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These desirable qualities are a result of meticulous breeding practices and superior genetics. Ritterhund K9s are specifically bred for stability and soundness. Our German Shepherds exemplify the values of Obedience, Protection, and Service, making them exceptional ambassadors. While they possess strength, endurance, and speed, they are also affectionate and devoted family companions. These are the dogs you can rely on to safeguard your home and watch over your loved ones when you're away. German Shepherds view their family as their "pack" and are instinctively protective. They can cuddle with your toddler and accompany your child to the school bus, but should any threat arise, their strength and fierceness will manifest as an unstoppable force. When you become part of the Ritterhund Family, you become a lifelong member. We take great pride in our breeding program and are committed to surpassing expectations for both our K9s and customers. If you are fortunate enough to own a German Shepherd with these genetics, then you understand the difference in these K9s. Bomber is an absolute legend in the K9 Community. These puppies will be large, have high and medium drives, and be steady-tempered. We put countless hours into raising them with the proper foundation they need. Structural balance and harmony that you will only find in this genetic combination we have in this breeding. We are very selective in the homes in which our puppies are placed. A family who is educated on the breed, lives an active lifestyle, and who are willing and able to put the time and effort into properly raising their puppy. We are located near the Central Coast of California. We hand deliver our puppies to their new owners if within reasonable driving distance for no charge. Air in-cabin flight nanny and Ground transport are available for an additional charge for customers located out of the surrounding areas or state. We highly recommend placing a deposit early as our puppies do go quickly. Please download the puppy application or contact us via email or text for details. Contact Us for litters and reservations for litters. The success of Vom Banach K9 dogs out in the world, and the happiness of Vom Banach K9 owners, is due in part to the effort we make to ensure that you have the absolute right puppy for your situation, whatever it is. We literally spend hundreds of hours with our puppies from the moment they are born in our home until the time they are ready to leave for their new home with you. Whether you seek a devoted family pet, or a prospect for SAR, detection, Shutzhund, Police K9, competitive obedience and agility, or nose work, we will help select the right puppy for you. An important part of the process is speaking to you to learn about you and the dog that will best meet your needs and expectations. In advance of that conversation, please fill out the form below and click on Submit when completed. Thanks very much. Vom Banach K9 German Shepherd puppies are happy, healthy, well-socialized and confident. Our German Shepherd puppies are known for their loyalty, affection, eagerness to please, work ethic, and rich dark black sable, sable, and solid black coats. Shipping by air is fast, safe, convenient, and cost-effective. We use only airlines that have demonstrated a solemn commitment to animal travel over the last 26 years. Vom Banach K9 uses only certified airline-approved crates. For information on our current litters please Contact Us. Your browser does not support the video tag. Purebred German Shepherd Puppies For Sale We're to help make your puppy experience comfortable Hayes Haus is a nationally-recognized breeder of family-first working line German Shepherd puppies. Because we strictly favor temperament rather than appearance, the Hayes Haus breeding standard guarantees consistently excellent German Shepherd family dogs for Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and beyond! Have you heard about our "Quickstart" trained puppy program? Or if you want to see our currently available list, just select that option. We truly are enjoying her. Thanks again for all of your help over the last couple of years. Black Coat Puppies Black seems like a common German Shepherd color, but it's not as popular as you may think! Solid black German Shepherds can easily be confused with actually often confused with bicolor or black and tan dogs from a distance, which contributes to the belief that black is most common. In fact, amongst the four official coat colors of the GSDs sable, bicolor, black and tan, and straight black , pure black puppies are the least common you'll find! This is true because the black color gene is the least dominant recessive of the four color genes. If you want to buy an all black German Shepherd puppy from Hayes Haus, you may have to wait a bit. We rarely have solid black German Shepherd puppies for sale. The Sable coat color in German Shepherds is the most dominant gene. More dominant than GSDs of other colors because sable will show even if there is only one sable allele. Many of the pups that become available at Hayes Haus are sable in color and we often have a mix of light sable and dark sable puppies. Click here to request info about current sable German Shepherd puppies for sale at Hayes Haus. Most litters we have are sable or bicolor puppies, but from time to time we also offer all black as well as black and tan puppies. Joining our personalized litter updates list is highly recommended because it will give you the best puppy searching experience possible. You'll receive alerts when a new litter is born if the litter has puppies matching the preferences you select. You're also able to select the time-frame for when you prefer to receive updates. This way, no spam, just puppies! So if you're looking to buy a German Shepherd puppy in Connecticut and are having trouble finding CT based breeder, we're only a short drive away. We primarily host visits on weekends to make it easy for you to drive up from Connecticut with your family to visit the puppies and meet our team. West Newbury is just a few minutes South of the New Hampshire line. In fact, many of our puppy owners are from towns along the NH border. Here is Axle, he is amazing.They are inseparable! When you take your puppy home, it will be: Up to date on all required shots Free of worms and parasites Our future health guarantee is unmatched in the dog breeding industry: Protected against genetic health issues that affect working ability for one full year Hips guaranteed against severe hip dysplasia for two full years Hips guaranteed against severe hip dysplasia for three full years if fed a raw diet of Life's Abundance food What's Included With Your GSD Puppy? The picture of puppies in the bathtub is a past litter of German Shepherd puppies from Robin Blue. They are all adults now and all have happy loving homes and awesome families they live with. I have been a German Shepherd breeder since .I have all colors black and tan, black and silver, black and red, bi-color, black, white, black and tan brindle, sable brindle, silver sable, tan sable, fawn, blue, liver, and red sable of German Shepherd puppies. I have German Shepherd puppies for sale as pets that are wonderful, loving, family protectors. I also have full working line German Shepherd puppies for sale that would do well in a working job, SCH, agility, therapy dog, search and rescue, or as a very energetic family member. They are all sweethearts. Feel free to call or email. I always enjoy meeting and talking to people that are interested in German Shepherd dogs, as I am. Thanks for your interest in my puppies. If you are interested in having one of my puppies be one of your new family members you will have to call me on the telephone and talk to me about the puppy. I love all my puppies and just try to match them up to the right homes. If you are interested in one of my puppies please call me at home or my cell is .I will return your call. If you have any questions about any of my puppies you are welcome to email me too. My email address is whitefamily semo. I only have one email address. So if you are interested in any of my puppies I look forward to talking to you on the phone. I am proud of all my puppies and their parents and always enjoy talking about them all.

This cross breed is the result of breeding between a Belgian Malinois and a German Shepherd. Although Malinois X is perhaps the most common way to refer to these dogs, you can also call them German Malinois and Shepinois. Alternatively, you could refer to them as a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix. Both of the parent breeds are recognised as intelligent and energetic dogs that require lots of mental and physical stimulation. In fact, German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois are two of the most popular breeds with the army, police and other services. In this article, we will take a look at the pros and cons of the Malinois X. Belgian Malinois are ranked 26th in the same book. Hence why many German Shepherds are used as protection dogs or security dogs, just like Belgian Malinois. This is also true of a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd cross. They are always ready. Yes, Belgian Malinois like to exercise but it goes deeper than that. The American Malinois Club write that these dogs excel at obedience, tracking, agility, flyball, herding, showing, Schutzhund and other protection sports, search and rescue, police work, and just about anything else a dog can do. So you might need to think outside the box when it comes to exercising your Malinois X. They develop a positive bond with their owner. While you may think of loyalty as a protective aspect, it can also be relevant when it comes to a Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix listening to commands. Jacali jacalidog explains further: They are loyal. She is always by my side and always has an eye on me. However, just like most intelligent dog, this can result in stubbornness at times. Malinois X have been known to push boundaries set by their owner. Jacali jacalidog has some advice for dog owners on this subject: They can be stubborn. With an intelligent dog comes a potentially stubborn dog. They know how to push your buttons and can try to outsmart you. By reinforcing obedience training, you can minimize and eliminate these behaviors. However, the extent of their energy knows no limits. So always make sure your dog has an outlet to direct their energy. A tired dog is a happy dog. Not your average pet Where the Belgian Malinois is concerned, these are not your typical pet dogs. They demand and need commitment from their human companion to have a happy life. Aggression When you hear Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd, the general stereotype is that these are two aggressive dog breeds. However, these dogs should have the ability to know when agressision is required. Read what Jacali jacalidog recommends for Malinois X owners on the issue of aggression: These dogs, being bred for work, are typically hard-headed and tend to be more alpha. You must understand this behavior, and be firm with them. If not kept in check, the dog can get into trouble and may get into fight with other dogs. Always try to be calm but firm and set clear boundaries. Check out our full interview with Jacali here. Buying from backyard breeders and puppy mills is highly discouraged. On the other hand, when adopting a Malinois X, keep in mind that these dogs may exhibit difficulty or misbehavior. You can browse through their website and check out their currently available dogs. They have been breeding dogs for 18 years now. All their German Shepherds come from working backgrounds, so rest assured that their dogs are fantastic protection canines! Keystone Puppies — Keystone Puppies is a platform where breeders can put their puppies up for adoption. Visit their website to find Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix puppies. If you need more options, consider going through our guide on the best German Shepherd breeders and the best Belgian Malinois breeders. Some breeders on these lists also raise and sell Malinois X mixes! On the flip side, if you fancy adoption, below are some rescues where you might find German Malinois puppies for adoption: American Belgian Malinois Rescue — The American Belgian Malinois Rescue is dedicated to rehoming purebred and mixed Belgian Malinois. They are based in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Check out their website right now, as they have available German Shepherd Malinois mix puppies all the time. Make sure you visit their webpage to know their adoption days and hours and contact information. Malinois X mixes are frequently found in this rescue, so keep an eye out! German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — This non-profit organization aims to save neglected purebred and mixed German Shepherds. In addition to these, look at our guide on the best German Shepherd rescues. For sure, many pet lovers will help you find the Malinois X of your dreams! There will be upsides and downsides to any pet, just like with the German Shepherd Malinois mixes. In this section, we will take a look at the pros and cons of owning a Malinois X. Hopefully, this will help you decide whether or not this hybrid dog is for you. Here are some advantages of owning a German Malinois: Highly intelligent: Thanks to its German Shepherd parent, the German Malinois is a bright, highly trainable dog. That is, of course, if you have already established yourself as a leader to them. Great guardian dogs: The Malinois X come from parent breeds that were originally trained as guards and herding dogs. Thus, the German Malinois mix has a reliable guard dog instinct! This is an excellent dog for busy people! On the other hand, owning a Malinois X is not all rainbows and sunshine. There are also some things that may be deal-breakers for you. Here are some disadvantages of owning a German Malinois: Can be aggressive: The German Malinois may show aggression against strangers or smaller animals. Socialize them early and put them through obedience training to minimize this tendency. It could often be difficult to trace the origin of each individual German Malinois. Frequent shedders: While they are relatively easy to maintain, German Malinois are still shedders. They are not suitable for people with allergies as they tend to shed moderately. Whether or not the pros outweigh the cons depends entirely on your lifestyle and preferences. That said, it is important to consider the aforementioned points carefully before getting a Malinois X. Lifespan Sociability Like any dog, the cost for these pups can vary depending on the breeder and the pedigree of the puppy. Although this is not one of the most common hybrid dogs, there is always a chance that you will be able to provide a wonderful home for a dog in need. This is especially so in the case of any German Shepherd hybrid since they have been bred to be some of the most trainable, obedient dogs known today. The German Malinois can be trained much earlier in life than most other dog breeds. The German Malinois is a cross of two incredible obedient, level-headed dogs. It is because of these traits that their astounding intelligence manifests much earlier. Training can start with these pups much earlier than is typical. They have often completed house training as young as three months old. Many new owners appreciate this aspect of the breed when it comes to purchasing a new puppy. Both the German Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois are experienced police dogs. German Shepherds were first developed in the s by the Germans. They were bred with several different breeds to try and obtain the most trainable dog at that time. The result was successful, and the German Shepherd still stands out today as one of the most trainable dog breeds. Their temperament was another significant facet of their breeding. The goal was to have a level-headed dog that was obedient and protective. Since the beginning, their breeding may have changed their bone structure and stature slightly, but they still act similarly to the way that they were initially bred. They have become the second most popular dog breed in the U. The Belgian Malinois was bred at approximately the same time as the German Shepherd. The Belgian Malinois has a slightly more confusing timeline because their breed was first recognized as the Belgian Shepherd. Then, the breed was steadily split into three separate dog breeds, with the Belgian Malinois having a short coat and fawn coloring. Both dogs, especially since being imported to America, have been actively and consistently used in the police force. They have the perfect temperament for reliability, a balance of aggressiveness and obedience, and medium to large stature. The German Malinois has a high prey drive. Since both of the dogs involved in the parenting of the German Malinois were bred to be herding dogs, the German Malinois has the drive in their DNA. Watch out for their urge to herd beings smaller than themselves. It is a behavior that you can train out if they are primarily a family dog. If you have any cats, small mammals, or other smaller dogs, make sure the German Malinois is trained, so they know how to behave around these other animals. Unlike small puppies, most would not describe them as energetic dogs because they are also quite serious and controlled. To be content in their living situation, they must have plenty of space to run around in. Beyond their activity levels, they are highly intelligent dogs. Both the Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd are incredibly smart, with the latter being ranked for intelligence right after the Poodle and the Border Collie. These pups have a strong desire to please their master or trainer, which is a large part of their acknowledged obedience. Occasionally, they exhibit more difficult tendencies in training, such as stubbornness or overexcitement. However, this is relatively rare and may signify a change in training style is needed. The German Malinois can be aloof toward new animals and humans. Their protective instinct is sometimes too strong for them to have the capacity to accept anything into their trust readily. This feature makes them an excellent guard dog and watchdog. Watch out for any unwanted aggressive behavior, particularly between two male dogs. Are These Dogs Good for Families? The reason for this is their heightened prey drive from years of being a herding dog. The German Shepherd side of them is generally good with kids, whereas the Belgian Malinois often is not as friendly, especially if they are pushed or pulled around. Keep a close eye on them around little kids. Due to their overall attitude concerning new animals and humans, it is best to get them accustomed to strangers by having them visit your home or go to the dog park. This will teach them how to act around others appropriately. Although these dogs are quite reserved, they are also social creatures. For the best behavior, it is good to adopt two at once, or at least another pup with these dogs. They need 3—4 cups of food each day. They should have a balanced diet to make sure that they are receiving plenty of nutrients and calories to sustain them. Instead, feed them two or three meals a day. Stick to feeding them during your mealtimes. They can snack a bit in the middle of the day. Make sure that they receive plenty of calcium each day to offset these issues for as long as possible. They need at least 45 minutes of highly engaging activity each day but prefer to receive a mixed amount of exercise for minutes every day. Keeping this in mind, German Malinois are not good dogs to keep in an apartment unless they can go out with you for most of the day. Paired with their high level of intelligence, they pick things up quickly and happily, with few repetitions. They have a high desire to please their trainer, especially if the trainer has positively established dominance. Training is an excellent time to do two things at once, such as working a training session into an agility course. They are quick, with fast reactions and a quicker mind. Either way, they do shed frequently and even more so during changes in the seasons, particularly into spring and autumn. They need to be brushed daily to reduce the amount of hair getting everywhere. Avoid bathing these dogs too often, as the water strips them from natural essential oils produced by their skin. To avoid dental issues, brush their teeth every day. Since the German Shepherd is known to have many spinal and joint issues, it is best to verify. Minor Conditions. It is a cross between the German Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. She has the intelligence and loyalty of a Belgian Malinois. She already knows how to sit and lie down, and can walk off the leash. Piper is one of the greatest dogs we have owned. She gets a long with our cats and my young nieces. This is definitely a breed that needs to be brought up with children in order for them to have a good temperament with them. She is loyal and very protective, yet sociable once warmed up to people. She will remain petite, which she got from her dad, the Malinois. She is currently 35lbs and will mature no more than 10 more pounds. She has a double coat and medium-long hair, no shedding though. Still has her puppy hair, especially behind her ears. She loves the water and the snow, and has a very willing temperament. This is a great mix to own as they are a low maintenance and easy keeper. The only problem with her right now is she had a breakout of mange on her muzzle which the vet said is normal and is treatable. It is common to appear on pups around 6 months in age. This is a picture of her under my desk at work. His dad is a German Shepherd and his mom is a Belgian Malinois. We've never had a Mal before but we have had a GSD. He loves everyone. He's wary of new people. He loves our .Our GSD was my momma's boy. Rhemy can't pick a favorite! It's really sweet that he loves my husband as much as me! Tracked himself home on a walk at 3 months old! In the first picture I sent he was about 4 months old, in this picture he is now 4 years old!! Super smart and a real lover boy. Look at that beautiful face!! He came from a breeder in Cream Ridge, NJ. She said he was a "breeder mistake," but we think he is just perfect!! He is a real clown and loves to lounge on this blanket. He is 4 months old in this picture and is a real face washer!! She has exceptional intelligence. She understands sit, lie down, shake, speak and high-five by both verbal command and hand signals. We're still working on several other commands, of which 'stay' seems to be the hardest. At .She must constantly have something to chew on , otherwise she will shred anything within reach in record time, so rawhide chewbones are a necessity. She also replaced my broken paper shredder. Her herding instincts are very strong and will chase anything that moves, including a leaf blowing across the yard, butterflies, birds, etc. She has a variety of toys, but prefers the stuffed animal ones that squeak or make noise. She loves to play tug-of-war with her toys, be chased and chase you. Her love of water and mud puddles is exceptional and if you have a walk-in shower, don't leave the door open with the water running! She amuses herself by playing with her toys when left alone, but if someone is around, she has to be with them. When she needs to go out, she will find someone and lick their hand kisses until they take her out, otherwise she will lick and nip at your toes and heels to get you moving. She's very alert and will bark and growl at anything unfamiliar as long as she is standing behind your legs. Her worst fault is that if she is out in the open, she does not want to come when you call her. She wants you to come after her and just as you get within reach, she bolts off like a jackrabbit, and there's no catching her. We've learned the best way to get her attention is to ignore her and walk off like we're leaving her. The other fault is her constant attempts to get your attention to play with her, especially if you're trying to get ready for work. She waits until you get one leg into your jeans and then grabs the other, making you hop around on one leg trying to get the other pants leg back. As you pull on a sock, she either grabs the end and pulls it off, or she takes off with the other one so you'll have to chase her down. After you've gone through this same scenario with the shoes, she then follows you around pulling the laces to untie them or pulls back the Velcro straps. Her antics are limitless as is her energy level. They share aspects of their temperament, working style, and physical characteristics. You can think of them as one dog for all intents and purposes. Belgian Shepherd vs. They both possess similar drives and instincts on an instinctual level, but how they express them can vary greatly. For example, the German Shepherd is more prone to being territorial and protective of their family and property. Appearance: The Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is a beautiful dog that has a lot of characteristics of both the Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd. They can weigh anywhere from 40 to 80 pounds and have a height of 22 to 26 inches. They have a long, silky coat that can be black, tan, or red and black. They are also known as Belgian Shepherds. Life Span: Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes can live for anywhere from 10 to 15 years on average, depending on their genetics and any health problems that they may develop. Training And Exercise Requirements: As with any dog, training and exercise are key to a happy, well-adjusted Belgian malinois german shepherd mix. Because of their high energy levels and intelligence, these dogs need a lot of both. Daily walks or runs, plenty of interactive playtimes, and structured obedience training are essential. Without enough exercise and mental stimulation, they may become destructive or hyperactive. They will need moderate exercise, between 30 and 60 minutes per day. This could include walks, runs, or playing in the yard. Without enough exercise, they may become destructive or hyperactive. Working dogs, these energetic breeds need jobs to do. Owners of Belgian malinois german shepherd mix often use their dogs for competitive obedience or herding. If a family is spending a lot of time in the yard or at home doing chores. At the same time, the dog is left alone in the backyard, looking into other good breeds with kids but not quite so high energy! The Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is