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One look and an instant calm will probably wash over you. Stress simply melts away. Because Golden Retrievers are notoriously loyal and obedient. They can look silly with their big goofy grins. Or they can look stoic and wise beyond their years with their striking, deep brown eyes. CutenessOverload Everything they do is adorable Just watching your pup go from an adorable average of 10 pounds right when you get them at 8 weeks old to a sizable 70 pounds at the year mark is cuter than anything you can imagine. Or falling asleep in your lap. Or busting your pup discreetly chewing on your brand new pair of sneakers in their new closet lair is the cutest. There are too many cute things! Everything will be adorable and glee-inducing if done by a Golden Retriever pup — even the behaviors that, by all logic, should annoy you to no end. This is a good thing because a puppy this adorable is definitely going to be a popular one. Golden Retriever puppies make friends with kids , adults, and other animals while keeping their trademark smiles on their faces. They are so friendly, in fact, that they may not be the best bet when looking for guard dogs. A Golden will usually greet any stranger, including during a break-in, with a welcoming smile on their face. But they will love you best Again, the loyalty of a Golden Retriever pup cannot be stressed enough; it is strong. At the end of the day, your athletic, big-pawed, adventurous, silly, and loving Golden pup will only have eyes for you. Fluffy Golden pup on bench Chunky Golden pup running through yard Golden puppy with big ears looking directly at camera Fluffy pup in a basket on grass Scrawny Golden pup in yard Golden puppy in lavender field Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue. Fluffy vs. Learn more. This breed is so famous for being a charming member of the family. His piercing brown eyes, friendly face, and striking rich coat make him insanely beautiful. When you are around him, you cannot resist the temptation of running your fingers over his fluffy coat. He will fill your life with so much joy that you never imagined possible. When choosing a puppy, you might encounter both the fluffy and non-fluffy types. Granted, the first type is the most abundant but it is not uncommon to have a non-fluffy pooch as well. Which one should you go for and why? To keep you informed, we will highlight what you should expect from both fluffy and non-fluffy Golden retriever puppies. Their coats feature soft, fluffy hair. However, as they reach three months of age, you will notice the coat taking on the appearance of long hair. This begins at the tail where a few strands of long hair will grow over the soft fluffy hair of the puppyhood stage. The feathers start at the tail then grow on the legs and stomach area. Gradually, the rest of the areas will grow flat, long locks with the new hair being longer and darker than light puppy fur. Instead of the puppy shedding his fur, the adult hair often grows on top of the fluff. Even as the adulthood hair catches on, some Goldens will still have fur variations on their skin. If you have visited a rescue or a breeding center, you have probably noticed this. Ending up with a non-fluffy goldie can be really frustrating, especially if you know that Golden retriever puppies should have fluffy coats when they are young. So what can cause a Golden retriever puppy to lack the fluff? Here are a few suggestions. Genetics Genetics plays out a lot in the making of the puppy. Coat length is a hereditary issue. To know if the appearance of the coat is a result of genetics, talk to the breeder and find out if the parents had the same coat. If one of the parents had the same coat or something close when they were little, you definitely have nothing to worry about. Some are long-haired while others are short-haired. The common short-haired variety includes field-bred golden retrievers. Bred to work in the field and hunt, this type has relatively short hair than his counterparts. By now, the hairs are preparing to shoot and so you cannot judge the future based on what you see now. Wait until he turns months of age to observe what is going on before making a conclusive judgment. Typically, a growing puppy needs a perfect balance of fats, proteins, vegetables, and fatty oils to be in top shape. The only way to rule this one out is to visit the vet. Health Issues Last but not least, a non-fluffy Golden retriever puppy may be suffering from health issues that directly impact his coat health. If your pup shows any signs of sickness including decreased appetite, restlessness, stress, anxiety, diarrhea, vomiting, or just being in bad mood for long periods of time, let him be checked. But before you do, you have to know what to expect when it comes to caring for the coat lest you get confused and overwhelmed. Ideally, you want to start grooming your ball of fluff as a puppy. The earlier you start teaching him about grooming, the easier things will be for you because the dog will get used to it early. First things first, a golden retriever should not be shaved. If you shave him, he runs a chance of freezing in winter and suffering a heat stroke during summer. To be safe, simply trim the hairs if they grow too long but really, you may not even need to trim anything. Just locate any long hairs and clip them a bit for a good look. Perhaps the only advisable thing would be to brush the coat once or twice a week to keep it neat and keep any loose hairs away from your surfaces. Brushing allows the body to release its natural oils and makes the coat shiny and cute. A slicker brush will get the job done to perfection. It has a wide surface filled with pins and will help your work through loose hair and mats. What about a Non-Fluffy Coat? Some people consider non-fluffy golden retriever puppies to be less attractive compared to their fluffy counterparts. While that may be true to a certain extent, having a non-fluffy type may be a blessing in disguise. This is because you have less hair to worry about. This means fewer grooming sessions for you as well. The best grooming tool for a non-fluffy golden retriever is the bristle brush. It is less intense and is ideal for your pup. A weekly brushing schedule should do the job. At this stage, expect the puppy to play with the bristle brush and chew it up. That is the whole process of getting him used to it. After a few sessions, he will be comfortable with grooming and will give you an easy time. Final Thoughts Wondering whether to buy a fluffy or non-fluffy golden retriever? Both options are good-looking dogs with the same incredible temperament of the breed. Caring for the coats is slightly different as well as looks but either way, you will have a great canine friend in your golden retriever. Related Posts:.

They are clear of known diseases for the breed and over other genetic diseases and sub-variants. We also apply proper nutritional practices and supplements for joint and muscle health, practice non-impact exercises to decrease possible damage to both bones and joints. Our professional breeders also provide educational information to potential buyers and anyone interested in canine health and genetic testing. We are working with other breeders to proactively address the benefits of genetic testing for health and breed purity. The Importance Of Genetic Testing For American Bulldog Breeding In the past, breeders have relied strongly on phenotype when breeding, which allowed the introduction of other breeds. To reverse this tendency to breed by phenotype only, it is crucial that the American Bulldog community work towards having genetic testing as a fundamental practice in their breeding programs. The coefficient of relationship is a measure of the degree of a biological relationship between two dogs. Our Client Reviews "Awesome farm and knowledgeable breeder! Remy is everything we wanted and more! Words cant describle your devotion to this breed. Great experience with extremely educated breeders! Our Partnership with Experienced Veterinarians Think About It Farms is working with veterinarians from both the genetic and research fields. The veterinarians are assisting us in the proper care, nutritional needs, exercise, determining which hereditary qualities and behaviors are considered beneficial to improving the breed, developing practices of selectively breeding, and raising the dogs to promote these desirable traits. Call us today at to learn more about our American Bulldogs and our efforts to preserve them. Their personalities are easy to love; they have a confident demeanor and are known for their almost clown-like antics when excited, making them an excellent family companion. This breed is quite family-oriented but may be distant with strangers at first. Their characteristic aloofness to outsiders helps make them great guard dogs. With consistent training and established rules and boundaries, this powerful pup can learn with the best of them. As a working breed, they were known for their wild pig and cattle catching abilities, making them indispensable on southern ranches in the US. Grooming Hurray for easy care! Make sure your vet gives your pup a professional cleaning every year, too. Be sure to put nail trimming every couple of weeks and ear cleaning monthly is usually enough on the grooming menu, too. And as for baths, plan on a bath about once a month or so. You may be able to just use your nose. If you detect an unpleasant odor eww! Training When it comes to training, an American Bulldog puppy needs a confident pup parent who uses positive reinforcement to teach various skills, such as how to walk nicely on a leash and come when called. Start training your American Bulldog puppy early to get them used to the ropes. Once you understand what works for them, training becomes easy. Remember: American Bulldogs are smart. These social interactions give your dog a chance to explore a variety of environments and social situations. Feed your puppy large-breed puppy kibble for their first 14 months to support slow but consistent growth. Skip food or supplements with calcium until your pooch is fully grown and eating an adult diet. The added calcium could disrupt healthy bone development. Treats are an essential part of training and a great way to show your pup you love them. However, too many treats can lead to a tubby pup, so check with your vet if you need help figuring out a proper treat-to-mealtime ratio. Exercise Even though they have a moderate energy level, an American Bulldog needs a lot of exercise. And exercise is important to keep your dog out of trouble. If they have unused energy, an American Bulldog will resort to destructive behaviors to release that energy, like chewing on your favorite pair of shoes. This athletic dog benefits greatly from structured walks and play to work the mind and their muscular build. As a puppy parent, strive to offer non-impact movement such as hiding balls in the yard or offering a puzzle toy, as these games lower the risk of joint and bone damage early on. Get out of the house twice a day or more if your young dog is up for it for playtime and walks that last between 20 and 30 minutes. Trainers often suggest skipping the dog park because structured play is more difficult in this setting. Instead, get creative with activities. Think: fetch, tug-of-war with a rope toy or a chewy option filled with something delicious. You may even try lower-impact dog sports like agility or nose work. Both are an excellent way to keep your pup mentally and physically engaged. Remember, a happy dog is a tired dog! Ideal Environment Both city and country homes will suit the American Bulldog as long as you can offer lots of exercise and playtime. Still, families with kids are a good match for this protective and intelligent breed. A structured day with regular walks and chances to play with a variety of toys is the best environment for the American Bulldog. Staving off boredom is paramount, and, of course, no animal likes to be home alone for a long time. When considering the American Bulldog as a pet, bear in mind that training is the key to their success, especially when adding this breed to a home with kids or other dogs. Pup parents need to be aware of some of these issues so they can help their dog live the healthiest life possible. Joint Dysplasia: This joint abnormality is seen in the hips and elbows, and a dog with dysplasia may run, jump and climb less than usual. Most often, the issue is a rupture or partial tear. Cherry Eye: Did you know dogs have a third eyelid? Bone Cancer: Often found in the long bones arms, legs , the cause for this condition is unknown, though vets feel it may have a genetic or environmental component. Deafness: Deafness, which can occur in one or both ears, may be acquired via drug exposure or infection. But deafness could also be hereditary and is linked to dogs with light coats and eyes. Acquired deafness is usually permanent but may improve over time without intervention. A special diet may be the treatment or medications, depending on the cause. Spinal Issues: Degenerative myelopathy DM is often genetic in nature and affects the spinal cord, leading to weakness and hind limb paralysis. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis: NCL is an inherited, progressive and rare neurological disorder that starts showing up between 1 and 2 years of age. The most obvious symptom is behavioral changes in the dog, and the pup will usually lose coordination and eyesight. It can be discovered through a DNA test, and at this time, there are no treatments. This proud pup carries an imported pedigree, having been brought over from across the pond as a descendant of the English Bulldog, which was originally bred for bull baiting. Thankfully, this horrific sport was outlawed in England in .Back in the 17th century, early settlers packed these working dogs with them for service on farms and ranches. The American Bulldog became a utility player, stepping in to accomplish many tasks, such as guarding livestock and catching cattle and feral pigs. In fact, were it not for their success as an excellent catch dog in the southern states, we might not know the breed today. John D. Johnson and Alan Scott were able to breed the last few native American Bulldogs in the southern US, resulting in two types the Scott type and the Johnson type that thrive today. These breeds differ in appearance; the Johnson American Bulldog sports a bigger, stronger build, a larger head and short muzzle, and the Scott American Bulldog has more lithe features, such as an athletic, small-boned frame and a longer muzzle. Are you looking to add an American Bulldog as a family member? Check out the AKC puppy finder to find a reputable breeder. You can also seek out local American Bulldog rescues to find a worthy, loving dog to call your own, or keep an eye out for the breed at your local shelter. FAQs Do American bulldogs shed? Yes, American Bulldogs shed, albeit lightly and seasonally. Are American Bulldogs Pitbulls? Are American Bulldogs aggressive? American Bulldogs may be aggressive toward other dogs, particularly unfamiliar ones of the same sex, in part because of their protective and somewhat dominant nature. But with consistent training and early socialization, this breed is considered a loving family dog that does well with kids and other pets. How long do American Bulldogs live? American Bulldogs can have a generous life span, often living between 10 and 12 years. Providing your dog with the proper diet and exercise can help your pup live a full life. What are the most popular American Bulldog names? Get more dog names here. What are the most common American Bulldog mixes? Families of all kinds admire this agile, athletic breed and count themselves lucky to own such a loving, loyal pet. Female Names. Aug 3, Share It seems that many countries have their version of a Bulldog. While each has their own unique build and look, they all share common denominators. You can recognize most Bully breeds by their stout bodies and short muzzles. American Bulldogs, in particular, have developed quite a bit over time, branching off into other subgroups. When it comes to breeding for specific purposes, a single breed can take on different markings or body structures. The 5 Types of American Bulldogs 1. Johnson breeding lineage. These dogs were bred during the World War II era. They have a classic underbite and boxy skulls, giving them that distinct Bulldog look. This line is stout and heavy. Because of their broad, muscular bodies and short muzzles, they are often confused with other Bully breeds, such as the English Bulldog. They stand between 23 and 27 inches at the shoulder. They are incredibly protective and pleasing as household companions. Their low activity levels can often lead to laziness and obesity. They are friendly and even considered goofballs. They came into fruition as a cross between the Johnson American Bulldog and southern Bulldogs, like the White English. They are known as the standard or performance type because of their power and strength. This bloodline is much swifter and physically driven than the Johnsons. They are athletically built and have a longer muzzle. They also have long legs, making them tall and lean in stature. They are generally between 22 and 27 inches, at shoulder height. Because they were bred for work, they require a much more stimulating environment. These dogs are often confused with the American Pit Bull Terrier due to their similar body structure and temperament. Rather than sharing the classic underbite, this line has what is referred to as the reverse scissor bite. Scotts are better suited for individuals with active lifestyles. This typically involves being physically destructive with personal property. These physically capable dogs are made to fight and bred solely for this purpose. They are also considered a performance line, but for more sinister purposes. They were developed in the s by Joe Painter and several others. However, they began to thrive and rise in popularity over time, thinning out this defect. These dogs are stocky, responsive, and trainable. They weigh an average of 55 to 75 pounds. So, they are small in stature but bulky all over. While the Old Southern White and the White English are thought of as being the same dog, there are two variants here as well. There are a Bulldog and a Mastiff style , which creates subtle differences in structure that may not be highly noticeable to the untrained eye. These dogs are commonly seen in the South, though they have been fizzling out over time. Even though they may have been a part of modern lines, they should not partake in breeding with current American Bulldogs. The American Bulldog has come quite far from their beginning points. So, creating a mixture could now create muddied bloodlines and undesirable traits. That means that breeders use various lines to interbreed, creating a different result. You can get many different body structures, temperaments, capabilities, and characteristics. The breeder may have a desire to tailor the breed for specific purposes. They could want more of a worker, a companion, a protector, or a watchdog. Breeders can manipulate lines and specify traits exhibited in parents to create ideal specimens for specific roles. Since hybrids are ever-changing , there are no general rules in terms of size or structure. They can take on various characteristics of any of the lines. You can have a Bully-style hybrid or a sleeker, leaner combination, like the standard lines. American Bulldogs have such a rich history with many stories to tell. American Bulldogs have become a competent, structurally striking contribution, adding to the already-impressive Bulldog group. There is so much to love about them, and they have definitely left their mark on American