how long to feed labradoodle puppy food

Click the links above to jump straight to the answers. Or, keep reading to get a glimpse into the daily life of a one month old Labradoodle puppy. They will be playing with their littermates, running around to explore their home, and barking a lot more. During this week, and potentially from the week 3 mark, breeders will be introducing more solid foods to their puppies. And this means that potty training becomes more prominent in daily life. At 4 weeks, Labradoodle puppies still have a lot to learn from their mothers and from each other. But, remember that puppy coats at this stage are still very different to adult Labradoodle coats! Puppies that are 4 weeks old will still have a single layer coat that feels very fine and soft to the touch. This will eventually shed to reveal their adult coat. Other than their soft fur coats, they will have little wagging tails, floppy ears, and dark, loving eyes. And, they still have plenty of important behavioral lessons to learn from the mother and littermates. If they leave their mother at this stage, puppies can develop health issues. But, also, puppies removed from their mom too young go on to display more behavioral problems as adults. Bite inhibition is one of the most important things that a mother dog will teach her puppies, especially at 4 weeks when their teeth are really growing in. All puppies bite when teething, and whilst growing into their teenage selves. But, removing them from their mother early can make this experience a lot worse. So, wait until at least 8 weeks before bringing your Labradoodle puppy home. At 4 weeks, many breeders will be introducing their Labradoodle puppies to solid foods. In fact, some might start even earlier than 4 weeks! Most likely, they will be consuming a mix between solid foods and milk. As, they will still be feeding from their moms. Solid food will mostly come in the form of a puppy-specific, commercial food. But, in rare cases, some breeders may raw feed their puppies and dogs. Puppy food is higher in calories, to support the quick growth period that young puppies are going through. So, expect breeders to feed this rather than adult dog food. The Start of Potty Training Along with solid foods comes the need for potty training. But, instead, many breeders start using puppy pads, or an outdoor play pen, to get their brood used to the idea that their are right places and wrong places to pee. However, this is the time when most puppies receive another worming treatment. Veterinarians will only really be involved if there are any serious health issues with any of the puppies. Puppies that are 4 weeks old should not leave their mother and littermates. If a breeder tries to send you away with a 4 week puppy, walk away. It is a criminal offence to sell underage puppies in many regions, so you could also report them too the local authorities. Reputable breeders will often let you put down a deposit early on — perhaps even before the puppies are born. But, they will not let you take home Labradoodle puppies that are younger than 8 weeks old. Taking a puppy away from its mother and littermates before 4 weeks old can lead to health and behavioral problems. And, if a breeder tries to give you your puppy at 4 weeks old, this is a huge red flag. Paying for a puppy at 4 weeks old is fine, and perfectly normal. But, it can be fun to find out what your future puppy is experiencing before they come home. At four weeks old, your Labradoodle puppy will be looking like a real little dog! This is a big stage for your puppy, and a really fun one to observe if you get the chance! Watch Your Labradoodle Grow. And since Labradoodles are bred in three and sometimes four sizes depending on the breed line and generation, the growth rate for height and weight can vary greatly from one puppy to the next. For example, most mini and medium Labradoodles typically reach their full adult weight by the age of 12 months. Yet some standard Labradoodles may take two to three years to reach their full adult weight. A 3 month old Labradoodle may have already reached 50 to 90 percent of their full adult height. Mini and medium size Labradoodles will be closer to the 90 percent mark while standard Labradoodle puppies will be closer to the 50 percent mark at 3 months old. The Double Up size formula One way to guesstimate how much growing your 3 month old Labradoodle has left to do is to use the double up formula. Then multiply that number by two and add 10 more pounds. Take that number and multiply it by four to get an approximate adult weight. Size formulas for mini and medium Labradoodles If your 3 month old Labradoodle is a mini, take their weight at six weeks and multiply that by four to get their adult weight. And if your puppy is from a medium size breed line, take their weight at 14 weeks and multiply that by 2. Feeding a 3 Month Old Labradoodle Labradoodle puppies typically eat three times each day at least until the age of six months. For standard size Labradoodle puppies in particular, over-feeding can lead to too-fast growth which puts pressure on the bones, joints and ligaments. On the other hand, mini Labradoodles may need as many as four daily feedings until they are able to eat a sufficient amount at each meal to maintain stable blood sugar between meals. If you choose to feed your Labradoodle puppy dry kibble, you can refer to the guidance on the package to map out a daily puppy feeding schedule. This is why your 3 month old Labradoodle puppy needs daily training starting the first day they come home with you. There are the major skills your Labradoodle puppy will need to learn at the three month mark. The first skill is bite inhibition. Your puppy will be losing their baby teeth and growing in their adult teeth. You definitely want your Labradoodle to know what they can chew and what they cannot chew and to learn the command for drop it or leave it. Your second skill is recall. The third skill is part of the ongoing process of socialization. By exposing your Labradoodle puppy to lots of different people, animals and situations, you have a far greater chance of raising a calm, confident, friendly adult dog. Your fourth major skill a Labradoodle needs to begin mastering is leash and walk obedience. You should introduce commands like heel and sit and stay at this point. Grooming a 3 Month Old Labradoodle Your 3 month old Labradoodle puppy is still wearing their puppy coat and will be for some time yet to come. But that also makes this the right time to get your puppy accustomed to basic grooming, including brushing, combing and bathing. Have the groomer give your puppy a basic brush and trim. Use the puppy brush once a day or every other day to get your puppy used to being brushed. This is primarily because of teething. It can be very hard to stay patient with a puppy intent on chewing on anything and everything to relieve their discomfort! So take care to supervise your Labradoodle puppy around young kids including your own and other vulnerable family pets. This short period will pass and you can pass the time instilling appropriate obedience and socialization skills in your little pup. More About Labradoodle Puppies. What does Ashford Manor Labradoodles do for pups at 3 weeks of age? Continually add new items for play balls, soft toys, hard toys, etc. Touch them, play with them, lift them up Train them with a potty mat to go to the bathroom Love on them! Our puppies have safely travelled all over the United States, including Alaska! We have puppies in major cities and in rural areas … so our job is to prepare them for everything and people of all ages! Our current 3 week old puppies has mini and medium sized Australian Labadoodles available. They are various shades of chocolate, chalk white , and caramel in color! These puppies are raised in our home and cared for and trained each day. Australian Labradoodles are not just another dog. They are growing in popularity because they are non-shedding, allergy friendly, and good for people with asthma as well. They can be groomed as little as twice a year. The Australian Labradoodle is incredibly fast to train very intelligent, and make fantastic therapy dogs! Find out why Ashford Manor Labradoodles stands out from the rest of Australian Labradoodle breeders by taking to some of our puppy families. We take time to help prepare each puppy family for their new arrival! We spend time talking to each family and send them resources to help ease the transition plus all the training we do.

We have Lab puppies for sale in California that are available throughout the year in different colors, including Silver Labradors , Charcoal Labs and Champagne Labs! Let us know what you are looking for and we will find the right puppy for you! About our Wonderful Labs.The Labrador Retriever loves to retrieve. Show a Lab to water and it will retrieve all day: balls, sticks, small boats and even children who might happen to go for a swim. Descended from dogs found in Newfoundland by explorers, fishermen and settlers, the Labrador Retriever evolved by natural selection. An excellent retriever of fish and game, these dogs have been known by several names, among them the Black Water Dog, the Lesser Newfoundland and the St. John's Dog. In the early s, the breed was introduced to Britain, where it was eventually crossed with other sporting breeds. The final product was the strong, sturdy, happy Labrador Retriever, which is America's most popular dog, thanks to its outgoing, eager-to-please and loving temperament. Males usually measure .Weight for males ranges from 65 to 80 pounds, with females averaging about 10 pounds less. The coat is short, dense and hard in colors of black, yellow, silver, charcoal, chocolate and many shades in the middle such as the white and champagne Lab. The AKC only allows black, chocolate and yellow to place in the show ring but that doesn't stop us from loving the other colors! A simple good brushing will remove dead hair and keep the coat shiny. A distinctive feature of the breed is the medium-long tail. Thick and round at the root and gradually tapering to the tip, it is often described as an otter tail. This tail can clear a coffee table in seconds! The Labrador is easy to train and excels as a field dog as well as obedience trials. Labs enjoy all outdoor exercise but are especially fond of swimming. They say this medium-sized, high-energy dog is best suited to a suburban or country home with a yard and a family that can provide it with the activity it loves--but that said, many city-dwelling Lab owners tell us it is the most wonderful "city" dog they have ever had! City, country or anywhere in between, the Lab is simply the best! Labrador Retriever Puppies for Sale in California Many people would agree that a house is not truly a home until you have a dog. With our Labrador retriever puppies for sale , Silver and Charcoal Kennels can make that a reality for you. We are a professional Labrador retriever breeder that produces top-quality puppies. We are based in Mississippi, but we deliver our puppies nationally, including to California. Our mission is to provide you and your family with the Labrador puppy of your dreams. Each of our Lab puppies comes from a Sire that has multiple Field Trial Championships and a Senior Title, and bloodlines that go back two decades. Puppies also come with AKC registration, genetic testing, all vaccinations, and the most desirable breed traits. Our silver, charcoal, and champagne Labrador puppies grow to be large in size and have great temperaments. Their loving natures make them incredible family companions, while their gentle and intelligent dispositions make them fit to become hunting, rescue, and service dogs. Many of our pups go on to become service dogs for veterans, as we donate one of our Lab puppies to a veteran once a year. After reserving your puppy with a deposit , you can choose to pick them up from our kennel or we can drive them to you in California. Either way, you will be able to observe and interact with your pup before taking custody and paying the full fee. Contact us with any questions or to reserve your pup today! Questions about our puppies?