a beautiful dog that makes an excellent family pet when given the proper training and exercise. These dogs can be a wonderful addition to any family with the right home. Grooming Requirements: For a dog with a dense double coat, the Belgian malinois german shepherd mix sheds fairly little. Weekly brushing is usually enough to keep their coat in good condition. They need occasional bathing and ear cleaning, as well as nail trimmings every few weeks or so. The Belgian malinois german shepherd mix has a dense double layer coat that requires some grooming attention! Daily brushing is required at a minimum. The nails must be trimmed about every weeks for proper foot care, and a professional groomer should give the dog a bath every few months. Ear cleaning is also necessary every weeks to keep those long ears healthy! Health Problems: As with most purebred dogs, common health concerns for the Belgian malinois german shepherd mix include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye disease such as distichiasis where eyelashes grow inwards towards the cornea or entropion where eyelids roll inwards. They are also prone to diseases that affect similar breeds like epilepsy and urinary stones. However, because these dogs are so intelligent and learn commands quickly, they can often be easy to train and manage when it comes to basic health care. As mentioned above, Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes are often used as working dogs. As such, they may be more prone to health problems that develop due to their frequent activity and high-energy lifestyle e. As well as this, make sure your dog gets plenty of regular check-ups and exercise throughout his life to help prevent these conditions from developing in the first place! Living Conditions: The Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is a hearty breed that can adapt to most living conditions. However, they prefer moderately active families who will take them on plenty of walks and runs. They are not suited for apartment living and should have a large yard to run. These dogs are fairly active and do best in homes where someone is around most of the time. If left alone for extended periods, they may become destructive or hyperactive. However, some generalizations can be made about the temperament of this crossbreed. Belgian Malinois mixes are often high-energy dogs who love to play and need plenty of exercise. They are also very intelligent and eager to please their owners, making them relatively easy to train. On the other hand, they can also be quite independent and strong-willed, so it is important to start training early and be consistent to ensure good behavior. In general, Belgian Malinois mixes are good-natured and affectionate with their family. Still, they may not hesitate to defend themselves in case of a threat. They can also be somewhat protective around strangers or other animals, so socialization is important when they are still young. Since both breeds are highly energetic and very intelligent, Belgian Malinois Shepherd mixes need physical exercise every day. It is also important for them not to get bored; it is recommended that you give them plenty of mental stimulation and their physical activities. This can be done through obedience training, puzzle toys, and plenty of interactive playtimes. However, shelter dogs are also often available for adoption; they may be even cheaper if you can find one in your area! Also, bear in mind that some breeders or shelters may not allow you to adopt or purchase a dog under certain age limits e. Nutrition Requirements: Belgian Malinois and German shepherd mixes are active dogs that require a balanced diet that is rich in protein. Dogs of this breed mix should have a diet of at least 25 percent protein. This can be found in both plant and animal-based proteins. Some good sources of plant-based proteins include beans, lentils, peas, and quinoa. Good sources of animal-based proteins include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. In addition to protein, Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd mix also need plenty of carbohydrates. Complex carbs such as whole grains are best for these dogs. Vitamins And Minerals: Vitamins and minerals form an important part of a healthy diet for these dog breeds. Vitamin-rich foods include meats, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth, while potassium helps with heart function. Magnesium aids in blood circulation and energy production, while iron supports red blood cell health. Zinc assists with growth and wound healing, while copper supports the proper production of red blood cells. Other Dietary Requirements: In addition to a balanced diet containing plenty of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, the Belgian Malinois and German shepherd mix also needs clean water as well as quality exercise to remain fit and healthy. An inadequate diet can lead to health problems such as allergies, brittle bones, digestive issues including diarrhea or constipation, dental problems like plaque buildup or gum disease, eye problems that include cataracts or glaucoma, obesity-related diseases such as diabetes mellitus or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency EPI , heart conditions including dyspnea shallow breathing or cardiomyopathy weakening of the heart muscles , neurological problems such as epilepsy or seizures, respiratory issues including pneumonia or kennel cough, skin conditions like mange or yeast infections, urinary issues including cystitis inflammation of the bladder and stones in the urethra to name a few. Socialization: Belgian Malinois German shepherd mix is a great breed for those who want to have a working dog. They are very active and need a lot of exercises. They also require good socialization. Proper socialization will help your dog be well-adjusted and friendly with other people and animals. It is important to begin socializing your Belgian Malinois German shepherd mix puppy as soon as possible. Start by introducing him to many different people, dogs, and places. Expose him to a variety of sights, sounds, and smells. Be sure to keep interactions positive and rewarding. Puppy class is a great place to start socializing with your pup. If you have an older Belgian Malinois German shepherd mix, it is never too late to socialize him. Just be sure to take it slowly and always keep things positive. You may want to consider enrolling him in a training class or taking him for walks in different areas. Potential of Belgian malinois german shepherd mix as a family pet: Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is a potential family pet because of its friendly nature and intelligence. They can learn commands quickly and respond well to positive reinforcement. These dogs also have high energy levels and like to be active, so they need plenty of exercises. Suppose you are looking for a companion that will keep you active. In that case, a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix may be the perfect pet for you. When considering whether or not to adopt a Belgian Malinois german shepherd mix, it is important to remember that they can be quite destructive if left alone for long periods. They may chew on furniture or other belongings if they become bored. Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes also require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and free of mats. However, as a general rule, these dogs are very active and high-energy. They require a lot of exercise and plenty of stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved. Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes are also very intelligent and trainable dogs. They are often used as working dogs in various fields, such as law enforcement, search and rescue, and military operations. With the right training and plenty of exercises, Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes can make great family pets. As with all mixes, this is not set in stone and can be somewhat different depending on which traits are more dominant in each individual dog. The Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is a very smart and highly trainable dog. They are built for high-energy performance activities, thus their temperament is also driven to achieve much. This makes them a strong candidate as working dogs because of their strength at such a young age, but it can also be their biggest downfall. Working with your dog from an early age will teach ideal behaviors that you desire from them, whether they are obedient or perform work-related tasks. Families with small children or elderly members should carefully consider whether a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is the right pet for them. Pros of having Belgian malinois german shepherd mix: 1. They are highly intelligent and can be easily trained. They are very loyal and protective of their family and home. They are active and need plenty of exercises, making them great companions for outdoor activities. They have a high energy level and are always ready for a good game or a walk. They are good with children and make great family pets. Cons of having Belgian malinois german shepherd mix: 1. They require a lot of attention and training, so they may not be the best choice for those who work long hours or cannot spend enough time with their pet. They can be quite territorial and bark or growl at strangers or other animals. They need a lot of exercise and can be quite destructive if not given enough activity. They are not always suitable for households with small children due to their large size and active nature. They can be quite expensive to purchase and maintain. So, whether you are thinking about getting a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix as a pet or are just curious about what they are like, these are some of the things you should know. They make wonderful companions and are sure to provide many hours of enjoyment for their families. Still, they do require a lot of care and commitment. If you think you can meet these needs and provide a loving home for a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix, then they may be the perfect pet for you. The most common colors for this mix are yellow, black, tan, and red. This is a relatively new breed of dog; it was developed in the late s by crossing German Shepherds with Belgian sheepdogs. These dogs were originally bred to herd cattle and pull carts filled with milk, which they could do very efficiently due to their superior instincts towards herding and working with humans. Belgian malinois german shepherd mix dogs have a high rate of intelligence. They are quite easy to train, making them prized by many dog owners. Belgian malinois german shepherd mix dogs often become very attached to their families and protective of them, which can cause problems if someone is attempting to harm the family in any way. These breeds require a great deal of attention from their human companions. However, they can still be left alone for short periods every day so long as they receive enough training and exercise to keep them happy during their time by themselves. Although this breed does enjoy playing with other animals, it is recommended that even well-mannered Belgian malinois german shepherd mix dogs not be allowed to mix with other animals. At the same time, they are still puppies, as this can lead to fighting and injury. Despite their working heritage, these dogs are comfortable in almost any kind of environment; they do very well in hot or cold climates both indoors and out and enjoy spending time alone or hanging around with the rest of the family. Belgian malinois german shepherd mix-breed dogs have a high prey drive and should not be left unsupervised around smaller pets that might look like prey, such as rabbits, hamsters, mice, guinea pigs, etc. While training is important for every dog breed, it is especially important for Belgian malinois german shepherd mix puppies so that you can ensure they develop good habits and understand their place in the family hierarchy. This is a great breed but does require a lot of attention and training. With the right preparation, you and your Belgian malinois german shepherd mix can live happily together for many years to come! Final Thoughts: Overall, Belgian malinois german shepherd mixes are great pets. They are intelligent, active, and loyal, and they make wonderful companions for people of all ages. However, they do require a lot of attention and training, so be sure you are prepared to commit to taking care of one before bringing one home. They can be quite expensive to purchase and maintain, but the benefits of having one definitely outweigh the costs. If you think a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix is right for you, then go ahead and adopt one today! FAQs: Is a Belgian malinois german shepherd mix the right pet for you? However, remember that these dogs can be quite large and powerful, so make sure you have enough space for them and that everyone in your household is prepared to handle training and exercise them properly. Are German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois a good mix? The Malinois X hybrid canine, being the result of breeding a Belgian Malinois with German Shepherd Dogs, has made this loyal dog one that will fit into any lifestyle. Post navigation. We chose the Shepinois name for it's simplicity. But they are truly the best of both breeds. They typically have the physical characteristics of the Malinois, they tend to be flat coated with a fawn or mahogany coloring with a a dark overlay. The weight for a female is typically pounds and a male is pds. They have the extreme good health and orthopedics of the malinois as well. They have the athleticism of the Malinois, but not the extreme drive. They are good natured and have the general disposition of a German shepherd. They tend to be a little more level headed like the German shepherd. They are not as overly active as the malinois and they are much easier to live with as a house pet. They make for an excellent family dog and companion, but also a great protection dog or competition dog. They are a loyal and devoted companion. They are good with children; they do well with other animals. They are very affectionate and love to be the center of attention. They thrive in a family environment and are very protective of their home and family. They love to travel and be a part of any activity that involves their family. They are very quick to pick up anything and tend to train at the level of a malinois. They are more like the malinois in their training ability and pick up any type of training very quickly. They also have the tenacity of the malinois and can work for long periods of time without becoming winded. They need daily exercise not only to stay healthy, but to burn off energy. The Shepinois needs exercise daily, not just once a week. The Shepinois is quick to alert you of any strangers or visitors making them excellent, loyal Protection dog. We feel that the overall genetics behind both breeds in very important to making sure this cross turns out the best of both breeds, although the malinois breed does not tend to have hip and elbow problems, we still do the hip and elbow certification on all of our dogs and by doing so we hope to continue to produce the best quality of both breeds as well as this new cross. At Camelot Shepherds we believe in orthopedic soundness, solid nerve and overall temperament. We want your family companion to live a long and healthy life and to bring you many years of love and dedication. Here are some pictures of the previous Shepinois puppies: About.

Take the Quiz As the puppies get bigger and stronger, they need to be regularly checked by a vet to make sure they are developing well and to administer the necessary shots, de-wormers, anti-parasite treatment and microchipping. Health screenings like echocardiograms also need to be performed to ensure the pups are as healthy as possible when they join their new owners. Needless to say, these examinations also come at a considerable cost. Popularity of Frenchies The second reason that explains the high prices of Frenchies is the increasing demand for them. People simply love them for their unique personality and looks, but such popularity has its downsides as well. A high demand not only means higher prices, but it also attracts people with false intentions who will take any opportunity to get rich. More about that in the next section! Now that you know why Frenchies are so expensive, you probably wonder why you can still see some considerably cheaper offers on the internet, starting from a couple of hundred dollars up to couple of thousands. They know all the tricks to look real: they use photos and videos of puppies from other breeders and they write fake reviews about themselves. Ultimate Guide First name Email Unfortunately, we hear stories from adopters about having been scammed on a regular basis. What makes us even sadder is that some of these scammers are using our brand, name and photos to rip people off! You may think that could never happen to you, but one can never be too careful. Part of our mission is to fight against scammers and educate adopters about how they can recognize false intentions, so please read our article on how to avoid French Bulldog scams. Puppy farms If you think that scammers are horrible, wait until we tell you about puppy farms or puppy mills run by unethical breeders, also known as backyard breeders. They are the ones who saw the increasing demand for French Bulldogs as an opportunity to make money by breeding and selling these pups merely for the profit. For them, profit always comes first. They keep the poor babies in tiny places where they are not even able to learn how to run! In fact, unethical Frenchie breeders are the reasons why the breed gained a reputation for being unhealthy. A breeder like that is extremely selective about the breeding parents; they know the bloodlines for generations and exclude any Frenchie that shows any possibility of carrying a health issue. They always give you a Health Guarantee with their puppies and take responsibility if something goes wrong. An unethical breeder will do none of these things! So, now you see that you might save money at first by choosing a cheap French Bulldog, but later on you will leave a fortune at the vet, not to mention the stress both you and the puppy will go through! Always buy from a reputable breeder! In the previous sections, we tried to present all the dangers that you might face when adopting cheap French Bulldogs. Always ask yourself and the breeder these before reserving a Frenchie puppy! How does the breeder keep the puppies? Ask them about how and where the pups spend their days. How do they talk about the pups? If a breeder talks about their Frenchies like products, they most probably treat them and think of them as products! Are they ready to show you the pup via video call? This is a crucial question. You should always be able to see a Frenchie on a video call before reserving them. Breeding Frenchies requires special methods and practices from breeders, like artificial insemination and C-section. The steep rise of their popularity also made French Bulldog prices to increase in recent years. What is the problem with ads of surprisingly cheap Frenchies? Always be suspicious of scammers and unethical breeders. How to avoid online scams and puppy farms? You can avoid online scams and puppy farms by doing a thorough research. Always ask plenty of questions and expect satisfying answers only! The article is based on the expert knowledge of the TomKings Puppies team who have been breeding French Bulldogs for 10 years on their farm. All the pictures in the post belong to them and their customers, and show puppies from their breed. Check their available French Bulldog puppies , or if you have any questions or comments let us know below the article. Look no further! Browse our website and embark on the exciting journey of finding your perfect furry friend. Our platform connects you with a wide range of affordable French bulldog puppies, each one waiting to become your loyal and loving companion. With our dedication to affordable prices and reputable breeders, you can find the perfect Frenchie for your budget and create a lifetime of memories together. Unveiling the History of French Bulldog Puppies The history of French bulldog puppies is a captivating tale that dates back to the s. Originally bred in England as companion dogs, these adorable canines quickly gained popularity across Europe. French bulldogs eventually made their way to the United States, captivating the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. At Cheappuppiesforsale. Understanding the Temperament and Health of French Bulldogs Frenchies are known for their unique temperament and distinctive personalities. These affectionate and sociable dogs make fantastic companions for individuals and families alike. They are known to be friendly, playful, and adaptable, making them a great fit for various lifestyles. How much do frenchies cost About Daisy Hi there! My name is Daisy. I have just met you, and I love you. My current family has raised me to be the most amazing, little puppy you will ever meet. I love to play, take naps, and give kisses. I am a great puppy and will come home to you up to date on my vaccinations and vet checks. I am in search for stuffed animals and toys; will you help me find them? I love to play with everyone. Will you be my new family? Sex: Female.

They've been raised in a loving environment, and both parents are healthy and well cared for. We want to ensure they go to the best homes possible, where they will continue to receive the love and care they deserve. Serious inquiries only please email: xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx. Our puppies are Holysticly Breed natural process. We cook their foods, they do meditation with us, we use ultraviolet lamp, ultra sound bar. We work from home me and my wife so we spend a lot of time with them. Age- 5 month. Rest amount after delivery. View Detail French bulldog Cute french bulldog puppies 10 wks old 2 set of puppy shots dewormed utd mom is a tan merle fluffy Carrier 26lbs. Dad is dark brindle very short Compact 22lbs. Furbabies are right for there forever home obo black pup obo merles pup All akc registered View Detail Blue Female French bulldog Blue female French bulldog puppy. I have all papers and breeding rights. They are 6 weeks, AKC Registered, 1st set of shots with full breeding rights. View Detail French Bulldog Puppies Hello, I have three super cute french bulldogs who are looking for their forever home. They are brindle, fawn, and cream all three are male. Mother is a blue fawn father is a Pied. Insemination and c section took place at register vet. Only litter. Very rare Very rare make long haired French bulldog Beautiful 2 month old puppy. Very sweet and smart. A lot of things change in a month. She is 3 years old. Pet only. Whitney is a rescue pup with a huge personality! She is amazing with kids and other dogs. Arizona only!!! Brindle colored eyes. All Quad carriers, all carry the I intense gene and 1 copy of D. Still awaiting future DNA results. These puppies goes along with everyone and kids. They need to be in a home of time and care.Very interested inquiries or these French Bulldog puppies. .Please read well below to contact or text easily. This male carries atat,Bb,Dd and no brindle. Will be ready for his new home May .Will come up to date on shots and deworming and will come with a health cert. Both sire and dam are very short and cobby. This little male is very high quality. 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. Using Uptown to find French Bulldogs for sale in Tucson is incredibly easy. It really is as simple as searching for a French Bulldog Tucson, finding a puppy, connecting with the breeder, and making arrangements to pick up your puppy. We want to make it as easy as possible to find your new dream puppy, so start here today! What are French Bulldogs like to have as pets? French Bulldogs make wonderful pets. They are small dogs, as you probably know already, and they are lots of fun. They are companion dogs, which means they love spending time with their owners. Why are French Bulldogs more expensive than other dogs? Tucson French Bulldog breeders need a lot of skill to breed these little pups properly. Due to their narrow hips, Frenchies find it hard to reproduce naturally, so artificial insemination is used. Also, pups need to be delivered via C-section. This extra skill and work required for French Bulldog breeders in Tucson all adds to the price. Even so, you should also take your pup to the vet when it arrives to verify its health condition. Will I be able to collect my puppy in person? If you cannot find Tucson French Bulldog puppies for sale, the breeder will be able to make travel arrangements. They are highly experienced in this, so you can pick up your pup at your nearest major airport. But if you find French Bulldog puppies for sale Tucson locally, you can discuss the best way to pick up your puppy with the breeder. Will I find the cheapest puppies in the Uptown Network? We do not specialize in helping people find the cheapest French Bulldog puppies for sale in Tucson. Instead, we have built a network of the top breeders and businesses in the country, those with excellent records and ethical breeding practices. Will a walk a day be enough exercise for my dog? All dogs need some exercise every day. Your Frenchie will want a walk, so keep this in mind when you get a French Bulldog for sale in Tucson. You might want to take them out for a few short walks, and they will probably have some spare energy to use at home, so make sure you enjoy some playtime with them each day. What sort of food should I feed my dog? Even within different breeds, each dog is an individual. Start by asking your vet what they recommend, and you could also check out some reviews. Then simply find out what your dog prefers! Will a French Bulldog make a good pet for a senior citizen? One of the reasons Tucson French Bulldogs for sale are popular is because they make such great pets for seniors. They are companion dogs who like cuddling up with their owners, so find a French Bulldog for sale Tucson today. How easy will it be to train my new Frenchie puppy? Frenchies are quite easy to train, which is another reason French Bulldogs for sale Tucson are popular. They love to please, and they tend to pick up new commands quickly. Your dog may be a bit stubborn, but just be patient and give them lots of praise and you should have no problem when it comes to training them.

Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Oklahoma Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Oklahoma? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Oklahoma? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Oklahoma City: .It is a large-sized gun dog used in retrieving shot waterfowl during hunting and shooting parties. Discover more about our Golden Retriever puppies for sale below! Breed History The Golden Retriever is believed to have originated from the Russian tracker dog which has now gone into extinction. It has its origin from Scotland, United Kingdom and originally bred in Scotland in the midth century. As of then, wildfowl hunting was a quite popular sport amongst the Scottish elite. The retriever breeds as of then were inadequate in retrieving the games from both land and water and as a result, the best water spaniels as at then were crossed with existing retrievers which is how the Golden Retriever came to being. Temperament The Golden Retriever is best described as a kind, friendly and confident which is why it makes a really good family pet. It also has an eagerness to always please its family. In addition, it is a very active and fun-loving animal with a well-mannered temperament. Environment This breed is well suited to rural environments and homes that have yards, it can also easily adapt to a cold environment because it possesses a lot of hair. Although it loves the outdoor life, it still remains a family dog that requires regular family interaction. The Golden Retriever can do well both indoor and outdoor if it is properly trained and stimulated. Exercise A Golden Retriever requires exercise at least twice a day in order to avoid boredom and hence destructiveness. Golden Retrievers in a working field will require more exercise than non-working Retrievers but on average, the Golden Retriever should be exercised for at least one hour twice a day. Grooming This breed requires regular baths and grooming, in order to prevent ear infection, it needs its ears cleaned regularly. With frequent grooming, the amount of hair shed by the Golden Retriever is minimized. However, excess shedding in the Golden Retriever is an indication of an underlying health issue. Our Golden Retriever puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Contact us today to learn more about the availability of our Golden Retriever puppies for sale. We look forward to helping you find your next family member. Our pet counselors can answer any questions you have about our Golden Retriever puppies. A healthy male Golden Retriever weighs between 65 to 75 pounds while growing up to 23 to 24 inches tall. A female weighs between 55 to 65pounds and can grow up to .How long does it take a Golden Retriever to reach its full size? For Golden Retrievers, full physical maturity takes one to two years. Once this is attained, its bones become fully grown and can perform the same amount of physical exercise as an adult dog. Do Golden Retrievers smell? Golden Retrievers often smell bad because of its thick water-resistant coat. You can, however, maintain its cleanliness to control its bad odor. How can you keep a Golden Retriever healthy? There are several ways to keep this dog healthy few of which are high-quality food, providing it with plenty of clean and freshwater, developing a good feeding schedule, etc. How many times a day should a Golden Retriever be fed? The required food for a Golden Retriever is dependent on its age, activity level, size and built. Vets recommend about 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food per day for two meals. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? This dog is a sporting breed and therefore requires a whole lot of exercise when fully grown, high-intensity exercise is very beneficial to it. Is it alright to get a Golden Retriever in a hot climate? The Golden Retriever can thrive well in hot climates; all it requires is a shaded and aerated area with lots of water. However, it should not be allowed to exercise too much in the heat. What age can a Golden Retriever Puppy be brought home? A puppy Retriever should not be taken from its mother earlier than when it is 8 weeks old. This is because up until that age, it gets important socialization and learns important skills from its mother and siblings. Should a Golden Retriever be left indoors or outdoors? A Golden Retriever naturally wants to be with its family, if its family is indoor, you will find it right there with them. Does a Golden Retriever bark a lot? The Golden Retriever is not one to bark a lot except in cases of boredom or mental stimulation. If you need a reliable, intelligent, friendly and trustworthy dog, the Golden Retriever is a great choice.

Country Life June 21, This picture could only be improved if the puppies were using their paws to cover ears, eyes and mouth respectively.But, well, you can't have everything. Credit: Alamy If you're after a labrador — aka 'the world's favourite dog' — you'll need to take some expert advice. It is one of the most versatile breeds, capable of working in search and rescue, as a guide dog, in medical detection, as a sniffer or assistance dog and in the theatre of war. Labrador tips from the experts Go to a specialist breeder, so that you can see the different generations of a breeding line. Make temperament, not sex, your overriding factor when choosing. As soon as your puppy wakes up, take it outside. When introducing the labrador to a lead, walk it with an older dog. A yellow Labrador puppy. Possible labrador problems to look out for Canine hip dysplasia is a genetic disease, causing the abnormal development of the hip socket, resulting in pain and lameness. Listen for a popping sound when the dog walks, and look for reluctance to use stairs, as well as sensitivity when you touch the hindquarters. Labradors can also be prone to retinal dysplasia, an inherited condition that affects labradors used for field work, and results in their developing blind spots. Generally, the dog can work around this by changing head position. Reputable breeders will be able to show certification that the dog has no eye conditions, which you should ask to see when buying a dog. Head and skull: Skull broad with defined stop; clean-cut without fleshy cheeks. Jaws of medium length, powerful not snippy. Nose wide, nostrils well developed. Eyes: Medium size, expressing intelligence; brown or hazel. Ears: Not large or heavy, hanging close to head and set rather far back. Mouth: Jaws and teeth strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite. Coat: Distinctive feature, short dense without wave or feathering, giving fairly hard feel to the touch; weather-resistant undercoat. No need to scroll down: we can confirm that the Golden Retriever is indeed on the list below. Credit: Alamy Which is the more popular spaniel, the springer or the cocker? Shooting Times's David Tomlinson weighs up the pros and Close up of dog. Credit: Getty Images With a silken coat, affectionate nature and boundless enthusiasm for life, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel lives up to its Credit: Getty As the dog world prepares for Crufts , we take a look at the breed of dog which has been A sprocker spaniel Picture: Alamy Whether you own labradors, springers, cockers or a mix of all three, debate over which gundog is best has raged Related. Your breeder should be concerned with breeding healthy dogs, rather than focused primarily on selling them. Visit a potential breeder and observe his interactions with his dogs; they should be friendly and relaxed. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Look for breeders who are registered with national organizations such as the American Kennel Club [3] X Research source or with breed-specific organizations such as the National Labrador Retriever Club. Ask the breeder why these two particular dogs were bred. If they have had other litters, ask for references from people who bought those puppies. If you want a gun dog, don't choose a breeder who primarily raises cuddly pets or award-winning show dogs. These breeders will be able to assess puppies more accurately for the qualities you're seeking. Look for quantifiable measures. For example, select breeders with litters from parents who have hunt test or field trial scores if you want a puppy who will grow into a good hunting dog. These are organizations that work to find homes for Labradors who need a good home. While these organizations often have many adult and even senior dogs who need homes, they also place puppies. Charities or non-profits may offer Labrador puppies for auction as a means of raising funds. Because these auctions are often conducted without appropriate legal oversight and because they encourage rash decisions about pet ownership, they are opposed by groups such as the National Labrador Retriever Club. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. That sweet ball of fluff who will be your walking buddy, later snuggling up on the couch together. After all, your pup will probably be with you for a dozen years or more. So he has to be a great fit. It should never be a hasty decision. But it should also be FUN! That brings us to the question: how to choose the perfect puppy? Read on! You picture fun romps in the field, playing frisbee, and showing little Max off to all of your friends. But before getting a puppy, there are so many practical things to review in deciding whether to even get a puppy. My first dog as an adult was a shih tzu named Cuddles. My husband and I had discussed getting a dog for a while. We both worked and knew that the pup would take up a lot of time. Not to mention the expenses associated with a dog. But I saw the little gold and white week-old ball of fluff and was smitten. Luckily, I had a family member who could take her out to potty and exercise her during the day. In choosing your new pup, the following considerations are important. Are You Active or a Couch Potato? Can You Afford a Puppy? A puppy is more than the initial purchase. That can be a drop in the bucket compared with the lifetime costs of owning a dog. There are bills for: food and treats; chews; vets; crates ; beds; collars, harnesses, and leashes; training classes; dog walkers; dog daycare; pet insurance; enzymatic cleaners ; grooming—and more. These can really add up. You may decide not to get pet health insurance and not need pet walkers or doggie daycare, but expenses can really add up over the years. Do You Have Children? Children and pets can be a great match. You want to make sure that you choose the right canine. A toy breed may not be the right choice for a toddler. A tiny dog may inadvertently be injured by such a young child. We raised puppies for years before we had kids so we had a good idea of expectations for our puppy. If you have very young kids a rambunctious Lab may not be the right choice. Do You Have Other Pets? You need to take into consideration any other pets you have. If you have a senior dog, for example, a young puppy may not be a great choice. Are you gone too many hours to take care of a puppy? A friend of mine who works hour days decided not to get a puppy. The pup would have been alone too long. A puppy needs attention and potty breaks. Of course we need to work. You may be able to have someone come in and exercise, feed, and potty the pup. And give him attention during the day. As I discussed, you may need help with the new puppy. If you have reliable relatives or friends who can regularly help out, it can make getting a puppy much more realistic. Or you can hire pet sitters or walkers to help out. If you live in small quarters, a large, rambunctious breed may not be best. As young puppies, goldens can be wild, even inside. Of course, with a sufficient amount of mental stimulation and physical exercise, you can make it work. After Dalmations came out, everyone wanted one. Dalmations are high-drive, independent dogs. I was called to work with a family who got a Dalmation puppy that was wrecking their house. The minute walk the pup was getting was just a warm-up for the dog. We set up an exercise and training program for the puppy and the family was able to keep him. Do your research. The American Kennel Club lists purebred dogs and their needs and health profiles. Before choosing a certain breed, consider the following. Large or Small? You should have an idea what size dog you want. Conversely, if you want a frisbee or jogging partner, a chihuahua would be a bad choice. Why Do You Want a Dog? This may seem like a silly question. Most people want a dog for companionship. But you may have additional things in mind. You may want a jogging partner. Or a dog to do therapy work with. Or to show in obedience. Grooming Needs Would you love spending time every day brushing and combing a dog? Exercise Needs As you know, some breeds need a lot of exercise. We also do obedience training and she plays with puzzle toys. Lifespan Of course we want our pups to live forever. But some breeds generally live longer than others. Generally, larger—especially giant breeds—have shorter lives than their smaller counterparts. Friendliness or Independence Of course within any breed and litter you can have a wide array of personalities. But there are certain breed characteristics that can help guide your choice of which breed you want. I have dogs at both ends of the spectrum. My golden retriever Riley loves everyone and would do great in any setting. But my Lhasa apso Ralphie—true to breed—is more discriminating when making friends. So Riley would be great with well-behaved children and would love to be hugged by them. Health Problems Any dog can have unforeseeable health problems. But some breeds are likely to have more health problems than others. For example, bulldogs, pekingese, and pugs are among the breeds that are more likely to have breathing problems and overheat. Breed Types Of course there are many breeds and mixes to choose from. If you get your dog from a breeder, consider what lines your puppy comes from. If from working lines, the dog will likely be more intense than if from show lines. All of the below classes of dogs can make great companions in the right setting. Herding dogs were bred to herd, of course. Popular examples are border collies, Australian shepherds, and Shetland sheepdogs. Generally, they require more exercise than some breeds like toy breeds. And they may become destructive if left to their own devices. Also, some bark excessively and may not be good in an apartment setting. Sporting dogs were bred to hunt. They have a lot of energy and need regular, invigorating exercise. Popular examples are golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, and cocker spaniels. Just like other working-type dogs, hounds have almost limitless energy. So attention to you may be an issue. Also, some bay when excited. Popular examples are beagles, dachshunds, and greyhounds. Dogs from the working group are alert, intelligent, strong, and bred to work with people to perform various tasks. Some were bred to guard property, to pull sleds, or to perform water rescue. Some popular examples are Doberman pinschers, huskies, and rottweilers. They require not only exercise and precise training so that their natural instincts are kept in check. Terriers are feisty and energetic and vary greatly in size. They were bred to hunt and kill vermin, So a squirrel they see on their walk will be very alluring to them—and, without training, they may almost pull you off your feet trying to get to it. Some popular examples are Parson Russell terriers, Staffordshire terriers, or West Highland whirte terriers. Pit bulls which is a generic name for many types of terriers are also in this group. Toy breeds were generally bred as amiable companions. They may make great lap dogs and have big personalities despite their small stature. Shih tzus, Maltese, Yorkshire terriers, and chihuahuas are some very popular examples. Nonsporting group dogs are a catch-all group with various sizes and personalities. Some popular examples are bulldogs, French bulldogs, bichon frise. There are so many options. You may want a certain breed. So a breeder or rescue of that breed should meet your needs. Just make sure that the breeder is a good one. Good breeders do so to improve their breed. Bad ones care only about making money. They do any necessary health certifications. They put a lot of time into their litters socializing them to new experiences and people. Good breeders are invested in their litters and will help you choose the right puppy for you. They stand behind their dogs for life and will readily answer your questions and take the dog back if you need to give him up. You can get referrals to such breeders through breed clubs, dog clubs, and resources such as the American Kennel Club. A reputable, good breeder also will have questions for you regarding your family, work, home, activity level, and reason why you want a dog or their breed. The pups will also have been checked by a veterinarian and been given the appropriate vaccinations for their age. There are also breed rescues that rehome dogs of their chosen breed. However, they rarely have puppies. Shelters and rescue groups can also be great places to get a puppy. Many use foster homes, where a puppy or litter of puppies are located. Foster parents get to know the puppies and can help determine whether any particular puppy is a good fit for you. Many rescue groups try to place a puppy in the best home possible. When I adopted my Aussie mix puppy Mille, the rescue group would adopt her out only to people who had experience with herding breeds. Many shelters are first come-first served. In order to place as many dogs as possible, they will adopt out a puppy to the first person who wants him—barring any obvious reason not to. How to Choose a Puppy from a Litter There are many tests that can be given to determine whether a puppy is a good fit. This assumes you have a litter to choose from. There is a range of temperaments and personalities in each litter, No puppy may perfectly meet every test below. But look at the big picture. So, in addition to your own observations, you can bring a friend along to have another opinion about the litter. Or you could hire a trainer to help you choose. Overall, as a companion, a middle-of-the-road dog usually works out best. Also, a reputable breeder or good rescue group or shelter who knows the puppy can help guide you in making your decision. See the Mother and Littermates If you can, watch the puppy and his littermates and mother interact. The puppy you choose should be able to take a proper correction and back off then re-engage. The breeder should have the mother available. Check Out the Puppy The puppy should look healthy and alert, not lethargic. Inspect his coat and skin. He should be well-fed with a little fat around his rib cage. The pup should run and walk normally, without a limp. A puppy should engage with people and be curious, not slink away or cower. A scared puppy will probably be more difficult to socialize and train. Will he follow you if you walk away? Clap your hands and make a kiss sound. Will he come towards you or run for the hills? Hold Puppy on His Back Hold him on his back for about 30 seconds. Ideally, he should briefly struggle and relax. When I had two sheltie puppies to choose from and one fought constantly when held and the other struggled briefly, then settled, I chose the latter. I had already gotten another dog from this great breeder. I wanted a dog who was a companion but who I also wanted to show in competitive obedience. My choice turned out to be the right one. Duffy was a great dog to live with and became a nationally-ranked obedience dog. He also did agility for fun and was a therapy dog who visited a hospital on a weekly basis. Hold the puppy and touch and gently open his mouth. Look in and gently rub his ears. .Gently touch each paw, even putting slight pressure on them. The puppy should be comfortable with these activities. He may slightly struggle. But a puppy who really fights against such touching, even to the point of mouthing or growling may turn out to be difficult to groom, handle, and pet. Pet the dog calmly from head to toe. He should enjoy it and relax. Pick the Puppies Up If you hold each puppy around the middle, ideally he would be relaxed and not struggle. Also, cradle the puppy up against you. Ideally, he should relax and like the attention. He may startle at first but should rebound and even go and check out what made the noise. Social Dominance Fall to the ground at least a few feet away from the puppy. He should want to come over and see what happened. Even if you like the look of a certain puppy, he may not be the right puppy for you. Consider the above factors as well as the following when choosing a puppy. The dogs live in rabbit-type hutches or dark barns. They receive no proper socialization, vet care, or human contact. There are also small back-yard breeders which, essentially, are puppy mills on a smaller scale. The mothers are bred at each heat and have horrible lives. Dogs sold in pet shops and through the internet usually come from them. Of course, do your own research because no one will admit they are a puppy mill. But two puppies may bond too much with each other. And to train, socialize, and exercise each puppy requires a lot of time, energy, and money. The dogs in shows have been highly trained and specially selected for their jobs. Then pick a great breeder, rescue, or shelter. Final Thoughts Getting a new puppy is such an exciting time! Do you have a puppy? How did you decide to choose him? Please let us know in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. I had wanted a female red lab, none were available. A trainer near me was getting a second dog from a renowned breeder in Ireland and she asked if he had a puppy for diabetic service dog work. Both her pup and my pup flew over from Ireland together. A pup with a desire to work, a willingness to please, and a calm demeaner. I received a cute ball of fluff, a male yellow lab pup with red ears and red highlights. A good breeder is able to match you with a dog that will meet your needs, give them all the information you can. I never met the breeder, but my pup arrived at 10 weeks old already already on his way to being well socialized, exposed to sounds, not nervous, liked the vacuum, fireworks are not a problem, loves the motorcycle sounds, handled all sorts of traffic noise at 3 months. We started his public training at 3 months old and he handled it like a champ. I had to buy a motorcycle with a sidecar as he always wanted to go out when the bikes were started up, so at 9 months he was in the sidecar with Rex Specs goggles. Did I mention he loves to travel and meet me people, when his tail wags which is all the time his whole body wags. Selecting Your Labrador Retriever Puppy Selecting your puppy Try to restrain your emotions when you are selecting our pup. Remember that the breeder has been with the pup from day 1 to selection day at 5 weeks. At Pawlinglabs, we will ask you to forward a list of the characteristics that your are hoping for, prior to selection. When you come to select, we will ask you to observe the litter before entering and handling the pups. Labrador pups are very cute and cuddly, but when it comes time to select the right one for you there is plenty to consider. Carefully observe Labrador Retriever puppies before buying them, ensuring that the pup you select looks healthy and is to breed standard. There are some basic points to note about Labrador Retriever standards. The coat of a Labrador is their most distinctive feature. Labs have two coats, the water resistant undercoat which is unseen, and the top coat which is dense, straight and short. There is might be a slight wave in their coat, however the coat should feel rough to the touch. Labrador puppies come in three different coat colors: yellow light cream to red fox , chocolate liver and black. There must not be any other colours in the coat. Labs have a broad skull and a well defined stop. Their head is quite large but the features on the head, such as the ears, look proportioned. The ears of a Labrador should be set far back from the face. The inside skin of the ears should be a pale pink and soft without any scabs or discoloration. There shouldn't be any odour coming from them. The eyes of a Lab pup are round, either deep brown or hazel with black rims. The eyes should be friendly and express intelligence. The Labrador Retriever has a wide black and well developed nose with distinguished nostrils. The nose should be clean and without discharge. Be aware that a wet nose is not an indication that the Lab is healthy, nor does a dry nose indicate he is unwell. The teeth should be set square to the jaws with the top teeth slightly overlapping the bottom. Labrador puppies have fewer teeth than adults and they will lose their baby teeth as their adult teeth grow in. Labs have a well developed and strong chest. It has good depth and width. Their barreled ribs are well sprung and their back is level. Their loins are wide and strong. The skin of a Lab should be without scabs or bumps. It is normal for Labrador puppies to have extra skin at the back of their neck; this is how their mother picks them up. The skin color of a lab is usually pale pink but it can also be brown or even spotted. The tail of a Labrador is thick at the base and tapers towards the tip. The tail is a moderate length and has no feathering. It is as smooth like the rest of the coat with a rounded appearance. The tails is even with the back or slightly upwards. It should never be carried over the back or hang down. Labrador have long and sloping shoulders that connect to the strong front legs. The hind legs are developed well and have a turned stifle. Both the front and hind legs should be straight. The feet of Labrador pups are compact and perfectly round. Their toes are arched and pads well developed. Feet should be straight, not turned inwards or outwards. The gait of a Labrador should be carefree. Labs take long strides and walk straight. Observe your puppies as he walk. Make sure it is not favoring any leg or paw. This can be a sign of a current or future health issue. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. I am new to this forum so should introduce myself. As you can imagine its left an uneasy quietness to the house so we are looking for her successor In our home its my wife, myself and our 8 yr old daughter and 6 yr old son. He says he breeds only for good disposition only as any good breeder should and our quick meeting with parents it looked to be accurate. The dad was in a large outdoor kennel and looked to be very friendly. She did a quick snarl when we first got near which I have to give a pass as i'm sure she's just being protective, right? After the breeder told her its OK she calmed right down. Anyways, there are 4 females that we get first pick of when we go back. Of course training and exercise play a huge role in this so that we'll have covered. Does it still hold true that when you are looking at the liter to see which ones come to you and let you hold them on their back and settle after a short period to determine good nature rather than overly squirmy? Such a big decision i just wanted to make sure we do this right. We were so spoiled with our last pup its hard to compare! Tweet on Twitter Buying your first dog can be a life changing decision. Choosing the right dog will help to ensure that your life changes in a good way. There are some wise precautions you might like to consider before viewing any litter of Labrador puppies. Or choosing which one to bring home with you. Buying a Puppy from a Friend It is often tempting to buy a puppy in an opportunistic moment of enthusiasm. Perhaps because you happen to hear of a friend who has a litter that will be ready to go to their new homes soon. Or a neighbour who has a gorgeous litter of puppies that you fall in love with when you pop over to admire. But the puppy that lives just around the corner, and the puppy that is going to bring you years of pleasure, may be two very different things. It is a really good idea to put your sensible hat on at times like these, and to approach the whole business of selecting your puppy in business-like way. The first decision to make is to choose what type of Labrador you wish to end up with. Which characteristics are most important to you, and will help him to fit into your family best. Choosing a Working or Show dog? Those bred for work, and those bred for the show ring. The working bred dog is generally very responsive and easy to train. But he may also fall short of what you expect in appearance. If you are hoping to get involved in gundog fieldwork, or agility at some point it is important to purchase a field or working bred labrador. Of course choosing a dog is so much more than just weighing up the pros and cons. There are now a number of hereditary diseases in labradors that can be tested for. Routine testing under these schemes is gradually growing in popularity for a number of conditions. These include hip dysplasia, elbow displasia, and a number of inherited eye diseases. However, there are still many puppies available for sale in the UK whose parents have not been tested, or that have been tested and fall below the necessary standard for breeding. Amazingly, in the UK, the Kennel Club will still register puppies from parents that have poor hip scores. Hopefully this will change in the future. You will need to read up on these to make sure you understand what you are looking for. Finding the right dog breeder Knowing where to look for a breeder is not easy. Labrador breeders come in all shapes and forms. At their best breeders are dedicated experts on their breed, who produce a few litters each year of top quality puppies for their own kennels show or field and sell any surplus to quality pet homes. At their worst, breeders are simply puppy farmers who churn out litter after litter with no thought to the health and welfare of either the puppies or their mother. Telling the difference is not always straightforward. In some cases these may be excellent puppies, in other cases they will not. The key to a good litter is a quality female dog with excellent health clearances, put to a compatible quality dog with equally excellent health clearances, and given quality care throughout pregnancy and beyond. The female dog must have a purpose beyond producing puppies, whether that is as show dog, working dog or highly treasured family pet. On the whole, this is more likely to be achieved by an experienced breeder. The Kennel Club in the UK run an accredited breeders scheme, and members agree to meet certain minimum standards. However, there are many excellent breeders who are not members of this scheme so do not dismiss a breeder on these grounds alone. The scheme is not perfect yet, and its standards are not necessarily enforced, as the KC prefers a voluntary approach. If you are inexperienced it is very important that you get some help in finding a breeder. Choosing one from a newspaper advert or from the internet when you know nothing of the source can be a risky decision. If you want to buy a pup from top working parents, then you may find the pups are all spoken for very quickly, long before they are eight weeks old. It can be disheartening to phone advert after advert only to find all the pups are gone. It pays to plan ahead. If you do some research, locate a really nice female dog, and book one of her pups before they are born, you may find the whole process a lot smoother. You may also be able to enjoy visiting and photographing the puppies whilst they are growing. Check the ancestry of the dog If you are buying a Labrador for gundog work, or agility, make sure the parents of the litter you want to view are from working stock, look for a few FTCH and FTW field trial champion and field trial winner in the pedigree. If you are hoping for success in the show ring, you should be looking for CH and SH CH title SH CH is show champion, CH is a show champion with a working certificate which is not a demanding or difficult test of working abilities. Viewing the puppies Some puppies will be raised in the home with the family. This can be ideal, as the pup will have been accustomed to people and the hustle and bustle of family life from the very beginning. Be aware though that not everyone who has a litter of puppies knows what they are doing. Look at how the pups are handled and how clean their quarters are. The pups should smell nice, and look bright and healthy. The litter may have been whelped and raised in kennels. This is also perfectly acceptable provide the breeder has accounted for this. An experienced breeder will have made sure that the pups have had plenty of human contact regardless of where they are living. Again look at the surroundings. A responsible breeder will run a clean and tidy kennels. Always see a puppy with its mother. If possible see the father too. The parents should be friendly and relaxed. The mother may not look her best seven or eight weeks after giving birth, but she should look healthy. Again, if you doubt your ability to make a judgement on a puppy or his parents, take an experienced person with you. Dog or female dog? Until fairly recently male dogs were more popular than female dogs. Fashions come and go, and at the moment, female dogs seem to be in favour. You will hear various claims as to the differences in temperament between them, but most of these contradict each other and it really is a matter of personal taste. The main disadvantage of a female dog is that she will come into season twice a year each year from the age of months until the end of her life. This can be inconvenient. Having your female dog spayed will prevent her coming into season, but the procedure is a major and expensive operation, and recent research has shown a few problems associated with spaying that you will want to consider before making your choice. Because female dogs are currently fashionable, you will probably pay more for a female dog, but as the price of a puppy is such a tiny fraction of what you will spend on her over her lifetime this is probably the least relevant factor. The appearance of a male dog may be more pleasing to some. Males tend to develop a squarer, more chunky head which some owners prefer. The average male will also grow a little taller and weigh a little more than a female. These differences are however fairly minor ones. If you are not sure whether you want a dog or female dog, keep an open mind. At least you will have a wider choice of puppies. Which puppy? If you have booked a puppy in advance from a reputable breeder, there may be little or no choice as to which puppy you have. It is not unusual to find that all puppies due in popular kennels have been booked before birth. If you are keen to buy a dog with plenty of red ink on the pedigree, you may need to do some research and book the pup as soon as the female dog has been mated. If you do get the chance to choose your puppy out of several in a litter, how should you go about it? Puppy Health Having made sure that the parents of the puppy you are viewing have good health clearances is a good start. You still need to make sure your puppy is healthy. A thorough check up by your own vet soon after you get him home will help put your mind at rest. But how can you be sure the puppy you are viewing is not sickly even before you bring him home? Some puppies may be more lethargic than others when you visit, but this may be a reflection of how hard they have been playing before you arrived, rather than how healthy they are. A good breeder will not try and sell an unhealthy puppy and if relevant, will point out any minor defects to you. Puppies are sometimes born with slightly misaligned jaws for example, which may not matter to someone who has no intention of breeding from the puppy or working him, but such a defect should not be concealed from the buyer. Umbilical hernias are not uncommon and can be troublesome. When you go to view a litter of pups it is really important to take someone with experience with you. This is especially important if the breeder is unknown to you and does not come recommended by anyone. Arrange to visit your vet within a day or two of bringing the pup home, and try not to form an attachment until he has been given a clean bill of health. If you have any doubts about the health of the puppy or the litter in general, ask for time to think. This dog will be with you for the next 12 years or more. You will become deeply attached to him or her and serious health problems can be cripplingly expensive to fix. Not to mention very distressing for you both. This needs to be the right decision for you and your family. Whilst health problems in puppies can be devastating the majority of puppies are robust and healthy and providing you take the precautions outlined above, you are unlikely to have any problems. More information on puppies Check out our Labrador Puppies section for more help and advice on choosing your new friend. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was first published on 21st November , and was updated to include new information in March .Readers Also Liked. Normally Lab puppies travel well, find more on this here. For many people it can be stressful not knowing how to pick or why you should pick any specific puppy. We will try to clear things up here so that you have a few criteria to select with. For the most part, the genetics of the purebred Lab puppies in the litter are set once the parents mate. When we choose to keep parents to breed we are choosing the best specimens and mating them with the hope that we are going to be creating even better puppies through the combination of their genes. Improving on weak areas with each litter is what professional breeding is all about. Now that you understand the genetic potential is set, you will work within your litter to try to narrow down the puppy who goes home with you. Keep in mind, that all of the puppies in the litter are of high quality. So, standing over the puppy box containing the puppies have a look without saying anything or doing anything. The puppies will either have different colored collars or different colored ribbons on them to identify them. Each different color corresponds to a unique microchip number implanted in that puppy. What are you looking for? Well, observe which puppies are the most active and the least active. Observe which puppy is bossy and more of a leader, and, which is more of a follower. Are there any outgoing puppies? Are there any shy ones? Please understand that puppies and all dogs for that matter will feed off of the energy of the animals and the humans around them. So, if you bring your children and they are full of energy, talking loudly, excited, etc… then the puppies will pick up on that and imitate their behavior to an extent. We love to see the kids! The vet bills, training, the poop cleaning, nail clipping, taking out to go pee at 6 am, trips to the vet, and so on are yours. All yours! So unless you feel your children have better skills to choose the puppy than you, try to leave them out of it. You want to use the criteria here to select the lab puppy that fits your family the closest. Ok, there are a couple of things I need to say first. On your pick up day and depending on how many puppies are in the litter, your puppies may be sleeping. The good news to this issue is that there will not be a bad puppy in the litter. As professional Labrador Retriever Breeders our primary goal is to create better Labrador Retriever puppies with each litter we produce. Depending on what the issue was with the puppy we would care for them or home them with a person who fully understood any issue present and was willing to care for them. Getting back to selecting your puppy. As you watch over the litter try to narrow it down to two puppies you are interested in and watch them. Look for any excitement, playfulness, shyness, active or lying around, or differences in color, size, or other physical attributes such as tail size, ear size, forehead and snout size, etc…. This means that these dogs are super smart, even tempered, loving and willing to please all because of the Labrador Retriever breed and the selections we make in our breeding program. Training is key to having a well behaved Purebred Lab Retriever puppy. On the day you pick up your puppy it will be normal for the puppies to be on the shy side. Though they have been socialized by 5 or 6 of us they get use to us. So the new sights, smells, sounds etc… that you bring will all be a brand new thing for them. At 8 weeks old they are unsure if these new stimuli are safe and they may be cautious coming to you. Again, all normal. On the other hand, a puppy who comes right up to you with no apprehension may be the one you want. Especially if you are a hunter and you need your dog to work to retrieve game. You should also know that if a puppy runs from its pack to see you it is not choosing you! It could be the more dominant or most curious puppy and it would approach anyone coming to see the litter not just you. Can we pick your lab puppy? Sure we can! The latest research we have read on the topic indicates that how a puppy behaves at 8 weeks old when with its litter has no bearing on the puppy it becomes after you train it properly. This means that for most people the training and socialization you provide is much more important than which puppy you choose. We always suggest picking the most easily trainable puppy and we will be happy to do this for you. For the best explanation on setting yourself up properly to lead your puppy to becoming a well behaved dog, please sign up for the www. A generous discount is available for our clients to help you understand how to use positive reinforcement to train your puppy. So we are happy to offer advice and can absolutely choose your puppy in the event you cannot make it, but doing so on your own would be the best scenario. Another method we frown on is the breeder evaluating a puppy with a tool to grade their personality and then comparing that to a marking tool that you complete to grade yourself. Remember when I said puppies respond differently to different people? Well they have basic emotions similar to that of a two year old. If you are not in the room, and I am evaluating the puppy remember my experience with puppies and your lack of , then how can a score sheet be used to match the two of you together effectively? You need to see the puppy behave with you. So you have it narrowed down to two puppies, compare similar personality traits and physical features as I mentioned earlier. Toss in the fact that they have medium energy and poof! Please understand what you see the puppies doing on pick up day are not how they are going to act for the rest of their lives. Puppies are not born with any knowledge of these things and rather need to be trained to understand your boundaries. For this reason we have focused on breeding smarter puppies generation after generation. At least you have some guidelines to use when you arrive. For example, the largest puppy is not necessarily going to be the biggest one when full grown. At 8 weeks old the biggest puppy has been the one who is the pushiest at the food bowl and eats the most at feedings. This is why 8 weeks is the best time for your Lab puppy to go to bond with their human family. As some puppies get larger in size they can push the other smaller puppies around so size then becomes another factor in the development of your puppy. Take your puppy home at 8 weeks old and you have provided them time with their litter to learn puppy to puppy manners weeks 4 to 8 and you have eliminated the possibility of them being bullied by the larger pups after week 8. The larger pups also will not learn to become overly dominant because there are not smaller ones around them to boss around. What about people who want the runt? The first group feel that because the runt is smaller they will listen better when truly listening is a skill learned through training. And the second group feel that a smaller puppy is sick and weak and will not thrive. Again this is not the case as smaller puppies simply do not have as strong of a food drive than their siblings. The larger issue surrounding the runt is this. Professional Lab Retriever Breeders breed for consistency. It is this consistency in our breeding program that ensures the first picked puppy is of the same high quality as the last picked. So before you arrive to choose your Purebred Lab Puppy, have a couple behavioral qualities in mind and a couple physical qualities. Observe quietly and try not to bring too many people with you so that the puppies only pick up your energy and not the energy of the group. This is the best way to truly observe how the puppy will react to you alone. Narrow it down to a couple and compare them together measuring them against your list of traits. If you make a choice to not train you have to be ready to deal with whatever your Lab decided to become. And one final note. Some people have heard to wipe a blanket where the puppy sleeps or on the mother because the scent will calm the puppy in your home. Think of it this way, if your puppy smells the mother or one of its littermates what does it do next? So a blanket with this scent on it will cue your puppy to look for someone who is likely not coming back. Imagine the frustration of a puppy newly separated from its litter being able to smell them but not find them. We suggest you do not do this to your puppy. Our suggestion to help settle the puppy only if you need to is to put a t shirt into the crate with the scent of the person who they bonded the most to. This is their new pack. Get them accustom to their new pack and the quicker they forget their old pack the easier it will be for them. Love them, set clear guidelines, and enjoy them for years to come. Chocolate Lab with pumpkin.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. When considering bringing a new dog into your life, it is always important to consider how long that dog is likely to live. In this article, we will go through exactly how long you should expect your Labradoodle to live, which is largely determined by whether their poodle parent was a standard, miniature, or toy poodle. We will also go through all the different life stages of a Labradoodle and what to expect in each. What Is A Labradoodle? Labradoodles are crossbreed dogs that you get when you mix a Labrador retriever with a poodle. They are varieties that are a mix between a Lab and all the different poodle sizes including standard, miniature, and toy. They were bred because, while the temperament, intelligence, and trainability of Labrador retrievers make them excellent service dogs, they shed—a lot. This can be a huge problem when it comes to taking them into hospitals, public places such as restaurants, and even cleaning up after them at home. Poodles were chosen to crossbreed because they have a low-shedding coat. Their tight, curly coats mean that instead of leaving hair wherever they go, it gets caught up in their coat. Poodles are also highly intelligent dogs, even more intelligent than Labradors, and also very friendly, having been bred as companion animals. They are less outgoing than Labradors, but overall it was thought that they would add to, rather than subtract from, the characteristics that make Labradors excellent service dogs. You can read more about the Labradoodle coat and shedding in this article. How Long Do Labradoodles Live? All Labradoodles have a lifespan of roughly 12 to 14 years. Various factors influence where each dog is likely to fall within this scale. Labrador retrievers and standard poodles both tend to live around 12 years. So if you have a standard Labradoodle, you should probably expect them to have a slightly shorter lifespan at around the year mark. Miniature and toy poodles often live longer, as small dogs tend to live longer in general. So if you have a Lab that is mixed with one of these smaller breeds, you might expect them to live for an additional year or so. While these expectations are based on the average lifespan of their parent pups, some research suggests that crossbreed dogs live longer than their parents, by about a year or two. There are plenty of examples of Labradoodles living well into their late teens. Labradoodle Life Stages Throughout their lives, you can expect your Labradoodle to pass through five main life stages: puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood, middle age, and senior. Exactly when they will pass through each of these stages again depends on whether the Labradoodle is a standard, miniature, or toy cross. Smaller dogs tend to grow to maturity more quickly but then live longer. Conversely, larger dogs stay puppies longer but have shorter overall life expectancies. Puppyhood Labradoodles tend to be classified as puppies for the first five months of their lives. But just like with human babies, because they are growing so quickly at this time, they will pass through a number of different puppy stages. It is during this stage that you will find that littermates love to cuddle up and spend the day sleeping one on top of one another. During this stage, they are more interested in their mother and siblings than there are in people, but they do begin to learn that there is a bigger world and might start to explore a little in the later weeks. It is around this stage that they can also start to move onto dog food. This is often a necessity, as the mother will refuse to suckle them as their growing teeth cause her pain. This is a very important time, as they are also very impressionable. So they need plenty of attention, praise, and love. Training them at this stage will also teach them about action and reward, which will make them easier to train to do other things as adults. They will already understand that correct behavior can result in good things. At this stage, you can also start to expose the puppy to new people and new experiences. This is essential to the socialization process, so that they learn what to do when confronted by the unknown. This is a great time to try to take the puppy with you most everywhere you go. Essential training should continue throughout this stage. Adolescence Much like humans, during this stage Labradoodle puppies seem like they are either eating or sleeping all the time to manage big growth spurts, or getting into trouble. This period tends to last from around five or six months until about two years of age. But they also become more unpredictable as hormones start to play a role. Expect them to want to play all the time, to jump up a lot, and to do things that test your limits. Nevertheless, at this stage your Labradoodle should be fully housebroken, should have passed through that biting phase, and should be better at paying attention to you. They also lose their awkwardness around this age and seem more coordinated. Labradoodles in particular will start to show quite a bit of strength and agility at this stage. They should have all their adult teeth, but they still love to chew! This is something they inherit from the Labrador parent. Make sure to have an abundance of chew toys available to focus their otherwise destructive chewing. It is also during adolescence that territorial behavior tends to kick in. Your pup may become protective of their possessions, territorial of their home, and could start to bark at strangers. Also be aware that at some stage during adolescence—it can vary quite a bit—your dog will become sexually mature. Adulthood Depending on the particular type of Labradoodle that you have, you can expect them to settle down into adulthood at between two and three years of age. They should be about fully grown at this stage. So instead of getting bigger, you need to worry about them getting fatter! While it is natural for them to fill out a bit in the early stages of adulthood, it is important to keep an eye on their weight and their diet at this time. They will enter their physical and mental prime during this period, as they are much calmer and more tranquil. If they are being trained as a service dog, they can start working once they reach adulthood. None of this is to say that Labradoodles cannot continue to develop and learn new things at this time. Labradors and Labradoodles are very easy to train and can be taught new skills and behaviors at almost any age. Middle Age Your dog will start to enter the later stages of their life at about the ripe old age of seven years. At this point, Labradoodles still tend to be active and healthy dogs, but they do start to slow down a bit. It is also at this time that their joints might start to become stiff, and they can begin to develop more serious joint problems. You can try and alleviate this by feeding them supplements to support their joints. You can read more about joint supplements here. Senior When your Labradoodle hits nine or 10 years, they are truly senior and they will probably start to need a bit of extra care and attention. Joint pain is a common problem for Labradoodles, so you may need to make some adjustments to your home to accommodate them. Labradoodles also have a tendency to lose their eyesight in later years, and to feel the cold more intensely. Their appetite is also likely to change as this time, as is their metabolism. So again, watch their weight and what they are eating to maintain them at a healthy weight. This is especially important if they are suffering with joint issues, as excess weight will just make mobility even more challenging. Labradoodles are inclined toward a variety of health conditions, inherited from both their Labrador and poodle parents. The main Labradoodle health conditions to be aware of are: Allergies Labradoodles often develop food allergies, usually in their early years before they reach two years of age. This can often be caused by eating too much of certain foods in these formative months. But Labradoodles can also develop allergies in later life, and you might find that at age eight they are suddenly reacting to something that they have eaten their entire life. Labradoodles usually show an allergic reaction with skin itchiness and an upset stomach. If you notice these signs, visit your vet to try to identify what might be causing the problem. Ear Infections Labradoodles have floppy ears that cover the ear tracts. This means they are generally moist, dark spaces, which means breeding grounds for infections. This is also a common problem for Labradors but can be worse for Labradoodles because the curly hair in their ears can also trap moisture and foreign bodies. If they seem to have itchy ears, or if you notice smells coming from their ears, this is a sign that something is not quite right. This will mean a trip to the vet to determine the type of ear infection and the best treatment. Regular ear cleaning, especially after sleeping or bathing, is the best way to reduce the prevalence of ear infections in Labradoodles. Epilepsy Epilepsy is a neurological condition, of which one of the main symptoms is seizures. Labradoodles are quite prone to this condition. There is no cure, and treatment depends on the severity of the seizures and how often they occur. If your dog rarely has seizures, your vet will probably avoid medication, as it is not worth the risk. You may need to do some things to make your home safer for your dog, making it less likely that they will accidentally hurt themselves in the event of a seizure. Joint Issues Another issue inherited from their Labrador parents, Labradoodles often develop joint issues, especially in the hips, but it can be anywhere. Over time, what was an uncomfortable twinge can develop into serious pain, arthritis, and even lameness. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Sometimes joint supplements can be enough to keep your dog comfortable, while in other cases they might need serious pain medication. Progressive Retinal Atrophy This is a condition where a portion of the eye degenerates, eventually leading to blindness. This is quite common in Labradoodles and will usually affect both eyes, resulting in complete blindness. However, it is known to occasionally occur in puppies as well. There is no known treatment, though it is thought that a diet high in antioxidants may be able to help slow the progression of the condition. Signs of the disease include excessive bleeding and bruising where the dog is injured, but also spontaneos bleeds, for example nosebleeds, or blood in their urine or stool. This poses a risk to your Labradoodle throughout their lives, as they may need to avoid certain medications that can further thin the blood, as well as activities where they are at risk of getting injured. If they need surgery for some reason, such as when they are neutered, they will probably also require a platelet transfusion before the surgery. The Verdict When you decide to bring a Labradoodle puppy in your life, you are committing to love and care for that dog for about 12 to 14 years, which is the average lifespan of this crossbreed. During that time, they will pass through a number of different life stages, from being adorable puppies, naughty adolescents appropriately called the terrible twos , intelligent adults, and vulnerable seniors. But throughout all these life stages, a Labradoodle should give you a great deal of love and fulfilment. Do you have a Labradoodle? What is your experience living with these wonderful dogs? Share your thoughts in the comments section below or via our social media. Related Article. Well developed sense of smell. Nuzzling against warmth. Development of sucking response and motor skills. Sleeping, eating, Pooping.During this period, mild stress to the puppy is helpful in creating a stable personality. Mild Stress: handling by a human, thermal stress Transitional Period days. Eyes begin to open. Increase in sensory capacity and motor skills. Beginning of sociability. Puppies prefer to remain in their group and with their mother, rather than alone even if external conditions are favorable. Toward the end of this period, the puppies will show increased in inquisitiveness and the emergence of their upper canine teeth. Also at this stage the puppies will experience the very beginnings of play. Much more play and exploration of the outside world. Development of fear and avoidance of strange situations. Sensitivity to the outside world. Subjection to humans is paramount during this phase. If social contact with humans is kept to a minimum, your puppy never really becomes comfortable with people and never develops a sense of trust. Socialization with other dogs is also extremely important during this period, as well. Understanding of the canine social system, behavioral posturing and responses. Eating of solid foods and weaning by their mother. The puppy's sensitivity increases; the puppies can run, wrestle and play. At 12 weeks of age, your puppy is like an 18 month old child. Inquisitive, responsive to verbal language, but still is not sure of what is being requested of them. Your puppy's attention span increases, energy level increases. Social responses increase. Your puppy desires longer contact with a social system, human and dog, and longer periods of play. At 6 months of age, your puppy is comparable to a 13 year old child. Your puppy's energy level increases dramatically. Independence is a land mark change in your puppy's behavior. Refusal to comply with simple requests to go outside or to come inside. Your puppy may begin to resist physical dominance. Early on this positioning takes the form of play. Growling over the food dish and favorite toys may take place. At 1 year to 18 months of age, your young adult dog is similar to a 16 to 17 year old, ready to take on the world. If the foundation is lacking or nonexistent, you will have a juvenile delinquent on your hands. If training begins at this point in your dog's life, you may be up for a knock -down-drag -out battle. Depending on the dog's basic temperament, you could end up with a well mannered member of society or a dog that will consistently challenge authority, walking around with a chip on his or her shoulders. At 2 years of age, your dog is finally an adult. The training program that you have established throughout has paid off. Tasks that were normally performed in a heartbeat may be thought about a little longer. This is the perfect time for a refresher course in the basics, if you allowed them to slack. The owner will say they kept up the training program for a period and then began to let it slack. The owner will tell me that their dogs seem to have forgotten everything. Dogs don't forget.Remember, you have an adult now , not a puppy.Arthritis, sight failings, hearing loss to name a few. Tolerance is the key here since correction is not warranted. Just like us.Light obedience, if nothing else, is a good program for your older dog. Most dogs enjoy the special one on one time that obedience training provides and older dogs are no exceptions to this. Follow this labradoodle puppy care guide to help with the transition. A few things you might want to have with you when you pick up your puppy are a bottle of water, some baby wipes, and a towel or a blanket. If you are meeting your puppy at the airport, your puppy may be thirsty from the trip. We put a frozen dish of water in the crate, but it is usually long gone by the time your puppy arrives. The wipes are needed in case the puppy may have soiled the crate. The towel or blanket also, in case the puppy has soiled the crate, is for you to hold your puppy or to put in the crate. Using a Leash to Bond with Your Puppy When your puppy first arrives to your home, we suggest you keep the puppy on a leash for the first couple of days. Do your best to have the primary caregiver be the main person handling the leash. We also suggest you not have outside visitors to the home for the first couple of days. Give your puppy some time to adjust to her new family first before she meets your world. Your puppy is going to be a little confused at her new surroundings. From the beginning your puppy needs to learn that she is at the bottom, below even the youngest child. She needs to learn who her main leaders are and what the boundaries are in her new home. Labradoodles are people loving dogs! Your puppy will want to bond. Your puppy is smart and will quickly learn that the person attached at the other end of the leash is important to her. Your Labradoodle will look to you for example and comfort. She will learn that you are her source of not only example and comfort, but also food! Using the leash these first few days will help your new puppy learn who to trust and who to please. Other Advantages of Leash Training Your New Puppy Even if you are not holding onto the leash, you can control where she goes easily by stepping on the dragging leash. This is much more comfortable to a dog than having you lunge over her to get her. Keeping her on a leash also allows you to monitor where your puppy is in the house, and help her learn which rooms you would like her to be in and where she is not allowed. Lastly, having her on a leash helps her adjust to the idea of a leash so that she is ready to be trained to heel on a leash. A crate can be a useful and comforting tool or it can be an overused source of misery for your puppy. We suggest using a crate for very short periods of time during the day and for your puppy to sleep in at night. During the day there will come short periods of time where you have a task to do that requires your full attention. While your puppy is still in the house training stage, the crate can be very valuable to you. By putting your puppy in the crate for short amounts of time during the day, say an hour, maybe two, you can accomplish what you must do and also help puppy control her bladder. As soon as you let her out, immediately take her outdoors to relieve herself. Using the crate this way will encourage her to only go to the bathroom where it is appropriate to go. If your puppy is not crate trained already, you will have to work up to the hour or two hour mark. By the time your puppy arrives, she should be able to sleep around 7 hours through the night in a crate. Of course all puppies are individuals and so the time can vary. Your Golden Xpress Labradoodle puppy is used to being in a crate, but she is also used to smelling and hearing her siblings nearby. She may have adjustments to make in her new home because of this. Another factor in labradoodle puppy care is that their little tummies often get upset over the first couple of weeks in their new homes. To help her adjust to your home atmosphere and sleeping during the night, keep her crate in your bedroom at night. Keeping your hand down by the wire door is comforting to her. Responding to her cries with talking or tapping encourages your puppy to cry and whine more. Tapping on the crate lightly is ok, but not in response to her noise making. Another thing to think about with regard to labradoodle puppy care is if your puppy starts to wet her crate, you need to first check and see if her crate is too big. Generally, dogs do not relieve themselves in their sleeping places. If so, either use a smaller crate or block part off with a box. If her crate seems the right size, you may need to take out anything like blankets or soft materials. When your puppy has successfully kept her crate dry for a couple of weeks, try putting the bedding back in. Feeding Your Puppy At first, your puppy will need to be fed 3 times a day. Once they have adjusted, offer food to them all day so they learn not to gorge at meal time, and always make sure your puppy has clean, fresh water available to her. Feed your puppy in a quiet place, free from distractions. Put a good amount of food in her bowl and let her eat as much as she would like. After about 20 minutes or so, remove the food. Repeat this morning, mid-day and evening. It helps keep teeth and gums in better shape than wet food does. DO NOT feed your puppy people food. Your food does not provide the nutrition that your puppy needs. She will choose to have the people food and not eat her own. Feed your dog people food and you will have one unhealthy puppy. Just make sure you choose high quality dog treats with some nutrition. At Golden Xpress Labradoodles we give our dogs and puppies different kinds of treats: dog biscuits, dog turkey or chicken jerky. The jerky is good for a training aid around the house — to teach the puppy to come or to sit, or down. They are very intelligent and very willing to learn, and this makes them easier to train. Just remember that they are puppies so be patient. Lots of Loves Above all labradoodle puppy care requires lots of love. Make sure you pet her and hold her so she knows she belongs to your family. Labradoodles are loyal, loving dogs — give your puppy your love and she will return it tenfold. They venture into the surrounding environment. Puppies removed too early tend to be nervous, tend to bark inappropriately, tend to bite simply because these lessons a mother and littermates usually provides were missed. Training problems and long-term behavior problems can often be attributed to a puppy removed from the litter much too soon. Beginning at 3 weeks of age, what is going on at this stage of puppy devleopment: The first lessons learned are dog specific behavioral patterns They will learn various postures meanings and their affects to their mother and littermates. They will learn how to bite and what it is like to be bitten. They will learn what barking and other vocalizations mean and their uses. They will learn how to establish social relationships with other dogs. Beginning at 5 weeks of age, what is going on at this stage of puppy development: Vocalization and tempered activities dog manners usually are learned at approximately 5 weeks of age. They will learn how to be submissive to the leader of the pack. They will learn and refine additional postures, vocalizations, and acceptable dog interaction behaviors. With a few very clear signals and repetitions, the young puppy will learn quickly. At that point, a mothers glare or low growl is all that is needed to keep a young pup in line. Littermates also learn clear signals of communication to each other. It is during this time, that your dog needs to have positive experiences. They need to be introduced to new things and begin the groundwork to a happy, well-adjusted dog. Beginning at 7 weeks of age, what is going on at this stage of puppy development: Short attention spans. Things learned are permanent and will be resistant to change. Puppy will be eager to learn. What he does and learns now, he will do as an adult. Puppy will be transitioning his education from his mother to his human environment. Beginning at 8 weeks and ending at approximately 11 weeks of age, what is going on: Any traumatic, painful or frightening experiences can have a lasting impact. What You Can Do: Gradually introduce your puppy to new things, environments and people. Do not let others push your puppy or be forceful with them. Provide a secure comforting demeanor. Teach the puppy you are there to protect and lead. He has been watching you and the family very closely. He is picking up on human behaviors and reactions. He is learning the pecking order of the pack. As he observes and learns, he will then attempt to figure out where exactly he stands in the pack order and to also see if moving up in the pack will work. How could such a cute little pup be such a pistol? What is going on at this stage of puppy development: Puppy will begin to question authority. Puppy will attempt to move himself up in the pack order. Puppy will try to dominate. Puppy will grab leashes Puppy will try to determine what activities are going to be done and when. Puppy may growl. Puppy may put his mouth on you. Puppy can often become over excited. What you can do: Learn how your actions and body language communicate to your dog. Do not play aggressive games during this phase. Tug or wrestling If puppy becomes over excited, growls or mouths you, you stop all activity. Be very aware of how the puppy interacts with children — do not leave children unattended with the puppy. Enroll in a puppy kindergarten class to redirect some of the energy. He has been aware of where you are and would stay pretty close. During this period that same cute little puppy will decide that he is ready to go solo and take off running quicker than lightening. During this time, teaching the puppy that he must stay close by or come when called is critical. The failure to do this will result in a dog that will not be reliable to come or to stay close by as an adult and very well could lead the dog into a life or death situation. What is going on at this stage of puppy development: The puppy will become more independent. A puppy that previously would never go very far, will venture off. The Puppy will ignore commands to stay close or come. How you handle refusal to come or stay will affect future reliability off leash. Puppy will be clever in attempts to run around loose. Never allow dog loose in an unconfined area. Yes this is redundant to the above, so it must be pretty important for us to say it twice. Being off leash outside of a confined area is reserved for who have been well trained. Enroll in a training class that utilizes positive training techniques. Make coming a very positive experience. Oh… and never allow your puppy to be off leash in an unconfined area. This often is a time when many families start to worry that maybe they made a bad decision in getting a dog. Remember: you get what you put into it. You take the time right now to teach good habits, you will have the dog you always dreamed of for many years. This work will payoff. What is going on at this stage of puppy development: The puppy will become a free and independent thinker. The puppy will continue to review the pack order. The puppy will be very energetic. The puppy will be exuberant and enthusiastic. They turn into clowns with teeth. They will delight in learning new and fun things. What you can do: Appreciate the humor of it all. Have you read the book The Dog Listener yet? It will help. Understand that despite the behaviors it is your time to continue to train and reinforce the things you do want him to do. Reaffirm the family pack order. Be realistic about expectations still very much a puppy in a big boy body Channel all that energy into positive learning experiences. Continue with training classes; explore options for additional training opportunities. This is normal, but you must help your dog figure out how to deal with his fears or concerns. It will also reduce the chances that the things he fears will not be permanently imprinted for life. What is going on at this stage of puppy development: The puppy that was so confident will suddenly become reluctant to new things. This period can be subtle. This period can come and go several times over this entire period. It may appear to be unprovoked or unrelated to any specific occurrence. Puppy can become frustrating to owners. You may notice this behavior more in males. What you can do: Avoid extremes in your response no anger or forcing or over comforting Be patient and understanding. We aware of surrounding and potential triggers. Work on desensitizing him with gradual introductions with rewards. Praise with grand rewards for his attempts. Your dog will take his clues from you, if you act frightened or concerned he will too. He will begin to fill out a bit and develop more muscle tone. But, mentally, the dog is still working out some last details of his life and what it means to him. He IS a member of a pack and now begins to find that his turf is worthy of monitoring and protecting. You do not want you dog to take over these responsibilities because in no time you too will be under the rule of the King Dog. Which can lead to aggressive behaviors, protective to the point of creating fear or actually harming someone or another animal as he protects. This is bad news, and often a reason a dog is taken out of the home or destroyed. What is going on: The dog may become more turf protective. Strangers may be greeted with barking. Barking at noises, birds, cars, butterflies, pretty much everything he believe worthy of attention. Playing with other dogs may escalate to fighting. Same sex confrontations of other dogs can occur. Once again, checking the pack order to see if he can move up. What you can do: Reinforce how to greet strangers into your home. Teach your dog to ignore dogs he cannot be nice to. Practice or reinforce dog manners utilizing no threatening dogs Learn to read your dog and other dogs. Circling, walking on toes, stiff tail wags, tense facial expressions — are the signs of aggressive behaviors Rally your family to review that the pack order is clear and very one is consistent with training and corrections. Reward him for good behaviors. Give that dog another job, therapy work, obedience classes, agility. Republished with permission from International Doodle Owners Group. Save Save Ready for your puppy? Key milestones to look out for include teething, going for their first walk, completing potty training, and being ready to start obedience training. Your Labradoodle Puppy Your new Labradoodle puppy may be an adorable little bundle of fur now. But Labradoodle puppies, like all puppies, grow up fast! When will your Doodle puppy reach its full adult size? What about behavioral milestones, such socializing with other dogs, fetching toys, or responding to commands? New puppy owners often have lots of questions about puppy growth and development. Before your puppy even comes home with you, it will have already completed some important early phases of development. The time spent in the womb is called the gestation period. The average gestation period for Labradoodles is around 63 days, or 9 weeks. If your puppy came to you from a breeder, chances are it spent the first couple of months of life with mom and littermates, before coming to you. What went on during those first few weeks? The earliest stages of puppy development are important to the good health and behavior of a dog over its whole lifetime. Neonatal Weeks Newborn puppies are born deaf, blind, and unable to stand or walk. In the first days of life, your puppy will seek warmth, nutrition, and care from the mother. Your puppy will want to be close to mom and is totally dependent on her care and attention. Separation from mom at this stage will cause your puppy distress as it is still too soon to be away from the mother. Your puppy will become more aware of its environment and begin to explore. Interaction with mom will expand to include play, and your puppy will also play with its littermates. After socializing with its canine family, your puppy will also begin socializing with humans. During this time, a puppy can be fearful of new experiences, so introduction to people and animals should be done carefully. Your puppy will also start weaning onto solid food from 3 weeks onwards, and by 8 weeks old, your puppy is old enough to come home and join their forever family. Late Socialization 12 Weeks-6 Months Some Labradoodle breeders prefer to wait until this development stage before giving puppies to their new owners. This is also a time to encourage good behaviors and discourage bad behaviors like biting and aggression. Potty and crate training are key during this time. Puppy Growth Milestones Lots of physical changes happen to a young puppy in the first few months of life. Here are a few important changes that your Labradoodle puppy will experience after coming home with you. Teeth A puppy grows 28 baby teeth also called deciduous teeth that will fall out and then be replaced by 42 permanent teeth. They may begin to fall out while your puppy is still with the breeder, or once they are home with you, at around 12 weeks of age. Like most dogs, Labradoodle puppies like to chew during the teething process. They also chew to explore the world around them. Provide your puppy with a variety of safe chew toys and discourage biting during play. While your puppy will probably continue to enjoy chewing, most excessive chewing behavior will go away by months of age. And is neutering necessary? There is some evidence that there are health issues associated with neutering. Keeping a male or female dog intact is not a straightforward decision. Especially for a female dog that will come i nto heat every six months or so once she is mature, unless she is spayed. Veterinarians take several factors into consideration when advising on the best age to spay or neuter puppies, including the breed, size, and overall health of each individual animal. Recent research shows that early spaying and neutering before 6 months of age can increase the risk of joint disorders like hip and elbow dysplasia associated with neutering, in larger dog breeds, including the Labrador Retriever. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the best plan of action for your individual puppy. Getting Ready To Go Outside Taking your puppy out for their first walk is an exciting and proud moment for many puppy parents. The exact timing of this will depend upon what age they receive their first shots. When is a Labradoodle Puppy Fully Grown? When will your Labradoodle puppy reach adult size? There are three sizes of Labradoodle: standard, medium, and miniature. A full-grown Labradoodle can weigh anywhere from 20 to 70 pounds and stand between 14 and 24 inches at the shoulder, depending on its size category. Many Labradoodle owners report that their puppies reach their adult height at around one year of age, but they will continue to fill out and gain weight for several months beyond that, up to age two. A high-quality diet, plenty of exercise, and good training and socialization in the first year of life can ensure that your Labradoodle puppy develops into a healthy and happy dog. During this time they grow physically, mature emotionally, and learn lots of new skills. For some stages of puppy development, such as socialization, timing is critical. What milestones are they meeting at the moment? Let us know in the comments box down below! Accessed February .It takes traits from both breeds, and new puppy owners will quickly see this combination was chosen intentionally. The Labrador retriever is an intelligent, loyal breed with an excellent temperament for nearly any family or living situation. Unfortunately, these dogs also shed a lot, which can be a hassle. It also makes a Labrador a poor choice for public social situations, such as outdoor dining at dog-friendly patios. Instead, the coat traps dirt, allergens, loose hair and other debris inside it. This means less shedding but also means daily brushing is required. The poodle is also an intelligent breed that makes a perfect addition to most homes since it was bred to be a companion animal. Any puppy is a lifelong commitment. Understanding what to expect at every life stage will help you prepare to give your cute little puppy a long, prosperous, happy life. A normal-sized labradoodle will live an average of 12 to 14 years. Smaller labradoodles resulting from a miniature or toy poodle crossbreed will generally live a little longer. However, you must remember that this lifespan is only an average. There are plenty of labradoodles who live into their late teens. A healthy diet, regular exercise and periodic vet visits are crucial to your labradoodle puppy living a long, healthy life. These main life stages include puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood, middle-aged and senior. Each life stage is discussed in more detail below. Puppyhood If you adopt a labradoodle puppy, this will be the first stage you get to witness. A labradoodle puppy will remain in this life stage from birth until five or six months. Birth to 7 Weeks From birth until about seven weeks of age, labradoodle puppies stay close to their mother. They spend all their time eating, sleeping, growing and cuddling with their littermates. As they get closer to seven weeks of age, they may begin exploring their world a little. Around seven weeks of age, a labradoodle puppy will start becoming more interested in people. This is also when it begins forming bonds with you and other humans in the home or family. These adorable puppies will become more playful and curious at about eight weeks old. Instead, you want to create only positive experiences during this time to ensure it grows into a secure young adult dog. This is the perfect time to start positive training techniques. Teaching your labradoodle puppy about action and reward now will benefit its lifelong training. During this stage of puppy development, socialization is crucial. Now is the perfect time to take it to new places, introduce it to new people and provide it with new experiences. The most important part of this stage of puppy development is that your pup becomes a free and independent thinker. With its curiosity at an all-time high, this is the perfect time to bring your new companion everywhere. Socialization and bonding are other vital aspects of this stage of puppy development. Pet owners will find their puppy wants to be with them all the time and may become mildly anxious when separated from them. Most of its time will be spent eating, sleeping or getting into trouble. Your growing canine should have lost its baby teeth, have all its adult teeth and be out of the biting stage it may have had during puppyhood. Thanks to the Labrador genes, your labradoodle will always love to chew. You can stop destructive chewing behaviors by providing a chew toy or two or 20 to keep it occupied. It may become territorial, but regular socialization can help ease these issues. Your labradoodle will also begin showing quite a bit of strength, so continuing its training during this time is crucial. Acting out, wandering and even behaving aggressively are all normal during this time. Adulthood For a labradoodle, adulthood starts somewhere between two or three years of age and lasts until around its seventh birthday. During adulthood, labradoodles are at their prime. Their adult coat will grow in, which may be thicker or denser than their puppy coat. This breed is very intelligent and easy to train, so if you want to keep teaching it new tricks, you can. Weight Management Your labradoodle will reach its adult size between two and three years old. They can tell you if your dog is a normal size or needs diet and exercise. Middle-Aged Your doodle puppy will turn middle-aged around seven years old. This life stage is relatively brief and only lasts until the dog turns nine or .During middle age, most dogs are still active and overall healthy. It may exercise less and sleep a little more as it transitions between adulthood and its golden years. A middle-aged dog may begin to develop some health problems, especially as it gets closer to its senior years. The primary issues of concern are obesity, joints and teeth. The teeth and joints will become especially vulnerable during this stage, so you must take your dog for regular teeth cleaning and wellness visits. In addition, your vet may recommend supplements to protect the joints. Extra weight will also place unnecessary additional stress on the joints and heart of your dog. Senior Your dog will officially be considered a senior from around nine to 10 years of age until the end of its life. During their golden years, your labradoodle will require extra care and attention. Health problems are most likely to occur during these years, and your vet may suggest two annual well visits instead of only one. After 10 years of age, your dog will likely encounter issues staying warm. You might consider a heating blanket in their bed, keeping the house slightly warmer during winter or providing extra blankets to snuggle under. Your dog may also have problems with its eyesight. The most common issue for senior labradoodles is their joints, which tend to ache as they get older. In addition, they may have mobility problems caused by sore and stiff joints. For example, consider a ramp to help it get into the car or up your porch steps. Developing one or more health problems could mean a shorter lifespan for your labradoodle. A few of the most common health problems affecting labradoodle puppies or adults include: Allergies usually to food Ear infections which can lead to hearing loss after repeat infections Epilepsy. Most vets recommend treating your puppy for worms at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 weeks of age. After that, they should receive treatment every three months for all of their life. Based on where you live, your vet will advise you of what type of treatment your dog should have. Worming medication is relatively easy to administer yourself, so you may choose to go that route, or you can have your vet do the treatment. Here are some signs your puppy may be infected with worms: Diarrhea or vomiting. Weight loss despite eating well. Weakness and listlessness. Abnormally swollen stomach. Biting Phase All puppies bite! When the puppy starts teething, he is going to chew and bite. Biting gives the dog relief from the pain of teething. It also helps with boredom. When the puppy starts biting, take your hand away and give him an acceptable substitute like a chew toy. Having a variety of toys to choose from can really help here, as puppies, like children, will quickly lose interest when given the same toy over and over again. This variety toy bundle is packed with 12 different toys — ropes, balls, chews, and squeaky toys — that are perfect for little puppy mouths and needle-sharp teeth. An excellent value! No products found. Each time he bites, repeat this process and praise him when he chews on the toy instead of your fingers. When my dog, Oliver, was going through this phase, I found that a frozen puppy Kong really helped. Just be patient. The most important thing to remember is that this is just a phase that will soon be outgrown. Housebreaking is a huge responsibility that can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months depending on the puppy. For example, a 5-month-old puppy may be able to go for five hours in between potty breaks, but a 3-month-old puppy can only wait up to three hours before needing relief. For the best success at housebreaking, you need to be consistent and take the puppy outside at the following times. First thing in the morning. Right after eating. Right after waking from a nap. Just before bedtime. Any time you see the pup sniffing the floor. Carry the puppy outside to where you want him to go and put him down. As soon as he goes, praise him and bring him back inside. Do not allow him to play. With persistence and consistency, you should have your Labradoodle puppy housebroken in no time at all. Tip: Crate training your Labradoodle puppy will speed the housebreaking process significantly. This is the crate I use for my Doodles. Take the puppy around other dogs and animals once your vet gives the go-ahead. This can easily become overwhelming for shy or timid pups — we give you tips for making this a positive, successful experience in this article. You may also want to encourage young children to gently pet the dog with supervision of course to get him used to other people. When socializing your puppy, be aware that puppies undergo two distinct fear periods as they mature. The first occurs between 8 and 12 weeks, and the second can happen anytime between the ages of 4 and 14 months. If your puppy grows up feeling he should avoid children or be afraid of other animals, it can become a problem later. Visit our socialization article for more ideas and tips. Training Training your Labradoodle puppy should begin almost as soon as you bring him home. Give him a day or two to get used to you and his new surroundings and then begin working with him. Exactly how easy are they to train? Find out here. By the time your puppy is about 4 months old, you can begin teaching him tricks. Labradoodles are playful and intelligent dogs that love learning new things. Even the color might be slightly different. Depending on the type of Labradoodle you have, your pup will have either a fleece, hair, or wool coat. We explain more about Labradoodle puppy coats here. It will have to be groomed or brushed out as the new coat begins to come in. Failure to brush out the old dead coat can result in severe matting of the new coat, which can be a mess to deal with. Your Labradoodle will begin losing its puppy coat between 10 weeks and 14 weeks of age. The entire process of puppy coat to adult coat usually takes anywhere from one to several weeks. Although it varies from dog to dog, the baby teeth begin falling out between 14 and 30 weeks of age as adult teeth begin pushing their way through the gums. They may even begin falling out as early as 10 weeks old. The incisors are the first to fall out followed by the canines, and the premolars are the last to fall out. By the time the puppy is 8 months old, he or she should have a full set 42 of adult teeth. The dog will have 16 premolars, 12 incisors, 10 molars, and four canines. Keep those new adult teeth healthy by following the tips found in our Brushing Guide and how-to video. Related Questions: What is the average size for a Labradoodle litter? Although this can vary from dog to dog, the average size for a Labradoodle litter is eight. Litter sizes of five to nine are very common. Usually, the larger the breed is, the more puppies per litter can be expected, though first-time moms sometimes have smaller litters. They usually start yipping and barking around four to six weeks old, although it may not sound like barking at first. All dogs are not the same. Each one is different. Conclusion After obtaining all this information on the various stages of development your Labradoodle puppy will experience, you may still have some concerns. All puppy parents do! Worry just goes with the territory. Focus on enjoying and treasuring each growth stage because before you know it, that cute little puppy will be all grown up and puppyhood will be a thing of the past. Also, having an information-packed guide at your disposal can give you answers and calm some of your worries. Labradoodle puppy care is something we can help you with! SCL has been breeding and raising Labradoodles since .Our opinion is that puppies should be raised with the sights and sounds of a typical home from day one, since it is typical homes our puppies go to. They should be exposed to as many varied sights and sounds as possible. Our puppies are born in our bedroom. A quiet and safe environment for mama to feel secure in is extremely important. A stressed mama releases stress hormones and her milk is affected, which affects babies. The stress hormones pour through the milk to babies resulting in higher stressed dogs as they mature. It is amazing how stress can negatively impact the development of puppies in so many different ways. We do not allow other dogs into the room, or other people into the room. A mama feeling a threat will quickly jump up and can unintentionally step on and harm, or kill, a newborn puppy. All of these reasons and more are why our pups are born away from the traffic of the rest of the house and in a place mama can relax in and feel safe in. We weigh them daily, check their identifying tags, change bedding, clip nails, etc. Just enough handling that they become used to us, but not so much that they are put under negative stress. Once puppies are about weeks old, we move them from our bedroom to our puppy nursery. The sights and sounds puppies are exposed to increase, but we are still able to control the degree of stress to mama and not have her and babies right in the middle of where people are coming and going through the main part of our home. Like most families, we have people in and out all the time, but we do not want mama feeling strangers are a threat, and we do not want visitors feeling they can handle puppies just because they are in the middle of our home. We control the exposure puppies have at this age and introduce them to things carefully. We want every experience to be a positive one. We want our puppies to be safe from disease and bacteria others may bring into our home. Around 4 weeks, they are introduced to a potty box, they begin eating mush, and they have much more people interaction with our family members or friends that have been taught how to properly handle a puppy, so the experience is positive for the puppy. They are exposed to a variety of musical instruments, as we are a musical family. They hear the radio, sometimes a movie on t. We begin introducing little slides and toys and rotate out daily. At about weeks of age, puppies begin being introduced to the great outdoors. We have a wonderful outdoor play yard with artificial turf, play toys, wading pools, and a variety of toys. Pups experience all sorts of new textures under foot, and have room to run and play. They are introduced to crates without doors and quickly learn to love them as a safe place. When weather does not allow for outdoor play, pups have a 12 x 12 indoor play area with much of the same types of toys and structures. During this time their exposure to outdoor things begins. Lawn mowers, goats, horses, cars, cats, chickens, etc. They are taken for walks in a puppy stroller. They visit the vet office. We increase their level of exposure as is positive for them and do everything we can to make sure they are well adjusted, relaxed, happy puppies. In general, we follow a raising and socialization program designed to slowly increase the exposure and stress to puppy as they are able to cope with it in a positive way. Our goal is to provide families with puppies that have had the best start in life that we can possibly give them. Once they leave our care, it is necessary for families to be committed to continuing this positive exposure and socialization. The next few months are just as critical as the first two. Build on the foundation we started and you will end up with one of the most rewarding experiences and relationships with your dog. This video on our YouTube channel visually walks you through all the things you need to prepare for your new puppy. What should you be doing for your puppy once he has joined your family to ensure you are providing the environment necessary to help your puppy be an outstanding companion? At Spring Creek, we are very careful to provide the appropriate socialization and experiences while raising each litter. It is up to every family to continue the careful raising of their puppy during the following critical periods after the puppy has left us. This document is a great resource for understanding what happens as a puppy develops. It is very important to understand that the risk of parvo is much less than the risk of ending up with a puppy with very serious socialization issues that result in families choosing to give up their dogs later or even have them euthanized due to extreme fear and fear aggression issues. A few of the large guide dog organizations have done studies on the risks of parvo versus the risks of poor socialization and found the risk of parvo to be extremely low compared to fear and aggression issues that resulted from well intentioned people keeping their puppies secluded and isolated until vaccinations were completed. We do not encourage keeping your pup isolated, and we DO encourage as much safe socialization as you can find with your puppy in meeting other people and other dogs. That is a wonderful and rewarding experience, but it does require a lot of work as well as require understanding what you need to allow and need to do in order to prevent problems from developing. This includes testing your children. How can you help your puppy and children get along and help your children know what is appropriate handling of a puppy? The info below is invaluable and every family with a child that wants to adopt a puppy should read these pages as well as talk about these things regularly with your children. If you are not supervising your children with your puppy, or if you are not requiring your children to handle puppy appropriately, you are almost certain to have issues develop. He grabs your pants and hangs on while growling. He growls when you try to take something from him. And, you start to wonder if he was the dominant one in the litter. You are sure you are doing everything right and that there is just something wrong with your puppy. ALL puppies growl, nip, and bite. If children are involved in your home, you should not expect a puppy to respect your child, and it will be up to YOU to supervise and make sure you intervene if a puppy growls or nips at your child. Children are not capable of correcting a puppy in an appropriate manner, and if you tell your child to correct puppy, you will likely make the problem worse. Since puppy knows your child does not have the same authority as you do, they will almost certainly react to being corrected by them and growl or nip or bite even more. They see your children as equals and they are treating them as they would another puppy in their litter. Why would you expect anything different from your puppy? He is not a stuffed animal and he does have a mind of his own. Like your teenage child, a juvenile puppy wants to explore their limits and it can be frustrating. Growling and nipping that is part of the normal communication process for a puppy CAN turn into very concerning behaviors if you do not know how to communicate with them properly. How to train properly using rewards and keeping training fun. Understand methods for correcting behavior that will not result in your puppy challenging you further. Always have a calm and confident attitude. If you have read this and are concerned you may not know how to properly deal with normal growling and nipping, then you need to get professional help involved with you and your puppy as soon as puppy is in your home. If you do not, then look for another trainer immediately. Not all are created equal and a trainer who knows what they are doing will absolutely be able to help you train your puppy, identify problems, and know how to resolve them when they come up. We personally highly recommend hiring a behaviorist to help you with training, not just a normal dog trainer. There is a BIG difference between a trainer and a behaviorist and their knowledge is extremely helpful and useful, especially when it comes to working with normal, but problematic behaviors. All foods are not created equal. Many of the ingredients used in dog foods are fillers that have been shown to be the very reason that so many pets are developing diseases that shorten their life span or make their quality of life less than desirable. Do you really want to feed your dog these foods? We have researched dog foods, and have found that there are companies using high quality, holistic ingredients. Foods that are not made with fillers and poor quality ingredients, but foods that will contribute to helping your dog live a long and healthy life. Also, the Dog Food Advisor online reviews dog foods and is an excellent resource to utilize. The cost of a quality food may initially seem high, but remember that you are feeding less than you would if you were purchasing a cheap grocery store food as their system absorbs more of the food and they eat less, which also results in smaller stools. Your dog is a loved family member and deserves to be fed a quality food that will keep him in good health for a very long time. There are a couple of foods on our recommended list for you to consider feeding your puppy. Three brands are available from privately owned local stores as well as can usually be ordered online. All the below foods are from companies that do not have recall histories, have fabulous food reviews from owners and independent dog food review sources, focus on fresh, quality ingredients, and have years of history proving their reliability, safety, and commitment to providing a quality product. We try to keep this list updated with cost breakdown, but prices vary a bit depending on where you purchase, so the prices below may be slightly different than what you find in a storefront or online store as things change constantly. Our preferred quality, all natural puppy food that does NOT contain chicken, beef, fish, wheat, corn, soy, etc. They frequently have intro discounts and if you set up a couple products on auto-ship you get free shipping! Our preferred adult dog food! Does not contain chicken, beef, fish, wheat, corn, soy, etc. When you receive a puppy from us, our recommendation is to continue feeding the food that puppy is accustomed to for at least a couple of weeks. After a few weeks, changing to another food doing a slow transition at least 7 days is completely fine. Please feed a food that does not contain the ingredients below. These are common sources of allergy, digestive, or other health issues for dogs.

However, you should keep the intervals between meals similar. Best Dog Foods for Poodles To keep your dog healthy and happy, choose the right food. A feeding guide should include the best food to feed your dog, whether raising a puppy or caring for an older companion. Poodle owners have several choices when it comes to feeding their pets. They can buy commercial dog food, prepare a homemade diet of raw food or raw meat, or opt for a combination of the two as the best food for their pup. Poodle Homemade Food: A homemade diet can provide your dog with all the nutrients it needs, as long as you know what to include in a balanced meal. You can consider giving ingredients like grain-free foods for those with a sensitive stomach. You may also feed a Poodle puppy sweet potato or add cooked meats to their diet. Biologically Appropriate Raw Food Diet BARF : BARF , also known as raw diet or raw feeding, is a type of diet that mainly consists of raw meats, eggs, crushed bones, fruits, vegetables, probiotics, and other natural ingredients. If feeding raw food is done correctly, it can be very healthy for your puppies and adult dogs since it is free from preservatives. Consulting an experienced vet is strongly recommended when looking for the best diet for your Poodle. Sometimes, they get curious too. If you love coffee, keep it out of reach of your Poodle. It contains caffeine , which may cause high blood pressure, stomach upset, and heart problems. Another human food that should not be a part of your puppy food is chocolate. Theobromine , found in chocolate, can cause abnormal heartbeats, seizures , and even death in your puppy or adult dog if consumed. Toy, Mini, and Standard Poodles can also be harmed by gum, peanut butter, and candy containing xylitol. This can cause disorientation , hypoglycemia , seizures, and collapse. Most kinds of toothpaste also contain xylitol, so make sure not to drop any on the floor when you brush your teeth. A small amount can be fatal to your Poodle. Moreover, it is not advised to feed your Poodle avocado or cherries. The pits, skins, and leaves of avocados contain a toxin called persin. It is essential to always check the food label on any treats or ingredients to avoid giving toxic foods to your pets. Additionally, do not feed your puppy too fast and too much as it can result in bloating. You should also consult a vet if you have questions about safe human and puppy foods to ensure they live a long life. Start by adding more of the new food and eliminating some old food at each meal until your pet eats only the new food. This also applies when you switch from puppy to adult food. Blue Cheese , etc. Also, dogs must never eat onions, garlic, caffeine, or chocolate. I know we love them all, but these ingredients can be lethal to our four-legged friends. If your budget allows it, pick a less-known brand with premium ingredients. Feeding your Poodle wet or dry food is absolutely optional. What if your dog has a more delicate palate and prefers wet food? The battle of whether wet or dry food is better is an everlasting one. Dry dog food or kibble is definitely the more popular option for many reasons. You can buy bulk products on Amazon or Chewy and save lots of money. However, it does have some flaws. Finding the ideal recipe without fillers, poor ingredients, and at a good price is definitely difficult. Most cheap kibble brands contain terrible ingredients, and we want only the best for our canine friends. Your dog needs to learn how to chew, and thus, exercise its jaw. Consuming wet dog food for too long can lead to tooth decay, and that can be painful. Also, wet dog food is pricier. Lastly, I want to warn you that wet food can lead to soft stools, which can be another problem. Your dog might end up with diarrhea overnight just because he had a delicious can of mushy wood for dinner. Watch out for that! One of my pups actually prefers kibble over wet food, but I try to mix it up a bit every so often. So, kibble is the main meal every day. This keeps them satisfied and entertained for a while. Another burning question that every dog owner faces is whether his dog should eat grains or grain-free food. Both options have their flaws, but also advantages. You must figure out if your Poodle can eat grains. Generally speaking, Poodles can consume grains and take nutrients from them. Their use depends only if some Poodle pooch is having health issues linked to grain intake. If you have a perfectly healthy Poodle, you can pick a formula that contains grains such as oatmeal, corn, wheat, barley, etc. Were you aware that grains can lead to obesity? They cause high blood sugar, raise insulin, and thus, can lead to diabetes. Dog owners usually shy away from grains either because their dogs are allergic or they feel they might become allergic. Chicken is more likely to trigger allergies! Surprise, surprise… My dogs eat grains. Talk to your vet first, and remember: grain-free food increases the chances of developing heart conditions. If you want to exclude grains without any valid reason, you could make a serious mistake. Should Poodles Eat Raw Food? All dogs are carnivores. Back in the days, dogs used to consume only raw food they caught on their own — of the catch people