? Many people start their search with good intentions. They want to find a good quality pup that will serve as a hunting companion as well as a family dog. However, somewhere along the way they end up just picking up a cute puppy that the family could not resist. Maybe, but it is a needle-in-the-haystack approach. While there is no guarantee that any puppy you bring home is going to grow into a well-mannered hunting partner, there are ways to stack the odds in your favor. Today, we are going to discuss the process I go through when looking for a new puppy. These are my opinions, so take it for what it is worth, but I do have extensive experience buying Labrador puppies. I have been doing this for over 30 years and I rarely have a puppy that does not work out. Research puppy litters I buy my puppies based on pedigree. I want proven working parents. This means that I want to see that either the mom or dad, preferably both, have AKC retriever field trial titles , AKC retriever hunting test titles or UKC retriever hunting test titles behind their names on an official pedigree. Be sure you see field trial or hunt test titles. Sometimes you will see AKC show titles or other titles like agility. These are NOT the same as field trial or hunt test titles and are generally not something you want to see on the pedigree of a hunting or competition dog. There are many places to search for litters on the internet. And many sites offer the ability to limit your search by state. However, do not be afraid to look for puppies further away from you. If the litter has a great pedigree and is exactly what you are looking for, you can always have the puppy flown or shipped to you. Some of the sites that are good for looking for litters are: retrievertraining. Again, I am not saying that great dogs cannot come out of these places but rather that the odds are not in your favor. Why are hunting titles important? Hunting titles tell you that the dog has proven its ability to perform at a certain level. It also tells you that the genetics are there. If the parents can perform at a Field Champion or Master Hunter level, there is a good chance the puppies will also have that ability. Do all your research prior to going to look at the puppies Everybody loves puppies. They are cute, cuddly and so lovable. That is why I recommend that you do not ever go look at a litter that does not already meet your standards regarding pedigree. It is just too easy to end up bringing one home. And if you have kids or a spouse involved, I guarantee that any litter you go look at you are most certainly going to end up bringing home a puppy. Does color make a difference? Well-bred puppies are available in each of these colors, and we have trained excellent hunting dogs in each color. However, you may now see litters advertised as fox red or white. These colors are not recognized by the AKC and you should beware of purchasing a dog based solely on color. In addition, there are now Labs being sold as silver, charcoal and champaign. These litters are technically not pure Labrador Retrievers. They are often referred to as dilutes because the genetics have been diluted to produce these colors. Many trainers will not train dilutes because of the many health problems and genetic issues that go along with these breeds. There are, unfortunately, people breeding pups specifically to produce a specific color without regard for temperament and the betterment of the breed. We prefer to stay away from litters that do not have a proven pedigree and have been breed specifically for color. In addition, our experience training dogs from these types of litters has proven to be a struggle. How much does a good puppy cost? For many people this is a defining question. So, a new hunting partner can be a significant investment. But for us it is worth it to stack the odds in our favor. Find a great retriever breeder Unfortunately, not all breeders are equal. Over the years, some breeders have stood out to us as exceptional. They go over and beyond just taking good care of the puppies. You can tell they really want their puppies to turn out great and they take steps, while the pups are very young, to help ensure their puppies have a good strong foundation that will help them succeed in the future. Beyond the breeding of quality dogs, the difference is in the socialization of the puppies. As I talk extensively about in Raising a Lab puppy to be a duck or gun dog , socialization is an essential key component in training a retriever puppy. Breeders that go out of their way to socialize young pups are worth their weight in gold. The truth is that raising puppies, done the right way, takes a lot of time and commitment. We specialize in training and prefer to let others specialize in doing a great job raising litters. Ask prospective breeder the right questions When you call and talk to a breeder about an upcoming litter, it is important to get answers to some important questions. If the pedigrees are not available online, be sure and request one from the breeder. How often do you breed? How often has this mother been bred? When looking for a great hunting dog puppy, you want to avoid puppy mills. Puppy mills are breeders that are just pumping out puppies for money and without concern to the overall health and betterment of the breed. Responsible breeders have a plan for the litters they are producing and will be able to talk to you about why the litter is worth the money they are asking. What breeds do you breed? Look for a breeder that specializes in Labrador Retrievers or whatever breed you are looking to purchase. What does your health guarantee cover? Responsible breeders will offer you a health guarantee for the puppy. While what this guarantee covers may vary, with Labrador Retrievers some of the things you want to make sure the health guarantee covers includes: Hip dysplasia Eye issues In addition, you may want to make sure that the parents have been genetically tested for other genetic diseases such as Exercise Induced Collapse EIC and Centronuclear Myopathy CNM. What do you do to socialize the puppies? Asking this open-ended question can give breeders a chance to tell you about the work they do socializing the young pups before they are ready to go home. Or, you may want to follow up with more specific questions such as: Are the pups exposed to children at all? Do you take the pups to different locations during the day? Do the puppies get outside time, what does that look like? The goal is to find out if the puppies are getting socialization and exposure to new and different things on a regular basis. Pups that get this exposure tend to adjust more quickly to their new homes and new situations later in life. Have you done this specific breeding before? How did those puppies turn out? Breeders that are working for the betterment of the breed, may breed a set of parents more than once. If this is a repeat breeding, it is likely that the breeder will know how previous litters performed in the field or in competition. Serious Labrador Retriever breeders often keep track of how their puppies perform as they age. Alternatively, you could ask for references and talk to previous buyers to find out what they think of the breeder and the puppy they bought. Should I meet the prospective dog parents? While some people might tell you that you should meet the prospective parents of the puppies, I do not see a lot of value in this. Some good breeders do not own both the parents. Often, they work with other breeders so both the Dam and Sire may not be onsite. And if you are basing your pup purchase off pedigree first, as I would recommend, you already know the most important things about the parents. If looks are important to you, then photos of the parents will show you what you need to know. Choose a retriever puppy from the litter Once you decide on a litter, the waiting begins. Ask the breeder to provide videos and photos of puppies as the grow. This is a great way to see the puppies progress and you can see some personality traits in the different pups. If you did all the work in researching pedigree and breeders, you already have stacked the odds in your favor. You know that the litter is a good one and that the puppies have a good chance of turning out to be great hunting partners. This is important because it takes a lot of pressure off when it is time to pick the puppy from the litter. When you do go to the breeder to pick your puppy, take a few minutes to observe the puppies. This will allow you to see some personality traits. Understand though that this is only one snapshot in time. The puppy that is active at this time, might have been sleeping right before you showed up. Or, the one that is sleepy may have been running around like crazy just minutes before. At Otter Tail Kennels, we often look for a puppy that likes people. A puppy that chases a child around the yard or runs to the owner when they walk away is attractive to us because we want a people-centered dog instead of a dog that prefers to spend its time with litter mates. But this is not an exact science by any means. That is why we rely on the fact that we have done our homework and know the entire litter has promise. Final thoughts on how to find a good Labrador puppy Any time you set out to buy a puppy, you do not know how the journey will end. There are a lot of unknowns. You cannot tell for sure what the puppy will look like as an adult, and you cannot tell if they will be a great hunter or a great family dog. What you can do is stack the odds in your favor. Find a great litter from a great breeder and select a puppy from that litter. Once you do that, you are on your way to having a great duck or gun dog. Then the next important step is to socialize, expose and train the puppy. Read how to do that here. Have questions about finding a great retriever for your hunting and family needs? I am here to help! You can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs and services I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. How to find a good Labrador puppy. Selecting Your Labrador Retriever Puppy Selecting your puppy Try to restrain your emotions when you are selecting our pup. Remember that the breeder has been with the pup from day 1 to selection day at 5 weeks. At Pawlinglabs, we will ask you to forward a list of the characteristics that your are hoping for, prior to selection. When you come to select, we will ask you to observe the litter before entering and handling the pups. Labrador pups are very cute and cuddly, but when it comes time to select the right one for you there is plenty to consider. Carefully observe Labrador Retriever puppies before buying them, ensuring that the pup you select looks healthy and is to breed standard. There are some basic points to note about Labrador Retriever standards. The coat of a Labrador is their most distinctive feature. Labs have two coats, the water resistant undercoat which is unseen, and the top coat which is dense, straight and short. There is might be a slight wave in their coat, however the coat should feel rough to the touch. Labrador puppies come in three different coat colors: yellow light cream to red fox , chocolate liver and black. There must not be any other colours in the coat. Labs have a broad skull and a well defined stop. Their head is quite large but the features on the head, such as the ears, look proportioned. The ears of a Labrador should be set far back from the face. The inside skin of the ears should be a pale pink and soft without any scabs or discoloration. There shouldn't be any odour coming from them. The eyes of a Lab pup are round, either deep brown or hazel with black rims. The eyes should be friendly and express intelligence. The Labrador Retriever has a wide black and well developed nose with distinguished nostrils. The nose should be clean and without discharge. Be aware that a wet nose is not an indication that the Lab is healthy, nor does a dry nose indicate he is unwell. The teeth should be set square to the jaws with the top teeth slightly overlapping the bottom. Labrador puppies have fewer teeth than adults and they will lose their baby teeth as their adult teeth grow in. Labs have a well developed and strong chest. It has good depth and width. Their barreled ribs are well sprung and their back is level. Their loins are wide and strong. The skin of a Lab should be without scabs or bumps. It is normal for Labrador puppies to have extra skin at the back of their neck; this is how their mother picks them up. The skin color of a lab is usually pale pink but it can also be brown or even spotted. The tail of a Labrador is thick at the base and tapers towards the tip. The tail is a moderate length and has no feathering. It is as smooth like the rest of the coat with a rounded appearance. The tails is even with the back or slightly upwards. It should never be carried over the back or hang down. Labrador have long and sloping shoulders that connect to the strong front legs. The hind legs are developed well and have a turned stifle. Both the front and hind legs should be straight. The feet of Labrador pups are compact and perfectly round. Their toes are arched and pads well developed. Feet should be straight, not turned inwards or outwards. The gait of a Labrador should be carefree. Labs take long strides and walk straight. Observe your puppies as he walk. Make sure it is not favoring any leg or paw. This can be a sign of a current or future health issue. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. From the very first email, to picking up our fur baby — everything was smooth sailing. Mandi is so great!! Thank you so much Hargrove Heaven Farm Labradors! Claire G. We brought Colt home at 7 weeks this past thanksgiving and have been working with him ever since to become a bird dog! Lindsey S. Dax is 8 weeks old today. And although omg puppies are exhausting, she has been the greatest joy, and we are completely and forever in love with her. THANK YOU I regret not seeing outside of my own excitement and joy when we picked her up: to give you the time, a moment, that you deserve to say goodbye. You raise not just these pups, but the moms and dads that help raise them too; you work and provide every day for their precious lives; you wake early and probably stay up late and give them your life and your heart while still somehow making time for husband, children, family. You are superhuman. And Beth and I both want you to know we see, every day, in Dax the love, care, and attention that you committed to her. Dax is and will always be from you, from your incredible farm and family, from the green lands east of Dallas, and we will also see a wonderful side of her known as Hargrove. We are over the moon with her. And we are forever grateful to you and your family. She is so courageous. And absolutely hilarious sometimes. She is deeply loved, and we are committed to doing right by her, with a big respectful nod to the months you put in and the wonderful pup of amazing potential you gave us Saturday July 4th .Always the very best from Beth and Mikey and Dax!! Now at 5 months old he is as gentle, loving, and sweet as I could ever hope my kiddos childhood dog would be! Our youngest will snatch his toy and throw it for him while he patiently sits and waits. Holly C. She is so gentle with our kids. These two are best friends! As soon as she alerted me she ran to his side. Julie A. We love her to the moon and back. Our little fancy, prancer, petite girl weighs in at 56 lbs. She has been such a good puppy, eager to please and learn. Hargrove has the best Labradors! Kristen A. We live on a 21 acre farm with horses, pigs, goats, chickens, a goose, and of course LABS!!! We also have 4 small children so our dogs and puppies are highly socialized and exposed to lots of stimulii. Our days are spent outside from sun up to sun down. The dogs spend their day in and out of the pond, running with 4 wheelers, or napping on the porch. Our Labs are family first, they are raised and live inside our home surrounded by love. Are they good family dogs? Labrador Dog Price — The Costs Involved Buying a Labrador is not just a question of the purchase price of a Lab puppy, though of course that is important. There are other costs involved, both financial, emotional and in terms of time and effort. So we need to look at those too. You may be wondering whether you will have the time for a dog, and if you have the space and energy for a large and lively breed? But this page will take you back to the fundamental considerations, to help you to make the right choice for you and your family. Do you have time for a dog? Can you afford a dog? What about your lifestyle? Will a dog fit in with your family? Is a Labrador the right dog for you? These questions all apply regardless of the type of Labrador you are looking for. The needs of a black Lab, yellow Lab or chocolate Lab are all the same in these respects. The same goes for an English or American Labrador too. Dogs need space, both indoors and outside. Even small breeds need room to stretch their legs and run about. And Labradors as fairly large and lively dogs need quite a lot of space. This means you need a decent sized backyard if you plan on buying a Labrador puppy. Somewhere that your Lab dog can run around, play and enjoy training sessions with you. Labradors can be quite silly during adolescence, bouncing and cavorting in the home. Their tails are long and thick, easily knocking any fragile decorations you might have from shelves. If you have lots of ornaments then you will need to move them to higher shelves to avoid them getting damaged. You will also need to move anything that could be easily damaged by chewing. With small puppies this will be very often indeed. Perhaps every 15 to 20 minutes during their first few days with you. If you live in a flat, or do not have a garden, this will be difficult for you. These are helpful but do take up a lot of space. Although this will take up a lot of space indoors, it can work very well for larger apartments with no easy outside access. Ideally however you do need to have a garden, and a part of the garden which your dog can use as a bathroom, along with a good system for clearing up after him hygienically. Space is key for a Lab dog! The right space for a Labrador includes large clear rooms in the house, with no breakable or fragile objects within his grasp. And ideally access to a garden where they can easily be let out to the bathroom and have room to play. Keeping a single Labrador permanently outside however is not usually a good idea, even with adequate shelter and security. Labs are very sociable dogs and prone to separation anxiety if they lack company. This means your dog may be both sad and noisy. It is always sad to hear from new puppy owners that are struggling to juggle the needs of a puppy with their need to work. These articles will help you to deal with this common issue. Even with a visit at lunch time. An older dog may cope with being left for up to four hours in row on a regular basis, but puppies need more attention than this. Contented Labradors are fairly quiet dogs and unlikely to disturb your neighbors. Nor are they very good guard dogs. However, lonely dogs bark and wreck things. If you work all day, can you afford to pay someone to come in and let him out to stretch his legs and empty himself? Or do you have a relative or friend that would be prepared to do this on a regular basis. Bear in mind that this is quite a lot to ask of anyone in the long term. The biggest long term time commitment in owning a dog is in the form of training and exercise. Training Takes Time All dogs need training in order that they can rub along in human society without being a complete nuisance. This means a regular daily commitment of ten to twenty minutes from you, in addition to your regular interaction with the dog. Training cannot be saved up for the weekend, your dog will have forgotten most of what he learnt the weekend before, and he does not have the attention span to concentrate on you for an hour and a half. You can find out more about training your Labrador puppy here. Staying Fit Exercise is required on a regular basis, for some breeds of dog this means at least an hour a day of walking or jogging to keep your dog fit and healthy. You can find out more about the exercise requirements of a Labrador puppy here. Whilst your dog will not come to any harm if you miss a day occasionally, a daily routine is often the best way to ensure that you build this important habit. Can You Afford A Dog? Dogs can be quite expensive to run. You need to consider not only how much a Labrador will cost you to buy, but also how much it will cost you to keep. How much do Labradors cost from breeders? The price of a Labrador puppy will vary from breeder to breeder, and from place to place. Perhaps you know a friend that has a litter of puppies and they are going to let you have one for free. However, the purchase price of a dog is almost irrelevant. It is such a small part of the final cost. The cost of keeping a Labrador The reality is, you are also going to need to fork out a chunk of your wages each week on keeping your pooch happy and healthy. Obviously you will have taken the cost of a good brand of Labrador puppy food into consideration. It is a good idea to budget for veterinary insurance too. Not because it is unreasonably priced, but simply because it is now so advanced. You can fix a lot of problems these days. We can do open heart surgery, mend complex fractures, treat cancer with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Pretty much anything you can treat in a human, you can now treat in a dog. And the catch? It costs. The more comprehensive your insurance package the more it will cost. Watch out for very cheap deals, as they may not provide continuing cover for long term ailments. You will also need to vaccinate your dog against common canine illness , and this will probably need to be done each year too. Especially if you are wanting to occasionally leave them in boarding kennels when you go away, as they require up to date vaccination certificates. Labrador Puppy Costs There will be a few other one-off costs such as a puppy crate and puppy play pen for your home for when your dog is young, another for your car if you have one. Then there are bowls, bedding, collar, leash etc. But you may be able to borrow a crate or get one second hand. Here are some of the items you will need for your new Labrador puppy, and reviews on the best options for Labradors:.

