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April 14, — present Puppy Dog Pals is an American computer - animated children's television series created by Harland Williams. They also have a kitty sister named Hissy and a robot dog named A. Auto-Doggy Robotic Friend. Characters Main Bingo voiced by Issac Ryan Brown [4] in seasons 1—3 voiced by Elisha "EJ" Williams in season 4—5 — A blackish grayish pug with a blue lightning collar who is more mature than his twin brother Rolly. He is the leader of Rolly and himself. Bingo is always ready to go on missions with his brother to help someone in need. Issac Ryan Brown left the series after season 3 due to puberty. Starting with season 4, Elisha Williams took on the role. Rolly voiced by Sam Lavagnino [5] in seasons 1—3 voiced by Gracen Newton in season 4—5 — A fawn pug with a red collar with a gold bone on it. While he isn't as smart as Bingo, he is still very silly. He is Bingo's twin birthday brother but Bingo is older than Rolly, as clarified in season 1. Rolly loves to chew on everything he can find and it's a bad habit. Sam Lavagnino left the series after season 3 due to puberty. Starting with season 4, Gracen Newton took on the role. He and Ana get married in the season 4 finale "Bob and Ana's Wedding". Hissy voiced by Jessica DiCicco [7] — A cynical purple tabby cat wearing a bow, who cares for Bingo and Rolly like a big sister. In some episodes, she ends up going along with Bingo and Rolly on their missions. She, along with Cupcake, is the only one with unnatural fur color. He first appears in the episode "A. Keia also becomes close friends with Bingo, Rolly and Hissy ever since she met them. She is also known for wearing a turquoise colored long-sleeved sweater and wearing a pink collar with a gold star on it. She first appeared in "A New Pup in Town. Lollie voiced by Giselle Eisenberg — A black and white cavalier king charles spaniel female puppy wearing a aquamarine collar whose back legs are paralyzed. Her best friend is Keia. She becomes Bingo and Rolly sister at the end of season 4. Ana voiced by Cree Summer — Lollie's owner and Bob's love interest, later his wife. She runs Puppy Playcare and first appeared in "Adopt-a-Palooza. He first appeared in "New Pals on the Block". She is also one of the mission students. She wears a purple collar with flower ponytails on her ears. She first appeared in "New Pals on the Block". She wears a yellow daffodil neck scarf and sometimes put on heart shape shades. His first appearance is in "New Pals on the Block", in which he is living with Bob and Ana while his parents are on a work trip. She first appeared in "Fetch that Fish". Strawberry communicates with squeaking noises — A ladybug who, like Bingo, Rolly and Hissy, is a close friend of Keia's, so much so that Strawberry hangs around with Keia most of the time. She becomes more of a friend after "The Fang Fairy. He has been known to chase Bingo and Rolly multiple times, but in "Haunted Howl-O-Ween," after Rolly removed Chloe's costume off him, he helped them return it. Captain Dog voiced by Patrick Warburton — The star of the pup's favorite television show. In "A Pyramid Scheme," he gets tangled in ribbons, which leads to Bingo and Rolly mistaking him for a mummy. Esther Exposition voiced by Cheri Oteri [11] — Frank's wife. In episode "Hissy's Big Day", she is shown to have a pet iguana named Iggy. Bulworth voiced by Huey Lewis — The junkyard dog. Dallie voiced by Tom Kenny — A dalmatian who lives in the city's firehouse. Tad voiced by Sean Coyle — A gopher who lives underground in his tunnels and hangs out with Bingo and Rolly. He speaks in gopher noises that Rolly can understand. Whaley voiced by Jessica DiCicco — An Orca whale that Bingo and Rolly helped jump over the other side of the wall and later encountered her in ocean based missions. Chloe voiced by Emma Shannon — A young girl who is Bob's neighbor. As of Season 2, Chloe and her mother are the owners of Keia, a new puppy who also becomes best friends with Bob's pets. As of Season 2, she and Chloe are the owners of Keia, a new puppy who also becomes best friends with Bob's pets. Jackie voiced by Jill Talley — An orange collie. Bizzy voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson — A beaver who lives in the woods and likes to rap. Bonnie voiced by Grey DeLisle — Bob's sister, who is an archeologist. Boss voiced by Brandon James Cienfuegos — A young guard dog. Sydney voiced by Kitana Turnbull — Bulworth's niece. She is also Mo's sister. He is also Auggie's brother. Cassie voiced by Cree Summer — Ana's mom and Darius grandma. Puppy Dog Pals chronicles the adventures of Bingo and Rolly, the spirited siblings who go on exciting adventures around their backyard and around the world while their owner, Bob, is at work. The series, which debuts today at a. We recently spoke with Williams pictured below right , who also serves as consulting producer and writer, as well as the voice of Bob; and executive producer Sean Coyle pictured below left Mickey Mouse Clubhouse about what you should know before you watch. First and foremost, Puppy Dog Pals is about friendship and family. For example, we have an episode coming up later in the season where the Mona Lisa goes missing, and Bingo and Rolly deduce that the greatest painting in the world must be hanging on the greatest wall in the world—so the puppies figure out that they need to go to the Great Wall of China to look for the Mona Lisa. The puppies were always, always going to be pugs. Kids will travel the world with the puppies. Episodes are set in Italy, England, Paris, and China, to name just a few of the locales the globetrotting dogs will visit. Coyle reveals that one of his favorite parts of the recording process is watching actors portray animals. Sniffing, growling, licking, and slurping—in character, no less—is harder than it sounds. Families can enjoy Puppy Dog Pals together. The stories contain messages about friendship, creativity, problem-solving, togetherness, and adventure, designed for younger kids, but Coyle—a father of two young children himself—thinks that the rest of the family will watch right alongside them.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. But they can also be a handful! To help you understand and appreciate your 6-month old golden retriever, and to set them and you up for success, we brought Steffi Trott in to help. Adult goldens are friendly , intelligent , and energetic. They are wonderful companions who bond closely with their human families. Goldens are also extremely tolerant of children , and they make great playmates for adventurous youngsters. These irresistible balls of fluff love to play, chew , explore, get into trouble, and generally grab life by the horns. Six-month-old golden retrievers fall in the middle of the pack. Is your golden retriever puppy a perfectly behaved angel? Adult male goldens typically stand 23 to 24 inches tall, while adult female goldens typically weigh between 55 to 65 pounds. When golden retrievers are about 18 months old, they have generally grown to their full weight. When they reach that milestone, their body structure will also have filled out accordingly. On average, however, a six-month-old puppy will happily eat three cups of food daily. When a puppy reaches that six-month milestone, they should begin to eat two meals each day: a morning meal and an evening meal. Feeding him the proper type and amount of food will help him to get the required nutrients. Over time, he could easily become obese from consuming the extra calories. Both sets of dogs should get light to moderate exercise for an hour or two each day. Very young puppies should get their exercise from vigorous play sessions plus a short daily walk or two. On the other hand, a healthy six-month-old golden can likely handle longer walks and even a short jog on occasion. Take your golden for fun, energetic walks on wooded trails, grass, concrete, and other surfaces. Also, remember that puppies love to chase things, romp and roll on the ground, and play tug of war. Provide extra physical and mental stimulation by introducing puzzle games and fun new chew toys. Avoid high-energy agility classes or extended hikes over challenging terrain. Overly strenuous exercise can eventually lead to bouts of lameness and even improperly formed bones. Remember, variety and consistency are key to a positive outcome. Behaviors: Evolution and Expectations Newly minted golden retriever puppies are both charming and challenging. Consistent reinforcement of puppy obedience training will help you and your dog to come through this challenging period together. At this stage, these delightful little creatures really want to please their owners. Acquiring good basic obedience skills will provide a needed behavioral framework for your dog. And, having this behavioral structure in place will be quite valuable in his next stage of development. Group obedience classes also provide plenty of opportunities to socialize with other dogs of roughly the same age. And, consistent obedience work enables you to develop a sense of trust and a stronger bond with your dog. You want to establish the most important manners and behaviors for daily life in your dog now, including: Waiting in front of doorways Standing still while you reach for the collar and attach a leash Walking nicely next to you Being patient while you brush their coat Months: Fight Undesirable Behaviors with 2 Tactics Six-month-old golden retrievers are like distracted, moody teenagers. They frequently become focused on their surroundings, and often tend to ignore familiar commands. This previously outgoing puppy may also seem shy and reclusive on occasion. When your good-natured, cooperative puppy reaches that six-month mark, he could also become irritable and unpredictable. He might engage in destructive digging or chewing behavior , and may also launch into extended barking fits without warning. Simply put, this fidgety young golden retriever may be bored and restless. True to his breed standard, this energetic dog is ready to race through fields and marshes to retrieve fallen birds for his owner. And, regular workouts will help to prevent him from putting on unwanted pounds. This feisty young dog also needs some compatible playmates. Once he finds them, the best buddies will likely enjoy wrestling and racing around. Always make sure to balance physical exercise with mental challenges as well. Using food puzzles to feed your dog or teaching him a new trick with part of his dinner will keep his brain working. This can actually tire him out even more than purely physical exercise! If you want to learn more about her, you can check out her website SpiritDogTraining. Tom Thorpe Blog Golden retrievers are in demand the world over. They are popular because of their versatility. Goldens make awesome family pets because of their wonderful dispositions. They are also great at hunting and amazing show dogs. You might be wondering what is wrong with your Golden. Overall, there will be nothing wrong with your Golden since growth is not a linear process for any breed. Instead, it might occur in spurts, especially the first 24 months of their life. However, it is crucial to monitor your puppy carefully during this vulnerable stage. It might be both fun and educational to watch your little golden puppy grow and develop. They are at their most impressionable. This is the stage where you can shape the personality of your puppy. In the first seven weeks of life, your golden puppy will be struggling to walk. They might be staggering and falling often. After growing several weeks after birth, the puppy will be able to develop stability while walking. It is extremely crucial at this point that the puppy is with their mother and litter. The mother will instinctively teach the puppy the necessary survival behaviors. During this time, the mother will teach the puppy the importance of obedience and affection. It is crucial to gradually socialize the puppy without separating it from the litter to get used to human interaction. During the third month of the Golden retriever puppy behavior stages, it is important to introduce it to its lifelong human family. It is crucial to spend plenty of time with the new puppy for socialization. But be cautious about moving the puppy around eight weeks or even later. The puppy might get traumatized and experience fear. During this period, any traumatic experience will have a dramatic impact on the puppy. Make sure to mitigate these stressful experiences, and if they do happen, it is crucial to remove the puppy from fear-inducing situations at once. Fourth and Fifth Month During the fourth and fifth month of Golden retriever puppy behavior stages, especially the sixth month, the puppy is already acting like a spunky puppy with full energy and teeth emerging. Make sure to train good habits in them by laying down consistent rules. Be cautious that your puppy might suffer their second fear impact. It might occur during the fifth month or later. During this Golden retriever puppy behavior stages, the puppy will act like a typical puppy—full of unlimited energy and plagued by growing teeth. Promote good habits in the puppy by enforcing rules. Be vigilant about the second onset of fear-impact, which might happen around the fifth month or later. Keep in mind Goldens are eager to please and are extremely trainable. Training classes give them a chance to stimulate their need for physical, social, and mental activity. You must establish a good working relationship with your Golden to build solid obedience skills. You should be able to overcome the challenges of handling a rebellious teenage Golden successfully. You should bond with your dog and develop trust. They will be exploring their potential and form friendships with other dogs and animals. It should be noted that not all dogs will like other dogs. Dogs are just like their human owners. Growth milestones At this Golden retriever puppy behavior stages, they will tend to have a short attention span. They require various activities to expend energy. You might find that they will be teething at this stage. Goldens were bred to carry stuff in their mouth, such as waterfowl. You might find that your Golden will enjoy picking up things with its mouth. Keep in mind that your Golden enjoys communicating. These dogs can be motormouths as well. They will be whining and barking. At this stage, it is crucial to focus on their style of communication. They must know the difference between friendly vocalizations and aggressiveness. Moreover, a dog owner must be able to interpret the body language of their puppy. It should be noted that puppies might undergo a fear stage. Training enables your puppy to work through their common fears that might arise during this developmental stage. Purposely expose them to loud sounds such as thunderstorms, fireworks, and crying babies. They should also witness unexpected movements such as awkward elderly movements and children playing. Exposing them to these will help them develop coping skills. It prevents them from being fearful and recognizes these events as normal and harmless. Purpose of training The purpose of training at this point is to establish schedules, rules, and routines. It is the time to lay down boundaries and expectations in the household. Make sure to explore and discover the talents and interests of your puppy. Most owners ask the breeder for a calm Golden who will simply sit on the couch with them during evenings. After this, they will find that their Golden will be happy to sit by their side at night and watch TV. Training is extremely crucial. Pet owners tend to prepare well for the baby stage, which is 2 to 6 months. However, they find themselves shocked and underprepared to handle their rebellious teenage Golden retriever. Unfortunately, this stage lasts much longer. The sudden spurt can send them to behave in extreme ways. They might be cranky, occasionally feisty, and have bouts of brooding. It is crucial to find friends for your puppy. They must interact with other dogs to release their pent-up energy. They must engage in play such as frolicking and wrestling. Similar to children, they will have their preferences. Respect the choices of your Golden. Although they are over the teething stage, the Golden must indulge their instinct to have something in their mouth. You can stimulate this need by giving toys and instructing them with commands such as drop, leave, and fetch. Keep in mind that at this stage, your puppy will require increased levels of physical stimulation. Engage them in exercises such as fieldwork, diving, and obedience. Scent games and hunting also prove exciting. It also helps them establish crucial traits such as teamwork and respect. At this point, your Golden retriever has overcome a difficult stage, and their well-mannered behavior becomes established. But keep in mind that another fear stage might occur. They are nearing 18 months and are closer to two years of age. You might find that their rebellious tendencies are diminishing. Female Golden retrievers might enter 1 to 2 heat cycles. Once they reach 12 to 24 months, they will need adjustments in their nutrition. Their caloric intake will depend on their growth and physical activity levels. Goldens are born athletes and must be slim and lanky their entire life. Adult female goldens should be in the range of 55 to 65 pounds while male Golden should be in the range of 65 to 75 pounds. Mature Goldens at 18 to 24 Months Training Training at this point should be well ingrained in your Golden. It helps if you were to provide activities that are fun and enjoyable. Growth Milestones Once they reach two years of age, the Golden will have reached the final phase of growing. But male Goldens will need another year to finish their full physical maturation, especially the development of their head and facial structure. In this stage, males and females should be neutered and spayed if you have no intention to breed them. Making sure your Golden meets the breed standard of weight can be a challenging task. Teenage Goldens require higher numbers of calories. But as their calorie needs peak, there might be changes in their body, especially if they have undergone sterilization. Weight control becomes a challenge. Their physical activity needs should be met. Goldens have athletic requirements similar to an Olympic athlete. The temperament and traits of the Golden come into full bloom at this point. It may be only nascent at the previous stages, but now it is fully manifesting. Purpose of training Keep in mind that their physical and emotional development is fully complete. The owner must take advantage of this period and build a strong training and foundation with their Golden. If you invest time and effort in the first two years of your Golden retriever puppy behavior stages, you will have the perfect dog of your dreams that will be your companion for life. Ideally, you should help them grow slowly. There are plenty of dangers associated with a dog growing too fast. Risks include bone diseases and arthritis. These conditions are even more prevalent in large breeds such as Golden retrievers. Overfeeding with low quality food results in growing too fast. When you examine ingredients on dog food labels, the first ingredient should be an animal protein source. If you find that your puppy is gaining weight, make sure to cut down the calories you give them. Keep in mind that bigger is not always better. Make sure your dog is within the weight range of the stage they are in. Managing their food intake and activity levels keep them healthy and fit. Final Thoughts You must know the Golden retriever puppy behavior stages so you can meet their needs and requirements. It is crucial to monitor not only the health of your developing puppy but also their training. Puppyhood is the time to instill good behavior to have the perfect dog companion that obeys your household rules and commands. When you invest time and effort in training and interacting with your Golden, it creates the huge potential that they might just become your ultimate friend. Share 0 Shares Pretty much all Golden Retrievers are cute, but your 6-month-old pup will seem especially adorable to you because of their cute little awkward teenager bodies. But as adorable as they are, they can be frustrating as well. Your 6-month-old pup is right smack in the middle of these two developmental stages in what is known as canine adolescence. This means your pup is now a teenager. But right now it should be exciting to watch your pup in this stage because the world is their oyster. There are lots of new experiences to introduce them to. And when they test your patience, just remember that part of adolescence is pushing boundaries! Lola at 6-month-old Most 6-month-old Goldens weigh between lbs. During the month period, Goldens grow a lot in a short period of time. But now that your pup has reached 6 months old, their growth should start slowing down. Most female pups this age will eat around 3 cups of food per day, which should be spread out between three separate meals. However, male pups will need a higher caloric intake to account for their bigger body structures, and you should feed them more like 4 or 5 cups per day. You should feed your puppy quality dog food to help facilitate their growth. Your pup is probably learning about the wonders of human foods at this time, but you need to severely limit how much of these you feed them. Golden Retrievers are quite prone to obesity like many of us, they like food, too. Your pup can now enjoy exercise for an hour or two per day. They should even be able to accompany you on short jogs, which will excite those who chose a golden retriever pup to have an exercise companion. Because of their retriever nature, your 6-month-old Golden will also love any sort of game where they get to catch or chase something, as well. You still need to be careful about the intensity of the exercise your pup partakes in. If you want to learn more about the exercise needs of golden retrievers, check out our article about How Much Exercise Golden Retrievers Actually Need Puppies, Adults, Seniors How to Deal with Biting Golden Retrievers were originally bred as hunting dogs that were designed to bring prey back to their masters without mauling it. This means that they use their mouths-a LOT. They typically just sort of put their mouths on you, instead. Puppies between 2 and 6 months old are prime candidates for obedience training. If you choose a group obedience class, your pup will have the added benefit of socializing with other people and dogs, which your Golden will love because of their friendly nature. Staying on top of obedience training can be difficult. There are already so many things that you have to cram into your busy schedule! This sort of bond is priceless. A teenaged Golden Retriever puppy can be just as moody as any human teenager. Pups that were once angelic and well-behaved transform into unpredictable, destructive fur balls. Golden Retrievers were bred to be athletic. And your teenaged Golden Retriever acts out because of it. Exercise is also important during this stage because your Golden will want to stress eat. If you can, find your pup a canine friend. This will go a long way towards mood improvement. You need to remember that mental stimulation is important for Golden Retrievers, as well. You can also go the extra mile to teach them new tricks or behaviors during feeding time, which will keep their brains working at the same time they get food- which will seem like a win-win situation for your pup. Conclusion What does a 6-month-old Golden Retriever look like? This new sassy, moody pup is going to try your nerves and push boundaries to find out just how much they can get away with. In case you missed the other articles in this series, you can catch up here:. They are known for their friendly and gentle personalities. Proper training and socialization are crucial during this stage of development. Golden Retrievers require regular exercise and a balanced diet for healthy growth. Spaying or neutering can impact their growth, and the timing is essential. This is an exciting stage where they display a charming mix of puppy playfulness and the beginnings of mature behavior. Personality Golden Retrievers are renowned for their affectionate and friendly nature. At 6 months old, your furry friend will showcase their endearing personality, which includes loyalty, intelligence, and an eagerness to please. They are excellent family pets and get along well with children and other animals. Behavior Golden Retrievers are generally not aggressive dogs. However, at 6 months, they might display occasional bursts of excitement, especially during playtime. This is typical puppy behavior, and with proper training, they will learn appropriate manners. Energy Level At this age, Golden Retrievers are brimming with energy. They will enjoy playtime, walks, and engaging in activities that keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Regular exercise is crucial to keep them happy and healthy. Trainability Golden Retrievers are highly trainable and eager to learn. Their intelligence and