brought home. They were pack animals, and they hunted together. A lot has changed since then, but one thing has remained: dogs love eating raw food, especially raw meat. Many dog owners have begun introducing a raw diet to their dogs, and they seem to like it. For example, the Cane Corso is very fond of its raw diet. There is a difference in the amount of food given, and the ingredients used for adults and for puppies. First, puppies eat less, and second, puppies prefer something light on their tummy, i. What bothers a lot of Poodle owners is the link between eating raw and acting aggressively. Food has nothing to do with a dog being aggressive. Poodles are not aggressive, right? No amount of raw food will make them behave this way. The bigger problem would be how your Poodle will react to raw food. Will it have allergies or will it find this new diet delicious? Chances are, your Poodle will enjoy a fresh, raw meal. If your chosen Poodle breeder feeds his dogs raw food, you should consider continuing the practice since your pup is already used to it. The same can happen if you cook food for your Poodle. To prevent such a scenario from happening, you can check out some pretty cool recipes I have for you. I remember my dad cooking chicken liver and whatnot for our dogs back at home, freezing the mush, and serving it anytime he was in a hurry to feed the dogs. Just adjust the recipes to your liking. But, make sure real animal proteins have the biggest percentage in the recipe. Turkey is an excellent choice for Poodles because these pooches need only high-quality proteins. If you combine ground turkey with some broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, and carrots, and add some olive oil for nice digestion, and a handful of poultry liver, you get a real feast. I always make sure I drain any excess fat and oils while cooking. Puppy Meatloaf Puppies can have a real meatloaf Sunday lunch! Puppy meatloaf is the real deal, and your Poodle pooch will love it. Adults can dig in, too, since this recipe is for all dogs of all sizes, ages, and gender. Usually, you can mix in apples and carrots, but any other crunchy fruit or veggie will do. We, dog owners, want only the best for our pups. Salmon is rich in omega fatty acids and vitamin B, as well as a terrific source of protein. Heat the oil and stir in eggs, spinach, and salmon. Bonus points go for the versatility of this meal. You can prepare a plate for both you and your dog! Final Words I sincerely hope the Poodle feeding charts you saw today will help you a lot with planning a diet for your Poodle pooch. Also, always think of the quality of the meal, not the quantity. Is it better to eat a bunch of unhealthy treats or a plate packed with the proper amount of proteins, veggies, grains, etc.? A healthy dog means a happy dog. A happy dog means a happy owner. Read Next:. Written by Sydney Heupel A poodle feeding chart is the perfect tool to help you keep your furry friend healthy and happy! Knowing how much food to give them, what kind of food to feed them, and when they should eat it can be a tough job. As always, discuss the best diet regimen with your vet before making any major changes. Poodle Feeding Requirements Poodle feeding requirements vary based on the size and age of the dog. Smaller Poodles, such as toy or miniature varieties, should be fed smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. Larger Poodles may need larger portions spread out over two or three feedings per day. The same is true for puppies versus adult dogs; puppy portion sizes should be adjusted accordingly. In addition to this, high-quality proteins are essential in order to provide your pup with all the necessary amino acids they need to grow healthy and strong! Omega fatty acids found in fish oils help keep their coat looking shiny and healthy too! Feeding time should always be supervised by an adult so that only designated food items are eaten by your poodle — no human snacks allowed here! How Much to Feed a Poodle Poodles are highly active dogs that require ample amounts of nutrition to stay healthy and happy. Feeding a poodle the correct amount is essential for maintaining their wellbeing. When determining how much to feed your poodle, it is important to consider their age, size, activity level and health condition. Generally speaking puppies should be fed three times per day while adult poodles should have two meals per day. Additionally, if your dog is overweight you may need to reduce their portions slightly. Lastly, always make sure freshwater is readily available for optimal hydration levels! Best Dog Food for Poodles When it comes to selecting the best food for Poodles, there are several important factors to consider. It should provide balanced nutrition with plenty of protein from animal sources and the right amount of healthy fats plus complex carbohydrates. Avoid processed foods with too much sugar or preservatives as these can be unhealthy for your pup. You also need to factor in any existing health conditions like allergies or sensitivities which may require alternative ingredients such as sweet potato or oatmeal instead of grain-based fillers. When preparing homemade meals for your poodle it is important to remember that dogs require certain nutrients in order for them to stay healthy. Animal proteins such as poultry or fish should be included in each meal along with complex carbohydrates like brown rice or barley. Additionally some health experts recommend adding omega fatty acids from sources like salmon oil or flaxseed oil for optimal health benefits. It is equally important to remember that there are items which should never be fed to a poodle including onions, garlic, chocolate and grapes which could cause serious illness if ingested by your pet. Be sure when formulating the recipe you take into account any allergies or dietary restrictions your pup may have before giving them the meal so that you do not unknowingly put their health at risk! Benefits of Proper Nutrition for Poodles Poodles require specific nutrition to reach their maximum potential and stay healthy. Proper nutrition for poodles is essential in order to ensure they have a long and happy life. Proper nutrition also supports cognitive development and keeps their energy levels up throughout the day. Calcium from dairy products or supplements helps maintain joint health while other nutrients like phosphorus support cellular growth in bone tissue. Weight control: Feeding your poodle the right amounts of good quality food will help them maintain a healthy weight which reduces stress on their skeleton due to excess body fat accumulation — especially important for toy breeds such as Poodles who are prone to obesity if not monitored closely! Longer lifespan: Quality dog foods contain ingredients specifically designed to promote longevity by providing all the nourishment needed for a well functioning body systems over time with minimal supplementation required. This means less visits and costs at the vet later down the track! Creating a Balanced Diet Plan for Your Poodle Creating a balanced diet plan for your Poodle is an essential part of keeping them healthy and happy. The best way to achieve this is by understanding the nutritional needs of your pet, as well as the different foods available. Generally speaking though, most poodles should eat two or three meals per day consisting primarily of high quality proteins such as poultry, fish or lean meat along with carbohydrates such as rice or pasta and fresh vegetables. Fruits are also nutritious additions that can be included occasionally in moderation but should never replace any other food groups from their diet. Providing balanced nutrition will give them energy throughout the day while helping them stay fit and active throughout their lifetime! Sample Weekly Meal Plans for Adult and Puppy Poodles Poodles are a highly intelligent and active breed that require plenty of food to stay healthy. Including several meals throughout the day will ensure your adult and puppy poodle is getting enough nutrients for their individual needs. For adult poodles, our recommended weekly meal plan includes two full meals per day, followed by snacks in between if desired. A high-quality protein source should be the main focus of each meal such as chicken or fish. For additional nutrition, consider adding vegetables like kale or carrots along with complex carbohydrates like brown rice or oats. Supplementing with probiotics can also help promote better digestion over time while providing beneficial vitamins and minerals to keep your poodle feeling energetic all week long! As puppies grow quickly into adulthood, they need more frequent feedings than adults do… typically three times a day including breakfast lunch and dinner until they reach twelve months old when they may downsize to twice daily feedings instead. Puppies may also benefit from supplements specifically formulated for growing dogs, but always consult your veterinarian before starting any supplementation regimen with your pup! At the end of the day, proper nutrition is key when it comes to keeping both adult and puppy Poodles healthy, so creating weekly meal plans that include variety helps ensure their nutritional needs are met every single week! Related posts:. However, you should still consult your vet or pet nutritionist to be on the safe side. Your Poodles meal frequency will vary the same as the feeding amounts, which is majorly dependent on its age. During the weaning process or at 8 weeks old and below: feed them four times a day at equally spaced intervals. Ideally, one meal in the morning and the other in the evening. You should feed your adult Poodles two times a day, with 12 hours of spacing between meals. You should feed your senior Poodles two times a day except given a specific schedule by a vet. Adult Poodles and Senior Poodles should also be fed in the morning and in the evening unless stated differently by your vet or pet nutritionist. As a general rule, you should feed your Poodles a few hours before going to bed in the evening, so they have enough time to digest the food before going to sleep. Treats should be used mostly as a reward when training your dog. The food you feed your Poodles should specifically cater to large breeds and contain the required nutrients necessary for a strong and healthy dog. The kind of food to feed your Poodles includes dry dog food, wet dog food, a home-cooked diet, and Biologically Appropriate Raw food to ensure your dog eats a balanced diet. Portrait of cute poodle dog eating granule from bowl at home Let me touch on these few points to make you understand what to feed your dog: Dry Food: Dry dog or kibble is a portion of commercial pet food made by grinding and mixing up ingredients like meats, grains, and nutritional additives, which are then shaped into little kernels and cooked at high temperatures to remove the water content. Dry dog food contains more carbs, less fat, less water, and sometimes less protein and is often recommended by vets due to its lower cost, dental health benefits, convenience, weight loss support, and playtime perks. Wet Food: Wet dog food or canned food is made by mixing up and cooking the ingredients before adding or extracting varying amounts of water. Unlike dry dog food, wet dog food contains more water, fewer carbs, more fat, and often, more protein. They are recommended by vets due to their high-water content, taste, ease of eating, and high nutritional profile. Home-Cooked Diet: Home-Cooked diets are a great option for pet parents who are not into commercial dog food, and want to go the extra length to prepare a meal for their furry companion. Feeding your dog, a home-cooked meal will give you control of its nutrition and can put you at ease knowing that you will always give your dog the best treatment. BARF Diet: Biologically Appropriate Raw Food is a type of food that contains raw meat, raw eggs, crushed animal bones, fruits, vegetables, probiotics, and other natural ingredients. BARF diets are used as a substitute for processed foods with preservatives. However, consult your vet before feeding your pet a raw diet to avoid health complications from harmful substances. They have large appetites, which makes it tempting to hand them whatever we find ourselves eating. There are certain human foods, fruits, and vegetables to avoid feeding your Poodles because these foods contain toxins that are harmful to your pet that could lead you to frequent trips to the vet. The human food to avoid feeding your Poodles includes chocolates, coffee, gums, peanut butter, candies, cooked bones, etc. The Fruits and vegetables to avoid feeding your Poodles include grapes, avocado, garlic, onions, etc. You should always check the ingredients on the food label to see if these ingredients are present in the food. Or you can simply consult a vet, or pet nutritionist to check the ingredients with them. Puppy food contains more calories and nutrients than adult food to meet the nutritional requirement at that stage of life. The best thing you can do at this stage is to consult your vet to perform a checkup on your dog. Poodles tend to have a healthy appetite so it can feel like they eat a lot. If you ensure that the food you give is properly measured and that you have chosen food that is suitable for large breeds, then the following are reasons that your Poodles could be showing signs of being hungry all the time. Your Poodles can feel hungry all the time if they have engaged in lots of exercises, gone through stress and anxiety, have an illness, or have engaged in bad habits reinforced by people around them. Poodles, whether toy, miniature, medium, and standard, are notoriously picky eaters, however, this is something that can be overcome by training. Given that they tend to eat less compared to some dog breeds, you should refrain from overfeeding and loading them on treats rather you should stick to a ratio meal for your adorable poodle. Can poodles become vegetarians? A whole lot of dog breeds including the Poodles breed can live on a vegetarian diet as long as this diet consists of all the essentials required by the poodles to thrive and grow optimally. It is advisable that you consult your vet or pet nutritionist while planning your vegan meals to ensure your poodles do not encounter any health complications. However, you should consult a pet nutritionist or veterinarian to plan a vegan diet for your dog breed to prevent health complications that can arise from an unsure practice. Can poodles eat bones? Poodles can be fed bones, as this will encourage healthy bones and teeth and as an added bonus contain a lot of micro-nutrients that may not be in their food. However, you ensure that bones fed to your dog be disposed off after two-three days in order to prevent infection. There are some guidelines concerning this that have been stipulated by American Kennel Club. What human food can I feed my poodle? You can feed your Poodles different types of human foods such as beef, chicken, pork, turkey, salmon, tuna, and eggs. They can also eat noodles, oatmeal, sweet potato, unsalted peanut, parsnip, and other foods such as rice and pasta, yogurt, cheese, and peanut butter. What fruits and vegetables can I feed my poodle? Poodles can eat many types of fruits such as strawberries, apples, bananas, raspberries, peaches, mango, pears, blueberries, plums, melon, pineapple, oranges, and kiwi fruit. They can also eat vegetables such as pumpkin, carrot, peas, corn, cauliflower, spinach, cabbage, broccoli, and more. Should I give my poodle supplements? However, you may need to feed them supplements if you feed them home-cooked meals as recommended by your vet or dog nutritionist. Final Thoughts Whether you have a miniature, medium, toy, or Standard Poodle, As pet owners, we must be sure of how much and when we should feed them. Since Poodles are athletic, we must put extra effort into planning out their diet. Options such as dry, wet, raw, and homemade diets are all great for them. You can free-feed your Poodle as a puppy but you have to draw a strict plan as they go on. It is also essential to know what foods are healthy and should be avoided, as some foods are toxic. However, if you desire more on how to take care of your poodle, you should contact the nearest vet for information on essential nutrients and you can also see a pet nutritionist for a regimen schedule for your pet. David Cassiel As a biologist and dog enthusiast, I have gained valuable experience and knowledge through my internship at a veterinary hospital and my personal ownership of multiple breeds. My passion for dogs and expertise in areas such as nutrition, care, and training drives my goal of providing a helpful resource for dog owners through my pet website. Find More Search for: Affiliate Disclaimer We may earn commission from Amazon and other retailers when you make a purchase through our links. You can learn more about our affiliate disclaimer here. As a result, most dogs owners overfeed their dogs. This is because dog owners do not level off the cup when measuring out the food they give to their dogs. Therefore, the dog food that you feed your Miniature Poodle at different ages should be the type that is appropriate for its age. On the other hand, the adult Miniature Poodle should have already developed a good immune system. So, during the adult stage, you should feed your Miniature Poodle the type of dog food that has been designed to prolong the life of a dog. Nevertheless, some dogs still do well eating the same food at every stage of their lives. However, feeding your Miniature Poodle dog food that has been optimized for its age will ensure that your Miniature Poodle grows well, lives well, and lives long. Also, a good puppy food should have the nutrients that support brain development and good vision. Finally, a good dog food for the Miniature Poodle puppy should be the type that will not make your Miniature Poodle fat. See our list of the best dry dog food and the best wet dog food for the Miniature Poodle puppy below. These dog foods have all the right amount of nutrients that the Miniature Poodle puppy needs to grow well during its puppy years. A good dog food for the young adult Miniature Poodle should also have the nutrients that will minimize the chances of your Miniature Poodle getting infected with common dog diseases. Older dogs are prone to age-related health problems. A good diet is essential to minimize the possibility of becoming frail with age. AAFCO is an expert body that rigorously tests dog food to make sure that the dog food is safe. You may divide this food into two or three separate meals and give it to your Miniature Poodle puppy over the day. Our recommendation on how much food should feed your week-old Miniature Poodle puppy assumes that the weight of your Miniature Poodle is typical for its age. The typical weight for a week-old Miniature Poodle puppy is 6. Our recommendation on how much food you should feed your Miniature Poodle also assumes that you feed your Miniature Poodle a dog food with a calorie content of kcal per cup. If you want a more accurate estimation of how much food to feed your Miniature Poodle puppy based on its exact weight, the exact type of dog food that you feed your Miniature Poodle, and other factors, use our Miniature Poodle food calculator. The typical weight for a week-old Miniature Poodle puppy is 7. Ration this food into two or three separate portions and give it to your Miniature Poodle puppy over the day. Our recommendation on how much food you should feed your 7-month-old Miniature Poodle puppy assumes that the weight of your Miniature Poodle is typical for its age. The typical weight for a 7-month-old Miniature Poodle puppy is .Our recommendation on how much food to feed your Miniature Poodle also assumes that you feed your Miniature Poodle dog food that has an average calorie density kcal per cup. Use our Miniature Poodle food calculator to calculate a more accurate estimation of how much food to feed your Miniature Poodle. Our recommendation on how much food you should feed your 9-month-old Miniature Poodle puppy assumes that the weight of your Miniature Poodle is typical for its age. The typical weight for a 9-month-old Miniature Poodle puppy is .Ration this food into two or three separate portions and give it to your Miniature Poodle over the day. Our recommendation on how much food you need to feed your year-old Miniature Poodle assumes that the weight of your Miniature Poodle is typical for its age. The typical weight for a year-old Miniature Poodle puppy is .Our recommendation on how much food to feed your Miniature Poodle also assumes that you feed your Miniature Poodle dog food of that contains kilocalories of energy per cup. Use our Miniature Poodle food calculator for a more accurate estimation of how much food to feed your Miniature Poodle. Ration this food into two or three separate potions and give it to your Miniature Poodle over the day. Our recommendation on how much food to feed your Miniature Poodle also assumes that you feed your Miniature Poodle a dog food that has an energy content of kilocalories per cup, and that your Miniature Poodle is reproductively intact. Also, we assume that your Miniature Poodle is not overweight or underweight. How much food Miniature Poodle should eat How Many Times to Feed the Miniature Poodle a Day When it comes to how many times to feed a dog, there are three different ways to feed the Miniature Poodle One way is to make food available to the Miniature Poodle at all times free-choice feeding. Another way is to feed the Miniature Poodle two or three times a day food-restricted feeding. This is the feeding method that works the best for most Miniature Poodles. The third way is to make food available to your Miniature Poodle for a short time about 10 minutes once or twice a day time-restricted feeding. Each of these feeding methods has its advantages and disadvantages, which will be discussed next. Free-Choice Feeding This is a feeding method when you make food available to your Miniature Poodle all the time. This is the method of choice for feeding puppies that are at risk of developing bone diseases due to rapid growth. Restricting the food of a rapidly growing dog will ensure that the dog grows normally. Time-Limited Feeding This is a dog feeding method in which dogs are allowed access to food for a short period, usually 10 to 15 minutes, once or twice daily three times per day for the first month after weaning, then twice per day. Feeding a Poodle Overview Ensuring that your Poodle is on a well-balanced diet is one of the most important elements to keeping your canine family member healthy, both now and into the future. This section will cover all Poodle feeding guidelines including how often to feed a Poodle, serving sizes, dry vs wet, grain vs grain-free, and top recommended kibble. Don't need all of the details and just want to know which brands are recommended? New Puppies - The Importance of Gradually Switching Foods Before you even bring your Poodle home, it is very important to discuss with the breeder or shelter worker if you are adopting a rescue exactly which brand of food they have been feeding to your Poodle. A fast change in food can cause upset stomach and digestive problems. Breeders and shelters are buying food in bulk and have to feed many dogs which is a factor in which brand they choose; so there is a good chance that you will want to offer your Poodle something different. Have both the current food and the new food on hand and make a gradual switch over the course of 3 weeks. Though you will be leaving food out at all times, it is important that the food is fresh. Do not just top it off throughout the day, rinse and clean the bowl as necessary so that old food is not stuck at the bottom of the dish. Puppy: Starting at just about the 3 month mark, Poodles of all varieties should be eating 3 meals per day, plus snacks. Adult: When a pup matures into an adult, this does not necessarily mean that they should suddenly be given only one meal a day. Smaller dogs such as Toy Poodles and Miniatures often do best with 2 or even 3 meals per day. Standards have a bit more tolerance to a single dinnertime feeding, however many can also benefit from having food split up into two servings. Several snacks can be given in between meals and this is particularly helpful is a Poodle is a fast eater. How Much to Feed a Poodle Exact serving size varies quite a bit depending on the type of food. There is a big difference in calories between wet vs dry and low quality vs high quality. And, the amount of food that a Poodle should be eating depends on the dog's age, activity level, individual metabolism, and health status. Even the weather can play a role since dogs tend to eat a bit more in the winter and a bit less in the summer. In regard to calorie requirements, puppies need more calories per pound than their adult counterparts, approximately 40 to 55 calories per pound, daily, compared to adult dogs that need about 35 to 45 calories per pound, daily. S enior Poodles typically have slower metabolisms and reduced mobility and therefore usually require slightly fewer calories, in the 40 calorie per pound range. If you are feeding your Poodle a commercial food, follow the suggested feeding guidelines. These are usually pretty spot-on. Since these are based on both age and weight, do not estimate how much your Poodle weighs but rather know what this is within a pound or two. If you are feeding your Poodle homemade food, a rough guideline for serving size is 1 ounce of food for each 1 pound of body weight, daily. As you can imagine, this can vary quite a bit depending on the exact ingredients. Using the 1 to 1 rule as a starting point, what your Poodle consumes within 15 minutes is usually a good amount for each meal. Wet vs Dry If a Poodle had their way, most would opt for wet food. However, dry food is recommended since this is much better for the gums and teeth. In addition, dry kibble tends to be easier on the stomach and intestines and a diet of all wet canned food can lead to runny stools. Grain vs Grain-free Until relatively recently, there was not much debate on this subject; if a dog tended to have gastrointestinal or allergy issues when on a diet with grains, they were switched to a grain-free recipe. However, this changed when it was discovered that several dogs that were breeds not prone to dilated cardiomyopathy developed that particular heart disease and also happened to be fed grain-free kibble. Lots of pet parents immediately thought that they needed to change their dogs back to grains; however, many more studies need to be done. In fact, the most recent update from the Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University suggests that 'grain-free' alone may not be the issue at play. For now, it is theorized that a certain diet dubbed a BEG diet may be to blame. This stands for boutique small local brands with exotic meats non-traditional meats like alligator, bison, ostrich, venison, and kangaroo and grain-free along with peas, legumes, or potatoes as one of the top 5 ingredients. Currently there are no recalls of grain-free dog food brands and the FDA is still investigating any possible links including the BEG theory. If your Poodle does not do well with any grains at all, you may wish to stick to a brand that has traditional meats like chicken, turkey, or beef or a fish-based recipes. And, if you are not sure about which grains your Poodle may do okay with, you may wish to opt for wholesome non-wheat and non-gluten grains like rice brown or white , oatmeal, quinoa which is technically a seed. Exact recommendations for the best foods include both grain and grain-free options. Elements to Keep in Mind When Choosing Food for Your Poodle What to avoid: It's no wonder that pet parents have a difficult time navigating the many choices of dog foods in their quest to find the best brand to give their Poodle, there are a lot of ingredients to avoid: Artificial flavoring like MSG which can cause terrible allergic reactions. Artificial coloring. Some of the worst are Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 2, and Yellow 6 which are linked to very serious issues including neurological and behavioral issues like insomnia and hyperactivity and serious health issues including some cancers. Chemical preservatives. This can be tricky to avoid since these do not always need to be labeled; if these are added to protect 'protein meals' in low levels, you'll never see it listed as an ingredient. These are meats and animal parts deemed unfit for human consumption. Examples are lungs, spleen, spinal tissue, genitals, hooves, beaks, intestines, and more. Generic meats or oils. This can, by law, be any species of animal whatsoever and are usually 4-D animal parts: Sourced from dead, diseased, dying, or disabled zoo animals, farm animals, or even roadkill. These are very common in cheaper subpar brands and are inexpensive ingredients that are added only to plump up the food but offer little to no nutritional value. Examples of fillers include corn, soy, wheat middlings, peanut hulls, oat husks, and cereal grains. Ingestion of fillers is a contributing factor in coprophagia eating feces and is linked to malnutrition. High grain count. Though some wholesome grains may be desired next section , high levels of wheat or gluten can cause upset stomach issues and allergies. What to look for: Knowing what to avoid can help you identify some of the better brands though exact recommendations are below. This means zero artificial additives. Natural preservatives. Wholesome ingredients. For meats and proteins this includes chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, rabbit, beef, and many types of fish including whitefish, haddock, salmon, and cod. You'll also want your Poodle to have some vegetables and fruits which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Zero fillers. Every ingredient should serve the purpose of providing nutrients and never added simply to bulk up the recipe. The right balance of healthy grains. Though some Poodles will need to avoid all grains, most do very well with select non-wheat, non-gluten options including oatmeal, quinoa, and rice. Added extras. Next, we'll cover exact recommendations that fit all of the above criteria. Best Food for Poodles: Recommended Brands Please note that if you have not yet read ' Grain vs Grain-free ' section, you may wish to do so before continuing. Top recommend food with grains: 1. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry. For larger miniatures and standards, you'll want to opt for their regular Complete Health. There are also puppy, adult, and senior formulas. All of these have no wheat, corn or other fillers, artificial coloring or flavoring, soy, meat by-products, or chemical preservatives, so you can feel very confident that your filling your Poodle's bowl with truly wholesome, healthy food. These recipes also have excellent levels of omega-3 fatty acids. And, this is made in the USA. Halo Natural Holisitc Dog Food. This top brand has found its niche by offering a purely holistic, organic recipe with non-GMO veggies and fruits and meats with no antibiotics, no hormones, and no factory farming. The protein base is chicken and liver, the two grains in this are oats and barley, and vegetables and fruits include peas, blueberries, cranberries, carrots, and sweet potato. All other ingredients are to naturally preserve the kibble or are vitamins and minerals. This particular recipe is for small breeds, however there is also an original for larger dogs. Halo is made in the USA. Top recommended food without grains: 1. Merrick is a great brand which offers this recipe for small breeds, like toy Poodles and another option for larger dogs which would include miniatures and standards. Protein bases include Texas beef, lamb, chicken, and salmon. There is no corn or other fillers, wheat, gluten, artificial additives, or chemical preservatives. And, there are excellent levels of omega-3 and both pre and probiotics. Merrick is also made in the USA. The CORE formula from Wellness is, by far, one of the very best grain-free foods on the market today. It hits very single checkbox of what you are ideally looking for in a food for your Poodle and it has some superior extras. There are excellent levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants. There is both a small breed formula and an original formula for minis and standards as well as puppy recipes and a reduced fat option. Wellness is made in the USA. What to Feed Your Poodle if Home Cooking You will want to have a mix of protein, healthy grains, vegetables and fruits. Proteins can include beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, veal, and fish cod, flounder, salmon, whitefish. Vegetables can include sugar snap peas, green beans, lima beans, spinach, peas, zucchini, carrots, sweet potato, and regular potato. Fruits can include blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, apple, and pear. Extras can include eggs, salmon oil, extra virgin olive oil, certain cheese with low levels of lactose Colby, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, and cottage cheese and plain whole white yogurt. Note that if you home cook, you will want to include a daily vitamin and mineral since it is near impossible for any combination of foods to offer a dog every nutrient that they need. Snacks Snacks and treats are also an important part of a dog's diet. Dry treats often labeled as baked or crunchy are best to tide over the appetite in between meals. Moist or chewy treats are best when used as training rewards and to reinforce good behavior. Rapid ingestion of food can lead to gas, vomiting, or upset stomach and is linked to killer bloat. Types of Nuts that a Poodle Can Eat - If you are snacking away on some nuts and want to share them with your Poodle, see which ones are safe and which are not. Poodle Begging Behavior - Giving into begging for table scraps or extra snacks contributes to this bad habit. See how to react if your Poodle won't stop begging. Overly Picky Poodles - Read how to address finicky eaters to make mealtime less stressful for both of you. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. This will be easier for them to chew and swallow than large pieces of kibble. Weight ranges can vary quite considerably, so some puppies will naturally need a lot more food than others. One way you can adjust your meal sizes is by working with your veterinarian. If you struggle to feel any definition, your puppy could benefit from smaller meal sizes. But, if their ribs are very prominent, they could benefit from slightly larger meal sizes. You should always work with your vet when adjusting meal sizes to ensure that everything is done in a safe and healthy way. But, since Poodles have so much curly fur, seeing them can be hard even if they are overly prominent! As they get a little older, this can decrease to 3 meals. And, when your puppy is at their adult size, this can decrease to two meals per day. How to Choose the Best Puppy Food? There are a lot of commercial options to choose from when searching for the best Poodle puppy food. You will find dry options, wet food, grain free varieties, limited ingredient recipes, and more. Some owners even choose to make homemade meals for their dogs, or raw diets. However, homemade diets are more likely to be nutritionally imbalanced, which can lead to health problems. Commercial food brands offer a lot of choice. There are pros and cons to every food type, so it can also help to speak to your veterinarian. For instance, wet food is often the most palatable, but it can be hard to use in training and has a shorter expiry date than other types. Grain free food is associated with some health-related concerns, but studies have determined the need for more research into a link, and this food type can be better for puppies with allergies. And, kibble food is easy to store and use during training, but can contain unwanted ingredients, like unnecessary fillers. Slowly substitute in your new food over the course of a week, until the old food is completely removed. Doing this too quickly can result in stomach upset and digestive issues. You will also need to transition to an adult food variety when your puppy has stopped growing. Toy Poodles will often finish growing somewhere between 6 and 8 months. Miniature Poodles can take between 8 and 12 months. And Standard Poodles can take up to 18 months. The transition to an adult food should also be gradual, taking space over the course of a week. Is My Poodle a Healthy Weight? However, all Poodles are different. They will grow at different rates and will have different healthy adult weights. They will be able to help you make any suitable adjustments if your puppy needs to increase or decrease their weight to remain healthy. Obesity and excess weight can cause and worsen some serious health problems in our pet dogs. They can help to adjust meal sizes where necessary. And, they can look for any underlying causes to high appetite levels in your Poodle. This often happens when people first bring their puppy home, leading to panic and stress! However, puppies can also feel stress and fear when moving to their new homes. And, this can cause a loss of appetite. Or, if they think something better might be on offer. For instance, if you tend to feed them table scraps, they might leave their food to try and get more tasty treats. Doing so will prevent obesity and weight gain. Completing all of your training in the morning will pose the same problems as feeding your puppy a very large meal first thing in the morning. Another benefit of this is that your puppy will be extra hungry and motivated to work for their food if training is before each mealtime. How Much to Feed a Poodle Puppy — A Summary All Poodles are different from one another, so the amount of food they need each day and at individual meal times will vary. But, they usually need some adjusting. Have you got any tips for raising a healthy Poodle puppy? Let us know in the comments! Readers Also Liked.

Conclusion How many calories does your German Shepherd need? German Shepherds were bred to work all day herding livestock, which makes them high-energy dogs who are active both physically and mentally. This means that adult German Shepherds need a high-calorie diet of at least 1, calories to give them the energy to run as well as stay sharp. How many calories does your German Shepherd puppy need? As your German Shepherd puppy grows and seems to have an endless energy supply , she needs a calorie-rich diet. According to the National Research Council of the National Academies, a puppy needs twice as many calories per pound of body weight as an adult of the same breed. So, an adult German Shepherd weighing 70 lb needs about 20 calories per lb per day. That would mean that a German Shepherd puppy who will reach 70 lb as an adult needs 40 calories per lb per day. I advise you to discuss this with your vet and work out an accurate amount for your puppy. How often should I feed my German Shepherd puppy? As for a feeding schedule, once your pup is on solid food at about 4 weeks old , you should be feeding her 4 meals a day. At 4 months old, you can reduce this to 2 or 3 meals a day, and continue with this routine into adulthood. Common health problems in German Shepherds - how diet can help them Elbow and hip dysplasia Unfortunately, the primary health concern for German Shepherds is hip dysplasia , which is a malformation of the joint. It is a condition that can get worse if your dog is overweight or obese, so keeping her at a healthy weight is imperative. Another thing that can help this condition though, of course, will not cure it is to look for dog foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin which are both natural substances , as they stimulate the body to repair damaged cartilage. Bloat Large dogs like German Shepherds can suffer from bloat, which is a serious and sometimes fatal condition. It occurs if your dog is very active just after eating, or if your dog eats a very large amount in one go. For this reason, it is highly important that you feed your German Shepherd 2 or 3 small meals during the day instead of in one large sitting, and let her rest for at least half an hour after eating before letting her play or do any physical exercise. Nutritional requirements for German Shepherds — a macronutrient breakdown So how can we tell which is the best dog food for German Shepherds? Well, we need to look at a breakdown of what the nutritional requirement is for the breed regarding how much protein, carbohydrates, fat and vitamins and minerals she needs. Here they are, in descending order: Protein Dogs that are large, muscular and active like the German Shepherd need especially high amounts of protein, as they use it to keep their muscles strong and can also burn it off as energy. It is also essential for your German Shepherd's coat health. Her coat which is double, and usually long is mostly made up of proteins, so she needs a high amount for it to grow and stay healthy. How much protein does she need? You must check with your vet to get an exact figure for your dog. German Shepherds also need the right amount of fat to keep its long coat shiny and skin well-moisturized. Not only this, but such an intelligent dog will benefit greatly from those omega fatty acids, which aid her cognitive function. Carbohydrates As already mentioned German Shepherds are active, so some carbs should be present in her dog food. Many dogs, including the German Shepherd, can have allergies to grains like corn, soy, and wheat, however, so I would advise you to go for a dog food that sources their carbohydrates elsewhere. You could try her on whole grains like brown rice, barley, and oats, which are all good quality carbs. If you find these don't agree with her either, go for a grain-free food that uses vegetables such as sweet potatoes as the source of carbohydrates. Vitamins and minerals Your German Shepherd needs vitamins and minerals to keep her coat and immune system healthy. Not only this, but the antioxidant properties found in Vitamin C and E also serve as good brain food for her. Just as we do, she can get these from fruits and vegetables. A good choice of dog food will contain a variety of these. Additionally, the formula is often described as the best german shepherd puppy food on the market due to its inclusion of DHA — an omega-3 fatty acid that works wonders in ensuring your pup will have optimal visual and cognitive development. The proprietary formula is bursting with prime ingredients, one such example being chicken fat; a fundamental staple in dog food for providing essential fatty acids for your Shepherd, as well as improving the overall palatability of the kibble recipe itself. You can certainly discern the exclusive nature of this formula from their incorporation of live, naturally occurring microorganisms probiotics that will help your German Shepherd digest their beloved dog food. Best Dog food for German Shepherds Buying Guide Are you feeling confident with the first-rate formula you've chosen for your dog from our comprehensive list, yet not so sanguine with regard to the knowledge you need to confidently raise your German Shepherd from a puppy to a boisterous adult? Read on to have your concerns answered in our buying guide and FAQ. For example, hand-picking dog food that lists "poultry meal" aren't going to satisfy your dog's nutritional needs in comparison to those that specify "chicken meal". High-protein content: Like all large dogs, the first ingredient on any dog food's ingredient list should be a protein-based nutrient such as chicken meal, egg protein, or beef byproducts. It is essential that your dog receives substantial amounts of protein, as a large breed like German Shepherds require it to build strong bones and joints. Although plant-based protein sources are also recommended, your dog does not possess the biochemical adaptations to digest them properly. For a senior dog struggling with the effects of aging e. For puppies, omega-3 fatty acids help strengthen their brain and, consequently, advance their ability to learn. How many artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives are in this formula? Contrarily, you'll certainly be upset when discovering that many artificial colors can be injurious to your dog's health — even, in some severe cases, causing migraines and cancer. It's important to note that food terminology such as 'natural' and 'organic' is tossed around without a second thought in the dog food industry, whereas in human food, the distinction is much more clear-cut. In other words, the stomach rotates on its axis, interrupting the flow of food and water occurring between the esophagus and the duodenum. As a result the stomach becomes bloated, obstructing veins in the abdomen and potentially damaging the dog's internal organs. German Shepherds in particular are prone to this condition due to their large, deep chests. Therefore, if you see signs that your German Shepherd may be bloated — for example, gagging after they eat, an extended stomach, or lethargy — your German Shepherd must be taken to a vet immediately. There will be very little time, ranging from minutes to hours, to get medical attention for your German Shepherd, so act urgently. Hip Dysplasia: When it comes to common health issues in German Shepherds, hip dysplasia is the most common. Joint health in these dogs is poor due to inbreeding at the outset of breed standardization, and because of the size of these dogs. Hip Dysplasia is a hereditary disfigurement of the hip that brings the dog much pain and is incredibly difficult to treat. To prevent hip dysplasia, take your German Shepherd on short walks and always favor moderate exercise to keep their joints loose. Our Top Pick So, out of all the reputable brands showcased to you today, what dog food would we choose to ensure our German Shepherd is the happiest and healthiest the possibly could be? As part of the family-owned Diamond Pet Food company, Taste of the Wild have access to scientifically advanced, state-of-the-art facilities in America that have allowed them to create species-specific proprietary probiotics , minimizing any risk of your Shepherd developing gastrointestinal disorders. Full to the brim with superfoods, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, all the reputable ingredients within this formula are sourced from long-established and trustworthy suppliers. Finally, with real roasted lamb as the primary ingredient, you'll never have to encourage your German Shepherd to finish up their meal — if anything, this delectable formula will be wolfed down without even a second thought! A: You should switch your German Shepherd puppy from puppy food to dog food when they are around 12 months old. However, the switch entirely depends on their growth and development. Therefore, you should seek advice from your veterinarian on when to make the switch. Q: How many calories does an adult German Shepherd need per day? A: According to the National Research Council of the National Academies, an inactive or senior adult German Shepherd must be fed between 1, and 1, calories of prime dog food every day. Correspondingly, the council recommend feeding active German Shepherds between 1, and 2, calories. Q: What types of food should never be given to German Shepherd dogs? A: Fruits: Many owners may be unaware that fruits such as raisins and grapes are toxic to dogs due to the cyanide in their seeds. If ingested, these fruits may induce kidney failure in your pup. Accordingly, keep them away from your pet at all costs. High fat foods: If improper ingestion of high fat foods occurs, this may lead to pancreatitis — a dangerous condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. Dairy: As the majority of dogs are lactose intolerant, never give in to their puppy eyes and offer them a lick of your ice cream. Related Reads. Large Comfort Care — For dogs who are skittish and have nervous behaviors. Large Joint Care — For dogs who need support for joint health. Coat Care — For dogs of all sizes with dull and lackluster coats. Large Digestive Care — For dogs with sensitive stomachs. Large Dental Care — For dogs who are prone to tartar. Large Weight Care — For dogs who are prone to gaining weight. Large Sensitive Skin Care — For dogs with dry coats and sensitive skin. Taste of the Wild for German Shepherds Taste of the Wild has somewhat of a reputation for being an artisanal brand. It is a proudly family-owned company that offers premium dog food at fairly affordable prices. As a company, their competitive advantage lies in their belief that our pets should eat the way nature intended them to. Dog food by Taste of the Wild contains not only high-quality protein sources but also filler-free carbohydrates. Additionally, they put great emphasis on probiotics to achieve optimum gut health. Although they have some puppy variants, most of their products differ primarily in the main protein source and, consequently, flavor. Apart from flavor, the best choice for your German Shepherd would be based on their sensitivities and allergies. For example, some Taste of the Wild recipes are egg-free. Rated 5 out of 5 by StephanieW from Love the food but confused about ingredient label! My rescue GSD loves the High Prairie food, and it has done wonders for her overall appearance - her coat has thickened and softened so much - and she's so playful and happy. Easy on the tummy, too. She never gets sick eating it. My friend uses the High Prairie puppy formula. My only confusion is over the labeling. Not a lot of dog foods include it. However, when you look at the actual label on the bag, taurine is omitted. Date published: Rated 5 out of 5 by Mabel P Stewart from Never been so happy to see my dog eat! Mabel is a 6 month old GSD mix puppy. Mabel was having some stomach problems, wasn't interested in eating, had started to lose weight because she was vomiting up the food we had her on at the time and no it wasn't cheap stuff , and also has a sensitivity to chicken. We took her to the vet and had a barium swallow and x-rays done just to be sure there wasn't an obstruction. Everything came back normal. So we bought a bag and after a few days on this food she is excited to eat, dances around her food dish, has more energy, and is back to acting like an energetic puppy! Our Dogs Love it. .She is 7yrs old now. She Does Great on it. We are going to cut back and see if that Does the Trick. If not will be switching to small breed adult TOTW. .Thank You For a Great Product. .Date published: Rated 5 out of 5 by Molly from My owner was away from his computer.Hi, my name is Molly. My owner switched me over to this after arriving at my new home. I must say, I really like the taste! I also love the ingredients… no corn or other grains to upset my little tummy, and the first ingredient is buffalo… yummy! There are also lots of vitamins and other good things to keep me healthy. This is my first Amazon post, and I hope my review will help other dogs who see this post make a smart decision when considering puppy food. Thank you for reading, and tell your owners about this. We changed our girls food to Taste of the Wild Puppy and could not be more pleased!!! The food has made our girl look so healthy!! The big surprise is that as most knows a German Shepard sheds a lot of hair but feeding her Taste of Wild has reduced the shedding to a minimum!!! Wow we are so grateful to be able to get this good food for our baby and to see how healthy she looks!!!! Date published: Rated 5 out of 5 by Mazza from Perfect Pup food We rescued a 4 month old puppy from a hoarding situation. She was horribly under weight, her fur and skin were in bad shape. We have been feeding our other dogs Taste of the Wild for years. We had never used the puppy formula before so we gave it a chance. We were impressed with how quickly our little girls put on weight, thickened her very short coat, and how soft her coat became. Date published: Rated 5 out of 5 by pvtcarlswife from the only food i will feed my pets We had a heart dog who owned us for 14 years. They both love the food, they both are healthy and thriving, we did get them very young as the person that had them was ready for them to be gone at 4 weeks, they were eating TOTW Puppy High Prairie from 4 weeks, they are now 14 weeks and are active and healthy puppies. We also feed TOTW to our 2 cats. Date published: Rated 5 out of 5 by Shachafit from Picky and sensitive pup loves it I have a czechoslovakian wolfdog pup, and ever since I brought her she never liked any of the dry foods I tried and always had diarrhea. Following many frustrating months, I contacted a breeder from abroad and she highly recommended feeding my pup with taste of the wild. My pup loves it and the diarrhea stopped almost immediately after she began eating this food, she gained lots of weight and her fur became lovely. Date published: .If so, the German shepherd dog would certainly qualify. Multitalented and eager to work, German shepherds have held a wide array of jobs over the decades, from herders and guide dogs for the visually impaired to police dogs that apprehend criminals and detect illegal substances. No wonder the German shepherd has so many fans. A little history At the end of the 19th century, a German cavalry officer by the name of Captain Max von Stephanitz admired German herding dogs but noted they varied in appearance by region of the country. He made it his mission to create the ideal herding dog. His search for the best breeding stock took him to a dog show in , where he found a wolf-like canine with upright ears and yellow and black markings named Hektor Linksrhein. He promptly purchased the dog and changed its name to Horand von Grafrath. Throughout the years, the club worked to create breed standardization. The information in this blog has been developed with our veterinarian and is designed to help educate pet parents. If you have questions or concerns about your pet's health or nutrition, please talk with your veterinarian.