The very much loved Jack on his way from Tel Aviv to New York with his owner Terry Not too sure what he thinks of his mode of transport!! INessie also travelling By a slightly more traditional means! We have a passion for Labradoodles, Labradors and Standard Poodles and the more we do with them the more hooked we become! We have a small number of very special breeding dogs - our ultimate aim is to enhance the quality and standard of the British Labradoodle. Our bitches are never bred from more than once a year and depending on how they take to motherhood they have a maximum of up to four litters. Once finished being Mums they are spayed and sometimes although this is terribly difficult and if the perfect home comes along they are re-homed - usually to family or friends. Sadly we can only keep a limited number of dogs if we are to continue our breeding program. If you are interested in adopting one of our ex-breeding bitches in the future and can offer the perfect home, please contact us. Our aim is to breed healthy, happy and beautiful family pets, bred from health tested parents, with good conformation and above all excellent temperaments. About sixteen years ago I saw my first 'Doodle' and was overwhelmed by him - I had never heard of Labradoodles before, and like everyone else, wasn't entirely sure whether I was having my leg pulled or not!! However, I was assured that Labradoodles were for real and I was also told a little about their history and why they were originally bred. I was fascinated and then spent many hours, days, months and yes years, researching into this wonderful, and relatively new breed. I had grown up with labradors and poodles and felt sure that a mating between the two to produce a labradoodle would be an excellent cross. Both dogs carry wonderful traits, and are such perfect family pets - put the two together and I felt certain you would end up with something very special indeed. Of course I wanted one! My hopes right from the start, if all went well, were to ultimately aim to breed a small number of top quality labradoodles, with particular care taken on their type, conformation, health testing and particularly their temperaments. Our first Labradoodle and the start of Didlington Doodles! When we went to see the pups at 6 weeks, out of all the pups it was Stroodle who came bounding up to us on arrival - she had already been picked out for us by Fiona as one of the best bitches, so it was extraordinary how she knew we were to be her 'people'! At the same time I also set out to find a very special labrador bitch puppy with the view, again if all went well, for her to start our own line of Didlington Doodles when the time was right. I found Pindy, a beautiful black puppy from a top class field trials strain, and again there was no question which pup from the litter was coming to us! The other extraordinary thing is that both pups were born on the same day - so there was a link between them right form the start. Both pups arrived shortly after the New Year in and our house has never been quite the same since!! Now a number of years later I can honestly say that my initial instincts about labradoodles were absolutely right. They are the most fabulous, fun, bouncy, crazy, loving and loyal dogs I have ever come across. They also have a highly developed sense of humour and are very intelligent. They are always up to some wicked trick - you can almost see their thought patterns as they try to think of something to make you laugh! A labradoodle is not for the faint hearted, they love lots of attention, walks and fun. They also love everybody and every thing - even our cats nearly get flattened with licks and kisses when they come home - although of course the cats do have the upper hand in the animal hierarchy! I don't think there is an ounce of malice in Stroodle, as I said she loves everybody and all other dogs too - but they can be over exuberant so do need to be properly trained. Being such sociable dogs they would not be happy left for hours on their own. I would therefore not advise anyone who was out at work all day to have a labradoodle and indeed we would not let one of our pups got an 'out at work all-day family'! We aim to breed about four litters a year, and are receiving emails and phone calls daily, either through word of mouth or via internet search engines. Initially we started in Dorset and in in we moved to our new home in Shropshire We have more space for our Doodles and we all live in the most idyllic and beautiful setting. In we became fully Council Licensed. After thorough checks to ensure the pups are going to the right homes, we are happy to export our puppies abroad, both internationally and to Europe. We work closely with Petair UK www. We now have Didlington Doodles in wonderful new homes in Jersey, Holland, Switzerland, Malta, Hong Kong, The USA and The Cayman Islands We are also now offering a delivery service within the UK for our pups, but do insist that new owners come to visit us initially in order to meet Mums, Dads and the pups and to see where they are born and brought up. As far as is possible we do like to meet all our prospective new owners. Most of our pups leave us at 8 weeks, but it is possible for us to keep them for a little longer if required to help with holiday dates etc. We obviously make a small charge for this and also for delivery. Pindy who started our own line of Labradoodles - our original F1's. She had the most beautiful pups and was a fantastic family member always up for a good walk and even a bit of skateboarding - but only as long as Phezzie could come too! She is a small working Labrador and just the sweetest, most gentle dog. Mum to Binka and many other very special pups! F1 Labradoodle puppies. Today we share a complete introduction to the F1 Labradoodle. This Labradoodle puppy is playing in a way that only a puppy can. What does f1 Labradoodle mean? Labradoodles are a cultural phenomenon. The first intentional Lab and Poodle mix dogs were bred in the s as low shedding candidates for service work. At that time, mixed breed dogs were regarded with disdain by many people. And the rest, as they say, is history. Now almost everyone is familiar with what a Labradoodle is, and they have paved the way for dozens of other designer dogs too. But fewer people are acquainted with the filial numbering system for mixed breed dogs. Put simply, an f1 generation Labradoodle has one pedigree Labrador parent, and one pedigree Poodle parent. The number 1 describes how many generations removed a puppy is from their closest purebred ancestor. F1 Labradoodles are one generation apart from a purebred dog. F1 vs F2 Labradoodle Puppies? Breeders usually specify that their litter is an f1 generation in order to distinguish it from different filial generations. F2 Labradoodles have two F1 Labradoodle parents. Their most recent pedigree ancestors are now their grandparents — two generations away. The physical and behavioral traits of f2 dogs are harder to predict. This is because in the confines of a pedigree population, we usually have a good idea of what genes Labs and Poodles may be carrying but not expressing, and how those genes might affect F1 Labradoodles. But the unexpressed genes in an F1 Labradoodle are an unknown quantity. Did they come from the Lab or the Poodle parent? Will they be expressed in the F2 generation? Who knows? And finally, multigen Labradoodles are several generations removed from their most recent pedigree ancestor on one or both sides. What is a standard f1 Labradoodle? This describes the size of their Poodle parent. Poodles come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature and Toy. What does an F1 Labradoodle look like? Their coat is usually kept at a single length all over, known as a puppy clip. Furthermore, lots of owners report f1 Labradoodle coat changes as their puppy grows up. Firstly, the length, softness, and texture can change when their adult coat replaces their puppy coat. This process starts at about 6 months old, and can take several weeks or even months. Secondly, their color can change over time if they inherit the progressive greying gene from their Poodle parent. Labrador Poodle mix dogs can have a tall and leggy silhouette like a Poodle. Or be more long and sturdy-looking like a Labrador. Labradoodle dogs have floppy, v-shaped ears because both of their parents do. But their muzzle can be wider or narrower depending on whether they take after a Labrador or a Poodle more. F1 Labradoodle Size? Th adult size of a Poodle Lab mix dog depends upon things like: whether their Poodle parent was standard or miniature sized whether their Labrador parent came from working or show lines their sex and individual variation. In both Labs and Standard Poodles, male dogs are frequently bigger than females, so the same is true of a standard f1 Labradoodle. Females typically reach between 40 and 70lbs, and males weigh 60 to 80lbs. Working type Labs are usually leaner and lighter, whilst show Labs are usually stockier and heavier — and they can pass this onto their puppies. Miniature f1 Labradoodle size is much harder to predict. Male and female Miniature Poodles both weigh 10 to 15lbs. So most mini f1 Labradoodles will weigh between 30 and 45lbs, but outliers can weigh much more or much less! Breeding f1b mini Labradoodle litters with one Miniature f1 Labradoodle parent and one Miniature Poodle parent is a popular way of producing Lab and Poodle mix dogs which are consistently small. Do f1 Labradoodles shed? This means most f1 Labradoodles shed significantly less than a purebred Lab. But, this is not guaranteed, and exactly how much less they shed does vary. Moreover, a non-shedding coat does not mean that a Labradoodle mix or even a purebred Poodle for that matter is hypoallergenic. Training and exercising f1 Labradoodles Labradors and Poodles are both lively, energetic and intelligent dogs. In fact, they both started out as working gundogs, bred to spend long and physically arduous days retrieving shot waterfowl and returning it to their handler. Since a lot of those unlucky birds fell in water, Labs and Poodles were also favored by duck hunters for their natural love of swimming. With this heritage, Labradoodles are likely to pick up new commands quickly and easily, especially if their Labrador parent came from working lines. They benefit from activities like gundog training, agility, or canine freestyle to stretch their mental muscles as well as their physical ones. Speaking of physical muscle, Labradoodle dogs need at least 2 hours of outdoor activity every day, which can including walking on or off leash, or swimming. F1 Labradoodle health Just like everything else, first generation Labradoodle health is a mixed inheritance from both of their parents. Labradors and Poodles share a genetic predisposition to some health problems, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. But they also both carry some recessive genetic conditions that the other does not. This is significant to Labradoodles because recessive diseases only affect puppies who inherit the faulty genes that cause them from both parents. So mixed breed dogs tend to be protected, if only one parent breed carries the faulty gene. Examples of recessive genetic diseases in Labs and Poodles that f1 Labradoodles are usually protected from include exercise induced collapse, and sebaceous adenitis. F1 Labradoodles are also susceptible to the acquired i. You can protect your dog from these by making smart lifestyle choices, such as measuring food out accurately, and drying their ears after they go swimming. Labradors and Standard Poodles typically live for approximately 12 years, so a standard F1 Labradoodle will be about the same. On average, mixed breed dogs live for 2 years longer than pedigree dogs, thanks to factors like the protection from some hereditary diseases described above. Miniature Poodles live nearly 14 years on average. This extra life expectancy might also be seen in mini f1 and mini f1b Labradoodle dogs. Are f1 Labradoodles good pets? Labradoodles have taken the world by storm, because they have the potential to be fantastic pets in the right households. Labs and Poodles are both affectionate with their human family, and patient with younger family members. However, the Poodle tends to be less interested in unfamiliar people and dogs than the Labrador, and an f1 Labradoodle could go one way or the other. Good breeders will have lots of questions about you, your household, your lifestyle, and what you expect life with a Labradoodle to be like. Finally, good breeders also have a waiting list, so expect to wait a while for your puppy to be ready. Larger Labradoodles will need more than a small breed. Walking the dog will be an everyday necessity for the next years. So, be realistic about how much time you have available. Before sharing it with another living being, you should make sure there is enough space. You all want to be able to live together comfortably. Thirdly, whilst your kids will grow, it might be easier if they are very young baby-toddlers to have a small dog. The dog won't tower over them, and it might be easier for you to look after both. That being said, maybe a more pressing issue would be the size of your vehicle. It might even be the deciding factor. Another factor is health. That includes DNA testing for hereditary diseases. The larger the dog, the increased risk of structural health problems. In particular, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and patellas knees. So, before adopting a puppy, please make sure these checks are done. They significantly reduce the risk of your dog developing avoidable health conditions. A small factor to consider as well is gender. Male dogs are generally slightly larger and stockier than females. Regardless, boys and girls are likely to vary in adult size once fully grown. The points mentioned are areas to think about before bringing any animal into your home. Whilst we emphasised the concerns for larger dogs, all sizes of Labradoodles make fantastic pets. We wanted to highlight these points to make sure that you know how each size differs in terms of requirements. If it is, great! They can be a wonderful addition to your family! This is because the other infusion dog breeds influence the final height and coat type of the puppies. When you think about the height and weight of these breeds, it makes sense. It makes this breed much easier to size, compared to a British Labradoodle. Eight different breeds make up an Australian Cobberdog. Depending on the size of your Cobberdog, they will either have Standard Poodle or Minature Poodle genes. If you wanted a smaller dog, for example, a Spaniel would help bring down the sizing; a Standard Poodle would not. What about F1b Labradoodle sizes? F1b denotes a backcross to a pedigree breed, usually the Poodle breed. Backcrossing is when a hybrid e. Labradoodle is bred to a dog of similar genetics to one of its parents. If you're contacting Labradoodle breeders with F1b puppies available soon, ask for the parents and grandparents sizes. This is particularly important on the Poodle's side. Both generations of backcross Labradoodle breeding will influence their final size. It wouldn't matter that the direct parent is medium-sized. Mixed breeds, like all pedigree dog breeds, can vary in sizing. So all sizes are approximate and for illustration purposes only. Your dog could grow to be bigger or smaller than their parents. This variance is often a result of their ancestors' sizing genetics. It might also be from the breeds used during cross-breeding. Cobberdogs are the best if the height is important to you. Their sizing is much more predictable. This is especially true if you want a small Labradoodle. The other pedigree breeds offset the height of the Labradoodle Retriever and Standard Poodle. When filling out our application form , you can pick more than one size and state your preference. Our most popular request is an Australian Cobberdog in miniature medium size. It's a good size Labradoodle puppy for families with young children. UK Breeders since .We Export Worldwide.

