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One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. One or both of this puppy's parents is OFA Heart certified. This puppy has had early neurological stimulation exercises. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Virginia Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Virginia? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Virginia? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. More VaGolden Retrievers Hello, I hope you enjoyed my website, and have taken the time to review all my pages , from text,photos and videos. You can find answers to most of your questions on my site. Placing you and one of my puppies together is something I take very seriously. Knowing you are happy and that one of my puppies has made that happen, means a lot to me. I do hope each family takes the time to get to know me and the line of adult Golden's I have. This is my line. A strong line of Golden Retrievers. Golden Retrievers make perfect family pets. They always enjoy being part of the family's company and show love and devotion to all members of the family. They crave love and affection. Companionship is their top priority and they are totally devoted to their human family. Puppies For Sale If you're interested in my coming litter,, please call I have litters arriving thought out the year. Once they arrive, I will have videos of the puppies on this website. It's always best to plan taking a puppy home and contacting me in advance is always best. He has been the most amazing dog and are so blessed to have him in our life. He is going to turn 10 months old and looks so much like his Mom and Dad. Thank you Grayland for such an amazing dog! We named him Hook because we are a Disney family and he is the Captain of our new home. We will definitely recommend you to future Golden owners. Hello, it's been 3 weeks since our Penny came home. I just wanted to thank you for this precious pup. We love her very much and she's become an integral part of the family. She's doing great with house training and is even using door bells to let us know when she needs to go out. She can sit, lay down, and shake. Penny has an awesome personality and loves everyone even our cat! She just had her 10 week check up and our veterinarian said "she's perfect in every way. She's exactly what a golden should be. So thank you so very much. We are so thankful to have our little Piper. She is quite a gem that has added that extra spunk to our Golden family. We now have 4 and plan on adding to our brood with just one more from VA Golden Retrievers. We have had such a positive experience. You can definitely see that Mr. Nelson loves his Goldens. They are friendly, energetic and well bred. Thank you for sharing a part of your family with us. We purchased our golden back in April and we named him Theodore. We are so happy with him! Theo has the sweetest disposition and learns quickly. He does well on the leash, sits, stays sometimes! Our girls absolutely love him I just wanted to let you know what a blessing our puppy has been to us! Hello Mr. We meet before back in .Bailey is such a blessing to our family. First off he is the most loving and sweetest dog in the whole world! We could Not imagine life without him he has truly given our family so much happiness! I just wanted to thank you so much for our sweet boy! We brought Beamer home in December and he has been such a blessing to our little family.
It was only in the mid to late s when the first Golden Retrievers appeared in Scotland. It took 50 years to improve the breed and achieve perfection. Usually, they weigh from 55 to 75 pounds. Their bulky body is covered in a soft coat that comes in two layers. The outer coat is dense and has water-repelling traits; a result of breeding from the past. You see, Golden Retrievers were once used to help during hunting trips in order to retrieve prey. They love retrieving prey more than anything in the world! This preference has clung up to now. Golden Retrievers come in other coat colors besides their golden option. The coat of these dogs ranges from light shades to creams, dark golden, and pure golden. Golden Retrievers are also stunning on the inside. These dogs are known for their extremely friendly character and cheerful behavior. Even as adults, Golden Retrievers act like happy puppies. I know other dog breeds like Rottweilers or German Shepherds make better guard dogs, but Goldens are still very much capable of protecting their families. Golden Retrievers are active doggos. Back in the day, they were used for hunting and retrieving. Goldens need to waste their energy by the end of the day or they will become restless. Besides being so active, Goldens are also known to be mellow and docile. Having an emotional support animal has become quite popular lately, and Golden Retrievers are on the top of the popularity ladder. Goldens are generally healthy. They can live from 10 to 12 years without any major problems. Still, this dog breed is prone to some health issues such as hip dysplasia, bloat, PRA, cataracts, and sadly, cancer. Golden Retrievers are, sadly, severely prone to cancers. I know this is a surprise for most of you. Yes, Golden Retrievers come in three subtypes. The biggest difference is in the size of the dogs. For example, Canadian Goldens are usually taller than the other two, almost up to two inches. But, they have thin hair and a short, darker coat… unlike their American and English counterparts American Golden Retrievers usually come in lighter coat shades, while their triangular eyes are always dark in color. Lastly, English Golden Retrievers are bigger than other members of the breed. British Goldens fashion a lovely long, feathered coat in cream shades. Their forehead is also wide. Such a large head makes these Golden Retrievers appear bigger in size and more dominant. Besides the obvious difference in head size, blockhead Golden Retrievers can also be spotted because of their long fur. They only fashion a bit longer fur than other Goldies. All of the three listed blockhead Golden Retrievers can compete in dog shows , but they must be bred and raised up to the breed standards and have a pedigree. The judges take into consideration a bunch of factors that will either disqualify a dog or make him a champion. On average, male blockhead Goldens weigh from 65 to 75 pounds. Golden Retriever girls should weigh from 50 to 65 pounds. Males are always taller than females, at 23 to 24 inches at the withers. Goldie girls are .All dogs should have a symmetrical body and a lovely appearance. Their eyes should be deep set, the muzzle is supposed to be straight, while the ears are short and set above the eyes. As for the colors, the eyes are mostly deep brown, while the nose can be black or deep brown, too. Well-trained dogs always do better. Trust me, even the tiniest factor can judge against your Goldie. By looking at its parents, we can tell whether they will be big or small once they grow up. This process is a long one and it sometimes takes 12 months for the signature head shape to come in. Even if you pick out the most reputable breeder , no one is there to blame. This is only a matter of fortune. There is an unwritten rule that light-colored Goldens or Blondies are more prone to having a blockhead. Raising a blockhead Golden Retriever is no different than raising a regular Golden. The answer to this question is a pretty obvious one. This results in either a wider head with rounder eyes as with blockheads or a narrow or wedge-shaped head with slender heads. Of course, the price can go lower depending on what your chosen breeder includes in it. The average price of a blockhead Golden Retriever in the States is on the higher end of the scale. And, this is only the initial price! Keep in mind that dogs need all sorts of goodies like toys, dog beds, food and water bowls, grooming tools, etc. But, the good news is that only the first year with your blockhead pup should be a rough one. After that, the cost should significantly drop. Find other, replacement puppies if this one turns out to be a slender head and you prefer only the other type. How incredible is that? Many people are still unaware of how severe bruises are, especially with dogs. I know… I was the same. I mean, what can a little bruise on my head do? Not much, right? Being a dog expert myself, I immediately figured out the importance of the case when a dog owner rushed in with a puppy featuring facial bruises. Facial trauma or bruises can occur for many reasons. And, they play roughly with littermates and parents. No wonder some of them end up with bruises. I want to underline that every bruise or head trauma should be consulted with your vet, especially if it was a contact with a bigger dog. The most critical areas to get facial trauma are the jawline and the forehead. Golden Retrievers, especially blockhead Goldies, are very susceptible to bruises. These pups are fun, quirky, and truly unique. Many dog breeds have signature traits that set them apart from other pups. Blockhead Goldens are known for being a tad different than regular Goldens. Did you know that the Golden Retriever dog breed is one of those breeds that is very susceptible to cancers of all kinds? Well, they do have an exception in the form of blockhead Golden Retrievers. Blockheads are less prone to cancers. We even have studies confirming this statement! Also, as an unwritten rule, blockheads tend to live longer than other Goldens. All Golden Retrievers, especially blockheads are very susceptible to obesity. Seriously, these pups will eat anything that comes their way. Control their diet, how much, and what they eat. Another curiosity about blockhead Golden Retrievers is that they only come in light cream colors. We already know that! So, how do breeders and dog owners manage to register such dogs and enter them in conformation shows? Think of it as a loophole in show dogs law. Final Words The mystery is solved! A blockhead Golden Retriever is nothing more than a standard Goldie with a broad head. I know some of you have thought that this is a completely new type of Golden Retriever. Blockhead Golden Retrievers are simply too cute to handle! And, their wide blockhead makes even more room for the dog to think: Man, I love my hooman! Read Next:. All of the famous loving and gentle characteristics of other Goldens are found within the Block Head Golden Retriever. As a matter of fact, Block Head Golden Retrievers can be born within the same litter as Goldens with more wedge-shaped heads. These British Goldens usually have a much lighter cream-colored coat than when compared in American or Canadian Golden Retrievers. Also, they tend to have longer more feathery coats as well. However, the biggest differences found within these pups lie with their physical builds. The Block Head Golden Retriever has a much broader head than other retrievers. Along with that, their eyes are often much rounder and darker than other Goldens whose eyes tend to be more almond shape and lighter in color. Block Head Golden Retrievers are less prone to cancer. In a study on Golden Retrievers, English Golden Retrievers were shown to be affected by cancer at a .Studies have also shown that this sub-breed live longer lives than other types of Golden Retriever. The only colors of Golden Retriever that are recognized by the American Kennel Club are light golden, golden, and dark golden. Cream-colored or white Golden Retrievers are not certified colors. Block Head Golden Retrievers are more commonly found among white and cream-colored retrievers. Block Head Golden Retrievers are walking garbage cans! Not to say that they smell bad, but these dogs will eat anything and everything. Do not be fooled by their wily charm and lovable face. As a matter of fact, you may spend your whole life looking and not find a single one. They are amongst the gentlest and kindest souls of any living creature on the planet. Not only that, but they are exceptionally loyal and faithful dogs who live to make their masters and families happy. They are also very intelligent dogs. Normally, intelligence and stubbornness go hand-in-hand when it comes to dogs. However, such is not the case with the Block Head Golden Retriever. Their desire to please overrides the usual stubborn urges. In turn, Goldens are very easy to train. They can also be trained to help out elderly individuals or other family members with disabilities. We cannot recommend this dog enough when it comes to finding the perfect dog for any family situation. To the Block Head Golden Retriever, other pets are just playmates and family members. However, just like any breed, there are some key things to note when properly raising one. Seldom will you find a picky eater among this bunch. Being larger dogs, cups of high-quality food a day should be more than sufficient. And we recommend spacing out their feedings as well instead of leaving constant food in their bowls. They might not have the full-on energy of a Husky or Australian Cattle Dog , but they definitely love to play. A good solid hour of play each day will satisfy their exercise requirements. These dogs are also known for their puppy-like personality even late into their twilight years. To minimize their shedding, you should brush your Golden fully times a week with a slicker brush. However, there a few conditions that the breed is more prone to than others. Hip and elbow dysplasia are the two biggest areas of concern for these dogs. This more commonly found in larger dogs. This can lead to arthritis and other problems down the road. These are inheritable genetic conditions as well. So, if your Golden is experiencing these conditions, you should avoid breeding them. Another big cause of concern for this breed in particular is gastric dilation-volvulus—more commonly known as bloat. If you realize your pup eats too much too fast, just make sure they get a good rest or nap immediately afterward before letting them run off and play. Minor Conditions. A Block Head Golden Retriever is a specific type of Golden Retriever that is recognized by their blocky or square-shaped heads. Temperament A Blockhead Golden Retriever is known to be friendly , affectionate, and loyal. They are great with children and make excellent family pets. They are also intelligent and are dogs that train well, which makes them a popular choice for service dogs for people with disabilities or emotional support animals. Finally, if you are looking for a show dog, then a Blockheaded Golden is the one for you as their broad skull and square-shaped heads help them stand out during show competition. Health Concerns A Blockhead Golden is prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and various eye problems. To avoid these kinds of health problems, try to feed you pup a fresh food diet and offer healthy treats like peanut butter , bananas or blueberries as an alternative to high-fat, high-sugar treats that can contribute to these issues. Check their lineage: Make sure that the puppy comes from a reputable breeder who specializes in Blockhead Golden Retrievers and abides by breeding standards. Observe their body structure: These puppies are typically have a stockier build and thicker bones compared to other Golden Retriever puppies. Notice their coat thickness: Blockhead Golden Retriever puppies often have thicker and longer fur compared to other Golden puppies. As a general guide, here are some things to look out for: Unwilling To Provide Health Clearances Avoid breeders who are unwilling to provide health clearances for their breeding dogs. These clearances should include hip and elbow evaluations, as well as certification that the dog is free of hereditary eye diseases. This could indicate that they have something to hide or that they are running a puppy mill operation. These traits are not recognized by the American Kennel Club and could indicate that the breeder is more interested in making a profit than producing healthy, high-quality puppies. Breeders Focused on Sales Avoid breeders who seem more interested in making a sale than ensuring that their puppies are going to good homes or who focus on many different dog breeds. A reputable breeder will ask you plenty of questions about your lifestyle and living situation to make sure that you are a good fit for one of their puppies. Breeders with Excessive Litter Be cautious of breeders who have a large number of litters available at any given time or who always seem to have puppies available. This could indicate that they are running a puppy mill operation or that they are breeding their dogs too frequently, which can lead to health problems for the mother and her puppies. By being aware of these red flags, you can help ensure that you find a reputable and responsible breeder who will provide you with a healthy and happy puppy. Their coat color is also typically lighter and less dense than a Block Headed Golden Retriever. They are intelligent and easy to train, making them great family pets. They are also energetic and love to play, so they require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Health Concerns Slender Head Golden are also prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems. Make sure to look at the Golden Retriever Club of America directory for a list of reputable breeders. American vs. They are often used for hunting and retrieving due to their athleticism and endurance. American Golden Retrievers American Golden Retrievers are lankier and less stocky than British Retrievers, with a dense, water-repellent coat in shades of gold and moderate feathering. They are often used as therapy dogs, guide dogs, and search and rescue dogs due to their high energy and eagerness to please. They are typically heavier with shorter legs and tail and a slightly deeper chest. They are known for their calm and gentle temperament, making them great family pets. Again, make sure to look at the Golden Retriever Club of America directory for a list of reputable breeders and put in the time researching and choose a breeder who specializes in the subtype that best suits your needs. It will be worth it in the long run! What are the best toys for Block Head Golden Retrievers? Toys that allow for interactive play are are great options for them and will keep them engaged and stimulated. Share this:. Active families, service roles, therapy, hunting, companionship Temperament: Loyal, attentive, affectionate, active These dogs have lustrous golden coats and kind features that make them look like puppies for much longer than many other breeds. However, some types of Goldies are more popular than others. Here, we discuss the origin and history of the Blockhead Golden Retriever and explain why they are so beloved among enthusiasts and potential owners alike. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. The differences between these varieties are purely physical such as the color and thickness of their coat and will not affect their temperament or overall health. Also, there are two main types among these different varieties: the Blockhead and Slender-Head. However, historians have been unsure about the origins and timeline of Golden Retrievers for decades. Lord Tweedmouth probably improved the early Goldens by crossing them with Setters. How Blockhead Golden Retrievers Gained Popularity Right from the start, Golden Retrievers have been first-rate workers, regardless of the variety or shape of their heads. They were first used as hunting dogs, but they were able to perform many other tasks due to their great versatility. Their docility and calm, sensible demeanor have made them useful in many other areas of activity, such as tracking, search and rescue, obedience competitions, shows, and guide and assistance dogs. Since the s, their popularity has steadily grown, and they have become one of the most popular and beloved dog breeds in America. Their loyalty, intelligence, desire to please, and ease of training are just a few of the many personality traits that make them so beloved and unique. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in and the Canadian Kennel Club in , and the first Goldens were registered in France in and Australia in .Finally, the first GRCA was founded in .Although much higher than the average for other breeds, this percentage is significantly lower than that seen in North American Goldens. Image Credit: Tatyana Vyc, Shutterstock 2. Blockhead Golden Retriever Puppies Are Hard to Identify It is quite easy to recognize this type of Golden Retriever when they are adults, but it is almost impossible to identify them when they are still small puppies. Indeed, you may have no idea that you have a Blockhead Goldie until your pup has finished growing and their head has reached their final shape. There are many reasons that you may want to own a Blockhead Golden Retriever besides their attractive looks. First, Golden Retrievers are known for being loyal and affectionate, and Blockhead Goldies are no different. They love to be around people and will often follow you around the house just to be near you. Golden Retrievers are also highly intelligent and easy to train. This makes them ideal for families with children who want to teach their kids responsibility through caring for a pet. Goldens can be used as service dogs and are often trained to assist those who have hearing or mobility issues. In short, Blockhead Golden Retrievers are known for their loving, friendly, and compassionate nature. They can make wonderful family pets and great companions for seniors or people with special needs. Conclusion The origin and history of Blockhead Golden Retrievers are the same as those of standard Goldies, as this breed is nothing more than a type of Golden Retriever with a larger head! However, although they make wonderful companions , this dog is difficult to identify when they are still puppies. Blockhead vs. Learn more. If it is your first time getting a Golden retriever, you may be overwhelmed with the multiple options in the market. No doubt, this breed comes with a number of varieties that can leave you confused about what to pick. Should you go for the American, Canadian, or British Golden retriever? Should the puppy be fluffy or non-fluffy? How about blockhead versus slender head varieties? In this guide, we will touch on the last part. We will tell you all you need to know about block head vs slender head Golden retrievers. Hopefully, this will help you make an informed choice when getting a puppy. Appearance A. The fur is also longer than his counterparts. This type is mostly common with English and British Golden retrievers. The latter usually features a lighter cream color than the former and has a more feathery coat as well. Apart from having a large block head and long fur, block goldies also have eyes that are darker and rounder than their peers with light almond-shaped eyes. While all Block head Golden retrievers look somewhat alike, there can be distinct characteristics based on the type. For instance, a British block head Goldie appears to be smaller compared to the Canadian version. The former also has lighter fur than the latter. American block heads are more muscular than British and Canadian varieties. They also come with darker coats and lighter eyes. Besides the size, different block head Goldies have different lengths of fur depending on the type. Ideally, Canadian goldies have shorter fur than American and British varieties. Also, the British types have prominent skulls and unique bone structures and thus are often block heads rather than narrow heads. Slender Head Golden Retrievers Slender head golden retrievers have narrower heads than block heads. You can also call them wedge-shaped-headed Goldies. The shape and size of head have everything to do with the bone structure of the skull. The bones align in a way that the head assumes a narrow shape rather than a square one. Slender head goldies also have shorter fur than block head retrievers. Most of them belong to the American and Canadian golden retriever types. British slender heads are very rare. Golden retriever adults are easy to tell apart. Just look at the shape and size of the head and you can instantly tell whether you are staring at a block head or a slender head Goldie. However, when they are puppies, it can be hard to differentiate between the two. As a matter of fact, most owners cannot tell whether their puppy is a block head or a slender head until they are several months old. As a puppy, the head-defining attributes are barely noticeable. To complicate things further, one litter can have both block head and slender head golden retrievers. Of course, if two block head parents have a litter, there is a high chance that all the puppies in the litter will look like mummy and daddy. On the other hand, if one parent has a block head while the other one has a slender head, the litter may consist of puppies of both varieties. Because it is very hard to distinguish a block head puppy from a slender head, you have to be careful when selecting the best puppy to bring home. It is in your best interest to talk to the breeder and ask them about the genealogy report of the litter. Obviously, if you are only interested in having a Golden retriever puppy of any type, you can skip the entire step altogether. Can Both Be Show Dogs? Both block and slender head goldies look very cute. However, if you want to have your dog participate in the show ring, you will be forced to get the block head variety. The large, square head of the block head is preferred over the narrow head or a slender goldie. The breed requirement for a show dog is a large, block head, deep-set eyes, straight muzzles, healthy teeth, and wide faces. The eyes should be dark or medium-dark brown and the nose brown or black. Other things include a symmetrical body, average length, friendly personality, the ability to listen to commands, and a pleasant facial expression. This means that not all block heads are automatically accepted as show dogs. Personality Golden retrievers, in general, have sweet temperaments. They are eager to please, smart, loyal, and non-aggressive. If you have kids, they will enjoy having a Goldie at home. He is playful while still being gentle, especially around kids. The best thing about them is that they love every member of the family and will create a special bond with every last one of them. Whether you want to adopt a block or a slender golden retriever, you will have a dog with all the qualities of the Golden retriever. They only look different physically but everything else is the same. Expect a dog that is smart, brave, and non-aggressive. He would much rather be submissive than aggressive. Both have lots of fur on their coats that shed very heavily. Perhaps the only difference is that the block head has longer fur, meaning he needs frequent grooming than the slender type with shorter fur on his coat. The stakes are higher if you are looking to have a show dog. His care and grooming needs will be higher than your average pet. He needs to maintain a certain weight and behavior, look a certain way, and be in good health always. Prepare to spend huge sums of money on this. Related Posts:. Above all, we are a top Golden retriever Breeder and we produce purebred AKC block head Golden retriever puppies for sale. Thus, block headed golden retriever and blockhead golden retriever puppies. Moreover, blocky head golden retriever, golden retriever block head, block head golden retriever breeders, and blockhead golden retriever breeders. Furthermore, upcoming golden retriever litters, adorable golden retriever puppies for sale, and amica golden retrievers. Nevertheless, we also have block head golden retrievers, block head golden retriever, golden retriever blockhead puppies, and block headed golden retriever. Furthermore, blockhead golden retriever puppies, blocky head golden retriever, and golden retriever block head. Meanwhile, block head golden retriever breeders, blockhead golden retriever breeders, and golden retriever blocky head are also available. In addition, dark golden retriever for sale, and dark golden retriever puppies for sale. And you are concerned about handing over money to a con artist or want to be sure the puppy is bred and raised with the love and care it needs, not in a puppy mill or local pet store. However, families choose to adopt from us due to our easy adoption process, high standards for breeders, chance to personally meet their new puppies where they are raised, and the fact that we have the cutest Golden Retriever puppies you have ever seen. Moreover, who can say? To sum up, you might just come across the Golden retriever puppy of your dreams. Furthermore, explore our top bloodline of Golden Retrievers for sale nearby and find your new best friend right away! As a result, here you will discover the irresistible puppies from the blockhead Golden Retriever breeder Mudy Goldens and learn why our Golden Retriever puppies for sale are so different and unique. Furthermore, these adorable Golden retriever puppies come purebred and fully registered. Professional Blockhead Golden Retriever Breeder However, in our breeding program, we include Golden retrievers that we believe are some of the best Golden Retriever stud dogs available. For instance, we prefer big males with substance and bone, who exude strength and confidence, have solid headpieces, and