culture. Your browser does not support the audio tag. Description The very muscular, sturdy and powerful, yet compact frame of the American Bulldog remains higher on the leg, more agile and swifter than its English counterpart. Some individuals are reportedly able to leap six or more feet into the air. Males are characteristically stockier and heavier boned than the more refined females. The head is large with strong jaws. Agile and light on his feet, the chest is wide and moderately deep, giving the sense of athletic ability and power. The neck is muscular, tapering from the shoulders to the head and may have a slight dewlap. The head is square, large and broad with muscular cheeks relatively in proportion to the size and overall structure of the dog. There is a defined furrow between the rounded eyes, with a distinct, sharply defined, deep stop. The strong muzzle is broad and square. The preferred bite is reverse scissors, but a moderate underbite, scissors or even bite are acceptable. A variety of ear types are acceptable including cropped, rose, half-pricked and forward flap. Uncropped ears are preferred in the American Bulldog Breeders Association standard. Eyes are most often brown, but can come in any color. They sometimes have split eyes, where one eye is brown and the other eye is blue. Black eye rims are preferred on white dogs. Pink eye rims are considered a fault according to the written standard. The nose is black, red, brown or grizzle; black is the preferred color according to the standard. In black-nosed dogs, the preferred lip color is black, though some pink is permitted. The lips should be full but not too loose. The front legs are heavy-boned, strong and straight. The hindquarters should be very broad and thick with well-defined muscles. The tail is low-set, begins thick at the base, and tapers to a point. The coat is smooth and short, and comes in all shades of brindle including red brindle, varying degrees of white, red, brown, tan, fawn and piebald. Temperament The American Bulldog is loyal, reliable, brave and determined. Not a hostile dog. Alert and self-confident, this breed genuinely loves children. It is known for its acts of heroism toward its master. It has strong protective instincts, and needs a firm, confident, consistent pack leader. Well-socialize and obedience train them at an early age, to prevent them from becoming reserved with strangers. Without that strong-minded pack leader who can tell the dog what is expected of it, it may be aggressive with other dogs. They need to be around people and know their place in their pack to be truly happy. This breed tends to drool and slobber. Without enough daily mental and physical exercise they will become high strung and may become hard to handle. Height, Weight Height: Males 22 - 28 inches 55 - 70 cm Females 20 - 26 inches 52 - 65 cm Weight: Males 70 - pounds 32 - 54 kg Females 60 - pounds 27 - 45 kg Health Problems Prone to hip dysplasia. Living Conditions The American Bulldog will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. Exercise The American Bulldog should be taken on a long daily walk. Life Expectancy. American Bulldog Guardian Dog Group The goals and purposes of this breed standard include: to furnish guidelines for breeders who wish to maintain the quality of their breed and to improve it; to advance this breed to a state of similarity throughout the world; and to act as a guide for judges. Breeders and judges have the responsibility to avoid any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence and soundness of this breed, and must take the responsibility to see that these are not perpetuated. Any departure from the following should be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dogs ability to perform its traditional work. History Bulldogs in England were originally working dogs that drove and caught cattle and guarded their masters property. The breeds strength, courage, and familiarity with livestock led to its popularity in the brutal sport of bull baiting. When this sport was outlawed in England, the original type of Bulldog disappeared from Britain and was replaced with the shorter, stockier, less athletic dog we now know as the English Bulldog. The original Bulldog, however, was preserved by working class immigrants who brought their working dogs with them to the American South. Small farmers and ranchers used this all-around working dog for many tasks. By the end of World War II, however, the breed was almost extinct. John D. Johnson, a returning war veteran, decided to resurrect this breed. Along with Alan Scott and several other breeders, Johnson began carefully to breed American Bulldogs, keeping careful records and always with an eye for maintaining the breeds health and working abilities. Because of the many different types of work this breed can do, several distinct lines evolved, each emphasizing the traits needed to do a specific job. The best known lines are usually referred to as the Johnson and Scott types. The Scott dogs, commonly referred to as standard, are more of a performance style, athletic dog, sleeker in appearance than the bully dogs, with less bone, longer muzzles, more moderate stop and a less extreme undershot bite. Today, however, many American Bulldogs have crosses to two or more of the original lines and are considered to be hybrid in type, with characteristics of more than one of the original lines of bulldogs. The Johnson dogs, commonly referred to as bully, are bulkier in body, heavier in bone, with larger heads that have more stop, a shorter muzzle and a more pronounced undershot bite. They generally have more muscle mass as well. The modern American Bulldog continues to serve as an all-purpose working dog; a fearless and steady guard dog; and a loyal family companion. General Appearance The American Bulldog is a powerful, athletic short-coated dog, strongly muscled, and well boned. The body is just slightly longer than tall. The head is large and broad, with a wide muzzle. Ears are small to medium in size, high set, and may be drop, semi-prick, rose, or cropped. The tail may be docked or natural. The American Bulldog comes in solid colors, white with colored patches, and brindle. Gender differences are well expressed in this breed, with males typically larger and more muscular than females. Honorable scars resulting from field work are not to be penalized. The American Bulldog should be evaluated as a working dog, and exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dogs ability to work. Characteristics The essential characteristics of the American Bulldog are those which enable it to work as a hog and cattle catching dog, and a protector of personal property. These tasks require a powerful, agile, confident dog with a large head and powerful jaws. The American Bulldog is a gentle, loving family companion who is fearless enough to face an angry bull or a human intruder. Note: It is common for young American Bulldogs to be somewhat standoffish with strangers, and judges should not penalize this. By the time the dog is around 18 months of age, however, the breeds normal confidence asserts itself. Disqualifications: Viciousness or extreme shyness; cowardice. Head The head is large and broad, giving the impression of great power. When viewed from the side, the skull and muzzle are parallel to one another and joined by a well-defined stop. The stop is very deep and abrupt, almost at a right angle with the muzzle. Despite the depth of the stop, the forehead is wider than it is high. Viewed from the top, the skull is square. There is a deep median furrow that diminishes in depth from the stop to the occiput. Cheek muscles are prominent. In bully dogs, the skull is generally box-shaped to rounded, with a more definitive stop, and more wrinkles than the standard type, which has a skull that is box or wedge shaped. Serious Fault: An excessively narrow skull, in any type. The length of the muzzle in the bully type dogs is 25 to 35 percent of the overall length of the head. In the standard dogs, it is 30 to 40 percent of the overall length of the head. The jaws are well muscled, displaying great strength. Lips are moderately thick, but not pendulous. Black pigment on the lips is preferred. The chin is well defined, and must neither overlap the upper lip nor be covered by it. Serious Fault: An excessively narrow muzzle in any type. Disqualification: Any dog that exhibits difficulty breathing while in the ring. In the standard type, a reverse scissors bite is preferred, a scissors bite or a moderate under bite up to inch is acceptable. An even bite is allowable but not preferred. An extreme undershot bite is considered faulty to the degree that the bite interferes with the dogs ability to work. Teeth are not visible when the mouth is closed. Worn teeth or broken teeth are acceptable. Disqualification: Overshot. Wry jaw. NOSE The nose is large, with wide, open nostrils. Black color is preferred, but shades of red or brown are acceptable. Lack of pigment is a cosmetic fault. EYES Eyes are medium in size, round to almond in shape, and set well apart. All colors are acceptable, but dark brown is preferred. Haw is not visible. Black eye rims are preferred. Faults: Very visible haws. Disqualifications: Crossed eyes. Eyes that do not match in color. EARS Ears may be cropped, but natural ears are preferred. Natural ears are small to medium in size, high set, and may be drop, semi-prick, or rose. Drop ears: The ears are set high, level with the upper line of the skull, accentuating the skulls width. At the base, the ear is just slightly raised in front and then hangs along the cheek. The tip is slightly rounded. When pulled toward the eye, the ear should not extend past the outside corner of the eye. Semi-prick ears: Same as drop ears except that only the tips of the ears drop forward. Rose ears: Rose ears are small and set high on the skull. Fault: Hound ears. Neck The neck is where the American Bulldog exerts power to bring down livestock. The neck must be long enough to exert leverage, but short enough to exert power. The neck is muscular and, at its widest point, is nearly as broad as the head, with a slight arch at the crest, and tapering slightly from shoulders to the head. A slight dewlap is acceptable. Faults: Neck too short and thick; thin or weak neck. Forequarters The shoulders are strong and well muscled. The shoulder blade is well laid back and forms, with the upper arm, an apparent degree angle. The tips of the shoulder blades are set about 2 to 3 finger-widths apart. The elbows are set on a plane parallel to the body, neither close to the body nor turned out. Viewed from the front, the forelegs are perpendicular to the ground or may, especially in a dog with a very broad chest, incline slightly inward. The pasterns are short, powerful, and slightly sloping when viewed in profile. Viewed from the front, the pasterns are straight. Body The chest is deep and moderately wide, with ample room for heart and lungs. The ribs are well sprung from the spine and then flatten to form a deep body, extending at least to the elbows or lower in adult dogs. The topline inclines very slightly downward from well-developed withers to a broad, muscular back. The loin is short, broad, and slightly arched, blending into a slightly sloping croup. The flank is moderately tucked up and firm. Serious Faults: Swayback; sloping topline. Hindquarters The hindquarters are well muscled and broad. The width and angulation of the hindquarters is in balance with the width and angulation of the forequarters. The lower thighs are muscular and short. Viewed from the side, the rear pasterns are well let down and perpendicular to the ground. Viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are straight and parallel to one another. Serious Faults: Narrow or weak hindquarters. Faults: Cowhocks; open hocks. Feet The feet are round, medium in size, well arched, and tight. Fault: Splayed feet. The seriousness of this fault is based on the amount of splay in the feet. Tail The American Bulldog may have a natural or a docked tail, but the natural tail is preferred. The natural tail is very thick at the base, set low, and tapers to a point. It should reach to the hock joint. A pump handle tail is preferred, but any tail carriage from upright, when the dog is excited, to relaxed between the hocks is acceptable. Serious Faults: Tail curled over the back; corkscrew tail; kinked tail, tail that ends in a complete curl; upright tail when the dog is relaxed. Coat The coat is short, close, and varies from soft to stiff to the touch. It is one inch or less in length. Disqualifications: Longer than one inch, any feathering, or a wavy coat. Color Any color, color pattern, or combination of colors is acceptable, except for solid black, solid blue, merle, and tricolor. A full black mask is also unacceptable. Some dark brindle coats may appear black unless examined in very bright light. A buckskin color pattern, where the base of the hair is fawn and the tips are black, may also appear solid black. A judge should not disqualify an American Bulldog for black color unless the dog has been examined in sunlight or other equally bright light. Disqualifications: Solid black or blue with no white markings; tricolor; merle; full black mask. Height and Weight The American Bulldog must be sufficiently powerful and agile to chase, catch, and bring down free-ranging livestock. Dogs capable of doing this come in a rather wide range of height and weight. Standards are leaner and more athletic in appearance. Bullys are thicker and more powerful in appearance. Males are typically larger with heavier bone and more muscle than females. Both sexes, however, should have a well-balanced overall appearance and all dogs should be well conditioned, neither over nor under weight. Desirable height in a mature male ranges from 22 to 27 inches; in a mature female, from 20 to 25 inches. In all types, weight should be in proportion to height. Gait When trotting, the gait is effortless, smooth, powerful and well coordinated, showing good reach in front and drive behind. When moving, the topline remains level, with only a slight flexing to indicate suppleness. Viewed from any position, legs turn neither in nor out, nor do feet cross or interfere with each other. As speed increases, feet tend to converge toward center line of balance. Poor movement should be penalized to the degree to which it reduces the American Bulldogs ability to perform the tasks it was bred to do. Disqualifications A dog with a Disqualification must not be considered for placement in a conformation event, and must be reported to UKC. Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Life Span Did You Know? The American Bulldog is a descendant of a generic bulldog type of dog breed brought into the region that is now the Southern United States by working-class immigrants many years ago. These were all-around working dogs used by small farmers and ranchers for several tasks around the farm. They were often found working as catch dogs, stock dogs, and overall farm guardians. When feral pigs were introduced to the New World, they had no natural predators and the population quickly grew out of control. In addition to their farm duties, the settlers found the bulldog-type dog to be the best solution they had for dealing with it. So, the bulldog continued to thrive, especially in the South. Johnson and Alan Scott that we have what we know today as the American Bulldog. Modern American Bulldogs can still be found working as all-around utility dogs, farm dogs, catch dogs, cattle drovers, and more. They can also be found competing in dog sports, working as a guardian, police, or military dog, and are also popular as a family pet. This dog breed is a sweetheart with a gentle, fun-loving nature. The American Bulldog is affectionate and adores their families. They also love children and tend to be good with other animals. American Bulldogs can have a high prey drive, so you will want to make sure you introduce and socialize them properly with other small animals in the household. Due to their protective nature, they can be aloof towards strangers and strange dogs, especially when they are younger. Early socialization can help them be more comfortable navigating their guardian instincts. Overall, this dog breed tends to be confident, social, and are most at ease and relaxed when they are with the people they love. American Bulldogs are an emotional dog breed and thrives on human attention and affection, so they tend to bond strongly with their owners and may come across as clingy sometimes. They will also often convince themselves that they are lap dogs regardless of their size, so make sure you are ready for a lot of love and cuddles with your American Bulldog, drool and all! The American Bulldog is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They are strong, high-energy working dogs that love being around their favorite humans. This makes them better suited to larger homes with space for them to run. They are not generally a good fit for apartment living, but they can adapt as long as they get more than enough exercise and attention. Because they do tend to bond strongly with their owners and want to be near them, they do not tend to do well with long periods of time alone. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold, but can adapt to well to most climates. There are some health issues that can be found in specific genetic lines and are not common to the breed overall, but these can be ruled out with genetic tests. Some potential health conditions to be aware of in general with the American Bulldog include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, thyroid disorders, kidney disorders, bone cancer, and eye-related issues like ectropion, entropion, and cherry eye. Talking to the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and asking to see any health clearances can help allay potential concerns. American Bulldogs are highly trainable and eager to please, so they are a good fit for owners of any experience level, including first-time dog owners. They can have a stubborn streak, so a first-time dog owner may want to consider enrolling in puppy training classes. As with any dog breed, early and ongoing training and socialization are important for your American Bulldog puppy to grow into a well-rounded, and a well-behaved, dog. This dog breed has a short coat that is generally smooth. Common coat colors are white and predominately white with patches of brindle, black, or red. More coat color patterns are emerging and becoming more common like all shades of brindle, fawn, brown, red, and more. The American Bulldog is relatively low maintenance and easy to groom and they are light to moderate shedders. They only require a bath as needed. But, you will need to be prepared to deal with some extra drool! Floppy ears tend to trap moisture and dirt, which can lead to ear infections. The ideal dental care for dogs is using an enzyme toothpaste or brushing their teeth every day. Dental hygiene chews or treats, a specially-formulated dental care diet, and more can be used to supplement your dental care efforts. The American Bulldog is an athletic and high-energy dog breed. They love daily walks and plenty of playtime outside. They may even enjoy plenty of other activities with you like swimming, hiking , and more. With their working dog background, this dog breed does need a job to do in order to stay happy and healthy. They also tend to be a good candidate for dog sports like obedience, weight pulling, the Iron Dog competition, and more. A fully-grown American Bulldog usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. An American Bulldog generally lives for years. Chance, one of the canine stars from the Homeward Bound films, was an American Bulldog. Featured American Bulldog Article.