willingness to please make them ideal candidates for obedience training. Consistent, positive reinforcement-based training will yield great results. On average, male Golden Retrievers weigh between pounds, while females weigh around pounds at 6 months. Male Golden Retriever Growth and Weight Chart Remember that these weights are general guidelines and individual dogs may vary. Female Golden Retriever Growth and Weight Chart As with the male Golden Retrievers, these weights are general guidelines and individual dogs may have some variation. On average, adult male Golden Retrievers stand between inches tall at the shoulder and weigh pounds. Adult females are slightly smaller, standing about .To learn more about choosing the right crate size for your Golden Retriever, click here. Coat differences: British Golden Retrievers often have a cream-colored, wavy coat, while American and Canadian Golden Retrievers commonly display a rich golden coat with varying textures, from straight to slightly wavy. Canadian Golden Retrievers: Recognized for their endurance and adaptability, Canadian Golden Retrievers often excel in outdoor activities like hunting and agility. American Golden Retrievers: These dogs have a lighter coat color, more feathering, and are highly energetic and outgoing. Neutering or spaying a Golden Retriever can affect their growth, and the timing of the procedure is crucial. Many veterinarians recommend waiting until your Golden Retriever is fully grown and has reached physical maturity before spaying or neutering, which is usually around 1 year old. Choose a high-quality dog food that is specially formulated for puppies to support their growth and development. For a list of recommended dog foods for Golden Retrievers, check out our blog here. How much water should a 6-month-old Golden Retriever drink? Provide your Golden Retriever with a fresh supply of clean water throughout the day, especially after exercise and play. At 6 months, Golden Retrievers need about hours of sleep per day. Puppies may require even more sleep to support their growth and development. If you notice significant changes in sleep duration or behavior, consult with your veterinarian. Regular exercise helps channel their energy and reduces the likelihood of behavioral problems. Engage in interactive play, walks, and activities that challenge their minds and bodies. Strategies for Addressing Puppy Biting Behavior Puppies can get nippy during their fun exploration of the world around them. The good news is that this is a natural habit for pups, and there are ways to deal with it. Positive reinforcement training: Reward good behavior with treats or praise to encourage non-biting interactions. Socialization: Expose the puppy to different people and animals to help them learn appropriate play and bite inhibition. Time-outs: When the puppy becomes too bitey, temporarily remove attention to discourage the behavior. Consistency and patience: Stay consistent with training and be patient, as addressing biting behavior takes time and persistence. Golden Retriever puppies prefer to bite to initiate play, learn more about their surroundings, and adjust their bite pressure, especially when they are teething. Remember that young puppies have a lot of energy and may be more rambunctious than adult dogs. They are, however, eager to please and learn new things. Adult dogs may be more set in their ways but can still benefit from training. Conclusion At 6 months old, your Golden Retriever is embarking on a critical phase of development. Understanding their unique needs and providing proper care and training will lay the foundation for a happy and healthy adulthood. Golden Retrievers are not fully grown at 6 months. They are still considered puppies and will continue to grow for several more months. How far should I walk my 6-month-old Golden Retriever? A 6-month-old Golden Retriever can handle walks of around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on their energy level and fitness. How do I keep my Golden Retriever happy? Keeping your Golden Retriever happy involves providing regular exercise, mental stimulation, proper nutrition, and lots of love and attention. Why is my 6-month-old Golden Retriever always hungry? Golden Retrievers are known for their hearty appetites, especially during growth stages. Ensure you are feeding them a well-balanced diet and avoid overfeeding. Why do Golden Retrievers eat leaves? Eating leaves might be a sign of boredom or curiosity. Ensure your Golden Retriever is getting enough mental and physical stimulation to prevent undesirable behaviors. Is it better to underfeed or overfeed a dog? Neither is ideal. Feeding your dog the appropriate amount of high-quality food is essential for their health and well-being. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, while underfeeding may result in malnutrition. Consult with your veterinarian for the right feeding plan for your Golden Retriever. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Golden Retrievers are great family dogs who are well-known for their friendly disposition. With the right amount of obedience training and daily exercise, a Golden Retriever can be a calm dog. Golden Retriever Puppy Behavior Stages Golden Retriever puppies develop quickly, and their behavior will change as they age. To understand when Golden Retrievers start to calm down, we need to explore what their behavior will look like through different stages. Very young puppies will begin to explore their new world in short bursts. Because they expend a lot of energy, they also sleep frequently. These pups still spend a considerable amount of time snoozing, but their time awake will be crucial for brain development. Your Golden Retriever puppy will be curious about the world around them. During this age range, your job is to teach impulse control and the expectations of the household. The more your pup interacts with other dogs, household pets, and humans, the better they will react to strangers in the future. Golden Retriever puppies who are not adequately socialized after four months can become distrustful of others. This could increase undesired behaviors like barking and aggression. From four to six months , your puppy craves adventure. One of the greatest perks of being a dog owner is that one-on-one attention is in itself positive reinforcement for your pet. Your Golden puppy will feel rewarded simply by spending time with you. To avoid this problem, keep your belongings out of sight and buy a variety of chew toys for your Golden. When you find your dog chewing on his things and not yours , give him lots of praise. If you have begun crate training and your dog remains quiet in his space for more than 30 minutes, you can start leaving for short periods of time. Our guide on the right size of crate for your dog can help you select the best types of dog crates for your pup. By following these recommendations, your Golden Retriever will exhibit positive behaviors and listen to commands at one year of age. If you have socialized your dog well, your Golden will desire your approval and adapt well to strangers. Purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder ensures your Golden Retriever enters your home with a great temperament and prior behavioral training. Each puppy is trained in simple commands, positive behaviors, and basic crate training. Snowy Pines also offers additional courses such as the Wagology Honors Program or Doctoral Program for a higher level of lifestyle and behavioral training. They will need additional behavioral training and positive reinforcement long after their puppy phase. The good news: Golden Retrievers are highly rated for their intelligence , making them excellent service dogs and ideal family dogs. Goldens are quick learners and easier to train than other dog breeds. However, if you pay too much attention to misbehavior, your dog may begin acting out to get recognition. This is not ideal for families who want a calm, happy dog. Overall, a crate should be a positive environment for your Golden Retriever where they go to relax, sleep, and enjoy their favorite toys. A crate should never be used as a means of punishment for dogs. That can create negative emotions for your pup, and the space will become a source of stress. When you are home, leave the crate door open for your dog to roam freely in and out. Eventually, a Golden Retriever will learn this is their room of the house and will enter the crate willingly. Goldens have an active temperament and are family-oriented, which means they love to stay busy and prefer to spend time with their family. They can also be independent, especially if you teach them to spend time alone when they are old enough. A hyper Golden Retriever can be calm, but they need frequent exercise to release their pent-up energy. Golden Retrievers need around minutes of exercise every day. This number will vary based on how energetic your dog is. To keep your Golden entertained, you should buy a wide range of toys for your dog. Puzzle toys will keep dogs active while they try to obtain the treats inside. You can even get a puzzle food bowl to mentally stimulate your Golden Retriever during mealtime. Most dogs go crazy over tennis balls, and Golden Retrievers are no different. Your Golden will love burning excess energy by chasing after tennis balls during a game of fetch. Adding a frisbee into the mix will allow your Golden to run and jump to catch the frisbee in midair. Both games are excellent sources of exercise for your dog. You can train your Golden Retriever to complete an agility course given their high energy and intelligence. These courses have various obstacles for your dog to learn how to weave, jump over, and run through. You can even enroll your Golden in agility training classes to learn from the experts in a safe way. Lastly, one of the best forms of physical exercise for Golden Retrievers will be going out for a daily walk. If you find it challenging to walk your dog consistently, consider taking your Golden to a dog park or employing a dog walker. Dog parks allow friendly dogs to run off-leash, which provides an excellent opportunity for exercise and socialization with other dogs. All in all, Golden Retrievers can be peaceful pets with proper training, socialization, and exercise. But the more time you spend with your pup, the more energy your Golden will expend and the calmer he will act. English Cream Goldens are naturally calmer and easier to please when they receive early training and expert care. Reach out today to learn about our available puppies. Share on. Learn more. Nothing is more fulfilling than welcoming a golden retriever puppy to your home. For your new puppy to have a clean bill of health in the long-term, it is important to ensure that he hits all the growth milestones that are expected of this breed, especially in his formative years. But how can you tell whether or not your fur baby is on track? Unfortunately, the growth pattern of golden retrievers throughout different stages of puppyhood is so irregular that many dog parents often wonder if something is wrong with their puppies every time they notice minor physical changes. However, the good news is that while the growth pattern of each golden puppy is unique and different, they tend to go through similar growth stages and should be manifesting similar patterns. To help you make the most of your first moments with your Golden puppy, here are some of the necessary information and items that you need to know about your 6-month-old golden retriever. Generally, adult golden retrievers are intelligent, affectionate, and even-tempered. They are also playful, gentle with children, and get along with other pets and strangers. With an ever-smiling face, Goldens are known to make friends with nearly every person they meet. They are always eager to please owners, which probably explains why they respond perfectly to obedience training or why they make excellent service dogs. Golden retrievers are also exuberant and powerful dogs with lots of energy to spare. Your puppy will play with you, your children, other pets, and any new friend that he bumps into indiscriminately. This study by Duffy and Serpell also confirms that the behavior of a puppy by 6 months of age is a perfect indicator of their adult personality and temperament. Your puppy is highly likely to be more active and excitable than an adult golden retriever though, which makes early socialization very critical. A puppy that is exposed to different sights, sounds, people, and experiences will often grow up into a well-rounded dog. Like most dog breeds, golden retriever puppies are expected to hit varying weight goals as they age. So, how much should your 6 months old golden retriever puppy weigh? Well, if he is a girl, expect her to weigh between 29 and 72 lbs. Male Goldens tend to reach a higher overall weight, so expect your male puppy to weigh between 38 and 75 lbs. So, if your puppy is a working breed, expect his weight to be near the lower end of the mentioned weight ranges. Health: If your puppy is suffering from an underlying medical issue, his weight and natural growth may be compromised. Besides obesity, too much weight can leave your puppy with a host of health issues, including hip dysplasia, skeletal abnormalities, and osteochondrosis among others. At 6 months, your puppy may also manifest certain weird physical characteristics, including: Unusually long legs and tail Nose and ears may grow out Front legs may appear shorter than hind legs But all these growth irregularities are normal and will normalize soon. Being a high energy breed, your golden retriever puppy needs proper exercise to avoid health issues, hyperactivity, and behavioral issues. So, how much exercise should you expose your Golden puppy to at this age? Well, a good rule of thumb, according to U. This translates to 15 minutes of exercise for a 3-month old puppy and 30 minutes for a 6-month old puppy. We are talking about proper, structured exercise here—not just general play. Think of brisk walks on a leash, romping and rolling on the ground, gentle games of fetch, and tug of war. Introducing puzzle games and safe chew toys at this stage will also provide your puppy extra physical and mental stimulation. You should also be careful with your puppy over the next 6 months because it is the phase when he is most vulnerable to developing hip dysplasia. The short answer is: the distance he can cover in 30 minutes. Like exercise, the rule of thumb is about 5 minutes of walk for every month of age. If your puppy is used to an active lifestyle, for instance, he can handle well longer excursions. On the flip side, if he has never had an opportunity to exercise off-leash, he may not go far. The secret is to start off your puppy at a slower pace and increase the distance gradually. You can then increase it to 20 minutes walk at weeks. And by the time he is 6 months, he will comfortably do minutes walks albeit with plenty of breaks to keep him from tiring out. Other tips courtesy of the American Veterinary Medical Association that you can leverage to make the most out of your walks with your Golden Retriever puppy include: Ensure that you walk in a fenced area or areas that are far from motorists. If you are going to use a leash, allow your puppy to set the pace. If he tires out or gets bored and lies down, give him some time to rest. Avoid going too far from your home that you may need to push the puppy to keep him moving when he tires out. Start your puppy off with short walks, giving him plenty of opportunities to sniff around. As aforementioned, consider walking with your puppy on softer grounds. Long hikes over rough terrains are still potentially dangerous to your 6-month-old puppy. Increase the distances of your walks gradually Avoid taking your puppy for a walk during the coldest or hottest part of the day. If you are still confused, consult your vet. You could also talk with a local breeder or other golden retriever owners about their experiences with Golden puppies at 6 months of age. Most importantly, monitor your puppy for signs of fatigue as it could be a symptom of a more serious health problem as opposed to longer excursions. Golden Retrievers were bred to retrieve shot waterfowl ducks, geese, upland game birds , in their mouth by softly carrying them back to the owners. Accordingly, it is in their genes to use their mouths a little more compared to other breeds. If your puppy has a chewing or mouthing problem at this stage of his life, therefore, you should understand that it is something in his genes. Additionally, your puppy may be starting to understand and define his role within the pack at this age. As a result, he may start manifesting territorial behaviors. The good news is that they have soft mouths remember that they had to gently carry the retrieved birds to their owners , so when they bite you, it is usually soft and less painful—nothing more than simply putting their mouths on you. Besides, the adult teeth of most golden retriever puppies come in around 4 months old, so their mouthing tendencies will slow down by the time they are 6 months old. It could be still prevalent in some puppies though. Consider getting your 6-month-old golden retriever plenty of plush and chew toys so that he stops using your hands as chew toys. Related Posts:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Golden retrievers are such great family dogs. And they tend to have some behavior problems because of their great characteristics. Most goldens want to be near their people. And they love to be petted and get attention. They may jump, grab our hand or arm, or engage in some destructive behaviors. Many of these are normal dog behaviors that can be modified through training and exercise. Normal Dog Behaviors Versus Abnormal Behaviors Dogs naturally dig, bark, express fear in certain situations, mark territory, chase small animals, and jump. They may steal food. Or want to be with us all the time. Goldens were bred to be sociable, high-energy dogs. My rescued golden Spencer almost always had to carry something in his mouth. So I made sure there were safe toys for him to happily tote around. Unfortunately, many dogs are given up to shelters because of behaviors that can be modified. To have a great companion takes a lot of work, patience, and time. And to meet those needs. These should be dealt with by behavior specialists who can evaluate the individual dog and determine the best behavior modification plan. These abnormal behaviors include aggression to those around the dog, obsessive-compulsive disorders, shutting down, and severe separation anxiety. Why Behavior Problems Develop There is no one reason why some behavior problems occur. Unfortunately, goldens are so popular—the third-popular breed ranked by the American Kennel Club—they are often poorly bred. There are too many back-yard and puppy mill dogs who are more likely to not be the examples of what the breed should be. Jumping on People Golden retrievers usually love everyone and never met a stranger. Goldens are the greeting committee of the dog world. Many dogs want to jump on people when greeting them. The golden can, of course, unintentionally injure someone, knocking them over in his exuberant greeting. Engaging in Destructive Behavior In addition to friendliness, goldens were bred to hunt. They have energy to spare. And they were bred to retrieve and have something in their mouths. They may dig up the garden. Or chew up our furniture. Or they may steal the food on the counter. And the food they eat may be toxic, such as chocolate or raisins. Or they may get a blockage from ingesting a towel or sock. A bored, under-exercised golden can get very creative in meeting his needs. They often need to have something in their mouths. That is, he may constantly try to hold our clothes, arm, or hand in his mouth. Biting is a natural canine behavior. But puppies should be taught bite-inhibition. And it can be dangerous. Someone can be badly bruised or even pulled down. Pulling on the Leash Goldens love to go places and greet all their new admirers. But they want to get there sooner rather than later. Many dogs pull on a leash, but not all are as friendly as goldens are known to be. And they can be lazer-focused on getting where they want to go. Being a rather large dog, a golden pulling on a leash can injure someone. An owner can be pulled down and get injured. Or the dog himself can get free and get lost or injured—or worse. Demanding Attention Because of their natural friendliness, goldens may want to be the center of attention. They are so family-oriented, they love to be with us. Some goldens may bark at you for attention. They may nudge you and grab your arm to be recognized. Some may even engage in unwanted behaviors like taking something off the table. Even negative attention is attention. Hyperactivity Some goldens seemingly bounce off the walls. They are like a hurricane passing through the living room. Tables are cleared of bric a brac. Pillows are shredded and on the floor. But your happy golden is furiously wagging his tail, looking for the next item he can use to help expel his excess energy. Separation Anxiety Because of their innate friendly, family-oriented behavior, goldens may suffer from separation anxiety at a higher rate than some other breeds. Their need to be with us can lead to some unwanted behaviors. Dogs with mild separation anxiety may drool, pace, whine, and generally behave in a distressed manner. Dogs with severe separation anxiety may become very destructive. They may try to get out of doors and windows, feverishly digging at door and window frames. They may even severely harm themselves in their attempts to get free. Dogs with separation anxiety may need professional behavioral help. We owe it to our goldens to do all that we can do to meet their natural needs. A bored, untrained, under-exercised, unsupervised golden is going to develop some problem behaviors. Some of the tips below will even help your golden from developing any of the potential problems cited above. I wrote the ways to help fix a problem separately from the problems because it will probably take more than one item to successfully change an unwanted behavior. All of the favorable interactions we have with our goldens also help further our bond with them. Physical Exercise Goldens were bred to hunt. They are highly-energetic dogs. Walks, fetching, jogging, agility, and swimming can all be great ways to physically exercise your golden. A vet check-up is advisable prior to starting any exercise program. Physical exercise can help decrease or eliminate the above-named problems. Of course, you want to exercise your dog enough but not over-tire them. Dogs who have been sufficiently exercised are less likely to jump or engage in destructive activities such as digging or chewing. Also, dogs who are exercised and calm before we leave are less likely to develop separation anxiety. Obedience Training Obedience training helps us communicate with our dogs and informs them what behaviors are desired. So we can teach them to sit before they receive attention. Or to lie down next to us and settle. And we can show him what toys he can put in his mouth rather than destroying items or turning us into his chew toy. Redirection works. And we can teach them to not pull on a leash and to walk on a loose leash. Part of the training should include how to leave your dog alone. This will help prevent separation anxiety from developing. Start with short sessions. Make leaving a happy opportunity—when great things appear. Leave a frozen, stuffed Extreme Kong with him as you leave. If your dog has already shown signs of separation distress, get the help of a qualified behavior specialists. As far as your golden inappropriately seeking attention is concerned, you can ignore your dog. Turn away or get up and leave. But do give him the attention he needs on your terms by calling him over to you occasionally. Pet him. Have him do a command or trick. Praise, pet, and treat. You should also play games with him. Teach him to tug a toy like a rope or long fleece to and give. You can have him play fetch. You can play hide-and-seek where you go and hide and call him to you. Make a big deal when he reaches you YES! Good boy! And not at all with a dog who has separation anxiety. But, to goldens, this is what they often enjoy most. Everyone is a potential friend. Goldens will thrive if they are fed the same times each day, are exercised as needed routinely, and receive attention from their people every day. No dog should be just put aside like a statue. Goldens especially need attention through positive daily interactions—play, training, exercise. If ignored, their sweet, golden personality will wilt. Final Thoughts Golden retrievers are such happy, affable, family dogs. But they are prone more than some breeds to certain problem behaviors because of their genetic purpose to retrieve and their desire to be with people. By doing so, their lives—as well as ours—will be full and happy. Does your golden engage in any unwanted behaviors? How have you handled them? Please tell us about it in the comment section below. Related Article:.

