labradoodle puppy obedience training

It might be tricky trying to predict the color of a Labradoodle pup, as this is greatly determined by their genetics. Labrador Retriever Colors Labrador Retrievers usually come in all solid colors. Most common ones include yellow, black, chocolate, red, white, and silver. Some of the more rare Labrador Retriever colors are, in fact, color combinations. These include black with white markings on the chest, black and tan, or brindle. The most common colors we see on Poodles are black, blue, silver, gray, white, brown, cream, apricot, silver beige, red, and cafe au lait. Additionally, some Poodles can also come in a variety of color combinations like black and brown, black and tan, black and apricot, black and cream, brown and apricot, brown and white, and many others. Labradoodle Color Chart Labradoodles come in all shapes and sizes, coat types, and colors. Apricot Labradoodles have a rich colored coat resembling the inside of a ripe apricot. Hence the name apricot Labradoodle. Apricot Labradoodles usually have a black nose and their hair color is typically the same throughout the coat. However, apricot Labradoodles may change color over time. Some pups fade lighter as they age and some are born with a cream coat that becomes darker over time. A red Labradoodle falls in a similar tone category as an apricot Labradoodle, but they have a much richer pigment and a distinctive red hue to their coat. Similarly to apricot Labradoodles, red Labradoodles might fade over time, which often results in a tan Labradoodle. Black Labradoodle A black Labradoodle comes in a solid all black coat with no other colored markings. Black Labradoodles also have black noses, black paw cushions, and eyes. On the other hand, like many other Labradoodle colors, pups who have a black coat may fade lighter into a more gray-ish tone over time. Chocolate Labradoodle a. Brown Labradoodle The chocolate Labradoodle is a rich brown Labradoodle. Chocolate Labradoodles can come with either brown eyes, or much more rare blue eyes. Their nose is typically brown or has a rose-y hue. As chocolate Labradoodles are so popular, it might be harder to get your hands on one. Cream Labradoodle a. Tan Labradoodle Cream Labradoodles have the signature beige-colored Doodle coat. The shade can vary in darkness and sometimes even have some gold or apricot markings on the face or paws. Their nose is usually black or dark brown. As their hair darkness can vary, cream Labradoodles are also often referred to as tan Labradoodles. Blue Labradoodle Blue Labradoodles are one of the more rare options out there. They are usually born with a black coat and as they age, they turn into a more gray-ish, smoky blue tone. During their first year from birth, their coat will change to match their skin tone. Their nose pigment is usually blue or gray that matches the skin. Most commonly, blue Labradoodles have brown eyes, but there are also the super rare, yet super gorgeous blue Labradoodles with blue eyes. Silver Labradoodle a. Gray Labradoodle Silver Labradoodles are very similar to blue Labradoodles. The silver can range anywhere from very light gray to dark charcoal color. Similarly to blue Labradoodles, silver Labradoodles are usually born with a much darker coat color. As they become older, their true coat color will start to appear. Again, this Labradoodle color is more of a rarity, and you should expect to pay more for a silver Labradoodle. For instance, a brown and white Labradoodle is considered parti, as they have a white base color with large blotches of brown throughout the coat. Of course, parti Labradoodles can also have other colors instead of brown, such as apricot, black, blue, or silver. Achieving a parti Labradoodle requires a ton of DNA testing to make sure the right genes are present. Therefore, this is again a more rare Labradoodle color. Black and White Labradoodle a. Tuxedo Labradoodle A tuxedo Labradoodle or black and white Labradoodle has a solid black base with white patches on the chest and neck. As you might guess, the white patches form a tuxedo-like pattern. Although there are also parti black and white Labradoodles, the tuxedo pattern is usually what people refer to. When it comes to Labradoodles, the black and white tuxedo pattern is rather difficult to achieve, making it another rare Labradoodle pattern. Sable Labradoodle Sable Labradoodles are usually born with a dark coat that lightens as the puppies start reaching adulthood. Once adults, sable Labradoodles have a solid base color, typically cream, apricot, or tan, with darker tips at the ends of the hair. Some pups keep the dark tips, while others outgrow them completely. However, sometimes their ears stay darker. Again, this is a more rare Labradoodle color, which might be more difficult to come across. Merle Labradoodles can come in a variety of shades. Some merles have blues, grays, and silvers, while others have chocolate, red, apricot, and cream. They have a solid base color with speckled patches of diluted colors throughout the coat. Phantom Labradoodle Phantom Labradoodles have a dominant base color, such as black or brown with lighter markings of another color on the face, chest, legs, and paws. The phantom Labradoodle comes with a distinctive pattern, where markings are placed above the eyes and around the muzzle. Abstract Labradoodle Abstract Labradoodles are very similar to parti Labradoodles. But with one exception. There are various color combinations possible, but the most common ones include white and brown, white and tan, or black and white Labradoodle. Brindle Labradoodle Brindle Labradoodles have a stripe pattern all across their body, which resembles much of a tiger. The darker color is more prominent while the lighter highlighted stripes are present all throughout the coat. Like many other Doodles, Labradoodles often change color or fade as they reach adulthood. Usually, Labradoodle puppies change color during their first year from birth. The fading or clearing is usually more prevalent in darker colored Labradoodles like black, brown, or chocolate. You can typically expect a black Labradoodle to fade into silver, blue, or gray tones. Chocolate Labradoodles tend to become tan, cream, or silver as they age. Behavioral problems usually stem from improper or inconsistent training. If your pup is acting up, we recommend you get in touch with a professional dog trainer or try an online puppy school. Having said that, there is a link between certain health problems and the merle gene. Merle Labradoodles have a slightly increased risk of blindness and deafness. For this reason, ethical breeders never cross two merle Labradoodles, as this can greatly increase the chance of complications. It all comes down to your personal preferences and which Labradoodle colors you prefer. All Labradoodles have a similar temperament and each of them comes with a unique personality. In addition to that, ethical breeders place their puppies into homes based on their temperament and personality to find the best forever home for each puppy. After all, the most important thing is that your new companion fits your lifestyle and household. Labradoodles often carry the fading gene, which is inherited from the Poodle parent. If your puppy is carrying the fading gene, they will most likely become lighter and fade as they start nearing adulthood. Black Labradoodles usually fade into silver or blue tones, whereas chocolate Labradoodles fade into more creamy, tan, and beige tones. The only way to determine whether or not your Labradoodle will change color is by DNA testing. The rarest Labradoodle colors are actually different color combinations and patterns. These include the parti Labradoodle, merle Labradoodle, phantom, tuxedo, sable, abstract, and brindle. In solid Labradoodle colors, the red Labradoodle is the rarest of them all. There are so many beautiful solid Labradoodle colors like chocolate, cream, apricot, and black. And then there are the rarity options like sable, merle, parti, and phantom. What makes it so difficult is that they all look absolutely adorable in their own, unique way. We hope this guide has given you a great overview of all the different Labradoodle colors and coat patterns. Parents of Labradoodles: What color is your Labradoodle and did they change color as they aged? Let us know in the comments below! Avoid making the mistake of choosing the wrong Doodle temperament for your family, lifestyle, or current living situation. Black Brown A red-colored Labradoodle is the rarest of them all. Much darker than a gold or apricot-colored Labradoodle, they are a similar color to an Irish Red Setter. To be a real red, their nose must be black, not brown. His entire coat should be red, and the hair needs to be the same shade from base to tip. So finding a Red Labradoodle is even more extraordinary. As such, his pricing will reflect this. Labradoodle Colors Explained Although we all have our favorite colors, there are a few things that you need to consider. Firstly, the color should not be your entire basis for choice. Just because there is a pup in the litter that matches your best outfit does not necessarily make it the best match for you and your family. So, it is essential to look beyond the coat color. A reputable breeder will pair you with the pup they think is the best fit for your lifestyle. Even if that is the only color that you want in the litter. For example, a recent study has shown that chocolate-colored Labradors have a significantly lower lifespan compared to their black and golden siblings. They also have a higher rate of skin and ear problems too. White-colored and dilute colors in dogs are also believed to be linked to health concerns. For example, white dogs have an increased chance of deafness and blindness compared to non-white dogs. Diluted colors are also linked to a condition known as Color Dilution Alopecia, which is known to affect standard-sized Poodles. The majority of Labradoodles in these colors, if bred under a reputable breeder, will not be affected or unhealthy. But, if you do get a pup with these colors , make sure you are aware of the symptoms associated with their potential pigment-related conditions. Final Thoughts No matter what color Labradoodle you choose, or whatever shade your Labradoodle pooch grows into, know that you will have a beautiful and bouncy pup. They will brighten up your day for sure. Always work with a reputable breeder, and no matter what color you choose, you should be the recipient of a healthy and happy pooch. See also:. The most common Labradoodle colors are black, cream and gold. Black Labradoodles are common finding generally one per litter. These Labradoodles represent the base price for a dog within this breed. The color of a cream Labradoodle can vary between different shades with some having red tinges through their coat. Although the color cream may vary the whole coat should be one consistent color. Apricot Labradoodles are often born with lighter colored coats that darken over time while others that are born apricot in color develop to have a light cream coat. The entire strand of fur on a golden Labradoodle should be the same color. Golden Labradoodles often fade as they grow. These dogs are neither common or rare. These Labradoodles should hold their color until adulthood. The chocolate colored Labradoodles tend to be a popular choice. Their coloring should be even. Chocolate Labradoodles often appear almost black at birth. A parchment should not have other colors mixed into the fur. Large blotches of any color on white make for an acceptable Parti colored Labradoodle. The hardest to breed and come by is the red Labradoodle. Any combination of two colors is acceptable as long as they have the distinctive markings. A black and gold phantom is among the most common. These dogs are on the rarer spectrum. These Dogs are on the rarer spectrum. While gold is a common color, the birth of a Labradoodle with a deep red coloring is as rare as they come. A red Poodle is unusual making a red Labradoodle even harder to come by. The roots of a red Labradoodle should match the tips. Red Labradoodles are hard to breed and even harder to come by. Red Labradoodle Puppy and Adult The range of Labradoodle coat colors is extensive although no matter which puppy you pick, Labradoodles make loving life long friends. Related posts:. One of the unique features of Australian Labradoodles is the wide variety of coat colors and patterns. While Labradoodle colours are interesting, we maintain that you are buying a living creature and not a coat colour. It is essential to retain the appearance of an Australian Labradoodle within the breed standard, but we feel charging for colour is not a fair practice. Van Isle Doodles looks for families whose focus is on adding a labradoodle puppy as a family member to their home. Depending on the intensity of the pigment, a red dog may appear to be a deep red color all the way to a light brown color. Cream Cream labradoodles range from almost white through to latte depending on the intensity of the pigment. This is our Bruno Mars who is a light cream color with black leathers. Black Black Labradoodles range from jet black to silver. This is Cinder Ella an example of a jet black Labradoodle. Chocolate Chocolate Australian Labradoodles range from a milk chocolate color when pigment is diluted to deep, dark chocolate when pigment is intensified. Oceana middle is a dark chocolate Labradoodle with brown leathers. Caramel Caramel ranges from a creamy color to a darker red. The brown leathers make the dog caramel rather than red. Here are some examples of our caramel dogs. Parti Labradoodless can come in any color. This is our caramel and white parti girl, Bernadette. Phantom A phantom is a solid color with tan points. The markings are similar to those found on Yorkies, Rottweilers and Dobermans. Tan points for the phantom pattern are pips above the eyes, along the side of the jaw, a band across the chest, run halfway up all four legs, on the vent and sometimes on the underside of the tail. Phantoms may be either black Labradoodles or Chocolate Labradoodles. Dexter is a chocolate phantom Labradoodle. Tri A tri colored Labradoodle is a phantom plus white. A tri Labradoodle may be black or chocolate. This is Tawnee who is a black tri. Sable A sable Labradoodle has each single hair in their coat banded by color. Each strand of hair has two colors. The tip of the strand will be either black or brown and the color at the root may be red, tan or apricot. Because the top inch or so of the strands of hair are either black or chocolate, at birth a sable Labradoodle will appear to be a black or chocolate dog. Once the strands start to grow out, the change color becomes visible. The amount of time it takes to see the second color varies from birth through to about six weeks of age. Since Labradoodles do not shed, at least as little as any dog is capable of not shedding, they do not generally grow new strands of hair. Once a sable Labradoodle has been groomed, the dark chocolate or black tips are lost and the dog then becomes red or tan in color. This is Ripple our chocolate sable parti girl. Brindle Labradoodles are not common. This puppy is a brindle Labradoodle. If you look at his feet, you will notice the stiped pattern of his color. Van Isle Labradoodles. Contact Us Labradoodle Colors Australian Labradoodle coat colors colours come in a wide variety of options. Below is a listing of the different coat colors, coloring descriptions and what to expect with their coats throughout their lifetime. Caramel Caramel colored dogs have liver noses brown. Their range of coat color can vary between light yellow to almost red in hue. The difference in a caramel dog and a chalk, cream, apricot and red dog is their nose color. Chocolate True chocolates are brown in color. Many chocolates do fade over time. Cream This color comes in a wide variety of shades but it should be creamy in appearance. The nose pigment is black. The pigment for the nose is black. Parchment This color is a creamy beige chocolate color. It has been described as a cup of coffee with a generous addition of milk. These dogs are born milk chocolate and will develop their parchment coloring over time. The nose pigment is rose. Red True reds should be rich and dark in color and the roots should be no lighter. Sadly, this coat color tends to fade over time. The nose color is to be black. This color develops over the first years. Nose pigment should be rose. Chalk This color is a white looking color. However, if you were to compare it to a true white, it would appear to be more chalk-white in color. Nose pigment is black. Black Black Labradoodles should be solid in color with no sprinklings of other colors throughout the coat. Their pigment color should be black. Silver These pups would start out black and their silver coloring develops over the first few years of their lives. The color range can be anywhere from a light pewter to a dark charcoal. Silver dogs need to have black pigmentation. The blue coat will develop over the first few years. The color should be solid once they are full grown. It should be a dark-medium smoky blue. Lavender This color has a smoky lavender chocolate coloring that almost gives off a pink to lilac appearance. These pups are born chocolate and will come into their beautiful lavender coats over the first few years. Their pigmentation should be rose in color. Parti These dogs need to be at least fifty percent white, with spots or patches of any other above solid color. Full or partial saddles are acceptable, but are not preferred. Ticking in the white of the coat is acceptable but not preferred. The nose pigment needs to match the solid color. Any combination of acceptable colors is allowed. Nose pigment should follow requirements listed above based on the solid base color. Information and photos republished with permission from Australian Labradoodle Association Save Ready for your puppy? This color can do some interesting things! It can fade into at least three distinct, official Labradoodle colors! Go figure!! I have had one of my chocolate girls turn completely Lavender on her body but not the head, then within a year, go completely back to dark chocolate. So, like a good Boy Scout, when you purchase a chocolate Labradoodle, be prepared for anything! All are lovely, but they are almost impossible to predict with any significant degree of accuracy. Once again, be prepared for anything! Chocolate Colors Now we get to the fun part; the color combinations! This is where things get interesting. Partis can come in any color, with either color nose. Some are mostly white, while some have lots of color and less white. The ones that are mostly white are called "Extreme" Partis. The variations are endless and unique, like a snowflake. The colors, such as chocolate, on a parti can change in the same ways that they would on a solid dog. Often confused with "Parti" is a dog with heavy white mismarks or a Tuxedo. White mismarks can be very small or very heavy, or anywhere in-between. The puppy is born either Black or Chocolate and immediately begins to lose the dark color, revealing anything from a cream to a red underneath! The tips of the fur may retain their dark cast, but the dog will present as somewhere on the cream-red spectrum. I have included her picture below showing her in the middle of the changing process. The genetics of color are absolutely fascinating! But there is some logic here! Cream Labradoodle Genetics With so much variety in the cream coat color spectrum, you may be surprised to learn a single color pigment is driving all of them. This pigment is called phaeomelanin. It controls the red spectrum of coat colors. It is yellow or gold. Phaeomelanin is running the show in determining whether a Labradoodle will grow up to have a cream coat. But there are lots of other genes working behind the scenes to influence how creamy that coat will look. Phaeomelanin is a form of pigment, or melanin. Melanocytes have the job of adding phaeomelanin to each hair as it grows out. Sometimes they may add in a bit more color pigment at first and slack off later. This is why some but not all cream Labradoodle dogs will grow up to have adult coats that are darker at the hair tips than they are at the hair roots. This Causes the Variations This is one way — but not the only way — that a cream Labradoodle can grow up to have a darker cream or a lighter cream coat. These are the hair follicle cells responsible for giving this Labradoodle their lovely coat color. But what is telling each melanocyte how much of which pigment to add to each developing coat hair? A collection of genes is called a genotype. How those genes appear or show up is called their phenotype. So a cream Labradoodle has the genes for a cream coat phenotype. When it comes to coat color, eumelanin black is dominant and phaeomelanin red is recessive. When a gene is dominant, a puppy only needs to get that gene from one parent dog to have it show up express. But when a gene is recessive, the puppy needs to get that gene from both parent dogs to express it. Now you are probably starting to see why breeders can spend a lifetime studying the genome just for their own breeding dogs. This is especially the case when you consider that a Labradoodle is a breed that is still rather early in their evolution. F1, F2 and Beyond! In early stage F1, F1b breeding programs, the breeder may be working with the coat color genotypes of two completely different purebred dog breeds. This gets more complicated still when you consider that both parent dogs must contribute the cream coat genotype in order for a puppy to inherit the cream coat. In other words, only two true cream Labradoodle parent dogs will be able to breed cream Labradoodle puppies. Eumelanin is responsible for black and the various shades in that color spectrum. Nose color: Depending on the breed association you consult with, a true cream Labradoodle will have either a black, brown, or rose pinkish nose. Eye color: Cream Labradoodles will usually have dark brown eyes. Skin color: Cream spectrum Labradoodles will have black eye rims and lips. Nail color: Generally, this color Labradoodle will have black nails. Labradoodles are large dogs that will generally fall somewhere between the sizes of their two parents. While color genes are the primary driver when a Labradoodle puppy inherits a cream coat, there can be other factors at work as well. Diet, exposure to ultraviolet light, type of shampoo, overall health. This is why cream Labradoodles can be quite rare. Not only do they need a very specific set of genes, but they also may change color as they grow older. If coat color is really important to you, rescuing an older cream doodle might be a better route. Cream Labradoodle Temperament Just like their coat color, Labradoodles will inherit temperament traits from their parent breeds. In general, you can expect your creamy doodle to be friendly, intelligent, energetic, and eager to please. These mix breeds need plenty of energy too, no matter what their color. Cream Labradoodle Health Labradoodles are a very new breed, so predicting health concerns that could affect them is still quite tricky. Also, learn more about the health issues that can affect the two parent breeds — Labs and Poodles. Mixed dogs can inherit health problems from their parents, so can be at risk of the same problems. Only ever choose reputable breeders that health test their dogs. This will minimise the risk of your puppy growing up with heritable health problems. Finding a Cream Labradoodle Puppy Cream puppies can be quite hard to find, as this color is recessive. So, puppies need to inherit the right genes from both parents. And, as we learnt earlier, breeders can label the same shade in different ways. To some, a puppy might be off-white, but to others, it could be light caramel. This can make your search harder. But, no matter how you go about it, make sure to only choose reputable breeders that look after their animals and health test. Never choose puppies from puppy mills or pet stores. If color means this much to you, you might want to consider choosing a rescue Labradoodle, whose color will be more stable. Are you caring for a cream Labradoodle or hoping to add this beautiful dog to your family? Share your thoughts with us in the comments! References and Resources Lewis, L.

