what to get a golden retriever puppy

Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! Tom Thorpe Blog Golden retrievers are in demand the world over. They are popular because of their versatility. Goldens make awesome family pets because of their wonderful dispositions. They are also great at hunting and amazing show dogs. You might be wondering what is wrong with your Golden. Overall, there will be nothing wrong with your Golden since growth is not a linear process for any breed. Instead, it might occur in spurts, especially the first 24 months of their life. However, it is crucial to monitor your puppy carefully during this vulnerable stage. It might be both fun and educational to watch your little golden puppy grow and develop. They are at their most impressionable. This is the stage where you can shape the personality of your puppy. In the first seven weeks of life, your golden puppy will be struggling to walk. They might be staggering and falling often. After growing several weeks after birth, the puppy will be able to develop stability while walking. It is extremely crucial at this point that the puppy is with their mother and litter. The mother will instinctively teach the puppy the necessary survival behaviors. During this time, the mother will teach the puppy the importance of obedience and affection. It is crucial to gradually socialize the puppy without separating it from the litter to get used to human interaction. During the third month of the Golden retriever puppy behavior stages, it is important to introduce it to its lifelong human family. It is crucial to spend plenty of time with the new puppy for socialization. But be cautious about moving the puppy around eight weeks or even later. The puppy might get traumatized and experience fear. During this period, any traumatic experience will have a dramatic impact on the puppy. Make sure to mitigate these stressful experiences, and if they do happen, it is crucial to remove the puppy from fear-inducing situations at once. Fourth and Fifth Month During the fourth and fifth month of Golden retriever puppy behavior stages, especially the sixth month, the puppy is already acting like a spunky puppy with full energy and teeth emerging. Make sure to train good habits in them by laying down consistent rules. Be cautious that your puppy might suffer their second fear impact. It might occur during the fifth month or later. During this Golden retriever puppy behavior stages, the puppy will act like a typical puppy—full of unlimited energy and plagued by growing teeth. Promote good habits in the puppy by enforcing rules. Be vigilant about the second onset of fear-impact, which might happen around the fifth month or later. Keep in mind Goldens are eager to please and are extremely trainable. Training classes give them a chance to stimulate their need for physical, social, and mental activity. You must establish a good working relationship with your Golden to build solid obedience skills. You should be able to overcome the challenges of handling a rebellious teenage Golden successfully. You should bond with your dog and develop trust. They will be exploring their potential and form friendships with other dogs and animals. It should be noted that not all dogs will like other dogs. Dogs are just like their human owners. Growth milestones At this Golden retriever puppy behavior stages, they will tend to have a short attention span. They require various activities to expend energy. You might find that they will be teething at this stage. Goldens were bred to carry stuff in their mouth, such as waterfowl. You might find that your Golden will enjoy picking up things with its mouth. Keep in mind that your Golden enjoys communicating. These dogs can be motormouths as well. They will be whining and barking. At this stage, it is crucial to focus on their style of communication. They must know the difference between friendly vocalizations and aggressiveness. Moreover, a dog owner must be able to interpret the body language of their puppy. It should be noted that puppies might undergo a fear stage. Training enables your puppy to work through their common fears that might arise during this developmental stage. Purposely expose them to loud sounds such as thunderstorms, fireworks, and crying babies. They should also witness unexpected movements such as awkward elderly movements and children playing. Exposing them to these will help them develop coping skills. It prevents them from being fearful and recognizes these events as normal and harmless. Purpose of training The purpose of training at this point is to establish schedules, rules, and routines. It is the time to lay down boundaries and expectations in the household. Make sure to explore and discover the talents and interests of your puppy. Most owners ask the breeder for a calm Golden who will simply sit on the couch with them during evenings. After this, they will find that their Golden will be happy to sit by their side at night and watch TV. Training is extremely crucial. Pet owners tend to prepare well for the baby stage, which is 2 to 6 months. However, they find themselves shocked and underprepared to handle their rebellious teenage Golden retriever. Unfortunately, this stage lasts much longer. The sudden spurt can send them to behave in extreme ways. They might be cranky, occasionally feisty, and have bouts of brooding. It is crucial to find friends for your puppy. They must interact with other dogs to release their pent-up energy. They must engage in play such as frolicking and wrestling. Similar to children, they will have their preferences. Respect the choices of your Golden. Although they are over the teething stage, the Golden must indulge their instinct to have something in their mouth. You can stimulate this need by giving toys and instructing them with commands such as drop, leave, and fetch. Keep in mind that at this stage, your puppy will require increased levels of physical stimulation. Engage them in exercises such as fieldwork, diving, and obedience. Scent games and hunting also prove exciting. It also helps them establish crucial traits such as teamwork and respect. At this point, your Golden retriever has overcome a difficult stage, and their well-mannered behavior becomes established. But keep in mind that another fear stage might occur. They are nearing 18 months and are closer to two years of age. You might find that their rebellious tendencies are diminishing. Female Golden retrievers might enter 1 to 2 heat cycles. Once they reach 12 to 24 months, they will need adjustments in their nutrition. Their caloric intake will depend on their growth and physical activity levels. Goldens are born athletes and must be slim and lanky their entire life. Adult female goldens should be in the range of 55 to 65 pounds while male Golden should be in the range of 65 to 75 pounds. Mature Goldens at 18 to 24 Months Training Training at this point should be well ingrained in your Golden. It helps if you were to provide activities that are fun and enjoyable. Growth Milestones Once they reach two years of age, the Golden will have reached the final phase of growing. But male Goldens will need another year to finish their full physical maturation, especially the development of their head and facial structure. In this stage, males and females should be neutered and spayed if you have no intention to breed them. Making sure your Golden meets the breed standard of weight can be a challenging task. Teenage Goldens require higher numbers of calories. But as their calorie needs peak, there might be changes in their body, especially if they have undergone sterilization. Weight control becomes a challenge. Their physical activity needs should be met. Goldens have athletic requirements similar to an Olympic athlete. The temperament and traits of the Golden come into full bloom at this point. It may be only nascent at the previous stages, but now it is fully manifesting. Purpose of training Keep in mind that their physical and emotional development is fully complete. The owner must take advantage of this period and build a strong training and foundation with their Golden. If you invest time and effort in the first two years of your Golden retriever puppy behavior stages, you will have the perfect dog of your dreams that will be your companion for life. Ideally, you should help them grow slowly. There are plenty of dangers associated with a dog growing too fast. Risks include bone diseases and arthritis. These conditions are even more prevalent in large breeds such as Golden retrievers. Overfeeding with low quality food results in growing too fast. When you examine ingredients on dog food labels, the first ingredient should be an animal protein source. If you find that your puppy is gaining weight, make sure to cut down the calories you give them. Keep in mind that bigger is not always better. Make sure your dog is within the weight range of the stage they are in. Managing their food intake and activity levels keep them healthy and fit. Final Thoughts You must know the Golden retriever puppy behavior stages so you can meet their needs and requirements. It is crucial to monitor not only the health of your developing puppy but also their training. Puppyhood is the time to instill good behavior to have the perfect dog companion that obeys your household rules and commands. When you invest time and effort in training and interacting with your Golden, it creates the huge potential that they might just become your ultimate friend. This comes at no extra cost to you. As a new Golden Retriever puppy owner, you may be wondering about when important puppy milestones happen, such as: When do they lose their puppy teeth? When do they stop growing? When do they finally stop biting? When do they sleep through the night? These puppy behavior stages and developmental milestones will differ from individual to individual, but this timeline can give you a general understanding of what to expect with your puppy. Day 1: Puppy is born You could also call this the best day ever. After carrying the pups for about 9 weeks , mom is ready to give birth! The average litter size for Golden Retrievers is 8. Their eyesight is very limited, and their soon-to-be-brown eyes are sometimes blue when they first open them. And as you know or will soon find out , they are very sharp. The puppy kibble is soaked in water, mashed up, and introduced to the pups. They work up to eating solid food about four times per day while still nursing from their mother. Because puppies need to complete weaning, most breeders wait until the puppies are 8 weeks to 12 weeks old before they send their pups home with their new owners. You can also start training them at this age the best way to stop bad habits is to not let them start! Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy? Download the Potty Training Cheat Sheet here! The biting phase is one of the toughest behavior stages for puppy owners. Golden Retriever puppies lose their baby teeth at around 4 months of age. Sometimes he would be chewing and then start to play with something on the floor. Most of the time when that would happen we would find a tooth laying there. This depends on the gender and your individual dog. And this is definitely a conversation to have with your vet, as spaying or neutering your Golden Retriever too young can have adverse health effects. Females are typically inches tall, while males are inches tall. It becomes their undercoat. At one and a half years old, Goldens have typically grown out their full coat. Related article:. But how long will your bundle of fur stay a puppy? Puppy which begins at birth and continues until the end of rapid growth, generally lasts between months depending on the breed of the dog. Puppies have a sensitive period for socialization which runs roughly between three weeks and three months. Below are some things to consider for safety, nutrition, socialization and training: Purchase books and videos by professional positive reinforcement trainers and behaviorist. Puppy proof your home- keep electrical cords safely away from chewing, toxic materials should be stored in a safe place including medications and plants. Provide your puppy with appropriate chew items, toys and games. Supervise your puppy at all times or make sure they are in a safe pen or crate area no free roaming without supervision. Safety: Crate training, on leash, fenced yards, transportation safety restraint, temperature in cars, no riding in open truck or with windows wide open. Consult your veterinarian for approval and get your puppy started in a puppy class at weeks. Puppies should receive a minimum of one set of vaccines at least 7 days prior to the first class and a first deworming. They should be kept up-to-date on vaccines throughout the class. This is something that your puppy class will help with if they have supervised play time with other puppies. If you have a well-mannered older dog, they may help you in teaching your puppy or young dog proper etiquette. Puppies will often follow and mimic older dogs behaviors. Enjoy, love and be kind to your puppy at all times. Young Adult starts when the puppy stage ends, and young dogs go through a period where they are still maturing both socially and physically. This stage usually lasts to about years of age. If your dog has behavioral issues fear of loud noises, aggression, separation anxiety, food guarding, excessive barking, etc. Some dogs may not enjoy being petted or made over by lots of new people in a structured setting, but they would be outstanding in nose work or dock diving. Dogs burn energy three ways; with their paws, brain and mouth. Mature Adult stage continues for the next quarter of their expected lifespan. At this time, you and your dog have a routine and they are well trained and happy. Below are some suggestions and signs you should look for as your dog matures: Continue to keep your dog active in physical and mentally stimulating activities that are suitable for their age. Make sure they are still getting social interaction with people, animals and new environments. Behavior changes can be due to medical problems and not out of spite. If a potty-trained dog starts urinating in the house, it may be a sign that there is an underlying medical problem that should be examined by a veterinarian. Consult your veterinarian as soon as possible if you have concerns. Seniors are in the last quarter of their life. This is a time that you may need to alter things in your home so that your dog can easily get around and be supported properly. Non-skid rugs or mats, harnesses, doggie boots, ramps, and orthopedic beds may be needed at this time. Senior dogs can still enjoy walks, car rides and fun activities; being with you is their greatest desire. Moderate activity, nutrition and frequent health examinations are key to keeping your best friend happy, healthy and enriched in their golden years. Below are some geriatric symptoms to be aware of: Weakness, lethargy. And also cover how you can determine if your Golden is too fat or too thin to ensure your puppy is as healthy as possible. Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller, weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .Differences Between Individuals At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. This means at 3 months, your puppy could weigh about 22 pounds, and at 6 months, they could weigh roughly 44 pounds. Golden Retriever Puppy Growth Chart 8 weeks. Not all goldens will grow to the same size and at the same rate. The size of the parents is always a good indicator of whether your dog will be above or below average in size. However, while natural variation is nothing to worry about, stunted growth or accelerated growth is. If a golden retriever puppy is malnourished or suffering from an unidentified medical condition usually hookworm or ringworm , their natural growth can be compromised. This can lead to serious medical issues in later life, as it can leave them with weak bones, weak muscles, and a weak immune system, as well as a tendency to develop both skin and digestive issues. Growing too quickly, largely as a result of overfeeding, can also pose a major health risk. As well as leading to obesity, carrying too much weight at the development stage can leave your golden retriever with skeletal abnormalities, hip dysplasia, and osteochondrosis , a condition that affects the joints. With these tips, you will help fight off those genetic health disorders as well. Appropriate Diet Start off by speaking to your vet for guidance on foods to use for the different life stages. At the very least, you will need a nutritionally complete and balanced diet made for large breeds. Good food will help your pup gain the right amount of weight, look healthy, and have enough energy. Proper exercise will build their muscle and bone strength, prevent obesity, increase their agility, stop destructive behavior, and help them release pent-up energy. Vaccines will help to prevent infectious diseases such as hepatitis, parvovirus, rabies, and distemper, all of which could affect the growth and overall health of your puppy. This will be a plus for her overall health. It would also be great to have your vet do routine health checks on your puppy. This way, no issue will go unnoticed, and treatment can be administered early for better outcomes. A shiny coat and bright eyes are a plus. Alternatively, if you notice rapid weight gain or loss, unusual bumps and lumps on their skin, digestive issues, changes in behavior, and visual or hearing complications, take your dog to the vet right away. Compared to other breeds, Golden Retrievers, especially females, grow pretty quickly. Males could take up to 18 months to achieve the same milestone. However, both will still need an additional year to fill out the chest fully. Adult height, on the other hand, will be reached between 9 and 12 months. As always, females will get there a bit faster than males. You can get a rough idea of how big your golden retriever will grow by first studying the parents. Take note of the size that both of the parents and previous litters have had. Rarely will a puppy grow larger than its parents, so the measurements you gather will give you a better idea of how tall and heavy your golden retriever will get. Full-grown, healthy, male golden retrievers have a height of between 22 and 24 inches while the females are 20 to 22 inches tall. In terms of height and body structure, the Canadian golden retriever has no rival. Spaying and neutering specifically affect the development of bones and also ligament and tendon strength. In fact, some studies report higher incidences of cranial cruciate ligament tears and hip dysplasia among golden retrievers that went through this procedure. Therefore, consult your vet when deciding if and when to spay or neuter your dog. The weight of your golden retriever is a good indication of their healthy development. While male and female Goldens will have different weights and show goldens tend to be heavier than working goldens, overall, they should be hitting the weights listed in the growth and weight chart above. If your dog is not hitting these milestones, consult your vet about malnutrition, possibly caused by worms, and excessive golden retriever growth, which is often the result of overfeeding. If you feel like your pooch is missing any of them, again, it is time to consult your vet. In general, good nutrition and a loving home is a recipe for a happy and healthy golden retriever. If you want to know more about your golden retriever, you can do a DNA test, too. You can choose one of the tests below:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This was the first time we had a chance to chart puppies from birth until 8 weeks old. We tried to take as many pictures as possible so we could