labrador puppy 16 weeks

Breeds The link has been copied! This remarkable canine is a unique twist on the well-loved and highly-regarded German Shepherd breed, sporting a stunning liver-colored coat that will make you do a double-take. Bold, intelligent, and utterly enchanting, these dogs have a special kind of charm that's impossible to resist. Don't be surprised if, while strolling through the park, you hear whispers of "Is that a chocolate German Shepherd? So get ready to be smitten, because once you meet the Liver German Shepherd, you'll be swept off your feet by their endearing personality and irresistible good looks. Prepare to fall head over paws in love! This striking canine is a variant of the classic German Shepherd breed colors , distinguished by its eye-catching liver-colored coat. The liver coloration is a result of a recessive gene, making it a rare and sought-after trait among German Shepherds. Although the liver hue is the most prominent feature, these dogs retain all the impressive qualities of their traditional counterparts. The liver color ranges from a light, tawny shade to a deep, rich chocolate hue. This fascinating coat color does not affect the breed's temperament, intelligence, or working abilities. Liver German Shepherds are as smart, agile, and devoted as any other German Shepherd, making them exceptional working dogs, loving companions, and protective guardians. Just like the standard German Shepherd, the Liver variant is a versatile breed, excelling in various roles, from police work and search and rescue missions to therapy and assistance work. Their keen intellect and unwavering loyalty make them a perfect fit for families and individuals seeking a steadfast companion with a unique flair. So, if you're captivated by the allure of the Liver German Shepherd, you'll be happy to know they're not just a pretty face but a remarkable, well-rounded canine with a lot to offer. The Genetic Recipe for the Liver Coat Color To create the enchanting liver coat color in a German Shepherd, both parents must carry the recessive gene for this unique trait. The liver color arises from a mutation in the B locus gene that affects the production of black pigment in the dog's coat. When a puppy inherits the mutated gene from both parents, it will display the liver hue instead of the typical black pigment. Interestingly, liver German Shepherds can appear in various coat combinations. Solid liver, liver and tan, liver and cream, liver and silver, or even liver sable are all possible outcomes when the right genes align. Each of these captivating combinations adds an extra layer of allure to an already striking breed. It's essential to remember that responsible breeding practices are vital for maintaining the health and well-being of these dogs. A reputable breeder will prioritize the breed's overall health and temperament over coat color, ensuring a happy, healthy pup with that mesmerizing liver hue. Developed in the late 19th century in Germany, the breed was initially intended for herding sheep and protecting flocks. Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, envisioned a versatile and intelligent working dog and played a significant role in shaping the breed we know and love today. The liver coloration has been present since the early days of the breed, albeit rarely. As German Shepherds gained popularity worldwide for their exceptional abilities, the liver variant remained relatively uncommon due to the recessive nature of the gene responsible for the color. In recent years, the Liver German Shepherd has gained recognition and admiration for its unique appearance, while still maintaining its status as an extraordinary working dog. As more enthusiasts become captivated by this rare beauty, the Liver German Shepherd's legacy continues to thrive, proving that their charm goes beyond their alluring coat color. As mentioned earlier, the liver coloration results from a recessive gene, which means that both parent dogs must carry this gene for their offspring to exhibit the unique hue. Even then, not every puppy in the litter is guaranteed to have a liver coat. The rarity of the Liver German Shepherd adds to its charm and appeal. It is not uncommon for these dogs to be the center of attention when out for a walk or at a dog park, with their eye-catching coat sparking curiosity and admiration. While their scarcity can make them more challenging to find and potentially more expensive, it also contributes to their allure for those seeking a truly distinctive canine companion. The liver coloration is simply a genetic variation that occurs naturally within the German Shepherd breed. While the coat color may be unique, Liver German Shepherds maintain all the essential breed characteristics, such as temperament, intelligence, and physical attributes. It is crucial to work with a reputable breeder when searching for a Liver German Shepherd to ensure the dog's purebred status and genetic health. A responsible breeder will prioritize the well-being and overall quality of the breed over the coat color, resulting in a healthy and well-rounded companion. Bear in mind that the liver color does not impact a German Shepherd's eligibility for breed registration with organizations such as the American Kennel Club AKC. However, it is essential to note that, in some breed clubs or dog shows, the liver color may be considered a disqualifying fault due to the breed standard, which can limit a Liver German Shepherd's participation in certain events. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and bravery, making them exceptional companions and working dogs. These canines are highly trainable and eager to please their owners, thriving when given a task or challenge to keep their minds engaged. Liver German Shepherds are inherently protective, making them excellent guardians for their families. They can be aloof with strangers but warm up quickly once they understand that the newcomer poses no threat. Early socialization and consistent training are crucial for nurturing a well-behaved and balanced Liver German Shepherd. They are sensitive dogs that respond best to positive reinforcement and a gentle approach to training. They are well-suited for households with children, forming strong bonds and exhibiting patience with their younger family members. Their high energy levels make them a great match for families who enjoy outdoor activities and have the time to provide ample exercise and mental stimulation. While Liver German Shepherds are generally good with other pets, early socialization is key to ensuring harmony in multi-pet households. It's important to remember that these dogs are strong and energetic, so supervision around small children and pets is advisable to avoid accidental injury. As with any breed, a Liver German Shepherd's suitability for a family depends on individual circumstances, such as available space, time commitment, and the family's ability to provide consistent training and socialization. With the right environment and dedicated owners, a Liver German Shepherd can be a loving and protective addition to any family. Nutritional Needs of Liver German Shepherds A balanced and nutritious diet is essential for maintaining the health and well-being of your Liver German Shepherd. These dogs have similar dietary requirements as standard German Shepherds, as their coat color does not impact their nutritional needs. A high-quality commercial dog food, formulated for large breeds with high energy levels, is generally suitable for meeting their dietary needs. Keep in mind that the specific dietary requirements of each dog can vary depending on their age, weight, activity level, and overall health. It's essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best feeding plan for your Liver German Shepherd. They can recommend the appropriate type and amount of food to ensure your dog receives the necessary nutrients for optimal health. Remember to monitor your dog's weight and body condition regularly, as German Shepherds can be prone to obesity. Providing treats in moderation and incorporating a consistent exercise routine can help prevent weight-related health issues. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! Common Health Concerns in Liver German Shepherds Liver German Shepherds share the same health concerns as their standard counterparts, as the liver coloration does not contribute to any additional health risks. Some common health issues found in German Shepherds include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: These hereditary conditions affect the joints and can lead to arthritis and mobility issues. Regular check-ups, maintaining a healthy weight, and providing joint supplements can help manage these conditions. Degenerative Myelopathy : This is a progressive neurological disease that affects the spinal cord, leading to hind limb weakness and eventual paralysis. Regular veterinary check-ups can help monitor your dog's neurological health. Bloat Gastric Torsion : A life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding exercise immediately after eating can help reduce the risk. Allergies : German Shepherds can be prone to skin allergies or food sensitivities. Consult with your veterinarian if you notice excessive itching or digestive issues, as they can help identify the cause and recommend treatment. Working with a reputable breeder and scheduling regular veterinary check-ups can help ensure the health and longevity of your Liver German Shepherd. A proactive approach to healthcare and early detection of potential issues will contribute to a happier, healthier life for your canine companion. Their distinct coat color results from a recessive gene, which means both parent dogs must carry this gene for the puppies to display the liver hue. Due to the rarity of the gene combination, Liver German Shepherds are not as commonly found as their standard counterparts. Their scarcity adds to their unique charm, making them a popular choice for individuals seeking a distinctive and eye-catching canine companion. While this rarity can make finding a Liver German Shepherd more challenging and potentially more expensive, the allure of their remarkable appearance often outweighs these factors for enthusiasts of the breed. Their unique liver-colored coat sets them apart from the crowd, while they still maintain all the impressive characteristics, intelligence, and loyalty that make German Shepherds such exceptional dogs. Whether you are drawn to their captivating appearance or their steadfast companionship, Liver German Shepherds have much to offer. With proper care, training, and socialization, these striking canines can be loving and protective family members, devoted companions, and exceptional working dogs. If you're ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime with a Liver German Shepherd by your side, make sure to find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of these extraordinary dogs. With dedication and love, you'll have an unforgettable bond and an extraordinary partnership with your Liver German Shepherd. The link has been copied! You might also like. Some breeders thought that another male had gotten to their female and the resulting brown looking puppy was a mutt. Others knew what they were and put them down as they did not want anyone to know they were producing anything other than traditional colored shepherds. However, with the canine genomic project and strong breeders who stood their ground for this color of GSD, they are beginning to be seen in several countries. I have always admired the liver coloration and wanted to incorporate liver into my breeding program; however, I found it to be difficult in the beginning to find them especially with AKC full registration as the breeders that did allow them to live, only sold on limited registration for fear that they were not as healthy as their colored siblings. I came across a litter of four liver female puppies and between myself and my best friend, Dawn, we rounded up three of the four, and the last sister went to a fellow liver lover. My search was far from over since the liver gene is inherited autosomal recessive I had to find a male that carried liver or was liver himself. Finally, I found an awesome four year old male, Dutch, for sale. His owner drove him to my kennel and I was in love as he is a big social, warm, gentle giant but will protect in a heart beat. Shortly after I found him, the liver pups arrived and I knew I wanted to go with chocolate names for my liver shepherds. Chocolate is a much more flattering word for these majestically colored GSD. She violated our agreement. She is a proven scammer. The color has been apart of the original gene pool from the start. The puppies born a brown chocolate color are registered as Liver. It is a recessive gene and in many pedigree's. In order for a GSD to produce Liver, both parents must pose the b gene. Brown is incomplete black. Thus giving all areas of the GSD that would normally appear black be a chocolate color. Since the colors and patterns are separate, they can come in all patterns: saddle back, bi-color, sable, solids, and various patterns. We are looking forward to meeting like minded people that want to work with the dilutes as well. We are open to discussing medical and color questions for anyone interested. Scroll through the albums and if you do not find what you are looking for please send me a message. Keep in mind you do not have to have a facebook page to see this page. Their liver brown coloring is a striking contrast to the usual black and tan coat of the breed, and they usually have brown markings on their fur, nose, and eyes. Their coat color is due to a recessive gene called B locus. They are considered dilute types, meaning their supposed black pigment is diluted by a recessive gene, resulting in a lighter coat. Fortunately, their unique coloration does not negatively affect them in any way. The liver gene can only affect their coat patterns. Hence, all the other aspects of a liver German Shepherd are similar to other varieties. Are Liver German Shepherds Purebred? Yes, liver-colored German Shepherds are purebred dogs. Remember that for a dog to be considered purebred, it needs to meet particular specifications or breed standards, not just the coloration. In the case of liver GSDs, some of the indicators that they are purebreds are the following: They stand around 26 inches tall. They appear to have smooth, graceful curves rather than angles when viewed in the outline. They are courageous, confident, and willing to put their life at risk in defense of their owners. The most defining feature of a liver German Shepherd is its brown-colored coat. The hue can range from a brownish color to a deeper brown tone. In some cases, it may even look reddish at first glance. Apart from their unique coloration, they look the same as any other German Shepherd with their imposing muscular body. These dogs also have double coats. The topcoat protects them from harsh weather and other external elements, while the lush and soft inner coat provides insulation in cold and hot climates. Unlike other GSDs, liver shepherds do not have any black markings on the saddle or face as the liver gene prevents any black pigmentation. The most common color and combinations found in liver German Shepherds include solid brown, liver and tan, and liver sable which are discussed in detail below. Solid Liver German Shepherd Photo by kumamatata IG Solid liver shepherds don a solid brown coat color, and their nose has a brown leather hue as well. However, they take on a rich brown color instead of black. These dogs have a combined liver dark brown and tan interpreted as any shade of brown, from fawn, chestnut, or silver to deep darker hues markings. You will rarely find these dogs on canine shows, given that their color indicates diluted genes. Liver Sable German Shepherd Photo by hellsgermanshepherd IG The sable color of this GSD means that their hairs will have varying amounts of black on the tip, while the rest of their coat will take on a primary liver color. Sable is considered a classic pattern in the breed, and it makes the liver look like a typical wolf coat. Liver German Shepherds get their light brown coat from a recessive liver gene that occurs on the B Locus gene. For a German Shepherd to manifest this color, its parents must carry and pass on at least one liver gene to the puppy. Given that the recessive B locus gene blocks eumelanin pigmentation, the standard black color turns into a liver except for the eyes. Any German Shepherd with the recessive liver gene cannot have a black coat. In some cases, one or both parent dogs may not be liver in appearance, but they may be carriers of the recessive liver gene. When a puppy inherits two copies of the gene, the GSD is expected to be homozygous for the mutation from its parents. Its coat will then take on a reddish-brown hue. Are Liver German Shepherds Rare? If you want to have a better chance at finding a liver GSD, consider browsing special or designer breeding programs instead. While some other German Shepherd colors change over time, a liver German Shepherd stays the same throughout their life. The puppies will usually have a white toenail and a pink footpad, but they will eventually turn liver-colored as they grow. They do not change color either, but the tan color only starts to appear when the puppy reaches 6 to 12 months old. Meanwhile, the acknowledged patterns include black and cream, black and tan, black and red, bi-color, and black and silver. While the AKC standard prefers dogs with strong, rich colors, liver GSDs can be considered serious faults but not enough to disqualify them from shows. Keep in mind that the AKC is specific to the accepted pattern. Your dog must have solid liver coloring. Other variations, such as black and liver or liver and tan, will not be recognized. The liver is regarded as an off-color, as far as breed standard goes. Every other aspect, including their behavior and physical attributes, will be similar to traditional German Shepherds. They adore toddlers in the household and often become protective of them. The breed is generally known to do well with children of all ages, as they are calm and patient. Given proper socialization, these dogs can be civil and even friendly with other pets like cats. However, they may also be friendly to strangers especially if they are taught to be. They often need physical and mental stimulation, which may be a deal-breaker if you are looking for a low-maintenance pet. Also, they need positive training methods for them to be more affectionate and obedient. Liver German Shepherds have an average life expectancy of 9 to 13 years. Generally, the breed is known to be healthy if adequately cared for. Bringing them to the vet regularly is vital to ensure that they will live a long, disease-free life. However, like other GSDs, there are a few health-related problems that this dog is predisposed to. Here are some of their most common health problems for your reference: Hip Dysplasia: This is a common orthopedic condition in liver German Shepherds, resulting from a malformed hip joint. Diabetes: Diabetes mellitus is a common disease in dogs, and GSDs have an above-average incidence of this health condition. If your liver shepherd is diagnosed with diabetes, they will be unable to regulate sugar metabolism and require daily insulin injections. Corneal Dystrophy: If your liver shepherd is diagnosed with corneal dystrophy , there will be a white or gray cloud in their eyes. Degenerative Myelopathy: Degenerative myelopathy is commonly observed in several large dog breeds, including the liver German Shepherd. It refers to a late-onset, slowly progressive degeneration of the spinal cord. Hemophilia: This refers to an inherited disorder involving a deficiency of blood clotting activity. Hemophiliac liver German Shepherds suffer from prolonged or spontaneous bleeding in various areas of the body. Epilepsy: This chronic condition causes repeated seizures in your liver GSD. It is the most common long-term neurological disorder in dogs, and in most cases, a lifelong disease. An initial sign to look out for is the gradual onset of a dry and dull hair coat. To ensure the optimal health of your new liver shepherd, feed them with a nutrition-filled diet and give them supplements to improve their immunity. Make sure to keep them up-to-date with all vaccinations as well. Lifespan Sociability Liver German Shepherd puppies look a little bit different than their adult counterparts. While adult Liver German Shepherds entire bodies are brown — including nose and feet — puppies will usually have pink paws and sometimes even a pink nose. Liver German Shepherds are an incredibly rare color variation , so you may have a difficult time finding one. The chances of finding one of these pups at a shelter are slim; you will most likely need to go to a reputable breeder an excellent place to look is on the American Kennel Club site. Liver German Shepherds color variant is caused by a recessive gene. These dogs get their coloring from a recessive gene called the B Locus. This gene dilutes the black coloring and only the black typical of German Shepherds, which in turn makes their coats much lighter. For a German Shepherd to end up as a Liver German Shepherd, both parent dogs must have the B Locus gene, and at least one gene must be passed onto their offspring. Image Credit: Eudyptula, Shutterstock 2. The American Kennel Club has certain standards when it comes to show dogs. When it comes to the Liver German Shepherd, they consider its color to be a fault i. Strong rich colors are preferred. Pale, washed-out colors and blues or livers are serious faults. A white dog must be disqualified. They are not, however, the same. Isabella German Shepherds are even rarer than Liver German Shepherds and are often referred to as double dilutes or dilute livers because they carry two of the B Locus genes. However, they also have two of a blue recessive gene that changes their coloring further. Liver German Shepherds are escape artists. Because these dogs can both burrow underground up to a few feet and jump at least 5 feet! Image Credit: Eudyptula, Shutterstock 5. Liver German Shepherds are some of the most energetic dogs around. Take them for multiple long walks or give them lots of time to run around in the backyard with you. While they are incredibly rare and can be challenging to find, if you manage to locate one, it will make a great addition to the family. As with all animals, be sure you have the time and energy to devote to a new pet before you get them! He is the total package of beauty, brains and health! Bo has the typical old fashioned straight-backed structure that we strive for. He has great bone and a beautiful classic GSD head. Bo is always happy to go places with us. He frequents local stores with us all the time and is a perfect gentleman. He is always looking forward to accompanying us for daily ranch chores too. He is great with all the animals. He especially loves puppies and is so gentle with them, he is a great helper in socializing our litters with big dogs. He has great food drive, loves learning new things and always does his best to please you. He also loves doing scent work and I hope to get him entered into some trials soon. He is naturally protective of our home but as soon as I give him the okay he will be the first to greet you for pets and is known to try and sneak in your lap if you sit down! He is an easy-going, gentle, super sweet boy who is always steady and fearless. Like our other boys he can also have a goofy streak at times and he can always put a smile on your face! We just love Bo and are really looking forward to incorporating his lines into our breeding program. Many are also familiar with the sable working line GSDs as well as solid-colored black or white ones. This article will tell you all about liver German Shepherds, how they differ from other German Shepherds, and how their unique coat coloring is created. Liver German Shepherds are exactly the same as the GSDs you know and love, the only difference being a unique coat color. Typically, the noses of liver-colored GSDs are also different. They are often pink or brown rather than black. Additionally, their eyes are lighter in color. Many describe their eyes as amber rather than brown. Dogs have thousands of different genes, but only 8 affect the color of their coats. The brown color is associated with the B locus, which comes in two forms: the dominant brown B and the recessive brown b. B produces the color black while b is responsible for the liver color. When a dog has the combination Bb, it would take the color of the dominant allele the capital letter. In that case, the dog would still be black but would pass down the recessive b to its offspring. To produce the liver color, the dog should have the combination bb. The only way to guarantee a liver-colored litter is to mate two liver-colored GSDs. However, having one liver parent or two parents with the b allele will also produce some liver-colored puppies. The only way to determine the latter is through DNA testing before mating. Liver German Shepherds are rare for two reasons. First, there are only a few genetic combinations that produce them. Since it takes at least 1 liver-colored parent or two parents carrying the allele to produce liver offspring, they are understandably uncommon. For reputation and prestige, kennels prefer to breed dogs that have the potential to become excellent show dogs or at least conform to the best traits as described by the breed standards. Are Liver German Shepherds Purebred? Yes, liver German Shepherds are purebred. However, they are definitely pure as long as they are the offspring of two purebred German Shepherds. No GSD can be considered a mixed breed unless at least one of its parents is actually a mix. However, the GSD breed standard notes that having a liver coat color is actually a serious fault. According to the AKC, German Shepherds with strong, rich colors are more desirable than those with pale, washed-out ones. Although a dog would not be automatically disqualified for this characteristic, they are not likely to win conformation events. The liver coloring might cover their entire coat or just the saddle. Their nose, paw pads, lips, and eye rims might also have a light brown or even pink color. Additionally, their eyes are noticeably lighter and typically have an amber-hue. They have the same build, intelligence , and general temperament. Their requirements for everyday care, grooming, and training are also no different. Liver-colored GSDs are actually quite expensive because they are so rare. If you find reputable breeders that specifically endeavor to produce this color, you can expect their puppies to be even more expensive because of their more responsible breeding practices. Nevertheless, GSDs are among the most common breeds in animal shelters. Once in a while, you might encounter a liver German Shepherd available to rescue. Opting to adopt rather than buy from a breeder will enable you to have the uniquely colored dog you want at minimal costs. Final Thoughts Owning a liver German Shepherds is special because they look incredibly unique. They will require firm leadership, plenty of physical exercise , and regular mental stimulation.