They are growing quickly, so while they eat smaller quantities of food than adult dogs, they need to extract far more nutrients like protein, minerals, and vitamins, to sustain their growth and development. Different Dogs, Different Diets Nutritional needs vary from breed to breed. One only needs to look at golden retrievers to know they require a different diet than a Chihuahua! For example, joint and bone problems are much more common in big dogs than in little ones, but choosing the right puppy food can reduce the risk. Large-breed puppy food has reduced amounts of calcium and phosphorus, which helps control the rate of skeletal growth. Also, you may find puppy foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility. By consuming too much food, your puppy will have elevated levels of the very nutrients that should be limited. Additionally, overweight puppies may develop other health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Good eating habits developed during puppyhood will lead to a healthy mature dog in the years to come. Nutrition For The Outside One of the most visible components of your dog is its fur. Nutrition plays a vital role in this area. A large percentage of the protein your puppy takes in goes towards maintaining its coat. Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for healthy skin and fur. Which Food Do I Choose? There will always be those who buy the cheapest brand on the market. Some will opt for the most expensive, while others will simply go with a brand name they recognize. The key is to find the right food for your particular puppy. One thing you cannot afford to ignore is the nutritional content. Because they are still growing, puppies need more protein than adults. Proteins foster muscle growth and development in puppies and lean muscle maintenance in adults, so the more of it there is in a diet, the better it is for your growing retriever. Fats, too, are important for golden puppies because they provide the energy required for everyday activities. You should be careful, however, not to feed your golden excess calories because this will result in excess weight or obesity. Eventually, your dog will end up battling joint problems. For instance, less expensive dog foods typically have lower-quality ingredients. The contents are often inexpensive, low-grade animal protein sources, like by-products and fillers. Fillers are frequently things like cornmeal, rice flour, or seed hulls. In general, thoroughly review the nutritional content of your chosen diet. Are the ingredients wholesome and natural? Does the diet have controlled calcium and phosphorous levels? Is the calorie and fat content limited to manage growth? Does the label state that the diet is complete and balanced? This can lead to obesity and will certainly cause increased defecation. The latter of these two issues will make house training more difficult than it already is. By contrast, costlier dog foods usually have higher-quality ingredients. The scales will be tipped heavily in favor of high-grade animal protein sources and fillers will be few and far between. Price is not, however, a guarantee of quality. The best dog foods for a golden retriever puppy are made with high-quality natural ingredients and have high levels of protein. Make sure the food is complete and balanced for daily feeding and formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large breed puppies. At this point, golden retriever puppies have likely already been switched to dry puppy food and you should continue feeding your pup the same type of food the breeder used. From the day you bring them home until they are six months old, you should feed your golden retriever puppy three times a day. Ideally, your pup should have breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. A grain-free diet is the default meal for golden retrievers that are sensitive to grains, but if your dog is healthy, feeding her such a meal boils down to choice. A lot has been said about grain-free diets. Reports and studies have been carried out in recent years trying to establish any connection between it and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy DCM. That all starts with choosing the best puppy food for golden retrievers. Avoid low-cost foods that are more filler than substance, and look for better foods that are packed with nutrients to help your puppy grow. In particular, consider trying a large breed formula to meet the specific needs of your golden retriever puppy. Good nutrition is an essential part of any health regimen, and providing high-quality puppy food will lay the foundation for a long, and enjoyable life. You May Also Like. The protein will come from readily available sources such as chicken or beef, and not exotic or boutique sources like kangaroo or venison as you saw in second study mentioned above. According to the AKC , quality, regulated animal byproducts can be good for your dog. These byproducts can include organ meats or entrails, which often contain more nutrients than, say, plain chicken breast. Another misconception is that dogs should eat grain-free diets. As you saw in the second study mentioned above, that can actually be very harmful for your dog and cause DCM. But food labels can be a little vague and confusing, so below is an explanation of what some of these terms mean, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual and the AKC. There is one caveat though. For instance, flaked corn, ground corn, and kibbled corn could be sprinkled in an ingredient list and not be listed as the first few ingredients, but in reality, if you were to add them all up they are all corn, after all , you might find that this food is made mostly of corn. The same goes for chicken, chicken meal, and chicken byproduct. Meat vs. Meat Meal vs. The quality of these ingredients can vary widely, so be sure to talk to your vet about this and choose a reputable brand of food. Below are a few examples: Obesity. Golden Retrievers love food and they do have a tendency to become overweight if you let them. This problem can often affect these next two problems… Joint issues. Golden Retrievers are prone to joint issues and growing too fast because they eat too much can often make this problem worse more on this in the next section. Heart issues. Skin issues. Golden Retrievers are prone to hot spots and excess protein in their diets can be a factor that causes them. Many goldens suffer from food allergies. One cup of Brand X food may have calories per cup, while Brand Y has calories per cup. During a vet visit our veterinarian said he looked too small and lethargic for a puppy his age about 8 weeks at the time , and he recommended we feed him a little more. As far as how often to feed your puppy, this same rule applies. For us, we fed Oliver three times per day until he was a little over a year old. Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy? Get the gameplan for raising them right with the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook. Those two statements may sound random, but they are related. According to the Banfield Pet Hospital , overfeeding your Golden Retriever can cause them to grow too fast and increase their risk of hip dysplasia. You probably noticed that a raw diet was the fourth-most popular diet Golden Retriever owners feed their dog. Since puppies are growing and adults are just maintaining their weight, they have different dietary needs. And for fats, puppy food should have at least 8. As far as when to switch from puppy food to adult food, talk to your veterinarian. To see a list of other milestones your puppy will hit like when they lose their first teeth, or when their coat is fully grown check out this timeline of Golden Retriever puppy milestones. Like most of the other questions in this post, this is something to talk to your veterinarian about. Many foods will have the same vitamins that pills have already in them, but on the other hand, some breeders require that you give your puppy vitamins for their health guarantee to be valid. First, we unknowingly started him off on one of the brands listed in the graph above that is correlated with DCM. Then we switched to another brand that he just sort of liked. If we were to have another puppy, we would definitely start with the Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy food. How To Switch Food Brands The other day I was talking to someone who was complaining that her puppy was having lots of stomach issues. Dogs have sensitive stomachs so if you want to switch foods, you need to do it slowly. You should take about a week to transition from the old food to the new brand. Also consider how long the brand of food has been around, whether or not there have been any recalls of that brand, and if there is any research behind it. What do you feed your Golden Retriever puppy? Have any questions about what to feed them? Let me know in the comments below! Related articles:. Sizes Dog Food Protein Content The pet food label usually expresses its content as a percentage instead of an amount. Animal-based proteins are complete and contain all the essential amino acids. Grains are another excellent protein source, albeit they may not have all these building blocks. The important thing is that the puppy food meets this minimum standard to ensure healthy development. Dog Food Fat Content Fat is a vital macronutrient that offers an excellent source of energy and the raw materials for the synthesis of good cholesterol. The recommended amounts differ radically in puppies and dogs, making a solid case for giving your pet food appropriate for its life stage. Of course, they also need it for growth and development. Dog Food Ingredients Pet food is regulated with required labeling to help you choose the best food for your Golden Retriever puppy. One of these requirements is a nutritional adequacy statement. That informs you about the life stage of the product. Manufacturers must identify the ingredients in their products, starting with the one that makes up the most weight. We can also say something similar about so-called human-grade pet foods. No formal definition exists for the term. The other concern lies with what manufacturers substitute for the grains. Some evidence suggests a potential link between the substituted ingredients and this disorder. Golden Retrievers have shown a higher rate of DCM and low taurine levels, which can cause it too. These dogs can synthesize taurine in their bodies. However, this breed has a propensity for not producing enough. That makes taurine in the ingredient list something we always check. Dog Food Sizes Most manufacturers produce several sizes of dog food. However, bear in mind that larger ones are usually a better value. Also, your puppy will grow quickly—along with its appetite. We suggest keeping both factors in mind when choosing a product. Final Verdict Ollie Fresh dog food came out on top in our series of reviews. We were impressed with the natural ingredient list and focus on nutrition. Read more Advertisement. Royal Canin makes dry food tailored explicitly to particular breeds. Its Golden food variation uses chicken and brown rice ingredients to support digestive health, strong bones, and a healthy coat. Gorgeous coats, healthy body conditions, great activity levels- perfect puppies! With a combination of healthy proteins, fruits, vegetables, and more, this dry dog food will encourage healthy muscle development in your Golden Retriever as well as strong teeth, a healthy heart, and improved skin and coat texture. Looking at the ingredients makes me feel that I have purchased a quality product for my guy. With ingredients like real protein, fruits, and vegetables, this dry food increases energy, strengthens bones, improves immune strength, and neutralizes free radicals. Her coat is healthier and shiny. She even trimmed down a little as her old dog food was making her fat. They produce high-quality dog food for your Golden Retriever at an affordable price. Veterinarians recommend IAMS Proactive Health because it uses ingredients like animal protein and antioxidant-rich veggies to nourish your dog and meet their complete health needs. Highly recommend it. Good for maintaining a decent weight too. Gobbles it down! With fish as the main protein, this kibble promotes a gorgeous coat and healthy skin and improves digestive issues. He eats it enthusiastically, and it has really helped him thrive! He is energetic, has a gorgeous coat, and devours his meals! She is a much happier dog. The Save Shredded Puppy Blend includes probiotics to help ease the digestion in growing Golden Retriever puppies with sensitive stomachs. I mix it with wet food, and he loves it. He loves the chunks of shredded chicken! I highly recommend it. This large-breed dry food can help your Golden Retriever maintain a healthy coat and great skin as well as smooth digestion. All of them love this food! Their coats are shiny and soft, and their poops are small! The exclusive formula also increases energy levels! We tried another brand, and it caused all kinds of allergic reactions. We went back to Eagle Pack, and all is right again. Great product! That may be because they have a senior Golden Retriever who is struggling with dental issues or feel that dehydrated food options are healthier. This particular food contains real protein and essential nutrients that can benefit dogs of all ages. Once we got this, she became a food-crazed puppy! This food includes a combination of freeze-dried raw-coated kibble with real pieces of freeze-dried raw meat! This variety has lots of meat sources plus several strains of probiotics. In general, your dog will benefit from puppy food from about 8 weeks of age until they are six months to a year old. Check with your vet to determine the right time to switch from a puppy food to one for adult dogs, as recommendations vary based on the size of your dog. A few days later, you can begin making it a half-and-half blend. Make sure to watch for loose stool from your pup as you transition — if you notice that your Golden is struggling with the new diet, wait for a few days before increasing the blend. When in doubt, check with your vet! Most dog foods come with specific volumes listed on the side. Overfeeding your pet can lead to a variety of health concerns. To determine what food will suit your dog the best, check out 17 of the top dog foods on the market for Golden Retrievers, no matter their age. Check with your vet to determine whether your Golden will need any special dietary considerations. Foods considered toxic to Golden Retrievers are macadamia nuts, chocolate, onions, garlic cloves, grapes, raisins, walnuts, alcohol, and any foods sweetened with xylitol. Try to avoid feeding your Golden food containing any of these ingredients. Grain is an essential component to the diet of Golden Retrievers. The absence of grain has been known to lead to a deficiency in taurine, which can potentially cause heart problems for your golden. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Standard Poodles General Guidelines for Feeding Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs Seeing your dog suffer from sensitive stomach symptoms can be difficult, but there are some best practices you can follow to help your canine companion. Make Diet Transitions Gradually Dogs with digestive issues may have very specific nutrition needs, so you might be tempted to experiment with their diets. However, it's important to make dietary changes gradually to avoid worsening stomach issues. For example, don't switch your dog to a new food abruptly; instead, gradually mix in more and more of the new food to your dog's old food — making the transition over the course of a week or two. Avoid High-Fat and Spicy Foods Spicy foods and foods high in fat can worsen a dog's tummy troubles, so avoid these whenever possible. According to Dr. This is especially important for dogs with pancreatitis, as fat is even harder to digest with this condition. Examples of food sources with higher fat content include cheese, milk, butter, sausages, and high-fat meats like pork belly and bacon. Reduce Dairy Intake Dairy is a common culprit when it comes to triggering symptoms of sensitive stomachs in dogs. This may be due to a lack of the enzyme that breaks down lactose, which can lead to sensitivity. As tempting as it may be to sneak your dog a few bites of your own meals, it's best to ignore those puppy-dog eyes and resist offering human food to dogs — especially those with sensitive stomachs. All too often, human foods contain ingredients that can further aggravate symptoms. Natural foods like plain greek yogurt, antioxidant-rich blueberries or raw sweet potato slices can still be used as natural pet food toppers or treats. And of course, a human grade pet food diet is still encouraged! How To Reduce Your Dog's Digestive Sensitivity Integrating a rotational diet is a common way to alleviate any dog's digestive sensitivities. Specifically, this refers to a holistic feeding approach where you occasionally switch up your dog's food. This might mean switching to a different protein source or even changing the type of food you're offering wet dog food, dry dog food, or freeze-dried dog food. The idea here is that changing up food "resets" a dog's digestive system, allowing the bacteria in your dog's gut to adjust and, thus, strengthening the microbiome. To learn more about how to start rotational feeding, read this article. In addition to trying a rotational diet, you may also be able to reduce your dog's stomach sensitivity by integrating prebiotics and probiotics — as well as by gently steaming food to improve digestibility. Food and Ingredients That Support Healthy Digestion If you're thinking about switching your dog's food to alleviate stomach issues, there are some specific ingredients you may want to look for that can support healthy digestion. Fiber If your dog suffers from loose stools, adding fiber can be a great way to improve firmness. Fiber can also be beneficial for dogs because it can help pups feel fuller while eating, which may help reduce overeating and subsequent stomach upset. Great sources of fiber for dogs include pumpkin, kale, flaxseed, and apples. Psylium husk is another excellent source of fiber that is a little less digestible but can help improve stool firmness. White, Lean Meats White meats such as chicken, turkey, and fish are palatable to dogs and tend to have a low fat content, making them great for pups with digestive issues. As an added bonus, these meats are also a great source of lean and digestible protein. Grains Grains are often a great source of fiber and carbohydrates for dogs, though not all are created equal. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you may want to stick with white rice, which does not have an outer layer and is easier to digest. Other sources of grains and healthy carbs to consider include brown rice, oats, whole wheat, and even ancient grains like millet and quinoa. Wet Food or Dehydrated Food When Rehydrated Wet food is often easier for dogs with sensitive stomachs to digest because of its high moisture content. Specifically, with wet food or dehydrated foods that are high-in-moisture once rehydrated, dogs don't have to draw from their body's water reserves to digest it. However, this isn't to say that all kibble is difficult for dogs to digest; some are specifically crafted with high-quality ingredients to be minimally processed and thus easier to digest — even for dogs prone to tummy troubles. Ultimately, it's best to consult with your veterinarian for specific food recommendations based on your dog's life stage, nutritional needs, breed, and overall health. Your vet may recommend, for example, a prescription diet or a hypoallergenic recipe. However, there are some foods from The Honest Kitchen that tend to help pups with food sensitivities and digestive issues. For your convenience, this recipe is gently dehydrated, so you can simply add water to moisten the food to your dog's liking prior to serving. Our gentle dehydration process helps to maintain nutrients while maximizing flavor, making this a tantalizing dog food. Although beef does tend to have a slightly higher fat content, the dehydrated nature of this recipe makes it easier for dogs to digest when water is added prior to serving. Likewise, dogs with sensitive stomachs may benefit from fibrous ingredients like dried apples and potatoes — as well as grains like organic oats, flaxseed, and barley. The main ingredient in this food is cage-free turkey, which is very low in fat and thus easy on dogs' stomachs. Meanwhile, dogs will enjoy digestible grains in the form of organic oats and flaxseed, while potatoes and apples offer additional fiber. Specifically, this supplement contains herbs like slippery elm, fennel, and plantain to soothe the gastrointestinal tract while supporting stool consistency. This is also a great choice for dogs suffering from gas — and it's gentle enough to be fed daily or simply as needed to boost your dog's overall bowel health. Our Instant Goat's Milk is a daily booster specifically developed with a boost of 1. This booster is great for dogs of all life stages, though it's often recommended for puppies suffering from stomach issues. The best part? Meanwhile, fibrous potatoes and pumpkin — combined with digestible grains like organic barley, organic oats, and flaxseed. At-Home Remedies To Alleviate Sensitive Stomachs In addition to choosing the right sensitive stomach dog food to support your pup's digestive health, there are some at-home remedies you may also want to try to alleviate upset stomach symptoms. Boiled White Rice and Chicken One of the best human foods you can serve your dog is boiled rice and chicken. If you've talked to your vet about your dog's sensitive stomach before, there's a good chance they've already recommended this option. This combination is ideal for a dog's gut health because it contains easily digestible grains white rice while still providing the lean, low-fat, and digestible protein your dog needs to thrive. Cooked Zucchini Zucchini is rich in fiber, which can help add bulk to stools. Meanwhile, it remains relatively bland and easy for dogs with upset stomachs to digest. The most important thing to remember when feeding your dog zucchini is to introduce it slowly and to ensure that it is cooked prior to feeding. Raw zucchini can be too difficult for dogs to digest, but gently boiling or steaming it can help. Pumpkin Pumpkin is another food that is often recommended for dogs prone to stomach issues. That's because it's a great source of digestible fiber, so it can soothe a dog's tummy while helping to bulk up stools and reduce instances of diarrhea. It also has a low glycemic index, so it can be easily absorbed without worrying about sugar spikes. Be careful not to buy canned pumpkin pie filling, which is loaded with sweeteners and will likely do more harm than good. Sweet Potato Sweet potato is another food that's loaded with healthy fiber and vitamins to support your dog's health and wellness. Plus, many dogs love the taste of sweet potato. Just be sure to cook sweet potatoes before offering them to your dog, as raw versions can be very difficult to chew and digest and could even lead to intestinal blockage. Baking or boiling are great ways to cook sweet potatoes, softening them and making them easier and more enjoyable for your dog to consume. Ginger In small amounts, ginger can also be beneficial to dogs suffering from sensitive stomach symptoms. This is because ginger root contains gingerol and shogaol , compounds found to aid digestion. You can add small amounts of ginger root to your dog's diet, though supplements are also available. This equates to about a quarter teaspoon at most for small breeds and three-quarters of a teaspoon for large breeds. Chamomile As an herbal supplement, chamomile is an anti-inflammatory that can effectively treat inflammation-related stomach problems. It can be given in the form of tea, powder, or liquid. Supplements are also available to make giving chamomile to dogs easier. Be sure to consult with your vet before adding chamomile to your dog's diet, as too much of this ingredient can be toxic. With this in mind, it's important to stick to the precise dosage that your vet recommends. In addition to choosing the best food, implementing a rotational diet and taking other proactive measures to support your dog's immune system can help your dog lead a happier and healthier life. At The Honest Kitchen, we take great pride in the high quality, human grade wet, dehydrated and dry food that we offer for dogs at all life stages. Our human grade dog food is developed with veterinary nutritionists to be free of artificial flavors, by-products, artificial preservatives, and fillers — so you can always feel good about what you're feeding your beloved pup. Shop our selection of human grade dog food today and see the difference for yourself. Please consult your pet's veterinarian or other healthcare professional for specific guidance on this topic. Share Post. The thought of grain free diets has become popular in recent years, as many people believe that grains are not healthy for dogs. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. In fact, most veterinarians agree that grains are not only safe for dogs, but they can actually be beneficial. Grains provide essential vitamins and minerals that are necessary for a dog's overall health. They also contain fiber, which can help with digestion. So, if you're wondering whether or not you should feed your Golden Retriever grain-free food, the answer is no. Grains are not only safe for Goldens, but they can actually be beneficial. Stick to a high-quality food that contains grains, and your pup will be just fine. What is the best grain free dog food for Golden Retrievers? There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best dog food for Golden Retrievers. First, make sure that the food is made with high-quality ingredients. Second, choose a food that is designed for active dogs. Third, make sure that the food contains all of the nutrients that your Golden needs. What foods are Golden Retrievers allergic to? Golden Retrievers are typically not allergic to any particular food. However, some Goldens may be allergic to certain ingredients, such as corn or wheat. If you think your Golden is allergic to a specific ingredient, talk to your veterinarian. They will be able to recommend the best food for your pup. What is the best way to transition my Golden Retriever to a new food? If you're looking to transition your Golden to a new food, it's important to do so slowly. Start by mixing the new food with the old food, and gradually increase the amount of new food over time. This will help your Golden get used to the new food and minimize any stomach upset. Make sure to talk to your veterinarian before making any major changes to your dog's diet. They will be able to recommend the best dog food for golden retrievers and help you make a smooth transition. How to choose the best dog food for golden retrievers? There are many factors to consider when selecting the best dog food for your golden retriever. Here are some of the more important factors to evaluate before buying one of the 20 best dog foods we've featured here today: Quality of ingredients Look for a food that has high-quality, easily digestible proteins like chicken, turkey, or lamb. Avoid foods with low-quality proteins like by-products or meal. The best dog foods will also have vegetables and fruits for antioxidants and fiber as well as omega-fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Choose a food that is specifically formulated for golden retrievers. While there are many high-quality all-purpose dog foods on the market, feeding your golden retriever a food that is designed specifically for their breed can help ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need. Consider your dog's age Puppies and adult dogs have different nutritional needs, so be sure to choose a food that is appropriate for your dog's age. Puppy foods will have higher levels of protein and fat to support growth, while adult foods will be lower in calories to help maintain a healthy weight. Senior golden retrievers may need a food that is easy to digest and has added joint support. Think about your dog's activity level Active dogs will need more calories than less active dogs, so be sure to choose a food that matches your dog's activity level. If you are not sure how many calories your dog needs, talk to your veterinarian. Now that you know what to look for in a food, here are our picks for the 20 best dog food for golden retrievers: 1. Pupper Toppers Image courtesy Pupper Dogs are susceptible to the same health problems as humans when their diet is poor. Carbohydrate imbalances, unbalanced meals rich in carbohydrates and other macronutrients, and other factors can all increase a dog's risk of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. A poor diet not only puts your dog's health at risk, but it can also result in the same symptoms of hunger and lethargy as a human eating poorly. As a consequence, your dog may have low energy levels, which might encourage them to eat more—leading to an unhappy and unhealthy pet. Fuel is made with all-natural, grain-free ingredients for optimum health and peak performance. Pupper uses grass-fed beef and real vegetables, which are loaded with nutrients. It is made with deboned chicken, peas, and sweet potatoes. This food is grain-free and does not contain any artificial colors or flavors. The first ingredient in this food is deboned chicken, which provides your dog with high-quality protein. The second ingredient is peas, which are a source of fiber and essential vitamins and minerals. The third ingredient is sweet potatoes, which are an excellent source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber. This food also contains flaxseed, which is a source of omega-three fatty acids. These fatty acids are important for the health of your dog's skin and coat. This food is also enriched with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin E, and zinc. These nutrients are also essential for the health of your dog's immune system, skin, and coat. They think that feeding dogs properly is the best method to avoid chronic illness. To give dogs with all stages of life the essential nutrients they require, they combine high-quality proteins and vegetables with particular vitamins and minerals. There are no fillers or nonsense in this formula. It is made with real salmon, which is a source of high-quality protein. This food also contains sweet potatoes, which are an excellent source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber. The first ingredient in this food is salmon, which provides your dog with high-quality protein. This is a necessary part of your golden retriever's diet to ensure that they are getting all of the nutrients that they need. A unique combination of probiotics, nutritious fiber, and digestive enzymes can help your dog's gastrointestinal health. The delectable tastes are complemented with joint-supporting elements as well as other vitamins and minerals for a delicious, healthy meal that will keep your pet occupied all day long. Each Diamond Naturals dry formula is complemented with superfoods and guaranteed probiotics to aid in the development of your canine's physical, mental, and emotional health. Your dog will enjoy the taste of this high-quality food. It's made with fresh cage-free chicken, whole grain brown rice, and real fruit and vegetables including kale, blueberries, and coconut to provide your canine with protein, minerals, omega fatty acids to improve skin and coat health. Assist your buddy in obtaining a comprehensive and balanced holistic diet with Diamond! It is made with real chicken, which is a source of high-quality protein. The first ingredient in this food is chicken, which provides your dog with high-quality protein. It is made with real duck, which is a source of high-quality protein. The first ingredient in this food is duck, which provides your dog with high-quality protein. Duck is a great source of protein for your dog and it is also a very tasty food. Your dog will love the taste of this food and you will be able to see a difference in their energy level and overall health. This food is made with real chicken, which is a great source of protein for your dog. This food also contains sweet potatoes and carrots, which are both excellent sources of carbohydrates and dietary fiber. The first ingredient in this food is chicken, which provides your golden retriever with high-quality protein. This is an essential part of their diet to ensure that they're getting all of the nutrients that they need. The other natural ingredients in this best dog food are both great sources of carbohydrates and dietary fiber, which can help to keep your dog's energy level up and their digestive system healthy. This adult dog food has been developed to meet the specific nutritional requirements of your large-breed pooch. The first ingredient is real farm-raised chicken, which aids in muscular strength. It's also designed to help your pal stay active by supporting bone and joint health. It nourishes with a unique combination of whole fibers and prebiotics, which promotes proper digestion and a healthy immune system. It's the nutritional boost your strong buddy needs to help him live bigger than life! The other ingredients in this food are all natural and are great sources of carbohydrates and dietary fiber, which can help to keep your dog's energy level up and their digestive system healthy. This natural dry food is designed to give your big breed pup with complete-body nutritional support. It's made with high-quality proteins and healthy grains, as well as omega fatty acids—including DHA—vital vitamins, antioxidants, glucosamine, and probiotics. The following balanced, nutritious dry dog food is created to support teeth and bone development, general health, energy and vitality, optimal nutrient absorption, and healthy muscle growth. It's made without GMOs, meat by-products, fillers, or preservatives, so Rover will always get the right nutrients. It also includes rice and oatmeal for easy digestion, DHA for brain and vision development, and calcium for strong bones. This formula is designed to support your pup's large frame and rapid growth, as well as his immune system, skin, and coat. The kibble is also extra-large and easy to eat, so your big guy can chow down at mealtime. It also includes DHA for brain and vision development, calcium for strong bones, and whole grains for easy digestion. The kibble is also extra-large and easy to eat. This recipe includes natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin to support your pup's joints as he grows, calcium for strong bones, and a clinically proven antioxidant blend for a healthy immune system. Plus, it's made with no artificial flavors or preservatives. Salmon is the 1 component in this high-protein dry dog food, which also has specific nutrition designed to meet your pup's needs. An easily digested combination of oatmeal and rice is included in this dog food for sensitive stomachs. Zinc, selenium, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids fish oil , plus glucosamine and EPA to aid with joint health and mobility. A biologically active prebiotic fiber is also included to nourish good intestinal flora. We add antioxidants to this dry dog food for dogs for immune support. This salmon and rice dog food also includes omega-6 fatty acid-rich sunflower oil for skin health to help soothe your dog's sensitive skin. There are no eggs, corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-product meal, or any other additional colors or tastes in this Purina Pro Plan adult dog food recipe. Every bag of this dry dog food is made in Purina-owned U. Made with real chicken and turkey, this grain free wet food also includes potatoes, peas, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Plus, it's packed with essential vitamins and minerals to support your dog's overall health. This dog food is also free from artificial flavors and preservatives. Protein aids in the maintenance of your dog's bounding energy levels. Veterinarians develop their recipes, which contain the greatest balance of protein and fat without including any grains. For quality control and each batch being tested to verify that it meets high standards, the best ingredients are sourced in the United States. This grain-free recipe, which is formulated with novel proteins like wild boar, includes nutrient-dense legumes such as peas and garbanzo beans that provide highly digestible energy to your active dog, as well as natural antioxidants from real fruits and vegetables and dried chicory root for prebiotic support and healthy digestion. For complete and balanced nutrition with a taste of the wild your furry companion will constantly desire, essential minerals are chelated with amino acids to improve absorption and assure optimum benefit! Do Golden Retrievers need special food? No, Golden Retrievers do not need special food. However, they may benefit from a diet that is higher in protein and fat than the average dog food. This is because Golden Retrievers are active dogs who need the extra energy to maintain their activity level. The best dog food for Golden Retrievers will contain high-quality ingredients that are easily digestible. The food should also be formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of Golden Retrievers. How do I keep my golden retrievers coat shiny? The most important thing you can do to keep your golden retriever's coat shiny is to feed them a high-quality diet. Golden retrievers are prone to allergies, so it's important to find a food that doesn't contain any fillers or artificial ingredients. You should also make sure that the best dog food for golden retrievers that you're feeding them has plenty of omega-fatty acids, as these will help to keep their coat healthy and lustrous. Finally, regular brushing will also help to remove any dead hair and promote new growth. How will I know if my golden retriever likes their food? There are a few ways to tell if your golden retriever likes their food. The first is to simply observe their eating habits. If they seem to be gulping their food down without chewing, this could be a sign that they're not getting the nutrients they need. If you're looking for a food that will help your golden retriever maintain a healthy weight, you should look for one that is high in protein and low in calories. You should also make sure that the food you choose has plenty of omega-fatty acids, as these will help to keep your dog's coat healthy and lustrous. Our Criteria for Ranking the Best Dog Food Choosing the right dog food is essential for your pet's health and well-being. With the plethora of options available in the market, it can be challenging to determine which dog food is best for your furry friend. To simplify this process and help you make an informed decision, we have established a set of criteria for ranking the best dog food products. These criteria are based on scientific research, expert opinions, and the specific nutritional needs of dogs. Ingredients Quality: High-Quality Protein: The primary ingredient should be a high-quality animal protein source, such as chicken, beef, or fish, to support your dog's muscle development and overall health. Whole Grains and Vegetables: Whole grains and vegetables should be included to provide essential carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Absence of Fillers and Artificial Additives: No Fillers: The best dog food should not contain fillers like corn, soy, or wheat, which offer limited nutritional value and may cause allergies. No Artificial Additives: It should be free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which can harm your dog's health over time. Meat Meal vs. Whole Meat: Preference for Whole Meat: Whole meat sources are preferred over meat meals or by-products, as they are less processed and retain more nutritional value. Digestibility and Allergen Consideration: Hypoallergenic Options: For dogs with allergies or sensitivities, hypoallergenic options that avoid common allergens like poultry or grains should be available. High Digestibility: The dog food should be highly digestible to ensure your pet absorbs the maximum nutrients from each meal. Life Stage Appropriateness: Age and Size-Specific Formulations: The best dog food should offer formulations tailored to your dog's life stage puppy, adult, senior and size small, medium, large. Transparency and Sourcing: Transparent Labeling: Brands should provide transparent information about ingredient sourcing and processing methods. Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing: A commitment to sustainable and ethical sourcing of ingredients reflects a brand's responsibility toward animal welfare and the environment. Health Benefits and Special Considerations: Support for Special Health Needs: The best dog food may offer formulations to address specific health concerns, such as joint health, dental care, or weight management. Customer Feedback and Reviews: Positive User Experiences: Customer feedback and reviews are valuable indicators of a product's performance, safety, and palatability. Price and Value: Affordability: The cost of the dog food should be reasonable and commensurate with its quality and ingredients, offering good value for pet owners. Recall History and Safety: Safety Record: Brands with a history of recalls or safety issues should be viewed with caution, as the safety of your pet is paramount. Final Thoughts on 20 Best Dog Food for Golden Retrievers When it comes to choosing the best dog food for golden retrievers, there are a lot of options out there. However, not all of them are created equal. It's important to do your research and to choose a food that is high in protein and low in calories. We hope that our list of the best dog food for golden retrievers has helped you see just how many options your furry friend has available. Evaluate our list and information above before selecting your favorite brand to try today. When choosing dog food, consider factors such as your dog's age, size, activity level, any allergies or sensitivities, and consult your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations. What is the difference between dry and wet dog food? Dry dog food kibble is convenient, has a longer shelf life, and can help with dental health. Wet dog food contains more moisture and can be more palatable for picky eaters. Some owners choose to feed a combination for variety. Is homemade dog food a good option? Homemade dog food can be an option but requires careful research and balance to ensure your dog gets all the necessary nutrients. Consulting with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist is recommended. How can I tell if a dog food is of high quality? Look for high-quality protein sources, whole grains and vegetables, minimal fillers and additives, and adherence to AAFCO guidelines for complete and balanced nutrition. Checking customer reviews and consulting experts can also help. Should I choose a dog food based on my dog's breed? While some breed-specific formulas exist, it's more important to consider your dog's individual needs, age, and size when selecting dog food. What should I do if my dog has food allergies or sensitivities? If your dog has allergies or sensitivities, consult your veterinarian for advice. They may recommend hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient dog foods. Is grain-free dog food a better choice? Grain-free dog food isn't necessarily better. While some dogs may benefit from grain-free options, it's essential to ensure the food still provides balanced nutrition, as some grain-free diets have been associated with certain health issues. How often should I feed my dog, and in what portion sizes? Feeding frequency and portion sizes depend on your dog's age, size, and activity level. Puppies typically require more frequent meals. Follow the feeding guidelines provided on the dog food packaging and adjust based on your dog's needs. Can I mix different brands or types of dog food? Mixing different brands or types of dog food can be done, but it should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on the best way to transition your dog to a new diet. Should I be concerned about recalls when choosing dog food? Yes, it's important to stay informed about recalls. Check the FDA and manufacturer websites regularly for recall information. Brands with a history of recalls may be worth avoiding. What is the role of my veterinarian in selecting dog food? Your veterinarian can provide valuable guidance on selecting the right dog food based on your pet's specific needs, health conditions, and dietary requirements. How can I ensure my dog stays hydrated when feeding dry dog food? Always provide access to clean, fresh water. Wetting the dry food or incorporating wet food into the diet can also increase moisture intake. Can I give my dog human food as part of their diet? While some human foods are safe for dogs, it's essential to know which ones are and to avoid potentially toxic foods. Always consult with your veterinarian before adding human food to your dog's diet. Remember that each dog is unique, and their dietary needs may vary. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian and open communication about your dog's diet are key to ensuring their health and well-being. Related Content. However, some dogs experience some symptoms more often than others, as each dog is an individual. Diarrhea — Loose or runny stools are another symptom that occasionally plague all dogs, but repeated occurrences indicate the presence of a sensitive stomach or a more serious problem. Not all dogs will a sensitive stomach will suffer gastrointestinal upset from a new dog food, and it may even start to produce positive results very quickly. In such cases, it may make sense to accelerate the pace of the switch. However, there are a few things that tend to characterize most sensitive stomach dog foods that are easily digested, including: The absence of grains or easily-digestible grains — Some dogs are able to digest corn, wheat, and other grains without issue, but dogs with sensitive stomachs may not be able to do so. Many owners have been choosing to opt for grain-free diets for this reason. However, new research has revealed that grain-free substitutions could have something to do with the increased number of DCM cases in dogs. Accordingly, while your dog still needs to consume a variety of ingredients to obtain a nutritionally balanced diet, it is wise to limit the overall number and avoid unnecessary additives. Formulas marked limited-ingredient formulas or hypoallergenic dog foods are ideal, as they often used limited ingredients. Comprised of dog foods that are easily digested — There are always exceptions, but most dogs digest chicken, lamb, brown rice, and potatoes relatively well, so these are often good ingredients to look for in a new dog food. Bland composition. Basic meats and rice are the most common ingredients in food designed for dogs with upset stomachs. No matter which dog food you decide upon for your sensitive dog, be sure to make the switch gradually. Does your dog have a sensitive stomach? What do you do to help ease his troubles? Have you found a great dog food that he manages to keep down and digest well? Was it one of our picks for the best dog foods for dogs with sensitive stomachs? Tell us all about it in the comments below! Like it? Share it! Ben Team Ben is the managing editor for K9 of Mine and has spent most of his adult life working as a wildlife educator and animal-care professional. Join our pup pack! Get tons of great dog training advice and tips about gear! Thank you!

Things to do with your English Bulldog Indiana is a great place to live with an English bulldog. The state has a diverse landscape, plenty of outdoor activities, and dog-friendly businesses. Hike the Trails Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking trails in Indiana that are perfect for English bulldogs. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, and take breaks often. Go Camping Camping is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many campgrounds in Indiana that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in Indiana, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to get a fishing license and follow all the rules and regulations. Go Boating Boating is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many places to boat in Indiana, both on rivers and lakes. Be sure to bring a life jacket for your dog and follow all the safety rules. There are many places to swim in Indiana, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to supervise your dog at all times and follow all the safety rules. Visit a Dog Park Dog parks are a great place for English bulldogs to run and play off-leash. There are many dog parks in Indiana, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Pet-Friendly Businesses Indiana has a number of pet-friendly businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and stores. These are just a few of the many things you can do with your English bulldog in Indiana. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Indiana is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in Indiana? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. At Premier Bulldog we take pride in producing top-quality English Bulldog puppies to families and individuals wanting a healthy, well-bred English Bulldog puppy. English Bulldogs temperaments are outgoing. They are a calm, people-oriented breed that's loyal, intelligent, and also great with children. Bulldogs are devoted to their families and make excellent watchdogs because of their courageous nature. Most English Bulldogs are friendly toward strangers and get along well with other pets. Like all dogs, the Bulldog should be properly socialized during puppyhood to ensure that they grow up to be well-rounded and easygoing. Training an English Bulldog isn't difficult. Why Choose Us? We Are Family We are blessed to call our dogs family. Everyone in our home pitches in to give love and care to our pets. It truly is a family affair. Selective Breeding Our breeding dogs have to meet a high standard of genetic qualities before we consider breeding them. We seek a conformation to build upon traditions of selective practices. Visits Welcome Trust is a major factor when choosing a breeder. That is why we invite you to our home and welcome any questions you may have before or after your purchase. Travel Experience As much as we love meeting our puppy's new family we are happy to say we have had much success with our puppies traveling to their new home via air and ground pet transport. We take great pride in the temperament and health of our dogs and puppies. Personal Touch We can't wait to hear from you! Our Mission Premier Bulldogs wants to go above and beyond to be as transparent as possible with our clients. This is very important when searching for the right puppy. We provide as much as possible of the available information and detail about our adult dogs on our website because trust in the quality and health of our puppies is our top priority. We invite all of our clients to come and visit our home. This is important because we want our clients to know that their puppy was raised with love. We consider our clients like family and at any time you may call us with updates or any questions. Thanks, and we hope to fulfill your dreams with the best new companion. Travel Information We will provide transportation for your puppy if needed and have had great success with our puppies traveling. We handle all travel arrangements and details. Contact Us. Old English Bulldog Puppies For Sale Near Me Selling my old English bulldog He is a very loving, caring puppy that needs a place so he can run and play and have fun very good with children. Bella is coming up on 15 weeks old. She very energetic and learns quickly. Came into some health issues and been very difficult to keep up. Im looking for the right fit. View Detail old english bulldog pups i have a litter 0f 0lde english bulld0gges. Great with other pets and kids. Just a big baby. Well come get some of the finest Olde English bulldog in the Midwest. These beautiful little princesses are ready for their forever homes!! Playful and sweet. They have been vet checked. Have had their 1st shots and wormed. Theybare raised in our home with their parents. IOEBA registered. At this price will be pet homes only. Call me for more information. Thanks and have a blessed day!! Mom and Dad are great with kids, mom is super chill, Dad loves people and is always excited to meet new people. Available to meet with puppies. Mom is Brown and white , Dad is brindle and white. Puppies will come Vet checked, tail docked, and 1st rnd of shots. Puppy can't go home until fully paid. They guy could not come up with full amount for stud service. So I ended up with 4 pups yesterday, ive got 3 left. Olde English Bulldogge pups, we have 6 males 1 female. Excellent stock top to bottom. Awesome temperments with both parents. Built like a bully should look! This is moms 1st litter, these pups will go quick. No pup is considered sold until Deposit is recieved. Many times several people may be looking at same pup. So it is always 1st Deposit recieved. Deposits can be placed by paypal, credit card or if local cash, check or moneyorder. View Detail English Bullsogge She's 11 weeks. Gorgeous and playful. She is the sweetest little girl ever. She is utd on shots and deworming. She does great with kids and pets. View Detail Puppies for sale Old English bulldog puppies, born x-xx-xxxx. Registered,all shots and wormed. He is being raised in our home around children and other animals. View Detail OBRA Olde English Bulldog I have a great 10 months old female looking for a great family, raised with kids and socialized with other dogs, if you're interested please contact me. Coming from great bloodlines. View Detail old English bulldog puppies We have some amazing old English bulldog puppies! Can run, play, and jump. You will be able to find all their current contact information, as well as a link to their website, so you can see what puppies they currently have available for sale. We provide you with all this information so that you can research each breeder individually and find the one that has your perfect puppy available! If you are considering getting an English Bulldog, you'll want to check out the incredible book "The Complete Guide to English Bulldogs". It's written in an easy-to-understand way but still has the expert knowledge to help any new owner successfully raise their Bulldog from puppy to old-age. It's widely available, so pick up a copy if you see one, here is the link to grab one on Amazon, or you can download the audiobook version here. If you can't find the perfect Bulldog puppy in your state, try checking at your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Many English Bulldogs young and old need a loving home and adopting one can be a great way to save a life. We are so happy that you have chosen Local Puppy Breeders to help you find the puppy of your dreams. In addition to visiting us often here, you can check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and Pinterest for more information, pictures, and videos!

We're here to help! We firmly believe that if you are going to do something in life, do it the right way and do it as best as you can. We view our puppies as extensions of our family. The adoption process is an opportunity to blend our family and yours, and we keep in touch with many of our puppies' families over the years. Our advanced health testing, cutting-edge socialization, and continual customer support provide the best experience possible for families who adopt our golden retrievers. We know purchasing a puppy is a huge decision in your life, and we invite you to join us. We believe in good health. Many breeders focus on a "show" quality dog or a certain look. At Summer's Goldens, we focus on life-long family companions. While we carry many Champion bloodlines, we use careful genetic selection to lower the COI Coefficient Of Inbreeding of our dogs and improve the breed. Lower COI contributes to better long-term health and benefits golden retrievers as a whole. We don't breed just for today; we breed with the future in mind to have healthy, happy golden retrievers for decades to come. We follow the health-testing guidelines of the American Kennel Club and the Golden Retriever Club of America by examining our adult dogs' hips, elbows, eyes, and heart. We only want the finest goldens to become mothers and fathers. We also do genetic testing through Embark , one of the most reputable and thorough genetic companies. By pairing healthy, genetically diverse parents, we provide the best possible conditions for puppies to live long and healthy lives. This is especially important for purebred dogs like golden retrievers. Not only do we focus on health, but we also take extra care to socialize our puppies well. We strive to cultivate friendly personality traits in our Golden Retriever Puppies for sale. High-quality socialization during the first two months of a puppy's life is one of the most critical components of its lifelong development. Socialization provides a strong foundation for emotionally healthy, well-adjusted adult dogs. This is easy to claim but hard to do. There simply is no replacement for quality time spent with puppies. We follow the lead of Dr. Carmen L. Battaglia and start with early neurological stimulation ENS when the puppies are just three days old. We continue thorough socialization until the puppies leave us. This includes exposing our puppies to a variety of different surfaces to walk on; human touch all over their bodies; temperature changes; different sounds like fireworks, doorbells, cats meowing, and car engines; children; baths and nail trims, and more. We want our puppies to be more than just physically healthy; we want them to be mentally and emotionally ready for their future families. You are welcome to read our reviews on Google and Facebook , as well as the Testimonials on our site. Our goal is to improve the breed of golden retrievers and provide outstanding companions for families. Contact us today and experience joy through our golden retrievers! What can you expect when you pick up your puppy? All of our puppies receive plenty of love and attention. We include a care package with every puppy to help you get started on the right paw. It includes the puppy's baby photos, a blanket with the mother's scent, toys, a bag of the puppy's current food, and more to help your puppy transition as smoothly as possible. We offer lifelong support for every puppy and welcome families' questions and updates. We feel responsible for our puppies and want them to have loving homes their entire lives. We ask potential families to complete the Puppy Application on our website. We allow families to choose their puppy based on the order of deposits received. All deposits are non-refundable unless we do not have a puppy for you. Please contact Marta with any questions! Where do our Golden Retrievers live? Check out the state pages devoted to each location where our Golden Retriever adopters live in the Midwest. Share 0 Shares I love Golden Retrievers , and so do you if you are visiting this website! They are such lovable dogs and make great family pets. If you are an active person, they will be your best workout buddy and if you love to swim, they will be there right by your side. There are many different colors of Golden Retriever such are red, dark golden, lightly golden, and cream. To bring home the perfect Golden Retriever means that you need the perfect breeder. The Golden Retriever puppies should also be well socialized before going to their forever home and be screened for genetic hereditary problems including hip and elbow problems. Make sure their Goldens are also AKC registered as well! Golden Clover Retrievers They are devoted to breeding to the standards, using healthy Goldens, and producing puppies that are healthy and will be coming loving and wonderful adults and make fantastic family pets! Their Goldens go camping with them and they live on 3. One thing they make sure of is to support their dams and sires on NuVet which helps them with their joints to be able to produce happy and healthy puppies. They love their dogs, and it really shows on their website so visit it today! Name of Owner. 