For the complete list please Click Here. This number can vary depending on the breeder and where you purchase your new puppy from. This will guarantee that the puppy is purebred, healthy, and up-to-date on its vaccinations. The health of any breed is largely dependent upon its breeding practices, so this becomes even more important with purebred dogs such as boxers who are prone to hereditary diseases. Be aware that the vast majority of the pet stores have their puppies supplied by unscrupulous breeders. The best place to find reputable boxer breeders will be through the local boxer breed clubs, they will be able to put you in touch with responsible breeders who are aware of the health issues specific to this breed. Above all, take your time. Do not ever, rush into any decision when purchasing a new family member. If you do so, then chances are that it may turn out to be one of the biggest mistakes of your life. Visit Your Arizona Boxer Breeder in Person Every responsible breeder will insist on you visiting them in person before buying a puppy. The breeder should be happy to offer you references from previous purchasers, as well as conducting an interview with yourself the potential new owner. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your Boxer Breeder in Arizona Most responsible breeders will have no problem in offering you references from people that they have sold puppies to previously, even better if they can provide more than just one. Other than asking for references from previous buyers, always ask the breeder what type of after-care is provided. Reputable breeders will also offer at least a 6-month health guarantee with their puppies; this means that they will either fix or replace your boxer puppy at no cost to yourself if it falls ill within this time frame. This way you can be assured that you are purchasing a healthy boxer pup, free of known genetic issues. The most reputable boxer breeders will have no issues in allowing their clients to meet one another. Find out whether the breeder uses a good vet. If they do, then they will be more than willing to give you contact information for their veterinarian, as well as provide you with a recommendation. It is unfortunate but true that puppy mills do exist and finding one can be extremely difficult as most will go out of their way to make it appear as if they are running a legitimate business. Healthy boxer pups grow into healthy boxers, so quality over quantity should always be the goal. This is not a sign of distrust but rather one of concern for both you and your new boxer pup. A good breeder will ask you what type of contract you would like before selling a puppy to you. By asking this question you can ensure that your boxer pup has never had ANY health problems such as Parvo or other issues that may become apparent in later life such as heart disease. How to Prepare Your Home for Your Boxer Puppy The age at which your new boxer pup is received will often determine how much preparation you need to do. While it may seem like a daunting task, if done properly it can be achieved within just a week or two of arriving home — providing that everyone in the household understands what is expected and are prepared for this new addition. Boxers are very intelligent dogs which means that, with patience on your part, they will soon learn exactly where they are supposed to go. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Spayed or Neutered, Story Available for Adoption! Everest now known as Nala is an amazing stoic and resilient girl. She was adopted out in when she was 9 wks. Fast forward to now her family is going through a messy divorce and out of spite was dumped on the 60 freeway. The poor girl was terrified and running with traffic. Thank goodness for a good Samaritan who stopped traffic and got her into her vehicle. Another rescuer took her in overnight until our assistant Director went and picked her up. She is adjusting beautifully and has been integrated into our pack of 9. She is comfortable and now knows she is safe. She would make a wonderful service dog for emotional support or to visit the elderly in a facility or hospice care. She enjoys belly rubs, warm laps, is very loving, gentle and loves cheese for a treat. She is crate trained, potty trained, doggy door trained, leash trained, knows sit, down and come. She is good with kids and all dogs. Should do well with cats as she is amazing with our lb. Private message if interested! Boxer Description The Boxer has a compact and powerful body. Their head is proportionate with the body and has a short muzzle with an underbite. The tail is set high and typically docked. Their coat is short, smooth, and comes in multiple colors including fawn, tan, brindle, mahogany, and black and often with white markings. Boxers also come in a white coat, but some clubs will not register them. Discover more about our Boxer puppies for sale below and see why they are one of the most popular breeds in the U. Disposition and Temperament Boxers are happy, playful, curious, and energetic. So much so that many remain extremely fit and athletic into their old age. They are very intelligent, eager, quick to learn and known to be a good breed for competitive obedience. Boxers bond closely with their family and are loyal and affectionate. In fact, they are known to get along well with children. A properly socialized Boxer will get along with dogs and other household pets, such as cats, but small animals such as rodents or birds may be too tempting. Being energetic and playful, the Boxer can become boisterous and jump on people without proper training and leadership. Boxers need to go on a daily walk and get daily mental and physical exercise. Without it, they can become stressed out. You should start training your Boxer while it is a puppy: Boxers do best with dominant owners who can be firm, consistent and committed. You need to establish yourself as the leader of the pack with this dog breed. Owners who do not establish dominance often find their dogs to be stubborn or demanding which can hamper the owner-pet relationship. Living Conditions As for living arrangements, they can be fine in an apartment if sufficiently exercised even though they are active indoors, but Boxers really do best with an average-sized yard. They are also temperature sensitive, overheating easily and chilling quickly. Boxers have a natural tendency to protect their owners and home, and although visitors who the dog recognizes are not seen as a threat, will protect their owners if they sense danger. Boxers are courageous which makes them great watchdogs and will even restrain intruders. It is important to know Boxer puppies require human leadership and need to be taught not to be boisterous or jump up on people. It requires very little grooming. Brush it with a rubber curry brush once or twice a week to keep it looking good. The Boxer tends to be a clean breed only occasionally needing a bath. Origin The name Boxer is thought to come from the way they use their front paws for just about everything; pawing at its food bowls, toys, and even its owner in a playful way. The Boxer was developed in Germany in the 19th century and its ancestors were two German mastiff-type breeds. They were later bred with the ancestors of the Mastiff and Bulldog. Boxers were first used for dog-fighting, bull-baiting, cart pulling, cattle dogs, rounding up livestock, and to catch and pin wild boar and bison until hunters could arrive. Later they became popular theater and circus dogs. There are two types of Boxers: the German and the American Boxer. German Boxers have bigger heads and are generally more muscular than American Boxers. See store for details on a puppy. The American Canine Association, Inc. The American Canine Registry.

We are bulldog breeders that focus on quality english bulldogs. Our bulldogs conform to the AKC Standard and are built like bullies should be. Not all bullies are created equal. If you want a short, stocky , wrinkly bully with a loving attitude, give us a call. You haven't played me in Poker, yet!!! Our puppies are showered with attention and care 24 hours a day. We are ethical breeders of some of the finest bulldogs in the world and are proud of the dogs we own and puppies we produce. We are a vet recommended breeder and will provide reference if you wish just ask. Each puppy passes a thorough health exam before leaving us. We strive to produce healthy puppies and are on a never ending mission to improve our blood lines and the breed as a whole. We literally have some of the best English Bulldogs in the world! All of our puppies are raised by us personally, in our home. Our duty, first and foremost, is to produce healthy, happy, physically sound bulldogs that make great family companions. We strive to produce excellent quality, healthy, wrinkly, correct body type bulldogs with loving charming attitudes and wonderful temperaments. We only breed champion lined adults and own beautiful studs of the highest quality, which are available for stud service to approved females. Understanding that most pet owners have no intentions of showing English Bulldogs, we still want to provide our clients with puppies of impeccable quality. We have put countless hours of into the study and research of the breed to produce the top quality dogs that you see on this site. We have dedicated our lives to improving our line, breeding high quality bulldogs, and producing amazing puppies that have brought and will continue to bring many years of happiness to their families. We hear all the time "we only want a pet, not a show dog". That may be true but you still want a bulldog that looks like a bulldog. So ,please don't make the mistake of buying a cheap bulldog from a backyard breeder or puppy mill. You will be brokenhearted and feel swindled. Bulldogs of this quality are not easily produced and the price reflects the quality of our puppies, so if you're going to spend your money, spend it wisely on a champion pedigreed puppy that will exceed your expectations. When it comes to quality bulldogs, the saying "you get what you pay for" rings true. Greetings from Bruiser Bulldogs and The Wysongs We are a family absolutely in love with the Bulldog breed and are dedicated to breeding genetically healthy English Bulldog puppies. As responsible AKC English Bulldog breeders, our extensive experience and unique take on the need for a healthier English Bulldog has positioned our breeding program as a visionary leader for adopters in search of a higher quality Bulldog. At our core, we love placing healthy, properly socialized puppies into loving families. There is no greater joy than to be able to share our lifelong passion for English Bulldogs with our adopter families. Feel free to read our blog , watch our videos and learn why Bruiser Bulldogs is producing a better bulldog. Instead of focusing on maximizing wrinkles or winning in the show ring, we have built our foundational bloodlines over the past decade with a focus on health first on foremost. Sires and Dams are health tested with a unique criteria. Bruiser Bulldogs must breathe freely, move athletically while still maintaining that classic English Bulldog look that people around the world have come to love. Our goal has always been consistently produce puppies that are both a head turner and fundamentally healthy Bloodline development is the key to producing healthy bulldogs. We believe that foundational genetics are created through layer after layer of breeding healthy generations of bulldogs. Over the course of a decade, we have focused on a stringent set of health criteria to gradually improve the health and quality of the dogs we produce. The rare combination of experience, repetition, and ethical awareness of correct breeding practices has set our breeding program at the forefront of responsible breeding practices. The process truly is an adoption that affects the time, focus, and schedules of each household that gets a puppy from us. After a healthy puppy , the single most critical factor for a successful bulldog adoption is adopter support. The English Bulldog is unique breed with a unique set of caretaking criteria. Previous dog ownership, while helpful, is not enough to fully prepare an adopter for English Bulldog ownership. We always say the adoption is just the beginning of our journey. Through blog articles and email prep, we focus on such topics as socialization, crate training, disease prevention, potty training, nutrition, and basic puppy supplies to ensure that each adopter will be fully prepared for their new puppy. At BigBullDogs. We offer the best service for purchasing the perfect bulldog puppies, and we have quality studs that have set us apart as the top breeders for bulldogs. Whatever it is that you need regarding these beautiful bullies, this is the right place for you. Here are the varieties we have; What You Need to Know About English Bulldogs English Bulldogs are very distinct from the other breeds of bulldogs and are the more prevalent breed. These sturdy, muscular dogs have a cute waddle walk that directly results from their short, stubby legs. The English bulldog also has a flat-looking face, dark and low set eyes, massive and broad jaws, and fleshy cheeks and lips that give it that signature pouty and droopy look. Its short neck, thick shoulders, and barrelled chest, slightly arched back make it one breed that you can easily identify anywhere. Our standard Male English bulldogs are inches and weigh an average of 50 pounds, while the Female English bulldogs weigh about 40 pounds. All our English bulldogs have the finest textured coats and healthiest skin with a variety of colour patterns. Whether you pick a male English bulldog or female English bulldog from us, you can be assured of their wonderful demeanor and gentle disposition. The AKC recognizes over dog breeds and rated the Bulldog as 2 for the best family dog breed. They are incredible family dogs but not the best watch dogs these days. The last nine decades of domestication has turned them into couch potatoes, considerably different from their original genetic breeding that made them perfect for Bull Baiting. Nevertheless they are fantastic at lying on the couch and giving you the stink eye when you disturb their rest. Quick Guide to French Bulldogs French bulldogs were named for their origin story, which says that they were a breed of English toy bulldogs and several unidentified dog breeds. They have distinct features that make them stand out against their English counterparts, such as their pointy, bat ears. French bulldogs are small, cute dogs that are very playful and perfect for being a home pet. Regardless of whether you pick the male french bulldogs or the female French bulldogs , you get a pet that is calm, attentive, attention-loving, and a partner to you and your kids. The male french bulldog is an estimated 12 inches in height and 25 pounds in weight. On the other hand, the female french bulldog is about 11 inches and 20 pounds. The male french bulldogs are usually a bit more muscular than females and have larger heads. However both are equally affectionate and super family oriented. Not to be outdone by their British Bulldog cousin, the female french bulldogs also made the Top 10 Best Family Dog breeds list in .Looking to Adopt Bulldogs? Many of our dogs end up around the world, including the great state of Tennessee. In Tennessee Olde English Bulldogges are a popular breed. We have also assisted in Old English Bulldog rescues in Tennessee. With affordable shipping, we can get you happy, healthy, and socialized Olde English Bulldog puppies in Tennessee. A premier breeder with unbeatable guarantees, customer service 2nd to none and of course our amazing quality bulldogges makes us the best spot for your Tennessee Olde English Bulldogge puppies. Below is a few pictures of some of our Tennessee Olde English Bulldogges residing with their loving families in Nashville, Tennessee. If you are looking for a perfect bulldogge, give us a call .For avid facebookers you will also be able to interact with siblings of your pup and watch how they grow! Look no further! Happy, Healthy and Socialized Bulldogge puppies come from One of a Kind Bulldogs Truth is, we have an epidemic of puppy mills and backyard breeders. Our customers have done the hard work and inspected our facility for you out of state clients. I love to follow all of our friends and the adventures they have with their dawgs. Anyone else interested please do the same. Hes mellow, smart a huge :. We couldnt be happier with him and with Ary. Ary is always available to help answer questions of give advise and loves to keep up with his pups as they grow and beyond. In researching, we found Ary and the Olde English breed and could not be happier with the decision to get Bruce. Ary was incredible throughout the process, explaining everything we needed to know about the breed and the process of importing him into Hong Kong. He checked in with us several times before the flight and was in constant contact via text when we went to the airport to pick up Bruce, who arrived a little skeptical of his new surroundings but perfectly healthy and happy. The extent to which Ary cares about every one of the amazing dogs he sells is clear through his attention to detail and willingness to put in any extra effort to make sure his puppies get to, and stay in, good homes. He took to his kennel training and potty training so fast! In searching for our puppy, we did our due diligence researching online and then visiting your property in person. I was impressed with how happy and healthy all of your dogs are. I also enjoyed getting the opportunity to meet the parents of our puppy; they both seemed to have great termperments. Thanks for a wonderful puppy! Lauren W. I recently adopted her from Ary, and it was great! Ary is so devoted to all of his dogs, he even knows them by their bark! His property is a dog haven, dog runs, kiddie pools, and toys for days! He truly loves what he does. When I heard that Ary had rescued a litter of puppies i had to take a look! I fell in love with them all, as i do with all of his litters! He knows the background of each and every one of his dogs, he is so knowledgeable about the breed and is always there to answer any questions i have about Pepper. I will definitely be getting another bulldogge from Ary in the years to come. Thanks Ary! Jenna S. Iowa Hey Ary We just want to say thank for are boy Kane. He one of the best we gotten. He is are first bulldogge and wont be the last. Im just glad you made my day by letting take Kane home to live with use. S im looking forward to the day we get are girl from you. He is pounds and a real joy to have around! Ary is so helpful and we are grateful for him introducing us to this wonderful breed. There really is no better breed of dog! If you are looking for a bulldog and you should be! Shane S. Cares deeply about the health and well being of his dogs. A quality breeder with amazing dogs!! Cinda G. Brea, CA Just want to start off by saying: Ari, isnt just a Breeder hes a good guy and now a friend of mine!!!! I bought a puppy from him last feb !!! Since that time he taught me a lot about the breed to the point where i want to start breeding oldies!!!! So if you looking for a quality olde you have came to the right spot…. One of a Kind is now actively helping save shelter Bulldogges in high risk of euthanization, this is our way of giving back! Check our rescue site www. We are helping the olde English Bulldogges that were relinquished to shelters and ironically clening up a lot of the mess irresponsible backyard breeders are making. We always have olde English Bulldogges needing a home, if you dont wanna buy a puppy, help save a shelter dog. Follow Us on Social Media! Paypal Secured Payments.