The mother dog was my first bitch to give birth naturally. First bitch to give birth naturally Every breeder someday has bad luck; for me it was in and .An unsuccessful litter by means of a C-section and all the pups were still-born. Then a litter with only one pup, again a C-section. I had no choice but to keep this one pup, otherwise I would have lost one of my two breeding lines. Nobody could understand why I kept Happy because she was no beauty. I knew, however, that I had never had such an energetic and tenacious bitch. From the outset, these never-ending C-sections and unnatural rearings have been a thorn in my side. To this day, many breeders believe that English Bulldogs cannot give birth naturally and would die during a natural birth. The C-section appointment is determined in advance, without giving the bitch a chance to whelp. The mother dog is often so groggy after the birth due to the strong anaesthesia that the pups are not left with the mother because of the danger of being crushed. The mother comes into contact with her pups only as a milk bar. These breeders are convinced that they are raising their pups with special devotion! On 22 July , Happy began having dilation contractions, and I telephoned my veterinarian as usual for the birth. He had gone hunting and was not available. What now? So I tried what the vast majority of breeders fear to this day. Success: my first naturally born litter with six perfectly healthy pups L1 litter , whose mother could take care of them day and night. Happy, by the way, lived to be almost 12 years old and became the first Swiss Veteran Champion. A pup has just been born. This birth and the natural rearing the mother dog was always with the pups were a sensation on Facebook. I am now looking back on the fifth generation of naturally birthing Bulldog bitches, who have, by the way, very frequently placed very high in international shows. A Complete Guide Having a litter of puppies is an exciting and tiring experience! To watch those well-rounded puppies grow and head off to their forever homes to be lifetime companions is a magical moment. The entire puppy raising process starts at birth. Bulldogs have many health issues and daily exercise is taxing on their stocky frames. With their stubby legs and small bodies, many wonder if a bulldog can give birth naturally. In general, bulldog puppies are often too large for the birth canal. This requires the aid of a trained veterinarian to perform a c-section. However, some bulldog breeds do not require c-sections and can have a natural birth. Breeding bulldogs is complicated and not always the same from start to finish. While some conditions and issues are common when our bulldogs are expecting, bulldog breeds often present a few challenges. Some issues are natural breeding, whether they can whelp naturally, and even if they are pregnant which can be surprisingly difficult to determine. Can Bulldogs Get Pregnant Naturally? While the answer is yes, bulldogs can get pregnant naturally. First, with many bulldog breeds, the chest, shoulders, and head are much larger than their hips. What this means is that the dog is usually heavier in the front than they are in the back. When a male bulldog mounts a female, his front weight pushes down the backend of the female bulldog. This makes it very difficult for them to obtain a tie. Is My Bulldog Pregnant? Unfortunately, signs are few and far between for pregnant bulldogs and all dogs in general. In fact, most signs and symptoms do not occur until your bulldog is over 40 days pregnant. However, when you start to see signs, you can quickly determine if your female is pregnant or not. If you find that your dog is napping more than usual, especially around week 3, there is a good chance she is pregnant. Morning Sickness: I already mentioned this, but dogs can have mild sickness. This means she has decreased appetite around day 21 and may vomit. Increase in Appetite: This can be difficult to determine, but as the weeks progress, you should find that your pregnant dog eats more than usual. Nipple Changes: Every dog is different when it comes to nipple changes. Some changes are early in the pregnancy and others have none until close to delivery. However, you can usually spot differences in nipples by 3 or 4 weeks. Nipples will be slightly darker and will start to look rounded in shape. Finally, you may see hair loss around the nipples as her body prepares for nursing. Changes in Temperament: Another symptom that varies from dog to dog, changes in temperament are a good sign. Often, bulldogs become clingier or go off on their own. Any abnormal behavior for your dog could be a sign that she is pregnant. Your dog gains weight if she is pregnant, but most of the weight gain is seen closer to the end of the pregnancy. Knowing if your bulldog is pregnant is tricky because female bulldogs show few signs. How Long are Bulldogs Pregnant All dogs follow the same pregnancy schedule, regardless of breed, and will usually deliver their puppies on day 63 from ovulation. Breeders follow a guideline of 59 to 70 days from the date of the first breeding. Your bulldog should deliver any time in those 11 days, but frequently, they will deliver on day .You will usually know the date of ovulation and the vet will simply do the c-section on day 63 or when the bulldog shows signs that labor is imminent. What is a Bulldog Pregnancy Like? The best way to understand your pregnant bulldog is to learn about the weeks of pregnancy. With dogs, week 1 of pregnancy starts on the day of ovulation or the day of the first breeding. Bulldogs are pregnant for roughly 9 weeks before they deliver and a lot is happening during those weeks. Your bulldog female, or bitch, is bred this week and you may notice that she is a bit tired. Life should return to normal during this week. Regular activities should continue, and your dog will eat a normal amount of food. Your dog, more than likely, is in heat for another week , but you can continue with her regular schedule. She may be her usual self and return to how she was prior to her heat. During this week the vulva stays slightly swollen However, this can be hard to notice, especially in maiden bitches. Week Three: During this time, the embryos are finally attaching to the lining in the uterus. Too much weight gain can cause complications. During this week, you can get a blood test to detect relaxin, which indicates pregnancy. A slight increase in food is all that is needed. Your female bulldog can continue her usual activities and exercise at this stage of pregnancy. Week Five: Between day 30 and 35, after the first breeding, you can schedule an ultrasound to determine if your furry friend is pregnant. With your pregnant bulldog, you should start to see some weight gain. In addition, her appetite will increase and will need more food on a daily basis. Be careful not to overfeed her. In addition, avoid any strenuous activity, but incorporate daily exercise. Your pregnant bulldog may be tired and need small, frequent meals throughout the day. Week Six: You may notice that week six is when your bulldog begins to reduce how much she is eating. To help offset this, portion her meals into more feedings per day. Mood wise, she may be sleeping more. You may find that she is very uncomfortable and should monitor her behavior to know what she needs. See also Do Bulldogs Fart? And How to Stop It! Week Seven: Week seven is similar to the previous week. Your female will be uncomfortable, and she may start looking for a quiet place to sleep. She may also become clingier than usual. When week seven arrives, you are getting closer to delivery day! You should be able to feel puppies moving and your pregnant bulldog may start losing her hair around her nipples. Now is the time to start setting up a space for her to give birth. Week Eight: If you are planning to do an x-ray, now is the week to do it. During this time, the skeletons of the puppies have calcified enough to be picked up on an x-ray. This is a great way to find out how many puppies your bulldog is having and will help you plan for the delivery or c-section. Your pregnant bulldog may start producing milk this week, however, not all dogs produce milk at this stage. Some can start producing shortly after the puppies are born. Now is the time to keep a close eye on your female. Week Nine: This is the week when your pregnant bulldog is due! She can go any time and you want to watch for nesting behavior. In addition, her temperature should spike before dropping down by about 2 degrees Fahrenheit. Even if you are planning a c-section, monitor her temperature in case your pregnant bulldog goes into labor before the scheduled surgery. Bulldog Pregnancy Cycle. Written by Dog Owner Resources in Bulldog Last Updated While bulldog is a great breed for many reasons, they cannot give natural birth. Bully pups often have difficulty with size and getting through the vagina in order to be delivered by Caesarean section or otherwise- this makes it difficult if not impossible during the delivery time! In general, bulldog puppies are often too big for the birth canal. This requires the help of a trained veterinarian to perform a cesarean in most cases. However, some bulldog breeds do not require cesarean sections and can have a natural birth. Process of giving birth s generally known as parturition. Most dogs can give birth on their own without difficulty. But it would help if you kept a close eye on your dog during the last stage of pregnancy and delivery. If you need to take her to the veterinary doctor, take the pups she has already delivered with you in a separate and secure carriage with a heating pad or a hot water bottle to keep them warm. Ensure the hot water bottle is tightly wrapped in a towel or something similar to prevent the puppies from overheating or burning. In an emergency, contact your nearest vet immediately. Usually, in purebred dog breeds, a cesarean may be required due to the small birth canals of mothers or too large heads of puppies. Both situations lead to unexpected dystocia, which requires surgery. The surgical operation for cesarean sections is called a hysterotomy. The methodology and technique have been refined over the decades. Planned cesarean sections for dogs are safe, but there is still a small risk of unexpected cesarean sections, both for the mother and the puppies. Furthermore, with canine cesarean sections, the mother does not have the opportunity to instinctively bond with her offspring. Vets remove them by hand. Although this is generally not a problem, it may take longer for the mother to bond properly with her own litter of puppies. Yes, they also give birth naturally, but they have more problems than large breeds because their pups are more extensive than their birth canal. Small breed dogs usually have one to five puppies. If the average litter size increases, there is the possibility of dystocia that is not a natural birth. But we would recommend scanning and X-rays during pregnancy to determine litter size and pup size, and a selective cesarean section might be necessary if the vet believes the pups are too large to fit through his pelvis. Like all other Bulldogs, the English Bulldog is known for their large heads, and they are often the best candidates for a cesarean procedure. These breeds represent .Like American Bulldogs, this canine breed is known to produce large litters. Large litters tend to tire the mother during a standard delivery, making her too weak to push. On average, dogs can have up to 6 puppies in a litter, anything above this number is considered a large litter, and these Bulldogs can often produce up to 12 at a time. Another concern regarding large litter is that the mother cannot feed more than eight pups, requiring additional assistance for artificial feeding. Like the Boston terrier, these Bulldogs are prone to Anasarca. This condition is common among these short-nosed dog breeds. These English Bulldogs are also prone to dystocia due to their fetal-maternal disproportion. The heads of the puppies are not in proportion to the pelvic size of the mother. C- Section Due to the selective breeding of peculiar characteristics, these English Bulldogs have changed their shape and form. Also, the English Bulldog belongs to the brachycephalic group because of its large heads and short muzzles. These large heads make it impossible for a mother to experience a natural pup. Some cesarean sections have been reported to be elective to avoid respiratory problems in the dam as well. A more recent breed, the Olde English Bulldog is a healthier version of the world-renowned English Bulldogs with many health concerns. The Old British Bulldog is much less prone to C-sections. Other possible reasons why C-section is required in British Bulldogs: Bulldogs have a high incidence of cleft palate and water puppies. Normal labor can negatively affect the mother because she cannot breathe properly. Getting puppies can be extremely difficult for her. Therefore, it is advisable not to reproduce if you are not prepared to afford the costs. Any cesarean section performed more than three years can put your British Bulldog at serious risk. Also, it is quite dangerous to let them have a natural birth with this type of breed. English or British Bulldogs usually give birth to four or five puppies in a litter. Once you bring your Bulldog and her litter home from the vet hospital, keep a close eye on her. It is not unusual for English bulldog mothers to accidentally crush or suffocate their young. It is a good idea for safety to keep the litter in a separate, heated box and only put it with the mother for breastfeeding. You must ensure that the mother licks the puppies to stimulate the intestinal and urinary functions. At three weeks, you can introduce the puppies to solid food. Due to their short noses, puppies may have a difficult time chewing food. Ask your vet about special foods designed for bulldog puppies that will help their ability to eat. Can English Bulldogs Breed Naturally? If human intervention is not present until now, the Bulldog as it is now would be extinct. The English Bulldog can mate breed naturally, but, unfortunately, it can be hazardous to their health. The reason is that since they are anatomically incompatible in many cases, mating takes a long time to occur. During the process, they can become seriously overheated, which is very harmful to their health. C- Section Part of the problem is that English bulldogs have an innate drive to breed. Fifteen minutes of this activity can overheat them worse than half an hour in direct sunlight. Due to their sturdy, heavy-front bodies, English bulldogs need to be artificially inseminated to breed. A male English bulldog cannot mount and enter his mate without the help of a human. So yes, English bulldogs can mate naturally, but it is almost physically impossible. It is a hazardous activity and should be avoided. English Bulldog Labor Signs? About hours before labor starts, there will be a temporary drop in body temperature. The average temperature is .Twenty-four hours before delivery, the temperature may drop from 98 to 99 F. Labor — Stage I After the drop in temperature, stage I of labor begins, characterized by restlessness and anxiety. You may notice panting, refusal of food, pacing and perhaps vomiting. The nesting behavior begins. After settling into the whelping box, you may notice that your dog drags clothing or fabric into the area to form a comfortable bed. You must remove any clothes from the litter box when labor begins, or these clothes may get permanently stained. This stage of canine labor usually lasts 7 to 12 hours. If your dog has not started giving birth within 24 hours of beginning stage I labor, veterinary assistance is recommended. Labor — Stage II This labor stage is defined as the part of delivery when the puppy is born. Visible contractions begin. Her abdomen tightens, and the female dog starts to strain. This action will appear similar bowel movements during straining The first puppy should be born between 1 and 2 hours after the start of contractions. Veterinary assistance is highly recommended if the first puppy is not delivered within 2 hours of the onset of contractions. After giving birth, the female can enter a resting phase that can last up to 4 hours. The active effort will start anew, and more puppies will be delivered. If she knows there are additional pups to be born and the rest period is longer than 4 hours. This resting phase may not occur after every delivery. Sometimes multiple puppies can be born quickly. This is when the placenta is delivered after delivery and usually occurs 5 to 15 minutes after the puppy is delivered. If several puppies are born quickly, several placentas can be expelled together. After the complete removal of the placenta, the bitch will return to stage II of labor. Then she enters the resting phase, or in other words, she begins to contract. During delivery, the female will fluctuate between stage II and stage III until all the puppies are born. It is essential to keep track of the number of placentas. It depends upon the complications and surgical procedure, and time. Bulldogs, especially English Bulldogs, are the most expensive dogs to buy, but their cost varies depending on their color and quality. A Bulldog puppy is priced so high due to the following factors. English Bulldog Stud Service Cost English Bulldog stud services and artificial insemination also come at a high price. Pre-breeding preparations are also expensive. A few weeks after the stud service or artificial insemination has been performed, the bitch undergoes different prenatal procedures, including x-rays and ultrasounds, to detect pregnancy. If the tests confirm the pregnancy, the female needs vitamins and superior nutrition. The price is high because English Bulldog breeders face many problems during breeding. English Bulldogs have been labeled an unhealthy breed because they are prone to several health problems. They suffer from brachycephalic syndrome and are prone to progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, cystinuria, and more. Responsible British Bulldog breeders make sure their dogs undergo proper health screenings for genetic problems before deciding to breed them. Before mating their dogs or artificial insemination, good breeders also make sure the female is in good condition with scheduled vaccinations, heartworm prevention, and deworming. These accumulated expenses in preparing dogs for breeding cost breeders significantly. Yes, a dog has a natural birth after a cesarean section. If her cesarean scar is vertical, the vet cannot attempt VBAC. There is a very high risk that her scar will rupture break or open when she tries to have a vaginal delivery, which could cause significant harm to your dog and her puppies. She will need to have a C-section again. Most dogs have fully recovered from anesthesia when they are allowed to go home. During the immediate recovery period, the female dog must be closely monitored not to fall and hurt herself or crush and roll over the newborn pups. The pups should not be left alone with their mother dog until she is fully awake. She can stand alone and is interested in taking care of her puppies. Tip: Never give your dog any medications, including herbal preparations, without consulting her vet. The normal range is F .The typically British Bulldog takes approximately 63 days from conception to give birth, although this can vary by several days. While this may seem like a simple answer, conception is often challenging to determine. Canine sperms can live for several days inside the female, and the eggs can remain fertile for up to 46 hours, which means that the act of mating itself is not an exact measure of gestation. This makes it difficult to predict the length of pregnancy without the help of a veterinarian. Hormone measurements give a much more accurate time frame for gestation. Many breeders use vaginal swabs and blood tests to monitor pregnancy hormones during the breeding process. Duration of Gestation According to Precise Hormonal Measurements: days from the first day of the diestrus days from initial progesterone surge days from the first time the bitch allowed intercourse. Pregnancy in canines is relatively short compared to humans, around nine weeks total, and every day is essential. Stages of Dog Pregnancy Dogs go through the stages of pregnancy quickly. Gestation periods are comparatively short in dogs, meaning that the pups develop rapidly within the womb over two to three months. Month One During the early weeks, the embryos travel to the uterine horns, usually around day 8, and the embryos embed themselves in the uterine lining around day .The fetus begins to take shape on day 22, and on day 28 or 30, a vet should be able to detect fetal heartbeat on the ultrasound. Many female dogs do not show any symptoms during the first two to three weeks of pregnancy. Some signs to watch out for during the first month are: A decrease in physical activity. Slightly enlarged nipples Clear vaginal discharge around week four More affectionate behavior Morning sickness. Month Two Fetal development rushes during the second month. Eyelids are formed on day 32, and toes are visible on day .The signs of pregnancy in the bitch are much more evident during the second month: Clear, odorless discharge. References 1. Clinical and pathological effects Dystocia difficulty in giving birth can occur for a variety of reasons. Both affect the English bulldog Johnston et al and lead to a very high rate of dystocia in this breed. Abnormalities of pelvic shape have been investigated in relation to dystocia in the Boston terrier and Scottish terrier Eneroth et al but, as far as we are aware, there have been no corresponding studies in the English bulldog. The foetal factor that is most likely to cause dystocia is a large head Johnston et al .The larger the puppy the greater the risk. The English bulldog is a brachycephalic breed. Dogs with brachycephalic airway disease have a shortened and distorted upper airway, narrow nostrils, an elongated soft palate, and an abnormal larynx voice box. Secondary to these airway obstructions, these dogs can develop collapsed airways, especially involving the larynx and trachea. These defects commonly make it difficult for the breed to breathe adequately whilst undertaking normal activity. Stress caused by exercise, excitement, heat or giving birth can exacerbate this and lead to collapse and death. It is likely that a proportion of the large number of caesarean sections carried out on English bulldogs are elective procedures arranged by breeders to avoid any chance of dystocia and the risk of asphyxiation of whelping bitches as might otherwise occur during the normal birth process Harvey .Return to top 2. Intensity of welfare impact Dystocia is a severe welfare problem for the affected bitch and, if untreated, it will usually lead to her death. Treatment of a bitch that is having difficulty giving birth involves transportation of the dog to a veterinary practice for examination and imposes further stressors for a brachycephalic dog with breathing difficulties. Uterine contractions are painful and control of this pain is difficult in the home environment, so any delay in the birth process causes more prolonged and severe pain than usual. Caesarean section is usually required to treat English bulldogs with dystocia. Unplanned, emergency caesarean sections are likely to have a higher welfare impact than either natural birth or elective caesarean, and a higher death rate for the puppies. Caesarean sections are major surgical procedures and anaesthesia presents particular risks to brachycephalic dogs because of their abnormal respiratory tracts and breathing difficulties. It is likely that a significant proportion of caesarean sections in English bulldogs are performed electively. Return to top 3. Duration of welfare impact If untreated, dystocia may continue for up to hours although, as this time goes on, mortality among the puppies will increase. If a caesarean is performed, there will be pain from the surgery for some days although effective analgesia should be available. A further issue is that if live puppies have been delivered and the bitch is to rear them normally then their sucking on a teat close to the surgical wound may cause her pain in the first week, or so, after the procedure. Return to top 4. English bulldogs were found in a study undertaken in Canada and the USA, to be in the top five of the breeds most likely to have elective and emergency caesarians Moon et al .From data on estimates of total dog population in the UK and on the percentage of all micro-chip registered dogs that are English bulldogs Lucy Asher, , personal communication , we estimate that the UK population size of this breed may be around 50, Return to top 5. Diagnosis A normal labour has three stages. In the first stage, the body prepares itself for birth with the cervix relaxing and dilating. During this stage, if left alone, the bitch in the wild would seek seclusion and dig a den. The second stage involves the loss of uterine fluids, progressively more vigorous straining, and birth of the puppies. The third stage of labour is delivery of the foetal membranes and, in dogs, this stage can be concurrent with the second stage, as membranes are sometimes expelled with their puppy. In some cases of dystocia, stage two never starts and dystocia is diagnosed once a dog is recognised not to have progressed from stage one to stage two after about 24 hours. Radiographs can be used to investigate if foetal-pelvic disproportion is the cause and to help in judging if normal birth will be possible. Return to top 6. The part of the canine genome responsible for brachycephaly has been identified and two genes have been implicated Bannasch et al .There are no genetic tests to help determine which dogs are least at risk of dystocia and therefore most suitable for use in breeding. Return to top 7. How do you know if an animal is a carrier or likely to become affected? All female English bulldogs are at risk of this condition. All puppies have the brachycephalic head shape and many bitches are unable to give birth naturally because of this and perhaps also because of pelvic abnormalities. Thus it is very difficult to find a puppy which has not been born via caesarean section. Ideally only puppies born by natural birth from a bitch that did not have dystocia, should be used for breeding. Return to top 8. Methods and prospects for elimination of the problem It might be argued that breeding from dogs that had been born naturally would help to select for a strain population able to give birth naturally in the future. However, any advantages that might bring would have to be 'weighed' carefully against the risks associated with allowing all births to progress naturally rather than undertaking elective caesarians to preclude the risk of dystocia. It might be possible to assess the size and shape of the pelvises of prospective mothers, as has been described for Boston and Scottish terriers by Eneroth et al .These authors found that bitches in which the pelvis was larger vertically than horizontally were less likely to suffer from dystocia. Breeding from such dogs, and from those with the greatest pelvic measurements, might be a reasonable approach and may be helpful in reducing the incidence of dystocia. However, this speculative proposal has not been validated and might be hard to undertake in practice. As yet no such scheme is in operation. Given the high proportion of animals that appear to suffer from foetal-pelvic disproportion in this breed, efforts to breed only from a minority judged to have the best chances of giving birth naturally might risk, through diminution of the size of the breeding population, inadvertent selection for other genetic diseases. Selecting for smaller head size in puppies is theoretically possible and, if successful, would probably help in reducing the incidence of dystocia. However, this might result also in unpredictable changes to other aspects of conformation or biology. Efforts directed at reducing the prevalence and severity of brachycephalic airway disease in the breed eg by out-crossing with dogs that are not affected with this disease would probably have an impact through reducing the severity of the brachycephaly itself. Return to top 9. Return to top .References Bennett D Normal and abnormal parturition. Its health has been affected by disease since it originated more than years ago as a renowned breed of English Bulldog. The large hips of dogs with a squashed face are difficult for breeders to mate, thus requiring an artificial insemination program to increase breedability and birth. To also comply with regulations concerning animals that may be subjected to dangerous or unnatural conditions, puppies must be rushed through surgery frequently. It may be difficult to find a puppy which has arrived naturally. For example, Olde English Bulldoge puppies typically range in size from 3 to 12 puppies to 6 dogs based on their gender and breed. In contrast, tracheal