are well put together. Also, to ensure their health and the health of their offspring, breeding Golden Retriever dogs undergo a variety of tests. To clarify, all puppies are sold under contract and come with a written hip and health guarantee as well as lifetime breeder support. Moreover, our Golden Retriever puppies for sale are masterfully crafted, and their charming personalities and endearing behavior will seduce you. However, a Golden Retriever dog is a truly loyal and loving companion. Not A Puppy Mill However, your puppy is raised in a healthy and caring environment. A Certified Vet Check Certainly, a certified veterinarian examines your puppy from head to tail. Health Guarantee Most importantly, there is a genuine, 2-year genetic health guarantee for your puppy. So, the majority of the Golden Retrievers in our kennel are from highly regarded show quality bloodlines. Similarly, for our breeding program, we often hand-pick show dogs from complementary bloodlines. In addition, our Golden Retrievers are of sound mind, proper breed type, substantial size and bone, and eager to please. In short, you have come to the right place if you are looking for a block head Golden Retriever puppy as a personal protection dog, show dog, or simply a loyal and loving family companion. Likewise, Mudy Goldens is capable of doing it all! Winner of the best Golden Retriever kennel award. In this Kennel, our world champion stud force is unmatched, and we produce the best Golden Retriever puppies with our top breeding females. Secondly, our achievements at AKC speak for themselves; please take the time to read through all of this important information. Thirdly, and most importantly, we are one of the pioneers to introduce the block head Golden Retriever breeding procedure to the United States, and it all started here at Mudy Goldens. Moreover, our website includes Golden Retriever puppy images, generations of our breeding line, golden retriever articles, retriever education, and is just a taste of our devotion to this incredible breed. However, our breeding program produces block headed Golden Retriever puppies for sale from our best breeding stock. In other words, outstanding Golden Retriever breeding for over three decades. Moreover, our Golden Retriever breeding program is founded on superior blockhead golden retriever breeding techniques that have been used for over a century. Because of this, we are able to create great Golden Retriever puppies using these methods for any home, show, or sporting event. Related Articles: Block Head Golden Retriever Puppies While it is easy to identify this type of Golden Retriever when they become adults, it is hard to recognize it when they are puppies. Often the pet owner will have no idea they have a blockhead golden until the puppy has been home with them for several months. The attribute that defines this type of puppy, which is their head shape and size, is hard to distinguish when they are puppies. It is also hard to tell whether a litter of Golden Retrievers will include any block head puppies or not. Of course, if you have two block heads that breed together, there is a higher likelihood that at least some of the puppies would have this defining feature with them. But this is not guaranteed. However, block head Goldies are bound to show up in litters that is the least expected. In some cases, dog owners have seen that it is more common to get a block head Golden Retriever among different colors of Golden Retrievers, especially the light colored ones. Rather than focusing on the block head feature of the dog, it is important to look more at the variety of Golden Retriever that you would like to bring home. This means you should take a look at these dogs and see if they have the specific characteristics you want, rather than hoping to purchase a puppy that has a block head, but may turn out to be a slender head. This is common with many different breeds of dogs, though for some reason Golden Retrievers seem to get lumped together in one group. When it comes to the varieties that are with the Golden Retriever though, the differences are cosmetic and will not affect the temperament or the health of your dog. The two main types include: Block Head Golden Retriever The Block head Golden Retriever is recognized because it has a larger head, often with better fur, compared to the other breeds that are out there. This type of dog is graded as a show dog due to these features. When they are a baby, they may not look much different than the other varieties, which can make some pet owners wary about purchasing one until they know for sure. As the dog gets bigger, it is easier to see the different shape and size of the head become more prominent. This type of Golden Retriever holds more of the standard look for this breed. This does not mean there is anything wrong with the slender head breed. But because the other breed has been designed to do well at shows and being shown off, it is the more common, and the more popular, breed to work with. Slender Head Golden Retriever If you are looking for a show dog, then you will want to use the block head Golden Retriever to do this. The reason for this is that they are showy and have bigger heads. This does not mean that they are necessarily any better than the second option of Golden Retriever, the Slender Head Golden Retriever. For this breed of dog, the domed or narrow head is going to be found. This is preferred for some pet owners because they look pretty cute with this kind of head. The only difference between them and the block head breed is the side of the head. They have the same temperament and the same health factors so that should not determine whether you choose one or another. It is all a matter of personal preference. Different Varieties of Golden Retrievers In addition to the two main types of Golden Retrievers that we talked about above, there are a few different varieties of these dogs as well. They are all lovable and great additions to have in your family. But it is up to the personal preference of the dog owner to determine which one is best for them. This is the one that looks quite a bit different than some of the other breeds. The hair is a bit shorter and thinner compared to some of the others. The coat is often darker since the lighter color sometime seen will come from their long light-colored overcoat. This is good news if you want a dog that is not going to shed all that much, though you do lose out on some of the fluffiness that comes with this variety. This type of dog is also going to be a bit taller than some of the other varieties of Golden Retrievers. Their weight is a little bit more as well. This is not a huge difference, but if you would like the dog to be a little bit smaller, then you may want to choose one of the other breeds, especially the American Golden Retriever. This is a breed that is seen in many parts of Europe and Australia. They have some beautiful coats that come with long and feathery fur, which is a distinctive feature of this breed. This version is a little bit smaller than the Canadian variety, even though the differences are not that large. There are only a few differences between the English and American varieties of these dogs. They have the same kind of temperament and the same size. The biggest difference will be in the build. You will quickly notice that the British variety will have more power and muscles, along with rounder and darker eyes compared to their American friends. The color of the coat is often lighter as well. American Golden Retriever These breeds have less muscles compared to some of the other varieties. This makes them look lankier and they often have narrower bodies and heads as well. They may have a darker coat compared to the British breed, though the color is more lustrous golden. They may also have some feathering, giving your family a big fluffy dog to love on all they want. When this type of Golden Retriever starts to run around, you will notice their gait is smooth, free, and powerful with a lot of coordination along the way. Their feet can also converge on a center point of balance as they run around. This will help them be a good show dog, even if they do not have the block head that is generally accepted for this. Keep in mind that this is for the American standard, which is different than some of the other options. All of these varieties of Golden Retrievers can fit under either the block head or slender head variety. It will depend on the litter and breeding that are used. It is possible for one litter to be a combination of both of these types based on the genetics of the parent. It may take a few generations of breeding in a specific way before you get a full litter of block head puppies, though this is not a guarantee either. All Golden Retrievers are a wonderful addition to your home and family. And when you are looking for a loyal and faithful dog that is able to keep up with everything your family likes to do, then the Golden Retriever is one of the best options out there. Whether you choose to go with a block head or a slender head Golden Retriever, you are getting a pet that your whole family will enjoy. Related Articles:.
UKC Classification: Companion Dog Prevalence: Common The English bulldog is a brawny little powerhouse whose characteristic crablike waddle exudes great strength, stability and vigor. The dog's head is large and spherical, and the muzzle is extremely short, giving the face a flattened appearance. The English bulldog's eyes are dark and set low and wide on the forehead in the frontal plane. The nose is black and slightly upturned. The jaws or "chops" are massive, broad and undershot. The lower jaw juts out in front of the upper jaw to scarcely expose the lower incisors, producing a comical grin. The lips are fleshy and pendulous. The cheeks are well rounded and protrude sideways. The ears are thin, small and angle forward like flaps that frame the forehead. The English bulldog's neck is short and thick; the shoulders are massive, muscular and broad. The chest is deep and full, and the back is barreled and slightly arched. His rounded hips protrude slightly above the level of the back. The stubby tail is thick and either straight or screwed. His short, stocky legs have great muscle definition. They are splayed out and slightly bowed at the elbows and hocks to form a sturdy, base-wide stance. The English bulldog stands about 16 inches tall. The female weighs about 50 pounds 23 kilograms , and the male weighs about 54 pounds 24 kilograms. The English bulldog's skin is loose and pendant with heavy wrinkles and thick folds on the face and a dewlap hanging from the throat. The coat is short and fine textured. The various color patterns are brindle, piebald, and solid white, red, fawn or fallow. Personality: The English bulldog has a sweet, gentle disposition. Dependable and predictable, the bulldog is a wonderful family pet and loving to most children. People-oriented as a breed, they actively solicit human attention. However, they have retained the courage that was originally bred into them for bull baiting, so they make fine watchdogs. Although they generally get along well with other family pets, English bulldogs can be aggressive to unfamiliar dogs. Living With: English bulldogs make fine apartment pets and do not require a yard. Typically low-endurance dogs, they need only a moderate amount of exercise. They thrive best in temperate climates; they readily overheat and have breathing difficulties in hot weather, and they chill easily in cold temperatures. Generally loud breathers, English bulldogs tend to snore and wheeze. Many drool as well. They are moderate shedders and their short coats require little grooming. However, the wrinkles on the face should be wiped regularly to prevent skin infections. History: Named for its use in the sport of bull baiting, the English bulldog seems to have originated in the British Isles sometime prior to the 13th century. One of the few references to the sport dates back to , and talks about a butcher's dogs that chased a bull through the English town of Stamford. This pursuit so pleased the earl of the town that he inaugurated bull baiting as a sport in his domain. Today, the English bulldog makes a fine family pet. The AKC recognizes the breed simply as the bulldog. Related Pet Care Articles. A full-grown male English Bulldog weighs about 50 to 55 pounds and stands 14 to 16 inches tall. A full-grown female English Bulldog weighs about ten pounds less at 40 to 44 pounds and stands at 12 to 14 inches tall. According to Care. This will be around inches tall for a male English Bulldog and approximately inches tall for a female English Bulldog. As for weight, a 6-month-old male English Bulldog will weigh about 33 to 37 pounds, while a 6-month-old female English Bulldog will weigh around 26 to 33 pounds. Pro Tip: Check out this ultimate pet parent guide that details 39 dog care tips on health, puppy-proofing practices, training, dog safety, and more! How much bigger will my English Bulldog get? If your English Bulldog is over two years old, they are probably fully grown. Any additional weight they put on may be excess and should be discussed with your veterinarian. Do their paws look big next to the rest of their body? They may still have room to grow as this is a classic puppy feature! A dog rarely grows to be larger than their parents, so this will provide you with a general idea of their final adult size. What is the size of a full-grown English Bulldog? According to the Bulldog Club of America Bulldog Standards , an English Bulldog should appear stocky but symmetrical with no excessively prominent features. English Bulldogs are especially prone to gaining extra weight and may exceed these weight estimates. Your veterinarian will be happy to discuss food type, quantity, frequency of feedings, and treats to get your English Bulldog back to their ideal weight. English Bulldogs may require extra attention due to some genetic health problems that are common for the breed. For example, English Bulldogs will require regular at-home baths, this cleaning is specifically to prevent infections under their skin folds. English Bulldogs are also highly prone to putting on excess weight, which is detrimental to their health. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that .The English Bulldog is one of the most severely affected dog breeds and brachycephalic syndrome can lead to difficulty breathing, respiratory distress, heatstroke, and difficulty exercising due to their breathing restrictions. All of this can make weight loss even more difficult for the English Bulldog breed. Because your English Bulldog may have a harder time breathing than other dogs, your vet can recommend safe ways to allow them to exercise and enjoy life without getting overheated. If your pup has a particularly bad case and has difficulty breathing even when not exercising, you can talk to your veterinarian about surgery for Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome which is a common procedure done to help English Bulldogs and other brachycephalic dog breeds, like pugs, breath more easily. Taking your English Bulldog to regular veterinary appointments to keep them healthy and happy is one of the best things you can do for them! Not only can your veterinarian provide personalized advice to keep your pup healthy, but they can screen for common English Bulldog health problems, like skin infections, hip and knee problems. Unfortunately, veterinary care can be pricey. Veterinarian treatments for health issues, like hip and knee problems, can easily cost thousands of dollars. Treating medical issues, like accidents or sudden illnesses, can be expensive, but this should never be the deciding factor in treating your English Bulldog. Final Considerations As pet parents, we do our part by providing quality food, exercise, and care at home, but we also need to take our dogs in for regular veterinary appointments. A professional can provide you with personalized recommendations for your dog, as well as testing to detect any health issues early on. Prevention and early detection are vital in keeping our dogs healthy and happy! English Bulldog puppies grow into silly, lovable, and wrinkly dogs with a lot of personality. Compare and enroll in a top English Bulldog insurance plan here and gain the peace of mind that you'll always be able to do the right ting for your pet. At Pawlicy Advisor, we always want the health care decisions you make for your pet to be based on what you and your veterinarian think is best for them rather than being limited by financial restrictions. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Your browser does not support the audio tag. Description The English Bulldog is a wide, medium-sized, compact dog with short legs. The body and head are massive with extra skin on both the skull and forehead falling in folds. The cheeks extend to the sides of the eyes. The muzzle is wide, short and pug with a broad, deep stop. The black nose is broad with large nostrils. The dark eyes are deep set. The rose ears are small, thin and set high on the head. The jaws are massive, very broad, and square with hanging upper lips. The teeth should have an under bite. The tail is either straight or screwed and carried low. The short, flat coat is straight, smooth and glossy. Coat colors include red brindle and other shades of brindle, solid white, solid red, fawn, fallow, piebald, pale yellow or washed-out red or white or a combination of these colors. Temperament Although the English Bulldog's appearance can be somewhat intimidating, it is among the gentlest of dogs. Just the same it will see off any intruder , and few would risk a close encounter with a dog brave enough to bait a bull. It is described as a very affectionate and dependable animal, gentle with children, but known for its courage and its excellent guarding abilities. Bullheaded and determined, this breed can be very persistent. They do not give up easily. Bulldogs are very much a people's dog, seeking out human attention and loving every bit it can get!! A lot of human attention is required for the breed's happiness. Some English Bulldogs can be a bit dominating and need an owner who knows how to display strong leadership and understands alpha canine behavior. A Bulldog who understands its place in the human pack is nice to, and reliable with all people. This breed is good with family pets , but some can be combative with strange dogs if they do not see themselves as followers in their pack. When Bulldogs are young, they are full of energy, but slow down as they get older. They snore very loudly, most have drool and slobber tendencies and are messy eaters. Bulldogs that display guarding behaviors, such as guarding furniture , food, toys, or other spots in the house, or that are dog aggressive do not have humans who are being the dog's pack leader. This behavior only happens when dogs are allowed to take over. These behaviors can be corrected when the owners start displaying the proper leadership. Dogs that feel they need to run the home are not as happy as dogs that know they are human followers, as it is very stressful for a dog to need to keep "his" humans in line. Height, Weight Height: about 12 - 16 inches 31 - 40 cm there is no prescribed height, but shorter Bulldogs are more prized when being shown Weight: Males 53 - 55 pounds 24 - 25 kg Females 49 - 51 pounds 22 - 23 kg Health Problems Prone to breathing problems; some have small windpipes as well. Also poor eyesight, cherry eye , very susceptible to heatstroke in warm weather or hot rooms and cars. Very cold sensitive. Prone to mast cell tumors. Birth defects are common in some lines. Susceptible to skin infections, hip and knee problems. Prone to flatulence, especially when fed any other type of food other than their regular dog food. Puppies are often delivered by caesarian section. Some say it is because of the dogs' large head size, however others claim you can hardly tell the difference between the head size of a Bulldog with the head size of other breeds when the pups are first born; claiming not enough dams are given the opportunity to try and deliver naturally because of the large head myth. A lot of Bulldogs do run the risk of having weak labors and this could increase the risk of a caesarian. Living Conditions The English Bulldog is good for apartment life. They are very inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard. This breed is an indoor dog. Bulldogs do best in temperate climates as the breed can chill easily in cold weather and have trouble cooling off in very hot weather. Exercise The English Bulldog needs to be taken on a daily walk to fulfill its primal canine instinct to migrate. Those individuals that do not get this need met are more likely to have behavior issues. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Teach them to enter and exit all door and gateways after the human. English Bulldogs that are in good shape are capable of moving very quickly for short periods of time. Life Expectancy An average of 8 years. Some live longer while others live shorter lives. Litter Size 4 - 5 puppies; as a result of this breed's large head they are prone to needing a caesarian section Grooming The smooth, fine, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. Wipe the face with a damp cloth every day to clean inside the wrinkles. This breed is an average shedder. The dog was given the name "bull" because of its use in bull baiting and for its robust look of a little bull. They were aggressive, ferocious and courageous with the power to attack full grown bulls, which they did in arena combat before the practice was banned by law in the 19th century. Bulldogs would attack from the bottom up going underneath the bull and aiming for the neck, making it hard for the bull to fight back. Today's Bulldog has a very different temperament from those of his ancestors, but still retains a strong determination. Life Span Did You Know? The loving and gentle English Bulldog is one of the most well-liked companion dog breeds around the world. A breed of English origins, the Bulldog was first recognized as a non-sporting dog by the American Kennel Club in .The original use of this breed was Bull baiting, which was eventually outlawed with the establishment of the Cruelty to Animals Act of .This legislative act made the act of Bull and Bear baiting both illegal. The current role most suitable for the English Bulldog would be as a companion or family pet, given their sweet demeanor. The English Bulldog is relatively easy to train but definitely takes some work for more complicated commands. If you are looking for a breed to sit, stay, and play dead for treats, this is the breed for you. While they may not be the sharpest tool in the shed compared to some of the other highly intelligent breeds, they are easy going and apt to please their owner. Training this breed will be accomplished with less difficulty if you make the training reward based. Can you say Sweetheart? While this dog breed makes an above average watchdog because of their courage, this breed is a loving companion at heart. The Bulldog is excellent with kids when socialized and should be very agreeable with guests of the house. The English Bulldog breed as a whole is heralded as one of the most well liked companion breeds in the world. The Bulldog should do well with other family pets as long as properly introduced and socialized. They need to be socialized early and often to curb any negative feelings towards strange dogs. This breed is generally agreeable to most environments. Although they easily adapt to a noisy and chaotic household, they are not very tolerant of extreme weather, whether it be hot or cold. Although they are well liked and very popular, one must be aware of the potential health pitfalls with this breed. Some of the potential issues you can see with the English Bulldog is Cherry Eye, Entropion, or dysplasia. This breed also has a high risk for weight gain, so this should be monitored. An average Bulldog life span is between 8 and 12 years. You do not need to be a professional dog trainer to own an English Bulldog. They are good for most novice owners because they are passive by nature. The English Bulldog is an average shedder, so brushing him twice a week with a firm brush will be a good idea. Also, they can have a tendency to drool, so making sure you wipe their face off everyday can help ensure they do not suffer irritation on their faces and between their wrinkles. Because of the amount of wrinkles they have, it is recommended that you clean between the wrinkles fairly often to avoid irritations. The English Bulldog is a generally low energy breed. They do not require a lot of exercise, but when they do play, they play hard! Because they can be intense when they do have an energy burst, an owner must be aware of overexertion. They can be very playful, but do tend to tire out quickly. The English Bulldog is a short, stocky breed that should weigh between pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Warren G. Harding both owned English Bulldogs. Featured English Bulldog Article.
In , B2TR rescued bulldogs in need. We had adoptions, 64 were foster fails and 57 were previous adopters! We adopt to all U. We are based in NC. Please visit www. We are headquartered in North Carolina, in a pet supply store that is owned with the Rescue. We also have satellite offices in South Carolina, Alabama and we cover Virginia and Maryland as well. We are a c 3 corporation. We are in need of volunteers, donations, supplies and support. We rely solely on donations for the care and treatment of the rescued Bulldogs that are admitted to our organization. We provide our fosters food, treats, supplements, medical care, training and harnesses and leashes. Here is how you can participate: 1. Go to www. Create an account 3. You will receive an approval email from 32 Auctions with a link to acknowledge your account 4. It will take you back to the site 5. You can view some of the great items that will be in auction by selecting view items. During the Auction: When the auction is live you can bid on items through the online auction website. So… it will be harder for ninjas to outbid you without you knowing. You will receive an email with the items you won. You will then pay online via credit card or PayPal for the items you won. Your items will be mailed out to you in the next two weeks. FAQ: Q: Is there a shipping fee? A: Yes, there will be a shipping fee. A: Yes, you will need to create an account with 32auctions to be able to bid. We are excited for the support and partnership. They are situated in the Appalachians of South Western PA and are run by a highly experienced and motivated team of volunteers. Contact: admin keystonebulldogrescue. All dogs that come to ECBR are fully vetted, fixed, and cared for to ensure they are healthy before their adoption day. Contact: sara. Volunteers provide foster care, veterinary care, and rehabilitation for these dogs before they are made available for adoption. Contact: HSrescue aol. They are based in eastern Pennsylvania and work with adopters and shelters in the mid-Atlantic region. American Bulldog Rescue is not a shelter, but an all-volunteer group where the dogs receive loving care in a network of dedicated foster homes until the time when their forever family is found. Contact: Jodi AmericanBulldogRescue. They are the main, most reputable ones. They may or may not have this breed available for adoption at the time of your search. So do bear that in mind. Generally, these rescues should be the basis of your search. And while I spent a lot of time researching to find these rescues, if you were to find others that are not listed that you believe should be, do contact me. Or looking for other breed rescues in PA? Check out my followings guides below:. Please Remember: You still need to fill out an application even if you don't see a dog listed right now that would be a good match for your family. Sending in an application doesn't obligate you to adopt a dog through HeavenSent, but we sure would like it if you did! Learn about life with amazing disabled pets! Fiona with her brothers, Clifford and Thurman. Lucy in her forever home. Patches loving all the attention she gets! Pixie in her new home!! Adoptable Dogs These dogs need loving homes. It seems as if we can find ourselves with a new adoptable dog in the blink of an eye. We find that the most convenient and practical way of listing information and updates on adoptable dogs is by using our FaceBook page. Please click the FaceBook icon to go to our page. Petfinder is also another great resource for helping us find adoptive families and vice versa. Because we don't have an actual facility, the foster-moms and foster-dads are really the ones that get to know these dogs best and can keep the their listings up to date with any developments. Please note, not all of our dogs make it onto Petfinder. You might find that some of our adoptable Bulldogs are becomming movie stars these days, with links to their own videos! In the event that we decide not to list a dog on Petfinder, want to list more information about a particular dog, or we are helping another shelter or rescue group place a Bulldog, you will find information on him or her right here. So, don't forget to bookmark this page as well.
