miniature australian labradoodle puppies for sale

Its various sizes offer variety when it comes to preference and its hypoallergenic coat makes it the perfect dog for dog lovers and owners who are allergic to the hair of a dog coat. For families living in Kentucky that are interested in getting a Goldendoodle puppy, there are a few reputable breeders you should check out. This article provides a list of 10 reputable Goldendoodle breeders residing in the state of Kentucky. These are breeders with a lot of love for the breed. They produce puppies that are healthy and well-socialized. This is a breeder family that started their Goldendoodle breeding program in .They are located in Henderson Kentucky and the facility is managed and owned by Shannon Knox. The Knox Family Goldens and Doodles facility is dedicated to producing F1 and multigenerational Goldendoodles that possess the teddy bear coat which is highly sought after amongst the breed. Their breeding program has been awarded the badge of Excellence due to their impressive line of sires and dams. Each puppy they produce is raised according to the high standards set by the Goldendoodle Association of North America. The sires and dams are thoroughly health tested through Embark Genetics for health conditions that could further affect the Goldendoodle litter being produced. They also have their much-needed certifications through OFA for having good working hips, elbows, eyes, and hearts. When it comes to how the puppies are raised, the Knox family opens up their large home to each puppy being produced. This is a small rural county in Henderson, Kentucky. There, the puppies are given great comfort in sleeping areas that are temperature regulated and spacious. In addition to that, they are given great quality pet food and supplements. They are also introduced to various puppy curriculums and protocols like Puppy culture, Early Neurological Stimulation, Bella and Baxter training tools, and a host of others. When you finally pick up your puppy, it would come with a 2 years health guarantee, day pet insurance, records of vaccinations and deworming, and GANA registration papers. They also offer a lifetime of breeder support for all their puppy owners. 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 Bardstown Kentucky 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!

Yorkshire Terrier When considering the Breed Standards and Average Sizes for collar selection, it is important to note that these measurements are approximate and may vary slightly across individual dogs. The average neck sizes listed above can serve as a general guideline for choosing an appropriate collar size for your lab puppy. It is crucial to measure your lab puppy's neck size accurately before making a collar purchase. Using a soft measuring tape, wrap it around the base of your puppy's neck, ensuring a snug but comfortable fit. Keep in mind that puppies grow quickly, so it is advisable to choose a collar with room for growth. It is recommended to select a collar that is adjustable to accommodate your lab puppy's changing size. This way, you can easily modify the fit as they grow. Always ensure that the collar is comfortable for your puppy to wear, with enough space for two fingers to fit between the collar and their neck. By considering the Breed Standards and Average Sizes, measuring your lab puppy's neck accurately, and choosing an adjustable collar with room for growth, you can provide your puppy with a comfortable and properly fitting collar. Remember to monitor your lab puppy's collar as they continue to grow and adjust or replace it accordingly. Suggestions: When selecting a collar size for your lab puppy, it is a good idea to consult with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for additional guidance. They can provide personalized advice based on your puppy's breed, age, and growth rate. Remember to always prioritize your lab puppy's comfort and pet safety when choosing a collar. Measuring the Neck Size of the Lab Puppy Measuring the neck size of a lab puppy is a crucial step in selecting the appropriate collar size. Here is a step-by-step manual on accurately measuring the neck size: Ensure that the lab puppy is calm and comfortable before measuring their neck size. Utilize a soft measuring tape or a piece of string to measure around the puppy's neck at the base, where the collar will be positioned. Wrap the measuring tape or string snugly around the neck, ensuring it is not too tight or too loose. Take note of the measurement in inches or centimeters, maintaining consistency with the chosen unit of measurement. If you utilized a piece of string, measure its length with a ruler or measuring tape to determine the neck size. Double-check the measurement to ensure its accuracy. Remember that the collar should fit snugly but not be excessively tight or loose. It is important to allow two fingers to comfortably fit between the collar and the puppy's neck. By accurately measuring the neck size, you can select the appropriate collar size for your lab puppy, ensuring both comfort and a proper fit. Guidelines for Choosing the Right Size Collar for a Lab Puppy When it comes to finding the perfect collar for your adorable lab puppy, it's important to keep a few key guidelines in mind. In this section, we'll explore useful tips and tricks to ensure you choose the right size collar that will suit your furry friend's needs. From adjustable collars to selecting a collar with room for growth and ensuring optimal comfort and fit, we've got you covered. Get ready to make your lab puppy the most stylish and comfortable pup in town! Adjustable Collars Adjustable collars are a convenient option when choosing a collar for your lab puppy. They offer flexibility and allow for easy adjustments as your puppy grows. Perfect fit: Adjustable collars provide a perfect fit for your lab puppy's neck comfortably. This ensures that the collar is not too tight, causing discomfort or restricting movement, and not too loose, risking the puppy slipping out of it. Room for growth: Lab puppies grow rapidly, and adjustable collars provide the flexibility to accommodate their changing neck size. As your puppy grows, you can adjust the size of the adjustable collar accordingly, providing a snug fit without the need for frequent collar replacements. Economical option: Investing in adjustable collars eliminates the need to purchase multiple collars as your lab puppy grows. This helps save money in the long run and ensures that you always have a well-fitting collar for your pup. Durable and long-lasting: Adjustable collars are typically made of high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity. They are designed to withstand the active lifestyle of lab puppies, making them a reliable choice for everyday use. Easy to clean: Lab puppies are known for their playful and messy nature. Adjustable collars are easy to clean, allowing you to maintain hygiene and keep your puppy looking smart and presentable at all times. When choosing a collar for your lab puppy, consider the convenience and versatility that adjustable collars offer. They provide a customized and comfortable fit, accommodate your puppy's growth, and are a cost-effective choice in the long run. Choosing a Collar with Room for Growth When selecting a collar for your lab puppy, it is crucial to choose one that allows room for growth. To make sure you get the right size, follow these steps: Start by measuring your lab puppy's neck size using a flexible tape measure or a piece of string and a ruler. Wrap the measuring tape or string around the base of the neck, where the collar will sit. Remember to leave a finger's width of space for comfort. Once you have the measurement of the neck size, add an extra inches to allow for growth. This ensures that the collar will fit comfortably as your lab puppy grows. Look for adjustable collars with multiple holes or a sliding mechanism that can easily be adjusted as your lab puppy develops. Consider collars made from lightweight and durable materials like nylon or leather. These materials can withstand the wear and tear that comes with a growing lab puppy. Ensure that the collar is neither too tight nor too loose when fastened. It should fit snugly around your lab puppy's neck, allowing freedom of movement without causing any discomfort. Pro-tip: Keep checking and adjusting the collar as your lab puppy grows to ensure a proper fit and prevent any potential discomfort or accidents. Ensuring Comfort and Proper Fit Ensuring comfort and proper fit is crucial when choosing a collar for a lab puppy. Here are some guidelines to follow: Choose a collar made of soft and lightweight material. It should be comfortable for the puppy to wear without causing any irritation or chafing. Ensure that the collar is adjustable. This will allow you to find the perfect fit for your lab puppy as it grows. Select a collar with a buckle or snap closure that is easy to fasten and secure. Avoid collars with complicated or hard-to-use closures. Check that the collar is not too tight or too loose. It should fit snugly around the puppy's neck without restricting their movement or causing discomfort. Regularly check the collar to make sure it remains properly fitted as the puppy grows. Adjust the collar accordingly to ensure a comfortable fit at all times. Recommended Collar Sizes for Lab Puppies at Different Ages When it comes to choosing the right collar size for your lab puppy, it's important to consider their age and growth. Collar Sizes for Lab Puppies up to 3 Months Collar sizes for lab puppies up to 3 months are determined by their age and weight. Lab puppies up to 3 months of age are typically smaller and lighter compared to older puppies. It is essential to choose a collar that fits a lab puppy neither too tightly nor too loosely. An adjustable collar is recommended to accommodate the puppy's growth. Ensure that the collar is comfortable and does not cause any discomfort or irritation to the puppy's neck. Before selecting a collar, accurately measure the puppy's neck size. Collars with room for growth are ideal for lab puppies up to 3 months as they experience rapid growth during this stage. To determine the appropriate collar size, consult the breed standards and average sizes for lab puppies. Consider the lab puppy's weight and neck size when selecting the collar size. Collar Sizes for Lab Puppies from 3 to 6 Months When choosing collar sizes for Labrador puppies aged 3 to 6 months, it is important to consider their growth and comfort. Here is a table outlining the recommended collar sizes based on the weight of the lab puppies: Weight Range. Best Collars for Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers 6 min read If you are considering a Labrador or a Golden Retriever pup, then the best collars for these breeds are flat leather collars that are .A 1 inch wide leather collar would suit a long haired golden retriever, while a 1. In comparison, they do seem to be very much alike. They grow to a similar weight and size, they both love water and strive to please their owners so grooming and bath time will be easy with either dog and they both shed year-round. Not only will the amount of hair on the Golden be a greater aggravation to sweep up, but the hair does also play a big part in picking a collar that will suit your dog's needs. However, the hair is only one difference to consider when determining the collar of choice for your best friend. The second thing to consider is the temperament of the dog. Both dogs are playful, but the Labrador seems to be more apt to play than the Golden, who has a medium playful attitude and needs longer rest periods. The material and how the collar is made will come into play when outdoors in the dog park. Labradors will need a wider and stronger leather collar than the Golden, who can get away with a narrower leather collar that won't matte their long hair. And as they grow in weight and height, you could determine how thick their neck would grow and the size of collar they would need. Since they both love water, our line of waterproof leather collars are the perfect compliment to your Goldie or Lab. When considering what size to get, we recommend a collar at 8 weeks in which the puppy would probably be able to wear with little to no adjustment until the 16th week. Then, going to the next collar up in size at roughly 32 weeks, which would become their full-grown collar, and should continue to fit them as they grow to be around 75 - lbs. Healthy Growth As much as we pet owners say we will not feed our dog's too many treats or table scraps and stick to a diet plan recommended by the Veterinarian, some of us will look into those sweet puppy dog eyes and give in to our temptation of just one cookie. This is where the danger of obesity also plays a part in keeping the right collar that will fit on our dog. When it comes to the fit of any collar, keep in mind that when you adjust your dog's collar, put one or two fingers in between your dog's neck and the collar. If your fingers have enough room, then your dog can breathe well, and the fit is perfect. You will need it for training and taking them for walks. A 1 Inch wide leather collar is the best choice for a Golden Retriever who has long hair, as the narrower collar will prevent matting. The added width will help disperse the pressure around their neck as they pull on the leash. In order to avoid confusion with the Newfoundland Dog, he used to be called the Small Water Dog, since the Lab was most commonly used to retrieve the cork floats of fishing nets and swimming them ashore so that fishermen can pull in the fish-filled nets. The Labrador Retriever was often used to retrieve game and fish, pull small fishing boats through icy water, and help fisherman in swimming tasks. As the years went by, the breed population decreased and died out in Newfoundland in large part because of a heavy dog tax. It was in England where the breed earned its reputation as an extraordinary retriever of upland game, and the breed continues to grow in population. The popularity of the Labrador Retriever has been growing steadily to become the most popular breed in America by , and remains so today. Although they where employed as retrieving dogs in the past, today, he is held in high regard as a guide dog, sniffer dog detecting drugs and explosives, and a popular companion. Appearance The Labrador Retriever is easily recognizable. He is a moderate dog, not extreme in any way, with a stocky build. He is square or slightly longer then tall, of fairly large bone and substance. He stands at 21 to .His coat is short and hard to the touch. It is drip-dry and is entirely weatherproof to protect him from icy waters. A black coat was the most popular known colour for the Labrador, but yellow became more widely seen as of 50 years ago. The yellow coat ranges from light cream to red fox. Today, there is quite a trend for chocolate, also known as liver. He has a broad head and strong medium-sized jaw, which allows him to carry the largest game birds, such as Canadian geese. His heavy set and strong legs enable him to swim and run powerfully. He has a relatively short, thick-coated tail, which is known as an otter-tail. He has kind and intelligent hazel-brown, medium-size eyes which express a gentle temperament. He has a broad backskull with a moderate stop. His forelegs are well-boned, and straight from shoulder down to the ground. His paws are round and rather compact. His chest has good depth and width with well-sprung ribs. The Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever are regularly cross-bred to utilize their combined skills. When the Labrador is well trained, he is obedient, amiable, and tolerates well with the acts of children, other dogs and others pets. He does not seem to take offence at any insult. He is good tempered and very agile. He is a calm house dog, playful yard dog, and intense field dog. He is eager to please, enjoys learning, and excels in obedience. Lab Upkeep If you are the type of person who enjoys activities and spends most of your days in the outdoors, then the Labrador is for you. This breed needs daily exercise, preferably in the form of retrieving and swimming. If you have a swimming pool, you should either fence your Lab out, or be prepared to share the pool with him. Although, he can live in town surroundings, he should not be deprived of regular, long walks. He can consume any quantity of food; however, sensible feeding is important to prevent this breed from carrying too much weight. Retriever Health Issues Unfortunately, many Labradors do not live up to the image they carry. Living up to 10 to 13 years old, some suffer from hereditary cataracts, hip and elbow arthritis and even wayward temperaments. Major health concerns for this breed include: Canine Hip Dysplasia CHD : An abnormal formation of the hip socket that, in its most severe form, can eventually cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis of the joints. Elbow Dysplasia: A condition involving multiple developmental abnormalities of the elbow joint, specifically the growth of cartilage or the structures surrounding it. Obesity: A medically relevant nutritional disease which is defined by an excess amount of body fat. Pattelar Luxation: Occurs when the dogs kneecap is dislocated from its normal position in the groove of the thigh bone. Before any of these major and common health issues develop, Lab owners should always get their dog tested to see if they have issues with their hips, elbows, eyes, and knees. We all know that the Labrador Retriever is one of the most reliable, smartest and friendliest dogs in the world. Despite all of these great qualities, there are still things about them that need to be taken care of. If you enjoy long walks, a long swim in the lake, a game of fetch or perhaps a day of hunting, the Lab is your perfect dog and will remain your loyal companion for years to come. Recent Articles. Or Biothane. The first is solid coloured, the second is translucent. VEry strong and it's being used in horse tack for long lines, bridles, halters. It will not absorb water so will not get wet or stinky. It has a high tensile strength but it is not chew proof. Oban's has two wee punctures from play with another dog. It comes in fabulous colours and some dog collars makers that use it put different colours together. I think Dublin Dog uses it in some of their collars, there are others. Blaze orange hunting collars here are nearly all made of the the translucent orange biothane. Oban's is kelly green betathane and was custom made by a young gal who makes halters and things for horses. It turned out a custom make was the lest expensive option and that way I knew the buckle was sturdy. When Oban rolls in stinky muck that sticks to it I just give it a light scrub with my potato brush, wipe dry as I would a washed dish, and it's clean and dry. It's a bit stiff when I first put it on him to go out on a winter morning when the heat has been down in the house overnight but warms up quickly with his body heat and is flexible. Any tighter than this and the collar will be uncomfortable while likely rubbing off the fur around their neck. Any looser than this and your dog may be able to slip it off over their heads! Whatever number you arrive at is the thickness of neck you want to buy a collar to suit, while making sure you leave some room for manoeuvre either side. Then buy a collar that can fit a range of neck sizes with this figure exactly in the middle. Best Collars For Adult Labradors and Large Dogs A collar and ID tag is compulsory by law in many places so you will want to make sure you always have at least two: One for every day use and another as an emergency replacement. Below you can see a selection of collars available from Amazon that are the correct size and perfectly suited to adult Labradors, all of which have received highly favorable feedback from previous buyers: 1. An extremely popular, durable, bridle-leather collar, padded with soft lambskin inside for the ultimate in comfort for your dog. The design spreads weight and stress around the neck providing day long comfort for dogs working long hours. Made by the American Amish community, the craftsmanship is second to none and quality is assured. This collar is highly recommended. All hardware is tarnish and rust resistant due to being nickel-plated, and the leather is trimmed with a thick and long-lasting waxed thread. The collar also has a plush suede lining for the ultimate in comfort for your pooch. This collar will look good any dog — at least we think so! Classic, Wide, Neoprene Dog Collar Made from a non-porous material to repel water and dirt, this long-lasting and easy-clean neoprene dog collar has lots of very good feedback from previous buyers on Amazon. It is reflective for increased night-time safety and comes complete with an ID tag holder that is separate to the stainless steel D-ring for leash attachment. Available in 4 classic styles: Camouflage, black, red and pink, this collar is well-designed, strong and we think perfectly suited for the working dog or one who likes to get wet and dirty. The camouflage styling has a look to match! Well suited to Labs that find every single muddy pool to play in! Easy to clean with nothing but warm water and very comfortable for your dog, sliding easily on their coats with no snagging or pulling on hair. They are very quick and easy to snap on and off, available in a wide array of colors and have received lots of favorable feedback from previous buyers. The main benefit to this style of collar is the quick release buckle that makes it incredibly easy to take off in a hurry. Just squeeze and off it pops. Very useful for removing with ease if yours is a dog who likes to swim or get deeply into coarse undergrowth when you should always remove their collar. Made from Nylon with strong bar-tack stitching and a welded D-ring for leash attachment, this collar has all the features you need. Like the collar above, this comes with an easy operation side-release buckle for easy attachment and removal, just squeeze and it comes away. Pleasingly simple compared to the struggles of a traditional buckle if you;re wearing gloves or have numb hands in cold weather! Very strong and durable, Shown here in red but with 6 rich colors available. Chewy is one of the best places to buy because there are so many options and so much competition that many products are offered with a sizable discount, keeping the prices very low. You can see the range of collars Chewy has to offer by clicking the following link: The best adult dog collars on Chewy, filtered to show only the highest rated and most popular. Best Collars For Labrador Puppies Puppies grow at a phenomenal rate so you will want to buy a collar that is highly adjustable to fit their expanding necks, otherwise you could be replacing the collar every few weeks. This collar has a quick release buckle, a D-Ring for leash attachment, is available in 3 sizes and comes in 2 colors, black or red. Soft and gentle for your puppy, strong and durable for you and your wallet it will not need to be replaced before they outgrow it this is a simple collar but with all the features you could hope for. Highly recommended. This collar has the highly recommended quick release buckle, perfectly suitable for a puppy so you can free them with speed and ease if they get it snagged on anything. Available in sizes to suit the smallest of puppies through to adult dogs, with 9 smart colors to choose from: Black, neon green, neon orange, neon pink, blue, brown, pink, purple and red. There is a color for all and it has very good customer feedback on Amazon. Chewy is one of the best places to buy because with so many sellers, competition is very high leading to many suppliers offering their products at the best prices to be found online. To see the best puppy collars that Chewy has to offer, click the following link: The best puppy collars on Chewy, filtered to show only the highest rated and most popular. High Visibility Collars for Large Dogs If you regularly walk your dog in low light or dark conditions, in the morning, at night or even during bad weather, then a high visibility dog collar is something you should seriously consider to improve your pets safety while out and about. High visibility dog collars allow other people, walkers, cyclists and motor vehicle users to see your dog and take appropriate caution, keeping not only your dog safer, but everybody else concerned too. Strong, durable and weather proof, with quick release easy to attach and remove fastening, it has all the features of a decent collar with the added bonus of making your dog as highly visible as possible for safety in the dark. A long life replaceable battery is included, so once received it is ready to go. One of the most effective high visibility dog collars available… with over 3, 5-star reviews on Amazon! This collar is perhaps the most recommended among the many illuminated collars that seem to have sprung up on the market as of late. Please remember: Not only do ID tags give you the best chance of being reunited with your with your puppy as quickly as possible if you lose them, they are also required by law in many places. This has absolutely no effect on the eventual price that you pay and we are very grateful for your support. 