little english bulldog puppies

But as wonderful as it is, raising a pug puppy has its difficulties. One of the most persistent problems to arise is the tendency most pug puppies have is to cry. This article will explain why puppies cry and some tips on how to stop the crying. Why is My Pug Puppy Crying? Pug puppies cry because they feel lonely and isolated after being separated from their siblings and their mothers. Natural puppy crying could be related to physical or emotional needs that pertain to pain, fear, boredom, hunger, or full a full bladder. Pugs are naturally inquisitive, active, curious, and social. They like to be in the thick of the action around the house. They can play all day, exploring their environment and familiarizing themselves with the world, all while tumbling over their siblings and playmates. At night, they can doze off peacefully with their loving family members at their sides. Puppies cry at night because they miss being close to their mother and siblings. Once you have taken your pug puppy home, this whole dynamic changes. The pup will likely play all day, happy to have you as its new companion. At night, however, your pug will feel anxious without its mother and siblings. The plaintive cries of your young pug will be painful for you to hear. This article will explain why some Pugs never grow out of this crying phase. Every parent is different, some will say let them cry and they will eventually stop. If you put your puppy in the bed with you, it will be harder to get them used to sleeping by themselves and may be more prone to separation anxiety as they grow. Some people believe that punishing or leaving the puppy alone to cry will make them tougher. They can also grow into a frightened dog that is harder to socialize and may develop other behavioral problems. If your puppy is crying at night, put their crate next to your bed to make them feel safe. They will still be close to you, but they are still sleeping in their own bed. This may make your puppy feel safer and feeling less homesick. Pug puppies have their own unique personalities and some will take longer to stop crying while others may not cry very much. As a new Pug owner, you should understand what Pug puppies are like , so you understand the breed better. Within a few weeks or maybe even a few days, your puppy should become accustomed to its new lifestyle and the crying should stop. Dogs are quick to accept people as their new family, and they will forget all about their painful separation. A puppy that cries at night may be bored, hungry, or may just want some attention. Puppies need a lot more attention than adult dogs, especially, when they first arrive at your home. If your puppy is crying during the day, find time to spend time with them. Puppies are like toddlers and need to stay busy to keep active. This can be a great time to start training your puppy and teaching them simple commands. Your pup will enjoy the time you spend with them and will start to bond with you. They are in an unfamiliar environment, which can cause them to whimper and cower behind furniture instead of greeting visitors or other family members. This survival instinct is ingrained into puppies whenever they are separated from their mothers. They instinctly learn how to be more cautious of their surroundings. Have that person enter the room more slowly and let the puppy approach them rather than the person trying to approach the pup. Unfortunately, it can be hard to know, especially, if this if your first time having a puppy. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should get your puppy to the vet as soon as possible. Separation Anxiety Over Beloved People Once a pug has overcome their anxiety at being separated from their litter, they might well form a new unbreakable attachment to their human family. But once that connection is formed, the pup might start to cry in a similar way whenever it is separated from you. This can be an especially persistent problem at night, when the puppy is expected to sleep in its own bed. It might desperately want to sleep next to its new mama or papa. This behavior is understandable, but it is certainly not ideal in the long term. Luckily, there are measures you can take as a responsible and caring pug owner to deal with this problem and keep your puppy as happy as can be. How to Handle a Crying Pug Pup Never punish or yell at your puppy for crying, as it will make them scared of you. The single best way to deal with a pug puppy that is crying from separation anxiety is by crate training. Keeping your dog in a crate might seem unnecessary or cruel, but in fact it is a great way to give your pup a comfortable home and make it feel better about its quality of life. Dogs naturally feel secure inside a comfortable crate. It becomes their safe space, where they can let their guard down and relax. Inside their crate, they know that nothing can hurt them. The key to successful crate training is to start early. You want your pug to learn that a crate will be a safe and comfortable lifelong home. Use a treat to lure your pug into the crate for the first time, or gently push it inside. Trey feeding your dog in the crate so it associates the space with positive experiences. Most owners will find that the dog soon chooses to lie in the crate all on their own when the door is open. A cold sleeping area can interrupt a sleeping pup. The best thing you can do is spend time with your pup. You should eventually be able to stop your Pug puppy crying in his crate. But you will need a degree of patience and large amount of determination. Your puppy will no longer have that security and familiarity, so will cry in the crate for prolonged periods of time. In this easy to follow guide, I will explain the steps you can take to cope with your Pug crying and whining at night. It will help you get them settled and used to sleeping in crate without having to be constantly by your side. Why do Pugs cry? Pugs will and do cry, and Pug puppies are particularly known as big criers. Whimpering and crying will happen when they want your attention, to be fed, or to be let out for a pee or poop. It can sometimes look a red or brown color, seeping from their eyes. Eye allergies: An allergic reaction can also lead to watery discharge from their eyes, which can look like tears and crying. But the main reason that Pug puppies will cry, will be when you have them starting to sleep in their crate at night. Do Pugs cry tears? All dogs, including Pugs, have tear ducts. Fear: Older or rescue dogs can have negative connotations connected to the crate. Toilet: It might just be that the Pug needs a pee or poop. Please Note: Pug puppies will cry in their crate for at least the first few days you have them. The steps below are best applied when the crying is problematic and longer term. Make the crate apositive experience and comfortable One of the simplest ways to stop your Pug puppy crying at night is to make them as comfortable and happy as possible. If the crate is cosy and welcoming, it will have more positive connotations rather than negative ones. To help with that positive association, place an item of clothing of yours in the crate. You should be taking baby steps here to help their insecurity and loneliness, so in the first few weeks at least have it and them withing sight of your room — so you can see them and vice versa. Having them closer to you like this, will also mean you can help their potty training, getting them out when they need to pee. Over time you can start to move the crate gradually, until they are in the crate, in a room, and with no whining and crying. Use the right-sized crate Part of the comfort mentioned earlier, will be making sure your Pug has the right crate for their stature. They need enough to room to walk from side to side, move about, stand up, and turn fully without feeling caged. Make sure your Pug goes for a pee and poop first Your pug is crying in the crate possibly because their bladder is full. They should be allowed outdoors or onto a puppy pad before bedtime. However, with puppies, they will need the toilet constantly. You might have to take them out of the crate every hour… but there is an alternative; puppy training pads. You can still expect some accidents, which is why puppy pads are so essential for lining the crate at night. Again, you can buy puppy pads on Amazon — they are cheap when bought in bulk. Tire your Pug puppy out before crate time The more tired your Pug puppy is, the more he or she will sleep, meaning the less crying in the crate. Try to make sure that your Pug has no energy still left to burn at night. With a Pug puppy, just a walk and run about for 20 minutes could be enough to make them tired before bed and crate time. Handy Hint: Read my guide on how to tire a puppy out before bed with these tips on making sure they get their daily fill of both mental and physical stimulation. By taking them out of the crate at night when the Pug cries, you have reinforced the behavior… and will then find it hard to stop as the weeks and months progress. Understanding the difference between a cry for a pee and a cry for attention But how do you know which cry is which? Over a week or so, your puppy should learn that crying gives him the toilet and nothing else. Never punish or scold your crying Pug Pugs or any dog for that matter do not respond well to loud shouting and hitting. Whilst it might be extremely frustrating when your Pug cries at night from the crate, if you tell them it will often make it worse. If your Pug is crying due to being scared, shouting more will not help. Yes, he might stop crying in the short-term, but only because he is in fear of you. Handy Hint: You should never punish a Pug with physical action. Conclusion When training to stop your Pug crying at night, you should always remain consistent. You might also like… Here are some related guides to help you and your Pug puppy, with crying, night-time sleep, and other issues. Pugs can also bawl or scream! I have a post on pug bawling or pug screaming if those are what you were looking for. Can Pugs Cry Tears? Their eyes do shed tears sometimes, but not for emotional reasons. Why Do Pugs Cry Tears? Their eyes may tear aka water if they have allergies, get something in their eye, or just to help keep their eyes lubricated. Pugs were originally bred to be companions for Chinese royalty. They are quite literally made to be lapdogs. When left home alone, pugs often suffer separation anxiety. Of course, almost nobody is willing or able to stay home all the time. For almost all dogs, being left home alone sometimes is just a reality of life. With experience, your pug will learn that you will come back home later. They still may cry when you leave, though. Related article of mine: Should pugs be left home alone all day? Pug Cries At Night Pugs crying at night is a big problem for many pug owners. We got them at 8 and 9 years old and they were house trained. We were told by their former owner that they were crate trained, but they cried a ton in their crate at night. The next day, they slept great cuddled up next to us during the day. They slept in our bed from then on out. Personally, I never saw pug clinginess as a problem or something I felt the need to try to extinguish. When it comes to whether or not pugs should sleep with people, it might be a lot like parenting. Some people firmly believe in cosleeping with their kids, others firmly believe babies need to sleep in their own crib. The same will be true of pug owners. It may take days or even weeks, but it can be done. When pug puppies are born they sleep cuddled with their siblings and their mom. When a puppy is first rehomed, they cry at night because they have been removed from the comfort of sleeping with their siblings and their mom. However, it also makes sense to check for other potential causes. For example, do they need to go to the bathroom? Could they be cold, hungry, or thirsty? Separation anxiety. Pugs love being with people, it may even seem that your pug wants constant attention. One way that they often communicate fear is through whining. My pug Frank would cry when other animals were around because he was afraid of a lot of other animals. Sometimes pugs cry to let us know that they want something. My pug Frank would sit near the food bowl and cry if he was hoping to get more food. For example, if they are crying and looking under the couch, their favorite toy might have gotten stuck under there! Some pugs cry when they need to go outside. Some pugs will learn to sit near a door that leads outside and cry to make their desire a bit more obvious to you. Younger pugs may not realize that sitting near the door helps express this need, so they may just cry when they feel the urge to pee or poop, without knowing to go near the door. If your dog is in pain they may cry. Or if you just cannot seem to find any cause for their crying, you should consider it could be pain. Fast breathing Dizziness If your Pug cries when trying to urinate this could be a sign of a urinary tract infection UTI. It could also indicate a throat swelling or tonsillitis. This should always be checked by a veterinary professional as soon as symptoms arise. Here are some tips and techniques that you can use at home to stop your Pug from whining. Never yell at your Pug Never yell at your Pug, even if their crying and whimpering becomes persistent. Reprimanding your Pug will only make things worse and leave your Pug feeling more anxious than before. Instead, practice positive reinforcement techniques with rewards for desirable behaviors and simply do not reward the behaviors that you want to discourage. Try crate training Crate training is one of the best preventions against night time crying out there. Crate training is not cruel, in fact, it makes puppies feel more secure in those early days. When you first bring your pup home, keep their crate in your bedroom at night. This will help your puppy feel safe whilst still developing some independence in their safe crate. Once your pup seems more confident and stops crying at night, you can stop using the crate. Each pup will have their own timeline so be patient and take the lead. This will help develop consistent behaviors and reduce anxiety. Offer your Pug a bedtime treat to make the sleepy time a positive experience Create a comfortable and safe place for your Pug to sleep at night Leave some of their favorite toys in their sleeping area Try out some relaxation therapies yes, doggie aromatherapy is a thing! As much as you might think that showering your pooch with love every time you step out the door will make things better…. This will create more anxiety. Make the goodbyes as normal and routine as possible so your Pug feels safe and secure. Oftentimes, Pug owners find that the nighttime is the worst time for crying and whimpering. Whilst this is very common amongst Pug puppies who are still readjusting to life outside of the litter, it is not unheard of in older Pugs too. Pug puppies When Pug puppies cry at night it is because they are still readjusting to life outside of the litter. At first, they may feel lonely and isolated without their mother and litter mates. It can be heartbreaking to watch this but it is a natural developmental stage that usually passes without too much emotional distress for your pup. Older Pugs When senior Pugs cry out at night it is not usually the result of separation anxiety but because of a cognitive issue. Pugs can develop dementia-like symptoms as they get older. Symptoms like disorientation cause them to feel anxious and cry out. Do Pugs Tear Cry? Why Do Pugs Tear? According to Dr. Genna Mize from Virbac Animal Health.

Breeds The link has been copied! Meet the Boxsky, a delightful fusion of brawn and brains that'll steal your heart faster than you can say "walkies! Imagine the boundless energy of a Husky merged with the goofy, lovable personality of a Boxer, and you've got yourself a Boxsky! With their striking good looks and irresistible charm, these pups are sure to make you the envy of the dog park. Get ready to embark on a wild adventure with this four-legged dynamo, as there's never a dull moment with a Boxsky by your side. So grab your leash, lace up your sneakers, and prepare for the pawsitively paw-some journey ahead with your very own Boxsky buddy! This exceptional mixed breed harmoniously combines the Boxer's playful spirit and the Husky's intelligence and athleticism. As the Boxsky's popularity soars among dog lovers, it's emerging as the go-to choice for active families and individuals seeking a spirited, loving companion. A life shared with a Boxsky is filled with excitement, joy, and unwavering loyalty, making them an incredible addition to any household that can keep up with their energy. These dogs are adaptable and versatile and respond well to positive reinforcement training. They can excel in various activities such as agility, obedience training, and even working roles. The Boxsky's combination of looks, temperament, and versatility make them a highly sought-after breed. A Captivating Blend: The Boxsky's Distinctive Appearance The Boxsky's appearance can vary greatly, showcasing a mix of the parent breeds' best features. In general, Boxskies have a strong, well-built body with a wide chest, muscular limbs, and a lively, expressive face. Their eyes are often enchanting, possibly inheriting the vivid blue of a Husky or the warm brown of a Boxer. Their coats are typically dense and can range from short to medium in length, with a variety of colors such as black, brown, brindle, or even white with unique markings. Grooming needs can also differ depending on the coat, but regular brushing and maintenance are essential. A Boxsky's striking appearance is sure to turn heads and make them a standout in any crowd. No one Boxsky looks the same as the parent breeds are so different from each other. The Growth Journey: Sizing Up a Boxsky Boxskies, being mixed breeds, can exhibit a range of sizes, usually falling into the medium to large category. Males typically stand between 22 and 25 inches tall at the shoulder, while females range from 20 to 23 inches. Weight also varies, with males tipping the scales at 45 to 80 pounds and females weighing between 35 and 65 pounds. The final size of a Boxsky depends on their genetic makeup, which may favor one parent breed over the other. A Boxsky's growth rate can be influenced by factors such as diet, exercise, and overall health. To ensure a well-proportioned, healthy dog, it is essential to provide proper nutrition and regular vet checkups throughout their growth. Expecting the Years: Boxsky Life Expectancy A Boxsky's life expectancy typically ranges from 10 to 14 years, a relatively healthy lifespan for a medium to large-sized dog. However, this breed can be prone to certain health issues inherited from their parent breeds, such as hip dysplasia, heart issues, or eye problems. To ensure your Boxsky's long and happy life, it is crucial to provide a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine vet checkups. Additionally, proper training and socialization are essential for a well-rounded, well-behaved Boxsky. By taking a proactive approach to their health and well-being, you can expect to enjoy many wonderful years with your Boxsky companion. A healthy Boxsky should have at least 60 to 90 minutes of exercise each day, which can include walks, hikes, play sessions, or even dog sports like agility or flyball. Their intelligence and natural athleticism make them excellent candidates for various activities that challenge their minds and bodies. Providing proper exercise is essential to prevent boredom and undesirable behaviors such as digging or excessive barking. Remember to gradually build up their exercise routine, and always consider the weather conditions, as both parent breeds can be sensitive to extreme temperatures. Early socialization and training are essential to help your Boxsky become a well-behaved, well-adjusted companion. These dogs are intelligent and eager to learn, but they can also inherit a stubborn streak from their Husky lineage. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats, praise, and clicker training, are the most effective methods to encourage good behavior and obedience. Consistency and patience are crucial, as well as making training sessions engaging and fun to keep their interest. Enrolling in a puppy obedience class can be an excellent way to establish a strong foundation, strengthen the bond between you and your Boxsky, and provide valuable socialization opportunities. Keeping It Neat: Grooming Your Boxsky Grooming requirements for a Boxsky will depend on the inherited coat characteristics from their parent breeds. If your Boxsky has a shorter coat like a Boxer, they may require less frequent grooming, such as brushing once or twice a week. However, if their coat is more like a Husky's, expect to brush them more frequently, even daily during shedding seasons, to keep their coat healthy and reduce loose hair. In general, regular at home grooming helps to distribute natural oils, remove dirt and debris, and minimize shedding. Bathing your Boxsky should be done as needed, typically every few months or when they get dirty. Overbathing can strip their skin and coat of essential oils, causing dryness or irritation. Pay attention to their ears, cleaning them regularly to prevent infection, and trim their nails or use a scratch board every few weeks to maintain proper foot health. Additionally, practice good dental hygiene by brushing their teeth several times a week to prevent dental issues and promote fresh breath. Boxskys can make fantastic family pets for those who can match their energy and enthusiasm. They are known for their affectionate and loyal nature, making them excellent companions for children and adults alike. Their playful demeanor and gentle disposition with family members make them particularly well-suited to households with children, although supervision during playtime is always recommended. Boxskys are also typically friendly towards other pets, especially when socialized early on. Keep in mind, however, that their high energy levels and exercise needs may not be suitable for every family or living situation. An active family with a spacious yard or access to outdoor spaces for exercise will be the best match for a Boxsky. Delving Into the Lineage: The Siberian Husky The Siberian Husky , one of the Boxsky's parent breeds, is a medium-sized working dog breed originally bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia for sled-pulling and companionship. Known for their striking appearance, intelligence, and agility, Siberian Huskies are famous for their endurance and strength. These dogs have a thick, double-layered coat to protect them from harsh weather conditions and distinctive facial markings that often include a mask-like pattern. Siberian Huskies are friendly, outgoing, and energetic dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They can be independent and sometimes stubborn, making consistent training and early socialization essential. Despite their working origins, Siberian Huskies have found their way into many loving homes as cherished family pets. Exploring the Roots: The Boxer. Shedding, extremely energetic, short attention span and stubborn. Appearance Boxskies are very unique-looking dogs. Some have the longer, thick fur of huskies, while others have short and sleek Boxer coats. Some have triangular ears that stand tall, and others might have a bit of a forward and downward curve to their ears. Color Siberian Huskies, though most famously recognized for their black and white coat and pattern, also come in a wide array of other colors. Some of these colors include gray and white, sable and white, agouti and black, and red and white. They can even be entirely pure white in color. Instead, the breed standard calls for them to be either brindle having varying degrees of defined black stripes on a fawn background or entirely fawn with white or black markings. Although not part of the breed standard, Boxers can also be white or have fawn markings or brindle markings. A Boxsky can have any of these colors and patterns, so it is hard to predict what a litter of pups may look like before they are born! Boxsky pups can inherit the dark brown to almost black colored eyes of their Boxer parent or the various shades of brown or blue, as well as amber eye colors that their Husky parent may have had. This happy Boxer Husky Mix has a beautiful fawn coat color with white markings. Further reading: Short haired husky mixes Size Boxers are between .Siberian Huskies, on the other hand, are between 20 and .Knowing this, we can expect a Boxsky to be somewhere between 21 and 25 inches tall and to weigh somewhere between 45 and 80 pounds. This is Dakota the Boxsky loving life with her mom! And, of course, like so many Husky mixed breeds , the Boxsky pup can inherit the trait of stubbornness from both parents. However, with training early on, Boxskies can learn how to be well-behaved pups. People love Boxskies for their fun, rambunctious, and loving personalities when they are young. As they grow up, they often settle down and become more content with being calm, though they never truly grow out of their playful nature! Lifespan Siberian Huskies can typically be expected to live anywhere between 12 and 14 years as they are a relatively healthy breed of dog. Boxers have a slightly less life expectancy of between 10 and 12 years. Boxskies can be expected to live to be, on average, anywhere from 10 to 14 years old. Intelligence Boxskies are intelligent dogs. Both parent breeds are known for their intelligence and trainability. However, most would agree that because of their big, silly personalities, you have to be quite patient while training Boxskies since most of them prefer to be goofy and have fun rather than focus on strict training. Siberian Huskies were born to work hard and despite their goofy nature, so were Boxers! This means that they like to keep busy, whether it be through exercise like running and walking or mental stimulation and interactive treat puzzles and training. Both parent breeds are considered to be good with children and good family dogs. As such, the Boxsky is often considered a great family dog. However, their only downfall really is that they might be too energetic and boisterous for young children who might get easily overwhelmed. And, of course, teaching both dogs and children how to interact with each other in a positive way will be important. They may not be the fastest or strongest dog breed in the world, but they definitely have the endurance to play all day! Behavior With proper training, Husky Boxer mixes are generally well-behaved dogs. Visit our Husky Behavior hub to learn more. Boxer Husky Mixes get their sleeping positions from their Husky parent! Their ancestry can be traced back to the dogs raised by the Chukchi people from northern Siberia. The Chukchi people developed this breed of dog that went on to become the modern-day Siberian husky. Siberia can reach frigid temperatures as low as degrees Fahrenheit! These dogs also were essential in helping the Chukchi people transport food, equipment, and other various goods by pulling them on sleds. The modern-day Boxer is traced to Germany in the late s, who are the smaller descendants of the Bullenbeisser dog , a large and powerful dog used to hunt bear, bison, and wild boar. The Boxer was bred to be a more sleek and elegant version of the Bullenbeisser. Boxers have enjoyed having various occupations such as police dogs, watchdogs, and even getting back to the Assyrian roots as war dogs in both world wars. Further reading: Can a husky be a police dog? Boxer Husky Mix The breeding of Boxsky pups is something that has only started more so in recent years. With the rise of interest in designer or hybrid dog breeds, the interest in Boxsky pups will probably only continue to grow. Just reading up on the history of Huskies, Boxers and Boxskies! It will be important to invest in a high-quality dog food that uses whole ingredients like beef, poultry, or fish for a protein source. A certain degree of healthy fats will also be necessary. Depending on their size, Boxskies can typically eat about 1. Visit our Husky Nutrition hub to learn more. Exercise Boxskies require a great deal of exercise to stay healthy and in good shape. They need lots of physical activity every day, like long walks, runs, or active play sessions. Other options include working on obedience or agility or any other number of dog sports to help keep your Boxsky pup active and thriving. If you find yourself too busy some days to meet those needs, it may be best to send your pup to a doggie daycare, where it can play, roughhouse, and tussle with other dog friends. Grooming for these dogs will mostly consist of brushing. If your Boxsky has more of a husky-like coat, a comb, a slicker brush, and a deshedding brush will be essential. If your Boxsky has the smooth short coat of a boxer, it will need something along the lines of a gentle rubber curry brush to help massage the skin and hair follicles and release those short, loose, shedding hairs. Training Training a Siberian Husky Boxer mix may sometimes test your patience, but with some consistency, Boxskies can become wonderfully well-behaved dogs and good canine citizens. Despite their intelligence, Huskies are known for their stubbornness, and Boxers are known to have a rather short attention span. This can work against you, but in some cases, it may work in your favor! With having a short attention span, your Boxsky may just forget all about feeling like wanting to be stubborn and turn his attention back to training! Focus on using positive reinforcement in the form of praise and treats. Find what really gets your Boxsky excited and motivated, and use that specific treat to reward good behavior during training. And, of course, tell them how good of a boy or a girl they are being! Remember that an important part of training is also teaching your dog how to interact appropriately with other humans and other dogs. Visit our Husky Training hub to learn more. Training time or play time? It will be important to focus on training right away so these pups can learn good behaviors and hopefully avoid developing any bad habits! Start crate training and potty training early and stick to a routine that the puppy can easily follow to ensure success. While puppies can be quite demanding and take a lot of time and effort to care for, it will be well worth it, in the end, to have a well-trained and well-behaved adult Boxsky as a beloved member of your family. General Health Boxers may be more prone to developing certain diseases and conditions relating to their hearts, like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. They are also prone to thyroid deficiency and degenerative myelopathy. Siberian Huskies also can face certain health concerns like hip dysplasia, cataracts, and progressive retinal dystrophy. All of these potential health concerns are able to be passed on to mixed-breed pups. The best way to keep Boxskies healthy is to go to the veterinarian regularly for routine check-ups, preventative care, and vaccines. Visit our Husky Health hub to learn more. These mixes can also be found sometimes in shelters and rescues for a similar price point. Visit our Siberian Husky Price hub to learn about the maintenance cost of Huskies. Do you have a Boxsky? Share your experience in the comment section below. So, is this Husky and Boxer mix a good fit for your family? So what is it about this Husky Boxer mix that makes it such a handful? There are a number of issues here that we need to consider with the behavioral traits of a Boxer mixed with Siberian Husky. Each parent dog has personality traits that are a problem if they are not controlled from an early age. The worst case here is that you will have a pup that exhibits many of these tendencies and requires a lot of training and patience. Issues to look out for with the Boxer Husky mix temperament include hyperactivity, a strong hunting drive and a desire to wander. There is also a good chance that they will be quite a dominant dog with an independent streak. Those that are allowed to run amok could prove to be a problem around other animals and strangers. Both need careful consideration when bringing Husky Boxer mix puppies into a family. Starting with the training, that independent streak and hyperactivity mean that they could struggle to focus and obey. This means that you need to assert your position in the pack, remain consistent and be patient. It is important to remember to work on socialization, boundary training and leash training to keep these dogs under control. Any owner that struggles should turn to an online guide like Doggy Dan the Online Dog Trainer for a more manageable approach to these different issues. As for the home environment, there are many additional considerations here that can help with training and caring for a Boxer mixed with Husky. First of all, these dogs can become loving members of the home that crave love and attention. This means that they will struggle if left alone for long periods. Try and limit this time alone and provide toys so they can entertain themselves. They also need place of space to burn off all that energy, so a yard is a must. However, that tendency to wander means that they will test out any boundaries. Want to train your dog without spending hundreds of dollars? Click Here to check out the brain training for Dogs course now! Important physical Boxer Husky mix traits So far we have covered the personalities and behavior of these Boxer Husky dogs. Now it is time to take a look at the physical features of this dog. For example, how big do Boxer Husky mix get? This is a fairly large dog with the muscle and build of its strong parents. The average Boxer Husky mix weight is around pounds. Image Source Online pictures of Boxer Husky mix will show that there is a fair amount of variation in the look of these dogs, but some interesting features do emerge. Some of the cuter pups are blessed with the strong black mask and muzzle of the Boxer with the piercing blue eyes of the Husky. However, nobody should expect these traits. It is the luck of the draw with the genetics when asking the question of what does a Boxer Husky mix look like. Only Embark uses research-grade.It is important to remember that Boxers are more prone to tumors than many other dogs. There is the chance that this may be passed on to their offspring. There are some great tools available to help new owners provide the best healthcare. The Boxer Husky mix life expectancy is around 8 to 10 years. Where to find a Siberian Husky mixed with Boxer There are two options when looking for a half Husky half Boxer for the family. The first is to search for a breeder with a Boxer Husky mix for sale. There are sure to be plenty of legitimate Boxer Husky mix breeders out there with a great record and understanding of this cross. However, there are also breeders that will try and sell cheap Boxer Husky puppies to make some profit. These breeders often have little regard for the health of the pups or parents. Take the time to research local breeders and visit the pups before committing to a sale. The Boxer Husky mix price is sure to be higher with these better breeders. But, be careful not to fall into any traps about rare colors or other traits. For example, some may try and charge more for those blue-eyed pups. The alternative here is to look into Boxer Husky mix adoption. Secondly, they help to provide a second chance for disadvantaged animals. These dogs may have been abandoned because inexperienced owners struggled with their behavior. They just want a loving home and a family to play with. It takes the right family to raise this cross breed. It cannot be emphasized enough that they need an experienced owner with a large home and plenty of patience. It will suffer if left alone too long and given inadequate training. Those that know that they can take this dog on, and succeed, will enjoy a rewarding experience. The Boxer Husky mix is definitely a handful, but a fun, loving one. Lifespan Sociability When visiting a litter of adorable pups, whatever the breed, it can be a real test of willpower to leave without a puppy. But before you do, remember that not every breed is going to suit every family. It pays to do your research first! Boxskies are gorgeous-looking dogs, thanks to their combination of smooth Boxer coats and upright Husky ears. Pups often inherit the bright blue eyes of their Siberian Husky parent, and this just adds to the cuteness factor. Despite all that cuteness, Boxskies grow up to be incredibly intelligent and active dogs. This combination may be too much for first-time dog owners. Boxskies are also a vocal breed, who will use their loud voice to warn you of perceived danger. Their popularity exploded after the Nome Serum Run of , where several teams of huskies led by their mushers, including Leonhard Seppala, managed to travel miles in just under six days. Seppala and his team, including the lead dog, Togo, completed most of the journey, making a trip of miles. Boxers served in both World Wars as guard dogs, attack dogs, and messenger dogs. Your Boxsky pup may take strongly after their Boxer parent in terms of looks, but behave more like a Siberian Husky when it comes to their temperament. Boxskies do tend to guard their families and may become overly territorial if not trained at a young age. They also love the company of their humans and will want to be with their families as often as possible. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Their large size and exuberant natures mean they might be too enthusiastic for small children to be around. One energetic bounce from a Boxsky, and a small child can easily get knocked over. With that said, they do make fabulous dogs for older children, especially active ones! Boxskies will always be up for playing in the backyard or going for a walk to the local park. Another thing to note is that Boxskies do usually have a high shedding coat, thanks to their Siberian Husky parent. Make sure the initial meetings between new pets are supervised and carried out somewhere safe and enclosed. A post shared by The Rover Boutique roverboutique Things to Know When Owning a Boxsky Owning a Boxsky has the potential to fill your life with joy and laughter, not to mention long walks! The information below should help you to decide if this is the perfect breed for you. The quantities can be adjusted depending on the time of year and how much exercise your dog has. Boxskies are incredibly energetic and will become frustrated if not given plenty of time to exercise. A daily walk of 2 miles, plus a training session and free time in the backyard, will make sure your Boxsky is happy and worn out. This is a great way to mentally stretch your dog, making sure their brains are as well exercised as their bodies. That can lead to an older dog who is wary of strangers. This does shed, especially as they change coats in spring and autumn. E-mail Share by e-mail Are Husky Boxer mixes good dogs? This breed mix is super active and will keep you on your toes round the clock. They are fun-loving, often mischievous, and very affectionate. If not properly engaged, they can become destructive, chewing toys or items around the home, digging in the garden, and even trying to escape to explore by themselves. Appearance With each breeding, different traits are inherited so some can look more like their husky ancestors and others more like a boxer. This breed is a mix between the Husky and Boxer dog. This means that whilst most Husky Boxer mixes will have the same traits, they often can look very different between individual dogs. This is because, with each breeding, different traits are inherited so some can look more like their husky ancestors and others more like a boxer. What is a Husky Boxer mix also called? Another name for the Husky Boxer mix is the Boxsky. How big does a Boxer Husky mix get? They can vary vastly in size, ranging from around inches to the shoulder. The boxer Husky mix can weigh anywhere from kg in weight. What is the life expectancy of a Boxer husky mix? Huskies usually live a long time, around years, and Boxers sadly have a much shorter life span of around 8 years old as they are prone to more health issues. The Boxer Husky mix has a life expectancy of around years if otherwise healthy. Exercise requirements Do not take on this breed mix if you are spending a lot of time out of the home each day with little time for walks. The Husky Boxer mix has a huge exercise requirement. A minimum of one and a half hours a day of exercise is recommended. Do not take on this breed mix if you are spending a lot of time out of the home each day with little time for walks. You should also consider their energy levels at home, and have a big yard available for them to play with toys whilst you are busy. Huskies are notorious fence jumpers so make sure your fence is at least one meter tall to prevent accidental escape. If not properly exercised, your Boxsky can turn aggressive or destructive in the home so always have plenty of time scheduled for walks, and keep them occupied at home with toys or puzzles. Training This high-energy dog will love the interaction with people but can be a little challenging to train. This is partly due to the husky traits inherited. Start your training program as early as possible, ideally as a puppy, and prioritize good socialization skills both inside and outside of the home. Joining a group training class will help them to learn to focus on you when there is lots of other activity and distractions going on around them. Only join a training class once your puppy is fully vaccinated, which is usually around 16 weeks. Grooming This breed sheds like crazy! The husky has a double coat and is a high shedding breed. This trait often gets passed on in the husky Boxer mix. Daily brushing is needed and you may still need to use professional grooming services for bathing and occasionally stripping out the coat when shedding is at its peak. Are Boxskys good family pets? We suggest the Boxsky would be perfect for families with children aged seven or older. Whilst the Boxskys are very friendly, loving, and affectionate their energy and enthusiasm for life can be a little intimidating for smaller children or toddlers. Teenagers or particularly energetic children will relish having a friend who never gets tired of playtime! Equally a Boxsky will fit well into a family with no children as long as there is someone to exercise them enough. They get on well with other dogs, as long as they have been socialized properly from a young age so multi-dog households can consider a Boxsky as an addition to the pack. Health issues Cross breeding decreases the risk of breed-specific inherited traits and conditions but does not eliminate them. The boxsky is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, osteoarthritis, and obesity. Boxers are particularly prone to a condition called dilated cardiomyopathy and ARVC which can lead to sudden death. How much does a Boxsky cost? You may be lucky enough to find a Boxsky at your local rescue center in which case they will cost the adoption fee usually. You should also factor in the cost of ongoing care. They will need yearly vet checks with vaccination, flea and worming treatments, yearly blood tests, and dental hygiene care. There may be dog registration fees you need to pay with your local council. You will also need to consider grooming and training costs, as well as daycare if you are working for long hours. This all adds up pretty quickly! We strongly recommend pet insurance for when accidents arise. The Boxsky is a very high-energy dog and therefore prone to accidents. A trip to the emergency veterinary clinic can set you back a thousand dollars easily so having pet insurance will help cover these unexpected costs. Summary The Husky Boxer mix is a highly energetic, playful dog who will keep its owners on the go for hours on end. If you live a particularly active lifestyle, or spend large amounts of your day hiking or running, this dog is the perfect companion for you. If you are a first-time dog owner or have small children in the family, this may not be the breed for you. However, we can all agree, that a Boxsky is an incredibly attractive animal to behold, and its athletic prowess can see them succeed in competitive work such as agility or obedience. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. These beautiful hybrid dogs can also be called a Boxer Husky Mix. Therefore, each Boxer Husky Mix dog can be slightly different so there pros and cons can also vary. Boxers have a reputation for being great family pets due to their loving and protective nature. These high spirited dogs do well with children and will look out for their human pack mates. Siberian Huskies were a key part of the semi-nomadic Chukchi tribe so are conditioned to coexist with humans and play a role within a group. Boxer Husky Mixes tend to be loving dogs that like to receive affection and be affectionate. Siberian Huskies are adept at pulling light loads over long distances. The Chukchi people relied upon these dogs for centuries in their search for new lands before the Spitz dogs were exported to Alaska at the height of the gold rush. Boxer Husky Mix dogs need a lot of exercise to prevent them from becoming destructive within the home. Protective One of the key traits of a Boxer is their protectiveness. They will strive to look out for the family home. Goofy Both Boxers and Siberian Huskies have a reputation for being goofy breeds. Boxers are funny characters that have a tendency to act in a derpy manner. Siberian Huskies have big personalities — too. A Boxsky will usually be a fun dog to be around due to their unique approach to life. But she would be happiest if we could hike or mush all day long. Siberian Huskies have earned a reputation for being culprits when it comes to chewing furniture. A Boxsky can be no different. Due to their sheer size, they can be clumsy and cumbersome inside the home, resulting in furniture being knocked over. A Boxsky should be given the chance to learn socialization skills from a young age to help boost your chances of having a balanced and rounded dog. Require training A Boxer Husky mix will require training from a young age. They can sometimes be stubborn dogs, which makes training hard. Siberian Huskies are smart dog but are independent thinkers so can be difficult to coerce into following commands. She used to run away when I got out the training treats. Anything else to consider? Boxer Husky Mixes can suffer from a number of health problems. Owners should be aware of potential issues and their symptoms. These include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts and congenital heart defect. When you contact a breeder about a Boxsky, you should ask about the health of both parents. Alternatively, you may find a Boxer Husky Mix that needs the be rehomed at your local shelter. This Boxer and Siberian Husky Mix can make wonderful dogs. As a mixed breed, it can either look like a Boxer, a Siberian Husky or something in between. They are often built and masculine dogs. When it reaches its adult age, it can weigh up to thirty-five to seventy pounds. It would also grow to about 25 to 35 inches. Keep in mind that the size of this mixed breed depends on the environment is thrives in. A home with good food, genuine care and ample of space will promote its potential. On the contrary, a bad environment will surely stunt it growth and size making it appear smaller than it is supposed to be. Depending on the dominant genes, its ears can either be erect or sloppy. With their eyes, it can inherit the signature blue-eyed glance of the Siberian Husky but most of the Boxer Husky mixed breeds are brown-eyed. The color of its short to medium-length coat tends to vary between tan, fawn, and white with black. It commonly has a waterproof coat, thanks to its Siberian Husky lineage. Coming from two interesting bloodlines, the Boxer Husky is evidently an exceptional offspring. They are playful and energetic. This breed craves for adrenaline and constant exercise though and needs its family to engage with him frequently. Their exuberant nature can sometimes make them frustrated. Ideally, they need to be with an active family that can provide them with stimulating physical activities. The breed also needs attention. They tend to experience separation anxiety. Make sure that if you are going out somewhere, there is someone that this dog trust around the corner. These mixed breeds can turn to climb up fences or dig themselves out of sturdy fences when triggered. With patience, you can use this cleverness to instill positive reinforcement and use rewards such as treats. Once trained, they can be sweet and loyal to their owners. The Husky mixed with Boxer breed is also watchful and defensive making them excellent watchdogs. They will instinctively warn their owners with bark or howl when they feel something is wrong or when strangers come along. With proper training, this can be straightened out through appropriate training and help distinguish real threats or intruders. Thus, making the mixed breed an excellent pet for your family. They can also do well with other animals or dogs in the house as long as you socialize them at an early age. This hybrid is usually good with animals they grew up with. They are a high maintenance breed. You will need the right amount of patience and firmness during the early stages of ownership. Once your dog gets the system, you will harvest the benefits of a sweet, obedient dog that can do most anything asked of them. If possible, ask him to show the purebred parents to ensure that you are adopting a healthy crossed bred puppy. You can always ask for proofs of health guarantee of the up and its parents. A good one will ask for a few questions such as your preferences, house size, and area, finances, and lifestyle to ensure that you can take care of the dog. If he hands the pup to you right away, you might want to choose another breeder. Never purchase from puppy mills or farms. These are places where dogs are inhumanely bred intensively for the sole purpose of profit. It is always good to personally talk with the breeder and meet your new fuzzy friend first. This is just to ensure that you are getting it from a responsible breeder. The best option is to get a mixed-breed pup at an animal shelter. You can check the following sites for available Husky Boxer mix pups or dogs: Adopt-a-Pet. To keep the coat from matting or tangling, it is better to use a toothed-comb. This coat usually tends to shed completely seasonally so the amount of dog hair will be extra. Just make sure to brush its teeth twice or thrice a week to keep them healthy. This can easily be avoided by keeping his ears dry after a swim or bath. Husky crossed with Boxer Health Problems A healthy Boxer Siberian Husky mix can usually live from 8 to 10 years with proper care and nutrition. While it may be shorter from the lifespan of its parents, they are relatively healthy dogs. The ball and socket of a dog with hip dysplasia do not develop properly. It results in rubbing and grinding of the joint instead of sliding smoothly. Deterioration comes over time and an eventual loss of function of the joint itself. Hypothyroidism: This results when the thyroid does not create enough of the thyroid hormone, which causes a slower metabolism and weight gain. You must give your dog thyroid hormone replacement pills for life should he be diagnosed with this disease. This disease can be inherited by the Husky Boxer mix. Surgery is required to fix this defect. Wobbler syndrome: This debilitating condition causes compression of the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots in the neck. Nerve issues will arise preventing your dog from feeling his feet normally thus making with move wobbly. Progressive Retinal Atrophy which is characterized by malfunctioning retina that fails to reflect, absorb, and perceive light and cause blindness. Boxer crossed with Husky Food Requirements Good food will promote good health and long lifespan. The ideal dog food for your dog is food with enough vitamins and minerals. The Boxer Husky mix is a large dog. Make sure to avoid feeding your Husky Boxer mix with people food that can have a different effect on them such as: alcohol can induce vomiting and diarrhea citrus fruits that can cause indigestion grapes and raisins which are deemed toxic to canines macadamia nuts which may cause tremors and dog depression chocolates and caffeine-containing food which can cause frequent urination, seizures, and hyperactivity The following dog food brands are perfect for Husky mixed with Boxer: Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula: Its core ingredients include buffalo, lamb meal and chicken meal. It is also rich in antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and probiotics. It is effective in supporting healthy skin, coat, and fur health. Its ingredients include salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas. It is available in a variety of kibble and canned formulas. For the long-term happiness and well-being of your pooch, pay attention to what they eat! Nutrition can affect their health, so steer clear of the worst dry dog food which can harm your dog in the long run. Young canines should get food that suits their needs the most, so check out the best puppy food brands. The same goes for older ones who need well-balanced nutrition and the best senior dry dog food you can find on the market. Dogs can inherit a lot from their parents, especially if they are vastly different. That also refers to their taste for food which means you can also try out best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food and see if your hairy companion accepts it. Before switching to a different diet, consult your vet! Your dog will love play and do physical activities with you. Use this as an opportunity to bond with your pet. Here are some durable and stimulating toys that are perfect for your dog: Goughnuts — Indestructible Chew Toy MAXX: This is one of the toughest and most durable chew toys for dogs on the market. It is made of natural black rubber and intended for use only by the strongest of power chewers. Perfect for Husky Boxer mixed breeds. It safe for your dog as it contains no latex, vinyl or phthalates. Its bright color will give you and your dog spotting it around. KONG Extreme Dog Toy: From one of the most famous names in durable chew toys for dogs, their hard rubber contraptions are well-loved by all dogs. It is safe, incredibly fun and long, at a minimum of 36 inches and a maximum of .It will love to learn new things, perform commands or do the trick with you. However, it can be stubborn sometimes and may prefer to wander and to do other things. No worries as you can train him out of this behavior. Here are some useful tips to help you train your dog: Train your dog at an early age It is always great to have a good headstart. House training or crate training is necessary. Help your dog learn where is its bed, bowl of water and food or where it should poop. Once you get to teach him these things, it will be easier to proceed to more complicated commands or tricks. Expose your dog to unfamiliar objects, people, other pets and places as early as possible. Be Consistent Train your dog daily. It would be good to also do this the same time each day to condition the mind of your dog. This will let your dog blow off steam from its high-spirited energy and keep away from various distractions while training. Make sure to use lots of positive reinforcements. Giving dog treats is not recommended though. If your dog has completed a task, you can provide his a neck scratch, pat him on the head or give him his favorite toy instead. Always reward good behavior, and it will be easier for your dog to remember it. Husky Boxer mixed-breed and Families Husky Boxers are an excellent companion and guards dogs. They are naturally good with children. Early socialization will play a vital role in the friendliness of the Boxer Husky mix dogs on other pets and strangers. Just make sure to provide them the attention, training and exercise that they need, you can look forward to having an obedient, intelligent, sweet and loving dog.

Adoption may be the obvious option for someone inside your scenario. You can adopt a retrievers from a number of different places, such as gentle societies, rescue businesses, etc. Your golden retriever will probably be a a family member, so before you adopt, you should consider some things. You have to think about your causes of implementing a gold retriever. They are really faithful, pleasant and lively. This particular breed of dog enjoys everybody, including little creatures and strangers. If you prefer a dog to safeguard your home and family, what about a different breed would best suit you. Think about the risk you're taking when you are adopting an new search. It is important that you know exactly what to anticipate when you bring your new puppy home with you. Even though golden retrievers are deemed an respectful type, they require sufficient training from the very young grow older. You need to take into account the health of the canine before you pursue your adoption. Golden retrievers are prone to sickness. Some of the illnesses that affect the breed are moved genetically in the puppy's parents. If you have no idea what the mother and father are like, you should have the pup examined with a vet before going through with the adoption. In addition, you also need to possess the dog checked for bacterial infections on a regular basis. Take a moment to think about where your new friend is going to reside once you drive them to your home. Typically retrievers are not perfect housedogs. Nevertheless, retrievers love human contact, so find a suitable region in your home where one can spend some time near to your gold. Consider your way of life and how you will fit in your new buddy. They thrive on the attention they get from their owners. Even if you choose to adopt a mature dog instead of a puppy, they're still quite fun. If you don't invest a lot of time in your own home, you do not need a golden retriever. If remaining on your own for an prolonged period of time will become discouraged and bored stiff, which is not good news for your household. They love to run, swim, perform, and so on. If these activities do not squeeze into your schedule, possibly adopting a gold retriever might not for you. Lastly, consider your wellbeing when you are considering implementing. The layer of the gold retriever is extremely thick which dogs drop throughout the year. If you have issues with pet hair allergies, then you definitely don't want to proceed with adopting a brand new retriever. Implementing a gold retriever may be the best encounter in your life. If you already possess a retriever or have owned 1 in the past, then you are aware of what to prepare for. However, if you're planning on implementing the very first time, then you better buckle up for that trip. Are your golden retriever training methods no longer working? Perhaps you do not really understand how to proceed so that you can effectively look after your dog's behavior issues. If you are searching for advantageous gold retriever training techniques that may help you to stop your gold retriever from leaping on individuals, then here are a few clear-reduce ideas to think about: 1. Identify the reason for your gold retriever's behavior. You spend attention to your dog's common responses as well as the communications your dog is trying to convey through his body gestures. Certainly, your goldie sends indicators or messages through the have a nervous tic of his ear, the motions of his head or tail, as well as the moving of his eyes. He may be letting you know some thing when he retains pacing back and forth or barks excessively. You must be conscious of this stuff simply because this kind of can surely help you cope with your dog whenever he misbehaves or do something unwanted. And when it comes to the leaping on people routine, it may be because he's overexcited about playing games along with you, really happy to see you home or anxious about performing a number of gold retriever training actions. This routine could become very troublesome and dangerous, particularly if your goldie is fond of leaping at random individuals. Knowing what causes this kind of conduct can help you determine the solution. You can even prevent your dog from doing it in advance. Enforce golden retriever training for obedience immediately. Actually, training for behavior training needs to be initiated as soon as your puppy can manage any training routine or lesson. It's best to begin golden retriever instruction while your dog continues to be a puppy as this provides you with more advantage with regards to making him grasp all the behavior training commands he need to comply. The earlier you can begin training your retriever for obedience, the lower chances you have of coping with an unmanageable dog. Order your pet to stop the instant he jumps you or unto other people. Lead him to sit down and stay, and compliment or give him treats if he obeys your instructions. If he doesn't, then automatically turn around and ignore him till he gets tired of getting your interest. Just ensure that you don't hurt your pet by pressing him apart or by yelling at him. Harsh techniques won't make him realize that what he's performing is past appropriate. Get rid of the behavior before it turns into a typical practice. Undeniably, avoidance is always much better than remedy. Why wait for a instant that the dog acquires the habit of smoking of jumping at the individuals he loves or activities if you're able to really teach him the correct way of greeting individuals? Why let your wet and muddy golden retriever plunge at the freshly-cleaned clothes when you are able actually teach him to behave at certain situations? Conduct proper golden retriever instruction as a way to infuse positive traits that would even last for life. This way, you will not have to endure a rowdy pet. Do you see a loyal companion, a playful friend, a furry bundle of joy? Or do you see something more? Something deeper, something richer, something that speaks to your soul? A golden retriever puppy is not just a dog. The warmth of a cuddle, the thrill of a chase, the satisfaction of a treat. The joy of coloring. Coloring is not just a hobby. These are not just ordinary coloring pages. They are carefully designed to capture the essence and beauty of these adorable animals, a popular dog breed. Whether you want to color them alone or with your kids, friends, or family, these coloring pages will bring you hours of fun and relaxation. You can use them to decorate your home, your office, or your personal space. You can share them with a dog lover in your life, or keep them for yourself. You can make them as realistic or as imaginative as you want. Golden retriever puppy coloring pages are more than just a coloring page collection. They are an invitation to unleash your creativity, to explore your emotions, to discover yourself. They are a gift to yourself, and to the world. Order now and get ready to color your way to happiness. Where my puppy illustrations come in is the advertising of said events to benefit said puppies! Cut them out and paste them onto the plain gift bag, which you can find at any dollar store in the gifting section. Glue the tabs onto the toilet paper roll held horizontally , two in front and two in back. Then glue on the tail and the neck and head. Print that out onto cardstock, color it in, and cut it out just the face. Findable Rocks To make findable rocks, you will need a handful of smooth-topped rocks of various sizes and Mod Podge. You can select, copy and paste them all onto one document and print. Color them in and cut them out, then Mod Podge them to the tops of the rocks. Let the Mod Podge dry overnight and place the rocks on trails, at the park, outside of the grocery store, etc. Bookmarks My puppy pictures would make adorable bookmarks for both adults and kids. Cut them out and paste them onto a rectangular piece of construction paper or cardstock, roughly three or four inches by eight or 10 inches. Paper Dolls My puppy pics are so cute, they can and should be played with as paper dolls! Print the puppies you want to use onto cardstock, color them in and cut them out. You can use them as-is, or, for added convenience or for younger hands , you could glue a crafting stick to the back to make more of a puppet. Puppy Headbands You can turn your little cutie into a barking, playful puppy with just a few steps. Print that off, have your kid color it in, and cut it out. Wall Art My puppy illustrations are so cute, they belong on the walls of your home. Color them in, frame them you can find inexpensive frames at Walmart or the dollar store , and hang them up in an artful arrangement. You could also cut a few down to different sizes to add interest and variety to your gallery wall. Cut out the puppy and punch a hole where you want it to hang. Bake per the instructions and then let cool completely. You can add things to the ornament — like a little ribbon bow, hot glued on — and string some ribbon or cording through the hole to hang the ornament with.