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Page 3: German Shepherds for Sale in Sacramento. Breed: German Shepherd Dog. German Shepherd Puppies for Sale. My dogs make the perfect family companions. Let us show you how the working dog can make the perfect family companion and protector! Champion German Shepherd Breeders Since .There are many people out there who want to adopt German Shepherd puppies. We only work with German Shepherd breeders who pass our 47 breeder standards. Also be sure to visit our Dogs For Sale page to see retired females and males we currently have available to the right homes. German Shepherds are make great family dogs, and are extremely tender and loving to children, especially. Their brains, size, and loyalty make them ideal police and service dogs, but they also make great friends. German Shepherd Rescue of Sacramento Valley GSRSV is a tax-exempt c-3 charitable organization dedicated to finding good homes for German Shepherds and German Shepherd mixes whose caregivers can no longer keep them or which are confined in animal shelters and potentially facing euthanasia. We currently have a litter healthy, adorable puppies. Visit our Litters page for more information. We opened our kennel in Wisconsin, after long journey to find a beautiful. Because all breeding programs are different, you may find dogs for sale. Find German Shepherd puppies for sale Near Sacramento, CA German Shepherds are renowned for their incredible trainability, work ethic, and physical grace. Like other puppies you get from a breeder, German Shepherd pups are also quite pricey. We have Sacramento German shepherd puppies for sale! We breed for the love of the animals and because we see a huge need to improve the quality of existing population of German Shepherd Dogs here, in the Midwest. Sacramento region home sales in April were. German Shepherd Dog Puppies. German Shepherd puppies for sale in Sacramento, CA from. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets. Because all breeding programs are different, you may find dogs for sale outside that price range. We are an all-volunteer group of German Shepherd lovers dedicated to rescuing German Shepherd Dogs from at-risk and unacceptable situations and finding them permanent, loving homes with qualified owners. German Shepherd puppies for sale in Sacramento, CA from trusted. German Shepherd For Sale in Sacramento .He has an outgoing personality and likes to explore. German Shepherd puppies for sale in Sacramento, CA from …. You will find no better than one of my family raised German Shepherds. Feel free to browse our current dogs and contact us about new litters. Retaining the calm and gentle nature that has made them the most popular dog in the world! Not hyper-active like so many plaguing the breed today! You will find the perfect home for these dogs in your own backyard or at your local pet shop, but you will want to make sure that you are getting a good deal before making your decision. Their adoption process Additional adoption info. Pictures of A a German Shepherd Dog for adoption in. Let me grace your home with a German shepherd puppy that will steal your heart and complete your family unit. Vaccinated, trainer to go outside, eating soli. Best german shepherd dog training near me in Sacramento, …. Purebred German Shepherd puppies are 8 weeks old and ready for their forever home. All the puppies from this litter are fun and loving. As a Sacramento German shepherd breeder, we have Truckee California German shepherds for sale and Sacramento CA German shepherd puppies for sale that will be just the dog you need to complete your family, or your team. Use Petfinder to find adoptable pets in your area. German Shepherd puppies rehoming! They are vet health checked, vaccinated…. Meet A a Pet for Adoption. German Shepherds for Sale in Sacramento. Easy, transparent and safe: healthy and happy German Shepherd Dog puppies from the best breeders. The price can go lower or higher depending on the offer of the breeder. We are dedicated German Shepherd Dog owners, trainers and breeders, a husband and wife - Serge and Veronika. Find a dog Find a cat Find Other Pets. Greater California German Shepherd Rescue is a c 3 public charity non-profit. German Shepherds for Sale. He has obedience training and protection training. If you have any questions, please contact or text me. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and. ShepHeroes is a non-profit animal rescue organization with a deeply experienced team of volunteers focused on carefully placing German Shepherd Dogs into loving homes that match the dog's temperament, activity level, and needs. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Family Protection Dogs for Sale. Boo, an awesome white German. Sacramento region home. They are great with children and other pets and have had their first set of shots and deworming. Our dogs are bred to be free of hip dysplasia and perfect for family or working environments. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. Our dogs are bred to be free of hip dysplasia and perfect for family or. I'll only text address if truly interested. He is great with other dogs, both large and small. Purebred german shepherd puppy grabaumelissa. They LOVE to play and sit in water! Pups are located in Sacramento. What is the average size range of German. Folsom Police Department K. You may call them with your inquiry at: .Purebred German Shepherds in Sacramento, California. German Shepherd, California » Sacramento. Stunning White German Shepherd male and female puppies available for adoption! Born , Ready to go .Please note that City of Sacramento Animal Care Services is not able to answer inquiries via email through Petfinder at this time. Together, we can help create more happy reunions. Adjustable telescoping ramp made by PetSafe to help your pet get in and out of vehicles; ramp measures. Find and adopt a pet on Petfinder today. Unfortunately I need to rehome my little coco she is 10 weeks old, she will be tall, rehoming fee will apply. Kune kune pet or Breeder pigs they even sit!!! Search for dogs for adoption at shelters near Stockton, CA. Rehoming Cute Puppy 2! Stockton Female - Unknown Breed. Learn More Adoption In an effort to increase our life-saving capacity at the Stockton Animal Shelter we rely on animal adoptions at the Shelter and at off-site events. SF bay area pets - craigslist. Whether you've experienced Doublelist personals or not, DoULike personals in Stockton will offer a familiar and comfortable atmosphere. In early March, a Good Samaritan who feeds a colony of cats at a Stockton Marina had noticed a very friendly small gray and white cat almost like a kitten coming out to greet her whenever she went. Free kitten found in parking lot. Found this boy in a parking lot a few days ago, free to go home Call or text seven seven three two. To begin using our website, simply create an account, provide some information about yourself, upload a photo and a short message. City of Stockton Animal Services. Free kittens to good home for info call or. Licensing and Microchipping are one of two ways to ensure you are. Trixie has exceptional health, with good manners. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Breed: German Shepherd Dog. Our gorgeous and purebred GS female dog Mikhaylyuk's Trixie!!!!!! Robert Gierla, Metro K9 Academy. German Shepherd puppies for sale in Sacramento can be found in many locations, both online and off. What is the average size range of German. We breed quality over quantity by producing only a handful of exceptional litters per year. Transportation to West Sacramento, CA available. German shepherd puppy Tirsofer. Look no further than www. Show line German Shepherd puppies make the best all around. Loyal, obedient, friendly, smart and hardworking, these dogs seem to have it all when you're searching for a new best friend. Let me grace your home with a German shepherd puppy that will steal your heart and complete your family unit. You will find the perfect home for these dogs in your own backyard or at your local pet shop, but you will want to make sure that you are getting a good deal before making your decision. All the puppies from this litter are fun and loving. Located near Sacramento CA, click here for more on our dogs for sale. Have you seen a more perfect Dog - German Shepherd Dog? Metro K9 Academy can assist you on picking the right K9 for your situation! Contact Bobby at , www. Kennel hounds, dogs and all kinds of cats. Small rehoming fee to help with injections and food until ready. We are a small breeder of world class German Shepherds located in the beautiful foothills of Northern California. Because all breeding programs are different, you may find dogs for sale outside that price range. German shepherd. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. If you have a dog at home who is looking for a friend, bring it to the shelter for a meet and greet to see if they are a good fit. We are an all-volunteer group of German Shepherd lovers dedicated to rescuing German Shepherd Dogs from at-risk and unacceptable situations and finding them permanent, loving homes with qualified owners. Americanlisted has classifieds in Sacramento, California for dogs and cats. Eating routine puppy chow and drinking great deals of water. Hard Core working lines for your next Competition or K9 Partner. About German Shepherds. Find German Shepherd puppies for sale Near Sacramento, CA German Shepherds are renowned for their incredible trainability, work ethic, and physical grace. Learn more about A today. We offer working line for SAR, protection, detection and sport dogs. Ready for rehoming in about 8 weeks. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. German Shepherds are make great family dogs, and are extremely tender and loving to children, especially. There are many people out there who want to adopt German Shepherd puppies. We have Sacramento German shepherd puppies for sale! German Shepherd Dog Puppies. I have One black one that looks similar to a lab the rest are brown. Our dogs are bred to be free of hip dysplasia and perfect for family or working environments. They LOVE to play and sit in water! Show line German Shepherd puppies make the best all around family pet. As a Sacramento German shepherd breeder, we have Truckee California German shepherds for sale and Sacramento CA German shepherd puppies for sale that will be just the dog you need to complete your family, or your team. AKC solid black German shepherd puppies for sale in Sacramento, California Share it or review it Purebred strong black working line German shepherd young puppies for sale!! These puppies integrate some exceptional breeding and could be easily fit for a family house or a workplace. German Shepherd For Sale in Sacramento .Vaccinated, trainer to go outside, eating soli. Hello, 9 pups born September 13, .The dam, Lady Grace is a beautiful 70 lb red and. All adoptions are on a first-come, first. We have been breeding Shepherds for over 15 years. You will find no better than one of my family raised German Shepherds. Walburga German Shepherds puppies are bred and raised to be stable companions for their families. Our German Shepherd dogs are sociable with sturdy structures, agile, calmly confident and with sound stature, even temperaments and strong nerves. Nevada City, CA Ph: .German Shepherd mix puppies Sacramento. German Shepherd Dogs adopted on Rescue Me! This dogs will be an outstanding example of beauty, color Red, black and tann colors. We currently have a litter healthy, adorable puppies. City: Sacramento. Kennel hounds, dogs and all kinds of cats Adorable Purebreed German Shepherd puppies 6 weeks aged, ready to go to an excellent house in 2 additional weeks. We breed quality over quantity by producing only a. Come meet the most loyal companion you could ever ask for. Retaining the calm and gentle nature that has made them the most popular dog in the world! Not hyper-active like so many plaguing the breed today! Learn about our German lines. Learn more View our upcoming litters. A Northern California Breeder. Learn more 1, puppies available 1, certified breeders Transportation Location. Feel free to browse our current dogs and contact us about new litters. We also specialize in German Shepherd and other Sacramento dog training for family protection, Schutzhund and Police work. She gave birth to 3 wonderful litters. He has sharing a kennel with a male dog. Visit our Litters page for more information. Pure bred five month old German shepherd puppy. What are people saying about pet breeders services in Sacramento, CA? Picture is of mother when puppy. German Shepherd, California » Sacramento. If you live in the Northern California area, call for info on our upcoming litters! Trixie can be suited as a family companion and protector, farm guard. German Shepherds are one of the most popular dogs in the United States, and it's easy to see why. With dozens of the most popular breeds available, Uptown Puppies has a new best friend for everyone. Now all set for excellent houses. Their brains, size, and loyalty make them ideal police and service dogs, but they also make great friends. Greater California German Shepherd Rescue. We're looking for a new owner for her. Fantastic with children, and extremely lively. Pets for Sale in Sacramento. Once pups are older I can send pictures. They've received their first vaccination and dewormer. Nickname: Litter of 8 on PuppyFinder. Greater California German Shepherd Rescue is a c 3 public charity non-profit. New Pet Alert from AdoptaPet. What is This? Yes, I would like to receive communications from the Petco Love regarding their lifesaving work. By signing up for the New Pet Alert, you are allowing Adopt-a-pet. You can also optionally sign up to receive email communications from Petco and Petco Love as well. You can save up to 15 New Pet Alerts, and you can cancel or change them at any time at adoptapet. In fact, together with Petco and our community partners, we help find homes for thousands of dogs, cats, and rabbits and other pets every week. Learn More Let Petco store associates be your post-adoption support network. Petco's Welcome to the Family New Pet Parent Starter Guide provides new pet parents substantial benefits with hundreds of dollars worth of coupons for everything a new pet needs. And our Petco store partners will be there today, and every day, to answer all those new pet parent questions and make sure every adoption is a successful one. If adoption isn't possible for you right now, don't worry. You can still be part of our lifesaving work by making a donation. Not sure about adoption yet? Learn why it's a great way to welcome a pet into your home-and how we can help.
How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. E-mail Share by e-mail German Shepherds make great family dogs — they are loyal, intelligent, and have lots of energy! A good diet is key to giving your pet a long and healthy life, and the wrong diet can lead to a number of health problems. German Shepherds are big dogs with active lifestyles, so making sure they get the right nutrition at different stages throughout their lives is essential. Feeding your German Shepherd Puppy Puppies are growing rapidly and have very specific nutritional requirements. Puppy food tends to be high in calories and protein as they are bundles of energy at this age! Feeding your German Shepherd puppy a good quality balanced diet is essential to ensure that they grow up to be healthy adults. There are some foods designed specifically for large breeds such as German Shepherds, which provide extra support for their growing joints. You should look out for these foods in the pet store and ideally choose one of these large breed diets. You can find further general puppy feeding guidelines and advice via the AKC as well as specific German Shepherd facts and info. How often should I feed my German Shepherd puppy? Puppies need to be fed more frequently than adult dogs to support their rapidly growing bodies. German Shepherd puppies should be fed 4 meals a day until they are 3 months old, then reduce to 3 meals a day until they are 10 months old when their growth rate starts to slow down. Once they reach this age, they need 2 meals a day. When should I start feeding adult food? Puppies must stay on puppy food until they reach adult size. German Shepherds are large dogs and tend to reach adult size later than smaller dogs. They are usually fully matured at months. German Shepherds should stay on puppy food until they are months old, then they should move on to an adult diet. Feeding your adult German Shepherd An adult German Shepherd will weigh around lbs and need at least an hour of exercise every day, so their diet needs to reflect this. It might seem like your dog is eating a lot, but they need to replace the energy they burn off and eat enough of the right nutrients to sustain them! How often should I feed my German Shepherd? Adult dogs should be fed two meals a day. When should I switch from adult to senior food? As dogs get older their nutritional requirements change again. They are less active, and German Shepherds are more prone to joint problems such as osteoarthritis. You should consider switching to a senior diet at around 8 years of age. What type of food should German Shepherds eat? Whichever diet you pick, you should ensure it is suitable for large dogs or working breeds and that it has plenty of protein and calcium, and also includes some type of doggy superfoods, too. Commercially prepared foods are the best way to ensure your dog gets a balanced diet with all the nutrients they need to stay healthy, and they come in wet or dried forms. Some dogs prefer one or the other, whilst some enjoy a variety and mix of both. Dry Food Dried food is cheap, easy to feed and store, and has lots of benefits for your dogs. Dogs fed a dried food diet will drink more water, and you can soak the kibble to add a bit extra if you like. Wet Food Wet foods contain more water than dried, and often resemble meat which some dogs love. The food is usually in chunks with jelly or gravy, and some dogs prefer it to dried. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are large and active dogs with demanding nutritional requirements throughout their lives. They go through a rapid growth stage as puppies, and as adults need the right balance of nutrients to replenish the energy they burn off exercising. They need to eat a diet that has the right balance of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients, and ensure they get the right number of meals a day to maintain good physical and mental health. Puppies should eat meals a day until they are around 10 months old then they should eat 2 meals a day as adults. Do German shepherds require a lot of food? German Shepherds are large dogs so naturally, eat larger portions than smaller breeds. They are active dogs and need lots of protein and energy to keep them healthy. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Shares German Shepherds are graceful, obedient, and loyal dogs with specific nutritional needs. Following a German Shepherd puppy feeding chart will enable you to track the amount of food your puppy is eating as they grow. There are varieties of foods available in the market and most of them come with guidelines at the back of the packaging showing you how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy. This article will cover different types of diets available and the specific nutritional needs of your German shepherd. It will also help you know what to do to ensure that your GSD gets nutritious and balanced food for every stage of their life. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart There are three aspects of this German Shepherd puppy feeding chart, namely the German shepherd feeding amount, feeding frequency, and mealtime lengths. It is important to find out the appropriate feeding amount, frequency, and length for your German shepherd without leaving out one of them. That way, you can accurately find out the best way to feed your dog. Overall, there are four ranges that you need to keep in mind. An active dog may require a bit more than the numbers in this list, and an inactive dog will need a slightly less amount. But this guide can act as a solid benchmark. A puppy will need to eat more because they are growing very quickly. Talk to your vet about how much exactly so you keep them healthy and happy. Make sure your German Shepherd has access to fresh, clean water all day. When you take your dog for a walk make sure to bring along some extra water in a collapsible bowl. If they get tired on the way or it gets very hot, this can save their life. So for example, if your dog is 60lbs they should eat between lbs of food in one day. If you notice your dog is losing weight, add more calories to its meal size. However, there are other considerations on how much to feed a German shepherd puppy per day. You might want to consider avoiding meals right before bedtime. Let them digest their food first before they go to sleep. Understanding German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional Needs All dogs require nutritious, satisfying, and healthy food and every breed have their special diet. For maximum energy and health, there are factors to consider when deciding what to feed your German Shepherd: Size considerations- the AKC breed standard says that a German Shepherd can go to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Females can be around 49 to 71 pounds while Males can be around 66 to 88 pounds. This means that they have a big appetite hence it is good to find quality food for them. They grow pretty fast hence they need specific nutrients for specific stages. Activity level- German shepherds are muscular, active, and agile which contributes to higher caloric needs to be complemented by feeding them a high-quality diet. Health consideration- GSDs are prone to many diseases hence a healthy diet will prevent problems. For example, arthritis that is caused by hip and elbow dysplasia can be mitigated through an excellent diet. Ensure that your GSD diet contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. How long does it take for your dog to be full? Is your dog still hungry after eating his portion? German shepherds normally take anywhere from 10 minutes to 15 minutes to finish the meal, given that you followed the proper feeding guidelines properly. If your dog shows signs of slow eating, we recommend sending them to your vet. If you think your dog is already full before finishing his portion, there is no problem. However, if your dog is still hungry after finishing the meal, consider sending him to your vet. This is because this can be a sign of a serious health issue involving their digestive system. They encourage the puppy to chew hence preventing periodontal diseases or tartar. Kibble is less expensive to buy and can stay fresh for longer. See also German Shepherd Gestation Period And Pregnancy Wet food is also essential for puppies because they allow puppies to feel fuller with less food. If your GSD need to shed a few pounds, wet food is a good way to reduce their caloric intake. Wet food is easier to digest, hence they are good for German shepherds with sensitive stomachs. Wet food is appetizing and keeps the puppy hydrated. You need to understand why your puppy cannot eat because it will help you determine the way to deal with the issue. There is no need to worry if the puppy lost appetite shortly and goes back to normal eating without any sign of illness. If the puppy loses appetite and takes a few days without improvement, take your puppy to the vet to find the problem because your dog might be sick. If the vet finds that the puppy is sick, they may suggest a special diet that will boost their immunity and give them extra nutrients to better their recovery. The puppy may have stopped eating because of behavioral issues; therefore, you may need to feed them same time to get a routine. Treats and human food that is given to the puppy may need to be reduced and also you can try different kinds of food. The German shepherd is a medium dog breed according to the AKC. Therefore, free-feeding is not a good idea. For the German shepherds, feeding schedules work better. If the puppies are free-fed the puppy may eat the leftover at any time even when they are not hungry. Sticking to a feeding routine help the puppy to stay healthy and prevent obesity. When you have a schedule, managing their weight and house training will improve. The puppy usually relieves themselves around 15 minutes after eating or drinking, therefore, when they feed at the same time every day and are taken outside after a while, accidents will be minimized. A raw diet is good for German shepherds. A raw diet help improves vitality and energy. The puppy gets healthy white teeth with an increased lifespan and reduced shedding as well as a stronger immune system. Raw meat is a great source of protein and an optimal diet. It is like keto to humans because it allows the puppy to reach their total capacity and good health. Dogs are naturally carnivorous, hence raw diet aligns with their natural needs. However, you should speak to your vet before putting your puppy on a raw food diet. The majority of commercially available kibble food is balanced and complete, and of high quality for your German shepherd puppy. Human supplements often contain harmful substances to animals and are unregulated or minimally effective. Therefore, never give human supplements to your German shepherd puppy. But they can eat small amounts of cooked chicken or turkey, plain cooked sweet potatoes or carrots, plain yogurt, and small amounts of fruits like apples or bananas without getting sick. Talk to a vet for advice on how to feed your German Shepherd puppy a healthy and balanced diet. These include chocolate, fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chives, avocado, onions, nuts, grapes and raisins, garlic, raw or undercooked meat, and bones. These foods can cause a wide range of health problems, from stomachaches to more serious problems like pancreatitis or kidney failure. Some foods that people eat may have a lot of sodium or sugar, which can also be bad for dogs. How much food to give an older German Shepherd will depend on their needs and how much they move around. But as dogs get older, they tend to slow down and may need less food to stay at a healthy weight. As a general rule, an older German Shepherd needs about 2 to 3 cups of food per day, which should be divided between two meals. A German Shepherd that is getting older should eat high-quality senior dog food that is made for their age and size. Senior dogs might also benefit from getting smaller meals more often. If your German Shepherd puppy seems to always be hungry, you should look at what they eat and how often they eat. Make sure they eat enough for their age, weight, and level of activity. Puppies grow quickly and need more calories than adult dogs, so it is possible that they are not getting enough food. Also, make sure you feed them high-quality puppy food that is right for their age and size. If you are worried about how hungry they are or how much they weigh, you should talk to a vet to rule out any health problems and make a plan for feeding them. The amount of dry food you should feed your German Shepherd will depend on several factors, including their age, weight, and activity level. Puppies: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Adult dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Active dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Senior dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. If the dog is obviously overweight or underweight, adjust accordingly. If you can feel most of the ribs without squeezing your fingers in between them — try 1 cup per day. This is a decent starting point for a growing large breed puppy that needs the extra calories to grow big and strong. If you can feel most of the ribs AND see its waist — try 3 cups per day. This is perfect for an adult German Shepherd which needs extra calories due to being very active. With this amount, it will be able to maintain its weight, but not gain any extra fat. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 3. This is a good amount for a very active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain a healthy weight. This should be sufficient for an adult German Shepherd which is quite active. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 5 cups per day. This is a good amount for an extremely active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain lean muscle mass. For example, when my dog was a puppy, he would feel all ribs and see his waist when eating 2 cups of food per day. However, as he got older and larger, I had to increase the amount — even though I could still feel most of the ribs! He maintained around .Although there are lots of opinions on how much food your shepherds needs, these guidelines work for me and my German Shepherds. Everyone is different though, so you will have to adjust accordingly if necessary — this guide should help you until you find the ideal amount. If your dog is a very active one it may need more food depending on its activity level. Always be sure to give plenty of water since dry kibble can dehydrate the animal over time. However, this amount will vary depending on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. Puppies and young dogs, for example, generally need more water than adult German Shepherds. And working dogs or those who exercise frequently may require even more. This is because they can easily hydrate themselves if given free access to water. However, you still need to remember some things. For example, take note that your dog will need to drink 6 ounces of water per day for every 3. Depending on the temperature and activeness, this amount can increase. Lastly, make sure you take extra care in providing water access to your German shepherd. The most preferable way is to fill a bowl with a moderate amount of water, not too much. The feeding amount, frequency, length, and water requirements can always be changed. If you have no time to visit your vet, the following topic may help you. How Much Should A 1-year-old German Shepherd Eat A 1-year-old German Shepherd should eat about two and a half to three cups of food each day, broken up into two or three meals. Pointers for Feeding German Shepherds Improper feeding practices can lead to serious health problems for German shepherds. An owner is responsible for taking into consideration the age and weight of a German shepherd before feeding them. When feeding a german shepherd puppy that is four to six months old, you must give them two meals a day that comprises around eight ounces and five ounces. When feeding a German shepherd puppy that is between seven and twelve months old, the meal amounts should be increased to ten ounces for each meal. This amount should be split into three smaller meals. This is regardless of whether they are active or not. Yep, German shepherds can gain weight regardless of whether they exercise or not. If you think your dog is gaining too much weight, you can split their daily calories into four or five smaller meals. Some people prefer using dry dog food, while others would choose canned dog food. Whatever you choose for your German shepherd is usually okay, but canned food tends to contain more moisture than dry food which may lead to bladder stones in certain dogs. However, when it comes to the amount of dog food you feed your German shepherd, canned food leads to more obesity than dry food. If your German shepherds are over five years old, you must give them an extra meal. This additional meal should comprise around four ounces of food so they can easily digest it during their older age. When feeding a German shepherd puppy, you must know how to correctly measure their food amount. Be accurate when following the proper measurements; otherwise, it could lead to your dog gaining too much weight. Use measuring cups that are specifically made for dry food. If you use any other type of measuring device, it might lead to your dog eating too much or too little food. You must not feed your German shepherd until they are full, but allow them to eat until they are slightly satiated. Do not serve unlimited food; give them about two to three cups of food per day. If you are unsure whether or not your German shepherd is obese, check its waistline. If they have a thick waist and their stomach looks like a sphere, then that is a clear sign that your German shepherd is obese. Never let them finish their meal if they are still hungry; otherwise, you will encourage them to gorge on their food. Your German shepherd must always have access to fresh clean water, so you should ensure they can drink it whenever necessary. Feeding Guidelines by Age Before proceeding with the following points, remember that age is not the only determining factor in a German shepherd feeding chart. Make sure to consider all the content in this blog post as well. It is recommended that you slowly let them adapt first. This can be their regular food from now on. This includes fruits, bones, and more. You should also avoid giving them your leftovers. However, they will need time to adapt. You should also consider feeding your German shepherd foods that can be gnawed and chewed. This is so they can develop their jaws, teeth, and gums. This will result in less feeding amount and frequency. Feeding Guidelines by Weight German shepherds can be of different weight ranges. An average weighted German shepherd 35 kilograms will then need calories per day. This only applies to German shepherds that do not exercise or are inactive. Active German Shepherds: In the case of active German shepherds that exercise regularly, every 1 kilogram equals 55 calories per day. So an average weighted German shepherd will require calories per day to be able to function properly. Take note, however, that this calculation may be affected if the German shepherd has a health disorder concerned with metabolism or digestion. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Guidelines Our last topic involves the difference between a puppy and an adult. The following are some of the facts that recent studies have proven: Puppies have higher energy levels than adults. This means they need to eat more than adult German shepherds. German shepherds will need higher protein and fat content at an early age. The amount of fat and protein will decrease as they grow older. Puppies cannot tolerate too many nutrients. Ingesting extra minerals and vitamins may lead to serious health disorders. Meanwhile, adults are only risking being overweight when taking in more than intended. German Shepherds usually have a good appetite and can eat a lot, especially when they are young and growing. But their food intake should be balanced and right for their age, weight, and level of activity to keep them from getting too much food and getting fat. As they age, they should usually eat less quickly. Most of the time, bones that have been cooked and ground up completely may be safe to eat. Instead, give them dog-made chew toys or treats. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Since German Shepherds consume meat, it follows that they must consume a significant amount of animal protein in order to get all of the necessary nutrients. Although while it is feasible to offer a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet, owners of German Shepherds should avoid doing so since it increases the likelihood that their dogs will not get all of the nutrients that they need. After talking about the feeding amount, frequency, and lengths of a German shepherd, you can now easily plan how much, how many times, and how long you feed your dog. You even learned how to hydrate your German shepherd the proper way. Lastly, we talked about the difference between a puppy and an adult in terms of feeding. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day. While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula. You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture. Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow. Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food. So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog. Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does. Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences. That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons. The blend is designed specifically with German Shepherds in mind, as it uses high-quality, animal-based nutrients to counter the extra stress put on the joints of GSDs and to help the development strong lean muscle to keep your dog in peak physical condition. You really can see the difference. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds. When your GSD moves from the adult life stage to senior, you need to adjust her diet. Large breeds reach the older stage not quite senior, but close around half of their assumed life expectancy. Inevitably, your GSD will need to switch over to a senior diet. Older large breed dogs have lower energy needs. Older dogs also tend to slow down their digestion, so an increase in fiber might be a good choice for your senior GSD. Do be sure to confirm this with your vet, however. Not all foods are created equal. For treats, senior dogs should avoid calorie-dense milk bones and high-salt or fatty treats. Opt for healthy, whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots. Some senior dogs begin to develop health conditions that will require special care. This is often a result of poor nutrition early in life, but can sometimes simply be genetics and old age catching up with them. But for GSDs with health issues such as kidney disease and joint pain, diet can play an even bigger role in the quality of their lives. Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. These charts can seem pretty straightforward at first glance. Instead, use them as a starting point. Observe your dog, see how he looks and feels, and note any changes in his bathroom habits, weight, or energy level. Adjust his meals accordingly. Generally speaking, they talk about daily intake, not per meal. It means to split that 3 cups total over the entire day. If your dog eats 3 times per day, that would be 1 cup at each meal for a total daily intake of 3 cups. To further confuse dog parents, some manufacturers do list per-meal serving sizes, not the total daily intake! In these cases, if you read it incorrectly, you would end up underfeeding your dog. To help mitigate some of this confusion, it may be helpful to ask your vet how many calories your dog should be consuming each day. Then you can check the calorie content in the dog food and measure things from there. Raw Diets, Cooking for Dogs, and Other Alternative Feeding This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs. However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs. There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too. As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. Pay special attention to the first 4 or 5 ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. Choose high-quality, safety-tested foods with clear ingredient and nutrition labels. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. Recommended reading. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.
Red Blue The Labrahuahua will usually take on the coloration of the Labrador retriever parent over that of its Chihuahua parent. Chihuahuas can have natural markings such as a jacket, brindle, or spots. While it is rare for a Labrahuahua to have markings, you may come across a Lab Chihuahua mix that displays the markings of its Chihuahua parents. This means the Chihuahua genes are strong. Labrahuahuas notably have the thick, rounded ears similar to the Labrador retriever parent rather than the thinner pointy ears of the Chihuahua. The Labrahuahua is full of life, energy, and most importantly love. These dogs adore their humans and will do anything for a good, long snuggle any opportunity they get. They are incredibly affectionate with the people they are comfortable with. Labrahuahuas are wary of strangers and may bark quite a lot at them initially. However, as they get used to each other, the Labrahuahua will warm up to strangers quickly and go looking for love and cuddles. Unfortunately, the flip side of this is your Labrahuahua can be very needy and suffer when they are left alone for any period of time. You will need to put routines and training in place to avoid the onset of social anxiety in your Labrahuahua. The Chihuahua does not get along with other dog breeds or pets but will get along well with others of its own kind. The Labrador retriever gets along with just about anything that moves. Fortunately, the Labrahuahua does get along with other dogs provided it is socialized properly. Labrahuahuas are excellent companions for children. They are small and are therefore not intimidating, but they are not as dainty and snappy as Chihuahuas are. Labrahuahuas adore children and the endless fun they can provide through games, cuddles, and dropped snacks. Just like all other dog breeds and hybrid breeds, Labrahuahuas need individualized care. A careful look at the needs of Chihuahuas and Labrador retrievers can help you understand why your Labrahuahua needs the care it does. Grooming Owning a dog is a privilege, grooming that precious ball of fluff is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Coat Labrahuahuas have short coats; however, they are also fairly thick and dense. This means they need frequent brushing to loosen up the hair and prevent it from becoming compacted. Brushing them once a week should be sufficient. Labrahuahuas shed seasonally and will need additional brushing during their shedding time. If they are not being brushed often enough, they will become itchy and may develop sores on their bodies from scratching, or compacted fur pulling on the skin. A silicone brush can be used to gently grab the loose hair in the coat and massage the skin at the same time to promote healthy oil production. A deshedding brush is handy to use as well as it will help your Labrahuahua shed during their seasonal shedding time. Your Labrahuahua will need a bath every three to four months, depending on how dirty they get and how frequently you keep up with their grooming. Nails On top of all the brushing and bathing, your Labrahuahua may need its nails trimmed once every three months to keep them short, functional, and healthy. This may increase in frequency as your Labrahuahua gets older and is less active. Teeth The last item on the grooming list is teeth brushing. Chihuahuas frequently suffer from periodontal disease because of the small size of their skulls. Exercise Labrador retrievers and Chihuahuas are both active dogs that need a lot of physical exercise. Your Labrahuahua needs one hour of exercise a day broken up into three minute sessions. Exercise can come in the form of running around, going on hikes, playing games, training, and doing obstacle courses. Labrahuahuas are fairly clever dogs. Both parent breeds are intelligent and need a substantial amount of stimulation everyday to prevent them from becoming bored. Nutrition Chihuahuas and Labrador retrievers need different kinds of nutrition owing to the difference in the size and needs of their bodies. However, supplying your Labrahuahua with a healthy, well-rounded , balanced diet is fairly simple. Check out our article dedicated to the 10 best natural dog foods. The Labrahuahua has a few health issues to be concerned about and these come from the parent breeds. However, Labrahuahuas will be healthier than either parent as they are more genetically diverse because they are a hybrid breed. The major health concerns you should be aware of are luxating patellas, elbow and hip dysplasia, eye issues, and heart conditions. Patella luxation is common in Chihuahuas and other smaller dog breeds. If your Labrahuahua is on the smaller side, this could be a problem. Labrador retrievers frequently suffer from elbow and hip dysplasia as do many other large dog breeds. If your Labrahuahua is on the larger side, this could be a potential problem. Entropion is an eye disease. Labrahuahuas are likely to suffer from entropion as both parent breeds commonly suffer from it. Like entropion, both parent breeds often suffer from heart conditions such as cardiomyopathy and mitral valve disease. Therefore, this is a common problem seen in Labrahuahuas. The best way to protect your Labrahuahua is by being proactive with yearly vet visits. Taking your dog to the vet every year is a necessity as they need vaccine boosters and yearly physical check-ups. Your vet will be able to tell you if anything is wrong as your dog ages. This is because the process of breeding is a lot more hands-on and breeders involved than other hybrid dog breeds, such as a Chiweenie, where both parent breeds are small. Before purchasing your Labrahuahua from a breeder, make sure you do your homework on the breeder. There are many backyard breeders or puppy mills that have very poor breeding practices and pass themselves off as reputable breeders. You should be able to go and meet the breeder, view their breeding stock, and meet the puppies before you purchase your puppy from them. Look for online reviews or even speak to previous customers. Can I find Labrahuahuas at an animal shelter? Do Labrahuahuas get along with other pets? Fortunately, Labrahuahuas take after their Labrador retriever parent in this regard. Labrahuahuas get along fairly well with other household pets such as cats, other dogs, and even large reptiles. It is important to socialize and train your Labrahuahua from an early age as to what is and what is not appropriate behavior around your other pets to ensure a happy home life and harmony among all your furry, feathered, and scaly friends. Will my Labrahuahua bark a lot? Labradors do their fair share of barking when trying to alert their owners to something they see, hear, or smell. Unfortunately, the Labrahuahua can go either way in terms of barking frequency. Check out our article dedicated to correcting bad barking behavior to help you keep your Labrahuahua from bothering the neighbors at all hours. As a hybrid dog, the Labrahuahua can land anywhere on the spectrum between either of its parent breeds. This is a guide on the average Labrahuahua, always remember that hybrids are unique and will be different in personality and looks, even among puppies from the same litter. Video: Labrahuahua Puppy Playing Temperament and Behavior Labrahuahuas are social, well-behaved and energetic dogs that love spending time with all its family members. However, quite like the Chihuahua, this dog loves to sleep and is often seen curling down in a cozy corner. However, they, at times, do show some characteristics of obstinacy, which is common with the Chihuahua. The playful nature of the Labrahuahua has made them friendly with people of all ages, including children. They have a particular fondness for playing fetch games. They are brilliant and intelligent, a trait which they inherited from their lab parents. Care Exercise For an active dog like the Labrahuahua, daily physical activity is important, and this breed would enjoy going out for long walks or good running sessions. However, their most favorite method of exercising is interactive playtime with their owners, like Frisbee, fetching, etc. Make sure you keep the leash away when you are playing with your dog in an enclosed field. Grooming Labrahuahuas have a short coat and needs nominal grooming. Clean the coat with a hard brush twice a week. Health Problems Like most other crosses, the Labrahuahua too does not have any diseases limited to its breed. But you should be aware of the health history of both its parents. Training These are dogs with no behavioral issues as such, except for some stubbornness. If you discover it is getting way too obstinate, never be rude. Begin with teaching it to follow you when you both are together. Go out like a casual jogging and let your pup follow your heels. Gradually, your pet would think twice before showing any stubborn or independent behavior. Labrahuahua Shedding Labradors are notoriously shedding machines, and Chihuahuas aren't much better. So if you're looking for a low-maintenance dog with minimal shedding, a Labrahuahua is probably not the right breed for you. If you decide to get a Labrahuahua, you'll have to deal with shedding, but it's nothing you can't handle. After all, shedding is just a natural part of owning a dog. Just like you have to vacuum your floors and lint-roll your clothes, you'll have to brush your Labrador Chihuahua mix regularly. It's really not that big of a deal, and it's certainly not enough to deter you from owning one of these amazing dogs. Chihuahua Lab mixes are not hypoallergenic. Labrahuahua Health Chihuahua Lab mixes typically have a lifespan of between 10 and 15 years. While Labrador Chihuahua mixes may inherit some of their physical and behavioral traits from their parent breeds, they also inherit the same health issues. Patellar Luxation Patellar luxation is a condition that can affect medium-small breeds of dogs, such as Chihuahuas Lab mixes. The patella, or knee cap, is normally held in place by a combination of muscles, ligaments, and tendons. However, in some dogs, the patella is misaligned and it slips out of place, which often causes pain and lameness in the affected leg. Patellar luxation typically occurs in both hind legs, but it can also affect the front legs. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to realign the patella and prevent further luxation. Entropion Entropion is a condition that affects the eye, causing the eyelid to fold inward. This can be uncomfortable for the Chihuahua Lab mix, as it can lead to irritation of the eye. In severe cases, entropion can even lead to blindness. Chihuahua Labrador mixes are particularly susceptible to this condition, as they often have loose skin around their eyes. The best way to prevent entropion is to ensure that the dog's face is clean and free of debris. If the condition does develop, it can often be treated with surgery. Cardiomyopathy Cardiomyopathy is a disease that affects the heart muscle. It can lead to an enlarged heart, which can then cause heart failure. Cardiomyopathy is a serious condition that can be fatal, and it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms so that you can get your dog treatment as soon as possible. Labradors Chihuahua mixes are particularly prone to cardiomyopathy, so it is important to be vigilant if you have this breed. Some of the signs that your dog may be developing cardiomyopathy include exercise intolerance, coughing, and difficulty breathing. How to find a Chihuahua Labrador Mix? You can get a Labrador Chihuahua mix through a breeder or a rescue. Breeder How do you find a reputable breeder that sells Labrahuahuas? Start your search by researching local breeders in your area, asking for referrals from friends or contacting a Chihuahua or Labrador Retriever club. Be sure to ask potential breeders about their experience and history with breeding Labrahuahuas, as well as their approach to raising and socializing puppies. Although finding a labrahuahua may require some patience and persistence, the end result of a loving and loyal companion will be well worth it. Rescue While Labrahuahuas may not be the easiest breed to come across, you can often find them through a rescue organization. Start by searching online for rescue groups that specialize in toy breeds or Labrador retrievers. Don't be afraid to reach out and inquire about any Labrahuahuas they may have available for adoption. By adopting one of these special pups, you not only give them a second chance at a happy life but also gain a loving companion for years to come. To understand this crossbreed better, we need to look at the history of its parent breeds. We will keep referring to the characteristics of these parent breeds throughout the article. It'll help us get a sense of where this hybrid comes from and what to expect from them. Chihuahua Chihuahua descends from the ancient Techichi dog, which was a slightly larger breed. People of Toltec civilization in Mexico are thought to use Techichi for companionship and ceremonial purposes. Americans discovered Chihuahua in the mids in Chihuahua, Mexico , and the AKC registered it under the "toy" group in .Their original breeding purpose is unknown, but they're used as companion dogs these days. Chihuahuas are small pups that weigh no more than six pounds. However, their attitude is that of a giant dog. They can be stubborn and difficult to control at times. If you don't train them properly when they're young, these dogs will happily rule your house. Labrador Labrador Retriever descends from the extinct St. John's water dog, a companion of fishermen. Early Labs used to swim in icy waters to retrieve fish and haul boats in Newfoundland, Canada. They were first brought to England in the s, and the AKC registered them under the "sporting" group in .Labrador has been the most popular breed in the United States for the last 29 years. This is because they are very loving, happy, loyal, and friendly. These highly energetic puppies are also very intelligent and love to exercise. They also love to swim, run, and play fetch. Appearance In terms of size and appearance, Labs and Chihuahuas are opposite ends of the spectrum. Labs are large-sized dogs, .Naturally, when we cross these two breeds, the results can vary greatly. The puppy may look more like a Lab or a Chihuahua. Chihuahua-Lab Mixes are bigger than a Chihuahua but smaller than a Labrador. Breeders have observed that they are usually 10 to 22 inches 25 to 56 cm tall and weigh between 25 to 60 pounds 11 to 27 kg. The males are typically bigger than the females, as with any dog breed. Overall, you can expect a small-to-medium-sized dog that looks like a mini Labrador. This is because the dog will probably inherit short legs and a skinny body from his Chihuahua parent. The mix will likely have his Lab parent's athletic body and thick tail. From Chihuahua, he may inherit a round face and big eyes. His large triangle ears will stand straight like a Chihuahua but will drop down at the end like his Lab parent. Of course, there may be variations like fully erect ears, long and narrow face, and smaller eyes. We've only discussed the characteristics found in most Chihuahua-Lab Mixes; yours may look like a