have a journal of our Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week. When raising guide and service dog puppies we usually bring home our puppies at around weeks old. On occasion we are allowed to see puppies before 8 weeks of age, but they need to stay with their mother and siblings during those important early weeks to get milk and antibodies from mama and learn how to interact properly with siblings, learning important behaviors like bite inhibition. During our days as a foster we raised two litters of puppies , but both were already weeks old by the time we got them home. We actually own the Puppy Culture DVD and Workbook which includes charts, lists, worksheets and other great information for raising your litter. Keep your eyes and ears open and absorb it all like a sponge! Birth To 1 Week Old Guess what? This was the first litter we ever whelped!? We got a lot of advise, but we were largely on our own. Large Puppy Dish — great for feeding the puppies when they moved to solid food. Whelping Mats — we ordered 2 of these mats and washed them several times a day. Whelping Box — We have a homemade whelping box built by my father-in-law, but if we continue raising litters I plan on purchasing an EZWhelp Whelping Box. Our homemade box lasted three litters. We ended up purchasing the Magnabox which was hellu expensive but if you plan on raising multiple litters we highly recommend it. We recently put together a whelping checklist with all the supplies we gathered together to help out with our second litter of Golden Retriever puppies. Check out our whelping supplies checklist here. However, none were overly huge and none were extra small. No runts and no beasts. It was my understanding that when the cord was chewed down to the base of the belly it was sometimes difficult to get it to stop bleeding. I took the hemostat and pinched the umbilical cord about 2 inches from the base of the pups belly then cut the cord rather than let Raven chew it off. I kept the hemostat on the cord for about 2 minutes to let it clout. The umbilical cord dries up quickly and then within a day or 2 it falls off. Raven was a good mama and took care of her poops. Puppy eyes and ears are closed at this stage and puppies army crawl around the whelping box looking for a teat to suckle. We did everything we could to make sure our pups stayed warm by adding a watt heat lamp to the whelping box and portable heating unit in the puppy room. As I mentioned Raven stayed in the whelping box most of week 1 and of course… the puppy piles! One thing I learned is if I had a puppy on my lap then do not let Raven lick those areas or be prepared for a little accident on your lap. While caring for Raven and her litter Raven was really blowing out her coat that first week, but as time went on it slowed down. I heard from other friends this is common and that Raven blew out her coat much less than other mama dogs. We got Probiotics for Raven before her first litter, but forgot to order them for her second litter. After an upset stomach for the first week or so we realized our mistake, got Probiotics, and no more upset tummy. Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. Have you ever had a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Tell us about your experiences with puppies in the comment section below. Are you about to raise a litter of puppies? Not raising a litter, but getting ready to bring home your first Golden Retriever puppy? Puppies for Dummies will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

What Is a Johnson American Bulldog? The American Bulldog breed branches out into two main subcategories or bloodlines, which are the Johnson American Bulldogs and the Scott American Bulldogs. Typically, Johnsons are called classics, while Scotts are known as performance types. Many Bulldogs around the country originate from these breeds and are either pure or mixed with the two. Johnson American Bulldogs are known as the classic or original American Bulldogs. They are also called the bully type due to their very bulky appearance filled with muscle and lean meat. They can weigh up to 90 to pounds and stand about 23 to 27 inches at the shoulder. The fur of a Johnson American Bulldog is commonly white with brown or black splotches around their body. They have large heads which makes them look menacing. The coat is smooth to the touch, and they do not shed heavily compared to other breeds. Originally, patches in the coats were red, brown, and black. However, crossbreeding and evolutionary traits helped them to develop different shades of fawn and mixed brown. Johnson American Bulldogs usually have black or brown colored eyes, but there is a rare case in which two colors manifest. This breed is also very loyal to owners and compassionate even to kids. They are confident and lively, but some Bulldogs show laziness when they are very comfortable. There are even reports of leaving kids with Johnson American Bulldogs because of their ability to protect young humans. They first appeared in history books in the 17th century as farm or ranch dogs. They served many purposes such as guarding against farm predators, catching hunts, as well as protecting the family property. In the 18th century, the Old English Bulldog became famous in bullbaiting, a blood sport in which two dogs fought with each other. While this trend quickly passed due to bans, the Bulldog continued its job as a utility dog for farms and herds. Over the years, the breed became popular due to their ability to fend off and predate migrated feral pigs. When war broke out in the country during World War II, the breed almost became extinct. However, a noble breeder named John D. Johnson took effort in revitalizing their population by finding the finest Bulldogs that he could scour for. Later, he was joined by another man named Alan Scott. Both began their journey of reviving an almost dead breed into a healthy society. Alan Scott leaned more towards the Southern Farm breeds which were used to fend off feral pigs. This gave rise to an athletic and long-legged Bulldog breed also known as the Scott Type or the Standard American Bulldog. On the other hand, the Johnson series featured multiple sketches and patches of red, black, or brown on the skin. Over the years, many variations stemmed from these two main types. However, such types can still be attributed as a mix or blend of the original Johnson and Scott types. They are very compassionate, loving, and loyal dogs to their owners, even towards kids and younger ages. This makes them very good watchdogs and protectors of the house. However, this can be a problem since they tend to be overly wary of strangers as their fight instincts kick in. While they may be very close to their owners, they are very suspicious of people that they do not know. It is common to see a Johnson American Bulldog commits an act of bravery by protecting its owner from imminent harm. When it comes to exercise, a Johnson American Bulldog needs lots of it. They become very restless and aggressive when they have nothing to do to the point where they bite and tear off furniture or everything that their teeth sink to. To avoid this, you must be ready to engage in some serious exercises with your Johnson American Bulldog to tire them. This makes them unsuitable for apartment living, as they prefer to run in wide lawns or backyards. Like any guard dog or fighting dog breed, a Johnson American Bulldog needs to have proper socialization and training, especially when it comes to strangers. This will help avoid unnecessary aggression that can result in injury. Also, you must learn to bond with them in their baby days. It is crucial to imprint them with a human touch at an early age so that their relationships with you get stronger. A daily walk or run is also highly suggested so that their exercise needs can be fulfilled. These dogs have a life span of about 10 to 16 years, but some might have rare conditions that can affect their health. This can cause several bone tumors which can lead to fractures and worse, limb amputation. The exact cause of the condition is unknown, and it could happen to any Johnson American Bulldog. Cherry Eye: Cherry eye refers to the eyelid protrusion of an American Bulldog. In a literal sense, this means that a flesh mass radiates to the outside of the eye due to the abnormality of a gland. It is a birth defect that will be diagnosed by a veterinary. Usually, a surgical process to remove the mass is executed if it is severe. If not, medications can be an alternative. Dysplasia: Dysplasia is a condition common in large dogs and stems from abnormal joint development. Usually, such disease happens during the development period in the early months of the Bulldog. This can cause osteoporosis, uneven bone growth, and even the inability to walk properly. If dysplasia is discovered soon, surgery can be executed. This can greatly help in removing pain in your pets. To make sure that your pet is in its best shape, you must never neglect vet visits. It is also recommended to do all the required vaccines so that they are immune to the most preventable disease. Always check the overall health of your Bulldog as this will impact their time spent with you. Food Intake As a very large watchdog, the Johnson American Bulldog should always have meals fit for its size. Thus, they require huge amounts of protein and hydration to keep them pumping throughout the day. This will also help them develop leaner muscles which they can use for their daily activity. A great suggestion is the Wild High Grain-free dog food which combines both bull meat and vegetables in one tasty meal. Together with the food, treats are also highly appreciated. These can be used for training as well as familiarity purposes. As always, positive reinforcement should be imposed to avoid aggression. Physical Exercise As early as their third week after birth, a puppy can show signs of stubbornness