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. That way, you can check sizing as you go along! Once the collar is fastened, you want to be able to slip two or three fingers underneath. Anything tighter can cause discomfort, and anything looser will be easy for your dog to slip out of. These are usually made out of webbing or leather, without any padding. Padded collar. These are a good option if your pup has sensitive skin. Martingale collar. These are designed to be used during training sessions or on walks and should not be left on all the time. Once you come home, remember to remove the collar. You may want to replace it with a flat collar with an ID tag. This can correct their forward movement by causing discomfort and encourage them not to pull. Some owners prefer not to use a martingale collar to correct pulling and instead, focus on re-training that behavior. Collar material Most collars are made from either webbing or leather. Leather is of higher quality than webbing, so these collars are usually a bit more expensive. It does give a high-end, luxurious look that some dog owners love. Leather collars can start to smell a little if they are left damp. This hardwearing collar offers great value for money, as well as being tough enough to stand up to whatever an enthusiastic Labrador can throw at it! Our reviews are designed to make your life easier. So, instead of trawling through hundreds of options and feeling overwhelmed, simply choose one of our recommended collars instead! Which collar would you choose for your Lab? This product is perfect for animal lovers who spend too much time outdoors with their dogs. It will resist the forces of the most powerful, energetic, and playful dogs. An adult Labrador has a neck size between inches. An adjustable collar would be ideal for adult dog weight or fur thickness fluctuations. I remember going through several collars with my Lab pup until we found one that suited him perfectly. Opt for heavy-duty materials like nylon webbing or thick leather combined with strong D-rings for leash attachment. It ensures maximum durability and security during walks or training sessions. They come with an adjustable buckle or quick-release mechanism. Some include reflective stitching or material for nighttime visibility. A flat collar is what most people associate with when they think of dog collars. Martingale collars Also called limited-slip collars, are another excellent choice. They are designed for dogs like Labs with wider necks than their heads. A martingale collar is often used as a backup for a rescue dog. These unique martingale collars consist of two loops. When your Lab pulls on its leash, this design tightens slightly without choking them. This is an essential safety feature for dogs easily slipping out of flat-collared designs. Few specialized training collars focus on correcting unwanted behaviors , such as pulling during walks. Head halter-style trainers These provide greater control over large breeds like Labradors. They use gentle pressure points around their muzzle rather than applying forceful tension onto their necks. They offer maximum comfort during obedience lessons. Nylon webbing is an excellent choice. Like the Blueberry Pet Essentials collection , many nylon collars come in eye-catching colors. If you prefer a more classic appearance or a stronger collar, opt for Black Rhino Comfort Collar. It features nickel-plated hardware designed to withstand even large dogs pulling force. You should be able to fit two fingers underneath the collar. Neoprene padding or nylon webbing prevents chafing. Personalized collars can identify your pup if they get lost or separated. Look for features like reflective stitching or LED lights for increased nighttime visibility. A light-up collar keeps your beloved companion safe during low-light conditions. Which best dog collars for labs to go for, then? From no pull to camouflage dog collars, the market is full. However, not all collars are comfortable and safe for your dog. Thankfully, we have found the top two picks after thorough research and testing. This piece is versatile and made of high-quality nylon material with sturdy buckle closure. Soft Touch Collars Luxury Leather Collars cannot be beaten for ultimate luxury and comfort during walks. What black lab collar is best? A black labrador looks excellent in a black, red, and green collar. A black collar perfectly complements the black coat of a labrador. What leads are best for Labradors? Most trainers recommend a six-foot lead with a secure clasp. Nylon leads are popular among pet owners as they do the job easily. A durable nylon lead with nickel-plated hardware is excellent for daily use. With extensive research and personal experiences, Aritra has become a Labrador expert, offering a rich resource on the breed. The site serves as a comprehensive resource, offering a wealth of up-to-date information for Labrador owners and enthusiasts alike. The critical difference is the degree of dressing up required. This is a moment of personal reflection: do you have a tough time getting out of the house to take your Labrador for a walk? Minimizing the effort required to take your dog walking will ensure that you actually take him out. If your Labrador pulls on his lead, the pressure can quickly start producing irreversible damage. Can Trouble Dogs Even the most humane collars can bother some Labradors. Most new puppies might have trouble accepting a heavy collar. Starting with a light collar at an early age can offset this disadvantage. Some dog trainers can lead-train dogs with collars by building on a foundation of familiarity set by owners who get their dogs to accept light collars early on. This means both products need to be able to cater to different sizes. Most harnesses can house a range of body sizes. But when it comes to collars, your Labrador might start choking on the collar without you realizing it. Adjustable collars can offset this problem. In my opinion, even if you have compassionately trained your Labrador to accept his collar and even go on long walks with the lead attached to the said collar, what happens when your dog gets over-excited? It is quite literally impossible to hold him in position without choking him. Verdict on Dog Collars Dog collars are great to indicate ownership and protect your Labrador from being assumed and treated as a stray. Apart from that, I see no advantage in collars, especially when walking on a lead. So a nuanced approach would be to use a light collar and use a harness whenever you use a lead so that you can sidestep the dangers of lead walking a puppy with a collar. More importantly, your Labrador can pull the lead without hurting himself. More Room for Error If your Labrador puppy wears a collar, you need to follow his growth closely lest the collar begins choking him. Above all, it is more noticeable when your puppy outgrows his harness compared to when he outgrows his collar. In the worst-case scenario, you get to hold back your Lab with sheer force without hurting him as much. Tugging on a collar when your Labrador is trying his best to get away is heartless. That said, you should note that dogs give in more easily when their collar is tugged compared to holding back a harness. The ease, however, is mutually exclusive with kindness in this instance as a submission comes through the pain with a collar. In other words, a harness is something you would want on your pup only on walks. Most well-trained Labradors can go without a harness for short walks, and the harness is left for lead walks. Your Dog Will Take Time to Get Used to It This is a size-driven disadvantage that seems like a logical tradeoff when compared to the burden it offsets. I believe removing cruelty from the equation is well worth the relatively long waiting period. Starting with a light harness with a young Lab puppy is a perfect way to normalize it. Both collars and harnesses are uncomfortable initially, and in the long run, your dog can get used to both. While some trainers make arguments for collars, they are almost exclusively positioned as okay for larger dogs with stronger necks. This makes a harness your only option when out walking. Should a Labrador Wear a Harness? We have already established that harnesses are gentler than collars on Labradors. So, this may have you wondering, should Labradors wear a harness? A Labrador should wear a harness so that you can control him when he gets over-excited on a walk. A harness also allows your dog to keeps his neck safe when you have him on a tight leash. Doing the same with a collar could cause choking, damage to the trachea, or nerve damage. Harness vs. Collar For a Labrador Puppy Harness Advantages Prevents injuries to the neck Allows a lost dog to be identified from a tag Allows more control Easier to wear for tracking Allows room for growth. It is all rather bewildering, but there is no need to worry! This is where you can find the answers to those questions, and get some ideas and inspiration too. Collars are a great way to identify similar Lab puppies in a litter Labrador Dog Collars and the Law In many parts of the world, dogs must legally wear a collar when out in public. This is usually a disk attached to the collar, with your phone number and name on it. Collars can display IDs in a number of different ways. Some collars come with a brass or stainless steel plate attached to the surface, others have a metal ring for you to attach a tag onto. Others will embroider the ID into fabric or tool it into leather. Are Personalized Dog Collars Safe? But others feel that this is a dangerous thing to do. But most dogs are always supervised when outdoors, and many dogs are also microchipped so proof of ownership is more easily accomplished. Unless your dog is very friendly and spends time outdoors on his own, having his name on his collar is unlikely to put him at risk. Collars as a Fashion Statement A collar is the traditional way of attaching a restraint to a dog, for the purposes of keeping him safe. Before harnesses were invented this was an essential feature of life in a modern world, where cars and other hazards are everywhere. But in many homes and families, a collar has become something of a fashion statement too. A whole industry has arisen to meet the demand for different fabrics and styles. Training Collars for Labs Many people look on a collar, as an aid to training their dog how to walk on a leash. A way to get their dog to tread along nicely next to them, without dragging or pulling them along. They want to choose a collar that will best help them in this goal. Prong collars and pinch collars have been designed that are uncomfortable and even painful when a dog leans into them. The problem of course, is that pulling is often very rewarding for a dog he gets nearer to the destination he likes. So collars usually have to be quite painful if they are to successfully stop the pulling. Collars that can be used to pinch and choke dogs, are becoming less popular, as more and more dog owners want to train without using unpleasant aversives. And fortunately there are now excellent ways of teaching a dog to walk nicely without using collars at all. And in the meantime you might find it helpful to have a strong pulling dog fitted with a body harness that will give you more control without damaging his neck. Before you set off on a Labrador collar shopping expedition, you will need to think about sizes. And to know your Labrador neck size. Labrador Collar Size Not all collars are made in sizes large enough for an adult Lab. And one adult Lab will not have the same neck size as another. So you do need to whip out your tape measure in order to avoid disappointment Both my Labs have an 18 inch neck. They are medium build slim Labradors. But it really is best to measure. If you find it difficult to keep your dog still, just get someone to dip their fingers in some butter and let the dog lick it off while you take his measurements! Collars for adult Labs are usually about an inch wide — this allows enough space for a small ID plaque if desired. What Size Collar for a Lab Puppy? If you buy a puppy collar two or three inches longer than this it will last him a few weeks. Puppy collars are usually narrower than adult collars, half an inch is fine. And they come in some very cute designs. We have put together a collection of our favorite puppy collars to inspire you! So what kind of collar should you buy? Which Labrador Collar Style? We recommend that you buy your Labrador a flat collar with a buckle fastener. You can choose one to suit your taste and wallet. Especially if your Lab likes to swim. You can buy waterproof collars made from synthetic polyurethane type materials. Waterproof collars tend to resist odor and are easy to clean. They often come in striking bright colors — we love them and think they look cool! But not so loose that he can back out of it. You should be able to fit two or three fingers under it quite easily, but not much more. A collar that is too loose can be slipped by a lively dog very easily. It is also worth considering alternative forms of restraint. Especially for puppies and lively young dogs that can get very sore necks if leashed to a collar. Buying a Harness The breadth of choice in body harnesses for dogs has burgeoned in the last couple of years as people discover how great they are. A body harness is an excellent way to restrain a young dog that has not been taught to walk to heel. It has several advantages over a collar. It is almost impossible for the dog to slip out of. And most importantly, a puppy that wears a harness is not learning to lean into or pull, on his collar. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. That will double to about 50 pounds at six months. What that means is that you need a collar that will grow with them. Get Ready for Dirt While every dog has their unique personality , there are some typical characteristics across breeds. Labrador Retrievers are known for being playful, outdoor dogs. Originally bred to be sporting and hunting dogs , this breed loves to be outdoors, run, explore, and more. In addition, most labs love the water. You may also want to consider a waterproof collar , especially if you have a pool or other body of water nearby. Labs Are Strong Particularly as they grow, your puppy will get very strong, not only physically but also mentally. Lab owners will tell you that their dogs can be pretty determined when they set their minds to something, and sometimes that something is a squirrel, bird, or even a leaf blowing in the wind on a walk. That means that you need a strong collar that allows you to respond quickly and control your puppy so they can learn good walking manners. It can be used for neck sizes ranging from .This is the perfect collar for you! One of the biggest collar complaints from lab moms and dads is that they start to stink with so much activity. The construction also makes it virtually indestructible and perfect in all weather conditions. This collar also has some unique safety features. Its design allows the dog to back out of the collar if it gets caught on something, such as a branch, fence, or other hazards. It comes in eight colors and three adjustable sizes. It is also waterproof and indestructible and made from soft vinyl for both flexibility even in cold weather and durability. Many Labrador owners love this collar because it has a quick-release buckle , making it simple to take on and off. In addition, many doggie daycares or boarding facilities require a quick-release collar, so if you plan on sending your new pooch, this might be ideal. This handmade adjustable dog collar fits medium breed dogs with its middle hole being.Made with premium polished.The reflective strip on this collar is super noticeable, which keeps your dog safe. In addition to the reflective strip, this collar also has both a D ring and a center ring. The D ring is perfect for tags , and many owners use the center ring for leashes and walks, which is also suitable for preventing straining and choking. These collars are adjustable and come in three sizes. It can be used for neck sizes ranging from 10 inches to 14 inches.Rreinforced stitching and woven nylon webbing ensures that the.Made from woven nylon webbing, these collars are just as durable as the others but have a softer fabric feel. These collars come with a D ring for convenient and straightforward attachment of identification tags and a leash. They have a quick-release buckle, too, to make taking it on and off easier. You can get them in grey with blue stripe, green with blue stripe, or red with blue stripes. They come in many fun designs, including orange buffalo plaid, navy blue and white seersucker, purple, orange, and white plaid, and teal and white chevron stripes. The quick-release buckles and D-ring use stainless steel. This is great news if you live in a rainy climate or if your puppy likes to swim. These collars use high-quality nylon webbing that resists odors and stains. They never absorb germs or moisture and wipe clean easily in case your four-legged friend gets them dirty. They only come in small or medium sizes. So be sure to enjoy it while your pup is still small! Post navigation.

We get asked which size collar would be best for a particular dog breed or types. So here we have compiled a list of dog breeds and their usual neck measurements - and recommended collars. Hindquarters dog collars are available in sizes from XS to Large. XS dog collars fit necks between 18 and 30cm or inches. Small collars fit cm or inches. Medium between cm. And Large dog collars are cm. Airedale: cm inches - we would recommend a comfy Hindquarters large size green or brown fabric cotton dog collar. Brighter colours, like a red dog collar , would work well too. Basset Hound: cm inches - we would recommend a Hindquarters large size brown or khaki soft cotton fabric dog collar. Beagle: cm inches - we would advise a medium sized dog collar in strong but soft and comfy cotton fabric weave, bright colours like red and purple work well. Bichon Frise: cm inches - a small size comfy dog collar would probably be best, perhaps red or blue. Or a small size adjustable harness. Border Collie: cm inches - an adjustable medium size comfy cotton collar would work well, perhaps black or grey. Border Terrier: cm inches - we advise a small size collar made from strong but soft cotton fabric weave, bright purple would work well or khaki for a muted look. Boston Terrier: cm inches - a Hindquarters small size comfy collar would work well, perhaps in red or black. Or a medium size collar would fit too, for a chunkier look. Boxer: cm inches - like lots of other breeds, there can be significant variation according to age and gender and genetics. A strapping Boxer would require a Hindquarters large size dog collar but for a younger slighter Boxer a medium size would work - a comfy khaki collar looks good. Bulldog American: cm inches - a strong but soft Hindquarters large size collar would work. Bulldog English: cm inches - a soft cotton fabric collar would be good, most colours work although red and cobalt blue both look great. Bulldog French: cm inches - either Hindquarters small or medium size collars would work. The medium size cotton dog collar is wider and so probably comfier unless wearing a harness. Bull Terrier: cm inches - a soft but strong Hindquarters medium size cotton collar would be good. Cairn Terrier: cm inches - a small size adjustable washable Hindquarters collar would suit, perhaps in green. Chihuahua: cm inches - a soft XS size dog collar would work. Chinese Crested - cm inches - a soft and comfy XS size dog collar would suit, perhaps in navy or orange. Chow Chow - cm inches - a Hindquarters large dog collar would be good, perhaps the mustard colour. Cocker Spaniel - cm inches - a soft and washable medium sized Hindquarters collar would work well, red always looks good. Collie - cm inches - a large size collar would be best, an adjustable dog collar ensures an exact and comfy fit. Corgi - cm inches - a soft but strong and washable medium sized dog collar works well, khaki and mustard both look good. Dachshund Standard - cm inches - a medium size Hindquarters collar would work best. Dachshund Mini - cm inches - there can be significant variation, most likely a Small or even XS dog collar would work best, soft but strong cotton weave with flex and give is good. Dalmatian - cm inches - an adjustable fabric dog collar in Medium or Large size, red or bright purple would be good. Deerhound - cm inches - a comfy dog collar, cobalt blue looks good. Doberman - cm inches - would require a strong large size collar, maybe black English Setter - cm inches - would require a large size collar. Fox Terrier - cm inches - a small size green fabric dog collar would be good. German Shepherd - cm inches - would require a large size soft but strong fabric dog collar. Golden Retriever - cm inches - a large size dog collar, red is classic. Great Dane - cm inches - a large size dog collar, soft but strong, black or a bright colour like orange works nicely. Greyhound - cm inches - we would recommend a wider soft dog collar, khaki always looks good. Greyhound Italian - cm inches - would require a soft XS collar, blue would suit well. Husky - cm inches - would require a soft but strong large size collar, maybe black or grey. Irish Setter - cm inches - would suit a large size dog collar, bright red would be good or perhaps mustard. Irish Terrier - cm 14 to 18 inches - a medium sized dog collar would work best, green suits well. Jack Russell - cm inches - a small size adjustable fabric dog collar would work well, grey or red are good colours. Labrador - cm inches - a large sized dog collar would probably work best unless you have a small Lab. A black lab suits classic black but also red and orange , brown works well for a yellow lab. Labradoodle - cm inches - either a medium size or a large size would work, orange looks cute - and is comfy. Maltese - cm inches - a small size or XS collar would be best. Old English Sheepdog - cm inches - a large size soft fabric collar would be good, perhaps grey or red. Papillon - cm inches - an XS fabric dog collar would work well, maybe the red. Pekingese - cm inches - small dog collar size. Pointer - cm inches - a strong but soft large dog collar would work, a red dog collar stands out from the crowd. Pomeranian - cm inches - small or XS sizes. Poodle mini - cm inches - a small size adjustable fabric dog collar, red always works well. Poodle Standard - cm inches - a small size fabric adjustable dog collar would be comfy, black or blue would suit most coats. Poodle Toy - 20 to 36cm or 8 to 14 inches - a Small or XS fabric dog collar Pug - cm inches - a small sized Hindquarters adjustable fabric dog collar for an exact and comfy fit, bright purple looks good. Schnauzer Standard - cm inches - a comfy adjustable dog collar in medium size, grey looks good. Schnauzer Mini - cm inches - a small size dog collar would be best, grey looks good and would be comfy. Scottish Terrier - cm inches - Medium sized dog collar. Shar Pei - cm inches - large dog collar size. Springer Spaniel - cm inches - an adjustable and washable Hindquarters dog collar in medium size, perhaps green or red. Staffordshire Bull Terrier - cm inches - depending on individual size, a medium or large adjustable fabric dog collar would work well. Vizsla - cm inches - a strong but soft medium size collar, green is a colour that suits well. Weimaraner - cm inches - a soft but strong large size Hindquarters cotton fabric dog collar would work well, both red or bright purple look particularly good and be comfy. West Highland Terrier - cm inches - a small adjustable fabric dog collar, perhaps in green. Yorkshire Terrier - cm inches - either a XS Hindquarters comfy dog collar or perhaps a small size. Please note there is often a wide variation in neck size within different breeds and types of dog, according to genetics, age and gender. So please take our dog breed neck size guide as a rough one. We recommend you measure your dog's neck before ordering a Hindquarters dog collar. How do you measure your dog's neck? It is best to measure the circumference of your dog's lower neck - allowing space for a couple of fingers - to ensure a comfy fit. Or measure your dog's existing collar when flat, between the two points where it fastens. If you have any questions, please get in touch. When it comes to puppies, particularly short-haired breeds, you should look for a soft collar made of a non-abrasive material. Fabric collars are a good option, and collars made from a breathable fabric that is also machine washable are even better. When should a puppy wear a collar? Even if your puppy is still too young to go outside for walks, getting them used to wearing a collar is a good idea and will prevent any tiny tantrums further down the road! Collars should be worn most of the time, even around the house, but taking it off every so often to let the skin breathe is recommended. Try leaving the collar off for a couple of hours every time you brush or bathe them. Can an 8-week-old puppy wear a collar? Responsible breeders recommend puppies should not be brought home until 8 weeks old, and you can start getting them used to their collar shortly after this. It may be a good idea to let them settle into their new environment before introducing something new, but getting them used to their collar in their second week at home is a good idea. Should puppies wear collars at night? Most dog collars are designed to be non-abrasive, and perfectly safe for pups and older dogs to sleep in. This can also help puppies get adjusted to wearing a collar for the majority of the time. However, many vets also recommend including a contact telephone number, in the event your dog goes missing. Although microchipping has been mandatory for pet dogs since , tags are still a legal requirement and provide a quicker way to get in contact with you if your dog is found, without their microchip needing to be scanned first. We hope our puppy collar size guide has been helpful, as well as our dog collar FAQs! If you enjoyed our puppy collar size guide, you might like our other article, What do I need for a New Puppy? This will affect everything from how comfortable he is eating, to bacteria in the bowl and also has a direct impact on the risk of developing bloat an issue with this breed. Size, height, material and overall design all matter. Read more about the best food and water bowls for Boxers Bed or Mat Boxers love to take over the sofa, make claim to their human's favorite chair or stretch out on the floor. We recommend a 6 food leash or retractable for house training Boxer puppies. You'll want to keep him close to lead him to and keep him in the exact designated area and to have him close to give immediate praise and reward. A short leash is also best when training your Boxer to heel, since his proper positioning is to your left and right by your side. A longer leash, or one that can extend out, is great for allowing your Boxer to run and have some freedom, when deemed safe. In regard to a collar or harness, this breed typically has strong enough neck and shoulder muscles to do okay with a collar. However, if your Boxer tends to launch himself forward or off to the side quite often when on leash, play it safe and get him a harness. This will remove the issue of pressure being applied straight to the neck and instead it will be displaced on a Boxer's stronger shoulders, chest and back. An ID tag is a must. Though your Boxer can tend to stay close and you're on-point in regard to not letting him off leash, it's just not worth the risk. Choose a stainless steel tag that is weather resistant and will be durable enough that the engraving does not wear down. It's suggested to put more than one type of contact info for someone to return your Boxer cell, address, email. The Right Toys It's best to think of toys as tool. Which ones are going to perform to meet the needs of your Boxer puppy or dog? All toys should serve a specific function. If not, you mind as well toss them or your Boxer may already have figuratively done that by ignoring them. And most toys cannot meet all of a dog's needs at one time though some can have a duel purpose. The main reasons for certain toys include: Teething, chewing urges, entertainment to stay busy especially when home alone , and owner interaction. Read more about choosing the best toys for a Boxer Brushes Boxers have short, dense coats that will shed mostly into themselves, rather than leave a mess on the floor. This is great for your house, but not so much in terms of health for the coat itself. Though Boxers can enter shedding seasons depending on where you live , most still or entirely shed minor to moderate amounts throughout the year. You will want to routinely brush the coat from head to tail at least once per week. During times of heavier shed, use a tool specifically to pull out dead hairs. Brushing has several benefits: It pulls out hairs that have shed but fallen back. If these are left, they can block natural air flow. It distributes natural body oils It removes fine dirt and debris Is healthy for the hair follicles, leading to better re-growth fur is in a constant renewal cycle The best brushes for Boxer dogs: For the type of coat that a Boxer has, the best brush will be a quality bristle brush. Be sure that it has a sturdy handle, is sized well for your hand, and has proper tension it won't do much good if it simply glides over the surface. For times of shedding, when you need to pull out any dead hairs, use a grooming tool that reaches deep down, latches onto hairs and brings them up and out. Dental Care Items Of all the supplies you might possibly get for your Boxer puppy or dog, do not overlook dental care items. What can happen: Plaque builds up on a dog's teeth every second of the day and chewing on treats and toys even great dental treats just doesn't get it all off. Within 3 days, plaque starts to harden into tartar. It encases the teeth and travels under the gum line. It eats away at the enamel of the teeth, causing decay and rot. Infection can travel up into the sinuses or even throughout the body, causing sepsis. Decay causes teeth to loosen and eventually fall out. And of course, this all happens comes at the cost of quite a bit of pain for a dog. The American Veterinary Dental College reports that periodontal disease is the most common preventable clinical condition in both cats and dogs. Without proper care, most dogs have some level of periodontal disease by the age of 3 years old; at this stage, there are not enough signs of unknowing owners to take steps other than bad breath yet can lead to damage to internal organs. What to do: Take measure to ensure excellent oral hygiene with your Boxer dog. Brush your Boxer's teeth with a quality toothbrush. Use an appropriately sized, 3 sided brush. Use an effective toothpaste human paste is toxic, look for a canine product that tastes good and works well to remove