Perfect for puppy and small dog value pack; Great New Dog Gift? No boredom here! Lamb Chop squeak toy and teething toy keep your dog busy? Good for dental hygiene. This dog package welcomes new puppies with toys, treats and puppy necessities. Your new dog or small dog will bark for joy at this petite and pawfect gift basket. The perfect puppy care package to welcome new dogs. Now puppies can enjoy lamb chop just like we did as kids, and she squeaks. Everything a new puppy and their pawrent will need, use and appreciate! Perfect in every way!!!! Thank you so much!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 Laura — August 27, Item came quickly and as described. I gave it as a gift and the new owners were pleased, as was the puppy! Rated 5 out of 5 Jacqueline — August 27, So cute. The packaging is beautiful and the turnaround time was just as fast as Amazon, for a better quality, more personalized product. Love it. Rated 5 out of 5 Amanda — It was a gift. She liked it. It is a perfect gift to surprise a friend. Her puppy loves all the treats and toys too. Rated 5 out of 5 katherineelizabeth01 — Bought as a gift, was shipped and arrived promptly! Rated 5 out of 5 Kaver — August 28, This was the perfect gift to send to my long distance friend when they got an English bulldog puppy! Shipping was fast and it comes with lots of goodies perfect for new pet owners. Rated 5 out of 5 Molly —. If you buy a product from a link on our site, we may earn a commission. From pee pads and treats to toys and blankets, there are so many great gifts you could buy for a baby pup. The Dodo found some of the best new puppy gifts on Amazon that any puppy parent would love to receive. A new BFF is definitely something to celebrate, so start the party by gifting one of these awesome puppy-approved items. These adorable plush toys from ZippyPaws look like your favorite celebratory drink, but instead of bubbles, these have squeakers inside. Makes a fun gift for a new pet owner. It comes equipped with a heat pack and a battery-powered pulsing heartbeat that calms anxious pups both big and small. With over 25, five-star reviews on Amazon, pet parents love this comforting toy. This set of bandanas comes in various plaid patterns and colors and are made out of super-soft cotton fabric. These may be the first and last bandanas you ever buy for your dog. And this one from Top Dog comes with all the bells and whistles — food storage, collapsible bowls, a water bottle sleeve and a back panel that perfectly fits over suitcase handles. It comes in several different sizes and colors and is machine washable. Plus, the company promises it will never shed or fade. By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy. More from DodoWell. Will Love Featuring festive treats, toys, and so much more. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Published on December 9, We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Photo: Courtesy of Bark Box As nice as it can be to receive gifts over the holidays , it's often even more rewarding to be the one doing the gifting.As pet owners can attest, there's nothing more satisfying than presenting your pup with a treat or toy that you know they'll absolutely love—even if they just tear it apart a few minutes later. And if you can, why not give them a whole bundle of presents rather than just one? That's even better. Luckily, there are tons of great dog gift baskets available that are guaranteed to bring joy to both you and your four-legged pal. These 13 Dog Subscription Boxes Are the Gift That Keeps on Giving From adorable boxes filled with Christmas-themed cookies for dogs, to useful bundles featuring items like collars, leashes, and more —there are so many fun options for treating the pup in your life this season. Below, we've rounded up our 13favorite dog gift baskets, all of which you can buy just in time for the holidays. Because seriously, is there any better way to spend this time of year than by making your best friend even happier than they already are? It includes eight Christmas-themed cookies, four icing cups, and a packet of mini bone cookies, all of which are individually wrapped to keep them fresh long after the holidays are over. That is, if your dog doesn't devour them all before New Year's Eve! Featuring four toys including a reindeer, obviously and two big bags of seasonal treats, the box will put any pup right in the holiday spirit. This one contains five toys including a getaway car and a paint can plus a bag of treats aptly named "Marv, Duck! With this box, you and your dog's next movie night is bound to be a success. Upgrade your pup's walk style with a new leash, collar, and waste bag dispenser, all made of soft but durable material and designed in a lovely dusty blue color scheme but you can choose from a ton of other color options if you prefer. Everything comes packed in a pretty box that's tied with a gold bow, so you can rest easy knowing you're treating your furry pal in style. All the snacks that it contains, such as organic chicken bites and grass-fed beef jerky, are made with pups' health in mind, and there's a handful of toys thrown in to ensure your pal has some fun. There are two different kinds of toys, a bag of treats, a bandana, and a blanket, all festively themed for the season. There's even a "Happy Holidays" banner you can display for cute photo ops! Containing a toy, treats, a poop bag dispenser, bags, and even a blanket perfect for cuddles or protecting your couch from all the hair! In this jam-packed gift box, there are some good-looking treats, but also a dog-shaped soap dish, dog-themed socks, and many more items meant for owners to enjoy. Happy holidays to us all! If you're planning on giving the bag to another dog owner, you can even add a personalized handwritten message on a dog-themed card , of course. There are tennis balls, plush toys, and a rope toy, all intended to keep pups entertained for hours on end. Get ready to watch your pup have a ball pun intended playing with these holiday-themed items and count down the days until Christmas with the Advent calendar on the back of the box. Primitives By Kathy Rustic 2-Piece Treat Tins If you purchased any of the smaller items above, consider placing them in the rustic 2-pice treat tin set. Each treat tin is designed with a slatted wood printed background. Choose from a variety of styles and gender. My wife gifted me with a few of these sculptures over the years, and they are beautifully crafted and designed. Comes in a sweet gift box and makes a perfect new puppy present. Pawprint Imprint Kit Every puppy should have their pawprint preserved. Perfect for holiday cards, framing, ornaments, and more. This product is percent pet safe and accommodates a paw up to 2. I tried this kit on my puppy Alvin with paw-fect results. You get two impression cards in each box. DogMinder is the ultimate companion journal we created to track vet visits, medications, emergency contacts, and daily records. Comes in a gift box with easy-to-follow instructions. Features a water bottle holder, zipper side pocket, two lined food containers, two collapsible bowls, front magnetic pocket, adjustable shoulder strap, and more. Customized Dog Feeding Tracker Never worry about overfeeding your puppy nor wonder if puppy was fed. This customized dog feeding tracker is made with a natural wood finish. Custom sizes and messages available. Simply flip the paw after your pup has been fed. Make it easier with the Puppy Potty Target Training fire hydrant. Place this near the area where the puppy should pee. Puppy will mark their spot, it easily washes off, and stands 7 inches high by 4 inches wide. Choose from a variety of colors. Easily train your puppy to paw at the bells when they have to go outside to do potty. Comes with easy-to-follow instructions. Fabric Toy Bin Every new puppy parent needs a fabric toy bin or two. Nicely prized, these cute bins feature dog-inspired words and dog bone handles. Each bin measures .Each bandana comes with two snaps on each side that allow for sizing adjustments. Sort By: Forever Buddies Care Package An adorable pet themed mailer holds treats for both the dog and his owner and is a great way to send well wishes, celebratory wishes, thinking of you, new home and is suitable for about any occasion you can imagine. Our gifts for pets and owners are unique and our customers and recipients love them! Our dog lover gifts are a huge hit with not only family and friends, but across the corporate industry as well as they contain treats for both the owner and the dog! These wildly popular pet lover gifts are a perfect choice for almost any gifting occasion as they include goodies and treats for both the dog and his owner. With treats for both the owner and their favorite fur baby, this gift delivers the just right touch. This dog lover gift can be used for either! Send them a gift they can share! Our Smiles and Wags Dog and Owner gift is sure to please as it comes with treats for the owner and a beautiful bakery fresh and hand decorated doggy biscuits just for Fido. This gift would be perfect for get well, birthdays, gift for appreciation, and thank you and more. This gift is a dog lovers dream come true because it has goodies inside for both of them. So go ahead and send for the sick dog lover or for the dog whose feeling a bit ruff; this gift is sure to make your well wishes even more extra special. Sharing it with your favorite canine! We designed this special pet lover gift with treats for both the family dog and for the owner as well. Fido will enjoy an assortment of yummy gourmet biscuits while the family enjoys fabulous cookies and more! Lots of yummy treats for everyone inside this pet lover gift. Our dog lover gifts have been a very popular gift to send for every gifting occasion. Well, this is the perfect gift for that funny-fun-loving dog that you know that always brings a bright smile to your face or the owners. Filled with only good nutritious treats for the dog and our favorite candy for the owner, this gift also has a purple plush owl that dogs just love to toss around. This gift is perfect for any gifting occasion. This pet lover gift includes only the best in American candy and delicious treats and a penguin toy for Fido. Rewards for both! Fido is sure to enjoy the variety of gourmet biscuits while the family will enjoy the makings of one fine homemade pizza and more. Our dog lover gifts are always a hit and are enjoyed by the whole family; even Fido! Fido is sure to enjoy the variety of gourmet biscuits he is to receive while the family will enjoy making one fine homemade pizza. Our dog lover gifts are always a hit and certain to be enjoyed by the whole family; even Fido! Yes, there is a common theme here and Jack is the name. With goodies for both the dog and the owner this gift will certainly hit its mark. Fun for both to send for a birthday gift, retirement gift, or any gifting occasion at all. This colorful Macaw dog toy stands almost 14 inches tall and is just begging to be played with. Bring out the wild side of this gift with those yummy treats. Filled with an assortment of goodies for both the dog s and the owner our collection of dog lover gifts meets the goal with both style and taste. While there is no alcohol inside this gift it does include JD Old No. Send the gift that is certain to be the talk of the neighborhood. A great idea for those who watch your dog when you vacation or a perfect way to say thank you or even happy birthday! Yes, this gift can deliver the sentiments you wish to send as it is filled with yummy treats for both. Celebrate the occasion in style and they may just bring back the awesome handled tin for you to refill again! Filled with a large selection of biscuits and treats to satisfy one or more spoiled dog s and their owners or enough to treat a whole kennel full of pups, techs and vets; this dog lover gift delivers in a very real way. A perfect pet and person gift for vet clinics, shelters, fundraisers, veterinarians, breeders and even for that one or two spoiled dogs that are something to bark about.