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 Indiana 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 Indiana? 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 Indiana? 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. 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What is a Grey French Bulldog? Some of them are recognized by the American Kennel Club, while others are not. Grey is not one of the official Frenchie colors, however, it is considered one of the rarer French Bulldog colors. So what does a Grey Frenchie look like? This gives the coat a beautiful, multi-dimensional appearance that shimmers in the light. Dark face and ears: The face and ears of a Sable French Bulldog may be darker than the rest of the body, with black or dark brown coloration around the eyes and on the ears. This gives the dog a striking and distinctive appearance. Grizzled appearance: The combination of black and brown hairs in the coat can give a Sable French Bulldog a grizzled appearance, with a mix of darker and lighter hairs that create a beautiful and unique coat pattern. The whole coat has a diluted black appearance that ends up looking grey. It is similar to the Pied Frenchie with how its patches look. The grey color of Grey French Bulldogs is a result of a recessive gene that affects the black coat color of a typical French Bulldog. Recessive genes only show their effects if an individual has two copies of the gene — one from each parent. French Bulldogs that have one copy of the dilution gene will have black coats, but they can still pass on the gene to their offspring. Inheritance of the Dilution Gene To produce a Grey French Bulldog, both parents must either be Grey themselves or carry one copy of the dilution gene. Health Concerns While Grey French Bulldogs are popular and unique, the dilution gene responsible for their blue coloration can also cause health issues. Genetic testing can help identify any potential health issues related to this gene. How much are Grey French Bulldogs? Grey French Bulldogs typically cost more than your standard colors. Grey is one of these colors. They cost a lot to breed and are high in-demand… everyone wants a Frenchie nowadays. Is a Frenchie worth it to you? It is for me! Learn if a Frenchie is right for you Is a Frenchie right for me? Unfortunately, Grey is one of these colors. As their Grey appearance is due to a dilution of pigment in their coat, they are prone to a condition known as Color Dilution Alopecia which causes hair follicles to become weakened due to the dilution of pigment, leading to hair loss and skin inflammation. Symptoms of Color Dilution Alopecia Thin hair. About Grey French Bulldog: setting the facts straight Breed standard French Bulldogs are white, cream, fawn, or a combination of these colors. Colors other than these are classed as anomalous, including the blue French Bulldog more commonly referred to as grey or gray. The grey French Bulldog is a standard French Bulldog with a non-standard coat color. Grey fur is simply a diluted version of black and occurs when a French Bulldog inherits a dilution gene from each of its parents. Grey coats are linked to certain health conditions that tend to be misunderstood. CDA is a recessive genetic condition associated with Frenchies who have two copies of the recessive dilution gene which causes their grey coats. It can be managed with prescribed products from your vets such as shampoo and skin lotion. Grey French Bulldogs can also develop any health conditions that other color Frenchies are prone to, including: Allergies. These are often skin allergies and can be triggered by food or environmental factors Brachycephalic-related problems. Dogs with short muzzles often suffer from these problems which include breathing difficulties. Cherry Eye. This is related to the third eyelid that can move out of position. Cleft Palate. This is usually genetic and manifests as a problem with the opening in the roof of the mouth. This is a genetic condition and is more common in the white French Bulldog. Degenerative Myelopathy. This is a serious problem that affects the spine and tends to affect older dogs. A genetic problem related to the eyelid, affecting how it grows. Another hereditary problem affecting the eyelids. Heat Exhaustion. The French Bulldog cannot regulate its temperature easily which can lead to serious health problems if not addressed quickly. This causes deformity of the spine and is present at birth. Hip Dysplasia. A hip condition that causes mobility problems and can require surgery. Patellar Luxation. This is a painful condition where the kneecap dislocates or develops in an abnormal position. Stenotic Nares. This is a narrowing of the nostrils. Tracheal Collapse. A respiratory disease related to the windpipe. A bleeding disorder, similar to Hemophilia. Do grey French Bulldogs shed? All dogs shed, even the short-haired French Bulldog and because grey Frenchies develop CDA, they can lose more hair than other colors. Regular grooming removes loose hair that would otherwise be lost around your home. Correct treatment of CDA can also help to prevent excess shedding. What makes a French Bulldog grey or gray or blue? In order for a French Bulldog to have a grey coat, it must carry two copies of a recessive gene known as the dilution gene. This gene is termed recessive because its effects are only visible when a puppy inherits two copies: one from its mother and one from its father. Grey coloring is, in effect, a dilute version of black and is sometimes referred to as blue because it has a bluish tint in certain lights. There are many different shades of grey Frenchie, ranging from very pale to dark slate. There are also several patterns that include a blue color. The color ranges from light silvery grey to almost black slate grey. This Frenchie coat has no other markings at all and the dog usually has matching blue or grey eyes. A Blue Brindle French Bulldog has blue or grey fur with brindle striping. This pattern is sometimes referred to as tiger-striped. In blue Frenchies, these darker brindle patterns often only become apparent once puppies reach 4 weeks of age. You will see a blue pied Frenchie with a slightly lower percentage of white background at times. Blue Fawn A French Bulldog with mostly fawn fur and a mask of blue fur around its muzzle, eyes, and ears is referred to as Blue Fawn. Blue Fawn French Bulldogs are very sought after and difficult to come by because they are relatively rare. It is rare because merle dogs are difficult to breed. This pretty Frenchie has what is known as a merle gene which removes pigment from random patches of their blue coats. The result is a random patched pattern of white fur among what otherwise would have been a solid blue coat color. Are Blue French Bulldogs rare? A French Bulldog only develops a blue or grey coat if it inherits two copies of the rare dilution gene. Of the five blue coat patterns, the rarest is the blue merle. Dog coat genetics are complex and it takes a lot of selective breeding to attempt to breed-specific colors and still the outcome cannot be guaranteed. Reputable breeders concentrate on producing healthy Frenchies as opposed to specific colors, so coats such as blue or grey will always remain rarer than others. What is a grey French Bulldog called? Blue is simply the official name given to grey-colored fur. Grey is not a breed standard French Bulldog color but when this color does occur as a solid coat or within a coat pattern it is officially referred to as blue. This is the same for grey in any other dog breed. A certain shade of grey does have a blue tint, but many are much paler with more of a silver appearance. How much is a grey French Bulldog? It is difficult to predict an exact price for a French Bulldog because it depends on variables such as availability, color, bloodlines, and demand. Why are grey French bulldogs so expensive? French Bulldogs are not straightforward to breed and this makes them expensive to produce. The fact that grey Frenchies are rare and in high demand means French Bulldog breeders can charge more for them. People whose hearts are set on owning a blue Frenchie are willing to pay extra and so breeders are able to command high prices. If a grey French Bulldog has blue eyes it is often one of the most expensive. Such a Frenchie usually has a blue merle coat which is one of the rarest to find. Do grey French Bulldogs have blue eyes? When they are born, grey French Bulldogs always have blue eyes. This is actually an optical illusion caused by the absence of melanin the color pigment at birth. Though their eyes look blue, they really have no color. Many French Bulldogs develop brown eyes but some of those with grey coats may have pale blue or green eyes. In this breed, the dogs most likely to have bright blue eyes are Blue Merle Frenchies and this is related to their specific genetics. Other useful Grey French Bulldog facts Lifespan The life expectancy of a grey French bulldog is 10 to 12 years, the same as any other color. However, Frenchie owners need to look out keep a close watch for health problems. Annual vaccinations and health checks are essential as is a healthy diet and the right level of exercise. Air travel is not recommended for dogs with short muzzles because of associated breathing difficulties. Also, grey Frenchies and any other color cannot swim for very long because of their large head and short muzzle, so should be kept away from water or always wear a doggie life jacket. Size Like other colors, grey French Bulldogs can weigh up to 28 lbs and reach a height of 11 to 13 inches. Frenchies can become overweight quite easily so ensure you feed one the right amount to prevent it from developing weight-related illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. Characteristics A grey French Bulldog has a square head, a short muzzle, wrinkly face, and trademark bat ears. Its body is compact and muscular. In general, Frenchies have smooth, short coats that are easy to care for and require minimum grooming. Their coats tend to have thinned or bald patches and can appear quite dull and mangy. Their skin may also have dry flaky patches. Because of its short muzzle, this breed tends to be a mouth breather and consequently drools more than the average dog! Frenchies can also be a bit smelly but there are ways to manage this. Temperament A grey French bulldog possesses the same gentle, friendly temperament as those with other coat colors. They are great dogs to have around children because of their playful , outgoing natures. Being a sociable breed, the Frenchie prefers someone to be around most of the time and does not like to be left alone. Some find Frenchies quite stubborn and wilful but if one chooses not to go where you want, you can simply pick it up and carry it! Ideal for A grey Frenchie can fit into many lifestyles. Approved colors are:. These dogs come from a sub-family of the Molossus breed , which originated during ancient Grecian times. Other sub-families that came from the Molossus breed include Rottweilers , Newfoundlands , and Pit Bulls. Grey French Bulldogs have always been a part of the mix. As time went on, England, America, and France all had a role to play when it came to developing these dogs. They were originally bred for bullbaiting, in which they would learn how to attack and intimidate bulls that were tethered to poles and trees. Bullbaiting became outlawed in the s, which left most French Bulldogs unemployed. Breeders then developed smaller dogs that became the beloved pets that we know and love today. The goal of a bull-baiting dog is to get a bull to the ground, on its side, by grabbing onto its nose and wrestling with it. After the bullbaiting era of the French Bulldog, the breed became an attractive and sought-after pet in France, England, the United States, and other places around the world. Credit: Angyalosi Beata, Shutterstock 2. These cute little pooches can range in color from light gray to charcoal. Grey French Bulldogs have the same genetics, features, and general personality aspects as any other color French Bulldog. They Have Common Health Problems Just like all French Bulldogs, the grey ones can have health problems that could require extra or special care from a veterinarian. These health conditions include ear infections, conjunctivitis, skin problems, brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome , and mobility issues. A post shared by Frenchies of Instagram frenchie. The Grey French Bulldog can make an excellent pet in most situations. They can happily live in an apartment setting if they get walks every day. They can thrive in household settings when they have daily walks and a fenced yard to spend time in. They can also adapt to farm and ranch life easily. They tend to get along well with children and other animals if they are socialized at a young age. Conclusion Grey French Bulldogs are adorable and fun-loving. They get along well in family situations but also make great companions for singles and seniors. Two copies of the dilution gene, a recessive gene, are required for a French Bulldog to have a grey coat. Because a puppy can only inherit two copies of this gene—one from its mother and one from its father—it is known as a recessive gene. Since it has a bluish tint in some lights, grey coloring is actually just a watered-down version of black. Grey Frenchie comes in a wide variety of tones, from extremely light to dark slate. There are numerous other patterns that feature the color blue. From pale silvery grey to almost black slate grey, the tint is varied. The dog typically has matching blue or gray eyes and this Frenchie coat is completely devoid of any other markings. One Blue Brindle French Bulldogs have fur that is blue, grey, or brindle-striped. Tiger-striped is another name for this design. The tongue of a Blue Brindle French Bulldog sitting on grass. You may occasionally see a blue pied Frenchie with a background that is significantly less white. Indigo Fawn Blue Fawn describes a French Bulldog with primarily fawn fur with a blue mask of fur around its muzzle, eyes, and ears. Due to their relative rarity, Blue Fawn French Bulldogs are in high demand and difficult to locate. Because merle dogs are challenging to breed, it is uncommon. This adorable Frenchie carries a gene known as merle, which causes random patches of their blue coats to lose pigment. The end effect is a complete blue coat that has patches of white fur scattered randomly across it. The eyes, nose, and paw pads of a French Bulldog are likewise impacted by the merle gene. Blue French Bulldogs—are they uncommon? Only when a French Bulldog inherits two copies of the uncommon dilution gene will it grow a blue or grey coat. The blue merle is the most uncommon of the five blue coat patterns. Given the complexity of dog coat genetics, attempting to produce breed-specific colors requires extensive selective breeding, and even then, results cannot be assured. Frenchies with blue or grey coats will always be more uncommon than those with other hues since reputable breeders prioritize creating healthy Frenchies over specific colors. What is the name of a Grey French Bulldog? Blue French Bulldogs are the official name for grey French bulldogs. Grey-colored fur is simply referred to as blue in official documents. Grey is not a breed standard color for French Bulldogs, but when it does appear as a solid coat or as part of a coat pattern, it is formally known as blue. While many greys are much paler and appear more silver in appearance, some do have a blue tint. A Grey French Bulldog costs how much? Why do gray French bulldogs cost so much? French Bulldogs are expensive to create since they are difficult to breed. French Bulldog breeders can charge more for grey Frenchies because they are rare and in high demand. Because those who have their hearts set on owning a blue Frenchie are willing to pay more, breeders can charge high prices. A grey French Bulldog with blue eyes is frequently one of the priciest breeds. Typically, such Frenchies have a blue merle coat, which is among the hardest to find. Blue eyes on grey French Bulldogs? Grey French Bulldog puppies always have blue eyes from birth. Due to the lack of melanin the color pigment after birth, this is actually an optical illusion. Despite appearing blue, their eyes are actually colorless. Although many French Bulldogs grow brown eyes, some can have light blue or green eyes if they have grey coats. Due to their unique genetic makeup, Blue Merle Frenchies are the breed members who are most likely to have bright blue eyes. Additional relevant information regarding Grey French Bulldogs Lifespan Grey French bulldogs have the same to year lifespan as other colors. Owners of Frenchies must, however, keep a keen eye out for any health issues. A healthy diet and the appropriate amount of exercise are equally as important as yearly immunizations and health exams. The huge head and short nose of grey Frenchies or any other color make it difficult for them to swim for very long, thus they should never be in the water without a dog life jacket. Size Grey French Bulldogs, like those of other colors, can grow to be 11 to 13 inches tall and weigh up to 28 lbs. Make sure you feed Frenchies the proper quantity to prevent them from becoming overweight, which can lead to diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Characteristics A grey French Bulldog has the typical bat ears, a square skull, a short nose, and wrinkles on the face. It has a compact, muscular body. Frenchies often have short, sleek coats that are easy to maintain and require little upkeep. Their coats can look rather dull and mangy and frequently have bald or thinning spots. They may also have dry, flaky areas on their skin. This breed prefers to mouth breathe due to its short muzzle, which causes it to drool more than the typical dog. There are ways to deal with the smelliness that Frenchies sometimes have. Temperament French bulldogs with grey coats have the same calm, amiable disposition as those with other coat colors. Due to their playful and sociable natures, they make excellent family dogs. Being a sociable breed, the Frenchie does not like to be left alone and prefers to have someone around most of the time. Although some people consider Frenchies to be quite obstinate and wilful, you can easily pick one up and carry it if it refuses to go where you want! Perfect for You? A grey French bulldog may adapt to various lifestyles. It is sturdy enough to put up with rowdy kids and gentle enough to put up with an elderly owner. Living in an apartment with a French bulldog is OK as long as you have access to a secure outdoor area or can take it for a few quick walks each day.

