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Goldendoodle females Griffy This video Is the reason we raise puppies. I can not tell how much this video makes me happy I love seeing my puppies go to great family who raise them with love. Griffy is only 12 weeks old in this video. He is out of Cookie and Benji"s first litter. A special thanks to Shannon for all her work with Griffy. Thank you Shannon so much!! I want to take a moment and thank everyone who has gotten my puppies and the loved them as much as I have. I truly feel blessed when I get back pictures of your babies, it makes my week! Thank you all again! What we do before your puppies goes home to you. Week 1 As mini Goldendoodle breeder in Montana. All of our puppies are born in our home where mommy feels the safest. From day 1 we handle the babies put them on their backs and hold them so they get use to being held and handled. Week The puppies are starting to move and walk around. At this time we place puppy pads down and the babies will start to learn to come off the blanket and go potty on the pads. Week Week four we start to introduce food to the babies and teaching them to lay on their backs. We start building their confidence by putting up a tunnel for them to go though and paper bags on the floor so they get use to different things on their feet and not to be afraid of going though things. At the end of four weeks we put the puppies over in our doggy runs where they learn how to use the doggy door. Week Week 6 - 8 is learning how to use the doggy door to go outside and go potty. We teach the puppies to sit before they get their food and to come to us. We do a lot more confidence building with them. All of the puppies are vet checked and fecal checked for any worms before they can go home to you. Contact Us Drop us a line! Better yet, see us in person! Email Us At freedomvalleypuppy yahoo. A Goldendoodle breeder in great falls Montana and Cavapoo breeder in Montana please feel to call us at .Thank you Freedom Valley Puppy P. Share 0 Shares The Goldendoodle is a designer dog breed obtained from breeding a Golden Retriever with either a standard or a mini poodle. With the Goldendoodle dog breed, you get the intelligence of the poodle coupled with the energetic nature of the Golden Retriever. They are also well-tempered and loyal to their owners. They are mostly known for their hypoallergenic coats. This makes them great for dog owners with allergies to dog fur. If you reside in the treasure state of Montana, and you are searching for a Goldendoodle , this article highlights a list of some excellent breeders residing in the state. These are reputable breeders that care for the Goldendoodle breed. They produce numerous Goldendoodle pups for families in Montana and across the United States. All their puppies are from either the F1 generation or the F1b generation. This is because they care about giving you a healthy puppy with hybrid vigor and a hypoallergenic coat. Their pups are mainly sold as family pets. But their high trainability makes them great dogs to be used in both the service and work industry. They occasionally do voluntary work and therapy works as their means of giving back to society. Deb has over 45 years of solid work experience with the designer dog breed. All their sires and dams are top-notch. They are selected after being carefully researched to ensure they would be perfect for the program. The breeding parents are AKC registered. They are also genetically tested for defects that can easily be transferred to the newly produced litter. This is a acre property that also houses quarter horses and other farm animals. The puppies get more than enough room to run and go for walks. They are properly socialized with each other as well as with people both family and friends. They are introduced to various stimulating experiences from sights to textures and sounds. This means you get a well-rounded puppy. Expect your Goldendoodle puppy to come with a 2 years health guarantee. They are well checked and examined by a licensed vet and each would have filly received their deworming as well as their vaccinations. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Butte Montana and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted! One of our happy Mini Goldendoodle pups poses for the perfect snap! About Us Before we go further - allow us to introduce ourselves! We've been raising family-friendly pets since , and Goldendoodles since .Our kennels, originally on a small ranch in south-east Texas, is located in a remote north-west Montana town, nestled on the edge of the Cabinet Mountains. About Our Goldendoodles Our beautiful Goldendoodles are a delight! We chose Goldendoodle, not only for their fluffy, "teddy bear" looks, but also their gentle, family-friendly personalities. They are also known for their ease of training. Many of our clients report their Doodle was potty trained, and learned basic commands in as few as three days! Another big plus of our Goldendoodles is their non-shedding coat. This makes them ideal for people with allergies to pet hair. Goldendoodle Colors Our Goldendoodles come in a variety of colors, from dark red, to cream, to black, and the exquisite merle. While we can't always guarantee you'll get the color you're wanting, we do promise to do our very best to match you up with the litter that best matches your desires. Our Montana Dogs Our adult dogs live a pampered lifestyle inside their own well-heated, snugly insulated home. We work with them daily, from keeping them cleaned and well fed, to cleaning and improving the kennels. As a fully licensed breeder, we keep them as fit and healthy as possible. This means regular vet checkups, strict worming and immunization protocols, and only breeding the females when they are in peak condition. We also have a yearly inspection, to ensure our kennels continue to meet and exceed all state regulations for dog breeders. Highlights About Our Dogs Health Tested - Our dogs have been extensively health-tested and are selectively bred to ensure our puppies have strong genetics Registered - Our dogs are AKC registered, or come from registered stock. Our dogs range from Poodles to F1-B Goldendoodles. Meet the dams and sires on the " Our Dogs " page. FAQ About Our Goldendoodles If you're not acquainted with the Goldendoodle breed yet, or simply want to know more about these amazing dogs, here's some common questions we get about 'Doodles: Q: How big do your puppies get? Medium Size: LB. Mini Size: LB. Petite Size: LB. Q: Are your puppies good for allergies? A: While no dogs are completely hypoallergenic, these puppies do not shed, making them ideal for people with pet hair allergies. And everyone who doesn't as well???? Q: What personalities do your Goldendoodle puppies have? A: Personalities vary of course! However a common trait is a high desire to please, as well as very loving. Q: Are there any special requirements to own a Goldendoodle? A: Goldendoodles are easy to care for. Besides their obvious needs of food , water and shelter, their biggest requirements are enough space to run off their excess energy, and because they are bonding dogs, enough loving attention from their families. We hope you enjoyed this article! Want to learn more, or have another question? Love This Post? Share It!
Photo from: bobbi. Each dog has its own unique markings, which can also come in patches. Every single white and black American Bulldog is unique from the others in that the black markings are not in any certain location or size. A black and white American Bulldog is incredibly attractive to look at because black and white are contrasting hues and they just go so well together. The American Bulldog Breed The Old English Bulldog, which was introduced to North America by immigrants from the working class who wanted to maintain their working dogs to help on the farms, is the ancestor of the American Bulldog. These dogs quickly established themselves as imposing herding dogs and working dogs, similar to what Rottweilers were in Europe at that time. However, the history of the American Bulldog also has a sad chapter. Initially, they were used in the heinous sport of bull baiting. The American Bulldog was all but extinct by the end of World War II, but the effort of a few breeders saved the breed. Thankfully, the American Bulldog is no longer in danger of going extinct and is now primarily considered a companion. They usually come in two different types, the Scott and the Johnson American Bulldog. The Scott type, also known as the standard type, is an athletic dog with a muscular build similar to that of an American Pit Bull Terrier or a Staffordshire Terrier, typically solid white in color. The Johnson type, on the other hand, is stockier, has dark patches across its coat, and resembles an American Bully. Although they are often white with patches of brindle, red, or black, the breed also comes in a wide range of other hues. They could have coats that are fawn, red, brindle, brown, or even solid black. The nose and eye rims of American Bulldogs are typically black, however, they occasionally have pinkish undertones. Their eyes are typically brown in color. Despite the fact that these are breed criteria, some American Bulldogs have been reported to be merle or to have coats with blue undertones. The black and white coat color combination is listed in the AKC breed standard, but it is registered as a non-standard variation. So that indicates that the black and white American Bulldog is a part of the AKC, but it almost has an asterisk next to it. This is probably due to the rarity of this particular pattern and the rarity of the black patches in general when it comes to the American Bulldog breed. Wondering where to get an American Bulldog? Here is a list of some great breeders! The white and black American Bulldog has a white base coat that is predominately covered in black patterns. Every dog has distinctive markings that can be found in various patches across its body. On average, the height of this breed is noticeably greater than that of English Bulldogs or French Bulldogs. American Bulldog puppies will mature into adults that range in weight from 60 to pounds and 20 to 28 inches in height. Although these measurements are thought to be typical for the breed, American Bulldogs can vary greatly in size. Black And White American Bulldog Personality Photo from: hailstonekennels Black and white American Bulldogs are affectionate, kind, and intelligent, yet their nature frequently causes them to become territorial and unduly wary of strangers. They make wonderful family pets and watchdogs, even for households with young children, but they will require socialization training , especially as puppies, to get along with strange people or other dogs who drop by for a visit. Fortunately, they are extremely adaptive and trainable due to their intelligence. The American Bulldog, in general, is a playful breed with high exercise requirements. They thrive in households that can keep active through frequent walks and lots of playtime. Black And White American Bulldog Nutrition A diet for a black and white American Bulldog should be designed for a large to giant breed, taking into account their high level of energy. From puppyhood through adulthood, their demands will change. Growing puppies can prefer three or four smaller servings throughout the day instead of two larger meals. As your dog gets older, you can cut this down to two meals each day. The suggested serving amount will vary depending on your dog. You must consider its age, metabolism, and amount of activity. Make sure your black and white American Bulldog consumes a healthy, balanced diet and receives plenty of exercise to prevent weight gain. You should talk with them about creating a suitable diet for your black and white American Bulldog. The American Bulldog enjoys living indoors with its owner but, because of its working history, it is accustomed to being outdoors. It should therefore regularly engage in physical activities, such as walking , to burn off energy and stave off boredom in order to prevent harmful conduct. It can be kept under control with weekly brushing and occasional baths. Additionally, you should make a habit of keeping up with regular vet appointments, weekly ear checks, monthly nail trimmings, and standard dental care. One problem you can have is the likelihood of drooling , which is typical with bully breeds. Some of them are prone to specific illnesses, such as hypothyroidism, mange, cherry eye, or cataracts. Early-life obesity also increases the risk of developing elbow or hip dysplasia, which are conditions that can impact the dog throughout its entire lifespan. The breed has short snouts and is rather brachycephalic. Because of this, they could have a harder time handling the heat , especially when exercising. Make sure that they drink enough water, keep an eye on them, and make sure they are not having trouble breathing. Instead of harsh punishment or reprimand, they respond better to encouragement, praise, and plenty of rewards. American Bulldogs will begin to approach new experiences with caution when they are around 12 weeks old, as is the case with all breeds. Introduce your Bulldog to other dogs, people, and pets as well as car travel and strange noises while they are still so young and receptive. You can do the dog training yourself or seek out a professional. For comparison, that is more expensive than a Labrador or a Great Dane puppy, but about the same as a Pug puppy. But for that price, you typically receive a dog that has been checked for temperament and health problems. You can also check with your local animal shelter to see if they perhaps have a black and white American Bulldog puppy, as they will usually sell it for a much lower price. However, there are more expenses associated with dog ownership than just buying a puppy. Consider the following expenses when estimating the lifetime cost of owning a black and white American Bulldog: dog food, veterinary services, grooming, toys, etc. Conclusion One of the most stunning variants of the American Bulldog breed is the black-and-white American Bulldog. Apart from their striking looks, they also have great personalities, which makes them great family pets, whether you want to use them as companions, watchdogs, or even working dogs. Post navigation. Shadow the American Bulldog as a puppy at 10 weeks old Shadow the American Bulldog as a puppy at 6 months old sitting on the couch Shadow the American Bulldog at 10 months old looking over the back of the couch Jynx the XL American Bulldog at 5 years old—"My big boy. He's a gentle giant. Jynx shown here at 5 years old and pounds 56 kg " Tut the American Bulldog puppy at 8 weeks old—"This is Tut. I got him at 5 weeks of age. I never wanted a male dog, but now I won't trade him for anything! At 10 weeks old he weighed 22 pounds. She wasn't sure what to think about the noise the camera was making! She's a very smart girl, but awfully stubborn! We have started obedience training with her and although commands take a while to imprint, once she has it, she's golden! She now sits in her "spot" in the kitchen and waits quietly and patiently while we fill her food and water bowl. When her bowls are full she continues to wait patiently, all eyes on us, until we tell her "Good girl, you can have it! He has been a tremendous addition to our family!! We are a family of five and never before had a dog. He loves to fetch, play tug and when it is time to mellow out, he does!!! He simply picks a spot in the room and relaxes while we go about with our business!! We couldn't be happier with Cooper and can't wait for everything that is to come!!! Maggie is a three-year-old American Bulldog. Her mom is a Johnson type and her dad is a Scott type. We did not know anything about this breed before we got her but we quickly realized that we had to learn fast. She is very strong-willed and also just plain strong! This breed needs hours of exercise a day and a strong pack leader. By fulfilling her needs, we have been able to see her develop to her full potential. American Bulldogs are not for everyone so please choose this breed only after very careful thought. She is loving, fearless and protective. She is also exceptionally smart. She knows her toys by name and could play hide-and-seek for hours. When we tell her to go to her bed she does and does not get up until given permission so we can eat dinner without her begging for bits. She truly listens to her people and is eager to please. She does not like looking at herself in the mirror and she growls at animals on TV and in movies. We will never own a different breed. She has our hearts forever. We've had CeeCee about 5 months now and she has become a very much loved member of our family. Talk about personality! If it weren't for his instruction, CeeCee would be unmanageable. We didn't train her to do or not do anything; she just did her thing and usually agreed with us and followed us around. I started walking for my sanity's sake and she enjoyed tagging along.She was a little over a year old when she was given to us by friends who had to move across the country and couldn't take her along. So before she came to our house, we started reading everything we could find on American Bulldogs. I saw the info on the dogbreedinfo site about Cesar and devoured his book. We found the show and soon after I started ordering the DVD sets so I could watch the episodes over and over. As soon as she got here, we took her for a long walk together. She thinks any package left by the delivery man is her new chew toy, and still gets too excited occasionally, but she is learning to sit still and control her impulses. Our neighbors have wolf-dogs that occasionally get loose and it doesn't scare CeeCee a bit wish I could say the same for me. She holds her own and is gradually winning them over. CeeCee came to us during a time when I was grieving a very traumatic event. She was the catalyst for letting go of things I couldn't fix or change. At first, we were tempted to rename her Bessie. She had just had a litter of pups and the resemblance to your average Holstein was remarkable. Now, all trimmed up and dressed in her fancy black lipstick, she makes us all smile. He is my first dog and has been the best dog anyone could ever have asked for. After originally being chosen by another owner, Casey spent the first 2 months on his own crated nearly 23 hours a day, by himself without a toy in his crate. Since that time he has been the most loveable, affectionate dog anyone could ask for. He loves to play with other dogs, especially his new 3-month-old sister. He even tries to play with our 3-year-old cat. A true Johnson bully, he loves to be out doors running and training. His favorite things to do are play with his football, play tug, dig holes and eat freshly fallen snow. My husband has watched the Dog Whisperer gaining a lot of tips on how to get Carson to "calm" down. She loves people and thinks that everyone must love her. After using some of the techniques on the show, she has really changed into a calmer dog. Rose was a rather destructive puppy, but only when left alone. I had to crate her during periods when my wife and I would both be away to keep her from destroying our home or ingesting foreign objects. I thought we had taken on more than we could handle, but she learned commands and tricks faster than any dog I'd ever had. We began educate ourselves, and the first step was to walk her 2 miles a day, play fetch and Frisbee for marathon sessions, built her a "spring pole" of sorts, and even take long bike rides with her on leash. Her excitability at newcomers decreased right away, and her furniture-chewing habit ceased. Currently at almost 4 years old, she's the best dog I could ever hope for. I shudder to think that we considered giving her up for adoption, and now people ask us how we have such a well-trained dog! And Rose required being handled a bit more sternly than the Labs, Rottie, and mostly mixed breeds I'd owned previously. Only one harsh correction was usually needed; two thousand light vocal reprimands meant nothing. Today if we are playing fetch and the ball goes over the fence, she looks at me almost trembling and I can either tell her "get it" allowing her to hop the fence, retrieve, and hop back or give her a stay command. At 18 months of age, I never believed this dog could restrain herself from any impulse. I only have one dog of this breed to draw on, but I'd venture to say that the American Bulldog needs stimulation, love, play, but most of all exercise and an occasional heavy hand early on, so we could establish her place in our pack. She has made my wife and me far more physically active than we had been, and even that is life enhancing. They are incredibly powerful; playing tug with her has to be experienced to be believed. At only 78 pounds, Rose can jump, pull and bite like nothing else. She once jumped up and bit a tree limb and just hung and shook after I took her rope toy down from the limb. Their enthusiasm is a big part of their charm, but I would not recommend this breed to a busy person who can't devote the time. She is great around kids, cats, other dogs, and even just barks or whimpers when she encounters a snake or turtle while we're camping. But Rose was on the fast track to being given up, when we realized she simply needed more exercise and for us to be more firm with her. He requires a lot of exercise or he can get himself into trouble he is very strong. The most important thing in raising him was being firm and consistent on everything. He is very smart and learns things quickly, even bad habits. He is somewhat protective of females and children around strangers, but if introduced loves everyone. Benelli is excellent with our 2 young children, ages 2 and 3. She's so calm and gentle that my 3-year-old can hold the leash while we go for walks. She absolutely loves our cats and she gets along very well with our other dog. This is our first American Bulldog and we couldn't ask for a better dog!! Her name is Wanda. I have learned so much about her from your website; it is very interesting and useful. I taught her how to sit and how to walk beside me , not in front of me by your instructions. We live in El Salvador in Central America. He's my first AB and I am impressed with the breed. His father is a Johnson type doggy and his mom a Scott type. Porky the American Bulldog puppy at 10 weeks, weighing 21 pounds Belle the American Bulldog at 3 years old—"We rescued Bella a year ago from a pen in a neighbor's garden. She weighed 34 pounds 17 kilos and had ten pups inside her. She was a very scared and seemed to be an aggressive dog. I broke through the fence when no one had been to her cage for 4 days. After a lot of shouting and abuse from my neighbor she eventually let me have her. She had 10 pups in my summerhouse and slowly each day she came to trust me a little more. She still growled and was scared of everyone else. We brought her into our house and had a cage for her. Cesar Millan was and is my hero. He gave me the belief in myself that I could cope with such a big scared dog. We have now had her for a year. She is like a different dog. She sleeps with the cats that she once so wanted to attack. She no longer needs the hated cage and loves visitors that used to scare her. I have never had a dog before and to be honest never really wanted one, but my Bella has filled a gap I never knew was there. So for anyone out there thinking about owning a rescued American Bulldog all you need is lots of patience, a strong will and a touch of Cesar Millan. His name is Riley. His job—shop dog. We are a scooter shop, and he greets dozens of folks every day. Riley has friends that bring him treats, or just drop in to say hi. He is really famous around Milwaukee. You would not believe how many people remember his name months later when they visit again—usually to see him. He is all white with 2 black spots over his eyes and a few on his nose and the tips of his ears. He is full of life, very intelligent and spoiled and will soon be starting K9 Bodyguard training. He weighs between and lbs. I grew up raising Rottweilers , Pomeranians , Australian Blue Heelers , Jack Russell Terriers and a range of mix breeds that my mother took in when owners would drop them off on their gravel road. He has been the kind of pet that you see in the movies when you are growing up, the one that is loyal, playful, loving and will not leave your side. Even as we speak and it is 2 a. His worst habits are trying to take up the entire couch and it doesn't matter if there are two people already on the couch before he gets on it. No matter what he always awaits permission and grunts when he wishes to climb on. He also has a habit of stretching out on the king sized bed in the middle of the night and pushing you out of his way with his feet. I am a lb. On the flip side, you will sometimes find him curled into a huge ball pressed up as close as possible to you in the morning. Tanner is prone to allergic reactions from his environment and because of this hives have been a common occurrence. We combat this with everything being washed and dried in hypoallergenic soaps and fabric softeners. Their food contains no soy, corn, wheat, and is gluten free which keeps him from having allergic reactions. She is an American Bulldog that weighs in at about 87 pounds. She loves to cuddle, children, play fetch, and her favorite thing is to sleep. She is the nicest and most loving dog I have ever had. She is really good with other dogs and always wants to play. Though I don't think she is that big of a dog others say she is of a pretty good size. She is also very strong, to find out how strong she was I start hooking her up to a harness and having her pull different stuff from around the house and yard. At one point I decided to hook her up to the car and put it in neutral and to my surprise she pulled it halfway down our driveway, which is about sixty feet. But once again she is by far the best dog for a family or just anyone. Though it did take me a little longer to train her than any other dogs, which is strange because she is very smart and has a great memory. She is the funniest dog that I have ever been around. She just does some of the stupidest stuff, like chasing the lawnmower around getting a mouth full of grass every time she tries to bite it, and the funniest is when I'm cleaning my car, she tries to attack the water coming out of the hose. She cracks me up. Leia the American Bulldog playing with the kids.