Life Span Did You Know? A Labradoodle is a popular designer dog breed. It is a cross between a Standard Poodle and a Labrador Retriever. This designer dog breed originated in Australia around .The main goal of the Labradoodle was to create a hypoallergenic guide dog for people living with disabilities who were also allergic to dog fur and dander. Now, they are still a popular choice for service, guide, and therapy dogs and are also a popular companion dog. Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are both friendly, gentle, intelligent, and affectionate dog breeds. The Labradoodle tends to be similar. They are open and friendly and crave human attention and affection. They are happiest when they are with people. Labradoodles also tend to have an energetic and playful personality. They get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and strangers. They are alert enough to bark or let you know when someone is at the door, but they are not generally good watchdogs or guard dogs as they are more interested in making friends. A Labradoodle is a highly adaptable dog breed. They do very well in homes with space to run and they can adapt well to apartment living as long as they are given plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They also do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat and cold. Because they enjoy being around people, they do not generally like to be left alone for long periods of time. They can also become bored if not given enough attention, exercise, or mental stimulation, which can result in destructive behavior. This dog breed is generally healthy, but they do have the chance of inheriting common health conditions from both of the parent breeds. Some health conditions to be aware of include elbow and hip dysplasia, ear infections, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, and epilepsy. Good breeding practices can reduce the likelihood of passing on many of these health issues. Be sure to talk with the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and ask to see any health clearances; this can help allay potential health concerns. A Labradoodle tends to be eager to please and highly intelligent, which makes them highly trainable. They are a good fit for dog owners of any experience level. As with most dog breeds, Labradoodles respond best to training that is consistent and uses positive reinforcement. There are some grooming tasks that are common to every dog breed. When it comes to coat care, it can vary with a Labradoodle. Poodles have a low-shedding coat that is also high maintenance in terms of brushing, trimming, and professional grooming. Labs tend to have a higher shedding coat that needs minimal brushing and grooming. For the most part, a Labradoodle will have a low or non-shedding coat that will need to be brushed a few times a week. But, they can have a higher shedding coat should they take after their Labrador parent. You may also need a few professional grooming sessions throughout the year. Nail trimming once a month is usually enough to keep movement comfortable and prevent longer nails from snagging on things. Proper dental care for your dog will help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Drop-down ears are more prone to infection because floppy ears are more likely to trap moisture, dirt, and debris. This will make grooming throughout their life a much more enjoyable process for both you and your dog. It can even become a bonding time for you both as well. Labradoodles tend to be high-energy dogs. They require a few daily walks plus some time to run and play in order to stay happy and healthy. They certainly love to play and you may tire out before they do sometimes. They may calm down a little as they get to be a couple of years old, but they tend to be quite energetic as puppies. Going swimming with your dog , taking a hike with them, going on a trip to the dog park, playing a game of fetch, and more are all great supplemental activities to ensure your Labradoodle gets plenty of exercise. You can even train them to compete in dog sports like dock diving, flyball, agility, obedience, and more. A fully-grown Labradoodle will usually stand between 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 50 and 65 pounds. Labradoodles generally live 12 — 14 years. However, it did not become popular until when the mix was specifically bred to create hypoallergenic guide dogs. Featured Labradoodle Article. Their adorable curly fur and expressive faces make you want to cuddle them — and these little guys love nothing more than a good squish. All this and more makes our labradoodle puppies for sale one the most in-demand in our center. Activity-loving families adore these dogs for their propensity towards sports, and anyone who prefers low-shedding pooch benefits from their wooly or fleecy fur. Labradoodle puppies for sale are so cute and come in such a wide range of colors that it makes choosing your new best friend super-hard! While spearheading the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia breeding program, he conducted the crossbreeding of a standard poodle and Labrador retriever in view of it being a hypoallergenic guide dog for blind people. The first example of this type of dog, called Sultan, went to live with a lady in Hawaii, where other breeders saw him as an inspiration and this is how Australian Labradoodle puppies started. Both the International Australian Labradoodles Association and the Australian Labradoodles Association of America are working hard to incorporate more intergenerational breeding so these dog breeders can register this type of dog as a purebred dog. Its gentle, obedient and intelligent personality combined with a hypoallergenic coat make it ideal for family members with allergies, but it also makes an excellent service or therapy dog. Labradoodle Puppies Lifespan When properly taken care of, healthy dogs tend to live anywhere from 10 to 13 years. The lifespan of our Labradoodle puppies for sale is slightly above average at 12 to 14 years. Here are the life stages of multigenerational Australian Labradoodles: Puppyhood: First five months Adolescence: Between five months and two years Adulthood: Between two and three years Middle age: Between seven years and 10 years Senior: Over 10 years Labradoodles need the most attention and care in the first and last stages of their life. During puppyhood, their minds are highly impressionable, which is ideal for training. During their senior years, Labradoodles are more susceptible to health problems, which means owners need to keep a watchful eye. Labradoodle Size The size of labradoodle puppies for sale directly relates to the size of their parents and which generation of breed Labradoodle breeders chose. The larger the puppies, the larger the adult dog will be, and the faster their growth will be coming out of the puppy stage. A standard labradoodle puppy will weigh from pounds by the time it reaches two months of age. By a year old, it will have grown dramatically to up to 80 pounds, depending on the size of its parents. Medium Labradoodles occupy a spectrum of sizes between standard and mini Labradoodles, with the specifics depending heavily on the details of the breeding pair that birthed them and the breeding program they come from. Labradoodle Puppies Temperament While Labradoodle breeders originally bred the Australian Labradoodles as therapy dogs, their fun, friendly personalities made them popular pets. Now you can find these sociable dogs in homes across the globe. Here are some of the top personality traits of our Labradoodle puppies for sale. They tend to do best in active households where they can work off all that pent-up energy. You can fulfill their needs through the following activities: Walks or jogs: Labradoodles make great walking companions and can even keep up with you during a jog. Playing in the yard: Enjoy a game of fetch with your furry friend in the yard or just let it loose on its own. Dog sports: If you stay active through sports, consider making your labradoodle a part of your routine. Bring it on bike rides, go for a run together or kick a ball around in the yard. Obstacle courses: Set up an obstacle course for your dog using household items. Scavenger hunt: Creating a scavenger hunt for your canine is a great way to exercise its body and brain. In general, Labradoodles need anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. You can also enroll them later at a Labradoodle puppy alumni school for proper training. Friendliness What makes Labradoodles the perfect puppy compare to other dog breeds is their ability to get along with just about anyone. They inherit this trait from their Labrador retriever parent, a breed also known for its outgoing nature. You can trust your labradoodle to form friendships with everyone, from children and older adults to strangers and other puppies. Thanks to their affectionate, sociable personalities, Labradoodles make great pets for first-time owners, families, or anyone looking for a companion. Intelligence Thanks to their poodle parent breeds, Labradoodles are incredibly intelligent dogs. Because Labradoodles are intelligent, they often crave mental stimulation. Labradoodle Puppies Grooming Our Labradoodle puppies for sale have a variety of coat textures that dog owners enjoy, but in general, their low shedding coat needs brushing at least twice a week. Not only does this keep them tangle-free but it also removes excess debris from their coat, keeping them fresh and hygienic. Regularly trim the hair around their eyes and in between their paws to prevent these problem areas from causing irritation. Pooches with fleece coats tend to have longer fur and benefit the most from going to a professional groomer — although every dog loves getting pampered once in a while. At Pride and Prejudoodles, we send a can and a bag of the foods we use for free with your hand-delivered bundle of joy. If you need to change it for any reason, it must be done gradually to avoid stomach upsets. Just bear in mind that a diet is such a crucial aspect of wellness that feeding them good quality food will add years to their lives compared to opting for low-quality feed. Pride and Prejudoodles is here to help. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Labradoodle puppies for adoption. Labradoodles are fantastic family pets, they are friendly, good-natured and affectionate. The Labradoodle is a very intelligent and social breed. Labradoodles are extremely loyal and love attention! Due to these qualities they are excellent with children and will bond well as they are both patient and forgiving. Labradoodles thrive on regular training and make excellent guide, hearing and therapy dogs. Standard Labradoodles do require a high level of exercise and would not suit a small yard or apartment living. They enjoy long walks both on and off lead, regular trips to the dog park, any form of water that can be played in and playing fetch. Therefore, it is impossible to predict the exact size a pup will grow to, but the size ranges are as follows: Mini Labradoodles kg and cm in height Standard Labradoodles kg and cm in height Labradoodle colours also vary, with the possibility of anything from solid black, golden, chocolate brown, red, cream and apricot. Here at Kruizen Puppies we specialize in golden, cream and caramel Labradoodles. Labradoodle Maintenance and Other Needs Labradoodles require some grooming, the amount of grooming required is highly dependent on the coat each pup has. Labradoodles are a low to non-shedding breed that are excellent for allergy sufferers. Their coat can grow straight, wavy or curly depending on whether the pup has a fleece or wool coat. No matter what coat the Labradoodle has it will require daily brushing to prevent matting and removal of burrs. Wool coat Labradoodles inherit the poodles curly coat and require grooming quite often as their hair will not fall out. Whereas the fleece coat is a cross between the Labradoodle and Poodle coats, it grows straight, wavy or loosely curled and does not require as much maintenance. Fleece coat Labradoodles are low to non-shedding. Here at Kruizen Puppies our Standard Labradoodles inherit a fleece coat and our Miniature Labradoodles either a fleece or wool coat. Labradoodle ears, as with all long-eared dogs, need cleaning regularly to prevent infection. Also, around the eyes should be cleaned daily to prevent buildup of eye discharge and tear staining. Labradoodles require regular exercise and Standard Labradoodles would not suit apartment living or small yards, they require a moderate to large yard. Miniature Labradoodles can be kept in apartments or in a house with a small sized yard but require daily exercise. All sizes of Labradoodles need some form of high intensity daily activity to prevent increased weight gain. It is also important to maintain a healthy, balanced diet for your pup to prevent obesity. Labradoodles are extremely intelligent dogs which is why they are used so often as guide, hearing and other support type dogs. Labradoodles will thrive on regular training and puppy preschool is a must! At puppy preschool pups are taught obedience and socialisation but the owner will also learn a lot about the breed, training strategies and toxic foods. A Labradoodle would be a fantastic addition to a family or moderately active individual with a medium to large sized yard. These puppies are loyal companions that will enjoy all aspects of your life including lazy days indoors or going for an afternoon jog. Not only are these dogs adorable but they are wonderful with children and other animals which is a must in most family homes.

Boxer Luv also receives a significant amount of daily inquiries that are managed by volunteers with full-time jobs and families. They are graciously giving of their personal time. Given the significant volume of inquiries, we are unable to respond to each one individually. Know that we are grateful for your support and your interest in helping one of our Boxers. We will contact you if you appear to be a good fit for one of our Boxers. Thank you for understanding. Our areas of operations are limited by available volunteers in the area: We are currently not accepting applications outside of the Phoenix and Tucson Maricopa, Pinal, and Pima Counties. If you are a previous BLR adopter, email us at info boxerluv. Considering all the factors involved in placing our dogs in the right home, we may not be able to accommodate your specific requests, for example "cat-friendly Boxer. Your tax-deductible adoption donation directly supports the Boxers in our rescue. For example, if there are chronic medical issues that will require ongoing medical care, we may lower the adoption fee. The balance is covered by individual contributions through fundraising drives and organizational grants. Your donation to adopt helps us continue to help others in need. Thank you for your patience and understanding. We appreciate your support. This page is powered by Shelterluv. Learn more www. Raised in a military family have lived in many places, My father retired here, so Arizona is my home, Boxer Mom Pups AZ has been breeding and raising boxers for 12 years. American Bulldogs for 3 yrs. We offer short term visiting. We have more than 20 years of breeding experience, We search high and low to find the best homes to suit our dogs. We have older dogs also, some are retired breeding stock that are waiting to become a couch potato! For Pet - Only homes, please. Some are rescues that we acquired due to families moving and can't take them or abandoned pets. All have been vet checked and are healthy and ready to go to their forever home. Let us know what you're looking for and we'll try to fit you with the right companion. We also have several males up for stud service, and breed back to our male pups on request and approval! When you choose your new companion, our relationship doesn't stop, we are available for any questions or concerns you may have just call or text. I have helped over the phone and in person with the birthing process with new moms and owners. We love getting pictures, visits as the pups grow along getting your feedback on our testimonial page about your experience with us! Our adoption process is listed below. We only place within the state of Arizona. Step 1: Online Application link sent by adoption counselor Once you complete and submit your application it is reviewed by our adoption team and qualified applicants will be contacted to set up a phone interview. Step 2: Phone Interview If the application meets the initial requirements, then one of our Adoption Counselors will go through your application with you over the phone to ensure there are no errors and to clarify any points as necessary. Step 3: Home Visit s After the Phone Interview, one of our volunteers will contact you to set up a Home Visit at a suitable time when all members of your household can be present. Our primary goal is to place each dog in the best situation possible. This can take days or weeks and is difficult to predict. We encourage you to stay in contact with our representatives since we get new dogs in all the time. We strongly encourage each and every adoptive family to go through a training program with your entire family and new boxer. Training will give everyone the knowledge and confidence needed to make this adoption both fun and successful! After you adopt we will follow up with you during the initial adjustment period and we are always available to answer questions and provide help when possible. We wish you and your rescue boxer all the best. Remember you are now part of the Boxer Luv Rescue family. Always feel free to ask us questions and send pictures. We love to hear how our babies are doing!!!

Isabella HAD to be put down at 30 months due to severe hip dyplasia. After having to fight for and refusing to take a replacement runt we took home beautiful Babychica in July .To our amazement and grief, Chica was also diagnosed with severe hip dyplasia last month when we had her examined for the OFA certification required by reputable breeders before they allow us to use their stud. We have the OFA diagnosis in writing to anyone who would care to review. Terry Gimple, owner of Vollkommen's, refuses any kind of restitution since she would not give any kind of guarantee on replacement pups. Our Vet says back to back defective pups indicates very bad breeding knowledge. Larry McCutcheon. Terry is not at all a BYB, and she has a lot of breeding knowledge. If everybody would care about dogs as she does, the dogworld would be much better. Nutrition also plays a large factor in HD. I think it is odd you got 2 HD puppies in a row. Not at all a breeder I would get a dog from, but they do seem from the few dogs I looked at, to have all health tested stock. Yes, I am aware dogs with excellent orthopedics can still produce poor orthopedics. I also find it odd they wouldn't do a guarantee on the replacement pup. I assume the pup would have been sold with one anyway? We got no pup replaced or Money back yet. Three vets involved. We r waiting. Our vet is his vet too n very upset that breeder has not done as vet suggested. But our pups breeder is not well known but is knowledgeae n should have quit breeding that pair but didn't Every breeder has ruled with guarantees When you are well known it helps to make a difference hopefully this will be forth coming Terry n her husband are honest people by hexe on 08 September - I'm sorry that you've had not just one, but two dysplastic pups in a row; I know how painful the experience had to be for you, and do not wish such sorrow on anyone. That said, any person believing they can really get ironclad certainty that their pup will not develop hip or elbow dysplasia, by virtue of both a warranty from the breeder and the breeder's efforts to avoid producing such a pup, seriously must rethink their decision to have a GSD in their lives, just as anyone who chooses to have a Bulldog should accept that regardless of the due diligence, knowledge and experience of the breeder, there is no way one can be assured their Bulldog puppy won't suffer from an elongated soft palate which can lead to the death of their dog, even if surgery is done to try and correct the condition. Hip and elbow dysplasia, among other conditions, are one reason I have no interest in or use for a warranty when I purchase a pup, and also why I will never, ever pay a small fortune for a pup, no matter how well bred he or she is.How very heartbreaking for you.I think that it is a very unlucky to have the roll of the dice you have had.However, they can guarantee that dogs who produce serious health problems will be taken out of production. I would consider severe HD a serious problem. I also find the breeder's decision not to provide any refund or replacement on the second dog to be deplorable. In all honesty, I would have given a refund as what buyer in their right mind would want a third dog from the same breeder who has given them, not one but two, dogs with severe HD. However, if environmental issues are found, than that is out of the breeder's hands.Again, whatever the circumstance, you must be devastated over the news. So sorry. While some breeders care more about making money, good breeders care about the health of their puppies and not about making a quick sale. There are many sources for these dogs, from shelters to private breeders. You can find the right puppy for you by using a combination of several different search engines, including the ones mentioned above. Listed below are a few of the most popular resources. Read on to learn more about the benefits of each. A reputable breeder will also tell you about the health problems of their dogs, so you can be confident in choosing your dog. A good breeder will ask you for more items, such as a picture of yourself with the dog, and a copy of your health insurance policy. A good breeder will send a pup with a person who will stay in touch with it throughout its first five to seven weeks. A good breeder will also send their puppies to a vet for a check-up before they leave. Bella is a 9-month-old female German Shepherd mix. She was surrendered due to financial issues. Her coat is reddish tan with white markings. She has lived with children and other dogs but still needs a large yard. Share this:.