Labradors have a great affinity with water and activities like swimming. So at what age can Lab puppies swim? Can Labradors swim naturally? Do Labs like to swim? We have covered all these questions for you in the below article. Have a look. At what age can Lab puppies swim? Some people say 8 weeks, some say 12 weeks and some say 3 months. There are a lot of conflicting opinions regarding the age when your Labrador puppies can start swimming. Anyone would think like this, as these Labradors are historically linked with the fisherman and icy waters of Newfoundland. Many people even think that Lab puppies can swim at any young age and they keep asking me whether their puppies can swim when they are one month old. There are various factors to consider before determining your Labrador puppy swimming age. Where is your puppy going to swim? Is it near a public pool, or a lake or a pond or a beach? For example, it is probably safe to allow a 3-month-old puppy into a small pond, but it is not safe to allow him in the beach waters. Look at the points below and you will understand the age and time to introduce your Lab puppy to swimming waters. Habituate swimming to your Labrador puppy slowly. Initially, it is always better to make the puppy acquainted with water either in your bathtub or your personal pool. You can start this when your puppy reaches 3 months old. You have to remember that your Lab needs certain physical strength in its legs in order to swim effortlessly. Allow your little Lab to grow until 3 months and then you can introduce him to swimming. Some people tell me that their Labrador puppies started swimming when they are just 8 weeks old. Do not take him into public pools until he is fully vaccinated as there is a risk of deadly diseases for your little puppy. Take him into public water bodies only after he finishes his set of vaccinations. Some puppies take time during the exploration of water, hence remember not to force him in any way to get into the water. Forcing your Lab puppy to get into water does not work and your puppy may develop fear and aversion towards the water. One of my dog Simba was very scared of water and he never preferred to play with water during its lifetime. You can take your puppy to larger water bodies like beach waters when it reaches 6 months of age. My little puppy went into the beach waters when he is around 6 months of age and he enjoyed its day fully. Taking him at a younger age might scare him of the waves and it is even difficult for the little puppy to balance himself in the beach water. Labrador swimming- Complete guide Labradors are perfect swimmers which used to retrieve fish and nets from the cold icy waters of the North Atlantic. Have you seen its thick, dense water-resistant coat? It makes them waterproof. Observe their webbed feet, which help them to swim. Let us consider some basic questions to understand Labrador swimming. Labradors have the innate ability to swim, but that does not mean they can swim like fish. This is especially true with respect to puppies. Their body structure and genetics assist them in paddling in the water. Labradors love swimming and are good swimmers but it does not mean they can swim for any duration of time and anywhere. Hence it is important to remember that they are dogs and they have their limitations. So, do Labs like to swim? But not every Labrador likes to swim. As i told you my dog Simba hates water and he is really scared of it. The reason why some Labs are scared of water is that they are introduced to water in an inappropriate way. Their first experience of water might have been scary and disturbing for them. How to teach a Lab to swim? Even though some Lab puppies begin to swim on their own, some Labs who cannot do it on their own, some Labs which are scared of water, and Labs which are small puppies need to be taught to swim. Firstly introduce your Lab puppy to water splashes and small house pools at a young age so that he gets acquainted with water. If your little pup is scared, do not force him. Give him sufficient time to get adjusted to the water. You can buy a mini Labrador swimming pool in your house to habituate swimming for your little one. You can Buy it here. Whenever you take him to a nearby pool for swimming, keep your palm under his belly or his chest and allow him to move its legs to swim. You can help him like this until he becomes a confident swimmer. Give your puppy a life vest if he is not very comfortable with water. It keeps your puppy buoyant and makes him less tense. Go into the water along with your pup. As your puppy feels safer with you, it feels even more comfortable while swimming. Go for a casual walk along the beach with a leash around your puppy and let him feel the waves. Use positive reinforcement techniques such as giving encouragement, treats and rewards while playing in the water. You can play fetch games in the water which your puppy may like. Labrador swimming safety precautions Looking at your Lab puppy swimming can be delightful and exciting, but there are some precautions you need to take while taking out your puppy for swimming. Never leave your dog alone. Even though Labs can swim sometimes it might be difficult to resist against currents in oceans and rivers. Always keep an eye on your dog as a precautionary measure. It is safe to buy him a good safety vest. We cannot expect when your dog might encounter a risky situation that makes him difficult to swim. Do not overexert your dog while swimming. Sometimes he can manage to go out far from the shore but could not come back as he gets tired. Be careful especially when your Labrador is in its puppy stage as puppies get tired more easily. Always get into a swimming pool that has a sloped ground or steps so that your dog can come out easily. Swimming pools without steps and sloped ground can be risky for dogs. Be careful while swimming in unknown waters. Unknown waters have a risk of dangerous snake bites. Attention: Lack of proper training in the initial stages can build up various anxiety issues and fears in your dog. This can make your dog afraid of any new activity including swimming too. When you want your Lab to enjoy swimming, it could be a phobia for him. Take proper steps of training your dog well to avoid these issues. How to Train Your Labrador Retriever Puppy to Love Water September 5, Labrador retrievers are great hunting and retrieving dogs that make exceptional companions and family pets. If you and your family like to hunt, fish, or play outdoor sports, a Labrador retriever may be the perfect dog for you. When outdoors, you and your Lab can often be around water. It is best not to introduce a dog to water all at once. Because Labs sometimes are hesitant around water, the following steps will help introduce and train a new Lab puppy to be comfortable and enthusiastic around water. Teach Your Lab Basic Commands As soon as you get a Labrador retriever puppy, teach him or her basic commands such as come, sit, stay, down, and leave it. These commands will teach your puppy that you are the pack leader. Keep your Lab puppy with you as much as possible so you can train throughout the day and always have dog treats with you for rewards. At six months of age, you can enroll your Lab in dog obedience school to learn more commands, get exercise and mental stimulation, and become acquainted with other dogs. This training is essential to make sure your dog will be safe when you bring him or her to water for the first time. Introduce Your Puppy to Water While your Labrador retriever puppy is young, you can play in your yard with a garden hose and a small child's pool. Splash water on your puppy's face and feet to acquaint your dog with the sensation of being wet. You can fill a small child's pool with enough water that it is chest deep for your Lab puppy. Toss a small ball or toy into the pool so that your puppy can jump in and fetch it. Walk on a Beach If you live near a lake or ocean, take your Labrador retriever for a walk on the shore or beach. Walk in the shallow water with your Lab so that both of you can get your feet wet. Attach a leash to your Lab's collar to keep him or her close to you as you walk in the water. You can also toss a waterproof toy into the shallow water to entice your Lab to chase and fetch it. The best toy for this activity is soft and in the shape of a small bird or fish so your Lab can easily grab it and hold it in their mouth. Each time you throw your Lab's toy into the shallow water, throw it a little farther away to entice your Lab to get familiar with deeper water. Swim in the Water You can teach your Labrador retriever to swim by getting in a pool, lake, river, or ocean and swimming with them. Dogs will naturally paddle when they are in water deep enough to swim in, but need to learn how to maneuver in the water. To teach your Lab puppy to maneuver and be confident in the water, hold your hand under their chest or belly to keep them afloat as they dog paddle. Speak to your Lab with a gentle voice to reassure and encourage them in the water. Dive In the Water Once you have taught your Labrador retriever to swim, you can teach him or her to dive into the water from a pier or diving board. The best way to do this is to hold your Lab in your arms, dive into the water, and release your Lab to swim out of the water. Once your Lab is familiar with diving, you can dive into the water and then call them to follow you. Socialize with Other Dogs One advantage of enrolling your Labrador retriever in dog obedience school is that they can meet and socialize with other dogs. Your Lab can then learn from watching and following their dog friends in many activities, including swimming. When your Labrador retriever plays outdoors in the water, it is best to use a waterproof polyurethane and nylon webbing collar as it is durable and dries almost instantly. To find items such as a collar, leash, toys, and treats for your Labrador retriever, contact Over Under Clothing online. We have a lifetime guarantee on all of our products and donate a portion of sales to help at-risk dogs. How to teach your dog to swim. Natural Swimmers? It should naturally to them right? We found out first hand that not all Labradors are comfortable in the water, and that in some cases, you might need to teach your Lab to swim. Swimming is such a great exercise for your dog. Swimming is low impact and easy on their joints and the water can be refreshing to their achy muscles. We are always looking for alternative exercises for our two seniors, Jack and Maggie so we thought swimming would be an excellent choice. We adopted Jack and Maggie several years ago. Jack was in the shelter for over a year and Maggie was in a puppy mill situation as a breeder mom. Both of them were more interested in scraps of food on the beach than romping in the water and we really had to coax them into going near it. There was some wading, but no swimming. Repeated Attempts We tried again at a local park that had a small stream running through it. We got the same reaction — lots of curiosity about the wildlife along the shore, but not much interest in the water. We tried once more at a local doggie day spa that had a pool — same reaction. Maggie refused to even go in the water. We were about to give up on having water dogs. As a last ditch effort, we decided to vacation at Big Bear Lake in California. We got a cabin on the lake that had a dock and we figured this would be it, they would finally learn to swim and maybe even learn to jump off the dock. Any water, even a puddle and they were in it as quickly and as deeply as they could get. But not Jack. First we tried walking him out into the water. Finally, my husband picked him up and carried him out to where it was over his head. There was panic in his eyes, much splashing and a hasty retreat to shore. Maggie was also a little apprehensive when we brought her to the edge of the lake. Yet she waded into the water on her own, wandered around, waded in deeper, wandered around some more and then just kept going and was off swimming just as smooth and beautifully as only Labs can swim — hardly a ripple and just her little head above the surface. You may be lucky and have a dog like Maggie who just takes to it naturally. Or you may have one like Jack who thinks the water is only good if it deposits fish to the shore for him to eat. Either way, we put together a few tips on helping your Lab get comfortable with the water. Your own backyard pool is great or a lake with a gradual incline into the water is also a great place to start. Be sure your dog is comfortable wherever you are. Get a life vest. It will help your dog feel more secure and buoyant in the water. They also come with handles on the top, so you can lift and steer your dog more easily. Go into the water with them. They will always feel safer and more comfortable if you are with them. Just watch out for their claws as their dog paddle style can end up leaving scratch marks all over your body. If your dog is small enough, pick them up and carry them into the water to a point where they can no longer touch bottom. Support them evenly underneath and try to keep their body level to encourage them to use all four limbs. Once he realized to use his back legs, it was smooth sailing. Let them set the pace for how deep and how fast they go in the water. Use a toy or treats as encouragement or rewards. Many Labs love to play fetch and will happily chase a stick or tennis ball or duck into the water.

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. Pugs are clowns at heart, but they carry themselves with dignity. Pugs are playful dogs, ready and able for games , but they are also lovers, and must be close to their humans. Pugs love to be the center of attention, and are heartsick if ignored. Pugs are square and thickset, usually weighing no more than 20 pounds. Their heads are large and round, with large, round eyes. They have deep and distinct wrinkles on their faces. Legend has it that the Chinese, who mastered the breeding of this dog, prized these wrinkles because they resembled good luck symbols in their language. His ears are smooth, black and velvety. He has a characteristic undershot jaw the lower teeth extend slightly beyond the upper teeth and a tightly curled tail. Personality-wise, Pugs are happy and affectionate, loyal and charming, playful and mischievous. They are very intelligent, however, they can be willful, which makes training challenging. If trained and well-socialized , they get along well with other animals and children. Because they are a small, quiet breed and are relatively inactive when indoors, they are a good choice for apartment dwellers. Pugs have a short, double coat, and are known for shedding profusely. Pug Highlights Loyal and affectionate: Pugs are known for being very loyal and affectionate dogs. They love to cuddle and be around their owners, and they make great companions. Easy to care for: Pugs are relatively easy to care for. Good with children: Pugs are generally good with children. They are patient and gentle, and they enjoy playing with kids. Adaptable: Pugs are adaptable dogs. They can live in apartments or houses, and they can do well in both hot and cold climates. Funny and playful: Pugs are known for being funny and playful dogs. They enjoy making their owners laugh, and they are always up for a good time. Some historians believe they are related to the Tibetan Mastiff. They were prized by the Emperors of China and lived in luxurious accommodations, sometimes even being guarded by soldiers. Pugs are one of three types of short-nosed dogs that are known to have been bred by the Chinese: the Lion dog, the Pekingese , and the Lo-sze, which was the ancient Pug. Evidence of Pug-like dogs has been found in ancient Tibet and Japan. In the latter s and early s, China began trading with European countries. Reportedly, the first Pugs brought to Europe came with the Dutch traders, who named the breed Mopshond, a name still used today. Pugs quickly became favorites of royal households throughout Europe, and even played a role in the history of many of these families. In Holland, the Pug became the official dog of the House of Orange after a Pug reportedly saved the life of William, Prince of Orange, by giving him a warning that the Spaniards were approaching in .It is known that black pugs existed in the s because the famous artist, William Hogarth, was a Pug enthusiast. He portrayed a black Pug and many others in his famous paintings. In , Goya also portrayed Pugs in his paintings. Before she married Napoleon Bonaparte, she was confined at Les Carmes prison. In the early s, Pugs were standardized as a breed with two lines becoming dominant in England. Pugs were first exhibited in England in .The studbook began in with 66 Pugs in the first volume. Meanwhile, in China, Pugs continued to be bred by the royal families. When the British overran the Chinese Imperial Palace in , they discovered several Pugs, and brought some of the little dogs back to England with them. Two Pugs named Lamb and Moss were brought to England. He was an outstanding dog and was bred many times to dogs of both the Willoughby and Morrison lines. Click is credited with making Pugs a better breed overall and shaping the modern Pug as we know it today. Pugs became very popular during the Victorian era and were featured in many paintings, postcards, and figurines of the period. Often, they were depicted wearing wide, decorative collars or large bows around their short, thick necks. Queen Victoria had many Pugs, and also bred them. The queen preferred apricot-fawn Pugs, whereas another Pug fancier, Lady Brassey, made black Pugs fashionable after she brought some back from China in .At first, Pugs were very popular, but by the turn of the century, interest in the breed waned. A few dedicated breeders kept breeding and, after some years, the breed regained popularity. Pug Size Pugs weigh between 14 and 18 pounds male and female. Generally, they are 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder. He tends to be a sedentary dog, content to sit in your lap as you read a book or watch a movie. Au contraire. He is a playful, comical dog that enjoys living it up, and delights his owner with silly antics. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training , and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Meeting siblings or other relatives of the parents is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when he grows up. Socialization helps ensure that your Pug puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Cheyletiella Dermatitis Walking Dandruff : This is a skin condition that is caused by a small mite. If you see heavy dandruff, especially down the middle of the back, contact your vet. The mites that cause this condition are contagious, which means all pets in the household need to treated. A diagnosis of PDE can only be made by testing the brain tissue of the dog after it dies. PDE usually affects young dogs, causing them to seizure, circle, become blind, then fall into a coma and die. This can happen in a few days or weeks. They are prone to a condition called idiopathic epilepsy : seizures for no known reason. If your Pug has seizures, take him to your vet to determine what treatment is appropriate. Nerve Degeneration : Older Pugs that drag their rear, stagger, have trouble jumping up or down, or become incontinent may be suffering from nerve degeneration. Since their front legs often remain strong, some owners buy carts to help their Pugs get around, and the veterinarian might be able to prescribe medication to help alleviate symptoms. If your Pug squints or the eyes look red and tear excessively, contact your vet immediately. Corneal ulcers usually respond well to medication, but if left untreated, can cause blindness or even rupture the eye. Dry Eye : Keratoconjunctivitis sicca and pigmentary keratitis are two conditions seen in Pugs. They can occur at the same time, or individually. Your vet can perform tests to determine if this is the cause, which can be controlled with medication and special care. Pigmentary keratits is a condition that causes black spots on the cornea, especially in the corner near the nose. If the pigment covers the eye, it can cause blindness. Your vet can prescribe medication that will help keep the eyes moist and dissolve the pigment. Both of these eye conditions require life-long therapy and care. Eye Problems : Because their large eyes bulge, Pugs are prone to a variety of eye problems, including proptosis the eyeball is dislodged from the eye socket and the eyelid clamps behind it ; distichiasis an abnormal growth of eyelashes on the margin of the eye, resulting in the eyelashes rubbing against the eye ; progressive retinal atrophy a degenerative disease of the retinal visual cells that leads to blindness ; and entropion the eyelid, usually the lower lid, rolls inward, causing the hair on the lid to rub on the eye and irritate it. Allergies : Some Pugs suffer from a variety of allergies , ranging from contact to food allergies. If your Pug is licking at his paws or rubbing his face a great deal, suspect allergy and have him checked by your vet. Demodectic Mange : Also called demodicosis, all dogs carry a little passenger called a demodex mite. The mother dog passes this mite to her pups in their first few days of life. If your Pug has a weakened or compromised immune system, however, it can develop demodectic mange. Demodectic mange can be localized or generalized. In the localized form, patches of red, scaly, skin with hair loss appears on the head, neck and forelegs. Even so, you should take your dog to the vet because it can turn into the generalized form of demodectic mange. Generalized demodectic mange covers the entire body and affects older puppies and young adult dogs. The dog develops patchy skin, bald spots, and skin infections all over the body. The American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology recommends neutering or spaying all dogs that develop generalized demodectic mange because there is a genetic link. Staph Infection : Staph bacteria is commonly found on skin, but some dogs will develop pimples and infected hair follicles if their immune systems are stressed. The lesions can look like hives where there is hair; on areas without hair, the lesions can look like ringworm. You should contact your vet for appropriate treatment. Yeast Infection : If your Pug smells bad, is itchy and has blackened, thickened skin, he may have a yeast infection. It commonly affects the armpits, feet, groin, neck, and inside the ears. Your vet can prescribe medications to clear this up. Hemi-vertebrae : Short-nosed breeds, such as