and aggression. Because of this, it is very crucial to train them in various aspects to help them be better geared for life. The usual Johnson American Bulldog training include potty training, leash training, socialization, and biting control. Since Bulldogs are smart dogs, they learn this quickly. A great method to do this is to follow a routine or schedule so that your dog gets used to it. Do not worry if it fails on the first attempts, since no dog is perfect. Never punish your Bulldog as it will only cause them to be more reserved. In general, this training can be finished in a week or less. Socializing: Johnson American Bulldogs are very loyal towards their owners but can be reserved for strangers. This can be traced back to their days as farm guards in which they protect livestock with their abilities. Because of this, Bulldogs can be suspicious of people who they do not know. To combat such occurrence, you must socialize your dog with other people as well as pets so that they will be more used to dealing with relationships. As always, building bonds with your Bulldog will result in a better connection in the future. Bite Control: Bulldogs are biting enthusiasts especially in their early months. To control this, you must be ready to produce methods and techniques. A recommended way to lessen biting is by using toys such as teethers. With the help of these tools, they will not be bored; thus, decreasing the chances of destruction. Another great way to address the issue is through positive reinforcement. Grooming Due to their short coats and thin fur, the Johnson American Bulldog is not hard to groom. Keep in mind that they shed minimally regardless of this season, but they do not need baths unless they go to a nasty place. Slight brushes of their fur are needed here and there to foster proper hair growth. However, going to a coat trimmer depends on your preference as they do not really need it. A Bulldog should be brushed once every two weeks. In doing this, you must prepare a place in the yard or the lawn so that no hair will riddle the insides of your house. Grooming hand gloves are preferred due to the control and ease of access that they can give you. Work your way from the top of your head to your body for a finer finish. When it comes to baths, you can do it once every two months. Johnson American Bulldogs are very clean animals, so frequent baths are unnecessary unless they become dirty. To thoroughly clean them, you need to use a dog shampoo as human shampoos can be bad for their skin. Other parts of the body that you need to clean are ears, mouth, and nails. Be careful in dealing with these parts as they can be very sensitive. Also, check their ears and mouth for any defects as it could mean diseases. Flatulence and Drooling It is known that the Johnson American Bulldog is notorious for salivating especially for those dogs which have loose skin in their cheeks and mouth. This might require additional clean-ups before and after meals. However, do not worry, as this can always be addressed by proper training. Bulldogs are also known to fart excessively, especially when fed non-natural food. To counter this, always purchase all-natural ingredients such as fresh meat and good dog food to lessen the smell of the flatulence. Where to Get a Johnson American Bulldog? Your Johnson American Bulldog source will determine its temperament, health, and well-being. Sources take care of the pup from birth to maturity, so you should get one who knows everything about Bulldogs. In this industry, there are three main Bulldog sources: puppy mills, backyard breeders, and reputable breeders. Puppy mills mass-produce dog breeds only for the sake of money. They will always generate pups that are neglected and untrained. This can cause problems for you and your family. On the other hand, backyard breeders have no adequate knowledge of proper puppy raising. They only sell puppies due to the purpose of extra litter which they cannot take care of. Always seek help from reputable breeders as they are masters of Bulldog breeding. Another puppy source that you can consider is through adoption. Many puppy homes around the country have rescued Johnson American Bulldogs from their care, and you can always opt for them. Yes, this might be a very challenging task, but it is a very fulfilling one. Also, adoption centers charge less, as you only need to cover maintenance fees and the adoption process. If you want a very loyal dog with an active lifestyle, you should get a Johnson American Bulldog. They are ideal for homes that have backyard spaces since they tend to run around a lot. On the other hand, if you live in an apartment, you are better off with a smaller dog breed. If you decide to commit to a Johnson American Bulldog, you will have an unforgettable experience since the breed is protective of its family. Furthermore, you should consider increasing your monthly expenses for this breed. They require a lot of food and nutrition, so their stocks can quickly deplete. When it comes to grooming, it is not really a hassle. They do not shed that much so occasional baths are sufficient. You should always get the breed from a respected breeder as they will provide you with the necessary head start for the journey. Love your future Johnson American Bulldog as much as possible and they will surely return the favor. These dogs are among the best breeds loved by many around the world, and they will never let you down. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. You've reached an American Bulldog website. John D. Johnson American Bulldogs, Summerville, GA The Johnson American Bulldog is a breed of dog unlike any other; their sheer strength and courage coupled with their undying loyalty and devotion make them the ultimate breed of dog for the general public and serious canine enthusiast alike. The modern American Bulldog is believed to have descended from the colossus breeds of ancient history similar to other mastiff breeds. The American Bulldogs earliest history is virtually unknown and little if any recorded records exist. The first documented history relating to the American Bulldog was during the late 19th century. These dogs were by no means pets, but rather utility dogs bred and raised for specific duties. These duties included baiting unruly cattle and swine along with guarding property against thievery. These tasks required a dog that feared no man or beast alive, but was still loyal and obedient to their master and keeper. These traits still exist with the Johnson American Bulldog. Since the early "butcher dogs" the American Bulldog had nearly gone extinct and until recently experienced an evolutionary rebirth. This rebirth is due in large part to two dedicated individuals; John D. Johnson and Mildred L. These bulldogs had grown scare in the Northwest region of Georgia, and John desired a dog with the same stamina and grit to protect his farm and livestock. Initially it was a small operation, but through the hard work of John and Mildred it grew into a life long commitment. He was also the first breeder to have his dogs officially registered. John and Mildred have literally supplied the world with their Georgia bred bulldogs. It was their female lines of Collettes, Sugar Dolls and Sugar Tuffies that when bred produced the big boned pups that mature into the lbs. The kennel has recently been trademarked and is now known as Johnson Kennels llc. A new partnership has also been established. This new partnership between two established dog breeders, Mr. John Johnson and Mr. Scott Weaver. All traditional bloodlines exist and new lines are being established. It contains heating and air conditioning for the dogs comfort. There is a separate whelping and nursery room for new litters and weaned pups. And a licensed vet makes regular on site visits. .We at Johnson Kennels llc. We continue to strive for only the best. Our focus is to produce a powerful, yet balanced American Bulldog with a very muscular body representing the standards created by John D. The Real American Bulldog is very stocky, athletic and imposing. For those interested in acquiring a truly magnificent animal for either companionship or protection. Visit our contact information page. We visited Mr. John Daniel Johnson at his farm in Summerville Georgia at the end of .We had a tour of the kennels and Mr. Johnson introduced us to all of his dogs and showed us the puppies that he had available. Johnson a deposit and arranged to drive back down to Mr. When Mr. The dogs registered as Johnson had to have a completely Johnson lineage. Dixie Luckman now owns the Johnson Kennel and the Johnson registry. The original difference between the Johnson and Scott types were the two men, John D. Johnson and Alan Scott. Johnson and Mr. Scott were friends, they both had american bulldogs. As the years went by the two men bred their dogs differently and the lines became more distinct. Johnson wanted as big a bulldog as he could possible get and Mr. Scott had a different idea. Also Known As Johnson Type All of the dogs that we have owned and produced over the years have been mostly Johnson bloodlines. We prefer the heavier boned dogs with shorter noses. Blue was about pounds and 25 inches at the withers. The influences are English Bulldog, some say St. Bernard and Dogue de Bordeaux. I see a lot of terrier and hound influence in the Scott line. These canines are generally white with patches of another color; however, Johnsons have also started appearing in other solid colors and brindle. Here are some shades these majestic pooches come in: Blue Johnson American Bulldog Blue is a faded variation of black occurring due to the presence of a rare mutation. Blue is actually an uncommon coat color for the Johnson Bulldog. Solid blacks are rare, and the black color usually appears on a white coat. In fact, white Johnson American Bulldogs are considered the breed standard. White Johnson American Bulldogs