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Call Vic or Mary Kasser or Email! We are Located south of Vancouver Washington. Travel From Vancouver Oregon is all I-5, except for the last 2. We are a Professional Kennel deeply committed to our dogs and puppies. We have placed our French Bulldog puppies and chihuahua adults with individuals and families in Vancouver, Washington from all walks of life and multiple generations. Our Vancouver, Washington Puppy Families recognize that there is a better way to choose and purchase a French Bulldog puppy. Our French Bulldog puppies are given a wonderful start in life that provides them with the love, socialization and training they need to become ideal pets for families in Vancouver, Washington. We also believe that nutrition is an essential component of raising healthy, well-mannered dogs. For this reason, all of our dogs are fed food and supplements that are free of wheat, corn and gluten's and are optimized for canine nutrition. Furthermore, all French Bulldogs under our care receive regular exercise, play, and affection. We invite you to check out the rest of our website and see for yourself how beautiful, healthy and happy our Vancouver, Washington French Bulldog puppies are! Among our pages, you will find a virtual tour of our clean, spacious and well-kept kennel and state of the art nursery. We are more than happy to provide references - in fact we insist. Our references include not only folks that have purchased French Bulldog puppies from us, but also our Veterinary and County Licensing info. Checking references is an important part of your homework on any breeder you are considering purchasing from! After you've looked over our website, give us a call and let us help you with your quest to find the perfect Vancouver, Washington French Bulldog companion. We are located in Drain, Oregon. We where blessed with 6 males and 3 females. The puppies are Now ready for their new homes. Your puppy comes home with the following. Their mom teaches them manners, confidence and boundaries. Check out our past puppy videos and pictures. One of my favorite childhood memories was puppies. We had several litters growing up. Our love affair with Frenchies started with Liz. She was sweet, energetic, loving and very entertaining. One of the things I love about this breed is that they love the whole family and not just one person. They love to cuddle. Dressing them up is easy and fun. French Bulldogs love people so they are great if you take them to work or to Grandma's for Thanksgiving. We have a farm located on 20 acres in Spirit Lake, Idaho. Paisley The American Kennel Club describes French Bulldogs as "an active, intelligent, muscular dog, with a smooth coat, compact medium build,they are expressive, alert, and curious. They are the 1 most popular AKC ranking dog as of .What Is A French Bulldog? The French Bulldog is a small breed of domestic dog. In , they were the fourth most popular registered dog in the United Kingdom and in the U. French Bulldogs originated from England, France. The first French Bulldogs were brought to America in by wealthy Society ladies. We consider them to be family so we play with the puppies and take them on a few car rides as well. They enjoy playing outdoors when the weather is warm. We are not a kennel. Our goal is to breed Quality, Beautiful, well socialized puppies. Embark test for over different diseases. All of Our French Bulldogs have been tested as well as our puppies. Mans best friend truly is a French Bulldog. Cuddled up next to you on your bed under the covers snoring softly while hogging your pillows. Copiloting around town with you drinking doggy Cappuccino. Every day is an adventure with frenchies Want to be on our waiting list? You can also contact us on the form below. Past Puppies Have you checked out the puppy page? We have lots pictures, videos, and information. Questions we have contact form below. Fill out my online form. We produce all of the brindles in black, blue, chocolate, lilac , fawns and sables in golden, red, blue, chocolate, lilac , creams, pure coats and tan points in black, blue, chocolate, lilac , and pieds in ALL of these beautiful colors! Call Us Are you ready to own the most popular dog breed in the U. We appreciate you visiting our site, whether you have been here many times in the past, or if this is the first time you have paid us a visit. We hope that the time you spend with us will be enjoyable, and that you will feel it is worth your time and effort. Of course, we invite you to come back as often as time permits, as we have provided a lot of information regarding the French Bulldog, and we doubt if you will cover everything in one visit. Under Owner Information, you will find a lot of information to help you determine if the French Bulldog is the breed for you. There are also FAQs for New Owners, if you have made the decision to adopt one of these wonderful dogs. Under Owner Info, you will also find several products that we use and highly endorse. We then have the unpleasant talk about scammers, who are rampant in the puppy arena, especially regarding French Bulldog puppies. If you see a deal that sounds too good to be true, there is a .It breaks our hearts every time we are contacted by someone who has been scammed, or nearly scammed. Please be careful. Lastly, under Owner Info, you will find information regarding our contract and our guarantee, which we believe is one of the best available, and it is the least we will do in the unlikely event that there is a problem with one of our dogs. Under Our Frenchies, you will find information regarding our breeding males, our females which have puppies on the ground, and retirees that are ready for their forever homes. We are very proud of the breeding male and females we have assembled. You can click on Former Puppies and scroll down to see a few examples of all of the various colors that Frenchies come in that we have produced in the past. We know that the different colors can be a bit confusing, so we have tried to make it as straight forward as possible. The only problem is that there are so many gorgeous colors that they come in, a decision regarding color preferences can be difficult .Also, under Our Frenchies, you can click on New Puppies to see all of our currently available puppies, along with a list of the litters that are born, but not yet introduced. We have placed multiple puppies in every state of the union except Hawaii, as they have a very long quarantine period. We have been using very responsible puppy nannies for years to deliver puppies to major airports all over the country, for very reasonable rates. We would love to work with you to place the perfect little Frenchie in your home. Some of our puppies, especially very specific requests, are placed with clients on our waiting list, but many are available to potential clients that are looking for puppies right away. If you are looking for a high-quality Frenchie puppy, please contact us and we will send information which will help you determine if we might be the breeder for you. We will do our best to help you adopt the Frenchie of your dreams. We do not post earlier videos. All of the puppies shown in the videos will have had their vet checks and will be available for adoption with the exception of a few that we may belatedly decide to hold back. Generally, those that we will be holding back will not be included in the videos. As a reminder to each of our Waiting List clients who have passed on prior puppies due to poor timing, when you are ready for your puppy, please let us know so we do not bypass your name when we are placing new litters. Meeting the puppy Nanny was easy and smooth at the airport! Hank was love at first sight. Happy Holidays! Just thought I would write to give you an update on our Dieter. Thank you again for doing what you do, and raising such amazing dogs! Dieter is loved by all who meet him, and he has met several people on his adventures this year. He is such a mischievous, but entertaining boy. He is the sweetest, craziest, cutest, cuddliest, puppy! Hi everyone! Just wanted to give you guys an update on Hank Mowgli. He is the center of every minute in my girls day. There were tears of joy and excitement — it was wonderful! Night went well — I had my hand in her kennel so she could sleep — she would make sure it was there and then fall back to […] Danielle, Rich and Rowan Hi BlueHaven!! Hope all is well! Rich and I would like to thank you for the care and love you put into your breeding program. Rowan is a healthy and fun-loving Frenchie! We hope all is well in your neck of the woods. All is well here. Originally, when we listed our preferred colors, we did not select brindle, but as you can see, once we saw GiGi, […] Catherine, Nick, Kolbie, Natty, and Dieter Dieter had an awesome first night. Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving! Just wanted to send an update on Pearl formerly Sinah. At nearly 4 months old now; Pearl is doing very, very well. She had her 3rd series of shots and vet check last week and is perfectly healthy.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We decided to take some work off your hands and do our own independent research into all the countless Bernedoodle breeders in Iowa. Here are our top choices along with some useful tips on how to choose a responsible Doodle breeder. One of the key aspects in this is selective breeding and rigorous health and genetic testing. This ensures that the puppies come from genetically sound and strong bloodlines. Additionally, ethical breeders will also back their promises with genetic health guarantees that usually cover the first one or two years from adoption. As an in-home breeder, they never keep their dogs in a separate kennel, and the pups are raised in a calm and loving family environment. Bluff Country Bernedoodles follows responsible breeding practices. Bluff Country Bernedoodles is very much focused on providing their puppies the best start in their care. Not only do they shower their pups with cuddles and kisses, they introduce them to a variety of sights, sounds, smells, new people, other animals, and even start with regular grooming. All of which help the puppies to become their very best, confident selves. The Standard Bernedoodle is typically a low-energy dog and makes a great companion for a relatively inactive person. Families love our Standards for their goofy, calm, and affectionate personalities. The Mini Bernedoodle is a medium energy dog, which makes them an awesome balance of mellow and small bursts of athletic energy. Families love our Mini's for their charming, loving, and intelligent personalities. Tiny Bernedoodles fall between the medium and high energy level categories which makes them slightly higher energy than an F1 generation dog, yet extremely intelligent and trainable! Our F1b Tinys range greatly in color and markings. We usually see black or chocolate tri color, phantom, or apricot coloring and some have parti markings! Families love our Tiny's for their smaller size, non shedding, and intelligent, sweet personalities! Learn More Contact Us We aren't adding to our waiting lists while we move to a reserve by availability style of reservation system. If you're looking for a puppy right now, check for openings in our current litters and get notified of any availability by subscribing to our mailing list! State licensed and reputable breeder. Featured here with Chloe back when it first began. A Word From Kim Located in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, we raise four breeds: goldendoodles, englishdoodles, poodles and bernedoodles. We offer them in four different sizes: standards, moyens, miniatures and petites. We offer them in two different coat types: F1s and F1B's. We specialize in temperament testing and excellent, veterinarian approved health protocol. We live on a acre farm, which includes a creek and woods for our dogs to explore in. Our adult dogs and puppies enjoy our large yard and grassy runs to frolic on and they enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. They get a lot of attention not only from my seven children, but all of their friends too. They enjoy life chewing on deer antlers that they bring home when they explore the creek, chasing rabbits and birds, resting on our front porch, and interacting with family. My children often grab their favorite dog and have them sleep in their bedrooms with them. Our state-of-the-art kennel has a fully staffed grooming room, neonatal unit, toddler room, photography room, employee break room and a stunning reception room. It is air-conditioned, has propane heat, in floor heating, return air, security cameras and great lighting. We keep our building clean by cleaning it twice per day with top-of-the-line products to keep our dogs and puppies healthy per our veterinarian's oversight. Every dog has their own bed, fresh food and water on a daily basis. No veterinarian need is ever unmet. We care deeply about our dogs, and they are very happy. Most importantly, we pride ourselves in raising healthy puppies from parents that we have done all the appropriate genetic and health testing on. We are thrilled that our outstanding reputation and positive reviews precede us. We take pride in everything we do, including quality customer service and being ethical and transparent in all areas of our program. Our state inspector and the veterinarians that we work with are very pleased with how we run our kennel and have said specifically they wish every breeder could be so organized. I sincerely enjoy raising puppies and I am very passionate about it. I told my mother after my very first litter 13 years ago, "This is what I was born to do. I feel like I have returned to my childhood. He cares deeply about the dogs and puppies' mental health and overall well being. He is often found taking several dogs down to the creek to let them spend an afternoon just doing what dogs love to do,: explore, run, jump in the water, get a little muddy and play with their best friends. I am so honored to have him. We are proud that we serve customers across the entire nation from the east coast to the west. We also serve internationally; Mexico, Canada, and Europe. We aim to please each and every customer to help them find exactly what they are looking for. We also offer any support they may need after they bring their new puppy home. We desire to give you a professional experience. We are honored that so many of our puppies and adult dogs have also become Certified Therapy dogs. We have placed dogs and puppies in retirement homes, police stations, and in families that have children with special needs. Please see Therapy Dog page on our website. We even had a world renown dog trainer, Alex Rothacker, purchase a puppy from us that has his name and dogs in the Guinness Book of World Records. His dogs and videos can be seen on youtube. Search on World Record - Holding Poodle. His poodle did not come from us, but he did purchase an Englishdoodle from us. He had it narrowed down to ten different breeders, but chose us as due to our videos that we provide, quality of dogs and customer service. We are delighted with each new customer that walks in our doors. We welcome you into our facility and we desire that you will have the best experience ever finding your new family member. We think you rock! The kids can't keep their hands off of her! People don't see how clean, happy and healthy all the dogs are. Keep up the great work! We specially chose you after extensive research - because of your love and passion for animals and their future. Thank you! I appreciate everything you all have done! She's so sweet and loving! Thank you again for everything! We consider social, physical and mental health of the dogs and puppies in our program. We work hard at improving the breeds we offer as we take deep pride in offering healthy puppies with a warranty and an exceptional health protocol that is second to none. We are licensed by the State of Iowa and we are inspected annually by the state inspector and by a local DVM. Vet Quotes "This breeder knew what she was doing. This is a very beneficial tool for me to interact with my customers before and after you take your puppy home. Before your puppy comes home, we upload weekly photos and videos so you can have a lot of information for making your selection. It becomes an enjoyable experience for the whole family. If you should have any questions regarding grooming, basic obedience, mouthing, whining, potty training, containment and diet, we are here for you. I also get the added benefit to see my puppies grow up as you post pictures on social media. I am a strong believer in developing relationships with my customers! Facebook provides a natural platform for this to occur. You become a part of my extended puppy family. We pride ourselves in relationships instead of applications. You do not need to fill out an application. We believe applications encourage deception and we respect transparency and honesty. I look forward to getting to know you personally as you begin your journey with our team. Decorah, IA. We are here to help. Contact Us. What do you do to ensure your Bernedoodle puppies grow healthy? Some of the best Bernedoodle breeders, like us, will offer a 2-Year Health Guarantee to show you we mean business! Once a Bernedoodle litter is born, we take our Doodles to a licensed veterinarian for genetic testing, where all our puppies receive all required shots to ensure excellent health. When a litter is available, we post the parents along with the pups. You can review their bio, see previous litters, their well-being, and why our adult dogs are superior. When buying from Central Illinois Doodles, however, you can rest assured the parents, both the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle, are purebred. What type of Bernedoodles does Central Illinois Doodles offer? At Central Illinois Doodles, we breed two types of Bernedoodle puppies — standard and mini Bernedoodles. And while both these types are incredibly adorable, they do come with several unique traits. The Standard Bernedoodle is typically a low-energy dog and makes a great companion for a relatively inactive person. Iowa families love our Standards for their goofy, calm, and affectionate personalities. The Mini Bernedoodle is a medium-energy dog, which makes them an excellent balance of mellow and small bursts of athletic energy. Iowa families love our Mini Bernedoodles for their charming, loving, intelligent personalities. Is a Bernedoodle a good breed for Iowa? As a Hawkeye, you will want to ensure your pup stays sharp, so take them to the vast number of dog parks, friendly resorts, and countless state parks. Bring Fido outlines some of the best dog-friendly spots for you and your pup to get well acquainted. Do I need pet insurance for a Bernedoodle in Iowa? A pet insurance policy ensures you can provide your adorable mini Bernedoodle with the necessary treatment without worrying about a hefty vet bill. Here is a link to the 7 best pet insurance providers in Iowa. Click on this link to learn more. Welcome Welcome to Bluff Country Bernedoodles. Our family, along with our dogs, live on 40 acres outside Decorah, Iowa. It is a very special place to us. Our land includes beautiful bluffs, trees, and a creek that flows through the woods and pastureland. Our dogs thrive in this environment. They spend time outside every day and have many opportunities to do what they love most: run, explore, and take the occasional nap under a shady tree. Raising puppies in this environment is wonderful. We raise healthy and happy Bernedoodles, Cockapoos, and Poodles. We keep our operation small so that we can give our dogs and puppies the attention they deserve. All our puppies are born and raised in our home, and they receive lots of love and care. Our breeds…. They combine the gentleness of the Bernese Mountain Dog with the intelligence of the Poodle. To learn more about this amazing crossbreed, click on the link. Bernedoodles Cockapoos Who can resist the sweetness of a Cockapoo? They are soft and fluffy, with beautiful long ears. Cockapoos make great companions. Click on the link below to discover the many desirable traits of the Cockapoo. Cockapoos Poodles Poodles are very intelligent, thus very trainable. They can learn amazing tricks. They are also completely non-allergenic. Take a moment to learn why Poodles continue to be one of the most popular breeds in America. The love and attention BCB shows to their work with the pups is first rate. Our vet here at home was very impressed with the detail and care in the paperwork and information from BCB. Margaret White Evans, Georgia Mette is wonderful to work with. No shortcuts are taken. Puppies receive what they need emotionally, environmentally and nutritionally to have the best start in life. Communication is great from the start with updated pics and information weekly. Thank you, Mette! Angie Scott Stephenson, Idaho We did our homework selecting our breed, however we feel where we truly lucked out was in finding a breeder who surpassed all expectations. There were nearly daily updates and information on their individual growth, development and personality. Our Magnus was so well socialized and loved, he transitioned easily into our lives. We give Bluff Country Bernedoodles 10 stars for quality of breed and exceptional and personal service! Mette was very accommodating in addressing any questions I had. Ruffles came microchipped with full AKC papers, health certificates, and initial inoculation and medication records. Upon introducing Ruffles to my own vet, the vet said that Ruffles was in excellent health and had received very excellent care. Bill Smith, Minnesota Ready for a puppy? Current litters Take a look at our current and recent litters of adorable puppies. Some of them may be available.