From there we began showing dairy goats, angora goats, and pygmy goats in 4-H, FFA, and open shows from .When my son went off to college, we decided to sell off our dairy goat herd and focus on our Pug Breeding Program. Once we were able to focus on our Pug Breeding Program more we began to search for pugs of unique colors that we didn't already own. In I quit my job, and started breeding pugs full time. My new job title is a "Stay at Home Pug Mommy". Instead we retire them and they live out the remainder of their lives here at Tipping Point Farm, playing, eating, sleeping day after day, and spending time with our family. After all, Pugs are the ultimate companion and mans best friend. They will always be there for you no matter what, whether they are trying to cheer you up, steel your food, or give you kisses. With such a large demand for our pugs, I have now brought in my mom's dogs to be a part of my breeding program, so everyone is able to have their own Tipping Point Farm Pug. My Mom owns a farm thirty minutes away from me where she lives and raises her own pugs with help from me. On February 11th, , my first pug, "Cheese", the one who started it all passed away suddenly. The whole family was devastated after learning of her passing and spending so many years with such a great dog. I was heart broken, I lost my best friend. This one dog was the reason behind my whole pug breeding program. I loved this dog so much that I wanted to breed pugs so everyone could have "their own Cheese". After all, Pug love is like no other, you are their world and they become a family member. Even though Cheese is no longer here with us, I know that I am lucky enough to have got to spend so many years with her and have her daughters, grand daughters, and great grand daughters. When it comes to our pugs, Health is our 1 priority and then of course color! From day one, we are directly involved with our puppies, we help them come into the world and love them everyday till they go to there new family. Please feel free to call or email me anytime you have a question or are interested in a pug. Thank you for taking the time to read the Story behind our farm. We are looking forward to hearing from you and your family and to adding a new member to your family. I apologize for this and will be back to keeping up with my website for .As soon as we learned of the diagnosis, we made arrangements to meet with the surgeon. Unfortunately after the scans were taken, a spot was found on his liver which gave him a terminal diagnosis 2 months without chemo, 6 months with chemo. In March of he opted to start a chemo regiment every 3 weeks to hopefully extend his life expectancy. During the next few months him and I created a bucket list of things he wanted to do, which we were able to complete in between his visits to the hospital and chemo treatments. In August his cancer was reassessed to see if the chemo treatments had been working. The results were heartbreaking, the chemo hadn't worked and his body was full of cancer. Within a month of this heart breaking news my fathers health deteriorated, he was back and forth between hospice and the emergency room until he lost his battle to cancer on September 22, .My fathers loss has been extremely difficult, but I am now able to start focusing on my breeding program once again. As of right now we have big plans for .For more information about our plans, please contact me with any inquiries regarding current and future puppies or keep checking back for updates. We appreciate your patience and look forward to adding the newest fur-member to your family. Life Span Did You Know? The Pug, or Pug Dog, is famous for its flat-faced appearance and large, soulful eyes. They are an ancient dog breed that originated in China over 2, years ago. They were originally developed as a refined pet of Chinese royalty along with the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu. During this time, the Pug was considered a national treasure that outsiders could only access if one was gifted to them. Dutch traders from the s can be credited with bringing the Pug onto the world stage when they brought some back to Europe with them. The Pug made its way to the United States in the s. Now, the Pug is a popular dog breed worldwide. They are a popular companion that provides their owners with plenty of love and laughter from their comedic and playful antics. The Pug is a playful and outgoing dog breed with a charming personality. They tend to be very loving towards children and also get along well with other pets and dogs. They are a companion breed at heart known for their gentle nature and sociable personality. They love to give love and receive it in return. Their sensitive nature makes them intuitive as well and Pugs will often sense the moods of their owners and react accordingly. They crave attention and affection from their owners and are big fans of napping. This dog breed is often described as an ideal house dog and they are moderately adaptable. They will do well in homes of any size, including apartments. The Pug also adapts well to city or country life and are a good fit for singles or families of any size. Although they are highly adaptable to various living situations, they are less adaptable to climates. Pugs are very sensitive to the heat and overexertion, so they are best-suited to moderate climates. They also love to be with their families and will not be happy if left alone for a long time. As with any dog breed, the Pug has some health conditions to be aware of. In particular, corneal ulcers and dry eye are some potential eye problems that can occur. Additionally, Pugs can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and encephalitis. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see health clearances can help allay concerns for some of these health issues. Pugs are also big foodies. They love to eat! Their love for food means this dog breed is prone to obesity. As a brachycephalic dog, their large head and short snout often cause respiratory problems, which can limit their exercise at times and contribute to weight gain. This will cause them to quickly gasp and snort, which can sound relatively alarming. These episodes are usually not harmful as your Pug is just clearing their palate and throat. The Pug tends to be easy to train and is a good fit for owners of any experience level. They are eager to please their owners and tend to pick up on commands quickly. They are sensitive souls and their feelings can be hurt easily, so they will not respond well to harsh corrections. This dog breed responds best to consistent training that focuses on positive rewards and will benefit from participation in puppy training classes. Pugs have a smooth, glossy, and short coat. Their fur is fine and soft. Although their coat is generally low-maintenance, it will shed throughout the year. Aside from brushing, Pugs only need occasional baths on an as-needed basis. Because Pugs have ears that drop down, they can be susceptible to moisture, dirt, or debris. Checking their ears regularly and cleaning as needed helps to keep them healthy and comfortable. The same goes for their iconic face wrinkles. Daily brushing is ideal, but if your Pug is not allowing you to do that, a few times a week should be sufficient. Getting your Pug used to these grooming tasks as a puppy will help make it a positive bonding experience and a much easier process throughout their life. This dog breed has a low to moderate energy level. Generally, daily walks and some play sessions are enough exercise for this dog breed. They may have short bursts of energy as they have a very playful nature, but they will tire easily. Some Pugs can handle a little more activity and even compete in some dogs sports like agility, rally, and obedience. Make sure you check with your vet first before jumping into dog sports with your dog. A full-grown Pug will usually stand 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. The Pug was a popular pet of the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. Featured Pug Article. Scroll Our story My name is Kim. I have always had a love for animals. Dogs, cats and horses were always a part of my life. But I had never thought of being a breeder until I met the pug of my life. It all started years ago in a theater. When Frank the pug began singing "and now your back. .It got so bad my husband, JR, even tried to smother me so i would be quiet. Not long after the night in the theater we went puppy shopping. I love puppy shopping!!! Just looking at those puppies in the window makes my heart swell even if I can't take them home. But on this day my life would change forever. Behind one of the windows this tiny little puppy with big eyes and the cutest growl forced me take her home. I named her "All That Tazz". Tazz for short. She came home and took over the house. How something so small can have so much personality I will never know. She was stubborn, full of life, and my personal shadow for 14 years. Tazz was a Pug. We decided to start breeding when our kids moved out and we were able to be full time pug parents. Being able to devote the proper amount of time and effort to our breeding program. We take great pride and care in our breeding program and strive to improve upon it everyday. As small hobby breeders, we devote so much of our time to the raising and socialization of healthy, well tempered pug puppies. We adhere to an ethical and responsible breeding cycle to promote the utmost well being of our girls. We also value the bonds that we form with our adoptive families and it is our greatest joy to watch our puppies grow up to become a part of your family and thrive. We currently offer fawn, black, cream, silver and chocolate pugs and look forward to adding additional colored pugs in the future. Prices of our Pug puppies vary based on quality, sex, color and registry of puppy. We realize that there is strong debate on Pugs of color. But pugs of color can be traced back as far as B. The Lo-Sze pronounced low tsu appears to be the progenitor of the modern Pug. The Chinese had interbred these dogs resulting in both short and long haired as well as variously colored pups in the same litter. The greatest and sometimes saddest day is when a family comes over to pick up their new puppy. I love to see the excitement in the eyes of our new owners. A pug is a special kind of dog. Lots of love, patience and work goes into being a pug owner. They are not very big but bring a giant personality with them wherever they go. It is a great joy to bring this special dog into the lives of others.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. 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. Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Sheprador Highlights The German Sheprador is a mixed breed dog. The main colors of German Shepradors are black, white, red, cream, blue, and grey. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. Many German Shepradors absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also help to keep them cool during hot summer months. German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. German Sheprador History The German Sheprador dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing German Shepherds and Labradors in North America, possibly in the s. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create German Shepradors as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the German Sheprador got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up German Sheprador rescues, or check with breed-specific German Shepherd and Labrador rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. German Sheprador Size As the German Sheprador is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between German Shepherd and Labrador parents, you can expect the German Sheprador to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 95 pounds and range in height from 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. German Sheprador Personality German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their German Shepherd parents regularly work as military, police, and guard dogs, while their Labrador Retriever parents have jobs as hunting and guide dogs. German Shepradors like to work and need to have a job to do, whether big or small. Give them a sense of purpose, and this dog will earn their keep ten fold. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reenforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. German Shepradors are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour long walk per day with several shorter walks mixed in. Hiking and other adventurous activities are also recommended. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as this mixed breed is prone to tartar build-up. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with its one-inch jumps. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. German Sheprador Feeding An ideal German Sheprador diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. They usually have medium length, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. You will need it. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also helps to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are an indoor dog and need to live indoors. Like all dogs, however, German Shepradors need to be trained how to behave around children and vice versa. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this awesome breed by reading about their parent breeds the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever. German Sheprador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for German Shepradors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Well, you get the German Shepherd Lab mix, a lovable crossbreed with all the great personality traits you could ever want in a family dog. Also known as Lab Shepherd mixes or Shepradors, these mixed breed canines are highly sought after. The parent breeds are some of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Like all crossbreeds, Shepradors combine the physical and personality traits of their parents, resulting in a one-of-a-kind companion. Because they are a designer dog , there are no established breeding guidelines or standards. Oftentimes, pedigree information is scarce as well, creating a lot of unknowns. Canines are fully capable of crossbreeding on their own. In fact, many of the purebred dogs we know today are a result of centuries of careful breeding. As we mentioned earlier, this crossbreed is a direct result of breeding purebred German Shepherds with Labrador Retrievers. Labrador Retrievers have a very long history that dates back all the way to the s. Back then, they were working dogs that often helped out fishermen. Eventually, these dogs made their way to England where they became companions for European royalty. German Shepherds were working dogs, too. However, their main job was to herd sheep and other livestock for farmers. Today, Labradors and German Shepherds are very popular the world over. .Though, they are popular for very different reasons. Typically, Labs are known for their companionship. They make great family pets and are often used as guide dogs for those with disabilities. Meanwhile, German Shepherds are revered for their athleticism and intelligence. German Shepherd Lab Mix Temperament The beauty of mixed breed dogs is that they take on traits from both of their parents. German Shepradors are a perfect example of this. These dogs are a joy to be around. Whether that required physical work or simply good behavior, these pups are up for the task! Like all dogs, German Shepherds and their subsequent crossbreed are products of their environment. Shepradors make great family dogs. The combination of intelligent thinking and loyalty can prove to be useful in a home setting. Your watchdog will do all they can to protect your home while still being down for cuddles. However, helping your pup grow up to be obedient and well-behaved is manageable. You see, these dogs are very intelligent. In fact, some might say that they are too intelligent for their own good. This mainly comes from the German Shepherd side of the dog. German Shepherds are notorious for being stubborn. Shepradors can take on that personality trait, making the training process a bit more challenging. They may require more time and patience to truly understand things. Another issue you might encounter with German Shepherd mixes is the need for regular mental stimulation. Because they are so intelligent, you must constantly challenge their minds to keep them happy. Like all dogs, Shepradors do best when positive reinforcement is the training method of choice. While dominance-based training used to be the go-to, several studies have shown that punishments do more harm than good. German Shepherd mixes thrive when you use a reward system. Showering your dog with praise and providing plenty of treats is the best way to instill the training techniques. Despite all of this, you may see pups with vastly different characteristics. Genetics is not an exact science. Dominant genes from one parent dog may take over, causing the puppy to look more like one breed than the other. As a result, the crossbreed is going to fall into that same category. You can use information about their parents for reference, but several factors will contribute to their true adult size. Generally, males can weigh upwards of 88 pounds when fully grown. They will stand between 22 and 26 inches at the withers. This is the point between the shoulder blades of the dog. Females are typically smaller than males. You may come across females as small as 35 pounds. Though, most will be around 70 to 80 pounds. As for height, females tend to be between 20 and 24 inches at the withers. Both of the parent breeds are pretty athletic, so most mixed pups will be as well. They fall somewhere in the middle. Depending on their activity levels, you might notice strong muscle development on their hind legs. These dogs usually have wide snouts and dark noses. Their eyes are large and brown. Some pups may have light eyes, but this is quite rare. Genetic variations in the parent breeds can lead to lighter eyes, but a vast majority are going to have big brown eyes. One characteristic where you will see a lot of variation among these dogs is the ears. Most Labs have large ears that flop down over the sides of the head Meanwhile, perky triangular ears are one of the most defining traits of the German Shepherds. The interesting thing about the ears is that you will have to wait and see whether they stand tall or flop down. Puppies are born with soft and fluffy ears. As they grow older, the cartilage in their ears may or may not strengthen to help them stand up. Some pups even have a combination of the two ear styles! Colors Coat colors can vary across the board with these pups. German Shepherds have an iconic tri-color coat. Distinct patterns of gold, black, and white cover the body. The most common is gold. However, black and pure-white Labs exist as well. They may have multi-colored coats or solid ones. Lifespan The average lifespan for a German Shepherd Lab mix is between 10 and 12 years. This falls in line with the life expectancy of the parent breeds. Generally, larger dogs tend to have a shorter lifespan than smaller ones. Many factors will affect how much time these dogs have. Health issues and a poor lifestyle can cut that lifespan short. On the same token, extremely healthy pups are fully capable of living past 12 years of age. Possible Health Issues Like all dogs, Shepradors are not immune to disease and health problems. In fact, they may be susceptible to more issues. The problem with mixing breeds is that it opens up the possibilities of health complications in the future. Hereditary problems from both parents can be passed to the puppy. Unfortunately, German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are known to suffer from a few different ailments. Here are the most common health concerns to be wary of. Dysplasia is a musculoskeletal condition that often affects dogs later in life. However, it takes years to develop and can be triggered by issues as a young pup. Take hip dysplasia for example. Hip dysplasia can cause debilitating pain. Many dogs who suffer from it have a hard time standing up. They may exhibit signs of extreme weakness in the hind legs, resulting in a noticeably different posture. The hip sockets become malformed, causing mobility issues with the hip joint. While some dogs are born with it, poor development as a puppy can exacerbate the problem. There are treatment options for hip and elbow dysplasia. Veterinarians can perform surgery early on to correct the problem and provide relief. If your dog is already suffering from it, physical therapy and joint supplements can provide relief from pain. Bloat Contrary to popular belief, bloat is not an innocent gas problem with dogs. It occurs when dogs eat too fast or exert physical exercise too soon after eating. Excess air is swallowed, filling the stomach. Eventually, the stomach can twist on itself. This restricts blood flow throughout the body. Provide small meals and prevent your dog from playing for at least 30 minutes. To control fast eating, you can utilize slow-feeding bowls or puzzle toys. They create an obstacle that forces the dog to eat slower than normal, which can do a lot to prevent GDV. Ocular Issues Eye diseases, such as progressive retinal atrophy, are pretty common with both parent breeds. The tissue within the eye can degenerate over time. This causes vision loss. From there, you can provide supplements or foods rich in beta carotene to slow its progression. Diet and Exercise Requirements Shepherd Labrador mixes are incredibly active dogs. They love nothing more than playing and getting tons of exercise. To make matters worse, a lack of exercise can turn into a lasting problem. You need to start your pup on the right foot and establish a healthy lifestyle right off the bat. Go for runs and toss chew toys around the yard. You can break up exercise time in manageable chunks throughout the day to make things easier. As long as you get those 90 minutes in, your dog should have no problem staying healthy. When it comes to diet, you must be just as vigilant! These dogs have insatiable appetites. However, you need to ensure that their food is meeting all of their nutritional needs. It should use wholesome proteins like chicken, beef, or fish. The dog food