Some Goldendoodles sleeping more than others may just lack opportunities for physical and mental stimulation. One way to get your dog more mental stimulation is to do fun training exercises like the ones in the Brain Training for Dogs program! As Goldendoodles enter their twilight years, they tend to sleep more hours on average. As their bodies slow down and deal with the effects of wear and tear through the years, senior dogs will require more rest throughout the day. Arthritis, hip dysplasia , cognitive dysfunction, and other age-related health issues that affect senior Goldendoodles can cause them to revert to the sleeping habits that they had while a puppy. They will nap on and off throughout the day. Some can sleep for a total of hours per day. Senior Goldendoodles tend to sleep more because they tire out more easily. Also, bigger dogs spend more time dozing compared to their smaller counterparts. When it comes to knowing the right Goldendoodle sleep schedule, experts generally point out that the bathroom habits of dogs are the most important consideration. When and how frequently your Goldendoodle relieves themself can affect their sleep schedule. Photo courtesy of lucyythedoodle on Instagram. When dogs were domesticated, many slept with their masters. Lying close together created stronger bonds between dogs and their owners. It was also a way to keep warm as the heat of their bodies combined. As social creatures, Goldendoodles love being around their humans even when sleeping. However, there are pros and cons related to co-sleeping with your Goldendoodle. Pros: Gives both dog and human a sense of safety, security, and comfort. Increases the amount of quality time spent with your dog. Eases anxiety. Health concerns of humans can be aggravated. A common example is experiencing allergies. Dogs carry dust, dander, and other pathogens. Risk of disease and parasite transmission from dog to human and vice versa. The difference between a dog and human sleep cycles can significantly affect the quality of sleep for both humans and their canine buddies. As you might have gathered, a Goldendoodle sleeping a lot is not usually a cause for concern. Even when they are in deep sleep, their protective instincts are always on high alert thus even the slightest sound could easily wake them up. However, these should return to normal with time. Excessive sleep can be a red flag for serious health issues such as diabetes , hearing loss, hypothyroidism, or canine depression to name a few. Goldendoodles, in their first weeks of life, will sleep anytime they are not nursing. As newborns, they tend to nurse every 2 hours taking naps in between feeds. Even so, they shut their eyes as they nurse, so essentially, they sleep all through. As they grow, they start being more active during the day. Goldendoodle puppies will stay awake for about 2 to 4 hours from 3 weeks of age. For example, they will play and explore for a few minutes, sleep for a few hours, play again, sleep, and the cycle continues. From two months of age, Goldendoodle puppies will sleep for 18 to 20 hours a day. They will have about 4 to 6 hours of active time during the day, whereby they will play and explore in short spurts. Like other puppies, Goldendoodle puppies need a lot of time to rest and recharge from short playtimes. They tend to sleep longer stretches at night, but they get up to have potty breaks and stretches. In the earlier months, your Goldendoodle puppy may wake up more than once for potty breaks, but with consistent training, they will sleep through the night before they hit five months. Older puppies between 6 and 12 months will sleep an average of 15 hours a day. They tend to have more energy to expend at this stage, spending more time playing and exploring. On this note, they will sleep longer stretches of up to 9 hours at night with short naps during the day. Since Goldendoodle puppies are energetic, they use up all their energy during the day playing and interacting. But, they tend to nap multiple times to recharge between sessions and reenergize for their next play session. An adult Goldendoodle will sleep for 14 hours on average, but the hours increase as they age. A study by the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found out that middle-aged and older dogs sleep more during the day than puppies. Middle-aged dogs and older dogs tend to take more naps during the day as their energy levels drop significantly as they grow older. That means they need more rest than younger ones to recharge and pump up for playtimes. Even so, Goldendoodles tend to be more energetic than most other dogs; therefore, they may sleep fewer hours. But, how much they sleep depends on several factors varying from dog to dog and from household to the other. Your dog will have a hard time falling asleep. According to a Journal of Veterinary Behavior study, dogs that were fed more frequently took fewer naps during the day, but those naps lasted longer. Dogs fed twice a day slept earlier at night but woke up earlier, showing a decreased total time at night. This study shows that a higher frequency in feeding affects the length of naps and, ultimately, sleep quality. If your Goldendoodle is going through a mental or emotional issue, it may have difficulty trying to sleep. This is why it is essential to engage your dogs mentally, as much as you do physically. Ensuring your dog is mentally stimulated will help it settle down quickly, rest more and sleep better. Your dog needs emotional support to help it cope with everything around the home. Your dog requires adequate love and affection, which contributes significantly to how well it settles down and rests. If your dog does not get adequate training each day, it may have a hard time trying to sleep. Exercising helps to expend built-up energy in dogs to help them calm down and rest more. It is important to note that if your dog has physical issues or complications, it may not sleep as effectively as a healthy dog. However, this can go the other way round, and your dog may need to sleep more than usual, owing to its physical incapabilities. Puppies and dogs in their first few years may need to sleep more than adult, active dogs. On the same note, senior dogs may need more sleep as their energy levels drop significantly as they age. The Environment The environment your Goldendoodle stays in can make or break its sleep pattern. If your home is noisy and full of distractions, your dog may find it hard to sleep and rest comfortably. This can highly affect how long your dog sleeps and how much time your dog needs to fall asleep. You ought to create a healthy lifestyle for your dog by ensuring your dog eats a healthy diet. Provide healthy food and clean water throughout the day to ensure your dog gets all its essential nutrients. Additionally, ensure your dog gets adequate exercise every day, essential for expending energy and mental stimulation. With regular exercise, your dog will have an easier time settling down and falling asleep. Stay on top of their health needs by scheduling regular visits to the vet and engaging them often to meet their emotional needs. How long your Goldendoodle holds their bladder depends on their age. Younger Goldendoodles below six months of age can hold their bladder for 1 to 3 hours. Puppies older than six months can hold their bladder for up to 6 hours. Goldendoodles above two years can hold their bladder between 6 to 8 hours, while those above seven years can hold between 4 to 6 hours. As they grow older, the time reduces significantly, going as little as 2 hours for dogs between 11 to 12 years. Goldendoodles love to be close to their family members and enjoy cuddling. They like sleeping in your bed or in your room at night to keep the connection going. Goldendoodles thrive on bond and will appreciate the extra time with you sleeping in your bed or next to you. Can Goldendoodles Sleep Outside? It is not advisable to leave your dog to sleep outside. They are generally indoor dogs and do not adapt well to temperature changes that happen at night. Additionally, the coat is not suited for the outdoors. The best approach is setting up a comfortable dog bed inside the house. Goldendoodles love cozy spaces, and setting up one for yours will significantly impact the quality of sleep. With a comfy dog bed indoors, your Goldendoodle will have an easier time falling asleep. Why Do Goldendoodles Sleep On Their Backs Goldendoodles like to sleep on their backs as a way to help them breathe better as they sleep. Sleeping on the back can also be an indication of your dog feeling hot while they sleep. Exposing their belly helps to regulate body temperature considering the belly has most of their sweat glands. Although the amount and quality of sleep vary according to age and health, most Goldendoodles sleep ab average of 12 to 14 hours. There might be days or even weeks when it seems to regress, but as long as you stay calm and stick to the training schedule and daily routine, your doodle puppy will thrive. Remember, the younger your pup is, the shorter its attention span and the less it understands. A lot of the earliest work involves planting seeds for the future and maintaining that consistent routine. Many goldendoodles respond best to one or more of the following methods: Positive Reinforcement Your number one tool as a puppy parent is positive reinforcement. Scolding and punishment will make it fear you, which might garner very short-term results but will ultimately lead to long-term problems like destructive behavior, biting and excessive barking. Use a mixture of praise and toys as your primary rewards, with food used as big rewards and treats very occasionally. Clicker Training Many puppies respond best to clicker training, and many professionals use it. It combines positive reinforcement with a handheld clicker that you press whenever you reward your pet for following a command or behaving well. Very quickly, it starts associating the click with a reward, until the clicker itself becomes the reward and a treat is no longer required. Animals are territorial by nature, and giving your pup a little island of its own in your home is a great way to prevent unwanted behaviors. Remember, the crate is not a punishment. However, like every breed, they have their character quirks. Below is a list of the main issues doodle owners encounter and how to approach them. Jumping All dogs have the potential to get excited and jump up on people when they meet or greet them, but this can be scary for strangers and children. Teach your doodle puppy that it only gets a reward if it sits when greeted and this behavior will eventually become second nature. Stealing Food Every dog loves to eat. A clicker can be particularly good for this behavior. Mouthing and Biting Biting is natural for dogs, and they might use it as a way to get your attention in addition to it being a sign of aggression. Check out our training program to find out more. If they are dehydrated they also may not be able to sleep. A healthy diet can give them a satisfied feeling that helps them relax better when that time comes to go to bed. The mental and emotional health of the Goldendoodle can affect how they sleep, including how much sleep they get. It is important to tire out the Goldendoodle mentally just like they are physically exercised. Without that mental stimulation, they may find it hard to settle down. The personality of the individual dog will determine how much sleep they get. Goldendoodles that are more energetic and lively will need less, with dogs that are more relaxed possibly getting more sleep. The physical health of a Goldendoodle can impact how much sleep they need. If they are unhealthy or suffer from illness or injury this can cause them to need more sleep than normal. Goldendoodles that are healthy and strong may require less than the guideline. Younger dogs and puppies may require more sleep, just as a senior or elderly dog. Dogs of ages in between these life stages may require less. The home environment with which the goldendoodle lives in can make or break the sleep habits of the family dog. Households that are noisy, filled with distractions or riddled with stress can make it hard for any dog to have healthy sleep habits. Similar to the home life of a goldendoodle, their stress level can create unhealthy sleep habits, including getting less sleep than normal. Some dogs are naturally more nervous than others and in this way they may have a hard time settling down to sleep. How active they are during the day will factor into the amount of sleep the goldendoodle dog will get. If a goldendoodle receives too much exercise they may sleep more than usual. These factors can change from day to day with each dog being as unique as their home environment. Families that have a goldendoodle may never experience some of these issues because this breed is rather easy going and laid back. Emotionally, physically and mentally Lexie is healthy and curious which aides in her sleep at the end of the day. Thankfully she balances life pretty well as this point. What are some ways to promote healthy sleep habits for my goldendoodle? There are numerous ways to promote healthy sleep habits for a Goldendoodle. Diet Exercise Physical, Emotional and Mental Health Diet is by far the most important component of any healthy lifestyle. With ample nutritious food and adequate amounts of clean water, a Goldendoodle will unwind easier when sleep time comes. If the goldendoodle receives enough healthy exercise that matches their needs they will be ready to rest when they settle in. Finding activities that they enjoy doing and spending time with them connecting while exercising is a great way for the whole family to ensure a healthy nights sleep for everyone. Attending to the physical, mental and emotional health and needs of the fur baby in the family will ensure that they sleep good and are healthy. Goldendoodles are easy going by nature so their family must make conscious efforts to ensure that their needs are met. Attending to their physical health with regular vet visits is a perfect starting point. Stimulating their mind will keep it sharp, and sharing affection and offering plenty of time for socializing will keep them emotionally healthy. Will the Goldendoodle take naps or only sleep at night? The goldendoodle as well as other dog breeds will sleep throughout the day and night. This depends on the factors listed above but each dog is different in how they like to sleep. Some days they may nap five times, other days they may nap twice and sometimes still they will not nap at all. The guideline for Goldendoodles is twelve to fourteen hours depending on the dog. This guideline of time will usually be broken up into little naps or breaks to recharge their batteries before continuing on with their day. One quick nap on the couch, another outside in the sunshine, and yet another still after dinner in the dog bed. Providing multiple rest spots in the house where the goldendoodle is welcome can promote more naps throughout the day. Sleep is also a great time and place to bond and share some reconnection time with the family fur baby. This time can help gently ease the way for even a difficult sleeper to settle down. In Conclusion Everyone needs sleep as part of a healthy lifestyle for good health and a long life. The goldendoodle dog breed sleeps an average of twelve to fourteen hours in a twenty four hour period. Each dog will have their own unique need for sleep that keeps them functioning at their prime. The factors that make or break a good nights rest for a goldendoodle are easy to manage with a little planning and forethought, as well as some naps as needed. If for some reason the goldendoodle has trouble sleeping or getting enough rest, sharing a bed with them can make all the difference in the world, so pull up a pillow at let them hog the bed! Growing takes a lot of energy too, so they need to sleep and conserve some energy for the proper development of their immune system, central nervous system, brain, and muscles. Whether you are raising a Goldendoodle