Vocality level 3 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament The Boxer is playful, exuberant, inquisitive, attentive, demonstrative, devoted, and outgoing; this dog is a perfect companion for an active family. Boxers can be stubborn, but are sensitive and responsive to commands. They may be assertive toward strange dogs, but are generally good with other family dogs and pets. Upkeep The Boxer needs daily mental and physical exertion. They likes to run, but their exercise needs can also be met with a good jog or long walk on leash. They do not do well in hot weather. Some snore. The coat needs only occasional brushing to remove dead hair. Health Major concerns: boxer cardiomyopathy, SAS, CHD Minor concerns: gastric torsion, hypothyroidism, corneal erosion, colitis Occasionally seen: brain tumors, degenerative myelopathy Suggested tests: thyroid, hip, cardiac Holter monitoring Life span: 8—10 years Note: Sensitive to heat. White boxers may be deaf. The drug acepromazine can cause severe reactions. History The Boxer derives from two central European breeds of dog that no longer exist: the larger Danziger Bullenbeiser and smaller Brabenter Bullenbeiser. Bullenbeiser means bull-biter, and these dogs were used to chase large game through the forest. This required a strong but agile dog with a broad powerful jaw and a recessed nose. In England, the Bulldog was the favored breed for the sport, whereas in Germany large mastiff-type dogs were used. Around the s, German hunters began a concerted effort to create a new breed, crossing their Bullenbeisers with mastiff-type dogs for size, terriers for tenacity, and, finally, Bulldogs. The result was a tough agile dog with a streamlined body and strong grip. By , an entirely new breed, the Boxer, had been established. Although the exact origin of the name Boxer is obscure, it may have been derived from the German Boxl. The Boxer was one of the first breeds to be employed as a police and military dog in Germany. By , the breed had become established as a general utility dog, family pet, and even show dog. The AKC recognized the breed soon after, but only in the s did the breed begin its steady rise to the top of the popularity charts, eventually peaking as the fourth most popular breed in America. Related Content. Oakley is a handsome 5. His fosters think he's also mixed with Lab and will grow to be approximately pounds. A few Fun Facts about Oakley: He has two dew claws on each of his rear legs, when he hears his food or treats getting prepared he will chatter his teeth in excitement, he is SO cuddly and loves snuggles! Oakley is a sweet puppy who just wants to be by your side. He gets along great with other dogs and loves playing and following their lead. Oakley also enjoys going for walks and is fantastic on a leash! He knows that when he's done eating, it's time to go in the yard to use the bathroom. Oakley is very smart and eager to please. He is also very treat motivated and has mastered the command "sit". He also sleeps through the night in his crate. Some of his favorite things are kongs stuffed with peanut better , snuggling with his humans, sun bathing, playing in his kiddie pool and squeaky toys! If your family wants the sweetest, most loyal pup who will snuggle up next to you and loves to be in your company, Oakley is the perfect match! Oakley is currently being fostered in Avenel, NJ. The adoption fee covers a portion of these services, and makes it possible for us to continue rescuing animals. An application does not obligate you to adopt. Please understand that due to the volume of applications some animals receive, we are unable to contact all applicants. If your application is considered a good fit for the animal you are interested in, or even a different pet, a volunteer will give you a call as soon as possible. We are a foster based rescue and do not have a shelter location where animals can be seen during the week. Not all animals attend every adoption event, please check our Facebook page for animal event times and locations before you make a trip to meet a specific animal.

We have answers. French Bulldogs come at a whole range of different prices for various reasons. The prices are simply dependant upon various reasons including pedigree, breeder experience, coat color and some other factors. Keep in mind that our network is designed to help you get the puppy you desire - and one that fits your budget too! What kind of dog is a French Bulldog? French Bulldogs are little, short, goofy pooches with heads that are a little too big for their bodies and make them look like they could tip over at any point. French Bulldogs come from English Bulldogs, their bigger cousins. They are just much smaller with charming personalities that will win your heart. Why are Miami French Bulldogs so expensive? You may be surprised to find out that French Bulldogs are a bit more expensive than other breeds. Because of their extremely narrow hips, reproduction proves to be very hard. Therefore their breeders have to artificially inseminate their dogs and when their Frenchies are ready to give birth, a C-section has to be performed. Do you only match me with French Bulldog breeders in Miami? Most companies and breeders that belong to the Uptown network are complete professionals when it comes to arranging travel for your French Bulldog. They can transport your new puppy to any major airport near you! The Uptown network is also growing by the day so you may even have the chance to pick up your Frenchie in person. How do you screen French Bulldog breeders Miami? All day we are messaged and called by breeders and businesses who want to be part of the Uptown network. Once they do this they also have to take our Breeder Pledge. We have very strict standards regarding animal care, breeding experience, facility quality and oh, so much more. Finding puppies is really easy today due to the internet. Sadly, there are many breeders out there who are inexperienced, as well as puppy mills who sell sick dogs. We have one simple goal - to help the absolute best breeders out there connect with loving families, just like yours, so that you can find the Frenchie of your dreams. What is a puppy mill like for French Bulldog puppies Miami? Puppy mills are exceptionally cruel places for dogs. If you actually see one it will break your heart. Female dogs are locked in small cages all their lives where their only sole purpose is to breed litter after litter after litter. Often puppies who come from puppy mills cost you thousands at the vet because they are weak and sick with behavioral issues and often die young. Are there any French Bulldog puppies in Miami right now? With one click underneath, you will be able to see a list of puppies that are available to you through the Uptown network. Rest and relax because we really do have the best breeders in our network! A beautiful French Bulldog puppy will be yours in no time! Our dogs are very much part of our family and we enjoy working closely with our new families and find this to a important role in breeding. Our adults are not only healthy, but have wonderful temperaments as well as our puppies and both are raised with lots of care and consideration. Our Dogs Each one of our dogs complete not only our family, but our breeding program. We raise our adults and puppies with lots of love and care. It is crucial to feed a well balanced diet and to give everyone not only the proper socialization, but exercise and stimulation to maintain health. We care deeply about our dogs and we want families who give the same care and respect The Breed French bulldogs are a special and unique breed. We strive to improve the breed and put a lot of thought into the pairing of our dogs. The care and time needed for each one of our dogs and puppies is absolutely critical. We socialize our dogs and breed for a sound temperament. It is important to familiarize yourself with the breed, and we would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Check out my Instagram! Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water.