should also have complex carbs and healthy fats like fish oil. Steer clear of anything that has artificial ingredients or unnecessary fillers. Those foods will do more harm than good. The goal is to provide your dog with muscle-building protein that will keep their body in good shape. As a good rule of thumb, dogs will need about 30 calories of food for each pound of body weight. This usually amounts to about 4 cups of dry kibble a day. That said, foods can vary dramatically when it comes to nutritional density. We recommend splitting their caloric requirements into two small meals a day. One meal in the morning and one in the evening will keep their energy levels stable as they go about their active lifestyles. Plus, splitting the meals will help to avoid issues like bloat. However, thick coats need a bit of extra work. GSDs have double costs. The outer layer of hair is thinner and easier to manage. Meanwhile, the inner coat is thick and dense. It provides insulation in those cold winter months. German Shepherd Lab mixes can inherit that thick coat. They will go through shedding cycles a couple of times a year, resulting in a mess of fur throughout your home! With regular brushings, you can keep the fallout to manageable levels while keeping your pup clean. These pups make great family dogs. They get along just fine with kids as long as you socialize them early on. As always, you should never leave your dog alone with young kids. These crossbred dogs are fully capable of attacking people, so you should exercise caution and always keep a watchful eye. They should know not to pull their tail or agitate the dog in any way. Are German Shepherd Lab mixes good guard dogs? Shepradors make great guard dogs. Plus, they tend to be a bit suspicious of strangers. Are these dogs aggressive? This all depends on their upbringing. If you take the time to properly train and socialize these dogs, they will be gentle and loving. However, if the dogs are abused or trained with punishment, they could exhibit aggressive behavior. How big to German Shepherd Lab mixes get? Males can weigh as much as 88 pounds and grow to 26 inches tall at the withers. Do Shepradors get along with other dogs? German Shepherd Labrador mixes do just fine with other dogs. However, they must be properly socialized first. Exposure to other animals is key during their development. They should be introduced to new family dogs slowly to prevent any aggressive behavior. Do Shepradors make good working dogs? Thanks to their intelligence and high trainability, Labrashepherds make fine working dogs. They do particularly well herding livestock. Conclusion German Shepherd Lab mixes are a joy to raise. If you have an active lifestyle to keep them fit, they will be a great addition to your family. Treat them well and these pups will spend their lives being a loving canine companion. Search Dog Breeds. There is no way to find out if your puppy will develop any of these conditions. All you can do is to take care of your dog properly to prevent some of these severe medical conditions. Your growing dog should maintain a healthy weight because extra weight can be an additional weight on its spine. The ideal dog nutrition will also depend on any nutritional needs of your dog. If you are training your dog, never give treats as a reward. This encourages obesity and will only cause more problems for your dog. Here are top dog food brands that your German Shepherd Lab will surely love. Its core ingredients include ground brown rice, lamb meal, white rice, and chicken. It is all natural and contains no preservatives. Even a picky puppy will surely love this dog food. Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula Precise Holistic contains chicken, brown rice, chicken fat, and oatmeal and is considered the best organic dog food for large dogs. This comes with extra calcium and phosphorus needed by dogs to achieve its full, large size. This is a portion of irresistible dog food for large breed dogs such as your Lab German Shepherd mix. Just like any other dog, never give your German Shepherd Lab the following human food. Not all human food is safe for dogs. Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Salty foods and junk food Chocolate, coffee, or tea Onions, chives, and garlic If you want your dog to grow strong and healthy, you need to give them the best care in the world. So, start with their nutrition! That means you need to stay away from the worst dry dog food, and try out the best dry dog food instead. Your hairy friend comes from different parents and therefore you can experiment with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Our puppy friends need nutrition that is full of proteins and easy to digest. You can look for some ideas in the best puppy food brands. Senior dogs, in their grandpa style, need food which contains moderate protein levels as in the best senior dry dog food. Because of this, you need to spend ample time in a day to exercise and to walk this dog otherwise; it can develop destructive behavior. Play with your dog regularly to develop a strong bond with your pet. Remember that this dog will love to swim because of its Labrador Retriever lineage. A local dog pool or a pond would work great with your dog. If you have a large yard, an old, large vat will work great just for him to play and cool off. All dogs love to fetch and play Frisbee. Use other kinds of toys like large ropes so you can play pulling games. Use a giant ball for fetches like an old football or a tennis ball. Here are a few ideas 1. This is available in six sizes so you will surely find the best size for your medium to large-sized Lab German Shepherd mix. It is indestructible so your dog will undoubtedly spend hours playing with it. It is made from durable materials that will never break or chip. This is indestructible, and your dog will surely love to play with this over and over again. It is soft but is made to be indestructible. Your pet will surely love to chew on this soft bone. This will be his favorite toy in no time. Lab German Shepherd Mix Training The Lab crossed with a German Shepherd is a brilliant dog, but it may need more than simple traditional training techniques to train this dog. The following tricks will help you make your dog obey you in no time. The Clicker Technique Learn how to train your dog using a clicker. Press this, and you will hear an audible click, a sound that dog loves very much. The clicker may be used in all kinds of tricks, but the most common is for positive reinforcement. Just click the clicker when your dog can follow the trick and then click again if you want to repeat the behavior. Invest in a good clicker which is available in most pet stores online. This can contribute to obesity and other health problems related to being overweight. Reward good behavior by patting your dog, playing with him or giving him a good scratch. Tell your dog what a good dog he is and combines this with a lot of pats as reinforcement. Every dog takes his time so you must be patient. His bed should at the same place where he found it the first time while his food bowls should also be in the same area. Consistency is the key to training dogs important stuff. Also, consider talking to everyone at home regarding your rules and commands to reinforce consistency in training your dog. Train Your Dog In A Familiar Environment Dogs like the Lab are easily distracted; therefore you must train your pup in a quiet and familiar environment first before you take him out for further training. Start inside a quiet room with only you and him. You can train him outdoors once he is less distracted to noise and the presence of other pets and people. You may also opt for professional training for your Lab German Shepherd mix dog if you want your pup to grow up and become a service dog or police dog. German Shepherd Lab Mix and Families Lab German Shepherds can be great family dogs because these dogs love to be with their masters and to please them every way they can. These are patient with children and will never roughhouse or bite. They can even tolerate toddlers and very intense games like dress up and role play games. Lab German Shepherd mix dogs will love to be with other pets and even other dogs. They are not domineering and will never cause a fight. The Lab German Shepherd mix may become anti-social and may become aggressive with people or other dogs when they are not introduced to people and other pets early on. Your dog should be trained first and exposed to other dogs and people to prevent this untoward behavior. German Shepherd Lab mix puppies German Shepherd Lab mix dogs are a combination of energetic friendliness and natural protection. As well trained adults they have the potential to make great herding, hunting, retrieving, therapy, service or pet dogs. German Shepherd Lab mixes are affectionate with their family, but need plenty of exercise, shed heavily, and can be destructive if left alone for long periods. That is, they have one parent of each pedigree. So there is huge variation in how they look, and no standard appearance. Some have the telltale muzzle and tall ears of the German Shepherd, others more resemble a Labrador. The color of their coat will depend on the coloring of their parents. For example, a black Lab German Shepherd mix is likely to have a dark coat, and a German Shepherd yellow Lab mix is likely to have a mid-toned coat. There are even arresting-looking white German Shepherd Lab crosses. An ultra-warm undercoat and a coarse outer coat to protect them from the elements as they work outdoors. This is because the gene for long coats is recessive and very unusual among Labs. Gathering up their lost hair will be a never-ending task! A good vacuum cleaner is essential. This might be reason enough to choose a different crossbreed if you have a busy family or someone with allergies in the home. German Shepherds are large dogs. They stand 22 — 26 inches tall at their shoulder blades, and weigh 49 — 88 pounds. Meanwhile, Labs are a medium sized breed, 22 — 25 inches tall at their shoulders, and 55 — 80 pounds on the scales. A Labrador German shepherd mix could be as petite as their smallest parent or as big as their largest parent. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could weigh anything from 55 pounds to 80 pounds. As usual, the lower end of the range is typically made up of female dogs, and the top end is dominated by the boys. They love to interact with people, show their affection, and get on well with children. Also, the German Shepherd is confident, courageous and smart. They are loyal and full of life. Furthermore, Labradors and German Shepherds are both fast learners and eager to please. German Shepherds in particular need productive ways to channel their intelligence, or they will get into mischief to stave off boredom. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could inherit any combination of the traits of their parents, which is why meeting both parents before committing to bringing home a puppy is so important. Socialization Socialization is the process of making a dog comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities. Even for breeds that are known to be friendly and easy-going, like Labradors, socialization is very important. German Shepherd Lab mixes are likely to inherit a love of people and company from both sides of their family tree. But socializing them properly as puppies will be vital to give them the confidence they need in meeting new people. German Shepherds, despite their great loyalty to their family, can be wary of strangers. So thorough socialization from puppyhood is essential, even for a mix. For instance, Socialization can involve having new people call over to the house regularly so your pup gets used to new faces and voices. It can also involve introducing your puppy to new dogs, cats, children and other animals so that they do not become fearful or territorial. A young dog in good health could require even more. They will also need human company for much of the day, and training to keep those big brains from getting bored. They are working dogs at heart. Highly motivated to learn and impress you with their ability to follow instructions. Like with any dog, training them is an ongoing commitment that lasts a lifetime. But with your ultra smart dog it should be a satisfying and rewarding one. German Shepherd and Labrador Health Magnification of health problems in pedigree dog breeds has become a well-documented problem. Labrador Health One of the biggest health problems facing Labradors today is hip and elbow dysplasia — looseness in the joints that eventually leads to painful arthritis. Another is progressive retinal atrophy, a gradual failure of the retina at the back of their eyes that can ultimately leave them blind. Also, Labs are also notoriously greedy, and prone to obesity if their penchant for snacking is indulged too often. Another less serious but common issue in Labs is ear infections. These are easily treated but may require veterinary care and frequent inspections. In addition, they are more than usually prone to: Gastrointestinal diseases.

Not only will you learn the skills you need to be successful, but your puppy will learn incredible manners and behaviors as well! Each puppy that comes from our kennel comes home with a beautiful Registration Certificate. Continuing this daily regimen is the easiest and best way to keep your pet on the path to perfect health! NuVet Plus is a lifetime product to help support their immune system and provide assistance to their optimal health. A strong immune system will protect them from environmental and food toxins such as back yard pesticides, hormones, germs from public places, and even toxic formaldehyde in furniture and carpeting. NuVet Plus is a full spectrum, immune system support supplement that contains over 30 different nutrient dense ingredients that well better equip puppies to get and stay healthy. She is already so comfortable here and so attached. She gets so excited every time she sees us. And she has such a sweet disposition Everything goes for her. She just rolls with it. She loves to play and has lots of playful energy when she chases behind a toy or plays tug of war. But she loves to cuddle too, and she can busy herself well too without complaint. Yesterday we left her home when we went on a walk and she never barked or whined and was fast asleep when we returned. She accepted her crate as if she had never known any other place to rest. She just crawls in there and rests when she is tired. And when she wakes up, she quietly plays until we take her out of the playpen. Her potty training is going well. A couple of accidents here and there, but most of the time we catch her before anything happens, and she always does her business right away when we put her on the grass patch we have on the patio. She is getting a treat when she does her business. So, she actually figured out that if she spares some pee and squats several times, she will get several treats. Only One treat for the first time, everything after does not get rewarded any more. Wow, I have never seen a puppy learning that fast. And loving to learn. Being really food driven helps. I could not think of a better quarantine buddy to brighten up our day. I think she will be an amazing therapy dog who brightens up the day if many more people. Oh, and did I mention she is absolutely beautiful? Thank you again for that gift, Michele. I hope you are all doing well and are coping with the many new puppies. Some stressful days ahead of you, I am sure. And you are the best puppy mom I have ever encountered. Lots of love to your whole beautiful family! Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Chicago Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Chicago? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Chicago? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Illinois Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Illinois? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Illinois? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. As with any mixed breed, they can take on the traits of one of the parent breeds or any combination of both of them. With a Golden Retriever Mix, the goal is to get the highly-trainable, super-friendly, and sweet nature of the Golden Retriever and the best traits of the other dog in the cross. Because there can be variation in the puppies, you will want to ask the breeder about the other dog in the cross. This will give you an idea of what other traits you could be dealing with in a Golden Retriever Mix puppy. A Golden Retriever is known as the quintessential friendly dog with a happy-go-lucky personality. They get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They also tend to be good with strangers as they are more interested in making friends. The other dog breed in the cross could provide some other traits and variations to this, but your Golden Retriever Mix puppy should have a similar disposition to the Golden Retriever. Golden Retriever Mixes tend to be highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in larger homes with room to run and can adapt well to apartment living. As long as they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and affection, they tend to be quite happy wherever they live. Golden Retrievers do well in most climates and are sensitive to heat, as with most dog breeds. Your Golden Retriever Mix should be about the same. A mixed breed can take on potential health concerns related to one, both, or neither of the parent breeds. Overall, a Golden Retriever Mix should be a relatively healthy dog breed. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to avoid passing on genetic conditions to puppies. You can also ask to see any relevant health clearances or test results. Golden Retrievers are famously easy to train, which makes them a great fit for owners of all experience levels. Depending on the other parent breed, there may be a chance that your Golden Retriever Mix could have an independent or stubborn streak. In this case, you will want to be prepared for puppy training and obedience classes in case you want a little help in dealing with stubbornness. Classes are a great idea either way because they help strengthen the bond you have with your puppy and are also a great opportunity to socialize your puppy. Golden Retrievers tend to have a medium-length coat that sheds moderately year-round and requires brushing a few times a week. Bathing is usually on an as-needed basis. This may be the same for your Golden Retriever Mix or their coat could require more or less grooming depending on the other parent breed. Monthly nail trimming is usually sufficient to keep them from growing too long. Weekly ear checks and careful cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Golden Retrievers are high-energy dogs. Your Golden Retriever Mix will likely be the same. Even if the other parent breed is a low or moderate-energy dog, you will need to be prepared to deal with a high-energy dog. Daily walks, playtime, plus extra activity are a must for dogs with a lot of energy. Be prepared to try a lot of different activities to find your favorites. Teach your dog to play frisbee , go for a swim, go running together, try taking a few hikes, go on trips to the dog park, and more. A Golden Retriever is a medium-sized dog breed that stands inches tall and weighs pounds. Your Golden Retriever Mix could be the same or they could take after the other parent breed. Make sure you talk to the breeder about the other breed in the mix and meet the mother dog. This can give you a good idea of what size to expect as your Golden Retriever Mix puppy grows. Golden Retrievers generally live years. Unless the life span of the other parent breed varies largely from this range, you should be able to expect something similar from your Golden Retriever Mix. Featured Golden Retriever Mix Article. The puppies are called Golden Boxer. The Canine Health Information Center recommends testing a Golden Retriever dogs for issues in hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cardiac and eye. These often occurs on these breeds that is why it is recommended. However it is not possible to predict in advance which traits a puppy may inherit from either parent of the dog, the best way to imagine what your pup might be like is to know more about both the Golden Retriever and the Boxer. The prediction of what a Golden Retriever Boxer mix dog will be like has everything to do with the parents. The goal was to create a designer dog. Pure bred dog usually has a lot of disease to occur. Both the breeds of corgi and golden retriever are affectionate and incredibly loyal, so there is no doubt that the Golden Retriever Corgi mix will also have those traits, which make for an intelligent pet. In addition, both breeds are exceptionally smart, so you know this mix will be quite excellent. At last, you can count on the Golden Retriever Corgi mix to be a lively, fun dog full of spirit and spunk, just like its parents. Ultimately, the Golden Retriever Corgi mix is a good-natured pup that gets along great with others and loves to be active. Learn more about the Corgi Golden Retriever. Goldendoodles are smart just like their parents and they can develop some not so good traits without early training, socialization, and activity. The Goldendoodle is so friendly and enthusiastic, interaction with people and other dogs as a puppy is a must to help your breed understand how to behave when out of the house. Usually golden retriever lives about 10 to 12 years. This lovely new dog immediately caught the eye of the dog lovers and breeders. Now a days it is very popular and there is even an association just for Goldendoodles. This means you need to make sure your dog gets lots of exercises. It is epecially important to keep them fit and healthy. A bored Golden Shepherd will use its energy just tearing up the house. Spend some time outside with your dog like playing Frisbee, go for a long walk or take a hike; include your dog in running, jumping and in any physical activity you partake in. It depends on the pup on what they will they inherit from their parents. They will be friendly towards everybody. They posses a people pleasing attitude, which keeps their wagging tails and makes them super friendly towards people and pets. German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix dogs are also great with kids, they are always excited to see