Quickly place your dog in their designated potty area. Praise them when they urinate or mess in the correct area. You must always watch them when they are loose in the house, or else they will have an accident. Follow this guide on potty training your German Shepherd , step-by-step, for a stress-free experience. Enjoy Gentle Daily Exercise German Shepherd puppies have lots of energy but still need gentle exercise. Your breed is highly active and loves the challenge of new activities! But these activities must consider their age. Start with a shorter walking session and work on building up the time and distance as your dog matures. Increase distance very slowly to avoid injuries to your dog. Begin with only 5 minutes of slow walking for every month your pup is old. An 8-week-old pup can walk 10 minutes at a time. A week-old pup can handle 15 minutes of walking at a leisurely pace. Your large-breed pup needs time to let its bone fully fuse and to gain an increase in strength. Here are a few more safe, healthy German Shepherd puppy exercise for steady growth. This is the same program I used for my GSD and she now jogs a 10k routinely. Mental Exercise and Training are Essentials Without proper mental exercise, your dog becomes bored. Boredom leads to destructive and annoying behaviors such as: excessive barking biting and nipping you and your guests mouthing your hands or digging up your yard Brain games mentally stimulate your dog. These games require your dog to figure out a small task to receive a reward. Mental activity is shown to help keep dogs more engaged in their environments and prevent boredom. They help control unwanted behaviors from boredom. I started my German Shepherd with this activity flip board dog brain puzzle. As your dog becomes proficient in a game, you make the game more challenging. There is no end to how easy or hard you can make these games! Learn the Joys of Grooming Start puppies out with grooming gloves, which are gentle and easier on their skin. GSDs need a brushing routine that keeps them and your house free from excessive loose hair and helps their skin stay healthy. Use these grooming gloves on your puppy while in a quiet area. They are soft and gentle and create a positive association with future grooming. Offer tasty treats to keep the grooming upbeat. Use a soothing voice and tell them how good they are. Above all, help make grooming and brushing positive experiences from the very start to save yourself and your dog stress later. A baby German Shepherd that tolerates and even enjoys a daily brushing is a dog that is easier to keep in better health and experiences less frustration when you bring out the grooming tools. While a puppy gets immunity through nursing in the first weeks of life, the immunity wears off shortly. Therefore puppies get a series of shots during their initial vaccination schedule. Vaccines prevent illness and keep your pet safe from disease. Your breeder should give your pup their first vaccination series before you bring them home. Bring this vaccination history with you to your vet on your first visit. Your Priority of Care What to Do 1. Make your house puppy ready for your new dog Prepare their sleep area, have the right supplies on hand, and make sure any hazards are put away out of reach. Communicate the essentials Have a list of words printed out so that you and your family know what to say to help your puppy learn what you want and what he needs to know. Meet their daily needs Your puppy has a lot to do each day for their basic care, so understand what routine you must develop for them to thrive. Set sleep routines Having a sleep routine in place keeps your puppy from becoming too unruly. Teach potty training Start from day 1 to teach potty and house training by using a structured schedule. Daily gentle exercise German Shepherd puppies need gentle exercise so avoid running, jumping, or jogging with them until around 18 months or so to prevent joint issues later. Brain training and mental stimulation Your smart breed needs to keep their mind occupied by using a training program to brain train their obedience skills and include mental stimulation with fun games and puzzles. Early introduction to grooming A grooming glove is your best friend for a safe, easy introduction to later brushing and coat maintenance. German Shepherd Puppy Care for Life While there are many aspects to puppies, this guide is a great start on learning how to take care of a German Shepherd puppy so you feel confident with your new puppy. These early encounters set the pattern of his future relationship with you. Use these ideas to make your German Shepherd love you and give them plenty of love and affection throughout the day. With proper care and attention, you and your GSD will enjoy a long, happy life together. Want more help with your German Shepherd puppy care for even smoother sailing? Are you prepared for any unusual and surprising behavior changes? Do you know what training your dog needs and when? She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Since German shepherds are large, active dogs and are known to have hips that give out, it's important to make sure they have good nutrition throughout their lives. Make sure to buy healthy food that is not full of filler ingredients. For example, make sure you are feeding a quality food that contains animal protein and doesn't use corn for protein. You can feed your German shepherd dry or wet food, or a combination of both. If you choose to feed your German shepherd homemade meals, it's important to talk to your veterinarian about what they need to include. This will help ensure that the dog will get a balanced diet. Try to resist giving your dog table scraps, especially if it is begging for them. People food can be unhealthy for the dog and can impact its interest in its healthy food. As your dog ages, it will have different nutritional needs. Feed your dog a food that is designed for its specific age, such as a puppy food when it very young, an adult food when it is in middle age, and senior food when it is in old age. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source There are also specific formulas you may need to consider at some point, for example, special foods for large breeds or weight control food for overweight dogs. Talk to your vet about what food will work best for your dog. Because your vet will understand your specific dog's health issues, they may want it to get specific nutritional needs met. Instead, mix the foods together, gradually increasing the new food and decreasing the old food over the course of several weeks. Look at the packaging of the food to determine the suggested serving size. This should be based on the size and age of your dog. You can also talk to your veterinarian about how much they think your dog should be eating. It is best to divide your German shepherd's daily food into 2 or more smaller meals. Giving smaller meals helps to minimize the risk of bloat, which is a life-threatening swelling of the abdomen. Go to source When you feed your dog several times a day, your dog will need to relieve themselves shortly after each meal. Never exercise a German shepherd right after they eat since this could increase the risk of bloating. In addition to feeding it healthy food, the snacks you feed your German shepherd can have an impact on its health. Pick low calorie treats that are satisfying for dogs, including crunchy vegetables and kibble in a feeding toy that slows the dog's consumption down. Dogs can drink a lot of water every day and it's important that they do to prevent dehydration. Fill up its bowl with clean water every day and leave it where your dog has access to it. Also, check up on the bowl throughout the day, if possible, to make sure there is plenty of water available. However, German shepherds should drink small amounts of water throughout the day, instead of drinking a large amount at one time. Gradually hydrating throughout the day will ensure that the dog doesn't get bloat. Dehydration can be a threat to your dog's health. Signs that it might be dehydrated and needs more water include excessive panting, loss of appetite, and dry nose or gums. If you see these symptoms, give your dog water immediately. Go to source Advertisement. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are amazing dogs with perfect guiding skills and prominent intellect. If you have decided to get one for your home, be sure that you will obtain an obedient, loyal, and reliable friend. However, you need to know the main principles of German Shepherd puppy care to understand how to raise your dog healthy, energetic, and well-trained. Consider whether this dog breed is for you. Home conditions play a great role, so ensure that your GS puppy will feel great at your home. Consider such things as feeding , house training, socializing, exercising, playing, bedding, teaching obedience, grooming, and medical treatment. This guide will help you to find out more about this fascinating breed and how to deal with it with less effort. German Shepherd Puppy Care Starts with the First Minutes You can select your German Shepherd either as a puppy from a reputable breeder or as an adult dog in a dog shelter. Remember that your relationships with your fluffy friend start with the very first minutes of your acquaintance. Bringing a Puppy Home Suppose you have chosen a puppy from a breeder. Now, the first task is to bring it home. Bring someone with you to facilitate the task. You can use a puppy crate. So, ask your breeder to introduce the puppy to it several days before you take it home. However, taking a young puppy from its mother and siblings is always a big stress. Do your best to reduce it. If it is purebred, you may need a copy of a pedigree certificate. It is important if you want your dog to participate in shows. If you take the puppy home in a car, try to reduce the stress from new odors and experiences by letting it explore the inside of a vehicle to get used to it for a while before you drive. The puppy can start whining, so you may want to put it on your lap. However, puppies usually feel carsick and frightened, so they may make a mess. If your trip is long, you may stop and let your puppy stretch and relieve itself. You have already prepared it for a new tenant. This preparation should involve taking away all electrical wires, dangerous materials, tiny and sharp items, and everything your puppy can chew or swallow. You will also need chew toys, and a good cleaning detergent because accidents can happen during the first days. Learn the basics of how to care for a German Shepherd puppy before you bring it home. You may need to know how to arrange an area for sleeping , playing, and relieving. Start with introducing your little one to the potty place outside, and then bring it inside. Your doggy needs to get used to its new home first. So, let it explore the room meant for its stay first. If your puppy starts chewing furniture or house items, give it a chewing toy. Your new friend wants to see a pack leader in you, so it is essential to take this role from the very first minute. You can do it right now because further on it may try to challenge this role. Speak calmly but firmly, call the puppy by its name, and encourage it. If you have young kids, explain to them how to deal with the doggy. Introduce other pets to it. If you have a cat, it is likely not to care much about the puppy. Your cat will just sit and observe. Though, if you have other dogs, they may show a sort of aggression. So, you may need a muzzle for your dog at first to protect the puppy. When you see that they start getting on well, you may take off the muzzle. After that, you can feed your pup. Offer it some food that it is used to. After eating, take the doggy outside for relief. Wait for minutes and then take it back inside. Young puppies need to be fed several times per day, and they should have a lot of drinking water in a separate bowl. It may be the start of house training. However, accidents may happen, so do not scold or punish it. You also need to take your pup outside after every playing session. Try not to feed the doggy before it goes to bed, or you will have a sleepless night. Your puppy needs a special place for bedding. It may be a crate or some mat in a designated part of the room. Your little dog will go to it as soon as it wants to take a nap when it understands that it is its bedding. The First Night at Home Is Challenging The first night in a new place is a challenging and stressful experience for a puppy. It may start crying and whining because it is a pack animal and its instincts prompt it that staying alone is hazardous. So, you need to be in contact with your little one all the time. Avoid giving it food or drink immediately before going to bed because it will end in a mess in the room. Play with the pup for a while to make sure it is tired and ready to sleep. Take it outside before sleep and praise it if it is successful in doing its job. It will be difficult to eliminate this habit in the future. The best way is using the crate. Though, keep the crate not far from you to keep an eye on the pup. You can put it in your bedroom for the first night to make it feel comfortable. Give the puppy a treat before placing it into a crate. The puppy may want to potty at night, so take it out every three hours. You may need to take it out just once during the first nine months of age. You should offer optimal conditions for health, well-being, and daily activities. Month One Breeders are usually fully responsible for the care of a puppy during its first month. There is a strong risk of infections from adult animals and people that can lead to death. The mother is responsible for hygiene. At the age of 3- 6 weeks , breeders should carry out the first deworming. If there is a risk of infections, the puppies should receive their first preventive vaccination. More about 6 week old GSD puppy care. Month Two At this age, a puppy can have its new owner. Weaning from a mother is always significant stress, so if you take the puppy from the breeder, try to distract it with toys and continuous communication. When at home, the doggy needs a determined place for living. The ideal option is to keep it in an enclosed space with a special booth. When you want to keep the dog in a kennel, use straw or hay for its bedding. You can leave your pet unattended for a while during this time, but not for a long time to avoid stress. Moreover, it can start gnawing on something dangerous, get poisoned, and die. Do hair brushing times a week. Do not bathe the puppy before the vaccination. Even adult German Shepherds should not be washed more than 3 times per year. If there is a need for more frequent washing, do not use shampoo. Clean the ears and teeth 1 or 2 times per month. Monitor the eyes. If some redness or tearing appears, contact the vet. Vaccinate your puppy against plague, infectious hepatitis, parvovirus enteritis, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis at this age. Do deworming 2 weeks before the vaccination. Observe a 3-week quarantine after the first vaccination before walking outside. Do not bathe the puppy, change its diet, or do much exercise during this time. More about 2 month old GSD puppy care. Months Three-Six The puppy grows quickly during this time. Its limbs become longer, and the doggy is getting stronger. Start regular walking with the puppy. The first walks should be no more than 5 minutes, but at the age of 4 months , you can walk with it for minutes already. Up to 6 months, it is advisable to walk times a day, but when the puppy gets older, 2 long walks are enough. Take your puppy outside in your arms for the first walks, and then offer it moderate runs and games. Take care of its musculoskeletal system from the first months. The second vaccination is needed at the age of 3 months , and the next one is after the change of teeth. The teeth change at months, so the ears may drop down during this period because of a lack of calcium. German Shepherd dogs are known for their athletic capabilities, intelligence, and loyalty, making them one of India's most sought after breeds. Dog lovers are enamoured by the German shepherd's majestic appearance, intellect and guarding abilities. If you have decided or have recently become a German Shepherd's parent, you should be grateful to have such a loving and loyal companion who will stand by you no matter what in the years to come. However, parenting a German Shepherd is not an easy feat. Multiple factors need to be taken into consideration before you are confident that you will be able to provide for the needs of this dog. Parenting a German Shepherd is a highly gratifying affair, but the first step is choosing your puppy and caring for it. It needs to be planned out carefully to ensure that you and your dog spend all your days enjoying maximum satisfaction. This article will run you down through all the crucial decisions and actions that must be taken, starting from whether you should parent a German Shepherd, all the way to how you can care for your puppy. Is a German Shepherd is right for you? Before answering this question, it is imperative to check if parenting any German Shepherd is right for you to begin with. This breed is a very demanding one. It requires plentiful exercise to remain physically and mentally healthy. Without adequate playtime and activity, dogs of this breed can become destructive. So the question here is, do you have the facilities required to give your German shepherd this level of exercise? Do you have a yard, a park or a lawn near you where you can exercise your dog? Do you have the time to take them out on frequent walks? German Shepherds are usually suitable for people who engage in high-intensity sports such as running and bicycling. Will you be able to engage in such activities for the benefit of your dog as well as you? Similarly, German Shepherds are highly sociable animals and thrive in interactive environments. They need other dogs or people around them most of the time. Does your daily routine allow you to be near your dog for long periods of time? If you plan to leave your German shepherd at home for hours a day while you are working, this breed may not be suitable for you. Dogs of this breed are also prone to excessive shedding, and you need to be ready to find a lot of dog fur all around you. Being a large breed, feeding and taking care of these dogs are time and money intensive. They live long lives and can suffer from health problems too, and thus, caring for them can be an expensive affair. Thus, these are some of the questions that need to be answered to gauge whether a German Shepherd is indeed right for you to begin with. With these conditions in place, this breed may not be ideal for first-time dog parents. Coming to the type of German Shepherd that is right for you, this breed can be classified into two categories - work line type and show line type dogs. The differentiation is based on the heritage of the dogs of this breed and the purpose for which they were bred. Show lines were mainly bred for their look, colour and body type. Work Lines were primarily bred for their health and personality rather than to look a certain way. The line you choose depends on what you really want to be doing with your German shepherd. Work lines should be chosen if you seek a family pet or want some type of function to be performed because this type is known for its trainability, knowledge and skill. However, if you are more concerned with your dog's appearance, then going after show lines might be more appropriate. It must be mentioned, though, that it is possible to find show line dogs with the same characteristics as work line dogs and vice versa if they have been bred by individuals who are concerned with their appearance as well as health. Beyond work and show lines, age is another essential factor to consider. A good breeder would not offer puppies that are lesser than 8 weeks old as they still require their mother's milk as well as other social skills. Puppies who have received this from their mothers will be less likely to engage in destructive and unruly behaviour. First and foremost, verify that the puppy's parents have good health and desirable temperaments. Then examine the puppy in terms of health and hygiene by checking the eyes, ears, teeth, skin, coat, paws, etc. Study the gait of your puppy; it should be even. With German Shepherds, in particular, it is vital that you choose a pup that does not have undesirable traits. Visit the breeder at least four to five times before making a decision. Choosing a pup from the litter that is neither the timidest nor the most dominant would be wise if you want a bit of both traits. A German Shepherd puppy that is well built, energetic and sociable would be ideal. Next, to gauge the temperament of a puppy you want to select, you could perform a few simple tests, such as making eye contact with them. If they hold contact, it reflects confidence. It might be a sign of nervousness and anxiety if it looks away. Clapping your hands is another simple test. If the puppy runs away, it can be judged as timid, but it can signify that the pup wants to be friends if it approaches you. Similarly, other tests include calling the puppy to pet it, introducing it to a new toy, making a sudden noise, lifting the puppy and holding it above your head, or grabbing its paw. The reaction of puppies to such actions can provide much-needed insight into a puppy's temperament and help prospective dog parents make the right choice. On the one hand, if you prefer a dog that isn't prone to undermining your authority, it would be sensible to choose a moderately submissive puppy. On the other hand, if you want a dog for protection, it would be wise to choose a tough, trainable, and courageous puppy. After four to five visits, it would be possible for you to judge correctly - the personality and various character traits of the puppy you're interested in. As German Shepherds have highly individual personalities, you might bond more with one German Shepherd than the