For the complete list please see our resource links page. Are the puppies bred for quality or quantity? Do the parents have health clearances? What genetic testing has been done on the puppies? Are the puppies raised in a home environment? What type of support and training does the breeder offer? How often do the breeders breed their dogs? But prices can vary depending on the breeder. When looking for a breeder, it is important to set your budget before you start searching for a puppy. If you have an exact price in mind, this will help you eliminate breeders that are outside of your price range. These dogs typically cost less than a dog from a breeder. But be aware that these dogs may not have all of their shots or they may be ill with something like parvovirus. In some cases, it is possible to adopt animals from places other How to Find A Responsible German Shepherd Breeder in Massachusetts If you are looking for a responsible German Shepherd breeder in Massachusetts, there are a few things you can do to make sure you are choosing a reputable breeder. First, ask your friends and family if they have any recommendations. If they have had a good experience with a breeder, they will be more than happy to recommend them to you. Second, do some online research. There are many websites that allow dog owners to review breeders. Reading through these reviews can give you a good idea of what the breeder is like and whether or not they are reputable. Third, social media is a great new way to find out about breeders that may not be in your local area. If you do not want to visit the kennel in person, at least meet with the breeder of your pup face-to-face before you put any money down. Spend some time getting to know the breeder through email or even by telephone but insist that you will only purchase if they would be willing to let you come and visit their facility in person. There are plenty of reputable breeders out there who will be more than happy to help you find the perfect puppy for your family. Do your research, ask lots of questions. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your German Shepherd Breeder in Massachusetts Make sure the breeder has a list of references that you can contact who have purchased dogs from them in the past. Do not be afraid to call or email these people and ask questions about their experience with the breeder, whether they are happy with their dog, if they recommend her, and if they would buy a dog from her again. Be prepared to wait for the right puppy. Be cautious of any German Shepherd Breeder in Massachusetts that does not offer you references. If your breeder tells you he is unable to provide this information for some reason, then take this as a red flag and politely thank him for his time but do not purchase anything from him. An ethical breeder will be happy to provide you with documentation that proves that his dogs are healthy and have been cleared of any genetic health issues. Ask Your Massachusetts German Shepherd Breeder if You Can Meet Past Customers Many people who go to a breeder and meet the parents of the puppy they are interested in, find out that if they had met some of the past customers who have purchased a puppy from our German Shepherd Breeder, they would not have even considered buying a puppy from this breeder. Many of these past customers will tell you that they did not get what was been promised to them when it came to the exercise requirements, temperament and loyalty qualities that these German Shepherds possessed. In fact, many of us made costly mistakes with our first dog or dogs because we were unaware of the time commitments involved in owning a quality German Shepherd Dog that is going to resemble what has been advertised by so many breeders around the country. Meeting past customers will help you to understand what you are getting into if you purchase a puppy from our German Shepherd Breeder. We want you to be happy with your new addition for years to come, and talking to people who have already gone through the process is the best way to gauge whether or not our breeder is right for you. When looking for a German Shepherd Breeder in Massachusetts, it is important that you ask if you can meet some of their past customers. This will help you to understand what kind of experience you can expect if you purchase a puppy from them. Happy customers are the best advertisement a breeder can have. One of the things that you will want to ask your breeder is if they have a good veterinarian that they use. This is important because you will want to make sure that your puppy has all of its vaccinations and is healthy. When looking for a German Shepherd Breeder in Massachusetts, it is important to ask if they have a good veterinarian that they use. This will help you to ensure that your puppy is healthy and has all of its vaccinations. Happy and healthy puppies are the goal of every breeder. Some of these signs include: The breeder does not allow you to meet any past customers The breeder does not have a good veterinarian that they use The puppies are kept in poor conditions The breeder is asking for too much money for a puppy If you see any of these signs, it is best to walk away and find a different breeder. It is not worth it to purchase a puppy from an unethical breeder, as you will likely end up with a dog that has health problems and behaves poorly. Ask The Massachusetts Breeder if Your German Shepherd Puppy Has Any Health Problems The best way to determine whether or not a breeder is ethical and responsible is to ask if the puppies they offer for sale have any health problems. Most reputable German Shepherd Dog Breeders in Massachusetts provide you with a written health guarantee that ensures every puppy they sell will be free of genetic health issues. An honest and ethical breeder should be able to prove their claims by providing you with proof that all of their dogs are free from genetic health concerns. If they cannot do this, then walk away. When your puppy is first brought home it is a good idea to confine them to a crate or a small area with nothing on the ground that they can chew. This lets them get used to being in one spot without getting into trouble. Once you have taught your German Shepherd Dog not to chew things you can give them free reign of the house though still keeping dangerous items out of their reach. If you want, but this may be difficult if your new dog has already chewed through everything at least once, you can purchase some baby gates and put them up around your house so that your puppy is confined to specific rooms unless they are leashed. If all goes well, and it usually does, after about 3 months sometimes sooner your puppy will have learned the house rules and can be allowed to roam free. Potty Training Your New German Shepherd Puppy One of the most important things you will need to do when potty training your new puppy is to be consistent. You should take them out every time they eat, drink, or play and also after they wake up from a nap. Reward them with lots of praise and a treat when they go potty in the right spot. It can be helpful to put your puppy on a regular feeding schedule as this will help with predictability when it comes to going potty. Once your puppy is consistently going potty outside you can start to slowly lengthen the amount of time between bathroom breaks. Training Your German Shepherd Dog German Shepherds are intelligent dogs and with a little bit of training they can be taught to do all sorts of things. Some popular commands that people teach their GSDs are sit, stay, come, down, and guard. You can find lots of resources online about how to train your dog using positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise. One thing to keep in mind when training your German Shepherd is that they need plenty of exercise. A good way to tire them out is to take them on long walks or play fetch with them in the park. Thank you for reading and happy hunting. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. They don't understand the distance traveled, time spent, or costs involved for "Just a dog". Some of my proudest moments have come about with "Just a dog". Many hours have passed with my only company being "Just a dog", and not once have I felt slighted. Some of my saddest moments were brought about by "Just a dog". In those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "Just a dog" provided comfort and purpose to overcome the day. If you, too, think it's "Just a dog", you will probably understand phrases like "Just a friend", "Just a sunrise", or "Just a promise". Because of "Just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. For me and folks like me, it's not "Just a dog". It's an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. I hope that someday people can understand it's not "Just a dog". It's the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "Just a woman". So the next time you hear the phrase "Just a dog", smile, because they "Just Don't Understand". German Shepherds are incredible work dogs used as police dogs, military dogs, narcotics dogs, and search and rescue dogs. They are also used as show dogs due to their rich coat and overall impressive conformation and easy trainability. But most importantly they make great family dogs If you plan on adopting or purchasing a German Shepherd puppy in the state of Massachusetts, then searching for a reputable breeder should be a good start. Luckily the high popularity of the breed does make your search a lot easier as there are numerous breeders of the German Shepherd in Massachusetts, but not all these breeders are reputable breeders that can guarantee well-bred high quality puppies. With that being said, this article aims to help make your search for the perfect breeder easy as we provide you with 10 German Shepherd breeders in Massachusetts that have displayed impressive breeding programs alongside good training and socialization practices. We encourage you to carry out your personal research on these breeders before patronizing them as we have included their contact details to make it possible to reach them. This article promises to be both engaging and informative, so we recommend that you read till the very end as we reveal our personal pick from the list. They are a reputable German Shepherd breeder that is dedicated to raising high-quality German Shepherd puppies from West German Shepherd working lines. They are located in western Massachusetts, particularly in the town of Leverett. The breeding program is owned by Kevin Williams, a professional dog trainer and breeder with over 15 years of experience with German Shepherds. The breeding program focuses more on working line German Shepherd dogs. It utilizes West German dogs that are mostly imported with SV titled or championed pedigrees. They chose sires and dams with temperament, intelligence, and health being the major focus of their breeding program. They are genetically health tested before being added to the breeding program. And should each have their hips, elbows, and hearts examined by licensed professionals. They do not raise their German Shepherd puppies in a kennel as they do not believe it helps with improving the breed socialization. Instead, they raise the puppies as family dogs on their 5 acre property in Leverett, Massachusetts. All their dogs are sent to their new families at 8 weeks of age. They have fully trained adult German Shepherds for sale too. Every puppy should be health guaranteed and should have their full deworming and vaccinations records updated.

Origin and history of the Labradoodle To fully understand the history of the Labradoodle, it's best to have a look at both parent breeds. History of the Labrador Labradors originated in Newfoundland, a large island off the east coast of Canada. The island is actually part of the Newfoundland and Labrador province — which is where these pups get their name from. They're closely related to St John's Water Dogs, a breed that no longer exists and eventually divided into two breeds — the larger Newfoundland dogs and the original Labrador. These pups were incredibly talented at helping fishermen retrieve nets, long lines, and fish that had managed to escape. In the s, European settlers saw how impressive these dogs were and decided to take them back home with them. They were then bred with local hunting dogs to create what we know as the adorable Labrador Retriever today. History of the Poodle Poodles are an ancient breed. In fact, poodle-like images have been found on Egyptian and Roman artifacts and tombs. This naturally makes it more challenging to know precisely when these pups originated and where they come from. Most experts agree that Poodles originated in Germany but were further developed in France. Some think that they are the result of crossbreeding various different European Waterdogs and others believe they arrived in Portugal in the 8th century and originated in Asia. What is sure is that they're a very old breed and that Miniature Poodles and Toy Poodles were further bred in France. Standard Poodles were used for hunting ducks, Miniature Poodles to hunt truffles , and Toy Poodles as cute little companion dogs for the French elite. History of the Labradoodle Often, with mixed breeds, little is known about the exact origin because it's difficult to pinpoint whether a pup was first bred naturally or not. That's not, however, the case with the Labradoodle. They were first bred in the s in Australia by a guide dog trainer named Wally Conron. He specialized in breeding hardworking Labradors and Golden Retrievers but wanted to breed a hypoallergenic one that could help blind allergy sufferers too. Poodles are well known for being great non-shedders, so Wally decided to breed these intelligent canines with his working Labradors. The result was a great success! Many people, however, didn't want a mixed breed assistance dog, and it took him many years to prove how great these dogs are. Both the Australian Labradoodle Association and the International Australian Labradoodle Association are trying to incorporate more intergenerational breeding so that these pups can officially be recognized as purebred. Temperament and personality of the Labradoodle Labradoodle puppies and adult dogs are adoring and devoted. They're very sweet-natured and love to be around their whole family. Playing is a huge part of any Labradoodle's day, and they'll love to spend time running after a ball or working out a particularly difficult puzzle toy. These fluffy dogs are very sociable and confident around strangers. They get on well with children, dogs, and other pets and love to make new friends. In all likelihood, they'll be the first to run up to other dogs in the dog park and introduce themselves. These hybrids are very energetic and need a good amount of space to explore and run around in. They're also just as happy to snuggle up with you on the couch and enjoy a good film. Training a Labradoodle Just like the purebred Poodle and Labrador, Labradoodles are very intelligent. They excel in all sorts of dog sports and training classes and really benefit from new and exciting things to do. These intelligent dogs love to please their owners, make them laugh, and are keen to do as they're told. For example, if taught from a young age not to bark unless they need to Labradoodle puppies are pretty quiet dogs. Lots of socialization is important for Labradoodles — they'll love playing with other dogs in a puppy kindergarten class and will benefit from learning for older pups. In fact, Labradoodles generally enjoy everything they do — including training! Because they're so affectionate, they can be a little sensitive. They also respond best to exciting training and positive reinforcement and don't like being told off or raised voices. If you want your Labradoodle to learn, it's essential to encourage them rather than scold them. They also respond well to the odd treat! Appearance of the Labradoodle As well as their loving and affectionate personalities, the unique appearance of a Labradoodle is something else that makes them very popular. These dogs look like little teddy bears! They have large, wide eyes and a happy and curious expression. Because there isn't a standard for this dog breed yet, they come in all different shapes and sizes, and their coat color and texture can vary quite a lot. How big do Labradoodles get? We really have to consider the purebred dogs behind this amazing hybrid to know this. Labradors are always medium to large canines , stand at roughly 23 inches tall, and weigh between 55 and 70 pounds. Poodles, however, come in 3 different sizes standard, miniature, and toy. Because a Labrador Retriever is mixed with a Poodle, the Labradoodle also comes in 3 sizes standard, medium, and miniature. Just like the Miniature Poodle, the miniature Labradoodle is especially cute. These little dogs can be between 14 and 16 inches tall, the medium 17 and 20, and the Standard Labradoodle can grow to be inches. Depending on which Labradoodle you adopt, they can weigh between 15 and 65 pounds. Generally speaking, male Labradoodles will be a bit bigger than female Labradoodles. Labradoodle color The American Kennel Club recognizes 3 Labrador colors — black, yellow, and chocolate. But these pups can also come in red, silver, and white. On the other hand, Poodles come in many different colors everything from black to apricot. So, as you can imagine, Labradoodle puppies can be many different colors and combinations too. Some are caramel, chocolate, black, red, chalk, gold, and sable. Labradoodle coat Whether you get a chocolate Labradoodle or a particolored one, their coat texture can vary a lot. There are three main types of coat: Hairy: this coat is usually shorter and wirier think Terrier. It's likely to shed a little more and will smell when your pup inevitably goes for a swim. This coat type is found in first-generation Labradoodles puppies with Poodle and Labrador Retriever parents. Wooly: this coat is dense and very soft, kind of like a sheep's or Poodle's. Fleecy: a Labradoodle with a fleece coat will have long, wavy hair. In many people's opinion, this is the most attractive coat. Are Labradoodles hypoallergenic? No dogs are fully hypoallergenic; they all shed at least a little bit. But many Doodle breeds Poodle mixed breeds were originally bred specifically because Poodles are low-shedders. Labradoodle breeders wanted the fun personality of a Labrador but with the low-shedding coat of a Poodle. If you suffer from allergies and don't want dog hair all over your furniture, the Labradoodle could be a really good choice. Grooming a Labradoodle Labrador Retrievers have a double coat and therefore shed quite a lot — especially before the seasons change, and they need to grow a warmer or cooler one. Luckily, Labradoodles inherit the single coat of their purebred Poodle parent and therefore shed less. Even though they don't shed as much as other dog breeds, it's still worth giving your pup a weekly brush to remove any loose hairs and dirt. This helps their coat stay sleek and smelling good. Depending on whether your Labradoodle inherits a fleecy coat or not, you may need to trim the hair around their eyes and in between their toes, so it doesn't irritate them. You might also want to consider taking them to a professional groomer every so often. Health of a Labradoodle A mixed-breed adult dog is usually healthier than a purebred pup as the gene pool is a little bigger. To ensure you get a healthy Labradoodle puppy, make sure you do your research and get them from a responsible and ethical breeder. Even if they're cheaper, avoid puppy mills at all costs. Unethical breeders don't care about the health or welfare of your Labradoodle, and you can't be sure they've been properly tested. Taking your standard, medium, and miniature Labradoodles to the vet regularly can help catch any conditions early on. That being said, depending on the parent dogs and your Labradoodle size, some pups can suffer from the following conditions: Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia common in both Labrador Retrievers and Standard Poodles Ear infections. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Labradoodle Highlights Friendly and intelligent: Labradoodles are known for being friendly and intelligent dogs. They are good with children and other animals, and they are easy to train. Hypoallergenic: Labradoodles are often considered to be hypoallergenic, which means that they do not shed as much as other dogs. This makes them a good choice for people with allergies. Active and playful: Labradoodles are active dogs that need regular exercise. They enjoy playing fetch, going for walks, and swimming. Loyal and devoted: Labradoodles are loyal and devoted dogs that make great companions. They are always happy to see their owners and they love to cuddle. Versatile: Labradoodles are versatile dogs that can be trained for a variety of tasks, including therapy work, obedience, and agility. They can be expensive to purchase and maintain. They require regular grooming, especially if they have a curly coat. They are prone to some health problems, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Overall, Labradoodles are wonderful dogs that make great companions for people of all ages. If you are looking for a friendly, intelligent, and hypoallergenic dog, a Labradoodle may be a good choice for you. Labradoodle History Wally Conron, who was in charge of the breeding program for the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia, purposefully crossbred a Standard Poodle and Labrador Retriever in to develop the Labradoodle as a hypoallergenic guide dog. The first cross produced Sultan, a dog with a hypoallergenic coat, aptitude, intelligence, and personality suitable for being an effective guide dog. Sultan worked successfully with a woman in Hawaii. Other breeders saw the merit of crossing these two breeds, and the Labradoodle quickly rose in popularity like its Labrador Retriever parent. These dogs are often produced by crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle, but multigenerational breeding has begun in an attempt to produce a viable and recognizable breed. The Australian Labradoodle Association and the International Australian Labradoodle Association are taking steps to move this designer breed into registered breed status in the next few years. These groups have made great efforts to bring breeders together so that they are working to achieve the same standards through multigenerational breeding. Labradoodle Size The Labradoodle comes in three size variations, depending on the size of the Poodle used for the first-generation breeding. The three sizes are Standard, Medium, and Miniature. The Standard Labradoodle should be 22 to 24 inches in height for a male and 21 to 23 inches in height for a female, while both can range in weight from 50 to 65 pounds. The Medium Labradoodle should be 18 to 20 inches high for a male and 17 to 19 inches high for a female, with both weighing from 30 to 45 pounds. The average size for a Miniature Labradoodle is between 14 to 16 inches and 15 to 25 pounds. All of that said, there is a lot of variation in Labradoodle sizes. Some can be smaller or larger than expected. Labradoodle Personality The Labradoodle is an intelligent dog who can make the ideal family pet if properly trained. They are friendly and accept and treat everyone like their best friend. They can be gentle, but they can also be joyful, showing their happiness through exuberant jumping and playing. They also tend to be easygoing, since the Labradoodle was bred not to be aggressive. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Meeting siblings, parents, or other relatives of the dog is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when they grow up. Socialization helps ensure that your Labradoodle puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking them to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help them polish their social skills. Here are a few conditions to watch out for: Ear Infections: These can plague Labradoodles because of their floppy ears. The ears trap moisture and should be regularly checked. X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem. Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia : Similar to hip dysplasia, this is also a degenerative disease. The disease varies in severity: the dog could simply develop arthritis, or they could become lame. Treatment includes surgery, weight management, medical management, and anti-inflammatory medication. It can cause mild or severe seizures that may show themselves as unusual behavior—such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding—or even by falling down, limbs rigid, and losing consciousness. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Allergies: Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, and the Labradoodle is no exception. Treatment varies according to the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications, and environmental changes. Diabetes Mellitus: This is a disorder in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels. The dog will lose weight because food is not being used efficiently. Symptoms of diabetes are excessive urination and thirst, increased appetite, and weight loss. Diabetes can be controlled by diet and the administration of insulin. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA : This is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day as the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Hypothyroidism : This is a disorder of the thyroid gland. It is treated with medication and diet. They require about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day and would do better with a fenced yard in which to expel some energy. Some Labradoodles, especially in the first generation, can require even more exercise. The Labradoodle makes an excellent jogging companion but also needs some time off-leash to burn off steam. The Labradoodle is an intelligent and eager-to-please dog. Training should be easy as long as consistency and positive reinforcement are the methods. Socialize them from puppyhood, since they tend to hurl themselves headlong into canine situations without regard to the feelings of other dogs. This can lead to some problems if the unknown dog is aggressive. Despite their activity levels, a Labradoodle can adjust to living in suburban or city environments and can do well in rural settings. A crate is also a place where they can retreat for a nap. Crate training at a young age will help your Labradoodle accept confinement if they ever needs to be boarded or hospitalized. Never stick your Labradoodle in a crate all day long, however. Labradoodle Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1 to 2. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Labradoodle in good shape by measuring their food and feeding them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at them. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on their back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard. For more on feeding your Labradoodle, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Labradoodle Coat Color And Grooming Although a Labradoodle can have one of a range of coat types, the desired length is four to six inches. They have a single coat with hair ranging from straight to loose curls. There are three types of texture: The Hair coat, which is similar to fur in shedding breeds, is the least popular. Hair coats shed and usually have a normal doggy odor. This coat is seen in first generations, although breeders try to avoid it. The Fleece coat has a silky texture often described as an Angora goat texture. This coat ranges from straight to wavy. Labradoodles are considered to be non- to low shedders, especially those with a Fleece or Wool coat. Hair coats tend to shed just as they do in other breeds, ranging from very low to average shedding. The Labradoodle comes in a wide variety of colors. They can also have parti-colored coats, which consist of brindles, phantom, patched, or sable colors. Grooming requirements vary depending on the length and type of coat the dog has. Generally speaking, you can expect to brush a Labradoodle about once or twice per week. Some can be clipped or trimmed every six to eight weeks to keep the coat easy to maintain. Like Labs, Labradoodles can be prone to ear infections, so take a little extra time caring for their ears. Dry and clean them after a swim, and check them once a week for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that can indicate an infection. Then wipe them out weekly with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to prevent problems. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding—and your dog may not cooperate the next time they see the nail clippers come out. Handle their paws frequently—dogs are touchy about their feet—and look inside their mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Labradoodle Children And Other Pets The Labradoodle does well with children and can be an affectionate and gentle companion for any child. They can also be exuberant and might knock down smaller children, but they will love them with all their heart. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Labradoodles usually get along well with other dogs and pets. Like most dogs, they need training and socialization for optimum success at living with and visiting other animals. Labradoodle Rescue Groups Labradoodles are often brought home without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. Many end up in the care of shelters or rescues because of this. It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Labradoodles because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Labrador Retriever or Poodle breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. Lifespan Sociability As puppies, Labradoodles look like tiny, fuzzy teddy bears. In reality, this cross-breed can be a great deal to handle for first-time dog owners or those looking for a more hands-off canine companion. What does this mean? The Lab Poodle mix awkwardly straddles the worlds of purebred and mutt. On the one hand, Labradoodles are purposely bred and sold for tons of cash. On the other, the cross-breed is not recognized or regulated by any major dog organization at least in the United States. Many breeders also turn to in-breeding to achieve desirable puppies. Yes, Labradoodles can make incredible pets, and there are countless well-intentioned breeders out there. Unfortunately, this also means many Labradoodles end up causing discomfort for misinformed households. The Labradoodle might boast a Poodle-like coat, but hair type has nothing to do with canine allergens. Instead, your allergies are probably triggered by the dander a. If you or a family member requires a hypoallergenic dog, then the Labradoodle might not be the best option! While the regular Labradoodle is just a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, the Australian Labradoodle includes genetics from the Cocker Spaniel and other unknown breeds. Labradoodles come in a variety of colors and patterns, from stark white to tri-colored. In this regard, the Labradoodle definitely takes after the Poodle. Despite what many lovers of the cross-breed believe, Labradoodles can also have more than one type of fur. While the most popular coat texture is wavy, you can also find puppies with extremely curly and straight fur! With consistent socialization and training, though, these traits can be easily managed. A well-adjusted Labradoodle is friendly, mellow, and ready for anything the world has to offer. Labradoodles who have not been taught to manage their excitement, especially around strangers and other dogs, can quickly cause issues. Before bringing home a Labradoodle puppy, take note that poor genetics often lead to behavioral and temperamental issues. While this is true for any dog — purebred, hybrid, or full-on mutt — it is a well-documented problem within the Labradoodle community. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Most Labradoodles are fairly large, reaching up to 65 pounds, so these eager playmates will easily mow down small children. Labradoodles are bred to be friendly and relaxed around strangers, making them terrible guard dogs. Because of its generally low prey drive, the Labradoodle is a great option for households with cats or small dogs. Please reference the feeding guidelines of your chosen food — every formula has slightly different serving recommendations. You should also aim to go on two long walks per day. While puzzles are a great way to meet these needs, adventure walks meandering walks or hikes where your dog can sniff and explore a new environment are also an excellent choice. A lack of room to run around and burn excess energy can rapidly breed destructive habits. The combination of high intelligence and overall friendliness makes the Labradoodle great for experienced and first-time dog owners who are willing to invest in lifelong training. Even naturally friendly dogs can suffer if not properly socialized from an early age. Like Poodles, Labradoodle coats can be cut in a variety of functional and fashionable ways. However, the lack of standardized breeding and immense popularity means many Labradoodles carry poor genetics. Labradoodles are most affected by conditions common among Labrador Retrievers and Poodles. Regular vet visits can help keep your pup healthy and catch early signs of disease. Here are the most common health conditions known to affect Labradoodles: Minor Conditions. Black, cream, white, apricot, gold, caramel, chocolate, red, tan, sable Suitable for: Active families, families with children, those looking for a playful and active dog Temperament: Affectionate, intelligent, friendly, energetic, playful, easy-going While Labradoodles are known for being sweet, their consistency in other characteristics is lacking. The demand for these dogs contributes to irresponsible and hasty breeding, and the results are litters of puppies with varying personalities. Not all Labradoodles are exactly alike but they do share similar characteristics. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. Labradoodle Puppies Image Credit: Danii Brown Photography, Shutterstock Labradoodle puppies are highly intelligent and social, and tend to be good with children and other pets. They are also known for being easily trained and make great family pets. Labradoodles come in a variety of sizes, coat types, and colors, which can range from straight to curly and from black to cream. Labradoodles, like all hybrid breeds, can exhibit a range of physical and behavioral traits from both parent breeds, so it is important to research the background of the individual dog to get a sense of what to expect. These are smart and loveable dogs that enjoy following commands and completing tasks. This is another reason that Labradoodles are used as service and therapy dogs. Their gentle dispositions combined with their intelligence and love for people make them ideal for anyone, from first-time dog owners to those with a house full of pets. They are low-maintenance dogs that are happy to spend time with their families. They can suffer from separation anxiety if they are left alone for too long. This can manifest through barking, howling, pacing, urinating in the house, and being destructive. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They get along well with kids, but their large size and playful natures could overwhelm small children. If this breed is properly trained and socialized, they make loyal companions that are devoted to their families. Labradoodles love people and other animals alike and get along well with other pets in the home. Their gentle and accepting personalities make them ideal for a home with other animals. The best way to ensure that your Labradoodle will be friends with the other animals in the household is to raise the animals together. Puppies will grow to love and accept other housemates as family. Adding a Labradoodle puppy to a house with other pets is easier than adding an adult Labradoodle to the mix. That said, while it may take longer for the adult dog to become familiar with everyone, they will be happy to do so. Training and socialization when the Labradoodle is a puppy, though, are crucial to their success living with other animals. However, there are several requirements to be aware of when welcoming this dog into your home. Here are a few things to consider about owning Labradoodles. When you bring your puppy home, they should be kept on the same diet that they were eating previously. This will help you avoid any digestive distress from a sudden change in food. A high-quality, protein-packed kibble will work well for puppies and adult Labradoodles. There is no one universal dog food that will offer the same nutrients to every dog. Just like people, different dogs need specialized diets suited to their needs. Treats are always welcome by Labradoodles and are motivators during training. A handful of dry kibble offered piece by piece will also work, depending on how food-motivated your dog is and how much they enjoy their food. They can go from sleeping on the sofa to up and waiting at the door to go outside in seconds. They require exercise to be healthy and happy but also to avoid them becoming bored. A bored Labradoodle will make up their own activities, and these may not always be the things that you want them to be doing. A minute play session per day in a fenced-in area where the dog can run or chase a ball will provide the mental and physical stimulation that they need. However you choose to do it, your Labradoodle will enjoy the exercise and the time with you. They like learning new things and following commands. Their trainability makes them reliable and competent service dogs. If you welcome this dog to your home as a pet, there are a few things that you can do to help them be the best they can be. Socializing your new puppy is the most important step to take from the time that you bring them home. This encourages your dog to not fear new experiences, people, or places and instead, to be intrigued by new things. A puppy socialization class is a good place to start. Playdates with your friends and their dogs will help your dog learn to make friends. Obedience classes will teach your dog basic manners and how to follow simple instructions. From there, you can move on to agility classes, to help your dog get the exercise that they need while focusing on an activity. Patience and repetition are required from you so your dog associates learning with a positive experience. If you get this done professionally, it will include a haircut, nail trim, and bath. Regular nail trims are important for paw health. Overgrown nails can be painful and make walking difficult for your dog. In addition, the popularity of Labradoodles has increased, leading to overbreeding and irresponsible breeding. If you have a Labradoodle, these are potential issues that could arise down the road. Regular veterinary exams are important for the prevention and detection of these conditions. Minor Conditions. A miniature will weigh 15 to 25 pounds and stand 14 to 16 inches tall. A medium will weigh 30 to 45 pounds and stand 17 to 20 inches tall. And a standard will weigh 50 to 65 pounds and stand 21 to 24 inches tall. But remember, our Labradoodle Poodle puppy is going to receive more genetic influence from the Poodle gene pool. Purebred Poodles are bred in three sizes, which are toy, miniature and standard. Toy Poodles weigh four to six pounds and stand less than 10 inches tall. Miniature Poodles weigh 10 to 15 pounds and stand 10 to 15 inches tall. Standard Poodles weigh 40 to 70 pounds and stand over 15 inches. This means it is really important to learn the size of the Poodle parent before you commit to a Labradoodle Poodle mix puppy. And unfortunately, no dog is truly hypoallergenic. But when you choose a Labradoodle Poodle, you are much more likely to find your puppy grows up into a single layer curly coat that sheds only indirectly into the surrounding fur rather than onto the floor. This may mean daily grooming to avoid tangles and mats. But the tradeoff is less contact with the irritating allergen, so possibly fewer allergy symptoms for you. Are Labradoodle Poodle Mixes Friendly? The Labrador Retriever is known to have a friendly, outgoing temperament to all. The Poodle, however, is more likely to be standoffish with strangers. We say this because — at least where strangers are concerned — your Labradoodle Poodle mix may be more likely to inherit the natural reserve and stronger guard dog temperament of the Poodle parent. Labradoodle Poodle Training Labradoodles have really smart parents. And the Poodle is the second smartest purebred dog and the Labrador Retriever is the seventh smartest, according to a survey of dog breeds. This means you are not likely to have any trouble at all training your Labradoodle Poodle mix puppy. Are Labradoodle Poodle Mixes Healthy? Just as with people, dog genetics dictates breed health. Two healthy dog parents are very likely to produce healthy Labradoodle Poodle puppies. That being said, both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are known to have certain heritable health issues. Be sure the breeder you select can show you records from all pre-breeding health screening tests, including dysplasia, eye health, cardiac and thyroid health screenings. Labradoodle Poodle Mix Lifespan Labradoodle Poodle mix dogs benefit from the longevity built into the Poodle gene pool. While most Labrador Retrievers only live 10 to 12 years, purebred Poodles can live up to 18 years. The size of the Poodle parent can give you a better idea of what type of longevity your puppy may enjoy. The general rule of thumb is, the smaller the dog, the longer they are likely to live. However, as you are now aware, Labradors and Poodles also have some different traits to contribute that can make one Labradoodle Poodle puppy a better fit for you than another. Ultimately, if your Labradoodle Poodle mix puppy comes from a quality dog breeder, you have a high probability of bringing home a wonderful new family pet! More About Labradoodle Poodle Mixes. The Labradoodle is a hybrid product of a cross between a Poodle and a Labrador Retriever. Just like the Labrador and Poodle breeds, these crossbreeds are highly active, friendly and intelligent. Labrador Poodle Mix dogs feature a curly and shaggy coat that needs regular maintenance. With moderate to high activity levels depending on the size of your Labradoodle, you will have to invest some time to play with your dog every day. Labradoodle is a suitable dog for someone who enjoys long daily walks. Labradoodles are smart and respond well to training. For crossbreeds such as the Labradoodle there is no specific size chart because there are several different Labradoodle sizes that depend on what type of Poodle was bred into the mix. Since there are three different Poodle varieties, a Labradoodle dog may be on the smaller or on the larger side with each dog having a very unique appearance. Labradoodles are moderately active, with larger ones being more active than the smaller crossbreeds. Labradoodles can also excel as therapy dogs. The parent breeds that form these crossbreeds tend to be quick learners and smart. As such, a Labradoodle will definitely reward you by being super companion especially if the Labradoodle pup gets exposed to early training and socialization while using positive reinforcement techniques. Labradoodle lifespan What is the life expectancy of a Labradoodle? Research has proved that smaller dogs normally live longer than big dogs. Being moderately small or big, the Labradoodle falls somewhere in between. It boasts of a lifespan of twelve to fifteen years. To live to a maximum of 15 years, a Labradoodle must be fed a proper diet, exercise regularly, be of good quality genes and less prone to accidents and injuries. Labradoodle size How big do Labradoodles get? Labradoodle comes in three different sizes that are dependent on the size of the first-generation Poodle used. Poodle breed comes in three sizes that include the largest Standard, Miniature and Toy, which is the smallest. Labradoodle sizes can vary dramatically and generally fall into the following categories The Standard Labradoodle weighs between fifty to sixty five pounds for both male and female, with a height of 22 to 24 inches for males and 21 to 23 inches for a female. The Standard Labradoodle is the largest in size of all Labradoodle size variants. The medium Labradoodle male measures 18 to 20 inches tall and 17 to 19 inches tall for females, with weights of 30 to 45 pounds for both, males and females. The size of a miniature Labradoodle ranges between 14 to 16 inches tall and 15 to 25 pounds in weight for both male and female dogs. Keep in mind that some Labradoodle dogs appear to be bigger or smaller than anticipated and it is difficult to predict the exact weight of Labradoodle puppies when they are full grown. He wanted to come up with a dog that had few allergies with pretty good health, and he succeeded by crossbreeding a Labrador Retriever and a Standard Poodle. He named this first Labrador dog Sultan, which came with great attributes such as intelligence, guide dog personality, and great attitude. Sultan was later on taken by a Hawaiian blind woman called Pat Blum as a seen dog with zero allergies. He accompanied her to work daily and when people saw this, they began embracing the Labradoodle and many of this dog came to popularly rise with a very high demand globally. Enthusiastic dog breeders are attempting to conduct multigenerational breeding among the Labradoodles in order to come up with a more feasible and noticeable breed. There is the hope of creating a registered breed from a designer breed. However, this is likely to several generations before getting purebred Labradoodles that are predictable in appearance and temperament. Labradoodle Breed Variety This hybrid cross encompasses a variety of breeds. Labradoodles are available in 6 different sizes with an array of coat texture from Wool to Fleece. They come in a vast range of colors and patterns such as brindle, sable, and so on. As new colors for the breed continue to be identified, Labradoodles appear in cream, white, red, buff, chocolate, gold, black, and lavender among others. Generally, Labradoodles come in a countless number of choices you can select from. Labradoodle puppies Labradoodle pups need a lot of training and interaction when they are still small. They should be left open to socializing with distinct people, taken through different experiences, sights and even locations. Socialization ensures that your puppy grows up ably as an all-rounded and disciplined dog. You can enroll the puppy in dog classes to expose him to other dogs as well as allow your Lab Poodle mix puppy to play with them. Often, take your puppies for walks in the parks and permit people to greet it or invite people regularly to your home to converse with the puppy. This will aid in proper growth of your puppy's social life and wellbeing. Feeding the Labradoodle Whenever you get a Labradoodle puppy, endeavor to follow a regular feeding schedule as advised by the breeder, dog food manufacturer, or your vet. Dry dog food such as high-quality kibble is recommended for these pups. The amount and frequency of feeding changes from puppyhood to adulthood, as well as the activity levels of your Labradoodle. Although older Labradoodles aren't fussy feeders, they also have to be fed with high-quality dog food. To sufficiently satisfy the nutritional requirements of the Labradoodles, meals should be given twice a week. To prevent your dog from gaining excess weight, exercise your Labradoodle doodle in order to burn off any calories that accumulate gradually in the body. If this isn't done, your Labradoodle is likely to become obese or suffer other health issues. This will ultimately reduce a Labradoodle's lifespan. Labradoodle Exercise Needs How much exercise does a Labradoodle require? Labradoodle is made with a playful character. They love playing and exercising regularly. As an owner, you should brace yourself with ample running room and long walks. If you are an active person, then this is the perfect dog for you as you can take it to all your outdoor endeavors and not get bored or distracted. More you can take for swimming once in a while to stretch its muscles and burn those extra calories. Don't worry if you have a small house with a small compound, the dog will still be comfortable as long as you take it out to exercise. Give Labradoodle enough attention just like a small kid because if you ignore him, your pet will be very sad, anxious and cheeky. The same applies when the Lab Poodle mix dog is not being exercised enough causing destruction to everything he comes across. Labradoodles dogs love children and tend to be very tender towards them. However, they can also be aggressive and devastate small children though they mean no harm. If you have a lot of time to socialize, exercise, train and groom a Labradoodle every day, this dog can be right for your family. If you want your kids to appreciate the presence of this dog, teach them how to handle them via talking and patting them. Often keep an eye on their interactions to prevent dog-child fights such as pulling of tails, scratching and biting. Make rules for your children such as never share plates with the dog and not to pat or hold the dog while eating. Lastly, make sure your small kids are not anywhere near the dog when you or any other adult are not around. Just like how human-beings like interacting and socializing with their fellas, dogs too like this. Take your Labradoodle dog to other friendly dogs for socialization. Engage Labradoodles in dog shows and even visit together with other dog friends in the neighborhood. How to groom a Labradoodle These breeds can have varying coat types, with some resembling shaggy retrievers, and others have Poodles' loose curls, with the majority falling in between. To maintain the health of their coats, invest a good amount of grooming time. They will need to be brushed several within a week, and their coats will need trimming a few times a year. If your puppies coat happens to closely resemble that of a poodle, then you will consistently need to keep combing and trimming, as it can easily get tangled and matted. The exact time you need for grooming purposes varies depending on the type of coat. Ensure to keep Labradoodles' ears clean and dry, as they are susceptible to infections especially after swimming or having a bath. Everything else required is normal care. Also, remember to brush the teeth daily or frequently using vet-approved toothpaste for pets to maintain fresh breath and good health. Grooming of your Labradoodle should begin at its puppy stage. Even with its touchy feet, hold them regularly and also examine their mouth until they get used to it. This will ease your grooming moments and make them fun to you and your dog as it grows to adulthood. Labradoodle owners should always care for and groom their dogs regularly with regards to the dogs' texture. There are three main types of Labradoodle coat textures which include Labradoodle hair type coat: This is the least popular texture that resembles fur found in shedding breeds. They normally have a natural dog odor usually found in 1st generations. Wool type coat: This is a deep coat that looks like a lamb's wool. It does not shed and neither has a dog odor but hangs in loose curls. Fleece coat: The one with a fine silky touch Angora goat texture and it can be full of waves or straight. Labradoodle coat colors The Labradoodles coat comes in different colors that range from gold, caramel, cream, apricot, chalk-white, chocolate, red, silver, parchment, blue, and black. Some Labrador Poodle mix dogs have spotted coats consisting of pith, phantom, brindles and patched colors. Even with all these color ranges, this breed is a non-coat shedder or low-shedder. You will notice this especially if own one with a wool or fleece coat. How frequently you should groom your Labradoodle greatly depends on the dog's type of coat and the length of it. Labradoodle grooming Labradoodles need to be groomed one or two times a week. You can also trim or clip a Labradoodle after one or two months for easy maintenance of the coat. Furthermore, since Labradoodles fur is odorless, it should be washed once in a long time or when the need calls for a bath. For good care of Labradoodle's delicate ears, you should always clean and dry them after swimming and weekly clean than to remove dirt, bad odor, and redness that can cause ear infection. Use a cotton ball moistened with antiseptic or an ear cleaner that is PH balanced. Just like human beings brush their teeth for proper maintenance and fresh breath, Labradoodles' teeth should be brushed at least 2 or 3 ties in a week. This helps in getting rid of mouth bacteria and tartar. However, you're not restricted to daily brushing for healthy dog gums and cool breath. Always trim your Labradoodle's nails when they are lengthy about once a month. You will know when to cut Labradoodle's nails as soon as the dog's nails start making clicking sound when the dog walks on a hardwood floor. You should also take caution when cutting the dog's nails not to trim them too far as their nails have blood vessels located close to the tip of the nail. The trimming can be done by you, a professional dog groomer or even by a veterinarian in a vet clinic. Always if your Lab Poodle mix dog has inflammations on the eyes, ears, nose, mouth and feet when grooming. Take caution and visit a vet clinic if you find any abnormalities such as rashes, infection signs like tenderness or redness. When you are grooming your Labradoodle dog, be sure to pay attention to any signs of skin issues and that can help you curb