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Click to Call: Yes, send me puppy information! At PuppySpot, we have the widest selection of puppies for sale on the internet. Celebrate your mom or become mom yourself! He enjoys being around his people and would love to show you what a good boy he is. Dogs and Puppies for Sale and Adoption. We care for a wide variety of breeds. Pets "Dogs" in Austin, TX. This gorgeous boy is just a couple of years old and is ready for his own place to play and a playmate that will play with him. Adopt a puppy or dog in Houston, TexasShelters and rescues in Houston, TexasSearch for a puppy or dogLearn more about dog breedsPuppies and dogs in nearby cities Adopt a dog in Houston, Texas These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Houston, Texas. French bulldog puppies for sale. Several young hog dogs available. For Sale "puppies" in Austin, TX. Maltipoos for Sale in Houston. Have been checked by the vet and vaccinated - everything looks good. Puppies for Sale from Houston, Texas Breeders. 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And remember, if you can't find the breed you're looking for on this page, consider browsing our puppies for sale or dogs for sale pages. Dogs in New Orleans Louisiana. Browse through this page to find many dogs and puppies looking for loving homes, all of which are free! Whatever the reason might be, these puppies are up for adoption and looking for loving owners like you! Bewareof "free pets" but you pay shipping , cashier's check scams and other fraud. Other Types of Pets. Select Breed 1,, Dogs adopted on Rescue homes! Free: saxygal45 La Joya, TX American can not only get free dog puppies, but also list your puppies for free at any time. Free classified ads, louisiana pets products and services Welcome to the Louisiana Classifieds. Or filter for a specific breed. The thought of a free dog has an almost irresistible allure, especially if you do not already have a pet. The adage is true, but you can acquire dogs for free. 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Often breeders recognize the popularity of these unique bi- and tri-color patterns and will charge a higher price for them. What is the lifespan of a Springerdoodle? The average lifespan of a Springerdoodle is years. How much exercise does a Springerdoodle need? Springerdoodles are a very active breed and will need minutes of daily exercise to live a happy, healthy life. This figure can range slightly depending on the size, age, and personality of your dog. This breed is not recommended for those who live a sedentary lifestyle. Keep in mind that a standard Springerdoodle will typically need more exercise than a mini Springerdoodle based on size alone. To avoid damaging their developing bones and joints, be careful not to over-exercise your puppy. As a rule of thumb, a Springerdoodle puppy should get about 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, times per day. Once they are fully grown at months, your Sproodle is ready for their full minutes of exercise. Are Sproodles good apartment dogs? Sproodles are not an ideal breed for those who live in an apartment or small house. This breed will be much happier with more space, particularly if you have a large, fenced backyard… and maybe even a doggie door! Mini Springerdoodles need slightly less exercise and are more likely to fit within the weight limits that many apartment buildings have. Is the Sproodle a healthy breed? Springerdoodles are generally considered to be a healthy breed. While mixed breeds tend to be healthier overall than purebred dogs, they are still susceptible to health issues from both parent breeds. Some common illnesses seen in the English Springer Spaniel Poodle mix include elbow dysplasia, otitis externa, progressive retinal atrophy, and epilepsy to name a few. One way to protect your Springerdoodle from accidents and illnesses is to enroll them in a quality pet insurance plan as early in their life as possible. I personally have my dog covered with Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. Are Springerdoodles easy to train? The cross between two very intelligent breeds, Sproodles tend to be smart and easy to train. Springer Spaniels can be seen competing in hunting, agility, and obedience tests. Poodles are often selected to be highly-trained service animals. Are Springerdoodles good with kids? Springerdoodles, in general, tend to be good with kids of all ages. English Springer Spaniels have an average tolerance of kids while Poodles are excellent with them. Crossing these two breeds results in a dog that will likely have a good relationship with the children in your family! Photo courtesy of Pat Patterson. Are Springerdoodles good with other pets? Springerdoodles tend to get along with other dogs fine but may not do well in families that have a cat. While the personality of every dog is different, the natural prey drive of the Springer Spaniel breed can be tough to overcome. Are Sproodles aggressive? Overall, Sproodles are not an aggressive breed. However, this is extremely rare overall. Do Springerdoodles bark a lot? Springerdoodles are average barkers and are not overly quiet or overly vocal. Do Sproodles make good watch dogs? Sproodles tend to make average watch dogs. Photo courtesy of Ruth Prideaux. Where can I find a Springer Spaniel Poodle mix? Finding a Springer Spaniel Poodle mix can be a challenge seeing as how rare this breed is. To learn how to identify a good breeder while avoiding puppy mills and backyard breeders, check out our article here! Pet stores are best to avoid. Not only will you pay a much higher price, but many people question the ethical standards of the breeders they source their puppies from. Finally, you can choose to rescue a Springer Spaniel Poodle mix from a shelter! How much do Springerdoodles cost? Mini Springerdoodles and puppies with more sophisticated color patterns will usually fall on the higher end of this range. More from Popular Doodle.Lifespan Sociability The Springerdoodle is an increasingly popular designer breed. There are a decent number of Springerdoodle breeders, due to their popularity. When choosing a breeder, take a look at their premises and make sure you can see where the puppies and parents are being kept. Try to ensure that the puppies are being kept in good condition, with access to food and drink, as well as the opportunity to exercise. If you are looking for a companion, the Springerdoodle is loyal and gentle and you will most certainly enjoy their company. The Springerdoodle May Be Considered Hypoallergenic One of the reasons for the popularity of the poodle breed is that they are described as being hypoallergenic. Dog allergies are known to affect up to one in five adults, and asthma sufferers can also face a difficult time when faced with dog hair and dander. It is the allergen Can f 1 Canis familiaris allergen 1 that is known to cause allergic reactions from allergy sufferers and so-called hypoallergenic dogs are thought to produce a lower concentration of this allergen. Poodles are one such breed so if your Springerdoodle inherits this trait from his Poodle parent breed, it is possible that even the most allergic sufferer could live with the dog. However, scientists dispute the fact that these dogs produce less of the allergen, and while some breeds are known to be less of an irritant to sufferers, there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog breed. The Springerdoodle Is One of Dozens of Poodle Hybrid Breeds It is impossible to say exactly how many designer breeds exist, let alone how many of them incorporate the Poodle breed into their genetics. Kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club, do not recognize hybrid breeds, only purebred dogs. However, the American Canine Hybrid Club recognizes more than crossbreeds, and more than 20 of these are considered Poodle crosses. The Labradoodle is one of the best known, but other examples include the Spoodle and the Saint Berdoodle, which cross the Poodle with the Cocker Spaniel and the Saint Bernard respectively. They were bred as hunting dogs and would cause game and birds to spring from their hideout, effectively flushing them into the open so that hunters could shoot them. Springers would also retrieve game. Their hunting background means that the Springerdoodle is full of energy and vitality. A typical dog will run for hours, reach fast top speeds, and have an incredible turn of pace: this, along with the fact that they like to chase birds and are perfectly at home in the water, is worth bearing in mind when you visit the dog park. Ensure their recall is excellent before letting them off the leash. Your Doodle will want to please you, has more than enough energy to cope with even the most grueling of tasks and workouts, and he seemingly has the capacity to understand every word you say. Are These Dogs Good for Families? He will get on with children and not only put up with them, but actively get involved in games for hours. He will also enjoy long family walks and family activities, before settling down to cuddle on the sofa with his owners. It is always a good idea to socialize dogs when they are young. They can be introduced to cats and small animals, although it is never a good idea to leave your dog alone with very small animals. Springers enjoy the canine company and can thrive in a pack environment with other dogs of the same breed and of either sex. The look of the Springerdoodle will depend on which parent breed is dominant. However, this breed usually has a curly double-layered coat and its size will be determined by the size of the poodle parent. Both parent breeds are energetic and lively, so the hybrid breed does exhibit these personality traits. Both breeds prefer company to being left alone, and both are good with children. This mix makes the resulting designer breed a great companion dog for children of any age. As is typical of breeds of this size, Springerdoodles have a good life expectancy, although there are a few known health issues that you need to keep an eye out for. Expect to feed anywhere from two to three cups of food every day. Ensure that it is a good quality dog food, ideally, one that is suited to high-energy, high-octane dogs, and you should have some tasty treats on hand to make training even more effective. They will happily go on long walks, they love to swim and jump around in the water, and you should expect your Springer to spring. You should encourage your dog to swim, where possible, so consider a walk to the beach or a lake so that they can get wet and get healthy exercise. Expect to go on two walks a day, lasting at least 30 minutes each. You should also find some way to offer your dog some high-energy sport or activity. They are especially effective at and benefit from agility classes, frisbee, and flyball activities. The Springerdoodle will adapt to life in an apartment, but they prefer a property with a decent sized yard. If you do have a yard, ensure that it is fenced-in, and look for any areas where they might be able to stage a getaway. A fenced yard enables you to throw a ball or other toy to fetch, without the worry of him getting away. The Springerdoodle is an intelligent breed. This means that endless ball throwing will get boring for your dog. Look for ways to challenge him mentally as well as physically. Although the Springerdoodle is known to be loving and friendly, early socialization will help ensure these tendencies surface. Training classes offer a safe and friendly environment in which to socialize your puppy. Always eager to please, this hybrid breed is considered easy to train. They will pick up commands quicker than other breeds, and usually require less repetition because they are alert and astute. Your Springerdoodle will enjoy learning new tricks and showing them off. In reality, all dogs shed, but those with curly hair retain the shed hair in their coat. This means while the house will remain relatively dog hair free, if your dog adopts the curly-haired coat of the poodle , it will require frequent brushing. Brushing your dog removes the loose and dead hair and it prevents the fur from matting. Expect to brush your dog every day, potentially twice a day during the shedding season. If there is any wax or other buildup, use a damp cloth and remove it so that your dog remains healthy, infection-free, and comfortable. You should avoid bathing dogs unless it is absolutely necessary. Bathing strips the fur of natural oils, which means that frequent bathing can actually do a lot more harm than good. In particular, medium to large dogs are prone to joint dysplasia. If you see any signs of limping or discomfort from the joints, have your dog checked out as soon as possible in order to identify and treat the problem as early as possible. Minor Conditions. Adopting or buying a Springerdoodle Caution is needed when introducing this inquisitive working breed to other family pets, including cats. They can be great with kids if properly socialized, and make great pets and companions. Springer doodle dogs are also a good first time dog for new puppy parents, as long as they are prepared to get stuck into that all important positive training. An active breed, exercise is key to their happiness, and yours when sharing their home! Described as a sporting breed, these dogs derive from years of intentional breeding of British land spaniels. The English Springer Spaniel assisted hunters by detecting game birds and driving them out from cover. When the breed became popular in North America, these dogs were well known as bird dogs with powerful noses and high trainability. The Standard Poodle started out as a duck hunting dog. Because of this, Poodles make great retrievers. They were bred to be smart, easily trainable and have a distinct curly coat that kept them warm when swimming in near-frozen lakes. The distinct lion cut of Poodles allowed for better movement and protection when they were working. The leg joints, chest, and hips remained covered to keep joints warm even in the winter. In early 20th century, Miniature and Toy Poodles were bred from the Standard. As of , the three sizes of the poddle are officially recognized by Kennel associations around the world. Springerdoodle Appearance In general these Springerdoodle pups have wavy to curly hair, in a variety of colors that can be solid or mixed. Their ears are usually floppy and medium sized with dark and round eyes. As a mix, the appearance of Springer Doodle puppies can be quite unexpected. On the one hand, we have English Springer Spaniels. These pups have drooping ears and a proud, sturdy body. Although available in a variety of patterns and colors, the preferred one is white and dark brown. Spaniels have soft, elegant facial features that frame their dark round eyes. On the other hand, Poodles also boast a strong, muscular body. The have a moderately rounded head with round, kind eyes. Poodle coat colors come in white, black, or apricot tone on the hallmarked curly fur. Coats and Grooming Contrary to popular opinion, this crossbreed needs grooming and clipping to be healthy. Because of its parent breeds, Springerdoodles inherit the grooming requirements of both. English Springer Spaniels require occasional grooming to avoid mats in their wavy, long coat. Brushing the coat regularly helps with seasonal shedding. Constant trimming is necessary to keep healthy nails. Their long ears heavily covered in fur can cause the ear canal to become moist, resulting in ear health issues. Poodles with longer hair need daily brushing to avoid matting. If the coat is kept short, once or twice a week will suffice. Springerdoodles will exhibit the same grooming and care requirements as either parent breed or a mix of both. Are Springerdoodles Hypoallergenic? Even though much has been said about Poodles being non-shedding dogs making their mixes non-shedding as well this is simply not true. All dogs shed. Curly-haired dogs simply keep the shed hairs inside the curls, making brushing essential to avoid matting. Although Poodles are well known for having low shedding coats, Springerdoodles are not guaranteed to have the tight curls that holds the dander at bay. You will never be completely sure of its size until your Springer Poodle puppy has fully grown. An English Springer Spaniel is generally 19 to 20 inches in height. Thanks to its sturdy, muscular build, the medium-sized Springer Spaniel normally weighs between 40—50 pounds. On the other hand, Poodles come in three distinct sizes. Standard Poodles are usually taller than 15 inches from the shoulder. Miniature varieties are between 10 to 15 inches and Toy varieties are less than 10 inches in height. Of course, the weight and build of Poodles varies greatly depending on their height. Miniatures will range between 10 and 15 pounds; female Standards are generally 40—50 pounds and male Standards 60—70 pounds. Toy Poodles can be as small as pounds. Mini vs Standard Springerdoodles The size of your Springerdoodle will largely depend on the size of its poodle parent. These pups will be on the larger size, tending to weight between 35 and 45 pounds. Most Springerdoodles are this size. Nevertheless, there are also Mini springerdoodles available! These come from crossing with either a Toy or Miniature poodle. More variable in size than the Standard type, Mini springerdoodles can weigh anything between 5 and 25 pounds. Springerdoodle Temperament Springerdoodles will be energetic, intelligent, loyal and affectionate, just like their parent breeds. They will love spending time together, and struggle with being alone. They will also need a lot of attention, and focus on training and exercise too. Springerdoodles are popular for being great companions, family pets, and friendly towards other furry friends and people. While Springerdoodle breeders cannot predict specific characteristics, the Springer Poodle mix will likely exhibit the same smart, friendly, energetic eagerness as the Springer Spaniel and Poodle. English Springer Spaniels are very active, friendly, and also obedient. They love to be with their people and are unhappy when spending large amounts of time alone. On the other hand, Poodles are athletic, eager and companionable. They enjoy being part of the family and dislike being alone as well. Both breeds tend to be patient towards children, especially when they are socialized at a young age. Of course, the natural instinct of your pup need to be properly trained to ensure they are a companionable pal. They require regular exercise which can include long walks, fetching, and swimming. Springer Doodles are intelligent, active, and often require daily outdoor activity. Because of this, your Springer Spaniel Poodle mix will need ample space to run and play, preferably outside. Keeping plenty of toys for your dog to play with when they are inside is also ideal to avoid unwanted attention on household items. Positive Training As for training, this mix will quickly learn new cues and tricks. The English Springer Spaniel and Poodle are both intelligent, which makes them easily trainable, especially if started at a young age. Both of these breeds respond better to positive reinforcement in training, and your Springerdoodle will as well. Are They Good Pets? Springer Spaniel and Poodle are both very active dogs, so the ideal home for the Springerdoodle will be one with the energy to keep up! If you love being active, Springerdoodles make great companions for a single owner or a family with children and other pets. Springerdoodles usually get along with kids and other pets after being properly socialized. They are loyal and enjoy family activities and pleasing their human companions. While these breeds are good family dogs, supervision is suggested when interacting with young children. Potential Health Problems English Springer Spaniels were the first American-bred dogs to be diagnosed with fucosidosis, a fatal autosomal recessive neurological disease. The breed should also be checked for phosphofructokinase deficiency, which can cause chronic anemia, an enlarged spleen, and acute hemolytic crises. In addition, these other conditions could affect a Springer Spaniel: otitis externa, progressive retinal atrophy, and retinal dysplasia. Before getting a pup, talk to the breeder and ask for genetic testing. Poodles of all sizes are prone to idiopathic epilepsy and sebaceous adenitits. The latter can be easily misdiagnosed as a Tyroid problem, so make sure to ask for tests and have a chat about health with your breeder. Toy and Standard Poodles can get a clotting disorder known as Factor XII deficiency, which is an inherited bleeding disorder. Poodle owners must keep an eye out for orthopedic problems in Toy and Miniature varieties, as well as gastric dilatation and volvulus in Standard sized pups. Springerdoodle Puppies The Springer Spaniel Poodle mix is a popular crossbreed, so finding Springerdoodle breeders online should be relatively easy. A responsible breeder will want to make sure you can provide a safe and healthy environment for your new puppy, so they will ask questions about you and your home. These tests are also recommended for Poodles, in addition to knee evaluations and a skin biopsy. Springerdoodle puppies can inherit any aspect of either parent dog, which makes it essential for them to receive the same health tests as the parents! Adult Shelter Dogs Rescuing a Springerdoodle can be a very rewarding experience for everyone involved. On one hand, you will be offering a second chance to a pup, gaining a lifelong friend in the process. On the other, you avoid promoting careless breeding practices while still enjoying the crossbreed you wanted! Of course, adoption has its drawbacks. You will usually get a pup or adult dog that has been abandoned and neglected at some point in their life. This can cause certain scarring and traumas that you will need to address. Training and socialization is also vital: your rescue needs to understand that they are in a safe place and nobody will hurt them. All of this can be a handful for first-time dog owners. Because they know their dogs the best, they will match you with pups that fit your home, abilities and expectations. Coat: Low-shedding, wavy or curly Life expectancy: years The springerdoodle is a medium sized breed. They typically weigh between 50 and 70 pounds, and stand 19 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder. Springerdoodle coat can be either curly or wavy, and is usually low-shedding. This makes them a good choice for people with allergies. Springerdoodles come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, cream, and white. Temperament: Springerdoodles are bred to be intelligent, friendly, and loving dogs. They make great family pets, are very curious and sociable, and love being around people. Activity level: Springerdoodles have high energy levels and will consistently need plenty of exercise. They love to play fetch and go out for long walks or runs. Care level: Springerdoodles are relatively easy to care for. They require regular brushing and grooming, and need to be exercised regularly. Suitability for families: A springerdoodle is perfect family pet with children. They are patient, loving, and love to play. Suitability for apartments: Springerdoodles can live in apartments, but need plenty of exercise. They may not be suitable for very small apartments. Trainability: Springerdoodles are intelligent dogs and are relatively easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods such as rewards and praise. Personality of springerdoodle breed Springerdoodles are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities. Due to the fact they constitute a hybrid breed, they make great family dogs and love to be around people. They are great human companions, whether you are a first-time dog owner or a seasoned dog parent. They can also be regarded as formidable guard dogs. Your furry friend is an active breed, has a lot of energy and needs plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. The perfect solution would be to start with some dog sports from a young age. Other types of Springerdoodle pups Mini springer doodle A mini springerdoodle is a smaller version of the springerdoodle, bred by crossing a miniature poodle with English springer spaniels. Mini springerdoodles typically weigh between 15 and 30 pounds and stand 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder. Micro springer doodle A micro springerdoodle is an even smaller version of the springerdoodle, bred by crossing a toy poodle with a springer spaniel. Micro springerdoodles typically weigh between 6 and 15 pounds and stand 11 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder. Teacup springer doodle A teacup springerdoodle is the smallest version of the springerdoodle, bred by crossing a teacup poodle with a springer spaniel. Teacup springerdoodles typically weigh between 4 and 6 pounds and stand 9 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder. Springerdoodle health concerns There are multiple diseases that springer spaniel poodle mix can inherit from both parental breeds: Hip dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a disease common in larger dogs that the larger springerdoodles can be prone to. It is caused by a malformation of the hip joint and can lead to pain and lameness. Purebred dogs are also subject to legg calve perthes disease. Eye problems Springerdoodles are also susceptible to several eye problems, including progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and glaucoma. Ear infections Due to their long, floppy ears, springerdoodles are prone to ear infections. It is important to keep their ears clean and dry to prevent these type of infections from occurring. Bloat Bloat is a condition that can be deadly for dogs. It occurs when the stomach twists inside the abdomen and traps gas and air. Elbow dysplasia Springerdoodles can also inherit a condition called elbow dysplasia, which is caused by a malformation of the elbow joint. This can cause pain and lameness in the affected leg. This can cause serious bleeding problems and may be dangerous if your dog is injured. Epilepsy Epilepsy is a neurological condition that can cause seizures. Dogs diagnosed with Addison's disease are expected to have normal, regular life spans. Additionally, springerdoodles may be prone to weight gain and obesity, so it is important for dog owners to feed them a healthy diet and make sure they get plenty of exercise. How to care for springerdoodle puppy? Springerdoodle diet First and foremost is to ensure a healthy and balanced diet for your springerdoodle. Their diet should include all necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals to support their growth and development. How much to feed a springerdoodle puppy? The amount of food springerdoodles need will depend on their age, size, and activity level. Puppies need more food than adult dogs, and active dogs need more food than inactive dogs. It is important to talk to your veterinarian about how much to feed your springerdoodle puppy. Activity The Springerdoodle is an energetic dog breed, that needs a lot of socialization with other dogs, people and pets. Plan regular walks times per day and time for your active dog to socialize with its furry friends in a dog park or other proper and dog-friendly location. Springerdoodle grooming How to groom a springerdoodle puppy? When it comes to grooming sprinderdoodle puppies, dedicate extra time to hygiene and creating habits that revolve around said hygiene. The coat and skin of a puppy are important to focus on. We recommend no bath for the first months. When you give your springerdoodle his first bath always use a sensitive or puppy shampoo to keep the coat and skin of your pup safe. Read more tips in our article on how to groom puppies highly recommended for first time dog owners! We Recommend How to groom an adult springerdoodle? In order to keep your furry friend healthy and looking good, the springerdoodle coat needs to be brushed at least times a week. If your springerdoodle's coat is longer, the brushing should be done more frequently. Use a brush with bristles and pins in order to thoroughly go through the dog's coat and work through the curls if your dog's coat is curly. Springerdoodles can be groomed at home , but for an all-over haircut and advanced grooming sessions it is better to use help of professionals. Don't forget about regular baths as springerdoodles enjoy it and it helps to keep their skin and coat in a good condition. It will help detangle curls, condition and nourish your dog's skin and coat. You will not be disappointed! One of the most endearing physical attributes of the Springerdoodle is their long floppy ears. Make sure to perform regular check-ups for dirt, wax or debris and clean them with a cotton ball dipped in an ear-cleaning solution. Nails should be trimmed every few weeks. Where to get a purebred dog? There are many springerdoodle breeders across the United States. You can also find springerdoodles at animal shelters and rescue organizations. Responsible springerdoodle breeders If you are looking for the springerdoodle puppy, search for the reputable breeder, who will provide you with a healthy, socialized and good-tempered pup. When choosing a springerdoodle breeder, it is important to find one that is reputable and has experience breeding this designer dog breed with purebred parents. A good breeder will be able to answer any questions you have about the springerdoodle and will be happy to provide you with references on purebrand english springer spaniel and purebred poodle pedigrees. Conclusion: Springerdoodles are a popular type of Doodle, and for good reasons! These pups are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, as well as their intelligence and trainability. Springerdoodles are also relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming, making them an ideal choice for busy families or individuals. If you're looking for a loving, energetic, and family-friendly dog, the springerdoodle may be the perfect breed for you! They looked hard but nothing was up to snuff. Or sniff. Like so many, we love our families and take pride in our homes, and we consider our pets to be integral parts of those entities. That said, we could not find an effective way to coif them that was on par with the way we tended to our children, our homes, or ourselves. These beloved pets are allowed on the furniture and in our beds, and yet even when fresh from the groomer, we knew they did not smell or feel as good as they could. With the development of our coat-specific shampoos, conditioner and deodorizing spray, we think we found just the way to say thanks for being the best and the sweetest MVP of the house. We know beauty is not only skin deep. We did a ton of research to create the entire line. Each product is formulated with its own unique blend of essential oils sourced from around the world. A reputable breeder will always test their dogs for these diseases and should be able to show you the medical reports of both parents. If puppies are responsibly bred, then the likelihood of your Springerdoodle developing any of these problems is low. It would be best if you took your dog to visit the vet regularly, especially as they get older. Identifying and treating any issues as soon as they arise will ensure your dog lives a healthy, long life. What is the lifespan of a Springerdoodle? Springerdoodles are hardy dogs that generally live for 10 to 15 years. Miniature-sized Springerdoodles tend to live longer than standard-sized ones. Diet Feeding your Springerdoodle a balanced diet will keep them healthy and full of energy. They need to eat good quality, high-protein dog food for their development stage. Your Springerdoodle will benefit from a homemade or raw diet if they get all the necessary nutrients. Springerdoodles are not gluttons, like Labradors, so there is less risk that they will overeat. However, to ensure your Springerdoodle maintains a healthy weight, you need to pay attention to their portion sizes and adjust according to their age, size, and activity levels. Exercise The Springer Spaniel Poodle mix has heaps of energy, but this is not to say that they cannot live in apartments or smaller homes. They can adapt to less space if you give them the necessary exercise. Full-grown Springerdoodles need at least an hour of exercise every day. If they do not have a mental and physical outlet for their energy, they can develop behavior problems and become destructive. Daily walks, runs, and visits to the dog park are a must! Springerdoodles enjoy a wide range of activities. They love to swim, go for runs and walks with their family, play fetch, and goof around. Agility courses are great for exercising these athletic dogs. Their fur can be straight, wavy, or curly, and they can have a long or medium-length, double-layered coat. The generation affects coat type. A first generation, or f1 Springerdoodle, will have a coat that is medium to long in length. It will be curly or wavy. Due to the backcross, an f1b Springerdoodle will have a very curly coat similar to the Poodle coat. Springerdoodles with very soft fur are prone to getting tangles and mats. Therefore, it is essential to groom them consistently to maintain their coat. How frequently you need to brush them depends on their fur type. Poodle-like fur requires more effort than Spaniel-like fur. Brushing their coat daily keeps mats and knots at bay, removes twigs and debris, and minimizes shedding. A Springerdoodle with a well-kept coat may not shed at all! Their fur can be thick, so to keep them cool during summer, it helps to clip their coat. Springerdoodles do not require frequent bathing, but you should brush their teeth regularly and clean their ears. Like all dogs, their nails should be clipped short. How much do Springerdoodles cost? This depends on size, coat type, coloration, gender, and generation. Possibly the only negative thing about Springerdoodles is their price. If you want a Springerdoodle puppy, you must be willing to pay a hefty amount. As a relatively new and fashionable breed, Springerdoodle puppies are rare. Miniature Springerdoodles are more expensive than standard-sized ones. Female Springerdoodles are slightly more expensive than male Springerdoodles. A female Springerdoodle may be more expensive due to breeding potential. Coat color and pattern make the most significant difference in the price of a Springerdoodle puppy. Merle Springerdoodle puppies are expected to be some of the highest priced. Unique coat patterns like phantom, tuxedo, or parti will increase the price. Springerdoodle Breeders Finding a good breeder is the most important step in getting a new puppy. Avoid pet shops and puppy mills at all costs! Family-raised puppies are of a higher quality and are far more ethical to buy. But where does one even begin looking for a Springerdoodle breeder? The best places to start searching are the kennel clubs that recognize Springerdoodles. Doing your homework before committing to a breeder is important. Reputable breeders should have no problem providing this information. FAQs Here, I try to answer some common questions about this breed. Are Springerdoodles hypoallergenic? No dog is actually hypoallergenic. Depending on the nature of the coat they inherit from their parents, Springerdoodles can be low-shedding. Springerdoodles with a straighter, more Spaniel-like coat tend to shed a little. However, if you brush them often, you can minimize shedding to the extent that they are almost hypoallergenic. What is the difference between Springerdoodles and Goldendoodles? Goldendoodles and Springerdoodles look very similar and have the same sweet personality. Goldendoodles are a mixture between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Compared to Springerdoodles, Goldendoodles are a little larger in size, and they are lighter in color. Can I adopt a Springerdoodle? Unfortunately, Springerdoodles can rarely be adopted because few dog shelters specialize in designer dog breeds. Due to the high demand of Doodles, these dogs rarely end up in regular dog shelters. Are Springerdoodles good with young children? Yes, they are pretty good with children. However, it is recommended to supervise your Springerdoodle when they play with children and babies. Their energy and strength can sometimes be overwhelming to young ones. Do Springerdoodles like water? Springerdoodles love water. They are naturals when it comes to swimming. They inherit their love for water from both parent breeds: the Poodle and Springer Spaniel. Be careful near pools, ponds, or lakes because your Springerdoodle will want to jump right in! Final Thoughts In this article, I covered: History of the parent breeds What a Springerdoodle looks like Personality and Traits Health of a Springerdoodle Price of a Springerdoodle puppy Springerdoodles are one of the best breeds for a family dog. They have all the qualities you could hope for in a canine companion — an endearing expression, a loving, gentle nature, and the playfulness and energy to keep up with the kids. If you want an active, social, and intelligent dog, a Springerdoodle is the dog for you! Depending on the size of your home, you can get a Mini Springerdoodle or a standard Springerdoodle. The only drawback to these stunning dogs is how expensive they are. Related Posts Looking for other Spaniel-Poodle mixes? The Australian Goldendoodle is a mix between a Cocker Spaniel and few other breeds. Kevin is a proud Bernedoodle owner and Doodle dog fanatic. Read how a chance encounter with two Bernedoodles spurred a lifelong passion here. If you want to get in contact with Kevin, you can send him a message. Springerpoo Retriever Description The Springerdoodle is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the English Springer Spaniel and the Poodle. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. They have beautiful, soft, wavy coats, and they tend to shed less than some of the other Doodles. She is very low- to non-shedding. We rescued him from a local shelter. He has a great sense of humor and always makes us laugh. He is sweet, friendly to all people and animals , affectionate and very gentle. He has an awesome personality. He is quite high energy and needs daily walks. He is well-known by the ladies in our vet's office and the ladies at the local bank drive-thru. Also, most people in our neighborhood know and love Rudy! He should be around pounds when full grown. His father is a white Miniature Poodle whilst his mother is a tan and white English Springer Spaniel. We live in Wales, UK, where Zippy loves running around the hills chasing birds he never catches!! He is a very intelligent dog, which has made all aspects of training very easy. Housetraining was almost instant, and his obedience is excellent considering his age. He is very friendly and loves children. He has become a much loved family member. While first-generation dogs are the most common here, some breeders may opt for other variations simply because breeding lines of multi-gen dogs using Springerdoodle parents crossed back to Poodles makes it easier to create puppies with more predictable coats, colors, and other traits. This is also the case when breeding for smaller-sized dogs. Although usually, the best option here would be to go for a Cockapoo instead. Springerdoodle Health Benefitting from something known as hybrid vigor better health through a wider variety of genes , Springerdoodles typically live somewhere between 12 and 15 years. Exactly where they sit on this line will be, in part, determined by their size and gender. Smaller dogs tend to outlive their larger cousins meaning your Mini SpringerD will likely be on the higher end of that approximation, whereas you might expect your Standard SpringerD to be on the lower end. Females also usually outlast males — as is the case with all species. Obviously, care will factor in quite a lot here. You will want to ensure you are feeding your pup the very best kinds of kibble to keep them in tip-top condition, and that you are giving them plenty of exercise too. Regular vet visits are a must as the pros will know what health conditions to look out for with these particular dogs. This latter problem mainly affects medium-to-large dogs, especially as they start to get on in years. However, they can also be a little on the stubborn side if they are not entirely down with what you are asking them to do. If not, there are some great in-person and online schools where you can learn the best approach. They will need plenty of regular walks to keep them happy. With two water-loving breeds in the mix, chances are your puppy will love nothing more than tramping through every puddle. If you can spend time in a place where they can swim and enjoy the water, the more the better. A nice big yard will serve these dogs very well, especially if you and your family have plenty of time to chuck about a ball for them. Otherwise, having some toys around that, your SpingerD can use to entertain themselves is a good idea. The Kong Classic Dog Toy is a particular favorite among Doodle owners — especially those with super high energy hounds. The Poodle and the Springer Spaniel have massively different hair types. Your pup could easily inherit either, no matter what the breeder might try and tell you. While this may seem the best coat of the canine world, it actually takes far more work than you would think. The Spaniel coat, on the other hand, is double-layered, often wavy with feathering around the ears, legs, and tail. These dogs shed moderately throughout the year, and they also need quite frequent grooming to prevent knots and tangles. Two-to-three times a week will probably be enough to keep hair out of your house, with regular trims thrown in on top of that. Genetics being what they are, it might be the case that your Springerdoodle ends up with some crazy combination of the two-parent pup coats. This could be curly, wavy, straight, long, short, single-layered, or double-layered — basically, anything goes. The best combination in terms of grooming would be wavy, short, and single-layered. Many Doodle parents opt to take their pooch to the groomers on a regular basis to stay on top of their coat care. While Doodle breeders are on the rise, most of them tend to specialize in the more common Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles, etc. This might make finding a Springerdoodle a little more challenging. A good place to start is our breeder directory. It pays to really do your research here. There are plenty of scammers around who will happily take your money and puppy mill facilities that breed poor-quality animals. These are the red flags to watch out for regarding both of these. Springerdoodles, with their loyal, affectionate spirits, make excellent family pets. However, as these dogs tend to be a little on the larger side and a lot with the energy, they are perhaps better suited to an active household with teens and older children rather than one with younger kids and babies about. Are Springerdoodles bigger than Cockapoos? Usually, a Springerdoodle would be bigger than a Cockapoo simply because Springer Spaniels are larger than Cocker Spaniels. That being said, there is some crossover because of the different size variations of both dogs. A Maxi Cockapoo could very well outweigh a Mini Springerdoodle and maybe even some Standard-sized ones too. Do Springerdoodles bark a lot? Springerdoodles are not known to be barking dogs, which means that if you are in search of a watchdog, then you should probably look elsewhere. However, SpringerDs might get a little vocal when playing, likewise if they are left alone and are unhappy about it. These dogs do better in a place where there is always someone around to play with. Springerdoodles are not among the more well-known of the Doodles. However, they deserve plenty of recognition because of the delightful dogs they are. If you like the sound of a companion pup to accompany you on long walks, days in the park, and more than this could be the right choice for you. They are sociable dogs by nature and want to always be surrounded by family. You Might Also Like.