may be pure white or carry patches of another color. This color usually occurs due to crossbreeding the Johnson American Bulldog with another pooch with the brindle gene. Although crossbred canines cost less, they still make lovely pets. Johnson American Bulldog temperament The American Johnson Bulldog temperament can be described as patient, courageous, and protective, making them excellent watchdogs and family pets. They are quick to protect their family and home from any perceived threats. Due to the checkered history of certain bully-type breeds and their association with sports, many people are quick to label the Johnson American Bulldog aggressive. However, these canines are gentle, patient, and caring family pets that would never attack a person or another animal unprovoked. Do American Bulldog Johnson type make great family pets? The Johnson American Bulldogs are loyal, protective, and loving towards their family. Their high pain tolerance makes them excellent companions for children. However, be sure to supervise young children around this breed, as this giant pooch may accidentally hurt them. He can still get along well with other pets if they are properly socialized from an early age. American Johnson Bulldog training The Johnson American Bulldog is an intelligent breed that is easy to train for an experienced owner. They respond well to firm, consistent training, and positive reinforcement. If the training process is not started early, the Johnson standard American Bulldog may become stubborn and uncooperative. Here are some types of training that are essential for Johnson American Bulldogs: Socializing: Socializing your Johnson American Bulldog is one of the most important things you can do for him. Without socialization, he may become aggressive towards other animals and people. Start socializing your pup as early as possible by taking him to puppy classes, dog parks, and playdates with other pups. Obedience training: All pups should know basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Obedience training will not only make your puppy more well-behaved but also strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend. Leash training: All pups should be leash trained so that they can go on walks and hikes with their humans. Start leash training your Johnson American Bulldog as early as possible with a rope dog leash that is heavy-duty and durable. The best way to leash train your pup is to start with short walks around the house or backyard. Gradually increase the length of the walks as your pup gets more comfortable with being on a leash. Johnson American Bulldog living conditions A young Johnson line American Bulldog is a large high-energy pup who needs a spacious backyard with plenty of room to run and play. If you live in an apartment, this might not be the breed for you. Many Johnson American Bulldog owners allow their canine companions to roam freely in their backyard. However, we are aware that some towns or counties have zoning laws that prohibit physical fences. If this is the case with you, you can alternatively use a wireless dog fence to keep your pups safe. This way, they can still roam freely in your backyard and enjoy some sun and fresh air while staying safe and sound. But before you install a wireless dog fence, you may find it helpful to put in place an electronic dog door , especially if you let your K9 friends leave or come back into the house on their own. Many doggy owners love the automatic doggy door because it saves them so much time and headache from opening or closing the door every time their pooch needs to head outside or come back in. So if you work from home or at the office, you may find the electronic dog door to be a lifesaver, both for you and your furry friends. When it comes to bathing your Johnson American Bulldog, once every four weeks should do the trick. It is a good idea to bathe your Johnson American Bulldog after he or she played in mud, or puddle, or had a long hike. When you do bathe your pooch, make sure to use a dog shampoo that not only cleanses but also moisturizes the skin and coat. Life Span Did You Know? The American Bulldog is a descendant of a generic bulldog type of dog breed brought into the region that is now the Southern United States by working-class immigrants many years ago. These were all-around working dogs used by small farmers and ranchers for several tasks around the farm. They were often found working as catch dogs, stock dogs, and overall farm guardians. When feral pigs were introduced to the New World, they had no natural predators and the population quickly grew out of control. In addition to their farm duties, the settlers found the bulldog-type dog to be the best solution they had for dealing with it. So, the bulldog continued to thrive, especially in the South. Johnson and Alan Scott that we have what we know today as the American Bulldog. Modern American Bulldogs can still be found working as all-around utility dogs, farm dogs, catch dogs, cattle drovers, and more. They can also be found competing in dog sports, working as a guardian, police, or military dog, and are also popular as a family pet. This dog breed is a sweetheart with a gentle, fun-loving nature. The American Bulldog is affectionate and adores their families. They also love children and tend to be good with other animals. American Bulldogs can have a high prey drive, so you will want to make sure you introduce and socialize them properly with other small animals in the household. Due to their protective nature, they can be aloof towards strangers and strange dogs, especially when they are younger. Early socialization can help them be more comfortable navigating their guardian instincts. Overall, this dog breed tends to be confident, social, and are most at ease and relaxed when they are with the people they love. American Bulldogs are an emotional dog breed and thrives on human attention and affection, so they tend to bond strongly with their owners and may come across as clingy sometimes. They will also often convince themselves that they are lap dogs regardless of their size, so make sure you are ready for a lot of love and cuddles with your American Bulldog, drool and all! The American Bulldog is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They are strong, high-energy working dogs that love being around their favorite humans. This makes them better suited to larger homes with space for them to run. They are not generally a good fit for apartment living, but they can adapt as long as they get more than enough exercise and attention. Because they do tend to bond strongly with their owners and want to be near them, they do not tend to do well with long periods of time alone. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold, but can adapt to well to most climates. There are some health issues that can be found in specific genetic lines and are not common to the breed overall, but these can be ruled out with genetic tests. Some potential health conditions to be aware of in general with the American Bulldog include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, thyroid disorders, kidney disorders, bone cancer, and eye-related issues like ectropion, entropion, and cherry eye. Talking to the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and asking to see any health clearances can help allay potential concerns. American Bulldogs are highly trainable and eager to please, so they are a good fit for owners of any experience level, including first-time dog owners. They can have a stubborn streak, so a first-time dog owner may want to consider enrolling in puppy training classes. As with any dog breed, early and ongoing training and socialization are important for your American Bulldog puppy to grow into a well-rounded, and a well-behaved, dog. This dog breed has a short coat that is generally smooth. Common coat colors are white and predominately white with patches of brindle, black, or red. More coat color patterns are emerging and becoming more common like all shades of brindle, fawn, brown, red, and more. The American Bulldog is relatively low maintenance and easy to groom and they are light to moderate shedders. They only require a bath as needed. But, you will need to be prepared to deal with some extra drool! Floppy ears tend to trap moisture and dirt, which can lead to ear infections. The ideal dental care for dogs is using an enzyme toothpaste or brushing their teeth every day. Dental hygiene chews or treats, a specially-formulated dental care diet, and more can be used to supplement your dental care efforts. The American Bulldog is an athletic and high-energy dog breed. They love daily walks and plenty of playtime outside. They may even enjoy plenty of other activities with you like swimming, hiking , and more. With their working dog background, this dog breed does need a job to do in order to stay happy and healthy. They also tend to be a good candidate for dog sports like obedience, weight pulling, the Iron Dog competition, and more. A fully-grown American Bulldog usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. An American Bulldog generally lives for years. Chance, one of the canine stars from the Homeward Bound films, was an American Bulldog. Featured American Bulldog Article. We specialize in Bully-type, also sometimes referred to as Johnson American Bulldogs. However on occasion we do produce fantastic standard- and hybrid-type American Bulldogs. We breed for functional and balanced temperament allowing for the American Bulldog to be a family member and a companion while having the drive and intelligence to perform desired functions. At Grand Future, we typically produce large American Bulldogs. Males range in lbs and females range in lbs. We have always bred to a significantly stricter breed standard than the current American Bulldog breed standards under U. Dogs with the following characteristics are not shown at