health issues arising and also save you expensive treatment money when the skin infections become too serious. Labradoodle temperament The temperament of Labradoodle depends on the amount of socialization, parent's temperaments, as well as inherited personality. Labradoodles are friendly dogs with high levels of devotion to their families. A Labradoodle under good care never gets aggressive or becomes shy towards other animals and people. The Labrador Retriever's love for working with people and Poodles intelligence makes these crossbreeds highly trainable and very smart. When trained through plays, rewards, and treats, Labradoodles are very likely to learn happily and quickly. As soon as you get your Lab Poodle mix puppy home, start positive reinforcement training. This prevents Lab Poodle mix dog from becoming headstrong and harder to train. Begin by getting your Lab Poodle mix puppy to the kindergarten class of puppies for socialization purposes. The majority of these puppy classes need your puppy to have completed the recommended vaccines before any exposure to the public. Before these vaccines are complete, just start training and socializing the puppies at home with friends and family. Remember to get uncannily and accurate advice from the breeder prior to purchasing your Labradoodle. After knowing your personality and lifestyle, they will absolutely give the best recommendation since they see the puppies daily. Endeavor to also look for Labradoodles socialized since early puppyhood, and puppies from parents with excellent personalities. Labradoodle potty training It is very important to housetrain your puppy. It may seem like a daunting task, but ultimately, it pays off. On your part, toilet training a puppy requires a lot of consistency and you need to be patient with the Labradoodle puppy. The time it takes for your Lab Poodle mix puppy to housebreak could be a few weeks to several months. It just depends on the level of attention and time you take to focus on this kind of training, and the time the puppy takes to realize that 'pottying' needs to be done outside. How to potty train a Labradoodle? Housetraining starts by identifying a specific spot where you will always take your Lab Poodle mix puppy for potty. Whenever your Labradoodle relieves himself on the spot, ensure to praise and reward him using treats such as pieces of meat, although in a controlled manner. When the dog identifies pottying at that particular spot with a positive experience, he will eventually learn to do so by himself. Always avoid scolding or punishing your Labradoodle puppy for accidents or any mistakes. Most mistakes are bound to happen when getting the Lab Poodle puppy out upon waking up, after meals, or even when they suddenly stop playing around as they are not able to hold their bladders and bowels when young. But you don't have to worry since pups are able to 'hold it' for longer as they grow up. Ensure not to rush anything, let the Poodle and Labrador mix puppy take his time as you continue to train. Remember that complete housebreaking for puppies could take as long as 6 months. If you rush the training process, problems could start occurring. When you are housetraining a Labradoodle puppy, be sure to clean every mess with an Enzyme Cleaner to completely get rid of the dog's urine scent that may be left on the accident spot. Leaving even a faint scent of dog urine there may encourage your puppy to use that area as his toilet area again. To preven that from happening, using an Enzyme Cleaner is an easy way to remove any trace of the dog's urine scent from your floors thus discouraging the dog from using that area as his toilet. Labradoodle training Being an intelligent, sweet, and intuitive dog breed, the Labradoodle enjoys playtime, training and is obedient, which makes him, a pleasing companion. All you need is to take your time to establish a loving authority when it's still early. Always train your puppy using positive reinforcement techniques of rewarding with treats and praises, and show him he's a welcome addition to the family. A well taken care of Labradoodle is a happy dog. Therefore, it is very important to take good care of your pet for it to live fully as per the following tips. As a Labradoodle owner or if you plan to buy one, you should note that these dogs adapt to all settings though they are not made to be kept in apartments. This is because they are very active dogs that need approximately 30 to 60 minutes of physical activities per day. This means Labradoodle owners may need to take the dog to the park or to a fenced yard release some vigor. If you happen to be a jogger, the Labradoodle makes a perfect partner with a little time off the leash to blow off steam. You also need to be exciting, smart and more energetic than them or else they will destruct your entire jog. The Labradoodle is a smart, easy to please and fast learner dog. It is the easiest dog to train with consistent lessons and positive measures. They are awesome companions for first-time owners that are non-cuddly since the dog doesn't need excessively holding. Teach them from puppyhood to be considerate of other dogs' feelings not fight them when they meet. Although very active, Lab Poodles can easily adapt to life in the city with sufficient daily exercise or suburbs but most favored in rural areas. Lab Poodle cross dogs are usually very excited when living comfortably at home, soundly sleeping on your arms and feet. Labradoodle dogs are great companions when visiting places familiar to them. Always crate train your Labradoodle dog from puppyhood to prevent it from landing into accidents in and outside the house and hanging around restricted things. They can also sleep and relax in the crate when tired. Crate training will assist your dog to get used to being confined in boarding and hospital situations. However, note that the dog should not be crate confined for many hours since this will encourage laziness and boring character in the dog. Shelter dogs vs puppies Origin Of The Labradoodle There are now first crosses being deliberately bred from a wide variety of pedigree dog mixes. But it was the Labradoodle that kicked off this entire trend. And the mix started in Australia in the s. It began as part of an attempt to create a low shedding guide dog for those people who were both visually impaired and sensitive to the allergens in dog hair. And he set up a breeding program to try to create a line of hypoallergenic or low shedding guide dogs. According to Stanley Coren, who later interviewed Conron, all 33 puppies failed the guide dog training program. Moving onwards Today, the Royal Guide Dogs Association no longer incorporates doodles into its breeding program, though some other Guide Dog Associations do. This is due, not to the dogs themselves, but the fear that a sharp increase in popularity could lead to a greater number of abandoned dogs. Labradors vary less in height than Standard Poodles, with a recommended height of about 22 to 24 inches at the shoulder. A standard Labradoodle full grown may reach anything from 15 to 24 inches tall, but is more likely to come in at the top end of that spectrum. When it comes to weight, an adult male Labradoodle may reach anywhere from 60 to 80 pounds. Females tend to weigh in at around ten pounds less than males. Colors Standard Labradoodles are commonly solid-colored, such as a typical brown or a beautiful apricot. However, Standard Poodles are sometimes particolored white patches on a dark background , and a Labradoodle may inherit that. A bicolored Labradoodle may be referred to as a Parti Labradoodle. Expressed Labrador genes may result in a chocolate, black or yellow Labradoodle. Apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, red, white or even silver Labradoodle dogs are possible too. However, not every Labradoodle will exhibit the fleece. In fact, whether or not a Doodle is a first generation or later cross can greatly impact its fur coat. The first-generation cross F1 results from the initial breeding of a Labrador Retriever to a Poodle. According to the breeders at Deer Creek Labradoodles, the first generation is the least likely to have a fleece coat and most likely will still shed like a Lab. According to the breeders at Apple Creek Doodles, the first generation is most likely to have a somewhat shaggy coat that requires grooming, although minimal, due to the coarseness of the fur. The second-generation cross F1b results from breeding a first-generation Lab Poodle mix with a Poodle. This combination seems to consistently produce litters with the fleecy, low-shedding coat, thanks to the influx of Poodle genes. Crossing an F1b Labradoodle with a Poodle produces the F1b. This combination seems to produce pups with the most Poodle-like coats and Labrador-type personalities, making them highly sought after by the general public. Do Labradoodles Shed? The allergen to which some people are sensitive can be found in every home where there is a dog. This is true regardless of breed. Every dog, regardless of how low-shedding its coat may be, still produces some dander. Most of the time, a good brush once or twice a week should keep their coats in great shape. We recommend taking any dog with a Poodle-type coat to the groomer once per month for a clip. Sometimes, the Labradoodle coat can be a problem for owners that lack the time or inclination for thorough grooming. Just as with Poodles, lack of grooming can occasionally become a health issue, with matted fur getting out of hand and covering the dogs eyes and bottom. This can escalate as the owner becomes embarrassed to seek help. Typical Temperament Traits Labradoodles are known for their highly energetic but easy-going natures. However, each Labradoodle is a unique individual with his or her own quirks and mannerisms, some of which may be passed from their parents. Therefore, knowing whether or not a Labradoodle puppy will show more of a Lab or Poodle personality is kind of a toss-up. First-generation Doodle temperaments are especially hard to predict, but it seems that later generations act more like Labradors. However, breeding later Doodle generations back with Poodles to maintain the Poodle coat can result in more Poodle-like temperament. Poodles and Labs have quite different personalities, though both have the potential to display strong, loyal attachment to their family. Some people associate them with being snappy. In addition, socializing your Doodle or any dog, for that matter from a young age will help to prevent fearfulness and unpleasant behavior toward people and pets later in life. Poodles are active dogs who enjoy lots of physical and mentally stimulating activity. They like having a job and interacting with their owners, which is part of the reason why they are such contenders in the show ring! Labrador Side of the Family On the other side of the coin, Labrador Retriever temperament is generally happy-go-lucky. They are dogs who are content with anyone as long as they are being lathered with attention. These playful pups are also pretty tolerant of other dogs in the household. They are also dogs that need company. Get help with chewing or destructive behavior here. Like Poodles, these are energetic dogs who love to go for walks, runs, bike rides, and swims. They will thrive in an active household or in a job that lets them use their energy and their powerful nose! Labradoodle Socialization Socialization is important for any breed, even outgoing and friendly dogs like Labradors. Regular training and socialization is what helps a puppy to grow up to be a happy, healthy dog who is comfortable in different situations and around new people and animals. A lack of socialization could lead to a dog who is unsure of himself in a new situation, and therefore anxious or fearful. This may lead to acting out. Additionally, because the Poodle parent may potentially be a little more aloof, a Labradoodle will need socialization to counteract that tendency. Puppies should begin to be socialized from the time that they are brought home. Regularly introduce them to new people and other animals, and take them out into new environments. Training And Exercise Plan for at least an hour of exercise each day for an adult Labradoodle, and try to add in additional playtime in an enclosed yard, and tasks such as retrieving. Plenty of physical activity will keep their joints moving and flexible, plus the mental stimulation will keep a Doodle both physically and mentally fit. Just like ensuring that your child goes to school, training is a vital part of raising a well-adjusted dog of any breed. The training needs of a dog vary throughout the different ages of life. Labradoodles should also be trained to walk without straining at their leash, and to come back when given a recall signal. Check out our in-depth guide to training a Labrador or Labrador cross here. However, with mixes, dog owners need to take into account the risks for both parent breeds, as any and all could potentially be handed down to the mix puppy. Most of our purebred dog breeds are predisposed to certain health conditions. These are diseases that can only harm the individual dog if he or she carries inherits two faulty genes — one from each parent. With recessive diseases, if either parent passes a healthy gene to the puppy, the faulty gene is switched off and remains harmless. Which is why mongrels are often genetically more healthy than purebred dogs. A first cross like a Labradoodle may, genetically speaking, be an improvement on either of the parent breeds. Labrador Health Labradors are generally healthy dogs. But there are some inheritable issues that they do face. And they absolutely should be, before the Lab is allowed to breed. Whether the Lab is the mother or father of Labradoodle puppies, they should be health tested and cleared first. Labs also have a tendency to become overweight, especially as they get a little older. Lab owners should always keep an eye on the amount and quality of the food they give their dogs. Labs can also suffer from some more minor issues, such as ear problems and skin allergies. To learn more about the diseases and health conditions that commonly affect Labrador Retrievers, refer to our health article on Labrador Retrievers. Poodle Health Unfortunately, Poodles, while also being generally healthy, suffer from some of the same problems as Labradors. When both parent breeds have diseases in common, those diseases have a greater risk of being passed down to the Labradoodle puppy. Common major health problems include: Hip dysplasia. Those with Lab-type coats are lower maintenance than those with wavy coats. Wavy fur is more likely to knot and tangle, particularly if it grows long, like a fleece type Labradoodle. No matter what fur type your mix has, the Labradoodle Lab mix will likely shed more than a standard Labradoodle mix. Shedding hairs are less likely to get caught in straight fur. But, no matter what type of fur your mix has, grooming can help to control and remove shedding hairs. Start grooming from a young age, to ensure your mix is comfortable with all aspects of the process. Are Labradoodle Lab Mixes Hypoallergenic? However, studies into hypoallergenic dogs draw mixed conclusions. But, others find no different between hypoallergenic and non-hypoallergenic breeds. Generally, Labradoodle Lab mix dogs will not be hypoallergenic dogs. The best way to see if a certain dog triggers allergy symptoms for you is to spend time with them before committing and bringing them home. You can also enforce a strict cleaning regimen, and recruit someone else in your home to complete grooming tasks. The Labrador and Labradoodle mix can make a great family companion in the right home. These dogs are people-oriented, eager to please, and playful. They are very social dogs that do best in homes where they have lots of company. This is also a very high energy dog. Daily training and exercise are a must. But, since they are likely to have a more Lab-like coat, they may not suit people who suffer from dog allergies. Finding a Labradoodle Lab Mix Puppy Labradoodles are popular dogs, so finding a Labradoodle breeder who backcrosses their dogs is not likely to pose a challenge. However, finding a breeder who backcrosses to the Labrador is going to be harder. Most breeders will backcross to Poodles in order to achieve a low-shedding, curly coat. Some breeders may have litters, or will at least be able to point you in the direction of someone who can help. Puppy mills, pet stores, and backyard breeders tend to jump on trends like the Labradoodle to make a quick profit. But, the puppies they sell are often poorly cared for and much more likely to have health and behavioral problems. So, above all else, you should prioritise finding a reputable breeder. Puppy prices will vary from one location to the next. Factors like demand for a certain breed, puppy colors, coat type, and so on, can all influence puppy price. The Labradoodle Labrador mix is less common than a Poodle backcross. And, much less popular. So, whilst they might be harder to find, they also tend to cost less. Rescuing a Labradoodle Labrador Mix An alternative option to buying a puppy from a breeder is to search for one in rescue centers. Puppies from rescue centers are often cheaper than those from a breeder. They might be slightly older, but this can be an advantage, as many will have some basic training. The major disadvantage of rescue center mixed breeds is that staff might not know exactly what parentage the dogs have. These dogs are best suited to families that have plenty of time for training, exercise and mental stimulation. They may be too energetic for apartment living, unless you have access to an open, safe space to give them exercise and a chance to stretch their legs a few times each day. Do you have this uncommon backcross at home already? Or are you still considering whether this mix is right for you? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments! Readers Also Liked.