It lacks the physical deformities bred into western show lines of German Shepherds and has become one of Russia's most popular dog types. It was developed in the s and s to correct behavioural and conformational issues that have been bred into modern German Shepherds, and was bred for its large size, length of back, temperament and soundness of hips. White-coated German Shepherds were once banned from registration in their native Germany, but in the United States and Canada the coloration gained a following and a breed club was formed specifically for white German Shepherds, calling their variety the White Shepherd. The variety is recognised as a separate breed by the United Kennel Club. It descends from the American White Shepherds; the first stud dog of what was to become the breed was an American dog born in and imported to Switzerland. They are especially well known for their police work, being used for tracking criminals, patrolling troubled areas and detection and holding of suspects. Additionally, thousands of German Shepherds have been used by the military. These military working dogs MWD are usually trained for scout duty, and they are used to warn soldiers to the presence of enemies or of booby traps or other hazards. They were used in World War II as messenger dogs, rescue dogs and personal guard dogs. These include search and rescue, cadaver searching , narcotics detection, explosives detection , accelerant detection and mine detection dog, among others. They are suited for these lines of work because of their keen sense of smell and their ability to work regardless of distractions. When formal guide dog training began in Switzerland in the s under the leadership of Dorothy Eustis , all of the dogs trained were German Shepherd females. These results suggested that Labrador Retrievers were more suited to guide dog work while German Shepherds were more suited to police work. They are expected to patrol the boundaries to keep sheep from trespassing and damaging the crops. In Germany and other places these skills are tested in utility dog trials also known as Herdengebrauchshund HGH herding utility dog trials. He is regarded to be the dog who has captured the most drugs in Mexican police and military history. You may improve this section , discuss the issue on the talk page , or create a new section, as appropriate. By this number had grown to over .Returning soldiers spoke highly of the breed and animal actors Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart popularised the breed further. Her offspring had defects as the result of poor breeding, which caused the breed to decline in popularity during the late s. As of [update] , the German Shepherd is the second most popular breed in the US. Degenerative myelopathy , a neurological disease, occurs with enough regularity specifically in the breed to suggest that the breed is predisposed to it. A very inexpensive DNA saliva test is now available to screen for degenerative myelopathy. The test screens for the mutated gene that has been seen in dogs with degenerative myelopathy. The test is only recommended for predisposed breeds, but can be performed on DNA samples from any dog, collected through swabbing the inside of the animal's cheek with a sterile cotton swab. Prospective German Shepherd buyers can now request the test from the breeder or buy from a breeder who is known to test their dogs. Skeletal health and supplementation[ edit ] Musculoskeletal disorders are debilitating conditions that are often associated with genetic makeup, malnutrition, and stress-related events. Canine hip dysplasia CHD is an orthopaedic condition resulting from abnormal development of the hip joint and surrounding tissue causing the instability and partial dislocation of the hip joint, resulting in pain, inflammation , lameness, and potentially osteoarthritis of the joint. Both have stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A German Shepherd named Inspector Rex is the star of an Austrian Police procedural drama program of the same name, which won many awards, where German Shepherd Rex assists the Vienna Kriminalpolizei homicide unit. It became one of the staple productions of Hungarian television history, making German Shepherds the most popular dog breed in the country ever since. Foods that help temper excessive growth can be helpful for puppies of breeds most at risk for hip dysplasia. A veterinarian can also recommend joint supplements as part of a preventative treatment plan. Diabetes Diabetes is a metabolism disorder that affects how the body breaks down and utilizes glucose and insulin. It can present as insulin-deficiency, or insulin-resistant. Insulin-deficient means that the dog is not producing enough of its own insulin. Insulin-resistant means that the dog can produce some insulin, but the insulin is not being properly utilized by the body. The severity of the disease is variable, but if left untreated could lead to irreversible trauma for the animal. The good news is that affected animals can lead a reasonably normal life with a typical lifespan. Close monitoring by a veterinarian is critical. Bloat The official term for this health issue is GDV complex, or gastric dilation-volvulus complex. This rise in pressure cuts off the blood supply returning to the heart, and this reduction in blood volume will send the dog into shock within hours. Watch your pup for a sudden enlargement of their abdomen, coupled with retching, restlessness, excessive salivating, and a tender belly. If you suspect your dog may be at risk for this health condition, please bring them in immediately for a medical evaluation! Pancreatitis The pancreas plays an important role in food digestion by producing hormones like insulin and digestive enzymes to help break down food. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, this is called pancreatitis. It can happen to a dog at any age, and all breeds can be affected. Pancreatitis causes the enzymes produced by the pancreas to be activated before they get to the small intestine, resulting in the breakdown of the pancreas itself. At this time, seeing-eye dogs were only newly being trained to help WWI veterans who had gone blind during combat. Frank, like many other differently-abled individuals, had to rely on family and friends to help meet their daily needs. Frank hired a young boy to help him carry out small daily tasks, but as you can imagine, the child was not the most attentive or dedicated to the work, and would sometimes leave Frank alone. In , Frank heard about a woman named Dorothy Eustis in Switzerland who was training seeing-eye dogs. He traveled to meet her after pitching the idea of her training a dog for him. He met and worked with Buddy, and the training proved to be incredibly successful. Buddy was officially the first seeing-eye dog trained to assist a civilian! After this success, Frank and Eustis opened a training school for seeing-eye dogs in America in and vowed to raise awareness for public accessibility all over the country. Search for:. About Alice About Us Since , Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs has been rescuing, raising, training and then donating individually trained medical service dogs to veterans and others struggling with a myriad of disabilities. Read more of our story here. About Us Upcoming Events Check out our events! Come out and support our organization, meet some of our recipients, and learn how you can help Guardian Angels in our mission to provide service dogs to those in need. See all Events Our Impact Through the hard work of our organization and your generous donations of time and money, we have been able to accomplish amazing things. Learn more about the impact our service dogs have had on the lives of veterans and others in need. By donating highly skilled service dogs to those in need, we provide donors, advocates and volunteers a way to impact their communities. These dogs are trained to do tasks for disabled individuals that are no longer able to enjoy major life activities without assistance. We have created a highly successful cutting-edge approach that separates us from others in the industry. As you review our website, you will see the extraordinary impact, statistics, and national awards we have received due to our outstanding programs and success. If you are disabled, our dogs can assist in ways you may not have thought possible. If you are a donor, giving to Guardian Angels is a powerful way to change a life for the better or even save a life. We are honored to serve our veterans, first responders and civilians. Our Founder Support Guardian Angels With our community of supporters, we are able to make recovery and independence a reality for many veterans and others who are in need. When you choose to support Guardian Angels, you are giving those in need a life-saving companion who can give them their life back. We thank you for your generous support toward feeding, housing, caring for and training of these amazing dogs. To those of you that are wary of the German shepherd dog breed, I understand where you are coming from, too! Aggressive German Shepherd behavior — a common association with this breed — terrifies some people because they feel that German Shepherds are dangerous dogs to own. First off, they are very large dogs and can come off very intimidating. They can become very protective, aggressive, and scary dogs. The key word here is untrained. Any untrained dog—regardless of breed—can have the same behavioral problems. Understanding German Shepherd Behavior Better German Shepherd behavior has always been portrayed in the media as one filled with aggression, disobedience, and unpredictability. In fact, I have personally fallen in love with this breed. Their personality is terrific! If you are someone who fears this breed, are one of the pet parents looking for help and direction with your dog, or you know someone who is wary of German Shepherds, then this honest truth about this lovely breed might change your mind. The German shepherd breed originated in Germany. No surprises there. But, believe it or not, their name was changed soon after the war. Before the war this breed was commonly called the Alsatian in Great Britain and parts of Europe. There are still parts of Europe that refer to the German shepherd as the Alsatian; however, most of the world has converted back to calling them German shepherds. Pretty interesting, right? As for life expectancy, German shepherds normally live for around years. The color of a German shepherd can range considerably from gray to black to tan, and even a silvery color. The males grow to be approximately 24 inches at the shoulder. Females tend to be a little shorter, measuring around 22 inches at the shoulder. As for weight, males average around 80 pounds and the females are a bit lighter at around 60 pounds. There is no denying that these are big dogs! The German shepherd dog breed does not only come with a big size; they have big, complex personality traits that can fascinate and overwhelm pet parents. The German Shepherd breed can be classified as guard dogs and working dogs. These dogs are bred to be confident and powerful — two personality traits which often scare people away from wanting anything to do with the breed. Physical Characteristics of the German Shepherd They have strong muscles. All dog breeds require proper training and daily handling. This is especially true when your dog is a puppy. Proper training can prevent a lot of behavior issues down the road. If you have a puppy, I encourage you to check out my Puppy Coach training program. German Shepherds can turn out to be incredibly beautiful, gentle, and loving family pets with work and effort! But today, I want to share what my general experiences with German shepherds have been like. I can confidently say that the breed description given to German shepherds is pretty accurate. I have encountered German Shepherds who are physically and mentally strong, and courageous! They all seem to have a deep desire to connect with you, work for you, and do a great job. Training your aggressive, confident dog? They possess a strong desire to learn and excel in various tasks. Understand that their intelligence needs to be channeled through training and mental stimulation. Provide them with consistent training sessions, engage them in interactive games, and offer challenging tasks to keep their minds engaged. Personality 2: German Shepherds Are Naturally Protective German Shepherds have a natural instinct to protect their family and territory. This protective nature can manifest as alertness, watchfulness, and sometimes even suspicion of strangers. This prevents excessive guarding behavior and promote a well-rounded and friendly temperament. Originally bred as working dogs, they excel in various roles such as search and rescue, police and military work. Some also work as service or therapy dogs. Engage their intelligence and energy by providing them with tasks, training exercises, or even participation in dog sports. This helps them feel fulfilled and prevents boredom-related behaviors. Personality 4: They Require Socialization and Proper Introduction While German Shepherds are known for their loyalty and strong bonds with their families, they can be reserved or aloof with strangers. Early and positive socialization is crucial to ensure they develop good manners and friendly behavior towards unfamiliar people and animals. Gradual exposure to different situations and positive reinforcement will help them become confident and well-adjusted in various environments. They require companionship, attention, and quality time with their family members. Make them an integral part of your daily life! Involve them in activities, and provide regular opportunities for interaction, training, and play. This bond and sense of belonging are essential for their happiness and well-being. These dogs have a natural inclination to follow a confident and assertive leader. Establishing yourself as the pack leader through consistent rules, boundaries, and clear communication allows your German Shepherd to feel secure and reduces behavioral issues. A strong leader provides the guidance and structure that these intelligent and loyal dogs need to flourish. Debunking Myths About German Shepherd Behavior The strong, intimidating build of the German Shepherd breed often comes with myths and misconceptions that might stop you from really knowing these amazing dogs! However, with proper care, training, and socialization, German Shepherds can be gentle, loyal, and loving companions. Myth 2: German Shepherds Are Only Suitable As Working Dogs Debunked: While German Shepherds excel in various working roles, such as police and military work, search and rescue, and service dogs, they are also wonderful family pets. They can adapt to different environments and thrive with proper exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction. They have a strong desire to please their owners, making them quick learners. Consistent positive reinforcement training methods, such as reward-based training, can help them excel in obedience, agility, and various other activities. Early socialization and supervised interactions are key to fostering positive relationships between German Shepherds and other family members, including children and other animals. Early training, positive reinforcement, and gradually increasing alone time can help prevent or alleviate separation anxiety in German Shepherds. While they are often described as loyal and protective, each German Shepherd may have its unique characteristics and temperament. They have a code or a set of rules, which they follow. He was ready to hand him over to another family because he felt that his dog had tasted blood and that was the end of him as a good dog. We both knew his beloved family pet was great — giving up was not an option that time! I decided to step in and explain a little bit about why his German shepherd had actually bitten another animal — a sheep he owned — that he decided to keep the dog. He basically had the German Shepherd and a sheep—believe it or not—almost feeding from the same bowl so it was a recipe for disaster. Definitely made sure to remind him that he needed to pull his socks up as a dog owner and start putting into place some really simple training techniques, and it was very effective. He was still an amazing dog deep down, but you needed to know what you were doing! I could certainly see myself ending up with one in the future. I would fully trust this breed around my kids, my wife, and my other dogs. And yes, I have proven the German Shepherds also make the perfect family pet! Like I said, with proper training and boundaries put in place, German Shepherds are beautiful, friendly dogs. Here are some common German Shepherd behavior problems you should catch on early. Why The German Shepherd Breed Is Protective Over the last century, German Shepherds have been used for tracking, search and rescue—especially as police dogs— and protection and guarding. This dog breed produces most military dogs! Their strength, size, intelligence, and confidence make them excellent police dogs and military dogs… but the same qualities can also trigger potential German Shepherd behavior issues. German Shepherd Behavior Problem 1: Fierce Aggression One of the first common problems for German Shepherds revolves around aggression and the need to protect. They will continue to do problematic stuff, until you step in! Yes, Yes You Can! German Shepherd aggression can be untrained. German Shepherd Behavior Problem 2: Leash Pulling Another German Shepherd behavior problem —which I think is probably due to the determined nature of the German shepherd and their size—is pulling on the leash. When a German Shepherd wants to pull, they are very strong, obviously due to their physical design. My dog experience made me realize that you can effectively address leash problems in German Shepherds through basic training and a good sturdy harness. German Shepherd Behavior Problem 3: Nipping and Biting The third most common issue I come across with this breed is biting and nipping, especially with adolescent German Shepherds that are around 6 or 7 months of age. Here are some ways you can follow to prevent this problem from escalating! German Shepherds are big dogs, so this issue might seem scarier with this breed. I totally understand that. Make it clear from the get-go that biting hands, arms, legs, etc. And for those of you that are wondering, nipping and biting should really stop at or before 4 months of age. When this breed is left alone, they can become very stressed with separation anxiety. The number one cause of German Shepherd separation anxiety their fierce loyalty to their humans and their desire to stay close to and protect their pack. When a German Shepherd is stressed out due to separation anxiety, he may show a variety of different behavioral problems like digging holes, trying to escape, or barking. You have to remember that these problems related to separation anxiety are caused by anxiety. These problems are annoying, frustrating, and should not be acceptable, but they do happen out of love. Once again, many dog breeds suffer from separation anxiety and will show the exact same behaviors when left alone. This is where the training comes in. And like wolves, all dogs have a family pack mentality and a desire to protect and look after and love each other. I would say the German Shepherd follows that dog code to the letter of the law. So, if you want to have a good German Shepherd, you really need to understand the rules of the dog code—and you need to learn those rules quickly. A lot of people know how to play chess, but there are masters and then there are grandmasters, and it just seems to me that German Shepherds are the grandmasters of this dog code. They will take you to the next level, and you make your move, and they will do something else to outwit you. If you are looking for a comprehensive training program for your German Shepherd pup or a comprehensive training program to stop any of the above listed issues, then be sure to check out my online training program—The Dog Calming Code. In the program, I give you solutions to a bunch of different dog trainer problems, from fixing aggressive behavior and leash training to recall training and puppy training. I hope that you now know a little bit more about their history and why they behave the way that they do. Please share your story in the comments below! His goal is to continue to share his unique approach to dog training with like-minded people who wish to make a difference in the world of dogs. His training methods focus on creating and building the connection between dogs and dog owners, and are shared and used around the world. My next-door neighbor had two that they left in the backyard to their own devices. They would dig up their backyard, bark agressively at anyone who walked by and sometimes even get out of their yard which was scary.
Having a German Shepherd as a dog can make you anxious daily, not knowing what it is doing in your absence. Can German Shepherds be Left Alone? Check out our article Do German Shepherds get along with cats? According to research, the maximum number of hours to leave your grown German Shepherd is 4 hours. If your German shepherd is still a puppy, leaving it alone for more than one hour is not advisable. Young German Shepherds are very energetic and ponce around. They can sleep for as many as 19 — 20 hours a day, but when they are awake, they become very active. The older German Shepherds require attention for the sake of their bladder or if they are sick. Can you leave a German Shepherd alone for 8 hours? German Shepherds can be left alone or even in the company of other dogs. Still, it is not advisable to be left alone because of their separation anxiety and curiosity. The most your German Shepherd can and should be left alone is 4 hours. German Shepherds suffer from separation anxiety and distress when left for too long and find ways to either get to their owner or destroy the home. To begin leaving your German shepherd puppy alone, you must put them in an environment that makes you confident of their safety. It must be an environment that does not incur extra costs to replace things. There are a few tips to help you keep your mind at rest when at work. A pet cam is an amazing option for dogs like German Shepherds because of their separation anxiety. Using the pet cam provides an opportunity for your German Shepherd to see you and hear your voice even while at work. Just make sure the food provided is more than enough. If your dog has the freedom of movement in the home, you want to make sure things are in order when it comes to feeding your dog in your absence. Activity German Shepherds hate boredom and would go to any length to be entertained. They desire a lot of activity to satisfy their curiosity and restless personality. Make sure there are things to keep it busy , or else it can create sources of entertainment for itself. There are several ways a German Shepherd can be kept busy. Television and music can be left on in the house to keep it engaged Make available enough toys for it to chew on and play with Make requests from friends and neighbors to check on it and play with it Employ a dog walker to keep it active and engaged 4. Train your dog to go to the bathroom You do not want your dog messing up the whole house with pee and feces. Let your dog pick a particular spot for this, and you can train it to use a potty. Get a pee pad to signify these areas or get synthetic grass to mark them. Having a potty trained dog is important. It is easier with German Shepherds due to their intelligence. Taking your dog out for a stroll is always important. Helping your dog exhaust energy helps it through staying the day. Exercises depend on the health condition and the type of weather conditions available. Unfortunately, many people are gone for way too long, and their energetic dog breeds start getting into trouble from lack of mental stimulation. So, how long can German Shepherds be left by themselves? For puppies, this time period gets even smaller. The younger the dog, the less time you should leave them alone. They sleep a lot throughout the day, but their time awake is spent playing and exploring the house. Adolescent German Shepherds Adolescent dogs are anywhere between 6 and 18 months old. Their bladders are more developed, and they are a little more mature. Currently, it is usually okay to leave them on their own for a few hours. Still, you should limit that time because they are still full of energy. However, German Shepherds are social animals, and they love the company of their families. Despite being able to hold their bladder at this age, they are more likely to act out and howl, trying to get you to come home. This disturbs neighbors, and their lack of entertainment could cause some destruction around the house. Senior German Shepherds Senior dogs are usually older than 8 years old and need to be checked on, like adolescent dogs. German Shepherds are highly prone to hip and elbow dysplasia which is painful and could get them in dangerous situations. Older dogs also have sensitive stomachs and digestive issues. Try not to leave them alone for more than 2 or 3 hours. There are some solutions that you should seriously consider if you want to keep accidents to a minimum. Hire a Sitter Image Credit: Sam Wordley, Shutterstock Dog sitters or dog walkers are excellent solutions that many owners turn to when they spend their days at work. This breaks up the monotony of the day for dogs and ensures that you maintain a close bond with them. Even ten minutes of fetch can keep them feeling entertained. German Shepherds are especially loyal and all they want is to spend as much time by your side as possible. These cameras are set up around the house. How to Leave a Dog at Home Dogs do well with a consistent schedule and throwing it out of balance could give them expectations that only let them down in the future. If you must leave your German Shepherd at home alone, start by ensuring there is nothing dangerous for them to get into. Set out a lot of toys for physical and mental stimulation. Some dogs may have to be put in a crate or confined to an area with dog gates. Dogs are pack animals, and they often benefit from having a playmate. Pay attention to German Shepherd ear positions. These dogs have a way of communicating with us through their body language. Similarly, German Shepherd tail positions can tell you a lot as well. This is why so many innocent dogs are abandoned or re-homed. German Shepherds are extremely social dogs and they need as much interaction as they can get. Without it, there are some serious problems that could arise. Separation Anxiety Dogs are capable of both separation anxiety and depression. This is a significant concern for breeds like German Shepherds. Symptoms of anxiety are shortness of breath, drooling, pacing, howling, barking, whining, and increased heart rate. This could mean that they chew on your furniture, eat your shoes, or tear through your carpet. Some dogs get so bored that they have even been known to chew through drywall to try and escape. Restlessness After being forced to lay around all day, a lot of German Shepherds get extremely restless at night and keep their owners up. This ruins their sleep cycle and gives them random bursts of energy that also ruins yours in the process. Final Thoughts If you spend 8 hours a day at work without the ability to come home or have someone spend time with your dogs, then you might be better off not having a dog. Before bringing any breed home, do your research and make sure that you live a life that suits both of you and is going to give them an interactive and stable environment that keeps them both physically and mentally healthy. Jan 19, Your German shepherd would tell you that they should never be left home alone. In their perfect world, you would be home with them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, days a year. There will be times when you have to disappoint your shepherd and leave the house to do things like go buy more dog food and toys. There is no avoiding that there will be times when your dog will have to be left alone. In those times, how long can a German shepherd be left alone? How long dogs can be safely left alone depends on several things. Their age, health, and behavior all play a huge role in how long they can be left on their own. Many experts will tell you that a dog should never be left alone for more than 4 hours. Yet, plenty of people regularly leave their dogs alone for longer than 4 hours, right? How long you decide your dog is safe to be home alone will depend on how comfortable you are leaving them and their age and overall health status. Plus, there are other things to consider when leaving your pet. Things like, do they need more frequent potty breaks, do they get anxious when left alone, are they used to being alone, what is your living situation like, and more, all need to be taken into account. But there are some rules of thumb that can guide you in your decision on how long they are okay to be alone. So, a 3-month-old puppy should not be expected to hold it for more than hours, depending on when they last ate and drank. Even the best-trained puppies will have accidents in their crate, through no fault of their own, when they are left alone longer than that. After puppyhood, a healthy dog should be able to manage on their own without a potty break for 4 hours. It helps to schedule mealtimes around this schedule if they will be indoors. Most dogs do fine alone for this amount of time. Senior dogs, however, may begin to need more bathroom breaks before 4 hours. Often, they are not as comfortable as they once were while home alone. They may require more consideration than they once did. Senior dogs can also get anxious more easily, especially when they have vision and hearing loss and have more physical ailments. Health of the Dog Although healthy dogs can easily manage for 4 hours alone, this may not be true when they are sick or hurt. Pain and disability can also give the most stoic dog anxiety when they are alone. Their need for medications, etc. Dogs that tear up the house, get into the trash, or chew the furniture are obviously not candidates to be home alone, with free roam of the house. Dogs that can be left alone know the difference between chewing on their toys and tossing your couch. If you plan on leaving any shepherd alone, they will still need plenty of daily exercise, training, and interaction to be happy and easy to live with. Separation anxiety can also affect German shepherds. Anxiety can also cause them to become destructive and even engage in behaviors that can cause them harm. If you have a shepherd with anxiety or other behavior problems, you may need to get professional help before leaving them alone. A dog door that opens into an escape proof dog run or high fenced yard is ideal. Who do you trust that is available to check in on your dog? Give them a call and make prearrangements, in case you ever need help. This of course is not the answer for everyone but if your pup enjoys the company of other dogs, they may appreciate sharing their day with one. Just be sure to find a reputable one that has cameras so you can keep an eye on how your dog is really doing. We hope you get to spend plenty of time with your wonderful German shepherd. As always, please feel free to share with your friends. German Shepherds should not be left alone for more than 8 hours a day. They are easily bored so if they are left alone for that long, they may start engaging in destructive or problematic behavior such as digging, chewing and barking. Do I need to exercise my German Shepherd? Yes, at the minimum, the dog should be exercised for at least 45 minutes, twice a day. Do German Shepherds shed? Yes, they have a heavy undercoat that requires regular brushing, at least once a week, more often if the dog is blowing its coat. If you are concerned about dog hair on the furniture and on your clothes then you should consider adopting a different breed that sheds less. Are German Shepherds good with children? Most German Shepherds are excellent with children. Much of it depends on the temperament of the children and the temperament of the dog. In general, German Shepherds are great family dogs. Are German Shepherds good with cats? It depends on the cat and its temperament and behavior. Do German Shepherds need to be crate trained? It is a good idea to crate train when the dog first arrives in your home. For puppies, it is easier to house train them using a crate. In addition, keeping a new puppy or even an adult dog in the crate when you cannot provide supervision, will keep them from chewing on items that should not be chewed on. When you crate train, the dog learns that the crate is their own safe place to go. The crate simulates a den-like environment which is comforting for the dog. Another advantage of crate training is when you take the dog to a boarding facility or to the vet, the dog is less likely to be stressed because they are already used to staying in a kennel or crate. The crate should never be used as a punishment. Should I go to a breeder to get a German Shepherd? It is a personal choice and a decision you would make based on what you feel is best for your situation. That being said, we strongly advocate adopting from a shelter or a rescue. There are so many wonderful German Shepherds that end up at the shelters through no fault of their own. Many of the dogs we rescue from shelters are purebred so we encourage you to meet our available dogs and see if you find one that steals your heart. However, this should be a gradual build-up. That being said, the limit should never exceed four hours daily. German Shepherds do not respond well to being left alone for long periods. They are high-energy dogs that thrive on companionship and affection. Dogs are, after all, derived from wolves who are pack animals. They see you as their pack and need to be part of the family. Even though they will choose one master, a German Shepherd will bond with each family member differently. So, how long can German Shepherds be left alone, legally? Legally, no law specifies exactly how long German Shepherds, and all dog breeds, can be left alone. The Animal Welfare Act is a federal law that regulates the treatment of animals, but this only applies to dogs bred for commercial sale and those being transported or imported. Various animal neglect and cruelty laws vary by state, but the general rule in North America is that you should not leave dogs alone for more than four hours at a time. Factors to consider when deciding how long to leave your dog, in addition to age, are training, breed, housing and lifestyle conditions, and whether they have any previous experience of being left alone. My German Shepherd Willow all alone enjoying a snooze! There are similar guidelines in the UK where veterinary experts also recommend four hours as the maximum period for all dogs to be left alone. German Shepherds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia which may cause them pain or discomfort. Ensure they have an orthopedic bed, such as the Big Barker , that is clinically proven to reduce joint pain and stiffness. This bed is a real bed made for big dogs, is suitable for any age of large breed, and can help prevent arthritis, joint pain, and other mobility issues. German Shepherds are also prone to sensitive stomachs and digestive issues, and older dogs, like humans, need to pee more. How to Leave a Dog Alone Make sure you stay confident and show consistency and patience when you first leave your German Shepherd puppy home alone. Once you have made sure the area where you are leaving them is safe from any hazards, here are some important points to follow: Start off slowly, a few minutes here and there, and build up. Exercise the dog first to get them tired. Mental stimulation is just as important. Allow them to take their potty break. Use a crate or put up dog gates to confine them. Allow them access to clean fresh water. Leave interactive or chew toys for them. Play calming music if they are prone to separation anxiety. Another option is to hire a trusted dog walker to visit your home and take your dog out for a long walk or two. Walk your dog before and after you go to work. Even a short minute walk before you leave the house is enough to expend a little bit of energy whilst maintaining your close bond with them. As soon as you get home, take your German Shepherd for a long walk or, even better, some off-leash running, and play some games such as fetch. Some people have an hour of free time during the workday. You can go home and play fetch to prevent your German Shepherd from feeling lonely and provide some fun exercise for them. Flexible working is also a great solution, especially if you can start early, avoiding rush-hour traffic and being home quicker in the afternoon. Another possible solution is to work at home. Not only that, but it will save you money from having to hire a dog sitter or paying a friend every day. Get a dog camera for peace of mind. You can talk to them and even shoot out treats all from your phone! They offer a perfect solution to interact with your German Shepherd without being there. Check out the options below to see which is best for you and your dog: Give them enough toys to play with. One or two toys might not be sufficient, especially if your dog is easily distracted or gets bored quickly. Try to leave four or five of their favorite toys in their crate or wherever you leave your dog during the day. Ask visitors to stop by to play with your dog. Even if someone can come over for 15 minutes, it may be enough to keep your dog happy and entertained. It would be better if they could take your dog on a long walk, but a quick game of fetch will be more than enough to burn off some energy and curb their loneliness. When you leave them again, they will be tired and will no doubt go back to sleep. Getting another dog might seem extreme, but a buddy might be exactly what your German Shepherd needs to feel more comfortable and less stressed. In general, dogs of opposite sex pairings get along better than dogs of the same sex. Getting a second dog is a massive commitment you must consider thoroughly. Consider leaving your dog in the hands of a doggie daycare center near your home. Remember to introduce them to the daycare group as young as possible; they will quickly get used to being left and easily settle. If they are left for extended periods, they can develop various emotional and physical health issues. This is one of the sad reasons why they are often abandoned, re-homed, or even worse, euthanized. German