you. They can become your ideal dream dog you just need proper information to train them. Learn more about the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix. The Dog Registry of America, Inc. These dogs are very easy to train and to get along with, provided that you properly socialize the animal when it is young. You can teach them simple commands and move on to advanced lessons if you are so determined because this pup is very intelligent and will quickly catch on to your instructions. Because of their easy-going nature, the Beagle Golden Retriever mix is not for a good guard dog. They are very loving and do not easily become scared or angry. But, they can be taught to fetch and perform other games that allow them to interact with their family. Both parents are large, but the Bullmastiff is considered a giant. Then Golden Bullmastiff Retriever is also a large dog and makes for an excellent family guardian and protector. The Bullmastiff parent is an intimidating size but is gentle and courageous. The breed carry distinctive physical traits of both, such as hair color or head shape. No matter which breed will dominates the looks, expect that the Golden Bull mastiff Retriever will drool a lot. The Golden Bull mastiff is not a hypoallergenic dog and it sheds moderately. Though this does not shed much the Bull mastiff has a large mouth and tongue and drools. This breed is prone to dental disease so regular teeth brushing and cleaning are important to preventing bad dog breath and vet visits. Frequent nail clipping is a must for those who may not often run against hard surfaces that naturally wear the nails down. The Golden Bull mastiff Retriever needs daily exercise but this can spread over the day with casual walks. It should also avoid exercise after eating or drinking. When it comes to climates, this large dog likes it a little cooler but they can adopt to other climates too. The Golden Lab mix is a great family member. It is fun and easy going with kids and very sociable to other pets. The Golden Lab are good is also a great guide or service dog. The Golden Lab is a designer breed that you can predict the size. Both parents are large and similar in shape and size. The Lab Golden Retriever mix is usually 22 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 60 to 80 pounds. Golden Labs are an ideal family companion and are generally gentle and loving toward children of all ages. These pups do well with other dogs and pets, especially when raised together. Learn more about the Golden Retriever Lab mix. One behavioral concern is if you have children or other animals in the family. But because of the addition of the Golden Retriever personality, they can make for a more easygoing, mellow attitude. This mixed breed is very adaptable both to pets and people. They can be over enthusiastic during their playtime, but when they are young, and interactions between an immature Great Golden and very young children there could be a few bumps and bruises because of their size. Although there are exceptions, they look intimidating enough to be a guard dog because of their size, but they are generally too nice to naturally exhibit protective behaviors. They have only been bred in the last 20 years as part of a growing trend to cross breed different purebred dogs to create designer dog. The Chow Chow has been bred by the Chinese for more than 2, years as an all-around working animal. They served as farm animals, temple guards, and even army dogs. Because they are big, and these dogs love working. The Golden Retriever Border Collie mix needs weekly brushing and ear cleaning to avoid ear infections. They tend to shed a lot so this weekly brushing will help keep your house from growing a coat of dog fur. Too much bathing is not recommended because it could dry their skin out. Bathe when there is visible dirt or after swimming. These dogs are friendly, loyal and have sweet dispositions. They are good with children and other pets. If your lives are busy, then the dog would have more than 6 hours of alone time and may not be for you. They are eager to please and will greet you happily when you return home. They require a lot of attention and this breed, nor is this mix a great guard dog. Learn more about the Border Collie Golden Retriever mix. We are not saying to buy branded foods but they need a quality food. These dogs have a lot of energy, so you need provide them with a high protein diet. Look out for foods that are specially meant for the dogs of its size and energy level because they really need it. Finally, you can always consult your vet for any advice for the safety and satisfaction of your pet. Little or not enough exercise is a destructive behavior or psychological dangerous for these high-energy dogs. They love to run and play, and often compel their owners with whining Large Australian Retrievers need a strong-willed master who can handle them and to let them know who the real leader is. The Australian Retriever dogs does not need repetitions of commands to obey specific instructions. Do not be rude or angry with them when giving instructions or command. A positive training technique will always work better because they are very sensitive dogs. Be compassionate while training, and being appreciative to their skills whenever they pick up a trick successfully. You would be surprised to see how your Golden Aussie grows up as an object of envy to other dog owners just because you know the simple technique to train them. Learn more about the Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mix. When searching for info you can search for Golden Wiener dog or Golden Dox. Either term is fine, although Golden Dox is more common. There are fears over the health of the parents and the practices involved in creating the pups. Clearly, the most important issue on the minds of owners is the size of the dog. Golden retrievers are medium sized dogs with a good build. Dachshunds are tiny little hounds with long bodies and short legs. There are many short Golden Doxie dogs with longer bodies and the ears and color of the Golden. This is a great family dog in a small package, but only when trained properly. Learn more about the Dachshund Golden Retriever mix. Both of these dogs are very friendly and loving dogs. There will be a unique offset of the two energy levels. Expect your pup to be calm, intelligent, confident and eager to please. While friendly a Golden Pug is wary of strangers and alert making a good watchdog but due to their small size, a poor guard dog. Golden Pugs get along well with everyone and is quite a well mannered dog! They loves to have fun and play and will need some outdoor space to do this in. This will probably be a more than moderate shedder with the Pug offsetting some of the more aggressive shedding from the Retriever. Get ready to invest in a good vacuum and get ready to keep your floors clean. Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin. Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Retriever background. This is the tradeoff that comes with mixing breeds. I, for one, think it would be cool not to know what my puppy would look like fully grown! Others may prefer a more predictable outcome. Both of these parent breeds belong to the sporting dog group, and are friendly, active dogs that are a pleasure to train. There are several different types of Cocker Spaniel, and two distinct pedigree breeds. It is characterized by a strong, muscular body with a broad skull, slightly tapering muzzle, black nose with wide nostrils, dark almond-shaped eyes, medium-sized dropping ears, and a large, thick tail. Since the Golden Retriever St Bernard mix is not a small breed, it needs a moderate amount of regular exercise. Take your pup on daily walks and short playing sessions in the yard to satisfy its exercise requirements. A Golden Saint needs 4. In the case of the Golden Retriever Bulldog mix, there can be significant health problems on the Bulldog side which could play an important role in the health of the cross. Generally, the Golden Retriever Bulldog mix is a medium sized dog that falls within the Golden and Bulldog weight ranges. Many Golden Retriever Bulldog mixes will have somewhat wrinkly skin on the body and face. Remember that skin wrinkles need to be kept clean and dry. He is a good watchdog and will bark to alert you of a stranger entering the home, but otherwise his barking is rare. He is better in colder climates than he is in warm ones, he is not good in extreme heat. But your location, how popular it might become, its health, where you buy from are all going to impact prices so these numbers are just guidelines. The ears of the Akita is dominating the breed more. The Golden Akita is not a hypoallergenic dog and sheds considerably no matter which parent the hybrid resembles. The Golden Akita is a hybrid of two breeds with high energy. Your Golden Akita will need plenty of exercise and relatively high intensity. If they are properly socialized, they should be good with the family and other pets. This is an intelligent dog that should be easy to train. The best thing you can do is cut the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. Make sure to praise her when she does well. With a proper training and attention this dog will definitely one of your favorite. Be sure to buy in a good vacuum to keep your floors clean. Your Golden Bulldog will require regular exercise. Feed them with high-quality dog food keeping a balance of the nutrients and vitamins to make sure they will live longer. The Golden Pyrenees also referred to as the Great Pytreiver, is the result of cross-breeding the Golden Retriever and the Great Pyrenees, two of the large dogs of its kind. Learn more about the Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever. This mix is a very intelligent, devoted and loyal companion. That is the reason why this mix breed is a great match for those who loves companion. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so. Even though this mixed breed is from accidental breeding of the dogs sharing shelters. Mountain Golden Retrievers do well on high-quality dog food, but be careful not to overfeed them just like any other dogs to prevent unusual things to happen. Therefore, a Bernese Mountain Dog Retriever Mix will most likely to require a high amount of exercise. A long daily walk along with some opportunities to up the numbers, such as joining you on a jog or playing fetch, is perfect not just for you but also for your pet. This is great dog for an owner who loves to do outdoor activities. There are breeders who charges too much for a special line or rare trait of the dog. Uncommon fur colors may cost more, especially if they suddenly become desirable for the dogs fur changes when they grew up. This will lead to some dogs that are abandoned and in need of a second chance to find the right owner. Learn more about the Pitbull Golden Retriever mix. The breeding between Catahoula Leopard Dog and Golden Retriever is not usually done intentionally to preserve the unique features of the Catahoula. However, accidents do happen, and you may find this mix in a rescue because of the unknown decisions of the owner. This mix will almost certainly be an animal that thrives on outdoor activities with an energetic owner. This is the right pet for the owner who loves outdoor activities. If you become the owner of this beautiful breed, you will have an alert, loyal pet. You will rarely see it, as breeders do not often cross dogs of different sizes and character. Every dog breed has a purpose and it is not a secret to everyone. As any other breed dog, the Golden Retriever Shih Tzu mix needs a specific diet with high-quality food. And because parent dogs are in different size you are going to be surprised which traits will dominate. Because both of these dogs are very friendly and loving dogs. This will make a surely better than parents breed because of mixing it. But If the Golden Retriever traits occur be ready to buy a vacuum to keep your home clean. She is calm, intelligent, confident and eager to please. They also needs exercise and walks as a routine. To make sure your Golden Newfie enjoys a long, healthy life ensure he receives plenty of exercise, a top-quality food and regular preventative maintenance check-ups with your vet. With this utmost level of care, you can expect this large breed dog to be a part of your family for between the range of 8 and 12 years. This breed is a loving family dog and lots of energy. It is fun to be around because of its personality. This mix breed is guaranteed to have a lot of fur due that both parents has a lot of fur. The color will range from white to gold to brown to black, and everything in between. The mix will also have a larger snout and dark black nose. Physical appearance will depends on which breed will dominate them. In order to keep their fur looking good, regular brushings are recommended. You will also need to invest in a good vacuum to keep your house tidy. Also, to keep your Golden Retriever Husky mix looking good and in good health, a solid grooming regime is needed. This includes regular baths and brushings, cleaning their ears, trimming their nails and brushing their teeth. Making it as a habit will make it more easier. Learn more about the Husky Golden Retriever mix. You will get excited what will traits will dominate the pup. The Golden Rottweiler is quite likely to excel in hunting, service and therapy dog work, obedience training, search and rescue, and in the show ring. There will be less probability in whether your puppy will grow up to be a great guard dog or the social coordinator for you because it will depends on how you will train them. There is no doubt that the Golden Rottweiler comes from great stock because both parent dogs are consistent favorite picks for pet dogs in America. However, because your Golden Rottweiler is likely to be a large, because both parents are large, powerful dog that may inherit strong guarding tendencies. This is probably not the ideal pet dog to pick if you have young children or other vulnerable family pets because it will cause trouble for them due to high energy of the breed. Learning the difference between the best dry dog food for small dogs and the best large breed dry dog food is crucial for any dog owner. Make sure that your pooch, young or old, stays healthy at all times. These best puppy food brands will provide the right amount for nutrients for whelps, but the best senior dry dog food is better suited for older, wiser pups. In any case, stay away from the worst dry dog food , and choose some of the best dry dog food , for example, Wellness Core Dog Food or Dog For Dog Food. Any nutritional imbalance can be fixed. If it comes to that, introducing Nutra Thrive dog food supplement may be a wise choice. Of course, this should be done only in consultation with the vet. Learn more about the Rottweiler Golden Retriever mix. Top Posts.

Do Labradors Sleep Through the Night? There may be a lot of causes, though, if your dog sleeps more than 15 hours each day. Age, breed, amount of activity, and environmental circumstances are just a few of the multiple variables that affect how much sleep your dog needs. If your dog appears to be sleeping more than usual, analyze any environmental changes. Minor lifestyle adjustments for your dog might have a major impact on how they sleep. You might be curious as to why your Lab sleeps so much. If you have a smaller dog, it could seem like they are sleeping more or more than you are used to. The following are some reasons for changes in the sleeping pattern of your Labrador. Diet If your pooch has begun sleeping more since changing its food, nutritional variations could be the problem. Large dogs like Labradors typically sleep for 12 to 14 hours each day source. Your Labrador will probably sleep even longer if it is a puppy or an older dog. Weather It can be the case that the hot temperature has been making you feel exhausted if the weather has gotten hotter where you are. In this situation, providing it with access to shaded areas, water, and a cool room throughout the day would be beneficial. It would also be beneficial to walk it in the early morning or late evening when it is cooler. Aside from that, it would be beneficial to keep it out of the sun as much as possible to prevent heatstroke. Illness It may have been sleeping more recently due to a disease. That would be more likely if it had more recently started to sleep and had been displaying other symptoms of illness, such as weariness while up. It would be better to take it to the vet in this situation. Boredom Its tendency to sleep more might be because of boredom and lack of stimulation. A lot of daily activity is suggested for the breed of Labradors. It is often advised that they exercise for an hour each day. Click here to learn more. Activity Level Does your dog like frequent strolls across the park? Or does your dog prefer to sit on the couch? The American Kennel Club AKC estimates that a puppy that is highly active when awake may require up to 18 to 20 hours of sleep each day. Less active dogs, on the other hand, often sleep for just around 14 hours daily. No matter how active your dog is, the best strategy is to spread their exercise throughout the day. Dogs often want to snooze frequently to rejuvenate. Aging Puppies and senior dogs typically sleep even more. Puppies sleep more because they are quickly growing and because sleep is when their muscles are rebuilt. Older dogs sleep more because getting around takes more energy and they become weary more quickly. Click here to find out. Since they are young, being separated from their mother may make them feel lonely and afraid. Throughout the night, they could also need to feed or go outside a few times. Before assuming that the dog can sleep through the night, you will need to allow them some time to acclimate. They will eventually quit complaining and keeping you up at night so they can sleep through the night like everyone else. But you might be wondering when this is going to happen for those new pet owners who are sick of waking up in the middle of the night. When a Labrador Retriever reaches the age of around four months, pet owners may anticipate that they will begin to sleep through the night. They have reached an age where they can successfully sleep through the night and are less likely to need to get up in the middle of the night to obtain attention or for any other reason. The simpler it is to encourage the puppy to accomplish this milestone, the more of a foundation you provide for them early on. Each puppy may react differently to being in your house, and some may take a little longer to sleep through the night. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please note: We are not veterinarians and you use our advice at your own discretion. We always recommend that you consult your veterinarian whenever you have health-related conditions your furbaby is facing. With that in mind, as pet parents ourselves, we wish nothing but the best for your pet and their healthy and happy lives. To help them do this by sleeping during the night, make sure to establish a routine with the puppies so they learn when to sleep when to play, and when they can go potty. Tips to help your Labrador puppy sleep: Establish a nightly routine if you can establish a routine for the whole day as it will help the puppy adjust faster Keep the sleeping area dim and quiet Don't get the puppy energetic before bedtime avoid the temptation for a late evening playtime session Prepare for interruptions barking , howling , or potty breaks during the first few weeks of their life 10 Weeks Old At about 10 weeks old, the puppy is likely still adjusting to its new home and only just starting to get used to the nightly routine. They will sleep for about 16 to 20 hours each day. At this stage of their life, your puppy should start getting better control of its bowels, meaning you shouldn't have to take it out during the night as often as you have in the past few weeks. They may even be able to sleep through the night without a bathroom break. During this period, make sure to mainly focus on helping your puppy learn its nighttime schedule, as it is still difficult for it to learn at this stage. Trying to teach too many things to the pup at once can overwhelm it and rove to be unsuccessful. Your puppy should be getting around 11 to 15 hours of sleep every day. It is at this age that you are going to have to worry about the dog's temperament. However, if a good schedule was established for the puppy with time for naps throughout the day, you shouldn't have to worry about a rowdy or energetic pup during the night, as it knows when bedtime is. At about 6 months old your Labrador puppy will be sleeping for about 12 to 14 hours every day. By this stage in your Labrador puppy's life, it should no longer be barking, howling, or need to go to the bathroom during the night as you have established a routine and it has had plenty of time to learn it. With Labradors, make sure to give them plenty of exercise during the day so that they use up the stores of energy they have, or they can develop health problems and an irregular sleep schedule. Giving your Lab something to chew on before it goes to bed will also help it use up its excess energy and sleep better through the night. Now that it is an adult, it requires less sleep and will usually sleep for around 8 to 13 hours a day. This is a positive for Lab owners as they are monophasic sleepers , which means that they only have one sleep period. This means that if you have established a good routine for your Lab, you will be on the same sleep schedule. This is nice as most dogs are polyphasic sleepers , separating their periods of sleep into two or three chunks throughout the day. So, your Lab will still take naps during the day, but they will likely occur while you are at work or are out and about during the day. Example Routine For Labrador Puppies The following is likely what your Labrador's schedule will look like, including its naps. Morning Schedule: Wake up and take the puppy outside to relieve itself Feed it breakfast Give it another potty break it is typically that puppies need to relieve themselves after eating Socializing, playing with your puppy, or taking on a walk Ideally for 30 to 60 minutes Nap Time Expect about 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on age Potty Break. Tom Thorpe Blog Labrador puppies are full of energy and life. That said, do