Dogs - Labrador Retriever This breed is thought to have originated in the geographical area called Labrador, the Newfoundland area on the east coast of Canada. Above: Labradors can be three colours: chocolate, yellow, or black. Red Fox is considered as a yellow. Excellent with kids and loyal family dog. They are active, intelligent and trainable. They have been vet checked, inoculated and dewormed; they will have a microchip implanted when collected. Breeding restrictions apply. Puppies can be transported to any major airport at buyer's expense. R each. More info on our Webpage: Vomvivando. Posted .Dewormed at 2 weeks, 4 and 6 weeks. Vaccinated at 6 weeks, microchipped and vet checked. Can be transported to any major airport at buyer's expense. Deposit must be paid to secure your booking. Puppy Agreement Contract to be signed on collection. Please call Denise Hopley or email alberden. Born 1st August. Stutterheim, Eastern Cape, South Africa. KUSA registered, inoculated 5 in 1, Microchip implanted, dewormed every 2 weeks, thoroughly checked by our vet, and handed over with up to date vaccination book. Price R.It is suggested the buyer have a full health check within 48 hrs of leaving our property, thereafter no latent defects will be humoured. Contact May Field, E-mail: maydfield gmail. Website: www. Webpage: Elioriaium Sherise Roux dt. Hannatjie, Yorma Puppies. Labrador puppy bred by M. Field About Labrador retrievers The dogs were used by fishermen to go into the water and pull the fishing nets to shore. Labradors love water, and care must be taken not to let a puppy go near a pool, or it will drown, as it does not know how to get out. The Labrador became popular in England as a gun dog and was used to retrieve game that the hunter had shot. Welcome to Mirain Labradors, South African owner of labradors and occasional breeder of labradors. Mirain Labradors carefully select and breed yellow, black and chocolate labrador puppies. Our History I was brought up with labradors, my folks bred labradors and I have personally been owned by a labrador for 3 decades. When my kids finished school I decided to show and breed this adorable breed and have made many friends along the way. Our Beliefs Our labradors are family pets and when we are home they spend their time inside with us and sleep in our bedrooms. The labrador puppies are whelped and brought up inside our home and are very well cared for by their mom and the rest of the family. We are a very small scale breeder and have only 1 litter a year from my labrador girls, currently this is 1 litter per year. A contract will be drawn up between the purchaser and seller to protect both parties and puppies. Make sure you read our section on how to select a healthy, happy labrador puppy and familiarize yourself with a labradors health as well. Our Labradors Diet Our dogs are fed on Hills Science Plan, which is what the puppies will be weaned on and a free Hills Puppy Pack is given to each new owner when they collect the puppy. We are a Labrador breeder in South Africa that selectively breeds Labradors for happy, healthy Labrador puppies. By breeding only from healthy, tested dogs and bitches with sound temperaments, we strive to make a positive contribution to the Labrador gene pool in our country as well as to provide families with wonderful Labradors as family pets and companions of outstanding quality. Please meet the Amadeuze Labrador team: Our breeding Labradors, studs and bitches, our Labradors on show team and also our Labrador family pets and companions. Labrador Retrievers are good companions to both men and women. Labradors are great house-dogs as Labradors are people orientated and guard their family. As a Retriever they are excellent shooting dogs, as this is the job for which they are bred, They are one of the most intelligent dog breeds and can be trained from small pleasures like fetching the newspaper and your slippers to service dogs that guide the blind and mountain and water rescue dogs. No doubt — Labs personify what we love most about dogs Anyone that meets an Amadeuze Labrador puppy falls in love with the breed due to the kind nature of Amadeuze Labradors. Our Labrador puppies are adopted all over the Africa Continent and are the most impressive and loyal ambassadors of our kennel. All our breeding Labrador studs and bitches are x-rayed and have excellent scores on hips and elbows, and all the Labrador puppies will be x-rayed and graded before considered for future breeding purposes. All of our Labradors are also PRA clear by parentage , which means they can never produce Labrador puppies that are infected by active PRA, an eye disease that causes dogs to go blind after a few years. Careful selection and matching of pedigrees bloodlines will always be the first consideration when breeding to any of our Labs. Amadeuze Labrador Breeder is proud to say that all of our Labs have wonderful temperaments which they pass on to their offspring. All the Labrador puppies bred by Amadeuze Labrador Breeder are evaluated at the age of 7 weeks by a professional, qualified Animal Behaviorist. Labrador puppies are tested to determine their individual qualities, temperament type, activity levels and reaction to stressful situations before being allocated to families. We find these tests are invaluable in correctly allocating each Labrador puppy to the most suitable family, and vice versa.

Try to look for breeders that specialize in German Shepherds. When you bring home a plush coat German Shepherd, be ready to have a high-energy dog with you at all times. They can live for up to 15 years so take your time to research the dog breed that best fits your lifestyle since this is not a short-term commitment. Their nickname is the German Shedder. German Shepherds all shed and they shed frequently. The Plush Coat German Shepherd will shed longer hair. A recessive gene causes the Plush Coat length, so finding this breed is a little difficult. Die-hard German Shepherd breeders tend to dislike this coat, so if puppies are produced with Plush Coats, it means each parent is carrying the recessive gene. Image Credit: Jumpstory 4. Medium-haired German Shepherds still have the intelligence, courage, and work ethic to be military and police dogs. They can also be personal service dogs. Their ears stand up on their own. Their bite is super strong. While the dog might be 90 pounds, they can deliver a bite with a force of over pounds. Image Credit: Jumpstory 7. The name was changed. The name was changed back in .The Plush Coat German Shepherd is an extremely smart dog. Their ability to be trained so easily combined with their loving natures make them popular choices for family pets. With the same personality and traits, this dog has a strong work ethic and is a wonderful companion. Regular brushing can help with the shedding, but this dog is going to shed frequently no matter what. As family dogs, Plush Coat German Shepherds are great with kids and make loyal and loving pets. Fun German Shepherd Facts Work is their reason to live, German Shepherds have a very strong work ethic and energy level described as "volcanic". German Shepherds are known for their heroism, without any special training! Their star power has been lighting up Hollywood screens since the s. The most intelligent, responsive and obedient local shepherd dogs in Germany were bred to create what is now known as the German Shepherd. This breed was responsible for herding sheep and protecting flocks from predators. They were not considered pets or companions, but rather servants for farmers. Their intelligence, speed, strength and keen sense of smell, made them the perfect choice as sheepherders. Although German Shepherds were considered strictly workers, rather then household pets, farmers did provide food, protection, and shelter to the breed. By the beginning of World War I the German Shepherd was popular throughout Germany and quickly spread to other parts of the world. People loved German Shepherds for their loyal and courageous character. Their superb sense of smell and courageous character made the German Shepherd an ideal police dog. Their faithful observance of what is going on around them, along with their patience, landed them the role of a leader to the blind. These outstanding qualities and characteristics make the German Shepherd a wonderful domestic companion, protector, and friend. The breed is reserved with strangers at first but warms up quickly. This characteristic makes them excellent watchdogs, especially for children. Check out some of our most popular animal plushies we've made.

Your breeder should be concerned with breeding healthy dogs, rather than focused primarily on selling them. Visit a potential breeder and observe his interactions with his dogs; they should be friendly and relaxed. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Look for breeders who are registered with national organizations such as the American Kennel Club [3] X Research source or with breed-specific organizations such as the National Labrador Retriever Club. Ask the breeder why these two particular dogs were bred. If they have had other litters, ask for references from people who bought those puppies. If you want a gun dog, don't choose a breeder who primarily raises cuddly pets or award-winning show dogs. These breeders will be able to assess puppies more accurately for the qualities you're seeking. Look for quantifiable measures. For example, select breeders with litters from parents who have hunt test or field trial scores if you want a puppy who will grow into a good hunting dog. These are organizations that work to find homes for Labradors who need a good home. While these organizations often have many adult and even senior dogs who need homes, they also place puppies. Charities or non-profits may offer Labrador puppies for auction as a means of raising funds. Because these auctions are often conducted without appropriate legal oversight and because they encourage rash decisions about pet ownership, they are opposed by groups such as the National Labrador Retriever Club. Country Life June 21, This picture could only be improved if the puppies were using their paws to cover ears, eyes and mouth respectively.But, well, you can't have everything. Credit: Alamy If you're after a labrador — aka 'the world's favourite dog' — you'll need to take some expert advice. It is one of the most versatile breeds, capable of working in search and rescue, as a guide dog, in medical detection, as a sniffer or assistance dog and in the theatre of war. Labrador tips from the experts Go to a specialist breeder, so that you can see the different generations of a breeding line. Make temperament, not sex, your overriding factor when choosing. As soon as your puppy wakes up, take it outside. When introducing the labrador to a lead, walk it with an older dog. A yellow Labrador puppy. Possible labrador problems to look out for Canine hip dysplasia is a genetic disease, causing the abnormal development of the hip socket, resulting in pain and lameness. Listen for a popping sound when the dog walks, and look for reluctance to use stairs, as well as sensitivity when you touch the hindquarters. Labradors can also be prone to retinal dysplasia, an inherited condition that affects labradors used for field work, and results in their developing blind spots. Generally, the dog can work around this by changing head position. Reputable breeders will be able to show certification that the dog has no eye conditions, which you should ask to see when buying a dog. Head and skull: Skull broad with defined stop; clean-cut without fleshy cheeks. Jaws of medium length, powerful not snippy. Nose wide, nostrils well developed. Eyes: Medium size, expressing intelligence; brown or hazel. Ears: Not large or heavy, hanging close to head and set rather far back. Mouth: Jaws and teeth strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite. Coat: Distinctive feature, short dense without wave or feathering, giving fairly hard feel to the touch; weather-resistant undercoat. No need to scroll down: we can confirm that the Golden Retriever is indeed on the list below. Credit: Alamy Which is the more popular spaniel, the springer or the cocker? Shooting Times's David Tomlinson weighs up the pros and Close up of dog. Credit: Getty Images With a silken coat, affectionate nature and boundless enthusiasm for life, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel lives up to its Credit: Getty As the dog world prepares for Crufts , we take a look at the breed of dog which has been A sprocker spaniel Picture: Alamy Whether you own labradors, springers, cockers or a mix of all three, debate over which gundog is best has raged Related. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. What Does a Good Breeder Do? A good breeder is without doubt the best place to get your Labrador puppies. They will usually have a demonstrable love of the breed and are usually active in a competitive discipline such as field trials or showing. Breeding responsibly takes a lot of dedication, time and considered, reasoned processes. Good Labrador Retriever breeders: Carefully select and match a sire and dam to breed Labrador puppies with particular traits and temperament. Take the utmost care of the welfare and living conditions of their dogs and puppies. Perform many health checks on their breeding stock to cut the risk of inherited diseases. Can provide certificates of pedigree for both parents. Will provide information and help to you throughout the life of your Lab. Matching The Sire and Dam For Breeding Good Labrador breeders will usually be involved in a competitive discipline and will selectively breed their Labradors to improve the breed for a particular purpose. Some will breed for field trials, some for conformance to show in the ring and some for obedience. In each discipline, different qualities and temperament are bred for. Although most will also breed for their dogs to become good family pets. A good breeder will carefully consider the strengths and weaknesses of the parents, hoping to achieve a higher level of perfection in their next generation of dogs for the purpose of which they are bred. Contrast this with a less responsible breeder. They will often throw together any two dogs of the same breed purely to produce a litter of puppies for sale. No consideration given to the pedigrees of the parents and how compatible they may or may not be. Welfare and Living Conditions A good breeder will want to meet you and will give you the chance to see the parents of the puppies and the conditions in which his breeding stock lives. This is a very good opportunity for you to screen out some less reputable ones. A good breeder will either raise their Labrador puppies in the home, or in clean and well maintained kennels. Of utmost importance is the puppies early socialization to different experiences, surroundings and human contact. A responsible Labrador breeders stock, from puppies through to adults, should look healthy and be friendly and sociable. If you find they have health or temperament problems, you should walk away. Health Checks Good Labrador breeders will have put their dogs and bitches through an array of health checks before deciding to use them in their breeding programs. A bad breeder may say his stock has had a vets clearance for health. This is not at all sufficient and a breeder should be able to produce certificates that you can verify online or by phone. The two main health clearances you should ask to see: Are the parents free of hip dysplasia? These checks should be performed once a year. But a responsible one will be aware of these common ailments and will be honest about his stock being prone. In contrast to a good breeder, a bad breeder will not have put his puppies through any such health checks. But if you get your puppy without such checks, you would be supporting bad practices, gambling with your dogs future health…and gambling with potentially high future vets bills! If a breeder cannot offer certifiable proof of the health of his stock and is unwilling to discuss genetic diseases, then you should definitely walk away. Ongoing Help to Care for Your Puppy Good Labrador breeders will provide you with lots of information on how to raise and care for your dog, both before you take your puppy home and throughout the lifetime of your dog. They will be extremely knowledgeable and because they truly care about their puppies, no question will be too simple or too small for them to answer. They will often help with dietary advice, training advice, health and care advice and be able to offer contact details of important organizations. Some will even go so far as to give a promise they will take your puppy back if it displays unmanageable health problems or your circumstances change and you can longer care for your Lab. A bad breeder will not provide anything like this level of service. The 12 Questions You Should Ask of a Labrador Breeder In order to help you filter out the good Labrador breeders from the bad, I have prepared a list of 12 questions that you should ask a breeder. They are questions they will expect and should be happy to answer: How are you involved with the Labrador breed? If they are seriously into their breeding, they have some involvement in field trails or showing their dogs. How many different breeds of dog do you breed? They are more likely in it for the money and not just for the love of the breed. Are the sire and dam registered? Will the puppies be registered? Of course, when buying a pedigree dog, you will wan this to be proven and traceable. Most good breeders will also register their puppies and will hand them over when you collect your puppy. Where are your Labrador puppies raised? The perfect answer is in the home. Some kennel bred puppies are still well socialized and given lots of human attention. Can you provide check-able certificates of the parents health screening tests concerning hips and eyes? Good Labrador breeders will health screen their stock and will not breed dogs that have poor scores for health. They will care more for the quality of life of their potential puppies and for the overall health of the population. Is there any history of other diseases common to Labrador Retrievers in the ancestry of the puppies? Unfortunately, many pedigree dogs have an