hypoplasia often encountered in English bulldogs does not apply to these pups. Can Bulldogs Whelp Naturally? In most cases, the bulldog has respiratory disease, skin problems, or inability to produce natural mates or birth, which is a problem because there were several years of selective breeding that undermined its strength and tenacity. Bulldogs have thin vaginal walls, this leads to problems in the delivery room because they need intervention to birth, therefore requiring C-sections to relieve the situation. Providers of cleft palate and cleft lip surgeries have performed numerous cleft palates since time immemorial but cost vary depending where you live and where you are located. A dam may have a normal delivery next time even if she has had a C-section if there is a valid reason for the c-section. Likewise, the fact that she is too small means it is often necessary to have her deliver more. For women with only one baby, then an xray should be scheduled on day 54 instead of day .It is common for Frenchies to not have natural reproduction of themselves naturally. That is due, perhaps, to the artificial insemination their mothers need to have sex. Due to their narrow hips, it is difficult to mount them. In addition to this physical quirk, too many natural births occur as a result of these kinds of defects. Dogs like the French Bulldog have narrow hips and broad heads. Deliveries from dogs are most likely to be simple and no effort is required. The following signs are not to be ignored: failing eyesight, lack of appetite, lack of motivation, or restless sleep. Make sure your veterinarian receives an emergency request for medical attention if your dog appears to have severe discomfort. Now What? Basics of Natural Mating When you look at an English bulldog not to be confused with the American Bulldog , two of the most striking features are their wrinkles and stout stature. With the short, stout stature, it is very difficult for a male dog to mount a female and naturally breed. In essence, their short stubby legs are not physically long enough to allow the male to complete the act. If your English bulldog is female, she can be bred more easily by another breed besides the bulldog. Other breeds that have longer legs and can mount the female easier will be able to breed her. The reason for this is that the male dogs cannot easily mount a female to breed because of their stature. This conformation makes it difficult for a male to successfully mount and breed a female. There are many ways to approach artificial insemination. Depending on the type of insemination, costs may vary greatly. Because most of these dogs must be artificially inseminated, this increases the cost to the puppies. A theriogenologist is a veterinarian that has gone through extra school and training for reproduction. To find one in your area try this website. Being bred by artificial insemination increases cost of care. However, when you have to use artificial methods, you need to first collect a sample from the male dog. Then you must inseminate the female at the appropriate time of her heat cycle. If the insemination is not done at the proper time or completed properly, then the time, money and resources used for that cycle may go wasted. Some dogs may or may not have a regular heat cycle as well. So knowing when to breed your bulldog can be difficult. Again, we recommend working with your veterinarian to help track heat cycles to determine optimal breeding time. Just getting your bulldog bred may or may not be the most difficult and expensive part of the equation. The large shape of their skulls combined with the confirmation of their pelvis make it difficult and sometimes downright impossible for a baby to fit through the birth canal. This leaves surgery by C-section as the only option for a mama bulldog to have babies. If you have a good relationship with your regular veterinarian, and you know the exact date that your female was bred, you may be able to schedule her ahead of time to have a C-section. However, if there are multiple possible breeding dates for your bulldog, scheduling the surgery too early may result in loss of the puppies. After being born, the puppies will ideally nurse from mom for the first weeks of their lives. If there are complications, this may also add to the cost of puppy care. Not to mention that while pregnant, you want to make sure the female bulldog is healthy, has testing done to determine how many puppies she has, and is up to date on all vaccines and prevention prior to even breeding her. Conclusion While English bulldog puppies may be cute, they are not without their health complications, starting with breeding and birth. Make sure you are financially ready to take on the potentially difficult task of having your female bred and helping her through the birthing process. Tweet Email The bulldog may be a symbol of strength and tenacity, but more than a century of selective breeding has weakened the once-tough canine. The dogs have breathing, skeletal, and skin problems, and, even worse, many can't naturally mate or give birth. If they develop breathing difficulties early, it's unlikely they will make it past the age of five. Now, the first complete analysis of bulldog genetics, published July 28 in Canine Genetics and Epidemiology , reveals that the breed has very low genetic diversity. That lack of genes poses a huge challenge for breeders hoping to naturally reintroduce healthier traits into the population, a practice called reverse breeding, says study leader Niels Pedersen , a veterinary researcher at the University of California, Davis. Read more about how dogs evolved in National Geographic magazine. According to the American Kennel Club , bulldogs—also called English bulldogs—are currently the fourth most popular breed in the U. More of the Same Researchers collected and analyzed DNA from bulldogs—including a control group of healthy pups that live in North America, Europe, and Argentina—and another group of dogs admitted to the UC Davis veterinary hospital for a variety of ailments. The results were striking. Unfortunately for the bulldog, many of the physical features that make them desirable also make them unhealthy. In a healthy, diverse population, each individual would be expected to have a largely dissimilar genomic structure, but in the case of the bulldogs, large regions of the genome were the same in every individual sampled. See your dog pictures submitted to National Geographic. Furthermore, the researchers found a worrying lack of diversity in the region of the genome that regulates the dogs' immune system. The scientists observed no differences between the healthy dogs and the ailing pets at the hospital. Part of the reason for the low genetic diversity is that modern bulldogs likely stem from a founder population of only 68 individuals. From this shallow gene pool, bulldogs lost even more diversity as they were selectively bred for short faces, squat bodies, and wrinkly skin. Loving Them to Death Unfortunately for the bulldog, many of the physical features that make them desirable also make them unhealthy. See " Dogs' Brains Reorganized by Breeding. Breeding for flat faces has resulted in an extreme form of brachycephaly —a shortening of the skull—that is now the leading cause of death for bulldogs. The condition leads to a variety of breathing troubles and overheating. The misshapen heads also affect reproduction, because bulldog puppies cannot fit through their mother's birth canal and must be delivered via cesarean. Pedersen estimates that 80 percent of bulldog births result from artificial insemination and cesarean. To Adam Boyko , a geneticist at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine , the new research shows a "classic dog-breeding story. Photographs from the midth century show bulldogs with longer faces, straight tails, and minimal wrinkling. Add in inbreeding and it can create a whole bunch of problems. But the public and breeders need to make a concerted effort to save the bulldog. Registries, like the American Kennel Club, could help by loosening their breed standards. Broader standards would allow for new traits introduced by bloodlines from closely related breeds. This post was updated on July 29th, .The original article stated the bulldog was the fourth most popular dog in the world; it is actually the fourth most popular dog in the U. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. By Last updated: Jun 01 As one of the most easily recognized dog breeds, the English Bulldog has many unique features that make this dog popular. These telltale features include a short and flat wrinkled face, an underbite, a low and wide stance, and a boxy, muscular body. Why English Bulldogs Have to be Artificially Inseminated A male English Bulldog typically cannot mount and enter a female mate due to his stocky, front-heavy body. The breed standards for the English Bulldog include short and strong back legs and a very broad chest, which makes it difficult for a male to have a successful pairing with a female. A female English Bulldog can breed easily and naturally with other breeds with longer legs. Unless, of course, you want to have a litter of mixed breed puppies to care for. Unsurprisingly, having a dog professionally artificially inseminated costs a good deal of money. Because it can cost several hundred dollars to have an English Bulldog artificially inseminated, owners of these dogs often pass the extra cost onto the people buying the puppies. The reason why C-sections are so expensive is that the procedure is a major surgery performed to remove puppies from the uterus. These flat-faced dogs often suffer from brachycephalic syndrome , which is an upper airway abnormality that often causes breathing problems and other issues, like an intolerance to exercise. As they grow, English Bulldogs are susceptible to developing joint disorders like elbow and hip dysplasia due to the incorrect development of the joints. As they grow older, these dogs with joint problems can develop canine arthritis , which can severely affect their mobility. All that extra skin can also put this breed at risk for skin infections due to the skin folding over and causing bacteria to build up. The price of these dogs alone can be problematic for many people. Most English Bulldog puppies are born via C-section , which brings a higher cost compared to other breeds. There may be artificial insemination charges to consider, depending on which breeder you use. English Bulldogs are adorable dogs that make wonderful family pets. Instead, be proactive and get in touch with your vet so you can provide your dog with the best treatment. While English Bulldogs face some unique health-related challenges and can be pricey to buy, they make amazing family pets! And, of course, they are notoriously very wrinkly. Considering all this — especially the large head — can Bulldogs give birth naturally? A distinct, unique dog, descended from the British fighting mastiffs and originally used to drive cattle to market, though more commonly used to compete in the gruesome sport of bullbaiting, did you know that the Bulldog is currently the fourth most popular breed in the US today? A real house dog, they fit in well with living in an apartment or small house. Yet they are still surprisingly muscular and thus quite heavy. As well, there is now very little diversity in the Bulldog breed. The breed only started from the tiny genetic pool of merely 68 individual dogs but has since dwindled to even less diversity. Because the Bulldog breed has so very little diversity, many countries today are beginning to place restrictions on the breeding of this dog. Many Bulldogs have very little quality of life due to issues with breathing. Can I Breed my Bulldog? Many people have concerns about breeding their Bulldog because some Bulldogs find it quite difficult to give birth naturally. Many Bulldogs also have Bulldog-specific health concerns, on top of this. So, are you allowed to breed Bulldogs? Yes, in most countries, it is completely legal to breed most variations of the Bulldog breed. There are a few restrictions, though. The Dutch Kennel Club has actually banned the breeding — or at least, the registration — of new Bulldog puppies in the country. The club has made this move after the Dutch government brought in many new laws that restrict the breeding of broad-skulled dogs like the Bulldog. If you want to breed Bulldogs ethically, there are some things you really must take into account. Do the Bulldogs you are considering breeding have any underlying health issues, for example? Because so many people find dogs with flat faces cute, the Bulldog has been bred for this trait, to the extreme. So one of the most common health issues with the flat-faced Bulldog is having a small windpipe. If one or both of the Bulldogs you are thinking about breeding have any such genetic abnormalities that warranted surgery, you absolutely cannot breed them. If you breed them, they pass on these diseases, perpetuating things that have been plaguing this breed for years. Did you know that there are various different sub-breeds of the Bulldog out there? You are fully permitted to breed any breed of Bulldog in most countries. When Should I Breed my Bulldog? So, if you decide to go ahead with breeding a Bulldog, there are still some issues with the timings that you have to think about, even if you own some of the more healthy Bulldogs around. The flat-faced Bulldog is considered to be a brachycephalic breed of dog. This means that they have some trouble breathing, and can find it difficult to cool down after physical exertion or during the summer months. Because they are so flat-faced, you really must breed your Bulldog during the cooler months of the year where you are. As with all dogs, you should also make sure that you do not breed your female Bulldog before she has her second heat. Either way, be sure to take your Bulldog to the vet at least a month before you intend to breed her. One very important but non-breed-specific thing that your vet will check for in your Bulldog pair is the brucellosis bacteria. This is a disease that is known to cause spontaneous abortion in all breeds. How Can I Inseminate my Bulldog? Did you know that Bulldogs can also find mating pretty difficult? This is mainly due to the short legs the Bulldog has been bred to have for so long. But if traditional insemination is not possible for whatever reason, why not ask your vet about artificial insemination? Artificial insemination is quite common for Bulldogs. But now, the main question. Can a Bulldog give birth naturally? Well, yes, many Bulldogs do manage to give birth naturally with complete success. If you suspect this is the case, your vet can offer a lot of help. In conclusion, it is absolutely impossible for most Bulldogs out there to give birth naturally. The puppies just have too large of ahead, and the adult Bulldogs themselves are typically physically incapable of mating normally, never mind giving birth in the usual way. But the collective health of the Bulldog breed is improving all the time. Now and then, you hear of more and more cases where a Bulldog has been able to give birth naturally with complete success. So, there is much hope for more and more Bulldogs to be able to give birth without requiring any human intervention in the future. By Michelle McDaid.

Temperament: Alert, protective and reliable. However, you will certainly get a tall dog with a very muscular build. To see one standing on the front porch and guarding its home is quite a sight. They have a large, broad muzzle and very strong jawbones. Their eyes are dark and its floppy ears can stand erect or fold over at the tips. Height and Weight Both male and females stand between inches tall however, females are usually a bit shorter. Females will weigh between pounds, will males weighing up to 95 pounds. Breed Colors and Coat Brown is the typical base fur color for this breed — it can be anything from chocolate brown to a light tan. Black can appear in large patches or as a mask over their face and muzzle. In some cases, you may see white or light grey patches. If they inherit a coat from the German Shepherd parent it will be a short, fluffy double coat. Whereas a coat from a Boxer will be smooth and closely cropped to the skin. Mixes will a double coat will shed moderately and those with single coats even less. They will need to be brushed once a week and daily during shedding season. Both parent breeds are commonly employed in this type of work. What makes the Boxer Shepherd so unique is its mischievous, playful attitude in addition to being a hard worker. Both German Shepherds and Boxers have an unfair reputation for being aggressive. In reality, a well trained Shepherd, Boxer, or mix is extremely even tempered and friendly. The Boxer is the 11th most popular dog breed in the United States, as of .The German Shepherd is the 2nd most popular breed. You can expect them to be a bit of a goofball as well as a loyal guard dog. These dogs are not aggressive by nature, but they will bite if they are provoked. Your relationship with them should be one of mutual respect and understanding. You need to keep in mind that working dogs always want something to do and will have high energy levels — so you will need to keep them as active as possible throughout the day. A well trained dog will be very quiet and only bark when something is wrong. However it will take time to train a puppy out of their natural suspicion of strangers. Expect a bit of barking here and there as your puppy learns who they can and cannot trust. Since these pups are so suspicious of other people, early socialization is a must. Even socialized puppies will remain distant to people outside of their home. Finally, you should know that this dog does not like to be left alone — so you should find a good dog sitter if you are away from home often. A German Shepherd Boxer Mix makes a great family dog for the right type of family. Apartments and urban areas do not make the best home for one. Your dog will need their own outdoor space to let out all of their energy. If you have ever owned a German Shepherd or a Boxer, a mix will not be too much more difficult to manage. Keeping this pup active and entertained is the biggest challenge for the breed. They are not for owners with inactive lifestyles. Exercise Requirements This very active dog will want to be on its feet for most of the day. If you are a born outdoorsman, your furry friend will be eager to join you on all of your adventures. They need at least 90 minutes of exercise each day. This could be with a 30 minute walk and then an hour of play. Your dog will be up for just about anything, but running is their very favorite thing to do. Try a game of tag with your pooch, or a game of hide and seek. You can also cater to their love of agility with an exciting backyard hurdle course. If you live on a farm then they will help you tend your livestock just like their Shepherd ancestors would do. Number of Walks Per Day: .Grooming and Shedding Their short coat makes grooming fairly easy. Once a week brushing is fine for most of the year, but you will have to brush them daily during these shedding seasons. As tempting as it may be to stick a dirty dog right in the tub, you should only bathe them once every 3 months. Too much bathing will wash out the oils in their skin. Also, make sure to get between those big floppy ears. Feeding and Diet When you have an energetic dog it is important to fuel their day the right way. This breed will do well with a raw or whole meat diet. Protein should make up most of their diet. Carbs and fats should be derived from natural sources such as fruits and veggies. The fillers in many commercial dog foods are nothing but empty calories. It is very common for large dogs and causes pain and impaired mobility. Physical therapy and pain medication can treat mild to moderate cases of hip dysplasia, while surgery may be needed for more severe cases. EPI is a chronic condition that requires lifelong treatment and dogs with EPI must be given enzyme supplements. With little planning ahead you could get reimbursed for every vet bill from now on! It is a cross between the Boxer and the German Shepherd. 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. Full of life and always wanting attention, I never leave her behind. She is very sweet and a great cuddle buddy, but this goes without mentioning her evil side. She has a mind of her own but as long as you speak to her as an equal , she will never leave your side. Very friendly and plays great with other dogs big and small. He also plays great with our three cats. He loves rides in the car and truck. I found her over the internet and fell in love with her picture. I drove 30 miles to go get her. She's had her tail docked.But she still likes to chase her stub even though she can't reach it. I've seen her go after it for awhile though. And when she's excited her whole body shakes. She's a sweet puppy and her best friend is my one year old son. I noticed that Boxer-Shepherds aren't a popular hybrid, but I think I've come across one of the best breeds that will ever have existed. She's in great health. She's 4 years old in this picture. She loves to run around sometimes, but most of the time she lays around. She is .She has another dog friend named Biskit, which they get along okay but do fight lot. Nothing serious though. Your dog should have a healthy weight. Extra weight or being overweight is bad for dogs because this places additional pressure on its spine. Obesity can also lead to some medical conditions that can be fatal for your dog. One of the most common causes of obesity is giving your dog treats. Therefore, you should never give your dog food treats when training your dog. The following dog food brands are perfect for German Shepherd Boxer mix breeds 1. Blue Buffalo There are reasons why more pet owners trust Blue Buffalo. It is made from whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal to keep your dog satiated and to help sustain its energy all day long. Blue Buffalo helps maintain regular digestion. It is available for large breed dogs and small breed dogs. Halo also has low-carb options with ingredients like salmon, turkey, and flaxseeds. Iams Iams is a well-known dog food with a fantastic nutrient profile. The ingredients are naturally made from real meat and whole grains. This brand will help your dog maintain its ideal weight and energy levels. Never give your German Shepherd Boxer the following food. Keep in mind that not all human food is safe. Some dogs may also have allergies so be careful in giving your pet just any kind of food. Salty foods and junk food Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Chocolate, coffee, or tea Apart from the unconditional love that your pooch gets from you, you should know how important their nutrition is for their happy life. Your hairy friend is a descendant of two gorgeous parents, who can sometimes differ a lot from one another. This means that your pooch can develop a propensity for various food types and you can experiment with best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food , too. If you want to see your puppy strong, happy, and healthy, consider some of the best puppy food brands , while senior dog owners have the best senior dry dog food on their menu. Just make sure to consult with your vet first! You need to spend enough time daily to exercise and play with your dog; otherwise, it can become bored and develop destructive behavior. A tired dog is a good dog, so they say, and the only way to tire this dog is to give it a good run and to play active games. Activities, like running, jogging, swimming, Frisbee and fetch, are perfect for this breed. Playing with your dog is not just a way to exercise your dog but will also help you develop a strong bond with your pet. As much as possible play with your dog daily. Invest in durable toys for your dog. And most of all, this dental chew toy will make his breath smell better and protect his teeth. Baily is soft and cuddly and is also washable. The Chuckit! These are easy to clean too if only you can take this toy away from your dog! Training this mixed breed is easy, but you need to do it right. Here are a few tricks that you can use to train your dog. Offer Positive ReinforcementAvoid food treats. Provide positive reinforcement to support proper behavior. The moment it arrives home, teach it simple house rules. Show your dog where this will sleep and where it will find its food and water bowl. Be patient, and your puppy will surely understand where everything is at. One way is to use the clicker method. The clicker is a small device that gives an audible click, something that your dog will love to hear. The point of the clicker is to give a click if your dog follows your command. You can use the clicker for any trick. Just click the clicker after your dog follows your command and then click this again when you want your pet to repeat the behavior. Clickers are available in most pet stores. Avoid Confusing Your Dog Dogs can be easily distracted. Just a loud noise or strangers can distract them from learning new tricks. So at an early age, train your pup in a quiet environment with no distractions. Avoid confusing your dog at this stage so he can learn tricks fast. Start training your dog indoors and gradually introduce him to the outdoors. You will know that he is ready for outdoor training once he is less distracted to noise and other pets and people. A Boxer German Shepherd dog can be trained to become service dogs and guard dogs. You can ask a professional to train your dog so he can learn obedience training, protection training, attack training and so on. One, this dog will love to be with their masters and will do everything they can to please them. Next, this dog will defend his territory and will guard his family with his life. This dog will also be patient with other dogs and other pets at home. The Boxer German Shepherd should be allowed to socialize with other dogs and people as early as possible. If this is not done, the dog can develop anti-social behaviors and may become aggressive with people or other dogs. Your German Shepherd Boxer pup will grow up to be a well-behaved, loving, happy and healthy dog when you train it early and expose it to people and other animals in your home or community. Male and female Boxer Shepherds are usually around the same size and weight, although the females tend to be slightly shorter. You can expect the following: Males: 23 to 27 inches tall and up to 95 pounds Females: 21 to 25 inches tall and up to 75 pounds How to Feed a German Shepherd Boxer Mix Energetic dogs tend to eat more, and the same is true for the Boxer Shepherd mix. You can expect to feed them two or three times a day. The goal is to end up at 1, calories per day. These calories should be made up of raw or all-natural meat protein. They require some carbohydrates, too, which can be consumed in the form of fruits and veggies. Stay away from commercial dog foods that do not utilize real ingredients. These are empty calories that will not help your German Shepherd Boxer mix grow and remain healthy. The grooming requirements for a German Shepherd Boxer solely depends on what type of coat he inherits. Follow these general guidelines: If your dog has a short, thick coat from the Boxer parent, brushing one weekly is enough to keep the coat healthy. Bathing should take place every two to three weeks. Your Boxer Shepherd should also have his teeth brushed regularly and nails clipped. They are incredibly obedient and take commands well. With their high intelligence, they learn swiftly. However, the drawback to this mixed breed is that they also do not like being dominated. So how can you make sure you train your Boxer Shepherd successfully? Well, mutual respect is vital. Clickers tend to work really well with this mixed dog breed, too. Aside from training, socialization is necessary for this dog breed. Otherwise, they may end up feisty and aggressive. Start socializing your pup around people of all ages at a young age. Socialization classes are a great way to go. If you are struggling with training your Boxer Shepherd, the best thing to do is to have your dog professionally trained. You will need to be there for the classes so the trainer can show you how to be assertive without being dominant with your German Shepherd Boxer mix. The Boxer Shepherd is known for being a very active dog, as both parents are known for their high energy levels. As far as exercise needs are concerned, these mixed canines need at least one long walk per day, although two or more is ideal. They also require a large yard where they can run and play throughout the day. Provide them with stimulating toys and jobs to do, too, as these intelligent canines need plenty of stimulation to avoid destruction and mayhem. Boxer Shepherd Health One of the many great things about the German Shepherd Boxer mix is that they are relatively healthy. However, there are a few health issues that this breed may have, including: Hip dysplasia.