pup or any other breed of dog, this guide will help you and your new pet establish good sleeping habits early on. Here are some tips to help your puppy nap throughout the day: Recognize overtired behavior. When your Goldendoodle puppy is clearly ready for a nap but would rather play, take them to their crate, bed, or another sleeping place. Signs may include bad behavior or trying to cuddle. Nodding their head is a red flag too. Show them where to sleep. Follow a schedule. Plan naps into the day, like after walks and playtime. Goldendoodle puppies may need to nap every hour or so. Naps may range from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Take them outside when they wake up. Take them out to go potty as soon as they wake up to help prevent accidents. Tips for Bedtime Bedtime can be tough for the whole family, especially the first few nights with your new Goldendoodle puppy. But establishing a Goldendoodle puppy schedule will help ensure they are sleepy for bedtime and can sleep all through the night over time, with a lot of patience. Here are some tips to help your puppy and you sleep better at night: Start a routine. Make the crate inviting. Crate training is a crucial part of having puppy Golden Doodles, and it needs to start from the very first night home. Instead of an expensive dog bed that will probably get chewed up, line the bottom of the crate with cheap towels or fleece blankets. Keeping the crate inside your bedroom is best, so you can hear them whining, at least while your puppy is new and has a tiny bladder. Keep their sleeping area dark and quiet. A cover on the crate can help keep light out. If you watch TV in bed and have the puppy in your room, keep the volume low. You want ideal conditions to help your puppy fall — and stay — asleep. Be prepared to wake up. This is normal, and your puppy will eventually grow big enough to sleep through the night without a potty break. The first few nights may be difficult. Your Goldendoodle puppy may cry, whine, and bark to get out of the crate and join you in bed. Goldendoodle Puppy Sleep Schedule Obviously, you will develop a routine that works best for you, your family, and your Goldendoodle puppy. Give them breakfast. Take them outside to go potty right after eating. Spend minutes playing, walking, or socializing your Goldendoodle puppy. Time for a nap. Take your puppy outside as soon as they wake up. Time for another potty break when your puppy finishes eating their lunch. Up to an hour of playtime and exploring. Another potty break as soon as the puppy wakes up. More playtime. Your puppy may need another nap, then another potty break. Evening Dinner time. Make sure to feed your puppy dinner several hours before bed. After dinner, it is an excellent time for a long walk. One last potty break, then time for bed. When Should I Worry? Sometimes, lethargy can be a symptom that something is wrong. If your Goldendoodle puppy displays any other signs alongside sleeping excessively, you should call the vet right away. Puppies can get very sick, very fast. Be on the lookout for any of these symptoms: Vomiting. By: Author Jennifer Seegmiller What is more adorable than a fluffy curly-haired Goldendoodle, well a fluffy curly-haired Goldendoodle that is sleeping of course! Whether you are a first-time Goldendoodle owner or a long-time lover of this loyal and intelligent breed you may wonder what is normal for sleeping patterns and behaviors for your Goldendoodle. I did some research and reached out to other Goldendoodle owners and this is what I found out. Adult Goldendoodles will sleep on average hours a day. Goldendoodle Puppies will sleep hours a day in a 24hr period. How much your Goldendoodle sleeps depends a lot on their personalities. Goldendoodles also tend to develop sleep habits similar to their owners. If you are fit and active your Goldendoodle will be also if you are relaxed and laid back chances are your Goldendoodle will be similar to you. Continue reading to find out. Puppies, Adults, Seniors Goldendoodle Newborns This stage of life is very short and full of lots of shut-eye! Newborns generally nurse every 2 hours but even while doing so they will have their eyes shut and look as though they are eating in their sleep. As they grow they will slowly start to spend more time awake. Around 3 weeks old they will have around hours of active time a day broken up into small spurts of energy and exploring their world. Goldendoodle Puppies Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. We only recommend high-quality products that are used and recommended by real owners. If you use these links to buy something we earn a small commission. Puppies are quickly growing and changing. They need plenty of sleep to fuel and recharge their growing bodies. From months old Goldendoodle puppies will generally sleep around hours in a hour period. This includes sleeping at night and daytime naps. Your puppy will sleep in longer stretches at night, but will still need to get up to relieve its small bladder and stretch. He may even have a burst of energy and seem like he wants to play. With some patience and guidance, your puppy can learn to sleep through the night by 4 months old, maybe even sooner. Older puppies from around months old will sleep about hours throughout a 24 hour period. At this point, they should be more active and inquisitive during the day and will be better about sleeping through the night in a hour stretches. They will also take multiple naps during the day, as well as times of rest when they appear to be just lying around, but somewhat alert as well as high energy awake time when they will want to play and train. Goldendoodle puppies will generally sleep through the night by about 4 months old, but it can range from 8 or 9 weeks old all the way through 6 months old. Some puppies may also go through a sleep regression when going through a growth spurt or teething. Towards the end of this article, we will discuss those in the heading sleep problems and solutions. Fun Fact: Senior dogs, as well as puppies, tend to twitch more in their sleep! This is due to a part of their brain called the Pons which regulates muscles and keeps them still while they sleep. Goldendoodle Adults Your adult Goldendoodle will normally sleep around hours in a 24hr period, but more as he ages. In this study, researchers found that older and middle-aged dogs slept more during the day than young adult dogs. This was because they took more naps, not because their naps were longer. They tend to run out of energy and need to rest more often than the younger group. Older and middle-aged dogs also slept more at night than younger dogs because they had long stretches of sleep at night waking up later and woke up fewer times during the night. When I asked Goldendoodle owners what their Goldendoodles behavior was like they covered all the ranges of this hr span. A big factor was how active and attentive the owners were. Goldendoodles tend to be pretty high energy and love to be kept busy with games and exercise. Because they may have a bit more energy than other breeds, they may sleep a little less than other breeds as well. Some owners I talked to said that if their Goldendoodles are left home alone all day they tend to just sleep since there is no one there to engage them with play or give them a reason to exercise. So as you can see their sleep schedule greatly depend on the kinds of habits you develop for your dog. If your dog is sleeping a lot maybe try and steal his bed to see how he reacts! Senior Goldendoodle Your Goldendoodle is considered a senior sometime between 7 and 10 years old. At this time you will probably start to see your dog slowly increasing the amount of time it is resting and sleeping. Senior Goldendoodle will sleep hrs a day on average as they get to be years old and older they could be sleeping up to 18 hrs a day. At an older age, your Goldendoodles sleep patterns may change as well. For older Goldendoodles, these could be signs of more serious issues such as dementia, arthritis, hypothyroidism, or other conditions associated with older age. Your Goldendoodle may be waking up more at night because its bladder is getting older and they need to use the potty more often. You can try and help with this by taking them out right before bed and limiting their water intake just before bed as well. Can Goldendoodles Sleep Outside? It is not recommended that Goldendoodles sleep outside. Goldendoodles thrive on relationships and being close to their owners, sleeping outdoors can be lonely for this social breed. Their coats are also not thick enough to keep them very warm in cold temperatures. Many factors could contribute to your Goldendoodle sleeping a lot. Puppies and senior dogs sleep more than adult Goldendoodles. Stress, anxiety, boredom, diet, or disease can all be factors for why your dog is sleeping more than usual. In most cases, it is normal for dogs to sleep 12 or more hours a day. If you are concerned about your Goldendoodle sleeping patterns it is always a good idea to talk to your vet. Lethargy or a lack of energy and enthusiasm can be a sign that your dog is being affected by something more than just laziness or a bit tired. If this describes your dog then definitely consult with your vet. Many diseases and age-related problems can come with a change in sleeping patterns. Some dogs will sleep more in the wintertime because the days are shorter and colder. You can read this article I wrote to learn more about that. Do Dogs Hibernate? Winter Weather Questions Answered If you think your dog is sleeping a lot because of boredom you can always make an effort to have more playtime and exercise sessions with your dog. You could hire a dog walker we have a neighborhood teen that loves to walk dogs for a very reasonable rate! Or join a fun program you can work on together like this popular brain training for dogs course! Sleep Problems and Solutions for Puppies and Adults If you are struggling with getting your Goldendoodle to settle down and sleep at night you are not alone. Things that may be making this challenging can range from crying or whining at night, waking up in the middle of the night, struggling to settle down, or waking up too early in the morning. Some dogs will start to sleep well through the night then a few weeks or months later start to wake up again. This is called a sleep regression and can be normal. Similar to human babies when puppies are teething or going through growth spurts it could cause them to wake up at night or have difficulties sleeping. This routine can include using the restroom, bringing the noise level down, dimming the light, creating a relaxing and calm atmosphere. Give them plenty of exercise: Since Goldendoodles were originally bred from Retrievers and Poodles whose origins come from being hunting dogs they are very intelligent and have an internal desire to work. Goldendoodles need plenty of stimulation and exercise each day. Two hours a day for a high-energy Goldendoodle should be the minimum. The best time for a good exercise session is about 2 hours before bedtime. Try to include high cardio exercise as well and engaging brain activities so that your Goldendoodle will be both physically tired as well as mentally tired. If your dog sleeps in his own bed, or in a crate, having something that smells like you and a small stuffed animal to snuggle with can help him feel more safe and secure. This is especially true for puppies. Try changing meal times or limiting food and water: Take up their water after a certain time of the evening. If your Goldendoodle seems to need a bathroom break in the middle of the night all the time you can try changing his meal time to be a few hours earlier so he will get the poop out before bed or a few hours later so he can hold it until tomorrow. Either way, you may want to slowly adjust the time of his meals to see if that will help with the late-night bathroom breaks. Are Goldendoodles Picky Eaters? Inside Info from Real Owners If early morning waking is a problem try figuring out what it is that may be waking them up? Is the sun coming up? Try adding some darkening curtains. Are there noises such as birds or early morning traffic? Try adding some white noise by using a noise machine like this one from Amazon. Amazon affiliate link. All it takes is some investigative work to try and figure out what may be causing the problem. Speaking of eating, if your Goldendoodle eats strange things click here to read my latest article about Goldendoodle health and what to do. If nothing seems to be working, your dog has changed his sleep patterns suddenly, he seems very lethargic and low on energy all the time, or he has other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, blood in his stool, or other concerns then you should take him to the vet immediately to get checked out. If you have a puppy and all its needs are met and it is still crying just remember it is common for it to whine and cry especially for the first week or so that you have him in your home. You can try a soothing stuffy like this one from Amazon affiliate link. An older dog who is new to your home may experience this as well. If you must check on him make sure that the lights stay dim, and you are as un-intrusive as you can be. If you are working with your puppy to sleep in their own bed or crate, make sure to not give in and then expect smooth sailing after that. You need to start the expectations as you mean to go forward. If you are thinking of having your dog sleep in bed with you, cuddle up in your favorite Goldendoodle sleepers Affiliate Link and read about all the pros and cons first! There are a lot of great benefits you could get by letting your Goldendoodle sleep with you. Here are some listed below. Eases stress and anxiety. Goldendoodle owners always find it onerous while searching for the best place to sleep for their squeaking balls of fur. The sleeping habit of Goldendoodle puppies also adds to their worry because, unlike other puppies, they are in love with sleep. The average sleeping duration for puppies is hours per day. Subsequently, it is necessary to offer them a peaceful and comfortable sleeping-place. You can make Goldendoodle puppies accustomed to either a crate or a particular bed. Why is it necessary to provide Goldendoodle puppies enough sleep? For a dog owner, the first and foremost duty should be the provision of adequate health facilities. Apart from this, the growing puppies need extra sleep for their proper mental and immune growth to combat challenging diseases. Undoubtedly, a growing body burns a lot of energy, which should be compensated by sleeping, particularly conserving energy for growth. How can you get to know the sleeping comforts for your Goldendoodle? It will help if you know what would be the best place for your Goldendoodle to sleep for better growth and active nature. Furthermore, crate training provides you and your puppy a life free of worries. This will help you trust your puppy not to chew some odd things and pee on your bed. Tips: Always try to make the crate a happy placefor your puppy, not like a punishment. Schedule the duration of the crate, especially during the early days, to make them used to it. Make a habit of taking your Goldendoodle puppy out of the crateafter regular intervals of about 3 to 4 hours. Try to make them feel free to go to the cratevoluntarily despite shoving. Do offer feed in the crateto reinforce them to understand that it is just like a fun place. Make sure your Goldendoodle feels comfortablein the crate during your presence at home. Is crate training a better option for your Goldendoodle puppy? There are different thoughts about the spending time and duration in the crate for dogs. Exclusively, there is nothing to need brood until and unless you get succeeded especially in making your Goldendoodle habitual to the crate. Apart from this, it is crucial to make sure that your Goldendoodle is not afraid of being in a crate or kennel. In this case, they might possibly try to escape, thus hurting them, resulting in teeth or nails ripping.