giant Chihuahua rather than a miniature Labrador. Mixing breeds is like rolling a dice: you may get any number between one and six. Temperament Like their appearance, Labrahuahuas' temperament can be hard to predict. They can be loving and friendly like Labradors or skeptical and aloof like Chihuahuas. These dogs will likely bark at strangers, but their Lab instincts will help them become friends once everything feels okay. They are very affectionate, and they love to snuggle in your lap and bombard you with kisses. Labrahuahuas can also be very needy. They may want your full attention all the time. This is because we've combined Labrador's friendliness and devotion with Chihuahua's separation anxiety. If you're going to bring a Labrahuahua, be prepared to have him follow around the house. The point here is that these dogs must only live with families that can provide them the time and attention they need. Many of Chihuahua's aggressive traits can be controlled with proper training and socialization during puppyhood. While training, you'll need to show them that you're the boss, and they must listen to you. This will make sure your pet is more comfortable around strangers and doesn't embarrass you by acting against your commands. Coat and Colors Labradors have a thick, dense double coat that is of short to medium length. This double coat isolates their skin from water, helping them swim in freezing water for long periods. They are available in a couple of colors like black, yellow, white, and chocolate. On the other hand, Chihuahuas can have either a short-haired coat or a long-haired one. Fluffy coat is also common among this breed. They are available in many more colors than Labradors, such as white, black, chocolate, cream, fawn, and many more. They also have eleven official markings, including red, blue, black, white, merle, etc. You can read more about Chihuahua's color combinations on AKC. Coming to Labrahuahuas, they will usually have a single thick coat of short to medium length. Their coat texture can be either straight or wiry, and they come in various colors like black, brown, yellow, white, and red. Your mix will likely have a solid color. But he can also inherit a mixture of spots and colors like his Chihuahua parent. Grooming Needs How often your Labrahuahua pup needs grooming will depend entirely on which parent breed they favor in terms of fur. Both Chihuahua and Labrador have shed moderately throughout the year , so odds are, Labrahuahuas will also shed similarly. If they have a short coat, they'll obviously need less brushing than if their hair is longer. In any case, brushing them at least once a week is a good idea. You'll also need to clean their ears regularly to prevent ear infections from developing. Brushing their teeth and gums two to three times a week will keep them clean and avoid tartar buildup. You can also do it daily if you notice bad breath. Lastly, you have to trim their nails once every two weeks or once every month. Exercise Like Labradors, Labrahuahuas are very energetic dogs. They'll need about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily to stay content. Without their daily dose of physical activity, they will get bored and restless. They will then begin targeting your furniture with their strong Labrador jaws. All that energy has to be released somewhere, right? For this reason, only families that can devote lots of time should adopt Labrahuahuas. As we've said, these dogs love attention and cannot be left alone. They would prefer large homes with backyards, but they can also adjust to apartments, thanks to their small size. Note that if you have an apartment, you'll need to give him a lot more exercise to keep him from getting bored and destructive. Labrahuahuas will not be content with the same exercise over and over again. They're very smart, so you'll need to mix things up to keep them interested and engaged. Jogging, retrieving, playing, long walks, and running are some things they love. We've discussed that Labs were first bred to swim in icy waters, which means your Labrahuahua will also love paddling through the water. Don't think of bringing this breed into your home unless you can give him plenty of time daily. Training Labradors are intelligent dogs that are always eager to please their masters. We're combining that with the stubbornness and independence of Chihuahua. So it should be fairly easy to train your Labrahuahua, but he will likely ignore you every now and then. You'll need to be very patient with him and take baby steps in his training. As with all breeds, the positive reinforcement method yields the best results. However, a more formalized training process is essential in helping your dog reach it's maximum potential. One method I recommend is using an online dog training program. This eliminates the inconvenience of having to travel for weekend training, and is significantly more affordable. Check out my Recommended Products page for more information. Early socialization is indispensable as it'll help him become a family pet and behave well around children. Socialization is required for all dog breeds, but it is especially vital for snappy breeds like Chihuahua. Exploring new objects, dogs, and people will build his confidence and teach him how to be a good pup. Crate training is also essential for Labrahuahuas because they're likely to get anxious when you're not around. Health Labrahuahuas have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. These dogs are generally relatively healthy, and their medical bills won't be a burden on you. However, they may sometimes acquire genetic diseases from either parent, especially if the breeder is not careful. Knowing what to look out for can help you prevent these congenital deformities in these dogs. So here are the major health concerns of Labrahuahuas: Patellar Luxation: This is a condition in which your pet's kneecap moves out of its place, causing lameness in the dog. It is prevalent among small dogs. Many toy or small breeds, including Chihuahuas, are genetically predisposed to patellar luxation. Entropion: This is an eye disorder in which the dog's eyelids roll inward. It causes pain, corneal ulcers, and interferes with the dog's vision. Your pet will have to go through surgery if he suffers from entropion. Cardiomyopathy: It is one of the most common heart diseases in canines. In this disease, the dog's heart muscles wear thin and degenerate. Although this disease is often diagnosed in giant and large breeds, it is partly genetic, which means it can be passed on from parent dogs to their children. It would be best to consult your veterinarian regarding the best diet for your Labrahuahua. The vet will give you the best advice regarding this matter after examining your dog. Don't serve your dog lots of high-calcium and high-energy food as it can lead to orthopedic diseases. Labrahuahuas can become overweight very quickly, and obese dogs attract a host of diseases. Labradors are known to be voracious eaters, and if your Labrahuahua inherits his Lab parent's appetite, he'll be a food fanatic. This means you will have to monitor the amount of food your pet eats. Feeding him little and often will be the safest option, so you may have to feed him at least three times a day. You must also give your pet enough time after eating to digest the food properly. Avoid leaving any food in the bowl for free eating, and enforce a strict exercise schedule. It plays a significant role in keeping your dog in shape. Start by looking for this breed in your local rescue shelters. They may or may not have one available for adoption right away. You can talk to the staff, and they might be able to point you in the right direction. Once you've searched local shelters, it's time to look into dedicated breed rescue organizations. American Lab Rescue and Chihuahua Rescue are excellent websites to start with. These guys take care of and rehome mixed breeds, and you'll probably find what you're looking for. Here are some other sites you can head over to:. Chihuahuador Description The Labrahuahua is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Chihuahua and the Labrador Retriever. 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. I got her from the animal shelter when she was 8 weeks old, and she is now a year old. She is very smart, friendly, playful, and loyal. She loves to snuggle, and chase a tennis ball this is how she gets most of her exercise, she does need to run. She does many tricks for bites of cheese. My favorite trick is that she whispers! She plays with her squeaky toys a lot! She has a wonderful temperament, mostly relaxed but she can get a little nervous and excited at times around some people, dogs, and in the car. She weighs 35 lbs. She makes my heart smile every day! He is very well behaved. He loves to play fetch with his toys or cuddle under a blanket with me. Never would I have thought a yellow lab and a 5lbs Chihuahua could've made a puppy nonetheless one as cute as him. Neiko is extremely smart he was potty trained at only 6 weeks old! His colors are from the dad Chihuahua but his actually features are definitely all from the gorgeous Lab. At 5-months-old he weighed 49lbs. I'm so curious as to how big he will get. I never would've believed it was true until I met his amazing previous owners who let me see both the mom and dad. They said it was definitely an accident and both were very surprised since they had both of the dogs for years. He has brought so much joy into me and my husbands life. Bedtime on our bed is his favorite time! As a mixed breed, it is impossible to predict the looks and temperament of a Labrahuahua puppy. Especially when the parent breeds are as different as this. But, the parent breeds can still be a great guide. You can expect your Chihuahua Lab mix to be somewhere in between the sizes of its two parents. But read on to prepare for every eventuality before bringing one of these breeds home. Have you heard of the Labrahuahua—the Chihuahua and Labrador Retriever mix? This mixed breed is rare. It can only result from artificially inseminating a female Labrador with sperm from a male Chihuahua. As you might imagine, a female Chihuahua physically cannot birth Labrador mix puppies! Besides the breeding process, are there any other challenges with the Chihuahua Lab mix? This article examines both of the parent breeds to see how they might combine. Chihuahua Lab Mix History Mixing breeds for best traits of each has become more common in the past few decades. As well as mixing traits, designer breeders think mixing genes may prevent health issues that occur in some breeds. Both sides bring up good points. There are pros and cons to purebred and mixed dogs. The history of the Chihuahua Lab mix is not well-established. Perhaps there are valid reasons that the Labrahuahua comes in for criticism. It makes this improbable combo something of a spectacle. Chihuahua History Chihuahuas are descendants of a slightly larger, indigenous dog that was known as the Techichi. Techichi were used as hunters, companions, and for ceremonial reasons by the Toltec people. They lived in what is now Mexico. Artifacts featuring Techichi date back to BC. Over centuries, Techichi were bred to be smaller. In the s, Americans visiting the state of Chihuahua, Mexico fell in love with the breed. Although the breed did not technically originate there. They retrieved nets from chilly waters and hauled fish carts on the Canadian island of Newfoundland. Once in England, hunters used Labradors as waterfowl retrievers. Did You Know…. Chihuahuas are the national dog of Mexico. Many celebrities have had Chihuahua pets. Labradors have been voted the favorite dog breed in America for 28 years in a row. Labrador Retrievers are descendants of the now extinct St. You may end up with a more Chihuahua-like or more Labrador-like mixed pup. Size is the most obvious difference between these two breeds. Chihuahuas often do not stand more than 8 inches tall or weigh more than 6 pounds. On the other hand, Labs stand .A Chihuahua Lab mix will be smaller than a Lab but larger than a Chihuahua. You can expect a small- to medium-sized dog. This mix will likely have the athletic, proportioned body of a Lab. Its ears will be triangular but can be upright or floppy. Chihuahua x Lab Coats Labs have a short, dense coat. But, Chihuahuas either have soft short or long hair. It might be fine and soft like a Chihuahua, or coarse and almost greasy like a Lab. Lab coloration is chocolate, black, or yellow. Some have white markings. Chihuahua coloration varies widely. From white, blue, red, black, brindle, and more. Popular colorations include tricolor, black, white, and fawn. Chihuahua Lab Mix Personality Mixes inherit personality traits from either parent. Socialization and training are a must to foster desired traits and prevent unwanted behaviors. As one of the U. But they can have a lot of energy! Chihuahuas are small dogs with big egos! Unfortunately, Chihuahuas are known to be aggressive. Including family members. A Chihuahua Lab mix may inherit this tendency to aggression. Training and socialization at a young age can help curb this. But, it is something to keep in mind when bringing a Chihuahua mixed breed into a home with small children and other animals. In general, a Labrahuahua will be a mix of confidence, liveliness, and loyalty. Chihuahua Lab Mix Training Beginning training and socialization at a young age is important to any dog breed. Will a Labrahuahua be easy to train? Labs are very intelligent and trainable. Chihuahuas are also very smart. But they are somewhat stubborn. If your Labrahuahua has some of this stubbornness, it may be challenging to train. Potty training can be difficult with small dogs like Chihuahuas. Consistent training using positive reinforcement is key to successful training with this mix. Our Online Training Guides will help you with this process. Both parent breeds are active and playful. So a Labrahuahua will need regular exercise and playtime. If it is smaller in size, use caution with the amount and type of exercise you choose for your Chihuahua Lab mix. Chihuahua Lab Mix Health Mixed breed dogs may inherit illnesses from their parents. Some breeds also have health issues related to their size or conformation. The Lab and Chihuahua breeds are both considered relatively healthy. A healthy and well cared for Labrahuahua may live 10 to 16 years. But, there is still a risk that a Lab Chihuahua mix might develop health problems during its lifetime. Some health issues can be screened or tested for. Here are some of the common health issues with each parent breed. Chihuahua Health Issues As such a small breed, Chihuahuas are prone to several health issues including: impacted teeth. Size: Small to medium depending on the parents Coat: Thick single coat Colors: Black, yellow, brown, white, and red History Of The Labrahuahua As the Chihuahua-Lab mix is such a recent hybrid, the history of the Labrahuahua is still unclear. It is suggested that the hybrid came about in the s when designer breeds were becoming popular. Chihuahua History The history of Chihuahuas is mysterious, but historians have suggested that the breed descends from the pre-Columbian dog, the ancient Techichi. The Techichi dog was slightly larger than modern-day Chihuahuas, and people owned these dogs as companions. Americans discovered the Chihuahua we know today in the mids in the city of Chihuahua in Mexico. During the s, Mexican merchants started to sell the Chihuahua dog to tourists who took them home as pets. The name of the dog was unclear at this point, so they were often given the name of the state they were seen in. For a while, the Chihuahua was known as the Arizona dog and the Mexico dog. Nowadays, Chihuahuas are a popular small breed for their spunky and hilarious personality. While they might only weigh less than six pounds, they certainly make up for their size in attitude. Labrador History The Labrador was bred in the s by European settlers who wanted to create the perfect dog for hunting and water purposes. For the last 30 years, the Labrador has become possibly the most popular dog breed in the world. This breed is known for its loveable, loyal, and affectionate nature. They are energetic dogs that need a lot of exercise , and they are brilliant swimmers. Labrahuahua Appearance Trying to picture a Chihuahua-Lab mix is almost like trying to picture a mix between a giraffe and a lion. While it might seem impossible to mix the two together, almost purely for the size difference, it is actually possible. It does seem odd, though. As with all designer hybrids, no two Labrahuahuas will look the same. When you breed two dogs together, the result will look more like one than the other. Labrahuahuas are smaller than Labradors, and bigger than Chihuahuas. The males are usually bigger than the females as with most dog breeds , and breeders claim that the hybrid ranges from cm tall and kg heavy. It all mostly depends on the size of the parents. In most cases, you can expect a Labrahuahua to have a slim build and slightly shorter legs. It might have a muscular build with a pointed face and large, round eyes. Each Labrahuahua will look different from the next, but the general appearance is a dog that inherits characteristics from both parents. Some Labrahuahua owners have observed that their dog looks more like a large Chihuahua, while others have said their dog looks more like a small Labrador. There is no way of telling what the puppy will grow to look like! In most cases, the temperament of the dog will be mostly unpredictable. Labrahuahuas are very needy dogs. This is because Labradors are notoriously friendly and love cuddles, and Chihuahuas are prone to separation anxiety. This means that they will need constant attention, otherwise, they might become destructive from boredom and anxiety. One of the downsides of Chihuahuas is that they can be aggressive when not trained properly. These aggressive traits can be easily controlled by early and constant training for the Labrahuahua from a young age. They will need regular socializing and a firm hand to make them know that you are the boss though the Chihuahua in them will sometimes disagree! Image Source: harrisinthehills Instagram Labrahuahua Coat: Colors And Texture Chihuahuas are either long-haired or short-haired dogs that can come in a variety of colors, markings, and color combinations. The colors their coats come in include fawn, cream, white, black, chocolate, and more. The colors of this coat are black, white, yellow, and chocolate. The coat of a Labrahuahua will vary depending on the parentage, but generally speaking, Chihuahua-Lab mixes have a single thick coat that is short to medium in length. The texture of the coat is either wired or straight, and it usually comes in the main colors of black, white, brown, yellow, and red. The dog might have some Chihuahua-like markings if the parent exhibited them. Grooming A Labrahuahua Labrahuahuas are moderate shedders, which means owners need to get used to frequent vacuuming and grooming. Generally speaking, Labrahuahuas should be brushed once a week. This is to promote healthy shedding by brushing out their old hair to allow new hair to grow. The same goes for bathing, as frequent bathing will prevent more shedding. Labradors are exposed to ear infections due to their floppy ears. Similarly, their nails need to be observed to see if they need a trim. In most cases, you should vary their walks so they can naturally trim their nails on hard surfaces like concrete. Feeding them dry food is a good step towards this, but you might want to stock up on dental chews and cleaning equipment to prevent tartar or plaque buildup. You should clean their teeth times a week. Labrahuahua Exercise Because of the Labrador parentage, Labrahuahuas are energetic dogs that need frequent exercise. These dogs should get at least minutes of exercise a day. If a Labrahuahua does not meet these exercise requirements daily, they can become destructive in the house. Furniture and shoes will be bitten and torn, they will try to eat dog and human food lying around, and they might urinate or defecate in the house to make a point. To prevent this chaotic restlessness, Labrahuahuas must belong to a family or household that can accommodate their needs. They can adjust to apartments due to their size, but they do best in houses with yards to run around in. In terms of the type of exercise, Labrahuahuas will become bored from doing the same exercise daily. One day, go to the park. The next day, go to the beach. Make sure to bring balls and toys to allow them to run around a play fetch, and even take them on the occasional run! As Labradors are water dogs, your Labrahuahua will love to go swimming. Training A Labrahuahua While Labrahuahuas are intelligent dogs, this intelligence can lead to stubbornness. With the personality traits of both Chihuahuas and Labradors, training your dog is likely to be unpredictable. Some days, the dog will be eager to please. The next day, the dog will ignore you. You just have to be patient and consistent with training the dog from a young age. There are plenty of ways to train a dog to your liking. If you find yourself struggling with training, try to take yourself and your dog to a professional trainer. Group classes are great because they will teach your dog both how to socialize and how to ignore other dogs when you give it a command. Instead, please their Labrador instincts by praising them with a lot of cuddles. With practice and time, your Labrahuahua will remember its training for life! Socializing your dog from a young age is essential for all dog breeds. While Labrahuahuas have the friendly attributes of their Labrador mum, the Chihuahua father attributes will make it somewhat unpredictable. To prevent your dog from becoming stubborn, aloof, and potentially snappy, you must socialize it with other dogs, animals, and humans from when it is a puppy. These dogs are needy and can be prone to social anxiety, so you must teach them that you will return when you leave the house. Training them with a positive association to a crate will prevent them from getting destructive around the house, and will also stop them from fearing the crate. Image Source: harrisinthehills Instagram Labrahuahua Health Risks Labrahuahuas can live between years and are generally healthy dogs. However, there are some genetic health risks that they are predisposed to because of their parents. Not only this, but your breeder should give you medical information about the parents so you are aware of possible vet bills in the future. Weight Gain Labradors are notorious eaters. They are prone to weight gain as they lack a gene that tells them to stop eating. To prevent injuries from weight gain, such as arthritis and hip dysplasia. Cardiomyopathy Cardiomyopathy is a genetic heart disease that is common amongst all dogs — especially large breeds. This disease is where the heart muscles begin to wear down and thin. This is a genetic disease, which should be noted in medical information by the breeder. PatellarLuxation Small dogs like Chihuahuas are predisposed to patellar luxation. This is a condition where the kneecaps can move out of place, resulting in lameness. Small dogs are prone to this due to how often they jump onto couches and beds. Weight gain can contribute to this, too. Eye Issues Eye problems like cataracts and entropion where the eyelids roll inward are common in most dogs. Labrahuahua Nutrition Each Labrahuahua will have different nutritional requirements, which is why it is important to follow the guidelines set out by a vet. They should eat little and often with enough time to digest the food before or after they exercise. The key to a good nutritional diet for Chihuahua-Lab mixes is to avoid carbs like the plague. High-protein and low-carb kibble is ideal, as this will suit their energy levels without promoting weight gain. You should avoid artificial fillers and stick to all-natural ingredients, as this is the healthiest option for your dog. As this is a rare hybrid, you need to keep an eye on local rescue centers to see if you get lucky. If you cannot find a Labrahuahua in a rescue center, the next option is to find a reputable breeder. Reputable breeders should willingly give you all the necessary documentation, such as medical histories of the parents, proof of licensing, etc. Yes, you can mix a Labrador with a Chihuahua! The safest way to do this is by artificial insemination. How big will a Chihuahua Lab mix get? Generally speaking, a Chihuahua-Lab mix will reach cm tall. It all depends on the size of the parents, as you might be mixing a large Chihuahua with a small Labrador. A Chihuahua-Lab mix will look like a small Labrador with pointy ears, a slightly pointed face, large eyes, short legs, and a slim build. Final Words There you have it, the ultimate guide to the Labrahuahua! As you now know, the Chihuahua-Lab mix is a unique hybrid that comes with little information. With proper training and care, a Labrahuahua can be a wonderful companion for a family. These dogs are friendly and affectionate, but they require a lot of patience and attention to accommodate for their bouts of aloofness and ignorance. The perfect household for a Labrahuahua is one that can provide minutes of exercise daily, consistent obedience training, and a lot of cuddles!
Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. I was dumped, along with my friend, in my foster mom's neighborhood, in the dark during a thunderstorm. I was left to wander on my own and fend for myself. It was absolutely terrifying and I didn't trust that people were trying to help me. After about 3 weeks of being homeless and starving on the streets, ACS finally caught up to me and I ended up at the shelter. But thank goodness my foster mom saw that I was at ACS and after getting spayed and current on all my vaccinations, she came and got me! Now that I know I am safe and my belly is full, I know that I can trust the good humans again and I get to show my true, silly, fun-loving personality. There can never be too much snuggling as far as I'm concerned. I love to sniff around in the backyard but I don't love the water. When my foster mom waters the plants, I run back inside, away from that scary hose! I love to play tug of war with my rope toys and am learning to chase and bring back the ball. I am crate trained and sleep like an angel through the night. I mostly go potty outside, but because I was a street dog and used to going wherever I was, I have had the very rare accident inside, but only a handful of times. And my foster family is helping me remember that I'm only supposed to go outside so I should be an ace at that in no time! I love frozen blueberries, broccoli and cucumbers gotta keep my girlish figure! But my foster mom and sister are working hard with me to teach me the difference between "sit" and "stand" and also working on teaching me to stay. I want to make my foster family proud, so I'm trying hard! I have not been around small kiddos, but I think I would like them - I like anyone who wants to snuggle me! The only thing I don't like are kitties so no feline sibling for me. I am a sweet, sweet girl who just wants to be with my human. I will be your best, most loyal friend forever!