How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. Shares German Shepherds are graceful, obedient, and loyal dogs with specific nutritional needs. Following a German Shepherd puppy feeding chart will enable you to track the amount of food your puppy is eating as they grow. There are varieties of foods available in the market and most of them come with guidelines at the back of the packaging showing you how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy. This article will cover different types of diets available and the specific nutritional needs of your German shepherd. It will also help you know what to do to ensure that your GSD gets nutritious and balanced food for every stage of their life. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart There are three aspects of this German Shepherd puppy feeding chart, namely the German shepherd feeding amount, feeding frequency, and mealtime lengths. It is important to find out the appropriate feeding amount, frequency, and length for your German shepherd without leaving out one of them. That way, you can accurately find out the best way to feed your dog. Overall, there are four ranges that you need to keep in mind. An active dog may require a bit more than the numbers in this list, and an inactive dog will need a slightly less amount. But this guide can act as a solid benchmark. A puppy will need to eat more because they are growing very quickly. Talk to your vet about how much exactly so you keep them healthy and happy. Make sure your German Shepherd has access to fresh, clean water all day. When you take your dog for a walk make sure to bring along some extra water in a collapsible bowl. If they get tired on the way or it gets very hot, this can save their life. So for example, if your dog is 60lbs they should eat between lbs of food in one day. If you notice your dog is losing weight, add more calories to its meal size. However, there are other considerations on how much to feed a German shepherd puppy per day. You might want to consider avoiding meals right before bedtime. Let them digest their food first before they go to sleep. Understanding German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional Needs All dogs require nutritious, satisfying, and healthy food and every breed have their special diet. For maximum energy and health, there are factors to consider when deciding what to feed your German Shepherd: Size considerations- the AKC breed standard says that a German Shepherd can go to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Females can be around 49 to 71 pounds while Males can be around 66 to 88 pounds. This means that they have a big appetite hence it is good to find quality food for them. They grow pretty fast hence they need specific nutrients for specific stages. Activity level- German shepherds are muscular, active, and agile which contributes to higher caloric needs to be complemented by feeding them a high-quality diet. Health consideration- GSDs are prone to many diseases hence a healthy diet will prevent problems. For example, arthritis that is caused by hip and elbow dysplasia can be mitigated through an excellent diet. Ensure that your GSD diet contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. How long does it take for your dog to be full? Is your dog still hungry after eating his portion? German shepherds normally take anywhere from 10 minutes to 15 minutes to finish the meal, given that you followed the proper feeding guidelines properly. If your dog shows signs of slow eating, we recommend sending them to your vet. If you think your dog is already full before finishing his portion, there is no problem. However, if your dog is still hungry after finishing the meal, consider sending him to your vet. This is because this can be a sign of a serious health issue involving their digestive system. They encourage the puppy to chew hence preventing periodontal diseases or tartar. Kibble is less expensive to buy and can stay fresh for longer. See also German Shepherd Gestation Period And Pregnancy Wet food is also essential for puppies because they allow puppies to feel fuller with less food. If your GSD need to shed a few pounds, wet food is a good way to reduce their caloric intake. Wet food is easier to digest, hence they are good for German shepherds with sensitive stomachs. Wet food is appetizing and keeps the puppy hydrated. You need to understand why your puppy cannot eat because it will help you determine the way to deal with the issue. There is no need to worry if the puppy lost appetite shortly and goes back to normal eating without any sign of illness. If the puppy loses appetite and takes a few days without improvement, take your puppy to the vet to find the problem because your dog might be sick. If the vet finds that the puppy is sick, they may suggest a special diet that will boost their immunity and give them extra nutrients to better their recovery. The puppy may have stopped eating because of behavioral issues; therefore, you may need to feed them same time to get a routine. Treats and human food that is given to the puppy may need to be reduced and also you can try different kinds of food. The German shepherd is a medium dog breed according to the AKC. Therefore, free-feeding is not a good idea. For the German shepherds, feeding schedules work better. If the puppies are free-fed the puppy may eat the leftover at any time even when they are not hungry. Sticking to a feeding routine help the puppy to stay healthy and prevent obesity. When you have a schedule, managing their weight and house training will improve. The puppy usually relieves themselves around 15 minutes after eating or drinking, therefore, when they feed at the same time every day and are taken outside after a while, accidents will be minimized. A raw diet is good for German shepherds. A raw diet help improves vitality and energy. The puppy gets healthy white teeth with an increased lifespan and reduced shedding as well as a stronger immune system. Raw meat is a great source of protein and an optimal diet. It is like keto to humans because it allows the puppy to reach their total capacity and good health. Dogs are naturally carnivorous, hence raw diet aligns with their natural needs. However, you should speak to your vet before putting your puppy on a raw food diet. The majority of commercially available kibble food is balanced and complete, and of high quality for your German shepherd puppy. Human supplements often contain harmful substances to animals and are unregulated or minimally effective. Therefore, never give human supplements to your German shepherd puppy. But they can eat small amounts of cooked chicken or turkey, plain cooked sweet potatoes or carrots, plain yogurt, and small amounts of fruits like apples or bananas without getting sick. Talk to a vet for advice on how to feed your German Shepherd puppy a healthy and balanced diet. These include chocolate, fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chives, avocado, onions, nuts, grapes and raisins, garlic, raw or undercooked meat, and bones. These foods can cause a wide range of health problems, from stomachaches to more serious problems like pancreatitis or kidney failure. Some foods that people eat may have a lot of sodium or sugar, which can also be bad for dogs. How much food to give an older German Shepherd will depend on their needs and how much they move around. But as dogs get older, they tend to slow down and may need less food to stay at a healthy weight. As a general rule, an older German Shepherd needs about 2 to 3 cups of food per day, which should be divided between two meals. A German Shepherd that is getting older should eat high-quality senior dog food that is made for their age and size. Senior dogs might also benefit from getting smaller meals more often. If your German Shepherd puppy seems to always be hungry, you should look at what they eat and how often they eat. Make sure they eat enough for their age, weight, and level of activity. Puppies grow quickly and need more calories than adult dogs, so it is possible that they are not getting enough food. Also, make sure you feed them high-quality puppy food that is right for their age and size. If you are worried about how hungry they are or how much they weigh, you should talk to a vet to rule out any health problems and make a plan for feeding them. The amount of dry food you should feed your German Shepherd will depend on several factors, including their age, weight, and activity level. Puppies: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Adult dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Active dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Senior dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. If the dog is obviously overweight or underweight, adjust accordingly. If you can feel most of the ribs without squeezing your fingers in between them — try 1 cup per day. This is a decent starting point for a growing large breed puppy that needs the extra calories to grow big and strong. If you can feel most of the ribs AND see its waist — try 3 cups per day. This is perfect for an adult German Shepherd which needs extra calories due to being very active. With this amount, it will be able to maintain its weight, but not gain any extra fat. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 3. This is a good amount for a very active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain a healthy weight. This should be sufficient for an adult German Shepherd which is quite active. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 5 cups per day. This is a good amount for an extremely active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain lean muscle mass. For example, when my dog was a puppy, he would feel all ribs and see his waist when eating 2 cups of food per day. However, as he got older and larger, I had to increase the amount — even though I could still feel most of the ribs! He maintained around .Although there are lots of opinions on how much food your shepherds needs, these guidelines work for me and my German Shepherds. Everyone is different though, so you will have to adjust accordingly if necessary — this guide should help you until you find the ideal amount. If your dog is a very active one it may need more food depending on its activity level. Always be sure to give plenty of water since dry kibble can dehydrate the animal over time. However, this amount will vary depending on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. Puppies and young dogs, for example, generally need more water than adult German Shepherds. And working dogs or those who exercise frequently may require even more. This is because they can easily hydrate themselves if given free access to water. However, you still need to remember some things. For example, take note that your dog will need to drink 6 ounces of water per day for every 3. Depending on the temperature and activeness, this amount can increase. Lastly, make sure you take extra care in providing water access to your German shepherd. The most preferable way is to fill a bowl with a moderate amount of water, not too much. The feeding amount, frequency, length, and water requirements can always be changed. If you have no time to visit your vet, the following topic may help you. How Much Should A 1-year-old German Shepherd Eat A 1-year-old German Shepherd should eat about two and a half to three cups of food each day, broken up into two or three meals. Pointers for Feeding German Shepherds Improper feeding practices can lead to serious health problems for German shepherds. An owner is responsible for taking into consideration the age and weight of a German shepherd before feeding them. When feeding a german shepherd puppy that is four to six months old, you must give them two meals a day that comprises around eight ounces and five ounces. When feeding a German shepherd puppy that is between seven and twelve months old, the meal amounts should be increased to ten ounces for each meal. This amount should be split into three smaller meals. This is regardless of whether they are active or not. Yep, German shepherds can gain weight regardless of whether they exercise or not. If you think your dog is gaining too much weight, you can split their daily calories into four or five smaller meals. Some people prefer using dry dog food, while others would choose canned dog food. Whatever you choose for your German shepherd is usually okay, but canned food tends to contain more moisture than dry food which may lead to bladder stones in certain dogs. However, when it comes to the amount of dog food you feed your German shepherd, canned food leads to more obesity than dry food. If your German shepherds are over five years old, you must give them an extra meal. This additional meal should comprise around four ounces of food so they can easily digest it during their older age. When feeding a German shepherd puppy, you must know how to correctly measure their food amount. Be accurate when following the proper measurements; otherwise, it could lead to your dog gaining too much weight. Use measuring cups that are specifically made for dry food. If you use any other type of measuring device, it might lead to your dog eating too much or too little food. You must not feed your German shepherd until they are full, but allow them to eat until they are slightly satiated. Do not serve unlimited food; give them about two to three cups of food per day. If you are unsure whether or not your German shepherd is obese, check its waistline. If they have a thick waist and their stomach looks like a sphere, then that is a clear sign that your German shepherd is obese. Never let them finish their meal if they are still hungry; otherwise, you will encourage them to gorge on their food. Your German shepherd must always have access to fresh clean water, so you should ensure they can drink it whenever necessary. Feeding Guidelines by Age Before proceeding with the following points, remember that age is not the only determining factor in a German shepherd feeding chart. Make sure to consider all the content in this blog post as well. It is recommended that you slowly let them adapt first. This can be their regular food from now on. This includes fruits, bones, and more. You should also avoid giving them your leftovers. However, they will need time to adapt. You should also consider feeding your German shepherd foods that can be gnawed and chewed. This is so they can develop their jaws, teeth, and gums. This will result in less feeding amount and frequency. Feeding Guidelines by Weight German shepherds can be of different weight ranges. An average weighted German shepherd 35 kilograms will then need calories per day. This only applies to German shepherds that do not exercise or are inactive. Active German Shepherds: In the case of active German shepherds that exercise regularly, every 1 kilogram equals 55 calories per day. So an average weighted German shepherd will require calories per day to be able to function properly. Take note, however, that this calculation may be affected if the German shepherd has a health disorder concerned with metabolism or digestion. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Guidelines Our last topic involves the difference between a puppy and an adult. The following are some of the facts that recent studies have proven: Puppies have higher energy levels than adults. This means they need to eat more than adult German shepherds. German shepherds will need higher protein and fat content at an early age. The amount of fat and protein will decrease as they grow older. Puppies cannot tolerate too many nutrients. Ingesting extra minerals and vitamins may lead to serious health disorders. Meanwhile, adults are only risking being overweight when taking in more than intended. German Shepherds usually have a good appetite and can eat a lot, especially when they are young and growing. But their food intake should be balanced and right for their age, weight, and level of activity to keep them from getting too much food and getting fat. As they age, they should usually eat less quickly. Most of the time, bones that have been cooked and ground up completely may be safe to eat. Instead, give them dog-made chew toys or treats. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Since German Shepherds consume meat, it follows that they must consume a significant amount of animal protein in order to get all of the necessary nutrients. Although while it is feasible to offer a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet, owners of German Shepherds should avoid doing so since it increases the likelihood that their dogs will not get all of the nutrients that they need. After talking about the feeding amount, frequency, and lengths of a German shepherd, you can now easily plan how much, how many times, and how long you feed your dog. You even learned how to hydrate your German shepherd the proper way. Lastly, we talked about the difference between a puppy and an adult in terms of feeding. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. However, it is still advised to ask for a senior-specific diet from your vet or pet nutritionist just to be safe. If you choose to give your German Shepherd dog homemade foods in all of its life stages, you may need to self-calculate and monitor its daily calorie consumption. Feeding German Shepherds has numerous factors to consider. How much you are providing them is crucial, but knowing how often you need to feed them is essential, too. Initially, feeding German Shepherd puppies begins with four puppy food meals daily. Then gradually, it should be transitioned into three equally proportioned meals a day at two months old. This gradual change should go on until they are 12 months old. After that, they should eat twice a day naturally during adulthood. Young puppies have a faster metabolism compared to adult dogs. In general, the last meal of your puppy for the day should be hours before its bedtime, so they have enough time to digest the food before they go to sleep. As for transitioning puppies to adult German Shepherds, the three meals should be given in the morning, noon, and nighttime, so they may be provided with a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is crucial for their growth, especially if they are active and working dogs. Having a feeding schedule can also help monitor their food intake to avoid weight-related issues. The optimal feeding time for adult and senior German Shepherds would be during the morning and night for their two meals daily. Lastly, as owners, we must seldom give treats to our German Shepherds, preferably only during training. Too much of anything may be bad for your dog. Moreover, it should provide the sufficient nutrients needed for growth and development. There are many commercial dog foods in the market, but you can also offer your GSD puppy homemade dog food or a raw diet. Consulting a vet is strongly advised to give your German Shepherd the best diet suited for its lifestyle. To help you in this dilemma, the list below has dog food options you may want to consider offering to your GSD puppy: Dry Food: Dry food or kibble is a commercial food widely available in pet stores and dog food manufacturers. A number of dry foods are formulated to provide a balanced diet for dogs, but checking their nutritional guidelines and value is crucial since a German Shepherd puppy may need high carb foods. It can be mixed with their dry kibble to add water or moisture to their diet. These kinds of commercial foods are expensive and can spoil quickly, and they may not be enough if fed alone to your puppy. BARF Diet: Biologically Appropriate Raw Food is a type of diet that consists of raw meat, raw eggs, crushed animal bones, fruits, vegetables, probiotics, and other natural ingredients. Raw feeding is given as a substitute for processed foods with preservatives. We know a German Shepherd is a large breed dog. However, males tend to grow bigger and heavier than females, needing more food consumption. A German Shepherd puppy may need to eat at frequent schedules with smaller meals, while adult ones may not need to be fed much often but will need more significant meal portions each time. They tend to eat whatever falls from the dinner table or even whatever food they set their sights on. As we talk about food diets, we must not forget those foods you must avoid feeding your German Shepherd puppy. Generally, they may not be too sensitive to dog foods or ingredients, but other foods may be fatal to them. Coffee is one of the most toxic foods to dogs. They contain caffeine , which causes cardiac arrhythmias, high blood pressure, vomiting, tremors, and seizures. Another toxic food German Shepherd owners should not feed their dog is chocolate. As yummy as this is, chocolates contain theobromine. All dog breeds cannot metabolize this substance. Gums, peanut butter, and candies that contain xylitol are also toxic to dogs. It causes disorientation, hypoglycemia, seizures, and collapse. This is much more threatening than coffee and chocolate, so you need to be extra careful with this. Aside from those mentioned above, there are many other toxic foods you should avoid feeding German Shepherds. They may not be fatal, but they can cause discomfort and progress to severe diseases. If you doubt certain foods or ingredients, you may consult a pet nutritionist or veterinarian just to be sure. Many large breed dogs visit vet clinics due to unmonitored food intake. It only fits a week-old German Shepherd. You may need to mix dry and wet foods at a certain age for your pup, or maybe you want to incorporate raw foods in their adult diet just like many dog owners do. You just have to make sure you know how to do it correctly, and you provide the most nutritious dry dog food or wet food. You should give enough time for your dog to adjust to a new food gradually. Like other shepherd breeds, you should allow a 7-day transition period from feeding German Shepherds their old food to their new diet. If there is discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea, you may opt to slow down the process even more or consult your vet directly. Feeding an Overweight German Shepherd If you free-feed a German Shepherd, it may likely cause excessive weight gain or obesity. Furthermore, it can easily cause heavy or labored breathing during sleep and irregular movements, such as climbing stairs. Aside from dog food or canned food, a few more factors that can cause an overweight dog breed are table scraps, treats, and not enough exercise. There are a lot of alternatives for treats bought from pet stores, such as fruits and vegetables. These are easier to digest, lighter, and healthier. Eliminate table scraps and leftovers in their diet as they are unnecessary to these large breed puppies. Following a specific schedule with specific amounts of puppy food can significantly help lose weight. Implementing control in their daily meals can help reduce unnecessary food consumption. It is essential to understand that having an overweight dog is more likely caused by the lifestyle owners expose their dogs to. Also, inform family members about the diet plan, so your German Shepherd will not be too spoiled with food. There are a lot of factors why your GSD is not eating. It could be triggered by illness, dental problems , and environmental stress. But it can also be because of adverse reactions to medicines, sudden changes in food, increased body temperature, or your dog just being a picky eater. Do German Shepherds Eat a Lot? As a large breed dog, you can expect a German Shepherd to have a huge appetite. They are always eager to eat, may it be dry food, raw, or canned food. However, it is crucial to know when or how much to feed a German Shepherd to avoid weight problems and severe diseases. Can German Shepherds Eat Bones? German Shepherds can eat bones as it is a great source of minerals. However, there are cons to consider, too. According to AKC, if you want to consider giving them bones, there are certain rules you have to follow, such as giving them raw meat bones and throwing them out after three to four days. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Generally, German Shepherds can thrive and survive on a vegetarian diet, provided that they are supplied with enough nutrients, proteins, fats, and calories on a daily basis. Since German Shepherds are energetic dogs with huge appetites, we must put extra effort into planning out their diet. Options such as dry, wet, raw, and homemade diets are all great for them. Free feeding them or giving too many treats can lead to severe health problems. It is also essential to know what foods are healthy and should be avoided, as some foods are toxic. However, aside from research, we need to consult their vet to ensure that we provide them with essential nutrients for growth, good health, and development in all stages of their life, especially for giant German Shepherds , If you have other tips in feeding a German Shepherd, make sure to share them in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Since puppies have a lot of growing to do, they require plenty of calories. You can reduce the amount of food per pound of body weight until they reach standard adult measurements. The specific amount of food to feed a German Shepherd can vary because different dogs are sized differently and have various needs and levels of athleticism. To learn more about specific foods and ingredients, check out this article on the best diet for German Shepherds. Three to four meals of puppy food a day is ideal for a month-old German Shepherd, as the food will be easily digestible and keep the energy high throughout the day. Feeding a puppy 1—2 large meals might make them feel sick, or they may be unable to finish it all at once. When it comes to how much food to give a 1—4 month-old German Shepherd, the recommended amount is approximately one cup g or a little more, depending on activity levels per meal. Be sure to spread meals evenly throughout the day, and avoid feeding your puppy before bedtime. The West Greenwich Animal Hospital recommends not feeding a dog three hours before bedtime because they may need to go out for a toilet break at night. Since their stomachs and bodies are getting bigger, they can generally handle fewer large meals than more small ones. So, you can reduce the number of puppy food meals to 2 or 3. Since the number of meals is reduced, increase the amount of food per serving to approximately 1. The meals should be spread evenly throughout the day to ensure your German Shepherd has consistent energy levels. My German Shepherd Willow at 4 months old 10 to 12 Months At 10—12 months, a German Shepherd begins to mature as its body continues growing. Split approximately 4—5 cups —1, g of food between two meals. However, this is just a recommendation — as mentioned previously, your dog may require more or less than this depending on their activity levels. Keeping the amount of food at cups , g per day may be sufficient, or it may be best to start feeding your dog more or less than this. For example, many active or working German Shepherds may benefit from 6 cups 1. Again, the specific amount is circumstantial. However, some dog owners make the switch earlier. Honestly, this is the issue with every new pet parent. Below is a German Shepherd feeding chart to help you learn more about giving your pooch the right amount of food at the right time. Remember, the below are simply recommendations, so specific amounts can vary by dog and activity level. Age Amount of food per day Amount of servings per day months 3—4 cups — g spread across multiple servings 3—4 3—4. Always check the packaging of the food you buy for a more detailed analysis. There are endless dog food options, so making the right choice can be challenging and stressful. The main protein source is chicken, and it promotes immune system health and digestive performance. Suitable for puppies up to 15 months, this dog food is the perfect solution for young German Shepherds with lots of growing to do! One of the main benefits of this food is that it comes in different sizes, including a pound 6. This dog food contains all the nutrients a German Shepherd puppy needs to grow and thrive. Blue Buffalo dog food has real chicken, fruits, and vegetables, so your pooch will surely enjoy the delicious taste! It comes in two flavors — a chicken meal with oats and a lamb meal with brown rice. Either contains enough high-quality protein to ensure your pup can grow as healthily as possible. Medium-sized dog breeds can continue eating puppy food until 18 months. Like with puppy food, there are many adult German Shepherd dog food options, so choosing the right one can be challenging. Check out some of my below recommendations to make your search a little easier. Best Breed Dr. Best Breed Dog Food aids digestion as it contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber. According to a study, musculoskeletal disorders and the inability to stand are the two most common causes of death in German Shepherds. Since puppies need specific nutrients to grow, their food differs greatly from adult dog food. Puppies especially need protein because it aids with the growth and development of cells. Without adequate protein in the diet , puppies are more susceptible to serious health issues, including: Weight and muscle loss General weakness Chest and abdomen issues German Shepherds can continue eating puppy food for the first year of life and beyond. Usually, 16—18 months is a good time for a dog to start eating adult food. The most important thing to remember is that adult food is never the right choice for a German Shepherd puppy that still has much growing to do. However, there are many other factors to consider when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd, like their general weight and activity levels. Weight and Size The weight of your German Shepherd will determine how much to feed it. The general rule of thumb is that the heavier your dog is, the more food it needs to stay fueled. The average adult German Shepherd is around .Pay attention to the general height and size of your German Shepherd to determine exactly how much food to feed them. For example, an underweight German Shepherd will need extra food to get back to a healthy weight, whereas an overweight one will need less food. As you can imagine, a highly energetic dog will need more food than a German Shepherd that lies around all day. If your German Shepherd is still relatively young, i. Health Health issues can affect the way a dog eats. For example, a dog with stomach issues might avoid food altogether. Other health conditions that affect how much a dog can eat include: Pancreatitis Infections Cancer Consider whether your dog is experiencing health issues when feeding them. For instance, if your dog is shedding too much, you need to change a diet that minimizes shedding. Age The age of a German Shepherd helps determine how much food should be eaten and how often. For example as mentioned earlier , younger dogs must eat smaller meals spread evenly throughout the day, while older dogs can have 2 larger meals. A vet can weigh your German Shepherd, ask questions, and listen to the heartbeat to determine a healthy diet plan. As Willow is now a senior dog, I like to take her for vet checkups every 6 months. In many cases, giving puppies homemade food over long periods can cause health issues down the line. A study by the National Library of Medicine concluded that a homemade diet given by the owner caused a puppy to experience various health issues, including vitamin D deficiency and NSH nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. You can give a small treat here and there, but human food should never make up the entire diet of a puppy. Below are some tasty examples! Eggs Not only are eggs beneficial for humans, but they can also be good for dogs if given in moderation. German Shepherds puppies and adults will receive plenty of nutrients from eggs, including protein and fats. The best and easiest way to give a German Shepherd an egg is to hard boil it. Avoid feeding a German Shepherd or any dog fried eggs too often due to the excessive oil. Hard-boiled eggs are usually the easiest for dogs to eat, but you can also try poached or scrambled eggs. Examples of dog-friendly fruits include: Bananas. Although it may seem obvious, doing this can cause your dog a lot of trouble and is a simple error to make. A German shepherd is a medium- to large-breed dog, which puts him at a higher risk for several health issues, the most well-known of which are issues with the bones and the hips. Joint illnesses are more likely to develop in them as a result of genetics, and too much rapid development is another factor that might exacerbate these issues. Because of this, even though German shepherds require the same essential nutrients as other dog breeds, including protein, fat, carbohydrates, and other vitamins and minerals, you should exercise caution when feeding your dog nutrient-rich dog foods because they can encourage dangerously rapid growth. According to the German shepherd feeding chart, it is accepted that adult dogs need up to calories per day. Depending on how big and active the dog is, anything between and is considered suitable. However, even in their later years, energetic dogs will need up to calories each day. How about a German Shepherd puppy, though? What is a German Shepherd feeding chart for a puppy? Actually, puppies consume twice as many calories per pound of body weight. This indicates that a German Shepherd puppy that is 8 weeks old may consume twice as much food as an adult. Puppies need to consume twice as much food as adults do to sustain their growth and development. A young German Shepherd puppy needs at least 80—90 calories per pound of body weight to grow and thrive. Regularly weigh your puppy, assess their general health, and modify their calorie intake to assist their growth. Even more active than working adult dogs are young shepherds. Keep in mind that calories differ significantly across manufacturers and brands. Always read the nutritional information and feeding instructions on the food box before feeding it to your pet. The German Shepherd feeding chart is simple in the first few weeks; up until the puppies lose all of their puppy teeth , their mother serves as their primary feeding source. Puppies who are one month old do not yet have teeth that are strong enough to eat kibble, so it is important to soften their diet as much as possible. Two-Month-Old German Shepherd Puppies start exploring their environment as soon as they reach the one-month mark. Additionally, a German Shepherd puppy should be at least eight weeks old if you plan to adopt one. Purchase the same puppy food the breeder recommended, at least for the first several weeks as they adjust to their new surroundings. As the pups approach their first birthday, their diet will require fewer calories, so you may cut down on the number of meals by two or three, if you believe it will be better for your pet. The majority of dog owners believe that giving their puppies fewer meals throughout the day is better for them since they get the same amount of calories and are less likely to feel hungry at specific times of the day. Even though during this period your dog should still be eating puppy food, you might want to consider obtaining adult dog food. Some owners use treats and training rewards to gradually introduce adult food to their pets, which is just enough to acclimate them to its unique flavor and texture. On the other hand, some dog owners choose to gradually phase out puppy food by combining kibble for adult dogs with it in varying quantities. You must obviously speak with your veterinarian before making any changes to the diet your German Shepherd consumes. Only your veterinarian can tell you when your dog has reached adulthood and when switching to adult food is safe. They must thus be provided with a healthy diet, even if they are raised as household pets. These puppies really like being active, and they enjoy playing in dog parks and other open spaces as well as training. In addition to the other nutrients, the quantities of calcium, protein, and phosphorus in adult dog food will be different from those in puppy food, according to the German Shepherd feeding chart. Bottom Line We must be certain of how much and when to feed our pets as responsible pet owners. German Shepherds require special consideration when designing their diets since they are active canines with voracious appetites. They adapt well to a variety of diets, including dry, wet, raw, and homemade. Giving them too many presents or too many free meals might seriously harm their health. We looked at the German shepherd feeding chart above. For your pup to develop properly, you must be aware of which foods are good for them and which ones they should avoid. As a travel enthusiast and animal lover, she hopes to inspire others to discover and cherish the beauty and importance of the natural world. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. Recommended reading. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.