conformation shows nor bred in our kennel: 1. Full black mask — this genetic trait is usually a result of another breed having been infused into the gene pool. Usually a dog with a kinked tail itself is not at risk of health complications as a result of the kinked tail. Teeth — dogs missing more than 3 teeth. Dogs lacking full pigmentation are more susceptible to various health problems. Lack of pigment is also responsible for deafness in dogs. We have never produced a deaf dog. Interested in a puppy? We have many repeat buyers — over 30 families have purchased 2,3,4, and even 5 dogs. Our dogs generally love children and have balanced temperament. Having produced over dogs in 7 generations, we have history and data that allows us to make some conclusions that we believe are significant. The very common problem of hip dysplasia that afflicts this breed is nearly non-existent in our kennel. Our dogs tend to have normal locomotion — good movement due to anatomically sound physical structure. Our dogs have never torn ligaments such as the Canine Cruciate Ligament CCL , which leads us to conclude that such problems are likely hereditary in nature. Our dogs have never prematurely died from heart problems, which leads us to conclude that such problems are likely hereditary in nature. Our dogs have never been diagnosed with tracheal hypoplasia — a hereditary genetic defect common in bulldog breeds that leads to potential deadly obstruction of the airway. Our dogs tend to live long. Our foundation dog lived to the age of 15 years and 10 months old. Our dogs have never been afflicted with cancer at a young age. The earliest instance of cancer has been encountered at 8 years of age by one dog. The remainder of cases have been documented at over 10 years of age. The biggest tragedy for an owner is in having to care for a sick dog as a result of poor breeding, and be absolutely helpless as that dog passes in their arms. Exorbitant medical bills end up being paid to prolong the time together even by just a little with the beloved family member. As with any animal breeding program, our kennel is not immune from problems. This drives us to continually improve. We maintain contact and help our owners in any way we can; even at 4AM or during a vacation since we have owners all over the world in various timezones. Our breeding expertise enables us to deliver healthy, beautiful, strong, and intelligent American Bulldog puppies. We provide a contractual health guarantee against the following genetic health problems — hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, Canine Cruciate Ligament CCL ruptures, cataracts, entropion, ectropion, heart, kidneys, thyroid, ichthyosis, cryptorchidism, epilepsy, and any neurological disorders including NCL. Our conversation with a prospective owner always involves questions to understand the kind of dog the person would like — the more details the better. If so inclined, the prospective owner can request guidance in picking the puppy based on personality and activity level, temperament, phenotype, and more. We evaluate our puppies at 6 weeks of age on a variety of parameters. We provide lifetime unlimited advice and guidance by phone to owners concerning all subjects relating to dog ownership. You can be sure you will have the information you need to succeed even if this is going to be your first American Bulldog puppy. Because we stand by the quality of our work, we want our owners to participate in our breeding program and we are happy to provide the necessary guidance. Our dogs are also ideal candidates for service animal work. Training a service dog requires a significant investment of time and money, making the genetic health and temperament of the dog even more critical. A service dog needs to be healthy, hassle-free, intelligent and receptive to training, have stable temperament to handle any type of environment, and of course lead a long life disease-free. All of these selective requirements for service dog candidates make Grand Future American Bulldogs an ideal fit. Join us in our mission of producing the best American Bulldogs possible! Professional worry-free shipping worldwide Of course our preference is for you to come visit our home, get acquainted with us, and pick up your new American Bulldog puppy in person. However, we understand that it is not feasible for everyone. Even if you do not live anywhere near Nevada, do not be concerned — we are highly experienced at shipping our American Bulldog puppies worldwide, as even just the list of our Grand Champions and Champions spanning 9 nations attests. We can prepare all necessary export documentation. Search this website. Want to be added to our waiting list for future litters? You might also be interested in our Upcoming Litters. Adopting an American Bulldog puppy is a huge responsibility and we screen our buyers to the best of our ability to ensure the happiness and health of our babies before they are placed. We want this experience to be the best for all parties involved. Having said that, I rarely sell our puppies with breeding rights, we prefer loving pet homes for our babies. If your looking for an excellent companion puppy to love, we might have your future addition here waiting for you! So, what is included with the purchase of your puppy? Shipping available at buyers expense. At least 2 well puppy health screenings by a licensed veterinarian. Current age appropriate vaccines. A negative fecal examination screening for intestinal parasites. Pyrantel, Panacur, Marquis, Metronidazole. A starter bag of food to help get your puppy off to the best start. Weekly photo updates if you have adopted placed a deposit on a puppy before the age of 8 weeks. After you have paid your deposit, we will contact you asap to schedule your pick up date and time. Please call or Contact Us with any questions! About the American Bulldog The American Bulldog is a muscular utility type of dog historically used as all-around working dogs on the farm. First record of these great dogs goes back to the 17th century, predominantly used in areas such as guardians, stock dog, and catch dogs on small farms. Almost extinct around World War II, the breed has now made a notable comeback due to the passion and mission of John D. Johnson and Alan Scott. At a turning point in the revitalization of the breed, Johnson and Scott took different paths in their breeding program and what they felt was the true or original American Bulldog. That resulted in the two types of the American Bulldog. The Scott type which is also known as the Standard type, and the Johnson type which is the Classic type or more bully type. Both are wonderful specimens of the canine world and we have both types here at Big Rock Bulldogs. In our opinion it is the perfect combination, that results in an overall well rounded AB! You get the size, strength, athleticism, and impressive stature with a hybrid dog. The Johnson adds bulk, and muscle; the Scott type adds leg, longer snout for improved breathing ability which in turn allows for better heat and exercise tolerance. Our very first AB, Diesel, is a Scott type. He was the reason we fell in love with this breed! They are the less bully type with longer noses and a less bulky stature but still packed with plenty of muscle. Diesel is no longer used in our breeding program but remains our steadfast guardian and loyal companion! We continue to see his offspring in litters produced from his working days. His legacy will live on as long as we are producing these amazing dogs! This breed, no matter which type, has become a popular family dog that is known for its natural instinct for family protection, especially among women and children. They are also a favorite choice among hog hunters in the feral hog crisis used as catch dogs. They compete in sports such as Schutzhund, Iron dog competitions, dog obedience, and more. These dogs are loyal, confident, gentle and generally very friendly. They do however have a strong ingrained desire to guard their family. Therefore, socialization is particularly important with this breed! When well-raised and well-loved, this breed in our eyes is the best large breed dog on the planet! Like any relationship, you get out of it what you put in it. They require your time and training as any dog does to develop into a confident, loving, family companion. They are curious, playful, and unlike their other bulldog relatives, they have a strong affinity for water and swimming, and do quite well at it! Environmental conditions are something you always need to be aware of with your American Bulldog! Due to the short nose especially with the Johnson type , they are not able to move air as efficiently as their longer-nosed canine compadres. They do not have the ability to cool themselves well by panting, and overheating can be life threatening! When the weather is cool and pleasant, let them romp and run to their hearts content! The Scott type is less likely to have heat related complications, but we still advise you use caution all the same. The American Bulldogs jaws are impressively strong and can easily tear apart flimsy poorly constructed toys. We are fans of Nylabone, Jolly balls and Kong toys. Also, toys with a lot of stuffing other than ones made for heavy chewers will just become a mess of white fluff on your floor about 5 minutes after you give it to them. Not fun to pick up, I know from experience! Always stay away from anything raw hide! There are so many options out there that are safer and healthier, spend your money on those! Lastly, your American Bulldog puppy should have regular visits to your veterinarian throughout all life stages. If you are adopting a young puppy, there will be more vaccines needed to complete the series for protection from deadly viruses. Routine preventative care is a must! Better to prevent a problem than treat one I always say! Thank you for taking time to read about our American Bulldogs!