Have a look at this little golden fluffball: 2. Goberians have been trained to take part in a range of activities, from hunting and agility to guarding and search and rescue. This means that when you set boundaries, you must stick to them. You should also start obedience training with her from a young age. In other words, think: Golden, but with your foot on the accelerator. If not exercised properly, a Golden Retriever Husky Mix will resort to destructive behavior, which will just be stressful for all involved. So, how much exercise does she need? The answer at least an hour a day, plus lots of play. This dog does well at agility, fetch games, and she makes a great running or hiking partner. This will fulfill her need for a job, too, as she will be carrying a weight like her Husky parents. Further reading Dog Backpack Dos and Donts 4. Due to their size and energy levels, they need a place to live that provides adequate space for them to move around in. The ideal home for her is a house with a spacious garden she can run and play in. Alternatively, you can get large exercise pens to provide a secure and comfortable area for your dog move around in. They love being part of a family source Goberians are often described as having the drive of the Siberian Husky mixed with the gentleness of a Golden. This quality makes them great companions for a family with children, as their playfulness is usually paired with an awareness they need to be more careful around young ones. These are truly loyal dogs who bond strongly with their family and love to be around them. Their coat needs little maintenance Remember that dense double coat I mentioned earlier? The Goberian still needs groomingtwice a week for 5 minutes. This will remove loose hairs and keep her coat looking healthy and tangle free. For this reason, these dogs find it difficult to tolerate hot weather and are better suited to living in moderate to cool climates. During the summer, you should exercise her in the morning or in the evening to avoid higher temperatures. In the hotter months, be mindful that her water bowl will need constant refills. Also, make sure she always has access to a shaded area when she is outside. Plenty of exercise and a healthy diet are an essential part of keeping your pup in tip-top shape. In fact, there are specific ingredients that you can look out for in dog foods that can alleviate and, in some cases, prevent certain health conditions. Symptoms include joint pain and stiffness, limping, and, in severe cases, lameness. The main helpers here are glucosamine and chondroitin , which are often included in foods for large breed and senior dogs. Eye problems The Goberian can suffer from eye problems, including juvenile cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and progressive retinal atrophy, which they inherit from their Husky parent. While none of these conditions are life-threatening, they can all lead to blindness. Some foods containing high amounts of these antioxidants include: Cold water fish e. Amazing family dog, intelligent and easy to train, good natured and silly. CONS More prone to serious health concerns, high shedding and needs lots of exercise. Appearance Since these two breeds are quite different in appearance, a mix between them can be a strikingly beautiful dog. A Goberian might look more like a Golden Retriever with just one color to its coat, or it may inherit the Husky patterning. Look at this shy Golden Retriever Husky Mix! But there are other combinations a Goberian pup can have, too. Their eyes can be brown, blue, or they can have one eye with each color. Huskies and Goldens are both notorious shedders. Especially huskies! About twice a year, though, these dogs will go through a period of especially heavy shedding. A good bath, blow dry, and brush out will help loosen these tufts of fur so they can be removed or brushed out. When they are not heavily shedding, a quick daily brush-out is sufficient to keep their coat looking amazing and have less shedding around the house. The average Siberian Husky stands between 20 and .A Goberian usually ends up weighing anywhere from 45 to 85 pounds and standing at 20 to 23 inches. They often forget their own size and think of themselves as lap dogs, too. They really just want to stick to you like glue! Goberians tend to be incredibly sweet, loving, and friendly to everybody they meet. Goofy Goberian temperaments are the best! However, factors such as size, genetics, and health conditions can, of course, also play a part. Further reading: How old is my Husky in humans years? Intelligence Both parent breeds are recognized as intelligent dogs. Despite this potential stubbornness, they are high performers in areas like agility, obedience, dock diving, hunting and retrieving, or really any athletic competition that requires some smarts! So lots of exercise and fun activities is a must for this breed! Golden Retrievers seem to have a special affinity for water, so this breed may love going to the beach or lake and going for a swim! They often perform really well with hunting and retrieving, and dock diving! Golden Retriever Husky Mixes love retrieving frisbees! Goberians are definitely considered to be family-friendly dogs. Because of their Golden Retriever heritage, they are often very sweet and patient with children. However, the Goberian can sometimes get a little too excited and play too hard, which may not be ideal around especially small children. The Golden Retriever can run both at high speeds in short increments and at moderate speeds for long distances. Many people make Golden Retrievers their running or jogging partner or even hiking partner! Because of this, the Goberian is usually an all-star athlete. Behavior Goberians can be best described as happy-go-lucky dogs who have tons of energy and love to play. Because of all this energy, they can sometimes develop or engage in some bad behaviors because of boredom. For example, instead of playing with their toys, they may decide that their brand-new dog bed looks like the perfect victim to chew and shred to pieces! Thankfully, because the Goberian is an intelligent breed, they can easily absorb good behavior training. Additionally, so long as they are kept active every day, they are less likely to develop bad habits. Boredom is one of the leading causes of behavioral problems, so it is still important to start training early on. Consider enrolling in behavioral or obedience courses with certified dog trainers. Visit our Husky Behavior hub to learn more. Funny Goberian behavior! Huskies were originally bred by the Chukchi people in northern Siberia to be working dogs. They would use them to pull sleds full of food and equipment, and even keep the families warm at night! In the early s, when the Siberian Husky started making its way to Alaska, their popularity continued to grow. Eventually, they became a favorite breed of people all across the United States. And now, decades later, they continue to be one of the most popular dog breeds in America! History of the Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers were developed by a nobleman by the name of Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Lord Tweedmouth, in the Scottish Highlands in the mids. He developed a breeding program that started with an unusual yellow-coated sporting dog and added in other various retriever-type dogs as well as the Irish Setter, the Bloodhound, and the now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel. Over a period of 50 years, Lord Tweedmouth kept meticulous records about his breeding program to create the ideal hunting dog, which ultimately led to the Golden Retriever as we know it today. The history of the Golden Retriever and Husky is almost as old as the sun! Especially for dogs as athletic as the Goberian, plenty of protein will be important. Visit our Husky Nutrition hub to learn more. Exercise The Goberian needs lots of exercise! They have lots of energy, especially from their Husky side. While they will love a leisurely walk around the block, they will also need something a little bit more intensive to really get their blood flowing. Even just throwing a ball around in the backyard so the dog can get some sprints in will be enough to help get some of that excess energy out. A typical recommendation is for a Goberian to get at least an hour of exercise every day, if not more. Instead, a couple of half-hour sessions will be good as well! Just a Goberian doing some exercise. Remember that grooming does not necessarily mean shaving, even though it may seem tempting, thanks to all their shedding! However, shaving a double coated dog can actually make shedding worse. In fact, a Goberian should never be shaved except in cases of medical necessity. Both the Siberian Husky and the Golden are double-coated, meaning that their coat has two layers. One that is a bit more coarse and thick on the outside, and the inner layer, which is more soft and downy. Having a double coat actually provides protection from sun damage as well as protection from extreme cold and heat. Shaving makes it more difficult for double-coated dogs to regulate their body temperature, and it can cause the fur to grow back coarse and even somewhat sharp to the touch. That aside, grooming for a Goberian will entail taking the pup to the groomer to get a bath and a good brush out. Or you can do it at home! Groomers will often be able to use an awesome deshedding shampoo and conditioner, which helps reduce shedding in the long run! They are also great at trimming their nails short and even smoothing them with a grinder or file. In addition to trips to the groomer, regular brushing will be incredibly important for maintenance. This Goberian is going to need some good grooming! Image from konathegoldenhusky Training Goberians are eager to please most of the time, thanks to their sweet Golden Retriever nature. However, they can sometimes act quite stubborn, thanks to their Husky background. Despite this, Goberians can be used for tracking, police and military work, and therapy work. Start training early for puppies. But do remember to keep it fun, no matter the age, and train in short increments. Puppies undoubtedly will lose interest and start getting distracted if training is longer than 10 minutes at a time, but bigger dogs can focus for longer. But usually, if you have a treat in your hand, a Goberian will follow you to the ends of the earth! Visit our Husky Training hub to learn more. Goberians are quick learners when training! They love to play and explore, and that can often lead to them getting into trouble. Try your best to stick to a routine for potty training and sleep time. Also, try to incorporate lots of play sessions in between nap times! That will help keep your puppy happy and out of trouble. Look at this cute Goberian puppy! Unfortunately, though, they are at an increased risk of developing certain health concerns. Hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, and osteosarcoma are just a few of the cancers that Golden Retrievers are more susceptible to than other dogs. A few other health problems that Goberians may be more prone to developing include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat, retinal atrophy, and hypothyroidism. A good, nutritious diet and regular veterinarian check-ups will help ensure that these pups remain in good health. Visit our Husky Health hub to learn more. Golden Retriever Husky Mix Price The price for a Goberian puppy from a breeder usually lands somewhere between to 1, dollars. Since these mixes are sometimes the result of an accidental litter, they can sometimes be found in shelters or rescues. Depending on the shelter or rescue, the price could be as low as dollars for a senior dog to as high as dollars for a puppy. Visit our Siberian Husky Price hub to learn about the maintenance cost of Huskies. Cons: More prone to serious health concerns, high shedding and needs lots of exercise. Here are some Husky mix alternatives:. Confidence Protectiveness Husky Golden Retrievers are inclined to enjoy their alone time. They are not prone to having separation anxiety. However, it is not recommended to leave them alone for too long. You could find them trying to escape the house. Because of their nature, it is advisable to have this pet when you have a large backyard. This mixed puppy is known to be friendly and gentle to the family members. They usually get along with all the members and are affectionate to children too. They can be fans of cuddling. Golden Retriever Crossed with Husky puppies can be excellent watchdogs. With proper training and sufficient bonding with their owners, they are obedient and alert to suspicious people. They are quite protective of the family members when there is a threatening situation. Husky Mixed with Golden Retriever pups tends to have independent thinking. This trait comes from their Husky origin. At times, they may come off as obnoxious and act on their volition. They may be disobedient to your commands. When dealing with this behavior, it is crucial to remember that you need patience in caring for them. This mixed breed dog has a strong prey drive. They tend to chase smaller creatures. Be sure to keep an eye on other small animals such as cats and squirrels. Backyard Breeders Rescue Shelters Professional Breeders If you will spend money, I highly advise buying from professional breeders among these options. These people take good care of the dogs and prevent inbreeding to guarantee minimal health problems. Reliable breeders can provide you with results of genetic testing for the parent dogs and offspring, as well as records of vaccination and other pertinent documents. They also provide health clearances for the parent dogs. However, before buying from professional breeders, you can also consider visiting your local shelters to check if there is an available Golden Retriever Husky puppy and if you can adopt it. There are also rescue-centers that are breed-specific and non-profit. However, it is remarkable that the mixed breed of Golden Retriever and Husky do not shed much, and it is considered part of the low shedders. Aside from the aesthetic purpose of grooming, there are a lot more reasons to accomplish this activity. Developing a more intimate relationship Maintaining the cleanliness and physical health Bringing out the natural oil on the coat Avoid issues like bug infestations Checking anomalies and possible health problems Here is a list of the tools and equipment you will need for grooming this pup: Slicker Brush Cotton Ball Nail Clipper A regular grooming routine is essential in keeping the shiny and healthy coat of your Husky Golden Retriever Mix puppy. A fundamental step in the grooming routine is regular brushing using a slicker brush. Other steps include giving a bath, trimming the nails, and cleaning its ears. The use of a slicker brush over a pin brush is advisable due to its purpose of untangling mats or knots in the fur. Also, it helps in removing debris and loose hair. It can run through the thick layers of the double coat and facilitate effective grooming. Another advantage of this brush is its massaging quality since it has long pins. Massaging the skin of your pup will stimulate the production of essential oils for moisturizing the coat. Also, this will increase the blood circulation and promote health for the dog. This activity should be done at least once a week to decrease the amount of shedding and avoid matting of fur. In brushing the whole coat, you need to brush places of matting and thicker fur more diligently. If your dog has a collar, remove it when brushing the coat, and do not leave out the neck area unkempt. Cutting matted fur should only be done when you cannot brush out the mat. The next step is bathing your pup, especially when it is smelly and dirty. Some people proceed to trim the coat of the puppy before bathing it. It is your discretion if you will follow the steps to the dot. After lathering with shampoo and then rinsing the coat, you can opt to blow-dry the coat. The frequency of bathing will also depend on your decision, based on the smell and sanitary condition of the Golden Retriever Crossed with Husky puppy. After the bath, you will proceed to brush the coat again. Then, you will initiate the trimming process. In trimming, you should avoid trimming the entire coat. The double coat of your puppy functions as an insulation against the fluctuating weather. It also traps warm air on a cold day and cool air on a hot day. Usually, groomers use clippers for this process. However, you may opt to use thinning shears for cutting parts of the coat. You need to trim the fuzzy hair growth around the edges cleanly. You will trim the fur between the toes next. For cracked dog pads, you can apply Vaseline as a regimen. In trimming the legs, you will cut the unkempt fur to achieve symmetry and balance. The fur on the front of the legs is shorter than that on the back. The hair on the back of the legs should flare out slightly behind the dog. Similar with the legs, trimming the chest and neck should aim to remove the unkempt