Shepherds are very social dogs and need a job to do, even if that just means interacting with you. Regular activity and exercise are essential for this energetic, loyal, and protective breed. If you leave your dog alone for longer than four hours per day, it will most definitely cause poor results. After all, there are reasons for the recommended guidelines! The best way to find out is to start with trial periods and increase in small increments. You can also invest in a dog camera, as mentioned above, where you can watch and interact with your dog, all from your smartphone. Here are a few things to be aware of if you regularly leave your German Shepherd alone for more than four hours: Separation anxiety. Symptoms could include an increased heart rate, shortness of breath, excessive drooling, pacing, and uncontrollable barking, whining, or howling. Check out this recent study from the University of Lincoln, in the UK which states that separation related problems in dogs should be seen as a symptom of underlying frustrations rather than a diagnosis. They may also display destructive behavior. Digging, urinating, or even worse, eliminating can occur. You will need to address these extra signs of separation anxiety or distress. If your GSD has unfortunately developed a problem with excessive chewing , here are 8 steps on how to stop it. They could become extremely restless during the evening. It might not sound like a big problem, but restlessness causes your German Shepherd to have difficulty sleeping. They will often have random bursts of energy throughout the day and night, ruining their sleep cycle and yours in the process! As you can see, all sorts of negative outcomes result from not properly caring for your German Shepherd and failing to keep him happy and entertained. Long-term neglect can also lead to these other physical and mental health problems: Blood pressure and heart disease caused by stress. Gastrointestinal problems. Bladder infections due to the dog being unable to relieve themselves for hours on end. You must never punish your German Shepherd for showing distressing signs of separation anxiety. Your dog is not doing these things out of disobedience or spite but because he is trying to cope with being extremely stressed. Check out my article for more info on German Shepherd Separation Anxiety. If you have the option of leaving your dog outside when you go to work, it can provide them with tons of space to run around and get some exercise. Some dogs bark at people walking by, especially German Shepherds who are very protective dogs. Make sure to properly train your GSD, so this is not an issue or prevent him from accessing those areas of the house. This is especially important in places with bears, mountain lions, and other predators. Unfortunately, your yard will pay the price and will soon appear like a moon crater! Cons of Inside If your German Shepherd puppy is impatient and super inquisitive, he might start chewing on furniture, the carpet, or other items. Make sure you leave him enough chew toys to play with, but it will be inevitable sometimes. Leaving your German Shepherd alone is not a good idea if you live in an apartment. Although GSDs can live in apartments they need to be exercised frequently throughout the day. As large energetic dogs need an appropriate amount of space to feel comfortable. They could excessively bark or howl if they become distressed or separation anxiety sets in. This could not only lead to noise complaints but can have serious health implications for your dog. Training them to behave indoors and outdoors is also beneficial as this helps to keep them socialized and ready to be friendly when you introduce them to other people or dogs. A bark now and then from your backyard is actually a good thing. Unless your German Shepherd is constantly barking up a storm, one or two here and there will be perfect for warding off strangers or intruders. You can invest in a dog agility course so that your German Shepherd can sprint up and down and enjoy himself without messing up your garden! They come in all shapes and sizes. A small yard will not be good enough. Neglect is just one word to describe leaving your dog outside alone for longer than four hours. Remember, not all German Shepherds are the same, which means that even four hours might be too long. You and I now know that German Shepherds may become anxious or restless if left outside for too long and start to chew on tree roots, destroy flowers or plants and engage in other destructive behavior. This will inevitably cost you time and money to replace. Before you make any decisions, remember that your German Shepherd will need an adequate amount of room. Here are a few suggestions to contain your dog inside: Leave them in a dog crate. This large size will be enough for them to move around and stretch out comfortably. Plus, they need a good crate pad to protect their joints, such as an orthopedic one. Check out my favorite crates here. My GSD loved her crate and often went to her special place to rest or chew her favorite toys. Gate off an area inside your house. You can use dog gates to fence off an area to keep them contained. Dog gates allow you to section off various off-limit areas of the house, leaving you to decide how much space your puppy can have to roam around. Consider letting them roam free throughout the house. Most owners of indoor German Shepherds eventually try this route. It provides them with enough space, and they are already familiarized with their surroundings — my GSD Willow was two years old before she was allowed to roam freely around the house. German Shepherds are social animals and can experience separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods of time. German Shepherds are known to be loyal and social dogs that can become very attached to their owners. When left alone for extended periods of time, they can experience anxiety, stress, and even depression. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are wonderful dogs to own. They do require lots of attention since they are so loyal and protective. Give them enough food and water before you leave and plenty of exercise. You can leave your German Shepherd with toys, music, or the TV to keep them entertained. If you leave your GSD alone for too long, they could suffer from separation anxiety and distress. German Shepherds form a strong bond with their owners, so you should only adopt one if you know you can be there for them. Related Posts You May Like:. If you are thinking about getting a GSD you may be wondering, can German Shepherds be left alone, and for how long? This article will dive into those questions and give you helpful tips for leaving your German Shepherd alone. Yes, German Shepherds can be left alone! However, the time a GSD can be left alone will depend on their age. Generally, if your German Shepherd is a puppy, they can be left alone for one hour per every month of age. Here are some things you should do before leaving your dog alone: Tire your dog out That saying a tired dog is a happy dog is very true when it comes to German Shepherds. Also, a tired dog is one that is less likely to get into trouble. Establishing a routine where you talk your dog on a walk , play fetch , go to the dog park, or some other form of exercise before you leave the house makes a big difference. After a fun activity, your dog will likely relax and nap so they will be less concerned with you leaving. Just make sure the activity is something that makes your dog exhausted, so if you know your dog still has a lot of energy after walks, you want to find an activity that tires them out more before you leave the house. Get your GSD used to spending time alone early If you get your dog as a puppy, make sure to get them used to being alone immediately. German Shepherds that become overly clingy and used to their humans being around are more prone to separation anxiety. The best way to do this is to start off leaving even young puppies sometimes for very short amounts of time. Crate training is also key for a potty-training German Shepherd because you want them to be safe and not have accidents for the short time you are away. Start by leaving your pup in a safe location and just go into another room for minutes at first. Never come back in the room if your German Shepherd is whining , barking , howling , groaning , or crying because they will learn that doing those things gets you to come back. When your dog is quiet and calm go back. Keep doing this gradually extending the time by 5-minute increments and start going further than just another room maybe go outside and do some yard work for 20 minutes. Be calm about leaving Lastly, never make a big deal about your coming and going. Acting like your leaving is no big deal will help you GSD think the same. Our dogs feed off our energy, so if we get all hyped up and make a big fuss every time we leave the house, our German Shepherds will think our leaving is a bigger deal than they should. Remain calm! Tips For Leaving Your GSD Alone Here are some helpful tips of things to before leaving your German Shepherds alone to make the process smoother: Make sure they are empty before leaving First, and most obviously, take your dog potty immediately before leaving. Also, try and make sure your pup pees and poops before your leave the house, not just one or the other. Leave enough time before having to leave to walk your dog around a little so they can do both if your German Shepherd takes a little longer to do their business. A crate is a great safe place to leave your German Shepherd when out of the house, especially for younger more mischievous pups. The key is to pick a place where your dog is limited in what they can stick their noses into, at a nice temperature, and provide someplace comfortable for them to lay like a good dog bed. Giving them a homey spot to call their own will make them want to go there and be more comfortable while they are alone. This is especially important for puppies but also a factor for adult and senior dogs. If you know your dog can only hold their bladder for 3 hours, you should make sure you can get back in two and a half hours to be on the safe side. If your dog has to struggle to hold themselves every time you leave, they will be more likely to not want to be left alone. Doing so will greatly decrease the time they will be able to hold their bladder while you are gone. For example, a dog that can usually hold themselves for four hours may only be able to hold themselves for three if they drank a lot of water while you were out. Leave them with a stuffed Kong to keep them occupied A stuffed Kong is a great tool every GSD parent should have in their bag of tricks. Giving your German Shepherd with a tasty treat helps them to really not care about your leaving. When my girl was a puppy I would stuff a Kong with peanut butter, plain yogurt, or some other Kong filler and she would happily lick away without even noticing my departure. This also contributes to tiring your dog out, because not only will they be exhausted from the activity you did, they will also be tired from trying to get all the yumminess out of the treat. Consider a dog walker or pet sitter Sometimes things come up where we have to leave our dogs for a longer time period, whether it is for work, or some other appointment. These options will allow you to leave your dog longer without having to rush home for a potty break. As a general rule, German Shepherds can be left alone for one hour for every month of age up to about nine months old. So, a three-month-old puppy can be left alone for three hours. Whereas a nine-month-old puppy can be left alone for a full 8-hour workday. It is important to remember that these are basic guidelines, some dogs maybe can stay home for slightly more or less time depending on how well they can hold themselves. You want to make sure your dog has enough mental stimulation , physical stimulation, and attention and affection on a daily basis. Final Thoughts German Shepherds can definitely be left alone, but the time that each individual GSD can be left alone will vary. Some of these factors include their age, health conditions, and how long they can hold themselves. Although German Shepherds will become capable of holding themselves for an eight-hour day around nine months of age, you should strive to make sure they are getting enough attention, exercise, and engagement from you when you are home to keep your GSD happy and healthy. Home safety Age German Shepherd puppies, like all puppies, have limited bladder capacity. At this time, a properly trained and socialized German Shepherd will be able to safely tolerate periods of up to four to six hours of alone time. In order to stop your GSD from developing separation anxiety, It will be up to you as the owner to put systems in place. This may not be the case if you rescue a German Shepherd as an adult. Prior history, therefore, trumps age as the determining factor in how long your dog can be safely left alone. In their company, it may be possible to leave your dog alone for longer periods of time. While nothing can replace your presence, other friendly animals can be a nice stand-in when you must be away for extended amounts of time. Examples would include: Your German Shepherd is new to the family. Home safety Finally, you need to consider whether your home is safe for your German Shepherd. GSDs are extraordinarily strong! Anxious GSDs are known to have pulled down curtains, torn apart couches, ripped off crown molding, and even dug under fencing to escape. Not only is this super stressful and potentially dangerous for your dog — but the repairs can end up being quite expensive as well! Hopefully this little checklist can help you evaluate how long your German Shepherd can be safely left alone. As previously mentioned, the German Shepherd dog breed is one of the more sensitive breeds. This also means that GSDs are more prone to separation anxiety. This is a condition where they become so anxious about being left alone that they act out in destructive and aggressive ways. The bad news: your German Shepherd may develop this condition even if you do your best to create a welcoming and comfortable home environment. This video shows how easy it can be to help a GSD with separation anxiety feel calmer. Like their wild wolf cousins, dogs naturally seek out smaller, enclosed spaces to hide, rest, whelp, and care for the young. A research study showed that wild dogs also exhibit denning behavior. They prefer to den near people, but the point is that they do den just like wolves. A frequently mentioned tip is to tire them out before the fireworks are scheduled to begin. As Forbes explains, this strategy treats fireworks like a noise phobia. Any type of phobia takes energy. This same principle can work well with separation anxiety, or a separation phobia. Unable to take your GSD for a long walk to tire them out? Try hiring a local dog walker or pet sitter to do this for you! As an added bonus, this allows your dog to develop another relationship. This can help ease any issues associated with being overly attached to you. If your budget allows for it, another great option is doggie daycare. This can be a great way to socialize a high energy GSD puppy. Daycare services can provide detailed notes to owners on a daily basis. Some even provide live video feeds so that owners can check in throughout the day. German Shepherds need significant amounts of daily physical activity. They were developed to work tirelessly for long hours herding and guarding livestock and, later, people as well. It can be playing with a sensory ball that emits lights or sounds. You can even record yourself saying common commands with these toys! Another creative idea to try playing music made specifically to appeal to dogs. For some dogs, this is very calming. Dog puzzles also exist and have different levels of difficulty. These puzzles allow you to change how and how often the treats are dispensed once your dog masters the basics. A variety of these toys exist today. A lot of these toys allow for things like scheduling times to dispense treats, voice recordings, speaking to your dog live, video conferences with your GSD, and more. Many offer live video feeds of your dog at home so you can check in to see how your GSD is doing during the day. What toys and treats does your dog love most? What has worked well for you to keep your German Shepherd active and occupied while you have to be out of the house?
To download your free ebook, please confirm your email address. Temperament of a Mini Bernedoodle To understand the temperament of a Miniature Bernedoodle, we first need to learn about the parent breeds, as the pups will inherit many of the same qualities. These pups were originally bred for mushroom hunting and companionship, making them hard-working dogs who are also highly affectionate. Loyal One popular Mini Bernedoodle trait is loyalty. You can expect the Mini Bernedoodle to be gentle around your family yet, at the same time, fiercely loyal to you and other members of your family. The Miniature Bernedoodle is easy to train and picks up commands relatively fast. Stubborn Although intelligent, Mini Bernedoodles take after their Bernese Mountain parent and inherit their stubbornness. Patience is key when training a Miniature Bernedoodle. Playful and Outgoing Mini Bernedoodles are very social dogs who love to be around people and other animals. Being so social, they enjoy playing and are always in the mood to make new friends. They love playing with children and other pets and are quick to make new friends. Affectionate Mini Bernedoodles are known for being extremely affectionate dogs. They crave attention from their owners and love to always be near them. Like the Mini Poodle, they form strong bonds with all family members. Early socialization and training are key to preventing separation anxiety with your Mini Bernedoodle. Additionally, the coats of Mini Bernedoodle puppies may change as they grow into adults. Coat types A Mini Bernedoodle can have a range of different coat types but are typically either straight, wavy, or curly. As Poodles have hair, not fur , they tend to shed minimally. Grooming a Mini Bernedoodles Miniature Bernedoodles have high-maintenance coats that require plenty of brushing and combing to prevent tangles and mats. You should anticipate spending at least 15 minutes every other day combing your Mini Bernedoodle if you plan to keep their hair long. That said, the amount of combing depends on whether you keep their hair long or trimmed down. I tend to shave my Doodles, but most prefer longer coats. Regarding visits to a professional groomer, you can expect to take your Mini Bernedoodle every six to eight weeks. You can extend the time between each trip by learning to groom your Doodle at home. This can be an excellent bonding experience for you and your Mini Bernedoodle! Energy levels of a Mini Bernedoodle Bernese Mountain Dogs are calm dogs with a desire to work and learn. Miniature Poodles, on the other hand, are playful and love training. So what are Miniature Bernedoodles like? You can expect a Mini Bernedoodle to be a mix of traits! They tend to have medium levels of energy and an affinity to training. We recommend 60 minutes of daily exercise for a Mini Bernedoodle. If you notice your pup is still energetic after 60 minutes, consider increasing their exercise or adding some training and mental stimulation to tire them out. But as mentioned earlier, since the Mini Bernedoodle is notoriously stubborn, you must be patient when training this dog breed. However, the intelligence of both parent breeds makes it highly likely that your Mini Bernedoodle will pick up new commands quickly. Where to find Mini Bernedoodle puppies for sale Reputable Breeders One place to look for a Mini Bernedoodle puppy is to seek out reputable Bernedoodle breeders in your area. Here are a few things to look out for: Health Testing: A reputable Mini Bernedoodle breeder will screen the parent dogs for health issues—like hip dysplasia or eye problems. Socialization: A responsible breeder socializes the puppies to different experiences and environments, so they grow up to be confident and well-adjusted. Parent Dogs: A reputable breeder will have both the mother and father dogs available for you to meet. Meeting the dogs helps you see their temperament, check their health, and view their living conditions. Breeding Standards: A good breeder will not breed for profit. Contracts: A responsible breeder will provide a contract that outlines the terms of the sale, health guarantees, and return policies. References: A reputable breeder should be able to provide references from previous puppy buyers and vets. Do not buy from breeders where you see signs of puppy mills or do not feel comfortable. A breeder will never pressure you to buy and always be there to answer any questions. Dog Rescues There are plenty of Doodle rescue agencies where you can find Poodle mix dogs available for adoption. We adopted a 1. Life expectancy of Mini Bernedoodles Mini Bernedoodles live to be around years. You can ensure your pup lives a long and healthy life by providing them with proper nutrition, going to your vet regularly, and ensuring they get lots of exercise and playtime. Health issues that Mini Bernedoodles may experience Mini Bernedoodles are prone to the same health issues as their parent breeds. Buying your Mini Bernedoodle puppy from a reputable breeder who does health testing will decrease the likelihood of some of these diseases. Cancer: Both Miniature Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to certain types of cancer, including hemangiosarcoma a type of cancer that affects blood vessels , lymphoma, and osteosarcoma bone cancer. Symptoms can include lethargy, fatigue, weight gain, and more. Mini Bernedoodles require lots of grooming, both at home and at professional groomers. Is the Mini Bernedoodle right for you? Mini Bernedoodles are a fabulous dog breed. But their coats requires lots of grooming and they need a family who can take them on enough walks and provide enough mental enrichment to burn off their energy. If that sounds good to you, a Mini Bernedoodle might just be the perfect pup for your family! On average, Mini Bernedoodles are inches tall and weigh anywhere from 10 to 30 pounds. Do Mini Bernedoodles bark a lot? The Mini Bernedoodle is a quiet dog and with the right training, will only bark on command and for guarding purposes. Are Mini Bernedoodles Cuddly Each dog is different, but as a whole, Mini Bernedoodles tend to be very cuddly and affectionate! What is the personality of a Mini Bernedoodle? Mini Bernedoodles are loyal, intelligent, affectionate, and very energetic. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchase. The cost is not inflated to account for the commission earned. Veterinary Disclaimer: travellingwithadog. Please consult your vet for any questions you have regarding your pets health. She has years of experience fostering dogs and has helped find homes for a variety of different breeds, both large and small! Learn more about her here. I researched breeders all over the US and even Canada when looking to add a Bernedoodle to our family. I chose to join the waitlist at Walnut Valley because of their genetic testing, health guarantee, professionalism, transparency, genuine care for their animals, incredible customer service and ability to deliver the puppies at a reasonable cost. The estimate was a 2 year wait when I joined the waitlist, but I only waited 1 year for a puppy and I was extremely picky and passed on several litters. Jason is a rockstar and kept me updated and answered all of my questions the entire year I waited for a puppy. When it was finally time to choose he was very honest and helpful and made the process of selecting, purchasing, and preparing so smooth and easy. She is the most incredible dog I have ever seen. Pictures and videos do not even come close to how beautiful, sweet, and intelligent these puppies are. The day she came home it was extremely clear how much care goes into raising these puppies with excellent temperaments and great socialization. Our puppy came to us already loving kids!!! She was a part of our family from the moment we first met. She was kissing and enjoying my children from the moment she met them. She had no fear or apprehension about being around children and our vet commented that she seems very well adjusted. She learned to sit on command within days of coming to us. Jason continues to check in on us and it honestly feels like sending updates to a friend. Walnut Valley feels like family. The puppies are worth every penny! Like most people here we wanted a Bernedoodle and after doing tons of research there was no doubt in our minds that WVP was the place we wanted to get our puppy. But what really sealed the deal for us was the great communication with Jason. There's not much more we can say that others haven't already said on how great it was to work with Jason throughout this process. As first time dog owners, it was important to work with someone who would be patient with us and walk us through the process and he did just that. He was super helpful and answered all of our questions. He always kept us updated even after the selection process where he would send us pictures and videos on how our puppy was doing. In addition, it was great to see how active WVP was on social media and through these posts it was clear to us that these puppies were loved and well cared for and this gave us the reassurance we needed that we made the right decision. We've had our puppy for about a month now and we couldn't be happier. He's healthy and very well socialized! Jason and his family are some of the sweetest, most organized, passionate and accommodating people you will ever meet. We are absolutely in love with our mini bernedoodle Enzo and would highly recommend Walnut! Stellar experience from start to finish! Throughout the process, Jason was amazing! He answered all of our questions, and always responded promptly. We live in CT and getting our puppy here was a seamless experience. You can tell the puppies are well cared for and socialized. Thank you Walnut Valley! However, after doing extensive research on Walnut Valley and their breeding program, we felt more confident. Jason did a phone interview to make sure we were aligned and that helped tremendously. The wait was so worth it and we just brought home our sweet puppy. I can tell she was socialized well and loved in the weeks before she came to us. I highly recommend Walnut Valley puppies and working with Jason. We joined the waitlist for the standard bernedoodles and from the start, Jason and the Walnut Valley team were very trustworthy, communicative and responsive. They explained the whole process and were available to answer any questions we had. I highly recommend Walnut Valley and would definitely use them again in the future. That in itself speaks volumes. It is evident from the level of their involvement and communication that they truly care about puppy placement to ensure a positive experience for both their puppies and adoptive families. They are always available for questions and concerns making you feel like you have a support system through the process. He is super organized, and follows up to be sure everything is going smoothly. I never get the sense that I am bothering him…he is always willing to answer questions. It's obvious he really does care about the welfare of his puppies after they leave his home. My sweet pup is so well adjusted and socialized and even potty training after one week is well ahead of what I expected!! It's obvious the puppies are well loved and taken care of before they leave his home. At the very last minute on "puppy picking day" I decided I wanted to make the 4. The property was well maintained and spotless. Walnut Valley Puppies We interviewed several and watched as puppies were born. Walnut Valley Puppies were constantly superior. Jason, was a great help in guiding us to the perfect addition to our family. Every step was seamless and professional. We got our puppy 3 days ago and the entire experience was so fun and exciting. They are a first class operation: from the beginning to the delivery via flight nanny. Absolutely the best breeder and I highly recommend their services! Jason helps make the process run smoothly by answering all your questions as well as providing lots of videos and pictures so that you can pick a puppy that will fit in with your family. When she arrived, you could tell she was socialized which made training much easier. Once my husband and I decided that a bernedoodle is the type of puppy we wanted I started doing research and honestly no other breeder compared in my opinion. Once I sent in my deposit to be added to the waitlist, the following day I received a call from Jason, just to talk about the breed and how long it would roughly be before it would be our turn to pick a puppy. You also get added to a facebook group of everyone who has had a puppy from WVP and can keep in touch with the siblings or ask any questions you might have. The community is just amazing. Yes, the wait is long, I think we waited about 16months but it was so worth it. Jason keeps the website very up to date, you can see how many litters are expected and keep track of your place on the list. Once it is your turn to pick the process is very simples, Jason sends over pictures and videos. We got our new buddy Kobe about a week ago, and in in this past week Jason had reached out multiple times to see how we were doing. Overall, a great experience. We did extensive research prior to selecting WVP's and the results were well worth it. Jason was great to work with from the time we put in our deposit to the time we took home our puppy and he is still in contact today checking in on how Marley Formerly Melody is doing. I was fortunate enough to meet Jason as he hand delivered our puppy by flying to our selected airport and was so caring through it all. He kept us informed on where we were at in the draft order and we appreciated all the photos and videos we received before selecting our puppy and even after. I would definitely recommend Walnut Valley Puppies to anybody. We were fortunate enough to get the exact puppy characteristics we wanted and we love her so much. We hit the jackpot with Marley. We are so pleased and grateful for the professionalism WVP's and Jason provided through the whole process. Thank you from the Briggs family. I had a million questions along the way and he was not only patient but very helpful and answered every single question I had. And still does lol Bella is now almost 8 months old and I will still text him with questions here and there. Bella is also the BEST dog. She has as an amazing temperament and people comment on how sweet she is all the time. From chilling and cuddling on the couch, to running and play in Central Park she loves it all. While she is still a puppy and a little crazy at times Bella calmed down quickly, was very easy to train and adjusted to city life in NYC easily. While she is a little shy around new humans she is obsessed with every single dog she meets. All around the best dog my husband and I have ever had! Cannot recommend Walnut Valley and Bernedoodles as a breed enough!!! So much so that after only a week after bringing our new puppy home we chose to go back on the waitlist for a second one. Every step of the process from navigating the website and getting on the waitlist to picking up our puppy and getting her home was smooth and professional. There were no surprises, loose strings, or hidden costs. Expectations regarding the waitlist time were realistic and response times are incredibly quick, respectful and friendly. WVP is clearly a reputable breeder with the health and wellness of their puppies and parents in mind. We only had one point of contact Jason Yoder throughout the entire adoption process which was nice because it took the chance for confusion or miscommunication out of the process. He checked-in and still checks in regularly and always responded within the same day typically within minutes. We especially appreciated all of the photos, videos and the personality ranking system they use. Once we got Harriet home, it was obvious that WVP put in a bunch of work getting her socialized and weaned prior to the 8-week mark when we picked her up. Our new puppy is sweet and playful with our young daughters as well as any other person who will give her attention. Our puppy came earlier than expected and has been wonderful. He was well socialized and loves people. He has been easy to train and more than you could hope for in a pup. Send them a deposit and get on the list. You won't be disappointed! Jason was very communicative throughout the whole process and really got to know us and the type of dog we were looking for. We knew we would wait a bit for our puppy due to the length of the list and the estimated times on the website and it was absolutely worth the wait. Throughout our time on the list Jason frequently checked in on us and answered all of our questions that came along the way. When it was time for our puppy to arrive she came with a bag full of goodies, some food, her moms blanket, her medical records and proof of being microchipped. Our first few days with her Jason frequently checked in and made sure we were adjusting alright to our little addition. One of the other draws to this Breeder was the connection amongst other families that also adopted a dog from Walnut Valley. Not only can we contact Jason at any time but we also have this great community of people we can turn too. Walnut Valley puppies showered us with the sweetest pics of the first 8 weeks of our puppy. Walnut Valley puppies are such a family friendly, caring, and reliable business and anyone who gets to adopt one of their puppies will be so blessed by the entire process! Our puppy is so sweet, beautiful, and kind - thank you Walnut Valley Puppies!! We brought Hazel home and she is doing so well and healthy. The transition from Walnut Valley to bringing Hazel home was smooth, she was able to sleep in our bed after a week of being home with no issue. They clearly do a great job with their pups and I would highly recommend! Update: we've had Hazel for just about 2 years and she is our whole world! She is more perfect as time goes on, and my husband and I recommend Walnut Valley to anyone that is interested in a pup. We've really gotten use out of the Facebook group, we've even been able to meet up with other Walnut Valley families and thats been great! She has the best personality— affectionate, spunky, cuddly, loyal, and incredibly smart. The entire process was smooth and efficient. They are very responsive and even helped guide us through the early puppy days. We still text them pictures of our girl all the time! Our future dogs will most definitely be coming from Walnut Valley. Jason was a pleasure to work with from the moment we contacted him. You can tell that they love what they do and truly care about all of their dogs and puppies. Jason was able to answer all of our questions and help us bring our puppy home. Our two year old daughter is in love with her and they are inseparable! Thank you Walnut Valley Puppies for helping us add the the perfect furry addition to our family! He can already fly up an entire flight of stairs, sleep through the night with only one or two bathroom cries he never goes in his crate , he's super smart and I've never seen a dog cuddle as much as this guy. Jason was also super helpful and responsive throughout the entire process answering any and all questions. Overall a great experience. They were so responsive, polite and answered all the questions I had. I got lucky to get one of their F1 bernedoodle puppies pretty last minute and they handled it so professionally and fully catered to our needs and requests. The Walnut Valley family truly cares about their puppies and the people they are working with. Highly recommend!! Our puppy is truly the best, and we are so lucky to have him! We were impressed with the website and Jason who was our point of contact. He is amazing. Very helpful, responsive, and answered all our questions from the moment we went on the waitlist till the day we picked up our mini bernedoodle named Olive. So impressed with this breeder. After an additional 12 month wait, we introduced the perfect puppy to her forever home. To say that we did our due diligence would be an understatement. WVP was a pure joy to work with, and Jason is the real deal. Shared many texts and talks with Jason throughout the past 12 months AND many follow up texts after we brought her home. Also to follow the puppies from all the different litters on their Facebook site is awesome. Jason from Walnut Valley was extremely helpful and a very friendly individual. He provided us with constant updates and pictures of our little puppy once she was born. They also provided us with the necessary information, vaccines, and procedures needed for a new puppy. I would highly recommend considering Walnut Valley! She is absolutely fabulous! We had a really amazing experience with WVP. Jason responded to texts from me daily. No joke. He was always kind, honest, and funny. I highly recommend WVP. They make beautiful, well tempered puppies, and they are an absolute pleasure to work with. Our little girl has adjusted really well to all the activity in our house. She started to sleep good at night in the crate after a few nights home. And the bell for potty she has really mastered about a month in. We are so grateful for all the resources that you all have provided and we are really loving the puppy school you recommended! We are thankful we found your place- our little Oakley has been a blessing! This is our first dog after getting married in October, and we are excited about another dynamic at the house. We get compliments on how cute and intelligent she is constantly. Glad we have her! Walnut Valley truly cares about their puppies. They have checked in also after he's been home. They stand behind their puppies and also make sure you provide a safe place for their puppy. You can tell he had an excellent start, because he's been so good. Our lil guy is super smart. Rarely barks or any accidents. The whole process has been amazing. Highly recommend this wonderful family. Everything was handled smoothly and beautifully, the puppies are so well cared-for and come with all of the information and starter supplies we needed as new puppy owners. We have had a wonderful experience with them and they continue to reach out weeks after we brought Bella home. Thank you! Since getting a bernedoodle can often take years it can be hard to plan so you need a good company