Questions about Boxer puppies for sale in Miami FL? We have answers. How much are Boxer puppies for sale in Miami FL? The experience of Miami Boxer breeders will affect the price of each pup, as will their eye color, coat color, and markings. Can I only choose pups from Boxer breeders in Miami? We think that one of the best things about Uptown is that we work with a nationwide network of businesses and companies. You can even arrange to meet your new pup at your nearest major airport! How do you screen breeders with Boxer puppies in Miami? Uptown Puppies uses a rigorous application process to ensure that we only work with the best companies and businesses out there. All companies within our network have to sign our binding Breeder Pledge - a set of guidelines they must agree to adhere to. How is Uptown Puppies different to anywhere else? When searching for Miami Boxers for sale online it can be hard to tell the difference between honest businesses and scams or puppy mills. Many of the top results will be companies with the best marketing. That doesn't mean they have the best Boxer puppies for sale Miami though. What is a puppy mill like? Puppy mills are awful operations where profit is more important than the welfare of pups and parent dogs. Are there any Boxer puppies available right now? The first thing to do is start looking at our listings for Boxer for sale in Miami. We know there are some seriously cute pups on offer from companies in our network - your dream pup is waiting for you! Where are Boxer dogs from? The Boxer breed hails from 19th Century Germany although their roots go back as far as B. Initially a hunting breed, they quickly became prized for their courage, loyalty, and intelligence. First registered in the US in , they have been a fir favorite for hundreds of years since. What are Boxers like personality wise? Loving, playful, and even a little goofy with their families, these dogs quickly turn into fearless guard dogs if they think their loved ones need protecting. As an extremely high-energy breed, Boxers do best when given plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Are Boxers easy to train? A Boxer Miami will also need proper socialization so they become well-rounded and polite adult dogs. How big does a mature Boxer get? As Boxer puppies Miami mature, they grow into impressive dogs… a little imposing too! Male Boxers can mature to stand up to 25 inches high at the shoulder, weighing up to 80 pounds. Female Boxers are a little smaller, maturing to stand up to .Their coat is smooth and tight-fitting; colors are fawn or brindled, with or without white markings, which may cover the entire body. Boxers are brachycephalic they have broad, short skulls , and have a square muzzle, mandibular prognathism an underbite , very strong jaws, and a powerful bite ideal for hanging on to large prey. Boxers were first exhibited in a dog show for St. Bernards in Munich in , the first Boxer club being founded the next year. Based on American Kennel Club statistics, Boxers held steady as the seventh most popular breed of dog in the United States for the third consecutive year. Appearance The head is the most distinctive feature of the Boxer. The breed standard dictates that it must be in perfect proportion to the body and above all it must never be too light. The greatest value is to be placed on the muzzle being of correct form and in absolute proportion to the skull. The length of the muzzle to the whole of the head should be a ratio of .Folds are always present from the root of the nose running downwards on both sides of the muzzle, and the tip of the nose should lie somewhat higher than the root of the muzzle. In addition a Boxer should be slightly prognathous, i. Temperament The character of the Boxer is of the greatest importance and demands the most solicitous attention. He is renowned from olden times for his great love and faithfulness to his master and household. He is harmless in the family, but distrustful of strangers, bright and friendly of temperament at play, but brave and determined when aroused. His intelligence and willing tractability, his modesty and cleanliness make him a highly desirable family dog and cheerful companion. He is the soul of honesty and loyalty, and is never false or treacherous even in his old age. Wikipedia SW 40 St. Suite 27 Miami, FL gorgeouspuppiesandkittens gmail. All Rights Reserved.

German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Welcome to our German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Different breeds like all different babies develop at different rates. There are going to be many exciting events for you to look forward to. Whether you are bringing your 8 week German Shepherd puppy home or about to be blessed with a litter of puppies. This is going to be an exciting, demanding but hugely rewarding journey. Newborn puppies are born at around days after fertilization. Newborn puppies are born with their ears and eyes tightly sealed. The reason eyelids are sealed shut is to form a protective barrier for the fragile developing eye. This helps to protect them from any foreign object, bright lights, bacteria or any other microorganism that can cause disease or damage. In the same way puppies ear canals are closed at birth to make them effectively deaf. This is a protective barrier to protect the fragile underdeveloped machinery needed to hear. In a mature ear the pressure caused by sound will mechanically move structures in the ear. German Shepherd puppies are highly dependent upon their noses. Puppies navigate by smell from the moment they are born. This helps them to identify their mom, the very important milk supply, siblings and surroundings. Newborn puppies are born with a fur coat however they cannot control their own body temperature yet. To keep them warm they are dependant on their mothers or another heat source. If you live in a cooler climate installing a heat lamp would be ideal to help keep the puppies nice and warm. Germans Shepherds make amazing mothers and will be relied on a lot at this stage. Mother dogs will only leave their newborn puppies to go to the toilet, eat and drink. However, when mom has gone the newborn puppies are not completely useless. They are able to use their front paws to drag themselves towards a heat source. When mom is away the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat. Along with being able to drag themselves to a heat source newborn puppies are also able to drag themselves to their mothers to locate the milk supply. They will move their heads around to search for a nipple, latch on and suck strongly. Newborn puppies are not born with teeth these will also develop in the next several weeks. Other than the above puppies are completely dependent upon the care of their dedicated mom. Newborn puppies have little control over the rear end of their bodies. To encourage their pups to pass urine and bowel movements the mom will lick their bottoms. Anything produced mom will then lick up and swallow to keep her puppies and nest clean. Some pups will even double their birth weight! Your German Shepherd puppy will still be highly dependent upon their mom at this stage. Beneath all their fur the vital organs will be working hard to mature. This includes the eyes. Your puppy will not be ready to open their eyes yet but lots of changes are taking place to prepare them for grand opening. The ear canals will begin to open around the same time as the eyes. When the ear canals do open, the ears are much more formed than the eyes are at this point in time. Their eyesight usually takes around 8 weeks to reach its full potential. When their eyes become wider, they will reveal blueish-gray eyes which are hazy in appearance. Their eyesight will continue to develop until around 8 weeks old. The ear canals will also open around 2 weeks. The puppies hearing has been developing much quicker than their eyesight and they will be able to hear most things by the time their ear canals fully open. However, their amazing hearing ability will continue to enhance over the next several weeks. At the moment your German Shepherd puppy will have cute floppy ears. Their adorable tall ears can come up anywhere between 8 weeks and 6 months of age. Floppy ears are common until your German Shepherd finishes teething. By then the ear cartilage will become strong and hard enough for the ears to stand up permanently. Now is a good time to start handling the puppies and get them used to your voice. Most puppies are wormed for the first time when they are 2 weeks old. All this development has happened so quickly, but things are about to get even more exciting. Between 2 and 4 weeks your German Shepherd puppy will begin to stand up this is when the real fun begins. Puppies milky teeth will also start to develop between 2 to 4 weeks. These sharp little teeth will remain until about weeks of age. These little daggers play an important role during the weaning process. Even the most patient moms will struggle to nurse with these sharp painful teeth. This reluctance to nurse will prompt the German Shepherds to seek alternative food sources. These sharp teeth will then help to make up for the lack of jaw strength when eating solid foods. Finally, these sharp puppy teeth play an important role in teaching the pups to gauge their bite pressure when playing with their mom and siblings. This is an essential life lesson that enables our powerful German Shepherds to become safer companions as they mature into strong adult dogs. During the last few weeks mom has done an amazing job of getting her babies strong and their mobility will have come on leaps and bounds well not quite yet but by 3 weeks of age your German Shepherd puppy will begin to trotter around. Most 3 week old German Shepherd puppies can stand and sit. With their baby teeth starting to cut through a lot of breeders. Especially those with large litters will start introducing some solid foods. This helps relieve some of the pressure for the devoted German Shepherd mom. When weaning puppies, you need to start off by soaking their food in either water or puppy milk replacement formula to make it mushy and more comfortable for them to eat. As they start to interact and play with their siblings their personalities will really start to show. You may also notice them starting to playfully growl at each other. At 3 weeks old it will become easier to start identifying different members of the pack. Breeders and moms will be kept on their toes and paws over the next few weeks. As the pups start getting more confident on their feet they will be running around and playing enthusiastically. At 4 weeks old they will begin to wag their adorable little tails. With solid food becoming a major part of their diet the pups will be passing bigger bowel movements. They will be able to show more control of their bowel movements as they take themselves away from their brothers and sisters to perform their business. At this stage mom will be taking a much more relaxed approach to parenting and there will be a lot more for the breeder to clear up. By this point mealtimes are a messy process. If it is warm and safe enough to do so we would recommend taking the pups out in the yard for feeding. German Shepherd puppies are becoming a lot stronger at vocalisations by 4 weeks old. When mom returns to her babies the litter will noisily greet her. Around 4 weeks of age your puppies will need to be wormed again. From this week onwards human interaction