you know how long do Labrador puppies sleep? After all, those big brown eyes can be pretty irresistible when they droop with fatigue. But you may not know that running around takes a lot of energy and can tire them out quickly. For example, did you know that a 3-month-old puppy has the same physical development as a human 3-year-old? All that growth requires a lot of energy, so puppies need to sleep up to 18 hours daily. During deep sleep, their bodies can rest and repair muscles, bones, and tissue. It is crucial for proper growth and development. It can make training more difficult for both you and your pup. When a puppy sleeps, their bodies produce hormones that help the immune system fight off infection and disease. Without enough sleep, puppies are more likely to get sick and may struggle with chronic illnesses later in life. It can also affect their metabolism, which can lead to weight gain. And not getting enough shut-eye can impact their mood, making them irritable and less likely to want to play or interact with people. While puppies sleep, their immune systems produce infection-fighting antibodies. They also produce protective cytokines. It reduces inflammation in the body, which can help reduce pain and pain-related disorders. It also allows dogs to regenerate their bodies. You must ensure he gets the rest he needs to grow and develop properly. Labrador puppies typically sleep anywhere from 18 to 20 hours per day. As they get older and their sleeping patterns mature, they will gradually start sleeping less. Adult Labradors usually sleep around 12 to 14 hours per day. Unlike humans, dogs experience a very different sleep cycle. While humans go through 4 or 5 sleep cycles, dogs go through at least .It is essential to puppies because they need plenty of rest, and it allows their brains to process new information. Puppies spend more time in the REM stage than adults, which is when most dreams occur. It is because they are still learning new things daily. Puppies are also more active during their sleep than adults. They tend to circle in a circle before finally falling asleep. They can go from full-on play mode to deep sleep in seconds. Getting a puppy to sleep through the night requires patience and the right kind of training. While most puppies will sleep through the night by the time they are four months old, some will need a few weeks to adjust. One of the easiest ways to ensure your puppy gets the sleep it needs is to establish a regular bedtime. The best time for your puppy to sleep will depend on its energy levels and schedule. Normal Sleeping Habits in Labrador Puppies Whether you have recently adopted a Labrador or have had one for years, you may wonder what the normal sleeping habits are for this breed of dog. Seeing your Lab acting like this signifies he has achieved REM sleep and is taking a restful, in-depth nap. You could hear the odd barks, groans, or tail wags in addition to the leg cramps. Your dog is most likely playing out its fantasies while it sleeps. And when you see that your Lab has started its REM cycle, all you need to do is observe. It is not advised to disturb him in any other way, such as by petting him, since this period of slumber is crucial for his health. A sleeping Lab should generally not be disturbed. However, there are a few situations when you should step in: As an example, suppose your Lab is having a seizure. A few other breeds, including Labradors, are especially prone to seizures. Instead of the infrequent twitches typical of a dreaming dog, Labrador puppies having a seizure would move violently. He could urinate or have feces on himself, and his limbs will be stiff and inflexible. If you believe your Labrador is experiencing a seizure while sleeping, try saying his name aloud or making a loud noise to rouse him up. Finally, while it should go without saying, contact your veterinarian. It is nothing to be concerned about since this indicates that the puppy is simply trying to make himself comfortable. However, if your dog starts to circle a lot, you should worry since your dog may be in discomfort or experiencing arthritis. It is particularly true if your dog consistently appears to have difficulties settling in and feeling at ease. Visit your veterinarian if you think you may have arthritis or another problem. As pups, Labradors may be pretty energetic. Adult Labradors need a lot of physical activity. It is often advised that they exercise for an hour each day. Rather, you may educate it to act how you would like it to when it is older to get it moving while it is still young. Spending time training it while it is young is crucial since it will be simpler to adjust its behaviors, and you can prevent behavioral problems as it ages. Ensuring it has access to plenty of shade, water, and a cool environment would benefit this situation. Additionally, it would be beneficial to avoid exercising it in the sun while it is high in the sky and to do it in the morning or at night when the temperature is lower. When awake, Labrador pups often exhibit high activity levels before quickly falling asleep. The Kennel Club recommends giving your Labrador puppy 5 minutes of exercise twice daily for every month of age as a general guideline. So it would be advised to restrict its activity to 15 minutes twice a day if it were three months old. However, excessive sleeping may indicate an underlying medical condition like hypothyroidism or diabetes. It would be necessary to get your Labrador checked out by a veterinarian if it continues to sleep for long periods. If your pup eats a lot at once, the food might tire him as his body processes the nutrients. Be sure to feed your Labrador pup a healthy and balanced diet. Make sure your Lab pup is getting food rich in fiber, protein, and carbohydrates for energy and a healthy lifestyle. It also helps your dog maintain a healthy immune system. Moreover, it reduces anxiety. When puppies expend a lot of energy during the day, they are more likely to sleep soundly at night. The best way to ensure your puppy gets enough exercise is to take them for a walk or run twice a day. If you live in an area with a lot of green space, you can also take them to the park for some playtime. Just ensure you supervise them at all times, as they can be prone to getting into trouble! The dog spends half his day sleeping, so you want to ensure he has a good bed that supports his joints. Some dogs prefer cold, hard floors, while others like soft blankets. You can also invest in a memory foam bed to provide your pup optimal comfort while sleeping. Labrador puppies usually sleep a lot. Therefore, having a comfortable bedding setup is key in helping them get the rest they need. Make sure their bedding is not too soft and fluffy, as this could make it difficult for them to get up and move around. Puppies can also be prone to chewing. You must watch for this behavior and remove the chewed bedding when necessary. It is essential to remove any ingested bedding as it can cause problems in the digestive tract. You can do several things to help get your puppy sleeping at night. First, you should take your puppy to the toilet before bedtime. Then, give your pup his or her favorite toy before bedtime. It will keep them entertained and prevent them from waking up at night. Another thing to do is set up a white noise machine to block out noises that might wake your puppy. You can also give your pup some edible chews. These are great for teething pups and will also help keep them entertained. In addition to providing your puppy with good sleep, you should also ensure that you provide him with a safe and comfortable place to rest during the day. It can include a dog bed or a playpen. You might also want to play games with your pup during the day. These include games that require cognitive skills, such as puzzle toys. You should also make sure that your pooch gets enough exercise. It would be best to put your Labrador pup to bed simultaneously every night. However, this will take some getting used to. Eating or drinking close to bedtime can cause stomach upset in some dogs and prevent them from falling asleep. Treats should be given during the day when your puppy is awake and active. The easiest way to keep your puppy from drinking or eating before bedtime is to put their food and water bowls away in a cupboard or another room before you go to bed. Frequently Asked Questions Where do Labrador puppies like to sleep? Many Labrador puppies prefer soft, cozy beds. A memory foam bed is ideal for Labradors as it provides support and comfort. Some pups may also like sleeping on cold, hard surfaces or blankets. Should I let my Labrador puppy sleep with me? Do Labrador puppies need darkness to sleep? Final Words Labrador puppies require plenty of rest and sleep to ensure a healthy life. They need to sleep at least 18 to 20 hours a day, and how long they sleep depends on their age. Getting a Labrador puppy to sleep through the night can take time and patience. With consistent effort, you should be able to get your Lab puppy into healthy sleeping patterns! Why do dogs lick wounds? Lower nutrient food requires more time and energy to digest so can really slow your dog down. While plenty of sleep is normal for the majority of dogs, a sudden change in sleeping patterns — for instance, sleeping a lot more or displaying signs of lethargy — is not. This could indicate a health problem. Canine depression , diabetes and hyperthyroidism can all cause your dog to become lethargic and sleep much more than normal. Infectious diseases like distemper, parvovirus, rabies and Lyme disease will also have a similar effect. Certain factors that can cause restlessness in dogs include metabolic conditions like hyperthyroidism, medication side effects, anxiety, chaotic households or even allergies. Cooling pads and air-conditioners may be necessary, for example, if you live in an unusually hot climate while blankets and special dog sweaters may be in order in colder locations. 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. Why do Dogs Sleep So Much? Learn how your comment data is processed. Keep in touch. Saint Bernard Bullmastiff These breeds tend to sleep a bit more and could spend up to 18 hours sleeping daily. So, if you have one of these, you may not need to worry too much about them sleeping. The following reasons might be why they are sleeping too much. Anxiety, Boredom, and Stress Dogs tend to be like human beings in this aspect. When your Labrador goes through some psychological issues or stress and anxiety, it will tend to sleep more. When your dog becomes excessively lazy, there is a good chance that they are feeling anxious or stressed. One of the best ways to combat this is to help the dog by putting it on an active routine full of activities that stimulate them. This way, you will enhance their physical and mental condition. They Might Have Thyroxine Deficiency Commonly known as hypothyroidism, this condition tends to affect older dogs. Even though this condition often affects older dogs, it can sometimes be found in much younger dogs, especially in breeds such as Labradors. The most common reason is that it has some blood-sucking parasites within its body. These parasites might include: Roundworms Whipworms Tapeworms Another reason your dog might be sleeping too much: is they are not getting enough restful sleep. The remedy here is simple — a high-quality dog bed. Establish a predictable nighttime routine with your dog. It is essential to create a relaxed environment before bedtime. Offer toys, cuddle time, and other calming activities for minutes before sleeping. Ensure your dog is well exercised during the day so they are more likely to settle in for the night. Play fetch, walk around the block, or take them to the dog park to will help ensure they are tired and ready to sleep at night. Try using melatonin as a natural sleep aid for your pup if they seem to be having trouble winding down at night. Melatonin can help their sleep and get them to settle in faster. Be sure to consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any supplements. Make sure you have established healthy sleep habits yourself! Try going to bed at a reasonable hour and stick to it! Be consistent and limit the amount of water your pup drinks before bed. Try to avoid too much activity before bed. A game of fetch or tug-of-war can increase energy levels and make it harder for them to settle down. Sweet dreams! How Much do Labs Sleep in a Day? How much do Labs sleep? Are you the proud new owner of a Labrador Retriever? Then welcome to the club! Well, assuming that pile of snoozing pup lying next to you ever decides to wake up! Makes sense—these dogs do seem to sleep a lot! So how much do Labs sleep in a day? Adult Labradors can be expected to sleep as much as hours per day. Young puppies and senior Labs tend to sleep even longer, often around 18 hours each day. How Long do Labradors Sleep in a Day? Age is a very important factor when it comes to how much sleep your Lab will need. Just like you, your pup will require different amounts of sleep at different stages of his life. This is especially true of puppies under four months of age. Like human babies, Lab puppies need a lot of sleep to grow up healthy and strong. Your Lab puppy should always have easy access to a quiet, private place where he can go to catch some shut eye. A crate with some nice soft padding makes for a great sleeping environment. As does a cozy bed tucked away in a low-traffic corner. During this stage of his life, you can expect your Lab to sleep for around hours each day. Which means a lot more fun and active awake time! Senior Labradors, like puppies, also tend to sleep much longer than their adult counterparts. Again, your Lab should have a quiet place where he can retreat for a snooze during all stages of life. These sleep need estimates are just the basics. Other factors can also affect the amount of sleep your Lab needs. Pregnant Labs will also need a few extra hours of shut eye, especially during the early and final stages of their pregnancy. When do Labradors Sleep? Labradors are very flexible when it comes to sleeping. Unlike people who get all their sleep in at once, dogs can snooze on and off without repercussions. This is because dogs are adaptable. They can wake up throughout the day when things get exciting and then go right back to snoozing when life gets dull. So you should expect your Lab to sleep through the night along with you. If this is not the case and he seems to be constantly active at night, you should consider what might be causing his midnight wanderings. And more importantly, what are the things to watch out for? Not sleeping through the night is definitely one reason for concern. Circling and Digging A Lab that circles and digs around his bed prior to settling in is to be expected. Their ancestors used to do this in the wild to get comfortable before taking a snooze. However, when the circling becomes excessive, there may be cause for concern, as your pup could be suffering from arthritis or pain. This is especially true if your dog seems to constantly have trouble setting in and getting comfortable. If you suspect arthritis or other issues, take a trip to your vet. Twitching and Movement A dog that twitches or makes noises in their sleep is also quite common. If you notice your Lab doing this, it means he has entered into REM sleep and is getting a good, deep rest. Along with leg twitches, you may notice some occasional barks, grunts, or tail wagging. Your dog is probably dreaming and acting out his dreams. Petting him or otherwise waking him up is not recommended, as this stage of sleep is very important to good health. Labradors, among a few other breeds, are particularly prone to having seizures. Rather than the occasional twitches characteristic of a dreaming dog, a Lab experiencing a seizure will have violent movements. His limbs will be stiff and rigid, and he may urinate or defecate on himself. If you suspect your Lab is having a seizure in his sleep, say his name loudly or make a sudden noise to see if you can awaken him. And lastly—though it goes without saying—give your vet a call. Helping Your Labrador Get Better Sleep There are a few different things you can do to help your Labrador get the most out of his sleep. These include: Ensuring he gets proper exercise during the day so he is tired enough to sleep at night. Making sure he has a proper bed that is comfy and inviting. Placing his bed in a quiet place away from the daily hustle and bustle. Only disrupting a REM cycle in cases of emergency. But try not to become overwhelmed. Of course if you ever have any concerns you can always call your vet. Otherwise, let your sleeping Lab lie! Related Questions Is my Labrador happy sleeping all day? Everyone enjoys a good nap—especially if it involves soft blankets and a warm patch of sunshine. But Labrador Retrievers are also an active breed. They need lots of exercise in addition to good sleep. If you suspect your pup is just lazing around out of pure boredom, get him up and going! Does a Labrador only lie down to sleep? So a lying-around Lab is completely normal! Trusted by millions of dog lovers worldwide. Where do dogs sleep? Dog sleep patterns are fascinating things. They have what is called polyphasic sleep, where they have periods of wake and sleep that occur during both the day and the night. And help you to understand the changes that occur in different stages of their lives, including when they are unwell. How Long Do Dogs Sleep? Dogs have a sleep pattern known as polyphasic. This means that they have multiple periods of sleep scattered throughout the day and night. A feature that they share with many other mammals. Dogs have better night vision than we do. So their ancestors could hunt both by day and by night, if necessary. In fact, hunting at night may have given them some advantages. It is easier to creep up on your victim under the cover of darkness. Dog Sleep Patterns Sleeping all night had no advantage for dogs, so dogs did not evolve a natural tendency to sleep for a single long stretch of time like we do. Instead, they acquired the useful ability to get as much sleep as possible, often in short stretches, whenever there is nothing much going on. You may have noticed that your dog wakes up instantly and is ready for action right away. And living with humans means that most dogs do learn to sleep the night away without disturbing their human family. Though they may wake and move around briefly during this period of time. If your dog is not sleeping through the night and disturbing your sleep, consider whether he is getting enough daytime activity and stimulation. Dogs have retained their ability to sleep whenever life gets dull. Studies of guard dogs have shown that dogs are not disadvantaged by being woken up frequently or working in changing shifts. They simply sleep when they get the chance. But how many hours sleep does a dog need during each 24 hour period? Dogs naturally sleep for longer periods of time each day than people do. But just like humans, sleep needs vary among individual dogs. Sleep needs also vary among different dog breeds. Adult Labradors will sleep for well over half of every 24 hours, and puppies under four months old may sleep as much as 20 hours a day. The reason for all this sleeping may have to do with a special type of sleep called rapid eye movement, or REM, sleep during which dreaming takes place. Do Dogs Dream? Dogs certainly appear to dream in the same way that we do. And their brains behave in a similar way to ours during the sleep cycle. REM sleep is just one phase of the sleep cycle that both dogs and humans experience. A study published in showed that REM or dreaming sleep decreases as dogs get older. So it looks as though puppies dream more than adult dogs. Sometimes when fast asleep, your dog will make twitching and running movements with his paws, and some dogs will give little yips and barks. This is a normal part of deep REM or dreaming sleep. Studies have also shown that if the part of the brain that de-activates movement during sleep is removed from a dog, the sleeping dog will actually carry out the behaviors that he is dreaming about. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie! We know that in humans, REM sleep is important. Being deprived of REM sleep can cause unpleasant effects, and there is no reason to think that dogs are any different. It is important to allow your dog to sleep deeply when he wants to and to not interrupt his sleep when he starts dreaming. Some veterinary specialists speculate that dogs sleep more than humans because their REM sleep is often interrupted due to their ability to wake easily and quickly and be ready for action. Because of that wakefulness, dogs need more periods of sleep in which to get an adequate amount of REM sleep. If you are worried that your dog may be ill because he is sleeping so much, ask yourself what has changed. Is he sleeping a lot more than he was just last week? Or has he always slept this much? Is he bright and bouncy when he is awake? Does he have a good appetite? Or does he seem lethargic or uninterested in food? Excessive sleeping in a dog that is eating well and full of energy when awake is unlikely to have any significance. And some elderly dogs tend to sleep more than they did when they were young. Make a Special Sleeping Space Your Labrador, like all dogs, is able to awaken quickly from sleep and be ready for action, whenever an opportunity presents itself. However, constantly interrupting his sleep is not a good idea. While many confident dogs will sleep pretty much anywhere, it is important that every dog has his own sleeping space. A place where he can go and relax when he wants to. Even if your dog shares your bed at night, he should still have a bed somewhere in the house that he can call his own. It needs to be somewhere free of drafts and comfortable, preferably lined with a cozy mat or blanket. Elderly Labradors may need thicker padding to support their joints. Orthopedic dog beds can provide extra comfort. It is here, in his special space, that your dog can relax fully and sleep deeply. Dogs naturally sleep for long periods of time, and sleeping a lot is nothing to worry about in a dog that is active, enjoying his food and living life to the fullest. Just like people, dogs need deep REM sleep, and constantly interrupted sleep can be harmful. You can check out crate information here: The benefits of a dog crate.