plaque. Don't be surprised when a good paste does not foam; they are not meant to since dogs are supposed to swallow the product. Offer one effective dental treat each day. We highly recommend Greenies; these are simply the best and are an accepted product of the Veterinary Oral Health Council. Think about using a water supplement that works to kill bacteria and help prevent plaque. Be sure that it does not contain a drying agent and tasteless ones work best. Bathing, Coat Supplies Everything that you use on the coat shampoo, conditioner, spray will either be beneficial to a Boxer or detrimental. You will want to have a really good shampoo that not only cleans great, but does so with the right pH balance to avoid over-drying and without harsh chemicals. The conditioner that you use needs to coat hairs without being so oily that residue remains which can clog skin pores. The coat should be protected with a spritz. A leave-in spray offers some great benefits: It smells great, protects the coat from static, contact friction and outdoor elements particularly the sun. Though, even with dogs that are outside much of the day and are super active, you can't depend on this to keep the nails short enough. If you want to do this at home, we recommend an electronic filer. It's much easier than clipping. Nose - A dog's nose is naturally pretty vulnerable to all of the elements it encounters. From arid air to cold winds to sun exposure. A big mistake is to only put something on the nose once it starts to look really dry or start peeling, because while a good product can indeed heal a chapped or cracked nose, it's better to be ahead of the game and prevent it in the first place. Every month or so, apply a quality nose butter and then keep it on hand for when you need to apply it more often, which is typically in the dead of winter and in during long, hot summers. Paws - You don't want to baby the paws, because they toughen up as a puppy and then dog walks on a variety of surfaces. However, if they become damaged this puts you back several steps and can even morph into serious issues. This is why a quality paw wax should be part of the supplies you have for your Boxer, it's a vital part of year-round paw care. Look for a good wax that allows the paws to breath and is absorbed quickly in just a couple of minutes. Car Restraint or Seat If you'd buckle up your child, there should be no hesitation to buckle up your Boxer. To not do this is to risk his safety. There are over 16, car accidents per day in the U. No matter how good of a driver you are, you just can't guarantee that someone won't crash into you or that road or weather conditions won't cause something to happen. So, of all the possible supplies that you might get for your Boxer, this one can literally save lives. There are some great options that are easy to use, can actually help with motion sickness and are comfortable for a Boxer puppy or larger, older adult dog. Read more about finding the best car seat or belt for a Boxer dog. Basic First Aid Supplies There are a few basic essentials that every owner should have on hand in the case of injury or emergency. If you've ever looked into this, you may have found some pretty extensive lists; and that's a shame because you don't need half of those things. Chances are, you'll never find yourself searching through your supplies as you try to set broken bones; things like this should be saved for the animal hospital. However, dogs do commonly swallow things that they should not according to the Pet Poison Hotline of the ten top breeds that they received calls about, the Boxer places at 8. You should always be prepared for this. Also, there can be insect bites, something in the eye and small scraps and cuts. Read more about which first aid items you should have for a Boxer dog Outer Gear - Optional, Based on Needs Many Boxers do just fine without any sort of additional layers via jackets or coats. However, some don't. Puppies, senior dogs, or those that are ill or recovering may have an intolerance to the cold. Additionally, just about any otherwise healthy dog can need some help during super harsh weather. If your Boxer is having a hard time in the winter and this is interfering with meeting exercise requirements or is getting in the way of house training, you may want to check into this. If so, read more about clothing for Boxer dogs. Supplements - Optional, Based on Needs If you are feeding your Boxer a high quality food, vitamins and minerals are already added to the mix. However, if you are offering a mainly home cooked diet which is great , you have to be the one to add in a complete vitamin and mineral supplement.

They are outgoing, active and affectionate companions who have a lot of energy and love making their owner happy. They have strong retrieving instincts as they were bred to be gun dogs, so they love both soft toys and diving into bodies of water. It is highly unusual for the puppy's owner to care for them during this time and is best left to a responsible, reputable breeder. Your puppy's body will double in weight as their muscles, organs and bones develop. Nutrition During the neonatal stage, your Labrador puppy will get most of their nutrition from their mother's milk. At around 4 weeks you may wish to introduce a mush of minced protein such as beef, but always consult your vet first before changing your puppy's diet at this stage. Health During this time it is important to monitor your Lab for any infections, diseases or birth defects. Puppies are unable to urinate or defecate by themselves initially, so their mother helps them but may additionally require your assistance. Keep your vet's contact details close by and educate yourself thoroughly on this stage of puppy development. By the end of this period, your puppy will be mobile and will explore the world mouth first — be sure to keep choking hazards and toxic foods out of their reach. Behaviour During most of this time your Labrador puppy will be asleep or inactive, but they will soon be playing with their brothers and sisters. After weeks they will go through as much sensory development as a human baby does in a few months. It is important to avoid disturbing the puppies' mother as she will be likely be protective, but some interaction with the young pups is normal so they become used to human touch. This is a formative time for your puppy and will be when they learn to walk, play, bite, hold their bladder, and interact with others. You will soon notice their attentiveness to you and their intense love of play — many Labs keep this caring and fun attitude for their whole lives if you foster it. Nutrition During the weaning stage, you should slowly introduce into their diet a nutritionally complete dog food which is appropriate to your Labrador's large size and young age. Labs are notoriously greedy and will quickly gobble down food and snatch treats from hands. You should familiarise yourself with lists of toxic foods and plants to avoid and hide as your puppy will soon find ways to get into forbidden snacks found only in bins. Labradors puppies instinctively like to 'dig' inside their water bowls so much of their water will end up on the ground. Make sure to get your puppy used to touching inside their small ears as they are prone to ear infections and will need regular checkups. Behaviour Due to the changes in their environment, your Labrador puppy will likely be under a significant amount of stress. It's important that you provide lots of attention and positive reinforcement for good behaviour at this time to establish boundaries early. Labradors are eager to love anyone but can be overbearing, so you should introduce them to a number of different people and environments so that they are not overwhelmed with excitement later in life. PUPPY By the time your Labrador Retriever reaches puppyhood their personality will be well developed and you will have established a loving, social friend who wants to maximise time with you and others. Your Labrador puppy will do well socially and behaviourally from puppy training classes as long as treats are involved. Nutrition Your Labrador puppy's diet should be based around a high quality, nutritionally complete puppy food. You may also wish to introduce them to fresh, lean raw meat — however, don't feed your puppy any meat you would not feed to a fellow human being. Bloat is potentially fatal but can be combatted by feeding your dog two smaller meals per day, a habit you should start while they are a puppy. A rough guide is that they should exercise for minutes per day and less after 5 years when many lose their appetite for long marathons of activity. Your pup will need brushing every few days, with more frequent grooming during seasonal changes to combat shedding. Bathing should be infrequent as this can damage the waterproofing of their coats, however, you should wash them after swimming or rolling in muck. After around 8 weeks your puppy will be due for some vaccinations, so they will need a checkup at the vet and to arrange for boosters after that. Studies showed that dogs supplemented with a diet of bovine colostrum had a quicker and stronger immune system response to CDV vaccine as compared to dogs fed a control diet. Colostrum supplemented dogs maintained a higher antibody level even after 40 weeks A diet supplemented with Colostrum helps bridge the immunity gap in puppies that occurs between 3 weeks and 5 months of age. Behaviour Do not be complacent with training your Labrador puppy — almost all are very gentle and well behaved, but this does not mean that training is unnecessary. Labs are very loving and patient with all that they meet, but they often do not know their own size. To combat this, they should be trained in how to act around small dogs and children to avoid intimidation or accidental injury. They will also benefit from obedience training to drop things from their mouths, avoid rushing across busy streets and make sure they come when called. Recommended Articles. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Once they reach eight weeks, changing to dry kibble food is best. We recommend feeding a Labrador puppy dry kibble for the first months before changing to an adult food type. But to remain healthy, owners should know what to feed them. Dog owners should feed a Labrador puppy dry food kibble , wet food, or fresh human food, depending on their budget and lifestyle. There are many options for food for dogs, and it can become challenging to determine which one is the best option for the dog. We have found the best options and listed them below. They help us with our daily tasks, are always there when we need them, and bring great joy to our lives. But, it is essential to ensure that our dog gets the best nutrition possible. They have a lot of energy and need to be fed accordingly. This includes the number of calories, food type, and the number of meals per day. We will explain all of these factors to help understand what to feed these precious animals. A Labrador puppy needs high-quality protein in their diet, so they should not be fed just any type of food. This is why we recommend three food options: dry food or kibble, fresh food or human food, or wet food. We prefer using dry food or kibble in most cases, but it is beneficial to start with wet food for young puppies and transition to dry food after a few weeks. Feeding a puppy human food is possible, but it can be more expensive and requires extra work to stick to a cleaner diet at this age. We have found it to be a healthier and more convenient option for our pets. It is also a good alternative to wet food which can be difficult to store and prepare. The benefits of dry dog food are that it offers the pup a balanced diet that doesn't need refrigeration. It also offers convenience because we can buy it in bulk and store it in the pantry or freezer until needed. Dry dog food is also less expensive than wet food, which is another benefit for pet owners. Fresh Food Human Food Feeding a Labrador puppy a diet of fresh, real human food is one of the best things to do for their health and well-being. It will not only make them happy and content, but it will also keep them healthy. This eliminates the guessing game; they are only fed real, natural foods with no unknown ingredients. However, it will become expensive and require regular cooking and preparation. Wet Food Wet food is recommended for Labrador puppies when they are first born and for the first weeks while they grow. It can be either raw or cooked. Wet food is a good source of water and minerals, which are important in the early days of their life to help them grow strong bones and teeth. It should be given to a puppy as soon as it comes out of its mother's womb, but it must not be given before it starts eating solid foods because it will cause diarrhea. Once they get more mature, moving to kibbles is best. It is known for its low level of grain and carbohydrate content and high protein content. Once they reach the week mark, there are better options to help the puppy continue to develop and grow. This food also helps with digestion and weight management. It also promotes proper bone growth with antioxidants and necessary nutrients like vitamin E. The kibble is also shaped strategically to help puppies who chew fast while helping with jaw growth. Overall, this is the best food option for a Labrador puppy. It is designed for all life stages, from puppies to seniors, and we love the benefits it provides to younger labs. The product features a blend of highly digestible proteins, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, taurine, and glucosamine. This ensures the dog gets the nutrition they need while also reducing the risk of digestive tract problems such as bloat or pancreatitis. It also has a low glycemic index and no corn, wheat, or soy in the recipe. Dog owners can also expect an excellent protein ratio when using this food. Both veterinarians and nutritionists have recognized it for its high-quality ingredients for young puppies. The Acana High Protein formula is made with a blend of chicken, turkey, and fish meals, whole eggs, and natural beef or lamb meal. The product has a limited ingredient list with no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. It also has no added sugar and a low glycemic index. This food also contains probiotics and prebiotics to help the pet maintain a healthy immune system. This is the perfect dry dog food for puppies after eight weeks old. This brand is also very affordable for those who want to feed their dog a healthy diet without breaking the bank. It features a patented recipe that helps to promote healthy digestion, strong teeth and gums, healthy skin and shiny coat, a strong immune system, healthy joints and muscles, and a healthy heart. This is a high-protein food option for Labradors too. It promotes lean muscle growth and improved body health with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics 5. It is made with high-quality ingredients and has a great taste and texture for labs to enjoy. This food is to help with puppy development and is suitable for all Labradors under one-year-old. This wet food provides the perfect balance of healthy proteins to support a dog's growth while providing the energy they need to maintain its fitness levels. This can be fed as a meal or as an occasional snack between meals. It has no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or added sugar. It also contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are important for healthy skin and the dog's coat. They are large, strong, intelligent dogs that need a lot of attention, exercise, and food. These dogs can be picky eaters and usually need a lot of calories because of their size. This is especially true for puppies so they can grow properly and remain healthy due to their increased risk of health issues. Food Type Labrador puppies' most popular dog foods are kibbles and canned wet food. Kibbles are the best option for a puppy because they are easy to chew and digest. Canned food is a good option for pups who have difficulty chewing or digesting dry food and would benefit from a little moisture in their diet. The food type also depends on the owner. Dry food or kibbles are faster to prepare, while serving human food to a lab puppy requires extensive prep time. Nutritional Value When it comes to nutritional value, we want dog food that has high-quality protein and carbohydrates. This will help the puppy grow strong and healthy. This is why we need to take into account the nutritional value, quality of ingredients, and taste. It should be made with all-natural ingredients that are sourced from human-grade materials such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. A brand should have all the essential nutrients for a pup but still, be low in toxic elements and preservatives too. Dietary Restrictions Lastly, consider the dietary restrictions of the Labrador puppy before choosing a dog food option. This includes any allergies or health concerns for the dog and shopping for something that suits them best. For example, lab puppies must reach a certain carbohydrate and protein number daily. Labradors are also known to have allergies, especially young ones, so planning around this is crucial. A puppy should be fed at least three times a day, with a meal size that is appropriate for its body weight. They should also be given small daily snacks to keep them satisfied and happy, including treats to help with training. We feed our puppies the best that we can. We want to give them all the nutrients and vitamins they need. We also want to make sure that they are getting a balanced diet. The most important thing when feeding a Labrador puppy is that they get enough calories from their food every day. In the first weeks, the puppy should eat four smaller daily meals. Once the lab reaches three months, this can be changed to three meals per day. And after months, we recommend two meals per day. The key is not to change the calories much when the meals change but to simply modify the size of each meal to fit the total daily food amount. Feeding a Labrador puppy is not rocket science, but there are some things everybody should know about what to feed them and when to feed them. We have covered this basis, but changes need to be made as they age. This leads to a common question about changing food to fit the needs of a grown adult Labrador. The dog's age will determine how quickly they grow and how much energy they need. Lab puppies can stick with kibbles for up to 12 months. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. Made with real meat and no artificial colors or flavors how much should a lab eat? Allergies Labs can also have allergies. Some dogs may be allergic to wheat, macadamia nuts, etc. It can manifest as a runny nose, high volumes of shedding, rashes on the skin, and so on. Different dietary needs are crucial, especially if they display allergy symptoms. Avoid all types of human foods. You can give your lab puppy supplements You can get great quality adult dog food and puppy kibble from companies like Royal Canin Labrador Retriever, Blue Buffalo, Canidae Grain-Free, etc. Only adult food must be given to labrador retrievers who have crossed 1. Your puppy needs 4 small meals consisting of half a cup of food per meal till he is 2 months old. From 2 to 6 months, he needs 3 meals daily consisting of 1 cup of food per meal. From 6 months onwards , you can give your puppy 2 meals daily of 2 cups of dog food per meal. Is This A Problem? Yes, this is a major problem! Fat dogs are adorable but also extremely unhealthy. An adult labrador retriever should weigh at most pounds. Labs that are fatter than this stand at the risk of obesity, arthritis , and other lifelong diseases. Refrain from feeding your labrador too many dog treats. Onions and garlic: surprisingly, anything in the onion and garlic family is incredibly toxic to dogs. Meat with bones: if not chewed properly, sharp edges can rupture the throat, stomach lining, intestines, and other parts of the digestive tract. Other human foods and beverages to avoid giving your dog are alcohol, sugar, citric fruits, and anything with caffeine. Your labrador retriever should weigh between 55 to 70 pounds at full adulthood. Male labs are heavier than female labs, so they can fall on either side of the optimal weight spectrum. Some healthy treats for your labrador retriever are cut fruits and vegetables. Carrots, celery, cucumber, beetroot, apples, bananas, and berries strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, etc. Dogs also love peanut butter! Veggies dipped in peanut butter also make a great snack for your dog. This is entirely up to you as dog owners. If you have the time and patience to cook meals for your dog, go for it. Store-bought food is easier and is filled with the right nutritional requirements for your lab puppy. On the other hand, with the right recipe, home-cooked food works, too. What Should I Do? A dog growling at you when you go near his food bowl is most commonly a trauma response or a way to protect his food. We often see this with rescues. House training your lab puppy is equally important to avoid food aggression. Labrador Retrievers get piddly after their meals. Dog owners must take out their lab puppy as frequently as they eat sometimes even more often to let their energy out and adult labradors less frequently. A lab puppy needs a ton of exercise. The amount of kibble you should feed your Labrador puppy will vary depending on their age, weight, and activity level. A good rule of thumb is to start with cups of kibble daily and adjust as needed. Best Dog Food For Lab Puppies: The best dog foods for lab puppies include those that are high in protein and low in fillers. The food you should feed a black lab puppy is the same as for any other Labrador puppy. A chocolate lab puppy should be fed the same food as for any other Labrador puppy. A 2-year-old chocolate lab should eat about cups of kibble daily. You should stop feeding puppy food to your Labrador at around months of age. At this point, their growth plates will have closed, and they will no longer need the extra nutrients found in puppy food. Labradors live for years. They start to slow down around 7 and may develop some health problems in their senior years. You should also increase their exercise level. Lab breeders feed their dogs high-quality dog food specifically formulated for large-breed puppies. A lab puppy should drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. This amount may increase as they get older and more active. A labrador needs at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This can be a combination of walking, running, and playing. Golden labs live for years. Chocolate labs live for years same like labs of any color. Labradors lose their baby teeth between 3 and 6 months of age. You can start to transition your puppy to eating twice a day at around 6 months of age. By the time they are 1 year old, they should eat only once daily. You should stop feeding your large breed puppy food at around 18 months of age. Why Are Labs So Hungry? Labradors are a very active breed of dog, and they need a lot of calories to fuel their energy levels. They are also prone to gaining weight, so keep a close eye on their food intake About The Author Shradha Kabra Shradha is a seasoned writer at Labradorandyou. Her experience as a pet owner and dog enthusiast drives her to create meticulously researched and fact-checked content, offering valuable insights on Labrador training, grooming, and health. Each article reflects Shradha's passion and dedication, enriched by personal experiences with her beloved Labradors, Tom, and Kurt. Whether exploring breed-specific training techniques or providing product reviews, Shradha ensures Labrador owners receive the most accurate, up-to-date, and trustworthy information, aimed at enhancing their companions' health and happiness. Remember, Labs do not have a natural food intake regulator so you will need to monitor them with portion control. Using a cheaper brand is a poor option at half the price. You will use twice as much and you will have to clean up larger amounts of waste in your yard. To allow for an accurate control of body weight and growth rate, this amount of food can be dispensed over 3 meals per day. After 5 months of age, the feeding regularity can be reduced to two meals per day with the commensurate increase in food quantity. The amount of food a Labrador puppy requires will increase then level out during first 14 months of their life. At months, their bone density is increasing and their growth plates are set. We do not recommend desexing you pup until at least 3 years of age. This allows for an appropriate development and supply of hormone which in turn produces proper bone, muscle and vital organ development. Table foods dispensed randomly to dogs are not nutritionally balanced. We do not offer our dogs table food at all. There will be no problems if you are feeding a puppy with a homemade diet but it should be prepared from prescribed recipes that are nutritionally complete and balanced. Diets consisting of an unplanned and indiscriminate mixture of human foods particularly including carbohydrates will likely result in obesity and even dietary-induced disease. When you Lab reaches 14months of age, it should be given an adult food that contains less energy and calcium. This will decrease the risk of obesity and orthopaedic conditions. And do not feed them coffee or tea as they can contain caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. These toxic substances can dangerously affect the heart and nervous system. Onions, garlic, raisins and grapes can be severely toxic in labradors. Raw meat is potential source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria for your puppy. Eggs yokes are an excellent source of protein. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin a B vitamin. This can, in extreme cease, lead to skin and coat problems. Liver contains higher levels of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Raw liver can be a source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria. Excessive amounts of liver can cause Vitamin A toxicity. Raw bone chewing will control tartar buildup on a pups teeth. However, bone chewing can cause intestinal blockages and perforations. Never use cooked bones. Commercial Puppy Foods Most commercial puppy foods are designated for small, medium, large and giant breeds. This designation can be found on the label. Puppies of medium sized breeds are less than '25 kg fully grown adult body weight'. A full grown and lean Labrador will usually weigh between 25kg and 45kg. We feed our dogs at the 'lower' level of the recommended range. The 'Hills Body Fat Index' is a very helpful body shape indicator. The same food as the bitch You should feed your new puppy with the same brand of food as the bitch received during lactation. From 2 weeks into pregnancy, our expectant mothers are fed 'Royal Canin Labrador Puppy' food. Introducing a new brand of food If you are wanting to introduce a new brand of food to your puppy, then blend it gradually with the existing brand in increasing amounts over 3 days. This should prevent food rejection and any kind of gastric upset. It is best to choose a diet designed for large breed puppies. Selected commercial feeds should contain a limited percentage of filler compounds. Pawlinglabs uses Royal Canin Labrador as our preferred option. Growing labradors Labrador pups have a very steep growth curve, and their total daily energy needs do increase as they grow. Calculate the amount of puppy food that will satisfy that need. The feeding guidelines on the commercial pet food label provides an estimated quantity of feed for several different ranges in body size. These instructions will give you an estimated starting point for the particular brand. Medium or large? Medium breeds should be transitioned to an adult diet by 12 months of age, while large breeds between 14 — 18 months of age. Mature female labradors are medium and weight approx kg. Mature males are large and weight approx kg. Their calcium and energy content should not exceed that level recommended by a registered nutritionalist. Sound skeletal development Sound skeletal development in labradors is produced by the interaction of genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. The phase prior to weaning and the growth phase, up to 14 months are integral to sound skeletal structure. Don't take your young pup on extended distance walks and certainly not 'running' until at least 18mths of age. You must avoid stairs and slippery floors for the same reasons. Their growth plates are set at about mths of age. Feeding and Overfeeding Large breeds like Labradors are the most susceptible to skeletal disease. Feed consumption, nutrients balance and feeding methods influence our ability to produce sound skeletal development and eliminate skeletal disease. Appropriate food consumption and nutrition plays a critical role in bone development. Overfeeding will not increase or benefit the growth rate of young and growing labrador puppies. And it does not correlate with optimal adult size. However, it does increase the risk of skeletal abnormalities. The vast majority of skeletal disorders occur in large breeds including labradors and they are associated with consumption of table food and an excessive intake of a commercial food and supplementation. The large breeds like labradors are limited in their ability to cope with an excess of minerals such as calcium. The result of this over consumption is abnormal bone development and skeletal disorders. Nutritional management will be critical in the to prevention of bone and joint diseases. In most cases, skeletal disease can prevented by appropriate quantities of feed in a regulated diet with optimal nutrient levels. A complete and balanced commercial diet is essential. Dietary deficiencies will be of little concern if your labrador pup is fed with a complete and balanced commercial diet. Brands like Eukanuba and Royal Canin are specifically formulated for young, growing labradors. There is real potential for harm by over feeding and giving additional supplementation. Housing safety and activity levels Housing safety and activity levels are under the your influence. Nutrition is also under your control and it is the single most important factor affecting the development of the musculoskeletal system. Energy, protein, and calcium are the critical nutritional components affecting skeletal development. However, if they are given in excess, they will be detrimental to normal bone and joint growth. Most pet owners feed commercial dog food. These prepared diets are balanced and complete. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. The source of protein matters when considering a high-quality diet. FATS The rest of the diet should be made up of fats, carbs, and vitamins. Labs need to have a correct protein -to-fat ratio, where protein takes the lead. Dogs tend to convert fat into glucose, so this is an important source of energy. Dogs rely mostly on protein and fats, but carbs are necessary. That said, a low carb diet is best for puppies. However, you still need the right percentage of carbs, since this gives your dog the sensation of being full. These include starches, fibers, and sugars. Try to opt for more complex carbs like starchy grain and veggies because these are easier to digest. Your Lab puppy will thrive when his or her diet includes: Vitamin B12 especially during puppy development , Vitamins A and E, C, Vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium, Potassium Each of these required vitamins and minerals contributes to a healthy, happy, and energetic puppy. They also help offset issues like obesity. Vitamins A and E are important because they help your dog burn calories and promote eye and skin health. Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, on the other hand, are part of a trifecta that works to strengthen teeth and bones. Potassium is a heart health-preserver. Labs with poor genetics are especially prone to orthopedic issues. Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are common health problems for this breed. Glucosamine, an amino-sugar, together with chondroitin sulfate, helps replace and support naturally degrading cartilage during old age. Recently,"grain-free" foods are being championed as a preferred and even high-quality form of dog food. That's, not the whole story. An investigation launched by the FDA revealed that there are potential links between a form of canine heart disease and grain-free foods. So far, researchers have provided an update to this researchers have provided an update to this research staring that the issue may not just be grain-free diets. Grain-free may be part of other trends knows as "BEG"- boutique companies. Puppy diets don't' need to be complicated. They also don't need to include ingredients that humans might enjoy. Enjoyment doesn't necessarily bring any nutritional value to your puppy's development. Keep it simple, using the guidelines for fats, proteins, and carbs above and don't shy away from food with grains in them. It's not their presence that's a problem it's often the ratio. There shouldn't be more carbs or grains than protein. Nor does including only legumes, seeds, lentils, or chickpeas as the primary ingredients make the food more superior. It's perfectly healthy to include complex carb sources like starchy rice and other grains. Grain-free isn't and shouldn't be a qualifying factor for your choice in puppy food. Feeding Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is dried, pelleted food that stores well is easy to eat, and is pre-formulated with everything your puppy needs to thrive and grow in his early developmental months. There are plenty of popular brands that don't measure up to the Snowy Pines standard. That's why it's so vital for you to learn how to read puppy food labels. Puppies should stick with "puppy stage" food, while adults should stick to bags marked "adults. Instead, your dog should have regular bowel movements, allowing them to absorb all the nutrients available. You should also keep in mind that caloric intake is calculated a little differently for puppies. Kibble diets are measured by how many calories the proteins, fats, and carbs represent for each gram. For puppies, this should be 3. Sticking to these ratios will help ensure your kibble choice is a healthy one. It's also important to note that kibble calories are often higher when compared to wet food. If it's high-quality wet food, it won't have as much fat to preserve it, which means fewer calories. You may have to supplement with dry food, especially if you're trying to keep the calories of carbs, proteins, and fats in the right per-gram ratio. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing 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, you can 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 a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still 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 at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador 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, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 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, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors 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 may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large 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. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador 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 Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab 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.

The philosophy behind Indian Trail Golden Retrievers is to produce home-raised puppies where each puppy is given individual attention. Five Golden Retriever puppies bathed in a large basin. They consider themselves neither a puppy farm nor a commercial breeder, but small, dedicated Golden Retriever owners. They have excellent reviews on their website and are certainly breeding Goldens for the right reasons. They make sure all pups receive their first vaccinations like parvo, worming, and DHLPP vaccine, and that they are all vet-certified for health. Their dogs are all health tested before breeding and they all have OFA certificates for hip, eye, elbow, NCL, and heart. Raising their puppies at home, they do not keep the dogs in kennels and all their puppies and dogs are AKC-registered. Puppies are raised in their Connecticut home and are constantly exposed to household sounds such as vacuum cleaners and phones from an early age, so they get used to them and adjust well before going to their new home. They have plenty of useful information on their website on how to prepare for getting a new pup and things to think about before receiving it in your home. They educate their audience on the crucial advice in choosing a puppy , preparing a pet-friendly home in advance, and the best foods on the market to feed puppies. Indian Trail Golden Retrievers love to receive pictures and news on how the pup is doing in their new home, and all this is posted on their testimonials page. They also offer a lifetime of support for all adopted puppies. Puppies can be reserved by filling in their online application form, and you will be given information on prices after applying. Be aware that any applications made now will apply to litters born in since they have no availability for any litters born in .The pups are raised as part of the family and are nurtured and loved, so no kennels are involved! Golden Retriever family lying on the grass. This creates a loving atmosphere where extremely sociable pups grow into happy, well-tempered adults as they get loads of early socialization and all the attention they need. The puppies are vaccinated and undergo an extensive health test before they go to their forever homes, making sure that they are in tip-top shape. The Golden Gals work together with a licensed vet to make sure health checks are of the best quality. Their adult dogs come from the finest bloodlines and are imported from multiple countries like Serbia, Ukraine, and Russia. Each pup comes with a checklist of recommendations from The Golden Gals, which prepares you to welcome your new puppy. They will also give you the schedule they have followed with the puppy since they were born so you can replicate the routine the pup is already used to. This makes the transition easier and your new Golden bestie will adapt to their new home more easily. There is an extensive testimonials tab on their website where all the reviews give the Golden Gals five stars. Contact Details:. Welcome to Crane Hollow Goldens. About Our Dogs All of our dogs come from excellent pedigrees with champion lines, sweet, gentle, very friendly temperaments, with great looks. Our dogs and puppies are surrounded by attention and love from day one, and we socialize our pups from birth to help ensure that you get the sweetest addition to your family. Most of our breeding dogs have OFA hip, elbow, eye and heart clearances. In the United Kingdom and most countries around the world, they are recognized by this name because of their attractive coats and gentle temperament. Our dogs are all AKC credentialed, have been trained and have gentle and well mannered temperaments. We use call names for our dogs and not their given names for the simple reason it makes them easier to train. For more information on their given names, feel free to contact us. Because of our own personal preferences, we made the decision long ago to focus our breeding efforts on the Light Golden category of the breed. Our Caring Approach We treat our mom and dad dogs and puppies as they are part of our family, and we look for adoptive families that will do the same. We specialize in matching the right puppy to your home, and we recommend the pup for you based on your family, lifestyle and activities. Offering a beautiful country setting great for raising dogs, where located in Oakville, Connecticut, in Litchfield County. We are about a 30 minute drive southeast from where the Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York state lines meet, and about 45 minutes northwest of downtown Hartford. Contact us today for your golden retriever puppy or stud service needs. Share this:. She is a petite girl and is interested in everything. She loves people and is kind of our mascot as she loves to greet each visitor that drives in the yard. An excellent mother and very patient. Bailey enjoys carrying toys around and arranging them in the yard to her liking. She is rarely without something in her mouth and will even dig up stones and arrange them in neat rows. She is a strong, robust dog with boundless energy, always ready and alert, looking for adventure. She craves attention and is an excellent mother. She whelped 12 puppies in a few short hours last year, and was running around the yard an hour later. Nothing seems to bother her, just a great dog. We also recently spoke with her breeder in New York and found that her parents are in good health and her grandmother is still living at 14 - 15 years of age. Some of her other family members are 10 and 12 years old and in good health as well. She was our first dog and is sweet and healthy. She is the undisputed boss on our farm, which she maintains in a quiet, gentle way. We have never seen her behave aggressively to another dog, or human but the other dogs know she is queen! She is devoted to her people and will rarely leave your side even when other dogs are running around. She stares up into your face adoringly and will quietly sit by your feet and wait for you. She is such a pretty girl with a beautiful coat. She gets along very well with other dogs and is very easy to have around. She loves to be petted and will stand as still as a stone as long as she is getting attention. She can be a little reserved at first but once she feels comfortable with you, she is playful and loves to prance about in the yard. She has many champions in her pedigree and was born at the well-known Clear Passion Kennel in Romania. Learn more about Honey Goldie Goldie is our biggest and most striking dog. She has a rare beauty standing straight and tall as if she knows that she is something special. She seems to realize her superiority and will insist on having your attention. We have no doubt that she will be able to produce show winning puppies. She has many champions in her lineage. She is very intelligent and a leader but quiet and meek like her mother. She loves everyone including visitors, and will quietly rest at your feet or even on your feet! Everyone that has met her, instantly loves her. Learn more about Belle Lacey Lacey is an extreme extrovert and loves attention from all people and other dogs. She is always front and center on every occasion. Lacey comes from a very impressive line of international , national, and world champions. At 6 years old she is still very youthful and energetic. Fill out a Puppy Application Eye Testing our Golden's eyes is important to their overall health and well-being. These eye examinations can help identify any potential problems that may arise, and help to ensure that our canine companions have healthy eyesight for years to come. Testing Heart By testing the heart, veterinarians can detect diseases, abnormal rhythms, and other complications before they become serious. Dogs can be tested at 12 months of age or older and certified by the OFA for use in breeding. The OFA certifies dogs at 24 months of age or older for use in breeding. Elbows are one of the most commonly used joints in a dog's body, allowing them to move, stand, and run with ease. When a dog's elbows are healthy, it helps to ensure that it can move and perform activities without pain or discomfort. Hip Hip Dysplasia is a common problem in large breed dogs. This is an abnormal formation of the hip joint that can cause lameness, pain, and arthritis. Dogs can be certified by the OFA at 24 months of age or older and approved for breeding. This gives the puppies a good start to a long healthy life. Please visit personal dog pages for individual testing. Locally bred and raised in a loving home by caring Golden Retriever breeders for over 20 years. Whelped at home, not exposed to harsh environments or cages and loved by the owners and their grandkids! Golden Retriever Puppies are the ultimate family dogs. Click here to see our recent puppies! Their sweet disposition and desire to please make this breed a perfect choice for your home. Our Connecticut Golden Retriever breeding dogs are raised in our Connecticut home and not in kennels. Our Golden Retriever Puppies are already familiar with typical everyday sounds, such as washers, vacuums, telephones, etc. These pups are well on their way to adjusting and thriving in your household. Breedings of our Golden Retrievers are carefully selected to produce the best attributes of both show and obedience champions. Every litter of puppies is coordinated to give the puppies the best experience in starting their new life. We raise them in our home and tend to them constantly to ensure their care, cleanliness and early development. Here are some reasons why dog owners choose Indian Trail Golden Retrievers for their next puppy: Our Connecticut Puppies are "home" raised. We give each puppy individual attention. We are not a "Puppy Farm" or "Commercial Breeder". Instead, we are knowledgeable Golden Retriever owners for over 27 years. We have been raising puppies since in Connecticut and have never had an unhappy client. All puppies are vet certified for health. Most come from championship lines and we own the dams. What are the steps to ownership of your puppy? We suggest a few helpful things to consider before you make your family complete with a sweet lovable Golden Retriever puppy. Prepare your home in advance to be pet friendly and aid in housebreaking Prepare to feed your Golden Retriever Puppy the best nutritional food available Plan Ahead! Most Golden Retriever families register for their new puppy at least six months in advance. It is important that you register to ensure the greatest chance of a perfect match for your family. If you live in Connecticut and you are looking for the perfect dog to be your pet, the Golden Retriever is an easy recommendation. They remain as one of the most popular dog breeds not just in CT, but in the entire country due to a number of reasons. The breed is known to be expressive and trustworthy, making them suitable as family dogs despite being a slightly large breed. Their bark is also more welcoming than threatening. You can get any golden retriever and just enroll him in our obedience classes. Large and athletic — their large build and boundless energy make them ideal companions to people who want a dog to play around with and accompany on walks. Friendly to other animals — if you have other pet dogs and other pet animals, a golden retriever will not be too much trouble as they can coexist with other pets, and will take kindly to other animals and young kids. Different Colors of Golden Retrievers People who want to buy a golden retriever will be able to choose between different colors of coat. The most common ones are English cream, but there are also red light or dark , Irish cream, white, brown, mahogany, and dark colored. Their coat will also come in different types. You will find retrievers who have a short hair, ones that have long hair, and many who have fluffy coats, making them look extremely cute and huggable not to mention much larger than they really are. Types of Golden Retrievers There are different types of golden retrievers. Their common traits tend to be their large, strong bodies and dense, wavy coat. But they have a long history of pedigree breeding and so have been segmented into different regional variations. There are three common types, each with their own distinctive characteristics. British This type is very common throughout Europe, particularly in Austria. Out of the three major types of the breed, the British ones are the biggest because they have been bred to have broader skulls and more balanced, muscular bodies. Out of all the three major types, the British Golden Retrievers are the closest to their origins as hunting and gun dogs because of their large musculature and great endurance. American This type is leaner and less muscular than the other types, with coat that take on much darker colors that feather really well. The American golden retrievers are well sought because of their distinct walking patterns, which tend to take on a free, smooth, and powerful trot due to the fact that their feet have a tendency to converge towards the center of their line of balance. While they tend to be of the same size as Canadian types, they tend to look taller due to their leaner musculature and straighter stance, not to mention the coat that tends to hug the body better. Considerations for Owning a Golden Retriever Owning a dog is a big responsibility, and is not something that should be taken as lightly as one would when it comes to buying an appliance or a toy. Golden retrievers are very loyal, loving, and fun to be around, but they have specific needs and quirks that you need to consider before buying one. You Need to Have the Room If you live in a small shack with narrow spaces and lots of tight corners to bump into, you may want to think twice because goldens are medium to large-sized dogs that can have as much as 24 inches at the shoulder and could grow as heavy as 75 pounds. They have very active tails that can easily sweep cups or vases off tables when excited. You will have to ensure that your house is uncluttered if you want a golden in your life. You Have to Be Physically Active as Well These dogs were originally bred for hunting and sports, so they tend to have a lot of stamina and will require at least 20 to 30 minutes of consistent exercise daily. They are susceptible to depression and separation anxiety if left alone all day, so make sure you are able to make yourself or a family member present for her at least every 5 hours. Hide Your Shoes Goldens are excessively playful, and they have been bred to carry things with their mouth. This results in a breed that will chew on just about anything that they can clamp their mouths to — shoes being the most common. So if you are planning to own a Golden, you have to keep your shoes, telephones, game consoles, pillows, toys out of reach. Neutering Can Pose Health Risks to a Golden Experts at the University of California have conducted research that point to neutering having negative effects on the health of a Golden Retriever. Some of the likely complications include increased risk of getting joint disorders and cancer. So if you want a golden and want to prevent it from breeding, you have to consider alternative methods such as tubal ligation or vasectomy. Health Risks for Goldens As with most large breeds, there are specific health concerns that you need to be wary of. They are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as eye disorders. Goldens are too nice to be guard dogs. They may growl and bark protectively, but an intruder has a chance of pacifying them because they are just that nice. Really Good Reasons to Own a Goldie Despite the somewhat lengthy, detailed list of concerns above, a golden retriever is still one of the most recommended dog breeds for Connecticut families due to a number of reasons: Safe Around Kids — The part about not being aggressive enough to be a guard dog? Kids that young are never to be left alone, dog or no dog. Perpetually Clingy — this type of dog is perfect for people who want something to hug and cuddle with regularly. They are eternal puppies who will always love to run to your arms and greet you with a hug. They can adapt well to the presence of other people and animals, including cats, rabbits, and other animals that normally pick fights with dogs. Very Smart — they are not going to help you do taxes anytime soon, but as far as dogs are concerned golden retrievers are very smart. Being bred to hunt and retrieve, they can be easily trained to do basic dog-related tasks and tricks. They can be trained to serve as companions to limited-ability pet owners. It should be easy to know if a Golden Retriever will find a place in your home, based on the pros and cons outlined above. One important thing to remember is that all dogs, regardless of breed, will require attention, care, and love from their owner. If you can provide those, then the rest will naturally follow and you should be able to spend many exciting years with your pet. In addition to our selection of designer and purebred puppies for sale, we offer expert dog training, professional pet grooming and the best pet supplies, pet foods and pet products available at the low prices. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Connecticut Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Connecticut? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Connecticut? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Questions about Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Connecticut? We have answers. Give me an overview of Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Connecticut. CT Golden Retriever breeders may have different price points depending on a number of factors, including breeder experience, coat color red Golden Retriever puppies CT , pedigree, and more. Because we know that price is often an important consideration when choosing a breeder, part of our MatchMaker process ensures matching you with pups who fit your budget, too. What if that are no Golden Retriever Connecticut breeders near me? The Uptown network includes businesses and breeders from all across the Continental US, all with experience arranging travel for puppies to any major airport in the Lower .Uptown has strict standards regarding the breeders and businesses who join our network. Uptown breeders and companies pledge to maintain awesome breeding facilities, comply with legal requirements, care for their animals, and much more—see our Pledge for more details. What is a puppy mill? Sadly, there are a lot of people out there who value money a lot more than they value the health and wellbeing of their puppies. How do I know I can trust you? We know you have countless choices for finding Golden Retriever puppies, and we want to make your decision as easy as humanly possible. Uptown promises to never work with puppy mills or unethical breeders—just take a peek at some of our Puppy Alumni to see the difference a bit of love can make. It was established in .This breeder does not own a kennel. Their dogs grow up at home. They are members of the Golden Retriever Club of America. Abalee Golden Retrievers focus on temperament and health. The breeder does not allow aggressive dogs to be part of their breeding program. They socialize their dogs well. They try to use as less chemicals as possible. So, the puppies get only a few vaccinations. They run a basic blood test to check the immunity of their adult dogs. Their pups are not exposed to any flea or tick medicines. These private breeders offer champion golden puppies. They believe that dogs are pack animals. So they do not own a kennel. The dogs grow up at home. They focus on quality over quantity. They are also NCL certified. Address: 79 Indian Trail, Vernon, Connecticut Powderhill Goldens They follow strict breeding practices and offer healthy puppies. The golden parents are DNA tested. They follow TCI breeding guidelines. All the puppies receive their first shots here. They also get de-wormed before leaving for their new home. Their pups are microchipped. Your pup comes with a certificate of health. They also give you a handsome new collar. Their Golden Retrievers have shown their merits in various shows. They are also great companions. This breeder follows three main rules for breeding. The parent dogs are free of genetic health problems. They breed dogs with calm temperaments. The dogs are active and energetic, too. The dogs meet the highest standard in terms of looks and agility. Golden retrievers are loving and loyal to their owners. Bring home a healthy pup from one of these top Golden Retriever breeders.