fur. It should be noted that you will move the thinning shears with the direction of hair growth. After the neck and chest areas, you will trim the fur around the ears. This step will help fend off parasites. Lastly, you will trim the tail. For this step, you will trim the length by tapering the tail, starting from the base to the tip. Part of the grooming process is checking for wax buildup in the ears and signs of an ear infection. You can clean their ears with a cotton ball and a dog-specific ear solution. You should never use a cotton swab for their ears. You can also use a cotton ball with mineral oil or microfiber cloth with mineral oil to remove debris from the eyes. The frequency of this activity depends on the rate of its toenail growth. Long names may break, and cause irregular gait and infection. If you do not have this much time in your hands, you should schedule appointments with trustworthy groomers around your neighborhood. Husky Mixed with Golden Retriever Puppies Health Problems Most of the Husky mixed with Golden Retriever dogs are free of fatal and congenital diseases, primarily because of their enlarged gene pool. Their average life span is 10 to 13 years. One condition you need to prevent is heat stroke. Since this breed has a dense and double coat, they do not tolerate heat as much as they tolerate cold weather. You should protect your puppy from overexposure to the sun and keep it well hydrated. Even if there is a reduced risk for the usual health conditions from the parent breeds, it is important to know the possible diseases your puppy may acquire, especially when it gets older. One these health problems is a cataract, an opacity of the eye lens. When your dog acquires this disease, its eyes will appear cloudy. One of the possible health problems is hip or elbow dysplasia. This is an inheritable disease wherein the thighbone does not attach properly with the hip joint. Elbow dysplasia involves joint laxity due to different growth rates of the bones of the elbow. Vaccinations are weapons against fatal diseases. There is a generally accepted guideline of puppy vaccination. Some of the recommended vaccinations are measles, rabies, and DHPP which is the combination of vaccines for distemper, adenovirus, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. By knowing the possible serious health issues of this mixed pup, you can be more watchful when your pup manifests some warning signs related to these possible conditions. Golden Retriever Mixed with Husky Food Requirements The following factors determine the amount of food you will give to your Golden Retriever mixed with Husky puppy: Age—choose a chow that is age-appropriate; our essential guides to the best puppy food brands and the best senior dry dog food will help you find the right one! Size—depending on the size, some pups will thrive on the best dry dog food for small dogs whereas others will be better off with the best large breed dry dog food Metabolism Level of activity The kind of food recommended for this mixed breed is dry food, preferably one of the brands featured in our best dry dog food guide. Commonly, medium to large dogs is given three to four cups of nutritious dog food, divided into two meals. Just like with human food, there are brands you should avoid at any cost. For your convenience, we singled out some of the worst dry dog food brands. Meanwhile, Golden Retrievers have a big appetite and are at risk for obesity. This classification means that you should provide them with lots of mental and physical stimulation. The duration of physical activity would be enough to maintain its weight and protect them from lifestyle diseases. I recommend walking, running, playing with Frisbee or tennis ball for your Golden Retriever Crossed with Husky puppy. If the Golden Retriever Husky mix puppy does not get enough physical and mental stimulation, it may exhibit behavioral problems. These problems include inappropriate barking, chewing, and causing property destruction. This breed is intelligent and fast learners. However, their independent side may antagonize your directions if training started late. An effective way to facilitate the training is by initially having short training sessions. To avoid possible destructive behavior that can be traced to their Husky origin, you should employ obedience training and leash training. You need to assert yourself as the leader by having consistency and clarity. A reliable way to do this task is making the puppy wait for its food. This act will establish your role as the provider and keeper of all the resources, such as the treats, food, toys, and other assets. During training, it is possible to encounter mischief and fluctuations in concentration. A way to prevent this situation is keeping the sessions short. However, you should be cautious and never leave your child and the dog alone. This action could aggravate and provoke the pet. Aside from the appropriate training for the dog, you should teach your child to avoid disturbing or playing with the pup when it is eating or sleeping. Golden Retriever mixed with Husky pups are affectionate to families. They have an innate loyal character, and they enjoy being around people. This trait is probably attributable to its Golden Retriever parent. Up to inches tall Between lbs Up to inches tall Between lbs Coat This Husky Mix has a double coat that is medium in length. Regular grooming can help with shedding, although we will go into more detail about that later on. Color The Goberian has a golden coat that is mostly taken from their Golden Retriever parent. However, it can also be different shades of gold or even to dark and white tinted colors, which can resemble the Husky more closely. Temperament The Goberian is a friendly, loving and outgoing dog that loves to be around people. This pup took the most desirable traits from both parents and is still affectionate and family orientated like the Golden Retriever, but is also very outgoing and playful like the Husky. Due to the fact that they are so active, they love to be around people and will thrive in an environment where they can exercise a lot. They make great playmates for children, but also love to spend time cuddling with their owners. Unfortunately, they can be prone to separation anxiety and do not like to be left alone. This is something to keep in mind if you are out for hours at a time. The Husky is quite a protective breed and often the Goberian can inherit this. They are not aggressive at all, but will feel they have dominance over strangers. Lifespan The average life expectancy of the Goberian is between 10 and 15 years. Known Health Issues Crossbreeding dogs often helps to eliminate health problems that the parent breeds are predisposed to. We have laid these out below. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. This can be passed down from both the Golden Retriever and Husky parents. Cataracts — you might suspect your dog has cataracts if they are constantly bumping into furniture. Fortunately, cataracts can be cured with surgery. Regular vet checkups and keeping an eye on your dog will ensure you can catch any of these issues before they become untreatable. Remember — buy from a reputable breeder and the chances your dog will suffer any health conditions will be greatly reduced. Trusted breeders will do health checks on both parent breeds and will not crossbreed if there is a chance of passing on any severe issues to offspring. Daily Life Now we know all about the traits and characteristics of the Golden Retriever Husky Mix, it is time to take a look at what daily life with one of these dogs is actually like. We will cover their food and diet, their exercise needs and their grooming needs. Food And Diet As an active breed, the Goberian requires quite a lot of food. They need around 1, calories per day, which equates to around two to three cups of food, and should be split into two meals a day. Of course, you should always check the back of the dog food packet to confirm how much you should be feeding them of a certain food based on their exact weight. Ensure you feed your Goberian high quality kibble. Due to their exercise needs, they also require a lot of protein to keep their muscles lean. You can also buy a food that is formulated specially for large breeds. Take a look at the food we recommend below. As the Goberian is an active dog, they need a lot of protein in their diet. With chicken as the number one ingredient, this food is easy to digest and helps to promote nutrient absorption. Even better, this food is manufactured in the US so you can be sure it is safe for your pooch to eat. Exercise The Goberian dog is a very active breed with high exercise needs. You will need to make sure you can dedicate at least an hour of your day to walking this pup, although more would be preferable. They love to accompany you on hikes and walks and would benefit from a family who is constantly out exercising. If you overexercise them before this, then it can lead to health issues. They are an intelligent breed that like to be kept busy and entertained. An extremely active breed, they will thrive in an active household where they can accompany the whole family while you are out exercising. This breed loves children and makes an excellent playmate, loving to play games and engaging with humans. However, you should be careful when young children play with the Goberian — often these dogs can get frustrated. Due to their loving and affectionate nature, this hybrid dog fits well into many different types of home. This can be fixed with socialization, but you must make sure you give them toys to play with to keep them mentally stimulated while you are not at home. This will help to alleviate boredom and stop unwanted behaviors. Goberians are quite big animals with high energy and therefore need space to run around. These dogs are not suited to apartment living and benefit from a large backyard. If they do not have enough space, they may start to exhibit destructive behaviors. It is also worth noting that you and your family must be able to dedicate time to this dog for exercising every day, otherwise they will have a lot of built up energy and become very frustrated! Training The Goberian is not a difficult breed to train, but it does take time and patience from you. Because of their Husky parent, the Goberian can be a little cheeky and mischievous in training, so you must persevere. This is why training is so important — the older they get without training, the more mischievous they will get! All dogs respond well the positive reinforcement training, such as reward based training. This includes verbal praise and treats. You should never get angry at your Goberian because they will not understand and it will make them not want to learn. Socializing Socialization is important for any dog breed. You must be able to show your pup that there is nothing to be afraid of, so socialization should start at a young age. You should introduce them to new sights, sounds, places, smells, people and animals in a safe and controlled environment. This way, they will grow up to be a much more well-rounded and friendly dog. Grooming Due to their thick coat, you may think that the Goberian sheds a lot. However, they actually do not shed as much as their Husky parent and only require weekly grooming to keep their coat neat and not tangled or matted. Luckily, Goberians do not require much grooming and will only need a bath once a month, particularly when they are dirty. You can take them to the groomers if this is easier. The groomers will also be able to help you trim their nails, which should be done when necessary. This will prevent dental decay and disease. You can always use dental sticks if needed. Goberian Breed Traits. It is a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Siberian Husky. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know youcan get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. This is my 1—year-old Goberian. She is just so adorable and very quiet. Ben gets to run along the beach nearly every day and almost everyone that meets him asks what breed of dog he is and exclaims how gorgeous and friendly he is towards them. He's very smart and it took no time at all to get him housetrained. Now he's working on a full arsenal of tricks. He was supposedly the biggest one in the litter. He is around 35 lbs. He has his 16th month check-up on the 15th. I am curious to see how much he has grown in a month. He is a sweet-tempered dog. He is also extremely smart. He has been easily trained, house and in general. His mother was a one-year-old Golden Retriever and his dad was the Siberian Husky. Both were full-breed. His mom's name was Molly and dad was Smokey. Mom was all brown of course and dad was brownish, grey and white. Breed Profiles By Kate Brunotts 9 min read July 11, K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. Are you searching for a friendly furry friend to accompany you on any adventure? If so, the energetic Goberian might be the perfect pooch for you. These mixed breed pups are known for their loyalty, playful personalities, and undeniable zest for life. What Is A Goberian? A Goberian is a cross between a purebred golden retriever and Siberian husky. For most families, Goberians make affectionate, intelligent, and lively dog breeds for busy families. Therefore, you should be prepared to take on a Goberian that acts more like one parent than the other. These friendly furry friends consistently rank within the top 5 most popular breeds by the AKC due to their happy go lucky attitudes and capacity for companionship. With loyal, lively personalities, these furry friends love spending time and playing with their owners. This intelligent breed is relatively easy to train and needs frequent exercise to keep his tail wagging. These playful pups are medium-sized dogs, usually weighing between 50 and 75 pounds. These handsome dogs are known for their sometimes icy blue eyes and outgoing personalities. Huskies have a history as pups within a pack, so they do best in lively households with lots of loved ones be they two-footed or four-footed. Siberian huskies require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation on a daily basis. Due to their sometimes strong-willed personality, these pups will keep you on your toes when it comes to training. As long as their needs are properly met, the Siberian husky and husky mixed breeds make amazing, energetic family companions. These friendly four-footers do well with other pets, children, and strangers. With striking good looks and a sometimes dignified demeanor, the Siberian husky is sure to steal your heart. Goberian Traits and Characteristics While it can be difficult to pinpoint the characteristics of mixed breed dogs, here are some general guidelines of what you might expect from Goberians. Size and Shape: Goberians are medium to large sized dogs weighing between 40 and 70 pounds. Temperament: Goberian dogs are friendly and intelligent companions who enjoy spending time with their families. These mixed breed buddies tend to do well around strangers, kids and other pets. With a lively, athletic personality, these pups certainly need space to run around and require a good amount of daily exercise to keep their tails wagging. Coat and Colors: The double-coated Goberian can take on a variety of coat colors including black, white, cream, brown, and grey. These dashing dogs can also adopt the blue eyes of the husky, or have warm brown eyes, like goldies. Intelligence: These dogs are naturally pretty smart, so they should be fairly easy to train. Goberaian owners should ensure that their doggos are mentally and physically stimulated throughout the day. In addition, these people-loving pups may be prone to separation anxiety and need to get an adequate amount of daily exercise to stay at their best. Grooming: Goberian coats are likely to shed pretty heavily and need to be brushed on a regular basis. Health: Goberians are fairly healthy pups that live anywhere from 10 to 15 years. Here is a quick checklist to make sure a Goberian dog is the right fit for your family. You have a lively household. These loving dogs want nothing more than to spend time with their families. You love to exercise. These pups are naturally active and appreciate frequent playtime. You have plenty of space and a fenced-in yard. These medium-sized dogs love to play and will need room to roam and explore. You have enough time to engage with these active dogs. Before bringing home one of these best buddies, talk with your family members about the best way to delegate tasks and time surrounding your future pooch. While these smart dogs are happy to learn tricks for a treat, they can be stubborn at times. Ideal Goberian owners are patient, and determined to deliver consistent, positive training sessions to see their furry friends soar. These active, rambunctious dogs love to spend time with lots of people. Tracking down specific mixed breed mutts can be tricky, but here are a few pointers to keep in mind to find your furry friend. Scour the internet. Using