In a video shared on December 1, Golden Retriever Winnie can be seen lying in her bed looking despondent. However, her sadness quickly turns to excitement with the arrival of puppy Scarlett—delivered via a basket in the front yard. Winnie's owner, TikTok user Kathleen Walsh winnieandscarlett , believed the two-year-old golden girl was lonely, so decided to get another dog for her to play with. Since being shared, the cute clip has received almost eight million views and over one million likes. Left, Golden Retriever Winnie meeting puppy Scarlett for the first time. Right, Winnie and Scarlett on their deck at home. Dogs are known as man's best friend for a reason. Canine companions have been by our side for more than 30, years, and even evolved "puppy dog eyes" to communicate with us better. But is socialization with human owners enough to keep a dog happy? She told Newsweek that whether or not a pooch will get lonely in a one-dog household depends on their personality. If your dog is a lone wolf, then it can be content with just its humans for company. Winnie and Scarlett's owner Kathleen Walsh said the pair love snuggling together. This is also why some breeds are more likely to have separation anxiety than others. If you're thinking of bringing a puppy home to keep your older dog company, Smith said it's important to introduce them correctly —unless you want the fur to fly. As well as making sure both dogs have their own bowls, beds and space, you need to remember that two dogs are twice the work for you. One look and an instant calm will probably wash over you. Stress simply melts away. Because Golden Retrievers are notoriously loyal and obedient. They can look silly with their big goofy grins. Or they can look stoic and wise beyond their years with their striking, deep brown eyes. CutenessOverload Everything they do is adorable Just watching your pup go from an adorable average of 10 pounds right when you get them at 8 weeks old to a sizable 70 pounds at the year mark is cuter than anything you can imagine. Or falling asleep in your lap. Or busting your pup discreetly chewing on your brand new pair of sneakers in their new closet lair is the cutest. There are too many cute things! Everything will be adorable and glee-inducing if done by a Golden Retriever pup — even the behaviors that, by all logic, should annoy you to no end. This is a good thing because a puppy this adorable is definitely going to be a popular one. Golden Retriever puppies make friends with kids , adults, and other animals while keeping their trademark smiles on their faces. They are so friendly, in fact, that they may not be the best bet when looking for guard dogs. A Golden will usually greet any stranger, including during a break-in, with a welcoming smile on their face. But they will love you best Again, the loyalty of a Golden Retriever pup cannot be stressed enough; it is strong. At the end of the day, your athletic, big-pawed, adventurous, silly, and loving Golden pup will only have eyes for you. Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue. We are overjoyed for you! Golden Retrievers are one of the most friendly and loving breeds…and lucky for you, one of the easiest to train. Golden Retrievers require a great deal of mental stimulation to avoid going about on their own or becoming frustrated. Their love for food is infinite. Prerequisites for training my Golden Retriever puppy? What age can I start to train my Golden Retriever puppy? Sounds like a good deal! We can only hope. What do I need to train my Golden Retriever? Say bye to that sticky, meaty feeling in your fingertips. A piece of non-slip vet bed or a soft mat: For a cozy bed, warm nights, and good dreams. Treats: The more smelly, the better. Two identical toys : Great for swaps! The name says it all…your Golden Retriever puppy will love retrieving, so identical toys will be great for all the games we have in store for you in the Zigzag Puppy training app. Of course, Golden Retrievers grow to be big dogs. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? A golden retriever needs 2 hours of exercise a day. What age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? Golden Retrievers reach adulthood at 3 years of age and are seniors by 8 years old. Though their height has been reached, their weight will still fill out and they will continue to mentally mature. What are Golden Retrievers bred for? Distinctly British, the 1st Baron of Tweedmouth developed the breed crossing his golden colored retrieving dog Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel — these look similar to Irish Water Spaniels. The cross resulted in a dog that was comfortable being on land and water kind of like crocodiles , and robust enough to hunt goose, partridge and even deer. Do Golden Retrievers make good family pets? In fact, Golden Retrievers are one of the most loved dog breeds in the UK. The Kennel Club has a lot more good information and info about them. What does this have to do with how I train my Golden Retriever puppy? But there is a logic as to why knowing the context might help you train your Golden Retriever better: Golden Retrievers love to work. Commonly employed as Guide Dogs, they love having a job to do, which means they will adore training. Anyhow, they will be a breeze to train. They will also do almost anything for your soft words and approval — your praise will work just as well as treats. Because they are so gentle, they are a great fit for families with a variety of lifestyles and ages. They need a good amount of exercise; mental as well as physical. Let us rephrase — a hefty amount of exercise. Besides you and food, being in water is what they love the most! They have a very strong sense of smell, so retrieving or scent work games tend to be the biggest treat for most. Golden Retrievers are the social butterflies of dogs. They love most people, and are not discreet in showing it. You know how us Brits can be about politeness. That being said, make sure you also teach them the wonders of giving things up. It can lead to great things! But it can also be less helpful when they give you a love bite on your arm — give them a toy to carry instead. Shift to some play, and revisit training later — we want training to be associated with fun, and not something they begin to dread. He loves his poodle, Riley, and has been known to play with cats on occasion, even though he's allergic to them. Other interests include ice cream, riding his bicycle, and the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. He lives in Iowa. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Published on December 9, I wish I could be as excited about anything as this golden retriever is upon meeting his two new puppy brothers. We meet our friend Finn in a TikTok video posted Tuesday from the account thegoldenbros3. He's sitting at the front door of a house, excitedly watching as a man cradling a puppy approaches. He drops down to a knee on the other side of the glass door—an excellent way to introduce two dogs —so Finn can get a better look at his new brother. Finn circles the human with a wagging tail and even rises up on his hind legs to investigate his new brother. The man lowers the puppy down to Finn's level again, allowing them to sniff each other. Joyously satisfied he has a new friend, Finn retrieves a toy for them to share. Gah, it's too much. In a video posted Wednesday , our guy got to meet both his new golden puppy brothers—Sully and Gus, who I think met Finn in the first video. This video is shorter, but Finn is just as thrilled to see them both. Meanwhile, both the puppies exchange playful paws and nuzzles while they're still in human arms—perhaps remembering their earlier cuddle session. The new trio seems to be doing great, and hopefully Finn can soon teach his baby brothers his best tricks. Was this page helpful? Introducing dogs take patience, time and a lot of understanding. The TikTok account for Sammythegolden had nothing to worry about, because the way this Golden Retriever puppy has bonded with their older Golden Retriever is just precious. View the original article to see embedded media. Awww, at first the older dog wanted nothing to do with the puppy and now they are inseparable. They are just too adorable. So cute love them both thank you for bringing joy to our daily lives. If your dog growls at your newest addition, you shouldn't punish them because even though that may stop the growling, the danger is still there. Your dog is just trying to express his feelings. Growling is usually a sign of tension and anxiety, and if this happens it's best to separate the dogs for a bit. You should get your older dog familiar with the newer puppy's scent by giving them a blanket or old T-shirt the puppy has slept on. Provide safe zones for both the older dog and puppy to retreat to if needed. Give praise and treats to both dogs when they have an unaggressive encounter, and always monitor their interactions while they are still getting used to each other. In general, it may take around 4 to 8 weeks for resident dogs to get used to the change associated with a new addition , but it can take up to 6 to 9 months for both dogs bond and feel comfortable around each other. Hopefully your new addition and your older dog will be cuddling together before you know it, just like the sweet pups in the video above. Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video , and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. Pet expert and puppy trainer Andrea Arden of New York City demonstrates best training practices for new pups. Captain, a golden retriever puppy, has been seen by millions of people on TikTok. That's because Captain, now almost 13 weeks old, first met his new owner Carly Hudson at the Melbourne, Australia, airport as he was brought out in a crate to her after the flight. Hudson told Fox News Digital that the puppy took a solo flight from Brisbane to Melbourne to reach his new owner — and the moment was clearly overwhelming to both of them. Hudson posted a TikTok of the pair's initial encounter as Captain was let out of his carrier at the airport. Little Captain, a golden retriever puppy, took a solo flight to Melbourne, Australia, to meet his new owner, Carly Hudson. The video caption reads: "The day Captain flew interstate to complete [our] family. Hudson runs a TikTok account that is now dedicated to Captain called "carlyandcaptain," which shows the pup as he grows up. One commenter wrote to the pup's new mom and dad, "He is gorgeous. Congratulations on becoming pawrents. They appear to have the characteristics of empathy and unconditional love, which Captain seems to have in spades for his owner.

Tom Thorpe Blog Does your golden retriever puppy have diarrhea at night? There might be several factors that are causing your puppy to experience such diarrhea. This article will provide some of the most common causes of diarrhea that you need to know. What is diarrhea in golden retrievers? Let us first talk about what diarrhea is just to get a glimpse of an idea of what it really is just to avoid any misconceptions. Diarrhea can be an unsettling experience for humans and this is the same case for every dog out there. When a dog is experiencing diarrhea, its stool is usually loose or unformed, sometimes it comes in large amounts and sometimes small. Although diarrhea is not a disease per se, it can be linked to or a sign of various types of diseases. In addition, this simple illness can become serious to life-threatening. Although you might not be able to prevent diarrhea. So, this cannot be taken lightly instead, do something about it if your golden retriever is experiencing diarrhea. What causes diarrhea? When your golden retriever is experiencing diarrhea, his fecal material is underdeveloped and it moves fast through the intestine with the lack of absorption of electrolytes, nutrients, and water. For golden retriever puppies, one of the most common cases is parasites. This is because puppies are vulnerable to sickness and disease. Diarrhea can lead to underlying serious health conditions one of these is viral infections, inflammatory intestinal disease, allergies, organ dysfunction, to name a few. Your puppy will probably have a stomach upset or it will not digest the new kibble food properly. You slowly mix the old kibble food and new kibble food. This process can be done within a week. For example, on day 1 mix 80 percent of old and 20 percent new. Then the next day 70 percent old kibble food and 30 percent new kibble food. And so on until your puppy gets accustomed to the new dog food. But every pet owner has stated that transitioning their puppy to a new food has never been easy. This is needed more nutritional value, due to expensive brand and can no longer afford to buy it. Thus switching to cheaper ones. Sometimes due to the low nutritional value of the kibble food. Whatever the case in changing the dietary needs, your puppy will likely experience some digestive issues. This is when introduced to new kibble food and also while in the transitioning period. Although this is perfectly normal because your golden retriever puppy is adjusting to it. It may be due to emotional distress, stress, or anxiety Just like humans, dogs are emotional creatures. Their outlet for releasing stress in their body comes in many ways and one of it through the digestive system. Among the reasons as to why your puppy is feeling emotionally distressed is due to feeling lonely or neglected. To prevent any emotional distress or having bowel irregularities, make sure that you give plenty of love to your golden retriever puppy. Always pay attention to them because they needed to be supervised all the time. Medication or Antibiotics Nighttime diarrhea is sometimes caused by the side effects of antibiotics or medication which is fairly common. Your golden retriever may produce loose stool upon treatment of antibiotics. This is because the medication is fighting the infection and bacteria. Meanwhile, antibiotics can also kill good bacteria as much as they kill bad bacteria this is because they cannot tell the difference between the two. Thereby this results in an imbalance in the stomach which leads to abdominal pain, stomach issues, and eventually diarrhea during nighttime. The best thing you can do is to consult with your vet first and follow their specific instructions when giving your golden retriever puppy medication. In addition, medication should be given along with food to at least reduce the negative effect on digestion. Allergies and Food Intolerance Every dog has food intolerance and allergies at some point in its life but not all may experience this. The common reason why your golden retriever puppy has diarrhea at night might be due to their hypersensitive stomach. Most often, food rich in dairy, fat, or gluten is the cause. Therefore, it can lead to diarrhea or gas at night. There are breeds that have particular intolerance because of their genes. Like Schnauzers, they have food intolerance with high fat content. Furthermore, researching the best possible diet with come consultation from your vet is the best key to alleviate any food intolerance and allergies. Disease or illness Another reason why your puppy is having diarrhea at night is he might have an illness or a disease. These might be chronic or mild cases. One factor that must be considered is that diarrhea is just a secondary symptom that can be linked to severe health conditions. Furthermore, those several health conditions include liver or kidney disease, and that diarrhea is just a precursor to an underlying serious illness. Some of these causes are due to trauma, parasites, toxic ingestion, congenital disorders, and even bacterial infections. This can be fatal. It can be tumors or cancer in the intestinal tract. Ingested foreign object Sometimes the reason why your golden retriever puppy is having diarrhea at night is fairly simple. All puppies are curious gentle little creatures who want to explore within their own little world. They will try everything that they can out into their mouths. Puppies commonly ingest garbage materials, house plants, insects, toys, and even fabrics. Make sure to supervise your puppy at all times. That way, your puppy can enjoy exploring within the limited boundary. This is for further analysis. The common infection is an intestinal infection. There will be instances where relief or medication will not be enough. Never allow your puppy outside without close supervision You know what golden retriever puppies are. They are known for their high energy and active in exploring the outside in their own little world. But, take heed, if they are outside, always supervised them or have one family member supervise your puppy. You never know what your puppy will. Puppies often will eat anything they can put into their mouth whether trash, plants, shoes, or piece of fabric. Final Thoughts The only bottom line, if you have encountered your golden retriever puppy diarrhea at night, never take it lightly and wait for a day to treat them. Instead, act quickly as possible. Attend to their needs such as giving them basic relief or treatment just to ease the bowel irregularities. Because as we have learned, diarrhea can be devious. They can be mild infection to a severe condition such as cancer or a tumor in the intestine. Check the petmd for more infos about pet ailments. Fever Vomiting These symptoms might not always mean diarrhea, so taking your pup to the vet is crucial if you notice anything unusual. Take note of these details as well as anything else that stands out. This information will assist them in making an accurate diagnosis and developing a treatment plan to make their furry friend feel better as soon as possible. How To Treat Diarrhea In Golden Retrievers Remember, while occasional diarrhea might not be a cause for alarm, chronic or severe symptoms should always be taken seriously. Check for any signs of blood or mucus. Observe if your dog shows other symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, or loss of appetite. Dietary Adjustments: Offer a bland diet: boiled chicken without skin or bones and plain white rice can be beneficial. Gradually reintroduce their regular food after days, mixing it with the bland diet and increasing the regular food portion over a few days. Maintain Hydration: Diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Make sure your dog has access to fresh water at all times. You can also provide an electrolyte solution designed for dogs to help replenish lost fluids. Avoid Giving Human Medications: Many human drugs, like certain anti-diarrheals, can be toxic to dogs. Always consult a vet before administering any medication. Check for Parasites: Worm infestations can cause diarrhea. Regular deworming is essential, but if diarrhea persists, have a fecal exam done. Consult Your Veterinarian: If the diarrhea continues for more than 24 hours, if your dog seems lethargic, or if there are other worrying symptoms, reach out to your vet. A microscopic fecal evaluation, x-rays, blood tests, DNA tests, biopsies of the intestinal tract, endoscopy, ultrasound, or even exploratory abdominal surgery may be performed They can provide appropriate medications, suggest further dietary adjustments, or conduct tests to determine the cause. Prevention: Ensure a balanced diet and avoid sudden changes in food. Regularly check for and treat parasites. Keep your dog away from garbage, spoiled food, and other potential stomach irritants. If one food affects your furry companion less than the other, you could try a diet with only one protein source. Sudden Dietary Changes: Like humans, our furry friends can get stomach upsets and diarrhea when their diet changes abruptly. Infections: Diarrhea in dogs can be a sign of viral, parasitic, fungal, or bacterial infections. The most common cause is a parasitic infection from roundworms, coccidia or giardia which can be treated easily with medication. Viral infections include parvovirus, coronavirus, and distemper which are much less common if the puppy is vaccinated. Most conditions will necessitate veterinary treatment, so if your dog has diarrhea and other painful symptoms, consult your veterinarian. Stress: Dogs, like humans, can experience stress, resulting in diarrhea. So, if you notice your pet has an upset stomach and suspect it is due to stress, try to figure out what is causing their stress and work to reduce or eliminate it. Finally, remember to lavish your pup with love and attention to help your furry friend feel safe and secure. Undiagnosed Medical Condition: Tummy problems in dogs can occur due to an undiagnosed medical condition. These conditions include inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, and even cancer. If you suspect your pet has an undiagnosed medical condition causing their diarrhea, immediately take them to the vet. Remember, the sooner you get a diagnosis, the better the outcome and the happier your pet will be! Here are some options: Boiled Chicken and Rice: Cook boneless, skinless chicken and plain white rice. The chicken should be well-cooked and shredded, while the rice should be thoroughly cooked and soft. This combination is gentle on the stomach and helps firm up stools. Plain Pumpkin: Canned or cooked plain pumpkin not pumpkin pie filling can be beneficial for soothing an upset stomach and firming up loose stools. Start with a small amount and gradually increase as tolerated. Plain Yogurt: Choose plain, unsweetened yogurt with live and active cultures. It can help restore the balance of good bacteria in the digestive system. Boiled Potatoes: Boiled and mashed potatoes without any added seasoning or butter can be easily digested and provide energy. Remember to offer small, frequent meals to avoid overwhelming the digestive system. If the diarrhea persists or worsens, consult your veterinarian for a thorough evaluation and further guidance. These are some examples: Vomiting: If your dog is vomiting in addition to diarrhea, this could be a sign of a larger problem that necessitates a trip to the vet. Lethargy: If your dog is weak and tired, especially when combined with diarrhea, something is wrong, and a vet visit is required. This could be due to parasites, ulcers, or masses that require treatment from a veterinarian. Black tarry diarrhea: If your dog has black tarry diarrhea, it could be an upper GI bleed that requires medication from your veterinarian. Consult your veterinarian if you notice anything unusual with your Golden Retriever. Potential Complications Of Untreated Diarrhea In Golden Retriever Puppies If your golden retriever puppy has untreated diarrhea, you should take them to the vet immediately because there could be complications. These are some examples: Dehydration Diarrheic puppies can quickly become dehydrated, leading to serious health issues. Dehydration symptoms include dry gums, sunken eyes, lethargy, and a loss of skin elasticity. Therefore, even if your puppy has diarrhea, it must continue to receive proper nutrition and hydration. One method is to prevent diarrhea from occurring in the first place. This includes their crate, bed, toys, food and water bowls, etc. Good hygiene practices can help to keep harmful bacteria and viruses that cause diarrhea at bay. Sudden changes can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. Regular Deworming Deworming your puppy regularly can help prevent parasitic infections that cause diarrhea. Consult your veterinarian about the best deworming schedule for your puppy. Maintain a consistent feeding schedule and avoid giving too many treats. Following these guidelines can help your Golden Retriever puppy avoid diarrhea and keep them healthy and happy. Diarrhea in dogs can last anywhere from a single day to several weeks or even months. Can diarrhea in Golden Retriever puppies lead to more severe health problems? If untreated, diarrhea in Golden Retriever puppies can lead to more severe health problems. In addition, dehydration, malnutrition, and other complications can result from prolonged or severe diarrhea. While some common home remedies may help treat mild cases of diarrhea in Golden Retriever puppies , it is critical to consult a veterinarian before attempting any treatments. A diet of boiled chicken and rice and probiotics are some remedies that may be suggested. More severe cases of diarrhea, on the other hand, may necessitate medical intervention, and it is best to seek the advice of a professional. Is diarrhea a sign of parvovirus? Diarrhea, especially if bloody, can be a symptom of parvovirus. Is it normal for puppies to have soft stools? Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Lethargy Poor appetite Gums that are pale or tacky to the touch, which can indicate dehydration, anemia or shock Watery poop that lasts for more than a day Deciding Whether To Go to the Veterinarian A puppy with diarrhea almost always warrants a call to your veterinarian. At the very least, this will get you individualized guidance on what home therapies you can try and what doses to give your pup. Puppies metabolize many medications differently than mature dogs, so dosage adjustments may be necessary. When a puppy has loose stool, talking to a veterinarian can also help you determine whether a trip to the hospital is needed. Treatments that are often needed in more severe cases of acute diarrhea include: Fluid therapy to treat dehydration— given under the skin or intravenously Medications to slow down the bowels and reduce diarrhea and fluid loss Medications to manage vomiting Antibiotics to treat or prevent a bacterial infection arising from within the gut Hospitalization and close monitoring for extremely sick puppies Your veterinarian can also run tests to determine why your pup has diarrhea—a fecal examination for parasites or a test for parvovirus, for example. Scoop up some diarrhea and seal it tightly in a plastic bag or container. If you see a parasite or incriminating evidence like a chewed piece of plastic, make sure you bring that too. Puppies, especially those really young and really small, can dehydrate quickly. Make sure your puppy has access to fresh water at all times. Bring it to them if necessary. Entice a reluctant drinker by adding some low-sodium bouillon to the water or a few drops of liquid from some tuna canned in water. Pediatric hydration fluids for human babies work well, too, if your pup will drink them. Stick to bland food. This might be boiled, unseasoned hamburger or white meat chicken with some rice or a prescription diet for intestinal problems that you can get from your veterinarian. Check with your veterinarian to see if you can give any supplements or over-the-counter medications like canned pumpkin, kaolin-pectin or probiotics. A: The reasons why your puppy has diarrhea could include a change in diet, eating something unusual, exposure to toxins, viral or bacterial infections, food allergies or intolerances, intestinal parasites, stress, and other potentially serious health problems. Q: What to give dogs for diarrhea? A: Pet parents have to be careful in what they give for dog diarrhea—some over-the-counter treatments are dangerous if used incorrectly or in the wrong situations. If the diarrhea is mild and not associated with a serious health problem, it may respond to a bland diet boiled white meat chicken and rice, for example and extra water intake. Your veterinarian can let you know whether it is safe to give your puppy canned pumpkin, kaolin-pectin, probiotics and other supplements or medications. Q: How long does puppy diarrhea last? A: Puppy diarrhea can last for just a few hours, or it may persist for days or even longer. Always talk to your veterinarian if puppy diarrhea lasts for more than a day or two or if it is associated with vomiting, lethargy, weakness or any other symptoms of disease. Q: Does puppy teething cause diarrhea? A: Many pet parents report that puppy teething seems to be associated with diarrhea. However, diarrhea during this time can still be serious enough to require veterinary care. Teething puppies will often chew on and swallow almost anything they can get their mouths on. Also, the immune systems of young puppies who are teething are not yet fully formed, so they are at higher risk for the bacterial and viral infections that can cause diarrhea. Q: Is blood in my puppy's diarrhea an emergency? Call your veterinarian immediately for advice. Q: Why does my puppy have diarrhea after changing food? Whenever possible, make dietary changes over the course of a week or two. If you suspect your pet is sick, please call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your regular veterinarian when possible as they can make the best recommendations for your pet. If you need help finding a vet near you, use this link. Please remember this information does not replace proper vet care. You may not be able to totally prevent diarrhea, but knowing as much as possible about it might help limit the number times your dog has one of these unpleasant episodes and reduce the duration when the runs do come. The Canine Digestive System There are significant differences between the way dogs and people digest food. Human jaw shape and salivary enzymes, for example, will start breaking down a morsel in the mouth. Dogs, on the other hand, have mouths and jaws made for tearing, crushing, and wolfing food down. Their salivary enzymes are mostly designed to kill bacteria, which is why they can tolerate items that would send their human companions to the hospital. Food travels rapidly down the canine esophagus and enters the stomach in chunks, where most digestion takes place. Canine stomach acids are about three times stronger than those of humans, so they can digest food that is pretty much intact. Under normal circumstances, transit time from mouth through the small and large intestines should be under 10 hours, producing a firm, well-formed stool at the end. Dirty Dozen—Top 12 Causes of Doggie Diarrhea Many things can disrupt this well-balanced system, causing diarrhea or, less frequently, constipation. Some things, like eating too much grass, are not serious at all. Others can be a sign of a life-threatening problem, such as an indigestible object like a rock lodged in the stomach, or a disease like cancer. There are many reasons why a dog may develop loose stools, but most cases may be attributed to one of these 12 triggers: Dietary indiscretion: Eating too much, eating garbage, or spoiled food. Food intolerance Parasites: Most of these will cause illness in puppies or in adults with weak immune systems: Roundworms. Read the full disclosure here. Nearly every breed of dog out there suffers diarrhea at some point, but Labrador and golden retrievers are among the most vulnerable. Not many pet owners know about the symptoms and causes of diarrhea in goldens, as most of them are quite subtle and easy to ignore. But if your dog suffers from this disorder at some point, you will have to first find out the root cause before attempting to treat them. Now, if you truly care about your furry pal, this is the information you will want to have at your fingertips. Diarrhea In Dogs: Definition Like with most animals, diarrhea in dogs generally takes the form of loose or unformed stools. Sometimes this could happen in large amounts and so often. Treatment and healing time depends on the cause. If the illness causing the diarrhea is life-threatening, your dog will need advanced treatment and more time to heal. For more minor health conditions, treatment is often simple and quick—in fact, sometimes even home remedies work. The most important thing you should do in either situation is to begin treatment early. This will save your furry pal from suffering from severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and many other conditions that could worsen the situation. Like I touched on earlier, both labrador and golden retrievers are uniquely prone to diarrhea. A popular culprit is their almost uncontrollable appetite. Ingesting these kinds of foods and objects will usually lead to diarrhea. Expect the same when your dog swims in still waters by the roadside or a shallow stream. Such waters are full of bacteria, and so when your dog drinks some of it, diarrhea becomes inevitable. While this is usually the main culprit of diarrhea in golden retrievers, there are still plenty of other causes. Causes Of Diarrhea: Food Sensitivities Golden retrievers are one of many breeds that are especially prone to allergies. And guess what tops the list of allergens? Beef and chicken! If your dog is allergic to one or both of these foods, you will want to avoid them if your dog seems to have recurrent diarrhea. Causes Of Diarrhea: Diet Changes This is not just limited to humans; dogs too suffer stomach upsets and sudden diarrhea when you suddenly change their diet, say from a high protein to a fat-rich diet. Instead, gradually introduce new foods to their diet in small amounts. Causes Of Diarrhea: Infections Infections in dogs are mostly caused by viruses, with the most common ones being parvovirus , coronavirus, and distemper. Infections could also be parasitic, fungal, or bacterial. In most cases, they develop into diarrhea, alongside other unpleasant and often painful conditions. Most types of infections will need to be treated with medications prescribed by a veterinarian. Causes Of Diarrhea: Toxins Various foods and other substances are toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Most have been linked with diarrhea in dogs, particularly those found in human foods and drugs. Some of the most common are: Chocolate,

Visit the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory website Labrador retrievers have coats of three basic colors: yellow, black, and chocolate. These colors are determined genetically, just like almost all of the traits that offspring get from their parents. The modes of inheritance of these coat colors are autosomal not related to the sex of the dog. The information for black or chocolate comes from two versions of the same gene different versions of a gene are known as alleles. This gene is different from the one that causes yellow hair. There are four known alleles at this gene in the Labrador Retriever: one is the allele for black designated as B and three different alleles that result in chocolate collectively designated as b. In determining if your puppies will be black or chocolate, the black coat color B is dominant to the chocolate b. Therefore, a puppy will only be chocolate if each parent contributes a chocolate allele bb. If one or both parents Bb or BB contribute the black dominant allele, the puppy will be black BB or Bb , although a Bb puppy would carry chocolate and could therefore produce chocolate puppies. Black Labrador Retriever. Photo by Katy Robertson. Chocolate colored Labrador Retriever. There are several known alleles of this gene in dogs, but for Labradors the most common are E produce black and brown pigment and e only produce yellow pigment. An e allele at the MC1R gene prevents expression of the black or chocolate color in the hair follicle and the puppy's hair ends up yellow. Interestingly, the black or chocolate pigment is still expressed in the skin, just not in the hair. In order to be yellow, a Labrador must have two recessive alleles of the MC1R gene ee. This means both parents contributed a yellow allele e. However, if only one Ee or no EE yellow-causing alleles are contributed, this puppy will be either black or chocolate depending on which alleles are present at the TYRP1 gene see above. Yellow Labrador Retriever. Two yellow labs can only have yellow puppies ee , since they both only have the yellow allele e to contribute to their offspring. If they are bred to each other, there is a chance that some puppies will get a copy of e from each parent and have yellow hair Bbee, BBee, or bbee. If you are interested in breeding your Labrador and would like to know the genetic make up of your dog to predict the color of your puppies, genetic tests are available. The tests are easy, non-invasive, and simply require that you take a swab of the inside of your dog's cheek and send it to the laboratory. Primary Category. Articles When we think of Labrador Retrievers, the classic triad of black, yellow, and chocolate coat options. However, this popular dog breed actually comes in more colors and patterns than that. Besides the common Black Labrador you normally see, there are actually 13 different aesthetic options Labrador Retrievers can come in, in terms of coat type, colors, and patterns. These include rarer variations like the Dudley Labrador and Merle Labrador variations. In the sections below, we shall take a closer look at all these variations in terms of how to spot them and anything else that makes each unique. Dudley Image from Best Bully Sticks Dudley Labradors are a variation of the Labrador breed born without any pigment on their nose, eyes, or paw pads. These surfaces appear pink, red, or a very light shade of pinkish-brown. Dudley Labradors are usually light-colored and may either be a very light shade of yellow or all-white. Their eyes are also a characteristically light shade of brown. The genes responsible for the Dudley trait on Labradors are generally unproblematic. However, the lack of pigmentation leaves the nose of the Labrador exposed to sunburns. Merle Image from Instagram: smillasdogdiary Merle Labradors are some of the most unique-looking dogs in general and not just in the Labrador breed. They can be recognized by the presence of dark, mottled patches on a white or other light-colored coat. The patches on a Merle Labrador are of different sizes and distributed randomly. The merle gene responsible for this trait also affects pigmentation and can give the Labrador blue eyes, especially if they are bred from two Merle Labs. Unfortunately, the gene is also associated with eye and ear diseases which are also more commonly found in double-merle settings. What makes them common is the fact that there are several genetic combinations that give this trait. They are also unique in that Black Labrador puppies can result from breeding yellow or even chocolate-colored Labs. Due to their wide availability, Black Labradors are arguably the most popular variation. They are also believed to be smarter and more hardworking than the other variations, even though there is no scientific basis for this. They have a predominantly black coat with tan markings. The markings are usually distributed in a predictable manner over the body. This includes markings over the eyes, on the snout, neck, chest, and limbs. However, these will have mixed features and may not fully look like typical Labs. It appears as a dark shade of brown, very similar to chocolate or liver. Among the 3 most acceptable Labrador colors, Chocolate Labs are the rarest. This is because the genetic combination responsible for the trait only appears rarely. Even with breeding between 2 Chocolate Labradors, there is always the risk the puppies may not all be chocolate. What makes them different is that their shade of chocolate brown is a bit lighter and has a rusty red quality to it. In some cases, the shade is so light that they look almost earthy brown, like that of a fox. No matter how light or dark the shade of red is, it is important for it to be a solid color so that the Lab can be considered a true red variation. Like Chocolate Labradors, the red variety also has a reddish-brown-colored nose. Yellow Image from Paw. The shade of yellow varies from a rich, almost golden yellow to a light tinge of yellow that can easily be mistaken for white from a distance. The shade of yellow on Yellow Labradors is also nowhere near as intense as that on Goldies. This is different from really pale Yellow Labradors, which may sometimes have more pigmented fur on the ears, paws, and snout. Contrary to popular belief, White Labradors are actually not all suffering from albinism. They get their white coat from a rare and recessive leucistic gene. They get their grayish-blue shade from a dilution gene that waters down the intensity of what would have been a black coat. This dilution gene on Blue Labradors affects not only the fur but also other black-pigmented surfaces like the nose. At first glance, it may appear black, but on closer inspection, you will notice even its nose has the same slightly watered-down shade. They are not as common as the single solid-tone coat types. However, they are way more common than the other patterns that Labradors could possibly come in. The markings occur mainly with Black Labradors and Yellow Labradors. The white fur, in these cases, is distributed mainly to the neck, chest, belly area, and paws. They are best appreciated on Yellow Labradors or brown Chocolate Labradors due to the contrast. The stripes are most pronounced over the back, torso, and limbs. It is also common to find Brindle Labradors with a combination of patterns, in which case white markings are the most common pairing. Short Haired Image from YuMove According to the American Kennel Club breed standards for the Labrador Retriever , the short-haired variety is the only recognized and accepted coat type. Thus the fur is straight and coarse to the touch. The short-haired Labrador has a double coat with a softer undercoat that offers protection from simple injuries. Interestingly, short-haired Labradors tend to shed a bit more than their longer-haired companions and thus need more attentive coat care. However, their faces typically have shorter fur. Despite long-haired Labradors being so gorgeous, the trait is considered undesirable and is a result of recessive genes in the dog breed. The fact that it is recessive means that two long-haired Labs have to breed to produce puppies with the same trait. When comparing the three classic variations, the Chocolate Labrador is the rarest among the rest, Black Labrador and Yellow Labrador. This is because the chances for the required chocolate gene combination to manifest are much lower. In general, blue and white are two of the rare Labrador colors, whereas the merle pattern is considered to be very rare in purebred Labs. What Color Lab Sheds Least? There is no single Labrador color that sheds any more or less than the other varieties. The myth that Yellow Labradors shed more than black or chocolate ones is commonly busted from the fact that yellow fur strands are a lot more visible and easier to spot on clothes and furniture than the darker strands. The intelligence of a Labrador has nothing to do with its coat type, color, or pattern. However, there is this belief that Black Labs are the smartest. This is simply due to the fact that they are the most commonly found around the world. A fox red and traditional yellow Lab, flanked by a pair of black Labs. Black, yellow, and chocolate are the three traditional coat colors recognized by the AKC. If you ask the American Kennel Club , those are the only acceptable colors for a Labrador. And even then, those dogs must have other specific color features like dark noses and lips to count as true Labradors. But lately, non-traditional Labrador retriever colors have increased in popularity. The coats on these dogs look like faded versions of the traditional colors. Charcoal, silver, champagne, and white Labs have all emerged on the scene. So where did these new colors come from? Are they associated with health problems? A yellow Lab rests with her black pups. The dogs that Labs originate from, St. Once multiple generations of Labrador retrievers reproduced, recessive-gene colors like chocolate and yellow emerged from other bloodlines. The sire and dam that produce the litter of puppies pass down those genes to the offspring. Natalie Krebs The black coat color gene is dominant, Wilson explains. The chocolate coat gene, on the other hand, is recessive. Say two black Labs breed and produce a litter of pups. If just one of the parents—in this example, the sire—has all-black genes, none of their puppies will be chocolate. All the pups will be black Labs. Chocolate Labrador retrievers carry the recessive gene for coat color. If two chocolate Labs produce a litter, all the pups will be chocolate, too. The same is true for a black Lab that breeds a chocolate Lab. If the black Lab only has black genes to pass down, all their puppies will be black. But if that black Lab has a recessive chocolate gene to pass down, the litter could include both black and chocolate pups. Two chocolate Labs can only produce a chocolate litter, Wilson explains. All these dogs—the parents and the offspring—only have recessive chocolate genes. This yellow Lab was bred from a black female and a fox red male. Natalie Krebs Yellow coats come from an entirely different pair of genes than black or brown coats. Yellow Labs have the widest range in coat color while remaining within the AKC breed standard, Wilson says. Yellow Labs must have dark, heavily-pigmented noses, eyes, and lips, but their fur can range from a lighter vanilla to fox red. But in reality, the earliest yellow Labs were fox red, Wilson says. The color was first documented toward the end of the 19th century, and today, this coat variation is well within the AKC breed standard for yellow Labs. One of the more common falters is the light brown or pink nose, lips, and eyes. But from a health perspective, says Wilson, yellow Labs with light features are more prone to complications. Yellow Labs fall outside the AKC breed standard when their lips, nose, and skin around the eyes is pink, rather than black. These types of Labs are often referred to as Dudley Labs. This can make the skin more prone to sunburn or melanoma. Lighter, more sensitive eyes also make it harder for the dog to work properly in the field. Black Labrador retrievers are one of the most popular bird dogs in the country. Alex Robinson The best traditional Labrador retriever color is, of course, a matter of personal preference. Each color has their pros and cons. Yellow Labs Are harder to disguise in marsh and timber Are tougher to keep track of during an upland bird hunt since they tend to blend into grassy cover Identifying ticks, cuts, and abrasions is easier on their light coats Black Labs Are easier to disguise in many waterfowl environments, including marsh and timber Are easier to spot while working thick upland cover Their dark coat makes it harder to notice ticks, blood, and thorns Chocolate Labs Are the least traditional of the traditional Labrador retriever colors Have amassed a loyal following over the years Blend well into most habitat types and environments Non-Traditional Labrador Retriever Colors If a puppy inherits the recessive dilute gene from both parents, its coat will be diluted, or lighter in color. Chocolate Labs will turn silver in appearance. Black Labs will become charcoal, chocolate Labs will turn silver, and yellow Labs will turn either champagne or what is known as polar white. Dilute breeding to produce non-traditional Labrador retriever coat colors has its controversies. The practice is particularly frustrating to the traditional Labrador retriever community that strictly adheres to AKC purebred standards. Wilson rehashes a story of the first documented silver Lab, which she says was supposedly born in Wisconsin in to a chocolate Lab female and a chocolate Lab male. But the breeder, who Wilson says she knew about through a friend, was having trouble with a Weimaraner on his property at the time. When the litter arrived, some of the pups were chocolate Labs and some were silver. Silver Labrador retrievers have become wildly popular across the country. They forwarded the information to the AKC, who dispatched a field inspector to determine the genetics of the pups. This was a tricky assignment in the era before modern DNA testing and microchips. The breeder presented a chocolate female as the dam and said the sire, which had been on loan as a stud, was back in the northern part of the state. Silver Labs can have the exact same personalities and capabilities as traditional-colored Labs. Courtesy of Peggy Stalnaker Stalnaker, who breeds dilute Labs at DuckCreek, doubts this version of the silver Lab origin story, given what she knows about dilute genetics. Her hunch is that a few true recessive dilute puppies were born by accident. Stalnaker points out that this book was published well before the first documented cases of dilute Labs in the United States. The charcoal Labrador retriever is darker than silver and comes from a black Lab with the dilute gene. When dilute Labs became popular, she explains, attempts to meet consumer demand resulted in some problematic inbreeding. This resulted in dilute Labs that were less genetically diverse and had higher chances of genetic health issues. But Stalnaker puts all her dogs through extensive genetic testing to determine any predispositions for these issues, which range from dwarfism to exercise-induced collapse syndrome to excessively dry noses. Their fur would be really thin. She has avoided this by breeding in non-diluted Labs that possess the dilute gene. This means some of her puppies are traditional colors and some are diluted. But the diluted Labs have less disorder-prone genetic codes thanks to the genetic diversity from the non-diluted sire and dam. Her customers have been happy with their DuckCreek Labs. She recalls one man who flew to Kansas from south Georgia to pick up a silver puppy and fly it home. She cites the time commitment as a barrier. Despite criticism from traditional Labrador loyalists like Wilson, some owners still register dilute Labs under traditional AKC colors. Choosing a certain color Lab is really a matter of personal preference. If anybody is nasty, I just block them. The new variety of Labrador retriever colors is probably here to stay, since the consumer demand is high. But the dilute Labs will probably remain on the outskirts of the Lab community for the foreseeable future, while the traditional Labrador retriever colors of black, chocolate, and yellow continue to win hearts and field trials alike. Katie Hill Katie Hill is a