Brushing is important for all dogs, but especially for poodles. Poodle hair can easily get matted together as the dog sheds, and for this reason, it is often recommended that poodles with long hair be brushed every day. Brushing once or twice every week is generally acceptable if the dog has shorter hair. Use a slicker brush to gently remove thick tangles and mats. It's important to remove mats whenever you find them, as they can pull at the skin, causing discomfort to your pet. Because of the way they shed their hair, poodles are prone to matting if they go for long periods without grooming. In extreme cases, matting can cause skin infections that are painful for your pet. Marie has over 10 years of pet grooming experience specializing in dogs and cats. Marie Lin Licensed Pet Groomer Expert Warning: If you have to cut out a thick mat, use scissors to cut through in the direction of the hair growth—not across! Also, be sure you can see the pointed tip of the scissors before you cut, to ensure you don't cut the dog's skin. Afterward, the mat should be loose enough to be combed out. You should be sure to bathe your dog before trimming him with clippers, as dirty or overly oily fur can prematurely dull your clipper blades. The ASPCA recommends bathing your dog every three months or so unless more frequent baths are required. Some dogs treasure bath time, while others dislike being bathed. If your dog does not enjoy bathing, you may want to get a helper to aid you in keeping the dog in the tub during the bath. Use a cup or a pitcher to flush water all over your poodle from head to tail. If you massage your poodle's back while rubbing in the shampoo, he may enjoy the bath a bit more. Use a shampoo specifically made for dogs. Continue rinsing with clean water until the water runs clear and no longer appears soapy. It's important to clean inside and under your dog's ears to prevent bacteria, yeast, and parasites from living there. Use a toothbrush to gently remove plaque buildup around the base of your poodle's teeth. Choose a toothpaste made specifically for dogs. Your poodle will inevitably swallow some of the toothpaste, and human toothpaste can upset your dog's stomach. Brush gently. Remember, your dog may not be used to having its gums rubbed. Brushing too hard or fast can cause pain to your poodle's sensitive gums. Be consistent with your poodle's dental care. Brushing your dog's teeth can help prevent tartar buildup, which causes periodontal disease and can lead to potentially-fatal bacterial infections. But you also want to avoid trimming them too short, as this can cause bleeding. A table or elevated surface A towel or non-slip mat You will need to set aside a specific location for grooming before you start. Just make sure it has enough surface area to allow your canine friend to stand and sit comfortably. This is where the towel or non-slip mat comes in. Even athletic and agile dogs like poodles are susceptible to falls. When placed on an elevated surface, always put something under them so they can have a good grip. Bathe 2. Blow-dry 3. Brush Starting without having done these three things first is setting yourself and your pup , up for a world of hurt. Not to mention frustration… You need clean hair that is completely dried before starting. Once you have blow-dried your poodle all over, you can begin to brush their hair out. This is an essential step as tangles will get caught in the clippers. This leads to uneven trims or painful snagging of the hair. These are places like their armpits, elbows, behind the ears, and feet. Use that stainless steel comb for the brushing. Always start with their paws. From there, you can work your way up. Using the utmost care, set the clippers to the shortest setting, or a .Shave away the hair on the top part of the paw. Then, carefully trim any hair that has grown between the paw pads. For paw pads, you may consider using an Andis Pulse Li5 cordless clipper. Be careful not to cut the tender webbing between their toes. Stop about an inch above their toes. This line will mark where you will begin shaving on the top of the paw. Next, change the clippers to a 15, and using a scooping motion, shave the paw up to the line you marked previously. Again, use that scooping motion and shave from the nape of the neck, upwards towards the mouth. Once you finish the neck, shave straight to their inner ear and move down toward the outer corner of their eye. Do this on both sides. Next, clip from its area near the ear, down to the throat where you left off. Continue clipping with a 15 around the eyes. Go slow. Create Calm At this point, either you or the poodle may be feeling a bit nervous. This is especially true if this is your first time grooming a poodle. The key to making this grooming a success is to create calm, for you, your client, and the dog. Offering treats can ensure the grooming turns out as a positive and attractive , experience for both of you. Try and stay calm yourself, and your dog will be more likely to sit still and behave while you take care of them. The poor pup finds this just as unappealing as you do. Set your clippers to a 10 and go slowly. Use that gentle, upward scooping motion and trim around the backside and carefully around the genitals where hair is getting long. Be sure to take breaks if needed to allow the dog to relax. This video may help with more specifics on trimming this area during poodle grooming. Change Your Clipper Before you start clipping or trimming the body of your poodle, you need to switch clippers. Now is the time to use your clippers with the attachment blades and guards. Purchase or borrow , one that is compact. You want to be able to easily grip and adjust the speed of this clipper so your trim comes out even and smooth. Sharpen Your Clippers If you have older clippers, they may have become dull from use. This is a tip that can be done at any point in the grooming process if you find that your clippers are not cutting easily or they seem to have become dull. To sharpen your clippers, simply apply a small amount of olive oil to your finger. With the clippers in the off position preferably unplugged , gently rub a small drop of olive oil across the blade of your clippers. Be careful not to cut your fingers. You only need about the size of a sunflower seed of oil to sharpen up your blade. A sharp blade will also protect your poodle from cuts and scratches. When poodle grooming, you may have to brush the hair again periodically as it can become tangled while other areas are being trimmed. This leads to an uneven cut or weird, long hairs hanging behind. Next, use your blade. Move from the head to the backside in smooth, medium-length motions. Shake Out the Blade You may have seen your own hairdresser do this when shaving or trimming your hair. Sometimes the clippers become clogged with hair while cutting and the stylist must shake the hair free. If this happens, take shorter strokes and break to shake the hair out periodically. Clogged clippers snag the hair and tug painfully. This will prevent them from getting irritated and losing trust in your ability to continue without hurting them. Lift their feet in natural ways when needed. Most of their legs can be trimmed if they are standing still on all four paws. When trimming the legs, start at the hips and move down toward the paws. DaySmart Pet software can help you communicate with your client about their preferences for hair length. You might need a conditioning spray to remove tangles. Using that slicker brush, comb the hair downward. With your fingers as a guide, trim the ends with the grooming shears. You can end with your thinning shears to blend the edges and create a clean edge along the outer ear. Keep track of all your grooming appointments with the DaySmart Pet grooming, daycare, and boarding software. Begin a free trial of the software today and see how managing your appointments can be made easy. Improve your client communications, simplify workflows, and streamline your pet grooming business today! By Yvonne Villasenor Yvonne Villasenor is a freelance writer and animal lover who just so happens to be allergic to cats and dogs. That doesn't stop her from cuddling with them! When Yvonne's not working, you can find her lounging with her charming Chihuahuas, weightlifting, or wandering around Halloween stores. Having such unique and versatile fur means there are countless poodle haircuts for you to choose from, and a professional groomer can give your poodle a makeover with a hairstyle that best matches her personality and lifestyle. With so many options available, learn how your poodle can look like anything from a plush toy to elegant royalty! Teddy Bear Cut The teddy bear cut is a popular trim for poodles and other long-haired breeds. With this look, your poodle has longer hair on her face for a soft, rounded "teddy bear" appearance, and the rest of the fur on her body is cut at a shorter, uniform length throughout. Talk about cuddly cuteness! Summer Cut Because poodles have a single coat, they can enjoy the luxury that comes with it: the summer cut. Known as one of the most low-maintenance poodle haircuts, the summer cut is a practical haircut option that keeps your poodle's fur short so she stays comfortable in hot weather. So if you're looking to cut your hair to beat the heat in the summer, you and your poodle can rock shorter hairdos together! Puppy Cut No matter your poodle's age, you can seemingly turn back time with the puppy cut. Also a popular choice among poodle parents, the puppy cut is a simple, natural-looking trim that leaves your dog with an evenly cut length, typically 1 to 2 inches, all over. This is a highly modifiable look, so consult your groomer for a length that best fits your and your dog's preference and lifestyle. Continental Cut The continental cut is a glamorous and traditional hairstyle often worn by poodle show dogs. With this look, your poodle's face, throat, feet, and part of the tail are shaved. This look is characterized by full hair on the rib cage and chest, pom poms of fur on the tail, ankles, and hips, as well as a banded topknot on the head. German Trim Looking for a haircut that looks fancy but not too fancy? The German trim uses the power of angles to give your poodle a sharp profile. The hair on your furry friend's legs is left long, while the hair on the body and ears is cut short. This is a great option not only if your poodle is more active but also if your pup is prone to ear infections or ear matting. Modern Cut The modern cut is an elegant hairstyle that combines aesthetics with your poodle's natural features. This cut keeps the hair on the body short, accentuating your poodle's shape. The fur on the head, ears, and tail is left longer to create a fluffy appearance. When your dog has such curly, coarse locks, you may wonder how many trips to the groomer you and your poodle may be making. Poodles and poodle-crosses also go through a coat change in the first year of life, so they need to be groomed more often," says Danna Alexander, owner of Prestige Dog Grooming School. To keep mats and tangles at bay, it's best to brush your poodle at least two to three times a week. Toy poodle haircuts aren't off limits for miniature and standard poodles, just as standard poodle haircuts aren't off limits for miniature and toy poodles. While any poodle can sport any style, there may be common options you'd like to choose from. Because there are various names for different types of poodle haircuts, make sure to bring your groomer a photo of the haircut you'd love your pooch to have. Was this page helpful? You will need the following supplies: A good set of clippers A 10 blade and either a 5 or 7F blade A can of Cool Lube to clean and cool the clipper blades periodically as you work Follow the directions on the can. This will make it easier to bathe and blow dry the rest of the coat prior to trimming. Head and Top of the Muzzle With the dog facing you, lightly grip the muzzle to steady the head. Gripping too tightly will make the dog uncomfortable while gripping too lightly won't provide enough control. Using a 10 blade, you'll first cut the hair with the grain which runs from the nose towards the eyes. Clip the entire top half of the muzzle in this fashion. Follow up with light strokes from the corner of eyes to the start of each ear fold. Head and Lower Muzzle Area Once a line is established from the eye to the ear, imagine a V starting at the Adam's apple and ending at the front of each ear fold. With the clipper blade held facing upward, start at the Adam's apple and trim the hair to the ear fold. Remember your V pattern, and repeat on the other side. Next, use the clippers to trim all the hair on that portion of the neck and underneath the muzzle so it all matches. Be careful not to nick your dog's tongue if he licks, or it will bleed. Between the eyes, trim out a small, inverted V from the head fall to give the eyes prominence and accent the stop where the muzzle and head meet. Topknot The topknot is brushed and scissored into either a round cap or an oblong cap, whichever best fits the dog's facial features. Holding the muzzle, gently comb all the topknot hair from the rear of the dog's head forward. Carefully trim the hair straight across while being extremely careful around the eyes. Next, comb the topknot back from the front of the dog's head toward the back of the skull. Trim the hair across in a straight line just as you did when the hair was pulled forward. Repeat this procedure on both sides of the topknot and trim the hair flush with the skull above the ears. Now fluff the hair up, and a manageable square shape will appear. Gently round out the shape and shorten the hair to the length you desire. Shaving the Head If you prefer not to have a topknot, you can shave the top of the head with a 10 blade. This will give your dog a cleaner look. Ears The ears can be brushed out and trimmed neatly around the edges or shaved to match the length of the facial hair. Clip down the ribs from the topline to under the dog to remove the side hair cleanly. You must be extremely careful around the dog's nipples so you don't cut them. Switch back to a 10 blade and clip with the direction of the hair growth to clean the area from the chest to belly. Work very carefully around the genitals and anus. Tail Using the 10 blade, clip the hair from the base of the tail to halfway up, and leave the hair long on the rest of the tail. Gather the long hair, twist it tightly into a hair rope, and then use scissors to cut the end of your rope just about one inch above the tip of tail itself. Shake the tail out, and you'll have a rough circle that you can then shape into a "pom" with finishing shears Are you InTheKnow? Sign up for our newsletter featuring all the latest stories and products we love. Invalid email I agree to receive email communications from LoveToKnow. Trim it with scissors to create a cylinder that blends into the body hair at the shoulders and hips. Or, use same blade 5 or 7F that you used on the body and clip the hair from shoulder to foot for a maintenance-free trim. Feet The feet can be shaped with the scissors to match the body, or you can opt for the traditional hair-free Poodle foot by using a 10 blade to clip against the grain under and on top of the foot. Spread the toes and carefully "scoop" out the hair in between with the clippers. Most dog's feet are ticklish, so take your time. Trim just to the top of the foot where it meets the dog's ankle. Increasing the Curl If you love the look of curly poodle hair, keep a spray bottle of water with you as you work. After you brush your poodle out, give them a gentle misting of water. This will promote more curling of the fur. Bathing Your Poodle Not only will a regular trim help keep your poodle's hair and skin in good condition but a regular bath is also a necessary task for poodle owners. A poodle should be bathed about every four to six weeks. It's important to comb their hair out before you bathe them for best results. Using a Professional Groomer If this all seems a bit overwhelming and you'd prefer to take your dog to a groomer , expect pricing to vary based on several factors. This would include the size of your poodle and the overall condition of their coat and how detailed and fancy you want the cut to be. Perfecting the Art of Poodle Haircuts Learning how to groom a poodle takes some practice, but it is a skill you can master. You should have a basic understanding of how to groom a poodle if you're going to live with one. Remember that mistakes will happen, but the hair will grow back. Just keep trying until you perfect your technique with poodle haircuts. Eventually, you'll be ready to try some more complicated poodle trims. How To Groom A Poodle How to groom a poodle Poodles are one of the most popular breeds of dog, known for their character, intelligence and their signature look. First becoming a registered breed in , they come in three sizes, Toy, Miniature and Standard. How often should a Poodle be groomed? It is recommended that you have your Poodle professionally groomed at least once every six weeks. Poodles are a hypoallergenic dog breed, making them a perfect choice for those with pet hair and dander related allergies. Although they are virtually non-shedders, their dead hair grows out into their coats, where it can tangle up with their newly grown hair and lead to matting. Extremely matted ears can lead to hematomas, this is where delicate blood vessels in the ear burst which can be extremely painful. What are the most popular cuts for a Poodle? Here are the most popular cuts that groomers are often asked for when tasked with styling Toy, Miniature and Standard Poodles: SHOW CUT A traditional Poodle show cut is probably the one most closely associated with the stereotypical look of the breed. When Poodles were used for hunting, the topknot style meant that they could be constantly recognised during the pursuit, whilst their partially shaved bodies kept them lightweight and agile in water. Whether hunter or poseur, the traditional Poodle show cut is mostly reserved for show dogs, with more practical styles being adopted for everyday Poodle pets. There are two acceptable grooming styles for show Poodles, the English Saddle and the Continental. Similar in style, the Continental cut sees the breed being more heavily shaved along the hind quarters. The puppy cut is a great way to maintain a young Poodle's soft, wavy coat before it transitions into curly adult hair. The hair is evenly clipped throughout and the facial features cut short to emphasise that signature teddy bear look. Their faces are also shaven. How to groom a poodle at home It is advised not to groom your poodle at home, but maintaining their coat with essential maintenance and matt removal is important and your Poodle will be much happier and healthier as a result. When it comes to grooming your Poodle, there are some basic tools that you can keep at home to make sure that its coat is maintained in the best way possible. If you have an outdoorsy Poodle, these are essential for those necessary baths that are sometimes needed between grooming sessions. A slicker brush for everyday coat care and removing matts and tangles. A bristle brush for gentle, everyday grooming and for keeping on top of that curly coat. A comb for everyday grooming and possibly after brushing to remove any smaller minor tangles. Good grooming scissors are a great addition for trimming more sensitive areas and removing loose tangles. A blow dryer can be a useful addition to dry the coat before and after grooming. Remember that if your dog is new to being groomed, take time to get them used to the tools, rewarding good behaviour with treats to create positive association. The common length is inches. While you are at it, decide how you want her features tail, face, and legs to appear at the end of the exercise. Take a look at a few pictures online to make the right decision. Hold the blade parallel to her body and cut to your desired length. Work your way to her back, belly, and both sides. Keep checking your work to ensure that there are no blade marks left behind. Step 3 Shave her anal area very carefully. Whichever blade you use, it should never get overheated. Use a coolant if necessary to bring the temperature down. Trim the hairs as short as possible. Step 4 Trim her tail and leg. Here, you may choose to let the tail be or give it a light trim. As for her feet, cut the hairs to the length of the rest of the body for that original puppy cut. Step 5 Finally, trim her ears and face. After cutting the legs, bring your clippers up to her face and clip to the desired length. If you want her ears short, now would be the time to do that. Otherwise, let the hair in her ears remain slightly longer than her body for a stunning look. Step 6. Hold her head with the nose pointing to the sky while stretching the skin to prevent nicks. Repeat the same for the other side of her face. Next, clip the neck region that connects the already trimmed area next to the ear and the throat region. Then run the blade clippers on the corner of her eye down to her nose. Finally, stretch her lips back and work your way to her lips then finish off by sliding the blade around her nose and underneath the chin. What you will need: Blending blade Instructions 1. Trim from the neck and backward to her back, belly, and sides holding the clippers in a parallel motion 2. Shave her anal area the same way as above. Leave her legs and tail uniform and full. To give her a true teddy bear look, let her tail and leg feature a longer and uniform length. Use blending clippers to even the hair out and blend the legs into her body. Trim her face long. Also, blend it into the body using your blending blade. Grooming a puppy is very different from an adult dog. After 10 weeks, you can begin grooming. Take your time and let your dog get used to brushing, and clipping. Starting soon will save you a lot of trouble later on. At first, your Poodle puppy will likely bite and chew on the brush when grooming her. Hang in there; let her know that grooming time is serious business. The time taken to give a poodle a puppy cut depends on a number of factors including her size, length of hair, attitude, and your level of experience. If you have a toy poodle, grooming her will be much faster than a miniature or standard poodle. Additionally, if her hair is long, it will take you much longer to work your way up her entire body. You are lucky if you can get her contained as that will shorten the grooming time substantially. On average, giving your poodle a puppy cut will take you anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. Final Thoughts There it is; a detailed guide on giving your adorable poodle a puppy cut. All you have to do is gather courage, keep your dog contained, and trim carefully. Related Posts:. This will be good practice for later on — for both of you! Yes, haircuts are essential for Poodles. Their thick, long, curly coats are prone to tangling and trapping debris. When will my Poodle puppy need haircuts? Then, at around four months old, they will shed their puppy coats and start to grow out their rougher adult coats. Frequency As a general rule, Poodles should have their coats clipped every weeks once their adult coats grow out, whatever your desired length. This is because they grow so quickly and can become matted just as fast! What equipment should I use? There are three main types of dog grooming scissors; straight scissors, curved scissors, and thinning shears, and they all perform slightly differently. Straight grooming scissors are a multi-task tool, they have straight blades for general, basic grooming, creating straight lines in the coat, and adding the finishing touches to haircuts. Curved dog grooming shear has a curved blade that can be used to fine-tune and shape specific areas of the coat, such as the paws and hindquarters. Thinning shears have a cutting edge on one blade and teeth on the other, and there are also double thinners that have teeth on both blades. They are designed to remove lots of hair in even sections for a natural finish, and they can also be used to blend out the harsh lines from clippers and texturize the coat. Or, if you just need something for the occasional touch-up between visits to the groomer, a simple pair of electrical motor clippers will do just fine. Electric motor clippers are also good for keeping short coats short. You should also be aware of the types of blades that come with clippers. The higher the number of the blade, the more hair that it will remove. Or, you can get guards that fit a single blade to customize the length, which is a lot more convenient. Start by showing them the equipment and getting them used to the sight and sound of it before you cut any hair. Reward them just for being around it and then try cutting a small section of hair. If they react well, reward them again, and then do another section. Keep rewarding them as you go and again after the haircut is finished. Do it in a well-lit, comfortable part of the home that your pup can stand up in. Once you get them into a routine — keep it up! Work your way down the legs first, then from the neck to the hindquarters, or vice versa, and then the tail. Take care with the feet, underside, and head, shielding their eyes from falling fur. Use long strokes and go from the neck down to the back legs. How to deal with grooming anxiety If your pup is afraid of the scissors or clippers, take it really slowly and try to make it an enjoyable experience. You can do this by breaking up the haircut into smaller sessions to make it less stressful and taking breaks in between each one. Give your dog lots of praise and a reward every time you take a break and ask another family member to comfort them during the haircut. You can start brushing your Poodle from any age. To brush them, simply go in the direction of hair growth using short strokes. Hold the fur at the base with your free hand to remove knots, and use a mat remover for any stubborn mats. Bathing a Poodle puppy As for bathing, you should give your Poodle pup their first proper bath at months old to help them shed their puppy coat, unless they get seriously dirty before that. However, you can give your pup a bath any time after weeks of age to get them used to the sensation, but avoid overbathing them, as this will strip the fur of its natural oils and make it dry and brittle. Once they have their adult coats, your Poodle pup will need a bath once a month. You can even buy shampoo that is designed especially for Poodle coats. To give your Poodle a bath, lather up their wet fur with the shampoo, massage it in, leave it for as long as directed on the bottle, and rinse thoroughly. Follow up with conditioner if necessary. Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.