specific breed filters on dog matching websites like petfinder can help you narrow down your search with just a couple of clicks. Talk to current Goberian owners. If you know any Goberian owners, ask them how they stumbled upon their furry best friend. They may be able to point you to a breeder or at the very least, in the right direction. Speak to parent breeders. Golden retriever and husky breeders may be able to connect you with a sweet Goberian mutt. Once you track down a Goberian, make sure your future puppy is coming from a reputable breeder. Doing so can help ensure that your potential puppy is a happy and healthy hound. Check shelters. You may be able to find a golden retriever and husky mix at a local animal shelter as well. Just keep in mind that most rescue Goberians will likely have a few other breeds mixed in them besides golden retriever and husky which makes them even more special and unique! Similar Breeds and Breed Mixes to the Goberian Are you still pondering whether or not these playful pups are the perfect fit for your needs? Here are some other similar breeds and mixed breeds to take into consideration. Saintberhusky: These sweet Saint Bernard and Siberian husky mixes are more laid back than their husky parents. Saintberhuskies are amazing family companions and do particularly well with children. Golden Lab: This cross between a Labrador and golden retriever is a natural people-pleaser, with a loving personality. These pooches are amazing swimmers and long to be wherever their humans are. Gollie: This border collie and golden retriever mix is insanely smart and dedicated to his family. These active dogs love to perform tricks for the ones they love. Golden Shepherd: This cross between a golden retriever and German shepherd produces a loyal, obedient canine companion that is fit for just about anything. These active, agile dogs require plenty of exercise to keep their tails wagging. Bassky: The bassky is a cross between the mellow basset hound and rambunctious Siberian husky. This unique blend results in a sweet, happy go lucky pooch that is always ready for the next round of fetch. Brittany Spaniel: Brittanys and most Brittany mixes are fun-loving, lively, and always ready to accompany you on your next adventure. The Brittany spaniel is eager to please and highly trainable. English Setter: The English setter is a sweet, playful pup that loves being around other dogs and people. These spotted dogs make great family companions. English Springer Spaniel: The English springer spaniel is a friendly, affectionate bird dog eager to please his owners. These active pups love spending time with family and friends. These active, loyal dogs are sure to make furever best friends. Do you have one of these dashing dogs at home? Does he show more of his golden retriever or husky side? Like it? Share it! Because they are a cross between two dog breeds, the Goberian can have any mix of characteristics from the parent breeds. They may take on more traits of one parent or have a combination of both. Goberians are a relatively new designer dog breed that tends to be friendly, affectionate, and gentle. Because they are a mixed dog breed, they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. They tend to have a gentle and loyal nature. Goberians tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can get along with other pets in the house, but may need to be introduced and socialized for it if they inherit the Siberian Husky prey drive. The Goberian is a moderately adaptable dog breed. Because of their energy, they are best suited for larger homes with a securely fenced-in yard where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living if they get enough exercise and attention. They tend to prefer cooler climates, but they do well in just about any climate. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Despite the occasional independent streak, a Goberian thrives on affection and loves to be near their families. Plus, they tend to be easily bored, so they do not tend to do well with long periods of alone time. As with any hybrid dog breed, a Goberian can inherit all, a mix, or none of the potential health problems common to the parent breeds. Talking to the breeder about the genetic history of both of the parents and asking to see any health clearances can help ease potential concerns you may have. In general, the Goberian is intelligent and learns quickly, but the overall trainability of them will vary. They can be moderately easy to train or more difficult depending on the mix of characteristics from the two parent breeds. If the Goberian puppy takes more after their Golden Retriever parent, they will be easier to train and eager to please you. However, if they take after their Siberian Husky parent, they will be more difficult to train as they will be more stubborn and independent. Regardless, you will want to plan for puppy training classes, especially if you are a first-time dog owner. Plus, the classes offer opportunities for early socialization, which is also important. Because the Goberian is a mixed dog breed, their coat can come in a variety of coat colors. Their coat tends to be long and dense and may be straight or slightly wavy. They can range from light to moderate shedding year-round and may have two heavier shedding sessions as the seasons change. Bathing is an occasional requirement as needed and many Goberians only need a bath every months. Trimming nails on a monthly basis is usually sufficient. You want to make sure their ears are not trapping moisture, dirt, or debris that could lead to an ear infection. Thankfully, you can help prevent dental disease in your dog by implementing a good dental care plan. You can also supplement your efforts with vet-approved dental hygiene treats and chews, and even a specially-formulated dental care diet. The Goberian is a high-energy dog breed. They require a lot of daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. In addition to daily walks and some playtime, your Goberian is likely to enjoy running with you, going on a hike , and maybe even swimming. A fully-grown Goberian usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. A Goberian generally lives years. Goberian Puppies for Sale Thanks for visiting our Goberian page! Currently, we do not have any Goberian puppies available, but we can alert you when new Goberian puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. This is especially true with dogs like German Shepherds because they have a strong prey drive, but this nipping and biting can also quickly get out of hand. This often comes out as biting and nipping, but puppies will also bite when they are teething and to taste the world around them. This can, of course, quickly get out of hand if not taken care of swiftly. In this article, we look at the reasons behind German Shepherd puppies biting and seven steps to help stop the behavior. Training The first and most important step in stopping your puppy from biting is early and focused training. Beginning training at an early age is vital for powerful dogs like GSDs, as without it, they can easily develop problematic behaviors and even become aggressive. An important part of training is socialization, and getting your GSD to interact with other dogs will help teach them boundaries, as any biting too hard will have instant consequences for them. Image Credit: AnjaGh, Pixabay 2. Toys Toys are ideal for your GSD puppy to exercise their teething. There is a massive variety of suitable chew toys available, and whenever you notice your pooch getting the urge to chew, you can gently offer them a chew toy instead. Commands Basic and simple commands should be taught to your GSD from a young age. Whenever they get overexcited and bite down too hard, you can then simply issue a verbal command that catches their attention. After you issue the commands, leave your puppy alone for a few minutes so they learn that this behavior is unacceptable. Image Credit: Jim Sluder, Pixabay 4. Redirection Redirection is a useful tool in training and can work well with biting too. This method is simple and works by keeping your pup from unwanted behavior and offering them appropriate behavior instead. Whenever your pooch bites or nips, try to offer them a chew toy of some kind instead, and this will gradually lead them to chew toys as opposed to your hands. Squeak toys are great for this type of redirection, as the noise is enticing to most puppies and dogs. Reward good behavior Positive reinforcement training methods are best for leading your puppy toward desired behaviors and away from unwanted ones. These methods involve no scolding or harsh treatment, so they are ideal for cementing the bond between you and your pup. When you offer your dog a chew toy instead of biting and they take it or you issue a command that they instantly follow, you simply reward that behavior with either a treat or praise. You ignore any bad behavior. They will swiftly associate treats with good behavior and stop the bad behavior that gets them no attention. Image Credit: Happy monkey, Shutterstock 6. Games Since GSDs are such powerful and athletic animals, they need to be mentally and physically stimulated through games and interactive play. Games are also the best time to engage and enforce training techniques and get your GSD accustomed to them before biting gets out of hand. Stick to simple games like fetch or frisbee, where you can train your pooch to give the ball back when you tell them to. Harsh treatments like hitting or shouting are highly unlikely to solve the problem and will probably just make it worse, as your dog will simply become nervous and wary of you. With a powerful dog like German Shepherds, trust is vital. They are highly intelligent and aware animals, and the smallest of sounds or movements are enough to set them off. There are several reasons for this, including: GSD puppies will begin teething as early as 2 weeks old, and this can be uncomfortable and even painful for them. This behavior can go on until your puppy is 6 months old, and they will chew on almost anything that they can find — including your hand — in an attempt to try and soothe their discomfort. Separated too young. The first 2 months of your GSDs life is vital to their socialization and learning, and if they are taken away from their mother and litter too young, this may cause a lack of understanding of boundaries. Puppies will play and learn with the rest of their littermates, where they learn to control the force of their bite. GSDs should be at least 8 weeks old before they are re-homed. Fear or overstimulation. Fear, anxiety, and overstimulation are common reasons for puppies to lose control of their bite because this can cause them to become irritable or defensive and lead them into the habit of biting. Conclusion Since German Shepherds are such powerful dogs, proper training is vital, and bite inhibition is an essential part of that training. Proper training is the vital first step and will set the tone for all other methods. With time, consistency, patience, and gentle leadership, your German Shepherd puppy should kick the biting habit in no time. Check Price on Amazon 4. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement means giving something pleasant to your German Shepherd when they perform what you want them to do so that they learn to associate the correct behavior with the reward. The more this is repeated, they will remember and do it more often. The reward is a reinforcing motivation. In the above example of redirecting your GSDs biting to a chew toy, once he accepts the toy and starts to chew or play with it, you then offer lots of enthusiastic verbal praise and reward with a treat. Again, timing is important, and this must be done instantly so that your German Shepherd will recognize or associate his behavior with the correct action. You can give other rewards, but these may be more suited to older pups, adolescent dogs, or adults. Alternatives could be giving them a special toy, playing their favorite game, such as fetch, or taking them on their favorite walk. Always use lots of verbal praise in parallel to the reward you choose. You will, no doubt, soon get to learn where your dog prefers to be pet. Go here for more guidance on where to pet your German Shepherd. This is also useful when your German Shepherd starts to put his mouth around your possessions or furniture, ready to have a good gnaw! Using a time-out can effectively discipline a German Shepherd for biting and other undesirable behaviors. A great way to do this is to grab their collar, push their bum down, and make them sit. The idea is that your German Shepherd will quickly learn to associate that the fun stops when his nipping starts! As always, timing is critical, so your pup learns what he has done wrong at the precise moment. For very young puppies, you should only put them in time-out for a few seconds, between 7 and 10, and no longer than 30 seconds. At the end of the time-out, redirect your pup back to play and use lots of verbal praise or offer a training treat for good onward behavior. You must time the click at the exact moment your pet is doing what you want to reinforce. If you quickly reward your dog with a positive experience such as a treat, he will soon learn to associate the noise of the click with great things. The idea is that you condition your German Shepherd so that when he hears the sound of the clicker, he knows he has done something to please you. In the case of puppy biting, we are simply rewarding the puppy for choosing not to bite. You can achieve this by using the distraction technique described above. When the puppy makes the right choice and starts to bite on his chew toy, he hears the click and gets his treat. Look out for other symptoms such as drooling more than usual, bad breath, loss of appetite, or sneezing. If you are consistent and patient with your methods, you will achieve great results. Be firm but fair, which also helps to strengthen the loving bond between you and your dog. It leads to fear, avoidance, hurt feelings, guilt, stress, anxiety, and lack of trust. Owners should use positive reinforcement methods as much as possible. In another year-long study by the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that using confrontational or aversive methods to teach aggressive dogs did not work. The dogs continued to be aggressive until the training methods were changed. The same study found that punishing techniques and dominance-based training, such as hitting or kicking, growling, or yelling at your dog, can cause aggression, as stated by Meghan E. An even more recent study in companion dogs suggests that using even mild punishments like yelling and leash-jerking can stress dogs out more than dogs taught using reward-based training. This stress causes negative consequences and poorer welfare. Alpha rolling is a controversial and outdated technique that physically puts your dog on his back or side in a submissive position to show that you are dominant or the Alpha. This old-fashioned technique is a form of positive punishment and was often used to house-train pups. Many people will have used this method decades ago without success, but at the time, they believed it was the right thing to do. For a positive punishment to work, the problem is that it has to be administered during or immediately after the act within 2 -3 seconds ; otherwise, the dog will not make the connection. Sometimes puppies naturally get over-excited and overtired. When this happens, instead of using the crate as a punishment, lure him into the crate with a treat offering lots of praise and letting him go down for a nap. If you feel sorry for your German Shepherd after disciplining him, you must never reward him out of guilt. Again, this only confuses your dog. Remember to be firm but fair. While a muzzle can prevent your dog from biting, it is not a solution to the underlying behavior issue. Muzzling your German Shepherd without addressing the root cause of their biting can lead to further behavioral problems and may even make the situation worse. Is it ever too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting? It is never too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting, but it may take more time and effort to modify their behavior if the biting has become a habit. Start with identifying the root cause and then take the guidance of an expert to set boundaries and train better to eradicate unwanted behavior. Final Thoughts Puppy biting is natural in all dogs. However, you now know the importance of disciplining your German Shepherd as soon as he starts to exhibit biting, nipping, and chewing behavior and how to do it. This is especially important with the German Shepherd breed as they quickly grow into big strong dogs. That could end in disaster for all concerned. No matter what you are teaching your German Shepherd, try to train him when young; 8 weeks old is a great time to start. Make sure you properly socialize him and give him lots of exercise and training will be much easier. Related Posts You May Like:.