Breeds The link has been copied! If you are a newbie intending to purchase a Labrador retriever, one of the salient questions that will cross your mind is: How long do Labradors live? But while some consider lifespan an important variable for their dog selection decision, several other factors, including intelligence, help make Labrador retrievers the most popular dogs in the US since to date, according to the American Kennel Club. How Long do Labradors Live? The average lifespan of a Labrador retriever ranges from 10 to 12 years. But with good diets and adequate care, many Labradors can live a few more years. Dog lifespan is determined by a number of factors, such as size, breed, and overall health. Small dogs tend to live longer than larger breeds like Labrador retrievers. Scientists cannot convincingly explain why this is the case, though it is thought that larger dogs suffer age-related diseases earlier than smaller breeds. An overweight dog is more likely to die younger than otherwise, making the need for a balanced diet essential. Studies of Labrador retrievers indicate that even a moderate amount of additional weight can reduce life expectancy by a couple of years compared to puppies who have healthy weight throughout their lives. The oldest Labrador retriever lived for 27 years. Known as Adjutant, he was born in August , died in November , and lived in Lincolnshire England. Short Background on Labrador Retrievers Labradors are thought to have had their origins in Newfoundland, rather than Labrador— Canada, around the s. They have excellent retrieving abilities, especially in water. These affectionate, sporty, friendly, and loyal dogs make great duck hunters and family pets. They can also work as search and rescue dogs and scenting dogs, among others. Labrador retrievers have a nice temperament and are easy to train and socialize with. Their most abundant colors are black, chocolate, and yellow. Labrador Development Newborns Labrador puppies are born after a gestation period of about 63 days. At birth, they can neither see nor hear and rely on their sense of smell and touch to interact with their new environment. They also have no teeth. At this very early stage, newborns are wholly dependent on their mother and human caregivers for warmth, sustenance, cleanliness, and overall survival. But that does not mean newborns are absolutely helpless. With their tender front feet, they can drag themselves around in search of milk from their mother or a source of heat to keep their frail bodies warm. Being very young, extreme temperatures are bad for their delicate bodies since they cannot regulate their body temperatures. So, they should be kept in a warm enclosure with moderate and stable temperatures. By the second week of development, the young puppies gain more weight and begin to see and hear, either partially or completely. They also become a bit more mobile and gradually learn how to stand up. Some people start growing teeth after three to four weeks. By the eighth week, they are fully weaned and ready for adoption, having learned several necessary skills for living independently from their mother. Puppyhood Between 8 and 12 weeks of age, a Labrador puppy will usually arrive at its new home. Body weight at this time is around 15 to 18 pounds. They are often vaccinated before arrival, but you can have your vet examine them to be sure. Ensure they are vaccinated within the first 48 hours of arrival if they are yet to receive vaccination. The early arrival period is one of significant excitement for the puppy as he happily adapts to his new owner, living conditions, and environment. But adaptation can also be challenging, so be sure to offer your puppy all the care and support it needs. This is the same time when you should think about getting your Labrador puppy a good fitting collar. You can intensify basic training and socialization when your puppy becomes three months old. Potty training should focus mainly on positive reinforcement methods and should often be brief, and interesting. Dogs can misbehave at times, so ensure you evolve potent ways of enforcing disciplinary measures for undesirable behavior, e. Intelligent dogs like Labradors will quickly learn that not giving them attention is a consequence of bad behavior. Adulthood Labrador puppies attain adulthood when they are between 1 and 2 years old. At this stage, they are now at their peak when it comes to growth and maturity, though some may still be growing. A fully grown Labrador retriever can be introduced to adult food at around 12 months old. But before this switch, you may have to rely on your vet to determine whether or not he is due for an adult diet or is still growing. Because a Labrador is at its prime around this time, it is essential to subject it to sufficient mental and physical exercises to ensure it is well-conditioned. Ensure it goes on a brisk walk at least once a day in addition to playing regularly in a spacious location. Senior Years At the age of seven, your Labrador is now a senior citizen in the world of dogs. Male Labradors are usually larger than females. A typical male has a weight not less than 80 pounds while a female will usually weigh from 55 pounds up. From the age of seven, a Labrador may start contending with a variety of health challenges, but many will remain healthy long after their seventh birthday. It was mentioned above that Labradors may be prone to health problems at a certain stage of their adult lives. Here are some leading Labrador killers. Tumors Scientists are yet to completely understand what causes tumors and cancers in Labradors and other dog breeds. However, UV light, teratogens, and other DNA-altering substances have been identified as possible causative factors. Tumors are common among Labradors and even more common among female species. Skin tumors on the legs and chest are the most common kinds of Labrador tumors. Tumors can be benign or malignant. Unlike malignant tumors, benign tumors are not cancerous but may still require medical attention. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and biopsy, among others. Arthritis From the age of 8, the risk of dogs becoming afflicted with arthritis increases significantly to 80 percent. Arthritis will usually not hinder them from living happily but may leave them finding it difficult to cope with rigorous exercises. Like tumors, arthritis is also common among Labradors, especially seniors. This is because the older dogs become, the weaker their bones and joints tend to be. Some signs that your Labrador may have arthritis include swollen joints, difficulty in movement, reluctance to climb stairs or jump, limping, and sleeping more often than usual. You can take certain preventive measures to help your Labrador avoid arthritis, especially if it has advanced in age. For instance, you can feed them in a way that ensures they do not become overweight because the more they weigh, the greater the pressure on their joints and the likelihood of arthritis. Heart Disease A lot of causative factors can be responsible for heart disease in Labradors. Some of them include genetics, diet, and weight. Symptoms of heart disease include fatigue or tiredness, difficulty breathing, and persistent coughing, among others. A healthy diet program will help check excess weight but may not prevent genetically predisposed Labradors from suffering heart problems. Kidney Failure Both acute and chronic kidney failure can be fatal or tragic for a Labrador. Your dog may suffer acute kidney failure if it ingests substances that may be poisonous to it, for example, antifreeze and raisins. Bacteria infections and some drugs - including pain relievers such as aspirin, are also acute kidney failure causal factors. Acute kidney failure leads to a quick collapse of the kidney. In contrast, chronic kidney failure progresses slowly with the passage of time and can be caused by several factors, including a lack of adequate dental care and aging. Nutrition and genetics have been identified as the major reasons for hip dysplasia in Labrador retrievers. Hip dysplasia is a kind of degenerative joint ailment. It can result in either old age or excess weight, or a combination of both. In this condition, your Labrador retriever will find it difficult or reluctant to play, jump and run as previously. There may also be hind leg lameness, limping, or stiffness, among other symptoms. Diet is crucial when it comes to preventing CHD. Hence, do not overfeed your Lab puppies in their growth years to avoid obesity, which can strain the joints and cause puppy hip dysplasia. As noted earlier, the average lifespan of a Labrador is 10—12 years. Labradors often have a shorter lifespan than smaller dog breeds but compare favorably with large popular dog varieties. Average Dog Lifespans. Chocolate Labradors have shorter lifespan than rest of the breed Published: 22 Oct Last Updated: 10 Aug Chocolate Labrador Retrievers have a significantly shorter lifespan than their black and yellow counterparts, according to the results of the largest study ever done of the breed in the UK. The median lifespan for chocolate Labradors is just .Chocolate Labradors suffer the most from ear infections, with .Obesity and joint disorders were also found to be major afflictions for Labradors, with 8. Meanwhile, the most common cause of death was from musculoskeletal disorders, which lead to the death of .The research will help breeders and vets to prioritise approaches for tackling health concerns within the breed and guide prospective owners to the top health issues they need to be aware of. Other key findings from the study include: The popularity of the Labrador has dropped by over a third in 10 years, from 9. On average male Labradors weigh .Because chocolate colour is recessive in dogs, the gene for this colour must be present in both parents for their puppies to be chocolate. Breeders targeting this colour may therefore be more likely to breed between only Labradors carrying the chocolate coat gene. It may be that the resulting reduced gene pool includes a higher proportion of genes conducive to ear and skin conditions. The RVC offers undergraduate, postgraduate and CPD programmes in veterinary medicine, veterinary nursing and biological sciences. The RVC also provides animal owners and the veterinary profession with access to expert veterinary care and advice through its teaching hospitals; the Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital in central London, the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals Europe's largest small animal referral centre , the Equine Referral Hospital, and the Farm Animal Clinical Centre located at the Hertfordshire campus. Watch cute Labrador puppies growing up! Check them out at the bottom of this article, but make sure you have a tissue handy! What Controls Labrador Retriever Lifespan? Some Labradors live a good deal longer than twelve. So what controls how long your Labrador will live? And the life span of any dog. One is the genetic information you dog has inherited from his parents. The other is the events that happen to your dog during the course of his life. Through puppy hood to old age. Things like accidents, injury, and disease. Life span statistics for dogs are often wildly inaccurate and based on outdated information. But luckily we no longer need to guess. We can give you accurate Labrador life span information, as we now have data from scientific studies. Labrador Lifespan Surveys Two surveys were carried out in and .The earlier study showed the median age of death in over Labradors was .The later study gave a median age at death in a group of over dogs as .A bigger and more recent study published in looked at over 30, Labradors. This one found a median longevity of 12 years in Labradors overall. So the average Labrador lifespan seems to work out at around 12 years. Is Labrador Lifespan Getting Longer? But there is some good news. There is evidence that the Labrador lifespan might be increasing. One recent study, although it only looked at 39 dogs, suggested that the average could be getting closer to 14 years. The longest lived Labrador we can find official confirmation for was over 19 years old. So, can you help your dog to reach these high numbers? And which set broad limits to the life span of your Labrador. They also control aspects of his temperament and susceptibility to disease. Labrador Body Shape To some extent Labradors are lucky. They inherit a basically sound conformation or body shape. Their bodies are nicely proportioned and designed for athletic ability — running and jumping. Labradors have not been bred with shortened faces that can cause breathing problems or small skulls that can damage their brains. Nor do they have excessive skin or a massive amount of fur. This is great because a good body structure makes a dog naturally healthier than a dog with poor conformation. And his ability to carry out certain tasks, like running and hunting, or fetching things. Temperament, including tendency to fearfulness, is influenced by genes. But it is also strongly influenced by environment. One study showed that fear and anxiety has a negative effect on life span in pet dogs. And some dogs are euthanased for aggression or behavior problems. So temperament is also a factor to consider when looking at life span. Some dogs inherit a number of favorable genes that improve their chances of good health — reduced risk of cancer for example. They then pass these favorable genes on to their puppies. It will also affect how healthy each dog will be during that lifetime. For some of these diseases, hip dysplasia for example, and CNM, we have tests that can and should be carried out on adult dogs before they are used for breeding. We just know that in some cases, Labradors may be more susceptible than some other breeds of dog. Which is slightly higher than the rate of cancer in dogs overall. How Size Affects Longevity Little dogs live longer than big dogs. Of course, there are many exceptions to the rule. But in general the longevity of dogs is quite strongly linked to body size. This is the reverse of what we often find when we compare large species of mammal. The elephant for example, with smaller species — such as the mouse. When we look at individuals within a single species, in this case the domestic dog, being larger seems to be a disadvantage. As a medium to large dog, size is therefore a limiting factor in the lifespan of your Labrador. In short, the average Labrador is probably never going to live as long as the average toy poodle. Labrador Lifespan and Inbreeding Like all pedigree dog breeds, there are certain genetic diseases that have become established within the Labrador breed. This is due to breeding between dogs that are closely related. The average coefficient of inbreeding for Labradors is 6. Another factor influencing longevity in dogs is size. This is another area where Labrador are slightly disadvantaged. Do Purebred Labs Live Longer? A study published in The Veterinary Journal in showed that mongrels live on average 1. Comparing Pedigree Dogs When we consider pedigree dogs as a whole, there are differences in longevity between the breeds. Not just in terms of size, though this is important. There are also differences between different breeds of a similar size. Sometime shorter life spans are linked to poor conformation. Many very tiny dogs have hormone problems, brain problems through skull compression, and a range of other health issues. In comparison, Labrador conformation is pretty healthy. The recent discovery that Chocolate Labs live shorter lives than their black or yellow cousins. Color vs Lifespan For a long time it was believed that coat color had no influence on Labrador life expectancy. With the exception of color dilution alopecia in silver Labradors, it was thought that inherited diseases were not linked to any particular color or type of Labrador. A recent study of over thirty three thousand dogs has thrown that assumption into doubt. It shows us that black Lab life expectancy and yellow Lab life expectancy is around .While chocolate Lab life expectancy is quite a bit shorter at .But the Chocolates in that study were more prone to ear and skin problems. The study was a very big sample of dogs. So it is likely that the results represent the wider Lab population as a whole. Apart from your ability to be selective over the parents of your puppy, genetic factors are largely outside your control. But as your Labrador grows and matures, there will be life events that happen to him which may influence his life expectancy. Some of these are events that you can control. And many of those could have been avoided. Accidents are far more common in dogs that are allowed to spend time outdoors unsupervised. Fencing your property or a small part of it securely will help to prevent your dog from roaming. Plus, training him to come quickly when you call will help you to bring him to you in an emergency. Neutering At one time is was believed that neutering increased life expectancy. One of the reasons that some older studies show a higher death rate for dogs that have been neutered is because if dogs are not properly controlled. Those that have the urge to mate will roam further from home and have more accidents. Recent studies have however linked neutering to some serious health issues including joint disease and cancer. Both leading causes of illness and death in Labs. The neutering issue is not clear cut any longer. These two principles — training and control — will help to ensure your dog lives out his allotted years to the full. Recall is fundamental for most Labradors safety. So make sure that you take the time to teach him to come when he is called. Whatever distractions may be surrounding him. Vaccination In some parts of the world there are still many serious diseases that kill unvaccinated dogs and puppies on a regular basis. Serious infections and diseases have the potential to kill your dog. But they also have the potential to make him generally less healthy should he survive them. So, where you live, and whether or not you vaccinate your dog may also affect his longevity. Overfeeding Decreases Labrador Lifespan Obesity is increasingly common in dogs generally and in Labradors in particular. It is a direct result of overfeeding. Labradors are greedy and friendly dogs that are very good at persuading people to hand over the treats, and to refill that food bowl. Added to which, many Labrador parents find it hard to judge how much their dog should have to eat. And whether or not he is overweight. We can help you with that. Check out our guide to Labrador weight to make sure your dog is at the right weight for best health. But feed your dog according to how he looks and feels. That article will help you. If you have a greedy Lab then you might find a slow feed bowl helpful, like this one What Do Studies Say? Studies have shown that reducing calorie intake in dogs, can increase life expectancy by a significant amount. But it is a message that is being ignored by a great many dog owners. A study published in showed that Labradors are capable of maintaining a consistent lean body mass throughout their lives. Hungry Labrador Eyes! Keeping your dog slim can help him live a long and comfortable life. It can defer the onset of, and reduce the impact of, conditions like arthritis in older dogs. Elderly dogs that retain their youthful waistline have a more active and happy retirement. Being firm about the quantity of food that your dog eats each day will