Breeds The link has been copied! Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. As an admirer of one of these lovely furry companions, you may question how much it costs to buy and own a Labrador Retriever. We'll explore the upfront price of purchasing a puppy and the routine costs associated with pet ownership. We'll also cover various factors that can impact the cost of a Lab and provide tips on how to reduce the cost of owning one. The cost of a Lab can vary depending on several factors such as its age, color, purpose show or field , whether it's a purebred, and more. Routine Care Expenses Owning a Labrador Retriever requires some routine care expenses, which should be taken into account when considering the overall cost of having a pet. One of the essential expenses is veterinary care, which includes routine check-ups, vaccinations, and emergency medical care. Labs are prone to specific health issues, such as hip dysplasia , eye problems, and skin allergies, which may require additional medical attention and expenses. Another routine care expense for Labs is feeding. As they are a somewhat larger breed, they require a substantial amount of food to maintain their weight and energy levels. Additionally, treats, chews, and supplements can also be added to their diet, increasing the overall cost of nutrition. Proper grooming and hygiene are essential to keep a Lab healthy and comfortable. Remember that training and behavioral classes may be necessary to ensure your Lab is well-behaved and socialized, which can also be costly. These expenses should be considered when determining if a Lab is the right breed for you and your budget. How much a Labrador Retriever puppy costs depends on multiple factors, such as the breeder's reputation, the location of the pup, the bloodline, and more. Additionally, the cost may increase if the puppy comes with additional services such as health certificates, microchipping , or first vaccinations. Your pup will also need feeding, grooming, and bathing factored into their expenses, as well as beds, toys, chews, leashes, collars, harnesses, and much more. Consider the following: Buying From a Breeder vs. While adopting a Lab may be less expensive, it is essential to note that some shelters may have restrictions and requirements that need to be met before adoption. Keep in mind that the price of a Labrador based on color may vary by region and how popular that specific color is in that location. However, buyers should be cautious and avoid buying from dishonest breeders who may be selling mixed-breed dogs as purebreds. Breeders Reputation Reputable breeders who prioritize health, temperament, and breed standards usually charge more for their puppies. It's crucial to research the breeder thoroughly and ensure that they follow ethical breeding practices before making a purchase. This includes checking their breeding practices, requesting health certificates and pedigrees, and visiting their facilities in person if possible. Buyers should also be cautious of breeders who offer extremely low prices, as that might be a sign of unethical practices. Estimated Size The estimated size of an adult Labrador retriever is around about .Average Price To Buy A Lab Puppy From A Breeder The average price to buy a Lab puppy from a breeder is different from one person to the next, according to the reputation the breeder has in the community, the dog's bloodline, and their location. Again, the color of the Lab plays a significant factor as well. In addition to the cost of the puppy, there are also other expenses associated with owning a Lab. This includes routine care costs such as food, toys, grooming supplies, and veterinary visits for vaccinations and check-ups. Owners should also budget for unexpected expenses such as emergency veterinary care or unexpected illnesses. Remember that a reputable breeder may charge more for their puppies, but they are more likely to provide you with a healthy, well-socialized puppy from a good bloodline. Average Cost To Adopt A Lab Puppy Adopting a Lab puppy is generally less expensive than buying one from a breeder, but the costs can still vary widely. However, it's crucial to research adoption agencies thoroughly to ensure that they are reputable and the dogs are healthy and well-cared for before making a decision. You don't want to bring a sickly pup into your home, just to end up spending more on medical bills than you had anticipated. However, the costs don't stop there. Once you have your furry friend, ongoing expenses include food, vet bills, grooming, and more. In addition, Labs are known for their love of exploration and adventure, which means they have a penchant for getting lost. You don't want to get a new puppy with the understanding that the breed may be high maintenance, and then you lose track of your dog. The collar uses GPS and cellular technology to track your dog's location in real-time, so you can quickly locate your pet if they ever wander off. The collar also includes additional features such as activity monitoring and geofencing to alert you if your dog leaves a designated area. While the initial cost of the collar may seem high, it can save you money in the long run by preventing the loss or theft of your beloved Lab. Labrador Retriever Breed Guide Labrador Retrievers are outgoing and generally have a friendly disposition toward others. They are loyal, affectionate and make excellent family pets. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which makes them great for first-time dog owners. Due to their friendly nature, they also make excellent therapy dogs and are often used in service roles. Labrador Retrievers generally come in three colors: black, chocolate, and yellow. The coat is short, dense, and water-resistant, which makes them excellent swimmers. Labs can be medium to large dogs that weigh about 55 to 80 pounds on average, with the males usually outweighing the females by ten pounds. Typically, they're around two feet tall inches , and the males will have about a one-inch height advantage over the females. The average lifespan for a Labrador Retriever is around 12 years, although some can live up to 14 years. They are all around healthy, but like all dogs, there are specific ailments that you're more likely to encounter with a Lab, like obesity, ear infections, and hip dysplasia. As for lifetime care costs, they can vary depending on factors such as food, vet bills, and grooming expenses. There are several ways to reduce the cost of owning a Labrador Retriever. One option is to adopt a dog from a local shelter or rescue organization. Adopting a dog from a shelter is usually less expensive than buying a puppy from a breeder. Typically, dog shelters will include initial vaccinations, any spaying or neutering services needed, along with essential veterinary care up front. That helps cut down on some of the initial costs that owners usually spend when they first bring a puppy home. However, it's not uncommon that breeders will also at least include the first vaccinations for the pup upon its release to your family. Another option to reduce the cost of owning a Lab is to consider adopting an older dog instead of a puppy. Older dogs may already be trained and require less attention and socialization than a puppy, which can save on training costs and time. Moreover, older dogs may have lower veterinary bills since they may not require as many check-ups or preventative care as a puppy. Finally, another way to save money on the lifetime costs of owning a Labrador Retriever is to invest in preventative care. This includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary check-ups to catch potential health issues early on. While preventive care may require an upfront investment, it can ultimately save money by avoiding expensive medical bills down the line. Final Thoughts: The Cost of Owning a Labrador Retriever Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds to own, but they can be somewhat high maintenance after you bring them into your home. However, there are ways to reduce costs, such as adopting from a shelter or rescue organization, buying an older dog instead of a puppy, and being mindful of routine care costs. Regardless of the price, it's important to protect your Labrador Retriever with a GPS-tracking dog collar like the one offered by Fi, which can provide peace of mind and ensure the safety of your Lab. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. The link has been copied! You might also like. Since the Labrador could grow to a hefty size, its yearly upkeep still falls within the expected price range of other big dogs. Always take your puppy to regular vet checkups, even if it looks like the very picture of health. Though these things are not high on the priority list, consider them nice-to-haves once the budget allows. Besides, we all want the best for our four-legged friends, and that alone is reason enough for most of us! Boarding Kennels: This service is a lifesaver for owners who have to travel for days or weeks at a time and cannot bring their dog along with them. Professional Grooming: As we said earlier, Labrador Retrievers shed a lot, so an afternoon at the groomer will help keep your pooch looking clean and tidy. You can put off spending on these things until the budget allows. However, give some serious thought to investing in an emergency fund, as this would take a big worry off your mind in case of any unexpected trips to the vet. Though it is tempting to buy a dog from pet stores or backyard breeders because of their low puppy prices, getting Lab puppies from a reputable source is still a more responsible and ethical choice. Here is a list of responsible breeders where you can find Labrador puppies for sale: Rhumbline Retrievers — This New York-based kennel has been breeding quality Labrador Retriever puppies since , and a good number of their dogs have participated in agility, obedience, and hunting tests at the national level. Due to their commitment to only breed dogs of the highest quality, they have limited puppies for sale at a time; thus, expect a long waitlist. All their puppies are tested for genetic disorders such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They raise show-quality Labs and have championship bloodline puppies as well. For a more comprehensive list of reputable Labrador Retriever breeders, take a peek at our 10 best Labrador breeders article. All their dogs are fostered and given medical care before being turned over to their new family. Based in Colorado and licensed by the Pet Animal Care Facilities, they foster and provide medical care to Labs until they can get adopted. American Lab Rescue — This organization makes use of foster homes to rehabilitate and care for their rescued dogs. For your adoption application to be approved, they will require a fenced-in yard and will also do a home visit to your place before releasing a dog. Alternatively, you can also check out our top 10 picks of Labrador Retriever Rescues and our dog adoption guide. The Labrador Retriever is popular for its great temperament and personality. Unfortunately, most people fail to expect its high energy level as well, which is why some Labs find themselves in animal shelters. That said, doing your research about the Labrador Retriever before buying or adopting a puppy is necessary to make sure that the Lab is the best dog for you. Money-Saving Tips for Labrador Retriever Owners We all want to give our dog the best life possible, and if we can do that without breaking the bank, then even better! The trick is finding the right balance on which expenses to let go of and which ones to keep. To help you achieve this, here are some money-saving tips for Labrador Retriever owners: DIY dog food and treats. Not only is this a more practical option, but this is also healthier for your dog. Practice your grooming skills. Watch a good tutorial and practice your skills on your pooch. Invest in high-quality supplies. You may want to scrimp on supplies such as food and water bowls, but investing in high-quality and durable essentials will save you more money in the long run. Training Labrador Retrievers is a fairly easy task, even for novice dog owners. A lot of great tutorials can be found on the internet, and being the intelligent dogs that they are, they will learn all their tricks in no time! Like pet insurance, regular vet visits will save you from procedures and medications that could cost thousands of dollars later. Pet quality pups are affordable and budget-friendly to most people who are looking for an intelligent and well-tempered canine companion. However, like most dogs, their lifetime cost would still require you to spend considerable money. As such, think long and hard about the commitment and financial implications of taking in a dog. These canines make great family pets, even for those looking for their first dog. So, if your budget is enough to shoulder the price and long-term costs of the Labrador Retriever, then it might just be the pooch for you! Tell us in the comment box 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. 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:. 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. Over the years, this breed of dog has consistently ranked in the top five for most popular dog breeds. In fact, for nearly 31 years, the Labrador Retriever was ranked as the number one most popular dog before getting knocked out of the number one spot this year by the French Bulldog. And with this breed, often referred to as simple the Lab, remaining high on the list for most searched for and most loved dog, we want to know how much it costs to own one. What are the costs associated with these dogs, from actually getting the puppy to feeding them and beyond. How much does it cost to own a Labrador Retriever? Crufts returns this year after it was cancelled last year due to the Coronavirus pandemic. And we should also point out that a Chocolate Lab is going to cost more than a Black Lab or a Yellow Lab since this color of fur is rarer. Next, we have to talk about feeding your Lab. Considering the Labrador Retriever is medium to large breed dog and often on the larger side of things , you are looking at a diet that may cost a bit more. Now we have to talk about those vet visits. That being said, there are some health concerns that all Labrador Retrievers may face over the course of their lives our pup was lucky enough to not have to deal with these issues, although he did have to have his eyelids fixed as a puppy and that can significantly increase their vet bills. Finally, you will absolutely want to consider grooming when it comes to your Lab as they are another breed that has a double coat. Of course, dog toys, beds and other supplies are also a must for your pup, so these are added expenses that should also be considered. However, if you have ever owned a Lab, you know they are absolutely worth the cost. This can be anything from buying them a new toy, replenishing their treat stash, or replacing the bed they destroyed. It can be dependent on how often you replace toys and food, if they have required medications and vet visits, or if you get pet insurance. Many times, there are factors that pop up over time. You might notice your lab needs more regular nail trimming or they really enjoy ripping toys apart that need consistent replacing. Of course, replenishing dog food will occur at least a couple of times every month which can add up. This can be on the higher end if your pup has monthly medications. Additional Costs to Factor In There are additional costs that you might not think of when you are looking to get a Labrador Retriever puppy. The costs can include your dog getting sick can be expensive depending on the severity of the illness. If your dog swallows a toy or eats something that makes them sick, they might need emergency care. You should also factor things in like an increased need for training in your dog, as it can be an additional regular cost. Owning a Labrador Retriever on a Budget There are certain things you can do to keep costs at a minimum when you own a Labrador Retriever. For example, when you are looking to purchase pet insurance, go for the basic plan rather than adding on unnecessary coverage. You can buy long-lasting toys that are meant to stand up to dog chewing and try spoiling them a little less than you might want to. In terms of dog food, you might be inclined to reach for the fancy food, but sometimes the generic brands work just as well! There are different cost cuts you can take without compromising the care of your furry friend. Image Credit: Caftor, Shutterstock Saving Money on Labrador Retriever Care When it comes to lab care, having pet insurance in place right away can be very beneficial to saving money on any possible accidents or illnesses your dog may encounter. Pet insurance is meant to cover part of the expenses that can come up when your dog gets sick and needs additional care or medications. Make sure you research high-quality toys , beds, and food that is great for dog owners on a budget. Conclusion When it comes to owning a Labrador Retriever there are many factors to consider in terms of one-time and average monthly costs. When you first get your puppy, you will need the basics like puppy dog food, a crate, a doggy bed, some toys, and some basic first aid essentials nearby. Remember there are regular grooming costs like nail clipping, a good dog wash, and more. Little things will add up over time that need to be carefully considered. Less - The Labrador Retriever is a medium to large-sized , short-coupled, powerfully-built dog with a short, dense, water-resistant coat; small, drop ears; and a short, thick otter-like tail carried level with the back or with a slight upward curve. The length of body is equal to or only slightly longer than the height at the withers, and the distance from the elbows to the ground is equal to one-half the height at the withers. Balance, outline, intelligence, temperament and movement are of overriding importance. The Labrador Retriever is a breed of moderation, thoroughly sound, and willing and able to do its work. The Labrador Retriever is a dog without exaggeration, so light, weedy dogs; long, low-stationed dogs; and cloddy, lumbering dogs are to be equally penalized. The Labrador Retriever is an enthusiastic hunter with a good nose and a soft mouth. They excel in all performance activities. Another essential characteristic of the Labrador Retriever is the short, dense, double coat that protects the dog when retrieving from water. Labrador Retrievers are noted for their excellent temperaments. This breed is friendly, outgoing and eager to please. They are extremely intelligent and easily trained to perform a variety of complex tasks. These dogs were brought to England, probably on fishing boats. Originally black in color, the first recorded yellow Labrador appeared in a litter born in .Chocolates were also recorded at about the same time, but never achieved the same level of popularity as the blacks and yellows. Originally bred to retrieve from water, the modern Labrador Retriever has proven to be one of the most versatile breeds, excelling in hunt tests and field trials, in obedience and agility events, and also as service dogs.

Life Span Did You Know? Black Labrador Retrievers, or just Black Labs, are a common coat color variation of one of the most popular dog breeds. The Black Labrador Retriever is not necessarily a separate dog breed. Black Labs are still Labrador Retrievers; they just have a distinct coat color that is a specifically-bred characteristic. Like other Labrador Retrievers, Black Labs are energetic, playful, and affectionate dogs that make great family companions. Although they are active and energetic dogs, Labs are also known for their gentleness and patience with other family members. Well-socialized Black Labs tend to get along well with just about everyone including children, other dogs, pets, and even strangers. They are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , Black Labs thrive on attention, especially from their favorite humans. They are happiest when they are spending time with their families and receiving affection and attention from them. Despite their high energy, Labs are highly adaptable dogs. They do tend to be better suited to homes with fenced yards where they can run, but they also adapt well to apartments provided they get enough daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. They do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat and extreme cold like many dog breeds. As such, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Black Labrador Retriever can include elbow dysplasia , hip dysplasia, heart disease, hereditary myopathy, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Another potential health concern is EIC exercise-induced collapse , which can occur in young adult Labs and has a genetic link. Because carriers can be identified by DNA tests, it is recommended that breeders test for them. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you talk to the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Labrador Retrievers are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Although their high energy and puppylike exuberance can sometimes be a challenge, they are intelligent dogs that are eager to please. As long as training is kept consistent and focused on positive rewards and praise, novice owners still tend to do well with Black Labs. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training too. Black Labs have a short, water-resistant double coat that sheds year-round and sheds heavier as seasons change. Depending on how active your Black Lab is and what they get into, they may need a bath more often, especially if they are swimming a lot. Weekly ear checks and careful cleanings when needed help prevent ear infections. Good dental care for dogs , like daily brushing and cleanings at the vet when needed, can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. As one of the most active dog breeds , a Black Labrador Retriever will need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are a minimum. Your Black Lab will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood. They tend to maintain a puppylike exuberance until they are years old. Although they do tend to mellow out as they get older, they are still active, energetic, and playful dogs. Once they are fully grown, you can try other things like hiking, running, dock diving, and more to find other activities you and your Black Lab can enjoy together. Fully-grown Black Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Black Labs generally live for years on average. Black Labrador Retrievers came before the also-popular Chocolate Lab. All modern Chocolate Labs can be traced back to three Black Labs in the s. It was the December issue of .Featured Black Labrador Retriever Article. 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. Our Prices: Our base prices are listed below, according to current demand for colors and genders. Note: Sales tax is due on any pups or merchandise sold in California. By request, and for an additional fee, we often transport puppies to Davis. We used to be able to ship puppies via airplane all over the continental United States, but more restrictions apply at this time, due to Covid, extreme heat, or extreme cold. Unfortunately, we no longer ship puppies to Hawaii, due to their quarantine restrictions. Can I pick out my Labrador Retriever puppy before the designated adoption date? Sorry, but no. Most people will not know which puppy they are choosing until puppy adoption day. What supplies do we need for our new puppy? So many people ask us this question, we wrote a blog giving our advice. You can read our blog here. Do you raise American or English Labs? Both, actually, but mainly American. Only a few of our dogs are pure English; some are a blend of American and English. Litters are usually pure American or a blend of American and English. None, so far, are pure English. If you scroll down to the bottom of the videos page you can also view links to past litters of Labrador puppies for your viewing pleasure. We may, however, be able to refer you to hunting dog trainers, so feel free to shoot us an email asking us about that. Marble Mountain Kennels.