staff writer for Outdoor Life where she covers outdoor news, hunting, and conservation in the West. She still lives in Missoula. Their fun-loving and positive personalities combined with their gentleness and willingness to please their owners makes them the perfect family pet. Statistically speaking, Black Labs are the most common of all Labrador color variations. This is due to how coat color is inherited in this breed. Without getting too far into a scientific explanation for this, there are nine different possible gene combinations for coat color. Four of these lead to a black coat, three to yellow, and only two to chocolate. Due to random chance, Black Labs make up nearly half of all Labradors. Yellow Labs often have a very light brown or tan colored coat that can appear yellowish. Chocolate Labrador Image Credit: skeeze, Pixabay The rarest of the three major Labrador colors, the Chocolate Lab is beautiful and adorable with a deep brown, chocolate-colored coat. Chocolate Labs are regarded as the most energetic and hardest to train, and while there is no research-based evidence to support this, Chocolate Labs are the only Labs not used as service dogs by the leading dog training organizations. This is possibly due to a higher energy level. Their absence from service dog institutions may also be due to the fact that Chocolate Labs experience more health problems and tend to have shorter lifespans than their Black and Yellow counterparts. On average, Chocolate Labs live about a year and a half shorter than other colored Labs. Simply put, they have the genetics of a Yellow Lab but present a darker coat that appears reddish. White Labs usually have very pale brown fur that can appear purely white, especially in the sun. Their fur normally has light brown or yellowish tinges around the ears and paws. Albino Labs do carry additional health problems such as deafness, blindness, and other eye issues. Austin, Shutterstock Silver Labs are stunning, regal, and sleek. Their light grey coat shines beautifully in the sun, and their appearance is as striking as it is adorable. These pups are similar to Red Labs in that they have the same genetics as one of the major three Lab colors. Silver Labs are really Chocolate Labs, even though they may look more like Blue Labs, but their coat is light or diluted, and the result is a silvery appearance. Like their chocolate siblings, Silver Labs, unfortunately, inherit some additional health issues and tend to live shorter lives than Black and Yellow Labradors. Defining Physical Characteristics What is it that makes this breed so recognizable? Labs are often stocky and athletic with a broad chest and a thick, wide skull. Labs have short, dense fur that is water-resistant. In fact, they were named after the Labrador Sea off of Newfoundland where they were originally bred to retrieve waterfowl. No matter where they go, Labs seem to bring joy and happiness with them. They are loyal, loving, and affectionate. What more could you ask for in a dog? Labs have short, dense fur that is prone to heavy shedding and matting, so you should plan to brush your Labrador at least two or three times a week to cut down on shedding and keep their fur looking sleek. Labradors of all coat colors should be bathed about once every other month with a dog-friendly shampoo. Bathing more often can eliminate those healthy skin oils we mentioned, so avoid giving your pup a bath more often unless they find their way into some mud. Final Thoughts Labs come in three main colors but can have lots of different coat shading that makes them appear unique and especially striking. See also:. However, you can encounter several other Labrador colors thanks to genetic variation and different breeding practices. Below are six of the most common color varieties. Black Labrador Since four out of nine potential Labrador color gene variations result in a black coat, black Labs are the most common coat color in Labradors. So, the takeaway here is that black Labs are always the dominant coat color. People love black Labs for their soft, shiny coats. The black Labrador pose for a photoshoot! Yellow Labrador Yellow Labs come in as the second most common color after black Labradors. Unlike black Labs, which have an unmistakable, predictable color, yellow Labs can come in many different shades. The genetic makeup of yellow Labradors includes one-third of the possible Lab color combinations. The genetic codes include eeBB, eeBb, and eebb. A Labrador sniffs a smoked dog bone 3. Chocolate Labrador Chocolate Labs are the rarest of the three primary Labrador colors. There are only two genes that will produce these dogs—EEbb and Eebb. As with yellow Labs, chocolate labs vary significantly in their coat color. Some chocolate labs have a light brown coat, others a medium brown, and some are even so dark that they appear mixed with black and brown. Aside from their genetic predisposition to an earlier death, these dogs can also suffer from the same issues as other Labs, including patellar luxation, osteochondritis dissecans, and canine hip dysplasia. So, if you have your heart set on buying a chocolate Lab, keep in mind that you may lose your best four-legged friend about 1. A chocolate Labrador Retriever having its coat brushed 4. They get their dark, reddish coat from the same gene as yellow Labs. But since yellow Lab genes can present a wide variation in yellow colors, it causes some puppies to enter the world with an almost red coat. Red Fox Labrador Retriever looks up. Silver Labrador You might have trouble recognizing a silver Lab as a Labrador when they walk by, given that this is such a distinct color deviating from the three primary colors. And, unfortunately for silver Labs, these dogs are a color variation from chocolate Labs. Another issue that silver Labs frequently face is color dilution alopecia. Alopecia is a condition when the immune system harms hair follicles, which leads to skin issues and hair loss. So, should you be interested in breeding your Labrador, please be responsible and never breed a silver Lab. Silver Labrador Retriever sitting in the forest. Like red fox Labradors, white Labs have the same genetic makeup as yellow Labs. Nevertheless, no one will mistake these dogs for pure white; they almost always retain a light cream-colored look, thanks to some yellow fur. Albinism is a life-threatening and rare genetic condition resulting from a lack of pigmentation. Albino Labs often die young and suffer from conditions like blindness and deafness. A white Labrador Retriever sits quietly. If you think mating two black Labradors is a guarantee for producing black Lab puppies, think again. Black is a dominant gene in Labs, but the color yellow always overrides black and chocolate. Instead, check out the chart below to see the puppy colors from mating different colored Lab parents. Parent Colors. Find out how we get chocolate, black or yellow puppies and what color pups we might get when we mix Labradors of different colors. Strictly speaking, there are only three different types of Labrador color: black Labs, brown Labs usually referred to as chocolate and yellow Labs. These are the three colors recognized and accepted by the Kennel Club In practice, there is a wide range of shades of yellow Labrador color, from palest cream to richest fox red. But what makes a Labrador brown, or black, or yellow. And what about Silver Labradors? Where does this new and controversial coat color come in to play? Where do Black and Chocolate Labradors come from? The information that determines whether or not your Labrador is basically black or basically chocolate is passed on through a pair of genes. Why black is a dominant color: It is normal for dominant genes to switch off, or over-ride, recessive genes. And that is exactly what happens here. A dog with BB genes will be black, because he has no little b gene, the one that gives us a brown coat. But a Bb dog will be black too, because if the dominant black gene is present, it switches off the brown gene. How chocolate Labradors are made: Even though a dog inherits a little b gene, the dog will only appear brown if no black gene B is present at all. Two black genes BB gives you a black Labrador One of each Bb also give you a black Labrador Two brown genes bb gives you a chocolate Labrador Remember that the black dominant gene always switches of the brown gene, so only the dog at the bottom will actually look brown. Generation after generation of black dogs can continue to have only black puppies if dogs with the Bb gene are only ever mated to dogs with BB genes. Remember, the dog in the middle of our list above will look black, but pass the brown gene on to about half of all its offspring. But things are never that simple are they? Because of course some Labradors are neither black nor brown. The genetic information that creates a yellow coat comes from another pair of genes altogether. And these genes have a different kind of power. The result is a yellow dog But little ee is recessive, and if the dominant E gene is present, it switches off the masking gene. It only takes one big E gene to do this. So the dog will only appear yellow if no big E gene is present at all. There are three possible combinations of eee gene that a dog could inherit. There are nine different possible combinations. Nine different possible Labrador genotypes! The chart below lists them genotype is the genetic makeup, phenotype is the appearance of the dog. Original Labrador Retriever Color Black is the original, archetypal Labrador color, and genetically the most dominant. Chocolate and yellow puppies were frequently euthanized at birth. To understand that we have to look at the genetic difference between black and chocolate Labs. Labrador Retriever Color Genetics Both types get their color from a pigment called eumelanin. Labs with lots of eumelanin pigment in their coat are black. If they have a little less, they appear brown instead. We use letters to tell each place apart — a bit like giving each locus its own zip code! The B locus is home to a pair of genes called B genes. There are two types of B gene your Lab can get in their pair: One we call big B — it contains an instruction to make lots of eumelanin, and causes a black Labrador coat. And one we call little b — it contains an instruction for less eumelanin, and causes a brown or chocolate coat. Big B is a dominant gene, and little b is a recessive gene. Dominant genes to switch off, or override, recessive genes. So dog with BB genes will be black, because he has two genes for a black coat. And a Bb dog will be black too, because the dominant B genethe recessive b gene. Only a dog with a matching pair of bb genes will express the instruction for less eumelanin in their coat, and be brown. Remember that the black dominant gene always switches of the brown gene, so only the dog with two copies of the b gene will actually look brown. But the dominance of the black color enabled our chocolate friends to remain hidden and rare with the breed, for many decades. Generation after generation of black dogs can continue to have only black puppies if dogs with the Bb gene are only ever mated to dogs with BB genes. In fact, it would take two black Labs both carrying the little b gene to produce chocolate puppies. Like this: Statistically, one quarter of their litter would be chocolate colored. And of course, some Labradors are neither black nor brown. The genetic information that creates a yellow coat comes from another pair of genes altogether. These genes are located at the E locus. And — you guessed it — we call them E genes. Just like B genes there are two versions of the E gene, big E and little e. Big E is the dominant gene. It does not interfere with the B genes. Little e is the recessive gene. It has the potential to mask the B genes that would otherwise give us black or brown coats. And the result is a yellow dog. How Yellow Overrides Black and Chocolate Only the little e gene can mask the instructions for black or chocolate fur. There are three possible combinations of E gene that a dog can inherit. It could have two dominant genes EE two masking genes ee or one of each Ee. Only the middle of these three dogs will be yellow. Nine Different Possible Labrador Genotypes! Every Labrador has a combination of B and E genes — called their genotype. There are nine different possible genotypes. Here they are in full: Can you see why each combination of genes turns out the way it does? Because as you can see, the second dog down the list may look black but he could throw brown puppies, and the fourth dog down the list may look black, but he could throw yellow puppies. The fifth dog down the list is also black but he could throw yellow and brown puppies. Puppy colors are easier to predict when both parents owe their appearance to the recessive genes b or e. Mating Two Yellow Labradors Two yellow Labradors mated together will never throw brown or black puppies. All their offspring will be yellow. This is because yellow dogs do not possess the big E gene which is needed to switch off the masking effect. Mating Two Chocolate Labradors Two brown Labs mated together will never throw black puppies because brown dogs do not have the big B gene. But two chocolate Labs can produce yellow puppies, if each of the parents carries the little e gene — like this: In the mixed litter, statistically one of half of the puppies will be chocolate and one half yellow. Depending on their genotype, two black Labradors can indeed have yellow or chocolate puppies. Remember from our grid above that there are four different possible genotypes for a black Labrador. The genotype refers to the genetic code that the dog carries. And the four different possible black genotypes down the side to represent the father. Inside the grid are the puppies that could be born from each combination. If and only if, both parents carry a little e gene, then some of the puppies may be yellow. Remember that your puppy needs two little e genes one from each parent in order to be yellow. If only one of two black dogs carries the little e gene, all their puppies will be black. Yes it is, check out the bottom right hand square in the diagram above! Notice that it can only happen if both parents dogs have this genotype: EeBb. In other words, they both carry a little e and a little b. This is good example of how complicated, and unexpected, Labrador colors can be. There are six different possibilities for litter color combinations depending on the genotype of the parents. You can even get a litter of all black puppies from a chocolate mother and a yellow father or vice versa! Here are the color possibilities: yellow, black, and chocolate puppies yellow and black puppies. Labrador Colors 1. Black Labrador Most black Labs are entirely black. But, some have one or two white spots on their fur. This interruption in their solid black coat is due to genetic traces left from their late ancestor, the St. The black Labrador Retriever was historically the most common coat color. Even today, nearly half of all Labs are black! When Retrievers were first bred, black coated dogs were the only pups deemed acceptable. Their popularity was driven by two reasons: Black is the favorite coat color for hunting. Four out of nine gene combinations result in a black coat. Sadly, until the 20th century, all other Lab colors would be euthanized shortly after birth. They were not valued the same way black Labradors were. Black Labradors were perfect for their original purpose, hunting. Their dark coat color helped them blend in and move stealthily while hunting or participating in field trials. These Labs tend to have the strongest hunting instincts as their black coats were historically bred for hunting. Even to this day, they are focused, diligent workers. These shiny, sleek dogs are not only beloved in the field, but they also make wonderful pets. Many owners regard black Labs as the calmest and most affectionate of all Lab colors. However, there is no scientific evidence to back up this claim. Chocolate Labrador Chocolate Labs are the rarest of the three major Lab colors. These dogs are rarely used for hunting or working, but are champions in the show ring! Their color stuns judges and earns high marks in conformation shows. The shade of brown that chocolate Labradors can come in varies. Some are a rich chocolate while others are a dark brown color known as liver. Some even have a beautiful red hue within their brown fur! The chocolate color exists on a spectrum and can vary greatly due to genetics. Some of these assumptions have become widely accepted in the Labrador community. Chocolate Labs are regarded as the most rambunctious with a bit too much energy for their bodies! These pups are spunky and often hard to train, which may explain why they are not used as service dogs. Even if these Labs are a bit energetic and naughty at times, they are just as beloved due to their affectionate nature and goofy personality. The unfortunate truth about chocolate Labradors is that they often suffer from more health problems than other types of Labs. Some of these health concerns are minor and include hot spots skin irritation and ear inflammation. However, some are more serious and can shorten their lifespan. They often live a year and a half less than the other Labradors. Yellow Labrador Yellow Labradors may not be the most popular Labrador Retriever color, but they are the most beloved. Many owners claim that yellow Labs are the friendliest and most outgoing. Their outstanding reputation is reinforced by their heavy presence in daily life! Yellow Labs are often seen in movies such as the adorable Lab who played Marley in Marley and Me or the sweetheart who acted as Old Yeller. The media have also boosted their popularity as has their recognition as common service, search and rescue, and therapy dogs. Similar to chocolate, the yellow coat color exists on a spectrum. Some yellow Labs are a light brown or tan, others are yellow like a lemon, and then there are cream-colored Labs. There are also fawn Labradors. Fawn Labs are darker, but are not quite red. The yellow Lab may be the Labrador Retriever with the most variation in its coat color! Yellow Labs are just as hard-working as black Labs, although they are not as commonly used for hunting. They are very similar to black Labs and are just as highly trainable, affectionate, and hard-working. Silver Labrador Silver Labradors are by far the rarest of all colors. These dogs are a light gray to blue color that looks silver in the sunlight. These Labradors are often mistaken for Weimaraner mixes because of their silver coat. Silver Labs actually have the same genetics as any type of Lab, despite looking very different. They are just as smart, fun, and loving as any other Retriever. They have a dilute gene that overrides the designated chocolate coat color. Rather than being chocolate, these dogs have a silver or blue coat color. This same coat color dilution can occur in yellow Labs and in black Labs. Diluted yellow Labs are known as champagne and diluted black Labs are known as charcoal. However, Silver is the most unique. Not many silver Labs exist due to the recessive nature of the dilute gene. Silver Labs are undoubtedly stunning, but they have a higher potential of developing health issues. They often develop color dilution alopecia which presents as itchy skin or patchy fur. Fox Red Labradors have the same genetics as a yellow Lab, but just have a deep yellow or brown hue to their coat. This deep brown looks rusty red and makes them look just like a fox. Labrador Retriever fans adore fox red Labs because of their friendly personalities. They have lovingly nicknamed these dogs Ruby Labradors. Clifford, the beloved big red dog, is even based off a fox red Labrador. The red color gives them a rugged look that many owners love! However, this love does not extend to the American Kennel Club. The American Kennel Club does not recognize fox reds as a unique color and registers these Labrador Retrievers as yellow labs. Judges often view this dark pigmentation as a serious fault, so it is unlikely that a fox red Lab would ever win a conformation show. Some people are highly suspicious of the fox red color. They often argue that fox reds are not purebred and that they are mixed with Golden Retrievers. This is not true. It is all the beauty of a Golden Retriever without the high maintenance and long coat that Goldens are known for. White Labrador White Labradors are just a variation of the yellow Lab. They have the same genetics as a yellow Lab, they just happen to be much paler. White Labs are the lightest shade of yellow possible. This color exists on the opposite end of the spectrum than fox red Labs do. The shade of their fur is typically a pale yellow that looks white in the sunlight. They may also have brown or yellow ears and paws that are darker than the rest of their coat. Their white fur gives them an aura of royalty. Just like any yellow Labrador, white Labs are regarded as kind dogs who love everyone they meet. They make horrible guard dogs as they make friends with everyone and are quick to trust every stranger they meet! They are often pampered and spoiled beyond belief. There are no known health issues associated with this color. Most white labs are healthy because they are just a pale yellow, not true white. Albino Labradors are rarer and also sensitive to bright sunlight. Merle labs may suffer from deafness, blindness, and shortened lifespans. Discussing Labrador Retriever colors can be controversial. Are silver and red Labs purebred? Do personality traits differ between different colored Labs? Should silver, red, and white have their own color category? The answers to these questions are not simple. They say that behavior is determined by genetics, socialization, training, and health. In their opinion coat color is just cosmetic. On the other hand, there are owners and breeders who argue that coat color affects the personality of a Lab. These owners and breeders have lived and interacted with Labs of all colors. In their opinion coat color is linked to characteristic personality traits. These Lab lovers have agreed that: Black Labs are the calmest and most skilled at hunting. Yellow Labs are the friendliest and best with people and children. Chocolate Labs are the rowdiest, most energetic, and difficult to train. On the side of science, color does not affect the behavior of a Labrador Retriever. However, breeders and owners have recorded the behavior traits associated with each coat color. It is up to you whether to decide if color matters for Labrador Retrievers or not! Which Is The Rarest Color? Silver is the rarest Lab color. Silver is rare because it can only come from a unique genetic makeup. The dilution gene needed to produce this silver hue is a recessive gene and is often masked by the genes for a chocolate coat. If you ever happen to see one of these silver beauties, take the time to really admire them as you may never see another one again! Which Color Is The Best? This is definitely an opinion question that has no right answer! Each color of Labrador suits a specific type of owner: Athletic, hunting owners will want a black Lab. Yellow Lab owners claim that their dogs are the best due to their friendly personalities. Chocolate Labs win the most prizes in conformation shows. Silver Labs are the rarest, to complicate the argument even more. It is up to each owner to decide which color they love the best. An argument can be made for each Labrador color as to why that color is the best. Among Labrador owners it is widely accepted that black Labs are the calmest. This could be a result of their hard-working, hunting instincts which cause them to be much more focused and level-headed. Chocolate Labs who parade around show rings are often the most rambunctious. If you ask the experts, you will get the answer that coat color has no effect on Labrador behavior. However, if you read various Labrador Retriever websites and forums, or talk to Lab owners, you may hear a different story. Whether you decide to believe this claim is up to you! There is no scientific evidence to back the claim up that black Labs are the calmest Labradors. Summary Each color of Labrador Retriever is beautiful and unique in its own way. Silver Labs are rare, black Labs are sleek and elegant, yellow Labs have an aura of kindness, white Labs are elegant, red Labs are devoted to their work, and chocolate Labs are gorgeous and show ready! Labrador coat colors are the perfect example that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. Want to learn more about Labs? Read: English vs. American Labrador: Top 10 Differences. Which coat color is your favorite and why? Let us know in the comments below! She is a passionate dog lover and was raised with an affectionate, calm Yellow Lab Golden Retriever mix that fostered her love for her canine companions. Kelsie is actively involved with multiple humane societies and has cared for the dogs of over 45 different families. You May Also Like.