We would love everyone to understand that our priorities are the breeding and raising of the healthiest, best tempered, hardest working, intelligent, and attractive retrievers available. Our breeding practices are guided by the proven, scientific methods that result in producing the strongest additions to your families, that we possibly can produce. Please review our website, for all of the information related to the health clearances of our retrievers. Then check with the other breeders that you are considering, to see if they even conduct the numerous and expensive health certifications and screenings that we conduct, in an effort to ensure that we are providing you and your family with a lifelong addition to your family. There are few things sadder than seeing a 3, 4, or 5, year retriever with painful hip, shoulder, or elbow ailments that are the result of genetic or congenital, and therefore foreseeable disorders. This is why we only utilize retrievers of the highest quality, health clearances, and best disposition as parents for our, and ultimately, your retrievers. By breeding only dogs having hips better than the breed average or the breed median the overall breed average will move toward better tighter hips from one generation to the next see Figure. Clearly the more selection pressure applied i. By applying at least moderate selection pressure , eventually the average of the population will shift with each generation toward tighter hips. This shift will have the effect to increasingly tighten the minimum standard for breeding. By following these time-tested principles of quantitative genetics, ultimately fewer dogs will be at risk for developing OA. Understandably, more rapid genetic change could be achieved by imposing greater selection pressure or by using the technique of estimating breeding value EBV which incorporates the hip laxity scores of dogs in the pedigree. These strategies are recommended for the aggressive breeder wishing to achieve the most rapid hip improvement. Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet , .For this reason, we conduct the following medical screenings on all retrievers utilized in our breeding program: Hip Certification PennHip Examination Conducted Twice. Once before turning two, and once after turning two years of age. He is a healthy, energetic 62 lb. Ozzie is a long and lean boy who will undoubtably add some more weight as he matures. He is fine with other dogs once he gets settled into his new space. Ozzie loves attention and quickly bonds to whoever is going to be his primary in the household. If you sit, he will move to get in your lap. Ozzie is a very smart boy who walks well on leash and is quickly learning his basic commands. Although a bit of a counter surfer, he is learning to leave that bad habit behind him. She came into our Rescue as her owners had to move and were not able to take her. Grateful Goldens of course took her in and waited expectantly for her to deliver. And, wow, did she! Nine gorgeous puppies and Wanda was phenomal during her delivery. She has been the perfect mom taking care of her puppies and helping her foster mom however she could. She is very personable, loves her people and puppies and is a very relaxed girl, ready for a nice play date, walk or just some time on the couch. She has earned some time of her own and would love to become part of your family. Are you ready to invite her to be part of your family? She is up to date on vaccines, has been spayed, but has tested positive for heartworms. Princess loves going for walks and playing games that involve treats. She would much rather be with her people than play with other dogs so being the only dog in a home would suit her just fine. Although she displays some separation anxiety, it can be managed. Princess will need to continue her heartworm treatment which will be covered by Grateful Goldens Rescue. She is really hoping that someone will open their heart and home to her when she is ready. Will it be yours? Are you here to take me home? Indy Indy is one amazing boy and he is packed and ready for his forever home. Just listen to what his foster says! Played a little bit but guarded. He's seriously such a good boy!!!! He's so so sweet and loving, knows sit, stay, down, leave it, loose leash walking.He's great with other dogs but he does tire after a few minutes of play. He does like to cuddle and I can't say enough great things about him. Hi is seriously a freakin gem!!! Indy is ready and waiting! Grateful Goldens Rescue was contacted and we were able to spring him from the shelter and bring him into our Rescue. His name is Remi and he is around 5 years old. Not only is Remi an all around happy guy who wouldn't be when you're this gorgeous? He would love to be part of your family because not only is he good with kids, but he is good with other dogs and cats! Is your family ready for him? Adoption Pending! She is thought to be years old and is a very calm dog who will be happy laying at your feet while you relax on the deck lazing away the afternoon. She has had a rough start to life having tumors detected in her mammary glands. Two showed signs of malignancy but have been removed. Fortunately, the vet says now that she is spayed they should not return and only recommends an x-ray every 6 months as follow up. After overcoming so much she would love nothing more than a forever home of her very own. Missy Missy is a sweet 1-year-old golden mix female. On the small side, about 50 lbs. She is loving with women, children, and other dogs. Unfortunately, Missy was treated harshly by a man and has understandably developed a fear of men. For this reason, we feel she needs a home without a man in the house, but one where she can be slowly introduced to men to build trust. She would also do best in a home with a fenced-in yard, preferably with a tall fence. At 6 years old Cody has the perfect blend of beach energy and lap love. At 75 pounds he is a big blocky boy who wants to go everywhere with you. Obedience training would be helpful - treats are the easy ticket here! Someone who is home most of the time would be ideal for Cody. As he has an alert bark, apartment living is not recommended for him. If you fit that profile and have an approved adoption application, email us to ask about Cody. If you are interested in Cody, please submit an online adoption application. He is being fostered in Charleston. Cody Has His Forever Home! We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Conway South Carolina and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted! Helping dogs live the Golden Life! We are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of homeless Golden Retrievers into the best homes possible to ensure their lifelong love and care. See the dogs As you look at the dogs on our website, please note that the available dogs are NOT limited to those listed here. Check out our Facebook page, too. If you are interested in adding a Golden or a Golden mix to your family, please read our adoption guidelines and information about adoption fees. You will need to be patient during the adoption approval process as it may take weeks. It is worth waiting to adopt one of our deserving pups. Foster homes and volunteers are needed Help a dog find a forever home by fostering. Our rescue covers all veterinary care and monthly preventatives. You provide the TLC. If you are interested, please fill out a foster application. If you can't foster, we are always looking for volunteers to help out in other ways. Please get in touch! Need to rehome your golden? We are here to help you find them a loving home. Please contact us! We are a volunteer, non-profit organization and your generous donations go directly to the care of the dogs. You can also support the dogs by making us your designated AmazonSmile charity or contributing to our Amazon Wishlist.

Written by: Howmuchisit. Although the chocolate lab has a different appearance compared to the usual Labrador, these dogs usually have the same temperament. Weighing close to pounds, the chocolate labrador are also very loyal to their owners, making them one of the best breed of dogs available. At the time of this writing, PuppyFind. According to this comprehensive guide on thelabradorsite. What is going to be included in the adoption fee? Most reputable breeders should include the registration paperwork, some sort of health guarantee, a health checkup by a licensed vet, up-to-date vaccinations and a travel crate if being shipped. What are the extra costs? Remember these dogs can weigh an average of 80 pounds. The average chocolate lab must be brushed at least once per week and twice when you notice they are shedding. Some breeders, however, often refuse to ship their puppies via the air and will ask to meet either halfway or have you pick up the puppies at their residence. Tips to know: If healthy, the average chocolate lab can live 10 to 13 years and are suitable for both warm and cooler climates, but most prefer to live indoors where their family lives. Similar to the other Labrador breeds, the chocolate lab is just as mellow and is known to get along will with just about anyone and anything in the neighborhood, including pets, children and other household pets. According to the AKC, they are known to be very loyal, happy and lovable. The coat will be dense, thick, short and resistant to most weather. The average shoulder height will be 20 to 25 inches and most labs will weigh 55 to 85 pounds, with the male weighing slightly more. The chocolate lab loves long walks, playing fetch and even swimming in the water. Like most larger dog breeds, according to PuppyFind. When buying from a breeder, try your hardest to see the location where the dog was raised. If they refuse or make up excuses, then this could be a big red flag since the living conditions may not be suitable for breeding dogs. How can I save money? Adoption is another option you can consider rather than buying a dog. Check out your local Humane Society or even consider a local rescue group to see if they have any dogs up for adoption. This is a great way to offer an older dog a forever home and spend a lot less money than buying from a breeder who is often in it for the money. Advertising Disclosure: This content may include referral links. Please read our disclosure policy for more info. This is mostly true but only because the vast majority of labs are bred and sold by puppy mills and pet stores. However, you should also consider the fact that labs sold by reputable breeders cost quite a bit more. At the same time, you can find chocolate labs in rescues and shelters too. These places offer good prices and are very good at making their pups look irresistible not to take home. However, such puppy mills also have awful breeding standards. Inbreeding and overbreeding are pretty much the norm there. Additionally, they pay very little attention to the raising of their pups and usually just keep them in small, glass tanks for countless hours, days, and weeks. All this amounts to poorly bred and even more poorly raised unhealthy pups. This is justified by the higher breeding standard, the better healthcare, and proper raising of the lab pups. So, while the several hundred or over a thousand extra dollars can seem like a steep price hike, they also guarantee a much healthier dog and lower vet bills in the future. Chocolate Labrador Price In Shelters and Rescues Labrador retrievers are so popular nowadays that you can find them in almost every dog shelter and rescue too. You may have to look a bit more for a purebred chocolate lab but those will still be easy to find too. The only drawback of adopting a pup is that you have less of a guarantee about its health. However, this can be mitigated by most shelters as they offer a full veterinary check-up and consultation. Additionally, dogs from shelters and rescues are either free or are sold for very low prices. Black labs can cost more in reputable breeders because they are more often chosen by hunters. However, chocolate and yellow labs will still have pretty similar prices. Good breeders make sure their purebred chocolate lab puppies match a certain health standard. This means avoiding inbreeding, overbreeding, and the breeding of undesirable genetic defects. This is a big reason why puppies in pet stores and puppy mills cost significantly less. Their breeders pay much less heed, time, and attention to how they breed their pups, they invest less into the logistics of finding new dogs to breed, and so on. Additionally, they invest much less into the care and raising of their pups too. All this translates into a much lower cost for you but also a much worse health for your pup. And the latter also means much higher vet bills as your dog grows up. Steering clear from puppy mills and pet stores will help you avoid or minimize the risk of any of the following:. The costs will be a bit higher at first while you get your dog the shots it requires and pay for the frequent visits to the vet. We also recommend getting your dog spayed or neutered unless you are a professional breeder, and it might even be required as part of your contract if you purchase from a breeder. Once your dog is an adult, it will not require as many vet visits and will only need booster shots every few years, so the average monthly costs will be much lower. Experts recommend getting all of the shots, but your dog is only legally required to get the rabies shot. We recommend purchasing a high-quality brand with real meat like chicken, turkey, or salmon listed as the first ingredient. The protein in meat will help build muscle and provide the energy your dog needs to stay healthy. High protein diets will also help your dog stay full longer, and it will be less likely to come looking for food. Foods with corn as the top ingredient are mostly empty calories that will leave your pet feeling hungry and looking for more food, potentially causing it to become obese. During the shedding seasons of spring and fall, you will likely need to increase the brushing to several times a week to help keep the fur off your furniture and floor. Professional grooming can also help with teeth brushing and nail clipping. This medication can also help prevent heartworm. Spot Pet Insurance offers customizable plans that you can adapt to your breed's specific needs. Many people forgo pet insurance, but it can be a great way to protect yourself from a huge expense while making sure your Labrador Retriever has the best healthcare possible. Accidents and serious illnesses can occur at any time, and many procedures can cost thousands of dollars which makes the price of insurance more than worth it, especially if you get it while your dog is still a puppy. It can chew up stuffed animals quickly, so they can get expensive, but there are plenty of options for a chewing dog, like the Lab. Another option is to purchase a subscription to a monthly service like the Bark Box that sends your dog new toys and activities for as long as you keep up your subscription. A full-grown dog only requires food and flea and tick medication to stay healthy, a few toys to play with, and treats here and there. Additional Costs to Factor In If you like to go on long vacations, you might need to factor in the additional costs of traveling with a dog. Many rental cars do not allow pets or will charge you extra, and the same is true for hotels. Owning a Labrador Retriever on a Budget Your Labrador Retriever will be relatively inexpensive once you get the medical things out of the way. A high-quality food may seem more expensive, but it will help keep your dog full so that it will eat less. Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock Saving Money on Labrador Retriever Care The best way to save money on healthcare when raising your Labrador Retriever is to keep it a healthy weight by following portion recommendations on the food you serve and by helping them get enough exercise. Obesity can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues that can shorten the lifespan of your pet. After the initial cost of the puppy , you will need to pay a few hundred dollars to get it spayed or neutered and get the shots it needs. After that, you will only need to provide food and shelter with the occasional booster shot. We hope you have enjoyed reading over this guide, and that it has helped answer your questions. If we have helped you create a budget that allows you to get one of these amazing pets, please share this guide on how much it costs to own a Labrador Retriever on social media. Featured Image Credit: scott, Pixabay Contents. All breeds of Labrador Retrievers are known for being kind and gentle — and this trait runs especially strong with the chocolate-colored sweeties. While these dogs are very friendly to strangers, they have even more affection to give to their beloved families. Your Chocolate Lab puppy or adult will be happiest spending time with their favorite people. If you have young children, a lab is a great fit, as this breed is usually quite tolerant of the horseplay of small children who are still learning how to interact with pets. Just like many people, Chocolate Labs enjoy both downtime — especially if it involves being pampered by their family — and active high-energy fun. We recommend daily exercise, which can include anything from fetch, to tag, or even frisbee games. The average Chocolate Lab lifespan is between 9 and 11 years. The most common Chocolate Lab health problem is hip dysplasia, which occurs more commonly in older and overweight dogs. This is just one of the reasons to make exercise a common part of your time with a Chocolate Lab puppy or fully grown adult. Another problem that occurs in overweight labs is joint and movement issues. The other most common Chocolate Lab health problems are: Progressive Retinal Atrophy Cataracts Elbow Dysplasia As is the case with any dog, when you bring home a Chocolate Labrador, make sure that you have a good vet to handle routing vaccinations and check-ups as well as emergency health problems. Learn more about the Keystone Puppies Health Guarantee! Chocolate Lab Coat Care In general, Chocolate Lab coat care is easy compared to many other dog breeds which require weekly or daily work. Labrador Retrievers all have double coats, which includes an under layer of short hairs and a slightly longer top layer. This coat is useful for repelling water and keeping them cool in warmer temperatures — and warm in cooler ones. Their coat is also noted to be slightly dry and oily. Chocolate Lab coat care is fairly minimal and considered low maintenance. The coat should be brushed with a firm bristle brush 2 — 3 times per month to minimize shedding. In addition to that, baths are needed fairly infrequently. What is more crucial is ensuring that their toenails are well cared for throughout the year. Meet Chocolate Lab Puppies for Sale. How Much Does a Labrador Cost? And, this is just the upfront cost of the puppy. This includes the cost of food, veterinary bills, grooming, bedding, and so on. Labrador puppy costs depend on a few factors. Quality of the breeder Quality of the parent dogs Type of Labrador eg. For instance, puppy prices tend to be higher before Christmas, so buy a puppy in the spring, instead. Originally, black Labs were favored above other colors. Brown and yellow Labs were extremely uncommon, and were not at all desirable. Over time, this opinion changed and brown and yellow Labs became more accepted. Shooting communities still tend to prefer the black Lab, but yellow Labs are very common in other working roles, like as therapy dogs and guide dogs. On the whole, each official Labrador color will cost a similar amount. But, yellow and brown Labs may cost slightly more than black Labs, since the genes that cause their coloring are recessive and therefore are less common. Non-Standard Colors Labrador costs can be hugely increased or reduced by non standard colors or patterns. For instance, dilute shades or mismarks. Dilute coloring is recessive and highly controversial in the Labrador community. The genes that cause these shades will dilute pigmentation, turning black Labs into charcoal Labs, chocolate Labs into silver Labs, and yellow Labs into champagne Labs. Some believe this color results from cross-breeding. But, others believe the recessive genes simply remained hidden over generations, like original yellow and chocolate coloring. Dilute colors are not accepted in the official breed standard. So, many breeders will not adjust their price, and may even lower it for unexpected dilute puppies. The same is the case with mismarks. Mismarks can include white patches and spots, brindling, and even tan markings. Extensive mismarks will disqualify a Lab from show. Show type Labs are bred to fit the Labrador breed standard. They are usually slightly stockier and less active than field types. Field types are more often bred for their working ability than for any specific appearance. Labradors cost more when they are bred to show standards. Field Labs tend to be cheaper than Labradors bred for show. But, you should consider which type is best for you, rather than just going for the cheapest Labrador you can find. Field type Labs can be much more energetic and active than show types. First time owners may find the English Lab slightly easier to raise and train! Conversely, Labrador costs can be highest with field trial champion bred dogs that are likely to win awards. Labrador Costs From Breeders vs Shelters Labrador puppies from reputable breeders will cost more than dogs from a rescue center. Whilst Labs from breeders can cost thousands of dollars, Labradors from rescue centers can only be a few hundred dollars. A major difference between Labs from a breeder and Labs from a rescue center is the history of the dogs. Puppies from a breeder will stay with their mom and siblings until 8 weeks old. At 8 weeks, puppies can go to their new home. Rescue center dogs can have unknown histories, or even histories that involve abuse. Labs from rescue centers are usually older, and have often lived with other families. However, many Labs are given up for non-behavioral reasons. They can be just as wonderful pets as puppies from a breeder. And, many dogs from rescue centers will have basic training, including house training, obedience, and potentially recall. Why Are Breeders So Expensive? Reputable breeders tend to cost more than any other puppy source. Breeders have to spend a lot when breeding a litter, and all of this will lower their profit margins. Labrador breeding costs include: Health testing and certificates. Are they good family dogs? Labrador Dog Price — The Costs Involved Buying a Labrador is not just a question of the purchase price of a Lab puppy, though of course that is important. There are other costs involved, both financial, emotional and in terms of time and effort. So we need to look at those too. You may be wondering whether you will have the time for a dog, and if you have the space and energy for a large and lively breed? But this page will take you back to the fundamental considerations, to help you to make the right choice for you and your family. Do you have time for a dog? Can you afford a dog? What about your lifestyle? Will a dog fit in with your family? Is a Labrador the right dog for you? These questions all apply regardless of the type of Labrador you are looking for. The needs of a black Lab, yellow Lab or chocolate Lab are all the same in these respects. The same goes for an English or American Labrador too. Dogs need space, both indoors and outside. Even small breeds need room to stretch their legs and run about. And Labradors as fairly large and lively dogs need quite a lot of space. This means you need a decent sized backyard if you plan on buying a Labrador puppy. Somewhere that your Lab dog can run around, play and enjoy training sessions with you. Labradors can be quite silly during adolescence, bouncing and cavorting in the home. Their tails are long and thick, easily knocking any fragile decorations you might have from shelves. If you have lots of ornaments then you will need to move them to higher shelves to avoid them getting damaged. You will also need to move anything that could be easily damaged by chewing. With small puppies this will be very often indeed. Perhaps every 15 to 20 minutes during their first few days with you. If you live in a flat, or do not have a garden, this will be difficult for you. These are helpful but do take up a lot of space. Although this will take up a lot of space indoors, it can work very well for larger apartments with no easy outside access. Ideally however you do need to have a garden, and a part of the garden which your dog can use as a bathroom, along with a good system for clearing up after him hygienically. Space is key for a Lab dog! The right space for a Labrador includes large clear rooms in the house, with no breakable or fragile objects within his grasp. And ideally access to a garden where they can easily be let out to the bathroom and have room to play. Keeping a single Labrador permanently outside however is not usually a good idea, even with adequate shelter and security. Labs are very sociable dogs and prone to separation anxiety if they lack company. This means your dog may be both sad and noisy. It is always sad to hear from new puppy owners that are struggling to juggle the needs of a puppy with their need to work. These articles will help you to deal with this common issue. Even with a visit at lunch time. An older dog may cope with being left for up to four hours in row on a regular basis, but puppies need more attention than this. Contented Labradors are fairly quiet dogs and unlikely to disturb your neighbors. Nor are they very good guard dogs. However, lonely dogs bark and wreck things. If you work all day, can you afford to pay someone to come in and let him out to stretch his legs and empty himself? Or do you have a relative or friend that would be prepared to do this on a regular basis. Bear in mind that this is quite a lot to ask of anyone in the long term. The biggest long term time commitment in owning a dog is in the form of training and exercise. Training Takes Time All dogs need training in order that they can rub along in human society without being a complete nuisance. This means a regular daily commitment of ten to twenty minutes from you, in addition to your regular interaction with the dog. Training cannot be saved up for the weekend, your dog will have forgotten most of what he learnt the weekend before, and he does not have the attention span to concentrate on you for an hour and a half. You can find out more about training your Labrador puppy here. Staying Fit Exercise is required on a regular basis, for some breeds of dog this means at least an hour a day of walking or jogging to keep your dog fit and healthy. You can find out more about the exercise requirements of a Labrador puppy here. Whilst your dog will not come to any harm if you miss a day occasionally, a daily routine is often the best way to ensure that you build this important habit. Can You Afford A Dog? Dogs can be quite expensive to run. You need to consider not only how much a Labrador will cost you to buy, but also how much it will cost you to keep. How much do Labradors cost from breeders? The price of a Labrador puppy will vary from breeder to breeder, and from place to place. Perhaps you know a friend that has a litter of puppies and they are going to let you have one for free. However, the purchase price of a dog is almost irrelevant. It is such a small part of the final cost. The cost of keeping a Labrador The reality is, you are also going to need to fork out a chunk of your wages each week on keeping your pooch happy and healthy. Obviously you will have taken the cost of a good brand of Labrador puppy food into consideration. It is a good idea to budget for veterinary insurance too. Not because it is unreasonably priced, but simply because it is now so advanced. You can fix a lot of problems these days. We can do open heart surgery, mend complex fractures, treat cancer with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Pretty much anything you can treat in a human, you can now treat in a dog. And the catch? It costs. The more comprehensive your insurance package the more it will cost. Watch out for very cheap deals, as they may not provide continuing cover for long term ailments. You will also need to vaccinate your dog against common canine illness , and this will probably need to be done each year too. Especially if you are wanting to occasionally leave them in boarding kennels when you go away, as they require up to date vaccination certificates. Labrador Puppy Costs There will be a few other one-off costs such as a puppy crate and puppy play pen for your home for when your dog is young, another for your car if you have one. Then there are bowls, bedding, collar, leash etc. But you may be able to borrow a crate or get one second hand. Here are some of the items you will need for your new Labrador puppy, and reviews on the best options for Labradors:. Our puppy Price is for limited registration. Deposits are non-refundable. Full AKC Registration breeding and show rights contact us for an additional fee. Regardless of the size of your home or your age or family size, Labs will share their love. Generally speaking, though, the best homes for our chocolate Labs for sale in Michigan are those where they can get consistent attention, plenty of tender loving care, toys to chew and lots of spoiling. This can include homes with children to the elderly. Chocolate English Labradors are known to be very calm, and more laid back. They are a well- rounded dog. Labrador retrievers have many different traits that make them a wonderful addition to your family. There are just a few reasons of why we love the Labrador breed and you will too. Labrador Retrievers are intelligent and highly trainable. They are eager-to-please dogs that aim to satisfy their owners likings. Labs are loyal to their owners and understand your cues. They are smart and up to any challenge or training level with good treats in hand. Labradors also love children. They are affectionate, patient and love spending time with the older members of the family down to the smallest members. They also love to play fetch which is a game for all ages from the human world to the dog world. Labs typically live long and healthy lives. With a proper diet and regular exercise routine, they can remain a part of your family for a very long time. Labradors to not need expensive grooming. Due to their short coats they do not require long hours of grooming weekly and they only require and occasional bath. Labradors have adventurous and playful personalities. They usually welcome new people into a home and often want to be the first to greet them. They will spend time outside at the park or in your neighborhood. They love going for walks, swimming or even just curling up on the couch with you. And they also make excellent hunting companions. They love spending any time with their family members. Labs have gentle mouths. They can be taught to not play rough. Labradors were bred to retrieve downed prey such as duck, grouse rabbit etc. The labs have incredible control of their jaw muscles and can be taught to play or retrieve with a gentle mouth and not bite down. Labs are not picky eaters. Labs famously have big appetites and love to eat!! A lab owner however, does have to watch their weight as they can be prone to add the pounds quickly. With a proper diet and exercise routine your lab will live a long and healthy life though. Labrador retrievers are adorable. According to AKC, the labs otter tail, dense weather-resistant coat and friendly expression all contribute to its highly adorable appearance. No one can resist their kissable faces. Features of the Chocolate Lab Breed There are plentiful benefits that make the chocolate Lab special. These dogs are active, loving companions known for their friendly and loyal temperaments. They show great affection to their owners, are smart and highly trainable. They also welcome visitors eagerly. We specialize in providing chocolate Labrador Retrievers in Michigan that could make great household pets. This process includes extensive health testing to help ensure quality. Today, count on us for puppies that are well-rounded, comfortable with a family environment and ready to adapt to your home. All of our dogs are up to the highest standards — from conception to the day they join your home. Contact us today to hold a puppy or get on our deposit list for future picks!