As they got acquainted by e-mails, Hovan was impressed that Bultman wanted to be sure that Hovan would not require her to neuter or spay the dog at an early age. The possible health effects of early spaying and neutering is a topic Hovan, the research facilitator for the Golden Retriever Club of America, holds close to her heart. I'd look at them and wonder how they got so tall. Those sold to families as companion animals, or pets, were routinely neutered. Hovan, like most breeders, requires pet owners to spay and neuter dogs. She began noticing that the age at which dogs were spayed or neutered played a role in the way they looked as adults. Following the guidance of her mother, a board-certified canine and feline practitioner with a large number of Golden Retriever clients, Bultman presented her concerns to Hovan. The junior handler explained that early spay and neuter surgeries may contribute to cruciate ligament and other orthopedic injuries. Her mother, Terri Hartung, D. Then, people began neutering young puppies, and now most people seem to have settled on the age of 6 months for neutering or spaying. A balance needs to be established about what is best for an individual dog. However, recent findings give breeders reasons to think twice about the age recommendations they give puppy buyers for spaying and neutering pets. Among the concerns associated with spaying or neutering prior to sexual maturity are increased risks of hip dysplasia and torn cruciate ligaments, possibly decreased life span, some evidence for increased incidence of hypothyroidism, hemangiosarcoma and osteosarcoma. On the flip side is concern that intact bitches are at risk for mammary cancer. Beyond Behavioral Changes The health effects of neutering and spaying on Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers has been the focus of a recent study. Comparing data on disease incidence and a dog's reproductive status, the researchers have documented correlations that go beyond behavioral changes. The data analysis continues, with publication in a peer-reviewed journal expected in .Lead investigator Benjamin Hart, D. There is much misconception related to the impact neutering has on an animal and whether the age of neutering makes a difference. The veterinary database at the University of California-Davis Veterinary Teaching Hospital provided information about diagnoses and tests performed on Golden Retrievers and 2, Labrador Retrievers. The comprehensive questionnaire gathered information from club members via mailed surveys, with the results posted on the parent club website www. The database included information about 1, Golden Retrievers from respondents. A clinical animal behaviorist, Hart has devoted his career to studying the behavioral effects of castration on dogs, cats and horses. Only about 25 to 30 percent of the dogs we studied show a major change in behavior after neutering. She estimates that among her clients with large breeds, about 75 percent of male dogs are neutered after 1 year of age and 50 percent of bitches after their first heat. For these clients, I emphasize the important of practicing obesity prevention. In countries where most bitches are left unspayed, the statistics are clear that intact bitches are at increased risk for mammary cancer. The question is how does spaying at 12 months, which is very different from leaving a bitch intact throughout life, alter the risk? I advise people to wait. After researching the topic, Hovan wrote a reference-supported article, titled "Deciding Whether and When to Neuter a Golden Retriever," which she shares with puppy buyers and suggests that they share with their veterinarians. More research is needed to document the health effects of early spaying and neutering, Hartung says. If for some reason or another that wait is too long then please wait until your puppy is at least 12 months old if possible. It is very important keep the weight off your pup at any age but especially when they are young and still growing! When a dog gets fixed, especially early on in its life, it becomes easier for them to gain weight faster. Overweight dogs are a lot more prone to issues such as OCD, hip dysplasia, diabetes, cancer, lower immune system, etc. The study, which examined the health records of golden retrievers, found a surprising doubling of hip dysplasia among male dogs neutered before one year of age. This and other results were published Feb. While results of the new study are revealing, Hart said the relationship between neutering and disease-risk remains a complex issue. Dog owners in the United States are overwhelmingly choosing to neuter their dogs, in large part to prevent pet overpopulation or avoid unwanted behaviors. In the U. In Europe, however, neutering is generally avoided by owners and trainers and not promoted by animal health authorities, Hart said. During the past decade, some studies have indicated that neutering can have several adverse health effects for certain dog breeds. Those studies examined individual diseases using data drawn from one breed or pooled from several breeds. Against that backdrop, Hart and colleagues launched their study, using a single hospital database. The study was designed to examine the effects of neutering on the risks of several diseases in the same breed, distinguishing between males and females and between early or late neutering and non-neutering. The researchers chose to focus on the golden retriever because it is one of the most popular breeds in the U. The breed also is favored for work as a service dog. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for two joint disorders and three cancers: hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tear, lymphosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma and mast cell tumor. The dogs were classified as intact not neutered , neutered early before 12 months age , or neutered late at or after 12 months age. The study revealed that, for all five diseases analyzed, the disease rates were significantly higher in both males and females that were neutered either early or late compared with intact non-neutered dogs. Specifically, early neutering was associated with an increase in the occurrence of hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tear and lymphosarcoma in males and of cranial cruciate ligament tear in females. Late neutering was associated with the subsequent occurrence of mast cell tumors and hemangiosarcoma in females. In most areas, the findings of this study were consistent with earlier studies, suggesting similar increases in disease risks. The new study, however, was the first to specifically report an increased risk of late neutering for mast cell tumors and hemangiosarcoma. Furthermore, the new study showed a surprising percent increase, or doubling, of the incidence of hip dysplasia among early-neutered males. Earlier studies had reported a 17 percent increase among all neutered dogs compared to all non-neutered dogs, indicating the importance of the new study in making gender and age-of-neutering comparisons. About UC Davis For more than years, UC Davis has been one place where people are bettering humanity and our natural world while seeking solutions to some of our most pressing challenges. The university offers interdisciplinary graduate study and more than undergraduate majors in four colleges — Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Engineering, and Letters and Science. It seems that the more research I do, the more confused I become. It is VERY controversial. The biggest problem I run into is that most veterinarians are very strong on their stance and unwavering in their opinion. Because of this. I personally have a much stronger opinion on when to spay a female than when to neuter a male. From most veterinarians and multiple websites, I believe that a female should be spayed prior to having her first heat. Again, some veterinarians believe you should wait until the first heat, but the majority of theriogenologists reproductive veterinarians and practicing veterinarians agree that it should be done before the first heat. The reason for this is that studies have shown that females who are spayed prior to a heat have almost little to no chance of many types of reproductive cancers. For example, breast cancer Mammary neoplasia is very common in female Golden Retrievers. In fact, it is the most common tumor type in female dogs. Female dogs that are spayed prior to going into their first heat have a 0. Female English Golden Retrievers typically go into their first heat between months old. Our average English Golden Retriever goes into heat closer to months of age. Our recommendation is to have a female spayed between months of age. They are not themselves. They will do whatever they can do to get to the female, even if that means breaking out of their enclosure. If there is an intact female anywhere near where you live and she goes into full estrus, then beware because your male will do whatever he can to get to her. That could obviously be very dangerous, because he could get run over, stolen or produce a litter of pups. But most clients are actually quite surprised at how fast their dog recovers from the surgery. I am always amazed by how tough Golden Retrievers are. Usually they recover in a few short days. As pet owners, we want to make sure that our furry friends are healthy and happy! Key Takeaways Timing of spaying or neutering should be personalized based on factors like age, gender, and individual health. There are alternatives to traditional spaying and neutering, such as vasectomy and hysterectomy. What Are Spaying And Neutering? Spaying and neutering are common treatments that can help keep our furry friend healthy and happy and keeps them from reproducing! Spaying female dogs involves removing the ovaries and uterus while neutering male dogs involves removing the testicles. These operations are frequently performed by a veterinarian while the dog is anesthetized. The timing of when to spay or neuter your Golden Retriever is a decision that should be made carefully, taking into consideration various factors. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, here are some general guidelines to help you determine when to spay or neuter your Golden Retriever: Consult with Your Veterinarian: Your veterinarian is your best source of guidance. Consider Age: Traditionally, many dogs were spayed or neutered at a very young age, often around six months old. However, recent research suggests that for larger breeds like Golden Retrievers, it may be beneficial to wait until they are older months to allow for proper growth and development. Gender Matters: The ideal timing can vary between males and females. Male Golden Retrievers can typically be neutered around six to nine months of age, but consult your vet for the best timing. Your vet can help you weigh the pros and cons. If you intend to breed, consult with a professional breeder for guidance on the best timing. Behavioral Considerations: Spaying or neutering can have an impact on certain behaviors like aggression or marking. Discuss these concerns with your vet. Local Regulations: In some areas, spaying or neutering may be required by law. Ensure you are aware of any local regulations. Benefits Of Spaying And Neutering Spaying and neutering our pets can provide numerous benefits, such as population control, improved behavior, cost savings, and the promotion of excellent health. Potential Health Benefits of Spaying for Female Golden Retrievers Prevention of unwanted pregnancies Elimination of the risk of uterine infections pyometra Reduced risk of mammary gland tumors Decreased likelihood of ovarian and cervical cancers Potential Health Benefits of Neutering for Male Golden Retrievers Prevention of unwanted pregnancies Reduced risk of testicular cancer Lower incidence of prostate problems Diminished chances of certain behavioral issues related to intact males However, each dog is unique, and the benefits of spaying or neutering may vary depending on the breed, age, and overall health of the particular dog, so it is vital to consult with a veterinarian. The costs of spaying and neutering your Golden Retriever can vary significantly based on factors like location and the age and size of your dog. Keep in mind that actual costs may differ depending on your specific circumstances and geographic region. The risk of problems is normally low, but as with any surgery, there is always the possibility of complications such as bleeding, infection, or severe responses to anesthesia. When it comes to spaying or neutering, there are a few potential risks to keep in mind, just as with any surgery. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Anesthetic risks: Your dog will be sedated throughout the procedure, and issues such as breathing difficulties, allergic responses, or unpleasant reactions to the anesthesia are possible. Infection: There is a small risk of infection at the incision site following surgery. Your veterinarian will use sterile techniques and, if necessary, prescribe antibiotics to reduce this danger. Bleeding: There is a small danger of bleeding with any procedure. During the surgery, your veterinarian will take efforts to reduce any bleeding and will follow your dog afterward. Pain: Some dogs may experience pain or discomfort following the operation. Your veterinarian will provide pain medication to alleviate any discomfort. Unpleasant reactions: Some dogs may have an adverse reaction to the surgery, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite, in rare situations. Your veterinarian will take precautions to reduce dangers and will provide you with post-operative instructions to promote good healing and recovery. Tips After the Procedure Following a spay or neuter procedure, it is critical to provide your pet with extra TLC to aid in its recovery. Here are some things to remember: Allow your dog to relax and confine him to a small, quiet area for the time indicated by your veterinarian. This will keep them from getting overly enthusiastic and running around, which will slow down the healing process. Give it exactly as advised, and notify your vet if you discover your dog is still in pain. Keep their incision clean and dry, and keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as redness or discharge. Gradually increase their activity: During the healing phase, your dog should be restricted from strenuous activity, but you can gradually raise their activity level as directed by your veterinarian. Check-in with your veterinarian. Keep an eye out for them. Remember that each dog is unique, and healing times can vary. Most importantly, provide them with love and affection during their recuperation. There are a few spaying and neutering options, but they are not as extensively used or as effective as traditional spaying and neutering. Consider the following alternatives: 1. Vasectomy for males : Purpose: A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that prevents a male dog from fathering puppies without removing the testicles. Procedure: During a vasectomy, the vasa deferentia tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra are cut or blocked. This prevents the release of sperm during ejaculation but allows the male dog to maintain sexual behaviors and characteristics. Reversibility: Vasectomies are often considered reversible, but success rates may vary. Reversal surgery can attempt to restore fertility by reconnecting the vasa deferentia. Hysterectomy for females : Purpose: A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus womb in female dogs while preserving the ovaries. This prevents pregnancy and eliminates the risk of uterine infections pyometra and certain reproductive cancers. Procedure: During a hysterectomy, the uterus is surgically removed, while the ovaries are left intact. This allows the female dog to maintain her hormonal balance and prevents pregnancy. Reversibility: Unlike spaying ovariohysterectomy , a hysterectomy is not reversible because the uterus is removed. However, the dog retains her ovaries and hormonal functions. Both vasectomy and hysterectomy offer alternatives to traditional spaying and neutering, allowing dogs to keep some of their natural hormone balance and behaviors while preventing reproduction. Conclusion Deciding whether to spay or neuter your Golden Retriever involves weighing the pros and cons carefully. Alternative options are also worth exploring. Neutering may help reduce some behaviors associated with mating instincts, but individual Golden Retrievers may still remain playful and energetic. Do female dogs behave better after being spayed? Spaying can potentially reduce certain behaviors related to the estrus cycle, but improvements in behavior vary among individual dogs. What to expect after spaying a golden retriever? After spaying, expect some mild discomfort and restlessness in your Golden Retriever for a few days, but recovery is generally smooth. How do I comfort my dog after being spayed? Are dogs still playful after being spayed? 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. These procedures were typically performed before the dog reached six months of agethe accepted standard in the veterinary profession. The decision was never risk free, of course. By eliminating the dog's reproductive capacity you're also shutting down the production of hormones that affect metabolismthe reason spayed and neutered dogs are at higher risk for becoming obese. Still, the long-term health implications were believed to be overwhelmingly positive. In recent years, however, this picture has begun to change. Benjamin L. They tracked the histories of numerous other breeds as well. Specifically, they looked at the incidence of three joint disorders hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cruciate ligament injury and four cancers hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, lymphoma, and mast cell tumors. They also looked at the incidence of mammary cancer in females. What they discovered was surprising. In males neutered before six months of age, however, the incidence of joint disorders jumps to 23 percent, and in males neutered between six months and one year to 11 percent. The percentage of joint disorders for female goldens spayed in those time frames is about the same. The risk increases to 13 percent for males neutered before six months and to 12 percent for males neutered between six months and their first birthday. Based on these findings, the suggested guideline for golden retriever males is to delay neutering until they're beyond one year of age. Given these findings, Hart strongly recommends leaving female goldens intact or, if that's not possible, delaying spaying until after the one-year threshold and, in his words, "remaining vigilant for cancers. This preserves the hormonal "factory" while eliminating the possibility of pregnancy and the discharge associated with estrus. However, fewer veterinarians are qualified to perform this procedure than are qualified to perform a traditional spay. For Labs, there is good news in one respect. Hart and his team found no correlation between spaying or neutering and increased risk of cancers, regardless of when the procedures are performed. But while intact Labs of either sex have a 6 percent risk for joint disorders, the risk for males neutered before six months jumps to 9 percent and for females spayed any time before their first birthday to 11 percent. The obvious conclusion is to delay neutering until after six months, and spaying until after one year. And what of the conventional wisdom that spaying sharply reduces the risk of mammary cancer? The incidence of mammary cancers in intact females of both breeds is only about 1 percent. The hope is that our research will help to extend the working lives of Labs and goldens and promote their basic comfort. Still, every owner should make the decision to spay or neuter not only in light of our findings but in consultation with his or her veterinarian. Shelters often perform the procedure to help reduce the number of homeless dogs. Some pet parents also do it to control aggressive or highly sexualized behavior, or to protect a dog from repeated and unwanted pregnancies. But while the procedure is common, it is not without risk. In particular, fixing your dog when they are too young can predispose them to a variety of serious health conditions in the future. Spaying is the process for female dogs and involves an operation that removes their reproductive organs. Neutering is the process for male dogs and involves removing their testicles. Dogs that have not been fixed are referred to as intact. When should I spay a female golden retriever and neuter a male golden retriever? Doing it earlier than this cuts off access to hormones that they need for healthy development and can lead to joint problems and hypothyroidism in both male and female golden retrievers, and a predisposition to various forms of cancer in female golden retrievers. Traditional advice has always been that dogs should be spayed or neutered before six months of age to diminish the chances of them developing uterine infections. But research now suggests that for at least some dog breeds, fixing operations should be delayed because doing it too soon can cause other health issues. Golden retrievers are one of the breeds that certainly should not be fixed before six months of age, and it is recommended to wait until they are at least a year old. Many vets are now also recommending not to spay female golden retrievers at all unless it is absolutely necessary. As we have already said, there are a variety of reasons you might choose to put your dog through this process. It protects against overpopulation in general and unwanted pregnancy on a specific level. It can help diminish behavior issues such as territorial behavior and humping. It can also help protect against certain health issues. For example, it significantly decreases the risk of testicular and pancreatic cancer in male dogs. You can learn more about the benefits of spaying and neutering here. You should always speak to your vet to decide whether spaying or neutering is the right choice for you and your dog. What are the risks of fixing your Golden Retriever too soon? Joint Issues Research suggests that fixing any dog before the age of six months can lead to serious joint issues. They are four to six times more likely to develop joint problems such as hip dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament tears. Hip dysplasia is when the femur thigh bone does not fit together with the pelvis in the way that it should. It can cause both pain and difficulty when moving, which is likely to increase over time for your dog. Cranial cruciate ligaments are the main ligaments active in the knee joint, and these can be prone to tearing in dogs. The result is a lot of pain, and they may be unable to bear their weight on the affected leg. In the long term, this condition can increase the chances of arthritis in the knee. The theory is that sex hormones play a crucial role in the development of healthy joints, and therefore cutting off access too soon can undermine healthy development. This problem is a particular concern with certain breeds, such as golden retrievers and also Labrador retrievers, as they are already predisposed toward joint issues. So, spaying or neutering too soon significantly increases their risks. Hypothyroidism Another potential issue for all dogs when they are fixed too soon is the development of hypothyroidism. This is when the thyroid is underactive, and therefore, slows down bodily functions. It often manifests in unhealthy skin and coat, lethargy, and weight gain. If they develop this condition, they are likely to need an operation and ongoing medication to manage it. Fixing before one year of age increases the risk of hypothyroidism in all dogs. Cancer Neutering male dogs significantly reduces their risk of the most common cancers for them, which are testicular and pancreatic cancer. But spaying female dogs have the opposite effect. Spayed female dogs are three to four times more likely to develop a form of cancer. The most common types are lymphosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumor, and mammary cancer. The risks are high no matter what age your female dog is fixed, which is why many vets are now recommending only spaying female dogs if necessary, especially since it is not as necessary for controlling highly sexualized behavior as it can be in some male dogs. If spaying is necessary, delaying the procedure for as long as possible can help to reduce the risks slightly. By the way, we have this great article about dog pregnancy you might be interested in! FAQs Is spaying or neutering surgery dangerous? While both spaying and neutering are common operations, they are considered major, and therefore, your dog is put under with a general anesthesia. An anesthetic always comes with the risk of serious complications that could result in the death of your dog. Modern medications and monitoring equipment mean that the risks are relatively low, but they certainly exist. How long will my dog be in pain after a fixing operation? That is except for the discomfort of wearing a cone and not being able to jump around. They should be prevented from damaging their stitches for at least two weeks after the operations. Do dogs get depressed after being spayed or neutered? You should expect changes in behavior when your dog returns home from fixing surgery, both resulting from the trauma of the surgery and the changes in their hormone levels. Exactly how their behavior will be different varies greatly. You can expect aggression, or anxiety and clinginess. But this should only last for a few weeks as they adjust. Do spayed and neutered dogs get fat? Spaying or neutering your dog does not mean they will get fat! How much does it cost to spay or neuter a dog? Exactly how much these operations cost depends on where you are and the type of surgery you go with. Neutering can help prevent excessive territorial behavior in male dogs and also reduce their risk for common cancers. But for female dogs, the benefits are far less clear, and the process can also significantly increase their chances of developing cancer, so you may choose not to spay at all. If you are neutering or spaying a golden retriever, you can significantly reduce the risks by making sure you do it at the right time. Wait at least a year before the operation so they have enough time to develop in a normal hormonal state. Of course, every dog is different, so always consult your vet. Do you have a fixed golden retriever? Do you have any advice for other golden parents? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Related Article. Deciding Whether and When to Neuter a Golden Retriever Faera Rhonda Hovan A focus on the serious issues of pet overpopulation and unwanted puppies has led to the common practice of neutering dogs prior to sexual maturity, often near the age of six months. While this clearly helps reduce unplanned breedings and thereby may serve the public interest, research is increasingly showing that it may not be in the best health interests of an individual dog with a responsible owner. Breeds of dogs vary considerably with regard to their rate of maturity and risk for specific diseases, and the interaction of these factors with natural hormones should properly be taken into consideration when deciding whether and when to neuter a dog. However, appropriately tailoring neutering recommendations to a breed requires awareness of the ways in which neutering and the age of neutering affect specific breeds, and it may be impossible for veterinarians to know this in detail for every breed. In some cases the findings have been substantiated across many breeds, but relative risk is also defined specifically for Goldens. Please note that there are both health benefits and detriments associated with neutering and various neutering ages, so decisions will need to balance these complex factors. It is relevant to consider what diseases are more and less common in the breed, and also what diseases have greater or lesser consequences to the dog, so that information is also provided. Health Consequences Associated with Neutering and the Age of Neutering Neutered dogs have a higher incidence of hypothyroidism than do intact dogs. Hypothyroidism is a common but treatable disease in the breed. Neutered dogs have a greater incidence of hip dysplasia and torn cruciate ligaments than intact dogs, and there is some evidence to suggest that this risk is most pronounced in dogs neutered prior to sexual maturity. Hip dysplasia is common in Goldens, and torn cruciate ligaments are less common but not rare. Both of these diseases can be treated surgically, but treatment is costly and success is variable depending on many factors. There is some evidence that the incidence of cardiac hemangiosarcoma is greatly increased times in neutered dogs, and that the risk of splenic hemangiosarcoma may also be increased in neutered dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is the most common cancer in the breed, causing the death of approximately 1 in 5 Goldens. Most of these tumors occur in the spleen, with fewer but still a substantial number in the heart. This is a rapidly progressing and incurable cancer. Several studies indicate that the incidence of osteosarcoma bone cancer is significantly higher in neutered dogs than in intact dogs, but there is some evidence that this increase is not as great when neutering occurs after sexual maturity. Dogs neutered prior to sexual maturity grow taller than their natural genetic potential, and their bone structure is altered toward a more narrow, lanky appearance. Taller Goldens have shorter life spans than shorter Goldens. Among male Goldens, the shortest males live 2. Neutered females have a greatly increased risk of urinary incontinence as compared to those not neutered, but there is some evidence that this increased risk is less significant for dogs neutered after sexual maturity. Urinary incontinence is neither common nor rare in Goldens, and can often but not always be treated successfully. If detected early through regular mammary exams, most but not all mammary cancers can be treated successfully with surgery and sometimes additional therapies. Males with one or more testicles located in the abdomen cryptorchidism are at high risk for testicular cancer and should be neutered prior to 15 months of age, which eliminates this risk. It is not necessary to neuter these dogs prior to sexually maturity to avoid testicular cancer. Females that remain intact are exposed to a significant risk for pyometra a life threatening uterine infection that rises with every heat cycle, particularly after the age of five years. Pyometra is a common and rapidly progressing disease in Goldens that must be diagnosed promptly to be successfully treated. Males that remain intact frequently develop an enlarged prostate gland benign prostatic hyperplasia as they age, particularly over the age of seven years. This is not a serious disease, and while it can sometimes be managed medically, neutering affected dogs is curative. This is not to be confused with prostate cancer which is uncommon in the breed, although more common in neutered males than intact males. Taking all of the above factors into consideration, there is good evidence to support that it is in the best overall health interests of the dog to neuter female Goldens after sexual maturity, at approximately one year of age. This typically allows a female to have one heat cycle but not two, which keeps the risk of mammary cancer low while still providing her with some important health benefits gained by maturing with natural hormones. Of course, the female must be kept on leash or securely fenced away from males for the full three weeks of her heat cycle to avoid unwanted pregnancy, so this should not be undertaken unless the owner is able to be certain that there is no possibility of an accidental breeding. If a male is going to be neutered, there is good evidence to support that it is in the overall best health interests of the dog to neuter male Goldens after sexual maturity, at approximately one year of age. Neutering a male after two years of age has less impact on behavior, so if behavioral considerations are important to the owner, neutering should be done prior to the age of two. References Arnold S. Urinary incontinence in castrated bitches. Part I. Significance, clinical aspects and etiopathogenesis. Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd ;.Development of canine benign prostatic hyperplasia with age. Pros ;.A population study of neutering status as a risk factor for canine prostate cancer. Endogenous gonadal hormone exposure and bone sarcoma risk. Canc Epidemiol Biomark Prev ;.Risk factors for excessive tibial plateau angle in large-breed dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease. J Amer Vet Med Assoc ;.Breed risk of pyometra in insured dogs in Sweden. J Vet Intern Med ;.The role of gonadal hormones in the occurrence of objectionable behaviours in dogs and cats. Appl Anim Behav Sci ;.Long-term outcome of gonadectomy performed at an early age or traditional age in dogs. Kustritz MV. Determining the optimal age for gonadectomy of dogs and cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc. Effects of castration on problem behaviors in male dogs with reference to age and duration of behavior. Niskanen M, Thrusfield MV. Associations between age, parity, hormonal therapy and breed, and pyometra in Finnish dogs. Vet Rec ;.Panciera DL. Hypothyroidism in dogs: 66 cases .Epidemiologic, clinical, pathologic, and prognostic characteristics of splenic hemangiosarcoma and splenic hematoma in dogs: cases .Related risk factors for canine osteosarcoma. Vet J ;.Gonadectomy in immature dogs: effects on skeletal, physical and behavioral development. Canine ovariohysterectomy and orchiectomy increases the prevalence of ACL injury. Clin Orthop ;.Sorenmo K. Canine mammary gland tumors. Vet Clin NA ;.Long-term risks and benefits of early-age gonadectomy in dogs. Canine prostate carcinoma: epidemiological evidence of an increased risk in castrated dogs. Mol Cell Endo ;.Incidence, risk factors, and heritability estimates of hind limb lameness cause by hip dysplasia in a birth cohort of boxers. Am J Vet Res. Verstegen J, Onclin K. Etiopathogeny, classification and prognosis of mammary tumors in the canine and feline species. Proceedings, Society for Theriogenology, .Cardiac tumors in dogs:
silver sable german shepherd puppies - What kind of diet do we give our pooches for a healthy weight? What you should never overfeed a dog? You should never ever overfeed your dogs too much carbs as they get stored as fat in the body if they are not used. Unfortunately, carbohydrates are much cheaper an ingredient as compared to the other nutrients like protein. Hence, they are often used by major large dog food manufacturers to make up the weight of dog food whilst keeping the prices of the dog food low. This is the main reason why pets all over the United States are getting obese. And, ironically, this became the driving forces behind the rise of these healthy pet food startups , as their founders seek to provide their own proper and much healthier alternatives. The high fiber content will make your dogs feel content faster and thus eat less. And since fiber does not get stored in the body like carbs do, it can be promising measure to keep your pooch's weight under control. Mathematically, eating less will reduce weight gain. However, it can easily lead to malnourishment if your dog is not given the proper nutrition. We are talking about nutrients beyond the common proteins and carbohydrates. They include omega fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, amino acids and many more! The key here is not to eat less. The key here is to maintain a balanced diet. And what constitutes a balanced diet? That requires a deep understanding and a wide study in the field of pet nutrition to truly determine it; so much that it warrants a university degree. To get the most balanced, holistic and healthiest dog foods , it is often better to leave it to the experts. Have you been scheduling your dog's meal time wrongly? And does it really matter? Scheduling your dog's meal time will tune their stomach to become hungry only at their meal times. Combining this with the right amount of dog food given to them, it will keep your dogs from becoming hungry out of meal hours. In turn, this will maintain their metabolism rate and utilize all the food they consume fully and appropriately. As a bonus, regular meal time will also discourage them from scavenging around the house like little vacuum cleaners as they grow accustomed to the amount of food they are given and to be used for the intervals between meal times. These food brands are not your typical corporate pet food manufacturers. These are pet food startups fueled by the passion from their pet enthusiasts founders who only want the best for all dogs under the sky. Each of them have came up with their own unique formula that will surely satisfy your dogs' taste buds without compromising their health. Click here or the button below to learn more about these bespoke food brands. Underweight and undernourishment is as real an issue as obesity among dogs. Underweight dogs appear thin and frail. And before you know it, they will start to lose all the hair on their coat and look like anything but a dog. These cases created a market of specialized dog food that help your dog to gain weight healthily. Here are 7 of the best dog foods for weight gain that can help your underweight dog get back its glory. Read more by clicking the button below. This is the point between their shoulder blades. Labs reach size maturity relatively early compared to other large breeds. They will likely attain their adult height somewhere around the 9-month mark, although realistically this could occur anywhere between 6 months and a year. After that, they will likely continue to fill out, so you could see their weight continue to increase anywhere up until their second birthday. Are There Different Sizes of Labrador? There is only one official size of Labrador. The differences between the two are because of decades of specialized breeding. English Labs were bred for showing and tend to be shorter, stockier, and on the heavy side. In contrast, American Labs were working dogs, bred for enhanced speed and agility, and for this reason can be somewhat taller, slimmer, and more athletic than their British counterparts not to mention more energetic and highly-strung. Beyond that, the sex of your dog can have an impact. Female Labs tend to be slightly shorter at .They may also weigh slightly less, between pounds compared to pounds. Not a significant difference granted, but a difference, nonetheless. Photo by Janelle Everhart on Unsplash As mentioned above, when Labs get to their adult size at around 9 months , they will likely continue to grow outwards as their muscles develop. This means their weight will keep going up for a while. Our interactive puppy growth chart and calculator has more information on that. Check out these guides on best dog food for puppies here. How Big is a Full-Grown Labrador? As can be seen in the table above, a full-grown Labrador Retriever is somewhere between .Labradors usually get to half their full weight between 4. You can calculate their potential adult weight at 23 weeks by taking what they weigh at that age and multiplying it by two. By six months old, your Labrador has likely achieved around two-thirds of their adult weight. At this time, usually weighing at least double what they did four months ago, they will be reaching the end of their rapid growth period. The remainder of the growing that they do will be at a steadier pace and will likely stretch across the next six months, if not longer. While your Lab may seem big and adult in appearance at this age, keep in mind that they are still a puppy in many ways. Photo by Ryan Phillips on Unsplash Those of you considering a pedigree breed, such as the Labrador Retriever, over hybrid dogs like Doodles will be relieved to hear that making predictions about their adult size is a much simpler business. However, there can still be considerable variations in the adult size and weight of perfectly healthy Labs. Hopefully, the information provided here proves usual in helping you to understand precisely what you are likely to be dealing with in terms of the height and weight of your pup a couple of years down the line. Pin It! The rate that a puppy will grow depends on several factors, just like their adult weight does. Generally though, the breed and size category are good indicators of how fast they will gain weight. Larger breeds may not be fully grown until they are 12 to 18 months old, while extra-large breeds might not reach their adult weight until they are 24 months old. Curious how much you should feed your puppy? Try our calorie calculator to estimate how much food they need. Puppy Growth Chart The chart below shows the difference in growth progression for different breed sizes and when you might expect to see the most growth in your puppy. Knowing how much your dog weighs is important, especially when determining how much water they should drink or how dangerous chocolate is for them. If you do not have a scale at home that you can use to weigh your dog, most vets will allow you to drop by for a quick weight check. When do Dogs Stop Growing? As we mentioned above, the size of the dog impacts when they might reach their adult weight. Smaller breeds generally stop growing completely at months, while larger dogs stop growing at months. If you have children, we also have a height prediction calculator that you might find interesting. Recommended Pet Resources. All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. Your Labrador Retriever will grow very fast in its first 45 weeks. At 45 weeks, your Labrador Retriever will have reached 95 percent of its adult weight. Then your Labrador Retriever will slowly stop adding more weight. The above discussion is general, and it applies to both male and female Labrador Retrievers. However, male dogs usually grow at a different rate compared to female dogs A male Labrador Retriever will grow very fast in its first 47 weeks. At 47 weeks, a male Labrador Retriever will have reached 95 percent of its adult weight at 47 weeks. A male Labrador Retriever will then slowly stop adding more weight. Similarly, a female Labrador Retriever will grow very fast in its first 44 weeks. At 44 weeks, a female Labrador Retriever will have reached 95 percent of its adult weight at 44 weeks. A female Labrador Retriever will then slowly stop adding more weight. See the growth graph of a Labrador Retriever below. As you can see in the Labrador Retriever growth curve below, the Labrador Retriever grows really fast in its early weeks, and then its growth levels off till it reaches percent of the adult weight. This Labrador Retriever growth calculator is based on the typical weight curve of a Labrador Retriever shown above. The calculator assumes that your Labrador Retriever is growing normally, and not on its way to become overweight or underweight. Weight of the Labrador Retriever. Weight in the dark green region is typical, though weight in the light green region is also possible Adult Labrador Retrievers typically weigh between 55 to 80 pounds. Above is a graph that shows how much a Labrador Retriever should weigh at different ages. Check where the weight of your Labrador Retriever falls in the graph for its age. It is totally fine if the weight of your Labrador Retriever falls in either the dark green or light green region of the graph. However, weight in the dark green region is more typical for Labrador Retrievers. If the weight of your Labrador Retriever falls outside both the dark and light green region for its age, then you should consult a vet. Also, you can use the Labrador Retriever weight calculator below to find the typical weight and the normal weight range of Labrador Retrievers, male or female, of any age between 12 weeks and weeks. The calculator will also tell you if your Labrador Retriever is within the normal weight range for the Labrador Retriever. This Labrador Retriever weight calculator uses information from belpatt. What is the Height of the Labrador Retriever? The adult Labrador Retriever is 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder. This is the average adult height of the Labrador Retriever. This is How to Tell Puppy growth predictors, growth charts, and growth calculators like the ones above are approximate methods for predicting growth in dogs. However, these tools have limited capabilities. Doing this with your Labrador Retriever will give you a clearer picture of how your Labrador Retriever is growing. Our tool will also let you know if your Labrador Retriever is growing normally. You can use this growth trajectory to accurately predict how big your Labrador Retriever will get. The growth trajectory will also let you know very early if your Labrador Retriever will become overweight or underweight. And these days, pets gain weight very easily because their owners spoil them with lots of treats and food. Below is what a normal growth pattern and what abnormal growth patterns look like in Labrador Retrievers. You can compare your Labrador Retriever growth trajectory against these references to see if your Labrador Retriever is growing normally or you can use our automatic tool. The first method, which is the better and more accurate method to weigh your Labrador Retriever, is to use a dog weighing scale. Having a scale for weighing your Labrador Retriever will make it easy for you to weigh your Labrador Retriever regularly without any trouble. The scale that we recommend for weighing the Labrador Retriever is this high durability and affordable W. Click here to check out this scale on Amazon. Then use the same scale to weigh yourself without your Labrador Retriever. Then calculate your weight when holding your dog minus your weight when not holding your Labrador Retriever. This method is illustrated in the picture below. However, note that this method of holding your dog on a scale is not very accurate, and it may be difficult for you to use this method to weigh your Labrador Retriever if your Labrador Retriever is very heavy or if your Labrador Retriever is the type that would not stay still while being held. Starting at 4 months, your Labrador Retriever will gain 1. At 5 months of age, your Labrador Retriever will grow at a rate of 1. Then at 6 months, your Labrador Retriever will gain 1. See the growth rate chart of the Labrador Retriever below Age Months. The Lab puppy weight chart shows you the average weight for male and female Labs every month from 2 months old, up until 12 months if you have a puppy Lab, check out our New Puppy Checklist to learn more about what to bring home for your first 24 hours and beyond. Doing so helps you and your veterinarian keep your puppy healthy. Are There Different Sizes of Labradors? Among the retriever breeds, the Labrador is one of the largest, where an adult male can top the scales at 80 pounds. Labrador Retrievers may differ in size due to individual variation and outside influences, such as the amount or type of food they eat, the amount or frequency of exercise they get, or underlying health conditions that may affect appetite or growth. But overall, a retriever should ideally hit a 5 out of 9 on the body condition score, regardless of the actual weight number on a scale. A healthy size Labrador has an evident abdominal tuck and observable waist, viewed from both the side and top of the dog. The AKC considers Lab puppies to be in adulthood when they reach 12 to 18 months of age, though there are outliers — those who grow faster or slower, reaching maturity either before 1 year old or not until 2 years old. Like other large dog breeds, Labs go through multiple stages of puppyhood until they reach adulthood. The average height for Labrador puppies is largely unknown due to insufficient data, but the average adult Labrador Retriever gets to be about inches tall at the shoulder. These numbers are contingent on the puppy receiving top-notch care, good nutrition, and appropriate levels of exercise. Different factors, such as health, breeding practices, and nutrition, may alter these estimated numbers. The below Labrador weight calculator can help you determine approximately how big your Labrador will be. But there are dogs who will fall outside of these parameters. The Waltham Petcare Science Institute offers puppy growth charts for veterinarians to use with their clients. You can also learn more about the ideal size and weight at different ages for different breeds with our Goldendoodle growth chart , a Golden Retriever size chart , Great Dane growth chart , or Chihuahua size chart. For that advice, consult your veterinarian. However, their weight can vary quite a bit. Male and female Labrador Retrievers vary slightly in size. According to the official breed standards of the AKC , males weigh about pounds, while females weigh pounds. Almost all dogs fall within this guideline, though there may be a few rarer dogs just on the outside of the weight guidelines. Because of how carefully bred these dogs often are, this is extremely rare, though. Male Labrador Retrievers stand between .Females stand at .As you can see, males Labrador Retrievers can be a bit larger than females, though they may not necessarily be. This is particularly true for American Labs. In other countries, the weight and height minimum for males is often higher than it is in America. What does a 4-month Labrador Retriever weigh? From their birth to about six months, Labrador Retriever puppies grow very rapidly. Right after birth, they often gain about two pounds a week or more. This rapid weight continues as the puppy ages. By four months, most Labrador Retrievers weigh about 25 pounds. Smaller dogs will often stay smaller at this point, while larger dogs often stay bigger. How big is a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever? Labrador Retrievers should continue to gain at least two pounds a week until they reach six months old. Most of them will gain even more than this, putting the average weight of a 6-month-old Lab at 50 pounds. That is double what they weighed at four months. However, six months does mark the end of this rapid period of growth. The average Labrador will typically start growing slower at this point, though they will still grow for quite a while. When is a Labrador Retriever fully grown? Most Labrador Retrievers reach their full height at around six to 12 months. Typically, they grow very quickly in the first six months of their life, but this growth slows down considerably after the sixth month. After that, they may still continue to gain a little bit of height, but their full adult height has basically been reached. Many dogs are often lanky during this period for this reason. However, once they reach their full height, the calories can be put towards muscle gain and fat storage. Too many calories can make the dog grow too quickly, which can cause hip dysplasia and other problems. Your dog will have plenty of time to bulk up. Because all Retrievers such as also Flat-Coated and Golden Retrievers are very food-motivated, you need to be careful to not overfeed your dog. Is a Labrador a medium or large dog? Technically, a Labrador Retriever can fall into either the medium or large category. They straddle the line as a breed. Individual dogs will either fall at the upper end of the medium category or rest just inside the large category. For this reason, they are often described as medium-to-large-sized dogs. What is a healthy weight for a Labrador? This depends on the dog. The health range for a Labrador is pounds if they are a male and pounds if they are a female. That is a large range. A dog that is naturally 55 pounds would be terribly overweight at 80 pounds. They will be able to accurately weigh your dog and determine if they are a healthy weight or not. Why is my Labrador so skinny? Many Labradors will appear skinny as puppies. It takes them until about the age of two to bulk up to their adult weight. They will bulk up naturally as they age. Gaining weight too fast can put unnecessary strain on their joints, which can cause health problems further down the road. It may seem that your Lab practically stops growing after about six months. However, they do have growth spurts after this, and they are all focused on muscle and fat gain. This especially applies if your Labrador is a senior dog that has stopped eating. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. 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silver sable german shepherd puppies - Remind children to be calm and gentle. One of the healthiest things you can do for your puppy is give pup lots of love and attention lots and lots of attention. Dogs are extremely loyal by nature and are happy when they please you. Studies show that emotionally, dogs benefit from being petted by humans as mush as humans do from petting dogs. So spend time with your little companion. Melanies Gorgeousdoodles Puppies, my loving passion The first few months are very important for establishing good habits. It is always best to be prepared and read up on the best early training skills. Remember you have to train yourself and your family to be consistent! Here are some things you can do to help your Labradoodle pup feel as comfortable as possible. Teach children to always when hand feeding puppy dog a treat to do so with food in palm -of -their -hand. Many commercial foods are acceptable but be sure to choose a well-balanced one without any grians and no corn meal. Exercising doodle puppy Exercise is an important part of labradoodles overall health Puppy develops good motor skills and balance and life skills from being out and about. Playing games such as fetch challenge a puppy mentally. Remember, exercising helps puppy go poop so take a poop scoop. Rinse thoroughly and stand back — doodle will shake and shake! Grooming Brushing or combing with a wide tooth comb your Labradoodle regularly keeps his coat looking nice and it feels good to your doodle. And just as important, this is time for you puppy to bond. Important that you keep or have a groomer your doodle hair trimmed a little around their eyes, month and privates. There are lots of good book on dog training! Her website has a lot of excellent resources. Click to find link to order Virbac products for the best price. Training We Recommend: A Great Beginning: We start to train and work with our puppies from the first day, socializing as well as following the suggested guidelines of the best trainers in the US. We have a well researched program of using sounds, small tasks, toys and other materials to influence and help your puppy be an easy going, fun loving, social and well trained adult. Trainers tell us that the most important time for your puppy is between 8 and 11 weeks so we work with you to understand what you can do to continue to prepare your puppy for the world. Training: We recommend training your puppy as much as possible. The best puppies know their boundaries and are taught what is expected with love and devotion. The sooner your puppy is trained the sooner it is given more freedom. Therefore, strict training results in big rewards for puppy and owner. Labradoodles are easily trained. They should be completely potty trained within 4 to 6 weeks after pick up. Most are sitting, staying, shaking paws, and retrieving by 3 months of age, many can get the newspaper and more by then with proper attention. Puppies will jump up and it takes time and consistency to break this habit early. Crate training or room training is recommended: First I will cover crate training then room training. Crate Training: First get over the fact that to you it is a cage, to them it is a safe place when they are alone, safe from outside things and noises puppies have yet to become fearless of. They view it as their cave, a place they can sleep with the peace of mind. The crate should be just big enough for them to stand up, walk in a circle, and lay down. This is a different size at 8 weeks as it is at 4 months. Therefore I like something like the Life Stages Ultima Triple Door Folding Dog Crates from Petsmart where there is an additional wall that can be adjusted to increase the crate size as the puppy grows. It should contain toys. Bedding is typically used to pee on so do not use bedding until later once the dog can easily go all night without "going". I think the crate should be in a room, a selected safe room that later when the crate is no longer used becomes the place that when visitors come over who are not "dog people", the dog would stay in while these visitors are there. The first night the crate can be in a bedroom close to people and then later moved into the safe room if you desire. Some puppies pee in their crate at first and some don't, have patience. The point of the crate is to discourage peeing for a period of time. First crate the puppy for an hour or two and at night, then gradually longer. The point is to take the dog out before it has to go to the bathroom and as time goes by it can hold it longer and longer. Never more than 4 hours except at night when at first I recommend you get up twice during the night and let the puppy out, after two days wait and let the puppy out once in the middle of the night, gradually extend the wait time an