Obesity can affect all dog breeds , however food-loving Labradors tend to put on weight very easily. The PDSA suggest: 1. Make meal times more exciting and last longer by feeding in snuffle mats, puzzle feeders, or by encouraging foraging — if they have dry food. Use healthy treats for training — chicken, turkey, or even carrots are tasty treats that aren't high in calories. Alternatively, set aside some of their daily food allowance to use as treats instead so you can be sure you aren't overfeeding them. Ensure they get enough exercise. You can do this at home — by weighing them, and by looking at their body condition. Take a good look and feel of your pet's body. If they are an ideal, healthy weight, you should be able to: See their waist, from the side and above Feel your pet's ribs when running your hands over their side Feel the spine and hipbones but they shouldn't be sticking out Feel your pet's tummy go in, not bulge out Touch the base of your pet's tail, and there shouldn't be a build-up of fat "If you think your pet is over or underweight based on your assessments at home, the next step is to contact your vet — they'll be able to give your pet a health check, as well as providing advice and support to help them get to the ideal weight," says Shauna. For more information, visit pdsa. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Eating too much is the main reason why dogs gain weight. It may be tempting to simply reduce the quantity of what you already feed your Lab. Therefore, you should purchase a prescription weight loss food through your vet. Prescription weight loss foods tend to contain more protein, vitamins, and minerals than OTC foods, decreasing the risk of nutrient deficiencies. Some weight loss foods are not very calorie-dense, meaning you can continue feeding about the same volume of food to your Lab without increasing its caloric intake. Labrador retrievers are known to eat enormous amounts of food. No matter how much you feed a Lab, it will always want more. If you have children, do not feed them when your Lab is around. Also, supervise your children if they feed your Lab; they may feed it too much and not realize it. Although your Lab now needs to eat fewer calories, you do not have to cut treats completely out of its diet. Instead, you can feed the occasional healthy treat, such as apple slices, unbuttered popcorn, and bits of bananas. They are usually high in sugar and fat. Keep a consistent meal time and feed the same amount at each meal time. Your vet may recommend trying a new weight loss food. I have a 4 month old puppy called Charlie. He is lovely. Seems very healthy and bright and approaches everything in life with great enthusiasm. I have had a black Labrador before, many, many years ago, when I was a kid — and my mum did all the work and worrying. That Labrador was from a big farm in North Yorkshire and I guess he was from "working lines". I feed Charlie on Royal Canin kibble which is what the breeder used and he gets loads and loads of treats — at puppy class clicker training, for walking without pulling, for peeing and pooing outside. Should it be about the same weight chicken for kibble? At 4 months, Charlie is the same weight 17kg now as the girl puppy that the breeder kept for herself. The breeder says that based on his mum and dad, she would guess Charlie will end up weighing, when he is grown, about 35kg. The vet says he is not too fat and is fine, and the vet nurse says the same. Is there anything else I can do to check that he is not overweight? Many thanks for reading what is probably too much information, and thank you in advance for any comments you are kind enough to give. JulieT I have tried to attach a picture… the one on the sofa shows the "puppy fat" along his back and his big tummy. Helping your dog to lose weight. Is My Labrador Fat? The best way to tell is by eye and touch. Have a look at your dog and compare him with the picture below of a healthy Labrador. Look at your dog from the side. Does his belly slope upwards towards his groin, or is it a level line from his front legs to his back, or even worse is it sagging down between his legs? Your Labrador should have an upward sloping line from the base of his chest, towards his back legs. Now look at the dog from above. You should be able to! Your dog should not be the same width all the way down his body. Look at your dog from the side again. Can you see any ribs? Run you hands along his rib cages firmly. Can you feel his ribs? If you can see ribs when he is standing still he is too thin. If you cannot feel his ribs at all with your hands he is too fat! As we have seen above, the best way to tell if you have a fat Labrador is by looking and feeling. The trouble with providing you with a number is that it can give a false impression. Depending upon whether your Lab is field or bench bred, short or tall, chunky or slight, male or female, will all make a big difference to their ideal weight for the individual. The average adult Labrador will weigh anywhere between 55 to 80 lbs! Male Labs usually being around 5 to 10 lbs heavier than their female counterparts. If you are still unsure whether your Lab is the right weight for his or her build having given her a thorough check yourself as described above, then the best thing to do is to pop down to your local veterinarian. They will be happy to let you know how much your individual Labrador should weigh. Why Is My Labrador Fat? So how did your slim little puppy end up as a fat adult Labrador? There are three common assumptions that people make when considering how their dogs came to be overweight. Does the dog need more exercise? Has he got some kind of medical problem? Or am I just feeding him too much at mealtimes or giving too many snacks? In general if your dog is overweight the real reason is simply that he has eaten too much. Or rather, been allowed to eat too much. Does my dog need more exercise? He may well need more exercise, but that is not why he is fat. He is overweight because when you take into account the amount he exercises along with a number of other factors, he has eaten too much. The exercise needs of your dog are an important but separate issue, which we look at in other articles. The important thing to remember is this: The less exercise you give the dog, the less you must feed him. Once put on, weight is hard to shift and it will simply go up and up over time. Medical causes of canine obesity Although most dogs who are overweight have simply had a few too many bites to eat, there are some medical causes for obesity which do crop up from time to time. Canine medical conditions that can affect your Labs weight include hypothyroidism, insulinoma and hyperadrenocorticism. If a medical condition is the reason then the weight gain will normally be sudden and unexpected. If you are concerned by sudden weight gain in your Lab when you have not been giving him more food, then a checkup at the vets is definitely in order. You may also find that your dog puts on weight after having been neutered. If this is the case you will need to adjust your feeding habits accordingly. However, for most dogs weight gain is a simple result of over feeding. My Labrador is always hungry People are often concerned because they worry that their dog is still hungry after eating his dinner. Here is an important truth: Most Labradors are always hungry. You cannot win this battle. These are greedy dogs and your Labrador will always want more food than you give him. No matter how much that may be. If your Labrador is overweight he really needs to eat less and he will get used to his new regime quite quickly. Are Fat Labs Less Healthy? If you have looked at your Labrador and decided he is overweight, you might be wondered whether that actually matters. Is it really worth the effort of ignoring those puppy dog eyes and whines for extra food? Slim dogs are healthier Being overweight predisposes you to an awful lot of unpleasant health problems. This is true regardless of whether you are a human or a dog. Carrying extra pounds can also make existing problems your dog may have worse. For example joint problems like arthritis and hip dysplasia can be exacerbated by having more weight to lug around. As well as joints and bones suffering from obesity related issues, increased body fat can also make your dog more likely to have problems with their organs including those needed for breathing and digestion. Just a bit of extra fat can have a host of unwanted consequences. Being a fat Lab puppy can potentially make your dog more likely to suffer from joint problems later in life. Slim dogs live longer Not only will a slim dog have a better level of fitness and a lower likelihood of becoming unwell, they will in all probability live longer too. Those Labs on the large food ration had a median lifespan of over 11 years old. Those on the smaller food ration lived to be over 13 years old. When you look at the difference which can be made in these terms, by helping your Lab to stay slim you could be giving him an incredible two more years with you! If he gets a lot of household scraps these may have to go too. If you use food as rewards in dog training, this should be deducted from his daily food allowance. It could also help to find healthier alternatives to your usual training treats. Bear in mind that if your dog is unwell, old or very young , it is sensible to consult your vet before tampering with his diet. It is also a good idea to have a chat with them beforehand if your dog is very overweight and has a lot to lose. Take a photo of him from above and from the side before you start. At the end of the three to four days, check the dog over as described above and ask yourself if he is still fat. If you think he has improved a little but needs to slim down a bit further, keep going for another three to four days then review the situation. Compare the photo you took a week ago and you should see some improvement. You may need to increase his food slightly in order to maintain his new slim figure and ensure he does not get thin. If the dog is not losing weight after a couple of weeks on two-thirds of his previous food allowance, you may need to cut his food down even further. So, if your labrador is on the skinnier side, you might need to make some adjustments. Your labrador being so skinny can be due to many factors, including illness, lack of nutrition, or just the type of lab. While some labs are thin and lean, others appear broad and stocky. English labs tend to be like the latter, while American labs are usually the former. The rest of this article will discuss the various reasons why your labrador is skinny and how to solve those issues if possible. Not all labs are alike, and genetics can play a big part in the overall size of your pet. However, being too skinny can cause your dog many health problems — or could even be a sign of a severe illness. Here are the various reasons why your lab is skinny. Genetics Genetics plays a significant role in the size of your dog. The English labrador is typically broader and has stockier chests and necks. American labrador. The American labrador is usually slimmer with more of an agile build. Of course, not every dog is the same. Some English labs might be taller or skinnier than American labs depending on their environment and genetic background. Image Source: irishtimes. Without insulin, the brain becomes sugar-deprived, causing the dog to stay hungry. However, they often lose weight due to improper use of nutrients in their diet. Most of the time, you can manage diabetes with regular insulin shots. It can cause many changes in the body that lead to weight loss, including a decreased appetite, changes in metabolism, and chemotherapy. Various reasons can cause both types of anorexia, including nervous system disorders, cancer, systemic disease, or psychological problems. Lack of Nutrition Ensuring that your lab receives all of the proper nutrients for its growth and development is essential to its weight. Missing vital nutrients can cause your dog to be skinnier than it should, and this can put your pup in a calorie deficit. While most dry or canned dog food contains all the nutrients your dog needs, there could be a nutrient your dog needs more of. What Should Your Labrador Eat? Large breed and small breed dogs require different foods. As labs are a large breed, they must get all the vitamins and nutrients through large-breed food. Your labrador should eat large-breed dog food containing essential nutrients specific to large breeds. Large-breed dog food contains nutrients that promote musculoskeletal health, which is vital for large breeds. The average weight for a labrador differs depending on the age and gender of the lab. While every dog grows differently, they should reach an average weight by adulthood, usually around a year. Your Labrador should weigh between 55 and 80 pounds .As a puppy labrador grows, its weight will increase gradually. By a year old, your lab should be fully grown. If you have a labrador younger than a year that looks skinny, you might not be feeding it enough. However, there are growth charts that show how much a labrador should weigh at each stage of its life. Veterinarian Kate Boatright on Pawlicity provides an excellent chart to go by: Age.

Moses Bielenberg, Brittany spoodle. Among the most desired dogs: oodles of doodles, including Bernedoodles , a Colorado specialty. Doodles have been around for decades. The trend started in the s, when an Australian breeder mated a miniature poodle and a cocker spaniel to create the cockapoo. Soon poodles were being fixed up with all kinds of breeds. In the s and s, the Maltipoo Maltese and toy or miniature poodle and Lhasapoo Lhasa apso and poodle joined the lineup. By the turn of this century, goldendoodles golden retriever and poodle and Labradoodles Labrador retriever and poodle had almost surpassed their purebred parents as favorite family pets. The cute variations of the doodle name also play a big role. Golden-, Labra-, Aussi-, sheepa-…. I retired five years ago and now just breed dogs. Labradoodles were my starting point for real dog breeding. I still have some Australian Labradoodle litters, but usually just for breeding stock. Fortunately, her family helps out. I am passionate about dog breeding and doing something to improve the breed. Her twelve-acre property was originally intended to support her horse habit, but that changed in .Today it houses her signature Bernedoodle brand and the kennel where she keeps five stud dogs and five females for breeding. And Bernedoodles are now a big business. There are currently over Bernedoodle breeders in the nation, with countless more unlicensed backyard breeders. Montrose alone has five reputable breeders, as well as the largest reproduction specialty clinic for doodle mixes on the Western Slope. The breed has never been more popular. Courtesy of Maia Brusseau While many people wait for Bernedoodles, some people just want companionship these days. As a result, shelters have seen a surge in adoptions during the pandemic and have had trouble keeping up with the demand. Therefore, we were ecstatic to return to work and see that the demand for adoptions had sharply increased. Spring is always a popular time, due to an abundance of litters and warmer weather. Compound those factors with a rising need for companionship during isolation, and our level of interest skyrocketed. This year could have easily beaten those numbers, but the group has had to go to virtual appointments, and the wait is four weeks. Both breeds are very popular, and the COVID stay-at-home orders seemed to increase the demand for puppies across the board. But the biggest rise is Bernedoodles because of their temperament — so happy and energetic, and they can be very intelligent and easy to train. But that presents a challenge during stay-at-home orders. A good brush collection will be super-useful, and a great groomer would be even better! Chad Chisholm Oodles of Doodles A doodle results from any purebred dog bred with a purebred poodle, which can be either parent. From there, the mixing can produce hundreds of doodle types, with varying percentages of poodle. There are large, medium, small, miniature and even toy versions of many of the breeds; nothing is out of doodle realm. WCCO -- If you've been thinking about adopting a dog, you already know pets are in high demand. WCCO's John Lauritsen shows us how to avoid adoption scams while making sure a dog fits into your family's budget. She's playful. She doesn't shed," Naomi Schuler said. She eats a lot of masks. And in the middle of it all is Willow, a 6-month-old Bernedoodle who's the newest member of the Schuler family. Knowing the kind of dog they wanted helped the Schulers find a reputable breeder at a time when adoption scams are at an all-time high. That's more than 10 times the pre-pandemic amount. To avoid losing out, the Humane Society recommends visiting the breeder. Dogs should be living in clean conditions and in good health. Angelica Dimock, a veterinarian, said. Other red flags include a seller who asks for an unusual payment method, like a money transfer that can't be reversed. It's also good to run the seller's name through a pet scammer's list and use websites that refer families to reputable rescues and shelters. While they did background checks on breeders the Schulers also created a pet budget. Food is an expense that varies greatly. The Humane Society offers ongoing services to help with challenges at home. And they believe money should never get in the way of a pet finding its forever home. The Humane Society receives hundreds, even thousands of applications when a new transport of puppies comes in. While dogs are in short supply, they have an abundance of cats and rabbits right now. We've posted links to reputable pet-finder websites for you on wcco. More from CBS News. The front door flung open and Jackie strutted out to meet us cradling a black and white, drooling, fur ball. She wore jeans with holes in both knees, a purple tank top, long ponytail, and the grin of a child introducing her parents to their first grandchild. I wrestled the puppy out of her arms and kissed the top of his soft head, he licked my face in return. For her tenth birthday, we surprised her with a Sheltie, Jasmine. A weathered woman, her hair in a kerchief, led us to a pen filled with wagging tails and slobbering tongues. Then came the pandemic. When Walter was old enough to leave his mother, Jackie, and her husband, Lorin, drove to Ohio, fourteen hours round trip, to claim him. They brought toilet seat covers, masks, sanitizer, wipes, and a cooler of food. At home, waiting for Walter, were two different sized crates, a pen, red collar and leash, plaid harness, puppy chow, bully sticks, digestible chews, and a variety of squeaky teething objects. The new family of three settled into a routine. Jackie and Lorin took Zoom calls on laptops in makeshift offices during the day, taking turns walking Walter. In the evenings, Walter cuddled on the sofa between their thighs, as they watched coronavirus updates and dog training videos. They spent last weekend with us at the beach. He has also filled mine. Toronto Scammers taking advantage of rising demand for pandemic puppies The COVID pandemic has meant a spike in demand for puppies and an opportunity for scammers who are charging inflated prices for dogs not ready to be adopted out or with missing or bogus papers. Stefany Nieto had wanted a dog before the novel coronavirus struck and has fostered them in the past. But now, she figured a puppy would be the perfect distraction to fill the time, since like many, she is working from home. Nieto started searching for a Bernedoodle — a Bernese mountain dog and poodle hybrid — but she found few breeders out there with puppies that aren't already spoken for. Everything was just sold out within seconds. Like, puppies are just flying off the shelves, so to speak," said Nieto. So, she turned to sites like Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace and found what looked like a promising post. Stefany Nieto had wanted a puppy before the pandemic, but thought this would be a good time to get one since she is working from home. Twitter "They said we had one boy left, so we jumped on it. We asked, 'Can we see him? Can you tell us more about the parents? So they arranged to meet a woman outside a home in Brampton. She wouldn't let them in. Nobody wants to get sick. If you can't see the parents of the puppy, huge red flag, but we just kind of excused it because of COVID.But days later, after consulting an online community of Bernedoodle owners, they figured out that Kubo was only four weeks old -- far too young to have been sold. When they tried to contact the seller, she didn't return their calls, texts or emails. It turns out she didn't live at the home where they met her.