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As such, you may have a female or male with a weight slightly less than the ranges noted. However, provided that is their average weight, and the weight is stable, it is okay. They might be a smaller-sized dog, which is their normal. So, maybe the average weight for your female Golden Retriever is 53 pounds once fully grown; whereas, another owner has a female that is 63 pounds once fully grown. Both are healthy dogs with no underlying medical issues, and both are exercised and fed appropriately. Both dogs are at their normal weights because they were born to be that way. The baseline is one of the main criteria in determining if your Golden Retriever is becoming too skinny. Consider a large adult female Golden Retriever with a breed standard weight of 65 pounds. Notice that 55 pounds still falls within the breed standard or normal range for a female. Keep in mind that just like humans, weight can fluctuate daily and weekly. For example, a two-pound gain or loss might not be a reason to panic, especially if your dog is eating and seems otherwise healthy. It may just be water loss or gain, bowel movement, dehydration, or other normal fluctuations. However, once a Golden Retriever becomes an adult weighing them is not often easy or feasible, or we may be ill-equipped to do so. This is why it is essential to be aware of some of the physical signs of a skinny or underweight dog — it provides another tool as part of the weight management process. Often the first indications we have that our Golden Retriever is too skinny are the physical signs. Often these become the first indications that there is a problem, and we need to contact our veterinarian. Very little or no body fat. Ribs may be visible and easily felt. The curve from waist to hips is excessive and very obvious. This poor guy is grossly underweight too skinny and malnourished. Notice the protruding hip, back, and rib bones, and excessive abdominal taper. A very pronounced taper from waist to hip is one way to tell, and using your hands to feel for protruding ribs, shoulders, and backbones is also helpful. Your veterinarian may ask that you bring your dog in for an examination. Identifying an issue early on ensures you can work with your veterinarian to develop a structured plan to address the problem. Calories in must equal calories out. Your Golden Retriever will lose weight if: Its energy expenditure from daily physical exercise exceeds the intake of calories over a prolonged period. Calorie intake is below the level needed to maintain weight, i. The food is of poor quality. The dog is a finicky eater or fed table scraps, i. A change in environment or stress levels results in a loss of appetite or reduced physical activity, e. Regarding the last point, I wrote an article on common reasons a Golden Retriever might be suddenly lazy or lethargic, and it can be found here: A Lazy Golden Retriever? Do They Exist and Possible Causes. Please take a few minutes to read it as it identifies some reasons why a Golden Retriever may suddenly become less active. On the brighter side, provided any of the above is the cause, then the outlook is excellent. As a first step, a visit to your veterinarian is essential. Your vet will need to rule out any underlying medical problems that may be causing or contributing to the weight loss and determine the best course of treatment moving forward. Provided there are no underlying physical or medical causes; you may be required to do one or more of the following to help your Golden Retriever gain some weight: Change the brand of dog food to a more nutrient-dense one. Increase the amount of food at one or more meals. Decrease the amount of physical exercise. Address stress levels or a change in the environment. The key takeaway is that you should work in consultation with your veterinarian to rule out medical issues and ensure appropriate dietary changes. Then, monitoring and follow-up with your vet until the weight issues are resolved may be required. The most effective ways to ensure your Golden Retriever maintains a healthy weight is to: Feed it healthy, high-quality food. Provide the appropriate amount of food for its normal body weight and activity level. Ensure your dog gets adequate physical activity — not too much and not too little. Most Golden Retrievers are food-driven and enjoy eating. Therefore, if you need to increase the amount of food, it is usually well received by your dog. As well, Goldens are highly active dogs so getting them to exercise is typically not a problem. An inactive dog is usually a byproduct of an inactive owner. Keeping your Golden Retriever at a healthy weight is not all that different from us humans if you think about it. A healthy, well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and keeping our intake of calories the same as our expenditure is pretty much all it takes for us. Apply that same formula to your Golden Retriever and adjust as necessary, and there should be little to no issues keeping it at a healthy weight. Genes The cause of your Golden Retriever being skinny could be that it is genetic. This would be more likely if it was also relatively skinny as a puppy, it has not become skinny suddenly and if the vet has found no issues and you have been feeding it the right amount. In this case, it would not be something to worry about unless it has been showing signs of the cause being due to one of the things mentioned below. Diet The cause could also be that there is a problem with its diet. It could be the case that you have not been feeding it enough or that it has not been getting the right nutrients in its diet. It would help to consult with your vet about its diet and to make sure that you have been feeding it correctly and in the right amounts. You can also look here to see what you should and should not be feeding it. Exercise Golden Retrievers are a breed that is meant to get a lot of exercise on a daily basis so if your Golden Retriever is getting a lot of daily exercise it would likely be a good thing. However, it might be the case that it is not eating the right amount of calories to match it. This would be more likely if it was not skinny as a puppy and it has become skinny since being more active. Again, it would help to make sure that it has been eating the right amount of calories and it would help to ask your vet about it when you next see them. Illness Another possible cause is that it has gotten an illness or disease. This would be more likely if it has become skinny suddenly and if it has been showing other signs of being ill such as fatigue, not wanting to eat or vomiting. If it seems like it might be ill or it might have a medical condition the best option would be to take it to a vet. Stress It could be the case that something has been causing it to be stressed which is what is causing it to lose weight. This would be more likely if your Golden Retriever has started to become skinnier suddenly, if it has been showing other signs of being stressed and if there was recently an event that might have caused it to be stressed such as an owner leaving. Consider whether or not it has always been skinny If your Golden Retriever was not always skinny, it would help to consider what else happened when it first became skinny. If it did become skinny suddenly it would be more likely to be due to things such as illness, anxiety, suddenly being a lot more active without eating more or a sudden change in its diet. It would help to consider what else happened at around the same time that it became skinny. In this case, it would also be important to take it to a vet. Whereas, if it has always been skinny it would make it more likely that it is in its genes to be skinny. How to get your Golden Retriever to be less skinny Below are some things you can do to get your Golden Retriever to be less skinny. By doing so you will be able to get expert advice tailored towards your specific Golden Retriever and to rule out illness or medical causes. Make sure that it is getting the right diet It would also help to make sure that it is getting the right diet by talking to your vet about its diet when you next see them. Make sure that it is eating the right amount for its activity level When feeding your Golden Retriever it is important to consider how active it is. Generally, a Golden Retriever should be getting an hour of exercise per day. It is recommended for sedentary Golden Retrievers to eat between and 1, calories per day and active ones to eat between 1, and 1, calories per day. Female Golden Retrievers should weigh between 55 and 65 pounds, while males should weigh between 65 and 75 pounds. The ribs, hips, shoulders, and backbone may be apparent and easily felt as physical symptoms. Furthermore, the abdominal taper between the ribs and hips may be severe, with little to no body fat. Bear in mind that each dog has its individual characteristics and body type which gets affected by multiple aspects, so as long as your dog is closer to this range, it is fine, but if you notice a huge difference, this should get your attention. Solution: Ensure the diet you choose is complete and balanced. Choose large, raw, meaty bones. For recipes and recommendations, check out my guide to Golden Retrievers foods and treats for every age here I even included homemade Ice cream, so make sure to check it out. Your dog could also be eating the wrong diet for their age. You can learn when and how to switch your golden to adult food here. Health Issues An underweight Golden Retriever or one that is losing weight too rapidly may be suffering from parasites, diabetes, or thyroid problems. This is especially probable if he has suddenly grown thin and has been exhibiting other symptoms of illness such as tiredness, a lack of desire to eat, or vomiting. Solution: If your dog appears to be unwell or has a medical issue, the best course of action is to take him to a veterinarian. This is more likely if his parents were skinny by nature or if he was reasonably skinny as a puppy if he did not become skinny abruptly, Solution: Pay your vet a visit, and If you have been feeding it the proper quantity and the vet detects no problems, then it goes back to genetics. It would not be a reason for concern in this situation unless your dog has been exhibiting symptoms of health issues. Stress Have you recently started leaving your golden retriever alone for long periods of time? Have you gotten more busy than usual? Have you gotten a new puppy? These can all cause your dog to feel stressed which may cause a lack of appetite and weight loss Solution: take a look at any changes that may have happened recently that could be causing stress to your golden retriever and try to get him used to this new environment. Solution: If you feed your dog dry food, you may want to try topping it with wet or fresh food, and try encouraging your dog to eat whatever there is by not changing food if he refuses to eat. Exercising routine Golden Retrievers normally need a minimum of 1 hour of high-intensity exercise every day to keep them healthy and free of any pent-up energy that may cause them to act aggressively or have a change of behavior. But if your dog is getting too much exercise and not enough nutrients to compensate, then he may lose weight excessively. Solution: the key is balancing between the energy that your dog spends and the intake of food that meets his nutritional needs. Change of Environment Did you move to a new house recently? Did you change parks? Has the staying or sleeping area of your dog changed? How to fatten up your golden retriever There are always methods you can use to make your golden retriever gain a little bit of weight, but make sure you choose the right, healthy track. Here are some tips that will help you fatten up your golden retriever: Feed your dog high-protein food Make sure the amount of exercise matches the amount of food he gets and not exceed it by a mile. If this does not improve, it is advisable to get him examined by a vet to inspect him and determine what is causing this. When to worry and check the vet? The slope from waist to hips is exaggerated and noticeable. These signs are often your red flag to go and see the vet. Related Questions What is the favorite food of golden retrievers? The favorite food of golden retrievers is dry kibble, canned foods, and a mixture of meat and vegetables. When it comes to taste, golden retrievers are huge fans of poultry, kidney, turkey, beef, and salmon. What to do if my golden retriever is underweight? If your golden retriever is underweight make sure he is getting enough food quantity and quality to satisfy all his nutritional needs and promote a healthy lifestyle. Is it normal for a golden retriever to be skinny? It is normal for golden retrievers to be skinny but extremely rare, as they are more prone to be overweight. Being skinny may go back to genetics, health issues, dietary habits, malnutrition, or even stress; pay your vet a visit to create a lifestyle that will keep your dog healthy. How can I make my puppy gain weight fast? Helpful Resources. Why are some Golden Retrievers Skinny? Some Golden Retriever owners become worried if they notice their dog is skinnier than others of the same breed. The truth is all dogs are different! While your dog may appear skinnier than others, they may be just as healthy; however, it is important to keep watch on their weight! Many influences can cause a Golden Retriever to appear skinny. Some of the most common reasons include injuries, disease, stress, old age, picky eating, etc. A lot of Golden Retrievers are naturally skinny either from genetics or exercise. Goldens are a breed that require a lot of exercise, so it is no surprise that they are a skinnier breed! NOTE: Stress is a major factor in Golden Retriever weight loss, most of the reasons listed above are driven by stress! Injuries, old age, and illness can not only cause weight loss themselves, but the extra stress added on can make the weight loss even more significant. Stress can also be caused by environmental factors such as moving to a new house or going on walks in strange places; this can cause a Golden to become uncomfortable and stressed, leading to weight loss. Thank you, Karen B. How to know if my Golden Retriever is Underweight? There are several ways to see if your Golden Retriever is underweight including keeping track of their weight and checking to see if any bones are showing because of their lack of muscle mass. Another great way to check and see if your Golden is underweight is to look at them from above and from the side. TIP: A vet will typically use a body condition score chart to determine if your Golden Retriever is at a healthy weight or not. A healthy Golden will have soft, shiny, dense fur ; however, when they are underweight, their fur may appear dull, course, sparse, or it may even stop growing completely. Not only are there physical signs to tell if your Golden Retriever is underweight, but they may also have behavioral changes. If your Golden Retriever is losing weight and you are unsure why, there could be more serious issues going on than just their genetics or extensive exercise. Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers are prone to a wide range of health issues, more so than a lot of other breeds. This is why it is sometimes hard to determine what is causing a Golden to lose weight so drastically. One of the most common causes of rapid weight loss in Golden Retrievers is that they have developed worms. Thankfully, this is easily treatable by medication and should go away within a couple of weeks. TIP: Dog foods with probiotics are a good option for dogs who have had parasites! It is usually easy to tell if your Golden Retriever has developed parasites here are some of the most common symptoms: Weight loss. And after that, they stop growing. Does your puppy weight according to this chart? When your puppy weighs more, it might be overweight. But, if it weighs lesser than the above value, it might be skinny. But how to know whether your Golden Retriever puppy is getting skinny or not? Sometimes, the owners fail to notice subtle signs that their puppies are getting skinny. Thus, it seems like they are ignoring their pals. However, if you are parenting a Golden Retriever puppy, neglecting its health can be dangerous. Therefore, look for these signs in your Golden Retriever puppy to know whether it is skinny or not: Are the ribs of your puppy visible? Does it feel like they have ribs just beneath the skin without a layer of fat? Can you feel the hip bones, shoulder bones, and spinal cord of your Golden Retriever with ease like they lie just beneath the skin? Are the bones in the tail of your Golden Retriever puppy protruding? Are the ribs of your puppy too clear? Can you get a clear view of ribs and hips from the top? And does it feel like your pal is hollow without tummy? Further, if your answer to all these questions is yes then, your puppy Golden Retriever is for sure skinny. Read further to get your answer. However, there are many reasons why your Golden Retriever puppy might be skinny. And, those influencing factors are: Genes Some Golden Retriever puppies are naturally skinny. Further, these dogs have a higher metabolism. And thus, they are less likely to gain fat. Besides this, when the parents are skinny, the puppies born inherit their genes. Hence, they become lean and thin. Can you? However, when your Golden Retriever is active and happy despite being skinny. Then, it is natural. Picky Eaters Most Golden Retrievers can eat any and everything. But still, you will find a few dogs nagging about their food. Further, since puppies are new to the environment, they need time to get familiar with the surrounding. So, picky eating is more common in puppies. So, these puppies avoid their food and become skinny. Thus, they prefer peaceful and quieter surroundings. Besides this, when puppies are new to the surrounding, it needs time to settle down. But if their new environment is noisy and disturbing, they may be anxious, uncomfortable, and nervous. So, instead of accepting the surrounding, they suspect everything as a threat. Hence, puppies stop eating, playing, and interacting with people. As a result, a puppy Golden Retriever will be skinny. In addition, extreme environmental conditions like too much hot and too cold might also make a puppy Golden Retriever aggressive and destructive. Thus, it avoids its meal. Sickness Or Injury Owing to the complex genetic makeup, Golden Retrievers are more susceptible to several health issues like cancer , hip dysplasia, joint problems, eye disease , ear infections , allergies, etc. As a consequence of these diseases, the dogs lose their appetite and become skinny. Besides this, puppy Golden Retriever is very playful and active. So, they like to run, play, and jump here and there. Thus, they are prone to injuries. Therefore, due to the immense pain of injures, the puppy loses its appetite. Poor Breeding When your puppy Golden Retriever comes from an abusive breeding environment, it is less likely to have an interest in eating and playing. Since those puppies lost trust in people, they resent everything. Thus, these dogs avoid eating food served to them, assuming it is a threat. Further, these puppies are vulnerable and emotionally unstable. So, they have a lesser urge to eat and are skinny. Too Much Or Too Little Activity Generally, for proper development of bones and joints of a Golden Retriever puppy, it needs at least an hour of exercise daily. So, when your puppy lacks adequate physical training, it might be lazy, inactive, and moody. As a result, it stops eating its food. Thus, intense physical activities might degrade their bones and results in strain and tearing of ligaments. Therefore, your pal will experience immense pain and loses interest in eating. In addition, limping , grunting , frequent barking, and biting are the most common signs that indicate your pal has health issues. Underfeeding Since puppies are in a growing phase, they require more nutrients in their diet. But some owners fail to understand this fact. So, they end up underfeeding their pal. As a result, a Golden Retriever puppy becomes skinny. Thus, low-quality dog food can make your puppy underweight. Furthermore, you cannot use human foods for your puppy. Since your pal cannot digest those foods, it suffers from health issues like constipation , bloating, diarrhea, and skin rashes. Along with this, adult dog foods are low in carbohydrates and proteins. Thus, adult dog foods cannot provide adequate nutrition to your puppy Golden Retriever and make it skin. As humans, it is essential to manage the weight of Golden Retriever. Moreover, a study also says that a healthy Golden Retriever can live more. So, after you find that your puppy Golden Retriever is skinny, you might want to increase its weight. Schedule The Daily Activities When you schedule all the daily activities, you ensure your pal is living a qualitative lifestyle. Further, you can feed, train, and play with your pal at an appropriate time. Thus, it keeps your pal happy and active. Besides this, you can also manage the essential foods and time for serving your pal through the schedule. As a result, your pal will get an adequate amount of nutritious food to gain healthy weight. Hence, your Golden Retriever puppy will get its ideal weight. Thus, you can change your schedule accordingly to help your puppy get an ideal weight. Although, low-quality food might be cost-effective. Besides this, Golden Retriever is an expensive and sophisticated dog. Moreover, qualitative dog foods are high in nutrition and contain the exact number of calories that will help your puppy gain weight. Feed Frequent Small Meals If your Golden Retriever puppy has a small appetite, feeding it frequent small meals can be a good idea. Further, ensure the small meals contain all the essential nutrients for your pal so that it can gain weight. Generally, if you manage the meals properly, your pal tends to eat more through frequent small meals than a single meal. Hence, it is helpful for your skinny Golden Retriever puppy to get some extra pounds. Incorporate More Exercises Exercise and physical activities burn the calories of your dog and make them calorie deficient. Thus, your pal tends to eat more after exercise and training. Besides this, exercise helps in the proper development of the bones and joints of your pal. So, it gives a healthier life to your furry friend. Furthermore, adequate training helps to discipline your pal. Hence, a trained Golden Retriever puppy follows your every command and eats what you offer. As a result, your puppy can gain weight. However, be careful about the intensity of exercise. Since puppies have weaker bones, avoid intense physical workouts. But you can give behavioral training like potty training , bite inhibition training , barking control training , and training to control aggression to your puppy. Use Weight Gain Snacks Since some Golden Retrievers might not find meals appealing, you can entice those dogs to eat using special high-calorie treats. Further, as per professional suggestion, you might even give your pal higher protein and fat-rich food that helps to gain extra pounds. Besides this, some supplements can also help your puppy to get the missing nutrition in its diet. So, try food supplements. Along with this, you can even include healthy natural foods as snacks. Thus, you pal might eat more and gain weight. How are you helping your pal to gain weight? Further, while choosing dog food, make sure that your puppy likes it and is high in nutrition. However, if you are struggling to find the right food for your pal, I will try to narrow down and include the best options below: Natural Foods To Fatten Skinny Golden Retriever Puppy Since Golden Retrievers love their owners , they always search for ways to get closer to their owners. So, the food options that are healthy and easily available in the kitchen are: Lean meats: To increase the calories in your puppy, you can steam, boil, and roast food high in proteins like chicken, turkey, fish, and lean cuts of beef. Sweet potatoes: As cooked skinless sweet potatoes are rich in Vitamin A, they can promote strong nerves, bones, and muscles. Thus, they can be a superfood for your Golden Retriever puppy to gain weight. Peanut butter: Besides being tasty, peanut butter is higher in fats and proteins. Thus, it can help your pal gain extra pounds. Pumpkin: Although pumpkins are cheaper, they are rich in Vitamin A, zinc, and fiber. Besides this, they hydrate your pal. Therefore, pumpkins can be the best food for the health of your puppy. Thus, they are:.