Fundraising Campaigns Our adoption fees do not cover our expenses, in fact over veterinary costs almost solely covered by donations. We opt to raise money in a variety of ways. Click HERE to see the ways that you can help without spending a dime! Saving Labradors… One life at a time! Sponsorships allow you to purchase specific items and services, We have also developed wishlists for common things we need and love to have on hand. Our DOGS …this is why we do what we do! Alumni Stories Nothing is sweeter than hearing success stories! Take a peek here to see a few! Check out our page on Petfinders to see any dogs we do not have adopters for. Wall of Honor As our furry family members cross the rainbow bridge, we offer this space to honor those dogs that will never be forgotten. If you are interested in fostering, transporting, fundraising, or volunteering in any capacity we would love to hear from you! We provide educational, recreational, and fundraising events. Please check back here often to see our upcoming events. Contact Us Feel free to reach out to us and we will respond as soon as possible. Like angels sent from God, 3rd Coast reached out to me. After one conversation, I knew that my babies would be well cared for and loved… thank you for not only finding them a home but for lovingly helping me get through one of the most difficult times in my life. Bissell It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. K-9 Turbo Training It all begins with an idea. It all begins with an idea. We promise not to fill your inbox but truly appreciate you being a part of the community and family! We are the proud parents of the smartest, sweetest, most laid back lab, Gracie. Steve Karp and family are incredible to work with and truly care for their puppies and the families who adopt from them. If I could give stars, I would! If you're searching for a lab, look no further. Kara Bunbury We cannot say enough great things about M. Steve is very hands on throughout the entire process- sending weekly updates until the pups come home and remaining in contact thereafter. Everywhere we go people ask what breeder he came from. We got many very cute updates on our soon to be little puppy. We feel honored to be apart of the Michigan Elite Labrador family! Jill Price We were looking for a pure bred lab but were very skeptical about many breeders until we found Michigan Elite Labs. We knew after our first contact with them we found the breeder we were looking for. Stan is 10 months old and we love him to pieces. If you are looking for a pure bred lab you have found the perfect breeder. We would never think of going anywhere but Michigan Elite to get a Lab. Steve is always just a phone call away if you have any questions. Steve is very knowledgeable about his Labrador Retrievers. If you want an amazing Labrador puppy check out Michigan Elite Labradors you will be glad you did! From the first contact with Steve, you are reassured with their dedication to the breed and the MEL family that you become a part of. It's said that one of the best signs of a "good product" is repeat customers. We're proud to be an example of that, with 2 MEL dogs in our home. Temperament, physical health and the characteristics of MEL dogs are perfection. The added benefit of the MEL owners group is also a great perk. We've made amazing friends through the group, which is reinforced each year at the annual reunion. I would not hesitate to recommend Michigan Elite Labradors to family and friends! We looked at all of the photos and knew we would get a beautiful pup but didnt expect all of the wonderful traits they would have. We ended up getting 2! They are beyond my wildest dreams of what a pet should be.So intuitive! When ive had issues, steve has been a phone call away with the answers. Best babies around.You wont be sorry! I believe we were part his second litter and his biggest litter with Cocco and Chopper 14 pups. Both of the parents were beautiful and on site when we went to pick out our first "Pink Collar" girl. We picked up our second "Pink Collar" girl in late .They have become best friends from the beginning. They have never fought or growled at each other and play very well together. The Karp's are very caring and knowledgeable about the Labrador breed. Any questions I have ever had Steve has always been there to guide me and teach me. His extended MEL family has been very inspiring and amusing as we all watch the pups grow into beautiful pets. Kris Thompson Michigan Elite Labradors are wonderful. We had a great experience working with the Karp family. Our little black lab has brought us so many blessings! They are the most wonderful family and breeders. They are extremely reputable and involved with every pup. Steve is always available to you. I called so many times. He is conscientious and really cares about where his puppies go. He is beyond gorgeous. As a matter of fact, I can honestly say that I have never seen better looking labs. Elite labs are very intelligent and have excellent temperaments. Jax was potty trained right away. When I got a trainer, He learned everything immediately. She was so impressed with him and shocked how well he did. She trains Leader of the Blinds dogs so it was a huge compliment coming from her. We have people stop us everywhere to ask if he is a show dog. One of them was a breeder. Another huge bonus is the all the relationships we have made amongst the Elite family. I love all the stories and pictures. Many of us got together for a Michigan Elite Lab's Reunion. All the dogs were gorgeous fun and well behaved. Even all the parents were a blast. I could go on and on about Michigan Elite Labs, but most important is the fact I would never get a dog from anyone else! Please-let's make sure she doesn't spend one more day in a kennel. She has been deprived of so much. She needs to know what its like to be loved and looked after in a caring home. Though Cinder can be understandably shy at first, volunteers who are patient have been rewarded with the most gentle snuggles. Cinder is coping with her new environment the best way she can, but only a loving home can provide her with the confidence and trust she has been yearning for. Cinder finds comfort with other dogs, particularly Lil Joe. She would benefit from having another dog in her future home, especially one that will help her relax and teach her all the joys of being a dog! The family that adopts Cinder will need to be a very special one! They will need to be very patient with her while she acclimates to her new surroundings. She'll need time to decompress and we promise you gaining her trust will be one of the most rewarding experiences ever. Based on our evaluation, Cinder will do best in an active, but predictable home with adults or families with kids ages eight and up. A home with another dog would be ideal for her. We are happy to do a meet and greet with your family fur baby. You can fill out an application for Cinder at greatlakesdogrescue.

Close Instructions Wash and clean with soap and water. For indoor use. Extreme heat can cause pan to warp. Training your puppy Stage 1: Getting Off to a Good Start Create an enclosed small space where your puppy can be confined but still feel like part of the family. Make the space large enough for the litter pan to be at least 3 to 4 feet from the puppy's crate and water bowl. Fill the pan with litter or recycled paper litter to the fill line when the puppy is not there. This prevents him from associating it with the sound of kibble being put in his food bowl. Place a small amount of the puppy's urine or solid waste in the pan to help pet understand what the pan is used for. Don't scold; praise your puppy profusely and give him a treat when he is using the litter pan! Stage 2: Be in Control Set up a routine of feeding and exercise. Have fresh water available until a few hours before crating for the night. Feed your puppy at the same time each day, removing the bowl after 1 to 20 minutes. Keep your puppy on a leash while outside the pen area. You will keep accidents to a minimum when you have control over your puppy at all times until your puppy is fully trained. Stage 3: Build Good Habits Place the puppy in the pan regularly when you take your puppy out of the crate, after sleeping or exercising and at mealtimes. Schedule exercise with your puppy. Until your puppy is fully trained, encourage pet to eliminate in the pan before exercising. Using the phrase "puppy go here" when the puppy actually goes in the pan will build the association between the pan and the activity. Eventually, you will be able to use the phrase as a cue for your pet to go potty. After your puppy has used the pan a few times, fill the pan with litter to the fill line and place the usual material over it. After your puppy has become familiar with the smell of the litter, slowly begin to use increasingly smaller pieces of the other material, uncovering more of the litter every couple of days. Use a command or cue phrase such as "puppy go here" or "do your thing" before you start training to help him understand the association between the place and the purpose. When your puppy is used to the new area, put the litter pan-filled with grass or other material from the area-in the spot. When your puppy is comfortable with the ground material in the pan, replace it with litter or recycled paper litter. After the pet has been using the pan outside with the litter with complete reliability, start moving the litter-filled pan toward the house a little bit each day until you can bring it into the house. We all know cats are typically the fur family members to use a litter box. But what about dogs? Are there any good arguments for litter box training your canine friend? A dog litter box? Or an artificial grass pad? So I rarely advise pet parents to skip this opportunity. That said, there are a few instances when using a dog litter box is preferable. Is it right for your dog? This is especially true if you have a small dog, or tiny tinkler as I call them, since they often have more difficulty holding their urine than bigger dogs. This leads to more accidents in the house and bigger frustrations, which puts a damper on your relationship. I wrote an entirely different article that goes into more detail about why your dog is peeing in the house. But if you live in an area that sees several feet of snow or is primarily paved and gets very hot, an indoor dog litter box might actually be safer for your pet. You or Your Dog Have Mobility Issues If you or your dog have mobility issues, dog litter box training might be a good idea. Some companies, like doggybathroom. All you need to do is change out the pads and keep the inside clean. This can be a good option for medium-sized dogs that raise their leg to pee. The downside is the cost. The pee pads are disposable and will need to be replaced frequently. If you want to use dog litter, the sides of the litter box should be low enough for your dog to easily step over but high enough to contain the litter. Now what about artificial grass pads? The initial investment for a grass pad like this one is minimal. Can Dogs Use Cat Litter? Yes, technically, dogs can use cat litter. However, cat litter can be harmful if ingested, which is a risk since our canine friends are known to eat strange things from time to time. Dog litter typically consists of larger, more absorbent pellets, which are safer if ingested. Some are also made with recycled material, like wood or paper. Pin me! Whether you choose a litter box or a grass pad, will your dog really use it? This is the million doggie bone question. Can pet parents actually get their pups to use a dog litter box? In many cases, the answer is yes, you can. Trying to contain a Bull Mastiff in a box while they do their business would be quite a feat! And large dogs tend to raise their leg to pee, so the sides of the dog litter box would have to be very high to avoid soaking surrounding objects. Step 1: Find the Right Spot When house training dogs, we usually bring them outside. Do this by getting a paper towel or pee pad containing a little of their