Breeds The link has been copied! With its striking appearance and adorable personality, this breed has captured the cores of dog enthusiasts around the world. Here, we will delve into the intriguing world of Red Fox Labs, exploring their distinct characteristics, temperament, training necessities, and much more. Known for its stunning reddish coat, this breed has gained popularity in recent years. While not officially recognized as a separate breed by major kennel clubs, Red Fox Labs are cherished for their unique appearance and playful nature. They possess the same friendly and gentle demeanor as their yellow, chocolate, white and black counterparts. The red shade of their fur comes from a recessive gene that occasionally appears in Labrador litters. Appearance and Characteristics The Red Fox Lab is renowned for its distinctive appearance, capturing attention with its striking features and beautiful coat. Let's delve into the details of their appearance and explore the unique characteristics that make them so captivating. Their fur ranges from a vibrant golden-red to a deeper mahogany shade, resembling the color of a red fox. This unique coat color sets them apart from other Labrador Retrievers and adds to their allure. Physical Features: Apart from their eye-catching coat, Red Fox Labs possess the same physical characteristics as other Labrador Retrievers. They have a well-built, muscular body with a deep chest and strong legs, enabling them to excel in various physical activities. Their webbed paws make them excellent swimmers, a trait inherited from their retriever lineage. Facial Expression: Red Fox Labs has a friendly and expressive face that can instantly melt hearts. Their almond-shaped eyes are warm and soulful, exuding intelligence and kindness. Coupled with their floppy ears and an ever-present wagging tail, their facial expression radiates joy and enthusiasm. They typically stand between .These proportions give them a balanced and athletic appearance. Temperament and Personality: Alongside their captivating appearance, Red Fox Labs possess a fabulous temperament that contributes to their popularity. They are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them great companions for individuals and families alike. Red Fox Labs are highly sociable, forming strong bonds with their human family members and often getting along well with other pets. Distinctive Trait: While the red coat color is the most notable characteristic of Red Fox Labs, it's important to note that their coat color does not affect their health or temperament. The red shade comes from a recessive gene that occasionally appears in Labrador litters, adding a touch of uniqueness to this already beloved breed. Overall, the Red Fox Lab's appearance and characteristics make them truly stand out in the world of Labrador Retrievers. Their stunning reddish coat, coupled with their friendly and gentle personality, make them irresistible to dog lovers seeking a loyal and beautiful canine companion. Temperament and Behavior Red Fox Labs inherit the fantastic temperament that has made Labradors one of the most popular breeds worldwide. They are known for their friendly, outgoing, and eager-to-please nature. Red Fox Labs are highly sociable and thrive in the company of their human families. They often get along well with children and other pets, making them excellent additions to households. Training and Exercise As intelligent and trainable dogs, Red Fox Labs excel in various training activities. Early socialization and obedience training are essential to channel their energy and ensure they become well-rounded companions. These Labs have a natural retrieving instinct and can excel in activities like agility, obedience trials, and scent work. Regular exercise is crucial for this energetic breed to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. But always make sure to keep track of your pup, especially during training. You can use a Fi Smart Dog Collar to watch their location and keep track of daily exercise. Health and Care Ensuring the health and well-being of your Red Fox Lab is crucial to providing them with a happy and fulfilling life. Like any dog breed, Red Fox Labs have specific health needs that require attention and care. Let's explore the aspects of their health and learn how to keep them in optimal condition. Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Regular visits to a trusted veterinarian are essential to monitoring your Red Fox Lab's overall health. Routine check-ups allow for early detection of any potential health issues and provide an opportunity for vaccinations, preventive treatments, and necessary screenings. Your veterinarian will also advise you on maintaining a proper vaccination schedule and recommend appropriate preventive care measures. Nutrition and Diet: A balanced and nutritive diet plays a critical role in the well-being of your Red Fox Lab. High-quality dog meals that meet their exact nutritional requirements should be provided. Opt for a diet that retains high-quality protein sources, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Consult with your veterinarian to decide the appropriate feeding amounts based on your hound's age, weight, and activity level. Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Red Fox Labs is an energetic breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation. Engage them in daily physical workouts such as walks, runs, games of fetch, or swimming sessions. These activities not only keep them physically fit but also contribute to their cognitive well-being. Interactive toys, puzzle games, and training sessions can provide mental stimulation and prevent boredom. Grooming Needs: Red Fox Labs has a short and dense double coat that requires regular at home grooming to keep it in optimal condition. Brush their coat at least once or twice a week to remove loose hair and prevent matting. This also helps distribute natural oils and promotes a healthy coat. Regular ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care are also necessary aspects of their grooming routine. If your dog does not like their nails clipped, you can try a scratch board. These can enclose hip and elbow dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy PRA , exercise-induced collapse EIC , and obesity. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can assist prevent some of these disorders. It is crucial to choose a reputed breeder who executes health screenings on their breeding pooches to minimize the risk of inherited health problems. Watch for Warning Signs: As a responsible dog owner, it's crucial to be vigilant and watch for any signs of illness or discomfort in your Red Fox Lab. Pay attention to changes in appetite, energy levels, coat quality, and behavior. If you notice anything unusual or concerning, consult your veterinarian promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment. By prioritizing your Red Fox Lab's health and providing them with proper care, nutrition, exercise, and regular veterinary attention, you can ensure they lead a happy and healthy life by your side. They are known for being excellent with children and are often patient and tolerant of their antics. These Labs thrive on human companionship and form strong bonds with their families. Whether it's playing fetch in the backyard or cuddling on the couch, Red Fox Labs are always up for quality time with their loved ones. The main distinction lies in their coat color. While Yellow Labs have a range of shades from light cream to fox red, Red Fox Labs specifically exhibit a deeper reddish hue. Both variations share similar traits, including their temperament, trainability, and physical characteristics. Finding a Red Fox Lab If you've fallen in love with the Red Fox Lab and are eager to welcome one into your home, finding a reputable source is essential. While Red Fox Labs may not be as commonly available as other Labrador Retriever coat colors, there are ways to locate a trustworthy breeder who specializes in this unique variant. Here are some tips to help you find your perfect Red Fox Lab: 1. Research and Recommendations: Start by conducting thorough research on Red Fox Lab breeders in your area. Seek recommendations from trusted sources such as local dog clubs, veterinarians, and fellow dog owners who have experience with the breed. Their insights and recommendations can lead you to reputable breeders known for their commitment to breeding healthy and well-socialized Red Fox Labs. Reputable Breeders: Look for breeders who have a proven track record of responsible and ethical breeding practices. A reputable breeder will prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs over profit and will conduct necessary health screenings on their breeding dogs. They will be open to answering your questions, provide documentation of health clearances, and allow you to visit their facility to meet their dogs. Meet the Breeder and Dogs: When you've identified potential breeders, arrange a visit to their facility or kennel. Meeting the breeder in person allows you to assess their professionalism, the condition of their dogs, and the environment in which the dogs are raised. Pay attention to cleanliness, socialization efforts, and the overall well-being of the dogs. This guarantee ensures that the puppy is in good health at purchase time and may offer scope for certain hereditary health conditions. Be sure to carefully study the terms of the contract and ask any questions before committing to an investment. Visit and watch: If possible, visit the litter and spend time observing the canines. Look for indications of good health, such as bright eyes, clean ears, and a lively and inquisitive demeanor. Consider their interaction with their littermates and the breeder, as it can provide you with an idea of their temperament and socialization. Continued Support: A responsible breeder will be available to offer guidance and support throughout your Red Fox Lab's life. They will be willing to provide information on care, training, and any breed-specific considerations. A reputable breeder's commitment to their dogs extends beyond the point of sale. Remember, patience is key when finding a Red Fox Lab. Quality breeders may have a waiting list, as they prioritize the well-being of their dogs and carefully plan their litters. The wait will be worth it to ensure you bring home a healthy and well-adjusted Red Fox Lab that will become a cherished member of your family. With their stunning reddish coat, friendly demeanor, and trainability, these Labs make excellent companions for families and individuals alike. While their appearance may be different, their loving nature remains the same. Consider bringing a Red Fox Lab into your life and experience the joy they bring. Are Red Fox Labs rare? Red Fox Labs are relatively uncommon compared to other Labrador Retriever coat colors. However, their popularity has been growing in recent years. Do Red Fox Labs have any health issues related to their coat color? No, the red coat gene in Red Fox Labs does not affect their health or longevity. They are generally healthy dogs with common Labrador Retriever health concerns. Are Red Fox Labs more energetic than other Labradors? Red Fox Labs have the same energy levels as other Labradors. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential to keep them happy and well-behaved. Can Red Fox Labs participate in dog sports and activities? Red Fox Labs are intelligent and excel in diverse dog sports and activities like agility, obedience trials, and scent work. Where can I find a Red Fox Lab? Reputable breeders who specialize in Red Fox Labs are the best source. Make sure to do detailed research and pick a breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their canines. Find more helpful articles on pet-parenting at the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Also, be sure to check out TryFi's Fi Dog Collar, a cutting-edge GPS tracking collar that keeps you updated on your dog's location, activity, sleep, and alerts you if they escape the backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Life span — 10 to 12 years Temperament — Friendly, loyal, and happy Hypoallergenic — No Origin — Canada Fox red Lab fun facts Not a separate breed but a rare type of Labrador retriever due to its distinctive coat color The deep mahogany-red color is a standout — standard Labs have black, yellow, or chocolate-colored coats. Great family pets Fox red Lab temperament and characteristics Like other Labrador retrievers, fox red Labs are extremely friendly , social, and playful. These pups were bred as water retrievers, hence the water-resistant coat. Labradors do well in various family homes, which is a good reason why they are a popular dog breed. They are usually outstanding family pets for people with small children. Their easy-going, playful nature makes them a great choice for pet owners bringing a dog into their homes for the first time. Train and socialize them early so they are comfortable around people and other pets. Common fox red Lab health problems Fox red Labs can live happy, healthy lives but are prone to a few common health problems. Keep up with vaccinations and frequent vet checkups to prevent diseases and other conditions. Some are treatable when detected early. Obesity can lead to diabetes if not managed properly. Go to source the Labrador breed is prone to this disease. Hip dysplasia. Large dogs are more prone to this condition , which occurs when the hip joints develop improperly or become severely arthritic in their senior years. Progressive retinal atrophy. Go to source can progressively lead to blindness. Unfortunately, there is no treatment or cure for this condition. Cranial cruciate ligament CCL tear. This condition is similar to an ACL tear in a person. Orthopedic surgery can treat it. Keep your Lab at a healthy weight to reduce strain within their stifle joints. Otitis externa. All Labrador retrievers are prone to ear infections , so it is best to clean their ears with a routine ear cleaning solution that contains a drying agent. Do this every two to three weeks for maintenance and after baths and swimming. Cost of caring for fox red Labs Caring for a fox red Labrador retriever can be a fun and rewarding experience, but there are costs involved, particularly if your pet has health issues. Diet and exercise may be enough to treat obesity. Costs add up, but pet insurance may help offset medical expenses. Pet owners who take this step typically enjoy the most benefits. A pet savings account is another option. History of the fox red Lab Labrador retrievers, including the fox red variety, descended from the St. Gamekeepers were looking to create the best hunting dog possible, so they cross-bred St. As a result, Labrador retrievers developed otter tails and water-resistant coats. These dogs eventually became known as Labrador retrievers around the late 18th century. Initially, the breed only consisted of black Labradors. Today, they come in many colors, including light yellow, chocolate, fox red, and even silver. Caring for your fox red Lab Caring for a new puppy can be overwhelming, and fox red Lab puppies are no exception. Exercise Retrievers, like red fox Labs, do well in many types of homes, from single-person families to ones with small children. They are active breeds, though, and require regular exercise. Daily walks and play sessions both count as exercise. Hikes, games of fetch, or just running around the backyard or park are fun ways to stay active with your pup. Fox red Labs are extremely clever and require a lot of mental stimulation. They do best with families that can give them the attention they need. Still, some regular maintenance will keep your pet looking and feeling healthy and happy. Trimming nails about once per month can help avoid breakage and overgrowth that make it harder for a dog to walk. Labrador retrievers are prone to ear infections. Clean ears weekly and after any dips in the water to reduce the risk of ear infections. Dental and gum diseases are also common in all dogs, including fox red Labs. Brush their teeth daily to keep them healthy. Diet and nutrition Fox red Labs are prone to obesity, so a proper diet is essential. Dogs within the weight range for the breed standard thrive on large-breed dog food with the AAFCO seal. This seal signifies the food is high quality and meets dietary standards. Your vet is the best resource for food portioning, and they may recommend changing that portion if your pet has a condition like obesity. Go to source , neutered dog needs about 1, calories per day. These calories will typically come in two meals unless your dog is four months of age or younger. Young red fox Lab puppies should eat three to four times daily. Divide it by two after confirming instructions with your vet. Training your fox red Lab Fox red Labs make outstanding pets but need training from a young age to become the best dogs they can be. Labs of all colors generally take very well to training. Their ability to learn quickly has made them valuable guide dogs, service dogs, and members of search and rescue teams. Though these pups are smart, start small with short commands. Give positive reinforcements like small treats and praise instead of yelling at your doggie or putting them in timeout for breaking a house rule. Here are a few you may also love. English cream golden retriever. These light-colored golden retrievers are as friendly, intelligent, and loving as a red fox Lab. Like labs, they come in many colors, including a range of yellows like English cream. American bulldog. They have rolls for days, but American bulldogs are friendly and active, just like the red fox Lab. For a smaller breed that adores its humans, consider the spunky little Pomeranian. Be a smarter pet parent Sign up for the best pet advice you can get Frequently asked questions Is a fox red Lab a purebred? If a fox red Labrador is not mixed with any other breed, they are considered a purebred Labrador retriever. Are fox red Labs aggressive? Any breed of dog can display aggressive behaviors. Generally, fox red Labs are friendly and sociable. They typically get along well with strangers, small children, other dogs, and cats. Speak with a reputable breeder, shelter, or rescue about the specific Lab you want to welcome into your home. Also, enrolling your Lab in training and socialization classes at a young age is very important to minimize aggressive tendencies from arising. What colors do Labs come in? There are many colors of Labs. Black Labrador retrievers were the original Labrador dogs, but these days, you can find them in light yellow, chocolate, fox red, and silver. Fox red Labrador breeders Labs come in three colors, yellow, chocolate and black. As well as some pale, dilute forms of those colors. The red fox Lab, or fox red Lab, is a dark coated variety of the yellow Labrador Retriever. Breeders are selecting darker red Labrador Retrievers to breed from as they become more popular companions than paler yellow Labs. Sometimes known as the ruby Labrador or fox red Lab, these are smart, energetic dogs are best suited to active owners. Yet at one time, almost all Labradors were black. This was partly due to nature, and partly due to a little human interference. Chocolate and yellow Labs were both harder to breed for and less desirable. Horrifically, yellow or brown puppies were often culled at birth! Yet all three colors of Labrador Retriever, black, chocolate and yellow including the red shade , share the same origins or history. Bred to be hunting companions, with bags of intelligence and a friendly disposition. In recent years, these rarer colors are becoming more popular. Which leads to more people selectively breeding for them. And therefore more dogs being born with these coats. Red Fox English Lab vs American Lab The trend in Labrador coat colors swung to paler and paler colors in the s, and remained that way for decades. Especially among the dog showing community. Fortunately a pool of dark yellow or fox red Labs remained popular in the working sporting dog community. Possibly because a pale yellow dog, being far too easy for wildfowl to spot, is not an ideal hunting companion. American Labs are slimmer built, with less stocky heads and chests. They have a stronger prey drive, are a little less forward and playful. Even today you are unlikely to find a Red Labrador with a show background. Any dog advertised as an English fox red Labrador will probably have a pedigree that is a mix of American and English dogs. It is largely from this pool of working retrievers that we now have the stunning fox red Labrador Retrievers that we see today. And because they are often the American Lab type rather than English Lab type, they are often taller and more athletic in appearance than the paler yellow Labs. And if you live in the USA, you may have to do plenty of detective work to find one at all. You may have more luck looking for an American Lab type, from working lines. They are very intelligent and trainable, with loyal, loving personalities. Although they have the usual Lab friendliness, they can also be a little more nervous and wary of strangers and slightly high strung. Lots of socialization and plenty of attention will keep these dogs happy. Coupled with lots of exercise, and both mental and physical activities to keep them busy. Presumably because breeders are selecting for the popular deeper coat color in order to increase puppy sales. There is a lot of pressure on breeders to produce certain colors. But a responsible breeder should not choose parents purely on the basis of color. Especially when there are not large numbers of fox reds to choose from. You may be tempted to skip this — but give it a go — it might be easier than you think! Think of a Labrador as a basically black dog. Black is the default color. The black coat is caused by a pair of genes called the B genes Your dog inherits one from his mother and one from his father — in a pair — like this: BB B genes come in big or little versions. So a black dog could have a pair that look like this instead: Bb Little b carries the code necessary to make a brown coat instead of a black one. BUT, big B is dominant and switches off little b. So little b only gets a say, if two of them get together like this: bb, and when that happens, you get a chocolate Lab! This is done by two little e genes. They also come in a pair like this: ee And when they get together they have the amazing power to completely block the genes that cause black and brown coats. A lab with two little ee genes cannot have a brown or a black coat and so the coat color now defaults to yellow. Now we are getting closer to our fox red color. E genes can also be big like this: EE or mixed like this: Ee, but when that happens the big E switches off the little e, and takes away its power. Yellow vs Red Fox Lab Coats A red Lab is a variation of yellow, and every red dog has those two essential little e genes that switch off black and brown. But then it starts to get a little bit more complicated. It centers on a pigment called pheomelanin. And it is controlled by two different sets of genes. The A gene controls the production of the red color. And the C gene controls whether or not it is fully expressed or diluted. This is what makes things a little more complicated. In fact, I am still over-simplifying it a bit. Otherwise the B gene will override them. And you are back to black or brown. Fox Red Lab Breeders Your first step when bringing any Labrador into your life should be to make sure that this is the right time for you to do this. The next step is to find a reputable breeder of Labradors. Finding a nice fox red stud dog and making a list of all his recent matings is often a starting point. You are most unlikely to find a good breeder who only breeds fox reds. This is because color is not the top priority for a responsible breeder. And remember, in most yellow litters there will be a range of shades. Puppies may darken as they grow, or they may not. No breeder can guarantee you the final color of your puppy. Make sure that both parents have good hips, elbows and a clear eye test, as well as a PRA clear certificate. Then your pup will have the best chance of growing up healthy. Red Fox Lab Puppy Prices When it first starts to trend, a fashionably colored dog may be more expensive, and this is still happening to some extent with reds. My advice is to be wary of paying an unusually high price for a red lab puppy. It could indicate that you have found an unscrupulous breeder who may be cutting corners on health or other important matters. The reason I say this is because many respectable breeders will look down on selling puppies of different colors for different prices. In fact paying the same price irrespective of color could mean you have a better breeder, and a healthier pup! This shade gets increasingly darker over the first few weeks. By three weeks old they are starting to look much more like the Labrador you know and love. By the time you take them home at 8 weeks old they will have that lovely fox red shade. Not all the puppies in a litter will be the same shade, even if both of their parents are fox red themselves. Just like any other Labrador, it will be important to dedicate their first few weeks in your home to getting them settled. Starting to work on important things like potty training and setting food habits. They really benefit from positive reinforcement training. Using rewards to help encourage them to behave in a way that will help them to fit nicely into your family. Start off with no more than a few minutes of formal exercise a day when they are small puppies. And work up to any big walks or runs very gradually over time so as not to accidentally hurt them. Did you turn up here hoping to learn about red fox Labs, only to find us referring to them as fox red instead? There are no consistencies in the way fox red Lab is spelled. Whether fox red is one word or two. Or whether the fox or the red comes first. Of course, we know fox red is much more special than that. At least it means you can spell it any way you like! I tend to say fox red Labrador, you can say redfox or red fox Labrador if it makes you happy. Ultimately they are all just gorgeous Labradors, with a darker shade to their yellow coat. More about Labrador Types and Colors! Life Span Did You Know? One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that there are a few distinct color coat variations. Fox Red Labradors are a rare-colored version of the Labrador Retriever. Despite this, they can be registered as purebred Yellow Labrador Retrievers , as the darker-colored coat is not considered to be a disqualifying factor. Due to their unique and certainly eye-catching color, the Fox Red Labrador continues to grow in popularity. Labrador Retrievers are known for being exceptionally sweet and are one of the most affectionate dog breeds. These dogs yearn to be a part of a family, and fit right in when joining one. In fact, Labs are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. Well-socialized Fox Red Labradors tend to get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. After all, every person they meet is a potential friend that they can play with. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Despite their energy, Fox Red Labradors can adapt to most settings. As long as this dog breed has a chance to get in daily walks, go outside to run and play, and they get plenty of attention, they are content. They are not overly affected by cold weather, but they have a dense double coat. Fox Red Retrievers are also happiest when in the presence of people and they love to be with their families whenever possible. They also have a lot of energy and get bored easily. Potential health concerns to be aware of in Fox Red Labrador Retrievers can include hereditary myopathy, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy, heart disease, and cataracts. There is also a condition with a genetic link that can occur in young adult Labradors called exercise-induced collapse EIC. Carriers can be identified by DNA tests. Good breeding practices can reduce the risk of potential health issues and make a big difference in the health of Fox Red Lab puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances. The national breed club recommends hip and elbow evaluations, an EIC DNA test, and an ophthalmologist evaluation at a minimum. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, the Fox Red Labrador Retriever is at a higher risk of bloat. Bloat in dogs can be dangerous and can become fatal if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Labrador Retrievers are one of the smartest dog breeds and are highly trainable. Although they can become stubborn at times, they are eager to please and pick up on training quickly overall. Their energy and intelligence mean they can lose focus in training and get bored easily. However, training that is kept clear, consistent, and focused on positive rewards usually keeps them focused and responding well. Any color variant of the Labrador Retriever is ideal for beginner dog owners. Fox Red Labrador Retrievers have a short, dense double coat that is water-resistant. They shed year-round and more heavily as the seasons change. Brushing their coat a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding is usually enough to keep their coat healthy and looking great. Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. Because their coat tends to protect them from the cold and they are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water , your Fox Red Lab may try to go for a swim regardless of the season. If they are an avid swimmer or tend to get into a lot of things, you may need to bathe them more often. It is highly recommended to give them a bath or at least rinse them off thoroughly after going swimming with your dog. Their nails should be trimmed once or twice monthly. This will help prevent ear infections. Proper dental care for dogs is essential for preventing the tartar buildup that lends to dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. Brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is a good start. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with dental hygiene chews, a special dental care diet, and more. Like other Labs, Fox Red Labrador Retrievers are high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for this dog. However, they will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Often, they are just happy to be spending time with you. Labs tend to have an extended puppyhood until they are around years old. They will mellow out a little, but also tend to maintain a puppy-like exuberance even in their senior years. Once they are done growing and your vet has cleared them for more activities, you can try a lot of different things. Labs are athletic and versatile dogs. They are one of the sturdy dog breeds for outdoor adventures and tend to enjoy a variety of activities. They tend to excel in swimming, running, obstacle courses, and several dog sports. Fully-grown Fox Red Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Fox Red Labs generally live for years on average. Body Odor All dog breeds can give off an unpleasant odor if they are not regularly washed but Fox Red Labs are perhaps the worst of them all. This is because they produce more oil than other breeds to help keep their coats dry quickly. The downside of this is that it causes body odor. The solution is to bathe your dog regularly. They May Be Prejudiced in the Show Ring Because a Fox Red Lab is scientifically a yellow Lab, they are often allowed to be shown in the conformation ring as well as other obedience and performance competitions. However, judges tend to mark them less favorably compared to their traditional and lighter colored Lab counterparts. So, they are never likely to win or even come close to winning. If showing your pooch in any competition is a factor to you, then you should forgo the Fox Red Lab or simply try your hand on the traditional colored Labs. More Vocal One key difference between fox colored Labrador retriever and other Labs is that they tend to be more vocal. Canine experts associate this with their smaller gene pool, positing that a once vocal ancestor could have passed the trait on. In other words, the trait could have been inherited from one family member down the fox red Lab heritage. This means that this is not a fox red Lab trait per se, so your red Labrador may be different. You should also know about the history of this amazing dog, temperament, how much to pay for a new puppy, where to find a fox red lab for sale, their exercise requirements, and any other relevant information that can help you understand or know your new Fido better. In other words, there are no consistencies or requirements of how the name should be spelled. What really matters is the gorgeous coat color of this Lab! We and most other owners of this Labrador use Fox Red Lab frequently because it perfectly matches the coat color. Finally, it is worth mentioning that some people tend to think that these dogs are crosses or mixes of foxes probably because of the name! However, that is not the case. The fox part of the name is just used to denote color. They also served as family and protection dogs. The potential for all the coat colors of the Labrador retrievers that we are familiar with today—black, yellow, chocolate red, etc—have always existed with the breed. However, there was a time when people favored black Labrador retrievers. As a result, other colored Labs were culled, including Fox Red Labs. As years progressed, lighter shades of yellow Labradors became more popular and the fox red or darker shades became less fashionable. However, there is a section of people who still loved the darker and fox red Labradors. These were majorly the working gun community who favored the coat color because it was a bit harder for wildfowl to spot compared to the pale yellow coat. This new-found love among the gun community made fox red Labs more desirable again. So, many breeders began breeding selectively to try to obtain litters of the fox reds to meet the demands of this section of the community. The dazzling fox red Labs we have today are, therefore, believed to have come from this pool of working Labradors. Expect your fox Labrador to be gentle, loyal, friendly, playful, and intelligent. Provided that he is socialized early, well cared for, and exposed to positive experiences, your fox red Labrador retriever will be sweet-natured, pleasant, empathetic, and show little anxiety around everybody, including complete strangers. They are also good with children, other dogs, and pets provided that they are properly trained. Some fox red Labrador retrievers may manifest strong instinctive prey drive and chase other family pets, but proper training during puppyhood can avert the behavior. Finally, although they are outgoing, expect your foxy red Lab to be protective of his family and home. Puppy Colors When they are born, red fox lab puppies tend to appear much darker. A few weeks after birth, they will become much lighter. The coat color then changes over the next few months. In particular, the color will darken a bit. So, how do you tell the final color your adult fox red lab puppy will be? Labs are fully grown when they hit one year and often reach full height by month 9. So, expect their coat colors to remain the same when they are years old. It is a simple case of supply and demand at play here. However, it is worth mentioning that once it becomes easy to sell a breed on the basis of color, all the important things to be considered when breeding like correct bloodlines and health get ignored a lot. The color will drive the demand and breeders will use it as an easy way of making quick bucks. So, be wary of breeders who tend to charge unusually higher price tags for their red fox lab puppies. Probably they are cutting corners on health and other important aspects. If anything, a reputable breeder will look down upon the rush to price puppies differently because of coat colors. Buying a Pet G. And your next move will be to find a good, reputable breeder. As aforementioned, the moment a coat color becomes fashionable, many breeders move fast to take advantage of the situation and even end up using crooked breeding strategies—without real thought on important aspects like bloodlines, health, temperament, and working ability. To find a good breeder, keep the following tips in mind: Stay away from breeders who purport to only breed fox reds. Coat color should never be the top priority for a reputable breeder. No breeder should guarantee you the final color of your fox red Lab puppy because the coat colors tend to change darken as the dogs grow in age. The only surefire way of getting a red fox puppy is by breeding two red fox parents. In case one of the parents of the puppy you plan to purchase is yellow and the other is red, your adult labrador red fox dog is likely to be yellow than red. They often list fox red Labrador puppies for sale, which are either ready for purchase or litters that are expected soon. Another great place to consider getting your new puppy from is rescue centers. Dogs in rescue centers need parents more than ever, so by getting one from a shelter, you will be doing a lot of favor to the dog world and your community. Generally, Labrador Retrievers are recognized by AKC and were first accepted into the organization in .However, fox red Lab is not recognized as a separate color by the organization and many other major kennel clubs around the world. It is considered as a mere variation in shades of the traditional yellow Labrador. For your information, silver and charcoal labs are other colors that are not currently recognized by AKC. Are Fox Red Labs Purebreds? Because the coat color is uncommon, especially when compared to other traditional Lab colors like black, chocolate and paler yellow shades, some canine enthusiasts doubt the purity of fox red Labradors. Some people even claim that these types of Labs are bred unethically to take advantage of the rare coloring. So, are fox red labs purebreds? The short answer is: Yes, these dogs are authentic, purebred Labrador Retrievers with a history that dates back to the earliest days of the breed. If anything, AKC and other major kennel clubs around the globe recognize these dogs as purebreds and only a variation in shades of the traditional yellow Labrador. Are they different? No, all of them are fox red Labs. The variation of the shade is a mere expression of a pigment commonly referred to as Pheomelanin. If you sport a dark fox red labrador, therefore, just know that it is still a fox red Lab but with a darker shade coat color. British vs. Well, most people cite two things: physical appearance and temperament. English fox red labs are relatively shorter, have blocky builds, and tend to have a broader face. In terms of temperament, they are often very calm and docile because they were mostly bred for show rings. On the other hand, the American fox red lab is tall, thin, and has a more narrow face. It is also more energetic, a bit hyper, and more intelligent. The short answer is NO. While some people do mistake Labrador retriever red fox dogs for Vizslas, these breeds are different and unrelated in any way. As aforementioned, a Labrador retriever red fox dog is a purebred Lab, and currently, there is nothing that scientifically connects them with Vizslas. They are only similar in appearance—same coat color, large ears, and facial expression. However, you can easily differentiate them if you know a thing or two about these dogs. For instance, a fox red Labrador retriever tends to be more athletic and a Vizsla is considerably smaller. Related Posts:.

It is also cheerful, happy and friendly, also getting along well with strangers and greeting them happily, a trait inherited from its Pug parent, which does not make it an efficient watchdog. The Shug dog also shares a good rapport with children of every age but should be socialized before they get to interact with dogs or other pets. Care Exercise Because of its active nature, it needs to be taken out for a brisk walk on a regular basis, coupled with sufficient play time. They would also do well in an apartment, provided they have sufficient toys to play with or enough stuff to be kept busy. Grooming As they shed less, their grooming requirements are also low, sufficing with a weekly brushing for excess hair removal. You should also wipe its eyes and ears with a moist cotton ball on a weekly basis, brush its teeth and clean its nails, to maintain proper hygiene. Health Problems Though a healthy and hardy breed, it might develop some of the health concerns of both its parents like hip dysplasia, breathing difficulties, gastric dilation volvulus, bloating, arthritis and brachycephalic syndrome. Training Its inherent intelligence may make it easy to grasp training, though it needs a firm master who can deal with its strong-willed nature tactfully. Socialization: Teach your Shug puppies to get along well with other pets as well as people whom they do not know. You can invite friends to your home who have dogs or even take them to a dog park so that they may be acquainted with other dogs and gradually get to know how to interact with them. Obedience: You should train your Shug puppy with commands to control its stubbornness. Once it succeeds, reward it with treats and praises. Practice this many times so that your dog instantly comes the moment you call him even if it is distracted by something else. Housetraining: This should be started simultaneously with obedience training. Take them outside every 2 hours from the beginning. Always make your dog eliminate at one particular spot so that he can associate it with relieving itself. Reward it appropriately with praises and treats whenever your dog does a good job. Feeding Give your Shug dog high-quality dry dog food in combination with a nutritious homemade diet. However, overeating may affect their health adversely, so you need to keep a check on their diet. Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. Photo by crazydaisyshug IG Treat your search for a Shug puppy as an adventure, as it may take you some extra time and effort to look for one. We also gathered some trusted advertising sites for puppies and dogs where you can look for a Shug puppy. Here are some sources where you can find German Shepherd Pug mix puppies for sale: Buckeye Puppies — This online advertising platform connects buyers to local breeders of Shugs and pet shops in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. They strive to make the puppy purchasing process as safe as possible for both the buyer and seller. They regularly scan their website listings and monitor feedback from users to ensure credibility. Best Friends Forever Puppies — With over 30 years of experience in matching families with their ideal companion, Best Friends Forever Puppies offers a great selection of both registered and designer breed puppies including the German Shepherd Pug mix. They also have a one-year health guarantee along with up-to-date vaccinations, a complimentary wellness exam, and bath and trim services for their dogs. Greenfield Puppies — Greenfield Puppies has been helping buyers find a reputable breeder for over 20 years. Their website advertises breeders of various pure and mixed breeds such as Shugs located throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding states. They ensure healthy and humane breeding practices for their puppies and verify the reputation of their breeders via background checks. If you want to adopt a Pug German Shepherd mix instead, here are some rescues you can check out: Westside German Shepherd Rescue of Los Angeles — This non-profit rescue organization is committed to saving German Shepherds, all types and mixes, from high-kill shelters. They adopt and provide them with loving, qualified homes. They provide vet care, safety, and food and place the rescued dogs in qualified foster homes with their volunteers until they get adopted. Pug Rescue of Austin — Located in Austin, Texas, this all-volunteer non-profit organization is dedicated to the rescue, healthcare, and rehoming of abused, unwanted, and neglected Pugs and Pug mixes. There are also rescue organizations for Pugs and German Shepherds that you can try contacting. Since taking care of a dog is a commitment, you have to be certain that you really want a Shug dog in your life! Here are the pros of owning a Pug German Shepherd mix: Unique looks: German Shepherd Pug mixes can have different physical characteristics that they can inherit from either of their purebred parents or a combination of them. Some may look more like a German Shepherd, while others resemble the Pug more. The bottom line is that each Shug dog will have a distinctive adorable appearance! Great temperament: The German Shepherd Pug mix is a sociable, affectionate, fiercely loyal, obedient, playful, and intelligent dog. These good traits are their foundation as good companion dogs. German Shepherd Pug mixes are so friendly that they get along easily with anyone. Low shedding and grooming needs: The short coats of Shug dogs make their grooming low-maintenance. Lots of dog owners find them convenient to take care of compared to other dogs. Just as long as their needs are met, from nutritional to emotional needs, then the Shug will be there for you. Manage this by exerting more effort, patience, and determination when training. Dedicate ample time, love, and attention to your dog not just because they need them but because you care for them. They tend to get curious about their surroundings and people. These can change through early socialization. German Shepherd Pug mixes indeed inherit most of the best qualities from the Pug and German Shepherd genes. This leads to pain, stiffness and restricted movement. Denture malocclusions Malocclusions of the dentition often occur in dogs with short muzzles. Shortness of breath Difficult breathing can be recognized by the dog's rattling and sometimes accelerated breathing rate. Overweight Often, unfortunately, the dogs very much under excess weight. But the dogs themselves are never to blame! Heart disease Can occur frequently in dogs and can sometimes be treated with medication. Breathing problems Dogs with shortened muzzles can often experience respiratory problems. German Shepherds and Pug mixes can look different, but generally have the head and nose of a German Shepherd and the body and coat of a Pug. What is the temperament of a pug-shepherd mix? German Shepherd and Pug mixes are usually loyal, friendly and playful. They can inherit the German Shepherd's protective instinct, so early socialization and training is important. How long do German Shepherd and Pug mixes live? The average life expectancy of a pug-shepherd mix is years. How much exercise does a pug-shepherd mix need? German Shepherd and Pug mixes need moderate exercise. A daily walk or play session should be sufficient. Are German Shepherd and Pug mixes good with children? German Shepherd and Pug mixes usually get along well with children, but early socialization is important to ensure they are comfortable in their environment. Author Sissi Author Sissi is a blogger since , came on the dog .Since then she struts daily her steps with Loki through the world. The Beagdor Labrador-Beagle mix is a therapy dog for children and also accompanies her to schools. Secretly she fancies a French Bulldog as a second dog. Sissi is a blogger since , came on the dog .Useful Articles. Lifespan Sociability Shugs are a new breed for the market so putting a price on them is pretty much the Wild West at the moment. You can try your luck at your local dog shelter when searching for a dog and you might be able to find a mixed dog that resembles the Shug. When you bring a Shug into your home, be ready to have a playful and sociable dog with you. They love spending time with their family and are known to be quite needy so make sure you can spend a lot of time with your dog if you decide to go after a Shug. On the one hand, this is actually a good thing. On the other hand, it means that breeders can sell any puppy and call it a Shug without any repercussions. Talk to other people who have bought puppies there, and look for any negative press. Shugs are different from Pug-Zus. A Shug is a mixture of a Pug and a German Shepherd. Pugs are the favored dog of royalty. Move over, Corgis! They love playing and getting attention. First, they love strangers too much to be good guard dogs. Nowadays, Pugs and Shugs are more likely to rush over to interlopers and wag their tails than to bark and summon help. Second, Shugs are prone to separation anxiety. Again, nothing is a substitute for meeting the pup and its parents before any money changes hands. Choose an organic dog food with real ingredients , avoiding by-products and gluten meal, and feed your Shug two cups per day. It loves a brisk walk through the park as much as it loves to eat and nap. In order to maintain its healthy weight, you should exercise your Shug about 45 minutes a day, using a combination of walks and toys. If it gets more of its German Shepherd side, it will be able to handle longer walks. If your Shug looks more like a Pug, go easy on the outdoor exercise on hot days. The good news on that front is that Shugs are happy to spend most of their time indoors. This makes them great dogs for people living in apartments. However, German Shepherds are work dogs bred to accept training. Shugs are almost never aggressive. Their biggest problem behaviors are disobedience and potty training. To housebreak a Shug puppy, consistency is key: take it outside at regular intervals, and make sure it always relieves itself in the same spot. Brush its teeth and nails at the same time, if you can. Dysplasia is more common in German Shepherds, while obstructed airways are a bigger risk for Pugs. Bloat and allergies are potential problems in both breeds. Minor Conditions Allergies: Both Pugs and German Shepherds might suffer from allergies, which can cause red, itchy skin around their eyes and ears. German Shepherds frequently suffer from dysplasia, a trait they can pass down to Shugs. An honest breeder will screen out parents who might be at risk of dysplasia. Male vs Female Male and female Shugs look and act very similar. On average, females are about an inch shorter than males. Compared to the differences between mixes that favor one parent or the other, though, gender distinctions are pretty minimal. Separation anxiety and stubbornness are a problem, as is the fact that this breed is a bit of a barker. See also:. His face and personality was all pug, I didn't notice any German Shepherd traits other than his coloring and size. He loves dogs, people, and pretty much everything else. He is very food-motivated as well, and will drool at the sight of food. He makes little honking noises when he runs the pug part of him , especially when chasing new friends at the dog park. He loves to chase the skunks in his backyard too. He also loves snuggles, and will usually sleep in and go to bed at night when he is tired all on his own. His owners are Chelsea and Patrick Lapienis, with the former telling Newsweek: "He's a lovable goofball who is super sweet and very excitable. He loves playing fetch, hide and seek, and even has some puzzles that he likes to solve. He loves meeting people and dogs alike, and is friends with his vet. The adorable mutt is a result of a pug crossed with a German Shepherd. Chelsea Lapienis She revealed his unusual parentage, adding: "We were told that the mother was a pug, and the father was actually a 6-month-old German Shepard who wasn't fixed yet. They don't usually breed this mix, so he was definitely a surprise. He was 7 lbs when we got him at 2 months, so he was a decent size. When we met him, it was an instant attachment, and we are so happy that we added him to our family. He is also a huge cuddler who loves to snuggle when possible. He has very high energy levels and very low energy levels at times. At first glance his body resembles a German Shepherd, but where does that curly tail come from? Place your bets on his unique mix, but you will never guess it. This is Goblin, and he's a pug and German shepherd mix. While I assume this was an oopsie, somewhere out there there's a very determined pug daddy who must be held accountable for making every owner from this litter laugh for the next 15 years. Turns out Goblin's mom is a pug, and his dad was a six-month-old German Shepherd. Chelsea Lapienis De Prophetis, who's been a professional pet groomer for more than 10 years, talked viewers through the grooming process, including sharing some excellent slow-motion footage of Goblin being blow-dried. She continued: "After his bath, I towel him dry, and I spray him down in our quick dry spray and he is very excited to show you how adorable he looks, in the not so happy hoody. During his blow dry I noticed that my favorite thing about him is his flapping nostrils. While the pug part of him tried to stay positive, the German shepherd part was not enthused. After he is dry, I de-shed this majestic mongrel, with the EquiGroomer, and then I clip his nails. Pugs are usually difficult for nail clipping, and naturally he had to give me some sass. So I gave him the finger. He made me laugh for an hour straight. And that only continued as he bucked around my yard. Thank you so much for watching, I hope you enjoyed the goofy Goblin. Sweetums reckoned: "I refuse to believe this isn't just two pugs in a trench coat. While Plague raved: "He's beautiful. I've never seen such a great mix. Its ears may be erect like the German Shepherd or floppy as that of the pug. Its tail also bears a striking resemblance to that of a pug, curling comfortably on its back. Goblin is a year old, and his litter was an accident. ET: This article was updated with comment, video and photos from De Prophetis. ET: This article was updated with comment and photos from Lapienis. Photo: spiketheshug The German Shepherd Pug mix will borrow a decent amount of its looks from both of its parent breeds, usually maintaining roughly the size of the Pug and the short, curly tail, as well as the short, bristly fur of the Pug. It will likely have the nose, mouth and head shape of the German Shepherd, with the ears of the Shepherd. Are you looking for a way to treat your furry friend? Sign up for our newsletter for a chance to win a free month of Barkbox! Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to get emails from myk9life. We'll respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe any time. They were originally bred in the 19th century by Max von Stephanitz for use as a herding dog, from a variety of previous German herding dogs. Though due to their large size, intelligence and ability to follow commands, the German Shepherd has found itself taking on many different roles throughout the years, including in police and military work, and as a disability-assistance dog. The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dogs in the United States, likely for their multi-use capacity, obedience and generally friendly nature. The German Shepherd was the creation of Max von Stephanitz in the nineteenth century in Germany, it was originally created as a herding dog to help German farmers herd cattle. However, today, it occupies many different roles, including as a police military working dog, and as a disability assistance and beloved family pet. The History of the Pug By contrast to the German Shepherd, the Pug was bred to be a lapdog and companion pet of Chinese royalty and nobility, dating back as far as B. You may see depictions of Chinese nobility with their Pugs on their lap. The Pug began life in China but migrated to Europe in the 17th century as trade began to open up between Asia and Europe. From there, the Pug will have become a staple of American life through the migration of Europeans to the United States in the 19th century. Though it is far from the most popular dog in the country, it holds a respectable level of popularity, ranking below forty routinely. Last year, the Pug was the 33rd most popular dog in America. Pugs are great companion pets for just about anyone. Their laissez-faire attitude to life and low-maintenance requirements when it comes to exercise and grooming make them the perfect pet for the elderly. Pugs were originally bred in China, and first appeared around B. C as lapdogs and companions of Chinese royalty and nobility. Crossbreeding in the United States began to gain popularity in the s and peaked in the 90s and s, therefore we can assume that the Pug would have likely been crossbred during this time period. Even leading to rehoming, or having to put a bunch of money into training, above and beyond that which is normally expected of a new owner. Expect a highly intelligent, energetic, friendly dog with a happy disposition and lots of love to give! In general, German Shepherd Pugs are quite friendly animals, you can expect them to be somewhat aloof with strangers, but very friendly to those they know and love! The German Shepherd Pug will typically weigh between 12 and 15 pounds. You can expect the German Shepherd Pug mix to stand between 8 and 12 inches tall. The German Shepherd Pug mix is a minimally shedding dog. We recommend half an hour to forty-five minutes of exercise per day. The life expectancy of your typical German Shepherd Pug mix is between 12 and 15 years. These medium sized pets hail from crossing two great breeds-the Pug and German Shepherd. These medium sized pets came into existence by crossing two great breeds-the pug and german shepherds! The Shug dog is a mix of many different breeds, but its closest relatives are the Pug and German Shepherd. It has similar features to both parent breeds including an erect or floppy ears depending on how their owner cares for them. The tail curls nicely at either end like that found in Pugs as well. The Shug Dog Breed loves to cuddle and hang out on the couch, but this breed also really likes playing fetch. They make fantastic watchdogs too so rest assured knowing this little guy will always protect those he loves. They are also playful, which can be fun for you. However they will bring their fair share of mischief into the relationship too. He has the perfect personality for any household. Height: Shug dog breed ranges from inches. Weight: This breed weighs from lbs. Lifespan: Life expectancy is from years. Coat: Small coat. Shedding: Less than normal routine. They need to be Socialized, just like all dogs! These German shepherd mix breeds are not ones who can hang out by themselves for long without getting bored easily in fact their energy level might make some people feel queasy and can be counted as playful dogs. German Shepherd Pug Mix is an intelligent dog just like its ancestors. A solid connection between people and their companion animals builds an emotional foundation for bonding that can strengthen lifelong relationships through mutual understanding. As this one might exhibit stubbornness similar to that found in Pug ancestry which could lead them into mischief as well as strong willed nature after being trained properly. The wide, low-set muzzle that enables them to find their prey easily while keeping an eye out for danger gives way as it becomes longer so the dog can see further with less effort than its shorter counterparts. With a stocky build and round face, the Shug is similar to both its parents. Their ears may stand up proudly but will also have some floppiness due to their Pug heritage too. It is very common for breeders of designer hybrid dogs to crossbreed multiple generations. A Shug may seem like a doe-footer at first, but they quickly inherit the stubbornness of their parents. When they need more power in order accomplish tasks such as pulling heavy carts or chasing small animals like rabbits across fields of wheat where visibility may be limited by weather conditions these traits become evident once again due lamb ears which stand erect when alert but have soft edges because this breed was originally developed from livestock herding methods not hunting ones! Having a Shug dog is like owning two dogs in one. A little ball of energy with an