Curly coat: Dense, thick curls that have no odor and are non-shedding. The Labradoodle can come is a palette of beautiful colors, such as gold, apricot, caramel, white, black, red, chocolate, blue and parti-color. Curious about how to groom and trim that luxurious coat? Check out this video: 2. Medium: 20 inches 50 cm tall; up to 45 lbs 20 kg in weight. Miniature: 16 inches 40 cm tall; up to 25 lbs 11 kg in weight. No responsible breeder will guarantee that their Labradoodle puppies will definitely grow to be an exact size. Both are high energy dogs who love to fetch and swim. Both make wonderful family dogs and do well with children and other pets. Labradoodles tend to have shorter coats. The Goldendoodle has a longer, shaggier coat inherited from the Golden Retriever. Both are friendly dogs, but Goldendoodles are highly social and not afraid to run up to anyone, while the Labradoodle can be stand-offish, taking time to get used to strangers. You can compare the Labradoodle and Goldendoodle some more in this video. Bonus: Even More Doodles! These are two other popular Poodle mixes that are similar to the Labradoodle. You can learn more about the Australian Labradoodle here. This Poodle and Schnauzer mix hangs with the small-sized dogs, reaching 15 lbs 7 kg in weight. It makes a great companion or service dog. Learn more about the Schnoodle here. Though not aggressive, Labradoodle temperament can vary. Agility, quick thinking skills and a lustrous coat of hypoallergenic curls have made it an outstanding show dog, as well as a favored breed by those who suffer from allergies. The noble Labrador Retriever Labrador Retrievers are highly popular in North America and the UK, especially for their use as service dogs for the disabled. Highly intelligent and sharp as a whip, this breed is in-tune with feelings and actions, learning quickly, displaying loyalty and taking on the role of caretaker. As a Retriever breed, the Labrador has a reputation for being a phenomenal hunter and water dog. They love to swim! This is a big dog, weighing in at up to 80 lbs 29—36 kg. Its coat is short, dense and water resistant. It can come in three colors: black, yellow and chocolate. Watch those leather loafers! Because of their size and energetic personality, plenty of space is recommended for a Labradoodle to blow of steam. That means small apartments and long hours in a crate do not benefit this stimulated hybrid. Take your Labbidoo out for a jog or let her splash in your swimming pool if you have one. Homes with a fenced in yard are ideal for your dog to have some off-leash time to run about and frolic freely. Add in some early socialization to help curb bad habits and control over-exuberance when meeting with children or other dogs. Ear infections: Floppy ears can trap dirt and moisture, leading to painful infections. Hip dysplasia: An abnormal formation of the hip socket that can cause arthritis and lameness. Elbow dysplasia: These are abnormalities that cause degeneration of the elbow joint. Epilepsy: Seizures that result from an unknown cause. Diabetes Mellitus: A disease in which the body suffers from a shortage of insulin. Hypothyroidism: Occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid. Feeding Specific nutrition requirements differ from dog to dog based on needs and size. For the Labradoodle, use high-quality dog food and divide 1 to 2. Avoid feeding throughout the day, because they have been known to suffer from gastric torsion like the Labrador Retriever. The thickness and length will determine the sort of grooming needed. Longer coats will need trimming every six weeks. Second, soaring popularity has lead to an infection of puppy mills popping up like nasty sores. These are to be avoided at all costs. Therefore, the price is cheaper. Do your breeder research thoroughly and visit the premises where the puppies hail from. With puppy mills wreaking havoc, Labradoodle rescues have become more prevalent. Check out these websites for listings:. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Labradoodle Highlights Friendly and intelligent: Labradoodles are known for being friendly and intelligent dogs. They are good with children and other animals, and they are easy to train. Hypoallergenic: Labradoodles are often considered to be hypoallergenic, which means that they do not shed as much as other dogs. This makes them a good choice for people with allergies. Active and playful: Labradoodles are active dogs that need regular exercise. They enjoy playing fetch, going for walks, and swimming. Loyal and devoted: Labradoodles are loyal and devoted dogs that make great companions. They are always happy to see their owners and they love to cuddle. Versatile: Labradoodles are versatile dogs that can be trained for a variety of tasks, including therapy work, obedience, and agility. They can be expensive to purchase and maintain. They require regular grooming, especially if they have a curly coat. They are prone to some health problems, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Overall, Labradoodles are wonderful dogs that make great companions for people of all ages. If you are looking for a friendly, intelligent, and hypoallergenic dog, a Labradoodle may be a good choice for you. Labradoodle History Wally Conron, who was in charge of the breeding program for the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia, purposefully crossbred a Standard Poodle and Labrador Retriever in to develop the Labradoodle as a hypoallergenic guide dog. The first cross produced Sultan, a dog with a hypoallergenic coat, aptitude, intelligence, and personality suitable for being an effective guide dog. Sultan worked successfully with a woman in Hawaii. Other breeders saw the merit of crossing these two breeds, and the Labradoodle quickly rose in popularity like its Labrador Retriever parent. These dogs are often produced by crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle, but multigenerational breeding has begun in an attempt to produce a viable and recognizable breed. The Australian Labradoodle Association and the International Australian Labradoodle Association are taking steps to move this designer breed into registered breed status in the next few years. These groups have made great efforts to bring breeders together so that they are working to achieve the same standards through multigenerational breeding. Labradoodle Size The Labradoodle comes in three size variations, depending on the size of the Poodle used for the first-generation breeding. The three sizes are Standard, Medium, and Miniature. The Standard Labradoodle should be 22 to 24 inches in height for a male and 21 to 23 inches in height for a female, while both can range in weight from 50 to 65 pounds. The Medium Labradoodle should be 18 to 20 inches high for a male and 17 to 19 inches high for a female, with both weighing from 30 to 45 pounds. The average size for a Miniature Labradoodle is between 14 to 16 inches and 15 to 25 pounds. All of that said, there is a lot of variation in Labradoodle sizes. Some can be smaller or larger than expected. Labradoodle Personality The Labradoodle is an intelligent dog who can make the ideal family pet if properly trained. They are friendly and accept and treat everyone like their best friend. They can be gentle, but they can also be joyful, showing their happiness through exuberant jumping and playing. They also tend to be easygoing, since the Labradoodle was bred not to be aggressive. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Meeting siblings, parents, or other relatives of the dog is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when they grow up. Socialization helps ensure that your Labradoodle puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking them to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help them polish their social skills. Here are a few conditions to watch out for: Ear Infections: These can plague Labradoodles because of their floppy ears. The ears trap moisture and should be regularly checked. X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem. Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia : Similar to hip dysplasia, this is also a degenerative disease. The disease varies in severity: the dog could simply develop arthritis, or they could become lame. Treatment includes surgery, weight management, medical management, and anti-inflammatory medication. It can cause mild or severe seizures that may show themselves as unusual behavior—such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding—or even by falling down, limbs rigid, and losing consciousness. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Allergies: Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, and the Labradoodle is no exception. Treatment varies according to the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications, and environmental changes. Diabetes Mellitus: This is a disorder in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels. The dog will lose weight because food is not being used efficiently. Symptoms of diabetes are excessive urination and thirst, increased appetite, and weight loss. Diabetes can be controlled by diet and the administration of insulin. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA : This is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day as the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Hypothyroidism : This is a disorder of the thyroid gland. It is treated with medication and diet. They require about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day and would do better with a fenced yard in which to expel some energy. Some Labradoodles, especially in the first generation, can require even more exercise. The Labradoodle makes an excellent jogging companion but also needs some time off-leash to burn off steam. The Labradoodle is an intelligent and eager-to-please dog. Training should be easy as long as consistency and positive reinforcement are the methods. Socialize them from puppyhood, since they tend to hurl themselves headlong into canine situations without regard to the feelings of other dogs. This can lead to some problems if the unknown dog is aggressive. Despite their activity levels, a Labradoodle can adjust to living in suburban or city environments and can do well in rural settings. A crate is also a place where they can retreat for a nap. Crate training at a young age will help your Labradoodle accept confinement if they ever needs to be boarded or hospitalized. Never stick your Labradoodle in a crate all day long, however. Labradoodle Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1 to 2. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Labradoodle in good shape by measuring their food and feeding them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at them. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on their back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard. For more on feeding your Labradoodle, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Labradoodle Coat Color And Grooming Although a Labradoodle can have one of a range of coat types, the desired length is four to six inches. They have a single coat with hair ranging from straight to loose curls. There are three types of texture: The Hair coat, which is similar to fur in shedding breeds, is the least popular. Hair coats shed and usually have a normal doggy odor. This coat is seen in first generations, although breeders try to avoid it. The Fleece coat has a silky texture often described as an Angora goat texture. This coat ranges from straight to wavy. Labradoodles are considered to be non- to low shedders, especially those with a Fleece or Wool coat. Hair coats tend to shed just as they do in other breeds, ranging from very low to average shedding. The Labradoodle comes in a wide variety of colors. They can also have parti-colored coats, which consist of brindles, phantom, patched, or sable colors. Grooming requirements vary depending on the length and type of coat the dog has. Generally speaking, you can expect to brush a Labradoodle about once or twice per week. Some can be clipped or trimmed every six to eight weeks to keep the coat easy to maintain. Like Labs, Labradoodles can be prone to ear infections, so take a little extra time caring for their ears. Dry and clean them after a swim, and check them once a week for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that can indicate an infection. Then wipe them out weekly with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to prevent problems. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding—and your dog may not cooperate the next time they see the nail clippers come out. Handle their paws frequently—dogs are touchy about their feet—and look inside their mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Labradoodle Children And Other Pets The Labradoodle does well with children and can be an affectionate and gentle companion for any child. They can also be exuberant and might knock down smaller children, but they will love them with all their heart. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Labradoodles usually get along well with other dogs and pets. Like most dogs, they need training and socialization for optimum success at living with and visiting other animals. Labradoodle Rescue Groups Labradoodles are often brought home without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. Many end up in the care of shelters or rescues because of this. It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Labradoodles because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Labrador Retriever or Poodle breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. It's time to talk about Labradoodles. This combination Labrador retriever and poodle is an excellent family dog who's often sought out by allergy sufferers because of their minimal shedding. The ever-popular Labradoodle is immensely trainable and, unlike some dogs, a good fit for first-time dog owners. On the larger side, these pups can take up some space-but are great with kids and will adapt to their family's lifestyle. The standard version, which is a Lab bred with a standard-sized poodle, can grow to be about 24 inches tall and weigh up to 75 pounds. If you're searching for a dog on the smaller size, it's possible to also find mini Labradoodles, a hybrid of a Labrador retriever and a miniature poodle. The loving, loyal doodles are a fun addition to any family. They're prone to zoomies and more than happy to play with the baby. Labradoodles are healthy dogs and need exercise, though the amount of running, playing, or swimming might depend on their makeup of Labrador and poodle genes. But regardless of the genetic breakdown, you'll need to get used to trips to the groomer. These pups are hairy. A quick note: Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodles aren't the same. Australian Labradoodles are crosses between a poodle, Labrador retriever, and cocker spaniel. Appearance Like many Labradoodle characteristics, your dog's appearance will depend on the generation you're looking for. To illustrate: Martinez breeds F1 half Labrador, half poodle , F1b 75 percent poodle, 25 percent Lab , and F2 87 percent poodle, 13 percent Lab Labradoodles. The half-Lab F1s will have longer, wavier hair and will still shed, Martinez says. The F1bs and F2s will have more poodle-esque hair that's tighter, curlier, and generally won't shed. They'll often look like little teddy bears as puppies. Labradoodles are often thought of as hypoallergenic -even though no dog is truly an allergen-free animal-but generally the F1b and F2 generations are considered better options for some allergy sufferers. Martinez recommends people with allergies spend time with their puppy before they adopt. His customers are required to. They'll come in around inches tall, Martinez says. As for colors, Labradoodles run the gamut. You'll find them in black, white, cream, red, chocolate, or a mix of those colors. Taking after their poodle brethren, these fluffy boys and girls need to be brushed frequently , too. Temperament Martinez loves the dogs he breeds-he owns 10 himself-and was especially effusive about how Labradoodles act around people, families , and children , even kids who might not know exactly how to pet or interact with dogs "They love people," he says. But not only can these pups live with cats -Martinez says several of his puppies have gone on to become therapy dogs , meaning they're calm and affectionate enough to visit schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers to offer psychological and physiological support to patients and people in need. Some Labradoodles go on to become service dogs , as the breed creator originally intended. But don't confuse them for docile dogs. They still have big personalities-Martinez describes a typical day with his dogs as "entertaining"-but mischievous behavior can be counteracted with training , which Labradoodles quickly pick up on. Genesis Service Dogs , which breeds Labradoodles to help children and adults with special needs, says the dogs will mature slower than their Labrador retriever brethren, so they'll be puppyish for about a year and a half. Then they'll become even more affectionate toward their humans. They're mostly quiet, keeping barking to a minimum, but Labradoodles' energy level can vary based on their generation, Martinez says. The dogs with more Labrador genes F1s will be more energetic than the ones with more poodle in their blood. Labradoodles will often reflect the energy levels of their owner, Martinez says, but they're still descendants of sporting dogs who like having something to do. Whether that means long walks together or playing games in the yard, a Labradoodle will be happiest with any activity he can do with you. Living Needs Labradoodles are flexible when it comes to where they live. While the standard Labradoodles are bigger, they can still reside in an apartment, though generally Martinez admits smaller dogs, potentially miniature Labradoodles, are better suited for living in smaller homes. If you do live in an apartment or smaller home where yard space is limited, make sure you can regularly fit in enough exercise and play for your active pup to blow off some steam, like a visit to the local dog park every so often. Labradoodles certainly won't turn down a house with a big, fenced-in yard , though. Martinez lets his group of pups spend plenty of time outside, where they'll be just as likely to lay down for a spell than run around on the doggie playground equipment. They do need exercise, though. If Martinez sends a puppy home with someone who works all day, he advises them to invest in a dog walker so their doodle is able to stretch his legs during the hours he's left alone. But if you have the time and like to explore, a Labradoodle could be the perfect hiking partner. And since poodles are considered water dogs, some Labradoodles like to swim , too. This breed is good for all ages, Martinez says, but Labradoodle owners will still need to put the work in with positive reinforcement training and to meet their activity needs. He subscribes to the oft-used mantra: There aren't any bad dogs, just bad owners. Care It's important to start training your Labradoodle puppy as soon as you bring him home. Labradoodles are considered smart dogs and will pick up what you're teaching very quickly. Martinez says they may even understand some commands within the first day. Labradoodles are smart enough that daily training doesn't take too long. Martinez recommends three or four sessions of 10 minutes each day to accommodate the dogs' short attention spans, which is like that of "a young child," he says. They're so easy to train and quick to learn that even first-time dog owners can fare well, Martinez says. But if you don't have the time or know-how to train, obedience school is the answer. Once he's learned to recognize the basics, your doodle will start making those classic head tilts when you mention their favorite words walk, car, treat. According to Martinez, early socialization -both with other dogs and people-is important for Labradoodle puppies. Martinez says he lets the puppies he breeds spend their early days with his adult dogs to get them used to other dogs at a young age. If your vet says it's safe, you may want to have your new Labradoodle puppy meet other humans and dogs in their first few weeks in their new home. When it comes to exercise, three to four walks a day will suffice which is why you might need a dog walker. Otherwise, swimming, hiking, or some playtime in the yard or at the park will help your dog immensely. Labradoodles do enjoy their activity, but Martinez says they'll spend just as much time lounging around to relax. Grooming is another integral part of caring for your Labradoodle, but it's probably best to outsource it. These fluffy boys and girls need regular trims. Martinez sends his dogs to the goomer for a haircut every six weeks, regardless of whether they're F1s, F1bs, or F2s. Regular brushing is a good idea, too, because you don't want your Labradoodle's hair to get matted or uncomfortable. You'll also want to keep those ears dry and clean , and don't forget to keep up with the nail trimming and tooth brushing , either. Health Here's another reason Labradoodles are good for first-time dog owners: They're a relatively healthy breed over their years of life. But being the ideal combination of Labs and poodles also means Labradoodles can be susceptible to the health problems of both their parent breeds. Labs, for instance, will commonly suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia , so the risk is there for Labradoodles as well. Doodles can also run into problems with myopathies, diseases that damage muscles , and exercise-induced collapse. For anyone looking to adopt a Labradoodle, Martinez couldn't emphasize enough: Make sure your breeder conducts DNA tests on your puppy's parents to find any genetic abnormalities. The same goes for having their hips and elbows tested and certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. If the breeder you're considering doesn't do that testing or says it isn't needed, find someone else. Martinez notes that Labrador retrievers are happy to eat just about anything and everything. While your Labradoodle will likely be a bit pickier, be sure to keep any weight gain in check since they may have a tendency to overeat if they're allowed to. History Australian Wally Conron is credited as the modern-day creator of the Labradoodle, breeding the first one in the late s. He was trying to create a guide dog that would also be hypoallergenic, by breeding a Labrador retriever and a standard poodle. Clearly, his efforts were successful. The breed exploded in popularity, and since it is the combination of the U. People seek out the Labradoodle for its trifecta of cute looks, friendly demeanor, and minimal shedding. While the Labradoodle is the seemingly ideal dog for people with allergies, Conron has said he regrets his creation. Because of the intense demand for these "designer dogs," Conron has expressed concern over the bad actors who breed Labradoodles in puppy mills-and the inexperienced and sometimes misinformed breeders who fail to prevent genetic problems from being passed on to new generations. Labradoodles have belonged to several famous owners, including golfer Tiger Woods, actress Jennifer Aniston, and actor Henry Winkler. Doodles certainly earn their keep on Instagram, so if you need some extra fluff in your life, the Dood Squad is a good place to start. Was this page helpful? The term dates back to at least [1] but was unpopular at the time. Labradoodles are, wrongfully so, considered a good choice for people with canine dander allergies, even though most dogs produced from this mix will shed. Hair, saliva, and even bodily fluids can cause allergic reactions in humans. However, they also state that hip and elbow dysplasia are common problems affecting Labradoodles. He mistakenly took credit for naming the Labradoodle in .Perspective owners of this mix should be aware that not every dog will have a calm and sweet demeanor, as it is far more likely the owner will get a dog who has high grooming requirements, high mental and physical needs, as well as dogs who have skin, eye, heart, elbow, hip, and thyroid issues common to this mix. For example, a Labrador-Poodle mix named Fang had a recurring role on the Get Smart show starting in .Conron hoped that the combination of the low-shedding coat of the poodle, along with the gentleness and trainability of a Labrador retriever, would provide a guide dog suitable for people with allergies to fur and dander. He also felt he was to blame for "creating a Frankenstein ", adding that problems were being bred into the dogs rather than selectively breeding away from problems and towards a recognizable standard. He is further quoted as claiming: "For every perfect one, you're going to find a lot of crazy ones. Conron was referring to the craze he initiated of unscrupulous breeders crossing Poodles with multiple other breeds to create " designer" dogs in order to take advantage of the "doodle" trend. Follow-on guide-dog breeding programs[ edit ] A group of Labradoodle assistance dogs Currently, as with other mixed breeds, [14] Labradoodles are not considered a purebred or breed by the AKC and other major kennel club associations in North America and across the world. Technically, they are a hybrid of two pure breeds rather than a new breed. However, in the AKC began allowing owners of mixed breeds to register their dogs through an alternative listing program to receive an AKC ID number. Guide Dogs Victoria no longer breeds Labradoodles; [10] however, they are bred by other guide and assistance dog organizations in Australia and elsewhere. Their first, Jonnie, graduated in November .Breeders in Australia have gone on to develop the Australian Labradoodle which also includes spaniels in the mix for early generations of the mix. However even these dogs can have widely varying coats and temperaments. They vary widely dog to dog, from low shedding like a Poodle to high shedding much like a Labrador. These dogs are not hypoallergenic, and