also help to ensure you have the benefits of his company for the longest time. Is Longevity In Dogs Inherited? Yes, to a certain extent, it is clear that longevity is inherited. In that some dogs will have an inherently higher potential for long life than others. Being a Labrador, being purebred, being a largish dog, all go against your dog when it comes to life expectancy. On the other hand, being athletic, good tempered, and well structured go in his favor. So, for these reasons, the Labrador falls into the medium range of life expectancy when compared with other dogs. And quite a few that are much shorter lived. If you are choosing a puppy, choose his parents wisely. Make sure that they are health tested and bred by a responsible breeder. Consider choosing a black or yellow Lab. And make sure the parents have great temperaments, and have been well cared for. Socialize your puppy thoroughly when you get him home. So that he is confident and views the world as a happy, friendly place. Above all, keep your dog slim. Really slim. By Tom Massey Feb 19, When you first welcome your new labrador retriever puppy home, the last thing that may be on your mind is life expectancy. After all, your dog is still a wee pup! Saying goodbye to your furry friends is one of the most heartbreaking things any family will have to do. So the key is to help your pups mature into happy and healthy adult labradors who live as long as they can. In general, experts agree that labrador retrievers will live for around 12 years of age. With preventative care, your labrador retriever may even advance to 13 years of age. However, labs with health problems tend to have shorter lives and live to reach 10 to 11 years. The good news is that both male and female labrador retrievers live around the average lifespan of 12 years. However, there is something you can do with female dogs that can help them live longer. These differences include traits like: Females are a little more demanding of physical affection than males — whereas a male labrador would be happy to sit at your feet, female labs want to be petted and cuddled. Males display territorial behavior like urine marking and displays of dominance. Though all labs love their food which is one reason they can have health problems , males are just a tad more food-motivated than females. However, another related genetic characteristic causes a shorter life expectancy in a certain type of lab. Which Types of Labs Live the Longest? You may hear that chocolate labs live a shorter life and have many health conditions that increase as they age. They may only live up to 10 years of age. Now, coat color might, at first, seem to be a matter of aesthetic. Chocolate is a recessive gene, which means that both parents of a chocolate labrador retriever would need to be that color. A breeder would have to breed only labs with that gene, which would mean a much more limited gene pool. This is an inflammation of an ear canal, which makes your pooch more prone to infections. Fortunately, this particular disease is not serious or life-threatening. Brown labs are more likely to contract other skin diseases, such as hot spots. This is a form of acute moist dermatitis and can cause your dog to constantly lick, bite, and scratch an inflamed area until it becomes a painful skin lesion. You may be wondering: What do labs usually die from? Obesity is, in fact, the number one cause of arthritis, diabetes, bloating, and flipped stomachs, which can then cause your lab to suffer needlessly. The best way to keep them healthy on this front is to make sure they get plenty of age-appropriate exercise and control their diet. Joint and Hip Issues Due to Overfeeding A lab has a predisposition for a condition known as hip dysplasia. This is a form of degenerative joint disease, which affects around 5. A lab is also more prone to arthritis — and additional weight will only create added pressure on the joints of a large canine. Hip dysplasia is a rough diagnosis for a labrador. Yet, they need the exercise to keep the weight off, so it can be tricky managing this issue. At Snowy Pines, for example, our guarantees offer a full replacement against genetic defects in labrador puppies for five years. Though it does affect some of the oldest dogs, diabetes is still fairly common among a wide variety of breeds. As in humans, diabetes in dogs comes down to the balance of insulin and glucose. The swollen stomach can start to press on blood vessels, blocking blood and oxygen, and your dog may collapse. Cancers Cancer in dogs is quite a bit like cancer in humans. There are a variety of factors that may contribute to your dog developing this condition. A particular type of cancer that affects labradors more than other breeds is lymphoma. If your lab experiences this form of cancer, the prognosis is good! Tip 2: Neuter or Spay Your Lab Having a spayed female and a neutered male reduces the incidence of certain types of cancers. It also eliminates the possibility of an unwanted pregnancy, which, in young dogs, can cause quite a bit of stress leading to inflammation. Choose an age-appropriate food formula with the right nutritional value for their health. With labs, less is always more, and regular, once-a-day feeding is enough. While exercise is important for keeping an overweight dog healthy, you want to be careful not to overdo it. Furthermore, some young lab pups are born with a condition known as EIC or exercise-induced collapse. Once again, the right breeder should make you aware of this and screen dogs before breeding. Tip 5: Add Supplements to Their Diet Dog food is formulated to give your puppy everything they need throughout their life in most cases. It can help prevent simple health maladies and keep your dog happier, longer. Use these tips to help your black or yellow lab live a high quality of life with minimal health conditions. Share on. Average Labrador Lifespan? The Oldest? How Long do Labs Live? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. But what factors go into determining how long Labradors live? Can you have an effect on this? The general rule of thumb is that smaller dogs live longer than their larger counterparts. Additionally, mongrels live longer than pedigrees — by an average of 1. While Labs are indeed on the larger side which can limit their lifespan, they are otherwise blessed with an otherwise well-conforming body — in proportion, athletic and no mitigating features like a short face, small skull or excess skin, that can cause health problems in later life. Are Labs Vulnerable to any Genetic Disorders? One of the major drawbacks of pedigree dogs is the fact they are more susceptible to genetically inherited diseases that can, of course, limit lifespan. There are many of these inherited diseases associated with Labs, most notably hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy and many eye and sight problems. Just as important, if not more, is ensuring they live in a happy and healthy environment that is set up for a long life. Obesity in Labs can lead to a slew of other health problems — particularly diseases affecting their heart, kidneys, and liver — which will apparently serve to limit their lifespan. These dispense small amounts of food at regular intervals throughout the day, preventing your Lab from gorging themselves in a solo sitting. These machines are particularly helpful if you work and are unable to spend time with your dog during the day. Labs are renowned for needing plenty of exercise every day to manage both their weight and playful temperaments. Spaying your female Lab will also stop her going into heat and conceiving a litter — both stressful periods for your dog that may cause other life-limiting health problems. A neutered male is also less likely to wander away from home in search of a mate, so risks of injuries from traffic accidents or fights with other dogs are greatly reduced. Who is the Oldest Known Lab? The oldest known Labrador was Adjutant, who was born in August and died in November aged 27 years and three months. He lived in Lincolnshire in the UK and were also the 7th oldest known dog in history, regardless of breed. Maffy — He came from the shelter and was listed as a Lab mix. They said he was about 2 years old and we had him for 17 years making him about 19 years old when he passed. Linus — We got Linus from the shelter at about 2 months old. The average age is 10 to 14 years, with ancestry and genetics, to the lifestyle choices you make for them having a major effect. The thing with averages though is they are just that, an average. Many will sadly not live so long, others will live far longer. With a lot of luck. It certainly can and does happen. Have you had Labradors all your life like me? How long did your Lab live? Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below. Are you still yearning for more information about Labrador Retrievers? One of our favorite books is Your Labrador Retriever Puppy. It has tons of information about our favorite breed. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. In popular art, you can often find paintings of a cheerful chocolate or yellow Labrador hanging out of a Christmas stocking or sticking their head out of the window of a red truck. Like similar bigger dogs, labs may not live as long as some smaller dogs, and Labradors usually have a lifespan of years on average. The average life expectancy of a Labrador retriever is only years. Purebred Labs can have even shorter life spans because some genetic conditions may be inherited from a small gene pool. If you already have your Labrador, thankfully, there are some things you can do to help extend their life. Nutrition Dog food is formulated based on age and size rather than breed, and every dog needs protein, fat, and carbs in their diet. If you can afford high quality, grain-inclusive, non-raw dog food and keep your furry friend in lean body condition with a slightly calorie-restricted diet, then this may help lead to a longer life. Talk to your vet about finding the best food for your pup. Environment and Conditions Labradors require bounds of energy. They particularly like to run, swim, and play fetch. Size Larger sized dogs tend to have shorter life spans than small dogs. Their daily activities can cause stress on their joints over time and labs are particularly prone to hip dysplasia. Vitamin D has its benefits but can be lethal to dogs in high doses. Always talk to your vet before putting your dog on any new regimen, and only give them supplements that are formulated for dogs as human vitamins may contain harmful ingredients. Image Credit: Rosa Jay, Shutterstock 4. Both males and females live for an average of 12 years. Genes Like many large dog breeds, Labrador Retrievers are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disorders, and progressive retinal atrophy, to name a few conditions. Talk to your vet about what you can do to mitigate this. Breeding History The breeding heritage of the Labrador Retriever goes all the way back to the s when St. Plus, genetic mutations and diseases passed along to your dog through their ancestors can result in a shorter life. Healthcare Taking your lab to the vet at least once a year for a routine check-up helps keep their health in good standing as they age. Mature Adult Welcome to adulthood! Your Labrador has survived the mischievous days of its puppyhood and the hyper, rambunctious days of its youth. The Lab is fully grown around 2 years old and will be considered a mature adult until they become a senior around ages 7 or .This charismatic breed has woven its way into our hearts and homes, gracing us with love for their years of life. Making sure your Labrador has the essential components necessary for health, such as proper diet, exercise, and plenty of attention, will help them live their best life for as long as possible. A Basset hound. Photograph by Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark But compared with other labs, chocolate labs appeared to suffer certain non-life-threatening ailments more frequently. This doesn't necessarily mean that the pigment genes are linked to a shorter lifespan, researchers caution. The chocolate color is a recessive trait, meaning that to produce a chocolate lab puppy, both parents must have the gene that produces the color. Related: Why Siberian huskies have those beautiful blue eyes. This narrows the gene pool and may result in a higher proportion of genes conducive to ear and skin conditions, he said, and could ultimately affect longevity. These are self-inflicted wounds caused when the dog reacts to irritation from pests such as fleas or lice, or from being trimmed with clippers. For example, some researchers suspect that the gene that causes black fur in wolves could also be related to reducing inflammation and fighting infection. Overall, labs were also one of the most obese dog breeds, the study found. Nearly nine percent of the U. Notably, male dogs who had been neutered were more likely to be obese .The researchers concluded that the finding might help vets more quickly identify potential health problems, and ideally, affect breeding practices to produce healthier, longer-living dogs.

Our vision has always been serving with love and help fill more homes in America and beyond with warm love of a furry companion like a puggy. We love what we do cause of the joy and bliss we give to each and every one of our many customers by placing a healthy furry friend in their home. He was was a sweet pocket beagle. We had been recommended to this website by a friend who just got her new puppy from here and we were lucky to get Flynn as a new furry companion. This pretty little boy is happy, loving, and is bringing huge joy to our entire family. The breeder phoned me two day after his arrival as well. The experience was first-class! I'd do it again. Casandra Q. The breeder did a great job with Rikky; he was in great health when he arrived and he adjusted very well to his new home, with a lovely disposition. We absolutely love our puppy. The service we received from Purebred Pug Puppies for sale was wonderful. Austin Baturevich Absolutely love my new fur baby. The cost was a little expensive but compared to other breeders, the price was unbeatable. She arrived exactly as planned with constant contact on a daily basis before she was got home. I would buy another puppy here in a heartbeat. Dean Rose. Cute Baby Pug Puppies for Sale When you reach our store in the quest of adorable pug infants, then you will find one of the most beautiful Pug puppies you'll ever see is one of ours. If you have any questions before or after buying a Pug for sale nearby, we urge you to email us anytime. We adore our adorable Pug Puppies and will only give them to families who understand the breed's needs and value its unique characteristics. They occasionally challenge or verbally threaten larger dogs, giving the impression that they could care less about their little stature. For these restless little dogs, which require continual movement regardless of size, even a quick walk around the block will do. Although they have a little independent bent, they are highly intelligent and do well in obedience trials. As they get older, they are more equipped to play the actual lap dog. Even though adorable Pug puppies for sale make excellent alert and alarm dogs, they are frequently prone to excessive barking. These dogs typically behave nicely around kids, but it's important to let kids know they're small dogs and not as strong as larger breeds. We are experts in offering inexpensive Pug pups for sale in the USA. Therefore, anyone searching for "Pug pups for sale cheap" can go to our website or even email us to purchase a fantastic Pug for sale nearby! When you live with a Pug Although some Pug puppies may be picky eaters, they are generally simple to care for. They are physically active, which is most likely why they are not predisposed and not to be groomed once or twice a week to look their best, with daily treatments necessary during the shedding season. Despite their diminutive stature, these adorable Pug puppies benefit from training and need regular exercise. They are extremely intelligent, enjoy acquiring new skills and enjoy performing. The majority of the time, poms get along well with other dogs, but additional care should be used when pairing any toy breed with a large breed because a large breed may unintentionally harm a toy dog. They function well if they are reared around children; otherwise, they could be reticent. Children should be warned that these small canines might not be as strong or resilient as larger dogs and that their interactions should be under adult supervision. With their alert nature and propensity to bark, pugs make ideal watchdogs. Due to their attentiveness and diminutive size, they are the perfect companions for elderly people who live alone. Specific Details about a Pug infant The Pug grows to 8 to 11 inches and weighs between 3 and 7 pounds when it is at its ideal weight and height one to three kilograms. By seven to ten months, they often reach adult size. Pug puppies' floppy ears and foxy faces set them apart from other breeds, in addition to their rich double coats of fluffy hair and alert, prick ears. Its fluffy tail sweeps up and over its back despite its relatively square body form. This Pug for sale close to me is well-suited to the chilly winters of northern Germany, as evidenced by his thick collar and ruff around his neck. Having a distinct side snout, the head is slightly rounded. The Pug breed doesn't have a wide range of colours in puppies. Although off-white is the most often associated with the breed, it is acceptable for other variations of colours, from hints of black on white to sable and around this shade in between. Why rely on us? We work with reputable pug breeders to ensure that our puppies are healthy, well-socialized, and ready for their new homes. Our prices for standard pug puppies and teacup pugs are competitive and reflect the quality of the puppies we offer. We would be happy to help you find the perfect puppy for your home! What is the History of Pug puppies? Pugs are an ancient dog breed that originated in China around 2, years ago. They were bred to be the companions of Chinese royalty and were highly valued for their affectionate and loyal nature. The breed later made its way to Europe, where it became popular with nobles and eventually the general public. Today, Pugs are beloved by people all over the world for their playful, outgoing personality and adorable looks. What the temperament of Pugs? Pug puppies have a unique personality that sets them apart from other dog breeds. They are affectionate, playful, and loving dogs that make great companions. Pugs love to be around their owners and are known for being loyal and devoted. They are also outgoing and social, which makes them great family pets. What is the price of Pugs? What is the life expectancy of pugs Pugs have a relatively short lifespan compared to other dog breeds, with an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. However, with proper care and attention, Pugs can live longer. Speedy is a lively Pug pup sure to keep you on your toes. He is super social ready to be the center of attention everywhere he goes. Speedy is being raised with children who enjoys playing with him daily. His momma is a Sadie Mae. This adorable pup is vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, plus the breeder provides a 1 year genetic health guarantee. Reviews There are no reviews yet.