Pugs, Bulldogs and French Bulldogs, can have misshaped vertebrae. Sometimes, only a few of the vertebrae are affected and the dog is able to live a normal life. Others will stagger and display an uncoordinated, weak gait between 4 and 6 months of age. Some dogs get progressively worse and may even become paralyzed. The cause of the condition is unknown. Surgery can help. Hip Dysplasia : This malady affects small breeds as well as large breeds, including Pugs. Many factors, including genetics, environment and diet, are thought to contribute to this deformity of the hip joint. Affected Pugs are usually able to lead normal, healthy lives with proper veterinary attention. Legg-Perthes Disease : This is another disease involving the hip joint. Many toy breeds are prone to this condition. When your Pug has Legg-Perthes, the blood supply to the head of the femur the large rear leg bone is decreased, and the head of the femur that connects to the pelvis begins to disintegrate. Usually, the first signs of Legg-Perthes, limping and atrophy of the leg muscle, occur when puppies are 4 to 6 months old. The scar tissue that results from the surgery creates a false joint and the puppy is usually pain free. Patellar Luxation : The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part as a bone at a joint. Patellar luxation is when the knee joint often of a hind leg slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, but many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition. Vaccination Sensitivity : There are reports of Pugs suffering from sensitivity to routine vaccinations. Usually, symptoms include hives, facial swelling, soreness and lethargy. A dog that is sensitive to vaccines can develop complications or die, though this is rare. Watch your Pug carefully for a few hours after being vaccinated and call the vet if you notice anything unusual. Pug Care Though playful and rambunctious, the Pug is a low-maintenance companion, making it ideal for older owners. Because they are a small, quiet breed and are relatively inactive when indoors, they are a good choice for apartment dwellers as well. Light sleepers may also want to invest in a pair of ear plugs — Pugs are prone to snore. How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. These dogs love to eat, eat, eat. This, combined with their small stature, puts them at risk for obesity. As a Pug owner, you must show great restraint. Do not indulge him with food. Feed appropriate portions , limit treats and encourage exercise. For more on feeding your Pug, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Pugs are typically fawn-colored or black. The fawn color can have different tints, such as apricot or silver, and all Pugs have a short, flat, black muzzle. Pugs shed like crazy, especially in summer. The wise Pug owner accepts this, and adjusts her wardrobe accordingly, wearing light-colored clothing that better hides hair. Following that, regular brushing and bathing helps keep the coat in good condition and shedding to a minimum. A monthly bath is sufficient, though some owners bathe their Pugs more frequently. These folds are hotbeds for infection if allowed to become damp or dirty. The wrinkles must be dried thoroughly after bathing, and wiped out in-between baths. Some owners simply use a dry cotton ball; others use commercial baby wipes to wipe out the folds. Because they protrude, the eyes are vulnerable to injury and irritation from soaps and chemicals. Like many small breeds, the Pug can be susceptible to gum disease. Regular brushing with a small, soft toothbrush and doggie toothpaste helps prevent this. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Though small, the Pug is not delicate like some toy breeds, so he is a good breed choice for families with children. However, children who want an active pet to retrieve balls or play soccer will be disappointed with a Pug. Adults should always supervise interactions between children and pets. Properly trained and socialized , the Pug enjoys the companionship of dogs , and can be trusted with cats, rabbits, and other animals. Pug Rescue Groups Pugs are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Pugs in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. They thrive on attention and can get pretty worked up and excited if fun things are happening. These are amiable little dogs who want to participate in your activities, too. Pugs with kids and babies are often a great combination since Pugs are fun and enjoy playtime. Finally, when it comes to a career, Pugs may have the best job in the world: being a companion to their loving family. They are average barkers not too quiet, not too much and make fairly good watchdogs. The biggest challenge to Pug care is probably their health needs, which are high. Grooming Guess what—Pugs shed! Black Pugs might shed a bit less than fawn-colored pups, but both shed year-round and not just in the fall and spring as with other breeds. Be sure to clean those wrinkles and skin folds every day with mild wipes to remove dander and accumulations; this will help prevent irritation and infections. If you see redness or swelling or smell an odor your pup may have an ear infection. Your vet can prescribe medication to clear it up. A bath about every month is also a good idea. Be sure to dry those delicious folds completely! Pugs need their nails trimmed every two to three weeks. Get the how-to here. If nails are left too long on older dogs, it can make it painful to walk. And be sure to talk with your vet for advice regarding dental health and the use of dental chews. Have your vet professionally clean their teeth every year. Regular dental care will help prevent serious issues later in their life. Pugs are people pleasers, so they want to do a good job for you. You can do this in part by taking your dog to group training classes or becoming involved in a dog sport like agility, obedience or rally. Obesity leads to other health problems down the road. Consider feeding your pup a well-balanced, high-quality commercial diet formulated specifically for toy breeds. Those treat calories count! Finally, consider getting a doggy- Puggy? They are in the best position to help you pick the right food for your dog based on their individual needs. Exercise All dogs need appropriate exercise, and your Pug is no exception. Since Pugs are a brachycephalic breed flat-faced with a short nose , some may have a compromised airway caused by the extreme facial characteristics in their nostrils, palate, larynx and trachea. Instead, aim for shorter exercise sessions, broken up throughout the day. Pugs have pretty low energy levels, and their exercise needs are also fairly low; they typically need less than an hour of exercise every day. While some Pugs do enjoy doggy sports like agility, a short walk or fun indoor playtime will be plenty. Ideal Environment Pugs are wonderfully adaptable to many types of home settings and will be happy wherever you live. No problem for Pugs. Small homes? Big homes with room to roam? You bet! Country homes with huge backyards? Your Pug will love that too, although they may not need a yard of that size to be happy. Pugs are usually open to meeting strangers, even though they may bark to let you know your guests are here. Pugs really do prefer the indoors. Back to Top Pug Health Toy dog breeds tend to have longer lifespans than large dog breeds, and the Pug is no exception. Pug life expectancy is about 13 to 15 years. However, there are a few health issues you should be aware of, so you can help your pet stay healthy throughout their life. Eye Issues: Since Pugs have such prominent eyes, they are more prone to eye issues. Treatment usually consists of medicated eye drops. Weight reduction, physical therapy and surgery are options for treatment. Patellar Luxation: This is the condition where the knee slides out of the joint. In milder cases, pain medication and weight management are treatment options. Surgery is often needed in more severe cases. Pug Dog Encephalitis: This is an inflammatory brain disease and is fatal. Within a matter of weeks, a dog will experience seizures, circling, blindness, then coma and death. At this time, there is no known treatment for the disease, nor are experts sure how they get it. Skin Issues: Keeping your Pug clean helps minimize skin issues. In particular, the skin folds require special attention to avoid irritation and infections. Ear Infections: Those floppy ears are cute, but they may harbor infections. Check their ears every day and gently wipe away any debris. Signs of infection include redness, swelling or a bad odor. Your vet can prescribe medicated ear solutions to get rid of an infection. Allergies: Pugs can be affected by skin allergies. These can be caused by something in the food they eat or their environment pollen, mold, etc. Thankfully, your vet can treat allergies with either dietary changes or medications, depending on the cause. Back to Top Pug History The history of the Pug dates back thousands of years and spans multiple continents. But their not so humble origins began as the beloved companions of Chinese emperors , and they were highly prized and valued for centuries. Some Pugs even had their own guards! By around the s, Pugs began to travel abroad, and they arrived in Europe, where they became quite popular with royalty in Holland. Over in England, Queen Victoria was said to be especially fond of the breed; she shared her home with as many as 38 Pugs. They may be small dogs, but they pack a lot of personality into their small size! The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in , but the popularity of the Pug breed in America declined somewhat around the turn of the 20th century. Today, the Pug enjoys steady popularity, currently ranking 28th of the most popular dog breeds in the US. You can also reach out to Pug rescue organizations to adopt a Pug or keep an eye out for the breed at your local animal shelter. A bit goofy and rambunctious, pugs have also earned a reputation as a canine class clown. Pugs are ideal house dogs thanks to their stable temperament and loving disposition. Although you'll need a quality vacuum, as they shed profusely! Playful but not requiring lots of activity, pugs are content to do whatever their owner wants to do, whether that be watching a movie or going for a walk around the block. Very intelligent, and at times willful, pugs are happy and affectionate pups who remain very loyal to their owners. As a brachycephalic breed, that adorable smooshy face can also be the source of common health problems for pugs, which potential owners will want to understand before they choose to become pug parents. Pugs come in two standard colors with a few tonal variations: fawn with a black mask or all black. The fawn or tan coat color can range from a warm apricot to a cool and rarely seen silver. Their heads feature their signature short, flat, black muzzle covered with deep wrinkles. Their prominent eyes dominate their comical, wrinkly face and showcase a range of emotions, from surprise and happiness to curiosity. They sport moles on their cheeks, called "beauty spots" and a clearly defined "thumb mark" on their forehead. Their short coat is actually a double coat, and they shed like crazy, especially during the summer months. According to the AKC standard , the perfect pug tail has a double curl. Temperament A pug's favorite place to be is right by your side. Bred to be companions, they are completely content snuggling up on your lap and lounging the day away and aren't afraid to hop right into bed with you. But be forewarned: Pugs wheeze, snort, and snore so you may want to invest in some ear plugs. They will be quite unhappy—and will let you know it—if you don't shower them with affection or if you leave them alone for long periods of time. You shouldn't expect a pug to hunt, guard, or retrieve. A pug will have nothing to do with such activities. A funny little dog, pugs often find ways to create their own silly entertainment—but please for their sake pay attention to the show they are putting on—while maintaining a dignified manner when necessary. While they are a toy breed, pugs are a bit tougher than other similar-sized pups and are up for playtime. Avoid disappointment and make sure the kids know pugs aren't likely to play fetch or chase a soccer ball though. Pugs are pretty amenable to getting along with anyone, including other dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals. Pugs also make great companions for those living in apartments and older individuals because they don't require too much indoor space for activity. We're not necessarily saying pugs are lazy, but they are known to sleep up to 14 hours per day! They also don't bark much because breathing is a bit difficult for them. Their breathing challenges combined with their short legs make them poor swimmers, too. Although they'd likely benefit from a dip in the pool on hot summer days, as they don't tolerate heat—or the cold—well. So be diligent in helping manage their intake—limit their treats and don't feed them table scraps no matter how cute and pleading their stare may be—because their small stature makes them likely to gain weight quickly. You should also encourage exercise, although they don't need much in a day. They find creative ways to burn off energy on their own. Bathing about once monthly and regular brushing with a medium-bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt, or a hound glove help manage significant pug shedding. And those sweet facial wrinkles need extra attention because they are a breeding ground for infection if they are damp and dirty. Dry your pug's wrinkles thoroughly after bathing and wipe them out in between baths—a dry cotton ball will do the trick. Pugs also need their nails trimmed regularly, as they don't naturally wear by spending lots of time outdoors. Regular teeth brushing is a must as pugs are susceptible to gum disease. Training can be a challenge, Nichols says. Remember their ultimate goal is simply to spend time with you. If those surgeries are not done, expect a lifelong loud snoring dog. These are symptoms of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS , which can also cause saliva disorders, sleep issues, and difficulties with regurgitation. Pugs can face a fair amount of other health issues, including back problems, epilepsy, allergies, hemi-vertebrae or misshapen vertebrae , hip dysplasia , patellar luxation,and nerve degeneration later in life. A variety of skin conditions may affect pugs, including yeast infections, staph infections, or demodectic mange. While their big, dark eyes are adorable, they are especially vulnerable. Pugs sometimes face corneal ulcers, proptosis , and dry eye, among other ailments. Skin conditions such as walking dandruff—caused by a small mite—need to be treated by your veterinarian. Pug parents also need to watch that their pugs maintain a healthy weight; obesity can exacerbate their breathing problems. A study released in comparing the health of pugs to other dogs found "many critical health-related welfare challenges to overcome for pugs. Conversely, according to the study, pugs had significantly reduced adjusted odds of having heart murmur or lipoma tumors. One affliction unique to pugs is Pug Dog Encephalitis , afatal inflammatory brain disease. There is no known cause or test for it unfortunately. It causes a pug to seize, circle, become blind, then fall into a coma and die. Research is ongoing. History Pugs are an ancient breed—perhaps the oldest dog breed, in fact—that originated in China. Going back some 2, years, flat-faced, or short-nosed toy dogs like the pug were popular with Chinese emperors and lived lavish lives because of it, the AKC says. They were only given to those outside the Far East as gifts. But in the s and early s, Dutch traders arrived in Europe with the breed and thanks to popularity with royal households they quickly gained popularity across Europe. Their long history reveals a number of different names for the breed including lo-sze Chinese , mopsi Finnish , doguillo Spanish , and mophonds Dutch , among others. The name pug is supposedly derived from the Latin word "pugnus"—which means "fist"—to reflect the fact that a pug's face looks like a clenched fist, the AKC writes. Pugs were also very popular during the Victorian era, featured on postcards, in paintings, and as figurines. For years they remained largely pets of the aristocracy. Queen Victoria had many pugs and bred them , and Marie Antoinette also had a pug named Mops. They were standardized as a breed in the early s. Upon taking over the Chinese Imperial Palace in , the English discovered several pugs and began breeding them back in England to improve the breed. It wasn't until after the Civil War that pugs came to the United States. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in .Initially very popular, pug ownership and breeding waned until the s when the, the Pug Dog Club of America was created and recognized by the AKC. Fun Facts One legend says the pug became the mascot of Holland's royal House of Orange after a pug barked a warning to save the life of the Prince of Orange before an attack by Spanish troops, the AKC writes. Another legend holds that some pugs were prized in Chinese culture because their wrinkles resembled good luck symbols in the Chinese language. A group of pugs is called a grumble. Not surprisingly, pugs' cute mugs have graced the big screen. In recent years, many pugs have become insta-famous on Instagram as well. Doug the Pug is undeniably the most popular of the bunch. With more than 13 million social followers, the celebrity pup rubs noses with stars like Joe Jonas and Shakira. Pug owners and enthusiasts are just as quirky and loveable as the breed, often dressing up their pups and hosting get-togethers and pug parades. Chinese origins[ edit ] Pugs were brought from China to Europe in the sixteenth century. The pet pugs were highly valued by Chinese Emperors, and the royal dogs were kept in luxury and guarded by soldiers. In Tibet , Buddhist monks kept pugs as pets in their monasteries. Pugs were painted by Goya in Spain, and in Italy they rode up front on private carriages, dressed in jackets and pantaloons that matched those of the coachman. They were used by the military to track animals and people, and were also employed as guard dogs. His self-portrait , which is now in London's Tate Gallery , includes his pug, Trump. Every carriage I meet here has a Pug in it. Many responded to the breed's image of anti-functionalism and diminutive size during this period. The modern pug's appearance probably changed after when a new wave of pugs were imported directly from China. These pugs had shorter legs and the modern-style pug nose. The British aristocrat Lady Brassey is credited with making black pugs fashionable after she brought some back from China in .Hogarth's painting from the 18th century depicts the originally longer muzzle, as well as the picture in a edition of Brehms Tierleben. Since there has been a trend in some countries to breed "retro pugs". Following the deaths of pugs and other brachycephalic breeds, several airlines either banned their transport in cargo or enacted seasonal restrictions. Pugs have elongated palates. When excited, they are prone to " reverse sneezing " which causes them to quickly and seemingly laboriously gasp and snort. The veterinary name for this is pharyngeal gag reflex and it is caused by fluid or debris getting caught under the palate and irritating the throat or limiting breathing. Reverse sneezing episodes are usually not harmful, and massaging the dog's throat or covering its nose in order to make it breathe through its mouth can often shorten a sneezing fit. In serious cases, it makes breathing even more difficult and puts added pressure on the larynx. If this happens, one should inquire with their veterinarian whether or not surgery is needed to open the nostrils. If the prolapse happens on a regular basis, the pug might require surgery. This condition is caused when parasitic mites, that are often present in a dog's skin without causing symptoms, are allowed to do damage because their host has a weakened immune system. It is a problem for many young pugs, although not usually a major one, and is easily treatable, but some are especially susceptible and present with a systemic form of the condition. The condition occurs when two parts of a spinal vertebra do not fuse properly while a young pug is still growing, resulting in an irregularly shaped spinal cavity which can put pressure on the spinal cord. Pug photo, ca .Note its small head and long legs. A pug by Carl Reichert. The pug that was predominantly featured in the commercials was Cheeka. A few other adverts also appeared in the following months, inspired by the idea of a dog following a boy. Nutrition and Feeding Toy dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate. They must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion. Check out our dog feeding guidelines for more information. Proper nutrition along with care can contribute to a Pug lifespan reaching 15 years. Grooming Pugs The Pug grooming process is fairly easy as their coat is low maintenance, requiring a quick brush once a week. However, the wrinkles over the dog's nose will need to be cleaned daily, and the ears and eyes will also need to be checked every day. They should be taught to walk on a lead and harness — as well as learn a reliable recall — not that they generally wander far from their beloved owners! Are Pugs Good Family Dogs? Pugs make great family dogs and are ideal for those with children. Although they should avoid boisterous games, as their eyes can be prone to injury, and their breathing restrictions prohibit too much running around, especially in the heat. While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them. He proved so popular that the character was expanded in the sequel made in , by which time Mashu was seven years old and needed make up to cover his grey hairs! They are one of the most irresponsibly bred and puppy-farmed breeds, leading to a huge increase in health problems. Not everyone loves Pugs however. While Josephine, wife of Napoleon, adored her Pug called Fortune, and insisted they slept in her bed, her husband was not so enamoured. He hated all dogs from then on and was convinced they brought him bad luck. The German word for Pug is Mops. A group of Pugs is called a grumble. FAQs Can a Pug be left alone? Do Pugs bark a lot? Do Pugs like to sleep with their owners? Pugs are people-oriented so they will adore spending as much time with their owners as possible, even while sleeping. Do Pugs bite? Similar Breeds:.