that communicates and has flexibility. I searched other breeders and liked that Walnut Valley allowed you to get some of your deposit refunded in case life situations changed and also let you pick your puppy unlike other places. If you are not ready you maintain your place on the waitlist which is also helpful. Jason is the main contact and he is fantastic and a good communicator. The website shows where you are on the wait list and has lots of other helpful links. Once puppy pick day arrived Jason provided videos and answered all my questions promptly. They also provide a helpful scoring system to try to match the personality of the puppy into your household. The transport went smoothly. My dog is just beautiful—amazing, adorable and smart. They also continue to support you after your adoption with a 2 year genetic health guarantee. My puppy has a little umbilical hernia which they told me about before I picked him and they will cover the cost of repairing—my vet was very impressed with that. It shows they stand by the health of their puppies. There is a Facebook page for the Walnut Valley Family who adopt their puppies and it really feels like a family you are lucky to adopt into! From the time we were added to the waitlist, Jason and the rest of the crew were fantastic. They answered any questions we had and made us feel like part of the Walnut Valley family before we even picked out a puppy. Choosing a puppy without getting to meet them first is not always the easiest, but Jason took his time with us and helped us confidently pick out the best puppy for us. Now that we have our little handsome guy home with us, the support continues to be top-notch! Jason checks in regularly to make sure everything is going well. Anything could have happened during those 11 months, but the professionalism, prompt customer service and friendliness of Walnut Valley Puppies never waivered. We received the same quick, courtious and helpful replies whether we were 2 on the waitlist or .We felt safe and taken care of during our wait and getting the call that we were finally on deck to choose a puppy felt like winning the lotto. From there, Jason was incredible at guiding us through chosing the right puppy to getting him in our arms. He was also extremly patient with all of my questions, never once rushing me. For a first time dog owner, that patience is priceless. The beautiful little guy who now lives with us is perfect and has the most incredible markings. At our first vet visit, the vet said he was in perfect condition and couldn't stop talking about his beautiful markings and how good looking our guy was. Thank you Walnut Valley Puppies for being so wonderful to work with over the last year. The wait was long, but the experience was 5 stars. They are communicative, super friendly, and just know bernedoodles like no one else does. They care a lot about their puppies, and I would recommend them to anyone. They drove her down and delivered her to our door. When she got her you could tell she was relaxed and happy. She is being crate trained so she sleeps with the blanket that has the scent of her siblings on it. We did get her the Snuggle Puppy to put in the crate to help also. With those two things she will sleep from 9pm to 7am which is amazing! She has been great with our 3 and 4 year old children. You can tell she has been around kids before because she is not bothered by them constantly wanting to play with her! She is so pretty and we are always stopped so that people can ask all about what kind she is and where she came from. I have had my sweet Clark for just about a week now and he is a playful, smart and snuggly little guy. I am so happy to have worked with Jason and team in this process. From the time I was put on the waitlist to bringing my little guy home, Jason has followed up, answered all my questions and been a delight to work with! I would highly recommend for anyone looking into adopting! They were very responsive to our questions and the selection process for our puppy was very smooth. Our puppy, Max, is a joy and we definitely would recommend Walnut Valley if you are looking for a bernedoodle to add to your family. The folks at Walnut Valley Puppies are amazing to deal with, and their animals are so well-cared for. They have a great presence on social media, so you get to see many of your pup's siblings grow up and post your own pics. Top quality operation and worth the wait. They were very quick to respond and offer resources to for all our questions. We love our new little addition and would definitely recommend Walnut Valley to anyone looking for a Bernedoodle. Jason was responsive, informative and a pleasure to work with. We would recommend WVP to anyone looking for a high quality dog. They are were very professional, and responsive through out the entire process. You can tell our puppy was raised with love and care. Beau is healthy, smart, and handsome. He was well worth the wait! When we are ready for our second puppy we are definitely coming back! Jason is great from the get-go. He helps as you join the waitlist and is readily available to answer any questions along the way. When we made our way down the list the selection process was easy with any questions being immediately answered. Getting our new puppy went well and we now have a beautiful tricolor mini Bernedoodle! As first time dog owners, we felt so supported by Jason throughout each step of the process. Jason was available for all of our questions and went above and beyond to make sure our Moose was taken care of and right for our family! The process was extremely professional from waitlist management to all the adoption paperwork, making us feel secure. We could not be more grateful to the Walnut Valley Puppies team for bringing such a happy, healthy, and sweet puppy into our home! Jason and his team have worked with us along the process and answered any questions we had as new puppy owners. They are very professional, quick to respond and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the bernadoodle breed. You could tell they really love their pups! We are overjoyed and thrilled to be bringing in a new puppy into our family, and a cute one at that! They came highly recommended by a friend and for good reason. Jason was professional, responsive and organized. The entire experience from start to finish was easy and transparent. Jason from Walnut Valley Puppies was quick to respond to any question I had - even way before we picked out our puppy. The process was easy to understand and we were able to have a very good sense of when we would be getting a puppy of our own due to the online waitlist. Jason proactively sent pictures and texts once we had chosen Behr formerly Pancho , and gave updates regularly until we had him in our arms. I would definitely recommend Walnut Valley Puppies over and over again to anyone looking for a beautiful, healthy puppy, and a great experience!! Well today my baby girl made it home and I am beyond excited to have her as my new sidekick! After talking on the phone it was just a done deal! I will forever be grateful to the Walnut Valley Puppies family for blessing me with my new best friend! We had such a wonderful experience working with Jason. He is very professional and was helpful with all of our questions throughout the entire process. We have a smart, happy and beautiful Mini-Bernedoodle named Clover. She is three months old and Jason continues to check in on how she is doing and is happy to answer any questions we have. We live on the East Coast and they made the extra effort to drive her closer to us the week of Christmas. They clearly care about their puppies very much and go above and beyond for their customers. We are so thankful and happy we chose Walnut Valley Puppies as our Breeder. You will not be disappointed. Their pups are the best!! He kept us up-to-date on the litters during the process. Walnut Valley has the highest quality pups, is responsive and professional. They even delivered our puppy to our front door! He brings so much joy to our family. The process was very easy and over the few months the team was communicative and honest, easy going, and responsive. We had a lot of questions and they did the best they could to answer all of them. You can tell the care they have for these animals at hand off, and they have stayed in touch even after the transaction is done. Even our local dog trainer has complimented the breeder without even knowing them. Jason helped us navigate the process and took the time to answer all our questions. We could not be happier with Bailey our new Mini Bernidoodle!! I highly recommend Walnut Valley Puppies. Jason was always quick to respond whenever we had questions and so supportive during the picking the puppy process. He checks in every few weeks to see how our pup, Otto, is doing. Every step of the adoption process went smoothly. Javin was extremely professional and kept us well informed. He was quick to respond to our questions. We would certainly adopt from them again. Do also check out the comparison photos of dogs from puppies to adults. The comparisons, their refundable deposit policy and reputation sold us on this breeder. My fiance and I had a wonderful experience with Walnut Valley Puppies working specifically with Jason. He was quick with responses and keeping us updated on the waiting list. During our pick-up, Jason was ready to go with a bag full of goodies, all of the necessary paper work, and our puppy who was happy and freshly bathed!! Walnut Valley Puppies gave my fiance and I our new best friend and we could not be more grateful!!! Jason and Walnut Valley are professional, beyond helpful, responsive and compassionate. They are beautiful and well behaved pups. Our dog is a wonderful addition to our family. I would absolutely use this breeder and family again in the future! Communications throughout the process. Great puppy.After three nights of being summoned for potty breaks and discovering the time our sprinkler system runs , she has slept through the night, to ! Jason was awesome! He was so kind to answer all of our [hundreds] of questions. So far our little pup is amazing and we love him so much! It was evident very quickly that their team cares deeply for the dogs they breed, and take SO much effort to include the customer in the process of the waitlist, breeding, and selecting the puppy. They were super accommodating by traveling partway to meet us to pick our puppy up, and throughout the whole process we knew they were providing top level care and attention to our puppy. I highly recommend Walnut Valley Puppies to anyone looking for a Bernedoodle. We absolutely love our new puppy, Oscar. Thank you for answering all my many questions and being patient throughout the whole adoption process. If you are thinking of adopting a bernedoodle, Walnut Valley is the place to do it. It was a pleasure to work with Jason! He's extremely responsive, knowledgeable, caring, and has done such a great job building an awesome community from the families that adopt pups from there. We got our little man a few days ago and he's just perfect. Never have I had such a seamless high quality experience - they care about every puppy and the parents and it is clear the health of their animals is their highest priority over everything. I highly highly recommend! We love our new family member and would recommend anyone looking for a new pet to go first to Walnut Valley Puppies! They were very responsive from the moment we placed a deposit. They guided us through the selection process, made personalized arrangements to have our puppy delivered direct to us while in the care of others, and followed up even after our puppy was settled in our home. Our puppy is smart, funny, and his markings are beautiful! Thanks for everything Jason and Javin!! Our family came across Walnut Valley Puppies while researching bernedoodles and we couldn't have asked for a more loving, genuine and involved family. From walking us through the reserve process, keeping us updated on current and future litters and answering all our questions, to sharing in the love and joy as we received the news we were getting our sweet Bingo, they were there with us for it all!! We would recommend Walnut Valley Puppies to anyone looking for a reputable breeder that is invested in your family and the furever homes their puppies go to! The team was very responsive to my questions throughout the process and got on a phone call to help us determine which puppy would be best for our family. We've had Lacie Sammy and Little Candy at our home for approximately 4 weeks and she's been a great addition to our family. It's clear the team works with the puppies at a young age to get prepared for the transition into a family. We can't say enough about Jason and his family! He was extremely helpful in answering any questions and helped us feel confident that we made a good choice with a breeder. We have had our puppy for 3 weeks and absolutely love her! She is super sweet and learns quickly. Her first vet visit was today and we have a clean bill of health. Thank you Walnut Valley for our new family addition. She is everything we wanted. Jason was very communicative through the entire adoption process and took time to answer every question we had. We appreciated his help in picking the perfect puppy for our family! Brody formerly Laser has brought so much joy since he came to live with us. He has been comfortable with adults and children since day one and received a great check up from our vet. We would highly recommend Walnut Valley Puppies for both their pups and people! He was always happy to answer questions and eager to keep us informed along the way. Jason was especially helpful in helping us select the perfect puppy among the litter for our family. Walnut Valley was willing to go above and beyond to ensure we got our puppy on time by driving him out to the East Coast. Forever grateful to Walnut Valley for our newest family member! He is so smart! Loves riding in the car and loves to cuddle! Thank you Jason and Javin for a wonderful experience in not only our process in all this, but for your care of this very large litter! They were obviously well taken care of! Thank You! As many, we were very nervous but decided to take a chance after reading all the positive reviews and we couldn't be more happier that we did. We couldn't be more happier with our new family member Bentley fka Giro. Bentley has been such an amazing puppy and has added a great deal of happiness to our family even our friends love him so much. Working with WVP has been a great experience for us. They both answered all the many questions I had. They still to this day check on our Bentley which shows how much they care for their puppies. We highly recommend Walnut Valley Puppies for your new best friend! Oh yea let me not forget to mention they delivered our sweet boy all the way to the East Cost. We live in Massachusetts and it would have taken us over 20hours so having Bentley delivered to us was a great deal. I wish I can rate WVP 10stars because they really are the best. Jason went above and beyond to make our experience positive. We brought home our first Miniature Bernedoodle a year ago, and loved him so much we had to get him a sibling! We now have 2 Walnut Valley pups running around, and they are the greatest! Jason was super helpful and always quick to answer our questions. As first time dog owners we did not know what to expect and now the bar has been set incredibly high. Camden fka Lincoln is the most kind fun loving dog and we are so happy!! WVP goes above and beyond to care for the puppies and they even drove the dogs to the east coast during a pandemic to deliver them safely. Camden is in perfect health and is very social. Do yourself a favor and put your deposit down. You will NOT be disappointed. Jason spent a lot of time from the very beginning understanding what we were looking for and answered all of my questions with so much detail! When it was time for us to chose our puppy, he was so helpful, providing all the info we wanted and sending additional pictures and videos. We now have had Ranger Lariot for a week, and he keeps checking in to make sure all is well and has been helping me a lot on how to help Ranger eat better. It is a great place to get your puppy from, they take really good care of their dogs and know what they are doing. Plus they have the cutest mini Bernedoodles you can find!! I am a very detail oriented person and did a ton of research before choosing Walnut Valley. Jason is very professional but also clearly wants the best for the puppies and the families and happily answered my many questions. It is difficult to find a breeder of high quality and also with genuine compassion for the animals and their families. We could not be happier with our decision! Our 2 month old puppy is gentle, loves people, and full of life. Looking forward to giving updates as he grows older! Not only is the website super professional, illustrative, and easy to navigate, Jason and his staff are super responsive and made me feel comfortable. We are so happy with our mini bernedoodle who came home 1 week ago! He is such a well-socialized puppy, loves people, and has the classic Bernese tri-color markings. Thank you for giving us our doggo, WVP!!!! The comparisons, their refundable deposit policy, and reputation sold us on this breeder. Jason and his family went above and beyond to help us find the perfect puppies for our family! We love our dogs so much, and would recommend Walnut Valley Puppies to anyone looking for the perfect bernedoodle! Jason was very helpful throughout the whole process. He was responsive and provided useful information on the website and over the phone to help us prepare. We definitely appreciated the photos, videos, and social media updates on our soon to be family member and his siblings. They all looked well taken care of. When we finally got our dog, the goodie bag for the puppy was thoughtful and it came in handy and our puppy loves his fox toy! We couldn't be happier with our new puppy! Would highly recommend! They were in constant communication with me during the process and even after to check up on our new pup, Draco! I definitely recommend them for your future Bernedoodle pup! From start to finish, Jason made us comfortable, and was always available for questions of any kind. He helped us select the perfect puppy for our family. They are the greatest. Thank you Jason! Jason was very knowledgeable, professional, and personable. You can truly tell how much they care about the pups. Their strong communication throughout the entire process ensured everything went smoothly. I am so happy with my new puppy -- she is sweet, fun, smart, and healthy. Highly recommend! Throughout the whole experience they were very flexible, professional and knowledgeable. We love our mini Bernedoodle, Piper, who is now 4 months old. She is so happy and healthy and beyond what we had hoped for! Thank you Walnut Valley for giving us an amazing start to life as pawrents! We just love our standard Bernadoodle. He is the best dog we have ever had! Loyal, friendly, smart and goofy. Jason was always quick to respond and answer questions, and still continues to check in even after receiving our puppy. We have a mini Bernedoodle named Luna formerly Stormi and she is very smart! Since I live far away, I was concerned about buying a dog via the internet without visiting the breeder. From the minute I got him, he was affectionate and loving. In the crate on the way home, if he started to cry, he would immediately calm when I gave him my hand. Jason was a pleasure to work with throughout the process. He answered every question and was flexible as my travel plans evolved. Overall a great experience with a delightful outcome. Jason has been in contact and has been very personable answering all questions and guiding me through the process. Our puppy was shipped across the country to us. Walnut Valley Puppies took care of all the travel arrangements. All I had to do was meet her at the airport. She came in a very nice crate with a pad, her blanket, a leash and color, and a starter bag of food. You could tell she had been well taken care of along the way. She was a happy puppy when she arrived: she was clean and the crate was clean. It was all very easy and very smooth. Best of all is the beautiful, sweet, healthy, happy little mini bernedoodle puppy they produced. I would highly recommended if you are looking for a mini Bernedoodle. I am sure their other puppies are of high quality too. The transition from Maple Valley to bringing Haze home was smooth, she was able to sleep in our bed after a week of being home with no issue. They clearly do a great job with their pups and I would highly reccomend! Jason and Javin were responsive and helpful along the whole way, sending pictures and videos, talking about personalities, and helping us make the best selection we could. Our girl has been with us for 4 weeks now and gets along great with the kids and cats, Bernedoodles are an excellent breed! Sweet, energetic and adorable. Working with Walnut Valley Puppies was a great experience! Javin and Jason were both excellent in communicating, making themselves available and answering all of my questions. They clearly care very much about their puppies and follow up after they go home to see how they're doing. Overall, I can't imagine having a better experience with a breeder, and I am so happy to have Percy home with me as my new best friend. Jason continues to follow up to make sure everything is ok. Highly recommend Walnut Valley Puppies. From asking a ton of questions to completely going out of the way to get my pups on a direct flight to their new forever home out West. They care about these fur babies as much as their new owners and remain in contact to make sure all is running smoothly. I highly recommend!! She did very well on the trip here, both in the car and on the plane! She had her checkup today and is doing so so well, no issues at all, coat, eyes and ears are perfect. Throughout the process leading up to bringing our puppy home, Jason was incredibly helpful and responsive. Our puppy has been a quick learner and very loving! We would certainly recommend Walnut Valley to anyone interested in bringing a new puppy home. Everyone I talked to were all super awesome and helped us get our perfect puppy. Beautiful dogs and beautiful people. Javin and his dad David took excellent care of us through the whole process. This dog is completely amazing and absolutely gorgeous. We are very glad we chose Walnut Valley Puppies. I found making such a big decision via a website to be "odd". That being said, We were very happy with our choice to go with Walnut Valley Puppies. Jason was great throughout the entire process - answering questions, providing insights, sharing updates, walking us through our selection process and even checking in after Camber aka Shade joined our family. WVP were also very flexible on our "pick up process" helping give our kids the best Christmas ever with a surprise pup!!! Camber got a clean bill of health from our vet. He is growing nicely and his demeanor is outstanding - my 3 kids, as well as myself and my husband are in love. I would highly recommend WVP to anyone looking for a bernedoodle. Jason was so helpful and knowledgable throughout the whole process. He's periodically been checking in with us to answer any questions we may have and seems genuinely interested in how Arlo's acclimating to our family. Arlo formerly Skyler is now 10 weeks old and is the perfect addition to our family. He's very bright, healthy and full of life. In just the two weeks we've had him, he's learned to ring a bell when he needs to use the bathroom and has learned to sit and lay down. He also sleeps quietly in his crate all night, with the exception of one middle-of-the-night bathroom break. It's very clear to me that Arlo had a wonderful, nurturing start at Walnut Valley Puppies. They really care for their pups. We love our little guy and couldn't be more thankful to Jason and the Walnut Valley Puppies team. Jason was super great to work with and graciously accommodated my needs when I had to switch my pick up day! My puppy Walter is so sweet and relaxed for a puppy. She Koda had a long flight to California, but arrived in good condition and was so happy to wrap herself into my arms. Jason was so kind, accommodating keeping me updated with pictures and answering all my questions. I made the right choice when I put my deposit down to purchase from Walnut Valley Puppies. It was the best choice I could have made. Everyone was amazed that she was such a perfect puppy. Jason made this simple and easy for me to buy and receive my puppy even with all the miles between us. Koda is amazing, adorable and so so smart with a personality plus! She has perfect features. I just love her more than words can say. I found that and so much more in Jason and Walnut Valley Puppies. I felt completely supported every step of the way. Jason stayed in regular contact with me all throughout the pregnancy and birth of the litter with updates and photos. He answered my hundreds of questions over text, email, and regular phone calls. He was extremely responsive and reliable. He understood all of my concerns as a first time puppy parent, and provided such thoughtful and insightful guidance. I especially appreciate and value the emphasis placed on honesty and goodness in their business and practice. Most importantly, the love and care for the dogs and puppies at Walnut Valley was very clear. From the moment we met our beautiful puppy, she was so loving, patient, and trusting. She is extremely healthy and vivacious. She was given a wonderful start on life at Walnut Valley. I feel so lucky and I am so grateful. Shadow, now named Rocky, was the runt of the litter but has so much life, energy and spunk! He is turning out to be a great dog already. Jason went above and beyond to answer our questions, address our concerns and even help us facilitate getting the puppy when the time came. He has checked on him several times since we got the puppy to make sure that everything is OK. All in all, we could not be more happy with our experience and would recommend WVP and their service to anyone! She is so sweet and a perfect fit for the family. The entire purchase was easy and accurate. They even made arrangements for a Flight Nanny to fly with her and bring her to me! I would highly recommend with no reservations? Jason was so personable and answered all of our questions. The selection process was straight forward, and we were kept informed every step of the way. Javin worked with us on delivery and everything went smoothly. We could not be more pleased with our sweet, smart, healthy mini bernedoodle puppy! Our two new pups are just amazing. We were kept informed throughout the first eight weeks with regular updates and new photos so we could watch them grow even though they were not with us. It certainly was a memorable experience. Even after we had them home for a few days they continued to check in on their progress. Javin and Jason truly care about their puppies. Thank you Walnut Valley Puppies! They were extremely responsive to our inquiry and questions. They care about their pups and customers and want to make sure each family finds the perfect fit. Although we were initially hesitant with an online transaction, everything was smooth and legitimate. All the pictures on the site were of the actual puppies available. We were offered to FaceTime as well. They have checked in with us several times to make sure everything was going well. As far as our puppy - he is beautiful and gentle and we are so in love with him. Jason is extremely helpful and knowledgeable with any questions I had. Javin delivered a very healthy, playful and smart puppy. I had a great experience and I am very satisfied. I was nervous purchasing a puppy from the internet without ever meeting the puppy or seeing the facility but Javin and Jason make you feel at ease throughout the entire process. His main concern is to make the customers happy and make sure the puppy fits into your family. After some things changed with our family situation, I was able to purchase a puppy from them. I loved how they post several pictures of the puppies over the course of a few weeks and you can FaceTime with them to see the puppies and their clean facilities so you are reassured how well the puppies are cared for. Another thing I appreciated is that they rate the puppies demeanor which helps finding a puppy that fits into your lifestyle. I have had Sadie for a few days now and she is by far the easiest puppy I have ever had as far as training. She is a gorgeous puppy with a wonderful demeanor. I could not be happier!!! Feel free to reach out to ask me any questions you may have. Thank you Walnut Valley Puppies for everything!!! I had so many questions, and both Javin and Jason answered every one of them with such pleasant friendly conversation. Walnut Valley Puppies is number one! Would highly recommend. We got a mini bernedoodle 2 days before Christmas and we only started looking for a puppy this fall. Most breeders of Bernedoodles I found had long waiting list. Our new puppy is a perfect tri-color bernedoodle. With a very even tempered disposition. Go with Walnut Valley Puppies and you will not be disappointed! She is very sweet and well mannered. Best of all she is so smart! She recently had her first vet appointment and was given a clean bill of health. Jason was especially great to work with, allowing us to pick up Shelby FKA Carol when most convenient for us and constantly sending updated pictures prior to her adoption date. I would recommend this breeder to anyone looking for a high quality puppy at a reasonable price. Javin and Jason were great to work with throughout the entire adoption process and made us feel at ease. Randall fits perfectly into our family. He wants to make friends with everyone that meets him and is obsessed with little kids. He is a great puppy and we are so excited to watch him grow. She is experiencing her first snow now but we have been having way too much fun in it to take time to take pics. Craig and I are so excited to have her as a part of our little family! We love her so much already! They were very pleasant to deal with throughout the entire process. The puppy arrived healthy and happy as promised. Even though Moose has only been with our family a few days he has already brought so much joy and happiness to our home. If you are looking for puppy we would highly recommend Walnut Valley Puppies. My husband and I spoke at length with Jason who was only too happy to take time with us and answer all our questions. The following day we had a FaceTime visit to see the puppies we were interested in. My girlfriend was getting a boy, Rodney now Rocco and I selected Ruby. Because we live in California we wanted to arrange a flight for them that would be a non stop. These guys were so agreeable to making this arrangement work out the best for the pups, even though it was a longer ride to the airport for them. They followed up with us after the pups arrived and several times since. They really care about their puppies and it shows. They are extremely responsive and reliable and were an absolute pleasure to work with. Our little Ruby has fit right in with our 10 month old bernadoodle as the two have become best buddies. She is an active, very playful, smart and loving little girl. At three months old she is already taking herself out the dog door to go potty!!! She is a fast learner and an overall delight. We are so happy to have her as our new family member! Thank you Walnut Valley Puppies for breeding such great pups and caring for them the way you do! They answered all of our questions and helped us get the right puppy for our family. We love our mini Bernadoodle Rocky! They are so knowledgeable and so honest and kind. Just truly good human beings. We got our puppy from them and we could not be happier with the whole experience. Absolutely amazing. Follow Georg on Instagram! We love our puppy! He has beautiful markings and has the sweetest disposition. He loves going everywhere we go. He loves boat rides, walks, playing in the snow and snuggling. Thank you for giving us the best puppy! Panzer is doing great! He is a big, goofy love. He's almost as big as my German Shepherd and weighing in at 58 pounds so far. He is wonderful and very respectful around my other animals my chickens, rabbits , and LOVES all kids. He doesn't have a mean bone in his body. He's strangely scared of other adults. He doesn't want anyone but family petting him, but we've been doing more socializing so I'm sure he'll grow out of it. He's just the best. Here's some pictures.As you can see in the pictures, she has grown so much. She was .She has brought us so much joy as we both lost our family dogs right before getting her. Her coat is so full and the groomer said she seriously is the best mix they have ever laid their eyes on. Georgia is curious, silly, smart, and full of energy. She begins puppy training next week and we are so excited to see all of the skills she will pick up. She currently knows how to sit, give her paw, and lay down. Thank you so much for our sweet healthy girl! We couldn't be happier! Follow Georgia on Instagram! I love that you are concerned and check up on the pups! He has a great temperament, he is in round 2 at school and smart as a whip. He goes for neutering and hernia repair on October 7th, he weighs 60 pounds, he is great with our grandchildren, our bird, and our cat. Here's an update on Auggie. He is a very sweet dog. He is very well behaved minus the fact that he eats way too many sticks. He is a comfort dog too. He loves laying on pillows, blankets, or even people when available. He also really loves car rides. We even made him his own platform for the backseat of my husbands truck so that he can be closer to us when we drive to my parents land 4 hours away. Thank you so much for your help with finding our perfect puppy! He loves chewing and sleeping, but is getting settled into his new life in Chicago. Good to hear from you. Seemed to fit him. His personality now is opposite of him as a small puppy. He is pretty hyper! He loves everyone, but gets overly excited when he sees anyone. He gets so excited when people come over, he has to be crated. Speaking of crates, he has done excellent with crating. Have never had a problem with him sleeping at night. Potty training was a breeze. He was awesome. He is a very smart dog. We are working with a trainer that is wonderful. She just loves Sonny! How can you not with that face. His fur was almost 4 inches long in some places and he was shedding quite a bit, so we decided to have him groomed. I will attach before and after pics. So happy with our little buddy! I will add my favorite pic of him for you also. And by the way, everyone thinks he is the cutest thing ever! Not with Javin! Our puppy Clover Sakina is a beautiful, loveable dog. The communication was clear, information about delivery prompt. She arrived at the airport in a nice crate. She was well socialized and exactly as promised. My 3 boys and I love her! They are constantly stopped on the street by people who want to know what his breed is and to ask to pet him! Thank you so much! I just wanted to thank you and tell you how wonderful she is. We could not be happier! Our first three days with her were spent on a lake in Northern Wisconsin. She is still unsure of staircases and swimming walking in water is fine! We have seen her stubborn side, as well as her playful and loyal sides. We are very blessed to have her in our lives, and look forward to watching her grow. Just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart!! We purchased Caynell now named Lucy last year just had her first birthday! I wanted to send some updated pictures and let you all know she is doing great! Gets along well with our lab and with other dogs and people in the neighborhood. Wilber has been acclimating to our routines as well as our acclimating to his needs and activities. Just a wonderful, adorable addition to the family. Love him desperately already!!! We have renamed him from Meldon to Tito. Just had his first vet visit last week and is all set up for future vaccinations. Healthy as can be and loving life! A few pictures to see his progress with us! She has made our family complete and we are so in love with her!!! He is doing wonderful. He started going in and out of his crate on his own on the very first night and sleeps the entire night in it with no problems. He is very well adjusted to his new home already. He is eating great, loves to go for walks on his leash, and even started learning how to play fetch with my son. See attached video Potty training is a process but he is doing very well. I wanted to thank you for all you did in helping us give him a new home. You went above and beyond for me to make sure I got to bring him home and I greatly appreciate everything. I would gladly recommend that anyone call you when they are looking for a puppy. I tell everyone what a wonderful experience it was. Thank you again. I will continue to update you as he grows. Sincerely, - Denise Balogh Day one went amazingly well. Just wanted to drop and line to thank you and your wife for such a wonderful day and amazing experience. She far surpasses all expectations. She loves everybody and enjoys life immensely. Her vices include stealing socks, bras and slippers. She commits her crimes with humor and relish. Her merriment charms everyone in sight and alters our molecules. Sophia adores children, is in love with the dog across the street and wants to make friends with a goat named Lulu. Our lives are greatly enriched with this lively pup in our world. He will be 9 months old on Thursday the 28th and we love him to death. Anyway, we hope all is well at Walnut Valley. Have a great day!! He already seems very comfortable in our home and is taking turns cuddling with each of us. Here he is with our nine year old boy, Owen! Here is a picture of Swift previously named Colton. We are so thankful to have this dog in our life. He is full of personality and loves everyone. Thank you for blessing us with such a wonderful gift in this friendly fella. He is only six months old. He is perfect!!! We are waiting for his adult hair to grow in a little more. He is a big loving puppy. Olive at the young age of 6 months — LOL — also known as the terrible twos! We absolutely adore her and dealing with Javin at Walnut Valley Puppies was sooooo easy. I was very fortunate that I got first pick!!! I would recommend anyone who was looking for a Bernedoodle to talk with Walnut Valley Puppies — they are very informative and a pleasure to deal with!