array of inherited, genetically linked diseases. A good breeder will be happy to discuss this with you. Should my circumstances change in such a way that I can no longer care for the dog, would you be willing to take it back? The majority of good breeders will be happy to do so and will provide a written guarantee. However, a deal is a deal and if the breeder seems good in many other ways, do not place too high an emphasis on this one. May I contact you with any questions that I have about the dog once I have him in my care? Every single breeder should say yes and will be happy to help. At what age am I able to take the dog home? No breeder will let a puppy go before it is 8 weeks old. These first 8 weeks, the puppy is learning a huge amount from its mother and litter mates. Taking a puppy from its mother too soon is tantamount to cruelty. Is it possible for me to meet the parents of the puppies? You can learn a lot about both the potential looks and temperament of your chosen puppy by meeting the parents. If the sire cannot be seen, you should at least be able to get its name and the name of the owner so you contact them and try to arrange a viewing and check its certificates for health etc. Can you provide references of previous adopters of your puppies? The experiences had by people who have previously dealt with the breeder are invaluable. They can tell you how their dog is doing, whether any health problems surfaced and the way the dealer dealt with them both during the sale and throughout the lifetime of the dog. From the answers they give, you should be able to instantly spot the bad breeders and cut them from your short list. You should try to make a personal visit to the remaining ones to further check that they are reputable. For more information, please see:. Selecting Your Labrador Retriever Puppy Selecting your puppy Try to restrain your emotions when you are selecting our pup. Remember that the breeder has been with the pup from day 1 to selection day at 5 weeks. At Pawlinglabs, we will ask you to forward a list of the characteristics that your are hoping for, prior to selection. When you come to select, we will ask you to observe the litter before entering and handling the pups. Labrador pups are very cute and cuddly, but when it comes time to select the right one for you there is plenty to consider. Carefully observe Labrador Retriever puppies before buying them, ensuring that the pup you select looks healthy and is to breed standard. There are some basic points to note about Labrador Retriever standards. The coat of a Labrador is their most distinctive feature. Labs have two coats, the water resistant undercoat which is unseen, and the top coat which is dense, straight and short. There is might be a slight wave in their coat, however the coat should feel rough to the touch. Labrador puppies come in three different coat colors: yellow light cream to red fox , chocolate liver and black. There must not be any other colours in the coat. Labs have a broad skull and a well defined stop. Their head is quite large but the features on the head, such as the ears, look proportioned. The ears of a Labrador should be set far back from the face. The inside skin of the ears should be a pale pink and soft without any scabs or discoloration. There shouldn't be any odour coming from them. The eyes of a Lab pup are round, either deep brown or hazel with black rims. The eyes should be friendly and express intelligence. The Labrador Retriever has a wide black and well developed nose with distinguished nostrils. The nose should be clean and without discharge. Be aware that a wet nose is not an indication that the Lab is healthy, nor does a dry nose indicate he is unwell. The teeth should be set square to the jaws with the top teeth slightly overlapping the bottom. Labrador puppies have fewer teeth than adults and they will lose their baby teeth as their adult teeth grow in. Labs have a well developed and strong chest. It has good depth and width. Their barreled ribs are well sprung and their back is level. Their loins are wide and strong. The skin of a Lab should be without scabs or bumps. It is normal for Labrador puppies to have extra skin at the back of their neck; this is how their mother picks them up. The skin color of a lab is usually pale pink but it can also be brown or even spotted. The tail of a Labrador is thick at the base and tapers towards the tip. The tail is a moderate length and has no feathering. It is as smooth like the rest of the coat with a rounded appearance. The tails is even with the back or slightly upwards. It should never be carried over the back or hang down. Labrador have long and sloping shoulders that connect to the strong front legs. The hind legs are developed well and have a turned stifle. Both the front and hind legs should be straight. The feet of Labrador pups are compact and perfectly round. Their toes are arched and pads well developed. Feet should be straight, not turned inwards or outwards. The gait of a Labrador should be carefree. Labs take long strides and walk straight. Observe your puppies as he walk. Make sure it is not favoring any leg or paw. This can be a sign of a current or future health issue. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. By Pups Central Team What to Look For When Buying a Labrador Puppy These past few months, you may have been drooling over adorable puppy photos over on Facebook and Instagram, even became a loyal follower of their social media accounts. With this cuteness overload, you are now thinking of buying a Labrador Retriever puppy. Remember that you are not buying a toy. You are buying a living being, whose growth, training, and care will be your responsibility for the length of its life. Have no clue on what to look for when buying a Labrador puppy? Let us enumerate the steps. Figuring out the Labrador puppy that you want is not as easy as it looks. You need to determine your reason for buying a pup in the first place. Do you want a gorgeous Labrador that you can flaunt in dog shows? Do you want a competitive dog that can participate in field trials? Or maybe you just want a loyal and dedicated pet for the whole family? Knowing the type of Labrador you want is important because it will give you an idea of its overall temperament and if it matches your lifestyle, and help you in finding the right breeder. Aside from type, you should also determine the color of the Lab puppy that you want to own. Labrador experts have observed that the three main colors of the breed also present with different levels of intelligence and temperament. STEP 2: Come up with a list of reputable Labrador breeders Now that you know the type of Labrador that you want, the next step is to look for reputable breeders in your area. The Club has a search directory for club-registered breeders. If you have no particular breeder in mind, scroll down to the bottom of the directory for the breeder listings by state, last name, and kennel name. This list helps you to further narrow down your choice for a Labrador type. STEP 3: Contact the breeder. Having come up with your list, the next step is to contact the breeder through email or phone. Make sure that you have your notes on the Labrador puppy you are interested in as well as the questions that you would want to ask the breeder. Some good initial questions that you can ask are the following: 1 Do you have a litter of puppies available? Most breeders would have all the puppies reserved for early buyers before they are even born. If there is a new litter on the way, you can book an early reservation for a puppy as well. STEP 4: Visit the breeder. Once you have determined the breeders that have puppies available, schedule an on-site visit with them. Check out the stud dog and bitch and verify their credentials. If the stud mated with a bitch outside the kennel, consider tracking them down. The reason why you need to see the parents is that their temperaments can be passed on to their puppies. STEP 5: Check credentials. Aside from knowing the credentials of the breeder, you also need to check out the credentials of the stud dog and bitch. The three main standards that you should keep in mind are temperament, ability, and especially health. When it comes to health, both parents should possess the following health certificates : A Canine Eye Registry Foundation CERF certificated dated within the past year that the dog is free from eye diseases An Orthopedic Foundation of America OFA or PennHip certificate that the dog has normal hips An Orthopedic Foundation of America OFA certificate that the dog has normal elbows An Optigen testing certificate that the dog is free from inherited progressive blindness. STEP 6: Prepare to be assessed by the breeder. Reputable and responsible breeders would like to be sure that their puppies will go to good homes. In most cases, they will also interview you, asking questions on why you have chosen to get a Lab, the type of Lab that you are interested in, and the readiness of your home and family to take in a puppy. Some breeders may choose to visit your home and talk with family members. They may also offer recommendations to ensure the best living environment for their puppies. However, if you are given free rein to choose a puppy, these are the things you should take note of: A healthy Lab should be solid and well-proportioned. Thin puppies with visible ribs may be signs of malnutrition or illness. Inspect the coat, which should be soft and luxurious. There should be no bald patches. It should be clean with no signs of diarrhea or white flaky matter which is indicative of tapeworms. Its gums should be a healthy bright pink. The ears should be clean with no signs of infection, inflammation, or discharge. Observe the puppy while moving. It should be walking or running around with no limping or lameness. These steps will help ensure that you will be buying the Labrador puppy that you are looking for. Tweet on Twitter Getting a healthy, pedigree Labrador puppy requires planning. In this article we are going to share with you 8 steps that you can follow to ensure that you are buying a healthy Labrador puppy. There are potential problems that many new puppy buyers are not aware of. The litter of puppies next door, or in your local newspaper, might not be the right one for you. So you need to be cautious as you set out on this exciting journey! Plan in advance Good breeders do not usually struggle to get puppy buyers. On the contrary, they often have waiting lists. So, if a litter of eight week old puppies is still unsold, be wary. It pays to plan in advance. Six to twelve months ahead of when you want your puppy is not too soon. The structured approach below is designed to help those with no contacts in the dog breeding world, find the right puppy. Step 1. Those bred for the show ring or as pets, and those bred for work as gundogs. You can read about these two types of Labrador, and their characteristics in this article: which Labrador is right for you? In the UK we call these two strains working type or field type and show type. They look and are, very different dogs. In the USA, working bred Labradors are often referred to as field type or American and show bred gun dogs as bench type or English. The split is the same in both countries, whatever they are called. And you need to know which is which and which you prefer. Step 2. This article looks at all the different places and ways in which you can buy puppies and explains the pros and cons of each. Finding a reputable breeder if you have no contacts in the doggy world, is not as easy as walking into a pet shop, but it is worth every bit of the effort that goes into it. One way to start your search, is by looking at your local Labrador breed club. This will lead you to some experienced breeders. You will then need to do some further checks to find out whether or not the breeders meets the standards you are looking for. Many people that are involved in the committee of their breed club are themselves breeders. If they no longer breed, they will be able to put you in touch with someone that does. One will be labelled FT secretary. The FT stands for Field Trial and suggests that this person is involved with working type labradors. If someone is showing their dogs, the dogs themselves are more likely to be show type rather than true working type. Step 3. Contact some Labrador breeders Make a list of contacts to approach, you can then phone them or email them. Let them know that you found them on the Kennel Club website, and are looking for a pedigree Labrador puppy. Tell them which type work or show you are interested in. Have a separate list ready, to enter details of any litters. So the second question is often the best way of getting a puppy from one of her dogs. If you have a colour preference, let the breeder know. He or she will ask you plenty of questions later if you want one of their puppies. Step 4. For several reasons. They may not have any puppies at the moment, or they may not meet the criteria you have set for the breeder of your puppy. They will however, be able to give you more contacts to add to your list. What you are aiming to do, is to make a list of half a dozen or so litters of puppies that you can then check out and narrow down. One of the best ways to find a litter of puppies, either before or after they are born, is to find a nice stud dog, and track down all the female dogs he has been mated to over the last month or two. A reputable breeder will be happy to email you photos and may even let you visit her stud dog, so that you can decide if you like him. This trail will also lead you to some smaller, less experienced breeders so you will need to do your homework carefully to make sure that the mother of your puppies has the right credentials. Checking those out is our next step Step 5. Checking credentials It is up to you to check the credentials of the litter. This is something that people are often unaware of. A pedigree does not guarantee very much at all. The Kennel Club pedigree is simply a statement of ancestry and contrary to popular belief, does not imply that the puppy it belongs to or his parents have met any standards. The three credentials you need to personally check and verify are Temperament Abililty Temperament The most crucial of all credentials has to be temperament. An adult Labrador may weight in excess of 70lbs. These are large powerful dogs that everyone expects to be friendly. You cannot take any chances with poor temperament. He will inherit tendencies to friendliness or unfriendliness, nervousness or confidence etc, from both of his parents. Never buy a puppy without meeting his mother. And if you can meet the stud dog, so much the better. If you cannot meet the stud dog, make sure that someone who has met him, can vouch for his good nature. This may not be quite as crucial with a show champion as any successful show dog will have proven itself happy to be handled in the most personal manner by total strangers. Working dogs are a different matter, and occasionally dogs with poor temperaments do succeed in competition and are used at stud. Health Health credentials are essential. Follow this link to read all about inherited diseases in Labradors and read our article on health checks. I cannot stress this too much. You must physically check certificates or copies of certificates way in advance of collecting your puppy. It is very hard to turn down a puppy once he is in your arms. Ability Ability is important if you have an activity in mind for your dog. If your aim is to compete in working trials, you might want to choose a puppy whose ancestors have been successful in that sport. Choosing a litter Narrowing down your choice to a single litter can be tough. Unless you have your heart set on a puppy from a particular dog, you may find it difficult to decide. In many cases though, there are not that many litters that meet the right criteria. You can narrow down your choice further by looking again at the breeder. How friendly and helpful is she? Do you think she will be supportive if you get into difficulties with your puppy? Has she offered to take the puppy back at any point in his life if you cannot cope? If you can answer yes to all three, then that is a real bonus point for that litter. This person is important and you need to feel that you can trust her. A breeder with a lot of dogs may have her pups in an outdoor kennel, but they should still spend lots of time with the family. Check out this article: How to spot a good breeder , and this one How to spot a bad breeder for more information. It pays to be picky. Step 7. Choosing gender Should you buy a dog or a female dog? Some people simply prefer one gender over another. And it is very hard to generalise about the sexes. Male Labradors are no more difficult to train or control than female dogs. And though entire males may be more likely to roam if not supervised in an unfenced property, female dogs can do this too. Females come into season twice a year at which time they may need to be confined to washable floors. They will also need to be kept separate from entire males with vigilance for a period of around three weeks. Neutering a female is more expensive than neutering a male. And older, un-neutered female dogs are prone to a serious and potentially deadly condition called pyometra. These are all things to consider. But overall, it often just boils down to personal preference. Step 8. Choosing your puppy And now for the final and most exciting step Choosing your puppy. Which one of these gorgeous bundles of Labrador loveliness should you take home? One of the very best things you can do when choosing a puppy from a litter, is to take someone experienced with you. Another good reason to choose an experienced and dependable person well in advance. If there is a choice, a good breeder will be able to guide you in this. All they can tell you is what you can hope for from the pedigree, and that the puppy seems OK physically. Check out this article: Choosing the right dog for more information. To make sure all is well, you will need to have your new puppy checked over by your own vet, within a day or two of bringing him home. Health and temperament problems in a large dog can be devastating. Now available in most countries, the handbook is already a bestseller in the UK.