Raising dogs for you and your family. Call or text .Every breed has different requirements, whether the space they must have or the amount of exercise they need. If you are not certain yet, check out our essential White German Shepherd breed info to find out everything about the White German Shepherd. How to find White German Shepherd puppies for sale? When buying a puppy, it is important to consider not only the pet but also the breeder. Because a responsible breeder will ensure their dogs come from the strongest bloodlines and have the best start to life. Ask about the health and temperament of their White German Shepherd pups as well as their living environment. But also find out about the breeder's practices and commitments. A good breeder will be happy to answer everything before you decide. After all, they will want to ensure that their dog goes to a good home. When you have done your research and got all the info you need, you can then choose the right breeder with confidence. To help ensure you choose a responsible breeder, all the White German Shepherd kennels you see listed here are verified by Pets4You. You will also find that the best breeders will provide a guarantee with their dog. This information, and more, is available on the breeder's website within Pets4You. Browse through our dog breeder directory with complete breeder profiles and current puppies for sale to find your dream dog. Disclaimer It is the duty of every person that is considering buying a puppy or dog to confirm all the information provided to them by the breeder is accurate. Pets4You makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the condition of any dogs offered for sale, the standards or practices of any breeder, the quality of their canines, or the accuracy of any information contained within our site. Pets4You does not endorse, recommend, or guarantee a particular kennel, breeder or dogs listed on the Pets4You website. For Buyers. Located in beautiful Southern California, we strive to breed superior quality family dogs that will not only make great companions and protectors for your family but that also represent the German Shepherd breed well with the exceptional temperament the breed is known and loved for worldwide. We breed only top German V and VA bloodlines that possess superior health and temperament through generations of hip and elbow certified and temperament tested dogs. Additionally all of our dogs are tested for Degenerative Myelopathy to be sure we are producing puppies safe from this disease. Additionally all of our dogs are DNA tested Clear for the MDR1 gene that can cause mild to severe reactions to a variety of medications. Please visit our testimonials page to read review from many of our clients through the years. Also be sure to visit our Dogs For Sale page to see retired females and males we currently have available to the right homes. Check back often as we are always updating photos of our available puppies. With keeping a small number of dogs we have time to give plenty of love and individual attention to them and the puppies when we have them. Our dogs are not kept in kennels, they live with us as part of our family, with room to roam outside on our one acre property and a warm spot inside to sleep. All puppies are raised inside our home in a clean and healthy environment. All whelpings are supervised by us and assisted as needed to ensure the best start and to protect the health of the mother and her puppies. All puppies are well socialized with small children, cats and our other dogs. Temperament is very important to us, our breeding dogs have wonderful temperaments that they pass on to their puppies. Puppies are temperament tested so that we can help you to find the perfect fit for your family and your needs. We actively show our dogs on the local, national and international level thereby striving to breed dogs of quality bloodlines and structure that adhere to the German SV standard for the German Shepherd dog. We make every effort to continue to learn and to improve our bloodlines by importing dogs of superior quality with top German VA bloodlines to bring you the highest and best quality puppy for you and your family to enjoy. Our hope as breeders is that we can provide the best quality German Shepherd puppy with an outstanding temperament that will in turn make a lasting impression on you and your family like they have in ours. I have so many customers that have been lifelong fans of the German Shepherd, that have grown up with German Shepherds and long for that companionship again with the dog of their childhood. I look forward to providing the dog of your dreams to you and your family! Call today to begin your future with a great German Shepherd Dog of your own. Call or email for an appointment to visit us and to meet our dogs and puppies. Male deposit 1- ES Female deposit 1-CM Male deposit 2- Female deposit 2-VP Male deposit 3- Female deposit 3- Male deposit 4- Female deposit 4- If you would like to know litters coming later than this please give us a call Before you place a deposit, Please download or print our guarantee and contract. Fill it out and return to us either by texting it, scanning and emailing or through regular mail. Remember that regular mail is slower and cause you to not get the spot you want if I get other deposits and contracts before yours. Once I receive your signed contract and your deposit, I will sign one and send one back. New-contract-June 15 We distribute the best dry food available for dogs and cats! Most people want to feed the best and LA is just that! Or if you will be taking home a puppy soon, make sure you buy a puppy start pack. The start up pack is on the same page as the food. Performance shows what the dog IS. If you wanted to ship your puppy, you would need to first come to our kennels and then ship the puppy out yourself. Or you can use a ground transportation company. By placing a deposit on a litter not yet born, please keep this in mind and be willing to move your deposit onto another litter at a later date. This allows us to offer puppies to pet homes at a more affordable price. You will still get AKC papers except they will say limited. If you bred a dog that was registered limited, then you would not be able to register the offspring. This limit however, can be lifted by the breeder. That said, while it can be done, I strongly urge anyone who lives in an apartment to think carefully about how much time and work it can be to keep a large, working dog in an apartment. I will not sell a puppy to anyone who lives in an apartment and leaves the dog home alone all day. At least one person needs to be home during the day. The dog needs to be taken outside to play at least once a day and taken for potty breaks many times EVERY day. Also, please check with your apartments rules on German Shepherds; some complexes do not allow them. New strains of the Parvo Virus are abundant and it is my job to keep puppies safe. I use a high titer Parvo Vaccine at 4 weeks but this may not protect all puppies. So please understand as much as you would like to visit with your puppies as they grow I can no longer allow this until they are 7 weeks. I will send out emails with pictures or videos weekly. No outside dogs are allowed at anytime. Thank you for understanding how important it is for me to keep the puppies safe. If you do visit other breeders, please do so on a different day that you visit. Von Ward Kennels will take back any puppy at any time in their lives if their owners can no longer care for them. Please never take a Von Wards dog to a shelter if you can no longer keep them. While most of our dogs are larger than the standard, we do have a couple of breeding females that are within standard. Their lovely mostly cream or white colored coat makes them quite rare and highly sought after among canine lovers within the country. Just like the regular German Shepherd, they are blessed with the same level of intelligence, which makes them easily trainable and highly versatile. They make great dogs as family companions as well as therapy and service dogs. As stated earlier, German Shepherds with a white colored coat are quite rare in the country, as only a handful of breeders within the US are dedicated to these German Shepherd coat types. With that being said, there are some white German Shepherd breeders residing within the country but you still would need to search for a reputable breeder with good breeding practices and programs. This article attempts to ease the search for you as we provide you with a list of some reputable white German Shepherd breeders residing in the USA. The article also provides the contact details of these breeders to help make it easy for you to contact them. It is very important that you only view this article as a guide toward helping you find the best breeder possible. Personal research is still highly recommended. We also recommend that you read this article till the very end as we reveal our personal pick from the list of white German breeders below. As their name already suggests, they are top breeders of premium quality white German Shepherds. They started their breeding program in the year , so they have over 10 years of breeding experience behind them. They are genetically health tested for genetic health issues and are rated by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, OFA to show they have good working hips, elbows, eyes, and hearts. Their newly produced puppies should each come with their written health guarantee. The puppies are raised as family dogs and not kennel dogs. This means they get to live in the family house in Middletown, Connecticut, and not in a kennel. They are loved and cared for by members of the family, given their full nutrients in puppy food and supplements and they are properly dewormed and vaccinated at the appropriate age ranges. All their dogs are properly handled by people of varying age groups. They are introduced to new stimulating experiences to help build their confidence. We have always enjoyed the outdoor life, hiking, camping, dirt bike riding, and horseback riding. The White German Shepherd has proven to be an amazing companion that fits right on in with everything we do and life is so much better when we have a loving, loyal companion in our lives. Many years ago our family bred Rottweilers. We still love the breed but found the White German Shepherd to be a better fit for our family and friends. We have had White German Shepherds in our lives since .We fell in love with the breeds family oriented personality, incredible intelligence, athleticism, sense of humor, adaptability, loyalty, kindness to children and smaller animals and traits of a loyal family protector. When searching for our parent dogs, we searched for intelligence, good conformation, good genetics, straight backs, upright ears, beautiful kind almond shaped eyes, athleticism, calmness, sweet temperaments and loyalty. We found all these traits in our Duke and Duchess. Our puppies are part of our family; they are raised indoors in a comfortable, climate controlled home. They play inside with us and outside in the sunshine with our watchful eyes on them. They are raised and socialized around children, our family, our friendly neighbors and our horses. We have a health guarantee with each puppy's bill of sale. We are here for support if a new puppy buyer has questions. Our puppies will have a health examination from a veterinarian before leaving for their new home. We love our puppies and want each of them to be the right fit for their new forever homes. We give the new owner an AKC Puppy Folder with healthcare tips and training tips, a bag of puppy food that the puppy has been used to eating, and lifetime support. Puppies will be 8 weeks old on April 18th and ready to join their new homes. We are often busy having fun with our dogs and horses. And we will respond as soon as possible. Thank you so much! We look forward to meeting you and showing you our beautiful dogs and puppies! We live near the beautiful Ventura County area of Southern California. 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. Rocky Oak. Questions about German Shepherd puppies for sale in Southern California? We have answers. How much do your German Shepherd puppies for sale in Southern California cost? German Shepherd puppies are priced on a wide array of factors including but not limited to gender, attributes, coloring, temperament and more. You may be connected with a puppy in your region but in addition to standard and white German Shepherd breeders in Southern California, we also have a network of breeders and companies nationwide that are able to safely make travel arrangements for puppies to any of the 48 states in the U. If you prefer to match exclusively with a Southern California German Shepherd breeder so that you can meet and pick up your puppy in-person, you can also specify that in our MatchMaking process. How do you vet breeders with German Shepherd puppies Southern California? The only German Shepherd breeders Southern California, and our larger national network, we work with are chosen based on their caring, expertise and commitment to legal requirements. What are the advantages of using Uptown Puppies? Uptown Puppies takes the stress and hassle of trying to research breeders and puppies on your own and makes it a fun, satisfying experience- just like finding a puppy should be! By using our completely free and unique MatchMaking service, we prioritize making the right connections and promoting the most responsible breeders and networks. Any German Shepherd adoption Southern California that goes through Uptown Puppies can rest assured that we do not allow puppy mill breeders or companies within our network. Unlike many puppy mills, we see puppies as much more than a mere profit and put the utmost importance on the humane treatment of animals. If you are looking for a conscious driven German Shepherd Southern California to adopt, Uptown Puppies has you covered. Are there purebred German Shepherd breeders in Southern California? Yes, the breeders and companies within our network do have purebred puppies in addition to German Shepherd puppy rescue Southern California. If you are ready for German Shepherd adoption Southern California style, we are ready to help! How will I be matched with a breeder or puppy? The Uptown MatchMaker process is designed for us to get to know your lifestyle and unique needs for a new puppy before matching you. Why should I choose Uptown Puppies? We think our reviews and reputation speak for themselves. Uptown Puppies has a proven track record of listening to our customers and connecting them with a trustworthy breeder or business so that the only thing our families have to worry about is welcoming the newest member of the family. First you must find your foundation. I started thinking about how nice it would be to have a German Shepherd Dog like when I was young. I remember how pretty they were so I told Jeffrey, "I want a German shepherd". He immediately went on the hunt. He loves that stuff. When Jeff started showing me the dogs he was finding I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It is so hard to find a old fashion discerning yet calm, straight back shepherd these days. We found out the show dog people, changed the appearance of the Shepherd. It all looks legit so we bought a couple. I didn't care how much money or time I had in them or how great their paperwork said they were I had enough. I couldn't take it anymore. It was not what I wanted. Next Shepherd dog we found was the working line. We got a beautiful pup we called Titus. When we went look at him as a pup I mean he shined. He was like his owners shadow. He never got tripped on and moved like the wind. I knew that this dog had a high prey drive but I didn't know he didn't have an off button. We loved him but at a year old we placed with a man who lived on an 80 acre farm. Lord Jesus, what happened to the big beautiful straight back family farm German Shepherd Dog? I mean who would have thought? How hard could it be? But nowadays, what we were wanting was the minority. Most shepherds now either have the curved back that they swear is healthier, tested and winning everything. That is how they separate them now. They need a job, a serious job. They to hyper and to prey driven for what I wanted. Thanks to The Good Lord Jeff had ask me several times if I would be interested in the white shepherd. I said, "That is exactly what I want. We bought off different litters. These dogs are mentally smart. They are like a human with fur. They will understand your language and they learn everything very very fast. You should just be able to tell them once or twice and they get it. They potty train very fast! They are clean dogs. Most GSD tend to be wary of strangers or aloof, but not ours. Their drive to retrieve things makes them a companion for entertainment. They love kids. Who better to trust watching over the kiddos than the trusted loyal White Shepherd. I know my own and my own know me. According to an article in USA Today, 1, sheep fell off a cliff to their deaths in Turkey in .One sheep fell, so the others followed suit and jumped. In the end, sheep died. The ones that survived only lived because they were cushioned by landing on top of their fellow herd members. As a child growing up in church, I remember seeing a picture of Jesus with a lamb wrapped around his neck. As I grew older and visited more churches, I remember seeing similar pictures at a lot of places. I never questioned the image. The Bible is clear that God is our shepherd, and we are the sheep of his pasture, so I assumed the image demonstrated that biblical truth. However, several years ago while I was attending seminary, the image of the lamb wrapped around the neck of Jesus was explained to me. Because sheep tend to stray and will also follow wherever they are led, shepherds often had to discipline lambs that would stray from their shepherd. The shepherd would use his rod to break the leg of a wandering lamb. After binding the break, the shepherd would carry the lamb on his shoulders while the wound healed. If the lamb struggled and fought, it would quickly realize that the broken leg wouldn't allow it to flee. The lamb learned during the healing process that the shepherd could be trusted. The lamb needed the shepherd to provide food, transportation and protection. Once the wound was completely healed, the lamb was fiercely loyal to the shepherd and wouldn't stray from the shepherd's leading. A few years ago a news story broke about Shrek the sheep. Shrek was a Merino sheep who lived in New Zealand. Shrek became famous because he managed to avoid being captured and shorn for six years. His wool continued to grow and thicken, and his eyes were eventually hidden behind the thick coat. Shrek dodged the sheering by hiding in caves and running from his master. Once Shrek was finally captured and shorn, he carried 60 pounds of wool on his body, nearly six times the average amount. The wool on Shrek's body was enough to produce 20 men's dress suits. It's easy to see why the Bible compares us to sheep. We often follow the crowd, even when it leads to our own demise. We stray from the shepherd who loves us and seeks to protect us. We don't appreciate when God disciplines us. But if we surrender to him we learn through the discipline that God can be trusted. We are often like Shrek the sheep as well. We hide from God, clinging to the things that need to be shorn from us. We become weighed down with the burdens God could easily remove from us. The Bible also shares with us that God anointed his people with oil just as the shepherds anointed the heads of their sheep with oil. This wasn't just a symbolic ritual. Sheep are easy targets for flies, lice and ticks. A sheep that was not covered in oil on his head could easily become the victim of infestations of these pests. However, it wasn't just a nuisance. Bugs would crawl through the ear canal of the unoiled sheep and nest in its brain, eating away at it. The pain from the bugs would be so severe on the sheep that the sheep would bang his skull on rocks and against trees to ease his suffering. The sheep could break his own skull seeking relief from the brain-eating parasites. When God offers to anoint us with his oil, it means he offers us protection from the parasites of this world that seek to eat away at us. If we hide in caves, or jump off the proverbial cliffs of this world, dodging his anointing and protection, we may become victims of this world. We may become so filled with pain that we hit our heads against rocks to ease our suffering. God seeks to shepherd us through this life. Oftentimes that is through discipline, sheering or anointing. But it is always with love, and it is always with our best interest at heart. He is our shepherd. He can be trusted when we surrender to his leading. Jamye Lanning Duncan is a curriculum writer and has served as a minister and teacher throughout North Carolina. She holds an Master of Divinity in Christian education and a Bachelor of Science in elementary education. She is married to Dr. Hunter Duncan, and they have two children, Katherine and Cameron. For six television seasons Bullet played in episodes of the Roy Rogers show called Bullet the Wonder dog. Bullet was fast enough to keep up with the camera shots of Roy Rogers galloping on trigger in pursuit of something. Bullet was an exceptionally smart dog. He did everything a good dog would do. Rin Tin Tin Rin tin Tin is a story of a dog who went from rags to riches. He was an orphan from world War 1 and was found by Mr. Lee Duncan. Mr Lee trained Rinty to do tricks and to do silent picture work for dogs. Rin Tin Tin immediately was a big success. He was responsible greatly for the increasing popularity of the German Shepherd breed as family pets.