urine and placing it where you want them to go. Step 3: Praise Them for Using the Right Spot Again, just as you would do if training a dog to go outside, be sure to give them lots of praise and some training treats when they do their business in the right spot. But with time, your dog will understand how to use their new pee spot. And of course, you want your home to be sanitary. Consider Using Deodorizing Litter Cats have famously used litter boxes for a long time, so pet product manufacturers have developed many unique products that absorb pee effectively and suppress odor. By offering your old dog accessible litter boxes, you can almost eliminate the possibility of accidents, all while empowering your aging dog. By giving your dog a huge amount of praise and an immediate reward, you can override any other thoughts they may have, like a compulsion to mark. Watch for Digging or Coprophagia Dog owners encounter some of the most common issues when litter box training their dogs are digging and coprophagia. Unfortunately, the best way to address these issues is using a different potty training method. Buy a Litter Box With High Sides To avoid accidental spills, you should consider buying a litter box made of sturdy material with high sides. These prevent spills with male dogs since they can block any splashing. A flat litter box tray has drawbacks but is significantly better for large dogs. Generally, you will have an easier time litter box training a smaller dog, as a large dog will have difficulty containing their mess in a cat litter box that is entirely too small for their body. If you are set on litter box training a large dog, you will need to get creative with what you use as the litter box itself — using a large metal tray or a shallow plastic storage bin may be your best bet! A small dog can use a standard large litter box and keep the mess in the potty area. High sided litter box, intened for dog use 4. While litter box training a dog is not for everyone, you can teach your dog how to use one with persistence, treats, and positive reinforcement! How useful was this post? Click on a star to rate it! Submit Rating Please give us feedback on this post: Let us improve this post! Tell us how we can improve this post? Throughout the site, you will find a variety of helpful dog training articles, insightful dog behavior tips, and truthful product reviews from nationally-recognized canine trainers and professionals. Post navigation. In this section, we will discuss these considerations, as well as provide useful tips that will make the process of buying a dog litter box easier. It is difficult for you to take your dog outside due to mobility issues. You want to start house-training your puppy. You want to use it during times of inclement weather. You have a dog who has trouble controlling its bodily functions. You are away from home for most of the day. Types of Dog Litter Boxes Conventional Litter box These are recognizable litter boxes, as well as those that are simple in design and use. Certain ones can be used for cats and other animals as well, but what makes this useful for a dog is the three high sidewalls and a side that is a low entry. They are not filled with traditional litter but instead, paper pellets made out of recycled newspaper. The conventional litter box is usually more affordable and easy to clean and comes in a variety of sizes. On the downside, you will have to keep changing the pellets out so they do not become odorous from urine. Plastic Crates These have a floating grate along the bottom, where urine drains through onto an absorbent pad and any solid waste will sit on the top which will have to be removed and discarded. If they have sides, they are usually not that high. Real Grass Dogs love to do their business on real grass, so these litter boxes provide a patch of live grass that is held in place by a low-walled cardboard box. The box will most likely be lined to prevent liquids from saturating the cardboard, allowing it to last longer. You do have to water the grass to keep it lush, and it will last approximately one to two weeks, depending on how often your dog uses it. You will have to clean the grass of the solid waste, but the urine will be absorbed by the dirt. These systems tend to be on the pricier end. Considerations Cost: We always want to provide the best for our pets, but most of us are on a budget and need to take into account the expense of a dog litter box, as well as the continued cost of replacing grass, pellets, or absorbent pads. Dog size: The size of your dog will determine the size of the box you need to purchase. Dogs like to circle before they go to the bathroom so they will need adequate space to move around. Most systems are ideal for small to medium-sized dogs. Materials: You will want a system that is durable and holds up to frequent use. If you have a puppy who likes to chew, keep the type of material in mind. Design: If you have a puppy or a smaller breed, a high-sided box may be difficult for them to get in and out of. Some surfaces are easier to wipe down than others, and with certain systems, there are options to purchase liners separately. Tips A dog litter box should be functional, hygienic, and comfortable for your dog to use. Consider features such as drainage holes and waste trays. Some dogs may not like to use a litter box, especially if they were not introduced at a young age. If your dog prefers to urinate by lifting a leg, it may miss the litter box entirely. Training guides are beneficial when introducing a box to your dog. Did you know the border collie, the Havanese, and the miniature schnauzer are some of the easiest dogs to train? We offer complete guides for these breeds — check them out below:. Photoshopped Indoor Potty Systems This Omeuamigo potty tray may seem like a good option at first glance until you realize that the featured pictures are photoshopped. Additionally, this product has very few reviews, and the ones that do exist are fairly negative. Some dog litter boxes come with a material inside for absorbing liquids while others require you to select the filler of your choice. Litter: The traditional choice of cat owners, regular litter can also be used with doggos. You can sift litter, making it easy to clean, but dogs will often end up tracking it around the house. And some puppers may even be inclined to chew or eat it. We really only include it to be thorough. Consider the size of your dog. Choose between disposable vs reusable options. Think about how you will clean the litter box. Figure out your budget. However, if you do have some disposable income to throw at the problem, you can consider fancy options, such as self-cleaning models. Some of the most common situations in which they may help include: Owners with mobility issues. Dogs with bladder-control issues. Some dogs simply have more trouble holding it than others — particularly small breeds with tiny bladders. While belly bands may provide some help with this issue for male dogs, an indoor bathroom facility will often be more convenient to use. Owners living in high-rise apartments. Even if you have an elevator, bathroom trips are still quite an ordeal. Young puppies going through the house-breaking process. Not only do they help teach your dog that there are right and wrong places to relieve themselves, they also help contain the inevitable messes that accompany the process. Owners who live in areas with inclement weather. If you live in an area with long, cold winters or sweltering summers, you may find a litter box or some other type of indoor potty to be very helpful. Owners who are away from the home for long periods of time. While it is never ideal to leave your dog alone for lengthy periods of time, it is sometimes unavoidable. Indoor potty spots help keep your dog from having to sit cross-legged all day long, waiting for you to get home. Dogs who are recovering from illness or injury. If your dog has been battling illness or recovering from an injury, your vet may recommend keeping him as calm, quiet and still as possible. By utilizing an indoor bathroom of some type, you can reduce the number of trips your dog needs to take outdoors. Dogs who are afraid of the outdoors. If your is dog scared of going outside , you may want to try an indoor potty while trying to build his confidence. It is also worth mentioning that most litter-box-style products work better with smaller dogs than larger dogs. Nevertheless, many owners of dogs in the to pound range find indoor bathrooms effective. Having a backup potty option can provide you with valuable peace of mind and is worth considering if you have the space. In the event that your dog does need to go inside, at least it will be in a contained space. Most litter boxes and indoor bathrooms are appropriate for 1 or 2, although some handle poop better than others. Keep in mind that litter boxes are not designed to completely eliminate trips outside — they are designed to reduce the number of trips you must take. Accordingly, most owners still take their dog out to poop once or twice a day, and primarily use the litter box as a place to tinkle. Unfortunately, dog urine can contain leptospirosis bacteria which is zoonotic, meaning it could be passed on to people and other species. Make sure your pooch is safe and secure so that you can focus your attention on thoroughly addressing the mess. Remove as much waste as possible. Be sure to check out some of these dog poop disposal ideas before you settle on a solution. Immediately cleaning up doo-doo is doubly essential if your dog has a bad habit of eating dog poop — yikes! Rinse down the potty with hot water. Rinse or wipe out any residue using hot water. Make sure you get rid of disposable potties as needed. Puddle Spread to your floor? Here are some strategies that might make it easier for Fido to go inside. Bring the outside in. If possible, it may be helpful to bring this plant inside and place it on top of the indoor potty. It could be enough of a cue for your furry friend. Place the potty near the door. If your pooch is used to going outside, placing the indoor potty near the door may make for an easier transition for Fido. You can also try bringing the indoor potty outside, have your dog go on the potty outside, and then move the potty inside. A potty trained pooch may not understand that he can go on the indoor dog potty. You could try leashing up your pooch and taking him on a walk around your home, only to stop for sniffing by the dog potty. Praise your pooch! Whenever you do catch your dog using the indoor dog potty, be sure to reward with lots of praise and treats. Try another texture. Some dogs may naturally take to one potty type over another. You may have to tinker with different potty styles before landing on the ideal solution for your furry friend. Typically a bathroom in the main portion of your house is the best option. What kind of litter is best for dogs? Some pet parents have success with paper pellets, while others prefer clay litter or dog-safe wood shavings. Try out small batches of litter to see what works best for your dog. Is litter box training a dog a good idea? Litter training your dog is helpful if you often work long hours or if your dog struggles to hold his bladder. An indoor pottying area like a litter box offers your pup a place to safely and comfortably do his business without ruining your floors or furniture. Is there a dog version of a litter box? Yes, there are several dog litter boxes available, ranging from the standard bins you may envision for a cat to those that are more pad-like in design. Each has its own list of pros and cons to consider. The most important aspect is to choose a dog litter box that works for your pup to ensure he actually uses it. Can dogs learn to use a litter box? Yes, dogs can learn to use a litter box like a cat. When he potties in the litter box, offer praise. Lather, rinse, and repeat until he happily trots over on his own to do his business every time. How did it work for you? Was your dog comfortable using it, or did he fail to understand the point? Like it? Share it!