contrary to popular belief do, in fact, shed. Australian Labradoodles come in standard large , medium, and mini size. However these sizes are not well defined and thus can vary largely. The crown prince and princess of Norway own Labradoodles. The first crossing of a poodle with a Labrador does result in variations in terms of appearance, size, coat, and temperament. So while most Labradoodles share some common traits, their appearance and behavioral characteristics can and often will be widely variable. These dogs are considered to be double coated, which often results in extreme matting when the dogs are not properly brushed every day. This is because the undercoat of the typical labradoodle will be straight, like that of a Labrador, while the outer coat will be curly, like that of a Poodle. This results in hair that can easily get trapped and cause extreme discomfort, pain, and even limb loss in dogs with extreme matting. It is imperative for perspective owners and current owners of this mix alike to understand and meet the grooming needs of this mix. Labradoodles often display an affinity for water and strong swimming ability from their parent breeds. These coats generally appear with the Labradoodle having a flat coat without the curls the dogs are known for. A Labradoodle with an undesirable coat may look more like its Labrador retriever mother or father with a longer nose. These dogs may also have curly fur around the legs and tail. Breeding line issues[ edit ] There is no consensus as to whether breeders should aim to have Labradoodles recognized as a breed. Some breeders prefer to restrict breeding to produce F1 hybrids bred from a poodle and Labrador rather than, e. F2 hybrids bred from two Labradoodles to ensure relatively uniform genetics among the Labradoodles, while maximizing genetic diversity of individual dogs to avoid inherited health problems that have plagued some inbred dog breeds. Black Labradoodle Others are breeding Labradoodle to Labradoodle over successive generations, and trying to establish a new dog breed. These dogs are usually referred to as multigenerational multigen Labradoodles or multigeneration Australian Labradoodles. Two Irish water spaniels and soft-coated Wheaten Terriers were used in some Australian Labradoodle lines. Curly Coated Retrievers were used too, but these lines were unsatisfactory and are no longer used for breeding. Infusions occur with early generation breedings. Multigeneration breedings do not use any breed other than Australian Labradoodle to Australian Labradoodle. Australian Labradoodles also generally have poodles and Labradors in their pedigrees that come from European lines, whereas other Labradoodle lines tend to rely heavily on American stock. Thus the frequent misnomer of "American" Labradoodle when referring generically to a Labradoodle. Coat texture and color[ edit ] Labradoodle coats are divided into three categories: wool, fleece, or hair. Wool and hair coats do not apply other than to early generation Labradoodles. Labradoodles' coat colors include chocolate, cafe, parchment, cream, gold, apricot, red, black, silver, chalk, lavender, and blue-ish gray. Coat patterns can be solid, white abstract markings, parti, phantom, or tri-coloured. There are three main types of the coat texture of a Labradoodle. This can be a hair, fleece, or wool. Poodles and Labrador retrievers can have hip dysplasia , and should have specialist radiography to check for this problem before breeding. The parent breeds can also have a number of eye disorders, and an examination by a qualified veterinary eye specialist should be performed on breeding dogs. Joint dysplasia[ edit ] Elbow dysplasia is a known common issue in the parent breeds, similar to hip dysplasia. This issue becomes more prevalent as a result of rapid growth during the puppy stage. One study has found that UK Labradoodles have a higher incidence 4. Cataracts are common as well 3. Fatigue Behavior changes loss of appetite, reluctance to engage, etc. If you notice any of these signs, make an appointment with your vet so they can perform screenings such as chest x-rays, blood tests, and an echocardiogram an ultrasound of the heart and nearby blood vessels to assess the issue. The condition can be serious if left untreated, but thankfully there are many treatment options available, such as diet therapy and medication. What To Feed a Labradoodle To live a long and happy life, Labradoodles must consume the proper amount of high-quality dog food and have access to fresh water. A balanced diet will help your pup maintain a healthy weight and avoid health conditions such as heart disease and hip dysplasia. If a pet parent is willing and able to cook for their dog, Whittenburg suggests a fresh, homemade diet that has been formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Boutique brand and grain-free foods should be avoided. That includes servings of food in the right amount that provides more than 40 nutrients that pets require in their respective life stages, including proteins, fats, carbs, and vitamins, minerals, and independent amino acids, according to the Pet Food Institute. While there is no one-size-fits-all way to feed a Labradoodle and a consultation with your vet is recommended, Whittenburg says Labradoodle puppies under 6 months old should generally be fed a minimum of three times a day and adult dogs should be fed twice a day. Unless recommended by a veterinarian, dogs fed a complete and balanced commercial food diet should not need any nutritional supplements. However, Labradoodles that are fed a homemade diet may require supplements to ensure they are getting all the vitamins and minerals necessary to thrive, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, glucosamine, and a variety of antioxidants. Behavior and Training Tips for Labradoodles Labradoodle Personality and Temperament The high-energy, attention-seeking, intelligent Labradoodle requires frequent exercise, interaction, and play. While every Labradoodle is different, proper socialization is a must for helping your dog become a well-behaved companion. These dogs are not known to be excessive barkers, but the right amount of training and exercise is required to ensure they learn to behave appropriately. Labradoodle Training Because Labradoodles are a hybrid of two highly intelligent breeds, they are eager to please and highly trainable, according to Philippou. They can be taught to excel at everything from basic tricks like sit, stay, and roll over to running agility courses. Always use positive-reinforcement techniques, like using treats to reward good behaviors, during training. Due to their gentle and sharp-witted nature, Labradoodles can even be trained to become service dogs. Fun Activities for Labradoodles. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The first Labradoodle was a dog named Sultan—who first came to existence in the late 20th century. With astounding success, Sultan had both a hypoallergenic coat and the intelligence to be trained as a service dog. Wally then teamed up with a partner in Hawaii, and the two worked to establish the Labradoodle as its own breed. Currently, multigenerational breeding is being conducted in hopes to iron out and stabilize the Labradoodle breed. This, of course, means the Labradoodle breed is not registered with the AKC. Unfortunately—as time passed and more Labradoodles were bred—Conron realized that the crossbreed is inconsistent. Streamlining the breed is currently a work in progress, stagnated by the array of incompetent puppy mill breeders trying to create their own Labradoodles. Known for their intelligence, calm temperament, affection, extroversion, and elegant gait, the Labradoodle is a fantastic home dog. In fact, the Labradoodle personality is so affectionate and sociable, that they often need to be trained to mitigate their abrasive excitement for life. Due to their intelligence, they process information rapidly, and are often quick-witted canines. They enjoy playing with a passion, but are often not pushy and their keenness and intuition allows them to judge when it is play time and when it is not. Early-socialization , heredity, and the amount of training administered affect the extent of extroverted Labradoodle behavior. It is important that with these dogs they are introduced to the world, other people, and canines early on. Rather, it is to create boundaries within their own tenacious affection and prevent Labradoodle temperament problems. They are by in large a great choice for a first-time dog owner, a family, and a guide dog. Their excellent temperament, personality and intelligence make them a good candidate as a therapy dog. Training a Labradoodle Training a Labradoodle puppy is an easier task than most dogs and they pick up basic commands easily. Their eager-to-please personalities and intelligence make them both attentive and dexterous in learning. Their overt friendliness, intuition, and slight sensitivity mean they respond best to positive reinforcement. Praise for good Labradoodle behavior in the form of treats, words, and playfulness work best when training a Labradoodle. Despite being home dogs, the Labradoodle will need excessive exercise—particularly in the puppy ages—to meet their high threshold of energy. One of the most important parts of training a Labradoodle is exposing them to other dogs early on. This inability to discern between appropriate and inappropriate canine interaction will become a problem if not treated early on. Their intelligence needs to be stimulated and manifested. This means teaching tricks, games, and a slew of commands to keep them engaged. A lack of mental and physical situation will result in a tireless Labradoodle. A tireless Labradoodle tears the home apart and develops high levels of nervousness and anxiety. A Labradoodle should be potty trained and housed indoors. These are people dogs. They long for the comfort of their owners and a home. Also, crate training is exceptionally successful with this breed. Exercise Requirements for Labradoodles A Labradoodle requires minutes of exercise per day. These dogs have a surplus of energy. Their need for activity and large size make them a perfect fit for a house with a yard, but not an apartment. As with most breeds, their need for exercise will dwindle over time. A puppy Labradoodle, dependent on its heredity, will either be a bit more stagnant, or a bit more jumpy. Put them in water and watch them shine with glee. Labradoodle Lifespan A Labradoodle lifespan typically ranges anywhere from years. Popularity of the Labradoodle While Labradoodles have had a rapid rise in popularity in the last decade, they remain unregistered in the AKC. Breeders are currently trying to streamline the Labradoodle and create a common multigenerational breed. The issue is that—due to their rapid rise of international popularity—lots of incompetent breeders try to produce them by crossbreeding poodles and Labradors or Labrador Retrievers. This unfortunate rush to meet demand has started a chain of puppy mills, where the Labradoodles in question are often poorly bred dogs, with bad temperaments, personalities, and prone to health issues. Once the success of multigenerational breeding becomes apparent, and the breed begins to show credible consistency, they will become more popular in America. Feeding Recommendations for Labradoodles The amount in which you feed your Labradoodle depends on its size, metabolism, and activeness. Similar to the human anatomy, no two Labradoodles will be the same. Generally, a standard Labradoodle should eat two cups of dry food per day, broken into two different meals. However, the Labrador Retriever commonly experiences gastric torsion—in simpler words: bloating —a condition which can be passed along to Labradoodles. To avoid this problem, be sure to break the meals precisely in half and space them out with ample time between each course. For Labradoodles, never leave food out perpetually. Make sure each meal is administered and eaten before proceeding to the next. A good way to ensure your Labradoodle is receiving the proper amount of food is by pressing against their ribcage. With minimal force, you should be able to feel their ribs. If you have to press hard, lower the food intake and up the exercise. Labradoodle Grooming The hybrid Labradoodle and its peculiar ancestry cause an inconsistency in their coat type. Point being, they tend to range. Typically, the coat is around inches with either curly or straight hair. The proper coat is neither coarse, thick, or prone to fluffiness. Their coats are wool, hair, or fleece, with the latter being most coveted for the breed. These coats can be gold, caramel, apricot, cream, black, red, chocolate, and blue colored. A few have parti-colored coats. These dogs need grooming. Depending on the coat, others will need more, but generally speaking, they should be brushed twice a week with a bristle brush to keep their coats clean and mitigate shedding. There should not be a routine bath , and rather bathe the Labradoodle as needed; they tend to be less prone to odor than other dog breeds. For optimal Labradoodle health, brush their teeth three times per week for hygiene upkeep. This will avoid bacteria and tartar buildups. Trim their nails twice a month, as this breed is fond of scratching. Be careful not to cause bleeding. Conduct checkups; check the ears, mouth, nose, and coat for inflammation, redness, and infection. Are Labradoodles Good with Children? Kids love them and Labradoodles are exceptional with children. A mutual respect and understanding needs to be developed. Labradoodle Health Issues A Labradoodle can be more prone to disease and illness due to their unstable breeding methods. Make sure these clearances come from credible establishments. It can cause lameness in the leg s and can worsen to the point of immobility. At the very least, the Labradoodle is affected but does not show symptoms. A screening can be done to ensure the parents do not have Hip Dysplasia , as dogs with this condition should not be bred. Check with your breeder to see if the parents have been screened. It can cause lameness in the leg s and at the very worst immobility. The list of treatments ranges from simple weight monitoring to surgery. Epilepsy: this neurological condition is most commonly inherited. In short, it causes seizures. A Labradoodle with this condition will be glutinous about their food in hopes to compensate for their lack of energy. Meaning they will not receive the proper energy from their food intake, and will decide that more food is the solution. Even then, they will lose weight, remain lethargic, continue with their unappeasable appetite, and urinate constantly. This condition can be mitigated by managing diet and administering insulin if needed. For more pet resources about your favorite dog breeds, visit our blog to learn about Bloodhounds , Yorkie Poo , Miniature Poodle , and Rat Terrier! Other Resources:. He has a shaggy or curly coat that requires maintenance. At their best, Labradoodles are intelligent, friendly, and affectionate. They come in three sizes: miniature weighing 15 to 30 pounds , medium 30 to 45 pounds , and standard 45 to more than pounds. Because they are a crossbreed their traits are not fixed, so there is no guarantee that the Labradoodle puppy you purchase will fall into the desired weight range. Labradoodles have a moderate activity level. Larger Labradoodles may be more active than their smaller kin. They can also be excellent therapy dogs. Both of the breeds used to create Labradoodles tend to be smart and learn quickly. If you begin socialization and training early and use positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, play, and food rewards, you will be rewarded with a wonderful companion. Poodles have a reputation for being hypoallergenic, meaning that they can supposedly be tolerated by people who have allergies to dogs. Because they have the Poodle in their heritage, Labradoodles are sometimes promoted as being hypoallergenic. But allergies are not caused by a particular dog coat type but by dander, the dead skin cells that are shed by all dogs and people. Some people with mild allergies react less severely to particular dogs, but no reputable breeder will guarantee that her dogs are hypoallergenic. If you are interested in a Labradoodle, start your search at your local shelter or on Petfinder. This type of cross-breed is often available for adoption. Buying from a breeder who is smart and caring enough to do health certifications — even for a cross-breed — is the best way to do that. Other Quick Facts Labradoodles were originally bred in an attempt to create a hypoallergenic guide dog. They have since become popular pets. Labradoodles are companion dogs. They love their people and need to live in the house, never outdoors. A well-bred Labradoodle should be sociable, friendly, nonaggressive, and extremely intuitive. The History of the Labradoodle People have been crossing dogs for millennia in the attempt to achieve a certain look, temperament, or working ability. But crossing two breeds over and over does not a breed make. A breed is a group of animals related by descent from common ancestors and visibly similar in most characteristics. To achieve consistency in appearance, size, and temperament, breeders must select the puppies with the traits they want and breed them over several generations for the traits to become set. Crossbreeds such as the Labradoodle have become popular over the past ten or twenty years as people seek out dogs that are different from the everyday Yorkie or Poodle or that they think will have certain appealing characteristics. And no matter what his breed or mix, an individual dog may be more or less allergenic or intelligent or healthy. Whatever his breed, cross or mix, love your dog for what he is: a unique, special and loving companion. In general, though, Labradoodles are friendly dogs who are devoted to their families. Start training your puppy the day you bring him home. Even at eight weeks old, he is capable of soaking up everything you can teach him. If possible, get him into puppy kindergarten class by the time he is 10 to 12 weeks old, and socialize, socialize, socialize. However, be aware that many puppy training classes require certain vaccines like kennel cough to be up to date, and many veterinarians recommend limited exposure to other dogs and public places until puppy vaccines including rabies, distemper and parvovirus have been completed. In lieu of formal training, you can begin training your puppy at home and socializing him among family and friends until puppy vaccines are completed. Breeders see the puppies daily and can make uncannily accurate recommendations once they know about your lifestyle and personality. Whatever you want from a Labradoodle, look for one whose parents have nice personalities and who has been well socialized from early puppyhood. What You Need To Know About Labradoodle Health All dogs, whether purebreds, crossbreeds, or mixes, have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the mixed breed and the incidence with which they occur in her lines. The very nature of genetic variation makes this difficult to predict for a mixed breed dog. Please refer to the breed guides on Labrador Retrievers, Standard Poodles, and Miniature Poodles for an overview of some of the inherited diseases reported in these breeds. Not all inherited conditions are detectable in a growing puppy, and it can be hard to predict whether an animal will be free of these maladies, which is why you must find a reputable breeder who is committed to breeding the healthiest animals possible. They should be able to produce independent certification that the parents of the dog and grandparents, etc. Careful breeders screen their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens, but sometimes Mother Nature has other ideas. A puppy may develop one of these diseases despite good breeding practices. Advances in veterinary medicine mean that in most cases the dogs can still live a good life. Keeping a Labradoodle at an appropriate weight is one of the easiest ways to extend his life. Make the most of diet and exercise to help ensure a healthier dog for life. The Basics of Labradoodle Grooming Labradoodles can have different types of fur. Some look like shaggy retrievers, others resemble a Poodle with loose curls. Many fall somewhere in between. They are not low-maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming. Plan to brush the Labradoodle at least every other day using a slicker brush, and have him clipped every 8 to 12 weeks. Ear infections can be a problem in Labradoodles. Be sure to keep the ears dry and clean, especially after the dog has had a bath or gone swimming. The rest is basic care. Trim his nails every week or two, and brush his teeth regularly — daily if possible — with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for overall good health and fresh breath. Finding a Labradoodle Whether you want to go with a breeder or get your dog from a shelter or rescue, here are some things to keep in mind. Choosing a Labradoodle Breeder Finding a quality breeder is a great way to find the right puppy. A good breeder will match you with the right puppy, and will have done all the health certifications necessary to screen out as many problems as possible. He or she is more interested in placing pups in the right homes than making big bucks. Reputable breeders will welcome your questions about temperament, health clearances, and what the dogs are like to live with. A good breeder can tell you about the history of the cross-breed, and discuss what health problems affect them and the steps that were taken to avoid them. Avoid breeders who only seem interested in how quickly they can unload a puppy on you and whether your credit card will clear. Put at least as much effort into researching your puppy as you would into choosing a new car or expensive appliance. It will save you money in the long run. Red flags include over availability, multiple litters on the premises, a choice of any puppy, and the ability to pay online with a credit card. Those things are convenient, but they are almost never associated with reputable breeders. Disreputable breeders and facilities that deal with puppy mills can be hard to distinguish from reliable operations. And before you decide to buy a puppy, consider whether an adult Labradoodle might better suit your needs and lifestyle. Puppies are loads of fun, but they require a lot of time and effort. An adult Labradoodle may already have some training and will probably be less active, destructive, and demanding than a puppy. If you are interested in acquiring an older dog through breeders, ask them about purchasing a retired show dog or if they know of an adult dog who needs a new home. If you want to adopt a dog, read the advice below on how to do that. There are many great options available if you want to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or rescue organization. Here is how to get started. Use the Web Sites like Petfinder. The site allows you to be very specific in your requests housetraining status, for example or very general all the Labradoodles available across the country. AnimalShelter can help you find animal rescue groups in your area. Social media is another great way to find a dog. Post on your Facebook page that you are looking for a specific breed so that your entire community can be your eyes and ears. Reach Out to Local Experts Start talking with all the pet pros in your area about your desire for a Labradoodle. That includes vets, dog walkers, and groomers. When someone has to make the tough decision to give up a dog, that person will often ask her own trusted network for recommendations. Search online for Labradoodle rescues in your area. Poodle rescues and Labrador rescues are also good resources for this crossbreed. The great thing about breed rescue groups is that they tend to be very upfront about any health conditions the dogs may have and are a valuable resource for advice. They also often offer fostering opportunities so, with training, you could bring a Labradoodle home for a trial to see what the experience is like. Key Questions to Ask You now know the things to discuss with a breeder, but there are also questions you should discuss with shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers before you bring home a pup. These include: What is his energy level? How is he around other animals? How does he respond to shelter workers, visitors, and children? What is his personality like? What is his age? Has he ever bitten or hurt anyone that they know of? Are there any known health issues? Wherever you acquire your Labradoodle, make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter, or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides. Petfinder offers an Adopters Bill of Rights that helps you understand what you can consider normal and appropriate when you get a dog from a shelter. Puppy or adult, a breeder purchase or a rescue, take your Labradoodle to your veterinarian soon after adoption. Your veterinarian will be able to spot problems and will work with you to set up a preventive regimen that will help you avoid many health issues. It is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. Note: there are two totally different types of Labradoodles, the Australian Labradoodle and the American Labradoodle. The Australian Labradoodle is a purebred dog, while the American Labradoodle is a hybrid dog. There are a few different ways breeders are producing American Labradoodles. This is not the best cross for people with severe allergies. Health Problems Prone to hip dysplasia and genetic eye problems. She's happy to get it thinned, but it doesn't last long it grows back fast. We caught them in the flower pots and started to shoo them away, but had to take a picture first.Labradoodles make amazing pets. We have been socializing them and exercising them faithfully every day and can see their excellent temperaments developing. His coat is less curly, more shaggy and scruffy looking. He is cool, laid back and more mellow than most other Labradoodles. It could be his age.