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We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. 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. Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? There is no way to find out if your puppy will develop any of these conditions. All you can do is to take care of your dog properly to prevent some of these severe medical conditions. Your growing dog should maintain a healthy weight because extra weight can be an additional weight on its spine. The ideal dog nutrition will also depend on any nutritional needs of your dog. If you are training your dog, never give treats as a reward. This encourages obesity and will only cause more problems for your dog. Here are top dog food brands that your German Shepherd Lab will surely love. Its core ingredients include ground brown rice, lamb meal, white rice, and chicken. It is all natural and contains no preservatives. Even a picky puppy will surely love this dog food. Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula Precise Holistic contains chicken, brown rice, chicken fat, and oatmeal and is considered the best organic dog food for large dogs. This comes with extra calcium and phosphorus needed by dogs to achieve its full, large size. This is a portion of irresistible dog food for large breed dogs such as your Lab German Shepherd mix. Just like any other dog, never give your German Shepherd Lab the following human food. Not all human food is safe for dogs. Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Salty foods and junk food Chocolate, coffee, or tea Onions, chives, and garlic If you want your dog to grow strong and healthy, you need to give them the best care in the world. So, start with their nutrition! That means you need to stay away from the worst dry dog food, and try out the best dry dog food instead. Your hairy friend comes from different parents and therefore you can experiment with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Our puppy friends need nutrition that is full of proteins and easy to digest. You can look for some ideas in the best puppy food brands. Senior dogs, in their grandpa style, need food which contains moderate protein levels as in the best senior dry dog food. Because of this, you need to spend ample time in a day to exercise and to walk this dog otherwise; it can develop destructive behavior. Play with your dog regularly to develop a strong bond with your pet. Remember that this dog will love to swim because of its Labrador Retriever lineage. A local dog pool or a pond would work great with your dog. If you have a large yard, an old, large vat will work great just for him to play and cool off. All dogs love to fetch and play Frisbee. Use other kinds of toys like large ropes so you can play pulling games. Use a giant ball for fetches like an old football or a tennis ball. Here are a few ideas 1. This is available in six sizes so you will surely find the best size for your medium to large-sized Lab German Shepherd mix. It is indestructible so your dog will undoubtedly spend hours playing with it. It is made from durable materials that will never break or chip. This is indestructible, and your dog will surely love to play with this over and over again. It is soft but is made to be indestructible. Your pet will surely love to chew on this soft bone. This will be his favorite toy in no time. Lab German Shepherd Mix Training The Lab crossed with a German Shepherd is a brilliant dog, but it may need more than simple traditional training techniques to train this dog. The following tricks will help you make your dog obey you in no time. The Clicker Technique Learn how to train your dog using a clicker. Press this, and you will hear an audible click, a sound that dog loves very much. The clicker may be used in all kinds of tricks, but the most common is for positive reinforcement. Just click the clicker when your dog can follow the trick and then click again if you want to repeat the behavior. Invest in a good clicker which is available in most pet stores online. This can contribute to obesity and other health problems related to being overweight. Reward good behavior by patting your dog, playing with him or giving him a good scratch. Tell your dog what a good dog he is and combines this with a lot of pats as reinforcement. Every dog takes his time so you must be patient. His bed should at the same place where he found it the first time while his food bowls should also be in the same area. Consistency is the key to training dogs important stuff. Also, consider talking to everyone at home regarding your rules and commands to reinforce consistency in training your dog. Train Your Dog In A Familiar Environment Dogs like the Lab are easily distracted; therefore you must train your pup in a quiet and familiar environment first before you take him out for further training. Start inside a quiet room with only you and him. You can train him outdoors once he is less distracted to noise and the presence of other pets and people. You may also opt for professional training for your Lab German Shepherd mix dog if you want your pup to grow up and become a service dog or police dog. German Shepherd Lab Mix and Families Lab German Shepherds can be great family dogs because these dogs love to be with their masters and to please them every way they can. These are patient with children and will never roughhouse or bite. They can even tolerate toddlers and very intense games like dress up and role play games. Lab German Shepherd mix dogs will love to be with other pets and even other dogs. They are not domineering and will never cause a fight. The Lab German Shepherd mix may become anti-social and may become aggressive with people or other dogs when they are not introduced to people and other pets early on. Your dog should be trained first and exposed to other dogs and people to prevent this untoward behavior. Origin of the Black Lab German Shepherd Mix Designer dogs — the result of deliberately crossing two different pedigrees — are a relatively recent phenomenon. But the Labrador and German Shepherd pedigrees both go right back to the 19th century. And understanding their individual histories provides important insights into German Sheprador temperament. Labrador history Labradors were originally bred as hunting dogs, to retrieve fallen waterfowl from the water. Breeders selected breeding dogs for traits which made them great at this job: a strong build, a thick waterproof coat, and an enthusiasm to learn and work in a team with their handler. The best Labs were also gentle and chilled out companions once the hunting day was over. Which is why Labradors exploded so successfully onto the pet scene, and into service roles as well. Unlike Labs, GSDs needed to be able to work confidently at a distance from their handler. They also used to double up as watch dogs and guard dogs, alerting their owner to the arrival of anything unfamiliar, which might be a threat to their flock. Like Labradors, they also proved to be remarkably versatile, and succeed in a wide variety of roles — including police work, military work, narcotics detection, and service roles. What to Expect From a Black Lab German Shepherd Mix The whole purpose of establishing pedigrees for purebred dogs is to ensure that all the puppies descended from that pedigree look and behave in a reliable way. Inevitably, mixing breeds creates possibilities for unpredictable results. Puppies inherit traits from both of their parents at random. Designer dogs with parents who have a lot in common are easier to predict. Puppies from parents who either look very different, or were bred for very different purposes, are more variable. Black Labs can also carry the genes for chocolate and yellow coloring. Some Labs also silently carry the genes for markings like tan points. These genes hark back to when Gordon Setters contributed to the foundation of the breed. So a black Lab German Shepherd mix puppy might be black or dark brown, and have markings including sable shading or tan points. How big do German Shepherd black Lab mixes get? Labradors and German Shepherds are both medium to large sized dogs. Labs weigh 55 to 80 pounds, and GSDs weigh 50 to 90 pounds. For both breeds, females tend to occupy the bottom end of the weight range, and males the upper end. So, a black Lab German Shepherd mix could weigh anything between 50 and 90 pounds too. Their weight will be partly determined by all of the following: the general parameters of the breed the size of their parents their sex and environmental factors, like receiving adequate nutrition in puppyhood. Do black Lab German Shepherd mix dogs shed? Labs and GSDs both have thick double coats — ideal for insulating them against harsh weather conditions whilst working. So, one thing we can say for sure about the black Lab German Shepherd is that they too will be high-shedding dogs. Regular brushing, and seasonal grooming with specialist tools like a Furminator can help to keep your house clear of discarded fur. They also have a strong retrieving instinct — or in other words they like to carry things around in their mouths! Black Labs in particular have traditionally been favored for working roles, so they tend to be focussed and easily motivated to engage in training. German Shepherds are often described as courageous and loyal. They have strong herding and guarding instincts. Part of this is an innate distrust of unfamiliar people. Although, they are devoted and affectionate to their human family and regular guests. They are also very smart, and capable of picking up new cues quickly. But they are both talented problem solvers and quick learners. Sheprador puppies are sure to be smart and trainable too. So, the training and socialization you do with them while they are young will be very important. Puppies under 12 weeks old readily form positive associations with new things, if they have a good first encounter with them. Socialization is particularly important for German Shepherds and their mixes, because they are naturally inclined to be wary of strangers. It gives them the confidence to interact calmly with the world when they are older. Typically friendly breeds like Labs still need socializing too. And very friendly individuals will also need teaching how to greet people calmly, without jumping up or getting over excited. German Shepradors also need methodical leash training from a young age — being dragged along the sidewalk by a large dog is no fun! Exercise Labs and GSDs are both athletic dogs which have been bred to be mentally and physically active for several hours a day. An adult Lab GSD mix dog needs at least 2 hours of walking per day. At home, they enjoy additional games of fetch, tug and scent work. Training and puzzle feeders like Kongs and sniffle mats are valuable for providing mental exercise. A Sheprador is also likely to enjoy dog sports like fieldwork and advanced obedience training. Black Lab German Shepherd Mix Health Just like in every other respect, Sheprador health is a mixed inheritance from both of their parent breeds. Labrador Health. This will help you to recognize the nature of the Sheprador a little better. This gave us the Labrador we have come to know and love in modern-day society. Your black Lab pup could weigh as much as 80 lbs, reaching heights of 24 inches. The black Labrador Retriever is an ideal companion because they are always eager to learn and a pleasure to train. These loyal fur babies come from a long line of useful working hounds. Did you know that up until the s, the lovable Labrador was pretty much only black and was intentionally bred to go along on hunting and shooting expeditions? Read next: black dog breeds. The Temperament of the Black Labrador Retriever These sweet-natured furballs are generally pretty active. They love to play and learn. They especially love meeting new people, and they have a strong sense of family loyalty. The American Labrador, or hunting Lab, is built with a daintier frame and tends to possess a bigger drive for retrieving. These doggos are successful at field trials and competitive activities such as hunting. Some Labs, however, are bred specifically for the show ring. Black Labradors are an asset in hunting and sporting communities, and although the popular choice was black, that has shifted slightly in recent years. Where hunting dog owners still do prefer a black coat, those wanting a Lab as a pet or in a show certainly have a preference for a lighter shade. Breeders today sell predominantly lighter-colored Labs, such as yellow, fox red, and chocolate. These good-tempered hounds can be proud members of your family for 12 years or even longer with a healthy diet and the right exercise regime. Standing tall at about 26 inches at shoulder height, this fuzzy friend is clad in a glossy coat and outlined with curvaceous, athletic proportions. A star student, the German Shepherd is delightfully reliable, courageous to the core, and a loyal companion to have by your side. Looking for more intelligent GSD mixes? Getting to Know the German Shepherd The beloved German Shepherds are loyal to the point of putting their own lives on the line when it concerns protecting their loved ones. German Shepherds are extremely courageous but are also one of the most intelligent dog breeds. But when they mean business, these hounds can give a cheetah a run for their money. Looking for a smaller companion? Read more about the most intelligent small dog breeds. The Temperament of the German Shepherd Stout-hearted German Shepherds have been described as the canines that lead the ranks of royalty. Moreover, their character is what sets them shoulders above the rest of the hairy hounds. They have, however, been noted to display a distant, cool quality that does not always bode well for making new friends. However, they still continue to be devoted guardians and valuable team members. Want a protective GSD mix? Yup, you guessed it. A hound that is a blend of two fantastic pups. Both bring enthusiasm and athletic abilities to the table. Labradors, for example, were originally bred as hunting hounds to retrieve fallen fowl from the water and aided as companions on the hunt. Two of the most popular doggos in America are the Labrador and the German Shepherd, so they make for a popular choice among breeders interested in exploring hybrid breeds. These designer pooches are the result of crossing two pure-blooded canines. The Nature of the Lab and German Shepherd Mix When mixing two different dog breeds, each with its own unique nature, there is a possibility for random and unexpected results. This is because traits are passed on and inherited randomly. We can, however, predict that a Sheprador puppy, much like any other hybrid, will inherit the best features from their parent dogs. Despite this, of the batch of hybrid Sheprador pups, some will display more of a German Shepherd personality, and others, more of a black Lab Retriever. Labradors are a very big success in the service and work industry, and to have as domesticated pets in the family home. Their gentle, laid-back nature was an asset to their human companions after a long day of hunting. Born and bred as herding dogs, German Shepherds make excellent security dogs and prefer to work at a distance from whoever is in charge. A handler or herder will get alerted by their German Shepherd whenever something suspicious poses a threat. Labradors are not similar in this regard. But like the lovely Lab, German Shepherds are incredibly versatile creatures and excel in any task they take on. Both doggos are gifted in service or military posts and even in the detection of narcotics. Socialization of the German Shepherd Labrador Mix An essential part of parenthood, when it comes to owning a dog, is socializing your pup. This process allows your pooch to get used to other animals and people. It also helps them to get to know new places and activities. Believe it or not, this is even more reason to prioritize socialization so as to ensure that when they do inevitably interact with other animals or people, they do so in the best way possible. The German Shepherds in your Sheprador will mean they are loyal to the end when it comes to their favorite humans, but they can definitely be wary of strangers. Luckily through early socialization during puppyhood, they can learn good habits. Socialization can even include having people over at your house so they can become used to new voices and faces. Getting them used to small children is also essential to avoid any unwanted accidents out of fear or nervousness. And, of course, if you have other pets, the earlier you introduce them to your Sheprador puppy, the better. Anything new should ideally be introduced earlier rather than later. German Shepherd Labs are likely to inherit this friendliness from both of their parents. Proper socialization will ensure that all parties are comfortable and that your pooch has the confidence to get out there and interact in a healthy way. Read more about why puppies whine so much and why puppies lick your face. Additionally, you should also be sure that you have lots of free time for games and activities that your dog can join in on, such as garden games or even jogging and hiking. These pups can get bored easily and become destructive if they are not properly stimulated. These dogs are really great with children, much like their parent breeds. If properly socialized as puppies, they are truly a joy to have around kids supervised, preferably. So if you have family members who can share the responsibility of entertaining these hounds, then that would be ideal. They are some of the least-aggressive dogs out there, thanks to the Lab in them. But, supervision is important because of their size and slight clumsiness. They can easily knock over a small child in the excitement of fun and games. As you can tell, these doggos are definitely on the needier side and require plenty of love, attention, and care. And not to mention, you are guaranteed a lifelong companion and proud family member. The Appearance of the German Shepherd Lab Mix When one combines these two brilliant pedigree pets, you are likely to end up with a lb hound offering servant-hearted companionship and a diligent, working spirit. Your German Shepherd mixed with Lab will stand tall at about 25 inches and will display the high intelligence and athletic ability of their parent breeds. However, predicting the coat pattern and color of the Sheprador puppy that will emerge from the breeding is not an easy feat. Predicting the inherited physical appearance of any dog is tricky enough as is. So, for the most part, the looks and personality of your Sheprador can be quite a gamble, as with any designer breed. This will simply make your precious pup all the more unique and special. But, if you are specific about the traits of your Sheprador pup, then a reputable breeder will be able to follow the genetic line of the parent breeds and make a rather accurate prediction. These physical and personality traits are a lot easier to predict when the parent dogs — in this case, German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever — are quite similar in nature, which they fortunately are. German Sheprador Coat Labradors have tight, short hair, while German Shepherds have a medium-length, double coat. They can also have longer coats that are wavy. Shepradors are not exactly low-maintenance dog breeds when it comes to grooming. True to its parent breeds, the Sheprador has a double coat consisting of a super warm undercoat and a coarser outer coat to protect them from the elements. These dogs historically worked outdoors, so adequate protection from the heat or the cold was essential. Due to the gene for long coats being recessive and very unusual among Labradors, your Black Lab German Shepherd Mix will most definitely have a neat, short coat like its Labrador parent. This means that even if their German Shepherd parent has a long coat, it is highly unlikely to be passed on to their puppies. However, a lint roller will definitely be your best friend when it comes to maintaining furniture and clothing. Consider also how this handsome hairball may affect any existing asthmatic or allergic conditions. The other main concern when it comes to apartment living is the exercise needs of these dogs. So, if you are available for a rigorous daily walk and plenty of playtime, then it can work. As long as these hounds have the opportunity for daily energy expenditure to keep them happy and healthy, all will be well. Other than that, they will be in their element if they can curl up on the couch for movies and naps with their favorite humans. Like most crossbreeds, mixed breeds are usually healthier than their purebred parents. So if your Sheprador takes after their German Shepherd parent, then you may encounter spinal problems that lead to arthritis and hip dysplasia as they get older. The silver lining is that the good health of the Labrador balances out the potentially compromised health that German Shepherds sometimes have, and the result is a stellar, mostly-healthy Sheprador pup. Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow Dysplasia is characterized by lameness in the forelimb and results in limping. Progressive Retinal Atrophy : This ailment affects the photoreceptor cells of the dog which causes them to deteriorate over time. It eventually leads to blindness. In addition to these conditions, Labradors are also prone to allergies. However, there are no DNA tests to detect this predisposition, so your best bet is to check with your breeder about a family history of allergies. It results due to a lack of von Willebrand factor protein vWF. Hypothyroidism: Marked by an underactive thyroid condition, this endocrine disorder in dogs is rather common. It causes bodily functions to slow down, and warning signs include lethargy and weight gain. Cataracts: German Shepherds are prone to eye problems like Cataracts. It occurs when the dog develops cloudiness in the eye, which disturbs its vision. It causes abnormal blood clot formation. More About the Health of Your Black Lab and German Shepherd Mix While this breed has some health concerns in its parent breeds, these can be detected early on with screenings. Other than that, conditions like obesity can be prevented by pet owners. The best thing you can do with your Sheprador puppy is to find a reputable breeder and ask many questions. Find out about the parent breeds, what their health and medical histories are, and be sure to ask for health screening certificates. Life Expectancy of the Sheprador Now that we know what health issues to look out for, what is the lifespan of these hounds? Labrador Retrievers live between 10 and 14 years, whereas German Shepherds typically live less long, between 9 and 12 years. Exercise Regime for the German Shepherd and Lab Mix With black Labs and German Shepherds being high-energy, athletic animals, combining the two of them results in a grown Sheprador in need of at least 2 hours of walking a day. These two types of dogs were bred with the initial purpose of being active and physical for several hours each day. They are excellent work dogs and will likely chew your furniture or dig up your rose garden if left ignored or indoors for prolonged periods of time. In addition to going for walks or runs, playtime with your Sheprador can include tug of war, fetch, and working on developing scent detection. In addition to needing lots of playtime and physical stimulation, they also need a lot of mental stimulation. This can include dog puzzles and dog toys — they are very mouthy pups, so multiple chew toys, or anything to clutch in their jaw, for that matter, will suffice. Not to mention, these hounds will be in their element with doggy sports like obedience training, agility work, and fieldwork. They are hard-working and love any opportunity to learn something new while pleasing their favorite humans. Both parents of the Sheprador were bred to spend several hours a day being mentally and physically challenged. And take note that no amount of fetch games with a ball launcher will be too much for these playful canines. Dietary Requirements of the Labrador and German Shepherd Mix In order to ensure you have a Sheprador with a happy and healthy life, you should be sure that you feed your pooch the right dog food. Not all dog food on the market is high quality, so carefully selecting the right brand is important. In general, a good rule of thumb is to opt for food with all-natural ingredients and high-fiber dog food that includes fruits and vegetables. Also, make sure they have a diet high in protein. You should also avoid food with filler ingredients, artificial flavoring, and preservatives. The Labrador side of these hounds will certainly mean they come with a big appetite and a love for snacking. Due to this, Shepradors are very prone to weight gain and overeating. To avoid gulping down their dinner, it may be best to invest in a slow feeder. If Shepradors are allowed to become overweight, they will suffer from joint problems, hip dysplasia, and, later on, arthritis. This mixed breed is quite widely accessible and is luckily not as pricey as other, more fashionable crossbreeds. The best route is to research reputable breeders and follow recommendations. Shepradors are not extremely expensive dog breeds. Adopting a Sheprador If you are struggling to find a reputable breeder or you simply have your heart set on a Black Lab German Shepherd, then rescuing is a great option. Be sure to check out your local shelters and adoption agencies. These pups have so much love to give and deserve a second chance at a happy home. They are also easily adaptable and should slot into their new environment and family without too much fuss. Remember that they flourish on positive reinforcement and rely on learning and training in order to thrive. Like with any relationship, there will be highs and lows. But, for the most part, the pros will likely outweigh the cons when it comes to the Black Lab mixed with German Shepherd. Cons of Owning a Sheprador They can inherit serious health issues: this is emotionally and financially stressful, but health screenings can, fortunately, help predict and prevent inherited issues. They need lots of exercise: without sufficient exercise and a generally active lifestyle, these hounds will grow restless, bored, and unhappy. They are likely to shed heavily: without a frequent brushing and sweeping routine, your pooch will leave your home in a blanket of hair. Pros of Owning a Sheprador Shepradors are outgoing with loyal personalities: your Sheprador is always eager to play, engage, learn, and meet new people, which makes them great companions. They are great family pets: affectionate and loving, Shepradors want to belong in your family and feel needed on the team. The dogs are excellent security dogs: the Sheprador is innately a protector and a watchdog and will alert you of any threats to your safety. Final Thoughts on the Sheprador There you have it, folks — the brilliant, blended Sheprador that we all adore. This razor-sharp, athletically-inclined hound is a sure companion to have at your side. They are eager to please and easy to train, which will make them a pleasure to have around in the home or on the job. You cannot go wrong with parenting one of these fur babies unless, of course, you have a problem with too much loyalty and brilliance. Looking for more GSD crossbreeds? Take a look at these posts next:.

Updated October 31, This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you buy after clicking on our links. German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Not only are they beautiful, but these dogs are also smart, loyal, and energetic. During the first year or so of life, your little puppy is going to go through a major growth spurt. Yet, by the time they are a year old, they can weight over 60 pounds! Poor nutrition at a young age can result in some serious health complications in the future. For German Shepherds, those risks are even higher due to the many conditions the breed is susceptible to. Its protein content is 35 percent, which is well above the recommended amount. Most of that protein comes from wholesome meat sources like deboned chicken and fish. Buy on Chewy See on Amazon 2. It does this with optimum levels of calcium and phosphorus. As for protein, the kibble is made up of about 26 percent. It comes from chicken meal. Buy on Chewy 3. Instead, it has healthy meat and carbs. Protein makes up 38 percent of the recipe. It comes from an array of meat sources, including chicken, turkey, fish, meat organs, and more. To make sure that their bones grow in a healthy way, it has that magic 1. Buy on Chewy 4. The food is suitable for dogs as old as 15 weeks and addresses many common health issues. To avoid joint and bone issues, it has a healthy dose of calcium and phosphorus. Buy on Chewy 5. The Raw Boost large puppy food is no different. It has .Small bits of freeze-dried raw meat are thrown into the mix as well for an extra boost of muscle-building protein. The recipe uses complex carbs and a variety of plant-based ingredients as well. It contains DHA for proper brain and eye development. DHA is found naturally in milk, so it helps to make the transition as smooth as possible. The canned food is comprised of chicken and chicken liver. The meat ingredients are paired with potatoes and pea protein. In total, the food has .There is no corn, wheat, or soy ingredients, ensuring that your pup starts off on the right foot. Real chicken is used as the primary protein source. The food has carrots and peas, which provide plenty of vitamins and minerals. The potatoes also provide a dose of fiber for better digestive health. The needs of a puppy are much different than that of an adult dog. Your pup is growing rapidly right before your eyes. Their bones are getting stronger and their muscles are being primed for a lifetime of activity. As a result, your puppy is actually going to need more nutrients now than they will when they get older. Many of this information is recommended and regulated by the Association of American Feed Control. You can look out for the small AAFO seal of approval on the packaging as a quick way to determine if a food is suitable for your dog. High Protein Content The most important thing your dog will need as both a puppy and an adult is protein. Protein is responsible for muscle growth and energy. This is higher than the 18 percent that adults need. However, we recommend going as high as 27 percent. Look out for ingredients like chicken, beef, lamb, and fish. Meat meals are also acceptable. As long as the protein is identified, it can benefit your pup. Avoid choosing foods that have byproducts or unlabeled mystery meats. They can do more harm than good. First, it acts as a source of energy. Fat is converted into usable glucose, which provides an ongoing supply of energy. Secondly, fat can support the circulatory system and skin health. However, this only applies to healthy fats. Omega fatty acids work to keep the skin supple and improve blood circulation throughout the body. One specific type of omega fatty acid, DHA, can even support the development of the brain and eyes. This type of fat comes ingredients like flaxseed and salmon oil. Once your dog reached adulthood, you can lower that amount to 5 percent. Calcium and Phosphorus Calcium and phosphorus are crucial for proper bone and joint development. Puppies need just the right amount of these minerals to stay healthy. Eating too much can lead to skeletal deformities and unhealthy growth spurts. Too little and your dog runs the risk of developing bone spurs and other ailments in the future. The most common issues that plague this breed are hip dysplasia and arthritis. With hip dysplasia, the bones in the hip joint did not form correctly. This leads to immense pain and difficulties in walking. Unfortunately, the condition can remain undetected until your dog is older. Having the right amount of calcium and phosphorus can do a lot to prevent the condition. Calcium is typically derived from dairy products or eggs. Phosphorus is found in meat products and organs. German Shepherd puppies need to have 1 part of phosphorus for every 1. As long as the food has this ratio, it should be good for your pup. Complex Carbs Carbohydrates are a source of energy for dogs. There are no guidelines when it comes to the amount of carbs needed for pups to stay healthy. Cheaper dog foods use fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. These should be avoided. Healthy alternatives include sweet potatoes, peas, and whole oats. These are all considered to be complex carbs. They have a low glycemic index, which means that they are absorbed slowly throughout the day rather than all at once. Complex carbohydrates also act as a healthy source of fiber. Despite their small size as young dogs, they can pack away a lot of food. The meals need to split up to ensure that your dog can process everything before they eat again. The breed is susceptible to excessive weight gain and obesity. Your dog needs to gain weight in a healthy manner. Otherwise, they can develop musculoskeletal problems. Furthermore, Bloat is a serious risk. Bloat occurs when dogs eat too much food too fast. Air gets trapped in their stomach, causing it to twist. At around six months old, you can start to transition to two meals a day. The amount of food you feed your dog will depend on their body condition and the calorie content of the food. Follow the guidelines on the packaging and consult with your vet to see what your pup needs. Which is Better: Wet or Dry Food? Wet and dry food both have their advantages. Once your dog is weaned off their mother, you should start them off with canned food. At 12 weeks of age, start to add in kibble. Slowly take away the canned food and proceed with the dry kibble for their daily meals. Kibble is your best bet as your dog gets older. Not only is more nutritionally dense than canned food, but dry food also has the added benefit of scrubbing their teeth as they chew. Canned food should be used as a supplement only. It has a lot more moisture than kibble. So, your dog will need to eat more of it to get all the fuel they need. It should be reserved for dogs with dental issues or those who have difficulties eating normal kibble. By choosing a high-quality canned food and kibble, you can support their growing body and set them up for a healthy life ahead. Being a dog parent to a German shepherd is quite tricky. Its diet requirement varies in whatever life stage your dog belongs to. What does this mean? An active and growing puppy requirement is twice more than what an adult dog needs for the elderly ones. Most people feed their dogs with canned food, however there are tons of different types and labels out there in the market and you are hard-pressed to even know where to start and what to choose. We will also answer frequently asked questions to ensure that your German Shepherd dog get what it deserves. Whichever the case, your main goal is ensuring that they have a nutritious food that promotes healthy growth and energy levels, right? The problem is that the grains do not provide the same nutritional value as other forms of carbohydrates, and often cause digestion problems in your dog. Real Beef Is The 1 Ingredient: Some of the bigger named dog food companies have also started using animal byproducts, such as chicken innards, to increase the amount of protein in their recipes. These byproducts are not nearly as dense in protein as real meat, which is why Purina makes real beef their 1 ingredient. These recipes are loaded with the high quality protein your dog needs to maintain healthy muscle production. Crafted By In-House Nutritionists: Purina offers a wide range of recipes and flavors that contain no added preservatives or artificial flavorings. Caused Reactions In Overly Sensitive Dogs: While Purina went with a grain-free recipe for their Beyond Natural line of foods, some customers have also reported that it did cause sensitivity in their pets. If your dog has shown sensitivity to foods in the past, you should also keep this fact in mind. Buying Advice Purina has put a lot of time and energy into formulating their Beyond Natural line of wet dog foods. With a wide range of recipes to choose from, you can find one for even the pickiest of eaters. High Quality Complex Carbohydrates: Complex carbs, unlike simple sugars, give your pet a long lasting boost of energy. Simple sugars will give them a quick energy boost, but them make them crash, acting lethargic throughout the day. Because of their wide distribution channels, they make up for the lower price by selling more units overall. That means you save money, and can easily find it in most big box and pet stores. Cons Dented Cans: Ordering canned dog food online presents one major problem: the shipping process. Some of them were unable to be opened with a can opener. Picky Dogs Turn Their Noses Up: Even offering a wide range of recipes for you to choose from, some customers have also reported that their dogs still snubbed their nose at Natural Balance, and refused to eat it. When you have to feed more than 1, you may need to consider picking up a second job just to support their diet. Or, you can look at the IAMS Proactive Health line of dog foods that are making a name for themselves for being so affordable, while still tasting great and being packed full of nutritious ingredients. This slow cooking process creates a great tasting broth. In order to gain control over the infestation, you need to be able to stop new eggs from forming into adults, effectively breaking the life cycle. Their prices are some of the most affordable on the market, so if you are on a strict budget, IAMS is a definite contender that should be