hour until finally they have gone all night. After a few months I recommend graduating to room training. Remember to remove food and water an hour or more before leaving the dog in the crate, the puppy should be let outside and empty when left in the crate. Room Training: Select a safe room that when visitors come over who are not "dog people", the dog would stay while the visitors are there. For example, an extra bathroom or utility room. It should contain a wee pad if needed and toys. Bedding is typically used to pee on so do not use bedding until later. Some puppies pee in their space at first and some don't, have patience. This is the reason for the wee pad, see "wee pad" for how this is used and gradually removed. The point of the room is to discourage peeing for a period of time and keep them out of trouble. First confine the puppy for an hour or two and at night, then gradually longer. The room should be used up to a year when you are gone and at night. The sooner the puppy is trained and you can trust them the sooner they have free roam of the house. Remember to remove food and water an hour or more before leaving the dog, the puppy should be let outside and empty when left in the room. Wee pads: We put wee pads in the utility room when the puppies move into there, the wee pad is placed to one side. They have some chemical that draws the puppies.Take them out as much as possible; the point of the wee pad is an emergency situation only. Eventually they only use the wee pads at night. I suggest the wee pad be placed close to bed, in their "room" or at the back door in case someone doesn't notice them at the door. It works like this, and please don't punish them for using the wee pad but don't congratulate them either, congratulate them when they go outside. Eventually they select to please you versus the wee pad and then they just stop using the wee pad. When it is dry for a few days take it away.Food: We recommend free food and water all day if you are home. We use the best puppy food available. We do not feed people food to our dogs ever, some things you would never imagine are actually toxic listed below. When you pick up your puppy we give you a bag of food so you can continue it or mix it with whatever you desire slowly decreasing the amount of our food over time. But understand what you are feeding your dog. To find a good food read the first 5 ingredients on the bag. Now ask the following questions: What are the protein sources? We believe the primary source should come from quality animal protein, not vegetable protein or grain. Foods that list 2 or more grains in the first 5 ingredients may have more vegetable protein than animal protein. We prefer Chicken as the main ingredient. What about grains? Two or more grains listed in the first 5 ingredients means your food may have more vegetable protein than animal protein. Grains such as soy, corn, corn gluten and wheat gluten can be difficult to digest, which means less nutrition, possible allergic reactions and more clean up. Wheat, barley, rice, corn and oats are all man-raised crops that a dog would never eat in the wild. These ingredients are not properly digested and in many situations cause a dog to show allergy symptoms. Are there by-products? Some manufacturers consider by-products inferior sources of protein and, depending on the source, they can be difficult to digest. These ingredients contain meat sources that are typically unsuitable for human consumption. What are the fat sources? Some fats are better than others. We believe the primary fat source in dog food should be animal based because animal fats contain a profile of fatty acids that are easily metabolized and thus are generally more available to the body. Fatigue Behavior changes loss of appetite, reluctance to engage, etc. If you notice any of these signs, make an appointment with your vet so they can perform screenings such as chest x-rays, blood tests, and an echocardiogram an ultrasound of the heart and nearby blood vessels to assess the issue. The condition can be serious if left untreated, but thankfully there are many treatment options available, such as diet therapy and medication. What To Feed a Labradoodle To live a long and happy life, Labradoodles must consume the proper amount of high-quality dog food and have access to fresh water. A balanced diet will help your pup maintain a healthy weight and avoid health conditions such as heart disease and hip dysplasia. If a pet parent is willing and able to cook for their dog, Whittenburg suggests a fresh, homemade diet that has been formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Boutique brand and grain-free foods should be avoided. That includes servings of food in the right amount that provides more than 40 nutrients that pets require in their respective life stages, including proteins, fats, carbs, and vitamins, minerals, and independent amino acids, according to the Pet Food Institute. While there is no one-size-fits-all way to feed a Labradoodle and a consultation with your vet is recommended, Whittenburg says Labradoodle puppies under 6 months old should generally be fed a minimum of three times a day and adult dogs should be fed twice a day. Unless recommended by a veterinarian, dogs fed a complete and balanced commercial food diet should not need any nutritional supplements. However, Labradoodles that are fed a homemade diet may require supplements to ensure they are getting all the vitamins and minerals necessary to thrive, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, glucosamine, and a variety of antioxidants. Behavior and Training Tips for Labradoodles Labradoodle Personality and Temperament The high-energy, attention-seeking, intelligent Labradoodle requires frequent exercise, interaction, and play. While every Labradoodle is different, proper socialization is a must for helping your dog become a well-behaved companion. These dogs are not known to be excessive barkers, but the right amount of training and exercise is required to ensure they learn to behave appropriately. Labradoodle Training Because Labradoodles are a hybrid of two highly intelligent breeds, they are eager to please and highly trainable, according to Philippou. They can be taught to excel at everything from basic tricks like sit, stay, and roll over to running agility courses. Always use positive-reinforcement techniques, like using treats to reward good behaviors, during training. Due to their gentle and sharp-witted nature, Labradoodles can even be trained to become service dogs. Fun Activities for Labradoodles. We use Madden pin brushes on our labradoodles and have found this brush to be excellent quality. If you catch them in play mode during the day, you will only be reinforcing that brushing time is something to get all riled up about. Nail Clipping Clipping their nails is also a good exercise to do when you find them tired out. They tend to care a lot less about things. You can start by just clipping the nails on one paw. This way your pup learns this is quick and no big deal. It also gives you the opportunity to practice this exercise 4 days in a row, rather than once and then having to wait for them to grow again. When clipping, clip just the tip of the nail where it starts to curve downward, holding the nail clippers parallel to the bottom of the paw. Be careful not to clip too much, otherwise it will hurt and the nail will bleed. Lean towards clipping little bits more often than trying to get a lot off all at once. Ear Cleaning Ear cleaning is something that labradoodles need since they have those long ears that trap and hold in moisture. Check their ears every few weeks and if you notice they look dirty, then get a cotton ball or makeup remover pad, etc. Never push anything down in the ear, you could damage the ear and cause your puppy pain. Do the other side, and finish with an ear drying powder. In fact, over bathing can harm this quality in their coat, and actually cause you to need to bathe more often. If they get dirty, let them dry and simply brush the dirt right out. It is good to get them used to getting wet though, and when you do use shampoo, we recommend a tearless shampoo specifically designed for dogs as their PH balance is different than humans. A good minute walk daily will meet this need your new family member has. Up until then, their joints are developing and jogging on pavement would not be good for their joints. However, this does not mean you have to limit their activity. Running across the yard chasing a ball at their own pace and will is good for their developing body, and talking walks through the neighborhood is an excellent way to meet their exercise needs. Contact General Information and Canine Behavior The pages within the Homecoming Prep segment of our website are private and can only be accessed through the link provided through email and through the link on the Prepare For Puppy page. The button on this page is titled Homecoming Prep. Once you are in the Homecoming Prep section of the website you will need to use your back button to navigate the pages and return to this Homecoming Prep home page. General Information The following links and attachments include general information concerning your puppy. This will help you prepare for your puppy's arrival and get you started on the right foot. Click each page above to see a larger image in a readable size. Puppy Behavior The following links and attachments include general information on caring for your puppy. Please be sure you, your children and all family members understand the signals your puppy is giving you. The puppy is not a toy and not meant to be held at will. Set limits on how many times a day no more than 4 that your child can hold the puppy. Children should only be allowed to hold the puppy if they are seated. Too much handling can physically hurt the puppy as well as begin the process of the puppy not tolerating your child. No walking around carrying the puppy. This is true for all children under 8. Puppies will chew on and sometimes ingest toys. If ingested, the pieces can lodge and cause your puppy to have to undergo surgery that is not always successful. Puppies generally do NOT like to be hugged. Puppies will jump up on people. There are two primary responses that most dogs will respond to. The first is to cross your arms, hiding your hands, and turn around showing the dog your backside and being very still. If your dog continues to jump on you they are not responding to this method and you should not continue trying it. Instead, step right into the space where there front paws are on the ground, being careful not to step on their feet. Repeat this behavior each time your dog jumps and instruct all people who your dog interacts with to do this same thing. Puppies and dogs in general will feed off of the people around them. Those who are very exciteable and talk in high pitched tones will create a dog who responds to seeing people by becoming super amped up and difficult to follow simple commands. Try to limit this. It's not in the puppies best interest to repeatedly be encouraged to escalate the excitement level to this high level. This is when the dog will become less focused and less able to follow your guidance. Keep in mind that your dog will feed off of you, your tone and your energy level. But will you recognize the signs? Imagine your puppy is growling at a child. Could you have prevented this from happening? Perhaps, but you have to know what to look for. Click below to learn more. The Family Dog: Stop the 77 Puppy Development Stages Click the link below for a great resource to learn about your puppies development. Once you get to this site, click on Puppies, then development stages. Use your back button to return to this page. This is usually the first place pictures and video show up. We also have a private Facebook page for owners of our puppies. At this time, you can join this group by answering a few short questions. It is titled Legendary Labradoodles Owners Group. There is info about grooming, vet care, training and all sorts of topics. There are links in the footer of this page to our main Facebook page, not the owners group and our instagram account. If you click on the icon it will take you to our pages. Follow this labradoodle puppy care guide to help with the transition. A few things you might want to have with you when you pick up your puppy are a bottle of water, some baby wipes, and a towel or a blanket. If you are meeting your puppy at the airport, your puppy may be thirsty from the trip. We put a frozen dish of water in the crate, but it is usually long gone by the time your puppy arrives. The wipes are needed in case the puppy may have soiled the crate. The towel or blanket also, in case the puppy has soiled the crate, is for you to hold your puppy or to put in the crate. Using a Leash to Bond with Your Puppy When your puppy first arrives to your home, we suggest you keep the puppy on a leash for the first couple of days. Do your best to have the primary caregiver be the main person handling the leash. We also suggest you not have outside visitors to the home for the first couple of days. Give your puppy some time to adjust to her new family first before she meets your world. Your puppy is going to be a little confused at her new surroundings. From the beginning your puppy needs to learn that she is at the bottom, below even the youngest child. She needs to learn who her main leaders are and what the boundaries are in her new home. Labradoodles are people loving dogs! Your puppy will want to bond. Your puppy is smart and will quickly learn that the person attached at the other end of the leash is important to her. Your Labradoodle will look to you for example and comfort. She will learn that you are her source of not only example and comfort, but also food! Using the leash these first few days will help your new puppy learn who to trust and who to please. Other Advantages of Leash Training Your New Puppy Even if you are not holding onto the leash, you can control where she goes easily by stepping on the dragging leash. This is much more comfortable to a dog than having you lunge over her to get her. Keeping her on a leash also allows you to monitor where your puppy is in the house, and help her learn which rooms you would like her to be in and where she is not allowed. Lastly, having her on a leash helps her adjust to the idea of a leash so that she is ready to be trained to heel on a leash. A crate can be a useful and comforting tool or it can be an overused source of misery for your puppy. We suggest using a crate for very short periods of time during the day and for your puppy to sleep in at night. During the day there will come short periods of time where you have a task to do that requires your full attention. While your puppy is still in the house training stage, the crate can be very valuable to you. By putting your puppy in the crate for short amounts of time during the day, say an hour, maybe two, you can accomplish what you must do and also help puppy control her bladder. As soon as you let her out, immediately take her outdoors to relieve herself. Using the crate this way will encourage her to only go to the bathroom where it is appropriate to go. If your puppy is not crate trained already, you will have to work up to the hour or two hour mark. By the time your puppy arrives, she should be able to sleep around 7 hours through the night in a crate. Of course all puppies are individuals and so the time can vary. Your Golden Xpress Labradoodle puppy is used to being in a crate, but she is also used to smelling and hearing her siblings nearby. She may have adjustments to make in her new home because of this. Another factor in labradoodle puppy care is that their little tummies often get upset over the first couple of weeks in their new homes. To help her adjust to your home atmosphere and sleeping during the night, keep her crate in your bedroom at night. Keeping your hand down by the wire door is comforting to her. Responding to her cries with talking or tapping encourages your puppy to cry and whine more. Tapping on the crate lightly is ok, but not in response to her noise making. Another thing to think about with regard to labradoodle puppy care is if your puppy starts to wet her crate, you need to first check and see if her crate is too big. Generally, dogs do not relieve themselves in their sleeping places. If so, either use a smaller crate or block part off with a box. If her crate seems the right size, you may need to take out anything like blankets or soft materials. When your puppy has successfully kept her crate dry for a couple of weeks, try putting the bedding back in. Feeding Your Puppy At first, your puppy will need to be fed 3 times a day. Once they have adjusted, offer food to them all day so they learn not to gorge at meal time, and always make sure your puppy has clean, fresh water available to her. Feed your puppy in a quiet place, free from distractions. Put a good amount of food in her bowl and let her eat as much as she would like. After about 20 minutes or so, remove the food. Repeat this morning, mid-day and evening. It helps keep teeth and gums in better shape than wet food does. DO NOT feed your puppy people food. Your food does not provide the nutrition that your puppy needs. She will choose to have the people food and not eat her own. Feed your dog people food and you will have one unhealthy puppy. Just make sure you choose high quality dog treats with some nutrition. At Golden Xpress Labradoodles we give our dogs and puppies different kinds of treats: dog biscuits, dog turkey or chicken jerky. The jerky is good for a training aid around the house — to teach the puppy to come or to sit, or down. They are very intelligent and very willing to learn, and this makes them easier to train. Just remember that they are puppies so be patient. Lots of Loves Above all labradoodle puppy care requires lots of love. Make sure you pet her and hold her so she knows she belongs to your family. Labradoodles are loyal, loving dogs — give your puppy your love and she will return it tenfold. Labradoodle puppy care is something we can help you with! SCL has been breeding and raising Labradoodles since .Our opinion is that puppies should be raised with the sights and sounds of a typical home from day one, since it is typical homes our puppies go to. They should be exposed to as many varied sights and sounds as possible. Our puppies are born in our bedroom. A quiet and safe environment for mama to feel secure in is extremely important. A stressed mama releases stress hormones and her milk is affected, which affects babies. The stress hormones pour through the milk to babies resulting in higher stressed dogs as they mature. It is amazing how stress can negatively impact the development of puppies in so many different ways. We do not allow other dogs into the room, or other people into the room. A mama feeling a threat will quickly jump up and can unintentionally step on and harm, or kill, a newborn puppy. All of these reasons and more are why our pups are born away from the traffic of the rest of the house and in a place mama can relax in and feel safe in. We weigh them daily, check their identifying tags, change bedding, clip nails, etc. Just enough handling that they become used to us, but not so much that they are put under negative stress. Once puppies are about weeks old, we move them from our bedroom to our puppy nursery. The sights and sounds puppies are exposed to increase, but we are still able to control the degree of stress to mama and not have her and babies right in the middle of where people are coming and going through the main part of our home. Like most families, we have people in and out all the time, but we do not want mama feeling strangers are a threat, and we do not want visitors feeling they can handle puppies just because they are in the middle of our home. We control the exposure puppies have at this age and introduce them to things carefully. We want every experience to be a positive one. We want our puppies to be safe from disease and bacteria others may bring into our home. Around 4 weeks, they are introduced to a potty box, they begin eating mush, and they have much more people interaction with our family members or friends that have been taught how to properly handle a puppy, so the experience is positive for the puppy. They are exposed to a variety of musical instruments, as we are a musical family. They hear the radio, sometimes a movie on t. We begin introducing little slides and toys and rotate out daily. At about weeks of age, puppies begin being introduced to the great outdoors. We have a wonderful outdoor play yard with artificial turf, play toys, wading pools, and a variety of toys. Pups experience all sorts of new textures under foot, and have room to run and play. They are introduced to crates without doors and quickly learn to love them as a safe place. When weather does not allow for outdoor play, pups have a 12 x 12 indoor play area with much of the same types of toys and structures. During this time their exposure to outdoor things begins. Lawn mowers, goats, horses, cars, cats, chickens, etc. They are taken for walks in a puppy stroller. They visit the vet office. We increase their level of exposure as is positive for them and do everything we can to make sure they are well adjusted, relaxed, happy puppies. In general, we follow a raising and socialization program designed to slowly increase the exposure and stress to puppy as they are able to cope with it in a positive way. Our goal is to provide families with puppies that have had the best start in life that we can possibly give them. Once they leave our care, it is necessary for families to be committed to continuing this positive exposure and socialization. The next few months are just as critical as the first two. Build on the foundation we started and you will end up with one of the most rewarding experiences and relationships with your dog. This video on our YouTube channel visually walks you through all the things you need to prepare for your new puppy. What should you be doing for your puppy once he has joined your family to ensure you are providing the environment necessary to help your puppy be an outstanding companion? At Spring Creek, we are very careful to provide the appropriate socialization and experiences while raising each litter. It is up to every family to continue the careful raising of their puppy during the following critical periods after the puppy has left us. This document is a great resource for understanding what happens as a puppy develops. It is very important to understand that the risk of parvo is much less than the risk of ending up with a puppy with very serious socialization issues that result in families choosing to give up their dogs later or even have them euthanized due to extreme fear and fear aggression issues. A few of the large guide dog organizations have done studies on the risks of parvo versus the risks of poor socialization and found the risk of parvo to be extremely low compared to fear and aggression issues that resulted from well intentioned people keeping their puppies secluded and isolated until vaccinations were completed. We do not encourage keeping your pup isolated, and we DO encourage as much safe socialization as you can find with your puppy in meeting other people and other dogs. That is a wonderful and rewarding experience, but it does require a lot of work as well as require understanding what you need to allow and need to do in order to prevent problems from developing. This includes testing your children. How can you help your puppy and children get along and help your children know what is appropriate handling of a puppy? The info below is invaluable and every family with a child that wants to adopt a puppy should read these pages as well as talk about these things regularly with your children. If you are not supervising your children with your puppy, or if you are not requiring your children to handle puppy appropriately, you are almost certain to have issues develop. He grabs your pants and hangs on while growling. He growls when you try to take something from him. And, you start to wonder if he was the dominant one in the litter. You are sure you are doing everything right and that there is just something wrong with your puppy. ALL puppies growl, nip, and bite. If children are involved in your home, you should not expect a puppy to respect your child, and it will be up to YOU to supervise and make sure you intervene if a puppy growls or nips at your child. Children are not capable of correcting a puppy in an appropriate manner, and if you tell your child to correct puppy, you will likely make the problem worse. Since puppy knows your child does not have the same authority as you do, they will almost certainly react to being corrected by them and growl or nip or bite even more. They see your children as equals and they are treating them as they would another puppy in their litter. Why would you expect anything different from your puppy? He is not a stuffed animal and he does have a mind of his own. Like your teenage child, a juvenile puppy wants to explore their limits and it can be frustrating. Growling and nipping that is part of the normal communication process for a puppy CAN turn into very concerning behaviors if you do not know how to communicate with them properly. How to train properly using rewards and keeping training fun. Understand methods for correcting behavior that will not result in your puppy challenging you further. Always have a calm and confident attitude. If you have read this and are concerned you may not know how to properly deal with normal growling and nipping, then you need to get professional help involved with you and your puppy as soon as puppy is in your home. If you do not, then look for another trainer immediately. Not all are created equal and a trainer who knows what they are doing will absolutely be able to help you train your puppy, identify problems, and know how to resolve them when they come up. We personally highly recommend hiring a behaviorist to help you with training, not just a normal dog trainer. There is a BIG difference between a trainer and a behaviorist and their knowledge is extremely helpful and useful, especially when it comes to working with normal, but problematic behaviors. All foods are not created equal. Many of the ingredients used in dog foods are fillers that have been shown to be the very reason that so many pets are developing diseases that shorten their life span or make their quality of life less than desirable. Do you really want to feed your dog these foods? We have researched dog foods, and have found that there are companies using high quality, holistic ingredients. Foods that are not made with fillers and poor quality ingredients, but foods that will contribute to helping your dog live a long and healthy life. Also, the Dog Food Advisor online reviews dog foods and is an excellent resource to utilize. The cost of a quality food may initially seem high, but remember that you are feeding less than you would if you were purchasing a cheap grocery store food as their system absorbs more of the food and they eat less, which also results in smaller stools. Your dog is a loved family member and deserves to be fed a quality food that will keep him in good health for a very long time. There are a couple of foods on our recommended list for you to consider feeding your puppy. Three brands are available from privately owned local stores as well as can usually be ordered online. All the below foods are from companies that do not have recall histories, have fabulous food reviews from owners and independent dog food review sources, focus on fresh, quality ingredients, and have years of history proving their reliability, safety, and commitment to providing a quality product. We try to keep this list updated with cost breakdown, but prices vary a bit depending on where you purchase, so the prices below may be slightly different than what you find in a storefront or online store as things change constantly. Our preferred quality, all natural puppy food that does NOT contain chicken, beef, fish, wheat, corn, soy, etc. They frequently have intro discounts and if you set up a couple products on auto-ship you get free shipping! Our preferred adult dog food! Does not contain chicken, beef, fish, wheat, corn, soy, etc. When you receive a puppy from us, our recommendation is to continue feeding the food that puppy is accustomed to for at least a couple of weeks. After a few weeks, changing to another food doing a slow transition at least 7 days is completely fine. Please feed a food that does not contain the ingredients below. These are common sources of allergy, digestive, or other health issues for dogs.