other. Lastly, before making a final decision, it is always good to ask the breeder for their opinion, as good breeders often have vital information about their puppies and can provide valuable insight into their characteristics and temperaments, thereby ensuring that you exactly find what you are looking for. Bringing Your German Shepherd Puppy Home Once you have established a rapport with a puppy and have made up your mind about becoming a dog parent, or a dog parent to another puppy, take a friend or companion with you who can help you clean up if your puppy is carsick. If you intend on making your puppy comfortable in a crate, give the crate to the breeder a few days before you bring the puppy home so that the breeder can help it acclimatize itself to the crate. The first day at home will be a traumatic experience for your puppy as it is away from its family. Thus, ensure that your puppy has a place to be comfortable and relaxed, with an adequate amount of food and water. It would be wise to spend some time exclusively with your puppy initially, such as an extended weekend plan so that your bond can grow. Be sure to collect your puppy's adoption contract and veterinary records. Furthermore, find out the exact kind of food that the breeder was giving the puppy you just adopted. Giving your pup entirely different food during the first few days can be traumatic for them. With their unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds, your home and car can frighten your puppy, leading it to stress out and get anxious. Anticipate this and give your pup some time to adjust to the new environment. The first few days can be demanding as a dog parent because you need to adapt to changes in your schedule with the arrival of your puppy. Similarly, the puppy, too, can cry, whine or get overly affectionate, which can be regarded as coping mechanisms to deal with the sudden change in environment. During this time, make sure you don't scold your puppy or be overly affectionate either. Before bringing your newly adopted puppy home, it is essential for you to puppy-proof your home! Go down on all fours and check for sharp objects, hazardous materials, or any other dangerous substance that your puppy might end up chewing or swallowing. Cover your electrical outlets as well. Stock your home with food that your puppy has been eating while under the breeder's care. Keep an adequate amount of food and water, water bowls, treats, and grooming tools such as brushes, shampoos for puppies and nail clippers. Cleaning detergent for stains and smells will also come in handy in case of any accidents. Decide on that area of the house that will be where your puppy spends most of its time. This step is crucial as constantly changing your puppy's place can lead to disruptive sleep patterns and cause stress. German Shepherds, being extremely active, will tend to run across your halls, and in such cases, an accident or two are bound to happen. In such cases, it would be a good idea to restrict your dog's movements to areas that can be cleaned easily. Furthermore, German Shepherds have sharp claws and can ruin expensive hardwood floors, so it would be wise to keep them away from such flooring. As mentioned previously, your puppy will be nervous during the first few days. Frequent bathroom breaks will be a necessity for your pup, and thus, keep an area designated just for this purpose. Also, let your dog run around the house and acquaint itself with its surroundings. If your dog is chewing or biting furniture in a puppy-proofed home, you could offer a toy as a distraction. If you have children, teach them how to properly handle your puppy without being too rough. If you have other pets, give your pup a chance to meet and acknowledge them. Be careful while introducing your puppy to other puppies and grown dogs. However, most dogs are not aggressive with puppies, so it is doubtful that you will face problems on this front. Between eight and sixteen weeks of age, Puppies require plenty of clean water to drink and many meals a day. They also have small bladders and hence, will urinate often. Since they expend a lot of energy during the day, they will take several naps. It would be recommended to begin a daily routine for your pup and stick to it. Since German Shepherds require a lot of physical activity, taking them out in the mornings and evenings for an adequate amount of time religiously would be necessary. The faster you get your pup accustomed to a routine, the more beneficial it is to better sleeping schedules and better mental and physical health. When you begin house training your dog, be sure to praise them when they relieve themselves in designated areas but refrain from punishing them if they fail to do so. Remember that your home is a new environment for them, and thus, it will take a while to house train them. Training Your German Shepherd Puppy. Training your dog from the day they come home is very important. Clear rules should be set that should not be broken. For example, if you do not want your dog to get on the bed, do not let them come on the bed ever. Allowing them sometimes and then not other times gets confusing for your dog, and they may not be able to learn the desired behaviour effectively. Training your puppy can be divided into two stages, each with different objectives. The first stage of training needs to take place when your pup is between eight to sixteen weeks of age. In this period, socialization, house training and crate training goals must be accomplished. The second stage of training needs to occur when your puppy is three months of age until about 9 months. The main objectives of this training phase are obedience training, impulse control, and recall. From 8 - 16 weeks Goal: Socialization German shepherds are very protective of their owners. This makes it essential to make them see that other individuals are not necessarily threats. This period is critical to expose your puppy to different people in non-threatening situations. This can help them grow more confident around strangers instead of becoming hostile. Socialization creates a strong foundation for the rest of your puppy's training. One example of socialization comes from the grooming requirements of this breed. German Shepherds need to be groomed regularly so that they don't shed a lot. Thus, introducing them to groomers at a young age and to tools like blow dryers and nail clippers can help achieve this goal of adapting to social environments. Furthermore, to improve their mental development, expose your puppy to new sights, sounds and smells to help their confidence improve. Goal: Crate Training Training your puppy to sleep or stay in a crate can be difficult at first as they might face separation anxiety. Crate training is necessary if you prefer sleeping alone or washing the utensils in the kitchen and need your puppy to stay in one place for a couple of minutes. Patience is key to achieving this goal. Help them get over their separation anxiety with the help of treats and toys. You can also use your crate for feeding purposes to help your pup get more acclimated to it. Goal: House Training A strict schedule can help get your dog house trained. When your pup is around 8 weeks old, it should be taken outside for a bathroom break every two hours or so. At 12 weeks, it should be taken every 3 hours and around 16 weeks, every 4 hours or so. Begin teaching your puppy how to eliminate on cue by looking for signs such as sniffing the floor or circling a particular spot, or going to an area where it has made a mess before. Using a command to push your puppy to go outside to relieve itself can be helpful. Remember to praise your pup when it obeys such actions. From 3 - 9 Months Goal: Obedience Training German Speherds are acutely intellectual and have a commendable work ethic. Training that has begun early and consistently can help your puppy's best traits and features emerge with time. Dogs of this breed are excellent at obeying commands, and you can begin this type of training by teaching basic commands such as stay, down, and up. They can even be trained to walk on a leash easily during this period. Goal: Recall When obedience training is done right, the goal of recalling or successfully calling your puppy to come to you becomes relatively easier. Achieving recall takes patience and practice. It should be done diligently and on a daily basis, using treats and toys as incentives. Achieving this goal can come in handy during emergency situations as well. Goal: Impulse Control German Shepherds are highly susceptible to boredom, often resulting in excessive and inappropriate chewing, barking, chasing, etc. They also have a tendency to chase down cars and even cats. Such impulses need to be controlled as they can otherwise lead to destructive and problematic behaviour. Training for impulse control simply means getting your puppy to pay attention to you when required. You can begin such type of training by getting your puppy to sit before eating or using commands during playtime, which makes them focus on your voice only. Treats and toys could be attractive incentives to encourage your pup to respond positively to commands. Feeding Your German Shepherd Puppy. Remember to follow the breeder's diet in the initial days and gradually change this diet to incorporate different foods. Milk should not be given to puppies at this age as it can cause diarrhoea. Puppies need to be given food rich in protein, calcium and fats as they are still growing. Their food needs to be higher in calories when compared to the food given to a grown dog. When you give your puppy a food bowl, give it a specific window of time to finish eating, such as 10 or 15 minutes. After this period, remove the bowl. This will help your pup understand that it has to eat during a specific period of time only, which is a valuable component of obedience training. Between 4 to 6 months of age, you can start feeding your puppy increased portions of food four times a day. Foods such as meat and vegetables would be ideal. Treats should only be resorted to during training and not as actual food for mealtimes. Make sure to never give leftover human food to puppies as they contain spices, salt, sugar and so on, which are very unhealthy for dogs. FAQs: Are german shepherd puppies hard to take care of? Not just german shepherds, all puppies are hard to take care of initially. This is because it is exactly like getting a newborn baby home. There will be sleepless nights, vet visits, training, creating and sticking to routines and so on. However, these efforts will eventually pay off, because once your pup is trained, they will be socialized and can adapt to your lifestyle easily. How many times should a german shepherd puppy eat a day? For up to four months, puppies should be fed three to four times a day. Post this period, gradually reduce the number of times your pup is fed. After eight to nine months, two meals a day will suffice. Where should my german shepherd sleep? German shepherds are highly sociable animals and should not be left alone for too long. Puppies should be trained to sleep in a crate or share the bed with you if you so desire. As they grow older, they can be allowed to sleep in a crate, or in an area specially designed for them. What are the best foods for german shepherd puppies? Like other puppies, they too require meals that are high in protein, grain-free, rich in good quality fats without any chemicals, artificial additives etc. Is it okay to feed a german Shephard 3 times a day? Up to eight to nine months of age, it is okay to feed your German Shepherd three times a day. However, feeding them twice a day is more than enough beyond this age. The amount of food ultimately depends on your dog's age, size, weight, and levels of physical activity. When do german shepherd puppies stop biting and jumping? It is perfectly normal for your puppy to constantly bite, chew, or jump for the first four to six months. However, while teething is normal, you must redirect your puppy to chew on toys and other things that are appropriate instead of household furniture. Do not wait to think issues will be resolved after months. Get professional help from day 1 to teach your pup the right behaviours. As a breed, however, German Shepherds often show these other traits: Easily bored if not given something to do, which may lead to barking or chewing Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog Overprotective of family and territory if not socialized properly Can have an unstable temperament if not bred properly, including excessive barking, hyperactivity, or aggression Suspicious of strangers Prone to a number of health problems She is a faithful companion that can excel at most anything. With early socialization and confident leadership, she is a cheerful and dependable addition to any family. The German Shepherd Dog originated in Germany in .The German Shepherd has consistently been one of the most popular breeds in the United States since the early s with a rise in fame then attributed to canine film stars Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart. GSDs are favored working dogs because of their strength, intelligence, versatility, and obedient natures. The German Shepherd is unmatched in her devotion and courage. She is eager to serve a greater cause with her human companions. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Shepherd. By knowing about health concerns specific to German Shepherd Dogs, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in German Shepherd Dogs to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for German Shepherd Dogs. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your GSD looking and feeling her best. Unfortunately, your German Shepherd is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections German Shepherd Dogs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in German Shepherd Dogs. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. The Vida Veterinary Care doctors will also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Shepherd is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. This means your Shepherd is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes up , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Digestive Disorders Several inherited conditions can cause recurring vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss in your Shepherd. These conditions include pancreatic or intestinal disease, food sensitivities, and food allergies. Some of these problems may begin very early in life. To help prevent these conditions, feed only a high-quality pet food we can help you choose the right diet and, most importantly, avoid snacks and table food. The healthcare chart included in this care guide lists the specific digestive disorders your pet may encounter. Bleeding Disorders Your breed is prone to a bleeding disorder called hemophilia. This is an important test, as we may not know your pet has this disorder until severe bleeding occurs during surgery or after a serious injury. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency The pancreas has two major functions: regulating blood sugar and helping digest food. Digestive enzymes are produced by the exocrine part of the pancreas. GSDs are at an increased risk of having too few digestive enzymes, a disorder called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This causes inadequate digestion and absorption of nutrients leading to weight loss; foul-smelling, greasy diarrhea; and a dry and flaky coat due to his inability to absorb dietary fats. Lifelong dietary supplementation of digestive enzymes is an effective therapy. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. The disease is caused when the jelly-like cushion between one or more vertebrae slips or ruptures, causing the disc to press on the spinal cord. If your dog is suddenly unable or unwilling to jump or go up stairs, is reluctant to move around, has a hunched back, cries out, or refuses to eat or go potty, he is likely in severe pain. He may even experience sudden paralysis—he may drag his back feet or be unable to get up or use his back legs. Call us or an emergency clinic immediately! For less severe cases, rest and medication may resolve the problem. And as with so many other diseases, weight control helps reduce the risk of IVDD. You should also provide ramps or steps for your pet from puppyhood on to prevent your dog from stressing his back by jumping on and off of the furniture. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is also sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. And keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Growing Shepherds can suffer from a painful inflammation of the long bones in the legs called eosinophilic panosteitis, or pano or eo-pan for short. It usually starts around six to ten months of age and shifts from leg to leg. Panosteitis usually causes no permanent damage, but requires pain medication. If your dog has this condition and develops an abnormal gait to compensate for the sore leg s , rehabilitation exercises may be required. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, and German Shepherd Dogs are commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, episodes will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and efficacy. Note the length of the seizure, and call us or an emergency hospital. Heart Disease German Shepherd Dogs are prone to multiple types of heart disease , which can occur both early and later in life. Veterinary dental care and weight control also go a long way in preventing heart disease. Unfortunately, German Shepherd Dogs can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs for concern. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Shepherds. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. In affected breeds, inflammatory cells infiltrate the cornea the clear part of the eye , which then darkens with exposure to ultraviolet light, and may lead to complete blindness. Doggie sunglasses are also an option to help reduce sun exposure. Cancer Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. Your GSD will likely live longer than many other breeds and therefore is more prone to get cancer in his golden years. Many cancers are curable by surgical removal, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. Early detection is critical! The healthcare chart included in this care guide lists the specific cancers your pet may encounter. This is a common problem in dogs, and your Shepherd is more likely than other dogs to be affected. The condition usually develops slowly, and the early signs are easily missed. Symptoms include drinking and urinating more than normal, increased appetite, and reduced activity level followed later by a potbelly, thin skin, and hair loss. Treatment usually includes oral medications and requires close coordination with us to ensure correct dosing. Neurological Disease A genetically linked neurological condition, known as wobbler disease or wobbler syndrome, causes a wobbly, drunken gait in affected pets. Wobbler disease is the result of a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck that pinches the spinal cord and associated nerves. When pinched, the nerves do not send signals to the brain as they should causing the pet to be unable to feel his feet. The first signs you will often notice with wobbler disease are unstable hind legs, stumbling, and sometimes falling. Treatment options include medications, neck braces, rehabilitation exercise programs, and surgery. It affects GSDs more frequently than other breeds. If your dog has this disease, he will become increasingly weak and disabled in the hind legs, eventually suffering from paralysis in his hindquarters, which also leads to incontinence. Rehabilitation, exercise, acupuncture , and dietary supplements can be helpful, but there is no cure for degenerative myelopathy. A genetic test is available to determine whether your dog is at risk for this heritable disease. Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in dogs. Any breed can be affected, but German Shepherds have an above average incidence. Dogs with diabetes are unable to regulate the metabolism of sugars in their bodies and require daily insulin injections. Diabetes is a serious condition and one that is important to diagnose and treat as early as possible. Symptoms include increased eating, drinking, and urination, along with weight loss. If he shows signs, we will conduct lab tests to determine if he has this condition and discuss treatment options with you. Treatment requires a serious commitment of time and resources. Well-regulated diabetic dogs today have the same life expectancy as other canines. Anal Gland Problems German Shepherds are prone to a painful, longterm condition in which the area around the anus becomes inflamed or develops sores. Signs include bleeding, constipation, licking of the area, smelly discharge around the rectum, and straining or apparent pain when defecating. This condition can be difficult to treat and requires lifelong medications, prescription food, and sometimes even surgery. Allergies In humans, allergies to pollen, mold, or dust make people sneeze. In dogs, rather than sneezing, allergies make their skin itchy. The feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most commonly affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs of allergies. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for these conditions. Taking Care of Your German Shepherd Dog at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your GSD live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She needs a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Twice a year she blows her coat and loses crazy amounts of hair; daily brushing is recommended during this time. German Shepherd Dogs generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. She has a high prey drive, so she needs to be leash walked and a fenced yard is a must. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your German Shepherd Dog needs help.