considered. With free shipping, you can save almost 50 cents a can, compared to what you can expect to pay in your local big box stores or pet warehouses. You can also consider setting up automatic shipping, and have new orders sent straight to your door each month — ensuring you never run out. Their Choice Cuts line of wet dog foods attempts to position Pedigree as a gourmet choice in the wet dog food market. Keep reading to find out! Pros Essential Oils And Extra Minerals: Each can is also infused with essential fatty acids, and extra vitamins and minerals to help promote strong internal systems, a healthy coat, and skin. Choice Cuts Of Meat: One area that Pedigree did address was in the inclusion of actual meat products inside of this line of wet dog foods. Irresistible Taste: A lot of the dogs that eat Pedigree are very fond of the flavor. Each can is cooked with the meat and water combined to create a great tasting gravy that your dogs will lick clean from their bowl. These percentages keep your dogs active without feeling lethargic, and have just enough protein to help their muscles burn fat, keeping them from becoming overweight. Mixture Of Flavors: If your dog happens to snub their nose at one flavor, there are still around 10 more flavors to choose from. If you want to give your dog a variety, you could feed them a different can every day of the week, and still have a few left over. Subscription Delivery Available: Ordering from Amazon gives you the option to have your order automatically refilled on the interval you set. Cons Includes Grains: A large portion of the ingredients in each can are, indeed, grain based. Pedigree uses a slick method of renaming different grain based products to keep the overall total from being the 1 ingredient on the back of the label. Causes Pickiness In Non-Picky Dogs: Some customers have reported that their dogs, who normally eat everything in sight, would snub their noses at the Pedigree Choice Cuts line of foods. For this reason alone, you may want to order a single can to test the waters before you start purchasing in bulk. Buying Advice While we commend Pedigree for making drastic changes over the last few years, we recommend you click on the button below to read reviews from other customers, and then make a decision on your own as to whether or not Pedigree Choice Cuts is right for your dog. Probably even your great-grandparents, for that matter. We all do, and your dogs will, too. Each recipe in the Alpo Chop House line of foods is inspired by the same dishes we all love to get at our favorite steakhouse restaurants. Contains Essential Vitamins And Minerals: A lot of dog food companies are more interested in their profits, which means excluding high end ingredients that give your dog the nutrients they need to thrive. Purina, though, uses only the highest quality, all natural ingredients that deliver exactly the vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients your dog requires to live a long, happy, and healthy life. Excellent Customer Service: Purina is not some fly-by-night brand who is going to take your money one day, and be gone the next. Cons Price Recently Increased: This is the way it goes with business. When you have something successful, the prices tend to increase over time. However, Purina recently doubled the cost of their Alpo Chop Steakhouse line of dog foods. Customers Less Than Pleased With Shipping: While not necessarily a reflection on the company itself, a lot of customers have reported receiving their cases of food with a large amount of dents in the cans. Regardless, we thought you should know that this is a potential problem customers have been reporting on. Each can of Freedom Lamb Dinner wet dog food by Blue Buffalo is specially formulated with real lamb, potatoes, and oatmeal, and is naturally infused with essential vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids to promote a healthy nervous system, brain, bones, and muscles. Recipe Includes Potatoes And Oatmeal: A lot of companies like to use low quality products even sawdust, in some cases as carbohydrates that help give your dog energy. Blue Buffalo, though, includes healthy complex carbs like sweet potatoes and oatmeal that both enhance flavor, and give your dog energy in between meals. Natural, Holistic Formula For All Dogs: There are zero animal byproducts like lungs, noses, hooves, ears, and eyes inside of the Freedom line of wet dog foods. These products are great for adding filler, but are not loaded down with the vitamins and minerals that your dog needs to stay healthy. The combination makes a great broth that dogs go crazy for, and it really extends the life of each can of wet food — especially when you have multiple dogs. You may need to wash your hands after you serve it to them. Buying Advice Blue Buffalo has a wide range of products that have all earned a reputation for being some of the best on the market, while still staying competitive on price. That means, for a growing dog, each can of Blue Buffalo Freedom wet dog food is formulated to promote healthy growth from puppy to adulthood. Another disadvantage with wet foods is that some manufacturers often add wheat flour, white rice or other grains as a thickener that makes it lower in quality. Nevertheless, wet food is also advantage in special circumstances especially when your dog is a picky eater, or if you have an elderly dog who have lost appetite and might find wet food more appealing. This is also good for dogs who have trouble chewing and digesting. Is a canned tuna good for German shepherd? Tuna is just not part of their natural diet. Another one negative factor about feeding our shepherd pups with canned tuna is the risk that we are giving them from mercury levels. German shepherds can eat tuna but you need to make sure you do it just on the right timing. For example, if your dog weighs 40 pounds, they can have it once every nine days or if yours is bigger, then once every 7 days will be enough. The amount of tuna that you feed them solely depends on the size of your German shepherd dog. How many cans of dog food should German shepherd eat? But what do they actually mean by that? Yes — it is true that our German shepherd dogs deserve a healthy and nutritious yet satisfying and generous amount of food, but please know for a fact that the said specific amount varies along the following things that we need to consider: Size — the bigger the dog, the bigger the appetite. Active and hardworking German shepherd dogs are most likely to eat more than what a couch potato German shepherd. Health considerations— Vets will recommend a good diet that would suit your senior or sick German shepherd. But to give you an approximate amount for your german shepherd dog with good health and fitness. Is it okay to feed a dog just canned food? This question can be answered by the dog parents themselves. Whether it is kibble, canned or home processed, each dog is different as well as their appetite. Some dogs are used to eating kibble alone, some are solely canned food while some others are mixed. Either way, just as long as you feed your pup the right amount, securing the quality of the food you give, not overlooking the nutritional factors needed, then your good is to go! Conslusion As the market is very much competitive against each other, we as dog parents are sometimes lead to being so indecisive of what to really feed our dogs. Along with the good intention to give your dog the best diet that you can give him, please always consider and never forget that good quality and good quantity is what matters the most. We surely want to be with our special canine family member the longest time that we could possibly be with them, right? Then, being a responsible and diligent dog parent is the key for this. You are the key for this! Search for:. The convenience of home delivery and the reasonable price tag make this a win-win. Woofs of approval all around! And guess what? Vets are the culinary architects here, with a board-certified nutritionist, toxicologist, and dermatologist joining forces. Rigorous research and scientific protocols have birthed this culinary marvel, bringing both taste and nutrition to the forefront. It arrives at your doorstep frozen, a seal of freshness. Keep it frozen for up to a year, and once thawed, serve up a world of yum within days. Treat your companion to JustFoodForDogs and let their tail-wagging delight tell the tale of wholesome wellness. These raw, natural patties are a symphony of protein, boasting real beef and non-GMO veggies. These ingredients are like mini time capsules of nutrition, locking in their natural vitality. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, this patty is like a canine multivitamin. Your furball will be zooming around with energy like never before, ready to conquer every fetch and tail-wagging escapade. Experience the magic of raw nutrition without the hassle. Instinct Frozen Raw Patties are a game-changer, delivering ancestral nourishment in every mouthful. No more untouched bowls, just pure satisfaction. Crafted with expertise and love, this tender pate is tailor-made for your growing ball of fur. Watch as they explore their world with newfound curiosity and conquer new tricks and sights, all thanks to this genius ingredient! Real chicken is the star here, supplying the top-notch protein your pup needs for those boundless leaps and frolics. The protein power ensures your pup gets the premium protein punch needed for those adorable zoomies and leaps. Lean muscles? With 23 essential vitamins and minerals, this meal is a balanced nutrition powerhouse. Crafted in Purina-owned U. Let your pup enjoy a healthier, shinier coat and a resilient immune system, all thanks to this nutrient-packed puppy food. Pros Irresistible taste that keeps tails wagging No tummy tantrums — easy on digestion Proudly made in the U. Your pup will eagerly rush to their dish, ready to devour this delectable delight, day in and day out. So, join the ranks of happy pup parents and let the joyful journey continue with Purina Pro Plan. Picture this: real, tender deboned chicken paired with the natural goodness of apples, sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas, all swimming in a lip-smacking gravy. And the best part? No more mealtime struggles or tummy troubles! Pros Real deboned chicken for top-notch protein Wholesome ingredients like apples, sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas DHA-infused for brainy brilliance No artificial preservatives or unwanted fillers Supports a shiny, soft coat Cons Strong dog food scent but hey, dogs love it! Carrots and pea chunks might be too large for some tiny pups Make mealtime an eagerly awaited event with Merrick Grain Free Wet Puppy Food. Your four-legged friend deserves the best, so why not serve them a plate of pure puppy happiness? This delectable dish kicks off with real chicken for muscle growth, plus brain-boosting DHA to nurture cognitive development. Whether as a standalone feast or mixed with dry kibble, this recipe is a win-win. Reduce those puppy tummy troubles! Say farewell to upset stomachs as this puppy food helps soothe sensitivities and promotes better stools with its gentle formula made especially for growing pups. The fresh, human-grade ingredients have no fillers, preservatives, or artificial additives—just pure, wholesome yumminess because your furball deserves nothing but the best. In a world where health meets tail-wagging deliciousness, this offering is a shining star. Looking for a grade-A health boost? Packed with DHA and EPA fatty acids, essential for brain development and maintaining healthy vision Crafted with human-grade ingredients, so you can serve your favorite companion a home-cooked meal straight from your kitchen! No fillers, no preservatives, and definitely no artificial colorings or flavorings! Keep those tails wagging and those taste buds ready for excitement with the taste of home cooked goodness in a fresh, ready-made pack for your pup! Just like us, our canine companions need a balanced diet to stay healthy and happy. Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in their overall well-being, including maintaining a shiny coat, strong muscles, and a robust immune system. Our furry companions rely on us to provide them with the nourishment they need to thrive. These nutrients are the building blocks for strong muscles, a shiny coat, and a robust immune system. Moreover, the right wet dog food can cater to specific dietary needs. Wet vs. To use these recommended figures for wet food, all you need to do is check the label for the moisture percentage and the minimum crude protein guarantee. So, be careful when checking labels and make sure you convert the figures before you decide. Here are some tips: Make sure a meat source is the first ingredient. Avoid those that list non-meat components like broth or water first. Select dog food that names its meat sources. Most will have a combination of the flesh ex. Choose grain-free wet dog food or those with whole grains. Hearty grains like brown rice and oats are more beneficial for your dog than fillers like soy and corn. Opt for dog food with beneficial vegetables. Loading up on veggies like carrots and green beans offers better benefits than starches. However, it also contains other meats, including chicken and chicken liver. For moisture, it uses both water and beef broth. Rather than using filler ingredients like soy, wheat, and corn, this wet dog food contains healthier carbohydrate sources like peas, carrots, and potatoes. Nor does it contain harmful preservatives. Additionally, it is enhanced with vitamins and minerals for optimum health. The formulation specifically caters to dogs with sensitive stomachs and with skin-irritating food allergies. This is a great option for a German shepherd that requires this diet to manage allergies and sensitivities they may experience. The formulation contains real meat as the number one ingredient, in this case, Salmon. This provides the required protein and the best part of this is the DHA omega-3 fatty acid that promotes cognitive development in a dog. Purina Pro Plan is a well-balanced diet that dogs with sensitivities and digestion will love. It is a grain-free, gluten-free dog food that does not contain ingredients that may cause allergic reactions in German Shepherds as well as good for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The formulation also lacks corn and soy which are unsuitable for food-sensitive dogs. German Shepherds require a good protein in their diet for muscle development and for a healthy body structure. Different flavors are also available to choose from. Apart from the great taste that dogs love, this dog food provides all-round nutrition for German shepherds. The formula has a high protein content for maintaining lean muscle in German Shepherds and on the other hand, also has less fat to ensure your dog is burning off their own fat and not muscle. This helps to maintain a healthy weight for a German Shepherd. The dog food formula also contains Omega-6 fatty acids that support healthy skin and a shiny coat as well as prebiotic fiber to aid in digestive health. This is an all-around balanced diet while helping to control weight for a German Shepherd. The formulation is structured to cater to the nutritional needs and health of an older dog. The food contains quality protein for maintaining lean muscles in the older dogs as well as vitamins and antioxidants to support the immune system. This easily digestible food contains fiber that promotes healthy digestion and essential minerals that support healthy bones and heart health for older dogs. This limited ingredient dog food formula does not contain the common ingredients that cause allergic flare-ups in dogs therefore it is perfect for dogs with allergies and food sensitivities. In addition, this easily digestible formula has Omega-3 which is good for the cognitive development of dogs as well as Omega-6 which helps maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin. Natural Balance also contains premium quality animal protein which helps to build muscle tissue and mass in a German shepherd. Different flavors are available to choose from. Top ingredients: Lamp, Lamp broth, Lamp liver, Brown rice, Lamp meal Key features: Contains premium quality animal protein source Has essential vitamins and minerals, vitamin A and B12 to support the immune system Contains essential fatty acids, that is, Omega-3 and 6 Easily digestible For a limited ingredient diet for dogs with food sensitivities and allergies Best for puppies and adult dogs Check the latest price on the Natural Balance L. It consists of a quality animal protein to adequately build muscle, grain-free to minimize food-related allergies as well as lacking corn, wheat, soy, or chicken by-product meal. This tasty meal is made from wholesome non-GMO quality ingredients to provide all the vitamins and minerals that help to support the immune system and overall healthy growth of a German Shepherd. This dog food is best recommended for adult German Shepherds. The below should be considered when selecting canned dog food for a German shepherd. Protein-rich formula German Shepherds require a strong lean body which is mainly built up by its food source. The canned dog food should contain a rich source of lean protein preferably from animal protein such as meat, fish, or poultry to provide the essential protein for building and sustaining muscle mass. Avoid canned dog food that does not provide a quality animal protein as the main ingredient. Healthy fats Fats are essential for providing calories that are used as energy. German shepherds are very energetic breeds and use up calories during activities and they require more energy sources from food to replenish them. As a large breed, an adult German shepherd requires a good source of support for its energy needs. Other essential fats consist of fatty acids such as Omega 6 fatty acids help to maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin as well as Omega 3 which supports brain development and health. Allergen-free or limited ingredient diet food Food allergies may develop in some German Shepherds and it is important to provide them with food formulated with limited ingredients that do not cause allergic reactions. Some food formulations exclude common allergens such as grain, corn, soy, chicken, wheat, and beef. Additional ingredients suitable for German Shepherds There are essential food elements that support the health of a German Shepherd as a dog breed. German Shepherds are prone to joint and bone health problems and it is essential to have food elements that support joint and bone health. Glucosamine and chondroitin are essential elements that benefit German Shepherds in this regard. They are found in meat and poultry protein sources and support joints and mobility in dogs. Look out for them in the canned dog food. Controlled levels of phosphorus and calcium are also essential for bone health as well as probiotic inclusive foods which are also beneficial because they promote good digestive health of dogs. Whole Foods In order for a German Shepherd to get all the essential nutrients they require for proper growth and health, the dog food has to contain whole food that provides essential nutrients and minerals which help to provide a strong immune system. Look out for this and also ensure no artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers are included. Frequently Asked Questions How long can you leave canned dog food out? Unopened canned dog food can last from 2 to 5 years when stored properly in a cool dry place. This should not be refrigerated. On the other hand, opened canned dog food can be left out at room temperature for a few hours, up to 4 hours. The recommendation is to always refrigerate open cans which can safely last for 3 to 5 days and no longer than 7 days at a set temperature of 40 — 45 degrees. Transfer and store the food from the can in an airtight container. Always discard uneaten food after these times and clean the bowl before refilling it. Conclusion Canned dog food has the benefit of having a higher concentration of animal protein ingredients compared to dry food, has fewer preservatives, and much easier to chew and digest for puppies, adult, and senior dogs. It is a good food option for feeding your German Shepherd for healthy growth and well-being. I hope this article helped you to identify and know the best canned dog food for German Shepherds as well as key features to consider during the process of purchase in order to get the best product for your dog. If you liked this article you may also like to know the best canned dog food for German Shepherd puppies. To learn more about German Shepherds, check out the below resources. Related Posts. Jump on live chat or leave a message. Dog food for German Shepherds With a high drive, large and fast-growing bones and a higher-chance of hip and joint issues than other breeds, the ideal German Shepherd dog food is high in quality meat protein, well balanced and low in inflammation markers. We designed Scratch for great German Shepherds like Vinnie here. What should you pay attention to when picking food for your German shepherd? Is it full of chicken, beef or poultry? This effects joints and overall mobility, as well as skin and coat. Controlling inflammation is vital in older dogs. German Shepherd nutritional needs Like most breeds, German Shepherds have genetic traits not guarantees, but higher likelihood and lifestyle-related health issues to consider, and hopefully avoid. Good breading and genetic testing can reduce a lot of risk, with diet and lifestyle also helping to avoid or reduce the effect. High-protein from quality meat sources. All Scratch meat protein comes from specific source, human-grade meat Ingredients with low inflammation markers to look after those joints. German Shepherd puppy food With fast growing bones and growth hormones in overdrive, German Shepherd puppies require a different diet than smaller puppies. Their food needs to contain: A calcium:phosphorous ratio in a range suitable for large breeds. DHA for brain development Enough salt and electrolytes Tons of protein at least .But not all protein is created equal. Dogs do better with plenty of high-quality animal protein. How much should a German Shepherd eat a day? Different foods give off different amounts of energy. Scratch for instance has more energy in a piece of kibble than most other dry dog foods, so dogs would eat less Scratch than other foods and a bag would last longer. Look for the amount of Kcal per grams. The higher the number, the more energy the food contains. The lower, the less it contains and the more they would need to eat. To find out how much Scratch your German Shepherd should eat a day, take our personalised quiz. If you have a puppy, their feeding guide will update as they grow. Comparing German Shepherd dog food Dog Food. It contains high-quality proteins that are recommended by vets for the development of lean muscles. The ingredients are all-natural and designed to provide the essential nutrients that your puppy needs. The balanced minerals in the food also promote good bone development. The dog food comes with clear directions on how to feed your puppy. If you have tried out a few flavors, it is best to buy the one your puppy is fond of to encourage eating. Nutrients Wet puppy food has a generous amount of proteins. Proteins are vital for the development of your puppy. The food should also contain minerals , vitamins, and omegas for the overall health of your puppy. It should also have a good amount of carbs to give them the energy to play. If your puppy has digestion issues, the food should have fiber to help with digestion. Depending on what your pet needs most, this should guide you when buying wet food for your German Shepherd. The ingredients in the wet food are the most important and what a pet owner should be keen about. The wet food should be balanced in nutrient content. The wet food we have reviewed is the best that contains all the nutrients your puppy needs in one bite. Remember to buy according to what your puppy needs or lacks. It is also good to listen to what your vet recommends when buying wet food for a German Shepherd puppy. Recent Posts.

Proof of service or military ID must be presented at the time of adoption. Pets younger than two years will have normal adoption fees. What is included in the adoption fee? All Pet Adoptions Include: Spay or neuter surgery, dewormer, age-appropriate vaccinations, rabies vaccination, flea prevention, a pet microchip, and a one year registration with the City of Houston. BARC strongly recommends taking your newly adopted pet to a veterinarian within 72 hours for a follow up exam. If the pet becomes sick BARC offers treatment for newly adopted pets within two weeks of the adoption date. Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease which affects dogs and other mammals in the United States and other parts of the world. This disease is transmitted by mosquitos. It does not spread from dog to dog so it is safe to adopt a heartworm-positive dog. Heartworm disease can be resolved and most dogs respond well to treatment and can live long and happy lives! If the dog you have chosen to adopt is heartworm positive, we will have you speak to a medical team member prior to completing the adoption. The team member will be able to answer any questions you may have, help you learn more about this disease, and what the treatment will entail. Heartworm disease can be prevented. Due to the high density of the disease and mosquitos in our area, all dogs in your household should be on heartworm prevention. Visit www. How do I adopt a pet in Foster Care? Pets in Foster Care are not physically in the shelter except for on special event days. If you have found a pet from foster care that you would like to adopt or learn more about, Email barcfoster houstontx. Please allow at least 48 hours for the foster caregiver to reach out. Once you have met the pet and confirm you would like to adopt, our foster team will reach out to you on how to start the adoption process. For most pets, the adoption will still have to be done in person at BARC. For more information on adopting a pet from foster care, please contact barcfoster houstontx. Please come to BARC before 1 p. Your dog is special! Chances are that you chose her because you like Boxers and you expected her to have certain traits that would fit your lifestyle: Affectionate, easygoing, and lovable Loves to play games, especially fetch Intelligent, friendly, and easily won over Large, strong, and athletic, with lots of stamina in cooler climates Good with kids and other pets An excellent guard dog, courageous and dependable However, no dog is perfect! You may have also noticed these characteristics: Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog Exhibits signs of separation anxiety if left alone too much Can be gassy and drool a lot Can be independent and strong-willed Needs frequent attention from her family Suspicious of strangers Is it all worth it? Of course! She is a bright and energetic companion that forms close human bonds. With early socialization and consistent leadership, she is a cheerful and dependable addition to any family. The modern Boxer was developed in Germany during the 19th century from mastiff type dogs, and was originally used to hunt large game and in fighting or baiting. The Boxer is a high-energy dog with an enthusiastic and animated nature. They are a friendly and high-spirited breed that loves to play with children. Some Boxers can be stubborn but most are eager and quick to learn. Boxers enjoy close human contact and demand to be the center of attention with their clownish antics. The Boxer is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Boxer. By knowing about health concerns specific to Boxers, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Boxers to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Boxers. At the end of the booklet, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Boxer looking and feeling her best. And unfortunately, your Boxer is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections Boxers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Boxers. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Roundworm egg as seen under the microscope. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Boxer is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time. This is convenient for you and easy for your friend. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Genetic Predispositions for Boxers Heart Disease Boxers are prone to multiple types of heart disease, which can occur both early and later in life. Veterinary dental care and weight control go a long way in preventing heart disease. Boxers are especially prone to a life-threatening heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, in which the heart becomes so large, thin, and weak that it can no longer effectively pump blood to the body. As this problem advances, he may act weak or tired, faint or collapse, breathe in a labored way, or cough. This means your Boxer is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off blood supply to the stomach, and sometimes the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as 30 minutes. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes out , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! This is a common problem in dogs, and your Boxer is more likely than other dogs to be affected. The condition usually develops slowly, and the early signs are easily missed. Symptoms include drinking and urinating more than normal, increased appetite and reduced activity level. Later, a potbelly, thin skin, and hair loss are characteristic. Treatment usually includes oral medications, and requires close coordination with us to ensure correct dosing. Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Boxers. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. The cranial cruciate ligament is one of the four tough bands of tissue that hold each knee together. A torn cranial cruciate ligament is a common injury in active dogs, which includes your Boxer. Usually surgical correction is done to stabilize the knee and help prevent crippling arthritis. Physical therapy and multimodal pain management are necessary to get the best outcome. Keeping him at the right weight, feeding a high-quality diet, and avoiding too much twisting of the knees like playing Frisbee are key in avoiding this painful injury. Neurological Disease A genetically linked neurological condition that could occur in your Boxer causes a wobbly, drunken gait. This condition, known as wobbler disease or wobbler syndrome, happens because there is a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, which pinches the spinal cord and associated nerves. If the nerves do not send signals to the brain the way they are supposed to, your dog cannot feel his feet. The first signs you will often notice are unstable hind legs, stumbling, and sometimes falling. Medications, neck braces, rehabilitation exercise programs, and surgery are treatment options. It affects Boxers more frequently than other breeds. If your dog has this disease, he will become increasingly weak and disabled in the hind legs and will eventually suffer from paralysis in his hindquarters, along with incontinence. Rehabilitation, exercise, acupuncture, and dietary supplements can be helpful, but there is no cure. A genetic test is available to determine whether your dog is at risk for this heritable disease. Inflammatory Bowel Disease Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD is an immune system disorder common in Boxers in which the intestinal lining becomes overrun with immune system cells called lymphocytes and plasmacytes. Chronic vomiting or diarrhea is common or it may flare up suddenly and then improve again for a time. Stress, diet change, or intestinal parasites may make it worse. If your friend has diarrhea or digestive upsets that are not explained by the more common reasons, diagnostic tests, which may include intestinal biopsy, will be needed. Lifetime medications and special diets are usually required to keep this bellyache under control. Unfortunately, Boxers can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Multiple Skin Problems Your Boxer is susceptible to different kinds of skin infections and diseases. One of them is caused by yeast Malassezia dermatitis. When it infects the ears, it causes itching, redness, and an accumulation of brown waxy discharge. On the skin, it leads to greasy, hairless areas, especially on the neck and throat, with a characteristic odor. Another common skin disease called seborrhea can cause dry, flaky skin or greasy, oily skin. These diseases make your pet itchy and uncomfortable. The earlier you call to have his skin problems checked, the less likely it is that you will end up caring for an itchy, bald, smelly dog. Bleeding Disorders There are several types of inherited bleeding disorders which occur in dogs. They range in severity from very mild to very severe. Many times a pet seems normal until a serious injury occurs or surgery is performed, and then severe bleeding can result. Abnormal lymphocytes, as seen under the microscope, confirming a diagnosis of lymphoma. Lymphoma Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that afflicts Boxers more than other breeds. This disease makes the body form abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Because white blood cells can be found throughout the body, this cancer can show up almost anywhere. Lymphoma is a very treatable form of cancer, with an excellent success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy. Treatment can be costly, however, and is a lifelong commitment. Luckily, lymphoma is one of the few types of cancer that can often be found with a blood test, so we may recommend a complete blood count twice yearly. Bleeding Tumor Hemangiosarcoma is a type of bleeding tumor that affects Boxers at greater than average incidence. These tumors commonly form in the spleen, but can form in other organs as well. Unbeknownst to a pet owner, the tumor breaks open and internal bleeding occurs. Some tumors can be volleyball-sized or larger before signs of sickness show. We often find clues that one of these tumors is present during senior wellness testing, so have his blood tested and an ultrasound performed at least yearly. Mast Cell Tumor Mast cell tumors are a particularly nasty type of skin cancer found more often in Boxers, and the sooner they are surgically removed the better. Trouble is, they often look just like other kinds of skin lumps and lesions, some of which are harmful, and others not. All suspicious lumps should be tested and any questionable lump should be surgically removed as soon as possible. Many cancers are cured by surgically removing them, so early detection and removal is critical. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary, or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, with Boxers commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, they will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control, with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and effectiveness. Note the length of the seizure, and call us or an emergency hospital. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes. Treatment is usually simple: replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. Acepromazine Sensitivity Acepromazine is a widely used tranquilizer, very often prescribed for travel and other anxiety. For many years this drug was considered to have a wide margin for safety, meaning that vets prescribed it readily for traveling pets and for noise phobias. Recently, however, studies have uncovered some dangerous side effects in a few breeds, notably the Boxer. Respiratory Distress Syndrome This disease, also known as brachycephalic syndrome, affects dogs with a short nose, like your Boxer. As a consequence, the soft palate the soft part at the back of the roof of the mouth , is too long and hangs down into the airway. The nostrils are often too small, and sometimes the trachea, or windpipe, is narrow and undersized. All of these things lead to a narrow and obstructed airway. Many of these dogs can barely breathe! Watch for exercise intolerance, loud breathing, coughing, bluish gums, or fainting. With his short nose, he is also more likely to develop other problems, such as flatulence from excessive air intake, pneumonia from aspirating food, or heat stroke. In severe cases, surgical correction may be recommended. Taking Care of Your Boxer at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Boxer live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She has low grooming needs. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. Boxers generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. She can have a high prey drive, so she needs to be leash walked and a sturdy fence is a must. She can be sensitive to temperature extremes; avoid any prolonged exposure and be very alert to the signs of heat stress. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Boxer needs help. For the most up-to-date information on DNA and other screening tests available for your pal, visit www. Your Boxer counts on you to take good care of her, and we look forward to working with you to ensure that she lives a long and healthy life. Please contact us when you have questions or concerns. References: Ackerman L. Second edition. AAHA Press; .Veterinary medical guide to dog and cat breeds. Jackson, Wyoming. Teton New Media; .Gough A, Thomas A. Breed Predispositions to Disease in Dogs and Cats. Wiley-Blackwell; .Canine Inherited Disorders Database [Internet]. University of Prince Edward Island.

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

I'm Heidi I have been breeding Golden Retrievers for over 30 years. She had terrible skin problems, hated the water and would not retrieve. Because of my poor experience, I decided to devote my life to providing the world with Golden Retrievers that exemplified the best traits of the breed while maintaining a high standard of health. When I married my husband Tom, he became part of my wonderful life with Golden Retrievers. We now operate the business as a family, and our children assist with the socializing and care of our adorable Golden Retriever puppies and lovable adult dogs. Contact Us We'd love to hear from you! You can email us using this form or you can call .There are eight tests that we do on all of our sires and dams. Should they fail, we take great efforts to place them in pet homes with people who love them as much as we do. Our Facilities To ensure their comfort, all of our dogs are provided with horse troughs and air conditioning in the summer and heated housing in the winter. They are raised in our home and socialized daily. No dogs are ever kenneled. Customer Relations We go to great extents to keep in touch with the new puppy owners. Before pickup we will send pictures and videos on request. Some of our customers have continued correspondence long enough for us to become good friends. We continue our customer relations even after the puppies are in their new homes and ask everyone to keep in touch. We want to hear the good and bad news. If there is a problem we want to hear from you even if it is a simple question. For example: cutting toenails or how often to bathe your golden. Morgan was born on September 30, and i brought him home on November 10, .He is a big boy, full of energy, and the love of my life. He is very easy going, loves everyone, people as well as dogs. He loves to play, and if a dog is small, he will get down on his belly to get to their level. I am thrilled that he joined my family. Marijeanne Connolly ,Missoula We have had our dog for one year now. He was a puppy of Higgins and Dream. We love the breed and when we had to put our first Golden down due to cancer, we did not hesitate to get another one. In fact, we drove to your house the day after he died. I never thought we could love a dog as much as our first Golden, but this dog has so much personality. He loves the kids and and shows us everyday just how much he loves us. He loves to ride in the car with us and runs to the car every time we get the keys. He is a joy and so smart. He is such a beautiful dog. We get so many compliments on him. Thank you so much for raising such wonderful pets. He has brought a lot of joy into our lives. I am sorry I have not been in touch sooner! I just wanted to let you know how things are going with "mack" ashley and higgins puppy. He is amazing! He is so sweet and laid back, and he is so good looking too! He is full of puppy energy when he gets around other dogs, but for the most part he is so chill when I need for him to be. So far he has caused no problems! Thank you so much for such a wonderful dog! He is everything I was looking for and more. I am so glad that I found you. I could not have asked for a more perfect puppy. I have attached some pictures to this e-mail. I hope that you enjoy them. Thanks again! Some of ours have become famous Follow Watson on Instagram! He's a Lulu-Benny puppy! Watson is the "Trust Fall" pooch living with his brother Kiko and both sharing their love to the world. Fergus is a famous LL Bean fashion model! Reserve your puppy now! Call us at .Here, you're within just a few miles of the most breathtaking sights in the nation — majestic peaks and untouched wilderness for miles — but you'll never have to go without modern conveniences. Our resort offers the comforts of huge rooms, full kitchens, and large televisions, so whether you find yourself with wanderlust or just wanting to stay indoors, you'll always have something to keep you happy. Here, we specialize in large events — weddings, family reunions, and corporate retreats. Not only does our lodge support large groups, but also the nearby locations support large group activities. Top-tier skiing, golfing, and hiking locations are all just within reach — and we'll be happy to help you plan your trip. Contact us for more information. There is no better honor than to partner with these amazing men, and women. Whitefish Winter Carnival Parade It was such a fun event for our pups! Especially with a vintage fire truck joining us! What a great day! He came to us with a birth defect. When he was born part of his right front leg was non-functional. Shortly after birth, he lost that part and ended up with a non-functioning partial limb that limited his activities. After discussing the options for this fearless pup with our veterinarian and orthopedic surgeon, we decided it was best to amputate the limb. He now gets around just like any other puppy, zoomies and all. He is now in his loving home of a previous adopter and is the sweetest, happiest Golden ever! We thank Michelle and her family for giving him a forever home. Welcome home, Cooper! His eyes were so bad he was virtually blind and had lumps all over his body. Twelve weeks of strong antibiotics and steroids made him better. A few months later he was diagnosed with Grade 4 "Luxating Patella" his knee cap attached to the side of his leg in both his back legs. Due to his agehe was not able to have surgery until his bones matured and this made him quite crippled. On July 2, he was able to have his first surgery. The vet said it was much worse than expected. A lot of taking out bone, cutting bone, making a new groove and pinning. Also, muscle and tendons had to be cut and re-attached. He was in pain and needed rehab times a day but he was a strong, happy boy. He will never be totally normal but he should not be crippled. He had weeks of rehab and then got to do it all over again with his other leg. All in all, he was in therapy and rehab for almost 5 months. Cody will be at GoldenStock. Please come out and see him The Amazing 16 In December of I got a call about 16, 4 month old golden puppies needing help. The woman had three females and one male and the females all gave birth within a few days of each other. She was able to sell nine of the puppies but could not afford to feed the rest. She was feeding them oatmeal because it was cheap and filling. We drove to Miles City to pick them all up in minus 10 degree temps. Eventually they were all placed in loving homes. One girl, we almost missed as she was hiding under a chair, had hair full of ice and was shivering cold. We put a red ribbon around her and named her Fenway. So please come out and meet her at Goldenstock, as she found her forever home with us! Thank you Nancy and Mike! We offer many services like doggie day care, boarding, and grooming. Mason has been home for 1 week today. He is perfect! Jim Lorino Super Impressed I have purchased quite a few puppies in my 76 years but I have to say I am super impressed with the breeders of Mountain Meadow puppies. The entire facility was immaculate and you could tell the dogs are well loved and taken care of. I had lost my 14 year old Goldendoodle to cancer the week before contacting this facility and was worried. But our little Violette is brimming with personality, smart as a whip, healthy and she gets along great with our mastiff and 75 pound Goldendoodle as well as our 2 cats. I highly recommend Norma and her amazing operation. She is such a doll and I can see that you raised her well during those first few weeks. She has kept her beautiful red color and is the hit in the neighborhood. Everyone loves her. Thank you! She just got her bath and is still wet. She has settled down a lot these past few weeks, and is a joy in our lives. She loves to play and cuddle. We love to watch her play outside in the snow. She is very entertaining. Thanks again for everything. Donna M. He checks off all my desires in a new pup. Carol C. Love Our Puppy! We love our puppy! Very nice people, easy to get ahold of! Great experience all around! We will always recommend Mountain Meadow Puppies to all. Your kindness and professionalism made it all possible. We made the epic trip up from Southern California all in one weekend. Our family made memories that we will never forget. Michelle Schmidt A Beautiful, Caring Establishment Mountain Meadow Puppies we would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this special girl that we were blessed to get from you. I have to say I have never seen such a clean, beautiful, and caring establishment. Norma I pray the Lord blesses you and your family, thank you for taking care of your puppies the way you do and your customers, making sure my questions were answered. Just to watch you with your puppies and how you love them and care where they are going is amazing. I would recommend everyone I know who wants a healthy gorgeous puppy to come to Mountain Meadow Puppies. She is so gentle and intelligent. She slept through the night from the first night. She loves toys that are a challenge and to play fetch. She struggles a bit with housetraining. We still have a foot of snow in our yard and she would rather play than do what needs to be done, but we are getting there. Patience, consistency, and kindness really pay off with these guys. Love this girl! The process was so easy and enjoyable. We would recommend Mountain Meadow Puppies to everyone! First haircut! Hazel is such a sweetheart. So smart, kind and a bit of a clown. We love her so much!???? He is a very smart little guy. He is starting puppy training today. Best Friend I am so happy to have received my little Lisa. They made sure as first time puppy owner I was ready, keeping me updated on her health, as I waited for pickup date. I would recommend them to anyone interested in a goldendoodle, or bernedoodle. Emily Haaland Happy 1st. Birthday, Maya! You are such a blessing to our family! Yacelin P. An Exceptional Dog Bijou is an exceptional dog but maybe all owners think this. I LOVE her very much! Now that she is a year old, I can begin getting her ready to be a therapy dog. Requires a lot of discipline on my part! She always wants to be touching me — she is my girlie-girl! Linda Christopher S. We Love Her These puppies are amazing! Kona is now 10 months old and we love her! I highly recommend Norma and her puppies. Very special! Donna The Sweetest Boy! Hi Norma! I just wanted to send you some pictures of Scout Stallone. We love him so much. He is the sweetest boy! Bryant M. I was looking for a very specific dog and she was more than accommodating and helpful! My puppy is the greatest addition and he was well taken care of. I cannot thank Norma enough for everything or say enough about how much of an amazing breeder she is! Jade Parker Wonderful Experience! We had a wonderful experience adopting our sweet mini Goldendoodle from Mountain Meadow Puppies! Norma was absolutely amazing! She was prompt in messaging me back and answering any questions that I had. We are beyond smitten over our sweet Benny???? He loves to play, go on walks and cuddle???? They are the best! Hogan and Gracie are now 2 yrs and 1 yr and thriving! Thank you again, Norma. Just wanted to give you a pup-date on Dash, now known as Toby! We just love him so much. He has such a fun personality. He loves all his squeaker toys, and balls of all sizes. My family adores him. Norma was amazing and helped us find Murphy. .She was really a joy to work with! Helped me find my fur baby Nala Rose! A picture with my 1-year-old pup with long and short hair???? Chrystal Canales Phenomenal in every way!!! Mountain Meadows is absolutely phenomenal in every way!!! We fell in love with Murphy on their website, spoke with Norma multiple times over the phone, and made the drive to Libby to pick him up. Norma is incredibly knowledgeable and kind, you can tell the puppies love her!!! Their home is beautiful and their facility is beautiful and very well kept. Amazing amazing amazing. Mike Masters Absolutely Delightful We drove a long distance to get our little girl, and it was worth it! Norma was so helpful throughout the process and our new puppy is absolutely delightful. I hope you and your family are well!

Check out our beautiful puppies on our website. Fill Out an Application We want to be confident our puppies are going to a good home. Come Visit Our Home Come out to our 11 acre property south of DFW and get to know us and your new puppy before you make a final decision. No deposit required. We searched for quite some time and we are so happy to have found them! They were easy to work with, super knowledgeable and made this such a great experience for our family! Highly recommended! We are in love with our little girl. The communication and process were easy, quick, and straightforward. We are over the moon with the puppy we brought home. He is the perfect addition to our little family. Beyond being handsome and adorable our little guy is so smart and funny. He made our life so much better! The process of picking one out and picking her up was a great experience. The staff at Southland was very professional and helpful during the process. The puppy has a great temperament and has been very receptive to the crate training and potty training. She is very social and is great around people and other animals! I would highly recommend Southland to all my friends and family, great customer service! Shipping is available anywhere in the U. Additional fees apply. 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 Dallas Texas 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! Micro Goldendoodles Are you in the Texas area and looking for ethical breeders that offer Goldendoodle Puppies for sale? Are you interested in having a playful puppy as a perfect family pet? If the answer is yes, you have found a great resource to take care of all your puppy needs. We offer the best Goldendoodle puppies for sale in Dallas, TX. Cows, goats, deer, elk, etc. Whereas, your dog has a single stomach made to digest meats and fats. Feeding your pup grains could cause them to miss out on important nutrients, causing them to become malnourished and have weakened immune systems. We recommend carrying this diet over into your home for your future puppy so that they can continue to grow and lead the healthiest life. You can visit or purchase Great Lakes Pet Food online at greatlakespetfood. We guarantee the genetic health of our Golden puppies for thirty days, and if you choose to use Great Lakes Pet Food the guarantee will be extended to two years. Genetic testing is done as part of our breeding program following breeder standards. We like to provide proper education backed with logic and science so that you can feel confident that your puppy is given only the best! Here at Breezy Hollow Puppies, we promise to make this the best and easiest experience for you and your family. We take pride in our ability to provide excellent care to our happy puppies. We value giving the puppies nurturing environments that will allow them to be socialized and most of all the healthiest puppies. We keep our facilities safe and sanitary in order to provide the best pup for you! I started my business in with my family by my side. We reside on a beautiful farm in Dauphin County, PA. Our passion is preparing our puppies for loving homes and giving each individual customer a unique and easy sales experience. Breezy Hollow Puppies strives to raise happy and healthy puppies. We would love to hear from you! Omar would love to find your new fur-ever friend! Feel free to contact Omar at with any questions, comments, or concerns! Goldendoodles for sale in Dallas, Texas and surrounding areas Contact Us. Questions about Goldendoodle puppies for sale in Dallas TX? We have answers. What is an overview of Goldendoodle puppies for sale in Dallas TX. Goldendoodles combine all of the best traits you love about Goldens and Poodles, without the negative traits. How much are mini Goldendoodles for sale Dallas? This is due to a number of factors—coat type and color, puppy size, breeder experience, etc. For example, smaller Goldendoodles tend to cost more, as do rarer colors, such as parti. Will you only connect me with local mini Goldendoodle breeders Dallas? We connect families with businesses and breeders based on your puppy preferences. Our partner breeders and businesses can arrange travel for your dog to your nearest airport. How do you screen mini Goldendoodle breeders in Dallas? Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places with mini Goldendoodles Dallas? We created a place that rewards ethical breeders and gives families a safe, easy way to connect with those breeders and businesses—and to find the ultimate puppy. What is a puppy mill for mini Goldendoodle puppies Dallas? Puppy mills are factories, except instead of making cars or cans, they make puppies. Puppy mills are notoriously unethical and inhumane. Dogs bred at mills are more likely to get sick, to suffer from behavioral or psychological problems, to require costly vet care, and may even suffer shorter life expectancies. Are there any mini Goldendoodle puppies in Dallas available now? What is the MatchMaker process like for miniature Goldendoodle Dallas? MatchMaker is your secret weapon for finding the perfect puppy. MatchMaker takes guesswork out of the equation, and makes finding the perfect puppy a breeze. My name is Ashley and I am the proud owner, founder and operator of Dallas Doodles. We are a family with an abundance of love and true value for all our animals. We live in Dallas, Georgia on our acre horse farm with our three children, Brock, Maddox and Reese; our 2 sweet doodles Chloe and Oakley;, and our 3 horses. My Goal My goal is to produce puppies with exceptional temperaments who are able to thrive in ongoing life settings. We also want to keep the health, body structure, genetics, and overall well-being of our puppies as a number one priority, in a non-kennel environment. Each puppy sleeps in our home, where they are nurtured with love and attention and become part of our family until they depart to yours. This gives the puppy a stable foundation to grow on, long after my care. The foundation is the key to an easy and well-adjusted transition for both puppy and new family. We are very proud of our breeding program and strive for excellence. What is GANA? This means we adhere to the elite ethical standards and certify the thorough health testing of every breeding dog with the association. Our yearly GANA certification requires their review and approval of our program, health clearances, practices, and policies. You may always contact GANA directly to ensure we are members in good standing. We are listed on Good Dog as an ethical and in good standing breeder. We hold all certificates and testing requirements to receive this certification. Kent Wallace. Other DNA tests include— but are not limited to —all common diseases for specific breeds. Extensive coat testing is done as well. We do furnishing, color, curl and shed testing on all breeding dogs. All breeding parents must pass all levels of testing to be eligible to be our elite breeding stock. As you can tell, we are very thorough with our health testing to only breed the elite level of Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles. We take testing extremely seriously. Socializing I am known for socializing my puppies for successful home placement. In my extensive research and experience over the years, I have studied different ways of raising and handling the puppies and exposing them to new people, other animals, and different life experiences. I have taken the best of these different methods and combined them to formulate my own training and growth. This produces the best pups for our families needs. This combination gives our puppies a special edge and a strong foundation for transitioning to new environments and allows the pups to put their best paw forward. As a family with three children, we have active helpers in our program. This is monitored by me at all times and helps the puppies, especially the ones moving into a family with children in the home. We start the process of crate and potty training so they have some familiarity with training expectations when they get to their new home. We did not apply or advertise in any form. Just being US…Wow -what an honor! As you can see, many details go into being an ethical breeder and raising our puppies in the right manner. These attributes set us apart from most breeders. For more information and details on personal experiences with our doodles, please visit our testimonial tab on our website and read our five-star Facebook reviews.

We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle 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! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Huntington Indiana and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Hawaii Labradoodles!! We are excited to bring locally bred Labradoodles to Hawaii. We all currently reside in Kailua, Hawaii on the island of Oahu. Veronica grew up here on Oahu, in Kailua, on the Windward side. She's had many pets and has always been an animal lover who's enjoyed caring for pets since she can remember. Casey is originally from Huntington Beach, Ca. In , our little Jack Russell Lucy passed away and we were longing for another dog. We had a wish list of sorts that we had in mind for our next dog: great temperament and personality low to no shed bigger breed During our search, we came across the labradoodle breed which fit the description perfectly. But it couldn't be that easy.We wanted a unique phantom colored labradoodle. Until now, finding any quality multi-generational labradoodle puppy in Hawaii was impossible. In , we searched diligently and came across a breeder in New Zealand, Willowbrook Farm, who had just had a litter of phantom colored labradoodles. We worked closely with the breeder and finally chose to make Maya part of our family. We were updated weekly with her progress, provided pictures of her during the entire process and enjoyed a very friendly dialog with the breeders. We anxiously awaited her arrival until she finally made her big voyage at 12 weeks old. We instantly fell in love with her. She is so kind, loving, smart, and obedient. Just a beautiful dog. She loves to watch animal planet, enjoys her tummy rubs, car rides, and loves to snuggle. Maya had three gorgeous litters and is now retired from our breeding program. Maya Cruise In , we decided to add the most gorgeous breeding stud into our breeding program. He is a 9 yr old multi-generational labradoodle that we imported from New Zealand. His name is Cruise and he has sired several amazing litters. We are committed to providing Hawaii with excellent multigenerational labradoodles. There are many "breeders" out there just breeding to breed and are not considering their responsibility in providing healthy and quality puppies for you to enjoy and add to your family. Also, do your research on what a F1 or F1B labradoodle is. F1's tend to have a totally different look and will shed. The F1B generally pull towards the poodle side with longer noses and tighter curls. We are conscientious about filling a need for the labradoodle community without adding to the pet over population problem. We want committed families so we know that our pups would never end up in a shelter. If you are interested in being placed on the wait list for the next litter, please fill out a puppy application. Mahalo for visiting our website! Copyright by LiveAlohaLabradoodles. All rights reserved.

All the puppies are raised in a loving family environment on their rural homestead. Personal Experience One of the most challenging aspects of bringing your puppy home is potty training him. The first thing to know is that you must start potty training your furbaby from the minute you get him home. When we arrived home with our new puppy, the first thing we did was take him straight out into the garden. As soon as the little guy relieved himself, I made a big fuss of him, and then we went indoors. Mark The Spot! That enabled me to grab the puppy and take him outside before accidents happened. Gradually, Raffles learned where his poop place was, and he quickly gravitated to the spot where the first potty stop was. After a couple of weeks, the accidents became less frequent, and by week four, little Raffles was pretty much potty trained! If you did, please remember to share! Goldendoodles are extremely popular dogs, so you can expect to pay top dollar for a well-bred puppy. Puppies offered for sale at very cheap prices are often from puppy mills or backyard breeders. Sandy Ridge Miniature Goldendoodle Miniature goldendoodles have found their place in the lives of many families. Sandy Ridge Miniature Goldendoodle is a leader in the breeding of healthy, happy, and intelligent mini goldendoodles. Our experience with raising miniature goldendoodle puppies has given us much insight on genetics involved and the overall characterizations of this breed. Our family lives in a relaxed rural setting where our adults and puppies are given much attention and care. In settling on the miniature goldendoodle as the breed for Sandy Ridge, we put much consideration into the qualities we were looking for in our puppies. Below are outlined some of the leading criteria required in our search for the perfect breed — miniature goldendoodle. Our priorities for our mini goldendoodle puppies include: health, temperament, coat quality, size, and appearance. Health Our mini goldendoodle puppies are raised from our experience with genetics involved to be the healthiest we can possibly produce. Through our testing and experience, we do everything we feel possible to eliminate health problems for our mini goldendoodle puppies. Our utmost desire is to produce healthy mini goldendoodle puppies that are able to live long and happy lives. In the unfortunate situation a health problem does arise, we offer a two year genetic guarantee against debilitating genetic defects in our miniature goldendoodles. Temperament In our search for the perfect breed, a mild yet playful disposition was our goal. We could not be happier with the success in the miniature goldendoodle temperament. Playfulness and interaction is the motivation for the activity of a mini goldendoodle. While playful in action, a mini goldendoodle is as equally interactive in the mild manner of quiet and caressing attention. Showing the temperament of contentment, a miniature goldendoodle will often be found lounging by their human friends or patiently waiting for attention. Children typically find an inseparable friend and adults find companionship in a miniature goldendoodle. Coat Quality The quest for the perfect breed cannot be completed without the characteristics of a low shedding coat. Miniature goldendoodles gather the quality well known from the poodle breed of hair instead of fur. While we cannot guarantee a mini goldendoodle will not shed, our mini goldendoodle puppies show low to non-shedding characteristics. We have experience raising miniature and standard labradoodles, but never found the consistency evident in the mini goldendoodle coat. Due to this experience, we no longer raise labradoodles and recommend interested families to consider our experience in your decision. Size Sandy Ridge also has experience raising standard size goldendoodles, but we were looking for a size of goldendoodle that fits into the family setting. A mini goldendoodle is well adapted to any size of living space, whether an intercity apartment, suburban home, or sprawling farm. Our first generation mini goldendoodles F1 miniature goldendoodles are typically lbs as adults, which is a mid size dog. Our first generation backcross mini goldendoodles F1b miniature goldendoodles are typically lbs as adults, which is a smaller medium breed dog. Our multigen miniature goldendoodles are our smallest size that are typically lbs as adults. Appearance Our experience with genetics of miniature poodles and golden retrievers has shown a vast difference in the appearance of dogs from both breeds and the mini goldendoodle result. We do not prefer a miniature goldendoodle that favors the look of the tradition poodle and most goldendoodles long nose, long legs, and slender bodies. While not easy, we have selected adults for our breeding that give us mini goldendoodles with solid bodies, shorter noses, and teddy bear faces. Many families have come to appreciate our teddy bear miniature goldendoodles that are unique to Sandy Ridge. Purchasing Please email for current pricing of our miniature goldendoodles. All puppies picked up will be charged Iowa sales tax. Contact Us Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. Email as a first contact is typically the best contact sandyridge gmail. Thanks, and enjoy your experience with Sandy Ridge Miniature Goldendoodle. Our goldendoodle puppies are raised to be the best pet for their new owners and come well socialized. These goldendoodles get lots of attention from a large family and are raised in a relaxed rural setting. Health Guarantee Our goldendoodle puppies come with a 7 day health guarantee and a 2 year genetic guarantee. We never want any of our goldendoodles to have to go through any physical pain, especially that which is caused by careless breeding of unhealthy dogs or the mistreatment of the puppy. Health of a puppy is our first concern, followed by the temperament which is explained below in the Training section. Our Goldendoodle Puppies We raise Goldendoodles. The first generation goldendoodles have a hybrid vigor common to first generation crosses. Hybrid, or F1, goldendoodle are less susceptible to common illnesses that are common to purebreds and are generally more allergy friendly than the retrievers. Most shed little and all are very intelligent. The type of coat on each of our goldendoodle puppies ranges from slightly wavy to extremely curly. Update: we are no longer raising miniature labradoodle puppies due to inconsistent coat qualities. We have been more successful in achieving lower shedding and softer coats with the miniature goldendoodle breed. Miniature Doodles We started out breeding the standard Labradoodle and Goldendoodle breeds, but we now specialize in Miniature Goldendoodles. These are also a first generation, first generation backcross, or multigen hybrid crosses, but between the golden retriever and a miniature poodle breeds. Miniature, also known as mini, goldendoodles have become increasingly popular because they retain the same retriever doodles temperaments and coat qualities only in a little smaller package. These mini goldendoodles make ideal pets for families looking for a mid-sized dog. We have experienced a little more size variation with the miniature doodles, but most should stay in the pound range F1 miniature goldendoodle, pound range F1b miniature goldendoodle , or pound range multigen miniature goldendoodle. We have had a number of miniature goldendoodle litters without the health problems that many breeders like to warn pet seekers of. As far as we know, there has been no proven health or genetic issues differing from standard breeding except that of irresponsible breeding of unhealthy Golden retriever adults with unhealthy miniature poodles. Training One of the greatest qualities of goldendoodles is their ability to be easily trained. This results from their natural affection and desire to please. Despite this, training is one of the most important aspects of a goldendoodle puppy's life. Temperament: When a puppy is first born, it requires most of its attention from its mother. By the time a goldendoodle reaches 4 weeks old, they become quite playful. It is at this age that we begin playing with and socializing each one individually. Socialization is the most important training a goldendoodle can have between 8 and 12 weeks old. This is where goldendoodles develop their temperaments that will stay with it for the rest of their dog life. Obedience: Starting from weeks old, goldendoodles should begin obedience training, whether with a professional, or at home. It is here a goldendoodle will learn which types of behavior are accepted and which are not. It is essential that goldendoodles learn who is the boss, yet the owner must treat a puppy with respect and care to achieve the best results for temperament and obedience. Potty training is also a type of obedience training. You must create a schedule or perform a certain activity to get the puppy accustomed to its potty routine. Other simple obedience training areas that must be addressed include: nipping, jumping, digging, chewing, and yard boundaries. Purchasing Please search through our puppies available and email at sandyridge gmail. The balance the payment is due when puppies are 6 weeks old. You may pick out your puppy when they are 6 weeks old and may take your puppy home when it is weeks old, depending on the size. New owners are handled on a first come, first serve basis. Those who place a down payment first on a new litter will receive pick of the litter. Thank you for visiting Sandy Ridge Puppies. Please enjoy your stay. You may visit the goldendoodle puppy page for more information on availability. Mini goldendoodles tend to be sold quickly when available, so please contact us if you are seriously interested in a one of our miniature goldendoodle puppies.

Top 5 Labradoodle Haircuts Be sure to check out our 2-part series on types of Doodle haircuts, with tons more pictures that cover overall body styles and variations of styles. Different groomers may have different ideas of what the following types of cuts are. If any of these pictures represent what you want your Labradoodle to look like, be sure to bookmark this page for easy access when dropping them off at the groomer! With the hair slightly rounder and longer around the face and legs, the Labradoodle teddy bear cut gives your pup the most adorable puppy-like look. As the name hints, the goal is to give your Labradoodle a puppy-like look with shorter hair on the body, and longer on the head. This look is not for the faint-hearted, but a dog as cute as a Labradoodle will surely pull this off. Labradoodle Long Clip Almost the same as the Labradoodle short clip, but not quite. The Labradoodle long clip is great for emphasizing those beautiful waves and an effortless, shaggy look. However, longer hair can also trap in more dirt, so make sure to set aside enough time for daily brushing. Here you can check out the best brushes for Labradoodles. A comb is also great for brushing hard-to-reach areas like the paws, face, and ears. Dog Clippers — When it comes to grooming, you are going to need a set of clippers to get the job done. Which ones should you choose? These are our favorite grooming scissors for Doodles. Dog Shears — Are you ready to take your grooming to the next level? Detangler Sprays — One of the best hacks for hassle-free brushing is having a detangler spray at hand. Use it before each brushing or just before bathtime, a good detangler spray cuts the time spent on tangles in half. Shampoo — A proper grooming routine includes an occasional bathtime. Whether your Labradoodle struggles with skin sensitivities or tends to shed a lot, there are tons of different options available on the market. Here are the top 6 dog shampoos that Labradoodle owners swear by. Ear Cleaning Products — With those cute floppy ears, Labradoodles are prone to ear infections due to the restricted airflow. Take a look at some of the highest rated dog ear cleaner products that help prevent and treat minor ear infections. Grooming Tables — Every Labradoodle owner knows how difficult it can be to groom a Doodle with one hand, while trying to keep them still with the other. A grooming table will take care of all that you still need to do the grooming though… and save you from back pain. Check out the best dog grooming tables or create a DIY grooming table. Be sure to check out our guide on dealing with matted hair , and another about the line brushing method. Bathing: Before a haircut or after a muddy playtime, your Labradoodle will need a thorough wash. Typically, once a week should be perfectly enough. However, some pups might need a couple of times a week. Once in a while, you might want to use a special dog ear cleaner to prevent any infections. Here you can check our guide on Doodle ear infection symptoms, treatments, and prevention. Eye gunk: Gently remove any eye gunk you notice, as this will prevent discoloration around the eyes and bad smell. If you can do it daily, great! Here is our step-by-step video tutorial guide that includes the entire Doodle grooming process from head to paw. For example, the best Labradoodle haircuts for summer would be short so your pup has an easier time cooling down. The Labradoodle puppy cut is the most popular Labradoodle haircut. However, we recommend you choose high-quality tools, as they will last you a longer time. As a Labradoodle puppy starts to develop an adult coat, you should start with regular grooming. The sooner you introduce your puppy to the whole process of grooming, the easier it will be for them to get used to it. See Also: Click the image To conclude, we hope that you learned some useful Labradoodle grooming tips, and that we managed to inspire you with the Labradoodle haircuts that you can try on your Doodle for your next grooming session. Let us know in the comments! The information on this page is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional groomer advice. Always seek the advice of your groomer, veterinarian, or other qualified animal health provider with any questions you may have. You Might Also Like. The first grooming appointment can be frightening for your puppy. The following tips can help your puppy have a positive experience at the groomer. Handling and socializing your Labradoodle puppy Before scheduling your first appointment, make sure your puppy is comfortable with being touched and handled. Be sure to praise and reward your puppy for calm behavior. Continue socializing your puppy by introducing him or her to new people and animals. Introducing the grooming tools Once your puppy is comfortable with being touched, you can introduce common grooming tools. Let your puppy inspect and sniff the brush, comb, scissors, hair dryer, and clippers. Turn on the hair dryer and clippers while feeding your puppy treats to create a positive association. Grooming your puppy at home Keep your initial grooming sessions short and reward your puppy for good behavior. You can build up the duration over time, as your puppy gets more comfortable. The first session should be short and positive. In fact, just visiting for a quick introduction and nail clipping is a good start. The most important thing is to give your Labradoodle puppy a positive experience with professional grooming. After drop-off, always wait to be notified that your puppy is ready for pickup. Never come back to the grooming salon early. If your puppy sees you or hears your voice, it will be very difficult for the groomer to finish the job. Maintaining health with regular grooming For best results, your Labradoodle puppy should be professionally groomed every 4 to 6 weeks. You will also need to brush your puppy at home. While many Labradoodles do not shed, their undercoats can mat and become difficult to manage. If you have questions about how we groom our Labradoodles, feel free to contact us any time. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Australian Labradoodle Grooming Guide Choosing a Groomer Before you bring your Australian Labradoodle to the groomer, ask if they have had previous experience clipping Australian Labradoodles. Show your groomer some photos from our website so that they know exactly how you expect the clip to look. Labradoodle coats require a regular brushing and grooming routine. How often you have your Australian Labradoodle trimmed will depend on how fast their coat grows, your personal preferences in how long you leave them, how much maintenance you want to do at home, and how often you have them groomed professionally. You can expect to bathe and completely blow out their coat every weeks, and plan to have them trimmed approximately every weeks. For an adult Australian Labradoodle, you should allow on average, 60 minutes every two weeks for brushing time. If your Labradoodle is active in the water or hiking in nature areas, you may have to run a brush through them more often to remove debris or loosen hair clumping during the drying process post-swimming. Wait until your dog is dry, then run a slicker through their coat. Purchasing a small grooming table and arm, and training them to stand still during brushing and drying will save your back. But be warned that you need to always have a hand on your dog when they are on the grooming table or attached to a grooming arm. Never leave them or turn away or they can try to jump off the table and injure themselves. When your Labradoodle has short hair, an inch or two, regular brushing with a slicker can work just fine. Once the hair gets longer, it is important to make sure you are reaching all the way to the base of the hair by adding a metal greyhound comb. If loose hair is not removed near the skin, mats can begin to form. In separating your dogs coat with your hand, you can brush and comb all the way to the skin. Work backwards from the feet up to the body, and the tail to the head. Brush in the direction of the hair, but add small amounts of coat to each stroke. At approximately eight months old a puppy coat needs more frequent brushing during its changeover to the adult coat. Bathing: Australian Labradoodles need bathed and brushed out approximately once a month. Puppies can be bathed as needed. If you are going to bath your Australian Labradoodle at home, be sure to brush through the coat completely first. If you do it the other way around, any mats will get tighter when you get them wet. Also, watch that you do not pull on the mat while you are cutting it, and be aware of how closely the skin may be to your scissors. We also use a dematting tool to help break a mat into a smaller piece for easier removal. Then brush, comb, or gently work any mats out. Purchasing a commercial hair dryer is worth the investment and will speed up the drying process. Head: The lovable teddy bear look of your Australian Labradoodle is enjoyed every time you look at them, and every time you take them out and others look at them. No matter what length the body is trimmed, that adorable teddy bear face can make up the difference in winning hearts everywhere they go. A picture is worth a thousand words, so the photos and grooming card below coming soon will help to clarify the following worded instructions you will need to convey to your groomer to get exactly the look you want to see. It is best to print out the grooming card and take it with you at each visit to your groomer. This creates a more natural look and keeps the hair from poking at or covering their eyes. It also makes it easier to clean any matter out from the corner in the morning. Feet: Keeping your Labradoodles paws shaped nicely will help less water and debris attach to their feet as they are coming and going. We start trimming around their paws by around weeks of age to get them used to the action of having their feet picked up and worked with. You want to go around the bottom edge of their paw in a nice, rounded shape, snipping off longer hair so that it does not hit the ground. Your groomer can trim hair from the bottom of their feet with a clipper and a 30 blade. Nails should be trimmed regularly every weeks depending on wear. The hair under their tail should also be trimmed to keep the area clean. Keeping a well-groomed dog is essential to maintaining their health, happiness, quality of life. This guide will instruct you on grooming as young as 8 weeks into adulthood. In order for this to be the best experience for you and your Doodle, the most important thing to remember is: Be patient! If it is frustrating for you at any time throughout the grooming process, take a break and come back later. We always want our Doodles to relate grooming with positivity! Well, short answer, I groom my dogs every 8 — 10 weeks. There are so many variables to the grooming question that I hate to boil it down to one sentence. First, we should ask ourselves a few questions: 1. How much time does he spend outdoors with the potential to get dirty? What sort of coat does your dog have? Different Coat Types Require Different Labradoodle Grooming Schedules I have dogs with different coat types, and they have different grooming schedules. My two older dogs both have a wool type coat. It is very curly, a little wiry, and not the easiest to brush. It is most like a poodle coat. These two get the most regular grooming appointments, and I keep them pretty short. With this type of cut and frequency I do not need to brush them out at all between grooms. I usually wait more time between grooms on this coat. I love the fluffy look when it grows out. Often the ears and collar area need regular brushing to prevent matting. If your doodle does not go out and get dirty, then cleaning is not an issue, and you could keep a longer coat with or without regular visits to the groomer. If a mat develops next to their skin it is painful for the dog, and you will need to have your Labradoodle shaved down to eliminate. Artistic Grooming Techniques And of course, there are all sorts of artistic grooming techniques. I often see the ears and tail left longer than the rest of the body. And the Teddy Bear- is always cute! Clearing the ear hair will help prevent ear infections as well as ear odor. If your groomer does not pluck ear hair, consider this task on your own or stop by your vet a few times a year to have them take care of the problem. Occasionally, a nice bath helps in between grooms too! This does mean however, that your dog requires regular clipping to keep the coat trimmed and free of knots and matting. This is important for the dog also, as their coats can get very heavy and hot and matted coats make them very uncomfortable. It will really depend on the length you want to keep your Labradoodles coat as to how much grooming you will have to do. What do I need? Hold the skin taught to protect from any discomfort, especially where you come across a knot, or matts. Like in human hair, work knots out gently, or cut through them with scissors or a matt breaker. Knots are quite common around the ears, jaw, and collar as well as behind the tops of their legs. If they wear a harness regularly, you may find matting from this too. Trim around their eyes and across the bridge of their nose between their eyes regularly — you can do this with blunt scissors, or use a little tool like the Wahl Pocket Pro, which is a little battery operated trimmer. Over bathing can reduce the oils and damage the coat. I usually bathe my dogs every weeks. It is important to use a good quality pet shampoo — dogs have a different PH in their skin to humans, so regular shampoos is not suitable for use on your pets. Fido products are expensive, but I find them very good and this is what I use on the puppies, and my own dogs. Some vets will advocate regular plucking, others may suggest trimming the hair, but regardless, keeping the hair minimal, and the ears clean, with the use of an ear cleanser or a drying agent will reduce the risk of problems. You pop the solution into each ear and massage it for seconds and then wipe it out with a tissue — never use ear buds! Check with your vet for tips on hair removal and which solution to use. Your dogs nails should be done each time they get their coat trimmed and this is a service most dog groomers usually do as part of their clip. If you choose to do this, be sure to get your groomer, or your vet to show you how to trim the nails correctly. Grooming How frequently you choose to get your dog clipped will depend on lifestyle, how long you want their coat to be and, your regular maintenance regimes. Besides you want to enjoy that adorable puppy shagginess for a little while! The Puppy Trim Trim between their eyes so they can see Fringe should be cut so there is an inverted"V"above the nose. If the fringe is thick, it can be neatened with thinning scissors. Trim the ear length back to about 1 cm following the shape of the ear leather. Neaten the face, especially if the beard is long. The Full Clip Ears Trim the ears, following the edge of the ear leather. To gauge the length — pull forward to the nose. The length of the ear should be just short of the nose. Taper the tip of the ear. Hair on the outside of the ear should be layered on the to about 3cm, and the tip of the ear tapered. Trim back any thickness behind the ear. The underside of the ear should be shaved or cut very short underneath to allow good air flow. Trim hair inside the ear canal. Top of the head The top of the head should be natural, and cut long enough that it parts naturally by itself. To trim, pull the hair forward and up and trim to around cm. You want to be able to see the dogs eyes easily. Leave the eyelashes long — it helps to keep hair out of their eyes. Eyes Below the eye at the muzzle, trim the top of the muzzle short at an angle just under the eyes so they can see easily. This makes it easier to clean around the eyes also. Muzzle The beard and moustache should be layered and trimmed into a circular shape, rather than blunt - aim for around cm in length. Body the body can be trimmed to whatever length suits the lifestyle. Tail should be evened up. If the body is left long, the tummy can be trimmed shorter, or even shaved in summer to keep the dog cool. Trim the hair between the pads, so the pads touch the ground. Trim the nails. Taper the hind quarters to the tail gradually. Brush and trim the tail to a natural length, and trim underneath. Private Parts Shave or trim close the dogs private area to keep clean and free from matting and any dags. While the adult coat is establishing, you will need to brush multiple times a week, and I find this the best time to give your pet his first trim. It will be difficult to keep up with the matting in the longer coat, but with a trim, it is very manageable, and the beauty of the adult coat is better realized. Once your dog gets to 12 to 14 months, the adult coat will be fully established, and this is the coat you can expect to work with for your dog's adult life. I find that the picture to the right will help to clarify the instructions you will need to convey for your dog's face. It is best to print this picture and take it with you to the groomer. A three-fourths inch blade don't go shorter than one-half inch will keep your dog's coat nice and full but give a smooth consistent length all over. If you like your dogs coat longer, your groomer should have a guard they can use to achieve this. The legs are typically just a little longer than the rest of the coat if you trim the coat to three-fourths inch. FEET: The feet will need a "slipper" cut to achieve the floppy, full leg look. The leg will look like a column. TAIL: The tail needs to be de-matted and trimmed. It is also important to have the hair removed, either trimmed or pulled, inside the dog's ears. Click the grooming picture for an enlarged, printable version and take it with you to your groomer! These two breeds have very different coat types, which we will look at in greater detail. The Poodle Coat The Poodle has a single coat of dense, curly hair that is generally coarse in texture. Unlike the fur of other dogs, the hair continues to grow and gives the impression of not shedding. However, Poodles do shed, but the hair sheds tangles in the curls instead of falling out. But although they are less likely to cause allergy problems, you must consider that many people are allergic to the proteins that dogs produce in their saliva, whatever the breed. The Poodle coat is high maintenance requiring regular clipping by a professional groomer. The topcoat is often wiry and abrasive, medium in length, and water repellent, whereas the undercoat is softer, lighter, and insulating. Labs shed all year round, having a complete blowout twice a year in the spring and fall, so they are not a good choice of dog for those allergic to pet dander. However, their coat is easier to maintain than a Poodle as they do not need clipping. If they have more genetics from the Poodle parent, the coat will most likely be a single layer that is dense, thick, curly, and non-shedding, often referred to as either fleece or wool. However, if your puppy takes after the Labrador Retriever parent, you can guarantee all year shedding and a twice-yearly blowout. Labradoodle Coat Types As a Poodle Labrador Retriever mix, a Labradoodle will have one of three types of coats: Hair coat — This coat is straight and typical of the Labrador breed, shedding often. Labradoodles with a hair coat have a more scruffy appearance than the teddy bear look of many Labradoodles. Fleece coat — This shaggy coat is a beautiful combination of both parent pups and varies from slightly wavy to noticeably wavy. It is soft to touch and has the appearance of wool, being a popular choice with owners as it usually sheds very little or not at all. Wool coat — This coat has the least amount of undercoat, so it does not shed, making it the ideal choice for those with allergies. It is thicker and denser than the fleece or hair coats. Some Labradoodles have tight curls similar to the Poodle, whereas others have looser curls. A wool coat does not have the same dog odor as the other two. A Labradoodle with straight hair will shed all year continuously, but their grooming require ments are far more manageable than those with a wavy or curly coat. A long coat is more prone to matting which is painful for your dog, and why regular clipping and trimming is so important. But whatever coat type your Labradoodle has, they will need their teeth brushed at least three times a week, their ears cleaned once a week, and regular trimming of the nails. How Often Should a Labradoodle be Groomed if it has Straight Hair If your Labradoodle has straight hair, you will need to give them a good brushing and combing session twice a week to keep their shedding under control. The frequency needs to increase to daily sessions during seasonal shedding. Regular bathing also helps remove shedding hair. How Often Should a Labradoodle be Groomed with a Wool or Fleece Coat A Labradoodle which has a fleece or wool coat is more challenging to maintain than one with straight hair and will require brushing at least once a week using a slicker brush to remove mats and tangles. Depending on how fast the fur grows, you will need to take your Labradoodle to a professional groomer to clip their coat every four to twelve weeks. Labradoodle Haircuts Here we look at some of the low maintenance haircuts for a Labradoodle. Short Labradoodle Cut A short haircut is simple and straightforward, with the hair being no more than one inch in length over the whole body, keeping it clean and tangle-free. Long Labradoodle Cut A long haircut is the same as a shortcut, but the hair is two inches long, giving your Labradoodle a cuddly look! This cut will require frequent brushing to keep it tangle-free. Teddy Bear Labradoodle Cut The coat is cut to the length of your choice for the cute teddy bear look, leaving the face and ears with longer hair. This cut is more high maintenance as you will need to do frequent touch-ups. A young Labradoodle can have their first haircut when they are around four to six months old and fully vaccinated. As they develop an adult coat, you can start regular grooming. How Often Should a Labradoodle be Groomed? If your Labradoodle has a fleece or wool coat, it will need grooming approximately every four to twelve weeks to keep the fur clean and free of tangles. A hair coat is far easier to maintain as it just requires brushing twice a week to remove loose hairs. More About Labradoodle Coats. However, they need to get accustom to being handled. They should be brushed, have their ears and teeth looked at, and nails handled or trimmed every day. At around nine to sixteen months the adult coat starts to grow in. The puppy coat does not fall out and will start to cause matts. Brushing thoroughly to pull the puppy coat out from the new adult hair is necessary. This could be a good time to consider a good clip to ease the amount of brushing and formation of mats. It is important to start introducing your puppy to the groomer early so when he is older he will be comfortable with the grooming process. Once your Labradoodle puppy has had all of his shots, he can safely be taken to the groomer. Up to this point, handling and brushing your puppy everyday will prepare him for his first trip to the groomer. Let the groomer know you have a puppy and want to have an introductory visit. Even just for your puppy to meet and have a nail clip might be enough to start a good, calm rapport with the groomer. Follow up visits can begin to include a simple session of brushing, washing, drying, nail clip and ear hair pluck. Your puppy and groomer will be thankful for these small visits every weeks so puppy can get used to all of the sights, sounds and sensations till he is ready for a full clip. Grooming Your Adult Labradoodle You can maintain a long fleece coat with thorough brushing weekly. A curly fleece will need more attention than a wavy fleece. Curlier coats will be easier to maintain if it is kept shorter. Many owners have their labradoodles clipped two to four times a year depending on personal preference, lifestyle and curliness of the fleece. They get a full groom with a 1. For your doodle to not look like a poodle, talk to your groomer about what you want. Pictures of a well groomed labradoodle can help. Regular bathing is mostly unnecessary. Even after getting muddy, it will dry and fall off or can be brushed out. If you take your Labradoodle to the groomer regularly, they should take care of the nails adequately. Pay special attention to the ears. The hair in and around the outside of the ear canal clogs the inside and prevents air flow. This can cause ear infections. The hair needs to be pulled out of the ear canal and kept trimmed around the opening and under the ear. This can be done every months. Your groomer should be doing this and will keep it maintained. Also, if you do not use a groomer often, make sure the hair around the anus does not get too long and cause problems with waste build up. Brushing Your Labradoodle When your Labradoodle has short hair, an inch or two, regular brushing with a pin brush or slicker can work just fine. Once the hair gets longer, it is important to make sure you are reaching all the way to the base of the hair. If not, loose hair is not removed below the surface and matts will begin to form. If that hair builds up, it is not going to be possible to clip the hair at a decent length and the only alternative will be to shave the hair close to the skin. In order to keep a coat longer than and inch or so, you will want to use a technique called line brushing. Line Brushing It is simply done by parting the coat with your free hand and brushing the loose hair on the other side of the part, starting at the base of the hair. With every other stroke or so, you can bring down a small bit of the hair being held up by your hand. You will slowly move your hand up that section of coat. Start low on a section of the body and work your way up. Using the edge of the pin brush, start brushing from the part, down the length of the hair. Complete the stroke to the end of the hair. Repeat till smooth and ready to continue. Pick up a small amount of hair from the other side of the part to continue the process, working your way up that section of the body. Establish a routine that you will follow through with or you will end up with a puppy with nails that may rip or cause problems walking properly, ears that have infections, and coats that are severely matted to the skin and cause severe discomfort for your dog. These are the areas that are most prone to matting. Part the hair and brush from the base of the coat in small sections. Many people only brush the surface of the coat and do not realize the dog is matting very badly next to the skin. Remember, if you cannot maintain basic brushing and grooming on your own, then you will need to budget for using a professional groomer. You should still try to clip nails and clean ears weekly at home, and give your dog a brushing at least once a week. BATHING When you groom your puppy or dog, you will want them to have a clean coat so your scissors and clipper blades work efficiently and do not wear down more quickly. Here are some general, simple tips for basic labradoodle grooming when doing your doodle at home. Eyes: Your Labradoodle should always be able to see well and not have hair hanging and restricting vision or growing up and into the eyes from the bridge of the nose! Using blunt tipped scissors, trim the hair over the bridge of nose and in between eyes so vision is not obstructed. Hair that hangs over the eyes should be trimmed neatly across the brow blending down into the sides of the face. If your dog gets eye gunk, use eye wipes every few days to keep them clean. A Labradoodle with long ear hair does NOT look like the standard for the Labradoodle, it looks more like a Cocker spaniel. Shape the ears and blend hair neatly into the top of the head. This will help prevent infections. You can use a clipper with 10 blade for a good length in this area. If the canal has a lot of hair inside, you will need to pluck it out in very small amounts to prevent irritation. Clean ear canal with solution and then use ear powder to eliminate moisture. Paws: Trim paws in a nicely rounded shape so that hair does not hang over the paw and cannot be walked on. Completely clip hair from in between pads on bottom of feet. This is most easily done with an electric clipper and a 30 blade. Keeping the paws shaped nicely will aid in less debris attaching to feet when outside and being drug into your home. Long muzzle hair results in beards that drip with water every time your dog gets a drink. The hair on the sides of the muzzle should be even with the bottom of the lower jaw. This is an area of the body we frequently see with matting. Hair is left to grow and grow and GROW and you not realize it is severely matting close to the tail. This helps prevent matting and urine or feces from building up on the coat when your dog uses the bathroom. Body: If you like a longer coat, more brushing and maintenance will be required. Here are a couple examples of shorter cuts that most find easy to maintain. Share this: Click to share on Pinterest Opens in new window Newsletter Subscribe to Spring Creek's monthly newsletter for training tips, recipes, dog health care, seasonal tips, grooming advice, behavioral help, and more! Just enter your email address and sit back and enjoy our monthly news! Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human: Spring Creek Labradoodles is an Oregon Labradoodle breeder, and one of the first in the U.