The effect is producing a sociable and friendly pet for everyone. Their dog breeding program started in , where the grandmother showed Scottish and Manchester Terriers. Right now, they are breeding fawn and black pugs that abide by the AKC standards. All their pups are raised indoors, so they are friendly to people. They are sociable and capable of joining dog shows. In fact, the majority of their pugs are still joining dog shows in Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and Northwest America. As a reputable pug dog club, they train all their dogs before adoption. They have different pug breed available for you to choose from. Some of these are black pugs and fawn. As a member of the American Kennel Club, all pugs evaluated are of the highest quality. They are sociable and friendly to people. All pets are vaccinated, spayed, and groomed. All pugs are litter box trained as well. Hoskins Pugs have been breeding quality AKC registered pugs for around fifteen years. Their pride pugs are one of the best in Washington and Oregon. Visit their website to get more information about them. C Pride Pugs prioritizes the quality of Chinese pugs they are selling in Washington. All their pups abide by the AKC standards, so you can expect they are vaccinated, spayed, and inserted with microchips for easy tracing. All their pug breeds stay in a family-like place, this is to make them sociable to children. You can have them as your best friend since they have good social skills. These pups are as sociable as poodles, so having them as part of the family is great. It helps them give early medical treatment for any diseases on their dogs. If you want to know more about them and their programs, visit their website. You can also call their office for inquiries. Our pugs are our family members and we breed them in the comfort of our home. They are loved and cared for by myself, Aneta, and my husband Chris along with our 2 boys. The puppies are loved and very well socialized this is so important! We welcome all future pug owners to call or text with any questions as well as schedule a visit with the puppies. We also have scheduled meetups so you can visit the puppies as often as possible, especially at fun milestones. If you have Facebook you are welcome to join our specially created groups for each litter so you can follow your baby's progress until they are ready to go home with you! We frequently post videos, photos and helpful advice for you and you puppy. Our puppies are litter trained as well! We are always so proud to see how smart these little babies are and how quickly they learn to potty in their litter box. This makes for a much easier transition to outdoor potty training once they go to their furever homes. All of our puppies also go home with a wonderful puppy package. We feed them Fromm Puppy Gold, a wonderful research-based dog food and you will get a full 5lb bag of it to take home. The puppy also goes home with a bowl set, toothbrush set, a blankey that has been with Mama and the littermates, and a Busy Buddy chew toy. On top of all this we like to send everyone off with some great literature from AKC and Trupanion. We provide you with 30 days free puppy insurance through Trupanion and are happy to discuss the details of and why we chose them. Amongst the literature we have some puppy training tips, milestones to look out for and advice on caring for your puppy in the upcoming season. You also get a free veterinarian visit certificate courtesy of VCA Animal hospitals! There is so much more to say so please message us however is most convenient and we would love to chat about everything with you! We absolutely love our pugs and hope we can share that love of this amazing breed with you! AKC proudly supports dedicated and responsible breeders. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder. Amanda Bogart. Email: charliehoskins13 comcast. Hoskins Pugs is run by a retired military, Pug-loving, family from Olympia, Washington. They care about producing top of the line, quality Pugs from their own home. All Pugs are clean, well cared for, and an important part of the Hoskins family. Aura Pugs Email: aurapugs gmail. They strive to always put health first and do their best to better the breed. Aura Pugs tests for health concerns and have their Pugs evaluated and vetted at different stages. All dogs are raised in the home as members of the family, promoting good social skills and manners. Aura Pugs show their dogs regularly throughout the Northwest, and invite prospective owners to come and visit them. These breeders have a dedication and commitment to the Pug breed that drives them to provide a loving haven for their dogs. All Pups are well socialized and bred to AKC standards with parents on site. C Pride Pugs go to their forever homes equipped with AKC registration papers, vet checks, dewclaw removal, vaccinations, and deworming. All Pug parents are genetically tested and puppies are sold as pets with a limited AKC registration. Puppies are baby checked and microchipped before being rehomed and come with a health guarantee and lifelong advice. This Pug loving family from Washington wants to spread the joy that Pugs bring to others. All Grumble of Love Pugs are bred from the comfort of the family home. Each pup is loved and cared for by Aneta, her husband Chris, and their two boys. She is a longtime breeder of Pugs with a special interest in colored Pugs. Her dogs are all pets and live in the home with humans. Puppies have the opportunity to become well socialized with children, adults, and other dogs. Stephanie is available for advice for as long as you might need. They love their dogs and show commitment to the betterment of the breed in everything they do. But how can you spot reputable breeders when you start searching for a Pug puppy? Here are some tips to help you out. A good breeder will… 1. Issue a health guarantee Make sure that your breeder of choice offers a health guarantee. A reputable Pug breeder will write up a binding health guarantee for all of their puppies. The guarantee protects you against any genetic defects or diseases. It shows that the breeder is confident that their puppies are bred according to best practices. This means if you can no longer look after your pup for some reason, you will be expected to return the puppy to the breeder rather than taking them to a shelter. Provide standard health clearances Your breeder should have full health clearances for both parent Pugs. Good breeders often provide some early health-check clearances for their pups too, although some health clearances simply cannot be carried on such young pups. Issue a written bill of sale Reputable breeders offer written bills of sale to all of their new Pug parents. This bill of sale should be signed and will outline all the roles and responsibilities to be taken on by the buyer and seller as part of the transaction. Vaccinate their puppies All puppies should be up to date on their vaccinations before being homed with new families. Your breeder of choice should be able to provide evidence of these vaccinations. Reputable breeders welcome prospective parents into their homes to see the puppies. Follow age guidelines Puppies should never leave the litter before 8 weeks of age. Any breeder offering pups for adoption before this time is not following best practices. In fact, this could be quite damaging for the puppy developmentally. A reputable breeder will keep their pups at home until eight to twelve weeks so that they can be properly socialized and spend that crucial time with their mother and litter-mates. Answer your questions Last, but not least, a reputable breeder will be knowledgeable. In most cases, they will also want to ask you plenty of questions to ensure that their precious pups are going to good homes. We have a strict selection process that takes a variety of factors into account. That way we can ensure that only the best breeders end up on our lists. This way we know that our chosen breeders offer genetically sound and healthy puppies. Health testing shows a commitment to the health and wellbeing of each Pug. Contact information Any breeder that does not offer up their contact information is a big red flag. A reputable breeder will make it easy for you to get in contact with them by providing telephone numbers, email addresses, and they will usually have a well-established website as well. It shows a commitment to breeding best practices. Event participation Breeders who also compete in doggie events are often some of the best. Because these people tend to be dog lovers par excellence. They live and breathe for their Pugs and are proud to show them off in public. They are also more likely to have a high level of breed knowledge — an excellent sign for a breeder. Breed club membership There are lots of breed clubs out there that breeders can register with. These clubs have rules, regulations, and membership fees. If your breeder is registered with the Pug Dog Club of America, this is a great sign showing commitment to the Pug breed. Recognition awards Lastly, we look out for awards! Institutions like the AKC recognize the efforts and achievements of top breeders. The very best will be awarded the AKC recognition of merit award. During this time we recommend getting everything ready before your new arrival rattles through the front door. Your puppy will need: a crate for sleeping and training during the early days quality puppy-grade food a leash and harness plenty of toys You may also wish to purchase a puppy gate if there are areas of your home that you want to keep your Pug away from. This is all about making your home as safe as possible for your new arrival. Make sure anything that could potentially cause harm to your pup is removed. Clear your schedule Having a Pug puppy is a bit like having a human baby. So make sure to clear your schedule and get all of those errands done ahead of time! Once they arrive… 4. Avoid crowds Hold your excitement. That means no crowds. Try to keep the home environment as stress-free as possible so that your puppy can settle in and start to feel part of the family. Crate training is the first step. Lay down a regular routine from the get to and your Pug will be good as gold in no time. Questions about Pug puppies for sale in Seattle WA? We have answers. How much are Pug puppies for sale in Seattle WA? Uptown aims to make your search for a Pug for sale in Seattle as simple and seamless as possible. To start off, simply check out the currently available Pugs for sale from the trusted breeders and vetted businesses of the Uptown network. You can directly contact the breeders to learn more and then make arrangements for pick-up or delivery of your dog. What are some of the common Pug health problems? Just like any other breed out there, Seattle Pugs for sale can suffer from certain health issues. Due to their flat faces, Pugs can have respiratory problems and eye issues too. They may also develop hip dysplasia and patellar luxation as they get older. Pugs are also prone to obesity, so they require regular exercise. What makes Uptown different from other sites selling Pugs? We know you've got lots of options when looking for Pug breeders Seattle, but we aim to be your number one choice. Other sites can sometimes supply dogs from low-quality breeders, but we do things differently. At Uptown, we always scan and review the breeders and businesses that apply to join us, only approving the very best sellers of Pug puppies Seattle. What are puppy mills and are they safe? If you want to find a happy and healthy dog from an ethical, reliable source, we recommend avoiding puppy mills at all costs. The people running these mills only care about profits, and their pups often pay the price, commonly suffering from health and behavioral issues. You won't find any puppy mill Pug puppies for sale in Seattle here on Uptown. What about backyard breeders? Backyard breeders have a lot in common with puppy mills but simply operate on a smaller scale. They're usually independent breeders, operating in their own backyards. If you see a suspiciously cheap Pug for sale Seattle, it probably comes from a backyard breeder. These dogs often have health issues and problems that require big vet bills to fix. Choose Uptown to find your Seattle Pug for sale without worrying about backyard breeders. Are Pugs good family dogs? If you're looking for a family dog, it's important to find one that is calm, loving, loyal, and playful. Some breeds are better suited for family life than others, and the Pug is one of them. Lots of families have found endless happiness after buying Pugs for sale Seattle, and these dogs are simply terrific with children of all ages. Are Pugs suitable for apartments? If you live in an apartment or small home, you need to think carefully before adopting a dog. Some breeds don't do too well in little spaces, but Pugs are great for apartment life in general. They don't need huge homes or big backyards to be happy, but if you are considering Seattle Pugs for sale and you live in an apartment, make sure to take your pup outside for regular walks, otherwise, it may start to gain weight. Can I only search with local breeders? In general, we recommend trying to find a local Seattle Pug puppy for sale whenever possible, as this just makes things simpler in terms of meeting the breeder and bringing your pup home. However, you're absolutely free to search throughout the entire Uptown network for your perfect Pug, including breeders and businesses all across America. If your pup is too far to collect by car, the breeder will be able to fly it over to an airport near you. How do you screen breeders selling Pug puppies? There are plenty of Pug breeders in Seattle, but they're not all equal in terms of ethics, professionalism, and other key criteria. We're only interested in working with honest and trusted breeders, so we established our Breeder Pledge, outlining a set of standards for every breeder and business in the Uptown family to live up to. Here, you'll only find the finest providers of Pugs for sale in Seattle, guaranteed. How much are Pugs? Pug puppies for sale Seattle can vary in price quite wildly, depending on who you're buying from, where the pup is located, and what it looks like. Some rare and more desirable Pugs with specific coat colors might be more expensive, for example, but here at Uptown, you'll find a good range of Pug Seattle prices from our vetted breeders and businesses.
The protein will come from readily available sources such as chicken or beef, and not exotic or boutique sources like kangaroo or venison as you saw in second study mentioned above. According to the AKC , quality, regulated animal byproducts can be good for your dog. These byproducts can include organ meats or entrails, which often contain more nutrients than, say, plain chicken breast. Another misconception is that dogs should eat grain-free diets. As you saw in the second study mentioned above, that can actually be very harmful for your dog and cause DCM. But food labels can be a little vague and confusing, so below is an explanation of what some of these terms mean, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual and the AKC. There is one caveat though. For instance, flaked corn, ground corn, and kibbled corn could be sprinkled in an ingredient list and not be listed as the first few ingredients, but in reality, if you were to add them all up they are all corn, after all , you might find that this food is made mostly of corn. The same goes for chicken, chicken meal, and chicken byproduct. Meat vs. Meat Meal vs. The quality of these ingredients can vary widely, so be sure to talk to your vet about this and choose a reputable brand of food. Below are a few examples: Obesity. Golden Retrievers love food and they do have a tendency to become overweight if you let them. This problem can often affect these next two problems… Joint issues. Golden Retrievers are prone to joint issues and growing too fast because they eat too much can often make this problem worse more on this in the next section. Heart issues. Skin issues. Golden Retrievers are prone to hot spots and excess protein in their diets can be a factor that causes them. Many goldens suffer from food allergies. One cup of Brand X food may have calories per cup, while Brand Y has calories per cup. During a vet visit our veterinarian said he looked too small and lethargic for a puppy his age about 8 weeks at the time , and he recommended we feed him a little more. As far as how often to feed your puppy, this same rule applies. For us, we fed Oliver three times per day until he was a little over a year old. Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy? Get the gameplan for raising them right with the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook. Those two statements may sound random, but they are related. According to the Banfield Pet Hospital , overfeeding your Golden Retriever can cause them to grow too fast and increase their risk of hip dysplasia. You probably noticed that a raw diet was the fourth-most popular diet Golden Retriever owners feed their dog. Since puppies are growing and adults are just maintaining their weight, they have different dietary needs. And for fats, puppy food should have at least 8. As far as when to switch from puppy food to adult food, talk to your veterinarian. To see a list of other milestones your puppy will hit like when they lose their first teeth, or when their coat is fully grown check out this timeline of Golden Retriever puppy milestones. Like most of the other questions in this post, this is something to talk to your veterinarian about. Many foods will have the same vitamins that pills have already in them, but on the other hand, some breeders require that you give your puppy vitamins for their health guarantee to be valid. First, we unknowingly started him off on one of the brands listed in the graph above that is correlated with DCM. Then we switched to another brand that he just sort of liked. If we were to have another puppy, we would definitely start with the Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy food. How To Switch Food Brands The other day I was talking to someone who was complaining that her puppy was having lots of stomach issues. Dogs have sensitive stomachs so if you want to switch foods, you need to do it slowly. You should take about a week to transition from the old food to the new brand. Also consider how long the brand of food has been around, whether or not there have been any recalls of that brand, and if there is any research behind it. What do you feed your Golden Retriever puppy? Have any questions about what to feed them? Let me know in the comments below! Related articles:. Royal Canin makes dry food tailored explicitly to particular breeds. Its Golden food variation uses chicken and brown rice ingredients to support digestive health, strong bones, and a healthy coat. Gorgeous coats, healthy body conditions, great activity levels- perfect puppies! With a combination of healthy proteins, fruits, vegetables, and more, this dry dog food will encourage healthy muscle development in your Golden Retriever as well as strong teeth, a healthy heart, and improved skin and coat texture. Looking at the ingredients makes me feel that I have purchased a quality product for my guy. With ingredients like real protein, fruits, and vegetables, this dry food increases energy, strengthens bones, improves immune strength, and neutralizes free radicals. Her coat is healthier and shiny. She even trimmed down a little as her old dog food was making her fat. They produce high-quality dog food for your Golden Retriever at an affordable price. Veterinarians recommend IAMS Proactive Health because it uses ingredients like animal protein and antioxidant-rich veggies to nourish your dog and meet their complete health needs. Highly recommend it. Good for maintaining a decent weight too. Gobbles it down! With fish as the main protein, this kibble promotes a gorgeous coat and healthy skin and improves digestive issues. He eats it enthusiastically, and it has really helped him thrive! He is energetic, has a gorgeous coat, and devours his meals! She is a much happier dog. The Save Shredded Puppy Blend includes probiotics to help ease the digestion in growing Golden Retriever puppies with sensitive stomachs. I mix it with wet food, and he loves it. He loves the chunks of shredded chicken! I highly recommend it. This large-breed dry food can help your Golden Retriever maintain a healthy coat and great skin as well as smooth digestion. All of them love this food! Their coats are shiny and soft, and their poops are small! The exclusive formula also increases energy levels! We tried another brand, and it caused all kinds of allergic reactions. We went back to Eagle Pack, and all is right again. Great product! That may be because they have a senior Golden Retriever who is struggling with dental issues or feel that dehydrated food options are healthier. This particular food contains real protein and essential nutrients that can benefit dogs of all ages. Once we got this, she became a food-crazed puppy! This food includes a combination of freeze-dried raw-coated kibble with real pieces of freeze-dried raw meat! This variety has lots of meat sources plus several strains of probiotics. In general, your dog will benefit from puppy food from about 8 weeks of age until they are six months to a year old. Check with your vet to determine the right time to switch from a puppy food to one for adult dogs, as recommendations vary based on the size of your dog. A few days later, you can begin making it a half-and-half blend. Make sure to watch for loose stool from your pup as you transition — if you notice that your Golden is struggling with the new diet, wait for a few days before increasing the blend. When in doubt, check with your vet! Most dog foods come with specific volumes listed on the side. Overfeeding your pet can lead to a variety of health concerns. To determine what food will suit your dog the best, check out 17 of the top dog foods on the market for Golden Retrievers, no matter their age. Check with your vet to determine whether your Golden will need any special dietary considerations. Foods considered toxic to Golden Retrievers are macadamia nuts, chocolate, onions, garlic cloves, grapes, raisins, walnuts, alcohol, and any foods sweetened with xylitol. Try to avoid feeding your Golden food containing any of these ingredients. Grain is an essential component to the diet of Golden Retrievers. The absence of grain has been known to lead to a deficiency in taurine, which can potentially cause heart problems for your golden. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Feeding Your Golden Feeding Your Golden With the wide array of foods available today, it can be hard to make a good choice of what to feed your golden. Goldens are particularly sensitive to dietary concerns, and feeding them a high quality diet can help boost their health and immune system. Feeding a high quality food is not necessarily more expensive. Price is misleading: cheaper foods require more volume to be fed, up to several cups at each meal. With the wide array of better foods available today, you can make a smart choice of what to feed your golden. A golden will normally eat about two cups of premium food per day. It can be adjusted a little more or less based on activity level and metabolism. Goldens are prone to skin problems, and a poor quality diet will cause skin problems which translates into costly veterinarian bills. You will need to go to the pet store to purchase your food. Grocery store brands do not offer the nutrition goldens need for good health. Do not be persuaded by fancy advertising. Many commonly hyped foods are not high quality and maybe lacking the necessary nutritional value for your dog. For example, Grain Free foods may play a major part in taurine deficiency in Golden Retrievers and other large breed dogs. This deficiency can cause serious heart problems for your dog see Taurine and Grain Free information on this web page. Here are some guidelines: Look for food free of chemical preservatives. Some of these additives are suspected of causing cancer. Look for food preserved with Tocopherols Vitamins C and E as well as rosemary and other herbs. Make sure you have several months before this date. Frequent stores where there is a good turnover of food so you get a fresh bag. Always store dog food in a tight airtight container in a cool, dry place. If you only have one dog, consider buying pound bags instead of pounds bags so the food is fresher. Look for a food that has some form of meat as the first ingredient — such as lamb, chicken, or turkey. Avoid foods that have grain as the first ingredient. Also look for multiple meat proteins in the first seven ingredients. Protein from multiple sources is generally viewed as being beneficial such as lamb, chicken and fish , unless your dog is allergic to certain proteins. Dog food companies sometimes list several types of grains in the first seven ingredients. Beware of this — your dog needs animal protein in his diet! These are the intestines of the animal including what is in the intestines!! Most by-products are not desirable. By-products normally contain beaks, feet, feathers, heads and other slaughterhouse wastes — not the most nutritious part of the animal. Avoid foods that have sugars or artificial colors or flavors or a lot of added salt. Semi-moist dog foods are the worst — they usually are loaded with artificial colors and sugars. Added vitamins and minerals are beneficial only when applied after the baking process, because heat destroys vitamins. The best foods are made up of ingredients that would be suitable for human consumption. Most dog foods contain meat products that are not fit for human consumption. They can include meat from diseased livestock, condemned material from slaughterhouses such as tumors cut away from meat , and as horrible as it sounds, some pet foods include euthanized pets sold to rendering plants and even road kill. Is it any wonder why so many dogs die from cancer when they are being fed meat from these sources? Grains — many dog foods will contain some grains, for example, brown rice, barley, corn, wheat, etc. We have found that some goldens in our rescue program generally do poorly on a food that contains corn or soy. Many goldens are allergic to corn or wheat. So if your golden starts getting a lot of hot spots or skin problems — check his food. There is a big difference in quality of grain products. Look for whole rice or brown rice in the ingredients; white rice and ground brewers rice are much lower in nutrients than whole or brown rice. Often pet food companies take the sweepings off the mill floor and put it in pet food. Look for whole grains instead such as oatmeal, brown rice, barley, or whole oats. Grain Free foods. Grain Free foods have become increasingly available as food companies try to offer foods that are easier to digest with lower levels of complex carbohydrates and grains. One misconception is that grain free dog food is also low-carb, however, vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, green peas and tapioca often replace the grains in grain-free dog foods, especially in kibble foods, making them as high or higher in carbohydrates than grain-based dog foods. Studies have shown peas, beans, pea starch, legumes, potatoes and sweet potatoes that have replaced the grains in dog foods block the function of taurine. Taurine, a sulfuric acid, is essential for healthy cardiovascular function in Golden Retrievers. If left untreated, taurine deficiency in Golden Retrievers can cause dilated cardiomyopathy DCM , congestive heart failure and possibly death. Read all the ingredients in the food which should include taurine and check with your veterinarian before selecting or feeding any grain free food to your dog. Detailed information on dog food ingredients and taurine can be found on this web page under Taurine and Grain Free information and at: Diet Associated Heart Disease Treats — beware of many dog treats out there. They are filled with sugars, preservatives and artificial colors. Try buying biscuits at your local dog bakery or making some yourself. The dog food companies listed below have high quality treats available for your dog. Is your dog overweight? Beware of some diet dog foods, they can be loaded with fillers that provide no added nutrition. At least green beans are healthy. You can also use canned pumpkin. Typically goldens love it! DO NOT free feed your golden; instead feed a measured amount of food twice a day. Most adult goldens will eat 1 cup of premium dog food twice a day. Is your dog too fat? You should be able to feel its ribs and your dog should have a waist. We have found that we have a different view of what constitutes a fat dog than many veterinarians. They will typically allow dogs to carry more weight than is optimal. This perhaps is because they do not want to insult their clients and risk losing business. Letting your golden get too fat is like chopping years off of its life. We also see lots of hip problems with goldens, and keeping weight in check will give your dog better mobility. Fat goldens are an epidemic from our experience. We routinely get goldens into our rescue program that have to lose 30 — 40 pounds!!! Therefore we have a lot of experience at taking the weight off! It is very discouraging and upsetting when an adoptive home will let some weight creep back on. You may think you are loving your dog by giving it too much to eat, but if you really love it you will keep it at a normal weight. Remember — Ribs and Waists! Can you feel and see them on your dog? If not, break open the cans of green beans! The bottom line is read the ingredients, consult your veterinarian and research reliable resources. Making sure your dog has the best nutritional food will help to insure he has a long and healthy life. Here, from Whole Dog Journal, are some additional links for selecting best dry dog food and the best canned dog reviews. Goldens Rescued Since .They are growing quickly, so while they eat smaller quantities of food than adult dogs, they need to extract far more nutrients like protein, minerals, and vitamins, to sustain their growth and development. Different Dogs, Different Diets Nutritional needs vary from breed to breed. One only needs to look at golden retrievers to know they require a different diet than a Chihuahua! For example, joint and bone problems are much more common in big dogs than in little ones, but choosing the right puppy food can reduce the risk. Large-breed puppy food has reduced amounts of calcium and phosphorus, which helps control the rate of skeletal growth. Also, you may find puppy foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility. By consuming too much food, your puppy will have elevated levels of the very nutrients that should be limited. Additionally, overweight puppies may develop other health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Good eating habits developed during puppyhood will lead to a healthy mature dog in the years to come. Nutrition For The Outside One of the most visible components of your dog is its fur. Nutrition plays a vital role in this area. A large percentage of the protein your puppy takes in goes towards maintaining its coat. Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for healthy skin and fur. Which Food Do I Choose? There will always be those who buy the cheapest brand on the market. Some will opt for the most expensive, while others will simply go with a brand name they recognize. The key is to find the right food for your particular puppy. One thing you cannot afford to ignore is the nutritional content. Because they are still growing, puppies need more protein than adults. Proteins foster muscle growth and development in puppies and lean muscle maintenance in adults, so the more of it there is in a diet, the better it is for your growing retriever. Fats, too, are important for golden puppies because they provide the energy required for everyday activities. You should be careful, however, not to feed your golden excess calories because this will result in excess weight or obesity. Eventually, your dog will end up battling joint problems. For instance, less expensive dog foods typically have lower-quality ingredients. The contents are often inexpensive, low-grade animal protein sources, like by-products and fillers. Fillers are frequently things like cornmeal, rice flour, or seed hulls. In general, thoroughly review the nutritional content of your chosen diet. Are the ingredients wholesome and natural? Does the diet have controlled calcium and phosphorous levels? Is the calorie and fat content limited to manage growth? Does the label state that the diet is complete and balanced? This can lead to obesity and will certainly cause increased defecation. The latter of these two issues will make house training more difficult than it already is. By contrast, costlier dog foods usually have higher-quality ingredients. The scales will be tipped heavily in favor of high-grade animal protein sources and fillers will be few and far between. Price is not, however, a guarantee of quality. The best dog foods for a golden retriever puppy are made with high-quality natural ingredients and have high levels of protein. Make sure the food is complete and balanced for daily feeding and formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large breed puppies. At this point, golden retriever puppies have likely already been switched to dry puppy food and you should continue feeding your pup the same type of food the breeder used. From the day you bring them home until they are six months old, you should feed your golden retriever puppy three times a day. Ideally, your pup should have breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. A grain-free diet is the default meal for golden retrievers that are sensitive to grains, but if your dog is healthy, feeding her such a meal boils down to choice. A lot has been said about grain-free diets. Reports and studies have been carried out in recent years trying to establish any connection between it and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy DCM. That all starts with choosing the best puppy food for golden retrievers. Avoid low-cost foods that are more filler than substance, and look for better foods that are packed with nutrients to help your puppy grow. In particular, consider trying a large breed formula to meet the specific needs of your golden retriever puppy. Good nutrition is an essential part of any health regimen, and providing high-quality puppy food will lay the foundation for a long, and enjoyable life. You May Also Like. They are famously loving and playful family pets, always eager to jump in the pool or snuggle up with you on the lounge. They are patient and energetic dogs who are easy to train, making them excellent service animals as well as loyal companions. If you are bringing a Goldie into your family, you might also be aware of their reputation as food lovers. Your Goldie might want to eat anything and everything you put in their bowl — and maybe even anything left on an unattended plate. In this Golden Retriever feeding guide, Hypro Premium will take you through everything you need to know when it comes to food options for your pup. The best food for most young puppies is milk. If you are weaning a puppy, you can start to mix in a little dry kibble with their puppy milk to create a paste. You can feed this mix to your puppy up to four times a day, slowly reducing the amount of milk you mix in. Over time, your Goldie puppy will get more comfortable with solid foods, until you no longer need to include any milk in their diet. While chubby little puppies are cute, your Goldie should not build up too much excess fat once you start feeding them solids. Goldies go from a small 4kg puppy at 7 weeks old to an almost 30 kg adult dog in the space of only 10 months. At six months old your puppy will still be growing, but more slowly as they reach most of their body development milestones. This is why appropriate feeding in the first year of their life is vital to the overall health of your Goldie for years to come. Over time this can increase to up to 4 cups a day at 10 months old, though females should usually only need 3 cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy is often dependent on their size and sex. While they may have some growing left to do, it depends on your dog. Some Goldies will continue to experience growth spurts before their second birthday, while others will stay the same size. Large breeds can be at risk of growing too fast, which can make them more vulnerable to skeletal and weight problems when they get older. Golden retrievers are especially prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be avoided through diet control. You should feed your Goldie between 3 — 4 cups of food per day over two meals. Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs. This is important to take into consideration as you are establishing a feeding schedule for a Golden Retriever puppy. Puppies require more calories to support their rapid growth than adult dogs, but they also have much smaller stomachs, which means they get fuller faster. Because of this, puppies can easily overeat, especially Golden Retrievers. You can help your puppy avoid overeating by allowing them a short amount of time to eat, and then removing their bowl. All puppies grow a lot during their first year, but large breed puppies are more likely to suffer from negative health consequences as a result. In order to provide your Golden Retriever puppy with the most appropriate food to support their rapid growth, consider choosing a large breed puppy food. Goldie puppies need lots of protein, fibre, and fatty acids to support the development of their bodies and provide them with energy. These foods also take into account the difference in nutrient digestion between small and large breeds. Too much of these nutrients can cause your large breed puppy to develop skeletal abnormalities. So how much do you feed a Golden Retriever? Your adult Goldie could need anywhere between and 1, calories per day. The amount of food you feed your dog will be determined by a few important factors. The first thing to consider is the sex of your dog. On average, your male Golden Retriever will need slightly more food than a female dog. Senior dogs will usually be less active and so will need less food. Goldies in particular can have a lot of variation in the amount of food they need on a daily basis. No matter how much you feed your dog, it is ideal that you feed your adult Golden Retriever two meals a day at evenly spaced time intervals. Feeding your dog twice, once in the morning and again in the evening, can be useful for establishing a routine and avoiding overfeeding. This routine can also include exercise, and is useful for encouraging healthy behaviour around food and toilet training. Special Considerations Your Golden Retriever could be predisposed to several health conditions that are important to consider when you make decisions about their diet. Firstly, Golden Retrievers are known for their beautiful coats, but their skin can often become infected. Goldies love swimming, but this can cause problems if water irritates their skin. They can also be susceptible to atopic dermatitis, which causes extreme itchiness, resulting in licking and biting behaviours in dogs that can cause even more damage. For dogs prone to skin and coat issues, a fish-based diet can help alleviate symptoms. Fish contains plenty of fatty acids, which support coat and skin health, and rarely triggers any allergic reaction in dogs. Goldies often benefit from healthy grains in their diet, especially as avoiding them can actually leave your dog more vulnerable to nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy, or nutritional DCM. This heart disease is common in Golden Retrievers, and can be triggered by consuming too much grain-free pet food that contains legumes like lentils and peas. You should consider feeding your Golden Retriever foods that are full of grains and proteins like chicken or fish. These are the benefits and drawbacks of the three most popular options — wet food, a raw food diet, and dry food. Wet food can be a great option for dogs that need plenty of protein and fat, like working dogs or dogs with certain health conditions. It also hydrates your dog while they eat, which can be useful for dogs suffering from any illness. For dogs with highly restrictive diets, raw food prepared by you can be a great way to avoid allergens. You can have complete control over a raw diet, which does require a lot more work on your part, but can have great results. For instance, a Golden Retriever with heart issues should eat a low salt diet, which can be easier to achieve if you are preparing their meals from scratch. However, low quality kibbles tend to be made up of a lot of low quality fillers, which can be hard for your pup to digest. Whatever option you choose for your Goldie, make sure it is suitable for large breeds and contains high quality ingredients. This will help prevent degenerative health disorders in the long run. Your Golden Retriever will probably love food, and will probably try to eat anything you put in front of them, which means you need to help them avoid the negative consequences of overeating. Golden retrievers, like other large and active breeds, need plenty of exercise. Not only is this vital to their physical health, but it also ensures they grow up well socialised and mentally stimulated. As your Goldie grows from a puppy to an adult dog, the amount of meals they need a day will reduce as their digestive systems become more developed. Your dog will need two meals a day, once in the evening and once in the morning, from the age of 6 months.
how often should i feed my bulldog puppy - When in doubt, ask your veterinarian, but a few guidelines can help you determine what your pug should and should not eat. Remember though that pugs are genetically susceptible to obesity. Feed your pug two smaller meals each day. The exact size of the meal will depend on the type of food you are feeding it. Check the package for daily recommended feeding amounts. Dry Dog Food Pugs can thrive on dry dog food that is formulated for small breeds. There are countless commercial brands to choose from, so find one that your pug likes and seems to do well on. The best foods include a real source of protein, such as chicken, beef or lamb as the heaviest weighted ingredient. Check the ingredient list on the package. Purchase foods for your pug that contain real meat first. The food will also contain carbohydrates such as rice, soy or wheat as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Avoid foods that are formulated for large breeds. Large breed food can also help your pug get fat quickly. Wet Dog Food Commercially prepared wet dog foods are also available. Your pug will enjoy these, but use extra caution if you choose to feed your pug wet food. Canned or wet foods can contain extra calories or fat. They can also be more expensive. If your pug really enjoys wet foods, try giving it special meals once a week or on holidays and special occasions. Feed your pug dry food the rest of the time. Homemade or Raw Diet If you have time and money to spare, you can feed your dog a raw or homemade diet. You can cook meat or leave it raw. Use chicken, beef or lamb. Grind meat up and combine it with carbohydrates such as cooked potatoes. Always store homemade food in the freezer and thaw before mealtimes. Otherwise the food may spoil and make your pug sick. Talk to your veterinarian before choosing a homemade or raw diet. He can recommend portion sizes as well as fruits, vegetables or supplements to help your pug get all of the nutrients it needs. Treats, Bones and Chews Rawhides, real beef bone and pig ear chews are safe for your pug. Avoid giving your pug chicken bones or other small bones such as fish that can splinter and cause choking. You can also give your pug the occasional treat. There are hundreds of treats to choose from at any pet store, and your pug will probably have its favorites. Cheese, cooked hot dog, and small bites of cooked meat are also popular dog treats that many trainers rely on. Treats can be fattening, and limiting them will keep your pug at a healthy weight. Other foods, however are toxic and should be avoided as much as possible. Fruits such as grapes and currants, as well as the pits of peaches, plums or cherries can be harmful for your pug and cause a variety of health problems from kidney failure to heart disease. Avocado, mushrooms, garlic, onions, green tomatoes and raw potatoes can also be harmful. Never give your pug alcohol or drugs such as tobacco. Keep coffee, chocolate and other foods containing caffeine away from your pug as well. If you can, keep your pug out of your garbage can. You may find yourself on the dog food isle trying to make sense of all the ingredients, types of foods and categories. And all you want to know is… How often and what should I feed my Pug? Every dog is different, every type of food has its specific quantities and it even varies between brands. Start simple and figure out all the details and methods. I have collected information about the different types, brands pros and cons of dog feeding to try and give an unbiased as much as I can look, so you can make a better-informed choice which will be right for you and your Pug. Remember, people care deeply about their dogs and will often get very emotional about the health and feeding they chose. Having been the owner of a pet store, I have learned that although I have my personal preferences and very good reasons for them, others may have different choices and they believe they are the right ones for them. There are a lot of issues to consider. How Many times a day should I feed My Pug? A mature Pug can easily live a healthy life with one meal which provides all his nutritional needs. In most cases, it is more convenient for both us and the pug to split this to two meals. If your Pug had a full meal in the morning, be sure he will nag you like crazy in the afternoon. Puppies have smaller stomachs and need, relative to their size, a larger quantity of food so it is better to break it up to three or even four meals a day. If you are around your Pug all day and prefer to give 4 meals a day to a mature dog, there is no harm in it, as long as the overall daily quantity stays the same. Free Buffet or Set meals? Pugs are notorious for becoming overweight and need to be limited to a set amount. If your Pug is not typical in that sense, you are welcome to put the full daily portion in the bowl and see how long it lasts. One more reason for set meals is monitoring. You want to know how much you Pug eats. If you want your Pug to lose weight, you need to know how much he is eating in order to cut down. On the flip side, if your Pug is not eating the usual amounts it may be an indication of a medical condition. What food do Pugs Eat? Pugs love food. They love treats, dry food, wet food, table scraps, raw meat, cooked meat, spicy meat and meat gone bad. In rural areas and farms, they may have also got more meaty scraps. Our Pugs who grew up with Emperors and Royalty were probably treated to high quality scraps. Today, dry bagged kibble or canned wet food are the standard for most homes, although there is a growing number of people and companies promoting more natural diets of either raw or cooked food for dogs. Every type of food claims to be the healthiest, more appropriate, tailored and nutritional. Kibble Kibble is the most common dog food available and has become the staple for the average dog. Pros of Kibble The makers of dry food claim it has the most balanced and scientifically based formulas to provide the best nutrition for a dog. They also tailor these formulas to dogs of different size, breed, age or other needs. Even the most discerning dog owners should be able a composition to satisfy them. The ingredient list is unclear and misleading. There are numerous food recalls yearly. There are websites dedicated just to keep up with the recalls. Teeth are going to need cleaning. Wet canned food Aside from the meatier texture and the higher water content, there is little difference between kibble and the canned, wet counterpart. The ingredients can be similar and so are the health benefits. Some dog owners report that wet food makes for softer stools when fed exclusively. Many dog owners will give a combination of wet and dry food. Home cooked As with human food there is a growing number of people fed up Pun intended with commercial and over engineered food. Raw food Also called the BARF Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods , the idea behind it is that the dogs digestive system has not evolved as their behavior, and much like wild dogs or wolves, they should eat the equivalent to small animals they would pray on in nature. Since dogs are also scavengers this diet will include some vegetables, berries etc. The pros As with the home-cooked diet, you have total control of ingredients and quality No preservatives, additives, fillers etc. You need to learn how to make, takes time Ingredients like bones and internal organs may not be available in your area. Can be pricy. Even More expensive if buying ready and frozen. Takes freezer space Raw Disclaimer I am a little bias towards raw food. I used to own a pet food store specializing in raw food for cats and dogs and I have been feeding my own Pugs raw food for over twelve years. Obviously, I am very happy with the raw diet and its outcomes as switching to dry food would have been easy and cheap. I believe it is the better choice for myself and my dogs. I believe I have presented the facts fairly objectively as far as the other feeding options go. There is no standard or way to measure what natural is and what the added value of it is other then the origin of it. Natural color could come from some secretion of an insect. Special Needs Puppies These little ones need the most nutritious and high-quality food you can find. If you want to find an economic way to feed your dog, please do it later in his life. Allergies Pugs are relatively sensitive to allergies. In some cases, this is due to an external source such as home detergents, but more often than not it has to do with their diet. There are a few brands that you can try with low, or no grain. If you are feeding your pug home cooked food or a raw diet, taking the carbs and grain out would be easy. Our Pugs were and are on a raw diet from day one and we never had any issues with allergies, except for one time. We started noticing that Preston had pinkish skin around his paws and around the nose fold. Since we owned a pet food store specializing in raw food, at the time convenient, I know we tried different types of meats, but nothing helped. It took us some time to realize the cause. We had our baby daughter at the time, and since she was very close and intimate with Preston, and he was eating raw, we made sure to wipe his mouth and feet with baby wipes after every meal. The baby wipes were the culprits. We switched them both to hypo-allergenic wipes and the skin went back to normal… Hip Dysplasia Pugs are ranked as one of the breeds with the highest chances of suffering from Hip Dysplasia. This can lead to trouble in walking and running and arthritis may follow as well. If your Pug is suffering from Hip Dysplasia to any extent you may want to either supplement their diet with Chondroitin and Glucosamine or to choose a brand that is made for joint support. Vets and nutrition. Having said that, if I needed nutritional advice, I would go to a nutritionist and not to my Doctor. The nutrition training vets get in many schools is provided by agents of the commercial food companies who are bias at best. Skipping meals Dogs will sometimes skip a meal. It is natural for them as food is not something that was always available on daily base. It is not typical for Pugs but it may happen. If it happens it will probably be a one meal deal. If your Pug misses a few meals in a row you may want to consult a vet. Treats and snacks I try and think of treats and snacks the same way I think of candy for my daughters. If the amount of treats your Pug is rivals the actual food, in quantity, you should reconsider or at least re calculate it. If you are using kibble both at meals and as treats for training, and your stubborn Pug ends up consuming a lot of treats, just take it off the next meal. The same goes for snacks. They should be a part of the total daily feeding and not extra. How long can a pug go without eating? An adult Pug can probably survive many days without food, but no Pug would stand for it. Unless your Pug has a medical condition, he will surely let you know he is hungry. Do make sure that your Pug is not deprived of fresh drinking water at all times. More so if the weather is hot and if he is on a dry food diet and has no other source of hydration. What if my Pug is overweight? Pugs love to eat and have a tendency to eat too much. A chubby Pug is very cute, but at some point, it becomes a health issue. Overweight Pugs may suffer from a wide range of conditions and or aggravate others. Conclusion Food is an important part of your Pugs life and will directly affect his health and well-being. Do make sure you know what your Pug is eating, the quality as well as the quantities. Actually, yes. This is an actual condition called Eye Displacement or Proptosis. It is not a common occurrence but with extreme trauma or circumstances it may happen. In most cases the condition is treatable. More on the condition here… Are Pugs Loving? Pugs have been bred as companion dogs for over two thousand years. Being with people is almost in their DNA. So yes, Pugs love to cuddle, snuggle and just be in contact or as close as they can to their human friends. More on Pug Love here. This food is made for Pugs ages 8 weeks to 10 months. On the other hand, the ingredients list for this food leaves something to be desired. It lists brewers rice as the main ingredient with the second ingredient being chicken by-product meal. For such an expensive Pug food, they sure skimped on the quality of the ingredients! Pros Supports healthy skin, digestive health, and natural defenses Specially shaped kibble is easier for brachycephalic dogs to pick up Cons Brewers rice is the main ingredient 4. It might be expensive, but if you can afford it, it could help keep your pug pup healthy and happy for the long haul. Pros Helps support healthy brain and eye development Contains omega fatty acids for improved skin and coat Lists deboned chicken as the main ingredient Cons 5. Their Wilderness Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog Food formula takes things even further with higher levels of protein than their original formula. The use of high-quality ingredients in high concentrations is what earns this food its rather expensive price tag. More than just healthy whole-food ingredients, this food is also fortified with healthful nutrients and supplements. Furthermore, it contains an optimal blend of essential vitamins including calcium, phosphorus, and more, to help support healthy bone growth. Pros Contains high levels of protein Uses high-quality ingredients Packed with healthful nutrients and supplements Cons More expensive than most puppy foods 6. We loved the large pound quantity you can buy it in and the relatively affordable price. Others ate the food but had difficulty digesting it. Still, dogs with sensitive stomachs, in particular, would do well to avoid this food. And the total number of dogs all breeds in the reports are .So while this is something that should be monitored and many more studies need to be done, it's important to keep in mind that this is a very small number compared to the estimated 77 million dogs in the U. The latest update is that there are no recalls at this moment that are linked to this issue. The Best Food for Pug Puppies and Adults What to Avoid: Quite a few ingredients that are found in a lot of dog food brands can be severely detrimental to a Pug and cause everything from allergic reactions itching, rashes, wheezing, running eyes, etc. Corn which includes as corn germ meal, corn gluten meal, and corn bran High grain counts which includes high levels of wheat, oats, barley, and other cereal grains which may be listed as hominy feed. Rice can be an exception; with rice, the hull, bran layer, and cereal germ is removed and for this reason, rice is often tolerated very well. By-products which are animal body parts deemed unfit for human consumption and can include brain, lungs, undeveloped eggs, and more. Generic meats or oils which can legally include roadkill and deceased zoo animals. What to Look For: All-natural preservatives; there are vitamin blends that work very well to preserve dog food and this often will show as mixed tocopherols. Natural flavoring Protein will come from wholesome animal sources including chicken, turkey, lamb, fish, bison, and beef. There will be no by-products or generic meats. If you offer grains, gluten-free grains are usually best. No other fillers or controversial additives. Helpful extras such as glucosamine and chondroitin beneficial for joint health , omega-3, 6 for healthy skin and coat , probiotics for immune health and antioxidants to help prevent disease. Some of the best food for Pugs includes: Best Formulas with Grains: 1. Wellness Complete Health for Small Breeds. The base of this kibble is turkey and oatmeal which is easy on the stomach for most Pugs. There is also salmon, brown rice, peas, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and apples. There are excellent levels of a wide-range of vitamins and minerals, good levels of omega-3 and 6, and glucosamine and chondroitin which are extremely beneficial joint supplements for Pugs. This is made in the US. Note that this offers puppy and adult formulas as well as 'healthy weight' for Pugs that need to lose a few pounds, and a senior formula. This line of Halo offers holistic recipes. This one has non-GMO produce and meats that are antibiotic-free and hormone-free with factory-free farming. The grains in this are oatmeal and pearled barley which are generally known for being well-tolerated. This is sized ideally for Pugs, and has no artificial additives, by-products, or corn. And, this is made in the US. Best Grain-free Formulas: 1. This is one of the best grain-free kibbles for Pugs; it's really top-of-the-line. The base is chicken and turkey. There is a wide selection of vegetables and fruits compared to some other brands spinach, broccoli, carrots, kale, sweet potatoes, apples and blueberries. Levels of omega fatty acids are ideal, via both salmon oil and flaxseed. And, there are good levels of glucosamine and chondroitin which as mentioned earlier are important for joint health. There is no corn, wheat, by-products, fillers, or artificial coloring, flavoring, or preservatives and this is made in the USA. This is another excellent choice that is formulated for dogs under 70 lbs. There are several great bases including lamb, beef, chicken, and salmon. There are zero chemical preservatives and no artificial ingredients. Added extras are healthy antioxidants, omega-3 and 6, and the very important glucosamine and chondroitin which are very beneficial for breeds like the Pug that are prone to joint and hip issues. This is a holistic kibble that offers non-GMO veggies and fruits and sustainably-sourced wild-caught fish and is ideal for Pugs that are carrying a few extra pounds. The base is salmon and whitefish, so most dogs love the taste. There are no chemical preservatives, corn, by-products, coloring, or fillers. Switching a Pug onto a Different Food If you just got a new Pug puppy, you may want to feed your little guy or gal something different than what was being given. And in many instances, this will be a good idea. The sooner you start your pup on a superior food that you've chosen yourself, the better. If you have an adult Pug, you may decide to switch foods due to an intolerance to certain ingredients some dogs do best with certain proteins like beef as opposed to chicken or vice-versa or maybe you realized that your Pug was not on the brand and you want to make a change. No matter the circumstances, if at all possible, it is best to change to a new brand of dog food in a gradual way because a quick switch can disrupt the digestive system. The goal should be a incremental change over the course of 3 weeks. Home Cooking Owners decide to home cook for their dogs for a variety of reasons: It can be less expensive; though, this depends quite a bit on what you buy and if you can purchase ingredients in bulk. It may be done to fully avoid preservatives, additives, by-products and other subpar ingredients; you know exactly what you are putting in. This can help avoid an intolerance or allergic reaction to an unknown ingredient. It is very flexible and adjustable. It can be a good choice for picky eaters. Other sources include beans such as lima beans, kidney beans, and butter beans must be cooked. Vegetables - This includes peas, carrots, spinach, zucchini, green beans, bell peppers, and butternut squash. You can also offer asparagus, kale, cauliflower, and broccoli in moderation since these foods can cause gas, Pumpkin in moderation is fine but typically reserved to help ease upset stomach issues. Fruits - This includes blueberries, raspberries both are low calorie, high in antioxidants, and water-packed , strawberries, huckleberries, banana, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, mango, kiwi, pear, peaches no pit , plums no pit , nectarines no pit , fresh pineapple, and apple no core, no seeds. Additional - This includes oatmeal plain , white or brown rice if no intolerance , quinoa, potato, sweet potato, cottage cheese, plain whole white yogurt, and eggs most dogs do best with scrambled eggs vs. Read more about home cooking for a Pug. Snacks and Treats We've covered the frequency of giving snacks and treats, but let's recap. Dry snacks, meant to satiate a dog in between meals should be given 3 to 4 times per day. And moist treats, meant to reward training and reinforce good behavior, should be given as needed. Now, the question remains on what to offer. All snacks and treats should be held to the same high standards that you have in place for your Pug's meals, meaning no synthetic preservatives, artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, soy, corn, by-products, high wheat levels, or generic meats. If your Pug's calorie intake needs to be carefully watched due to issues with weight gain, there will also be a need to opt for some low-calorie treats. And, to see more options, including moist treats for giving reward, continue on to the best snacks and treats for Pugs. After 2 to 3 days, if the problem has resolved, adding in additional ingredients can be done. Any diarrhea lasing longer than 3 days or moderate to severe vomiting lasting more than 12 hours should be brought to the attention of the veterinarian. Water Different elements will dictate just how much water a Pug dog requires , though a general rule of thumb is that each day, dogs need to drink about 1 ounce for each 1 pound. Offer bottled spring water or use a filter device like the. Related Articles: When a Pug is a Picky Eater - If you find yourself constantly scrambling to find foods that your Pug likes and their taste buds seem to change weekly, this will help you get things back on track. When a Pug is Always Hungry - If your Pug's appetite is ferocious and nothing seems to satisfy, these issues may be at the root of the problem. When a Pug Won't Eat - If your Pug puppy or dog refuses to eat or getting them to eat feels like a chore, these tips will help. How to Stop a Pug from Begging - If your Pug wants your food and is relentless about getting it, these guidelines will help stop this sort of behavior. Top 10 Pug Dog Eating Problems - A roundup of the most common eating-related issues seen with this breed and exact steps to resolve them. Do you have your book? All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Introduction Importance of choosing the right food for Pug puppies Feeding your Pug puppies the right food can significantly impact their health, growth, and overall well-being. A balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients and energy to support their growth and development and helps to prevent common health issues such as obesity, digestive problems, and food allergies. Factors to consider when selecting the best food for pug puppies When choosing the best food for your Pug puppy, there are several factors to consider, including their age, activity level, and specific nutritional needs. Reading the ingredient list and checking the nutritional content can help you to make an informed decision about the best food for your Pug puppy. Wet Food for Pug Puppies Benefits of wet food Wet food is an excellent option for Pug puppies as it is highly palatable and provides additional moisture, which is important for their growing bodies. Wet food also contains higher levels of protein and essential nutrients, making it a great option for supporting the growth and development of your Pug puppy. Best-reviewed wet food options Royal Canin Pug Puppy Wet Dog Food — This wet food is specifically formulated for Pug puppies, with a balanced ratio of protein, fats, and carbohydrates to meet their unique nutritional needs. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Wet Dog Food — This wet food is made with real meat as the first ingredient and contains wholesome brown rice, barley, and oats to provide the carbohydrates your Pug puppy needs to grow and develop. Dry Food for Pug Puppies Benefits of dry food Dry food is another great option for Pug puppies as it helps to clean their teeth and promote good oral health. Dry food is also a good source of essential nutrients and energy to support the growth and development of your Pug puppy. It contains a balanced protein, fats, and carbohydrates ratio to meet its unique nutritional needs. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food — This dry food is made with real meat as the first ingredient and contains wholesome brown rice, barley, and oats to provide the carbohydrates your Pug puppy needs to grow and develop. Homemade Meals and Snacks for Pug Puppies Benefits of homemade food Homemade meals and snacks are an excellent option for Pug puppies as they allow you to control the ingredients and ensure that your pup gets a healthy and balanced diet. Simple homemade meal and snack recipes for pug puppies Puppy-Friendly Meatloaf: Mix ground turkey or chicken, brown rice, carrots, and green beans for a tasty and nutritious homemade meal for your Pug puppy. Bake in the oven until fully cooked, and serve in small portions. Homemade Puppy Treats: Mix rolled oats, pumpkin puree, and a beaten egg for a simple and healthy snack for your Pug puppy. Roll out the dough, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and bake in the oven until crispy. Use high-quality, fresh ingredients, and avoid using spices and seasonings that can harm dogs. Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness. A: Wet food can provide a higher moisture content, which can benefit Pug puppies as they need to stay hydrated. Wet food also has a more appealing taste and smell, making it a great option for picky eaters. Q: What ingredients should I look for in dry food for Pug puppies? A: Look for dry food that contains high-quality proteins like chicken or fish, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Q: Can I feed my Pug puppy homemade meals and snacks? Q: How often should I feed my Pug puppy? A: Pug puppies should be fed 3 to 4 times a day until they reach six months of age. Then, they can be fed two times a day. The food they need will depend on their age, weight, and activity level. Q: What is the best food for Pug puppies with sensitive stomachs? A: Wet food with simple ingredients, like boiled chicken and rice, or dry food specifically formulated for sensitive stomachs can be helpful for Pug puppies with digestive issues. Q: Can I feed my Pug puppy adult dog food? A: No, adult dog food does not provide the appropriate nutrients for Pug puppies as they are still growing and developing. Puppy-specific food is formulated to meet their unique nutritional needs. Gradual changes over a few days to a week are recommended to avoid discomfort. Conclusion Recap of the best food options When choosing the best food for your Pug puppy, several options exist. Dry food is also a good option as it helps to clean teeth and is easy to store. Final thoughts The most important thing is to choose a food specifically formulated for Pug puppies with high-quality ingredients to meet their unique nutritional needs. Choosing the best food for your Pug puppy will give them the foundation for a happy and healthy life. From pet nutrition books to online articles, a wealth of information is available on this topic. These resources will give you a deeper understanding of the nutritional needs of your Pug puppy and help you make informed decisions about the best food options for their growth and development. Kibble, cans and specialty foods Proper Nutrition Since puppies need energy to grow big and strong, their food is higher in calories and packed with more nutrients. This includes more fat, protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. So always choose a food that is labelled for puppies. Since a Pug is a small toy breed , they will grow very quickly and reach adulthood much faster than larger breeds. Toy dog breeds actually need more calories per pound than larger breeds due to their higher metabolic rates. The structure of their flat muzzle and facial folds , while appealing to look at, unfortunately causes a number of serious health problems. This causes soft tissue to block the airways, making breathing very difficult. Their jaws and teeth can also cause them problems. Remember, slimmer is better. How Often To Feed Your Pug Puppy I always recommend feeding puppies small meals at scheduled times several hours apart, and then decreasing the frequency as they get older. For puppies under six months go with something like 7am, 12noon, 3pm then 6pm. As they grow you can reduce this routine to three or even two times a day, but there is no harm continuing with multiple feedings as long as you dividing their daily rations evenly. Kibble vs Canned Food Dried puppy kibble is affordable, easy to store and transport, and readily available. Serving is as simple as opening the package and pouring it into the bowl. Canned or wet food will sometimes offer more meat protein and fewer carbohydrates than kibble does, but you will usually pay more as well. Wet food is also associated with an increase in periodontal diseases , which is not ideal for a dog already prone to these issues. Specialty Pug Puppy Foods The introduction of breed-specific formulas to the market has made it even more confusing. However, there are some Pug puppy formulations that address some of their health issues that might be worth considering. Some kibble is designed in a shape and texture that makes it easier for short-nosed puppies to pick up and chew easily.