Conclusion: How many puppies do Goldendoodles have? It is typical for a female Goldendoodle to birth puppies per litter, with up to two litters per year. They can do this for around years, as long as their health is adequate. Several different components influence the size of a Goldendoodles litter. These items can include genetics, health, age, size, and diet. One way to ensure a large litter is to feed your dog a healthy diet consisting of high-quality ingredients and adequate portions. This act will allow her to get all the necessary nutrients needed to sustain herself and her babies during conception and pregnancy. Doing so will also enable a quicker recovery, which will create more extraordinary conditions for future litters. You also want to ensure healthy birth practices with the appropriate veterinary care. Doing this twice a year for multiple years can also take a toll on their bodies, especially without proper care. Just like a human mother, having pregnancies too close together can cause health issues or increase the risk for problems down the road. Calculating Litter Size Two super small brown or chocolate Goldendoodles Being that a Goldendoodle is part Golden Retriever and part Poodle, there are variants when you look at the exact breed of Poodle. With Golden Retrievers, there are different sub-breeds, but they are all quite similar. Even outside of the size variations, their care and temperament also have other characteristics. Whereas a Toy Poodle has a small dog mentality, the Standard Poodle can be more friendly and inviting. And just how does this play into the litter size of a Goldendoodle? The type of Poodle that the Golden Retriever mates with will significantly affect the number of babies conceived. The Golden Retriever breed has eight puppies per litter on average. However, poodles vary based on type. Some Poodle breeds can produce up to five babies in a litter. Others may only birth one of two babies with each pregnancy. Therefore, the parenting genetic combination and the lineage between the two come into play to dictate the litter amount. When you combine this with the many other factors that influence litter sizes health, age, diet, genetics, height , it is truly a guessing game until the birth occurs. The more pregnancies that occur will bring larger litter sizes as long as the dog is in good health and receives appropriate veterinary care. Therefore, do not be disappointed if the first Goldendoodle litter results in a small number of puppies. Future births will likely turn out more babies. When Breeding Can Start Those who make a living out of breeding animals often want to get started as soon as possible. It is worth knowing that Goldendoodles tend to go into heat at around six months of age. This is true for a smaller Toy Goldendoodle and Mini Goldendoodle as well. Going into heat means that their bodies are capable of reproducing, similar to women who start puberty. However, it would be best if you always waited until at least the second heat cycle before attempting to breed. The reasoning is because despite being able to conceive and birth them, the dog is not at an appropriate maturity due to their young age. Without proper care from their mother, the puppies could suffer from poor health or even die. As you learn about animals and the life processes they go through, it is easy to see the connections between animals and humans. Humans are capable of producing at a young age, similar to animals. However, we are discouraged from doing so due to the mental and emotional levels needed to parent a dependent being adequately. This instance is just one situation where there is overlap between species, and it points out how similar things in life can indeed be. This need pertains to both the mother and the father. If you again compare this situation to humans, it is similar to how fertility is higher in younger couples. Our eggs and sperm are of higher quality and mobility in our youth. Therefore, we often find it more simplistic to conceive in our earlier years. This case is the same for dogs. As they age, the quality of their reproductive components goes down, making it more difficult to conceive. In their earlier years, the process of conceiving is much easier. This is true of the female dog and male dog. On the flip side and in similarity to humans, as dogs age, they are likely to give birth to larger litters. This likelihood is based on whether the dog has previously given birth or not. If they have and conceive again in later years, it is of the high probability that they will have a large hybrid dog litter. Correspondingly, if a human gets pregnant later in life, the chances of conceiving multiples go up. There is a higher likelihood of a woman naturally conceiving more than one baby at a time over the age of .For Goldendoodle dogs, this age is five. Issues That Negatively Affect Litter Size There are a lot of factors that go into a successful birth and the size of a litter. There are also several things to stay away from if you want to achieve the best-case scenario. Having a calm and serene environment lays the best foundation for pregnancy, even in canines. Although the idea makes sense, conception is more likely if it is done naturally. In this way, it is more conducive to the actions of the body and the natural process that happens when in heat. As a dog owner this is unacceptable, and not the actions of a reputable breeder. Genetics: We have talked about how breed genetics can influence litter size. However, it does need to be understood that just because the parents of a dog conceived quickly or birthed large litters does not mean that the children of those dogs will have the same fate. As we know, genetic can often skip generations or not show back up at all. These anomalies can happen within dogs as well. Poodles typically have puppies per litter but this can vary. Inbreeding: There is a certain percentage of genetic similarities that are acceptable to breed between. Some people whoa re trying to create the perfect doodle puppy designer dog cut corners and make mistakes. Inbreeding is dangerous because of the medical issues it can cause in dogs that are a product of the situation. In the search for a F1b Goldendoodle or multigen Goldendoodle mny breeders cut corners and run out of unrelated dog. This is unacceptable. A reputable breeder cuts NO corners. Inbreeding can also cause problems for future litters, inbred or not. The reason is because of the abnormalities that trickle down like predispotion to hip dysplasia or poorly formed body parts. Because of this, smaller Goldendoodles litter size can become more prevalent. With Goldendoodles being a highly desired breed with high demand, it is vital to remember the key concepts above. Successful breeding and large litter sizes result from careful practices. Conclusion: Dog breeding is a complex subject, affected by many different elements. It is important to remember that you can only control so much and that having healthy dogs to give to new families is the desired result. Breeding dogs, especially popular breed types, is a form of income for many people. Because of this, larger litter sizes equals higher profits. However, it is essential to remember that dogs are not machines. They are members of the family. Their health and safety are a priority, just like yours. Accounting for their wellbeing will benefit you more in the long run, so it is essential to focus on that. Although the prospect of an eight puppy litter is enticing, so is the health and happiness of our best fur friend. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. View Larger Image How many puppies do Goldendoodles have? Like many Doodle lovers, you might be asking yourself this question. First, a Goldendoodle is the most popular Doodle dog. Its parent breeds are the Golden Retriever and Poodle. A Goldendoodle comes in these sizes: miniature, medium, and standard. Female Goldendoodle puppies go on the heat for the first time in six months. Even so, the best time to mate the dog is during the following one or two heat cycles. If you desire to raise Goldendoodle dogs, read the rest of this article to know about its pregnancies and litters. What are the various Goldendoodle generations? F1 Generations — The best hybrid Goldendoodle litter comes from the first generation, the F1 Goldendoodle. In the F1BB Goldendoodles category, puppies have .The next F2B Goldendoodle litter size is .The F2BB Goldendoodle litter consists of .How many puppies do Goldendoodles have after the first litter? The latter generations get more Poodle genes. Poodle is the dominant parent determining factors like size, intelligence, and coat. As Poodles can be miniature, medium, or standard-sized, they can bring forth puppies of varying heights and weights. How many puppies do Goldendoodles have? Now you understand a few facts about the Goldendoodle generations and backgrounds. Next, we will answer this: how many puppies do Goldendoodles have? On average, a Goldendoodle female gives birth to three to eight puppies. This number is an estimate because several factors affect the litter size. The dog generations matter when estimating the litter size. Arriving at an accurate answer requires first answering these two questions. First, how many puppies do Golden retrievers usually have? Golden retrievers produce eight puppies on average. The next question to consider asking yourself is this: how many puppies do Poodles have? Poodle dogs tend to have more babies as their size increases. Hence, a toy Poodle produces three puppies, while a miniature one produces five. But what number of puppies do standard Poodles have? Standard Poodles are the biggest dogs in the lot. They produce about seven puppies in one litter. A Goldendoodle dog should produce a range of three to eight puppies. Litters can be bigger than eight or smaller than three. Nobody can accurately answer this, how many puppies do Goldendoodles have? It is a matter of chance. When your dog gives birth, you can tell if your estimations are correct. What can increase or reduce the litter size? Goldendoodles are some of the loveliest Doodles. No person can mind having many puppies in a litter. Sadly, you might expect many puppies only to get three or fewer. A secret to having a larger litter size lies in the degree of care you offer the female dog. Although you cannot control some biological factors affecting fertility, you should play your part. Goldendoodle size Generally, the litter size depends on the Goldendoodle size. A poodle is the determinant of size. Earlier, we noted that Poodles have more babies as their sizes increase. Thus, larger Goldendoodles come from mating a standard-sized Poodle and a Golden Retriever. These hybrid dogs will produce more puppies than miniature and medium Goldendoodles. Here is the breakdown: How many puppies does a standard Goldendoodle have? How many dogs does a medium Goldendoodle produce? How many puppies does a mini Goldendoodle have? Goldendoodle generations We already told you how generations could affect the number of puppies a mother can have. The offspring can be big or small depending on the percentage of parent genes in a Goldendoodle. Where the gene ratio is , you might have fewer or many puppies. If a dog inherits more dominant fertility genes from its Golden Retriever parent, it might have a big litter. In most cases, though, puppies have more Poodle genes. How many puppies do Goldendoodles have based on this notion? If Poodle genes are dominant, the litter size will be three to eight puppies. We must also consider this: What number of puppies does a standard Poodle have? Standard Poodles have seven puppies on average. You will be at an advantage if mating Goldendoodles that came from a Standard Poodle parent. The odds are high that the litter will be big. Food A female Goldendoodle needs to eat enough calories each day. It also needs to eat a balanced diet to get fertile many times. Likewise, pregnant dogs require a healthy diet to deliver puppies with higher odds of survival. How many puppies do Goldendoodles have when eating a proper diet? First, a young female dog should always eat a healthy meal to better its chances of going into heat. Provide the best dog food for Goldendoodle during pregnancy time to get healthy puppies. Secondly, the dog should eat a more nutritious minerals and vitamin diet when pregnant and after giving birth. If you follow these easy rules, your Goldendoodle might sire more puppies. Unhealthy mothers deliver smaller litters and weak puppies that may not make it to adulthood. Current health status How many puppies do Goldendoodles have if their health status is good? Healthy Goldendoodles produce more puppies than unhealthy ones. For instance, your Goldendoodle boasts a lot of mental and physical energy. It needs proper physical and mental stimulation to get fit and feel happy. A Goldendoodle requires sixty minutes of exercise daily and some quiet time. Another determinant of good health is the number of medical checkups you offer your dog. Before mating your Goldendoodle, call a professional veterinarian for a thorough medical checkup. After breeding your pet successfully, keep taking it for pregnancy testing and evaluations. A veterinarian can guide you on how to care for a pregnant Goldendoodle pet. The pet does not need regular prenatal checkups like humans. Take the pet to a vet in the beginning and toward the end of a pregnancy. How many puppies do Goldendoodles have at birth? A health checkup done two to three weeks before birth ensures that the mother can deliver all puppies safely. If the mother and litter are healthy, wait for the birth date to deliver the puppies at home. As with humans, puppy deliveries are not always safe. As anything can happen, visit your veterinarian if an emergency crops up. Whether the dog delivers at home or not, it requires a thorough medical checkup about forty-eight hours after. The vet will verify if the mother and puppies are doing fine. How many puppies do Goldendoodles have if the pregnancy ends well? The dog might not have stillbirths, which means all the puppies in the womb will come out. A younger woman has optimal fertility levels, unlike an older woman. Also, an older woman than thirty-five years has higher odds of carrying twins, triplets, or other multiple pregnancies. Hence, how many puppies do Goldendoodles have based on age? Younger Goldendoodles with smaller body sizes reach maturity earlier than their larger counterparts. Also, older Goldendoodles can have more puppies than younger mothers. Nonetheless, an older dog should be super healthy to avoid having weak puppies in one litter. Younger dogs produce fewer but stronger puppies and can come on heat faster than older dogs. Breeding conditions The environment in which you breed your dog can determine the litter size it would produce. If the female dog has stress, it will deliver fewer puppies. It might also deliver weak puppies with limited chances of reaching adulthood. How many puppies do Goldendoodles have in favorable breeding conditions? Your dog can have a bigger litter if it has no stress. Human mothers respond poorly to stress during pregnancy. Some suffer from miscarriages, hypertension, and more. Dog mothers are similar in that they can lose a pregnancy due to stress. To help your Goldendoodle get pregnant and not suffer a miscarriage, provide a nurturing environment. Inbreeding The choice of dogs to mate with is crucial when answering this part: how many puppies do Goldendoodles have? If you keep mating the same related dogs, the chances of having smaller litters are high. Inbreeding leads to genetic defects in dogs and other animals. Additionally, the resulting offspring might inherit health issues from the family lineage. The more health problems the dogs have, the lower their survival chances. Even surviving puppies might later pass bad genes to their offspring. The solution to inbreeding is finding a male from another dog family. Artificial insemination can lead to higher or lower-quality puppies. It may also decrease the litter size. Dogs sire more puppies when they mate naturally. Besides, the professional conducting artificial insemination should use more than one dog to increase the litter size. When should you allow your dog to mate for the first time? A mating cycle can affect the puppies numbers. As we mentioned, a female can reach its first mating cycle at six months. Do not give your female to a male dog at this age. Its body is too young and might not have adequate eggs. Besides, a young dog can develop pregnancy complications and deliver in an emergency. These factors can lower their odds of having many puppies. It is better to have your Goldendoodle reproduce at twenty-four months or after. After the eighth to the tenth year, it is safer to forbid your Goldendoodle to have other litters. It can develop risky health issues and die before its fifteenth year. A Goldendoodle should get pregnant in its second or third cycle. Their gestation period is sixty-one to sixty-four days. As we earlier said, the type of Poodle used to breed your Goldendoodle can affect its future offspring. If the Poodle is of medium size, chances are that the mother would produce five to six puppies. Again, if the mother has stronger reproduction genes from its Golden Retriever parent, her chances of reaching six puppies go up. A Goldendoodle dog will deliver three to eight puppies in their first litter. The more Poodle genes the dogs have, the higher the odds of having a smaller litter. But when considering standard Poodles, the litter gets bigger. Three or eight puppies are not standard figures but estimates. Ever asked this: how many puppies do Labradoodles have? Labradoodles have twelve puppies per litter. They produce a larger litter than Goldendoodles. Miniature Goldendoodles can have three to 4 puppies per litter. They produce the least number of puppies on average. What is the Best Age to Breed a Goldendoodle? The correct age to mate your Goldendoodle dog is 24 months. Six to twelve months is usually the first cycle in most dogs. It is not the best age because the pet is too young to nurture puppies. The second or third cycle is the best time. Related Posts. The demand is huge and if your dog is expecting, some of your friends might be already asking you if they can have a puppy. How big a Goldendoodle litter size is depends on a variety of factors, most of them having to do with genetics. What is a Goldendoodle? A Goldendoodle is the cute child of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Since Golden Retrievers and Poodles are among the most popular dog breeds in the world, it is easy to see how Goldennoodles have become so popular in such a short time. The first known example of a Doodle is the Cockapoo, which first appeared in the s, the result of the happy union between Poodles and Cocker Spaniels. Goldendoodles only appeared in the s and at the moment they seem set to become the number one Doodle dogs. How many different types of Goldendoodle are there? Basically, there are two types of Goldendoodle, and this depends on the size of the Poodle in the mix. If a Golden Retriever mates with a standard Poodle inches tall , their offspring will be a Standard Goldendoodle. However with a miniature Poodle 13 to 15 inches tall or a toy Poodle less than 10 inches tall , the result is a Mini Goldendoodle. On average, Goldendoodles are 20 — 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 50 and 90 lbs. What is the average Goldendoodle litter size? To understand this we must first talk about how the size of a dog affects its litter size. Large dogs tend to have larger litters simply because their body is big enough to carry more puppies at a time. This explains why Chihuahua and Pomeranian females have puppies on average, while a big Bullmastiff averages 5 — 13 puppies per litter. For Golden Retrievers the average litter size is 8 puppies. Since this is the average number, you can expect a Golden Retriever to give birth to as little as four puppies or an impressive 12 puppies at a time. With Poodles, the average litter size depends on the type of Poodle. Standard Poodles have six puppies on average, miniature Poodles have five, while a toy Poodle might have 1 — 3 puppies per litter. Mini Goldendoodles can produce 3 — 8 puppies per litter, which takes us to an average of five. Standard Goldendoodles can have more than five puppies per size, but you must understand this is not an exact science and there are other factors that come into play. While older females tend to produce larger litters, the same cannot be said about the father. An older dog might be affected by sper mobility issues so the litter that comes from such a union might be small. In general, a female dog is fertile the first time she goes into heat, which happens between 6 — 12 months of age. For Golden Retriever it is recommended that they mate for the first time around the age of two, which corresponds to the third heat cycle. The same goes for Poodles of any type. A female that does not mate until the age of five will generally have small litters for the rest of her life. In some cases, it is recommended to mate a female twice in a row and then give her a break for a cycle or two to allow her to regain her strength. These are general recommendations that apply to all dog breeds, including Goldendoodles. A female dog can have puppies throughout her life, but it is not recommended. As far as Golden Retrievers or Poodles are concerned, a female should only be mated until the age of 8 at the most. After the age of , a pregnancy can have complications, putting the life of the mother in danger. What is the difference between first generation and second generation Goldendoodles? To put it simply F1 means first generation Goldendoodle. F2 means second generation Goldendoodle. The main difference between F1 and F2 is that first generation Goldendoodles benefit from the so-called Hybrid Vigor. On the other hand, with F1 Goldendoodles it is more difficult to predict what traits they will inherit from their parents, in terms of appearance or personality. An F1 might have a smooth coat like a Golden Retriever or a curly one, typical of Poodles. Some still shed quite a lot, like their Retriever parent, while others are hypoallergenic and barely shed at all. F2 Goldendoodles are more predictable and they tend to shed less than first generation dogs. At what age should a Goldendoodle puppy be weaned? If you have a litter of brand new Goldendoodles you might be wondering when they are going to grow up a bit and be less dependent on their mother. By 6 weeks a puppy should be completely weaned. At what age will a Goldendoodle puppy be ready to go to their new home? True, in terms of feeding needs puppies are ready to move on at around 6 weeks of age, but they should not be separated from their mother and their siblings quite so early. What you need to keep in mind is that this period is crucial in terms of socializing and a dog starts doing this with his siblings. It is also a period when a puppy learns about getting and sending signals to other dogs, and this is very important for their future training as well as for their ability to interact with other dogs later in life. Typically, these dogs are bred to take the best traits from their parents. Even inside the same litter, puppies can vary widely. Other Similar Posts. We will also talk about some of the factors that can affect this number. The average litter size for Goldendoodles is three to eight puppies. However, this number can range from one to twelve puppies. Litters of ten or more are considered large, while litters of four or less are considered small. There are a few factors that can affect the litter size of Goldendoodles. Some of these include: Stressful Environment: One of the most common reasons for small litter size is stress. If the dam mother is in a high-stress environment during pregnancy, she is more likely to have a smaller litter. This is because the stress hormone cortisol can cause the dam to abort some of her fetuses. Younger dogs tend to have larger litters than older dogs. This is because their bodies are more capable of handling multiple pregnancies. If the dam is not in good health or if she is not getting enough nutrients, she is more likely to have a smaller litter. Additionally, if the dam has had previous litters that were small, she is more likely to have another small litter. This is because her body may not be able to produce enough milk for multiple puppies. Genetics: Genetics plays a huge role in litter size. Some breeds of dogs are more likely to have larger litters than others. For example, Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers tend to have larger litters than toy breeds. Additionally, some individual dogs may be predisposed to having smaller litters due to their genes. Inbreeding: Inbreeding can also impact litter size. If two closely related dogs are bred, they are more likely to have smaller litters. This is because inbreeding can lead to genetic defects that can impact fertility. Additionally, inbred dogs are more likely to have health problems that can make it difficult for them to produce large litters. How The Insemination Took Place: Another factor that can impact litter size is how the insemination took place. If artificial insemination was used, the number of puppies that are born may be smaller than if the dogs were allowed to mate naturally. This is because artificial insemination can cause damage to the eggs or sperm, which can reduce fertility. Additionally, if only one dog was used for artificial insemination, the litter size may be smaller than if two dogs were used. The age of the Goldendoodle can also impact litter size. This is because their bodies are not yet fully developed and they may not be able to produce as many eggs. Additionally, younger dogs are more likely to experience complications during pregnancy and delivery, which can lead to smaller litters. The average age for a Goldendoodle to have its first litter is between 24 months and three years old. However, some Goldendoodles may have their first litter as early as 18 months old, while others may not have their first litter until they are three years old. The average age for a Goldendoodle to have its last litter is between six and eight years old. However, some Goldendoodles may continue to have litters until they are ten years old or older. Beyond this, you can put your Goldendoodle at serious risk of health complications by continuing to breed them. At this age, the puppy will begin to eat solid food and will no longer need to drink milk. Weaning a puppy too early can cause health problems, so it is important to wait until the puppy is at least six weeks old before you begin weaning them. Conclusion: We would like to conclude by saying that the number of puppies a Goldendoodle can have depends on many factors. The health of the mother, the age of the puppy, and the weight of the mother all play a role in how many puppies a Goldendoodle can have. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine if your Goldendoodle is healthy enough to have another litter of puppies. Related posts: The average litter size for a goldendoodle is six puppies. The goldendoodle is a unique and beloved breed of dog that is slowly growing in popularity. Unlike many regular canine breeds, goldendoodles are fairly renowned for their larger-than-usual litter sizes — averaging around six puppies per litter. For goldendoodle owners who want to take the plunge into responsible parenting, this large of a litter can seem pretty daunting! However, with the proper supplies and resources, raising and loving multiple goldendoodle puppies can become an incredibly rewarding experience that all members of the family can be involved in. Standard goldendoodles can have litters of anywhere from two to twelve puppies, but six is the most common number. Goldendoodles, a cross between a goldendoodle and a poodle, are an increasingly popular family pet. Not only are goldendoodles beautiful, but they come with the intelligence of a poodle and the outgoing attitude of a goldendoodle. See also The Secret to Getting AKC Documents for Your Goldendoodle When it comes to goldendoodle litters, there can be quite a range from two to twelve puppies per litter — however six is fairly typical. This is why goldendoodles make such great companions; not too many puppies all at once to manage! Each pup has an individual personality that adds to the charm of having one in your life. Some factors that can affect how many puppies a goldendoodle has include the age and health of the dam, as well as the size of the litter. When it comes to goldendoodle puppies , there are a few factors that can affect how many puppies the pup will have in a litter. Additionally, sometimes goldendoodles may unexpectedly only have one puppy in a litter — even if both parents are healthy and relatively young. This is due to numerous things including genetics and size difference between parents which can make it difficult for goldendoodles to have large litters. However, most goldendoodles have a somewhat average-sized litter ranging from three to six puppies depending on these other factors. If you are thinking about getting a goldendoodle, be prepared for a lot of puppy kisses! Goldendoodles are a unique and loving breed of pup, and getting one promises life full of unconditional puppy love! As the offspring of two majestic breeds—Golden Retrievers and Poodles—Goldendoodles are highly praised for their good temperaments, intelligence, and trainability. Of course, this means that you can also expect an abundance of puppy kisses when you bring a goldendoodle into your home. Get ready to be showered with tail wags and slobbery smooches! Goldendoodles make wonderful companions who will stick around to keep you company for a long time. All in all, goldendoodles are a great breed for many reasons and the litter size is no exception. In conclusion, it is possible for standard Goldendoodles to have anywhere between one and twelve puppies, although the average litter size is usually six to eight. Additionally, it is essential to consult a vet in order to make sure that both mother and puppies stay safe during the birthing process. Related posts:. By Jennifer Nelson When you are looking to get a Goldendoodle, it is likely that you will have a lot of questions about the dog and how they will do within your family. And if you decide to take it to the next level and breed the Goldendoodle yourself, you need to learn as much about this type of dog as possible to be prepared. One of the first questions that you can have in either of these situations is what is the average litter size of a Goldendoodle. What is the Average Litter Size of a Goldendoodle? Goldendoodles usually have between puppies in a litter. Poodles average 6 puppies per litter and Golden Retrievers average 8 per litter, so Standard Goldendoodles usually have bigger litters while minis and smaller have progressively smaller litters. Keep in mind that larger dogs will often have a larger litter because they have the right body size in order to carry more of the puppies at the time. This is why small dogs like the Pomeranian are just going to have an average of 1 to 3 puppies while a big Bullmastiff will be able to have up to 13 puppies. For the Goldendoodle and other crossbreeds , we are going to need to look more at the averages for the parents rather than for the dog. And the exact amount can vary depending on if you are working with a standard Goldendoodle or a mini Goldendoodle. When we take a look at the Golden Retriever, the average litter size for this dog is 8 puppies. Since this is the average, you will find that each litter is going to be a little bit different when it comes to the Golden Retriever. Some will give birth to as few as four puppies while others may give birth to up to 12 puppies in one litter. Then we can take a look at the Poodle parent as well. The Poodle will have different types of litter sizes based on the type of Poodle that you work with. The Standard Poodle is going to have an average of six puppies. Then the miniature Poodle will have five and the toy Poodle will have between one to three puppies for each litter. Mini Goldendoodles are going to be somewhere in between all of this and the exact amount will depend on the size of the Goldendoodle that you are trying to breed. For example, if you are working with the mini Goldendoodle, they will be able to produce between three to eight puppies in each litter, giving us an average of five puppies. Then there are standard Goldendoodles, which are going to be able to have more puppies per litter, many averaging between 6 to 8 in each litter. Keep in mind that this is not an exact science and there are a number of factors that can happen to determine how many puppies will be born in a litter. For example, the first litter for a female is often going to be smaller in size compared to the following litters. While the older females are often going to produce larger litters, the opposite is going to be said with the father. An older dog might be affected by sperm mobility issues so the dogs will be smaller in the process too. Whether you are just starting out with the Goldendoodle and using the Poodle and Golden Retriever to get this done, or you would like to breed your Goldendoodle, you do not want to start the puppies on their first litter too early. To start, the female dog in the grouping is going to be ready to have babies when she first goes into heat. This will happen sometime between 6 to 12 months of age. Most experts agree that you should not breed them right away. The dog is not prepared to be a parent yet and this can be hard on their body. It is best to do it after the second or third fertile cycle at the earliest before you allow the dog time to mate. This will allow their body to become fully grown and makes it more likely that the dog will be able to handle the pregnancy. For the Golden Retriever parent, it is best that they wait until they reach the age of two before they are used for breeding. This will usually happen around the third heat cycle. This is a pretty common rule for all types of Poodles as well. If you wait until the female is five years old or older, they will generally have smaller litters than doing it before this time. Breeding between the ages of 2 and 5 is often best. While it is technically possible for the female to have puppies each time they go into heat, this is not a good idea. You should not force the dogs to go through one pregnancy after another because this can have some negative health effects for the dog. At most, you can mate the female twice in a row and then give them a few cycles to recover and regain their strength and to prevent issues along the way. If you are ever uncertain about whether it is a good idea to start breeding the dog, it may be a good idea to discuss this with the vet ahead of time to keep your dog healthy. The first step to helping breed your Goldendoodle is making sure that you do not start this process too early for your dog. Once you have decided when to start, it is time to figure out when you should stop breeding the dog. Technically, the female dog in the couple is able to breed and have puppies throughout their whole life. However, this is not something that is recommended. While each dog is going to be a little different, when it comes to the Poodle and the Golden Retriever, it is best to not mate the dog much past the age of 8 at most. The health of your dog should be an important factor to consider if you are worried about when to stop breeding. However, most dog clubs try to provide an incentive to stop you from breeding a dog that is too old. For example, most of the common dog clubs that you can choose from will not register a dog if their mother is older than 8 when they are born. This is done to help discourage continuous breeding up until the time the mother dies. In most dogs, once they reach the age of seven to eight, the pregnancy is going to have more complications. This is going to put the life of the mother in danger and is not that healthy for the dog or their puppies at all. Being careful with breeding when the dog starts to get older is not a good option. If you start to notice that the pregnancy is not going well for your dog or they seem to have a number of other health issues that may affect how well they are able to have puppies, then it is time to stop. The health of the mother always needs to be a top priority to make sure that they do not get sick. Taking care of the mother is a top way to keep the puppies in that litter a little safer as well. Breeding Your Goldendoodle Breeding a Goldendoodle, or their parents to make a Goldendoodle, can be a fun adventure that you are sure to love. This can help you to get some cute puppies that you can use for yourself or you can use to give out and sell to others who would like this kind of dog. No matter the reason for breeding your dog, you need to make sure that you are doing it the right way so that you do not cause any harm to the dog and can help them and their puppies to stay as healthy and happy as possible. These are two great dog breeds. These dogs were originally bred to be service dogs. Goldendoodles are very popular because they are beautiful and graceful. These breeds are playful and active. Goldendoodles are an excellent choice for pets because they are gentle and respectful of their owners. Goldendoodles were bred for the first time in the s and are still considered a young breed. Different physical characteristics distinguish Goldendoodles from other breeds. They have a charming appearance due to their wrinkled coats. They are intelligent and have good memories. They can calm anxious children and are excellent therapy dogs. They can also be very loyal and loving, making them a perfect choice for families with children. No better breed offers companionship, fun, and lots of it than the Goldendoodle. These dogs are energetic and can be very demanding. It is a wise idea to socialize your dog as soon as possible. A common question about standard Goldendoodle ownership is how many puppies can Goldendoodles have? A female Goldendoodle can have between 3 to 8 puppies per litter and as many as two litters in one year. As long as their mental and physical health is good, they can usually do this. This means that all puppies are born simultaneously or on the same bed. A litter is a group of puppies born at once. Is Dog size and breed effective? Because the Goldendoodle is a part Golden Retriever and a Poodle, there are a variety of variations when looking at the kind of Poodle. In addition to the differences in size, their temperament and care are also different. While a Miniature Poodle is a small dog, a Standard Poodle can be warm and welcoming. What factors influence the litter size for Goldendoodles? Genetics is the first. Some Goldendoodles reproduce at high rates, while others have very low rates. This is due to their genetic structure. A Golden Retriever has an average litter of eight puppies. For Poodles, however, it is more complicated. Their size is the most important thing. One to three puppies can be born to a toy Poodle. The bigger the dog, the larger its litter size will be. If your Goldendoodle is tiny, you should expect fewer puppies per litter. For a standard Goldendoodle, the average of 5 puppies per litter is reasonable. Also, the first litter of a female canine is usually the smallest. It will go up for the next litter. A female Goldendoodle can have two litters per year. Their fertility can last up to 8 years. It is most recommended for a female dog to mate before two years old. Five months is the average time for a litter of puppies to be born. What is the best time to start breeding? It is best to wait for the second cycle of fertility to pass, then start breeding. A female should have her first litter within the first two years of her life. This will increase her fertility and litter size. You may like: are huskies dangerous Breeding tips. Knowing the average size of a Goldendoodle litter will help you make informed decisions about breeding programs that will work for your dogs. What problems Impact the size of litter? Numerous elements affect the success of birth and the number of babies. There are a few factors to avoid to have the ideal scenario. Stressful environment: Dogs can feel stress. This could impact the fertility of your dog. As a dog owner, this is unacceptable and is not the behavior of a respected breeder. Genetics: Genetics of breeds can affect the size of litters. As we all know, genetics can often skip a Goldendoodle generation or not appear again. Inbreeding: It is dangerous because of the medical issues it can cause in dogs that are a product of the situation. Many breeders cut corners and run out of unrelated dogs searching for an F1b Goldendoodle or multigene Goldendoodle. This is unacceptable. A reputable breeder cuts NO corners. Goldendoodles fall into this category due to their natural tendencies toward hyperactivity and intelligence. They are perfect family pets as they are highly affectionate, energetic, hypoallergenic, and loyal. While they are young bred, they are gaining increasing popularity. This makes them suitable dogs for breeding. By Dr. Merliza Cabriles, D. Breeding Goldendoodles is both a science and an art. It comes with important and crucial responsibilities. Responsible dog breeders always share an underlying purpose—to improve the breed. This is achieved by making sure that the parents have been tested for specific Goldendoodle health issues , including prenatal checks. Breeding Goldendoodles will entail devoting time to acquiring in-depth knowledge about the breed, including genetic testing and the standards established by the Goldendoodle Association of North America GANA. A responsible Goldendoodle breeder is dedicated to learning about Goldendoodle pregnancy, health, breeding, and raising puppies. Goldendoodle breeders also recognize the importance of attending breed-specific events and establish good relationships with reputable Goldendoodle breeders. How Long Are Goldendoodles Pregnant? The average gestation period of Goldendoodles is 63 days, although it could vary from 58 to 68 days. When calculating the number of days of pregnancy, you should bear in mind that conception is often hard to ascertain. This means the act of mating is not a reliable way to start measuring the gestation period. The gestation period refers to the time between when the fetus was conceived and birth. The gestation period of Goldendoodles may vary if the female has been bred several times or if the eggs are fertilized by the sperm a day or two after mating. It is calculated from the first day of ovulation and not during the day of mating. When Can Goldendoodles Get Pregnant? The minimum age for Goldendoodles to get pregnant is years of age. The maximum is 12 years old. The first heat cycle of female Goldendoodles takes place between 6 and 18 months of age. While they are able to get pregnant at this time, this is not the best time to start breeding your Goldendoodle. When Can Male Goldendoodles Breed? The minimum age that male Goldendoodles can breed is 2 years old. The maximum is 10 to 12 years of age. Once male Goldendoodles become sexually mature, they will be able to mate every day throughout their entire lifetime. The viability and vitality of the sperm can be affected by the aging process, illness, or exposure to toxins. What is the Best Age to Breed a Goldendoodle? Female Goldendoodles can get pregnant throughout their lives. A Goldendoodle can be bred every 6 to 8 months. However, experts recommend letting one heat cycle pass in between each litter to avoid over-breeding your Goldendoodle. The earliest sign of heat in Goldendoodles is swelling or engorgement of the vulva. However, there are female dogs in which the swelling is not as obvious. For some female dogs that are in heat, the vaginal discharge will become apparent several days after heat has begun. The amount of vaginal discharge during heat varies from dog to dog. As the cycle progresses, the color and appearance of the vaginal discharge change. The bloody discharge during the early part of the cycle eventually becomes thin, watery, and light red in color as days pass. How Long is a Goldendoodle in Heat? The estrus cycle of Goldendoodles can vary from weeks with an average of 3 weeks. Morning sickness such as nausea and vomiting is rare but may occur in some dogs around days 21 to 25 as a result of hormonal changes. Signs of pregnancy in Goldendoodles are typically exhibited during the second trimester or during the third week of pregnancy. Have a question for a vet? Click here to live chat instantly with a verified veterinarian! Two to nine days before whelping, milk may be present. Drop in Body Temperature — This usually occurs 24 hours before labor. The normal temperature of Goldendoodles is between .Signs and Stages of True Labor As labor becomes more imminent, the frequency and intensity of the contractions will increase. The dog may not have much of an appetite and her abdomen hardens like a bag of rocks. Nesting may continue and the dog may keep on rearranging the bedding in her whelping box before a puppy is born. What is the Average Whelping Time of a Goldendoodle? So, for a litter of 5, the whelping time normally takes about 5 hours total. What is the Average Goldendoodle Litter Size? The average Goldendoodle litter size is puppies. To learn about responsible Goldendoodle breeding, you should consider becoming a member of the Goldendoodle Association of America , which is the first and only breed club for the Goldendoodle. There are also a large number of Facebook groups where you can connect with and learn from other breeders in your area and across the world. Read More…. This is a subject close to my heart as a breeder of Doodles and a former breeder of Labrador Retrievers. The gestation period is counted from the first day of ovulation rather than the first day of mating as these two dates can differ somewhat. While it used to be believed that a bitch would only mate on the days she was ovulating we now know, thanks to the help of the tools available to us today, that this is not always the case. This means that they ovulate earlier during their heat period than some other breeds and also give birth slightly earlier. Most breeds usually ovulate and are ready to be mated from approximately the fourteenth day of being in heat the first day of the heat period is counted as the first day you see bleeding but I have found with my Goldendoodle girls that they ovulate as early as day .With that in mind, in the early days of my breeding career, before progesterone testing was readily available, if I had used the fourteen-day rule of thumb I may actually have missed my girls ovulating. This means that mating slightly too late does not necessarily mean she will not become pregnant but that she may have a smaller than optimum sized litter. For this reason, we do not allow our bitches to be mated only once — it is important to repeat the mating again 48 hours later meaning a minimum of two matings. If you are taking your girl out to stud, rather than using your own in-house stud, it is particularly important to know when she is ovulating to avoid a wasted journey or wasted mating. Some bitches will stand to be mated slightly before and after ovulating, so allowing the dog to mate her is not indicative of ovulation on its own. I have found this to be especially true of my Goldendoodle girls who always seem keen to mate early in their heat periods. In addition to ovulating early in their cycle, I have also found that my girls give birth earlier than other breeds, generally giving birth on day 61 of their pregnancy rather than day 63 or 64 when my bitches of other breeds delivered their litters. I have found this to be true not only of my own Goldendoodle bitches but also of the bitches that have been brought in to be mated by my stud dogs. There are several ways we can confirm pregnancy in our Goldendoodle bitch starting from day 21 after ovulation. Many breeders also report a clear mucous discharge from the vulva at around this time. From day 28 you can have an ultrasound examination to confirm pregnancy however this is not a reliable way to ascertain litter size and bitches can also reabsorb fetuses even after this point. From roughly the fifth week after mating, however, you should be able to tell just by looking that your girl is indeed pregnant. I always notice that her rib cage looks wider when viewed from above at this stage. You will often find that her appetite increases around this time too. During the last two weeks of gestation, your vet can carry out an x-ray to check the number of pups that your bitch is expecting. This is more accurate at this point as calcification will have occurred and a good radiographer and often an experienced breeder can count the number of skulls and spines seen. Before even considering breeding from your Goldendoodle bitch there are a number of checks that should be carried out. No vet is needed for genetic testing as this is done via cheek swabs which are sent away to a laboratory; however, this takes several weeks. Assuming all these checks are OK before actually mating you must ensure that your girl is up to date with vaccinations, worming, and flea treatment and have her checked over by a vet to confirm that she is in perfect health and fit for breeding. Once she is actually pregnant apart from the confirmation of pregnancy, she should need no further pre-natal checks. Average Litter Size of a Goldendoodle Like most large breeds, Goldendoodles do tend to have large litters. The average litter size is 8 to 11 puppies. In my own personal experience, this has proved to be true with my smallest litter being ten pups and my largest thirteen. Goldendoodles are generally great mums and my girls have raised their litters beautifully and I have not had to assist with feeding, even with my largest litter. Can There Be Any Outside Impacts on Gestation Period Generally, if a bitch is having a smaller litter of four or fewer pups, she is more likely to give birth later than expected compared with a bitch having a larger litter. However, usually not by more than a day or two. Pups born seven days or more before their due date have a very low chance of survival, but this is thankfully a rare occurrence. If a bitch experiences trauma or contracts an infection during her pregnancy this can also cause early onset of labor or even abortion, so it is important to protect the pregnancy by ensuring the bitch is in optimum health and kept in suitably clean conditions. It is wise to avoid any unnecessary veterinary drugs or exposure to chemicals during her pregnancy. Your bitch will need to be wormed during pregnancy but make sure to use products specifically for use during pregnancy to avoid damage to the unborn pups. What is the Average Whelping Time? However, I have found that for a normal-sized litter 8 to 11 pups it usually takes on average around 8 — 10 hours for all pups to be born. Usually, once pushing starts the first few pups are born in relatively quick succession, but this slows down somewhat towards the end of delivery. This is caused by several things. There is no need to panic so long as the bitch is not distressed or actively pushing for over an hour without delivering a pup. The normal temperature is to .Once you observe this temperature drop it is vital to stay by her side. As labor progresses the bitch will pant and become restless often becoming stressed if you leave her even to pop to the toilet. She will start to dig, especially out in the yard so make sure you accompany her on toilet breaks. She may also have diarrhea or vomit. This is the time to encourage her to move to her whelping box. Tips on Caring for Your Goldendoodle During the Gestation Period During the gestation period, it is important that your Goldendoodle is kept in the very best of health. Make sure she has plenty of high-quality food, puppy food, or a complete raw diet are best and let her eat as much as she likes. Exercise is also important as a fit bitch will have an easier delivery. My own girls usually continue their daily walks right up until the day before delivery. Start worming the bitch on day 40 of her pregnancy with a pregnancy-safe product at the correct dose for her weight and continue this until two days post whelp.