Prices for Labrador Retrievers may be influenced by several things. Expect some to be more expensive than others because these canines are grown and raised differently by each breeder. The following are some typical elements that influence the price of a Labrador Retriever puppy. Physical Appearance The yellow Labrador Retriever often commands a more excellent price than the chocolate or black Lab. Labrador Retrievers are available in various hues, including red, yellow, black, chocolate, and Dudley. They can also be categorized as English or American Labradors; the latter is the more reasonably priced canine. Due to their different uses, American Labradors are more commonly employed for fieldwork, whereas English Labs are primarily utilized as show dogs. Click here to learn more. Purebred puppies sprung from a show championship bloodline are unavoidably more expensive than a Lab puppy of pet quality, even though this has little influence on their ability to be loving companions. Although younger canines will cost more, you will get to enjoy them while they are still puppies. On the other hand, an older dog will likely be calmer and cost less money but may have behavioral problems that need to be addressed. Training A puppy will cost more than the usual price if the breeder has previously trained it. Raising a well-behaved dog is also more likely a result. Different breeds require different amounts of sleep, but how much sleep do Labradors need? Even though it is more expensive, this is a better and more ethical choice than purchasing a dog from a backyard breeder or a puppy factory. If you want your puppy to have this certification, be prepared to pay more for a Labrador Retriever. Health Health problems can arise in Labrador Retrievers. The most frequent conditions are progressive retinal atrophy, which causes blindness, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Therefore, you should always ask the breeder if they have checked the parents for hip, elbow, or eye issues before purchasing a Labrador puppy. The cost of the puppy will be lower if the pedigree has a history of hip or elbow dysplasia. A reputable breeder will provide health records and certificates for both parents. The puppy will be protected from inheriting progressive retinal atrophy and will have a higher likelihood of having healthy hips and elbows. Because unskilled owners misunderstand how much exercise these working dogs require and cannot exhaust them, American Labradors are more likely to wind up in shelters. An English Lab is unusual to come across at a shelter. That is because they are show dogs and frequently have more seasoned owners. They are also much less energetic, making them a good choice for young families searching for their first dog. Although labs are generally calm and easygoing, a rescue Labrador may not be the best choice for new parents. They may require special attention and instruction because of behavioral problems brought on by previous neglect. Other Factors In general, service dog-trained Labrador Retriever puppies cost much more than regular Lab puppies. An assistance dog must undergo considerable training, which adds significant expenses to its upbringing. To avoid unforeseen costs, ask the breeder specific questions about what is included in the bill. How Much Is a Labrador Puppy? This becomes particularly true if the Lab puppy you intend to buy comes from a line of champions. Labrador Retrievers are a friendly, devoted breed that gets along well with kids. Additionally, labs are very clever, driven, and simple to teach. They are, therefore, excellent dogs for new owners. Particularly in America, it is not difficult to discover Labrador pups for sale. A Labrador can be adopted in various ways, including from dog shelters and breeders. For instance, there are several blends, colors, and types of labs. Click here to find out. However, getting a black Labrador puppy from a top-notch retriever could be pricey. Although yellow labs are not uncommon, because of their high level of popularity, adopting one of these puppies can be expensive. It is less expensive to adopt than to purchase from a breeder. When you purchase from a reputed breeder, you also increase your chances of receiving a healthy puppy. They prepare to move to a permanent home when they are eight weeks old. Before this age, no Chocolate Lab should be sold. Make sure the breeder you choose to get your puppy from is reputable. Avoid puppy mills and pet retailers when purchasing pups at all costs. You must be prepared to pay a little bit more if you want a Silver Lab or charcoal or Champagne. Despite their growing numbers, they are still uncommon, particularly in the UK. This fact has led some people to conclude that breeders only chose to breed this uncommon gene for this purpose. Prices will probably decrease as they grow more widespread, but they might never get to the point where they are comparable to regular labs that adhere to AKC rules. 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. The costs will be a bit higher at first while you get your dog the shots it requires and pay for the frequent visits to the vet. We also recommend getting your dog spayed or neutered unless you are a professional breeder, and it might even be required as part of your contract if you purchase from a breeder. Once your dog is an adult, it will not require as many vet visits and will only need booster shots every few years, so the average monthly costs will be much lower. Experts recommend getting all of the shots, but your dog is only legally required to get the rabies shot. We recommend purchasing a high-quality brand with real meat like chicken, turkey, or salmon listed as the first ingredient. The protein in meat will help build muscle and provide the energy your dog needs to stay healthy. High protein diets will also help your dog stay full longer, and it will be less likely to come looking for food. Foods with corn as the top ingredient are mostly empty calories that will leave your pet feeling hungry and looking for more food, potentially causing it to become obese. During the shedding seasons of spring and fall, you will likely need to increase the brushing to several times a week to help keep the fur off your furniture and floor. Professional grooming can also help with teeth brushing and nail clipping. This medication can also help prevent heartworm. Spot Pet Insurance offers customizable plans that you can adapt to your breed's specific needs. Many people forgo pet insurance, but it can be a great way to protect yourself from a huge expense while making sure your Labrador Retriever has the best healthcare possible. Accidents and serious illnesses can occur at any time, and many procedures can cost thousands of dollars which makes the price of insurance more than worth it, especially if you get it while your dog is still a puppy. It can chew up stuffed animals quickly, so they can get expensive, but there are plenty of options for a chewing dog, like the Lab. Another option is to purchase a subscription to a monthly service like the Bark Box that sends your dog new toys and activities for as long as you keep up your subscription. A full-grown dog only requires food and flea and tick medication to stay healthy, a few toys to play with, and treats here and there. Additional Costs to Factor In If you like to go on long vacations, you might need to factor in the additional costs of traveling with a dog. Many rental cars do not allow pets or will charge you extra, and the same is true for hotels. Owning a Labrador Retriever on a Budget Your Labrador Retriever will be relatively inexpensive once you get the medical things out of the way. A high-quality food may seem more expensive, but it will help keep your dog full so that it will eat less. Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock Saving Money on Labrador Retriever Care The best way to save money on healthcare when raising your Labrador Retriever is to keep it a healthy weight by following portion recommendations on the food you serve and by helping them get enough exercise. Obesity can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues that can shorten the lifespan of your pet. After the initial cost of the puppy , you will need to pay a few hundred dollars to get it spayed or neutered and get the shots it needs. After that, you will only need to provide food and shelter with the occasional booster shot. We hope you have enjoyed reading over this guide, and that it has helped answer your questions. If we have helped you create a budget that allows you to get one of these amazing pets, please share this guide on how much it costs to own a Labrador Retriever on social media. Featured Image Credit: scott, Pixabay Contents. The price for a Labrador pedigree varies on some important factors. Some of the factors affecting the price of black Labrador include the origin, health, and quality of the parents. It is the breeder who determines the final price for a Labrador puppy with a pedigree. Many new dog owners think that expensive dogs are better than other. However, it is not true. While buying a Labrador puppy, one must consider some important factors. There are numerous points to get your Labrador puppy for your home and family. For better understanding, a crate can be annoying. How much does it cost to adopt a Labrador Retriever? Presently, the prices are increasing. On the other hand, when you buy a black Labrador puppy from a top quality retriever, it may be expensive. The Dangers Of An Unauthorized Breeder It is the statement of experts and dog lovers that always get a puppy from a reputed breeder. On the other hand, if you buy from non-reputed breeders there are many dangers involved in the purchasing. In this situation, it is concluded that the parents of puppies may not be medically examined before breeding. Due to improper breeding standards, there may be health issues in the newborn puppies. Some of the prominent health results may be Hip or elbow dysplasia, eye abnormalities, or different allergies to the black lab puppies. Also Read: Do black labs shed? Final Words How much does a black lab cost has been explained well in the above paragraphs? It also depends on the breeder and its breeding standards. Read more about Silver Lab Puppies. Ferret Cost Breakdown: Updated Guide Please enable JavaScript If you need more information, please comment below and our team will respond to you accordingly. Also, kindly share the post with your friends and other dog lovers because sharing is caring. Related Posts:. How Much Does a Labrador Cost? And, this is just the upfront cost of the puppy. This includes the cost of food, veterinary bills, grooming, bedding, and so on. Labrador puppy costs depend on a few factors. Quality of the breeder Quality of the parent dogs Type of Labrador eg. For instance, puppy prices tend to be higher before Christmas, so buy a puppy in the spring, instead. Originally, black Labs were favored above other colors. Brown and yellow Labs were extremely uncommon, and were not at all desirable. Over time, this opinion changed and brown and yellow Labs became more accepted. Shooting communities still tend to prefer the black Lab, but yellow Labs are very common in other working roles, like as therapy dogs and guide dogs. On the whole, each official Labrador color will cost a similar amount. But, yellow and brown Labs may cost slightly more than black Labs, since the genes that cause their coloring are recessive and therefore are less common. Non-Standard Colors Labrador costs can be hugely increased or reduced by non standard colors or patterns. For instance, dilute shades or mismarks. Dilute coloring is recessive and highly controversial in the Labrador community. The genes that cause these shades will dilute pigmentation, turning black Labs into charcoal Labs, chocolate Labs into silver Labs, and yellow Labs into champagne Labs. Some believe this color results from cross-breeding. But, others believe the recessive genes simply remained hidden over generations, like original yellow and chocolate coloring. Dilute colors are not accepted in the official breed standard. So, many breeders will not adjust their price, and may even lower it for unexpected dilute puppies. The same is the case with mismarks. Mismarks can include white patches and spots, brindling, and even tan markings. Extensive mismarks will disqualify a Lab from show. Show type Labs are bred to fit the Labrador breed standard. They are usually slightly stockier and less active than field types. Field types are more often bred for their working ability than for any specific appearance. Labradors cost more when they are bred to show standards. Field Labs tend to be cheaper than Labradors bred for show. But, you should consider which type is best for you, rather than just going for the cheapest Labrador you can find. Field type Labs can be much more energetic and active than show types. First time owners may find the English Lab slightly easier to raise and train! Conversely, Labrador costs can be highest with field trial champion bred dogs that are likely to win awards. Labrador Costs From Breeders vs Shelters Labrador puppies from reputable breeders will cost more than dogs from a rescue center. Whilst Labs from breeders can cost thousands of dollars, Labradors from rescue centers can only be a few hundred dollars. A major difference between Labs from a breeder and Labs from a rescue center is the history of the dogs. Puppies from a breeder will stay with their mom and siblings until 8 weeks old. At 8 weeks, puppies can go to their new home. Rescue center dogs can have unknown histories, or even histories that involve abuse. Labs from rescue centers are usually older, and have often lived with other families. However, many Labs are given up for non-behavioral reasons. They can be just as wonderful pets as puppies from a breeder. And, many dogs from rescue centers will have basic training, including house training, obedience, and potentially recall. Why Are Breeders So Expensive? Reputable breeders tend to cost more than any other puppy source. Breeders have to spend a lot when breeding a litter, and all of this will lower their profit margins. Labrador breeding costs include: Health testing and certificates. Less - The Labrador Retriever is a medium to large-sized , short-coupled, powerfully-built dog with a short, dense, water-resistant coat; small, drop ears; and a short, thick otter-like tail carried level with the back or with a slight upward curve. The length of body is equal to or only slightly longer than the height at the withers, and the distance from the elbows to the ground is equal to one-half the height at the withers. Balance, outline, intelligence, temperament and movement are of overriding importance. The Labrador Retriever is a breed of moderation, thoroughly sound, and willing and able to do its work. The Labrador Retriever is a dog without exaggeration, so light, weedy dogs; long, low-stationed dogs; and cloddy, lumbering dogs are to be equally penalized. The Labrador Retriever is an enthusiastic hunter with a good nose and a soft mouth. They excel in all performance activities. Another essential characteristic of the Labrador Retriever is the short, dense, double coat that protects the dog when retrieving from water. Labrador Retrievers are noted for their excellent temperaments. This breed is friendly, outgoing and eager to please. They are extremely intelligent and easily trained to perform a variety of complex tasks. These dogs were brought to England, probably on fishing boats. Originally black in color, the first recorded yellow Labrador appeared in a litter born in .Chocolates were also recorded at about the same time, but never achieved the same level of popularity as the blacks and yellows. Originally bred to retrieve from water, the modern Labrador Retriever has proven to be one of the most versatile breeds, excelling in hunt tests and field trials, in obedience and agility events, and also as service dogs. Life Span Did You Know? Black Labrador Retrievers, or just Black Labs, are a common coat color variation of one of the most popular dog breeds. The Black Labrador Retriever is not necessarily a separate dog breed. Black Labs are still Labrador Retrievers; they just have a distinct coat color that is a specifically-bred characteristic. Like other Labrador Retrievers, Black Labs are energetic, playful, and affectionate dogs that make great family companions. Although they are active and energetic dogs, Labs are also known for their gentleness and patience with other family members. Well-socialized Black Labs tend to get along well with just about everyone including children, other dogs, pets, and even strangers. They are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , Black Labs thrive on attention, especially from their favorite humans. They are happiest when they are spending time with their families and receiving affection and attention from them. Despite their high energy, Labs are highly adaptable dogs. They do tend to be better suited to homes with fenced yards where they can run, but they also adapt well to apartments provided they get enough daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. They do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat and extreme cold like many dog breeds. As such, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Black Labrador Retriever can include elbow dysplasia , hip dysplasia, heart disease, hereditary myopathy, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Another potential health concern is EIC exercise-induced collapse , which can occur in young adult Labs and has a genetic link. Because carriers can be identified by DNA tests, it is recommended that breeders test for them. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you talk to the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Labrador Retrievers are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Although their high energy and puppylike exuberance can sometimes be a challenge, they are intelligent dogs that are eager to please. As long as training is kept consistent and focused on positive rewards and praise, novice owners still tend to do well with Black Labs. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training too. Black Labs have a short, water-resistant double coat that sheds year-round and sheds heavier as seasons change. Depending on how active your Black Lab is and what they get into, they may need a bath more often, especially if they are swimming a lot. Weekly ear checks and careful cleanings when needed help prevent ear infections. Good dental care for dogs , like daily brushing and cleanings at the vet when needed, can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. As one of the most active dog breeds , a Black Labrador Retriever will need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are a minimum. Your Black Lab will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood. They tend to maintain a puppylike exuberance until they are years old. Although they do tend to mellow out as they get older, they are still active, energetic, and playful dogs. Once they are fully grown, you can try other things like hiking, running, dock diving, and more to find other activities you and your Black Lab can enjoy together. Fully-grown Black Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Black Labs generally live for years on average. Black Labrador Retrievers came before the also-popular Chocolate Lab. All modern Chocolate Labs can be traced back to three Black Labs in the s. It was the December issue of .Featured Black Labrador Retriever Article. Your Labrador puppy will need a bed, collar, leash, poop bags, food bowls, food, treats, toys, grooming supplies, and a dog crate. It is important to get any dog licensed to avoid legal issues. Training Labrador Retrievers are easy to train and do not require professional training. But, some keepers choose to take their Lab to puppy school. Because they are highly motivated, Labradors also do great in agility training. This is also a great way for them to use up their energy. Owners can either build their own agility course or pay to put their dog in agility classes. Vet Fees and Insurance One of the most expensive parts of owning a dog is all the vet visits. This includes all of their shots and monthly checkups. A way to help reduce the cost of veterinary bills is through buying pet insurance. It is best to start paying for a pet insurance policy when your Labrador is a puppy. Senior dogs are more expensive to cover since they are more likely to develop health problems. Food When it comes to feeding a Labrador, they are not cheap. Labradors eat a lot of food. They are medium to large-sized dogs and weigh around 70 pounds. These prices are based on feeding a high quality kibble. Wet food can easily cost several hundred dollars more. Backyard Breeders One important thing every potential owner should remember is to avoid backyard breeders and pet shops. It is true that these places sell dogs for a much lower price. But, that does not mean they will be cheaper over their lifespan. Backyard breeders do not screen their dogs to determine if they have inheritable health problems. This results in Lab puppies being born that are more likely to develop health issues such as hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. These breeders also do not provide proper veterinary care for their puppies. Many are sold while having worms or fleas and having received no socialization. Ethical Labrador breeders ensure their breeding stock is screened and their puppies are healthy and socialized before placing them into their new homes. Labrador Retrievers can develop diseases of the eye. The form of this disease that is very common is Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration. Caused by an inheritable genetic mutation, it ultimately leads to blindness. Screening will help to prevent you from buying a puppy that may become blind later on in life. Dogs with this disease will lose their sight between one and eight years of age. Hip and Elbow Scores Another health problem that Labradors are prone to is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a genetic skeletal disease that causes the hip joint to not form properly. This results in the femur grinding against the hip causing deterioration and loss of function. Many Labradors with this condition end up having to undergo surgery to reduce pain and regain function in their hips. The average hip score for a Labrador retriever is 12, so any score below that is considered good. Ideally, good breeders will only breed dogs with hip scores under .This will prevent you from purchasing a Labrador puppy that will require expensive surgery later on in its life. Purpose American Labradors are best suited for active families. Families that enjoy activities such as swimming, running, and hiking. They are great for families with older children who can engage and play with them more. American Labs would also do best with owners who can dedicate more time to them because they require a lot of exercise every day. People who work from home or part time would be ideal. English Labradors would make great pets for quieter families because they have a calmer personality. They are also gentler and would do well with a family that has young children. Since they are less active, they are suitable for a busier family who has less time to exercise them. Their docile, patient attitude also makes them excellent candidates to be service dogs so they would be a great dog for people who need one in their life. Summary The price of a Labrador can vary depending on if you get one from a breeder or rescue. Its color, pedigree and health will also influence the price. All Labradors are prone to health conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy and hip or elbow dysplasia. Make sure the breeder screens for these health conditions before breeding. This will help to ensure your puppy is healthy. The cost to keep a Labrador healthy, exercised and happy can get pricey. But, if an owner has done their research and prepared themselves, then Labradors make an excellent addition. What Lab do you prefer? American, English, or mixed? Let us know! He has spent decades training working dogs and spends most of his spare time studying, reading and learning about their behavior and welfare. Outside of Marvelous Dogs, he enjoys trail running and agility work with his working Labrador Retriever. You May Also Like.