adorable face, the pup will be your best friend for life if you give it space to explore and unleash its personality! The coat on these little guys varies from smooth hairlessness all over their bodies like humans to short hairs around them where they stand or lie down so get ready because no matter what kind yours looks likes there might still have some unique features that make them stand apart from other breeds such as wrinkles being considered good luck by the Chinese — another reason why yours should always stay hydrated while walking outside. If left on their own for long periods of time or without proper training they might become destructive as well; chewing everything within reach and barking constantly when bored! Below factors can be beneficial for their grooming: Socializing: One should try to make their Shug dog breed puppy socialize with other pets and people that it does not know. Invite friends over, take them for walks at a dog park so they can get acquainted before getting an animal companion of their very own! You could invite some canine companions. Once this has been mastered then you can teach more complex ones like staying at one place for quite some time while waiting patiently with treats , walking on different surfaces without getting distracted too much—and even jumping through hoops! This pup needs to be brushed at least once per week or else dirt will start building up on their skin which could lead the animal down a bad path of infection from scratching constantly in an attempt to remove this unwanted residue. Not only do they have an adorable face, but Shushers shed minimally and require very little maintenance. A Shug dog breed life is full of challenges, from needing to stay clean in order not to be uncomfortable when you visit their home for hours on end with no bidet or proper restroom facilities. Fortunately there are some easy solutions that will make things easier. You should check your Shug dog ears regularly and trimming nails every month or two will keep her pretty clean. If your shug shows any labored breathing or difficulty taking rapid deep breaths while running errands on summer days then be sure to bring him inside. You may be wondering how a Shug dog breed will do in winter? Get him some water and use cool clothes on his body while providing plenty of shade for rest in order to avoid passing out because this condition causes confusion as well which makes taking care easy too tricky at times but not impossible. You should not encourage your Shug dog breed to work through training. It is crucial that you keep track of the meals they eat so as not overfeed or underfeed! Hip dysplasia and elbow displacement are reduced in occurrence with this type of breed as well! Final thoughts on German Shepherd Pug Mix: Shug dog is a cross between two popular breeds that have been bred to avoid the biggest problems with each. Shug-pugs combine elements of German Shepherds and Pugs, which makes them perfect for city living where space is scarce but your dog still needs ample room to run around in addition to being able breathe easily indoors without having allergens stick around like peanuts or dust mites from old furniture pieces left out on dirty floors! Shug dog breeds are a great choice for families! Not only do they have the intelligence and playfulness of their German Shepherd genes, but also an affectionate personality that makes them happy to be around. The Pug side of Shug genetics means that these pups are relaxed which makes for an easy going personality if your new pup friend or relative resides at home with you. Post navigation. German Shepherd Pug Mix: Two Dogs From Vastly Different Backgrounds German Shepherds have a rich working heritage, first as herders and protectors of livestock and later as police and war dogs, guide dogs, search and rescue animals, and guard dogs. Stephanitz developed the breed further through closely-related offspring such as Beowulf and herding dogs tending sheep across the plains of Germany. The Pug is among the most ancient of dog breeds. Pugs roamed China as early as the Han Dynasty, which spanned from B. However, evidence suggests an earlier foundation for the breed in the Lo-Sze Dog of B. Not only have Pugs served as loyal companions their entire history, but they also once almost exclusively accompanied royalty. Persons of the crown would display a special preference for the little dogs for decades to come. Pugs found their way to Europe in the s and s, and gained overwhelming popularity along with other purebred dogs during the Victorian Age when they shared the spotlight with the Poodle and German Shepherd. They had short coats, so while Victorians could not figure out an attractive haircut for Pugs, they dressed the dogs in elaborate collars and bows around their necks. Like many German-Shepherd-based designer dogs, such as the Shottie or Doberman Shepherd , the Shug often has a readily recognizable appearance and demeanor. However, the two parent breeds are so different you can obtain widely different variations that can resemble a rare breed or one of the purebred parents. How big will your dog be? German Shepherds are two feet tall at the shoulders, give or take a couple of inches. Females tend to be slightly shorter than males. The AKC does not specify a weight standard, but most Shepherds are between 65 and 90 pounds. Contrast the Shepherd with the Pug, who stands 10 to 12 inches tall and weighs 15 to 18 pounds. Females are slightly smaller than males. Shugs are usually of a size between their parents. They can range from the upper height of the Pug at 12 inches to significantly shorter than a Shepherd at 15 inches tall. Most Shepherd Pug hybrids weigh 45 to 50 pounds, making them medium-sized dogs. What color will your German Shepherd Pug mix be? He can have black markings from a saddle pattern to most of his body. Pugs are most commonly fawn with a distinctive black mask, but Lady Brassey popularized solid black Pugs around and they have seen a recent resurgence. With the coloration selection from their parents, Shugs can be black and tan patterned like a Shepherd, or the colors may be marbled. They are more often fawn, like Pugs. Other possibilities are silver fawn, solid black, or brindle. What other traits should you look for besides color and size? Shepherds are medium-large dogs with a rectangular moderately sloping topline from shoulders to croup. Ideally, they should have a length to height ratio of 10 to 8 or 8. The German Shepherd has a low-slung, relatively long, somewhat bushy tail that curves slightly upward at the end. German Shepherds have a long moderately narrow snout with powerful jaws and tight lips. The shoulders and neck are long, facilitating an effortless and efficient stride, especially when trotting. Shepherds move with grace and speed, showing off their specialty as working dogs. They have deep chests that facilitate enhanced cardiac function and stamina. Pugs are tiny with a compact build that should never appear lean. They have a curly tail that frequently has two or more spirals. Their ears are medium and somewhat forward-facing as they lay against their round heads. Pugs have an extremely short muzzle with wrinkles considered good luck by the Chinese and round bulging eyes. It is difficult to say what their paws will be like, given the major differences in size and appearance between the two dogs. A Shug will likely not appear as stocky or rotund as a Pug but will have more of a square conformation than a Shepherd. The hybrid usually has semi-prick button ears similar to a Pit Bull. Shugs usually have a broad and deep chest like a Shepherd and a shortened muzzles with neither the flat-faced exaggeration nor the facial folds of the Pug. Their eyes are round with varying degrees of bugging. Temperaments of Shugs vary more than their looks Does Shugs make great guard dogs? While a Shepherd Pug mix will not likely guard your property very well, they tend to warn against intruders. Socialization is crucial for Shugs to keep them from developing fearfulness or shyness. Are German Shepherd Pug hybrids good family dogs? Shugs who inherit a balanced blend of genes from their parents make excellent family companions. They are happy, friendly, loyal, and eager to please and entertain. Hybrids may inherit temperament and personality traits to varying degrees and thus, your Shug can gain any mix of tenaciousness, focus, and courage from the Shepherd and charm, humor, and gentleness from the Pug. Will your dog be good around children? German Shepherds often must receive training as well as socialization to be safe around children. Although Shepherds do not target kids for misplaced aggression, they can become irritable with teasing and maybe on guard against unfamiliar young people. Pugs enjoy everyone, including children. To a Pug, a child is another person who can touch and love on her. The Shug usually is very tolerant of and even affectionate with children. Although it is not advisable to leave dogs unsupervised with toddlers and infants, the Shepherd Pug mix seems to thrive around people of any age. Will your Shug tolerate your guests? Shepherd-Pugs are usually friendly and outgoing with strangers. A dog who inherits more of his personality from the German Shepherd may be indifferent or somewhat aloof with your guests. However, a well-socialized Shug dog is neither aggressive nor fearful. What about other pets? Historians and behaviorists alike, according to Petplace. German Shepherds tend to chase small animals, although, with proper training, they can learn to get along with cats and small dogs. Some individuals do better with other animals than others. German Shepherds may also have issues with dogs their size because they generally learned to work independently as opposed to hounds who work in packs. Moreover, the Shepherd has a history that includes some dogfighting. Males tend to be more dog aggressive than females, but same-sex aggression with either gender is not uncommon. Shugs usually get along well with other dogs. It is always a great idea to socialize your puppy at a young age, so she does not grow up shy and suspicious around other canids. The most effective way to deal with dogs who have the temptation to chase small animals is to train unquestioning obedience. How easy are Shugs to train? According to Apa. Stanley Coren , a renowned psychologist, ranks dogs similarly and according to three intelligence categories. Based on instinctual intelligence, adaptive learning, and obedience, Coren places German Shepherds No. Both the Shepherd and the Pug can pose challenges with training. Shepherds sometimes exhibit dominance and pushiness, while Pugs often demonstrate willfulness and an inability to focus. Pugs are reputably difficult to house train. They possess intelligence inherited from the Shepherd but can acquire some stubbornness from the Pug. Shugs require persistent training and exposure to consistent mental stimulation. Boredom can cause them to be destructive like the Shepherd, digging, chewing, and barking. The Shepherd Pug hybrid also needs constant human companionship like his Pug parent and will react with depression if left on his own. How much exercise does your dog need? Pugs are enthusiastic but fairly sedentary dogs. Their snub noses create a plethora of problems collectively called brachycephalic syndrome that causes exercise to be uncomfortable and, in some cases, life-threatening. Brachycephalic complications stem mostly from trouble breathing. Narrow or stenotic nares increases resistance to drawing air into the sinuses. Elongated soft palate — Behind the ridges on the roof of the mouth is a flat area going towards the throat that is called the soft palate. In Bulldogs, Pugs, and similar dogs, the soft palate often extends past where it normally should and can partially obstruct the epiglottis. Hypoplastic trachea — The trachea or windpipe does not fully develop in short-nosed breeds, meaning the tubular structure is narrow and can collapse in some individuals, making it even more difficult for the dog to breathe. Moreover, as the animal finds more difficulty breathing the trachea collapses even more with the effort. Brachycephalic breeds will easily suffer respiratory distress with heat, stress, or excessive exercise. Their shortened muzzles also predispose them to heatstroke because their sinuses are not long enough to cool inhaled air. The exercise requirements of your Shug will vary depending on her conformation. If your dog has inherited a greatly shortened snout, she will not tolerate as much exercise as a canine with a more normal muzzle. One way you can tell if your dog potentially suffers from brachycephalic syndrome is frequent snuffling, snorting, reverse sneezing, or loud breathing, also known as stridor. Your pup may also snore loudly. Dogs who struggle to breathe are inherently exercise-intolerant and brief walks at multiple times during the day are best. You should mix a brisk walk with 10 to 15 minutes of vigorous activity, like running or romping. You can play fetch or Frisbee. Combine physical exercise with training or interactive mental games. Shugs do not tolerate temperature extremes at all The German Shepherd is one of the most weather-resistant dogs you can own. This same double coat provides insulation and exceptional air circulation in the heat. Although the Pug often has a double coat, it is of rather thin hair. Most black Pugs do not even have an undercoat. A sparse coat alone tells you the Pug probably will not do well when it is cold outside. Their thin coats do not offer much insulation, and their short sinuses do not cool inhaled air much before it reaches the lungs. Pugs must not venture outside when it is hot, and you must monitor their exercise at all times. Therefore, a Shug mix will do moderately better than a Pug in cold weather and will need limitations on activity when it is warm outside. Look for any signs of respiratory difficulty in your German Shepherd Pug mix or tiring easily during exercise. If your Shug shows any laboring, immediately bring him inside if possible. If not, cool him down immediately, using water if necessary. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke require immediate medical attention after you have taken efforts to cool the animal yourself. Signs of exercise intolerance are obvious, and unlike with other breeds, you should not encourage your Shug to work through it. Heavy panting Fatigue and exercise intolerance Difficulty breathing — Although many owners accept a certain degree of respiratory difficulty as normal for short-nosed breeds, you should not ignore it in your Shug. Heavy panting — A German Shepherd can pant heavily and be fine. If your Shug is panting heavily, you may have exercised her too hard. It is a sign of heat exhaustion if it is warm out. Drooling Bright red mucus membranes Shugs live as long as Pugs Despite having similar health problems, Pugs live significantly longer than English Bulldogs. Bulldogs live about seven years with a reported range of 8 to 10, while Pugs have a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years. They have a few breed-specific health problems in addition to the brachycephalic complex. Orthopedic disorders — The Pug is one of the small breeds prone to hip dysplasia as well as Legg-Calves-Perthes disease the head of the femur dies because the blood supply becomes interrupted and luxating patellas kneecaps dislocate during normal movement. Hemivertebra — Many dwarf dogs with curly or corkscrew tails can have moderate to serve deformities of the vertebrae. The severe case will become paralyzed. Pug Dog Encephalitis — Fatal immune-mediated inflammation that affects only Pugs and is hereditary. Corneal ulcers and lacerations — Depending upon how fast her face is and how bugged her eyes, a Pug is vulnerable to ocular injury. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca — Dry eye. Skin and ear infection — Frequently have allergies as a cause. Obesity — If a Pug becomes overweight, it exacerbates any breathing difficulties. German Shepherds live 10 to 12 years They have several health concerns, most of which have at least one genetic factor. Panosteitis — Painful bone inflammation of young growing dogs. Bloat — Complex involving gas and fluid distension of the stomach followed by life-threatening rotation; seen in deep-chested usually large breed dogs and Dachshunds. Orthopedic — Hip and elbow dysplasia. IVDD — Intervertebral disc disease or slipped disc. Degenerative myelopathy — Progressive nerve disease eventually leading to paralysis. Diabetes — Maybe related to the high incidence of pancreatitis. Pannus — Disorder of the cornea common in Shepherds. Seizure disorder Hemophilia — Bleeding disorder. Shugs have a similar lifespan to their Pug parents of 12 to 15 years. The hybrid tends to represent a vast improvement in terms of health over both parents. Hip dysplasia.

When the best time to spay or neuter your puppy can be a tricky decision, complicated by new research, old veterinary traditions and recommendations, and your own personal situation. For these reasons, we at Eromit do not require you to spay or neuter your puppy at any particular age but do make strong recommendations based on our experience and study of the subject. There are also incentives offered for following these recommendations although as long as the puppy is not allowed to breed, we do offer the new owners leeway in making the decision. Here are some of the factors you want to consider: Preventing Accidental Litters— This does need to be a major consideration. We know that none of our puppy owners want to have their dog bred indiscriminately and contribute to the scores of mixed breed or unplanned puppies that are born each year. The main deterrent for most people however, is that no one wants to be responsible for many unplanned puppies for their entire life if it can be avoided. Owners of female puppies should consider that Labs can come into season as early as 6 months of age although months is more common in our line and that strict containment is required for 30 days from the start of the heat cycle. This means- no boarding kennels, no visits to the dog park, no unsupervised time in your own backyard since stray males are extremely motivated and able to break in! Owners of male dogs should consider the lure of intact females in the neighborhood and how that will affect their ability to be contained or controlled. Plan ahead so that you know what you will do when your puppy comes into season. Containing your dog and preventing a breeding can be done rather easily if you are prepared we do it here all the time, ask for tips if you need them! Health Considerations — When you talk to your vet, most will cite two main advantages to having your dog spayed or neutered at a young age. These are: 1 the prevention of mammary cancer in female dogs and 2 the prevention of prostate cancer and testicular cancer in male dogs. Both of these are true although to a much lower degree than you might realize. A dog who is spayed after her first heat cycle has double the risk of mammary cancer from a dog who is spayed before her heat cycle. What is often not mentioned is that the risk goes from 0. New studies coming out show many benefits to waiting until your dog is completely done growing in order to spay or neuter them. On a logical level, this makes sense because we all know that sex hormones are removed during spay or neuter surgeries, and that sex hormones are involved in the normal maturation process of any animal. For example, what makes a young human boy look and act like an adult man? Puberty- which requires testosterone! Newer studies are showing that dogs who are spayed or neutered before maturity are more at risk of bone and heart cancer, ruptured cruciate ligaments a serious debilitating knee injury that is very expensive to fix , hip dysplasia, allergies, and much more. At the bottom of this page are links so that you can see these studies for yourself — PLEASE read them and print them off to discuss further with your vet. From a performance perspective, you definitely do not want to spay or neuter your pet before they are done growing. Dogs who are altered too soon will grow longer and more disproportionately than if they were left intact. This altered growth pattern is precisely what contributes to the increase bone and joint problems and makes for a less physically stable dog and often noticeably taller, especially in the rear end than he was genetically programmed to be. Behavior and Training— Many sources will indicate that in order to remove the possibility of behavior problems like marking, humping, or aggressive behaviors, you should have your puppy neutered or spayed at a young age. Again, new research is proving this old wives tail to be false. You can teach an intact male to be polite and clean in the house as easily as any other type of dog. You can socialize your intact male or female to play politely or ignore other dogs of the same or opposite sex. Humping is as much a play behavior as a sexual behavior and you can teach your dog other ways to interact with people, toys, and other animals. If you want to see real life examples of this, you need only to meet our dogs, intact males and females interacting which each other and our older retired spayed females. Practical Reasons— If you travel a lot, such that your dog must board in the care of others; or if you utilize services like dog walkers, doggy daycare, etc, if there are other intact opposite gender dogs in your household or an abundance of stray dogs in your area- those are major reasons why you should consider spaying or neutering your dog. However, we still urge you to wait until AFTER your dog is physically mature to do this, which may mean that you need to consider alternate boarding or care arrangements until sterilization is complete. Links for further reading. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. You have a new Labrador retriever puppy. There are various theories regarding when—and if—he should be neutered. Most have been fixed, but many have not. Labs are such friendly, intelligent, energetic dogs. The technical term is gonadectomy, which is the surgical removal of the testes in males or ovaries in females. Neutering is considered to be a simpler, less-invasive surgery than spaying. But both are safe if performed by an experienced, licensed veterinarian. Traditionally, people have had their puppies fixed for various reasons, some of which are behavioral or medical. Some physical problems have been found in larger numbers in neutered and spayed Labrador retrievers than in intact Labs. And numerous behavioral problems have been found to increase in the neutered and spayed population as compared to their intact counterparts. Researchers have discovered that even amongst similar breeds and sizes of dogs, there are very different medical outcomes for some breeds when they are spayed or neutered. Researchers Benjamin and Lynette Hart of the University of California, Davis, examined 35 dog breeds and found that vulnerability to certain diseases varies greatly depending upon breed. Their study was set forth in the Journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science. They learned that there is no one-size-fits-all decision regarding the medical effects of spaying and neutering on various breeds. And their data showed very specific findings with regard to the 35 breeds studied, including Labrador retrievers. In their study of Labrador retrievers, there were intact males, neutered males, intact females, and spayed females. This equals 1, Labs in total. Joint Disorders in Labrador Retrievers A significant increase was found regarding joint disorders in fixed dogs than occurred in intact ones. One or more joint disorders were reported in six percent of intact male and female Labrador retrievers. However, the risk of joint disorders increased by about percent in desexed Labs. In male Labs neutered before six months old, 13 percent were found to suffer from joint disorders. In female Labradors spayed before six months old and between six and 12 months old, the risk of joint disorders was found to be between 11 and 12 percent. Cancers in Labrador Retrievers As far as cancers were concerned, there was a six percent risk for intact males and an eight percent risk for intact females. Neutering was not associated with any evident increased risk of cancer at any age studied. However, Mast Cell tumors were found in one percent of intact females and two percent of females who were spayed between two and eight years of age. Other Physical Concerns in Labrador Retrievers Two percent of intact female Labs were found to have pyometra as compared to none in their spayed counterparts. Urinary incontinence was reported in two to three percent of females who were spayed through one year old. Conclusions Regarding Age To Spay or Neuter for Medical Reasons The Harts concluded that the guidelines suggested that males should be neutered if at all after they are six months old because of the much higher rate of problems suffered by male Labrador retrievers fixed before that age. They found that the guidelines suggest spaying female Labs if at all after one year old because of the increase of joint disorders when spayed prior to 11 months old. Current Behavioral Theories on Neutering and Spaying Dogs There have been long-held beliefs that spaying and neutering help prevent or end certain undesirable behaviors such as those in the bulleted list above. But many of those anecdotal thoughts have been disproven by current scientific studies. This standardized behavioral evaluation test was developed and validated by Yuying and James Serpell in at the University of Pennsylvania. Since , the public has been able to access the study and fill in numerical scores for 14 different categories of dog behavior. The current database contains detailed behavioral evaluations for about 50, pet dogs consisting of more than different breeds and cross breeds. With regard to many of the behavioral studies, generally the earlier that a dog was fixed, the more negative effects were seen regarding behavior. In the studies, female dogs who were spayed later in life were less likely to show an increase in aggression than females spayed at a young age. And neutered male dogs were found to be more likely to be aggressive toward intact males than other intact males were. So how are all behaviors affected by neutering or spaying? Preventing a Male Dog from Roaming and Seeking out a Female Dog in Heat Current studies confirm that neutered males are less likely than their intact counterparts to roam and seek female dogs in heat. Having a calmer puppy Modern studies show that fixed dogs are about eight percent more excitable than intact ones. A significant increase in fear and anxiety was seen in neutered dogs regardless of the age of neutering. Stopping or Preventing Urine Marking The studies showed that neutered dogs are less likely to leave urine marks indoors. Stopping or Preventing Excessive Barking More anxious and fearful behaviors as well as more excitability were seen in desexed male and female dogs. And excessive barking when alarmed or excited was seen more often in neutered dogs. However, neutered dogs were found to be less likely to howl when left alone. Stopping or Preventing Aggression This was one of the most surprising results in the studies. Contrary to popular belief, more aggressive behaviors were seen in fixed dogs than in intact ones. Specifically, neutered dogs were more likely show an increase in certain aggressive behaviors when: Delivery workers approached the home Strangers walked past their home Joggers, cyclists, and rollerbladers passed by They were approached directly by an unfamiliar female dog An unfamiliar person approached the owner or another family member or even just visited the home Small animals such as cats or squirrels entered the yard The significantly higher aggression score seen in neutered males as compared to intact dogs was seen regardless of the age that the dogs were neutered. In spayed females, there was a significant increase in aggression scores when they were spayed at 12 months old or earlier as compared with their intact counterparts. Fear-Related Behaviors Neutered dogs demonstrated more fear-related behaviors than their intact counterparts. The younger the dog was neutered, the more severe the fear-related effects were. In fact, a 31 percent increase in fearfulness was seen in spayed females and neutered males. These included : Responses to loud noises When they are first exposed to unfamiliar situations When approached directly by an unfamiliar child When barked at or growled at by an unfamiliar dog When approached by an unfamiliar dog who is of similar size or larger When encountering strange or unfamiliar objects on or near the sidewalk When encountering windblown objects When being examined by a veterinarian When having nails clipped 7. The Trainability of the Puppy Whereas it has been believed that a desexed puppy is more trainable, current research has demonstrated that this is not the case. In fact, the evidence showed that spayed and neutered dogs are less trainable and less responsive to cues overall. The only positive behavior noted with regard to obedience was that desexed dogs were more likely to return to their owners when off-leash and more likely to reliably retrieve tossed items. Separation and Attention-Seeking Behavior Neutered and spayed dogs were found to have more separation-related behaviors. And they also had more attachment and attention-seeking behavior than their intact counterparts. Touch Sensitivity A 33 percent increase in touch sensitivity was seen in spayed and neutered dogs. This can potentially affect how receptive a dog is to grooming. Other Behavioral Problems Seen in Neutered Dogs Additional unwanted behaviors were also seen more often in neutered dogs than in intact ones. Or to deal with a female dog in heat. Or to find homes for a litter of puppies. In the s, the animal overpopulation problem led to the regular spaying and neutering of puppies, often around six months of age. Over time, many shelters and rescue groups performed surgeries to fix dogs at an even earlier age, such as eight weeks old. Female dogs go into heat approximately every six months for about 18 days each time. Personally, all of my dogs have been spayed or neutered. The rescues came to me fixed, and I chose to desex the others. One of my dogs was a Belgian tervuren named Jenny who I purchased from a breeder. It was many years ago, and I wanted to show a dog in conformation competition. The theory is that the best representatives of each breed should continue to reproduce to protect its heritage. Even though my male dogs were fixed, they all were attracted to her when she was in heat. So I had to carefully monitor all of them and manage the situation so that there were no disputes. And she wore a doggy panty with a disposable pad when she was in heat. After she obtained her Championship, I had her spayed. I chose not to breed her because there were too many dogs in the world without homes. Life was much calmer and easier after Jenny was spayed. Of course, this can also help reduce the risk of having unwanted puppies. And it helps keep your male Lab puppy safe because a dog who escapes can become lost or injured. This led to the organization supporting early-age sterilization in order to prevent the accidental breeding of young cats and dogs. There are too many puppies and dogs who need homes. And not enough loving homes. However, this long-held belief has been disproven. Spaying and Neutering for Reduced Overall Costs Although neutering or spaying your beloved Labrador retriever has initial costs, the amount is miniscule in comparison to properly raising a litter of puppies. Vet care for a litter of puppies and for the pregnant mother is very expensive. And feeding and caring for them is costly too! Many shelters and rescue groups have low-cost or free spay and neuter clinics. First of all, the breeding parents should have many different health clearances. Breeding without the required tests is irresponsible. And potentially dangerous to both the breeding female and to the offspring. Keep in mind too that the tests, vet care, food, puppy raising, and other necessities cost money and take a lot of time. Spaying and Neutering To Be Socially Conscious In addition to helping prevent the overpopulation problem, spaying or neutering your Labrador retriever puppy will often be better for your community. Dogs from unwanted litters are often abandoned, thereafter suffering from illness and untimely death. They can also pose a danger to other dogs by spreading diseases. And, because they may not be properly trained and socialized, they may become aggressive to people and dogs. Abandoned dogs may also pose risks of accidents and destruction to property. Instead, you can teach your child through books or videos about childbirth. FAQs Are spayed or neutered dogs more likely to become overweight than unfixed dogs? Dogs who are overfed and under-exercised gain weight. Does spaying or neutering prevent or stop a dog from becoming aggressive? Scientific data actually shows that spaying or neutering may increase aggression towards people and other dogs. Should I spay or neuter my Labrador retriever puppy? There are certain benefits to fixing your dog such as not dealing with a female dog in heat or a male dog who tends to roam seeking female dogs in heat. Summary of Information Behavioral data shows an increase in many unwanted behaviors in neutered and spayed dogs, including aggression, fearfulness, less trainability, excitability, excessive barking, separation-related issues, and touch sensitivity. And male Labs neutered prior to six months old and female Labs spayed before a year old tended to have more joint disorders. Of course, these are just two factors of many to consider when deciding whether—and, if so, when—to fix your Labrador retriever. Neutering does help prevent male dogs from roaming and from urine marking. Final Thoughts So, should you spay or neuter your Labrador retriever puppy and, if so, when? Health, behavior, and other considerations need to be analyzed. Have you spayed or neutered your Labrador retriever puppy? At what age? What determined your decision? Please tell us about it in the comments. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Learn how your comment data is processed. Keep in touch. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Spaying your Labrador at the right time can make a big difference in healing from surgery and adapting to changing hormones. You should spay your Lab just prior to her first heat cycle, which is around 6 months, and about 45 pounds. Many first-time pet owners are worried about the time window of spaying or neutering their dogs. What happens if you spay a yellow Labrador too late or early? Will it impact them for the rest of their lives? This is typically around 6 months old. Your pup should weigh at least 45 pounds to help with the healing process. If your dog is too lightweight, it might be malnourished and could experience trouble recovering from the surgery. They could develop tumors, infections, or extreme fatigue since their bodies deliver all of their resources to heal the wound. Talk to your vet for a precise timeframe since all yellow Labs go through puberty at a different rate. Rather than ball-parking it and fitting a surgery somewhere within the previously mentioned timeline, I highly recommend seeking professional medical advice. Care Animal Hospital shows your dog is technically never too old to spay. The healing process will take longer, but there are several benefits of spaying a dog that make it more than worth it. Professional approval provides peace of mind and much-needed safety for your Labrador. This time period is characterized by bleeding, discomfort, and a natural cycle of life. Find out everything you need to know below. This time period includes cycles that make them bleed and prepare their body for having a litter of puppies. It can make them uncomfortable, too. Learn more about spaying or neutering your dog too late or early if you want to keep your pup in good, healthy condition. Most Owner Spay Before Heat for Many Reasons Dealing with a yellow Lab in heat requires lots of cleaning, understanding of potential mood cycles, and more. Your dog will be on track to a healthy, quick recovery, even if they go through their first heat cycle. Your dog will feel uncomfortable and possibly act irritable or worried. When an animal is trying to mate, they often have other things on their mind. Many pet owners mistake spaying their dog as the cure for too much energy. Most dogs calm down after a couple of years, regardless of surgery. This short-term fatigue will fade away once they recover. Conclusion Spay your yellow Lab properly as it can play a significant role in their recovery and the way they adapt to this new lifestyle. Comfort your Labrador and ensure they weigh enough and are old enough to handle the procedure. Controls Population Experts believe that a Labrador should be spayed between the age of 9 and 15 months. You should never rush the process and spay your pooch too early because it can lead to many health problems. Similarly, leaving your dog intact for too long can give way to several complications. Once a female Lab has gone through her first heat, she becomes highly vulnerable to these tumors. Spaying your Labrador puppy is a major surgery and will require substantial aftercare. The vet will give you detailed instructions, and you must follow them strictly to ensure a smooth recovery. A Labrador puppy that has undergone spaying might be completely inactive for the first days. After that, they might start to move around but the wound will need a rest of several weeks to heal completely. During this period, the owners should be extremely vigilant and make sure that their pooch stays safe. Labs are known for being curious and can get themselves into trouble if you are not super alert. Different breeds require different amounts of sleep, but how much sleep do Labradors need? Click here to learn more. Yes, it does. The behavioral issues of the dog are one of the primary reasons why owners decide to spay their Labradors. If your pup is showing aggression and indulging in inappropriate urination, spaying can be quite helpful in solving the problem. Although male Labs are more likely to exhibit this behavior, some female Labs can also create these issues. Other Benefits of Spaying Labradors Managing behavioral issues is not the only objective of spaying Labradors. It can also solve some other issues that can be quite troublesome for the dog and owner. The following are a couple of other reasons that can urge you to spay your Labrador. Reduces Health Risks Many experts regard spaying as an effective remedy to maintain the good health of your pup. Not only will it keep your dog healthy, but it can also increase the lifespan of your Labrador. According to an estimate , spaying can increase the lifespan of male Labs by .Spaying reduces the risk of several types of cancers, like testicular, mammary, and uterine cancers. Similarly, it reduces the probability of many dangerous medical conditions, like Pyometra. This life-threatening uterine infection is specific to Labs and can be quite uncomfortable for your canine friend. A female Labrador can have up to 70 puppies during their lifetime. A female Lab can have up to 12 pups in a litter. This means that taking care of newborn puppies and their mother can be an extremely challenging task. Even if you are planning to have some puppies, you should make a proper plan with your vet and stick to it. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please note: We are not veterinarians and you use our advice at your own discretion. We always recommend that you consult your veterinarian whenever you have health-related conditions your furbaby is facing. With that in mind, as pet parents ourselves, we wish nothing but the best for your pet and their healthy and happy lives. By Tom Massey Dec 09, When you become the owner of a puppy, there are several things you should do to encourage its overall wellness, like making sure it gets plenty of exercise, feeding it high-quality food, attending frequent vet checkups, and scheduling a spay or neuter appointment at the appropriate age. Spaying or neutering your lab—or having a gonadectomy performed—is one of the best ways that you can ensure a happy and healthy life with your puppy. This procedure has proven to help reduce major health risks like cancer, eliminate unwanted pregnancy, and even assist with undesired behaviors in males. Spaying, or ovariohysterectomy, is a procedure specific to females that refers to removing her reproductive organs, including her ovaries and uterus. Neutering, or orchiectomy, is the procedure specific to males that refers to removing both testicles so that he is unable to reproduce anymore. Neutering helps control reproductive urges and suppress unwanted behaviors like aggression. Some veterinarians believe that six months old is a good time to spay or neuter, but one study found that doing so this early could increase the likeliness of joint disorders and certain cancers in adulthood. This is typically when he or she is more than 45 pounds and between 9 to 15 months old. Before you set the appointment, be sure to speak with your vet about the right time for your puppy based on its health, gender, and size. Benefits to Spaying or Neutering There are several health benefits to spaying or neutering your Labrador puppy. But even if you plan on keeping a litter or two, females can have up to 12 puppies per litter—so it can get hectic and expensive keeping up with all of their behaviors, attention needs, and health requirements. This is to help prevent overpopulation, unsafe breeding practices, and unwanted puppies in the future. Benefit 2: Reduces Health Risks Did you know that getting your Labrador spayed or neutered increases its longevity? Pyometra is one of the most prevalent, potentially life-threatening uterine infections that are specific to labs. The good news is that spaying or neutering ultimately reduces the risk of contracting this infection! Males will also have a decreased risk for testicular cancer, and females are less likely to get mammary, uterine, ovarian, or cervical tumors. Benefit 3: Assists with Behavior Issues When a male lab enters adulthood, he might begin exhibiting some unwanted behaviors that come with puberty, such as: Mounting Urine marking Aggression towards other dogs and human family members Neutering is the most effective way to reduce these habits. Additionally, females will stop going into heat throughout the year, which will eliminate howling and bleeding during her reproductive seasons. Conclusion Spaying or neutering is one of the most common pet surgeries in the world. Not only does it help reduce unwanted pregnancies, but it also has been proven to aid with behavioral issues and lesson significant health risks well into adulthood. The best time to spay or neuter your lab would be once it hits puberty, which is usually between 9 and 15 months old. At Snowy Pines, all puppies are treated like family—so that they are ready to join yours the day you take them home. Contact Snowy Pines today! Share on. When should I neuter my dog? This traditionally involved an operation to remove the testicles in a male dog or the uterus and ovaries in a female dog. Spaying in the traditional manner is a major surgical procedure. Nowadays there are more options available to us than in years gone by. Female dogs can be spayed using a laproscopic procedure which enables the uterus to be left intact and which is a less invasive method than the traditional. Attitudes towards neutering are changing in the light of recent research and opinions vary widely from one country to another. Neutering in different countries In some countries most dogs are neutered at a very early age and you are considered totally irresponsible if you fail to neuter your dog. Neutering is routinely practised in some parts of the world, Australia for example, and the USA where a widespread spay and neuter campaign has been in operation for some decades In some regions, neutering your pets is obligatory. In Los Angeles County for example, most dogs and cats are required to be sterilised before they are four months old! At the other end of the scale in some countries, neutering is considered offensive. In Norway for example, it is considered unacceptable to neuter a dog without valid medical reasons, and birth control is not one of them. Over in the UK neutering is not universally practised. And though many Labradors are neutered, many are also left entire. In our modern digital world where it is easy to talk to people from all over the world, these differences can cause confusion and even argument. Neutering vs leaving entire There are now groups on Facebook set up to oppose the routine neutering of dogs, and strong feelings about neutering from both sides of the argument. In fact there is no need for argument. This should really be a fact based issue. And facts are what you will find on this page and in the resources I link to. Why Neuter Your Dog? There are lots of reasons why people neuter their dogs, and those reasons are based on beliefs that people hold about the outcome of neutering and how it will affect their dog. In general, apart from birth control, people tend to neuter male dogs for behavioral reasons, and to neuter female dogs for reasons of convenience Birth control Some people think that it is their duty to neuter their dog in order to prevent more puppies being brought into the world. In practical terms, there are other simple ways to ensure that dogs do not reproduce during their lifetimes for those that choose not to neuter. But there is no doubt that neutering is a complete and permanent way to avoid your dog producing any offspring. Does Neutering Change Behavior? Many people for example think that neutering will calm their male Labrador down. Some think it will stop him humping things. This is not necessarily the case. Others think that male dogs will become aggressive if not neutered. Many top pet websites still promote this idea. But along with some other assumptions about neutering, it is now known to be incorrect. In fact recent studies found more behavioral problems in neutered dogs than in entire ones. The truth is, that behavioural effects vary and are not what we once believed. But in short, the evidence now point to behavioral problems being more common in neutered dogs, not the other way around. For these reasons, many people will choose to neuter a female dog so that she never comes into season again Neutering for health Neutering female dogs confers a couple of important health benefits. Including protection from mammary cancer if carried out early, and protection from pyometra. Unfortunately, we now know that neutering also comes packaged with some serious health risks. In male dogs, these health risks to neutering almost certainly outweigh any health benefits. In females, balancing these up is not easy. Getting at the facts — an objective view The truth is, that there are both benefits and disadvantages to neutering, and we look at each of these in more detail in our articles on male and female dogs. Recent research has highlighted some serious long term health risks to neutering including increased risks of cancer, dementia, and some common joint problems. And you need to know about these. Some of the reasons people neuter their dogs, are based on beliefs that are not supported by evidence. And some of the reasons that people neuter their dogs, could be better achieved by other means. Most information about neutering seems to be presented from one angle or the other. What we have tried to do here, is to present the information about neutering in a factual and objective way, so that you can decide for yourself what is best for your family and your dog. Different methods of neutering In the past, neutering was always a surgical procedure. Nowadays there are a few more options available to us than there used to be Castrating male dogs Traditionally, male dogs were neutered by a small and simple surgical procedure during which the testicles are removed through a small incision in the scrotum. This is still a common procedure. Recovery time is quite rapid and the dog becomes infertile within a couple of months as no more sperm are produced. Apart from infertility, the effects of surgical castration can be variable depending on the dog, that too is covered in the link above Chemical castration Chemical castration is an option now available to pet owners in some regions. Chemical castration does not have exactly the same effects as surgical castration, there is some testosterone remaining for example, but it gives you some idea of how permanent castration might affect your dog. Some people might find it helpful to have a trial run of castrating their dog using the chemical option before going for a permanent solution Like surgical castration the affects can be variable. There are also some possible side effects to chemical castration which you will need to discuss with your vet. These may vary from dog to dog and are most likely to occur during the first few days after the injection. Spaying a female dog Traditional methods of spaying female dogs involve major abdominal surgery. Recovery time is at least two week. There is however, now an alternative Laparoscopic spay With a laparoscopic spay, two tiny incisions are made and only the ovaries are removed. The laparoscopic spay is a much simpler procedure. The effects of neutering in dogs Apart from rendering your dog infertile, neutering or de-sexing, has other effects. Differences in physical appearance between neutered and un-neutered dogs will depend on the age at which the dog was neutered Neutered dogs look different A neutered male will have no testicles, which can be very apparent in shortcoated dogs. These are known as neuticles! A male dog neutered before he reaches sexual maturity will look less masculine than an entire adult dog. Dogs of both sexes will usually grow a little taller than they would have done if they had not been neutered. And female dogs neutered later in life may develop a rather coarse, scruffy coat. However, most of the changes that result from neutering are less obvious. They involve the behavior and long term health of your dog. Behavioral changes after neutering Changes in behavior after neutering are not always predictable. What people think will happen to their dog, is not always what happens at all. Especially where dogs are neutered later in life. The behavioral changes of neutering neutering a male dog are limited. Although roaming behavior can be. The Risks Some people are surprised to discover that there are risks to neutering a dog. Risks that go beyond the basic risk of surgery and anesthesia. In several breeds of dog these risks have been shown to include an increased rate of certain cancers. And an increased susceptibility to some serious joint problems. Life is more complicated than that. This leaves owners in something of a dilemma. Especially if their veterinary professional is not up to date with the latest research or has formed different conclusions as to its implications. Therefore you will need to weigh up the pros and cons carefully and consider the evidence available. Deciding whether or not to neuter your dog For many people, there is no doubt that a neutered pet is simply more convenient. If you need to go out to work and your dog needs a place in doggy day care, he may need to be neutered. Many day care centres simply will not accept an entire dog. Caring for some females in season can be a somewhat messy business. And not being able to take your dog out for several weeks can be annoying. And these exist for both male and female dogs. There are also some health benefits to neutering a female dog. These are clearly explained in the articles linked to in this article. The important thing is to make an active choice based on information. My personal view is that neutering a dog for convenience is the right decision for some families. But I do think it is important that you are aware that this is what you are doing. I increasingly meet dog owners that have had their pets neutered purely for health reasons. Or to prevent their male dog becoming aggressive. Only to find out that this was not only unnecessary, but may actually have disadvantaged their dog. This is very upsetting to discover after irreversible surgery has taken place When to Neuter a Labrador If you decide to have your pet neutered, you will also need to decide what is the right age to have the procedure carried out. In the USA there is a tendency to carry out pediatric neutering neutering before sexual maturity. In the UK, vets normally recommend that female dogs are allowed to have one season before being spayed to allow her to mature physically. The advantages of pediatric neutering are from a birth control standpoint. There are no advantages to the individual dog to be neutered at less than six months old. And there is some evidence that the health risks of neutering will be exacerbated by neutering your Labrador at a very early age. Remember, unless you are required by law to neuter your pet by the time he is a few months old, it is your decision to make. If you decide to delay neutering, or even put it off altogether, you will need to take responsibility. Ensuring that no unwanted puppies are brought into the world. Do talk to your veterinarian about any concerns you may have. A good vet will not simply state that all dogs should be neutered but should be aware of the latest research. They will also prepared to discuss this with you and help you come to best decision for your family. Just drop your address into the box below. These varying opinions are a result of the many different reasons you should fix a male dog and a female dog. Some reasons can be to best care for the health of your dog while other reasons for fixing could be to eliminate risk of having an accidental mating resulting in unwanted puppies who may end up in shelters or homes where they are not cared for properly. There are different reasons to spay and neuter a Labrador if you are considering health first. However, fixing your dog at the wrong time could increase the risk of many health issues for your Labrador that could otherwise be avoided. First off you will want to keep your Lab away from other dogs who you do not know if they are fixed or not. Female dogs emit a strong scent that males can smell from miles away. So if your female is not yet fixed be sure to keep her inside or on a leash and supervised while outside. All it takes is thirty seconds of her not being watched and suddenly you could have an intact male jump your fence or dig under resulting in a lock between the two. So having your dog neutered early and spayed early is important to do your part to keep the unwanted pet population down. However, it is important that the females are spayed earlier than the males for health reasons. It is generally accepted practice to spay the female Lab early, and by early I mean before their first heat. It is also accepted that male Labs be neutered a little bit later once they are fully grown. The recommendation is to spay before their first heat which helps eliminates unwanted dogs in shelters AND eliminates some big cancer and other medical risks for her. However, spaying your female this early could contribute to joint issues such as hip dysplasia because their hormones are being altered before they are fully grown. One problem that arises if she is not spayed prior to her first heat is the risk of Pyometra. In intact females the effect of sex hormones can result in over stimulation of cells in the uterus which eventually may result in a severe E coli infection and a pus infection in the uterus. Signs of Pyometra can include lethargy, increased thirst, increased urination, not eating, a foul odor coming from their behind, draining of Pus from the vulva, excess licking of the vulva, collapse or fever related to signs of shock. If you observe any of these symptoms in your Lab after her heat cycle take her to the Vet right away as Pyometra could result in death for her if her uterus ruptures and causes a severe infection bacterial infection in the blood stream and abdomen. Other issues that present themselves if you leave your female Labrador to have a heat while in tact are cancer related. On average a female Lab will have her first heat around six months of age so spaying her in advance of this will help avoid most issues related to cancer such as mammary tumors. The statistic available at the time of writing this is that Labradors who are spayed prior to their first heat only have a 0. Risks for other cancers such as uterine also decrease when they are spayed prior to their first heat. It is important to point out that not all mammary tumors are cancerous and actually most of them are not cancerous, but there is no reason to encourage these tumors simply because they are not cancerous. The down side to spaying before your girl is fully grown is that her hormonal balance will be altered. In order for her to grow naturally she needs the hormones available to her naturally. Altering this natural balance could result in development problems with her joints and result in hip dysplasia or other joint issues or tendon ruptures. The same study goes on to identify that hemangiosarcoma cases in late-spayed females was 4 times more than females spayed early. One final point to mention is that spayed females may also develop a weakened bladder known as spay incontinence or urinary incontinence. So, to sum this all up for female Labradors, at present it appears that fixing them early can greatly reduce the risk of certain types of cancer while increasing the risk of joint-related problems. So how do you decide? We recommend becoming as informed as possible, consulting with your Veterinarian, and then prioritizing your reasons for spaying. On the male Labrador side, if you neuter your pet you can still have a happy pet and often more healthy! Generally you neuter a male after they are fully grown because they require their hormones to thicken up and develop as a male dog would normally. Fully grown is at different times for different breeds of dogs. Generally the larger your dog is the longer it takes them to mature. Large breeds could take up to two years to fully grow and medium breeds are closer to one year. Neutering your Lab will also pretty much eliminate the risk of prostate disease including cysts, abscesses and prostate enlargement. Perineal hernias can also be mostly avoided as they are primarily seen in intact males. A Perineal hernia is when organs from the belly slip through the weakened muscles of the pelvis resulting in a bulge on one or both sides of the anus. As well, neutering your Labrador removes the risk of testicular cancer which is mostly seen in intact male dogs. There are some behavioral issues related to neutering that are worth mentioning. There are however some behavioral issues that are related to male hormones. These can be things such as roaming, mounting other dogs, attraction to female dogs, urine marking and even aggression. Good Labrador Retriever breeders would do this in their breeding programs, however, I have never seen an aggressive Labrador who has been trained and cared for properly. Normally an aggressive dog will be neglected or abused which ends up training them to act that way. Neutering may help to dampen or eliminate any behaviors that are related to the hormones. So there are many points that require your consideration, advice from your breeder and advice from your Veterinarian. In the world we live in today we are all trying to do the absolute best we can for our pets. We cannot, however play God. So once you have enough information sit with your family and have a brief discussion. Weigh the pros and cons of spaying and neutering and then make your decision. Then, forget about it. Once your decision has been made return to enjoying your Lab puppy for the time you have with them.