Our Story When our 1st son was 18 months old, he was bitten by a family member's dog when he fell on her. She was a common rescue mix and even though she was kind and showed no aggression before, we had to pry her off of his head. This was a horrifying experience, and it was very hard on the family. After that happening, we knew we needed a family friendly breed for our young family. We chose a Golden Retriever puppy and she was loving, smart and affectionate. I started adding a few breeding dogs to my program and began a wonderful adventure. I have always longed for the farm experience that I grew up with. Both of us grew up in farm settings, and have always been around raising animals and puppies. I knew that breeding dogs would give me the love of the farm, at our home near Boise, Idaho. It is the perfect match for me. We started breeding Goldendoodle puppies and have never looked back. I will always be a dog breeder. It fits my personality perfectly. When we started our journey for a family dog, we were where you are. The journey you're on is not easy. If you've researched, you know that Goldendoodles are amazing with families and children. Feel free to reach out to us for support, we are here to help you in the process. Authority Check it out! I am proud to be published in the Complete Guide to Goldendoodles. I dedicate myself full-time to being a Goldendoodle Breeder. We put our heart and soul into being professional and dedicated. I am learning every single day something new about genetics, health or breeding. I network with hundreds of other breeders where we discuss changes in the parent breeds, new medications, materials, new genetic testing, and trends. I also have a handful of excellent specialized veterinarians that I work with weekly to ensure the best care of our moms and puppies. We carefully learn about genetics and commit to extensive ongoing research in health, genetics, training and breed practices for goldendoodles. We are an in-home goldendoodle breeder. We purpose to always be adding more and more health testing to our breeding program. Our Mommas We run a Guardian Program, which is on of the best breeding practices in existence. We breed full-time and therefore have lots of experience. Small breeders often make many mistakes because they only breed occasionally. They don't have the knowledge or resources to improve the breed. We average litters a year. Are we a puppy mill because of many puppies being produced? We are the farthest things from a puppy mill. Puppy mills kennel their many mother dogs and puppies for most of their lives. They re-sell their retired mothers for cheap prices, donate them to rescues, or even worse, euthanize them. Our mother dogs are pampered, and cared for with their loving families and live with no more than 1 other dog forever in the same home they were raised in. They are bred for only up to 4 times, and if they have no health issues. We are able to have many, happy dogs this way. No mother dogs are kept outdoors or in dirty, disease infected areas. In fact, they get more attention than most dogs because we hand select homes where the environment is extremely healthy emotionally and physically for a family dog. They have kids to play with, usually an adult home most of the day, sometimes another doggie playmate and of course, there are two families watching out for their health. They are groomed, exercised required , vetted, protected, and loved! Champion Lines Champion Lines means that there are close relatives of a dog that has achieved a Champion title in the show ring. We import our parent dog's lines, so they are from International Champion Lines. This is Ace for example. We raised Ace as a puppy and he now lives in Washington, DC with our sister, as a stud for our breeding program. He has 15 International Champions and 1 World Champion in his 5 generation pedigree. Several of his puppies are now grown and are currently in our Guardian Program having mini teddybear Goldendoodle puppies. She is such a wonderful example of a sweet, highly trainable mini Goldendoodle puppy. Trainability Blossom, one of our talented puppies has achieved "Trick Dog Champion. She also opens the refrigerator, gets you a drink of water and closes the fridge. She is a dock diving dog and a demo dog for a highly regarded trainer in Northern California. See her HERE. We breed our own lines of English Golden Retrievers and all of our future breeding dogs will be English Golden Retrievers. We partner with family members and choose from the very best puppies to introduce into our program. Our current American Golden Retriever mommas also have many of these characteristics. We chose them because out of the American lines, they have similar qualities. We look for blocky, mellow, and great health testing in our parent dogs. We found that most English Cream Golden Retrievers have all three of those qualities. Some American Golden Retrievers have all three, but they are hard to find. Their hip testing has significantly higher scores. The other genetic tests we do on our dogs are often much better with the English. Their temperament is the biggest difference that most people notice between the two types. They are much more mellow. We feel that because our puppies will be family and service dogs instead of hunting or agility dogs, we think that the mellow, laid back temperament of the English Golden will be best for our lines. English creams have a wonderful body style for Teddybear Goldendoodles. They are blocky and thick. This offsets the lean, athletic build of the poodle and perfectly compliments them. They are the parent dog for us! Our Puppies Our puppies are thoroughly and highly socialized. Our puppies are handled daily by children of all ages. Our Goldendoodle puppies are exposed to every household noise because they are raised in a home. They are in the dining room or living room areas so that they are close by all the daily activities in the home. This also gives everyone in the home convenient access to socialize them as part of family life. As they grow, we integrate outside playtime for the puppies part of the day, so that they learn the dog world as well as the people world. A few of our breeding females are active therapy dogs in facility settings. We have sold several diabetic alert dogs DADS and many to be trained for therapy and service. We work with local and national trainers to choose potential puppies. Golden Retrievers are known to be the all-around best family dogs in the world. They are trainable, easy going, and safe with children. That's why we initially chose a Golden Retriever when we had a young family. They are great at agility, retrieving, hunting and they have beautiful soft coats. Most of all, Golden Retrievers are people pleasers and will do almost anything to earn affection. They are one breed and so their temperaments are the same, just in different sizes. They are the second smartest dog in the world and easily trained. They are alert, and of course, non-shedding! They give the Goldendoodle their lovely fleecy and easy to groom coat. Why Goldendoodles Goldendoodles are retrievers with a soft mouth, affectionate, and highly intelligent. They have endurance and agility. Goldendoodles have what Breeders call "Hybrid Vigor. This contributes to their health and minimizes the breed specific hereditary health predispositions. Goldendoodles often grow stronger than both parent breeds. They often have better hips, eyes, and lifespan. To get a book on Goldendoodles, click here. Please reload. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Adding a loving and adorable puppy to the family can be one of the most special moments of your life. Puppies are naturally loving creatures and when you find puppies for sale at Clover Creek Goldens, you know that you are getting the best of the breed! We are a small team of hobby breeders based out of Southern Idaho. With only a couple litters per year, Clover Creek Gardens is focused on providing quality Mini Goldendoodles for sale in Idaho. If you are looking to add a wonderful pup to your family, keep on reading! With our love-first approach, we make sure to raise happy, healthy, smart, and trainable puppies. Our breeds are great with children and can quickly fill a house with warmth, love, and adoration. It is easy to find puppies for sale when you know where to look, but you'll never find Clover Creek Goldens anywhere else in the world! In order to reserve your favorite pup from the litter, make sure that you place your non-refundable deposit sooner than later. Our pups tend to go quick and after taking one look at them, can you blame us? We keep our Available Puppies list always updated with pictures and information! Contact us today with any further questions! Proudly created with Wix. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Idaho Falls Idaho and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted!

These jovial little jokers can bring a smile to even the most frustrated dog owner. Although most pugs are fawn and black at birth, "fawn" covers a range of hues. Black is also accepted. Fawns Fawn is one of the two accepted coat colors under American Kennel Club registration guidelines. Fawn is characterized by a light tan or cream-colored coat and darker brown or black hairs around the face. When fawn puppies are born, their coats may range anywhere from tan to brown and will lighten as the pups grow up. The black mask must be present for the puppy to be considered a true fawn. Blacks Black is the other pug color recognized by the AKC. Black pugs are black from head to tail and are free of any light hairs. Any white patches are considered a mismark, and may render your pug ineligible for AKC conformation shows. Black pups look like little lumps of coal at birth, and they maintain that solid black coloration throughout their lives. Apricots Apricot pugs are a variation of the fawn coloration. Apricots have the same base coat as the fawn pug, with a few reddish-brown hairs scattered around the coat to give a slightly red tone, reminiscent of an apricot. Apricot pups are typically redder than fawn pups at birth, with the strong red color fading to a peach shade with age. The strong black mask should also be present in apricot pugs. Other Colors While not as common as other colors, white, brindle and chocolate pups occasionally crop up. White pugs are an even shade of white or cream, and lack the mask of fawn dogs. Brindle puppies are born with a mixture of hair colors, and the traditional brindle stripes develop as the pups get older. Chocolate puppies are born looking like a milk chocolate bar, and the cocoa color stays consistent through adulthood. More Articles. What Is a Fawn Pug? The fawn Pug is a common color variant of the Pug breed. This dog has a pale coat color that has soft cream or a faint tan shade. Fawn Pugs may also have lighter or darker fur in some areas of their body. Other than its color, the fawn Pug shares most of its traits with the rest of the Pug breed. When we chase back history, there are only a few details about the fawn color. However, it was noted that Pugs are considered an ancient breed, and it was through selective breeding wherein the fawn color was developed. These brachycephalic dog breeds were standardized by the 19th century, and the fawn fur color was generally used as a foundation in shows as it gained popularity during breeding processes globally. Generally, the fawn and black fur color of Pugs are recognized as standard by reputable kennel clubs worldwide. Fawn-colored Pugs are usually seen in dog shows and movies since they are more desired by pet lovers. These Pugs also come in different varieties, such as regular fawn Pugs, apricot fawn Pugs, and silver fawn Pugs. However, they are still the same dog breed. These color varieties are just simply to describe the tinge and fur shade. Are Fawn Pugs Rare? These non-black Pugs are the most common Pugs globally. Despite them carrying recessive genes, fawn Pug puppies are about two-thirds of the Pug population. However, a particular fawn Pug variety, the silver fawn Pug, is pretty rare. They are much lighter than the regular and apricot fawn Pugs. A fawn Pug is a small breed dog with a pale tan coat color or slightly yellowish and very light cream. They also exhibit a brachycephalic head, which means that they have flat faces. Fawn-colored Pugs have wrinkled faces, a short muzzle, big prominent eyes, round heads, and non-erect ears. Their bodies are usually compact with a curly tail at the back, and their legs are short. They have masks that typically cover the muzzle and chin and extend around the eyes. This marking is highly desirable in dog shows, especially darker ones. Moreover, they have a darker brown sheen or black hairs on their backs called trace. It predominantly starts at the back of the neck down to the base of the tail. However, the trace may fade away as the fawn puppy matures. In addition, there may be slight differences between male and female Pugs. However, both genders grow to about 10 to 14 inches tall and weigh between 13 and 20 pounds. Although fawn Pug puppies already came from a tiny breed, their size and weight should not be confused with teacup Pugs that are not pedigree dogs. As mentioned above, these Pugs have varieties that have silver or apricot tones. Some kennels consider them under fawn-colored dogs, while others separate them as apricot Pugs or silver Pugs since fawn is a broad term. Pugs with apricot fawn coats have a medium cream appearance that is darker than that of a regular fawn Pug. Silver fawn Pugs have the lightest shade, and they usually appear as extremely pale silver tinge coats. They may have markings such as masks on their faces, but each purebred Pug will have unique placements of these marks. Most Pugs are also not uniformly solid in color. Some may have lighter or dark coat hues. Other rare Pug colors that are not fawn are brindle Pugs, panda Pugs, and chocolate Pugs. However, we will discuss those in other articles. A Pug puppy gets one color gene from each of its parents. Combining these two color genes will determine the coat color of the litter. A reputable breeder usually does DNA testing to achieve the desired fur color. That means the parent should be both fawn Pugs, or the black Pug being bred to the fawn Pug should carry the recessive genes for fawn Pug litter to be produced. This happens because black is a dominant color, meaning you only need one black gene to produce black Pugs, despite being bred to a fawn Pug. In the case of a fawn-colored Pug puppy, they either lighten or darken, especially in their first year of existence. As puppies, they may appear with a dirt-like appearance due to the black hairs intermingled with their light colored-fur. These hairs are called smuttiness, and they often fade as the pup grows. The same goes with the trace. In contrast, the masks of non-black Pugs tend to darken as puppies mature into adults. They generally follow the guidelines set by the Pug Dog Club. However, Pugs with non-standard Pug colors such as silver fawn, those with brindle coats, and apricot Pugs can still be registered in AKC but cannot compete in show rings. The Canadian Kennel Club recognizes three Pug colors — silver-fawn, fawn, or black. Aside from either fawn or black Pugs, the Kennel Club of the UK accepts four coat colors as a breed standard, including silver and apricot-colored dogs. For generations, the Pug breed has proven to be great companions and family pets. Fawn Pug puppies have docile, charming, playful, and affectionate personalities, making them loved by most dog lovers. An essential thing to consider is that a fawn Pug does not tolerate being left alone for long periods and is highly attached to its owners. So if you want a clingy buddy, a fawn Pug puppy is perfect for you. They are great with children and other pets, including cats. However, they still need to be socialized early to know how to behave appropriately. These fawn puppies are intelligent purebred Pugs that respond well to training and positive reinforcement. However, you may need to stand your ground at times since most Pugs are stubborn. Furthermore, they tend to be energetic, so as Pug owners, you should give them about 30 minutes of exercise to shake off stored energies and avoid destructive behavior. It is important to note that coat colors do not affect the temperament of your Pug. Female Pug: Which Is Better? The lifespan of a fawn Pug is between 11 and 14 years. They are a brachycephalic breed which makes them prone to several health problems. This makes them at risk of developing respiratory problems like laryngeal collapse and hypoplastic trachea. This can cause neurological issues, pain, weakness, and loss of bladder control. However, this can be managed by rest and anti-inflammatory medicines. Heat Stroke: Pug dogs are affected mainly by heat strokes due to their tight coats. They are sensitive to changes in temperature and do not do well in hot climates. Keeping them indoors during summer can help avoid this condition as it can be life-threatening. Many factors will surround the health of your puppies, such as acquiring them from a reputable breeder, diet, exercise, and genetics. Puppy Prices and Expenses Since the fawn color in Pugs is one of the standard colors, fawn Pugs are priced similarly to other Pugs. Adopting a fawn Pug puppy is a great option. This means you get to save money while giving a rescue pup a second chance at life. They will need essential items to transition and settle into a permanent home. Here is a list of initial expenses in owning a fawn Pug puppy: Type of Expense. Overview When you have a dog from the age of a young pup, this gives you a wonderful opportunity. It offers you a chance to bond with your dog from the very beginning. This also gives you an advantage because you will be able to train and teach your pup what they need to know before they learn any bad behavior from elsewhere. This section will discuss how to care for a Pug puppy, starting at 8 weeks old and up until he or she is an adult, at the age of 1 year. Transition to a New Home Things will run much smoother if you plan ahead and have most, if not all, of your puppy care items already in your home. Here are the most important items to have: A crate — One with an adjustable size is best to fit the needs of a growing Pug puppy. Crating is a good night time method to use until a pup is housebroken. Gates or a playpen — Choosing an area to gate off or using a canine playpen are good options for when you must leave your Pug puppy home alone or for when you cannot be right at his side. This keeps the pup in a controlled space which helps in regard to bathroom needs and keeping a puppy in one area when he or she has strong chewing urges. Puppy food — This should be obtained before the puppy is brought home. Owners will not always agree with the food that a puppy has been being fed, however any change should be done gradually. Have the food that the Pug has been used to eating on hand, as well as your new choice. Details regarding making this change can be found here: Feeding a Pug. You'll also want them to be sized appropriately and at floor level. Honey — Puppies are prone to the condition of hypoglycemia, which is a rapid and dangerous drop in blood sugar levels. Stress, among other things, can bring this on and while going to a new home is a happy event, it can also be stressful for a little pup that is leaving all that he knew and no longer has the companionship and friendship of his litter-mates. Treatment can be provided at home as plans are being made to bring the puppy to the closest animal hospital or veterinarian. A small dab of honey is rubbed onto the gums and then the puppy should receive professional treatment, sometimes an IV to restore sugar levels back to normal. Leash, collar and harness — Pugs are prone to conditions that involve breathing problems. The body structure of this breed confines breathing passages into a small space and Pugs can have smaller than normal nasal passages and openings stenotic nares. For this reason, using a harness can help a Pug breathe easier when on leash. A short 6 foot leash works best for both potty training and heeling. Read more : Choosing the Best Collar and Harness for a Pug Grooming supplies — The thick coat of a Pug sheds heavily and brushing it well and offering baths on a regular basis can help control shedding. Starting dental care at a young age can help a puppy become used to this grooming element and set up a foundation for a life time of good dental hygiene practices. Keeping the wrinkles, eyes and ears clean are important part of caring for a Pug puppy. Read more: Shedding - Expect your Pug to shed a lot and be prepared by having the right tools. Dental care - Taking care of your Pug's teeth should be high on your priority list. Ears - Expected shapes and proper care. Wrinkles - Keeping the wrinkles dry and clean. Sleeping supplies - Some owners prefer to have their puppy sleep in the bed with them and while this is not always a bad thing, an owner should think about how that will play out as the pup matures into a much larger adult dog. Having a pup get used to his own canine bed from the beginning, set up in a quiet corner of a room, may work out best. Do keep in mind that Pugs crave human companionship and do not like to feel isolated. Setting up the bed in a quiet corner of a well-used room allows a Pug to have a nice area to retreat to for rest and sleep while allowing him to be close to his human family. It will be normal for a little one to sleep anywhere from 16 to 18 hours a day.This included both night time sleep and naps that will be taken throughout the day. Chew Toys — Teething will begin around the age of 3 or 4 months old and can last up until a Pug puppy is 8 months old. Having a good supply of toys on hand for a puppy to chew on is important. Puppy Proofing Before bringing a puppy home and on a regular basis at least weekly owners are encouraged to go over all floors to remove any small objects that could be accidentally swallowed. All items that could be chewed on such as pocket books and shoes should be placed up high until the Pug has matured. Whining It is normal for very young puppies to cry when first brought to a new home, this usually only lasts for a week or so as the pup becomes used to his new family and environment. This can also be a sign of needing to go to the bathroom, so following house training guidelines, be sure to take your Pug puppy outside on a regular basis. Vaccinations for the Pug Puppy An important part of caring