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how often should i feed my bulldog puppy - Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors are amongst the most popular family pets in the UK thanks to their loyalty, gentle nature, and intelligence. Like most dogs, they thrive with regular exercise, keeping them healthy and happy. How much exercise does an adult Labrador need? A healthy adult Labrador generally needs at least 80 minutes of high-quality exercise per day. Of course, when setting exercise goals for dogs with existing health issues including obesity , you should consult your vet first. What types of exercise are best for Labradors? When we say high quality, we mean just that. Try and incorporate off-lead time into their exercise routine and take a ball or toy to play fetch with — running will help to raise their heart rate and burn off more calories. How much exercise does a Labrador puppy need? For their first three months, your puppy will get enough exercise from tearing around the house, playing and causing chaos. How much exercise does an old Labrador need? At an advanced age, your dog will have less energy in general and be more likely to suffer from health issues that may limit their mobility. Be observant — being the loyal companions they are, Labradors will push through a lot of pain to keep up with you. Watch for excessive panting, changes in their movement, and exhaustion as signals that they have overstretched themselves and adjust their activity accordingly. Can you over-exercise a Labrador? Labradors have the capacity to build up incredible fitness that will see them on the go all day long, but for most, there is a limit on how much they can do. Gradually increase their activity levels, using a PitPat to check in on their progress. How far can a Labrador walk? A working Labrador could be expected to cover many miles every day through the undergrowth and even water. However, your pet Labrador will have slightly different stamina, depending on how much exercise they are used to. Getting out and about with your Labrador keeps them happy and healthy and can be a highly rewarding experience for you both. Download our app for free to see if PitPat is for you. You might also like Single page Single page Top 10 most active dog breeds Got energy to burn? Single page Single page 10 ways to exercise your dog indoors Whether you find yourself stuck indoors because of the weather or for any other reason, your dog still needs plenty of exercise. Here are our top tips for exercising your dog indoors. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Whether young or old, big or small, yellow, black, chocolate, from field lines or show lines, your Labrador needs exercise. It will keep their heart and muscles strong, their mind stimulated and their weight under control. But how much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors Are a High Energy Breed The Labrador Retriever is a high energy working breed, initially bred for very physically demanding work retrieving game for hunters. This would involve all day hiking, running and swimming in sometimes difficult conditions. So Labrador Retrievers were bred to have lots of energy and be very active. And though their main role in life today is as a family pet, they still have those same genetics that made them suited to their original role. Dog Ball Thrower. Yes, you can throw a tennis ball extra far with the Chuckit, but two reasons why I love it: 1. In this state they will often resort to destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing…and will often be very restless, may bark excessively and try to escape your home and garden at every opportunity. Insufficient exercise can also lead to weight problems with Labradors. Excess weight is a problem because it can lead to all sorts of problems such as damage to their joints hips and elbows , heart disease, increased blood pressure and increases the risk of diabetes. So a lack of exercise leads to behavioral problems, hyperactivity and possibly an assortment of health problems. However, as a general rule of thumb, a normally healthy adult Labrador Retriever will need 1 hour of exercise every day. The more relaxed Labs just 45 minutes per day, the more energetic 1. This can be made up of running, swimming, playing fetch , jogging alongside you…anything that goes beyond a gentle walk. But if the first consideration is your Labradors age, how much do puppies and the elderly need? Nice for long runs with your Lab. If you have older dogs or children, the puppy may well try to keep up with them and over-exert themselves, playing to exhaustion and damage their developing joints. So keep an eye on them and interrupt play if need be, to give them plenty of rest. Once they are fully grown, they can go out for much longer. The 5 minute rule should be sufficient to keep your lab puppy fit, burn off excess energy yet not over-exert them and cause possible developmental issues. Continue the 5 minute rule until your puppy is at least one year of age where you can then begin to exercise them more vigorously. This is highly dependent on your labs overall health and can vary wildly from one Labrador to another. Some labs may need to slow down from the 7th year onwards, while others remain extremely active beyond their 10th year. As Labradors get older, many develop arthritis, dysplasia and other health issues that can prevent a Labrador from enjoying or needing exercise as much as they used to when young and healthy. They will likely still try to chase a tennis ball all day and hike mountains just to please you, even if it may be doing them more harm than good. Try not to put them in this position. As your Labrador ages, you need to be more observant , looking for changes in their movement, excessive panting, slowing down, feeling tired. And during grooming sessions and massage, check for any painful spots indicative of sore joints or other problems. We noticed Linus was stiff getting up in the morning and decided to try adding glucosamine to his diet. We saw a noticeable difference a few days later and an added spring in his step. If your Labrador tears around your home like a tornado. If your Lab displays any of the restless and destructive symptoms described above, try increasing their levels of exercise for a few days and see if their behavior problems improve. However, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket you might want to check out PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher. Over-exercising very young and elderly Labradors can do more harm than good. For your adolescent and adult Labrador, exercise them well. As a general rule of thumb, aim for 1hr per day and scale this up or down depending on your Labradors individual needs. This could mean 45 mins for the more sedate and elderly, or 1. And at the end of the day, think of it like this: You have the best exercise machine to rival that of any gym to keep you fit and healthy yourself. And hey, what fun!!! What better motivation and need is there to keep yourself in shape? Do you mostly agree with the above? Please let us know in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. These tips will also help you to advance your dog so that, eventually, you can trust them to be off the leash in a safe area. Don't release your dog until they can demonstrate knowledge and obedience on the long leash and in many different settings. To begin with, walk them in the house and in the yard. Dogs learn 'contextually and by repetition'. These hints will help you to become the pack leader. Be certain that this is only reason that your dog will follow you. Make time to walk your dog Whether you walk your dog in the morning or evening will be influenced by your program. Whenever you exercise your dog, the walk should allow for 'focused time' and 'free time'. Two leashes will facilitate this. If they are under 12 months old, take some water with you. Also take a back-pack and a treat belt available on Ebay. I recommend no more than thirty minutes of walking in total for a dog under 14 months old as their growth plates are not set until this time. Be careful of overly vigorous activity, particularly if you have an older but playful dog. I don't recommend running for more than very short bursts for the same reason. Healthy hips and elbows are critical for a healthy, active and long life. Use two leashes - a long leash approx 7m and a short leash approx 1m Start your walk with the labrador pup on a short leash. The short leash will help you to direct and guide the dog. This allows you to maintain full control over your dog. Set up your walk for success. Start by getting the dog to sit or at the least be stationary and under your control. As you begin, keep your dog behind your body alignment. Be patient and encourage your dog. Do not show aggressive frustration. This will only cause confusion and fear or aggression. If your dog is not complying, stop and reset. You are the master Walking in front of your dog demonstrates that you are the master or the pack leader. You should be first out the door. The dogs should exit the compound only at your command. This is essential whether you are walking 1, 2 or more dogs. If your dog controls the pace and direction of the walk, they are the pack leader. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk. Dogs learn contextually The next two hints are important training essentials. Firstly, labradors learn contextually and their training in not immediately transferable to a new environment. Using the same disciplines and routines, train your dog the same way in different settings. This will entrench your expectations. Correct immediately Secondly, a labrador has about a five second retention of information. After five seconds the dog has lost any association between your assertiveness and their behaviour. If they disobey you, you must correct them within five seconds or not at all. If the dog is disobedient or simply does not understand, reset and start again. The long leash I'm a big fan of the long leash. A long leash will help you to correct bad behaviour at a distance. After a period of training with the short leash, remove it and connect the longer lead. Keep the leash in your hand, releasing it slowly and progressively. As they master this, you can back away while the dog is 'sitting and staying'. Reward your labrador pup with vigorous affection and a treat. After this, you should allow them to wander and sniff around. All this time you will keep your dog on the long leash and under your control. Be sure that the free time is less than their focus time. During the socialisation phase, 8 - 16 weeks, you will need both leashes as you expose your labrador pup to other dogs. As you walk your dog, you will come across small and large dogs that are aggressive. Walking on either leash will give your complete control. And it will ensure safety at all time. You new labrador pup has no innate road sense. Walk them, getting close to roads. Expose them to vehicles so that they do not panic. Reward your dog for good behaviour. Remember that dogs register tones and frequencies, not words. Use higher tones to affirm, reward and encourage. You approval is the greatest reward for a Labrador. Direct eye contact without high vocal affirmation will be interpreted as aggression. Use lower growling tones to reinforce disapproval. Try to avoid 'No' as a command. It is too general and therefore confusing to the dog. Always reward and reinforce obedience to specific commands. Use food treats to begin with, however you must gradually phase them out. Your vocal affirmation and affection should be your longer term goal. As your dog maintains the proper behaviour, reward them with treats. Reward your dog after the walk I recommend that you reward your labrador pup after the walk. Let them have a drink firstly then give them a portion of food that is less than a meal but more than a treat. It will not take long for your dog to anticipate the whole experience. When you appear with the leashes, they will become very enthusiastic. If you adhere to these eight hints and maintain the discipline of your training, you and your dog will value and enjoy the experience. Finally, remember to pick up after your dog. Don't go on a walk without your poop bags on hand! Find a vet you can have confidence in. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. Just like us, Labradors need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Whether you have a young or old dog, they all need to get the blood flowing to stay healthy and live long happy doggie lives. Regular exercise with your Labrador is very beneficial for you both. Exercise stimulates neuron growth in the brain, encourages the production of endorphins with a known mood-boosting effect , helps strengthen your bones and muscles, improves blood pressure, and can significantly help with depression. Are you having a hard time figuring out how much exercise your lab needs? Answers vary drastically from one dog to another. The amount of exercise to give your Labrador depends mostly on the age of the dog. The key to taking your Labrador puppy out for exercise is to be patient. Some labs are athletic, and thus need more exercise than others. Also, certain Labradors are genetically programmed to be energetic and have high metabolism rates, whereas others are more laid-back. Here are some exercise guidelines a new lab owner can follow to make sure their dog gets the right workout. With older dogs or children, a lab puppy may well try to keep up with them and exhaust themselves before they reach their adult size and stamina. Hold off on structured games and other forms of heavy physical activity for the first three months. This will set the stage for long-term, healthy exercise habits. This rule states that you should take your Labrador puppy out for at least five minutes of exercise per month of age up to twice a day until he or she is fully grown. This can be anything from a walk around the block to a run in the dog park. How old your dog is will make a difference in their stamina. To determine how much exercise your dog needs, first take their age into consideration. Labs that are four years old and above need between one and two hours of exercise per day. The truth is Labradors can lead a perfectly healthy life with just an hour of daily active playtime. The Labrador Retriever was bred to retrieve game for hunters. That means they naturally love to play fetch. All you need is a toy for playtime and room for running around. Tug-of-War is less cardio-oriented but helps with muscle mass and body structure in growing dogs. Plus, they love it! It requires that you prepare your puppy with a proper agility training course. Agility training is great for completing a total-body, structured workout, while also providing mental stimulation for your labrador. This involves activities such as going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. You will need to train your lab to engage in the activity and this involves proper instruction. Find one that fits his size and abilities, as well as your own personal comfort level. Either due to space or having a small yard, it may be difficult to get their puppies out every day. The good news is that, with a little creativity, indoor exercise can be just as viable and fun! Here are a few ideas you can try at home. Try Treadmill Training Sessions With Dogs A dog can be trained to use a treadmill and enjoy it, but the experience will take time. Build an Obstacle Course for Your Labrador Use everyday things found around the home or office to create an obstacle course. It also boosts their energy levels and problem-solving skills. For example, you might use old boxes and trash bags to make a tunnel, chairs or stools to jump across, and other furniture for your puppy to climb. At first your puppy may not catch on, but with effective use of the treat and lots of encouragement, you can help it learn as it goes. Hide-and-Seek With a Treat! Hide a treat around the house, and let your puppy work to find it. As you hide treats around the room, remember to make sure they are not hiding somewhere that is unreachable. Tip 2. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. All dog breeds respond positively to lots of physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will flow. Tip 3. Make an Exercise Routine and Schedule for Your Dog Lab owners, take note: maintaining the health of an adult Lab is all about consistency. And this starts with walks at a young age. Take regular walks with your dog, no matter the weather conditions. Walk at the same time each day in order to create an exercise pattern that both you and your dog can stick to. Maybe you can get the puppy used to a leash and casually walk through your neighborhood with it. That way, you can vary the activity occasionally. In six months, increase the amount of time your dogs are running to 15 minutes. This keeps their energy high and stops weight gain as they mature. Conclusion As a dog owner, your foremost responsibility is protecting the health and safety of your pet. Insufficient exercise causes health problems in dogs , like hip dysplasia especially those already prone to hip or joint problems. Share on. Tweet on Twitter Puppy exercise requirements vary between different types of dog, and as a puppy grows the exercise they need will increase. It is possible to give a puppy too much exercise so I will give you a puppy exercise chart, as a guide to how far a puppy can walk at different ages. Taking your new puppy for a walk We all look forward to the day we can take our new puppy for a walk. For many people, daily dog walks is a huge part of why they bought a Labrador in the first place. Others already take quite small puppies for quite long walks and are surprised to discover that many experts believe this to be a bad thing. So just how much exercise does a puppy really need? How much exercise does a puppy need? This rule of thumb says that a puppy should have no more than five minutes of walking for every month of his age. So that would be fifteen minutes a day maximum for a three month old puppy, twenty minutes for a four month old and so on. This concern about excessive exercise has arisen because it is widely believed that exercise is a factor in the development of serious joint disorders. Especially in larger breed puppies such as Labradors Breeders are particularly concerned about hip dysplasia, a serious and complex disorder of the hip joints, that is believed to be influenced both by inherited factors passed from dogs to their puppies and by environmental factors In addition to factors influencing growth rates, the stresses and strains placed on the vulnerable growing joint by excessive exercise are believed to be a contributory environmental factor in the development of inadequate hip joints. It seems likely, that a puppy that had inherited a tendency for poor hips, could have its soft and still forming hip joints made a good deal worse through prolonged or hard exercise. It is also possible that a puppy that has inherited excellent hips, will come to no harm whatsoever through hard exercise. On the contrary, a certain amount of free running exercise is a good thing Running off-leash A Norwegian study published and which included labradors, showed that puppies given the opportunity to exercise off leash in a park before the age of three months were less likely to develop hip dysplasia HD , not more. Stair climbing The same study showed that puppies that had to climb stairs on a regular basis during the same period were at increased risk of HD You can read about this study in Science Daily. So what does this study tell us? Well, it is only one study, but it suggests that playing in a natural way, with other pups or simply running about at their own speed is probably going to benefit a small puppy Strenuous exercise Whereas more strenuous activity such as climbing hills and stairs, may not be such a good thing at a very young age. Another study has suggested that running hard for a retrieve, may not be great for joint health either. And some breeders also prevent dogs from jumping for the first twelve months to reduce impact on the shoulder and elbow joints. This may be especially important for some of the heavier breeds of dog, and those that are slow to mature. How far should my puppy walk? But how does that translate to distances walked? If you like to think in distances rather than time, a mile is around steps for an adult human and takes about twenty minutes at a moderate walking speed. So a maximum walk for a four month old Labrador might be about a mile. And of course if you are walking out and back again, that means not taking the dog more than half a mile from your home or car, whichever is your starting point. With young puppies, you need to keep a balance. Think about the overall energy your puppy is expending rather than focusing on walking alone. Walking is only one form of exercise and is no more valuable or important than games or training exercises. If you have been to visit a friend with your five month old pup and their dog has played for half an hour in the garden with yours, your dog does not need a walk as well. It is the total exercise that counts. How much exercise is too much? And you are bound to know of someone whose puppy had far more exercise than this and came to no harm. However taking a puppy for long walks or asking him to negotiate very steep or uneven surfaces when he is little, is probably a bad idea. Beware of letting a puppy play for too long with an older dog that does not want to stop. And keep an eye on children who may inadvertently exhaust a puppy by encouraging him to play when he needs to sleep. Crating your puppy when he is tired or overexcited, will enable you to make sure that your puppy gets some well deserved down time. Summary Young puppies need the time and space to run about freely, and free running exercise is beneficial. You do not need to attempt to prevent puppies playing in the garden, trotting about the house or playing with another young puppy for a while. Provided that the puppy is free to stop and rest whenever he wants. As far as we know at the moment, formal exercise — walking on a lead — for example, is probably best restricted using the five minute rule as an approximate guide. And strenuous exercise such as stair climbing, and chasing balls should be limited or avoided altogether in puppies under three months of age. Remember, an adult dog can become an amazing athlete, but like all athletes, fitness and stamina are best built up in gentle stages if injury is to be avoided. Do talk to your vet about exercise at your first appointment with your puppy. We are still learning about hip dysplasia. Research is ongoing, knowledge increases all the time. Your vet should be up to date with the latest information regarding the optimum amount of exercise for your new puppy. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was originally published in and has been extensively revised and updated for References Slater et al. Diet and exercise as potential risk factors for osteochondritis dissecans in dogs. Am J Vet Res. Sallander et al. American Society for Nutrition. Krontveit et al. Risk factors for hip-related clinical signs in a prospective cohort study of four large dog breeds in Norway. Exercise, Growth, and Joints Exercise Labradors not only love exercise, they need exercise. We all look forward to taking our puppy for a walk, however it is important not to over-exercise your puppy. In natural play, puppies will romp until they are tired and then stop to lay down for rest. When walking a puppy on a leash, they cannot stop when they normally would for rest. Too much exercise or walking can severely damage their bone and joint structures irreversibly. This should be taken seriously. THE RULE is: No more than 5 minutes of exercise for every month of age So that means, at 2 months old 8 weeks , your puppy only needs to exercise or walk for 10 minutes per day. At 3 months of age 15 minutes of exercise and so on. If you walk your puppy too far too soon, your puppy may develop hip and elbow dysplasia as they get older. Labradors have been known to develop dysplasia younger than other breeds of dogs. In many of these cases, it is often due to environmental factors such as over-exercise, running on hard or strenuous surfaces such as concrete or sand , continual jumping or agility work. Things to avoid with your puppy: No jumping in or out of car, especially larger cars. Lift the dog or use a ramp. No throwing balls or frisbee great distances for your puppy to chase. The sudden stopping and over reaching with the front legs is dangerous. No agility, jumping or flyball before years old Do not let other dogs knock or push the puppy over continually, includes body-slamming Avoid much stair climbing which can increase the risk of dysplasia No fast turns or roll-overs Good exercise: Swimming is great, since there is no weight-bearing impact on their joints. Remember, labradors love water! Walking on leash, for no longer than the recommended length of time for their age Self-directed play is an overriding rule for any puppy under 18 months old. The majority of exercise should be free play, exploring, and noodling around Hide and seek games are fantastic, as the dog can move at its own pace looking for its toy or treat or you. Size is a factor as large dogs, especially ones that like to play with paw whacks, can inadvertently injury a young puppy. Supervised play is critical. You need to teach the puppy a release command. All these games are forms of exercise for puppies and are a great way to help your puppy learn useful lifelong skills and qualities. Growth plates and bones: Development and injury Growth Plates Growth plates are soft areas that sit at the ends of the long bones in puppies and young dogs. They contain rapidly dividing cells that allow bones to grow longer until the end of puberty. Growth plates gradually thin as the hormonal changes approaching puberty signal the growth plates to close. In puppies, this closure normally completes between 18 to 24 months old in labradors. After sexual maturity, the growth plates calcify and the rapid cell division ends. The growth plates become a stable, inactive part of the bone, now known as an epiphyseal line. Dogs bones are held together with muscles, tendons and ligaments soft tissue. In an adult dog, if a joint experiences a stress such as bending the wrong way or rotating too much, the bones will hold firm and soft tissue will be pulled, resulting in a sprain or tear. Why this matters so much, is that unlike a sprain, injuries to the growth plate may not heal properly or not heal in time for the puppy to grow up straight and strong. Injury to a growth plate can result in a misshapen or shortened limb, which creates an incorrect angle to a joint resulting in yet more future injuries when he grows up, including dysplasia. These xray images show open and closed growth plates in a puppy and adult dog. Bone Strength In addition to having soft growth plates at the end of long bones, puppies bones in general are softer. Spiral fractures of the tibia lower leg bone are very common in puppies. A spiral fracture is where the bottom half of the bone twists in the opposite direction of the top half. Any exercise that puts torque twist on a bone puts the puppy at risk of a fracture. For an example, movements such as twisting and turning suddenly can cause these type of fractures. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This is where we recommend you read our Health and Genetic Testing page, where we talk about hip and elbow dysplasia. It is critical that you, as a puppy owner, understand as much as you can about hip and elbow dysplasia, how you can help prevent it, and what your breeder should be testing for. On the other hand, an underfed or malnourished puppy or dog is also at higher risk of injury. Muscles mass directly influences strength, likewise inadequate calcium and nutrients affect bone density. A body condition score of about is healthy for a young puppy. Once an adult, the ideal body condition score would be about 5 for a healthy, fit labrador. Sterilisation Desexing In larger breeds, sterilising young puppies at a young age has shown to increase the risk of joint disorders and injury. We recommend sterilisation occurs between 24 months old for this reason. This recommendation is outlined in our Health Guarantee. We discuss this more under Desexing or Sterilisation.