They are outgoing, active and affectionate companions who have a lot of energy and love making their owner happy. They have strong retrieving instincts as they were bred to be gun dogs, so they love both soft toys and diving into bodies of water. It is highly unusual for the puppy's owner to care for them during this time and is best left to a responsible, reputable breeder. Your puppy's body will double in weight as their muscles, organs and bones develop. Nutrition During the neonatal stage, your Labrador puppy will get most of their nutrition from their mother's milk. At around 4 weeks you may wish to introduce a mush of minced protein such as beef, but always consult your vet first before changing your puppy's diet at this stage. Health During this time it is important to monitor your Lab for any infections, diseases or birth defects. Puppies are unable to urinate or defecate by themselves initially, so their mother helps them but may additionally require your assistance. Keep your vet's contact details close by and educate yourself thoroughly on this stage of puppy development. By the end of this period, your puppy will be mobile and will explore the world mouth first — be sure to keep choking hazards and toxic foods out of their reach. Behaviour During most of this time your Labrador puppy will be asleep or inactive, but they will soon be playing with their brothers and sisters. After weeks they will go through as much sensory development as a human baby does in a few months. It is important to avoid disturbing the puppies' mother as she will be likely be protective, but some interaction with the young pups is normal so they become used to human touch. This is a formative time for your puppy and will be when they learn to walk, play, bite, hold their bladder, and interact with others. You will soon notice their attentiveness to you and their intense love of play — many Labs keep this caring and fun attitude for their whole lives if you foster it. Nutrition During the weaning stage, you should slowly introduce into their diet a nutritionally complete dog food which is appropriate to your Labrador's large size and young age. Labs are notoriously greedy and will quickly gobble down food and snatch treats from hands. You should familiarise yourself with lists of toxic foods and plants to avoid and hide as your puppy will soon find ways to get into forbidden snacks found only in bins. Labradors puppies instinctively like to 'dig' inside their water bowls so much of their water will end up on the ground. Make sure to get your puppy used to touching inside their small ears as they are prone to ear infections and will need regular checkups. Behaviour Due to the changes in their environment, your Labrador puppy will likely be under a significant amount of stress. It's important that you provide lots of attention and positive reinforcement for good behaviour at this time to establish boundaries early. Labradors are eager to love anyone but can be overbearing, so you should introduce them to a number of different people and environments so that they are not overwhelmed with excitement later in life. PUPPY By the time your Labrador Retriever reaches puppyhood their personality will be well developed and you will have established a loving, social friend who wants to maximise time with you and others. Your Labrador puppy will do well socially and behaviourally from puppy training classes as long as treats are involved. Nutrition Your Labrador puppy's diet should be based around a high quality, nutritionally complete puppy food. You may also wish to introduce them to fresh, lean raw meat — however, don't feed your puppy any meat you would not feed to a fellow human being. Bloat is potentially fatal but can be combatted by feeding your dog two smaller meals per day, a habit you should start while they are a puppy. A rough guide is that they should exercise for minutes per day and less after 5 years when many lose their appetite for long marathons of activity. Your pup will need brushing every few days, with more frequent grooming during seasonal changes to combat shedding. Bathing should be infrequent as this can damage the waterproofing of their coats, however, you should wash them after swimming or rolling in muck. After around 8 weeks your puppy will be due for some vaccinations, so they will need a checkup at the vet and to arrange for boosters after that. Studies showed that dogs supplemented with a diet of bovine colostrum had a quicker and stronger immune system response to CDV vaccine as compared to dogs fed a control diet. Colostrum supplemented dogs maintained a higher antibody level even after 40 weeks A diet supplemented with Colostrum helps bridge the immunity gap in puppies that occurs between 3 weeks and 5 months of age. Behaviour Do not be complacent with training your Labrador puppy — almost all are very gentle and well behaved, but this does not mean that training is unnecessary. Labs are very loving and patient with all that they meet, but they often do not know their own size. To combat this, they should be trained in how to act around small dogs and children to avoid intimidation or accidental injury. They will also benefit from obedience training to drop things from their mouths, avoid rushing across busy streets and make sure they come when called. Recommended Articles. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. Remember, Labs do not have a natural food intake regulator so you will need to monitor them with portion control. Using a cheaper brand is a poor option at half the price. You will use twice as much and you will have to clean up larger amounts of waste in your yard. To allow for an accurate control of body weight and growth rate, this amount of food can be dispensed over 3 meals per day. After 5 months of age, the feeding regularity can be reduced to two meals per day with the commensurate increase in food quantity. The amount of food a Labrador puppy requires will increase then level out during first 14 months of their life. At months, their bone density is increasing and their growth plates are set. We do not recommend desexing you pup until at least 3 years of age. This allows for an appropriate development and supply of hormone which in turn produces proper bone, muscle and vital organ development. Table foods dispensed randomly to dogs are not nutritionally balanced. We do not offer our dogs table food at all. There will be no problems if you are feeding a puppy with a homemade diet but it should be prepared from prescribed recipes that are nutritionally complete and balanced. Diets consisting of an unplanned and indiscriminate mixture of human foods particularly including carbohydrates will likely result in obesity and even dietary-induced disease. When you Lab reaches 14months of age, it should be given an adult food that contains less energy and calcium. This will decrease the risk of obesity and orthopaedic conditions. And do not feed them coffee or tea as they can contain caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. These toxic substances can dangerously affect the heart and nervous system. Onions, garlic, raisins and grapes can be severely toxic in labradors. Raw meat is potential source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria for your puppy. Eggs yokes are an excellent source of protein. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin a B vitamin. This can, in extreme cease, lead to skin and coat problems. Liver contains higher levels of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Raw liver can be a source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria. Excessive amounts of liver can cause Vitamin A toxicity. Raw bone chewing will control tartar buildup on a pups teeth. However, bone chewing can cause intestinal blockages and perforations. Never use cooked bones. Commercial Puppy Foods Most commercial puppy foods are designated for small, medium, large and giant breeds. This designation can be found on the label. Puppies of medium sized breeds are less than '25 kg fully grown adult body weight'. A full grown and lean Labrador will usually weigh between 25kg and 45kg. We feed our dogs at the 'lower' level of the recommended range. The 'Hills Body Fat Index' is a very helpful body shape indicator. The same food as the bitch You should feed your new puppy with the same brand of food as the bitch received during lactation. From 2 weeks into pregnancy, our expectant mothers are fed 'Royal Canin Labrador Puppy' food. Introducing a new brand of food If you are wanting to introduce a new brand of food to your puppy, then blend it gradually with the existing brand in increasing amounts over 3 days. This should prevent food rejection and any kind of gastric upset. It is best to choose a diet designed for large breed puppies. Selected commercial feeds should contain a limited percentage of filler compounds. Pawlinglabs uses Royal Canin Labrador as our preferred option. Growing labradors Labrador pups have a very steep growth curve, and their total daily energy needs do increase as they grow. Calculate the amount of puppy food that will satisfy that need. The feeding guidelines on the commercial pet food label provides an estimated quantity of feed for several different ranges in body size. These instructions will give you an estimated starting point for the particular brand. Medium or large? Medium breeds should be transitioned to an adult diet by 12 months of age, while large breeds between 14 — 18 months of age. Mature female labradors are medium and weight approx kg. Mature males are large and weight approx kg. Their calcium and energy content should not exceed that level recommended by a registered nutritionalist. Sound skeletal development Sound skeletal development in labradors is produced by the interaction of genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. The phase prior to weaning and the growth phase, up to 14 months are integral to sound skeletal structure. Don't take your young pup on extended distance walks and certainly not 'running' until at least 18mths of age. You must avoid stairs and slippery floors for the same reasons. Their growth plates are set at about mths of age. Feeding and Overfeeding Large breeds like Labradors are the most susceptible to skeletal disease. Feed consumption, nutrients balance and feeding methods influence our ability to produce sound skeletal development and eliminate skeletal disease. Appropriate food consumption and nutrition plays a critical role in bone development. Overfeeding will not increase or benefit the growth rate of young and growing labrador puppies. And it does not correlate with optimal adult size. However, it does increase the risk of skeletal abnormalities. The vast majority of skeletal disorders occur in large breeds including labradors and they are associated with consumption of table food and an excessive intake of a commercial food and supplementation. The large breeds like labradors are limited in their ability to cope with an excess of minerals such as calcium. The result of this over consumption is abnormal bone development and skeletal disorders. Nutritional management will be critical in the to prevention of bone and joint diseases. In most cases, skeletal disease can prevented by appropriate quantities of feed in a regulated diet with optimal nutrient levels. A complete and balanced commercial diet is essential. Dietary deficiencies will be of little concern if your labrador pup is fed with a complete and balanced commercial diet. Brands like Eukanuba and Royal Canin are specifically formulated for young, growing labradors. There is real potential for harm by over feeding and giving additional supplementation. Housing safety and activity levels Housing safety and activity levels are under the your influence. Nutrition is also under your control and it is the single most important factor affecting the development of the musculoskeletal system. Energy, protein, and calcium are the critical nutritional components affecting skeletal development. However, if they are given in excess, they will be detrimental to normal bone and joint growth. Most pet owners feed commercial dog food. These prepared diets are balanced and complete. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. The source of protein matters when considering a high-quality diet. FATS The rest of the diet should be made up of fats, carbs, and vitamins. Labs need to have a correct protein -to-fat ratio, where protein takes the lead. Dogs tend to convert fat into glucose, so this is an important source of energy. Dogs rely mostly on protein and fats, but carbs are necessary. That said, a low carb diet is best for puppies. However, you still need the right percentage of carbs, since this gives your dog the sensation of being full. These include starches, fibers, and sugars. Try to opt for more complex carbs like starchy grain and veggies because these are easier to digest. Your Lab puppy will thrive when his or her diet includes: Vitamin B12 especially during puppy development , Vitamins A and E, C, Vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium, Potassium Each of these required vitamins and minerals contributes to a healthy, happy, and energetic puppy. They also help offset issues like obesity. Vitamins A and E are important because they help your dog burn calories and promote eye and skin health. Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, on the other hand, are part of a trifecta that works to strengthen teeth and bones. Potassium is a heart health-preserver. Labs with poor genetics are especially prone to orthopedic issues. Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are common health problems for this breed. Glucosamine, an amino-sugar, together with chondroitin sulfate, helps replace and support naturally degrading cartilage during old age. Recently,"grain-free" foods are being championed as a preferred and even high-quality form of dog food. That's, not the whole story. An investigation launched by the FDA revealed that there are potential links between a form of canine heart disease and grain-free foods. So far, researchers have provided an update to this researchers have provided an update to this research staring that the issue may not just be grain-free diets. Grain-free may be part of other trends knows as "BEG"- boutique companies. Puppy diets don't' need to be complicated. They also don't need to include ingredients that humans might enjoy. Enjoyment doesn't necessarily bring any nutritional value to your puppy's development. Keep it simple, using the guidelines for fats, proteins, and carbs above and don't shy away from food with grains in them. It's not their presence that's a problem it's often the ratio. There shouldn't be more carbs or grains than protein. Nor does including only legumes, seeds, lentils, or chickpeas as the primary ingredients make the food more superior. It's perfectly healthy to include complex carb sources like starchy rice and other grains. Grain-free isn't and shouldn't be a qualifying factor for your choice in puppy food. Feeding Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is dried, pelleted food that stores well is easy to eat, and is pre-formulated with everything your puppy needs to thrive and grow in his early developmental months. There are plenty of popular brands that don't measure up to the Snowy Pines standard. That's why it's so vital for you to learn how to read puppy food labels. Puppies should stick with "puppy stage" food, while adults should stick to bags marked "adults. Instead, your dog should have regular bowel movements, allowing them to absorb all the nutrients available. You should also keep in mind that caloric intake is calculated a little differently for puppies. Kibble diets are measured by how many calories the proteins, fats, and carbs represent for each gram. For puppies, this should be 3. Sticking to these ratios will help ensure your kibble choice is a healthy one. It's also important to note that kibble calories are often higher when compared to wet food. If it's high-quality wet food, it won't have as much fat to preserve it, which means fewer calories. You may have to supplement with dry food, especially if you're trying to keep the calories of carbs, proteins, and fats in the right per-gram ratio. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, you can reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.