for your puppy will be to make sure he or she is up-to-date for all needed vaccinations. An 8-week-old should already have received his shots, as well as a de-worming. Veterinarians will have varying schedules, however this is a general guideline: 5 weeks Parvovirus: For puppies at high risk of exposure to parvo, some veterinarians recommend vaccinating at 5 weeks. Dogs at high risk are those that live in areas where wild life raccoon, skunk, deer, etc. The inclusion of either canine adenovirus-1 or adenovirus-2 in a vaccine will protect against both adenovirus cough and hepatitis; adenovirus-2 is highly preferred. You will want to talk to your veterinarian about this. Reactions to Vaccines Immunizations are intended to stimulate the immune system to then protect a dog against a specific infectious disease. It is very important to have your Pug receive all needed vaccinations. Your Pug may react to immunizations in ways that range from soreness at the site of injection to mild fever to allergic reactions. The allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. Mild- Mild reactions include fever, sluggishness, and loss of appetite. Mild reactions usually resolve without any treatment needed. This is called Urticaria. This happens when there is a reaction of the skin and shows as hives or bumps. It is usually extremely itchy. Urticaria may progress to anaphylaxis, which is considered life-threatening. However, Urticaria is the most common reaction in dogs if a reaction is to happen. Severe - The most severe reaction is anaphylaxis. This is a very fast, sudden, severe allergic response that causes breathing difficulties, collapse and possible death. This is very rare. Urticaria the moderate and most common reaction, if one is to occur happens soon after vaccination, often even before the puppy is brought home. It can happen in the car while you are driving back to your house. Your veterinarian will recommend immediate return to the hospital for treatment. Urticaria is usually treated successfully with injectable corticosteroids like dexamethasone or prednisone. Antihistamines do little to help with acute allergic reactions but may be given by injection to help prevent recurrence of symptoms after steroids wear off. Mild vaccination reactions usually require no treatment. However, if the symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, call your veterinarian. Growth Rate A Pug puppy grows quickly and this can happen gradually or with spurts and stops. Many Pug puppies have a growth spurt near the 3 to 5 month mark. As the pup nears the 1 year mark, growth will slow down. Once a Pug reaches his or her full height, there may still be some growth in the width of the Pug, as the chest widens and fills out. How a Pug ages and his growth is rapid, yet can be staggered during the first year. Getting Your Puppy Comfortable One of the most important parts of bringing a puppy home is allowing him or her to become used to their new surroundings. Allow your pup to roam around and check out his new environment. Be sure to keep a puppy's water in one designed spot so that the pup can know that it can always be found. The drinking and feeding area should be in a quite corner of a room, without much foot traffic or noise, since small puppies can feel vulnerable while eating. The absolute longest that a 2 month old pup can hold their needs is 2 hours. The bladder and bowel muscles are not yet fully developed. As they grow older, this time will increase as they have more control over their body. Usually it will increase by 1 hour for each month that goes by. Therefore, a 3 month old can hold on for about 3 hours, a 4 month old for about 4 hours and so on.With 8 hours being the maximum time for any age. Informational Note: When your 2 month old needs to go outside at least every 2 hours, be sure to not get stuck into that habit.It is important to slowly increase the time intervals. Your 3 month old can wait about 3 hours, but only if you allow the pup to use his bowel and bladder muscles to work and grow stronger. If an owner always brought their Pug outside every 2 hours, the dog would never learn to hold their needs for a longer period of time. Keep reading about the best way to house train a Pug puppy. All puppy vaccinations should be given before you take him or her out to the park, to pet supply stores or any other area in which there may have been or could be other animals. Many new owners already have another dog in the household. As your puppy grows older and is receiving the needed vaccinations, you can slowly begin introducing your new puppy to other dogs and allow normal socialization to begin. The Necessities of Care To have a healthy and happy puppy that will grow into a happy and healthy adult dog, make sure to always provide the essentials: A proper diet. You will need to decide if you want to offer manufacture food, home cooked food or a combination of both. Pugs are very sensitive to their human's emotions. A hug goes a long way! All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. As newborns they are deaf, bind, and largely immobile. They rely on their mom, or their breeder for food, warmth, and care. A Pug is Born! Unfortunately, the birthing process of Pugs is a difficult one. Flat-faced breeds, such as the Pug, are more likely to experience complications when giving birth. The Pug is also more likely to experience Dystocia, which is simply a term that means difficult or abnormal birth. Such situations put both the mother and her pups at risk. More often than not, the mother will require her pups to be delivered by a C-section. This is due to the fact that unborn Pugs have large and broad heads, whilst their mom has a very narrow pelvis. This awkward combination makes natural birth difficult. If the birth is successful, Pugs commonly have litters containing puppies, with 4 pups being the average. If your baby Pug is born naturally, their mother will next turn to chewing off the umbilical cord and cleaning them up. This is an important part of the bonding experience for mother dogs. The newborn Pugs will often nurse from their mother. When they are not nursing, they will spend the majority of their time sleeping. Newborn Pugs Pug pups begin their life fully reliant on their mother. They are born blind, deaf, and without teeth. A coat should be present, with the color being commonly either fawn or black. Fawn pups may experience their coat color lightening or darkening in shade as they mature. Their eyes and ears will be closed at birth and will remain this way for a while yet. Unable to support their own body weight, they will crawl on their stomach to get around. Baby Pugs are also not able to regulate their temperature, meaning that it is very important to stay warm. They will commonly clump together in piles, sharing body heat. Finally, the mother will also have to help her pups urinate and defecate as they are unable to do so by themselves. She does this by licking the anal and genital areas. One Week Old Baby Pug During the first week of life, baby Pug pups will either be nursing off their mother or sleeping. As they are still blind and deaf at this stage, they will not bother exploring or moving around more than necessary, spending most of their time lying close to their littermates and mother. Their weight should steadily increase every day. At the end of their first week of life, they should have doubled their birth weight, or at least come close. The owners of the pups will need to keep an eye on their breathing as brachycephalic breeds, such as the Pug, commonly have breathing issues. Two Week Old Baby Pug As we hit two weeks of age, we see a key development in the puppies growth; their eyes will open for the very first time! To begin with, their eye color will be blue, but will likely transition into a dark brown as they mature. Owners need to check over their eyes to ensure there are no issues, as this breed can be susceptible to ocular problems. At this stage, they may be a little more curious about their surroundings due to their newfound eyesight. However, they will still primarily be focused on sleeping and nursing. Their weight should continue to rise steadily over the coming weeks. By this time, the ears of the baby Pug pups will have opened. They will be able to hear for the first time and will begin reacting to more sounds. Their eyesight will also have developed significantly, with them being able to recognize their mother, littermates, and objects placed in their den. Along with their newfound perception of the world, they should now be able to support their own body weight and stand up. They may be able to walk, albeit with an unsteady gait. With all the interesting sights and sounds around them, they will likely be a lot more inquisitive of their surroundings. They may explore the den as much as their wobbly legs will carry them. The Pug puppies will also start teething, with their baby teeth coming through for the first time. This may start a passing interest in solid food. Gaining Independence On top of all this, they should now be able to urinate and defecate on their own, without any stimulation from their mother. We can also expect to see the start of the early socialization period. The puppies will begin developing behaviors and social skills for the first time, taking part in play with their littermates. Owners of the puppies should take advantage of this period to help them get used to human touch and presence. They will be establishing relationships with their mother, den mates, and people. Training can begin at this early stage. Despite the fact that their brains still have a lot of developing to do, a start can still be made on teaching them basic crate and potty training. They will also likely be much more mobile on their feet. Little adventures will be common and the puppies will play together often. Soft, easy to eat puppy food can be given. They will continue to rise in weight and keep learning social skills, with more complex behaviors being shown. While they seem a lot more independent at this stage, they will still require plenty of time with their mother and den mates before they are ready to be moved to a new home. Six Week Old Baby Pug At six weeks old, the Pug puppies are fast approaching the age where they reach full independence. By now, they should be fully weaned off their mother and placed onto solid food only. This is a big step. There is still much to learn. Up until now, the Pug puppies have been very curious and interested in completely new things. But they have always been safe under the watchful eye of their mom, too. Now, as they finally gain independence, the puppies learn to be cautious and careful; traits that keep them alive in the wild. Eight Week Old Baby Pug At eight weeks old, the Pug pups are developed enough to be able to leave their mother and littermates behind. They can be sold and moved into a new loving home. They should weigh around pounds. Training and Raising a Pug Resources Keep in mind that they still have a lot of developing to do; both physically and mentally! Remember, they are still within their fear period! Things learned here will make a big impact.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. With Chocolate's at heart for the last 15 years our aim has been to improve the breed of the Labrador Retriever with the health and temperament of each Puppy produced to the highest standards being paramount to our success. We are now on our 3rd generation of extensively high standard health tested perfect Chocolates and have now built up a positive reputable presence with our clients who many have had repeat puppies from us to become everything from the cuddy home family member, medical assistance trained, therapy companionship aids or the perfect field retriever under the gun. This proved to be exceptionally difficult to be able to get puppies from well breed and trusted lines. We do not use any cheaper untrusted overseas genetics or health screening companies for testing or any that aren't endorsed by the UK Kennel Club or BVA. This selection is between our very own Power and Ghost and if all successful these Puppies will be to the highest of health tested standards available in the UK. Please contact for further info. Are Weimaraners Good Family Dogs? Is the Silver Labrador a Result of Inbreeding? Yes, he is. The Silver Labrador is very uncommon back in the day. Thus, breeders needed to breed their dogs with their close relatives to produce Silver Lab puppies. Whilst this practice of breeding Silver Labs is done to preserve these dogs, it can cause health problems within the breed. However, the inbreeding waned as the population of Silver Labradors grew. But reputable Silver Lab breeders do not condemn this breeding practice. According to research, Silver Labradors have 7 distinct bloodlines. This means they have a varied gene pool. Hence, the possible development of health problems due to inbreeding has lower chances of occurring in the past. According to breed standards, Labs should have brown- or hazel-coloured eyes. On the other hand, Silver Labradors are born with blue eyes. When a Silver Lab puppy reaches 8 months to 1 year old, his blue eye colour will gradually change to light yellow. But in rare cases, some eyes of Silver Labrador puppies stay blue. Others may also possess light green eyes instead of light yellow. Is the Silver Labrador Friendly and Trainable? The Silver Lab temperament is similar to the traditional Labrador Retriever. He is an extremely friendly family pet. The Silver Labrador is the life of the party, and his cheerfulness is infectious. The Silver Lab strives to keep his human companions happy by performing silly antics or cuddling with them. With proper socialisation at a young age , they will learn how to play and interact with children and other animals. The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds for its friendly personality and high intelligence. Silver Labs possess the smarts too. Silver Labs can quickly learn commands as they are eager to please their owners. By keeping training sessions short and rewarding them with praises and treats , they will do their best to carry out whatever you ask of them. Silver Labs are high-energy family dogs. They need at least 1 hour of physical and mental exercise. They are originally bred for hunting and retrieving, just like their cousins, the Golden Retrievers. Jogging, playing fetch, agility training , and obstacle course are great activities to try out with him. Consider taking the Silver Labrador out for a swim once in a while, as the breed is a natural swimmer and has an innate fondness for water. The Silver Labradors have straight and thick weather-resistant double coats. It protects them from harsh weather and insulates their bodies. With that said, Silver Labs should don doggy coats and booties if the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit -6 Celsius. They should also be kept in an air-conditioned or cool area if the heat rises above 90 degrees Fahrenheit 32 Celsius. The Silver Labrador sheds most of the time moderately. However, it becomes heavy around spring and fall. Arm yourself with a vacuum cleaner to remove any loose or dead hair that comes off when brushing. Bathing the Silver Lab should be done sparsely , preferably once a month or as needed. Tooth brushing is advised to be done daily. Ear cleaning and nail trimming can be done once a week. The Silver Lab is a medium-sized dog. An adult Silver Lab will need around 1,—2, calories per day. He should be given around 3 cups of high-quality dog food every day. What Is the Lifespan of the Silver Labrador? The life expectancy of the Silver Labrador ranges from 10 to 12 years. With proper care and love, he can outlive these ages. Thus, it is important to provide Silver Labs with a stress-free home, adequate exercise, balanced meals, regular grooming, and human interaction. Do Silver Labs have health issues? Yes, they have. Colour dilution alopecia is a prevalent concern in many Silver Labrador owners. It is a hair-loss condition that occurs in dogs that possess the colour dilution gene. This can be treated through antibiotics. Another common health issue in Silver Labrador is hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Both are bone and joint problems that cause excruciating pain and lameness. These conditions are not life-threatening and can be cured through medication or surgery. Yes, Silver Labradors are rare in most countries as it is considered a new colour variation in the Labrador Retriever breed. Silver Labs may have become quite common in the United States, but they are still difficult to find compared to black, brown, or yellow Labrador Retrievers. Be sure to buy only from a reputable Silver Lab breeder. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Yellow Labradors come in a surprisingly wide range of shades, from almost white, through cream and butterscotch right up to a relatively dark red, also called fox red. But traditionally, Black Labradors have always been a uniform black and Chocolate Labradors range from a medium to dark brown. However, recently there has become another color of Labrador passionately recognized by a select few breeders, yet passionately disputed and rejected by the majority of breeders in the world. There is now…arguably…a Silver Labrador Retriever. How is Labrador Coat Color Determined? Fortunately, out of the innumerable genes that make up a dog, there are only a few we must concern ourselves with to understand how a Labradors coat color is determined. You can read in good detail the basics of labrador coat color, and inheritance in litters, in the following article at the Oak Hill Kennels website: The genetics of color in Labradors. You can see this in an easy to read diagram, along with the possible litters that would result from the 81 possible mating combinations, in this informative article from labbies. And no matter the subsequent breeding, a dilute will not be found in the litter. And if mated with a DD lab, no dilutes will be in the litter. If mated with a Dd carrier, dilute labs could appear in the litter. Until perhaps the s, the silver-colored lab was completely unseen or if it was then it was probably culled at birth. However, as told by Jack Vanderwyk over at LabradorNet. So where did the silver Labrador come from? You see, a great number of kennels kept very detailed records of their breeding programs and the color of puppies they found in litters. Almost everybody strived for the blacks of the breed, but there is mention in these books of various colors such as yellows, chocolates, vitiligos, brindles, black and tans…but never is there mention of a silver, gray or dilute color dog. They seem to have appeared from nowhere! And yet 4 decades later in the s, all of a sudden, silver Labradors were being advertised for sale in gun dog magazine. For these facts, many people believe that the dilute d gene was introduced into the Labrador breed long after the standards were set. And so many believe the Silver Labrador Retriever simply cannot be a pure bred Labrador! Do They Contain Weimaraner Genes? The major belief is that the dilute d gene was introduced into the breed by cross breeding with Weimaraners. This breed always carries the dilute d gene and have the distinctive silver, gray or dilute color. A Labrador has the look, temperament and disposition of a Labrador and not a Spaniel or a Mastiff simply because the breeding lines are kept pure. The very idea of a breed standard is to set out a blueprint for the breed that all must adhere to. The very essence of the Labrador breed is only maintained by the strict attention to the pedigree and blood lines of Labradors by dedicated and responsible breeders. If people started to introduce genes just to change the color of a breed then this whole system would break down. There would be no pure breeds, just cross breeds or mongrels. It will be interesting to keep an eye on this story as it unveils in the coming years. The American Kennel Club allows registration of silver Labradors as chocolate. This is mainly because most silvers not all as explained later are a diluted chocolate color. The controversy surrounding the origins of the color, with the possibility of Weimaraner genes having been introduced angers them. But breeders of the Silver Labrador argue that it is a pure bred Labrador. In many cases, the ancestry can be traced back through a few generations of pedigree dogs and the silvers litter mates are registered as pedigree, so the silvers should be able to as well. They are not a recognized color, but if they come from registered parents, you can also register the puppy. Fears Of In-Breeding In The Silver Labrador Gene Pool Due to Silver Labradors having been very rare in the early days of their history, the breeders had no choice but to breed their dogs with very close relatives to attempt producing silver litters. The gene pool was so small, they simply had no choice. Inbreeding though can cause a wealth of problems when it comes to the health of such dogs, as it can in any small gene pool. However, a study by LabradorNet on the Silver Labrador retriever population revealed that since , the population now has a relatively decent and varied gene pool. That said though, fears still abound that the inbreeding of the past has damaged the health of these dogs. Certainly caution should be exercised when sourcing a silver lab, by checking the ancestry and health of its parents before buying. But this should be done by all prospective owners before buying any puppy. Reaching nowhere near the numbers of the traditional colors, they are nonetheless far easier to find than they were perhaps 15 years ago. Indeed, a Google search will show many fan pages and breeding kennels dedicated to the Silver Labrador. The prices charged for a silver compared to the blacks, yellows and chocolates only adds to the anger of the traditional colors breeders, causing even more controversy and dislike toward the Silver Labrador breeders. What Are Your Thoughts? Do you think the Silver Labrador should be recognized as a color of its own? Are the higher prices justifiable? After all, they are in comparison to other colors fairly rare, especially in the UK. Let us know your thoughts on the controversy surrounding the Silver Labrador Retriever in the comments section below. Are you still yearning for more information about Labrador Retrievers? One of our favorite books is Your Labrador Retriever Puppy. It has tons of information about our favorite breed. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining.