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We are a couple dedicated to raising and nurturing AKC, OFA top quality, healthy, and happy puppies from our home to yours! Our days are filled with. Up to date on first round shots and deworming. Behr is a big » Read more ». Why buy a Golden Retriever puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of Golden Retriever puppies in Tacoma who need a home. We are located in beautiful Big Lake, Alaska and welcome you to take a look around our site and get to know us better. Goldens are very loyal, and need a whole lot of time to run around and play. Our puppy is so smart and so adorable. Female puppy ready to go to a new home. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. One hundred sixty unique breeds are. Find your puppy for sale in Tacoma, WA. Golden Retriever Puppies for Sale. About Golden Retrievers. They are ready for their new homes. Born april ready for rehoming. Manchester Terrier puppies and dogs in Tacoma, Washington. They all live alongside us; most of the time, they spend their days running on our 6-acre property, swimming and curling up on the sofa at night. These Manchester Terriers are available for adoption close to Tacoma, Washington. All About Me! As Good as Gold has rescued over 3, golden retrievers since May, .Our farm is a very casual, warm, and friendly place to visit; a place where everyone feels welcome. It's easy and free! Puppies For Sale in .Labrador Retriever Puppies for Sale. Our volunteers rescue and rehome Golden Retrievers. Our Miniature Golden Retrievers range in size from pounds. Use the search tool below to browse adoptable Schnauzer Giant puppies and adult Schnauzer Giant in Tacoma, Washington. As one family's children said, "This is dog heaven". Our American Golden Retrievers are our way of life and are first and foremost well-loved family pets. All puppies found here are from AKC-Registered parents. AmericanListed features safe and local classifieds for everything you need! Look at pictures. Absolutely adorable golden retriever puppies! Please call or text XXXX for more. Please contact Dale or Sharon Johnson at chasenbreeze yahoo. Please start the application process now so that you can be on a waiting list for when GRIN does have younger dogs available. Puppies For Sale. Washington Golden Retriever Rescue. When an applicant is age 70 and up, we will only match these homes with our older golden retrievers. Use the search tool below to browse adoptable Manchester Terrier puppies and adult Manchester Terrier in Tacoma, Washington. Our Dogs. Up to date on first round shots. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. Our photo contest has ended and our Top Twelve dog photos are available to add to your favorite bottle of wine or scented candle. They all live alongside us; most of the time, they spend their days running on our 6-acre property, swimming and. An English Cream Golden Retriever has all the same traits as any other Golden Retriever; they are one of the most popular dog breeds and tend to be open, friendly, and make great family pets. Page 1 displays 10 Golden Retriever puppies for sale near me in …. Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates. Transportation to Tacoma, WA available. These amazing puppies will be ready for their new homes July 10th…. Welcome Welcome to Birchwood Goldens! We are a small-family oriented breeder committed to breeding quality, healthy American and English Golden Retrievers. Senior Citizens and Adoption. Golden Retrievers make wonderful companions and are a great addition to the right family. Our 3-acre waterfront property on the Kitsap Peninsula, just 14 miles west of Seattle, offers an ideal setting for our furry friends to thrive. Devoted, smart, and friendly, these eager-to-please double-coated gundogs excel in hunting, obedience, field trials, and guiding the blind. Golden Retrievers make perfect family pets. Golden Retrievers near by Tacoma. Golden Retriever For Sale in Tacoma 7. Search for a Manchester Terrier puppy or dog. Barafields Golden Retrievers 7. They began as a mix of Retrievers, Spaniels, and Red Setter. We will do our best to make an estimate of the adult size of your puppy, but ultimately we can NOT guarantee adult sizes. She has been raised in a loving home with young children. Farmington Licensed Golden Retriever Breeders. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for. Use the search tool below to browse adoptable Schnauzer Giant puppies and adult Schnauzer Giant in Tacoma, We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help. They always enjoy being part of the family's company and show love and devotion to all members of the family. The AKC Rescue Network is the largest network of dog rescue groups in the country, and was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in late .Is your family ready to buy a Golden Retriever dog in Tacoma, Washington, Seattle Golden Retriever Rescue. She is part of our guardian program and just had her second Goldendoodle litter. Occasionally we may have smaller puppies maturing at closer to 15 pounds and larger puppies maturing closer to 50 pounds. They are CKC registered, the. They were amazing and so kind to our family during our process to get our puppy. They are serious workers at hunting and field work, as guides for the blind, and in search-and-rescue, enjoy obedience and other competitive events, and have an endearing love of life when not at work. She loves to be groomed and petted. Nichole Lu Golden Retrievers 6. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. We are now taking reservations for our upcoming litter of F1B goldendoodle puppies. Labrador Retriever Puppies Bred With a Purpose Born October 29, — 1 black female available For over 40 years, we have selectively bred retriever dogs for waterfowl and upland hunters. Browse thru Golden Retriever Puppies for Sale in. Photos and contact info on Advertigo website. Very playful and love to cuddle. Golden retriever male amp female puppies ready for new homes. Our success comes from pairing individuals with correct conformation, trainability and pedigree-proven genetics. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we. Golden Retrievers always rank high among the most popular breeds in the United States. Come with puppy passport and some food to get started. Companionship is their top priority and they are totally devoted to their human family. Golden Retriever. Born and raised with mom and dad. Pacific Northwest Mini Goldens. Search for a Schnauzer Giant puppy or dog. Schnauzer Giant puppies and dogs in Tacoma, Washington. Anything Look…Weird? For the best experience, we recommend you upgrade to the latest version of Chrome or Safari. Golden Retriever Puppies for Sale in Washington. Page 1 displays 10 Golden Retriever puppies for sale near me in Tacoma. Affiliated with Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue. As always, we try to balance the needs of our golden retrievers with the needs of the human caregivers. Golden Kiss Retrievers 3. These loyal, sociable dogs are excellent with children and families, and excel at obedience training and therapy work. Our days are filled with making sure our Golden puppies are pampered and raised in a way that would exceed your expectations. Our approval process takes approximately weeks to complete and by the time. Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Tacoma, WA from trusted. Not every dog that is available for adoption will be featured on our website. Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Tacoma, WA from trusted …. Denzils Goldens is amazing!!!! Not only do they have the most beautiful dogs but you can tell they are well loved. Golden Retriever Puppies For Sale. The average ages of our rescued Goldens are years of age, however GRIN does occasionally receive younger dogs that are in need of a home. Buy, Sell or Adopt Pets in Tacoma. Swedish Vallhund puppies and dogs in Tacoma, Washington. If you are interested in adopting a young dog, please do not wait until you see one on our website to apply for adoption. Golden Retriever Breed Information and Pictures on …. Vet checked healthy dewormed first vaccines. Some of the world's cutest dogs and among the most popular breeds, Bassett Hounds are ideal for farm yards, gifts and as companions. We're sorry but this site doesn't work properly without JavaScript enabled. He is Akc registered and will come with a. We are now taking reservations for our upcoming litter of F1B goldendoodle puppies. And remember Craigslistt is a portal where you can find totally free or find the ads you want, from jobs, cars, homes, etc. Dogs to be put down today! Puppies For Sale in Tacoma .See us in yoyr city, Tacoma! Why buy a puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of puppies in Tacoma who need a home. Have puppies available to sell from 3 months to 6 months old boys and girls small dogs. List of all international craigslist. Look at pictures of puppies in Tacoma who need a. The first puppy pictured is the micro female, she will be approx. If you are unable to find your puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Dogs for Adoption. The Best Farm Dogs! Call your local veterinary clinics with a description of the pet. Craigslist of adoption of animals Dog, Kitten, Turtle, cats, etc. Lovely puppies Puyallup. Dogs in Tacoma Washington. Contact ads friendship, love, etc. Puppies for Sale in Tacoma Washington. He is Akc registered and will come with a pedigree…. Whippet, Washington » Tacoma. If you are unable to find your puppy in. These amazing puppies will be ready for their new homes July 10th…. Dog Rehoming in Tacoma, Washington. Have the pet scanned for a microchip at your local veterinary clinic, pet store, or shelter. Training and employment ads job offers, courses, magazine, online seminars, etc. Rescue Dogs for Adoption. Reach many interested people who want to give your puppies a good home. He is around » Read more ». Washington Yorkie Rescue. Breed: Labrador Retriever and Rottweiler Mix. Dogs in Tacoma Washington. We are not able to hold animals for adopters for any reason. Yorkshire Terrier puppies for sale in Tacoma, WA from trusted …. Litters of kittens and puppies come to the shelter as strays or were abandoned and are too fragile to be placed in permanent homes. The Alpha Paw dog rescue center provides both nearby animal shelters around Tacoma, Washington. Very playful and love to cuddle. Free Well Puppy Exam. Rescue Dogs for Adoptionnear Tacoma, Washington. Puppies for Sale in Tacoma Washington. Available Puppies! Puppyland is in Washington Our number one priority is the health of our puppies as well as the care and love that they receive while they are with the breeder, in our store and when they go home with their new family. Puppies For Sale in Tacoma .Have puppies available to sell from 3 months to 6 months old boys and girls small dogs. If you are unable to find your puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Dogs for Adoption. Washington If you haven't settled on a particular breed you can find all the breeds of puppies and dogs we have for sale or adoption near Washington in these listings. Select Breed 1,, Dogs adopted on Rescue Me! Pierce County, Tacoma, WA. This Month is the best opportunity ever to search for dog adoption near you in Tacoma, Washington. Logan is mostly a Border Collie mix and was born on June 11, at a puppy mill in Centralia. However, free dogs and puppies are a rarity as shelters usually charge a small adoption fee to cover their expenses. Dogs for Adoption in Tacoma, Washington. Responds to calls including animal bites. Adoption fee includes vaccinations, spay or neuter, microchip, deworming and flea treatment as well as all vetting. For sure! We've vetted some of the best Washington breeders and businesses, and most of them are very versatile in terms of dog collection and delivery. Tacoma, WA .Saving Paws of Washington 23 Animal Shelters. If you are unable to find your puppy in. Serving Puyallup and the Surrounding Area. Home To Home is a free rehoming and foster website for pet owners who need to find a new or temporary home for their pets. Some of the world's cutest dogs and among the most popular breeds, Bassett Hounds are ideal for farm yards, gifts and as companions. Or filter for a specific breed. Carolina Dog Location Age Any. Additional adoption benefits. Washington Border Collie Rescue. Puppies for sale from dog breeders near Seattle-Tacoma, Washington. Pet ID: A.Our adoption fee's vary depending on the dog and adoption requirements. Adopt Schnauzer Dogs in Washington Filter Schnauzer mix Milo is nearly two years old in June and weighs roughly pounds. Fosters are needed for pets that are not doing well in the shelter environment, are recovering from surgery, or need additional care. We are the home of Show champions, agility titled dogs, Mastser hunters, field trial derby winners, 4 drug search dogs in the Pacific Northwest, and 8 search and rescue dogs including dogs certified FEMA type 1 Disaster Search and Rescue. Adoption surveys are reviewed as they are received. Pups have great personalities, good looks and fantastic talent. Looking to rehome him by the end of the month. Free Puppy Listings. Browse these Schnauzer Miniature rescues and shelters below. When you adopt through our shelter, you will also receive: One free week of GoodPup dog training. Washington German Shepherd Rescue. Originally raised in Germany to help with hunting, the iconic Dachshund has short little legs and a long body, along with a strong personality. Here at Petclassifieds. We are small but mighty! We will try to help any animal in need, but we are especially passionate about the underdogs that are. So, when you buy a puppy for sale WA from one of our vetted breeders or businesses, you can collect them on-site or arrange transport to a nearby airport anywhere in the Lower 48 States. This service is a gentle, Quality Pet Foods, Treats, and Supplements At Green Cottage Pets, we look for the highest quality, healthiest, and safest products for your dogs and cats. Puppies for Sale from Seattle. Check out the Free Dogs section. She is a playful and happy dog, ready for her forever home. Pets can go from one home right into another without having to come to the shelter, which means less stress for animals and humans alike! Learn More Thank you! Pet Dental Company, Inc. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Schnauzer Miniature puppies in Tacoma, Washington. More details are provided upon adoption. Please see our Deciding to Adopt guide first. Home To Home is a free rehoming and foster website for pet owners who need Tacoma, WA .They need the security of their littermates, special care, and to learn important lessons from each other before being adopted. Dogs for Sale in Olympia, WA. Chihuahuas for Sale in Tacoma, Washington. Your vet can contact the fund at .Immidiatly we are stopped at the front" more 2. Washington Shih Tzu Rescue. Dachshund puppies for sale in Tacoma, WA from trusted …. You are not looking for puppies for adoption, but would like to give away puppies yourself? Yorkshire Terrier puppies in Tacoma, WA are a low shedding. We will try to help any animal in need, but we are especially passionate about the underdogs that are overlooked because of their breed or health issues. Puppies for Sale in Washington. Whippet, Washington » Tacoma. The typical price for Yorkshire Terrier puppies for sale in Tacoma, WA may vary based on the breeder and individual puppy. Their services include: Advertisements Spay and neuter program for cats, dogs, or rabbits. Why buy a puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of puppies in Tacoma who need. Learn more about how Purina and Petfinder are making a difference together. Look at pictures of puppies in Tacoma who need a home. In order to be eligible, you must meet the following requirements: The pet owner must be at least 62 years old. German Shepherd Dog Puppies. Shih Tzu puppies for sale in Tacoma, WA from trusted breeders. Search Articles: Sign Up. Up to date on first round shots and deworming. All of our dogs for adoption are lookin for a new home. He aims to please and is very smart. Find Dachshund puppies for sale. Washington Pit Bull Rescue. He loves to be outside soaking up the sun or romping around with other furry friends in the grass. Washington Siberian Husky Rescue. If you are looking for free puppies near me, keep in mind that each breed has different requirements. Picture to be added first week of May. Head on over to our store and check out all of the adorable puppies! Carolina Dog puppies and dogs in Tacoma, Washington. Puppyland Pet Breeders "All these cute little puppies stuck in these glass cages. Every puppy buyer should start here!
It even seems to go down a treat with fussy pups who otherwise turn their nose up at kibble. Pet parents comment that the ingredients are high quality, and one even goes as far as to say the food almost smells good enough for people to eat! Pros Given that this food is specifically formulated with puppies in mind, it has everything a growing dog needs to keep them happy and healthy. Cons Two concerns mentioned by reviewers are the price — which some say is a little high although many say the food is worth it and the fact that the bag is not resealable. You might have to transfer this food to another container to keep it fresh. It can also be the most expensive if you prepare food each day rather than in batches to freeze. Now filler ingredients are the number one enemy of pet owners looking to grab their dog some tasty, healthy nosh at a reasonable price. Many companies make use of such ingredients because they are cheap, easy, and sadly there are no rules against using them — yet. Look for foods that list the fillers low on the list so that you know your dog is not getting an unhealthy amount of fillers. The Long Debate Bernedoodle Feeding Guide A feeding schedule is essential to ensure your pup receives the right amount of food at the right time of day. Under four months, you can let your puppy graze. However, after this age, their mealtimes need to be a little more regulated to stop them from putting on too much weight too quickly. Smaller Bernies should be fed little and often, whereas larger ones should be given four small meals a day. At six months, your dog can switch over to an adult feeding schedule and formula. Mealtimes should be reduced to either twice or three times daily, and this routine will remain in place for their adult lives unless there are any changes in their health. Bernies are, generally speaking, happy, healthy hounds. For this reason, any high-quality, nutritionally balanced dog food, prepared for their size and life stage, should do the trick. All of the foods on our list come highly recommended by pet owners and are well suited to a Bernies needs. Is chicken bad for Bernedoodles? While some dogs may be sensitive to chicken and chicken by-products, this is an occasional rather than frequent allergy. However, it can develop later in life. If you are feeding your pup food with chicken as the main ingredient, keep an eye out for any signs of sensitivity, such as changes in bowel movements or itchy skin. Are Bernedoodles picky eaters? Bernedoodles are generally not picky eaters; in fact, quite the reverse. Bernedoodles are fun, fab, lively hounds, and they make excellent pets. However, as is the case with any pet, we need to take care of them to the very best of our ability. A major part of this is giving them food that will keep them happy, healthy, and just as full of life as they naturally are. It is not intended to be a substitute for qualified professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified animal health provider with any questions you may have. You Might Also Like. You have done your research, and are ready to take the leap. It is no surprise that many people are adding Bernedoodles to their families. This large breed puppy has a friendly temperament and a fierce loyalty. We personally got a Bernedoodle last year, and she just turned one. I remember the day we brought her home trying to figure out how much to feed a Bernedoodle puppy. As a new puppy parent, the last thing you want to do is over or under feed your new pet, so hopefully this post serves as helpful for you with your new Bernedoodle puppy. This post may contain affiliate links All about Bernedoodles Bernedoodles are adaptable, making them a wonderful choice for novice or veteran owners. They are smart and protective dogs. This makes them great for young ages. If you are just doing your beginning research, the Bernedoodle breed is a combination of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. They inherit their intelligence from the Poodle parent. It is obvious that the goofy traits are those of the Bernese Mountain Dog parent. These parent breeds create a perfect family dog. Their size is determined by the Poodle parent. They are broken down into size categories. Bernedoodles can be toy, mini or standard. One thing that is pretty surprising is that the different sizes do not typically affect their food choices during puppyhood. Bernedoodle puppies are known to love younger children. They are playful and gentle as a lifelong companion. Bernedoodles are smart but are also silly. This trait makes them a good choice for all ages. As a mom of four kids, this was very important to me. If you want to learn more about owning Bernedoodle — I have a whole blog post here with all the details on what is like to truly own a Bernedoodle puppy. How much to Feed a Bernedoodle Puppy As you prepare to become a bernedoodle parent, their growth and development are important to you. You are undoubtedly concerned about health issues or health problems that may arise. Did you know that there is a big difference between puppy food and adult dog food? It may be hard to know where to start, but I will break it down for you! In their full size, they are big dogs. At their full height, they are also very tall. Their looks can be deceiving. Even though they are larger dogs, they may not need more food than a typical dog. You want to be prepared with this knowledge before you decide if this dog is right for you. How do you ensure a healthy lifestyle for your pup? It is important to learn how much food is necessary in their different life stages. The Reasoning Behind the Puppy Food New dog owners have several choices to make when it comes to food. It can be overwhelming, but there are a few simple things to keep in mind for a balanced diet. Your main goal is a healthy, happy dog! Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs. Puppy food is specifically designed for growing pups. As they grow, they are burning more calories. This means that they need more calories per pound of body weight to sustain their developing bodies. Bernedoodle puppies need more fatty acids and high protein diets. These puppies complete a majority of their growth within two or three years. In these first few years, they will need higher amounts of protein calories. Veterinarians will say that it is, however, not toxic for your puppy to eat adult dog food. They may suggest that you do your best to stick to these separate kinds of dog food for optimal health. This type of food is typically referred to as adult maintenance for day-to-day living. It should be clearly labeled on the packages. Once they have reached their adult weight, they can maintain the health benefits from their simpler diet. The transition from puppy food to adult dog food should be seamless. Bernedoodle dogs are laid back and not picky! Most of the time, they will eat what is put in front of them. Now that we have covered the difference between the types of dog food, we will get right to specific amounts for Bernedoodle puppies. Our Penny had a very sensitive stomach as a puppy, and we have stuck with this puppy food and been very happy with the choice. She seems to be happy and thriving on it. Specific amounts of Food for Bernedoodle Puppies Young puppies that are two to six months of age typically eat three different times a day. The daily amount of puppy food depends on weeks of age and how much they weigh. It will also depend on how much exercise they receive. I will break that down specifically. But, it is important to keep in mind that their food intake will increase as they grow. At around six months of age, Bernedoodle puppies can eat twice a day. This schedule may continue for adult Bernedoodles. They are growing very quickly. Setting your puppy up with proper nutrients will benefit growth, brain health and a long lifespan. It is helpful to stick to designated eating times for your puppy. Do not forget that It is a good choice to check the directions of the healthy dog food you purchase. On the back of each package, there should be a suggested serving size. As always, contact your veterinarian if you are concerned about how your Bernedoodle is developing. Interestingly enough, adult Bernedoodle dogs tend to only eat one serving a day. They can finish their larger amount of food in one sitting. When they reach an even older age it may be difficult for them to finish this serving in one feeding. It is helpful to spread these servings out for older dogs while it gets harder to finish a meal. At this point you will be in tune to what your Bernedoodle dog needs. Bernedoodles are known for their love of food! It is easy to over-feed your puppy. A general rule is to check their ribs. You should be able to feel the ribs easily but not be able to see them at a glance. This is a great way to check on your Bernedoodle dogs and their weight gain. It can be tempting to feed your pup food from the table. This seems innocent but can create poor eating habits down the road. It can also disrupt their digestive systems. You have worked hard to create a healthy diet and want to keep it that way. If a Bernedoodle puppy is hungry, they will eat from their designated spot and will not need anything extra. Do not forget that although the feeding schedule is important, we cannot forget about giving our dogs plenty of exercise! Long walks will encourage a healthy life for your Bernedoodle and for you. Overall health includes diet and exercise. This is another reason why Bernedoodle puppies are a wonderful family dog. They have plenty of energy to keep up with toddlers. It is also a helpful way to encourage your teens to get outside and away from their technology. Bernedoodle Puppy Food — Dog Food Options With a growing amount of dog food brands, it can be hard to pick the best food. As you browse the isles, it is obvious to note that wet food is more expensive than dry food. However, they are both great options! The standard Bernedoodle loves to eat and they are such large breeds that they can eat a lot. Fortunately for dog owners, many dogs love dry food. Wet or raw dog food has less carbohydrates than dry food and can be more hydrating. Many veterinarians suggest that either kind is a great choice! I would find a brand and type that fits into your grocery budget. Bernedoodles tend to eat what they are given. If only this trait would rub off on the human puppies we have. There is nothing wrong with the dry kibble choice! Each type of dog food has the nutrients it needs to help your dog grow. The biggest difference between dry and wet dog food may be the way it is digested. Keep in mind — that as with kids and yourself there may be adjusting to find what is best for your puppy. Start with a small bag the first time you purchase puppy food, and if you are changing them from what they were on at a breeder or in a shelter mix the new food with the previous food for a slower change on their gut. Now that you have been prepared with nutrition knowledge, you are ready to welcome that pup in to the family. Giving them proper puppy and adult dog food will help create a healthy dog. More than food, your Bernedoodle needs love and affection. This will not be difficult at all. Bernedoodles are easy to create a bond with. I know that you will love your Bernedoodle puppy as much as my family does! If you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comments below, and be sure to pin the photo below to find this post later. Related Posts:. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. How Much to Feed a Bernedoodle One of the most common questions we get is how much to feed their puppy, teenager and adult bernedoodle. Great question and unfortunately many do not understand the needs and requirements of an F1 standard bernedoodle bernese mountain dog x standard poodle that has Bernese mountain dogs in them. So to expect a bernedoodle to have a waist line like a Great Dane will put your bernedoodle into hunger mode and if young will lead to potential behavioral challenges and this is a time when they need calories due to them being a fast growing mixed breed. We shoot for always having a little bit of food left over and we let them have access to food for about minutes but this can be adjusted based on your schedule. We only do this for the breakfast. We will begin adding about tablespoons of different types of lightly cooked meats can go raw as well and sardines to the above topper along with a little bit of cut up or shredded carrots, blueberries and can add other dog friendly fruits and veggies but make sure you check before using. We would also add dog-based salmon oil according to the instructions about a tsp. Often in the morning we would do sweet potato, yogurt, and a meat and dinner some of the other ingredients. Lunch we keep plain. Be sure you are washing your food and water bowls once per day with hot soapy water. Lastly we recommend starting with TLC adult all life stages dog food for large growing breeds like bernedoodles and even for the puppies. The adult food exceeds AAFCO requirements for puppies and has glucosamine and chondroitin which is important for joint development. Many vets compare bernedoodles to what they consider a typical healthy dog build high thin waist line, etc but that is not the case for F1 standard bernedoodles as they will have a thicker build. Recent Posts. It also contains salmon meal, which is a high-quality variety of fish meal. Like other Wellness offerings, this food is made in the USA without artificial preservatives or meat by-products. He loves it and I like the fact it is vet recommended and has both pre and probiotics. It contains all the essential vitamins and minerals your dog needs: vitamins B6, B12, and D3, to name a few. Our only complaint is that the first ingredient is chicken by-product meal. Our first pick would be a real meat of higher quality. However, the nutrients and substantial protein level make this a great food for a growing Bernedoodle puppy. Royal Canin does studies and tests to make sure their food supplies all the nutrition needed. The first ingredient in this Purina food is real lamb. There are plenty of nutrients here, including DHA, vitamins, and live probiotics for gut health. It even has a small amount of garlic oil which helps lower cholesterol and prevent blood clots. I am very happy with it. Real chicken is the first ingredient in this one. The amount of fat, carbs, calcium and phosphorous has been carefully planned by nutritional experts, so you can feel confident knowing your dog is getting just the right amount of nutrients for his size and age. We also love to see sufficient levels of DHA here that will help your pup with brain development. I was only interested in a small bag and found exactly what I needed. Fair price and rapid delivery! One huge benefit of this Solid Gold formula is the number of superfoods packed into it: veggies like broccoli and carrots, and fruits such as blueberries and cranberries. It even has pumpkin and kelp! This is sure to deliver the vitamins and antioxidants your little Bernedoodle is craving. If your dog is prone to food allergies, you might be in luck here. No wheat, corn or soy are used in this food. Very happy we switched to this. The list goes on from there, including eggs, chicken liver, and herring. Like other Orijen formulas, this kibble is freeze-dried coated for extra flavor. The ingredients are so good, your little pup should dive right into this one. He is healthy, has tons of energy, a beautiful coat and no digestive issues. Check with your veterinarian if you have concerns about food restrictions. Salmon is the first ingredient. In fact, this product contains no beef or chicken, so it will also work well for pups who have allergies to those ingredients. The omega fatty acids should also help maintain a shiny coat. She has a soft and shiny coat! She loves it! Check the feeding instructions on the package for more detailed information. How long should a Bernedoodle eat puppy food? You should feed your Bernedoodle puppy food until he is no longer growing. This will typically occur between 6 and 18 months. After you have confirmed with your veterinarian that your Bernedoodle has reached full size, you can switch to an adult kibble formula. What are Bernedoodles allergic to? Like many breeds, bernedoodles are prone to food allergies. Your puppy may be allergic to beef, chicken, wheat, dairy, eggs, or other ingredients. Whenever you switch to a new food, you should monitor his behavior and appearance and take note of any allergic reaction. Check with your vet if you have any questions. Conclusion We know you want the absolute best food for your precious Bernedoodle puppy! Now is the best time to consider his nutritional needs since he is still growing and needs plenty of protein, vitamins and minerals. For now, we hope this article helps you select a great dog food for your pup. Post navigation. They are smart dogs, family-friendly, and very loyal. They can vary in size from 10 pounds to 50 pounds because poodles come in different sizes toy, miniature and standard. Their personalities can vary quite a bit as well, making each Bernedoodle unique! It really depends on which parent breed they take after. They can differ even more the original litter is bred with other Poodles or Bernese Mountain Dogs. Additionally, the Bernedoodle is a newer breed so people are still learning about them with each generation. They usually have curly or at least wavy coats that tend to shed less and cause fewer problems for allergy sufferers. They do not like to be left alone and can develop separation anxiety. Good training can help to prevent this, however, and this quality makes them wonderful canine friends anyway. Feeding Your Bernedoodle Puppy Thorough knowledge of puppy feeding can help deter bad behavior and potential health issues down the road as your puppy blossoms into an adult. Your puppy needs a well-balanced diet just like a human baby. It should contain a combination of proteins from both plant and meat sources, as well as some grains. Also, puppy food and adult dog food are not the same. Puppies require more nutrients and more calories than adult dogs because they are growing so quickly. You can choose between dry food, canned food, cooked food, or raw food. Dry and canned foods are designed to provide all of the nutrients that your puppy needs to grow and be healthy. There are also size-specific food types you can choose from that contain different nutrient amounts or smaller kibble. As puppies transition from nursing to puppy food, it may be easier to feed them a mixture of wet and dry food. This will help them adjust to eating just kibble as they get older. Bernedoodle puppies tend to overeat, so they must be kept on a feeding schedule. Puppies younger than four months can be allowed to graze as needed as they transition from nursing to puppy food. At four months old, Bernedoodle puppies should be fed three times per day, at the same times each day. At six months old, you should transition your Bernedoodle puppy to feedings twice per day instead of three times. Be sure to feed your Bernedoodle puppy early enough in the evening that he has time to digest and go potty or he may have accidents overnight. The amount of food you feed your Bernedoodle puppy can vary greatly based on the size of poodle the Bernese was bred with toy, mini, or standard. Smaller Bernedoodle puppies, those that were bred from toy or miniature poodles, will require much less food than the larger Bernedoodle puppies. Keep an eye on the shape of your puppy. You should be able to see his ribs slightly and his tummy should tuck upward. You should not be able to see his hips, however. Begin feeding your Bernedoodle puppy the smallest amount for their weight, but if he looks underweight, increase that amount gradually. If he looks overweight, decrease his food intake. The first step to determine how much to feed your puppy is to figure out approximately what your puppy will weigh once he is an adult. The following chart show approximately how much to feed your puppy based on weight and age range: Bernedoodle Puppy Feeding Chart 6 weeks to 3 months 4 — 5 months. Bernedoodles are known to be voracious eaters, so they tend to gain weight easily, especially if their daily exercise needs are not met. Fortunately, you can help keep their weight stable with this food. Antioxidants also help control the premature aging of cells and support a healthy immune system. However, this option is quite expensive, and some dogs may not like the smell and texture. How much to feed your dog? You should use the portions listed on the package with a scale or measuring cup. That said, remember that these amounts are usually appropriate for a dog with an average activity level. So, if your Bernepoo is active, it is normal for them to eat more. If they are more sedentary, watch their portions or the fat level of their food. Bernedoodles can suffer from obesity if they eat too much and do not exercise enough. That said, it depends on the behavior of your pet. Some dogs have the habit of barely finishing their food even if their bowl is only filled once a day. But if you have an overeater at home, there are toys designed to make it more difficult for dogs to access their food in order to limit this habit and even enable them to recognize signals of satiety. What about treats? Not only is your Bernepoo at risk of becoming overweight if they eat too much, but treats are also not formulated to be balanced like their staple food. If your dog is having trouble with their teeth, you can find large kibbles that will force them to chew more, which will help reduce tartar. When choosing dog food , try it for a month and observe your pet throughout that time. Pay attention to their general condition: the luster of their coat, the condition of their eyes and muzzle, etc. Are they energetic, and playful? If not, this food may not be right for them. Nulo Freestyle may also be perfect for them, although this option is rather expensive. Her deep love for capuchin monkeys, pumas, and kangaroos has taken her worldwide to work and volunteer for several wildlife rehabilitation centers in Bolivia, Guatemala, Canada, and Australia. As a Canadian expat, Genevieve now lives in Argentina, where she wakes up every morning to horses and cows saying hello from the vast plain next to her home office window. She is the proud mom of three rescued dogs, Lemmy, Nala, and Pochi, and a frisky kitten, Furiosa. Having the privilege of sharing her knowledge and passion for animals of all kinds is what makes her fulfilled and happy.Read more Advertisement.
Bulldog Breed Basics Bulldogs are well-known for their affable temperaments, and distinctively adorable appearance. Today, they are primarily beloved as gentle family pets, but they were originally bred to fight bulls for sport. The breeds bravery and devotion are traits popular among sports fans, which is why the Bulldog is the mascot for at least two NCAA football teams, along with the United States Marine Core. Generally, these are laid-back pups who still enjoy moderate exercise. Appearance, Grooming, and Health The Bulldog is a medium-sized breed. He usually weighs between 40 and 60 pounds, but there is no specific height according to the breed standard. The Bulldog has a glossy, short coat that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. They have pushed-in faces, a short snout, and a distinctive rolling gait that makes them almost impossible not to recognize. Grooming is pretty low maintenance in terms of coat upkeep. This breed can have skin issues that need to be kept in check though. Food, dirt, and moisture can become trapped in the folds, causing them to become infected. Using peroxide to clean the wrinkles will help. Cornstarch can be applied afterward in order to help with drying the skin. Be sure also to keep ears clean, along with the area under the tail. Bulldogs are also prone to heatstroke because they are not built to handle hot weather. They should always have access to air-conditioned comfort during the summer months, and exercise should be restricted during even moderate heat to help prevent problems. Because of the size of their heads, most Bulldog puppies must be born via Cesarian section, which requires a Veterinarian, which costs money. Breeders may pass this expense on to puppy buyers. These are clever, sweet dogs who really love to please their people! They have a fantastic sense of humor and draw crowds wherever they go. As with any dog breed, early socialization is extremely important, along with puppy classes. Exposing Bulldog puppies to other types of dogs at a young age will help them make more canine friends as adults. Bulldogs are usually big chewers and will often enjoy chewing toys throughout their lives. They are easy to train and respond to food rewards but should receive fair and consistent training when it comes to house manners. Bulldogs are a breed known for resource guarding, especially when it comes to food, getting them used to being touched or handled while eating, up to a point, is often helpful. They do enjoy walks on-leash, but not in hot weather. Swimming is also not good for them, although hanging out in shallow water is fine. Bulldogs are a loving, happy breed that really enjoys spending time with their families. Bulldog Breed History Historical evidence suggests that Bulldogs were originally created in 13th-century England, during the reign of King John, for the sport of Bullbaiting, in which a staked bull fought a pack of dogs, while spectators placed bets on the outcome. Happily, for everyone, the British banned sports like Bullbaiting in the year .Sadly, with bullbaiting now illegal and obsolete, the Bulldog began to dwindle in popularity. In response, Bulldog admirers began the long process of transforming the breed from fighting dogs to family companions. By the year , Bulldog fanciers had created a sweeter, mellower Bulldog, noted for his friendly demeanor and love of children. He was also smaller and more attractive than his more ferocious ancestors. Once he came over to the United States, his history as a fighting dog, combined with his updated new look, made him an instant sensation. He also serves as the wrinkly face of the Mack Truck company and the U. Marine Core. British Christmas Traditions We know, there are a lot of British dog breeds on this list. Once again, here are some well-known British Christmas Traditions. In the U. Santa Clause is called Father Christmas. Just as in the U. Bulldogs are usually power-chewers, so bones or other chew-toys make great gifts for them! Curling up on the couch to watch Christmas TV specials is a tradition all Bulldogs will really love. The only part of Christmas that a Bulldog might not take to. Christmas carols! The next breed on our list is, well, another Bulldog, the French Bulldog! This entry was posted in TevraPet. Bookmark the permalink. Cody Tromler. Please Contact Us to find out if we can ship to your State or Country. You Deserve The Best We understand that offering yourself a puppy is no ordinary purchase. We commit to gifting you a healthy, trained and "exactly as described" puppy. ABOUT US Niko is my main man in this journey; he helps keep our French bulldogs active, healthy, and well socialized by constantly playing with them, and actively participating in their care. Keira and Artemis enjoy puppy playtime, as well as giving and receiving kisses. Our white French bulldogs come from a famous breeder in Taiwan, known for having the best French bulldogs in the world, as we only want the best in our breeding program and most of the French Bulldogs currently in the US has top quality thanks to breeders like us. We are still currently breeding other colors ranging from CAD - CAD , but plan to solely focus on improving French bulldogs within the next few years. We are a small hobby show breeding home so make sure to email me US to get on the waiting list for a puppy as we do not always have puppies available. Thank you, and I hope that you find as much love for the breed as I have.
For them, it was a love at first sight. Now their dreams have come true. Left Right I have one of Max's puppies. I am so happy with him. We have had him for about 9 months and he is a wonderful, healthy, good tempered puppy. He was already started on house training and he is a true joy. I could not be more pleased at how easy going this dog is. He isn't hyper, doesn't bark needlessly, is gentle with our kids, and is all around just EASY. He is slightly timid with guests, but also leaves them alone, which is nice. She is best dog; absolutely beautiful and has a wonderful playful temperament. I searched for a French bulldog for over a month but I couldn't find one that was the right fit for my family. Southfrenchies made the process so easy for me and I was able to pick up my puppy the same day. He was very sweet and adjusted in no time. I even went back for a second puppy. They are happy healthy and thriving. They have really improved my life. South Frenchies made this the easiest "yes" in the world! They were responsive and reliable both before and after adoption, and even came right to our house! We are so lucky to have Archie and his sister, Lulu, nearby with our friends! Cash has truly been a blessing. The adoption went great and everything about Cash was as advertised. All deposits are non-refundable! We accept Venmo, Zelle, CashApp, Apple Pay for the deposit, which will be deducted from the total and the remaining balance upon pickup. Put a small deposit 02 We schedule a pickup based on your availability. You can either: meet us at our puppy's care home in DC, or have your new frenchie delivered directly to you delivery fee may apply. Plan our meeting Buying process 4 easy steps to get your little pal Today is the day! It's very exciting; everything is set up, and your little companion is ready for his forever-home. See you soon! In-person delivery or pickup. Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. We have answers. All over the internet, and within the Uptown network, you will notice that there are many different prices for French Bulldog puppies. The prices differ according to coat color, pedigree, experience of the breeder, as well as several other factors too! Our network is specifically designed to get you the perfect puppy at the perfect price for you! What kind of dog is a French Bulldog? Frenchies are really goofy looking dogs. Their heads are just so big for their small, little bodies that they look like they could tip over at any moment. French Bulldogs are descendants of their great big cousins - English Bulldogs. They were specifically bred to be smaller and cuter than their English cousins. Today, their charming personalities make them exceptionally popular. After that, when puppies are ready to be delivered, a C-section has to be performed due to their extremely narrow hips. These facts escalate the price of French Bulldogs and explain why they are pricier than your average breed. Not a chance! Most of the companies and breeders affiliated with the Uptown network are complete pros when it comes to transporting and arranging travel for your French Bulldog puppy to any major airport nearby! As the Uptown network grows day by day, you may even be able to pick up your puppy in person. We are contacted on a daily basis by prospective breeders and businesses. There are very strict standards where Uptown is concerned with regards to animal care, facility care, breeding experience and more. One click away, and a French Bulldog puppy could be yours. Sadly, this leaves an open space for inexperienced breeders and puppy mills to sell you unhealthy puppies that often die young. We only have one goal - to help the best breeders connect with loving families and put the best Frenchie puppy in your home. A breeding facility that is honest is usually a paradise for little puppies. They are well taken care of. Puppy mills, on the other hand, are like prisons for dogs and puppies. They are often, very unsanitary and puppies that come from these places often have behavioral issues and a multitude of health problems that will lead you spending thousands on vet bills. All it takes is a simple click below, then take a look at the list of dogs available. You are sure to find the French Bulldog puppy you have always wanted. Start getting excited as your new Frenchie puppy will be yours!
That means they can have an unpredictable mix of traits from each parent — and even two puppies in a litter might be different from one another. The Golden Retriever is a medium-sized dog first bred in Scotland in the s. They were bred to work alongside their humans as a water retriever. It has a beautiful, long golden coat, which is where it gets its name. Males are about 24 inches at the shoulder, while females are a bit smaller at 22 inches. Males are proportionally heavier than females, weighing about pounds. Females weigh pounds. They have soft, drop ears, dark eyes, and a well-balanced body with a deep chest. Goldens are trustworthy, smart, friendly, and eager-to-please their people. Pitbull terriers, technically known as American Staffordshire Terriers according to the AKC, is a smaller dog than the golden. They reach inches at the shoulder for males and inches for females. Males weigh anywhere from pounds, and females weigh anywhere from pounds. A smiling Pitbull dog These dogs were bred in England out of bulldogs in Great Britain in the 18th and 19th centuries. They were popularized in the U. Pitbulls have short hair that comes in a variety of colors, including black, blue, fawn, bronze, liver, red, seal, white, brindle or a mix of these colors. They have naturally floppy ears, though many breeders crop them in the U. They have a characteristically wide head and mouth A well-bred pittie lovable, highly-trainable, courageous, alert, agile, and graceful. The puppies from these two dogs can have a range of these characteristics. Wondering what this unique pup looks like? They can be any color that a Golden or Pitbull comes in, or any combination — including a mix of three colors! The coat can be long, medium or short, wavy, straight and can even have curls. It can help to head to Instagram and look for pictures of Golden Retriever Pitbull mixes to see what you could be in for if you decide to bring one home. Full-grown, these dogs are about 18 to 24 inches 46 to 61 cm at the shoulder and 30 to 75 pounds 14 to 34 kg. It can help to look at the parents of the puppy to get an idea about size and potential color, but even then, you can never be sure. Get the know the personality of this friendly mix Just as these dogs can vary in appearance, a Golden Retriever Pitbull mix can have a varied personality, as well. In general, this is a loyal, devoted, and family friendly dog who is happy watching and playing with the kids. Some are wary of strangers, but most are super friendly and social. Imagine how a Golden approaches the world ready to meet and mingle. Golden Retriever Pitbull mixes are usually similar. This can lead to digging, chewing, barking. The best way to do this is to leave calmly and give them a treat before you head out. This teaches them that leaving is a good thing. Be careful not to establish bad habits like begging unintentionally. Golden Retriever Pitbull mix have high energy and love to go hiking, walking, running, and swimming. This video shows a 5 month old having some playtime with their human. While they love their people, they can be independent. They may decide to ignore you and do what they want — so long as they can keep an eye on you. You need to keep them mentally stimulated, or watch out! They are aware of their surroundings at all times and will keep an eye out for intruders. That said, their personalities can be unpredictable and may have aggression issues. Especially if you get one from an irresponsible breeder who is just looking to make a buck. They have a high prey drive, so be careful if you plan to have them around cats, gerbils, or birds. That said, they do make good hunters and the squirrels in your neighborhood will need to keep an eye out. How to care for your Golden retriever pitbull mix Grooming will largely depend on the type of coat that your dog inherits. Long haired and double-coated dogs require more grooming than short or medium, or single coated dogs. The first should be brushed daily, while you can wait every days for shorter or medium, or single-coated dogs. That is, unless they get dirty. Use a dog-specific shampoo to prevent irritating their skin. Trim their nails every few weeks using a clipper or grinder. Be careful not to cut the quick. Brush their teeth every few days using a doggie-specific toothpaste and either a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger or a dog toothbrush. Clean their ears whenever you bathe them using an ear cleaning solution. This is especially true if your dog has Golden-like drop ears. TGolden Retriever Pitbull mixes need about 1, calories a day divided between two meals. Look for a high-quality kibble with meat as the first ingredient. Puppies should eat a large breed puppy food four times a day. The trick with making sure your dog has all the best traits and not the bad ones is training. This includes early socialization when your pup is young. Just keep it all positive. This means introducing them to new people and animals, and giving them treats or praise when they behave well. Repeat this with different noises, smells, and situations, like walking over a metal grate or being around an umbrella opening. You need to teach them to respect your space, your furniture, and your authority. Praise them when they behave well. You should also teach them to accept it when you leave to avoid separation anxiety, as we discussed above. Positive reinforcement starting right when they come to your home for the first time is key. This can include playing fetch, running, hiking, swimming, or anything else that they like to do. You can also mix in some mental stimulation in the form of puzzle games or treat toys like Kong stuffing treats. Is a pitbull golden retriever mix healthy? They have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Watch out for: Hip dysplasia. Temperament: Rambunctious, devoted and sociable. Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix Appearance There is no official standard for this hard to find hybrid, but its accepted that the breed should embody the positive traits of both parents. These dogs can come out looking like either one of the parent breeds, or a perfect mix of both. Their appearance is variable and will depend on gene expression. They should be large and well-built dogs that stand up to 24 inches tall. You will find they can be thin and lean or have a wider, more muscular build. Lab Pitbull mixes can come out with any possible combination of these appearances, but careful selective breeding can create a more predictable appearance. Height and Weight Males stand anywhere between inches tall with females standing inches tall. You can expect them to weigh anywhere between pounds. Coat and Colors This is certainly a dog of many colors. They can be the solid gold colors of a Golden Retriever, or a mix of darker colors against a white base. Your mix may be a solid, bi colored or even tri colored. This breed can be single or double coated, with fur of just about any length. A short coat is typically thin and fine furred, while a long coat may be shaggy or wavy. Some may even have an attractive curl to them. Short to medium coated dogs will shed mildly and only need brushing once or twice a week. Long coated dogs are frequent shedders with daily brushing and grooming requirements. The breed is not currently recognized by any organization, and there are no breed clubs or rescues. The Golden Retriever has history as a hunting partner used to retrieve waterfowl. This breed has no true name, but they are sometimes referred to as Retriever Pits. This name also applies to the more common Labrador Pitbull mix. Their unpredictability can make them difficult to train and to manage. One thing you can be certain about is their fun loving and active nature. A mix of a sporting dog and a terrier is a recipe for boundless energy. Their energy must be let out in bursts through the day. Your dog will certainly let you know when they need something to do. Pitbull Lab mixes social butterflies have an inborn desire to make new friends. They cannot tolerate boredom and hate to be by themselves. If you expect them to keep themselves entertained, they will do so by trashing your house. A high prey drive means that it will take some time for them to get along with your other pets. It is nearly impossible to pinpoint which specific behaviors your pup will inherit. But no matter what, you can expect them to be a loyal devoted friend to you and your family. This breed comes from two excellent family dogs, making it one of the best dogs for a family. They are known for extreme loyalty to their families, who they will view as their pack. Caring for a Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix Exercise Requirements Any dog in the sporting group needs more exercise than your average pooch. Taking your dog for long walks and runs will help both you and your dog stay fit. Golden Retriever Pitbull mixes need at least an hour of exercise every day. The best way to do this is to take them out for a 30 minute walk around the neighborhood and dedicate the rest of the time to play. They also love to jump, and will catch a Frisbee or a ball right out of the air. You can tune in to their wild sides by giving them toys to hunt. This is the perfect pooch for taking along with you on your own daily activities. They make excellent hiking partners and will enjoy a trip out into nature just as much as you will. Number of Walks Per Day: 1. Grooming and Shedding If you have a short coated dog, grooming will be much less intensive than it would be for a mix with a longer coat. Short and medium coated dogs need brushing once or twice a week. Long coated dogs will need brushing every day, and may need special brushes and combs for shed control. Do not be tempted to run to the bathtub every time your pooch gets a little dirty. You can give your dog a full bath every 3 months, but daily dirt and grime should be wiped away. Feeding and Diet These large active dogs need plenty of healthy food to fuel their daily work and play. This breed benefits from including raw foods in their diet. Even if you feed them kibble, you should find ways to add raw meat to the menu. You can replace one of their cups of kibble with some cuts of raw pork or poultry. Muscular breeds like this will need more protein than others. Fruits and vegetables make a great healthy treat for your dog. These are packed full of vitamins and minerals, but should only be given every once in a while. Hip dysplasia is very common for all large dog breeds. This is a malformation of the hip joints that causes pain and eventual arthritis. Having pet insurance could save you from potential headaches of going to the vets with reimbursement for every vet bill from now on! You should expect your Golden Retriever Pitbull mix to live for 10 to 15 years. This is a very little known breed with no official organization, so finding a breeder will be very difficult. However you will still need to focus on the four key areas: obedience, housebreaking, socialization and behavior. You will need to start tackling each one of these as soon as you bring your pup home. One of the first steps is to create a safe space for your dog to relax in while you are away. This is done through crate training. The crate will become your dogs den in the house, where they can feel safe and secure while they wait for you to come back home. When dealing with a bully breed, many assume that physical punishment should be used when training them. They could not be any more wrong. In reality the use of harsh correction and physical discipline will create aggression rather than eliminate it. Instead take advantage of your Golden Retriever Pitbull mixes loyalty. They will do anything to make you happy, so let them know how proud of them you are. If they misbehave just ignore it and they will catch on very fast. As a result of their size, they need to be on an excellent regular diet and fitness activities. The retriever and Pit Retriever has the potential of gaining weight without you noticing, and it can produce health complications. Keeping your Golden Retriever Pitbull at its ideal weight is easy, and you need to remember the following: Dedicate an active exercise regimen for them Give them plenty of walks Give them playtime to keep them engaged and fit There are many possibilities with what your Golden Retriever Pitbull might end up looking like, but you can expect that the build of your pup will take on the retriever, and the head from the Pit Bull. The Pitbull Retriever has a beautiful and unique coat, especially if the Pit Bull has a darker shade like black. There may be some instance when your pup can have a long black shaggy coat. If your Retriever and Pitbull takes on a long shaggy coat, then you need to be ready with giving them regular brushing and expect excessive shedding. You have nothing to worry about the temperament of Pitbull and Retriever Mix because they are generally well natured and friendly creatures. There may be several instances when the breed exhibits a rather odd trait, but this can all be corrected at a young age through the following: Train them at a young age; Give them exposure with other people and animals; Reward them for their excellent behavior. Do a bit of research to find out where your pups came from and whether they were successfully bred. You want to make sure that both the parents of the puppy are healthy. Doing your homework can help you avoid the following complications: Health complications. Development of negative personality traits. Shorter than average lifespan. Ask for documents to know the fitness of your puppies. A good and reliable breeder always have documents to show you the competence of the parents of the pups, as well as their health records. You can check whether they are updated with their vaccines and health records, and know what pre-existing conditions they might have. Most importantly, you want a breeder who already gave your pups some preventive vaccines. Crossbreeds can get very expensive, depending on the situation and where you get them. In most cases, the price is an excellent factor in determining the history of your pups. Here are some possible implications: Being charged a higher rate is average for the circumstance where the puppy shows a particular or rare trait. This can include different colors for the coat or eyes. Low charges can sometimes mean that the puppies were overbred, and overbreeding can often cause unhealthy litters. If your puppy takes after the coat of the Pitbull, a short, manageable coat, your job is relatively easy. Get their nails regularly trimmed, mainly because they are hyper dogs. Brush them regularly to eliminate loose furs. If your pup takes on the coat of golden retrievers, longer shaggy goats, then you need to give their grooming more attention. At times their grooming can be challenging especially because of their long shaggy coats. Be mindful, however, not to over bathe them since it might cause their skin to be dry. Your dog looks beautiful at all times. Regular brushing is an excellent place to start. All dogs have the propensity of developing genetic health problems, and some breeds are more prone than others. The Golden Retriever-Pitbull mix has an average life expectancy of 10 to 15 years, depending on their health. The combination is also likely to the following health problems: bloat, hip dysplasia, heart diseases, and cancer. Bloat is a medical emergency which is life-threatening to dogs. Bloat is among the leading cause of deaths for many large and giant dogs, which is why you need to watch out for the following symptoms: Swollen hard belly; Drooling; Signs of distress, pain and restless. Some of the symptoms of hip dysplasia include: Reduce activity and inability to jump and run properly. Having a hard time walking and exhibiting signs of pain. Although the Pitbull Golden Retriever mix is a large breed, you need to regulate their diet. Unlike the worst dry dog food, the best dry dog food contains all the nutrients dogs need. Avoid processed foods and choose ingredients rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, such as Wellness Core Dog Food or Dog For Dog Food. Adding food boosters such as Nutra Thrive dog food supplement can also be convenient. Unlike humans, dogs are better off with eating raw meat than cooked ones. Mind their size. Petite pooches have different dietary needs when compared to their larger cousins. Choose wisely between the best dry dog food for small dogs and the best large breed dry dog food according to the size of the pooch. Keep in mind their age. Age dictates the amount of needed nutrients, and best puppy food brands are not appropriate for older dogs, just as whelps will not make the most of the best senior dry dog food. Golden Retriever Pitbull Exercise Requirements Retriever Pitbull are highly energetic dogs, and they need a lot of exercises and to be with a playmate. A dog such as this retriever mix is excellent for someone who lives an active lifestyle, and who enjoys long walks, hikes, and the like. Take them on runs or when you want to exercise. Since Golden Pitbull is independent, training them can be hard because they can become stubborn. Let them know that you are in control and that they should respect your authority. A definite and firm hand lets them know of their place. Give your dogs some positive reinforcement especially when they do your commands right. Praising them for their excellent behavior helps encourage them to do your commandments. Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix and Families There are a lot of reasons to fall in love with Pit Bull retriever, and they are perfect for every family. The breed may not be so familiar, but keeping one as a family dog is worth it. They are sweeter, friendlier than most dogs, considering how both parent dogs exhibit great personality traits. The breed is perfect for families who can give the right time and attention in training and caring. Taking care of the kind requires a lot of love and attention from the family. Being a large and active breed, your doggo will need around 1, calories per day divided into two meals. Keep in mind that this is just a general estimate! Your dog may need more or less food depending on their age, activity levels, and any health problems. Golden retriever pit bull puppies should have four small, evenly spaced meals a day and eat high-quality puppy food designed for large breed dogs. After the first month or so, you can slowly transition your puppy to the formula of your choice. Long-haired golden pits, on the other hand, shed profusely and have to be brushed every day. The frequency of bathing will depend on how dirty and active your dog is. For most pups, once every three months will do the trick and help keep your mix looking and smelling great. However, you can always bathe your dog more often if they get extremely dirty or smelly from playing in the backyard or on outings. This grooming regimen should involve regular nail trimming, teeth brushing , and ear cleaning. To get your mix on board with their new grooming routine , start doing everything while they are still a puppy. The golden retriever pit bull mix is a wonderful dog that is deeply devoted to its owners and is fond of children. Friendly and loyal by nature, these dogs get along with other pets and people and tend to greet everyone with a wagging tail. While some golden pits may be wary of strangers, early socialization can help these pups to become friendlier and more accepting of new people. How much is a golden retriever pit bull mix? How big do pit bull retrievers get? The golden retriever pit bull mix is generally a large breed, but since there are no set breed standards, some dogs may be smaller. Male dogs are usually between 18 and 24 inches tall at the withers, while females are typically around 17 to 22 inches tall. Golden pit bulls usually weigh from 50 to 75 pounds, with males often being heavier than female dogs. Are pit bull golden retriever mix dogs aggressive? When properly socialized and trained from a young age, these dogs are no more dangerous than any other properly raised dog. Although pit bull mixes and bully breeds are often deemed as aggressive, golden retriever pit bulls are friendly, loyal, mild-mannered, and intelligent. Do pit bull golden retriever mixes shed? If you have a long-haired golden pit, invest in a de-shedding brush and a sturdy slicker brush that can go deep in the coat and remove as much loose hair as possible. Conclusion The golden retriever pit bull mix is still not as popular as other retriever mixes, but it is bound to attract the attention of dog lovers thanks to its loyal and friendly nature. Besides being extremely gentle with children and an ideal family dog, this mix is very easy to train and a great option for first-time owners. Do you own a pit bull golden retriever mix? What do you like most about your dog? Share your experience owning this mixed-breed with us and our readers in the comment section below! You May Also Like. The Golden Retriever Pitbull mix is a family-oriented, intelligent and loyal pup. They can have a personality that combines any or all aspects of the parent breeds. Golden Retrievers are known for being social happy-go-lucky dogs and this trait is definitely passed onto their pups. These mixes are extroverts and love to socialize, but at the end of the day they are most loyal to their family. Their loyal and protective nature can make them good candidates for family dogs as they are also patient and tolerant of small children. They are curious dogs who form strong bonds. This means that they can also struggle with separation anxiety if they are not properly trained to being left alone. Crate training from an early age can help with this problem. They do not like being left alone for long periods of time and would be best suited with an owner who wants a furry side-kick for their many adventures in life. If these dogs are left alone too long or not given enough exercise, they can resort to destructive behavior. Chewing, digging or barking can become problems with this mix. Puzzle toys and games can keep your pups mind busy so they do not get bored throughout the day. Exercise This hybrid is most known for being a friendly family dog, but they also have the characteristics of a focused sporting dog. Sporting characteristics from the Golden Retriever and terrier-like qualities from the Pitbull means this mix has a strong prey drive and the need for a job. They are intelligent and fast learners who are quick to pick-up commands and eager to please their owners. Ideally, they should have at least one hour of exercise per day. They enjoy going to the dog park, long walks and short training sessions to keep their brains busy. Like most dogs, this mix likes routine and creating an exercise routine will help keep them out of trouble. They are best suited for families who have a fenced-in-yard which allows them to stretch their legs and get the zoomies out. Both Golden Retrievers and Pitbulls have lots of energy. Therefore it is no surprise that the mix between the two of them is just as energetic. Are They Healthy? The typical lifespan of a Golden Retriever Pitbull mix is between 10 to 15 years. This is similar to both of their purebred parents. Mixes are generally healthy dogs , but they are prone to some of the same health problems as their parents. Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are common in large breed dogs and could affect this mix. Obesity is common in both Pitbulls and Golden Retrievers and should be monitored in your pup. Obesity can lead to many other health issues such as hyperthyroidism and heart disease. Both parents can also be affected by a congenital heart disease called Aortic Stenosis. Tumors are common for Golden Retrievers to develop. Many times these tumors are cosmetic, but they can also be cancerous. Pitbulls are relatively healthy, but they often suffer from skin allergies and irritation. These problems can be chronic and hard to manage. Many of the health problems of this mix are genetic. Therefore, buying from a breeder who has screened their dogs for these health problems before breeding is important to ensure your pup will be healthy. The parents should be tested for hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and eye conditions prior to breeding. Keeping a close eye on your pup and making sure they are as healthy as can be can reduce the risk for many of these health problems. Pitbull and Golden Retriever Mix Puppies If you want to buy this dog you will have to find a specialty breeder which can be difficult and expensive. All puppies are adorable, especially Golden Retriever Pitbull puppies. Their oversized paws and smushy faces will make you want to squeeze them. These happy, smiley dogs will brighten your day and keep you entertained for hours with puppy shenanigans. As a pup your dog will require lots of time and attention. Training should start at an early age to prevent unwanted behaviors such as chewing, destruction, and separation anxiety. Some owners may want to take their new companion to a puppy class for structured training. Providing structured training as well as socialization at a young age is a must for this breed. Most puppies begin to show their personality traits in adolescence, beginning around six months of age. It can be hard to predict what their personality will be like. Some pups are loyal, others are a social butterfly. The personality is unique to each pup, which means it may take some time to understand them as they grow into their big personalities. Price Golden Retriever Pitbull puppies are difficult to find from reputable breeders. Even when you do find a breeder, they are very expensive. They are on the upper end of the price range when compared to Golden Retrievers and a lot more than a Pitbull. There are only a few breeders who specialize in this mix and potential owners should be aware of the risks of buying from puppy mills and unethical breeders. Unfortunately this mix can sometimes end up in shelters due to behavioral problems. Adoption is always an option for potential owners as long as they are willing to find the right match. Shelter dogs are a great way to provide a home for pets in need. It is important for potential owners to be aware of the time and attention they will need to dedicate to their furry friend. This mix requires lots of exercise and attention from their owners. If you want a couch potato, the Golden Retriever Pitbull mix is definitely not for you! A Pocket Bully , English Bulldog or Pug might be better suited for owners who just want a cute cuddle-buddy. The Golden Retriever Pitbull mix is an athletic and enthusiastic pup who will demand physical activity. These dogs have strong and athletic bodies which are well-suited for long walks, hikes or runs with their owners. High prey-drive is often inherited from their parents. American Pitbull Terriers are known for their terrier-like qualities of chasing small prey. This dog might not be the best pet for a household with small pets which could become injured if chased or caught. Their wariness of strangers also comes from the Pitbull. This wariness can result in unnecessary barking, especially in the presence of new people. Proper socialization from a young age can help with this behavior. Due to their high energy and enjoyment of barking, these dogs are not well suited for apartment living. The amount of grooming will vary depending on the type of coat your Golden Retriever Pitbull mix gets. Short-haired mixes will require comparatively little grooming, although they do shed. Medium to long coated dogs need a lot more attention and grooming. Training A Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix It is important to begin training at an early age to keep these active dogs out of trouble. As a puppy, their attention spans are short. Quick and upbeat sessions are the best way to approach training. Puppy classes and beginner obedience training can be a great way to teach your puppy manners as well as work on socialization. Early socialization is extremely important for a Golden Retriever Pitbull mix to help them reduce their prey-drive and wariness of strangers. Introducing your new pup to lots of new people and dogs from an early age will help them be more confident as an adult. Crate training is often recommended to help with potty training. It will also help with creating a safe space for your pup to be in when left alone. The crate can be a great tool to help a Golden Retriever Pitbull deal with separation anxiety. Providing lots of toys and puzzles can be a good way to keep your mix happy and mentally stimulated. If they are bored or restless training will be difficult. They are more likely to find something to entertain themselves such as your favorite pair of shoes. Many pups also inherit the beautiful golden cream color of the Golden Retriever. Their coat can be short, medium or long and they often have markings on their chest, head and paws. These big babies are sure to steal your heart with their lovable personalities. Their personality should be the best of their parents. The Golden Retriever and Pitbull are both social and friendly dogs who love their family. These mixes are best suited for families and owners who live an active lifestyle. They need an owner willing to dedicate a significant amount of time to exercising and training their dog. If you give a Golden Retriever Pitbull mix the chance to be your pal, you are sure to have a life-long friend. He has spent decades training working dogs and spends most of his spare time studying, reading and learning about their behavior and welfare. Outside of Marvelous Dogs, he enjoys trail running and agility work with his working Labrador Retriever. You May Also Like. Cons The Golden Retriever is known for its friendly and outgoing personality and love for people and children. They are highly trainable and make great family pets. On the other hand, Pitbulls have a reputation for being aggressive and potentially dangerous. However, with proper training and socialization, Pitbulls can make loyal and loving pets. A Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix will likely have a friendly and outgoing personality and be good with children and other pets. However, it is important to remember that every dog is unique and may not necessarily exhibit the exact traits of its parent breeds. Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix Appearance and Personality Traits A Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix can have a wide range of physical characteristics, as they are a crossbreed and can inherit traits from either parent breed. They typically have a medium to large build with a strong, muscular body. The coat can vary in color and texture, depending on which parent breed they take after more. In terms of personality, a Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix will likely have a friendly and outgoing personality, as both parent breeds are known for being friendly and affectionate with people. They may be highly trainable and eager to please, making them a great option for first-time dog owners. They may also be good with children and other pets, as both parent breeds are known for being good with families. It is crucial to provide proper training and socialization for any breed of dog to ensure they have the best chance of becoming well-behaved, confident, and well-adjusted companions. Additionally, it is important to research and educate oneself on the breed and its characteristics before bringing a dog home. A Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix is a medium to large-sized dog, depending on which parent breed they take after more. Golden Retriever mixed pitbulls are a larger breed, typically weighing between pounds and standing between inches tall at the shoulder. Pitbulls are medium-sized, typically weighing between 30 and 60 pounds and standing between 17 and 21 inches tall at the shoulder. A Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix can inherit a wide range of size characteristics from its parent breeds. Some may be closer to the size of a Golden Retriever, weigh between pounds, and stand inches tall at the shoulder. Others may be closer to the size of a Pitbull, weigh between pounds, and stand between inches tall at the shoulder. In general, both the Pitbull and Golden Retriever mix are known for being friendly and outgoing, so a Golden Retriever Mixed Pitbull will likely have a friendly and sociable temperament. They may be affectionate with their family and enjoy spending time with their owners. Golden Retrievers are known for being highly trainable and eager to please, so a Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix may also be easy to train and responsive to positive reinforcement training methods. They may be a good option for first-time dog owners or families with children. Pitbulls have a reputation for being aggressive and potentially dangerous, but with proper training and socialization, Pitbulls can make loyal and loving pets. It is important to provide proper training and socialization for a Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix to ensure they have the best chance of becoming well-behaved, confident, and well-adjusted companions. Supervising them with children or other animals is also essential, especially if they need to be socialized properly. Advertisements Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix Health Issues Like any crossbreed dog, a Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix can have various health issues depending on which traits they inherit from their parent breeds. Golden Retrievers are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and certain types of cancer. Pitbulls are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and skin allergies. A Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix may be at risk for these health issues, but they will not be guaranteed to develop them. Additionally, providing your dog with a healthy diet and regular exercise is important to help prevent or mitigate health issues. Life Expectancy The life expectancy of a Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix can vary depending on which traits they inherit from their parent breeds. Golden Retrievers have a life expectancy of years, while Pitbulls have a life expectancy of years. A Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix can have a life expectancy that falls within this range, depending on which parent breed they take after more. Proper care and regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help ensure that your Golden Pitbull Retriever Mix lives a long and healthy life. A healthy diet and regular exercise can also help promote a long and healthy life. Food and Diet Requirements The food and diet requirements for a Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix can vary depending on their size, activity level, and any specific health issues they may have. In general, a Golden Retriever Mixed Pitbull will need a diet high in protein that provides all the necessary nutrients for its growth and development. Puppies need a diet high in protein and fat to support their growth and development. Adult dogs need a diet formulated to maintain their weight and provide them with the necessary energy to sustain their daily activities. You should monitor their weight and adjust their diet to maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity. As they are active dogs, they will require high-quality protein to help build and maintain muscle mass. Considering any health problems your Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix might encounter is significant; therefore, talking with a vet to determine the top nutrition plan for your pet. They may require a diet low in nutrients or specially formulated for specific health conditions. Maintaining a constant availability of clean water and attentively monitoring their food intake are necessary conditions for keeping your canine healthy. Overfeeding, underfeeding, and irregular feeding schedules can lead to health problems such as obesity and digestive issues. Exercise Requirements A Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix is an active and energetic breed that will require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Both Golden Retrievers and Pitbulls are known for being active and energetic, so a Retriever Golden Pitbull Mix will likely have a similar exercise requirement. They will enjoy going for walks , runs, or hikes and playing fetch and other interactive games. They will also enjoy agility training, obedience training, and other mental and physical stimulation forms. These activities can help to improve their physical fitness, mental well-being, and overall behavior. Some may be more active and require more exercise, while others may be more laid-back and require less exercise. Remember that exercise should be provided in a safe and controlled environment, and always supervise your dog during their sessions. Additionally, you should provide them with a good quality diet to support their energy needs. Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix Grooming and Shedding The grooming requirements for a Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix can vary depending on which traits they inherit from their parent breeds. The Golden Retriever has a thick, wavy coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. They shed moderately throughout the year and more heavily during shedding season. They will require weekly brushing and occasional bathing. Pitbulls have a short, smooth coat that is relatively low maintenance. They shed minimally throughout the year. They will require occasional brushing and occasional bathing. A Golden Retriever Mixed Pitbull can inherit a wide range of coat characteristics from its parent breeds. Some may have a thicker, wavier coat that will require regular grooming, while others may have a shorter, smoother coat that will require less grooming. Additionally, regular grooming and brushing can help to reduce shedding and keep their coat healthy and shiny. In addition, regular grooming will help reduce shedding and keep your home clean. Advertisements Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix Training Training a Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix can be a rewarding experience, as both parent breeds are known for being highly trainable and eager to please. Positive reinforcement is the most effective and humane way to train a dog. This method involves rewarding your dog with treats , praise, or other forms of positive reinforcement for good behavior. Puppies are more receptive to training and are more likely to learn new behaviors quickly. Basic obedience training such as sit, stay, come, and heel should be taught as early as possible. Socialization is also an essential aspect of training. Exposing your dog to different people, places, and animals from a young age is vital to help them become well-adjusted and confident. Keeping training sessions short, fun, and consistent with your commands. Be patient and to understand that training takes time and patience. Consultation with a professional trainer and behaviorist may be necessary to achieve the best outcome. A Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix can make a great family dog, as both parent breeds are known for being friendly and sociable with people. Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them good with children and other pets, as both parent breeds are known for being good with families. Golden Retriever Pit is known for being highly trainable and eager to please, so a Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix may also be easy to train and responsive to positive reinforcement training methods. A Golden Retriever pit Mix can make a great family dog with proper training, socialization, and care. Expose them to different people, places, and animals to help them become well-adjusted and confident. Training: Start training your puppy from a young age using positive reinforcement training methods. Diet: Provide your Pitbull Golden Retriever mix puppy with a high-quality, age-appropriate diet formulated for their size and activity level. Monitor their weight and adjust their diet accordingly to maintain a healthy weight. However, never overdo it, as puppies are still growing and need rest to develop properly. Grooming: Regular grooming is important for a puppy, as it helps to keep Finding a Breeder: Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix Price Finding a reputable breeder for a Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix is challenging, as they are less common than some other breeds. These breeders may have different standards of care and may not provide health clearances or genetic testing. They may also charge less, but the puppies may not be healthy or well-socialized. Regarding cost, Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix puppies can vary in price depending on the breeder, location, and the specific puppy. Adoption fees are generally lower than buying from a breeder, and adoption costs include spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping. Pros Friendly and outgoing personality: Both Golden Retrievers and Pitbull mix puppies are known for being friendly and sociable with people, making a Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix puppy a great companion for families. Highly trainable: Golden Retrievers are known for being highly trainable and eager to please, making a Golden Retriever Mixed Pitbull easy to train and responsive to positive reinforcement training methods. Good with children and other pets: Both parent breeds are known for being good with families, making a Pitbull Golden Retriever Mix a great choice for families with children or other pets. Active and energetic: Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix is an active and energetic breed that will enjoy going for walks, runs, or hikes and playing interactive games. Cons Size: Golden Retriever Mixed Pitbull can be a medium to large-sized dog, challenging for people with small living spaces or limited mobility. Exercise requirements: Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix is an active and energetic breed that will require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy, which can be challenging for people with busy lifestyles or limited mobility. Potential health issues: Both parent breeds are prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and certain types of cancer, which can be a concern for people who want a healthy and long-lived companion. Our website is all about Pitbull dogs. Please navigate to Mixed Breeds on the menu to find them all. Mandy Connelly Mandy has lived with pitbulls her whole life, and she has amassed a wealth of experience and knowledge about these magnificent animals. Having had the pleasure of owning and caring for numerous pitbulls over the years, she has come to understand their unique characteristics, behaviors, and needs. Read more.
There are a variety of reasons to crate train your dog. Use your crate: [25] X Research source To keep your puppy safe when you cannot watch her. To keep your belongings safe when you cannot watch your puppy. When your puppy is home alone. To give your puppy a place to calm down. When traveling. To keep your puppy away from children or other dogs. To aid in house training and other behavioral training. Never use your crate to punish your dog. And once your dog is no longer a puppy and can be trusted not to destroy the house, do not crate your dog when you are away. Save the crate for special times — i. For the most part, your dog should enter her crate voluntarily. The type of crate you use is up to personal preference, though many find that wire crates are the most durable and comfortable long-term solutions for dogs as well as being used at most kennels where you might board your dog. The most important thing is that you get the right size crate. If it is too small, your dog will not be comfortable. If it is too large, it will provide the den-like space dogs crave. Your dog should be able to stand in the crate without hitting her head, to turn around comfortably, and to lie on their side with their paws stretched out. Also buy a divider if purchasing the crate for your puppy. Your dog should enjoy her crate. It should provide a comfortable place for her to relax, so much so that she should choose to spend time there. Make sure to: [28] X Research source Put the crate in a room where you spend lots of time, so your puppy does not feel abandoned. Keep it a comfortable temperature: out of direct sunlight and far from fireplaces and radiators. Place soft bedding inside. Place chew toys inside to give your dog something to do. Cover your wire crate with a towel or crate cover. This will give it more of the den-like feel your dog craves. If you do it well, crate training will be much easier. Throw some new dog toys in, too. Let your dog explore the crate on her own. Let her go at her own speed. Every hour or so put more treats in the crate when your dog is not looking. Be sure to subtract all these treats from their daily food allowance. Also start feeding your dog in the crate. At first, put the bowl just inside so they only have to poke their head in. After 2 or 3 successful feedings, move it to the middle, then all the way back. Show your dog a treat and toss it in the crate. Move away and wait for her to leave the crate. Always use your cue words. Repeat the whole ritual several times a day until your dog is happily entering the crate to fetch treats. After tossing a treat in once or twice to warm your dog up, use your command word without a treat. If she enters, praise profusely and give a treat or two. Also praise her when she leaves. Repeat this training several times a day for two or three days, until your dog is entering and leaving the crate on command. If your golden puppy struggles with this step, go back to the previous one. Ask your puppy to enter the crate and sit. Slowly close the door. If you have to bang it shut before your dog escapes, then she is not ready for this step. When the door is closed, praise and give treats, then open the door and let her leave. Gradually lengthen the time they must sit in the crate before you let them out. Do sessions of training where they wait ten seconds, then 30, 45, and a minute. When your dog can comfortably stay in the crate for a minute, you will want to start moving away while she is in the crate. In the first session, move only a few feet away before you come back. Move to different areas of the room and keep looking at your dog. Next, try training sessions where you move around the room without paying attention to your puppy. Add moments when you step out of the room briefly and return. Finally, leave the room. At first, stay out for only five minutes. Gradually increase the time you are gone to 30 minutes. Go back to the previous step or reduce the time you are leaving her. Always remove your puppies leash and collar before putting her in the crate, as they are choking hazards. For a puppy, these will need to be shorter trips, as a puppy cannot be expected to go more than 3 hours or so without urinating. She needs to be able to get up and stretch her legs. Vary the time you put your dog in the crate. Sometimes do it ten minutes before you go. Sometimes five. Sometimes right before you head out the door. Praise your dog for entering her crate, then go. Now that your puppy is comfortable in her crate, she can sleep there overnight, but be sure you can hear her. Puppies often need to pee in the middle of the night. We are overjoyed for you! Golden Retrievers are one of the most friendly and loving breeds…and lucky for you, one of the easiest to train. Golden Retrievers require a great deal of mental stimulation to avoid going about on their own or becoming frustrated. Their love for food is infinite. Prerequisites for training my Golden Retriever puppy? What age can I start to train my Golden Retriever puppy? Sounds like a good deal! We can only hope. What do I need to train my Golden Retriever? Say bye to that sticky, meaty feeling in your fingertips. A piece of non-slip vet bed or a soft mat: For a cozy bed, warm nights, and good dreams. Treats: The more smelly, the better. Two identical toys : Great for swaps! The name says it all…your Golden Retriever puppy will love retrieving, so identical toys will be great for all the games we have in store for you in the Zigzag Puppy training app. Of course, Golden Retrievers grow to be big dogs. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? A golden retriever needs 2 hours of exercise a day. What age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? Golden Retrievers reach adulthood at 3 years of age and are seniors by 8 years old. Though their height has been reached, their weight will still fill out and they will continue to mentally mature. What are Golden Retrievers bred for? Distinctly British, the 1st Baron of Tweedmouth developed the breed crossing his golden colored retrieving dog Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel — these look similar to Irish Water Spaniels. The cross resulted in a dog that was comfortable being on land and water kind of like crocodiles , and robust enough to hunt goose, partridge and even deer. Do Golden Retrievers make good family pets? In fact, Golden Retrievers are one of the most loved dog breeds in the UK. The Kennel Club has a lot more good information and info about them. What does this have to do with how I train my Golden Retriever puppy? But there is a logic as to why knowing the context might help you train your Golden Retriever better: Golden Retrievers love to work. Commonly employed as Guide Dogs, they love having a job to do, which means they will adore training. Anyhow, they will be a breeze to train. They will also do almost anything for your soft words and approval — your praise will work just as well as treats. Because they are so gentle, they are a great fit for families with a variety of lifestyles and ages. They need a good amount of exercise; mental as well as physical. Let us rephrase — a hefty amount of exercise. Besides you and food, being in water is what they love the most! They have a very strong sense of smell, so retrieving or scent work games tend to be the biggest treat for most. Golden Retrievers are the social butterflies of dogs. They love most people, and are not discreet in showing it. You know how us Brits can be about politeness. That being said, make sure you also teach them the wonders of giving things up. It can lead to great things! But it can also be less helpful when they give you a love bite on your arm — give them a toy to carry instead. Shift to some play, and revisit training later — we want training to be associated with fun, and not something they begin to dread. Well, besides their beauty, both Golden Retriever puppies and adult doggos typically are very people-oriented dogs who exhibit good behavior, lots of affection and gentle temperaments. Golden Retriever breeders will tell you that these intelligent dogs have lots of energy and usually respond well to training. Here's how it works: When your dog performs a skill or behavior that you like, you give them treats, toys or praise. In time, your dog associates that skill or behavior with good outcomes and becomes more likely to repeat it. There's one catch, though: Positive reinforcement works best when pet parents stay consistent. For example, every time they ask a dog to sit or shake —and it is done correctly—a treat or toy should be given. Use a happy tone of voice rather than a stern one, avoid yelling, and exercise patience. Goldens are highly motivated by food and often by play. When you use highly rewarding training treats or dog toys during your dog training sessions, you reward the specific behaviors you are trying to teach your dog and you build an enthusiastic learner. Teach your dog to love learning. In the same vein, make sure your expectations are reasonable for your dog. For example, puppies need shorter training sessions—around three to five minutes each—because their bodies and brains are not well-developed yet and their attention span is shorter. Regarding age-appropriate training for puppies, Dr. George recommends the following: Potty Training: This should begin as soon as you bring your puppy home. Take your pup out to go potty several times per day and within a few minutes after eating. Socializing: You can begin socialization—aka introducing your puppy to new people, places and experiences—within a week or two of bringing your puppy home. George advises. Obedience Training: Start training your pup around eight weeks of age. Training your dog early will make it easier to take them to visit the vet, go on walks and thrive in other social situations. Even adult dogs who are new to you and your home may not be ready for high-level training because they still are adjusting to the new environment and people in their lives. Feel it out and practice patience. On that note, because Golden Retrievers are often large, strong and energetic dogs, you may want to consider a gentle leader head collar, such as the PetSafe Gentle Leader Dog Head Collar. This gives you additional leverage whenever you are walking your pet in an exciting environment. Clicker training is extremely effective and is used worldwide to train all kinds of species. This method uses a special sound to mark a specific behavior. Speed up the process by including dog training during daily activities. Is it time for dinner? Are you about to take a walk? There are many opportunities to practice commands in everyday situations, so use that to your advantage! Encourage each family member to practice basic skills with the dog, including: Sit. Goldens are often very people-oriented dogs, aside from their beauty and cuteness. When considering adding a Golden Retriever to your pack, it is prudent to conduct research by speaking with golden retriever breeders, rescues, and parents. These are huge, lively dogs that are often unaware of their size. The good news is that golden retriever training is super easy as they are eager to please, especially when it comes to high-value puppy treats. It is important to get the best puppy training treats, whether you're teaching your puppy to lie down, sit, or potty train. Keep things interesting and exciting for your Golden throughout each training session. Instead of a severe tone, use a cheerful one. Avoid screaming and practise patience instead. If your pet ignores your cues, you can re-engage him by being playful and making the process a little simpler. You can also use delicious training treats while training your golden retriever. Make it enjoyable Food and play are powerful motivators for goldens. Positive reinforcement is guaranteed to help with golden retriever training. Age and skill-appropriate golden retriever training We don't expect toddlers to perform algebra, so make sure your expectations for your dog are reasonable. Puppies, for example, require shorter training sessions—around minutes each—due to their underdeveloped bodies and brains. Adult dogs who are new to you and your house may not be ready for advanced training because they are still adjusting to their new surroundings and humans. Keep It Secure A well-fit dog collar, such as the Frisco solid martingale dog collar, is one of the best tools for Golden Retriever training. For everyday walking and training, you'll also need a foot flat training leash. Because Golden Retrievers may be huge, strong, and energetic dogs, you might want to consider using a gentle leader headcollar, such as the PetSafe Premier gentle leader rapid-release dog headcollar, to provide you with more control when walking your dog in a stimulating area. Make Golden Retriever Training Easy to Understand When your dog does it right, using the clicker training approach can help you provide very clear feedback. Clicker training is incredibly effective and is used to train different kinds of animals all over the world! A distinctive sound is used to signify a certain behavior in this procedure. Your dog will realize he has earned a reward if you use a dog clicker, such as the Downtown Pet Supply training dog clicker. It doesn't take long for a dog to grasp the concept and then repeat it. Include training in your daily routine We can't perfect skills without frequent practice, and your canine companion is no exception. Start with something basic, like potty training your golden retriever puppy. Is it dinner time yet? Then, before you set the bowl in front of your dog, practice "sit. Just before you pick up the leash, call your dog's name or whatever cue the dog might notice. After your dog's stroll, practice "down" and "stay" when he is more likely to respond to your command. Take advantage of the numerous opportunities to practice commands in everyday circumstances. Make training your golden retriever a family project Make sure your Golden Retriever gets along well with everyone in the family, including other pets. Encourage each family member to work with the dog on fundamental commands such as sit, down, off people, counters, furniture , stay, come, and "all done" to end sessions. Encourage everyone to make default behavior a priority for training your golden retriever. When supervision isn't possible, you can assist other pets to feel comfortable around your golden by using equipment a dog leash, crates, or baby gates to separate them as needed. Maintain Consistency Some "home rules" for your dog must be agreed upon by all family members. While little variances in how people interact with pets are acceptable, the dog will learn and keep his manners best if the rules are followed consistently. Parents may prefer to start with the fundamentals of training their golden retriever. After that, you can assist your children in teaching the dog how to ask for them as well. Train your dog in stages You can increase your training requirements as your Golden Retriever masters fundamental manners and rules. When your dog understands that he must sit and lie down at specific times, you can ask him to stay in that posture until he is freed. Commit for the rest of your life Even if your dog is a beloved family member with excellent manners, there are always new things to learn. Training your golden retriever stimulates the brain, allowing you to better utilize your golden's high activity level. It also deepens the human-animal link, benefiting the whole family. Learn about new sports and activities, including nose work, agility, rallying, and therapeutic visits. Summary These suggestions can assist your new Golden Retriever in understanding the training. Whether you start with an 8-week-old puppy, an adolescent rescue, or a senior dog, these tips will result in success. It also allows you to assist him in burning energy, providing excitement, and developing a deep bond with your dog. Share this on:.
Life Span Did You Know? These large, fluffy dogs are known for their non-shedding coats and lovable personalities. Bernedoodles tend to be a great addition to any family! Although the Bernedoodle is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other dog registries. As long as they are properly socialized, they tend to be open and friendly dogs that get along well with just about anyone. These dogs tend to do well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they can be initially wary and watchful at first, they even tend to warm up quickly to strangers once introduced. Bernedoodles are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. Despite their size and energy, they can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise and attention. These dogs tend to handle the cold better than the heat; you may even have some trouble getting them to come back inside after some playtime in the snow. Because Bernedoodles bond so closely with their families and enjoy nothing more than being around them, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. They can also be prone to skin issues like sensitive skin, allergies, and hot spots. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large dog breed, the Standard Bernedoodle is also at risk for bloat like both parent breeds. The Bernedoodle is a highly intelligent and easily trained dog breed. Some facts about Bernedoodles are that they are a good fit for owners of any experience level and tend to pick up commands easily. Although they tend to grow out of this initial stubbornness with age, puppy training classes will certainly help with training and socialization early on. Bernedoodles tend to have a longer coat that ranges from curly to wavy. Although they tend to be non-shedding, they still need a lot of maintenance to keep their coat looking great. Daily brushing to remove tangles and prevent mats along with grooming every weeks are recommended. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Brushing daily along and cleanings at the vet as needed are an ideal start to a good dental care routine for your Bernedoodle. Standard Bernedoodles can range from moderate to high energy. They tend to sit in a more moderate activity range and have bursts of higher energy when they play. These dogs are known to play hard and energetically until they are tired, but are not usually considered high-energy dogs. Daily walks plus playtime and some time to run should be enough for a Bernedoodle. But, these dogs will likely be up for more activity if you are. They will love the opportunity to spend more time being active with you. A fully-grown Standard Bernedoodle usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. Standard Bernedoodles generally live for years on average. A Bernedoodle is also sometimes called a Bernese Mountain Poo. Featured Bernedoodle Article. We keep all our puppies in our breeding facility for eight weeks from their birth. During this period, our pups receive all the necessary vaccinations and some basic training. We also socialize all pups during this time, ensuring they are mature, healthy, and happy as they reach their new homes. You can also always reach out to us with any questions regarding your pup. Also, remember that we reserve the right to extend that eight-week socialization and growing period if we deem your puppy unready to leave. How much do Bernedoodle puppies cost? How to reserve a puppy through Central Illinois Doodles? Our reservation process is hassle-free and straightforward. The first thing to do is research our available puppies for sale and reserve your chosen Bernedoodle or Goldendoodle pup. If there are currently no Bernedoodle puppies available in San Francisco, be sure to sign up for our notification service. Why should I trust CID? Central Illinois Doodles has years of experience in breeding Bernedoodles. As an experienced and family-owned breeder, we provide our pups with all the care and love they need to grow happily and healthily. All our litters derive from mixing purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles, receive the necessary vaccinations and training, and go through a socialization process, ensuring they can become fully-fledged members of their new families from the start. What other areas do you serve? Browse through our available litters today, and become a San Francisco Bernedoodle owner. Their consistency with coat type, structure and temperament has really come together over the last few years. What is a multigenertaional Bernedoodle? A multigen Bernedoodle is a Doodle who has two Doodle parents past the F2 generation. F1- Bernese Mountain dog or any coated breed crossed with a poodle. The degree of shedding and furnishings will vary. F1b- F1 Doodle crossed back to a Poodle. F2- F1 Doodle crossed with another F1 Doodle. This is the most inconsistent generation of Doodles. With any combination on those two locus. Our multigen mini Bernedoodles mature in the lb range and will all have at least one copy of furnishings. Our standard multigen Bernedoodles will mature in the lb range. We strive for fully furnished, straight or wavy coats that are as low to non shedding as possible. Genetic coat testing is done on all of our breeding dogs to ensure we match up only the best possible pair both health and coat wise. We put a lot of time and effort into making sure our matches are perfect. How Big are Bernedoodles vs. Mini Bernedoodles? They are anywhere from inches tall, depending on sex and influence from the breeds that they originate from. Mini Bernedoodles average between 25 to 59 pounds in weight and can be anywhere from 18 to 22 inches tall. They are a great size for those who want the temperment of an adorable Bernedoodle without the large size. What is The Temperament of a Bernedoodle? The Bernedoodle has a calm and gentle nature. They are sweet, loving, cuddly, and great with children. They tend to have an easier going nature which also means they can be slower to learn something new when it comes to training. What colors do Bernedoodles commonly come in? Each Bernedoodle has its own unique coat, much like their personalities. Depending on their genetic coat make up, they can have straigh, wavy or curly coats. We breed all sizes of this adorable breed! Whether you are looking for a regular Bernedoodle or a Mini Bernedoodle, Shady Oak Doodles can provide you with the perfect puppy! Bernedoodles Litters For Sale.
Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Built for sport, the Lab is muscular and athletic. They have a short, easy-care coat, friendly demeanor, keen intelligence, and plenty of energy. Devotion to this breed runs deep; Labs are loving, people-oriented dogs who live to serve their families, and owners and fans sometimes liken their Labs to angels. The breed originated on the island of Newfoundland, off the northeastern Atlantic coast of Canada. Originally called the St. Today, most Labs skip the hard labor and spend their days being pampered and loved by their people. However, some Labs still serve as indispensable working dogs. They also excel as a search and rescue dog or as a retriever for hunters, thanks to their athletic build, strong nose, and courageous nature. And Labs have also become the breed to beat at dog sports such as agility and obedience competitions, especially obedience. In fact, owners say their sweet, helpful Lab is likely to greet an intruder and happily show them where the goods are stashed. One role has remained constant: wonderful companion and friend. Labrador Retriever Highlights Friendly and outgoing. Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are good with people of all ages and other animals. Intelligent and trainable. Labrador Retrievers are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are often used as working dogs, such as guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and therapy dogs. Active and playful. Labrador Retrievers are active dogs that need plenty of exercise. They enjoy playing fetch, swimming, and other activities. Loyal and devoted. Labrador Retrievers are loyal and devoted dogs that make great family pets. They are known for their gentle nature and love of children. Grooming needs are minimal. Labrador Retrievers have a short, thick coat that is easy to groom. They only need to be brushed a few times a week and bathed as needed. Overall, the Labrador Retriever is a versatile and popular dog breed that makes a great family pet. They are friendly, intelligent, and trainable, and they have a low grooming requirement. If you are considering getting a Labrador Retriever, be sure to do your research to find a reputable breeder. Labrador Retrievers are wonderful dogs, but they require a lot of time and attention. They are not a good choice for people who are not active or who do not have a lot of time to spend with their pets. Originally called St. Although their heritage is unknown, many believe the St. The second Earl of Malmesbury was one of the first, and had St. The third Earl of Malmesbury was the first person to refer to the dogs as Labradors. In Newfoundland, the breed disappeared because of government restrictions and tax laws. Families were allowed to keep no more than one dog, and owning a female was highly taxed, so girl puppies were culled from litters. In England, however, the breed survived, and the Kennel Club recognized the Labrador Retriever as a distinct breed in .They also top the list in Canada and England. Today, Labs work in drug and explosive detection, search and rescue, therapy, assistance to those with disabilities, and as retrievers for hunters. They also excel in all forms of dog competitions: show, field, agility, and obedience. Labrador Retriever Size Males stand .Females stand .Aside from a winning personality, they have the intelligence and eagerness to please that make them easy to train. Training is definitely necessary because this breed has a lot of energy and exuberance. The working heritage of the Lab means they are active. This breed needs activity, both physical and mental, to keep them happy. There is some variation in the activity level of Labs: some are rowdy, others are more laid back. All thrive on activity. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia : This is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem or medication to control the pain. Osteochondrosis Dissecans OCD : This orthopedic condition, caused by improper growth of cartilage in the joints, usually occurs in the elbows, but it has been seen in the shoulders, as well. It causes a painful stiffening of the joint, to the point that the dog is unable to bend his elbow. It can be detected in dogs as early as four to nine months of age. Cataracts : As in humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow over time. Cataracts can usually be surgically removed with good results. Early in the disease, dogs become night-blind. As the disease progresses, they lose their daytime vision, as well. Many dogs adapt to limited or complete vision loss very well, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Epilepsy : Labs can suffer from epilepsy, which causes mild or severe seizures. Seizures may be exhibited by unusual behavior, such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Puppies are born with TVD, which is a malformation of the tricuspid valve on the right side of the heart. It can be mild or severe; some dogs live with no symptoms, others die. TVD is detected by ultrasound. Research is ongoing to learn how widespread it is in the breed, as well as treatment. Myopathy : Myopathy affects the muscles and nervous system. The first signs are seen early, as young as six weeks and often by seven months of age. A puppy with myopathy is tired, stiff when he walks and trots. He may collapse after exercise. In time, the muscles atrophy and the dog can barely stand or walk. There is no treatment, but rest and keeping the dog warm seems to reduce symptoms. Dogs with myopathy should not be bred because it is considered a heritable disease. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid themselves of the excess air in their stomach, and blood flow to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is drooling excessively, and retching without throwing up. Theyalso may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. If you notice these symptoms, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Acute Moist Dermatitis: Acute moist dermatitis is a skin condition in which the skin red and inflamed. It is caused by a bacterial infection. The more common name of this health concern is hot spots. Treatment includes clipping the hair, bathing in medicated shampoo, and antibiotics. Cold Tail : Cold tail is a benign, though painful condition common to Labs and other retrievers. The dog may bite at the tail. It is thought to be a problem with the muscles between the vertebrae in the tail. Weekly checking and cleaning if necessary helps prevent infection. Labrador Retriever Care The lovable Lab needs to be around their family, and is definitely not a backyard dog. Labs show some variation in their activity levels, but all of them need activity, both physical and mental. Daily minute walks, a romp at the dog park, or a game of fetch, are a few ways to help your Lab burn off energy. However, a puppy should not be taken for too long walks and should play for a few minutes at a time. It is up to you to end play and training sessions. Without training, a rambunctious Lab puppy will soon grow to be a very large, rowdy dog. Luckily, Labs take to training well; in fact, they often excel in obedience competitions. Start with puppy kindergarten , which not only teaches your pup good canine manners, but helps them learn how to be comfortable around other dogs and people. Look for a class that uses positive training methods that reward the dog for getting it right, rather than punishing them for getting it wrong. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility, with its one-inch jumps. Labrador Retriever Feeding Recommended daily amount: 2. All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. Thrives on exercise and athletic activities Steady-tempered and dependable with everyone Peaceful with other animals Very responsive to training The Bad Needs a goodly amount of exercise, not just a couple of short walks around the block High energy and exuberant jumping, especially when young Sheds a lot Risk of serious health problems Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. Books by Michele Welton "Respect Training for Puppies" or "Respect Training for Adult Dogs" is a step by step guide to help you bring out the best in your pup so you can enjoy a calm and well-behaved dog, no matter what his age. Get your book today. A healthy dog is a happy dog, so buy your copy today. Chocolate Labrador. Developed as hunting dogs to fetch and carry birds back to the hunter, Labs love to carry toys around. How big are Labrador Retrievers? Usually they're inches at the shoulder, with males typically in the higher half of that range, and females in the lower half. Weight can be as low as 55 pounds, but is usually pounds. Unfortunately, the trend seems to be for heavier and heavier Labs, with a lot of individuals topping 90 pounds. I say unfortunately because heavier weight isn't good for their joints. This breed was supposed to be a medium-sized hunting retriever who could fit comfortably in a bird blind or a small boat. Show type Labrador Retriever. Much stockier than field type Labs. Are there different "types" of Labrador Retrievers? Not officially. There's only the one breed. They come in several colors, yet they're all Labrador Retrievers. For hunting and field trials, though, black Labs are by far the most common color. In my obedience classes, yellow Labs are often the calmest and most mild-mannered. In contrast, the chocolate Labs I've worked with have all been very energetic. Of course, it might just be coincidence! But apart from color, you'll definitely see Labs who look quite different from other Labs. Different builds, different body shapes. In particular, Labrador Retrievers used primarily for hunting and field trials look very different from Labs you see at dog shows that emphasize conformation. They have a narrower head, longer muzzle, lankier body, and a sleeker coat. Labs from show lines are heavier-boned and stockier, with a large blocky head and dense coat. To me, those dogs don't really look like the classic Labrador Retriever. But they do tend to be very sweet dogs with mellow temperaments that fit well into many families. How much exercise do Labrador Retrievers need? Many owners don't give this breed the exercise it deserves. These athletic, bouncy dogs need regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become bored, which they may express by becoming rambunctious and destructive. Labs also need mental stimulation, which means interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated: For example, a challenging dog sport agility, rally obedience, musical freestyle, tracking, flyball, frisbee, field trials ; interactive dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; fetch games and tricks. Black Labrador Retriever. Black is the most common color. Are Labrador Retrievers easy to train? Yes, training most Labrador Retrievers is easy. They housebreak quickly and are usually willing to please. But this breed is strong and energetic, especially adolescents. Many Labradors between one and three years old are dropped off at animal shelters or rescue groups because of dog behavior problems such as pulling vigorously on the leash and jumping on people. Focus on teaching loose-leash walking, indoor calmness, and no jumping. All of these are taught in my puppy training book, Respect Training For Puppies. Are they friendly with strangers? Yes, most Labs are happy to see everyone. They'll bark when someone comes to the door, but they're not protective. This is a friendly, trusting breed. Are Labrador Retrievers good with children? Most Labs are among the best possible dogs for children. However, remember my cautions about exuberance and jumping. Young Labs up to two or three years old romp and jump with vigor. That means things can go flying — including people. If your Lab has been allowed to jump on people, you should stop this behavior immediately. Jumping can injure people, and even when it doesn't, it puts a dog in a heightened state of arousal that isn't good for him. If you don't yet have your dog and your home includes toddlers or infirm adults, you might consider skipping the challenging puppy and adolescent stages. Look into adopting an adult Labrador Retriever from a rescue group. Adults have a more settled temperament and you can specifically look for a calm one. Are Labrador Retrievers good with other pets? Most Labs are fine with other dogs and cats, fine with livestock, and even fine with very small pets such as rabbits and ferrets. Of course introductions should be made properly. Don't just plunk a baby bunny onto the floor and let your full-grown Lab loose in the room. Even a friendly dog can make mincemeat of a small fragile creature simply by jumping on it. Labrador Retriever puppies hardly shed at all.Grooming: Do Labrador Retrievers shed a lot? Are they easy to groom? For such a shorthaired dog, Labrador Retrievers shed more than you might think — on the high side of average at least. The bulk of their shedding occurs twice a year, for three weeks in the spring as their thicker winter coat switches to a cooler summer coat, and three weeks in the fall as their summer coat switches over to a winter coat. But they also shed some all through the year. Labs need more brushing than some other shorthaired breeds because of the high shedding. If you don't diligently pull out the dead undercoat during regular grooming sessions, it will all fall out on your floors and furniture. On the plus side, obviously Labs need no trimming! Yellow Labrador. How long do Labrador Retrievers live? Are they a healthy breed? Labrador Retrievers typically live years. Many Labs do live to 12 or 13, but usually with chronic health issues such as arthritis. Unfortunately, an increasing number of beloved Labs are lost in middle age to inherited forms of cancer or heart disease. Common orthopedic diseases in Labradors include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and luxating patella loose knee joints , each of which causes chronic pain and lameness and can require expensive surgery. Labs are very prone to rupturing the ligaments in their hind legs — expensive surgery again. And if one hind leg ruptures, the other is likely to follow at a later time. Another surgery. It's a good idea to have pet insurance when you own a Lab. A number of eye diseases cause blindness in Labrador Retrievers. The breed is at higher-than-average risk for an emergency gastrointestinal syndrome called bloat, which can kill a healthy dog within hours. One example of an odd neuromuscular disease is called exercise-induced collapse. As the name suggests, affected Labradors who have been vigorously exercising suddenly begin swaying, collapse, and require a rest before they can move again. Here is a complete list of health problems in Labrador Retrievers. The three major colors of Labs are black, yellow, and chocolate. What colors do Labrador Retrievers come in? Officially, Labrador Retrievers come in black, yellow, and chocolate. They also come in silver gray , but this color is frowned on by breed purists. These are just made-up names for yellow Labs whose shade of yellow happens to be golden or reddish or whitish. Whatever the shade, it's still just a yellow Lab. Chocolate also comes in shades: from light coffee to deep chocolate brown. Now, what about silver Labrador Retrievers? The official breed clubs, and breeders who show their dog in the conformation ring, state that silver is a disqualified color for showing purposes. In fact, most Labrador breeders insist that silver dogs aren't even purebred. Their position is that the silver gene infiltrated the Labrador's gene pool by crossbreeding Labs with Weimaraners. I think they're probably right. I think that one or more Weimaraner crosses probably did introduce the silver gene at some point. However, since genetic diversity is a good thing in living creatures, I don't view cross-breeding as an evil thing. So if there are some Weimaraner genes floating around in a silver Labrador, that wouldn't bother me. On the other hand, if I wanted a dog who could be counted on to look and act like a Lab, you're more likely to get that in a Lab who isn't silver, especially if the silver breeder is still using Weimaraners in his breeding program. And based on the appearance of some silver "Labs", there are breeders who are still crossing in Weimaraners. But almost certainly silver Labrador Retrievers are here to stay. Even though they can't be shown, the AKC still accepts them for registration. However, in a funny twist, those registration papers don't say silver. Remember, the AKC says that Labs can only be black, chocolate, or yellow. So they register silver Labs as Chocolate, because they consider silver to be a dilution of the chocolate gene. In other words, according to the AKC, your silver Lab is actually a chocolate Lab also has inherited dilution gene that washes the chocolate into a silvery gray. It doesn't end there. Some silver Labs aren't silvery gray, but dark charcoal gray. Yellow, black, and chocolate Labrador Retriever puppies. I'll be happy to show you how to raise and train your new family member. Or check out my training tips to teach your Labrador Retriever puppy to be well-behaved. Also see my advice on Labrador Retriever health care , including feeding and vaccinations If you don't have a Labrador Retriever puppy, but you want one.I can help you with that, too. Labrador Retrievers are the most common breed in the United States, so they're very easy to find. The problem is finding one with the best chances of staying healthy through the years. First, you need to think about the different types of Labrador Retriever we talked about earlier. You can buy a Labrador Retriever puppy from a show breeder who breeds Labradors to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. Or you can buy one from a performance breeder who emphasizes an energetic temperament and strong working drives for hunting. But how they prioritize those two goals can vary greatly. Or you can just hop onto Craigslist and buy a Labrador Retriever puppy from someone who "just breeds pets" or "just had one litter. Not unless the seller has done the proper health certifications on the puppy's parents. One huge difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible "puppy producer" is — health certifications. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing and able to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Labrador Retriever ends up with cataracts and crippled joints. Labrador Retrievers are often available from dog rescue groups. Labrador Retrievers may be turned over to Rescue because they shed too much or need more exercise than the owner was prepared to give. Or perhaps they pull on the leash or jump on people. You would need to provide these dogs with the exercise and training that they are lacking. Labrador Retrievers more often, Lab crosses and mixes are frequently found in animal shelters. However, shelter personnel can be overzealous in labeling every medium- to large shorthaired black dog as a "Lab cross. Did you know there's a quick and simple DNA test that can tell you definitively which breeds make up any given dog? What breeds are similar to Labrador Retrievers? The Golden Retriever is similar to a Labrador in being a great all-around family dog and a great choice for first-time owners. Compared to Labs, Goldens tend to be even more outgoing toward everyone and more eager to please. Goldens do shed more than Labs and have a greater risk of health issues. Compared to Labs and Goldens, the Flat-Coated Retriever needs more exercise and interesting activities to keep them busy. This is not a good breed for a casual or couch potato owner. Flat-Coats also suffer from serious health issues. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a great dog for experienced owners. Compared to the Lab, a Chessie has a stronger temperament, needs more exercise, is more reserved with strangers, and can be bossy toward strange dogs. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. To help you train and care for your dog Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. If your dog is over 18 months, you'll want Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Teach Your Dog English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. Related posts you might enjoy. Vocality level 4 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament Few breeds so richly deserve their popularity as does the Labrador Retriever. When trained, the breed is obedient and amiable and tolerates the antics of children, other dogs, and other pets. The Lab is a calm house dog, playful yard dog, and intense field dog, all on the same day. Labs are eager to please, enjoys learning, and excel in obedience. It is a powerful breed that loves to swim and retrieve. Labradors need daily physical and mental challenges to keep occupied. A bored Lab can get into trouble! Upkeep Labradors are active and sociable dogs. They need daily exercise, preferably in the form of retrieving and swimming. Owners with swimming pools either must fence them out or be prepared to share the pool with dogs. The Lab coat sheds water easily. Weekly brushing is needed to remove dead hair. Health Major concerns: CHD, elbow dysplasia, OCD, obesity, patellar luxation Minor concerns: cataract, CPRA, hot spots, retinal dysplasia, hypothyroidism Occasionally seen: diabetes, entropion, distichiasis, tricuspid valve dysplasia, centronuclear myopathy, exercise-induced collapse Suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye, exercise-induced collapse DNA , centronuclear myopathy , knee Life span: 10—12 years History The original Labradors were all-purpose water dogs originating in Newfoundland, not Labrador. Not only did the breed not originate in Labrador, but it also was not originally called the Labrador Retriever. These dogs—medium-sized black dogs with close hair—not only retrieved game but also retrieved fish, pulled small fishing boats through icy water and helped the fisherman in any task involving swimming. Eventually, the breed died out in Newfoundland in large part because of a heavy dog tax. However, a core of Labradors had been taken to England in the early s, and it is from these dogs, along with crosses to other retrievers, that the breed continued. It was also in England that the breed earned its reputation as an extraordinary retriever of upland game. Initially, black labs were favored over yellow or chocolate colors. By the early s, the other colors had become more accepted. The popularity of this breed has grown steadily until the Labrador Retriever became the most popular breed in America in and remains so today. Related Content.
While dog or puppy hiccups can be endearing to us, they can be annoying for your dog. What Are Dog and Puppy Hiccups? Hiccups in dogs and puppies are caused by rapid contraction of the diaphragm. When a dog breathes in, their diaphragm contracts and moves downward, making space in the chest cavity for their lungs to expand. When a dog breathes out, their diaphragm relaxes and moves up into their chest cavity as their lungs contract. Diaphragm movements are usually smooth and regular, but when the diaphragm suddenly spasms, the result is a hiccup. Hiccups are involuntary, and once triggered, this reflex causes a contraction of the diaphragm followed quickly by closure of the vocal cords specifically the glottis , which results in the "hic" sound. This contraction or myoclonic jerk of the diaphragm may repeat several times per minute. Do Hiccups Hurt Dogs? They can be annoying when they last for long periods, but dogs tend to remain calm during these contractions, with no signs of stress, anxiety , or pain. Hiccups can last for only a few seconds to hours in rare instances, but they normally do not require any treatment. Why Do Dogs Get Hiccups? One theory is that hiccups are leftover mechanisms from when we were developing in the uterus. Fetal hiccups have been documented in many species. Some scientists believe that hiccuping in the womb could be a passive test of breathing muscles. Dog hiccups are thought to be caused when a dog swallows too much air. Why Do Puppies Get Hiccups? Puppies are much more prone to hiccups than adult dogs. This is because they tend to ingest more air due to their higher levels of exertion and excitement. Puppies can also start hiccuping when they are tired, cold , or excited. Sometimes the swallowing reflex can interrupt the hiccups. If your dog likes tummy rubs, you can place them on their back and give a loving belly rub to try to stop the hiccups. Do not offer your dog food or water when they are lying on their back, as this can lead to aspiration of unwanted material into the lungs. Do not give your dog large meals or solid meals during violent hiccups, as this can lead to choking and aspiration pneumonia. Offer small amounts of water in frequent sessions. Also, offer small amounts of food and then wait a couple of minutes before offering more food so they swallow less air while eating. You can also try one of the many slow feeder options that are designed to slow down fast eaters. Dog hiccups usually go away on their own. In rare cases, they can be a sign of a more serious medical problem such as:. Key Takeaways Pro Tip: In rare cases, hiccups can be an indication of a serious underlying condition, and the longer you wait to see the vet, the more damage that can occur. With pet insurance, owners may feel empowered to get the fast answers they need for peace of mind about their pet's health, with protection against the financial risk of incurred vet costs. Can dogs get hiccups? Yes, dogs can get hiccups. In fact, they're quite common, and in most cases, nothing to worry about. Dog hiccups are very similar to human hiccups. They occur when the diaphragm the muscle between the abdomen and the chest cavity contracts involuntarily. When your canine companion gets the hiccups, their inhaling breathe is followed by abrupt stops, which might shake their belly and chest, causing them to make a "hic" sound. As a dog ages, the frequency of hiccup bouts usually decreases. Why do dogs get hiccups? Dogs get hiccups when their diaphragm is irritated, causing it to contract then relax in involuntary spasms. The most common cause of dog hiccups is eating or drinking too quickly because it forces them to swallow air along with the food or water. Food intolerance is another possible cause of hiccups in dogs. The stomach is close to the diaphragm, which can potentially cause spasms if their tummy is uncomfortable. Other explanations for why dogs get hiccups include stress, excitement, and energetic play. In some cases, the cause of dog hiccups may be due to an upset stomach or gas. Do puppies get hiccups? Puppies of all ages — from newborns to 6-month-olds — can get hiccups. Hiccups are far more common in small puppies than in grown-up dogs, with almost all puppies exhibiting hiccups at some point during their development. In fact, puppies experience hiccups even before they're born, while they're still in their mother's womb. Fun Fact: This also occurs in humans and other mammals, and although the reason is still unknown, the theory is that hiccups are a result of the body testing the muscles associated with breathing. Why do puppies get hiccups? There are several reasons why puppies get hiccups far more often than older dogs, including: Puppies tend to be more excitable and more energetic than adult dogs. Rapid bursts of energy can easily impact their breathing causing hiccups. Puppies are also more likely to eat or drink too fast. Puppies have weaker organs, and their digestive system is less mature than those of adult dogs. Being too tired or cold can also trigger puppy hiccups. That's why sleeping pups are much more prone to bouts of hiccups than awake ones. How to get rid of dog hiccups If your dog has hiccups, there are several methods you can try to get rid of them. Many of the same cures used by humans also work well for dogs. A sip of water might help, just make sure they drink it slowly. Otherwise, they might gulp down air and end up with another bout of hiccups. You can try to give them something sweet preferably in a liquid form , such as water mixed with a little bit of sugar. The sweetness might help distract them and hopefully relax their breathing pattern. These can coat the throat to soothe the irritation and slow down the breathing process. Just be sure that anything you give your pet doesn't contain Xylitol. This artificial sweetener is used in many human products, but it is toxic to dogs. Light exercise, like a mellow walk, may also do the trick by changing your pet's breathing patterns Keep in mind, the chest contractions can be somewhat violent, so avoid giving your pet foods that require a lot of chewing, as this might present a choking hazard. Prevention is always better than reaction. If your furry friend is prone to hiccups, try to figure out what causes them. If your dog is very eager to gobble up his food or water, consider getting them a slow dog feeder. Another option is to feed your pup several smaller portions throughout the day instead of two large meals. You should also consider the size of their water bowl. There are bowls with different heights or levels that can help the water go down slower and with less air intake. When should you be concerned about your dog's hiccups? Occasional hiccups are a perfectly normal occurrence in dogs and should not be a cause for concern. However, if your pup's hiccups occur very often, if they last for longer than a couple of hours at a time, or they begin to interfere with their daily activities, you should get in touch with your veterinarian. Here are a few potentially serious causes of dog hiccups: Respiratory issues. If hiccups are accompanied by other symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, discharge from the nose, or wheezing, it could be a sign of respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, or pneumonia. Heatstroke in dogs can also trigger hiccups. Any dog can experience this life-threatening condition, but brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs and Bulldogs are especially susceptible due to their restricted airways and short muzzles. The list of potentially serious causes of dog hiccups also includes pericarditis inflammation of the heart sac, the pericardium, which causes fluid to accumulate between the layers and hypothermia extreme lowering of the body temperature resulting from exposure to frigid temperatures for too long. Gastric issues. If your dog is experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, and bloody stools on top of prolonged hiccups, it might be an indication of a gastrointestinal GI problem. The same symptoms, along with overall lethargy and exercise intolerance, can be a sign of a parasitic infection. Parasites such as roundworms and hookworms can also attack your pet's respiratory system. If your dog is still a puppy, make sure to have them on a de-worming schedule. They should be de-wormed at two, four, six, eight, and weeks as a puppy, and then every three months. When you take your pup to the vet, the vet will likely start with a physical exam, bloodwork, and urinalysis. Depending on the initial results and the clinical signs your furry friend is showing, an abdominal ultrasound, chest X-rays, CT scan, and an MRI might be recommended in order to determine the underlying cause of the abnormal hiccups. Key Takeaways Dog hiccups occur when the diaphragm involuntarily contracts and might result from eating or drinking too fast, over-excitement, or stress. Puppy hiccups are quite common, and these hiccups typically become less frequent as your pet gets older. Feeding smaller meals and slow-feeding dog bowls can help prevent hiccups in dogs. Occasional hiccups in dogs are normal and are nothing to worry about. However, if hiccups last more than a couple of hours, if they're accompanied by other symptoms, or if they start affecting your pet's life, it is best to speak to your vet. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Updated: Feb 1, 23 Though dog hiccups can be cute and even comical at times, for many pet owners they can also be cause for concern. After all, are hiccups normal in dogs? How long should they last? Can they be a sign of something more serious? This article aims to answer all of your frequently asked questions about hiccups in dogs, including what to do if your dog and when to seek veterinary attention. Table of Contents Do dogs get hiccups? Just like us humans, all mammals, including dogs, get the hiccups! Hiccups are caused by a spasm or contraction of the diaphragm, the large dome-shaped sheet of muscle between the chest and the abdomen. Dogs that eat and drink too quickly tend to be more prone to hiccups, as they swallow air while inhaling their meal. Why does my dog hiccup? No one knows for sure why dogs, humans, or any animal hiccups, though there are multiple theories. Hiccups have been linked to brain development in babies and may play a role in regulating their breathing. And just like human babies, puppies also experience hiccups much more frequently than adult dogs. Another theory is that hiccups help to remove air from the stomach , especially when newborn mammals suckle milk. Dogs that eat and drink too quickly also tend to be more prone to hiccups, as they swallow air while inhaling their meal. Stress, overexcitement, and vigorous play have also been suggested as causes for hiccups in dogs, possibly due to changes in breathing patterns, leading to an increased amount of air in the stomach. This also fits with why hiccups may be seen in dogs with breathing problems, as well as tummy upsets and other gastrointestinal issues. How to relieve hiccups in dogs? If your dog is a little too enthusiastic at mealtimes and inhales their food instead of chewing it, you might want to make some changes to help prevent hiccups. Slow-feeder bowls or interactive food puzzle toys are great ways to slow your pup down and are also a fantastic source of mental stimulation. You can also try feeding multiple small meals a day rather than one or two large meals. Most cases of hiccups last only a few minutes but up to minutes can be normal. Medical problems that may cause hiccups in dogs include respiratory diseases, like pneumonia or bronchitis, or gastrointestinal problems, like an upset tummy. So if your dog is showing other signs of illness like coughing , wheezing, sneezing, vomiting, or diarrhea, make sure to get them checked out by a vet as soon as possible. If your dog is showing other signs of illness like coughing, wheezing, sneezing, vomiting, or diarrhea, make sure to get them checked out by a vet as soon as possible. Conclusion In most cases, hiccups are considered normal in dogs and will resolve on their own within minutes or less. Puppies, in particular, will experience hiccups more frequently than adult dogs — similar to human babies! Signs that your dog needs to see a vet include prolonged hiccups that last for over an hour or hiccups accompanied by other signs of illness such as difficulty breathing, coughing or vomiting. FAQ Are hiccups in dogs bad? In most cases no. Just like in humans, most cases of hiccups are considered normal in dogs and will resolve on their own within minutes. However, if your dog is experiencing a prolonged period of hiccups over 1 hour or showing other signs of illness they should be seen by a vet. Why Do Dogs.The link has been copied! Puppies are undoubtedly adorable, but have you ever wondered why they experience hiccups? Hiccups in puppies are a common occurrence and usually harmless. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind puppy hiccups and provide insights on how to manage them. Understanding why puppies get hiccups and knowing how to manage them can contribute to the well-being and comfort of your furry friend. So the next time your puppy experiences hiccups, you can provide the necessary care and attention they need. Key takeaway: Puppies get hiccups due to various reasons: their immature diaphragm, rapid eating or drinking, excitement or stress, eating too fast or overeating. Puppy hiccups are usually harmless: they may cause temporary discomfort but have no long-term effects. There are ways to help a puppy with hiccups: gentle stimulation, distraction, and adjusting feeding habits can provide relief. Why do Puppies Get Hiccups? Curious about why puppies get hiccups? Let's dive into the reasons behind this adorable phenomenon. From an immature diaphragm to rapid eating or drinking, excitement or stress, eating too fast, or overeating, we'll explore the various factors that can trigger those little hiccups in our furry friends. Get ready to uncover the fascinating insights into the world of puppy hiccups! Immature Diaphragm The immature diaphragm, which is a thin muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity, is a key factor in why puppies get hiccups. This crucial component of the respiratory system is not fully developed in puppies, which can lead to hiccups. During hiccups, the diaphragm involuntarily contracts, causing a sudden intake of breath followed by closure of the vocal cords, resulting in the characteristic "hic" sound. In puppies, the immature diaphragm may experience spasms or irregular contractions, which can trigger hiccups. Pro-tip: If your puppy experiences hiccups, it is important to remain calm and avoid any unnecessary stress or overreactions. This can potentially worsen the hiccups. Providing a soothing environment and reassurance can help your puppy feel more at ease during these harmless episodes. Rapid Eating or Drinking Rapid eating or drinking in puppies can lead to hiccups. When puppies consume their food or drink too quickly, it causes their diaphragm to contract, resulting in hiccups. There are several factors to consider when it comes to puppies eating or drinking rapidly: - Puppy enthusiasm: Puppies often get excited during meal times and may rush to finish their food or drink. This excitement can lead to rapid consumption, which can cause hiccups. They may not have developed the self-control to consume their meals at a slower pace. This competition can lead to a race to finish the dog food , resulting in hiccups. Excitement or Stress Excitement or stress can elicit hiccups in young puppies. When puppies experience excitement or stress, it can cause their diaphragm, which is a breathing muscle, to contract involuntarily. This contraction leads to rapid inhalation of air, resulting in hiccups. During exhilarating moments such as playtime or introductions to new people, puppies may become overstimulated, causing their diaphragm to spasm. Stressful situations such as car rides or visits to the vet can also contribute to the occurrence of hiccups in puppies. It is crucial to note that puppy hiccups induced by excitement or stress are typically temporary and harmless. They usually last for a few minutes to a few hours and then resolve on their own. While puppies may experience some discomfort during hiccups, there are no long-term effects. To assist a puppy with hiccups triggered by excitement or stress, it is important to provide a calm and soothing environment. This may involve removing potential triggers or distractions and offering gentle reassurance and comfort to the puppy. Engaging in calming activities like gentle petting or massage can also aid in alleviating hiccups. In rare cases, if the hiccups persist for an extended period or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as difficulty breathing or lethargy, it is advisable to seek veterinary attention. Fact: Hiccups in puppies are more prevalent in younger or smaller breeds due to their underdeveloped diaphragms. Eating Too Fast Puppies who eat too fast may experience hiccups due to their rapid consumption of food, leading to poor digestion, air swallowing, overstimulation, and unhealthy feeding habits. Properly digesting their meals is crucial for puppies to avoid stomach discomfort and the occurrence of hiccups. The act of swallowing excessive air during speedy eating can irritate their diaphragm and contribute to developing hiccups. Overeating or Overdrinking When it comes to puppies getting hiccups, overeating or overdrinking can be common causes. It is important to consider several points about this topic. Puppies may overeat or overdrink if they eat or drink too quickly. Hunger, palatable food, and competition with littermates can also be risk factors for overeating or overdrinking in puppies. When a puppy overeats or overdrinks, its stomach can expand rapidly, putting pressure on the diaphragm and causing hiccups. The duration of hiccups caused by overeating or overdrinking can vary. To prevent overeating or overdrinking, it is advised to monitor the puppy's food and water intake, feed smaller and frequent meals, and use slower feeding techniques. Hiccups caused by overeating or overdrinking are usually not a cause for concern. Creating a calm environment can help the puppy relax and alleviate the hiccups. If the hiccups persist or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian. By closely monitoring a puppy's eating and drinking habits and taking preventive measures, hiccups caused by overeating or overdrinking can be minimized. What are Hiccups? Hiccups, those unexpected spasms in our bodies, have puzzled and amused us for ages. In this section, we'll dive into what hiccups actually are and seek to demystify their baffling nature. From uncovering the definition to unraveling the intricacies of their occurrence, we'll uncover the fascinating world of hiccups and shed light on this common bodily phenomenon. Get ready to explore the captivating realm of hiccups like never before! Definition and Explanation Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, causing a distinct "hic" sound. They occur sporadically and are usually harmless and temporary, affecting both humans and animals, including puppies. Puppies, also known as baby dogs, experience hiccups due to their immature diaphragm muscle, which can have spasms as it is still developing. This can result in more frequent hiccups compared to adult dogs. Several factors can trigger hiccups in puppies, including rapid eating or drinking, stress, and overeating. These activities cause the diaphragm muscle to contract involuntarily. How Long do Puppy Hiccups Last? Puppy hiccups, unlike adult dogs, are common. How long do puppy hiccups last? They last for a short period of time, typically a few minutes to a couple of hours, before resolving on their own. During their first few months of life, puppies are more prone to hiccups due to developing diaphragm muscles. These muscles regulate breathing and can contract involuntarily, causing hiccups. Puppy hiccups are generally harmless and do not require intervention. The duration of puppy hiccups varies. Some puppies experience hiccups more frequently, while others have them less often. Factors like excitement, eating quickly, or drinking water too fast can trigger hiccups in puppies. Are Puppy Hiccups Harmful? In this section, we'll dive into the potential harm caused by puppy hiccups. From temporary discomfort to examining any long-term effects, we'll shed light on what you need to know. Temporary Discomfort Puppies may experience temporary discomfort from hiccups. Hiccups can cause temporary discomfort for puppies. During a hiccup episode, the diaphragm muscle contracts involuntarily, leading to a sudden intake of air and a "hic" sound. Puppies have an immature diaphragm, so they may have hiccups more often than adult dogs. Temporary discomfort may occur due to interrupted breathing patterns during puppy hiccups. The diaphragm contractions can cause momentary discomfort or unease. It's important to note that hiccups in puppies only cause temporary discomfort. After the hiccups stop, the puppy will return to normal. There are no long-term effects. To help a puppy with hiccups, gentle stimulation can be beneficial. Rubbing or patting the puppy's back in a soothing manner can alleviate temporary discomfort. Providing a distraction, such as play or a toy, can redirect their attention from the hiccups. In most cases, temporary discomfort from hiccups is not a cause for concern. If the episodes are long, the puppy is excessively uncomfortable, or other symptoms are present, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian for further evaluation. No Long-term Effects Puppy hiccups are harmless and temporary, with no long-term effects. They result from spasms in the diaphragm and do not cause any damage. Although they can be uncomfortable, there are no serious health risks. However, persistent hiccups or hiccups accompanied by other symptoms may be a sign of an underlying health issue and should be discussed with a veterinarian. To alleviate discomfort, pet owners can gently stimulate the puppy, provide distractions, or adjust their feeding habits. Rest assured, the hiccups will subside on their own. How to Help a Puppy with Hiccups? If your furry little friend is experiencing an adorable case of hiccups, fret not! We've got you covered in this section on how to help a puppy with hiccups. We'll discuss effective techniques such as gentle stimulation, clever distractions, and adjusting feeding habits to give your pup some relief. Say goodbye to those pesky hiccups and hello to a happier, hiccup-free puppy! Gentle Stimulation Gentle Stimulation is key when it comes to alleviating puppy hiccups. Here are a few simple and natural ways to provide gentle stimulation and put an end to those pesky hiccups in puppies: - Pat the back: By gently patting the puppy's back, you stimulate the diaphragm and interrupt the hiccup reflex. Remember, it is crucial to be cautious and ensure that the gentle stimulation does not cause any discomfort or harm to the puppy. If the hiccups persist or if the puppy displays signs of distress, it's important to seek veterinary advice promptly. Distraction Distraction can help relieve a puppy's hiccups. Here are some strategies to distract a puppy: Play with them using their favorite interactive dog toys or play games like fetch or tug-of-war. This diverts their attention and helps alleviate the hiccups. Give them treats or chew toys that require extended chewing. Chewing relaxes their diaphragm and reduces the hiccups' frequency. Engage their mind with puzzle toys or food-dispensing toys. This keeps their attention focused on the task at hand. Change the environment by taking them to a different room or for a short walk outside. This shift in sights, sounds, and smells divert their attention from the hiccups. Offer gentle petting or stroking for comfort and reassurance to calm them and reduce hiccups. Remember, distraction alone may not completely eliminate hiccups, but it can provide temporary relief. If the puppy's hiccups persist or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, consult a veterinarian for further guidance. Adjusting Feeding Habits When it comes to helping a puppy with hiccups, adjusting feeding habits is key. There are several steps you can take: 1. Slow down mealtime: Puppies often get hiccups from eating too quickly. To prevent this, try feeding your puppy smaller meals more frequently. This will help them pace themselves and reduce the chances of getting hiccups. Use a slow feeder bowl: Slow feeder bowls have ridges or obstacles that make it more challenging for puppies to gobble up their food. By using this bowl, you can help slow down their eating and prevent hiccups. Eliminate distractions: Ensure your puppy eats in a calm and quiet environment. Distractions can cause them to eat faster, leading to hiccups. Remove any other pets or disturbances from the feeding area to create a peaceful eating environment. Avoid overfeeding: Adjusting feeding habits by following the recommended portion sizes provided by your veterinarian or pet food packaging can help prevent hiccups. Overfeeding can also lead to other health issues, so it's essential to maintain a balanced diet. Offer water between meals: Avoid giving your puppy large amounts of water immediately after meals, as it can trigger hiccups. Instead, provide small amounts of water throughout the day to keep them hydrated without overloading their stomachs. By implementing these adjustments to your puppy's feeding habits, you can help reduce the occurrence of hiccups and ensure their mealtimes are enjoyable and hiccup-free. Remember to consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns or questions about your puppy's health and well-being. When it comes to puppy hiccups, it's important to know when to be concerned. In this section, we'll dive into the signs that indicate a need for attention. From lengthy episodes to excessive discomfort and the presence of other symptoms, we'll explore what to look out for and when it's time to seek further guidance. So, let's unravel the mystery behind those adorable but potentially worrisome hiccups in our furry friends! Lengthy Episodes Puppy hiccups can occur but are usually not concerning. If lengthy episodes of hiccups last a long time, it may indicate a problem. Prolonged hiccups that last over 30 minutes or happen frequently should be addressed. It is advisable to consult a veterinarian to rule out any health problems. Long hiccups in puppies can be caused by various factors. The puppy's immature diaphragm may struggle with breathing and muscle contractions. Overeating or overdrinking may be responsible as well. While long hiccups in puppies may not always be serious, it is important to stay alert and take action if necessary. If any other unusual symptoms or signs of discomfort accompany the hiccups, immediate attention from a vet is necessary. Excessive Discomfort Excessive discomfort can occur during puppy hiccups. While hiccups in puppies are generally harmless and temporary, they can sometimes cause excessive discomfort. The diaphragm contractions that happen during hiccups can make the puppy feel excessively uncomfortable or irritable. When puppies experience excessive discomfort during hiccups, they may show signs of distress like whimpering, restlessness, or trying to find a comfortable position. The discomfort can vary from mild to more pronounced, depending on the puppy. To help alleviate the excessive discomfort, you can try gentle stimulation by rubbing or massaging the puppy's back or belly. This can relax the diaphragm and provide relief. Another option is to distract the puppy with play or a favorite toy or treat to take their mind off the excessive discomfort and reduce separation anxiety or stress. Consider adjusting the puppy's feeding habits. Overeating or eating too fast can contribute to hiccups and excessive discomfort. Dividing meals into smaller portions and feeding the puppy slowly can prevent hiccups and minimize excessive discomfort. Excessive discomfort during hiccups is generally not a cause for concern. If the excessive discomfort persists for a long time or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, consult a veterinarian for further evaluation. Did you know that puppies often get hiccups because of their immature diaphragm? Hiccups become less frequent as puppies grow and develop. Other Symptoms Present If your puppy has hiccups, it is important to observe if there are any other symptoms present. Excessive drooling could be an indication of underlying issues such as nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort. If your puppy appears unusually tired or lacks energy during hiccups, it might suggest a more serious problem. Another symptom to look out for is if your puppy refuses to eat or shows decreased interest in food, as this may be a sign of an underlying gastrointestinal issue. If your puppy experiences hiccups along with vomiting or regurgitation, it could be a signal of a blockage or digestive problem. Although puppies may occasionally have hiccups without concern, if any of these symptoms occur, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian to rule out potential health issues. Early detection and intervention can play a crucial role in ensuring your puppy's health and well-being. Frequently Asked Questions Why do puppies get hiccups? Puppies get hiccups due to the contraction of their diaphragm muscle, which causes sharp intakes of breath. The hiccups can be triggered by swallowing air, eating or drinking too fast, experiencing excitement, or having an upset stomach or gas. Are puppy hiccups a cause for concern? No, puppy hiccups are common and do not cause any pain or harm to the puppy. They are a normal occurrence in puppies of all ages. Can I do anything to stop my puppy's hiccups? There are no proven remedies for stopping puppy hiccups, and they will usually go away on their own. You can try calming irregular breathing, offering a sip of water, or giving a gentle "spook" to help alleviate the hiccups. When should I be concerned about my puppy's hiccups? If your puppy's hiccups last for more than a few hours, cause irregular or difficult breathing, or interfere with their daily activities, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian. These could be signs of a more serious underlying condition. What are some prevention methods for puppy hiccups? To prevent hiccups in puppies, you can use a slow dog feeder or feed smaller portions throughout the day to avoid fast eating. It is also beneficial to use a water bowl that slows down water intake. Should I consider pet insurance to cover potential medical problems, including hiccups? Pet insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for unexpected medical issues, including hiccups. It helps cover the cost of veterinary examinations, tests, and treatments that may be necessary to determine and address the underlying cause of abnormal hiccups. You might also like. Search for: Search Button We're an affiliate We may earn an affiliate commission when you purchase through the links on our site. As an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. It can be adorable but if you are a first time German Shepherd owner, it may be somewhat alarming. The question you may have is, Why does my German Shepherd get hiccups? The common causes why a German Shepherd gets hiccups include fast drinking or eating which results in swallowing of too much air, stress, excitement, inhalation of an irritant, and during energetic play where there is rapid breathing. Hiccups are a result of sudden spasms of the diaphragm muscle which is located under the lungs of the dog and usually go away on their own after a short while. In this article, we will get to know if hiccups are normal, how they look like in dogs, whether they hurt your dog if they are a sign of something serious, and what you can do about them. The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the chest area from the stomach of a dog. Its movements are normally regular which contracts and relaxes as a dog breathes in and out. This is what is referred to as hiccups. The hiccups go away on their own when the spasms of the diaphragm stop. Are Dog Hiccups Normal? Dog hiccups are perfectly normal and do not cause any alarm to a dog. The spasm of the diaphragm muscle is natural. Hiccups are more common in puppies than adult dogs because puppies are more energetic and have high excitement than adult dogs and will tend to eat or drink too fast and have an energetic playtime which also affects their breathing. Recommended Reading : Can German Shepherd puppies eat blueberries? Do Hiccups Hurt Dogs? Dog hiccups are sudden spasms of the diaphragm muscle and in most cases, there is nothing to worry about because it lasts for a few minutes without causing harm to your dog. However, in rare cases, they can be a sign of an underlying respiratory health problem. If your dog shows additional signs such as colored discharge, frequent coughing, loss of appetite, fever, or lethargy, have them examined by a veterinarian. Also, have them checked if the hiccups last for more than a few hours. Although hiccups in dogs are a normal occurrence and resolve in a short time, in rare cases they can be a sign of something serious. It can be a sign of an underlying health problem such as pneumonia, respiratory defects, pericarditis, asthma, or heat stroke. When the hiccups last longer than a few hours, talk to your vet. However, there are steps that you can do to help your dog during this time. Have your dog sit in a comfortable place and massage him or her until they calm down. It is best for both wet and dry food and also holds water as well as being easy to clean and is dishwasher safe. Provide Them With A Sweetener Giving your dog something sweet like honey, syrup, or sugar in their water has been shown to help distract them and relax their breathing patterns which help in stopping the hiccups. Also when the hiccups change to wheezing, irregular breathing, or accompanied with signs of respiratory disease such as constant coughing, lethargy, fever, or loss of appetite, immediately seek medical advice. Contact your vet to have your German shepherd examined. Top Tip: Massage your German Shepherd's chest to help stop the hiccups by relaxing the diaphragm. Conclusion A German Shepherd getting hiccups is a normal and common occurrence that lasts a few moments. However, it is important to check for any other symptoms that come in addition to the hiccups or if they last more than a few hours to immediately have your dog checked by a vet for any underlying health problem. I hope this article helped you know why your German Shepherd gets hiccups and what to do about it. If you liked this article you may also like to learn more from the below resources on German Shepherds. The information is not meant to substitute formal and individualized advice from a veterinarian. If you're concerned about the health of your dog, seek medical advice from a vet. Related Posts.
newborn miniature poodle puppies - Is this the Goldendoodle puppy coat transition? Where are all these dog mats coming from? The surprising transition from puppy coat to adult coat can sneak up on any unsuspecting dog mom. But the subject of the Goldendoodle coat transition deserves just as much attention as all the other Goldendoodle pros and cons. However, one thing is true for all Goldendoodle puppies. At some point, the Goldendoodle puppy coat will change and the adult coat will come in. Matting can take over quickly Kind of like the month of March, the coat transition may enter like a lion! You may be surprised how quickly the mats coming roaring onto the scene. When my Goldendoodle sidekick Chloe was a pup, her puppy coat was soft and silky and there was not a mat to be found, even in the crevices like the armpits! Meet Chloe. Her puppy coat was silky soft. First under the ears. Then the armpits. Brushing became our thing. Brushing removes dead hair that would otherwise cause mats. Like hair on our human heads, dog hair has to go somewhere. Since Doodles tend to shed less, Goldendoodle grooming is part of keeping the hair from tangling and matting. There will always be hair to manage with any dog, whether low-shedding or high-shedding. With a low-shedding dog, there is a greater amount of grooming. With a high-shedding dog, there is a greater amount of time spent cleaning hair off floors. Either way, you have the joy of being a dog parent! For more about shedding, read my article: Do Goldendoodles Shed? It may make you feel overly confident. When the Goldendoodle puppy coat starts transitioning, be ready. When do Goldendoodle puppies shed their coat? However, as a rule of thumb, Goldendoodle parents say anywhere between four to eight months and may even be up to two years. What happens during a Goldendoodle puppy coat transition? When the Goldendoodle adult coat begins to grow in, the puppy coat begins to shed. This creates tangles. If not groomed early, the tangles turn into mats. Since there are so many Goldendoodle coat types, there is not one set example. Some parents will hardly notice the change while other Goldendoodle parents will find what feels like an explosion of mats. What areas are the biggest matting culprits? All Goldendoodles can smell, regardless of coat type. There are seven common causes of Goldendoodles smelling — find out more here. There are three types of Goldendoodle fur coats Wavy Curly Straight The three Goldendoodle coats have differing degrees of curliness. Different genes inherited from the parent dogs will determine the coat type. They are also referred to as fleece coats. Wavy coat Goldendoodles are typically low shedding. A wavy coat does require grooming to prevent deep knots from forming. A wavy coat will grow to around cm 4 to 7 inches in left untrimmed The hair will typically be shorter around the face Wavy coats are low shedding Wavy or fleece coats are less dense than a curly coat Wavy coat Goldendoodles are low allergy Wavy coat Goldendoodles need brushing at least once per week. The coat will stay healthy and clean with little effort. If left to develop, sometimes the knots need shaving, which can cause discomfort. Brush well before shampooing your Goldendoodle with the best breed appropriate shampoo Curly Coat Goldendoodles Curly Goldendoodle coats feature the densest curls of any Groodle coat type. The curly coat is also most like that of the purebred Poodle. If the coat is curly, you can look for a few early signs to help tell the coat type of your Goldendoodle. Curly coats will eventually stop growing if left. The hair will typically be shorter around the face — but not always. Curly coat Goldendoodles are very allergy friendly. They are typically non-shedding. The curly coat is similar but not identical to a Poodle coat. Many owners and breeders report little to no Goldendoodle smell with this coat. Some owners only cut their Curly Coat Goldendoodles fur two or three times a year. They will need to brush once or twice a week to avoid knotting and give the best appearance. Straight Coat Goldendoodles Sometimes the straight coat Goldendoodle is called a hair coat or loose coat. These Goldendoodles share the most coat characteristics with a Golden Retriever. Straight coat Goldendoodles can resemble a Golden Retriever. They are the easiest to groom but do shed a little. Use the best-reviewed Goldendoodle shampoo to keep the coat soft. The straight coat can be extremely low maintenance These dogs are shedders This type of Goldendoodle is the most likely to cause trouble for allergy sufferers. Test individually as many allergy sufferers cope well with lots of different types of Poodle Mix breeds. Even though this coat is typically the least amount of maintenance — you may still need to brush. And more often than you think. If there is a dense undercoat it will be necessary to brush at least once per week to avoid knotting. Regardless of coat type, all Goldendoodles can end up with ear wax build-up or infections. Our guide on how to clean Labradoodle ears can be applied to Goldendoodles as well. If your dog wears a collar or harness frequently you will need to brush these areas irrespective of which coat type is present. The change from puppy coat can be sudden. It can also be gradual and take months to switch to an adult coat. Toy and teacup Goldendoodles will experience a puppy coat change too. Several breeders say that it is common for Goldendoodle puppy owners not to notice the coat change. The breeders said this is because either The coat change was gradual from 6 months of age with no sudden change Or some adult coats for Godlendoodles are super soft and indistinguishable from the puppy coat How To Tell What Coat Your Goldendoodle Will Have Genetics will determine the variables of the coat. Cross-breeding dogs can give unpredictable results. Goldendoodle puppies can be more like one parent than the other, Breeders and owners have noted some tricks and tips to help determine the future coat of a Goldendoodle puppy. The usual reminder that a Groodle is the same thing as a Goldendoodle. So if you are looking to find out how to tell what type of coat a Groodle will have — you are in the right place. From early puppyhood through to one year of age, the Goldendoodle coat is in a constant state of development. Knowing exactly the type of coat that a puppy will have as an adult is not possible. There are however some early signs that give you an indication of what the adult coat will be. We asked owners and breeders how to tell what coat your Goldendoodle will have. How to tell what coat your Goldendoodle puppy will have: Check the snout. By comparing the coats of the parent dogs you will get a generally good idea of the range of possibilities. If both parents are Goldendoodle with fleece, a wavy coat is most likely. If both have loose straight hair — be prepared for shedding. Nature and genetics will have the final say. These coat prediction methods give best indication of future coat type. There can always be surprises. Naming inspiration from a galaxy far, far away. The hypoallergenic, non-shedding Poodle coat is a highly desired feature. This significantly increases the likelihood of a Curly coat or Wavy coat. F1b Goldendoodles are less likely to have a significant coat change from puppyhood to adulthood. It is common for the fur density and coarseness to increase. These Goldendoodles do not have teddy bear features. English Goldendoodles are more likely than American Goldendoodles to have a boxy teddy bear appearance. Both types can look very teddy-bear-like with the correct furnishings. We call the Goldendoodle teddy bear face features furnishings. Dogs with any of the three coat types can also be missing furnishings. As a result, they can look much more like a Poodle or a Golden Retriever. Bernedoodles experience something similar with their tri-colour coats. F1 Goldendoodles are the most likely to be missing furnishings. A puppy without furnishings is unlikely to develop them when the coat changes to the adult Goldendoodle coat. Dog owners may experience anxiety with the goldendoodle puppy coat transition to an adult coat. Depending on environmental and genetic conditions, growing into an adult coat can take several months to an entire year. More so, there is a myriad of information regarding Goldendoodles losing their puppy fur, but you need to be critical in following this information. However, keep in mind that the coat transition of your goldendoodle requires constant attention. This article will therefore serve as a step-by-step guide to help you learn about the coat transitions that your goldendoodle will experience and how to care for them properly. Puppies of the Goldendoodle breed have a gorgeous coats! Goldendoodles will lose their puppy coat as they get bigger rather than getting a new one. Your puppy has already started the change when you see this. This can vary rather considerably. The beginning of others occurs before or later. The vast majority of breeders expect it to appear before the first birthday. In contrast, its coat will gradually transform when a Goldendoodle matures. The Goldendoodle in your life will only go through this change once. This is comparable to losing baby teeth and replacing them with adult teeth. This shift occurs only once in the life of your Goldendoodle. Depending on heredity and other circumstances, the texture and color of the coat may alter. Do Goldendoodles Puppy Coats Shed? Moreover, the easiest approach to determine whether your Goldie will have furnishings is to consider their age. They are most likely lacking from F1 Goldendoodles. F1B dogs are more susceptible to having them. If a puppy lacks furnishings, it is doubtful that they would develop them as adults. With or without, Doodles are still unquestionably adorable. Goldendoodle puppies will have varying coat colors and patterns regardless of size or generation. However, several breeders have found that Doodle puppies of different ages—F1, F1B, and F2—can have only slight differences. The mini goldendoodle puppy coat transition in your life will only go through this change once. Poodles have a fading gene, so that they might be a different color. However, breeders do emphasize a few telltale features that could provide an early indication of what to expect: Do A Nose Check When a puppy has abundant hair on top of its snout, it is called a mustache, and it is a good indicator that the dog will have a curlier coat. A wavier coat is suggested by hair that is straighter, shaggier, and more beard-like. Curly coats, according to breeders, are indicated by a pronounced mustache. The beard-like shagginess of a wavy coat is especially prominent around the face. The straight-coat goldendoodle puppy typically has a tidy and short muzzle. For example, an F1B Goldendoodle that has been backcrossed with a Poodle has 75 percent genes, increasing the likelihood of a coat with waves or curls. Typically, these dogs do not have a substantial coat shift from puppyhood to adulthood. These strategies for deciding on a goldendoodle puppy coat type are the most accurate. Nothing is guaranteed, and surprises are always possible. Types Of Goldendoodle Puppy Coats? It is difficult to envisage Goldendoodle coats having anything other than curly whenever the issue of this Doodle breed is brought up. Although Goldendoodles with curly coats are well-known, different less frequent coat types include wavy, smooth, and flat. Wavy and curly hair are the most prevalent varieties of Goldendoodle coats, followed by straight and flat. In addition to their attractiveness and sweetness, these charming pets have advantages for humans. Goldendoodles With Curly Coats. For various reasons, this specific style of Goldendoodle coat is extremely popular and in high demand. Curly-coated Goldendoodles are great for people with allergies and have a cute teddy bear look. Because of their curly coat, Goldendoodles are considered hypoallergenic. Curly-coated dogs, in contrast to straight-haired dogs, shed significantly less hair, which is helpful for allergy sufferers. To clarify, dogs with non-shedding coats still shed at a far lower rate than those with straighter hair. Curly-Coated Goldendoodles Compared to dogs with straight and curly coats, wavy coat Goldendoodle puppies fall in the middle. Goldendoodles with wavy coats are more prone to shed than those with curly coats but shed less than those with straight coats. But since the wavy coat is between the regular and curly coats, it requires less effort to brush than dogs with curly coats. If you live with people who do not suffer from allergies, a wavy or flat hair coating could be an extra option when selecting your partner. While Goldendoodles with a curly coat require daily combing, those with a wavy coat require brushing only a few times per week. Straight-Coat Golden Retrievers If you desired to bring home a Goldendoodle with a straight hair coat, you would likely find hair everywhere. Typically, a goldendoodle with a straight coat does not require brushing; nevertheless, you should double-check if any household members are allergic to fur. Always certain that no one is allergic, as straight-haired dogs shed huge amounts of hair. While not having to brush your Goldendoodle regularly may seem great, the amount of hair it sheds requires additional cleaning. Daily brushing is strongly advised for Goldendoodles with curly or wavy coats. Most of the time, Goldendoodles with a straight coat do not need to be brushed, depending on the situation. F1b Goldendoodle Coat Changes When you look up F1b Goldendoodles pictures on the internet, you will find out recombination between an F1 first generation Goldendoodle and a purebred Poodle. The hypoallergenic, non-shedding coat of the Poodle is a highly desirable characteristic. Most often, F1 Goldendoodles will disappear with a piece of furniture. This greatly enhances the probability of a Curly or Wavy coat. F1b Goldendoodles are less prone to see a substantial coat change between puppyhood and adulthood. It is typical for the density and coarseness of the fur to grow. This is true in some circumstances. Their adult coat may take on a deeper shade if that is how it is in their native habitat. Alternately, it might lighten up and leave the cute darker characteristics around the face. However, lateral color changes and shifts are common. When Goldendoodle puppies reach maturity, their adult coat is typically heavier and more rigid than their puppy fur. The breeder should know what to anticipate throughout coat transformation. Yes, their coat can be affected by various variables, most of which are health-related, and these common causes may include the following: Sun Bleaching. It can occur if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors in direct sunlight. Depending on the extent of the sun damage or bleaching, their deeper hues will lighten significantly, and portions of their exposed fur may turn yellow or white. Grooming Your Goldendoodle coat changes pictures might have darker coat color due to lack of grooming, but it can be lightened and brightened with constant grooming. Grooming your dog on a regular and recommended basis improves not only their comfort but also their physical appearance. Goldendoodles need regular grooming to keep them healthy and clean. You should trim their face regularly. Since its natural sheen diminishes with time, it typically seems darker than it did before. A healthier diet will help them shed their darker coat. Puppies of all breeds and sizes go through similar but somewhat different main processes. Pet owners observe the onset of mats and shedding fur in clumps. Their mature fur begins to emerge. Frequently Asked Questions 1. In most cases, a prominent mustache indicates that the puppy will have a curly coat. Unfortunately, not all puppies mature into adulthood with the desired wavy or curly coat and fluffy, soft fur. In addition, the F1B Goldendoodles are the least likely to undergo a drastic coat change as they age, while seeing an increase in coat coarseness and density. This is referred to as fading. Parents of Goldendoodles estimate a lifespan of four months to two years. It is advised to wait six months before giving your goldendoodle puppy her first complete trim down. Related Posts. The change can be sudden or gradual, and sometimes the texture of the coat will change completely. The fur grows in dense curls that can be tight, kinky curls, or loose barrel curls. Generally, curly coats have virtually no doggy odor and are usually very low shedding. Wavy Coat English Goldendoodles have wavy coats that are also sometimes referred to as fleece coats. This coat type is typically very low shedding, but it does need plenty of regular grooming to prevent matting. Straight Coat Goldendoodles with straight coats take mostly after the Golden retriever parent. These Doodles are the heaviest shedders, making them unsuitable for life in a home with allergy sufferers. These coat types tend to need a little less brushing than the curly or wavy coated types, and they are slightly less prone to tangling and matting. To make matters even more interesting, Goldendoodles commonly change coat colors or get a brighter coat as they age , so it really is a total lottery! Goldendoodle puppies have a fantastic coat! Brushing your puppy removes loose, dead hair that would otherwise turn into immovable mats. So, even though one of the reasons that Goldendoodles are so popular is that they are extremely low-shedding, they do shed. Regardless of what size or generation of Goldendoodle you have, all these puppies will change their coats. Often, Goldendoodles that enjoy swimming and generally get grubby so that they need regular bathing can often lose their puppy coat almost invisibly. Generally, when Goldendoodle puppies change their coats, the mature adult coat they grow is denser and stiffer than the puppy fur. The breeder should be able to give you a good idea of what you can expect during the coat transition period. That said, the process of healthy coat transition can last for as long as two years. When your puppy starts growing his adult coat, his silky, soft puppy fur is shed. You need to be alert to that process starting! All puppies are born with a single coat. You might not notice any change at all, whereas other Goldendoodle parents see a massive amount of matting appearing from out of nowhere. Where Do Mats Form? Mats generally form in areas of friction. Particular hotspots include: Under the collar. Will stop growing eventually if left alone Straight coat Goldendoodles are the most like a Golden Retriever Expect troubles with shedding Expect allergy sufferers to have a rough time with a straight coat Goldendoodle A positive is much lower maintenance Regardless of the coat type you would expect a softer puppy coat from months, then a transition into the final Goldendoodle adult coat from then on. As a general rule the replacement adult Goldendoodle coat will be stiffer and denser than the Goldendoodle puppy coat. Which Goldendoodles Get Puppy Coats All sizes of Goldendoodle from large standards, to miniature or teacup Goldendoodle will all experience some form of coat change. When I spoke to breeders to interview them about the way they can predict the coat type for Goldendoodle puppies, they told me an interesting message. Our F1b tend to have soft fur even as adults. When the change does hit it is not always obvious to the dog parents. The transition to adult coat can be seamless, or it can reveal a surprising final Goldendoodle coat type. There are clues from early puppyhood that you can follow to take the best educated guess about which type of coat your Goldendoodle puppy will have. We wrote a thoroughly researched article telling you what strategies the experts use to predict Goldendoodle coat type from puppyhood. Remember that nature is a lottery, and there still can be surprises! You can see that the experts agree that a Goldendoodle puppy should start being groomed around 5 months of age. If the transition from puppy coat to adult Groodle coat is a difficult one, it is really handy to have a dog that is very used to grooming. Goldendoodles can have trouble with their paws. Have you ever seen a Goldendoodle lick or chew its paws? This is often a sign that something is wrong. Early exposure to paw touching can make it so much easier to four out what is causing Goldendoodle paw licking and fix it. At the least consider getting your Goldendoodle used to bathing and shampooing as needed only from a young age. Should I use special shampoo for the Goldendoodle Puppy Coat transition? When a Goldendoodles does lose its puppy coat around months of age you will be ready for an adult Goldendoodle shampoo. There is little harm in using up the rest of your puppy shampoo. Although it is probably easier to just use a natural, excellent smelling shampoo that is friendly to both puppies and adult Goldendoodles. Goldendoodle Coat at 10 Years Short Goldendoodle History The Goldendoodle is perhaps one of the most famous and instantly recognizable members of the Poodle cross family. The Goldendoodle is first recorded as existing in the late s when a breeder chose to mix a Poodle with a Golden Retriever. This primarily came about as Golden Retrievers were well established as guide dogs for the visually impaired. However, they shed heavily making them incompatible with visually impaired people who had dog allergies. Introducing Poodle genetics often reduced shedding making the dog much more accessible to a variety of people. As Poodles are equally, if not more intelligent than their Golden Retriever counterparts, this ensured the new hybrid remained trainable as an assistance dog. As time went on it was almost inevitable that people would seek out this mixed breed as a domestic pet given their friendly nature and good temperament around children. The other appealing feature of the Goldendoodle as a domestic pet is that it can come in a variety of sizes to meet individual living situations. Added to this they are fairly healthy dogs, benefiting from the phenomena of hybrid vigor. This means you can expect a Goldendoodle to reach up to 15 years old! If you are new to the world of hybrid or mixed breed dogs, the concept of generations may feel a little incomprehensible. If bred back to the non-Poodle parent they are usually referred to an F1B Reverse. However, breeders can be selective about the types of Goldendoodle they pick. Typically, they pick the ones with the more desirable curly Doodle-like coat which increases the chance of it being passed on. Conversely, the F2 can also throw out the most eclectic litter as there are 4 Golden Retriever genes and 4 Poodle genes in the mix. This is sometimes known as the grandparent effect. The only way to be sure of coat types and colors is to have the parents genetically tested before breeding. If bred back to the Retriever they are known as an F2B reverse. F3 or Multi-Generational: This is where it gets confusing, breeders can then get creative with crossing F2 Goldendoodles with Poodles, Golden Retrievers or Goldendoodles. At this point, they are generally referred to as multi-generational. We have a more in-depth generations article that can teach you more about hybrid crossing called Cavapoo Generations Explained. The main difference that generation can have on the coat type of your Goldendoodle refers to how much Poodle genetics are present. Sometimes a pup will take after their Golden Retriever parent more and may present with a flatter coat, the correction for this would be to crossbreed the pup back to a purebred Poodle in the hope of increasing the curl. However, not all Goldendoodles will be curly. Check out the Flat Coated Goldendoodle to learn about those who take more after the Golden Retriever side of their family. For now though, we take a closer look at what you can expect from an F1 Goldendoodle coat. Goldendoodle Puppy Coat They do not come out curly! Now, this may be a serious shock but very few Doodle hybrids come out curly. In fact, it is much more likely that your Goldendoodle puppy will look decidedly Golden Retriever-like, other than it may have picked up some Poodle coloring. They will not shed particularly much and given the short nature of their coat, they will not be prone to matting. This is the stereotypical puppy coat that feels soft and fluffy and just begs for you to run your fingers through. As it stands there is no definitive way to determine from a puppy just what type of adult coat they may develop outside of genetic testing. If you are absolutely heart set on the curly Doodle coat an F2 Goldendoodle may be a better option as by breeders selecting two curly Goldendoodle parents you have a higher chance of the puppy exhibiting the same. However, this is not an exact science either as both Goldendoodles could be carrying straight coat genes. Now, just because their puppy coat appears low maintenance this is not an excuse to skip brushing. It is essential you acclimatize your Goldendoodle puppy to grooming tools like brushes and ideally dryers early. This avoids them becoming fearful in later life and will make the whole grooming experience less stressful for you both. Goldendoodle Coat at 3 Months At three months, your Goldendoodle puppy will be at peak fluffball stage. Their puppy coat will likely have reached its maximum length and coloring will be fairly well established. Any patterning that your pooch will likely exhibit may have become more enhanced. It is key at this stage that they should not cut their puppy coat but instead a bath, dry, hygiene groom of their intimate areas and a face trim may be all that is required. Again at-home brushing is key, not only will it build confidence in your dog but as they begin to reach the stage that their coat will change, regular brushing will ensure any excess hair is brushed out to avoid matting. Goldendoodle Coat at 6 Months While some unscrupulous breeders may tout Goldendoodles as truly hypoallergenic we know in fact that all dogs will shed hair and dander to some degree. It is correct that a Goldendoodle may be lesser shedding than other breeds however, at age 6 months they will shed their fluffy puppy coat meaning they will leave a trail of puppy hair behind them at least for a short period. During this time they may look a little ramshackle as they have patches of fluffy puppy hair and tufts of coarser adult hair. This exciting stage is when you will likely begin to get the first true indication of what you can expect from your adult Goldendoodle coat. Largely speaking Goldendoodle coats fall into four categories, flat, straight, wavy, or curly. The flat and straight coated Goldendoodle will look much more similar to their Golden Retriever parent, while wavy or curly variations will look decidedly more Doodle-like. Goldendoodle Coat at 1 Year By one year old your Goldendoodle will have continued its steady transition from puppy to adult coat. Any shedding should reduce and if a proper grooming regime has not been implemented this is where you may begin to encounter difficulty with matting. At 12 months you can begin to implement a professional grooming regime, while it is unlikely that you will need to attend more than 12 weekly at this stage, it is a good age to introduce clippers and nail clipping. This will be coarser than their puppy coat but overall, the Goldendoodle often retains the softer hairlike coat prized in Doodle hybrids. At this age, any work you put into familiarizing your pooch with grooming tools will really come into its own. It will not be unusual for a Goldendoodle to require daily grooming to keep them matt free. At 2 years you will have an idea of how quickly your particular dog requires a professional groom. Be warned though, if you prefer your Goldendoodle in a lower maintenance shorter cut, this could mean a trip to the groomers as frequently as 6 to 8 weekly. Goldendoodle Coat at 5 Years By 5 years of age, your Goldendoodle coat will be a product of things such as nutrition and grooming care. This can of course vary widely from owner to owner. A Goldendoodle supported with a good quality diet and given regular grooming may continue to exhibit a glossy coat while a Goldendoodle with less attentive owners may require to be kept in a very short cut and hair may appear coarser. Goldendoodle Coat at 10 Years By ten years of age, it is not unusual for high-energy Goldendoodles to still appear puppy-like. However, their coat may be the giveaway. At ten plus years they are officially entering their senior years and this can often show up in their coat. Many Goldendoodles that started out solid black, for example, may fade to a distinguished silver. Likewise, rich red tones may fade to blonde. It is worth mentioning that older coats and dogs may need additional support in terms of supplements and conditioning treatments. Older dogs may not tolerate prolonged grooming sessions either meaning everything may just need to slow down a bit. Either way, you will have had a fantastic companion for 10 plus years by this point and every gray hair will just tell the stories of the adventures you have shared. Again, this depends on their parents. But most commonly, they have wavy hair. Those with curly hair resemble their Poodle ancestry. Those with a straight look appear more like Golden Retrievers. The latter is far easier to groom. Speaking of grooming… Length After your dogs latest trip to the groomer, how long should you wait before scheduling their next visit? Mark it on your calendar, every six weeks about does the trick. Most Goldendoodles will have regrown everything in about three to four months. Both Poodles and Golden Retrievers have longer coats. While Labradoodles could have a shorter coat, this is uncommon in Goldendoodles, if even present. All in all, a Goldendoodle is a great pet for owners with allergies. While there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog, Doodle breeds shed far less than most and are quite allergy friendly. Many Goldendoodle parents may note that their puppy's coat quickly fills with fluffy clumps as a result of this. This is a definite indication that the shift has begun for your dog! Your Goldendoodle puppy's fur is thickest at three months old. It's possible that your puppy's coat has grown to its full potential and is very well-colored at this time. Your Goldendoodle could start to lose its puppy fur and develop an adult coat between the ages of 4 and 8 months. Depending on the exact kind of fur, this process may be slow and scarcely perceptible, rapid and evident, or protracted and difficult. The color and texture of their pelt can also vary. Don't get too depressed if your puppy's fur lasts past the age of 12 months; some Doodles may continue to shed puppy fur. We mentioned earlier about grooming. While most breeds you can take to the groomer at about 12 weeks, you probably want to wait until this six-month mark to shuffle them to the stylist. This will allow most of their puppy fur to be shed. When a puppy is 6 to 10 months old, the silky puppy coat often begins to shed gradually. Your Goldendoodle will continue its gradual transformation from puppy to adult coat by the age of one. Any shedding should be minimized, and if a suitable grooming routine isn't put in place at this time, you can have issues with knots. First, the adult coat becomes stiffer and more curly. Over time, you will notice that the coat is not as soft as it used to be. Most of the time, the color will usually lighten as the dog ages. They will grey just like we will. There are a handful of reasons for changes at this age or, sometimes, younger. If your dog is one that loves daytime romps, the sun could bleach its fur over time. This is natural. Diet and nutrition can affect their coats as well. A lack of vitamins could cause them to shed and matt. You might be allergic to dogs, but your dog could also be allergic to you. Or other things too. If they do have allergies this can affect the color, texture and volume of your puppy's coat. See your vet for best practices about how to assist your dog in these instances. Inherited or communicated diseases can also affect your dog's coat. Again, your trusted vet is best suited to formulate a plan of action for managing the situation. The same goes for grooming your senior pup. Older dogs need to be treated with a bit of finesse. Have that same respect for your dog. Especially those over the age of about ten years or so. If they have arthritis, for example, be aware of those areas on their body. But what happens during the time in between hair care visits? You can even take things step by step and demonstrate how easy it can be. Keep things light. Keep things fun. Shampoo and conditioner of high quality are viable options for special treatment. There are other, less expensive options as well. When they are true puppies, you want to only wash them when they start to smell. What will really help is brushing your puppy on a regular basis. Popping out the brush once a day or every other day is recommended. Brushing their hair less than once a week will almost definitely spell disaster. You can trim things up here and there as well. Where are some trouble spots that will need to be considered when grooming your pup? These might be found at the base of their tail, beneath their ears, and in the area just above their armpits. Don't forget about the back of their haunches and elbows. The best way to learn is with hands-on experience. Ready to get your Goldendoodle today? Have more questions about anything and everything Goldendoodle related? We have the answers , and for all things Doodles, stay tuned to our exciting and educational blog. Goldendoodle Coat: Senior Years History of the Goldendoodle The Goldendoodle is a relatively new hybrid breed of dog, developed in the late s. As its name suggests, it is a cross between two iconic breeds: Golden Retrievers and Poodles. The goal was to create an intelligent, low-shedding family pet that was easy to train and take care of. This unique combination has led to the Goldendoodle becoming one of the most popular designer dogs on the market today! The origins of this beloved breed can be traced back to Australia in when Wally Conron crossed a Standard Poodle with a Golden Retriever for Guide Dogs Victoria — an organization that provides guide dogs for people with vision impairments. His idea was to create a hypoallergenic service animal that would be easier for people with allergies or asthma to own than traditional breeds like Labradors or German Shepherds. The popularity of Goldendoodles began slowly but steadily grew over time as more and more families discovered how wonderful they were as pets. Owners appreciated their intelligence, playfulness, and loving nature, which were all qualities inherited from their parent breeds. But one of the biggest attractions to Goldendoodles was that they shed very little compared to other breeds — a major plus for households where allergies or asthma are an issue. What are the Generations of Goldendoodles? One of the primary factors in Goldendoodle coat changes is their generation. The most common generations include F1 first-generation , F2 second-generation , F3 third-generation , and F4 fourth-generation. F2 Generation The coat of a second-generation Goldendoodle is even more varied; they can inherit coats that are either straight and silky like their Golden Retriever parent, or curly and wavy like their Poodle parent. The variation among these generations is quite large due to the fact that each one can contain different proportions of parent breed genetics. Goldendoodle Puppy Coat Transition When a litter of Goldendoodle puppies is born, their coats are typically soft, fluffy and downy. The coat of a young Goldendoodle puppy will generally be less wavy than it will become as they age and more closely resemble the fur of their Poodle parent. Their fur is usually made up of several waves or curls which can range from tight to loose. As they get older though, their coats may start to change texture and length, with some puppies develop curlier or wavier coats than others. Some Goldendoodles may retain their puppy coat all the way into adulthood while others may experience a more dramatic shift in coat type as they mature. Goldendoodle puppies need regular brushing and grooming to keep their coat healthy and free from tangles or matting. Additionally, you should bathe your Goldendoodle puppy about once every weeks or as needed with a gentle shampoo specifically designed for dogs in order to keep their skin and fur clean and hydrated. As Goldendoodle puppies grow into adulthood, the texture of their coat can change dramatically. Fur that was once soft and wavy can become more thick and curly over time; this is especially true for F1B generations which tend to have more curl than other types of Goldendoodles due to higher Poodle genetics. In addition, adult Goldendoodles may require different grooming needs as well; depending on the type of coat they have, some may need professional clipping or trimming every few months in order to maintain an even look throughout the body. The coat type at this stage may vary depending on the generation, with F1s usually having a slightly longer and wavier coat while F1Bs are more likely to have a tighter curl. At 3 months, most Goldendoodles will experience some shedding; however, they should not shed as much as a Golden Retriever. A groomer can also provide advice about the best products and tools to use in order to keep your pup looking their best! Additionally, you should bathe your Goldendoodle puppy with a gentle shampoo every weeks in order to keep their skin and fur clean and hydrated. Overall, Goldendoodle coats can range from straight and silky to wavy or curly depending on the generation of the pup; but at the 6-month mark, all puppies will begin the transition into adulthood regardless of coat type. Additionally, make sure that you are brushing your pup regularly and providing them with regular baths to help keep their skin and fur healthy throughout this transitional period. Depending on the generation of your pup and the ratio of Golden Retriever to Poodle genetics, coats can range from straight and silky to wavy or curly. Additionally, you should give them a bath every weeks or as needed with a gentle shampoo specifically formulated for dogs in order to keep their skin and fur healthy. Finally, many owners opt for regular grooming services from professional groomers in order to maintain an even look throughout the body. With proper care and maintenance, your Goldendoodle can keep their beautiful coat looking its best! While Goldendoodles are generally active through their senior years, a tell-tale sign of their age is their fur. As your dog ages, you may notice more white fur around its snout and eyebrows. This is completely normal and a sign that your pup is entering the senior years of its life. Additionally, you should give your Goldendoodle regular baths with a gentle shampoo specifically formulated for dogs in order to keep their skin and fur healthy. Finally, many owners opt for professional grooming services every few months in order to keep an even look throughout the body as well as trim any mats that may develop. The type and texture of the fur can vary depending on what generation your pup is, but all types need regular brushing and baths in order to stay healthy and beautiful. As they age, their fur may become more prone to matting or tangling; however, with proper care, you can help them maintain their lovely coats for years to come! If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More The transition from a puppy coat to an adult one can come as a bit of a shock to novice owners and newbie pet parents. Some breeders choose not to mention it for fear of putting off prospective buyers. However, here we will let you know exactly what to expect when your Goldendoodle puppy coat transition happens. Types of Goldendoodle Coats All dogs are born with a soft, single-layer puppy coat, whether they later go on to develop a double-layered one or not. Goldendoodles are no exception. This smooth, silky hair then gives way to something that can be altogether trickier to manage. Knots, tangles, mats, and shedding can become real problems with some dogs. As you probably know by now, with a mixed breed, there are no certainties. Especially when the parent animals are so different. One half of the Goldendoodle equation, the Golden Retriever, has a dense, straight, water-resistant double coat. In contrast, the other half, the Poodle, has a curly, coarse, low-shedding single one. Depending on which parent they favor, Goldendoodles can inherit either of these coats or a wavy, fleecy, long one that sits somewhere in between the two. This is generally the most common and the most popular of the three. For more on Goldendoodle coats and the right tools for caring for them, take a look at The Absolute Best Brushes for Goldendoodles. Nature can be a bit of a lottery. We can, however, make a few best guesses based on the parents and what usually happens. One thing we do know for sure is that whichever adult coat your pup is destined to have, it will be altogether stiffer and denser than their puppy one. It could even be a different color, thanks to the Poodle Fading Gene. Breeders, however, do highlight a few telltale traits that could give you an early idea of what to expect: Check The Snout An excess of hair at the top of the snout known as a mustache indicates that your pup is likely to end up with a coat on the curlier end of the spectrum. Straighter, shaggier, beard-like hair suggests a wavier coat. If your dog has short hair here and an overall neat and tidy-looking muzzle, they will probably inherit a straight coat. Pay Attention to the Generation The generation of the dog can also provide a strong indication of what to expect. See Also: Click the image Goldendoodle Puppy Coat Transition Phases When it comes to changing from the puppy to the adult coat, there are no clear-cut transition phases. When and how pups blow their puppy coat varies from dog to dog. With most dogs, it tends to happen at around six months, and it can be either sudden or gradual. Some owners barely even notice — it all depends on the final hair type. However, you may start to notice a little more hair in the brush or a few more tangles around the armpits, tail, and ears. If your Goldie is getting more of a curly coat, you will need to be extra vigilant at this time. Shedding puppy hair can all too easily get caught up in tight curls leading on to painful knots and mats that are all but impossible to remove with a brush. A good rule of thumb with dogs is that with a low-shedding coat, you have to spend more time on brushing; with a high shedding one that time will be spent cleaning hair up off the floor or your clothes. Which Goldendoodles Get Puppy Coats? Pretty much every variety of Goldendoodle from Standard to Mini experiences some sort of coat change as they transition from puppy to adult. The switch from puppy to adult coat is also less noticeable with active dogs and particularly ones that spend a lot of time swimming. The water washes away the old hair as it is replaced with the new. It is not left about the house as it otherwise would be. This change could be pretty dramatic or quite subtle depending on the type of adult coat your pup has inherited. They will shed their puppy coat somewhere between four and eight months, and their stiffer, denser adult one will start to come in at this time. Do Goldendoodle puppies change color? While your pup is unlikely to completely change color on you, many Goldies get lighter as their adult coat comes in. This is known as fading. How do you tell if a Goldendoodle puppy will have furnishings? Furnishings refer to the hair features about the face. The best way to know if your Goldie will have furnishings is to pay attention to their generation. F1 Goldendoodles are most likely to be missing them. F1B dogs are the most likely to have them. If a puppy lacks furnishings, they are unlikely to develop them in adulthood. With or without, though, all Doodles are still undeniably cute. When adopting a puppy, there are many things you need to be prepared for. Many people choose to adopt one of these darling dogs for their hypoallergenic properties. The best way to anticipate precisely what kind of hair your Goldendoodle will have when they are done blowing their coat is to speak to the breeder. Checking out the parent dogs is also recommended for later generations. However, this is no exact science, and you should really be prepared for anything. We are sure, though, that no matter how your Goldie ends up looking as they develop, you will love them just the same. How could you not? Just look at that face! Learn How to Upkeep Your Doodle!
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newborn miniature poodle puppies - This is not true. They have a large, muscular build They have a fluffy tail Their ears are erect They have a double coat They are heavy shedders They are a solid black color They can be larger They often have a straighter back Their coat can be longer, sometimes with a flowing mane around the rear of the neck , skirting on either side of the body between the front and back legs and feathering long hair on the ears, backs of legs and beneath the tail 3. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black All German Shepherd puppies are either born black, gray or white and can change color as they grow. Their true coat color can usually be determined at about 8 weeks of age. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black and will stay black through adulthood. So, if you are looking for a solid Black German Shepherd puppy, you will want to get her at this age, and not before, in order to be sure she is indeed a solid black color. A German Shepherd that is, say, black and tan, can carry the recessive solid black gene and produce Black German Shepherd puppies. However, both parents must have the recessive gene for solid black to appear in the litter. It can happen. The second way solid Black German Shepherd puppies are produced is by mating two solid blacks. This mix can only produce a solid black litter. The color of this dog does not affect its temperament. The Black German Shepherd is just as loyal, alert, active and intelligent as the standard variety and is not predisposed to aggression. She is often aloof at first, but once you bond with her, she will be your companion for life. Black German Shepherds are also incredibly trainable and are used as police and military dogs, disability aid dogs, and obedience dogs. Look how obedient this month old Black Shepherd puppy is: Just like any German Shepherd, their protective instinct can be strong. These are dogs that were used to herd and protect livestock, and they will do the same with their human pack! In the case of your family coming into danger, have no doubt this dog will defend you. As a companion dog, however, you want her to recognize that not all people are a threat. Make sure you socialize her from a young age so that she gets on well with people in adulthood. They can be pricey Black German Shepherds are quite rare and for this reason tend to cost more, especially if they have the long, luxurious coat. Like all German Shepherds, they are prone to health problems The German Shepherd breed can, unfortunately, suffer from numerous health issues. The number one concern for this breed is hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. This condition occurs when the ball and socket joint is malformed and can result in arthritis or even lameness. This can be helped by maintaining a healthy weight in your dog. Other potential health problems include: Heart disease. History: Origins of the German Shepherd The reason most people picture GSDs as police or military dogs is because they were bred to work! As their name suggests, German Shepherds were bred in to herd and protect sheep in Germany. Sought after for their unique coats, and protective nature, the GSD makes an ideal guard dog. If you choose to add a Black German Shepherd to your family, you will certainly be impressed with how easy he is to train! As historic working dogs, GSDs are known for their intelligence and trainability. Breeding litters of all Black German Shepherds is difficult and usually requires two black parents - though sometimes, a black and tan GSD could produce all black puppies. Or, you could adopt one from a local shelter or rescue organization! Temperament: What to Expect from Your Black German Shepherd Like most dogs, the Black German Shepherd will thrive with early and frequent socialization with pets and people of all ages. While they are naturally pretty friendly and loving, they may warm slowly to strangers. But, they are incredibly loyal and devoted to every member of their families! Working dogs love to have a job and the Black GSD is no exception. As a house pet, your Shepherd will likely make up a job of his own - protecting and guarding the family. Ever watchful with those adorably alert ears, the Black German Shepherd will let you know if anything is going on in or around the house. Best suited for families that are home most, or at least part of the day, the Black German Shepherd may suffer separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. This loneliness can lead to excessive barking and other destructive behaviors. All German Shepherds are large, powerful, and have great exercise requirements to avoid developing negative habits. They will do best in families that understand and accommodate their specific needs. For example, a small puppy may require about 2, calories per day, spread over a total of four meals. Then, around six months or so, you can reduce the number of meals to two or three. Eventually, as your Black German Shepherd becomes an adult you can switch his food to a large breed adult blend. And you can reduce his calories to about 1,, divided into two meals per day. Of course, your vet is the best resource for any specific nutrition questions! As a large, working breed your GSD requires at least one hour of vigorous exercise each day. As a whole, German Shepherds love to swim, run, hike, and they could spend hours playing brain games. This is why they are so favored by law enforcement and the military. Black German Shepherds are no different. Like we mentioned earlier, the most important part of training entails early and frequent socialization to many different people, places, and things. If your puppy has never met a man in a hat, he may feel threatened by them later on. This could cause excessive barking, and even growling and aggression if a man with a hat comes over to your home. To avoid these problematic behaviors, make sure you use those puppy months to your advantage. Introduce your Black German Shepherd to the mailman, the neighborhood kids, the group of cyclists that bike by your house every morning. And when he responds appropriately, reward him with love and praise in the form of petting and toys or small treats. Negative training methods like punishment are proven to cause deeper behavioral issues. So sticking to positive, rewards based method is always best. Not only will it build trust and provide clear boundaries, it will make your Black German Shepherd puppy very happy! During this time, daily brushing may help the process along. But during the rest of the year, your Black German Shepherd should only require a good brushing once or twice a week. When it comes to keeping clean, try to spot clean dirt or mud, and only give your GSD a full bath every couple of months. Bathing him too much strips his skin and coat of their natural oils and dries them out. Ears should be checked at least once a week, more if your Black German Shepherd swims often. Because they stand erect on their heads, instead of flopping over like most dogs, the GSD ears tend to get dirtier than others. But no worries, you can simply wipe them clean with a damp cloth! And of course, because grooming can be stressful to some dogs, start gently brushing and bathing your puppy as soon as you bring him home. This will help your Black GSD grow accustomed to the process and accept it as a normal part of his life- instead of something to be feared. Heath Considerations: What to Know about the Black German Shepherd In addition to the Bloat that we mentioned in the feeding section, large dogs are also more prone to issues with their hips, elbows, and joints. This condition is caused by abnormal development and leads to pain and disability. It can usually be treated with medication, physical therapy, or surgery in extreme cases. All reputable breeders will have this information available. Osteoarthritis is also common in large breeds as they age. This condition causes the joints to deteriorate over time, leading to pain and disability as well. However, it can be managed successfully with medications and supplements. The best way to help your Black German Shepherd live a long and healthy life is to keep up with his annual vet visits. Preventative medications and vaccinations are an integral part of raising a happy, healthy pup! They are easy to train and will love you for life! With proper socialization and boundaries, the Black German Shepherd will become a loyal and obedient companion to the whole family. Of course, they also love a good brain teaser and will strive to solve any puzzle. One of the smartest breeds to exist, the German Shepherd is a favorite to many! So what do you think? Has he won your heart? As the second most popular breed in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club, German shepherds are highly recognizable. Yet, one of these dogs that stands out from the rest is the solid black German shepherd. Possibly, because their jet black, shiny coats make them almost seem magical. The AKC recognizes several colors and markings; one of the rarer being the solid black. However, there are breeders that aim to produce solid black dogs. Since a solid black puppy may be more difficult to find, the cost of a solid black puppy has the propensity to be more than a popular color. However, this is for high quality dogs bred by reputable breeders, free from health defects, that health test and title their dogs. In other words, the quality and lineage of the dog should be the deciding factor in the price. In order to produce a black German shepherd, both parents must carry recessive genes. To be born a black dog, means that the dog must have a black recessive gene from each parent. In other words, both genes from both parents have to be the black gene. Recessive genes are normal genes. They cause variation in traits, however, should not cause abnormal health problems, unless there is a problem with the genetics of one or both breeding dogs. A black puppy can be produced in one of three ways: 1. Both parents are black and carry the recessive black genes. Both parents of any color are carriers of the recessive black gene and pass it on. One parent is black and the other a carrier of the recessive black gene. Black German shepherds are herding, working dogs. They are social, smart, highly trainable, and very active. They need lots of exercise and socialization as with all working breeds. They make great working dogs as well as family pets-just like all the other colors and patterns. Some have soft, downy coats while others have denser, coarser fur-just like all German shepherds. They require the same grooming and shed a lot just as the rest of the breed. Their physical conformation comes from their genetics, not their color. As with all German shepherds, the breed standard for a black German shepherd should be males inches tall, pounds; females inches tall, pounds. They live years. German shepherds should appear strong, agile and muscular. They should be alert, curious, and lively. They have large chests and have smooth curves rather than harsh angles. They should be athletic, fit, and coordinated. They should be neither overly friendly nor overly aggressive. It is usually easy to tell the males from the females since the males are bigger, heavier, and look more masculine. Females tend to have a softer, more feminine, appearance. Black German shepherds look so exquisite they can stop traffic. Like all German shepherds, they are very loyal, protective, and make great companions. For some reason, some black dogs in the United States suffer a stigma possibly due to some ancient superstitions think of black cat crossing the road. Black dogs are often overlooked in shelters and at times, considered more aggressive by appearance alone. This is a total fallacy. Black dogs and specifically black German shepherds are not more aggressive than other dogs. Just like all German shepherds, they need a high-quality diet, lots of exercise, and plenty of love and attention. These include hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and back and joint problems. If their fur suddenly starts to turn white, a vet should rule out vitiligo, hypothyroidism, liver and kidney disease. We love black German shepherds and think they are beautiful dogs. If you love them too, please share with your family and friends. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. The black German shepherd is a rare and highly sought-after variety of the standard German shepherd dog breed. Although multiple color variations of GSD exist, black German shepherd puppies are one of the most popular thanks to their sleek, handsome coats. The pitch-black color that gives these dogs their magnificent appearance is the result of a naturally occurring recessive gene. This means black German shepherds have naturally existed for quite some time, but they are much rarer than their black and tan counterparts. When properly socialized from a young age, black German shepherds make wonderful companions and excellent guard dogs. These large doggos are best suited for experienced owners with large homes and fenced-in yards. If you are looking for a handsome companion that can double as a guard dog, the black German shepherd is a fantastic choice! Keep on reading to find out more about this rare variety and decide if it is the right canine for you. Black German shepherds are a color variation of the standard German shepherd dog. While they may look completely different, these dogs are the same breed, and the black variety is recognized in the official GSD standard. While purebred black German shepherd puppies can compete in dog shows, they are often overlooked in favor of the classic black and tan look. These dogs were later used by the military as messengers, sentries, guards, supply carriers, and rescuers. Black shepherds tend to be slightly larger than the average GSD, and most have a straighter back. When it comes to features, you can expect your black German shepherd puppy to have a clear-cut head, pointed ears, a long snout, almond-shaped brown eyes, and a black nose. Males are usually around 24 to 26 inches tall at the withers and weigh between 65 and 90 pounds. Female dogs are typically smaller and stand between 22 and 24 inches tall and weigh from 50 to 75 pounds. The average GSD can be black and tan, black, sable, grey, red and black, or even black and silver. In German shepherds, black coats are caused by a recessive gene. This means a puppy needs to inherit two copies of a recessive gene from both mom and dad in order to have a black coat. For example, if you mate two sable German shepherds that carry this recessive gene, a quarter of their puppies will have a black coat. However, if you breed a black German shepherd with a sable dog that carries the gene, roughly half of their litter will be black in color. Breeding two black German shepherds is the only guaranteed way to produce a litter of completely black puppies. Bear in mind that all German shepherd puppies change color as they grow. Coat Texture These pitch-black canines have a medium-to-long double coat. The coat can be either straight or wavy and will shed all year long and go through two blowouts — once in the spring and again in the fall. If you decide to welcome a black GSD into your home, be prepared to welcome lots of loose doggy hair as well! Since these doggos shed a lot, invest in a powerful pet hair vacuum cleaner and be prepared to vacuum every day to keep your home clean and tidy. Black German Shepherd Temperament And Character Black German shepherds are best known for their loyal, courageous, obedient, and watchful temperament. Thanks to their protective nature and working history, they make amazing guard dogs that will fiercely protect your family and your home. A properly trained and socialized black GSD puppy will get along well with people outside the family but remain a loyal guardian and protector. They are naturally wary of strangers, so early socialization and consistent training are a must! Although they are working dogs at heart, black GSD make wonderful companions and even get along with children and other pets when properly socialized. An anxious or stressed black shepherd will turn to destructive behavior to relieve their frustrations. As a result, your black German shepherd pup may decide to chew woodwork , destroy your home, or bark loudly. While they are not the best choice for first-time owners, black shepherds make fantastic family pets and companions when properly trained and socialized. Because they tend to get so attached to their people, these pups are better off in homes where someone is usually around to keep them company. Activity Level Highly energetic and agile, these handsome solid black pups need regular exercise to stay healthy and in good shape. Apart from at least two daily walks, your black German shepherd pup will also enjoy running, jogging, hiking, cycling, swimming, or any other activity that allows them to spend time with you. Caring For Black German Shepherd Puppy While they are not harder to care for than standard German shepherds, your black GSD still needs a lot of love, care, and affection to stay happy and thrive. It is crucial to design a consistent care routine for your pooch and keep track of regular veterinary check ups to detect any health problems early on. When creating a care routine for your GSD puppy, pay special attention to the following factors: Exercise The black German shepherd is a highly energetic dog that needs at least one hour of intense exercise every day. Enrolling your puppy in agility classes is a great way to keep them exercised and can be a fun and entertaining experience for them. Games such as fetch, flyball, Frisbee, tug-of-war, and hide and seek are also great options and will keep your pooch exercised and entertained. Intellectual Stimulation Black German shepherds are highly intelligent dogs that can easily become bored, frustrated, and destructive when not mentally stimulated. A bored or anxious black shepherd can cause serious damage to your home and belongings. Companionship Loyal and devoted to a fault, black GSD puppies make superb family dogs and companions. They form strong bonds with their people and are happiest when they can spend time and interact with their families. While they are large and intimidating at first, these pups are loving companions that crave affection and attention. Black German shepherd puppies need company and are best suited for homes where someone is around all day. Grooming The black German shepherd is a high-maintenance dog when it comes to grooming. If your pup has a medium-length coat, brush them two to three times a week to remove loose hair and keep their coat in pristine condition. Use a de-shedding tool to remove loose hair and minimize the shedding during spring and fall. To further reduce shedding, bathe your GSD with an anti-shed dog shampoo every two months or as necessary. You should also brush their teeth at least three times a week and trim their nails every other month. Diet An ideal diet for black German shepherds should be formulated for a large-sized dog with high energy. When choosing the best food for your pooch, make sure it contains higher levels of protein, a moderate amount of fat, and easily digestible complex carbohydrates. Keep in mind that black German shepherd puppies grow extremely quickly between the ages of four and seven months, which makes them susceptible to bone disorders. Feed your pup high-quality, low-calorie food to prevent them from growing too rapidly. Known Health Problems As a breed, German shepherds are considered generally healthy. Black GSD and all other German shepherds are prone to the same health problems, including: Hip Dysplasia: This is a hereditary condition that causes malformation of a hip joint. Affected dogs may or may not show clinical signs of this condition, but in most cases, dogs experience pain and lameness in one or both hind legs. Elbow Dysplasia: This is another hereditary condition commonly seen in large breeds. This condition is caused by varying growth rates of the three bones that make up the elbow, resulting in joint looseness. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus: Also known as bloat, GDV is a life-threatening condition that affects large, deep-chested dog breeds, particularly if they are fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink a lot of water after eating, or exercise just after a meal. Degenerative Myelopathy: This is a progressive disease of the spinal cord. This condition affects the part of the cord that gives information to the brain regarding the rear legs. Lifespan The black German shepherd has an average lifespan of around 9 to 13 years. With proper care and regular veterinary checkups, these pups can reach their senior years in good health. Training A Black German Shepherd Puppy Black German shepherd puppies are highly intelligent and obedient, which makes them very easy to train. These pups are fairly easy to housetrain, and they also learn obedience commands after just a few repetitions. Like all other dogs, black German shepherds thrive on reward-based training and a lot of praise. Positive reinforcement training techniques are highly effective for training puppies and adult dogs and are much more reliable than dominance training. Besides training, you should start socializing your black GSD puppy as soon as you bring them home. Since these pups are naturally aloof with strangers, early socialization is essential and will help your dog to become friendlier to other people. Try to expose your puppy to as many people, places, situations, animals, children, and sounds from a young age to help them grow into an outgoing dog. Properly trained and socialized black German shepherd pups make wonderful companions to people of all ages and families with children. Due to their large size and highly energetic nature, these dogs are best suited for large homes with spacious, fenced yards. While they can live outdoors, black shepherds should primarily be kept indoors so they can regularly interact with their people and stay close to them. In addition, because of their high social needs and potential to develop separation anxiety, they thrive in families where someone is at home often and able to keep them company. However, when compared to other varieties, black German shepherds are quite rare and hard to come by. Finding a reputable breeder might require a bit of research on your part, but all the extra effort will pay off in the long run. Since black German shepherds are rare and in demand, be mindful of puppy mills and unethical breeders who just want to make a quick buck. However, the exact price depends on a lot of factors, namely the breeder, supply and demand in your area, and pedigree and quality of both parent breeds. Black German shepherds make wonderful family pets and companions. Naturally loyal and devoted to their owners, they like to be close to their people and spend lots of time by their side. Plus, due to their protective nature, black German shepherds make excellent watchdogs and will always feel the urge to watch over you and your family. The black German shepherd is a rare and absolutely stunning color variation of a standard German shepherd dog. Loyal and protective of their owners, these dogs make fantastic family companions and can also serve as vigilant guard dogs. If you want to bring a black shepherd pup home, be prepared to: Exercise your pooch for at least one hour every day Start training and socialization from a young age Groom your dog at least three times a week Do you own a black German shepherd dog? What do you like the most about your pooch? Share your experience owning this gorgeous dog with us and our readers in the comment section below! Related Article:. However, the black German Shepherd is much less well-known. This coloration is extremely rare and not currently recognized by most major kennel clubs. But they have since grown significantly in popularity. Usually, German Shepherds have a single coat pattern — black and tan. However, fully black German Shepherds do exist. This is not due to crossbreeding; the gene for completely black coats is carried by purebred German Shepherds. It is much rarer than the usual coloration, though. They have the same build and grow to be the about same size as a purebred German Shepherd. Males usually weight between 65 to 90 pounds, while females are 50 to 75 pounds. These are considered medium-to-large dogs, so consider whether you have the space before adopting one. Their height is around inches. This is correct for both males and females. Black German Shepherds are completely black. Most German Shepherds have at least a little bit of black on them. However, German Shepherds have nothing but black. Their coat is generally the same besides for their different in coloration. Their double-coat helps them stay clean and warm. As working dogs, these canines are built to work, and it shows. This coat color is accepted by the AKC. It is also not the result of crossbreeding, as some misinformation may state. Instead, it is simply a rare color that very few German Shepherds end up with. It only showed up recently and is sometimes encouraged through selective breeding. While the gene for a solid black coat was once though to be recessive, many people now consider it to be dominant. These dogs always have dark-colored eyes. Blue eyes are extremely rare and usually a sign that a dog has other breeds in his pedigree, such as Huskies. Other than the color, the body of black German Shepherds looks just like his black and tan cousins. As in all German Shepherds, the ears are typically erect, though floppy ears in adult can be seen occasionally. History By , the generalized herding dogs of Europe had split themselves into a few different distinctive breeds, including the German Shepherd. During the s, there was an attempt to standardize dog breeds and promote traits that encouraged sheep herding, including speed, strength, endurance, and intelligence. However, varieties still existed from place to place. Slight breeding difference had led to slightly different shepherds. During the industrial revolution, the need for sheepdogs decreased along with the predator population. Luckily, by this point, people were already recognizing the intelligence and ability of the previous herding dogs. From this dog the breed standard grew. In just a few generations, the German Shepherd was one of the most populous in the world. Honrand fathered many puppies. Nearly all German Shepherds today are descended from him. There was quite a bit of inbreeding that occurred to produce the German Shepherd breed we know today. The Black German Shepherd has likely existed to some extent since the breed was produced. However, many dogs do not carry the completely black gene. Many completely black German Shepherds in the past were likely culled at birth due to the defect. Today, the gene is seeing a reoccurrence. Personality and Temperament The German Shepherd is often considered to be an aggressive dog. However, this is not completely true. They do have significant protective instincts, as they were originally bred to guard flocks of sheep. For instance, the German Shepherd has a bite force of over 1, newtons. But there are several dogs that rank around this as well, including the Rottweiler, Pit Bull, and Labrador Retriever. Most dogs at about this size are going to have a similar bite strength. German Shepherds are considered to be moderately active. They need just about as much exercise as dogs of a similar size. This breed is well-known for being heavily devoted to their people and easy to train. When trained properly, they will absolutely listen. However, they do have innate protective instincts. If you want to dog that is going to be protective of their family, this is a great choice. These canines do need extensive socialization starting at a young age, though. Otherwise, they can become a bit too protective of their family and territory. These canines are not the friendliest. They are people-oriented, but not with strangers. They tend to be quite unsure with strangers. At best, they usually ignore them completely. Other times, they may be obviously uncomfortable. German Shepherds have high prey drive. On the one hand that means that you can easily motivate them with a ball or tug toy. On the other hand, it requires a lot of supervision for owners that have small dogs or cats in addition to their shepherd. While your dog might not outright try to fight with a cat or smaller dog, he could even accidentally hurt them during play. They are extremely intelligent and devoted to their owners. Unlike some dog breeds, they will listen to their owners in most real-life situations. They can learn a variety of different commands very easily and will actually do them when asked. However, these dogs do need the training. Without it, they can be overly protective and even potentially dangerous. Their ease of training does make fulfilling this need quite easy, though. We do recommend puppy classes starting at a very young age. These classes provide the extra socialization that your dog needs, as well as allows you to jumpstart their training. We only recommend private classes for dogs that are too reactive around strangers and other dogs to thrive in a group class. Usually, only German Shepherds who were not properly socialized as puppies will fit into this category. If you adopt an older German Shepherd that seems in need of socialization, we recommend taking private classes with an experienced trainer. You can work your dog through some basic commands and then work on socializing them with safe people and dogs. The trainer should be able to help you in this regard. The German Shepherd is a more active breed, and completely black German Shepherds are not different. While there are more active dog breeds out there, these canines are best for those that are quite active. They need at least two medium-to-long walks per day. Puppies will likely need some extra play sessions as well. Health and Care German Shepherds are pretty healthy as far as purebred dogs come. However, they are prone to some health problems. Many of these are due to the inbreeding that occurred early in the breed, which made some previously rare traits more common. Black German Shepherds are not known to have any more health problems than their black-and-tan cousins. Their coat coloration is not associated with any particular health issues or anything of that sort. It is important to purchase these dogs from a qualified breeder, as they tend to perform plenty of health testing on any dog they plan on breeding. This helps them recognize health problems and pick only the healthiest dogs possible for producing litters. We do recommend purchasing a German Shepherd that was bred as a working dog — not one produced as a show dog. These two lines of dogs are somewhat distinct as they have been bred for two very different purposes. Show dogs tend to confirm to an extreme extent to the breed standard, which increase the amount of health problems they develop. On the other hand, working dogs were bred with practicality in mind. Many German Shepherds have hip and elbow dysplasia. This disease occurs when the ball and socket of the joint do not line up correctly, leading to excess wear-and-tear. Eventually, this cause arthritis-like symptoms, but at a much earlier age than arthritis typically shows up. Usually, this damage occurs during puppyhood when the dog is growing, but they may not show symptoms until a few years later. There are a few things pet owners can do to reduce the chance of hip and elbow dysplasia in their German Shepherd. Many of these dogs are also affected by degenerative spinal stenosis. However, this study had a notably small sample size, so it may not be entirely accurate. On a good note, German Shepherds are actually less likely to get ear infections than other dogs. Degenerative myelopathy occurs often enough in German Shepherds that they are likely predispositioned to it. This test is very expensive, so many breeders perform it on their dogs before breeding as well as on the puppies after they are born. Once the test is used regularly, it becomes very easy to remove it from the breed. Von Willebrand disease also occurs at a higher level in German Shepherds than in the normal dog population. It is likely that they are genetically predispositioned to it. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency occurs in German Shepherds as well. This condition is usually treated with medication and pancreatic supplements. It is most likely genetic, so health testing and keeping track of pedigrees is important to eliminating it in the breed. Medium-coated dogs will only need brush two to three times a week. Long coats will need combed through at least once a day to prevent mats. Because of their double coat, dogs of all coat types will shed profusely. Do not adopt a black German Shepherd unless you can deal with a lot of extra hair. Even if you brush your dog daily, they will still shed everywhere. Usually, this occurs in the spring and fall, but it can depend on your local climate. Shedding is also tied to hormones — not just the weather. There is little you can do to reduce the overall amount of shedding your dog does. However, anti-shedding shampoos and a high-quality diet can help. It is usually not too difficult to find a normal German Shepherd breeder somewhere near you. However, not all breeders produce black dogs. Most will also be significantly more expensive than a black-and-tan German Shepherd due to their rarity. Many people want a black German Shepherd, which means that you often have to be prepared to pay a bit extra. However, this is still much cheaper than you might expect for a large dog. As a common breed, they are usually cheaper than most. It may be tempting to cut corners and purchase a cheaper puppy. However, this is not recommended, especially when it comes to German Shepherds. These puppies need socialized from the moment they are born. Often, breeders put in this time and effort. We highly recommend only purchasing puppies form very experienced breeders. Otherwise, you may end up with an unsocialized puppy and a troublesome temperament. You should always ask about the pedigree of the parents, as well as the health testing the breeder has done. Ask to see the parents if at all possible. Sometimes, the father will be located somewhere else, so only the mother will be at the breeder. In this case, it is usually fine to just see the mother. You can tell a lot about a breeder form how they keep the mother and the puppies, so be absolutely sure to ask to see their living conditions. The parents should be AKC registered, so you should ask for registration. But AKC registration does not mean that the dog is high-quality. Every German Shepherd can be registered — even those with no health testing. Preferably, you should have owned at least one dog before. It is recommended that you have some experience with more active dogs, as well. These dogs are quite active and tend to be high-energy. Without the appropriate amount of exercise, they can easily become destructive. In fact, most of the destructive behavior associated with a German Shepherd is due to a lack of stimulation. German Shepherds require extensive training as well, so it is best if they have a handler that has previously trained dogs. They will take up a few hours a day as puppies and require as much as an hour or two of exercise alone. Many of these canines are more expensive than their black-and-tan counterparts. However, they have won the hearts of many pet owners. It will often take you a little bit before you locate a completely black puppy, so be prepared to sit on a few waiting lists. Despite their unusual colorations, these dogs are very similar to all other German Shepherds. They have the same temperament and work great as guard dogs. You have to prepare to train and socialize them properly. They require quite a bit more work than other breeds, but it is absolutely worth it in the end. We recommend these dogs for serious dog owners who have previously owned dogs. German Shepherds are not for the casual dog owner. They need someone who can commit to their training and activity needs. Author: Kristin Kristin was born in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and children. She is passionate about educating pet parents and helping them make the best possible decisions for their pets. She currently owns one dog, two cats, a lizard, and a variety of fish. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. 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