Make sure you understand the implications of investing in a Lab that was bred via runt breeding or a Lab that is diagnosed with dwarfism. Avoid getting your Lab through breeders who have purposefully bred dwarfism into their Lab puppies or through breeders who have purposefully bred litters to be smaller than average. Try and ensure that your Mini Labrador maintains a quality diet and eats a dog food specified for his age, weight and activity level. Keep up with routine grooming practices, and ensure your dog sees a vet regularly for wellness exams and check ups. In spite of not being the healthiest dogs, Mini Labradors are just as friendly, affectionate and playful as their full-sized counterparts. Mini Labrador dogs are still Labradors, and as such they are some of the most highly sought after dogs in the world. These dogs are renowned for their family-friendly temperament and companionability when it comes to children. They also get along great with other pets including both dogs and cats. Labradors are very high energy , however, which can be exhausting for the more laid back owner. That said, in the right home and with an active family , Labrador dogs can thrive. They are incredibly intelligent as well, meaning training is a breeze. In fact, Labrador Retrievers are some of the top employed service dogs throughout the world, thanks to their keen sense of emotional intelligence and ability to pick up so quickly on what their people need of them. However, Labs can become very bonded with their family and do get bored easily when left alone for too long. This boredom can lead to destructive behaviors like digging, marking, barking and chewing. Mini Labrador Training and Socialization Requirements Like all dogs, the Mini Labrador should be trained and socialized at an early age to prevent behavioral issues. Like all dogs, Labrador Retrievers require plenty of socialization and training at an early age in order to grow up happy, healthy and well-rounded. Even though Labrador Retrievers are highly social and friendly, they can be prone to behavioral issues and even aggressive tendencies if they are not raised and socialized properly. Because they are so intelligent, Labrador Retrievers love to learn. They are also eager to please and highly food motivated. Instead, use positive reinforcement tactics like treats and praise. If you find your Mini Labrador is becoming distracted or bored during training sessions, try and offer several five minute sessions throughout the day and provide him with plenty of breaks and playtime in between. Tips on Socializing Your Mini Labrador Socializing your Mini Labrador is just as vital as training is to his overall health and happiness. A dog who is properly socialized is a confident, well-rounded dog that is less likely to exhibit aggressive tendencies and fear-based behavioral issues. Try and ensure your dog has positive first time experiences and as many new experiences as possible as he develops. Introduce him to different people, children, other dogs, sights, sounds, and so on. Encourage your Mini Labrador gently using treats and praise to help him associate the world around him with something positive. Most importantly, avoid forcing your Mini Labrador into a situation or experience he is clearly frightened of. Doing so could exasperate his fear and lead to future problems down the road. Labrador Retrievers are naturally energetic dogs. Bred water retrieving dogs, these guys love to be with their people and will enjoy being outside and having a job to do. A Mini Labrador will be no different, and will enjoy a variety of exercise routines including both mental and physical exercises designed to keep him healthy and happy. Mental Exercise Labs are considered some of the smartest dogs in the canine kingdom. As such, they are happiest when they have jobs to do or when they are given plenty of appropriate, dog-safe activities to keep them busy. We recommend investing in interactive puzzle toys and slow feeders to keep your Mini Lab engaged and challenged. You can also take time to set up fun little obstacle courses in and outside of your home with furniture or appliances and encourage your dog to complete these courses for treats. Not only will this help keep your dog mentally and physically sound, it will help build the bond between the two of you. Remember, Dwarf Labradors can suffer from a higher rate of bone and joint issues, spinal issues and chronic pain. They may also suffer from brachycephalic airway syndrome due to their abnormal skull development. This can lead to respiratory issues, heat intolerance and exercise induced collapse. When dealing with a Dwarf Labrador or Mini Labrador, be sure not to over-exercise your dog and to monitor him in warmer weather. The appropriate exercise for a Mini Labrador will include about 30 to 45 minutes of exercise a day as well as free playtime in a securely fenced backyard. Mini Labrador dogs are also highly social and get along with other canines, so dog parks are another great way for your Mini Labrador to have his exercise needs met. This is especially beneficial for dogs who might suffer from breathing difficulties. The harness is ideal for medium sized dogs like Mini Labradors and will help you guide your Lab on walks easily and naturally. The material is comfortable for your Lab as well, and even includes reflective materials for safer evening walks. Still, they require routine grooming and upkeep to ensure they stay healthy. The Mini Labrador is a shedding dog, so he may not be the ideal companion for those who suffer from allergies. This is a breed who has a dense, double-coat that is weather resistant and self cleaning. The good news is that he only needs to be bathed once every six weeks or so with a quality dog shampoo and conditioner. Over-bathing your Mini Labrador can lead to skin and coat issues. Your Mini Labrador will not need hair cuts or trims, though he will need routine brushing. While he sheds year-round, the Mini Labrador sheds heaviest twice a year during the shedding season in Spring and Fall. During the shedding season, you may want to brush your lab a few times a week to collect and reduce loose hair from his undercoat and keep it from your clothing and furniture. Outside of shedding season, you can get by brushing your Mini Lab once a week. Along with bathing and brushing, the Mini Labrador should have his ears checked regularly to prevent chances of moisture and build up leading to an ear infection. His teeth should be brushed daily using a safe toothbrush and dog-friendly toothpaste , and his nails should be trimmed or ground down regularly. Gonicc Dog Nail Clippers. March 7, Miniature breeds are the new trend in the dog world. Not only are they super-cute, but their smaller size makes them a choice for prospective owners who may not have room for their full-size counterparts. Miniaturizing any breed comes with health consequences, especially when it involves a large breed dog such as the Labrador. Do miniature labrador dogs exist, and if so, how small are they, and do they have any specific health issues? Do Miniature Labradors Exist? The answer is both Yes and No. However, miniature labradorsresult fromquestionable breeding practices that can create a host of problems for both the pups and their owners. So if these miniature labs do exist, what are they like? Overview of Miniature Labradors Besides being smaller in size, miniature labradors are the same as any normal labrador in all aspects. Mini labs are extremely devoted to their owners and love to please them in all sorts of ways. They love accompanying their owners in any activity they do, especially if it involves physical exercise. Due to their smaller size, miniature labrador dogs are lighter in weight than your average lab. Mini Labrador puppies tend to make excellent pets for families with lots of children and activity. Despite that, there is a bit of controversy surrounding the overall health of these dogs. Dwarfism Like humans, dwarfism is a condition that is known to exist in many breeds, including Labradors. It affects dogs just like it affects humans, causing a slowed growth of bones, which causes the dog to develop a shorter-than-normal stature. Dwarf labs are conceived by breeding two labradors that carry the genes responsible for dwarfism. When both dwarf parents contribute a copy of the dwarf genes, the litter is born with predisposed dwarfism. There are two types of genes responsible for dwarfism in labradors known as the SD1 and SD2 gene. SD2 Gene: Known as skeletal dysplasia. It hinders bone growth and prevents them from reaching full size, giving the lab a smaller appearance. Thus, the Labrador cannot grow as much as a typical lab, causing them to develop a smaller stature. Crossbreeding Another way most breeders create miniature labradors is by crossbreeding them with another small breed of dogs. And to sell them at a premium is unethical and can land the breeder in trouble. Another problem with hybrid miniature labs is that they might not always turn out to be perfectly healthy. Breeding Runts This one is perhaps the most popular technique for creating a miniature breed. With some breeds, this technique can be quite successful and can yield puppies that are significantly smaller in size than the average puppy of that same breed. However, there are some issues with this technique as well. Runt parents can produce standard-sized puppies. Because the small-size of these runts is usually due to some health condition, or worse dwarfism, the same genetic flaws would probably pass on to the litter they conceive. Also, some breeders inbreed these runts, which can lead to difficulties of their own. And even though they are predisposed to specific health issues, breeders have evolved labs so that these defects are slowly decreasing in pedigreed dogs. However, methods used to produce miniature labradors can re-introduce those defects back into the population of miniatures. So what are those health defects? And which mini labs have them? Defects In Miniature Labs The method of producing miniature labs, which leads to the highest amount of defects, is dwarfism. Both SD1 and SD2 genes can cause abnormal growth, which can worsen or create entirely new defects within a miniature lab. Some of the most prevalent defects associated with dwarfism in mini labs are: Bowed Legs and Knees: Labs with dwarfism appear shorter because their legs are malformed. Swollen Joints: Because dwarfism causes a malformation of the bones in labs, it can put uneven pressure on the joints, causing swelling and inflammation. Swollen joints are usually helped through regular medication but could need surgery in some cases. Worsened Joint Dysplasia: Joint dysplasia is a predisposed defect that many labradors suffer from naturally. Not only is joint dysplasia extremely painful, but it can also lead to arthritis, which might even lead to the dog getting euthanized in severe cases. Larger Skull and Breathing Problems: Dwarfism is also associated with abnormal growth of the skull, including the muzzle, which creates breathing problems for the Labrador and deteriorate their quality of life. Should You Get a Miniature Labrador? Now for the most important question, should you buy a miniature labrador? Most breeders and advertisers of miniature labs are untrustworthy. Let us explain a bit more: 1. And considering that a miniature labrador dog suffers from way more than the average dog, caring for them is more involved. For a labrador to officially register with the AKC, they must be between .If a labrador does not meet these requirements, they can still get registered with the organization. However, the owners must provide the pedigree documents to prove that the dog is purebred. A miniature lab is only about 2 to 2. FAQs What is the lifespan of a dwarf labrador? Unlike a standard labrador, a mini lab might only live up to 5 years, even if they receive full medical care and attention. What can you buy instead of miniature labradors? What is the difference in height between a standard and miniature lab? Unlike other miniature breeds, a miniature lab might only be 2 to 3 inches shorter in height than a standard labrador. How much do miniature labradors shed? A miniature lab has the same double-coat as a standard labrador. They shed an adequate amount of fur, particularly during the spring and fall seasons. Do miniature labradors bite a lot? Miniature and standard labs are both more prone to biting during puppyhood. But once they become adults, the habit mostly subsides, provided they get proper training. Featured Posts:. Emily Schroeder Emily Schroeder has been an animal-lover since…well, forever! She spent the early part of her career at Time Inc. And prior to landing her much-loved role as a staff writer for Daily Paws, she spent several years as a communications consultant. When Emily is not writing about our favorite four-legged friends, you can find her spending time with her husband and three adorable kiddos. Just trust me. John Callaway pachelibre posted a TikTok video last week that documents lesson time for this delightful 3-week-old black Labrador retriever puppy. It shows the darling baby Labrador sitting on Callaway's chest facing the camera with his little puppy dog eyes looking right at ya! That's when Callaway lets out a gentle-yet-realistic howl. In response, the little tyke raises his head and tries to generate his best "awooo". Not much sound comes out, but the most charming part occurs at the end of the puppy's tiny howl when he yawns and makes the cutest Chewbacca-like roar—melting our hearts into a giant puppy puddle. Their legs appear to be bent because they are malformed. This bone malformation causes them to have problems with their knee and hip joints, which can be painful and crippling. Any type of dwarfism can cause additional health problems to the animal. Although you associate dwarf Labradors with short legs, they can also have abnormally formed skulls. This can result in breathing problems. They can also have problems whelping, and require c-sections instead of being able to give birth naturally. Disproportionate leg and body lengths, such as seen to an extreme scale in the Dachshund, can also result in spinal problems and painful movements. Although some dwarf Labradors will live full and happy lives, they are at a greater risk than their unaffected cousins. It is therefore very important that Labrador breeders ensure that they do not breed from Labradors who carry the gene for dwarfism. Dwarf Labrador Health Tests Before you buy a Labrador, their breeder should have carried out a variety of health tests on both of the parents. One of the things you should make sure that they have tested for is dwarfism in Labradors. There is a test available for SD2, which will tell the breeder whether the parent carries the gene. No Lab with the gene should be bred to another with it, as they could result in the puppies having dwarfism. Miniature Labrador Breeders A Labrador Retriever small breed is something that has been coined by a few dog breeders to try and cash in on a market of dog lovers who want a small Labrador Retriever to fit into their lives. Every month hundreds of people scour the internet looking for a miniature black Lab or miniature chocolate Lab to join their family. And unscrupulous people will take advantage of these people who are innocently putting their faith in them to provide a happy, healthy new friend. They will provide you with clear, breed specific information. Those claiming to be miniature Labrador breeders may be producing puppies that carry the Labrador dwarfism gene. They may have cross bred their lines with a smaller breed of dog. Or they may be producing regular sized Labs and simply giving their customers the misleading impression that they will remain the same size. Words Of Warning From Lab Breeders If you are researching Labrador breeders, here are some negative buzzwords to keep your eyes peeled for: Micro Labrador Mini Labrador Miniature Labs These words demonstrate that the breeder is either lacking knowledge about Labradors or is trying to mislead puppy buyers. Either way, they are not the breeder that you want to approach. Well, yes, you can. Some Labradors are smaller than others! Within the bounds of usual Labrador size, they are a bit shorter, lighter and just plain littler than other Labs. You will also find that some English Labradors are chunky in build but short in height. Short legs are more fashionable in the show ring at the moment. So this can be removed as the reason for them being shorter legged. Small Labradors who are simply at the lower end of the normal spectrum can be found from reputable breeders, and they are a good option if you want a Labrador temperament in a slightly smaller package. The other option is to buy a Labrador mix, who is crossed with a smaller breed of dog. Just make sure that you check out the health tests that are relevant to this breed as well before you commit to the puppy. But no healthy Labrador will stay small to the miniature extent. Lab puppies that stay really small do so because they are undernourished, ill or have a disease. Even dwarf Labradors are only around 2. If you want a small Labrador Retriever, then think about why. Is it to do with a lack of space, or simply a personal taste issue? Small dog breeds are popular at the moment, but fashions change and the most important part of any pet is their personality and temperament. I hope that you will decide that a full sized Labrador is worth the loss of space on the couch, in exchange for the love and devotion they will give you for the next ten years. Find Out More About Labradors! Lab Terrier mixes 2. Introducing The Gene For Dwarfism Dogs with dwarfism have disproportionately short bones in their legs. Many types of dwarfism are caused by a single gene mutation, which can occur spontaneously, or be introduced by out-crossing with another breed. However dwarfism is linked to an increased risk of skeletal disorders including arthritis and spinal disease. Selectively Breeding From Runts Finally, all Labrador litters have some variation in size between siblings. Puppies much smaller than the rest of their litter are known as runts, and they might remain smaller in adulthood too. Breeding runts from different litters together over several generations can produce a breeding line of unusually small dogs. Recreating these problems over several generations can produce small dogs who are prone to illness and fail to thrive. Not at all. Just like people, Labradors come in a range of healthy sizes. The AKC breed standard allows for male Labs to be 22 to 25 inches tall at the withers, and 65 to 80 pounds. Females can be 21 to 24 inches tall, and 55 to 70 pounds. And of course, these parameters only apply to show dogs. Even greater variation occurs healthily and naturally in the pet population. So if you want a naturally micro Labrador, how can you go about finding one? But one of the most reliable predictors is the size of their parents. When two healthy dogs at the low end of the normal weight range for Labs mate, their puppies are likely to be small for Labs as well. You can ask breeders about their size of their sire and dam when you call to ask about a litter, or research which waiting list to join. But be prepared to discover that your puppy may exceed all expectations anyway! Labradors can come in a surprising range of healthy weights.