is very important in order to form relationships with people. Including different noises and smells. This exposure will ensure your German Shepherd puppy turns into a confident, friendly individual. Mom will also be doing an important job of teaching her puppies to not bite too hard. Even an 8 week old German Shepherd puppy would have the power in their jaws to break the smaller bones in humans fingers. This is why mom teaching her puppies bite inhibition is so important. For more information on bite inhibition please see our guide on German Shepherd bite inhibition. By 5 weeks old German Shepherd puppies will be eating a lot of solid foods, several times throughout the day. Those sharp little teeth would have done their job and mom will be gradually weaning her pups of the dependency on her milk. When mom does feed her puppies, she will only do so for a short period whilst standing up. They will be eating between five and six small meals a day. Although the pups no longer rely on mom for milk, they still need her help and guidance for the next few weeks. Mom will be teaching her babies important life skills to live alongside humans. In some countries 6 week old puppies are taken away from their mothers and moved into their new home. We would not recommend this as the puppies will miss out on continued bite inhibition training from their siblings and mother. This can result in a puppy who bites too hard which can be challenging to manage as they get older. In the USA your puppy will be due their first combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 6 weeks old. This vaccine helps to immunizes your puppy against hepatitis, parvo, distemper, parainfluenza and coronavirus. Most puppies will also need to be wormed again at 6 weeks old. Their last week together will consist of plenty of socialization and playing. Most breeders will arrange a 7 week health check up with the vet to make sure your bundle of fluff is fit and healthy to go to their new home. In the UK some breeders will arrange for the pups first 8 week vaccination to take place during this check. Although some vets advise against it. By the end of this week German Shepherd puppies are ready to leave their mothers and move into their new homes for good. The week you get to take your new puppy home. This will be a very exciting time, but you may also be feeling a bit nervous. There will be some challenged along the way for new puppy owners and your puppy will take some time to adjust to life without its mother and siblings. In the UK the first combined vaccination will help to immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. The first puppy injection in the UK typically will happen between 8 and 10 weeks. Some breeders would have trained the puppies to poop and pee on newspapers or puppy pads. From the moment you get them home it is important to show your German Shepherd puppy where to pee and poop. Puppies naturally like to pee where they have done so before so to avoid building history of peeing in your home is best if you can to avoid it. The more you can avoid accidents from happening as much as possible from the start the faster the puppy training process should be. All puppies are different, and some will get this quicker than others. The main thing to remember is not to discipline your puppy for accidents. The most successful way to potty train is to reward success and ignore accidents. Just clean them up quickly and thoroughly. Your puppy will love nothing more than being praised. For more information please see our guide on How to potty train your German Shepherd puppy. Already your German Shepherd puppy will feel like part of the family. German Shepherds puppies are always adorable but at 9 weeks they are at the age where they are still puppy-like but very clumsy,curious and keen to play with her new family, which is very cute. Your German Shepherds unique personality will make you feel very proud. At 9 weeks your cheeky German Shepherd pup will be feeling more confident, with this the need to explore everything and anything may end up getting them into trouble. Your puppy will develop new sleeping patterns and feeding routines which you will need to adapt to. Most puppies will sleep between eighteen and twenty hours a day at 9 weeks old. During the day when you are with your puppy generally you will not need to shut them away in a crate to nap. German Shepherd puppies are often more than happy to sleep whilst family life goes on around them. However, there will be times when sleeping in a crate is better and safer for your puppy. You must not leave a 9 week old puppy to sleep outside the crate if you are not home to watch them if they wake. Puppies are into everything and many innocent items found in the house could be a potential hazard to your inquisitive pup. For more information please see our guide on how to puppy proof your home. Even if your puppy can barely keep their eyes open other pups and children will still want to play and your German Shepherd puppy may find it hard to refuse. After a hard day of play the peace and quiet of a crate will enable your pup to have a well-deserved nap. If your German Shepherd puppy does need to go to the toilet in the night make sure you keep it short and to a minimum. Establishing a daily routine is the best way to get your German Shepherd puppy to sleep through the night. Part of this schedule will involve mealtimes. Your 9 week old puppy will need four meals a day. Split these up throughout the day and try to stick to similar times. This is to stop encouraging your puppy to wake up earlier and earlier because they associate waking with food. You should always reward your puppy either vocally, with a favourite toy or treats for good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour. Puppies and dogs want to be praised so they respond very well to positive encouragement. Punishing puppies and dogs may have a short term positive effect on their behaviour but long term you could be setting them up to fail. It is very important to socialise and expose your puppy to other humans, dogs and different scenarios whilst they are young. This maybe hard before your puppy has had all its vaccines however getting many different people to come and visit you at your home will enable them to get used to visitors. Before their full vaccinations you can also, you can take you German Shepherd puppy out and about with you to expose them to the outside world as long as you can carry them. If you live in the USA, your puppy will be due their second combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 9 weeks old. In the USA a minimum of three sets of the combined vaccine are required for your puppy. Although you cannot put your puppy down outside until after their final vaccination. Puppies 10 week injection In the UK is a booster vaccination to help immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. Check with your vet what date after their jabs your German Shepherd puppy will be able to go down outside. Your puppy will then need a booster between 6 and 12 months old. If you live in the USA at 12 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be due their booster for the combined 5in1 vaccine against hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, parvo and coronavirus and a vaccine against rabies and leptospirosis. If you live in a high risk area, they may also need to be given the vaccination to help immunize them against Lyme. If applicable at 16 weeks your German Shepherd puppy may need to have a fourth combined 5in1 vaccine. A minimum of three combined injections are required in the USA. Check with your vet what date they will be able to be out down outside. By 10 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be able to control their bladder a lot more. Potentially up to several hours. This is great time for you to introduce them to the big wide world and develop their social skills which you have already been building the foundations. When taking your German Shepherd puppy out try to introduce them to as many other friendly dogs, humans and noises you can. This will help your German Shepherd puppy to grown into a confident well-rounded dog. At 3 months old your German Shepherd will go down from four daily meals to three. These three portions will be larger than what they are used to which may cause stomach upset. If your German Shepherd puppy does get an upset stomach, try going back to four smaller meals for a couple of days and they try the three larger portions again. This can be a challenging time as your adorable German Shepherd puppy turns into a furry crocodile. Luckily the teething stage is only a phase as with human babies and short lived. In most cases your puppy biting should stop around when they are around 7 months old and have their adult teeth. You maybe noticing your German Shepherds gorgeous ears fluctuating between floppy and pointy. By the time your puppy has finished teething their ears should tick up all the way. This usually happens around months. As they grow their cartilage becomes stronger. Some puppies need another month or so to help them cope without going out for frequent toilet breaks. Even when your German Shepherd puppy is toilet trained occasional accidents are normal. German Shepherds do have large ears but they tend to grow into them as they get older. German Shepherd puppies will begin to grow their new adult coat between 4 and 6 months old. To make way for their adult coat all the puppy hair has to go. For several weeks you will notice an increase in shedding. This is a completely normal part of growing up for your German Shepherd. Being a double coat breed German Shepherds dogs have a topcoat and an undercoat. Twice a year your pup will shed their undercoat. Usually in spring and again in fall. They also shed in general days a year so be prepared for a lot of fur! They will very much look like a smaller version of their adult selves. Although your German Shepherd may look older on the inside, they are still very much a puppy. If you are looking to get your puppy neutered or spayed the recommended age is 6 to 9 months. However, it is common for some female puppies to get spayed at 4 months old. Summary: Your German Shepherd is bound to give you so much joy and happiness throughout its life. There will be challenges along the way but remember this is completely normal. German Shepherds are such an amazing breed and you will have a loyal friend for life. Related Posts. Blankets, pillows, and towels. The mother GSD and her litter need a quiet place to stay. It should be spacious, clean, and comfortable. If money is not an issue, you may purchase a commercial whelping box and a washable vet bed. But if you want to be thrifty, you can just make use of a clean cardboard box. Just make sure that the box is big enough for your GSD to stretch out comfortably. You may also buy a heat pad. It will provide warmth to the litter. Instead, put the heat pad under the whelping box, with one end on top of the box. Cover it with a towel to avoid overheating. The whelping box should be close enough to an electrical outlet so you can easily plug in the heat pad once you need more warmth for your Litter. Make sure they stay warm by providing a heating pad and lamp. You may add blankets, pillows, towels, or even old newspapers and a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel. Be careful though because puppies might get entangled and suffocate if the blanket, pillows, and towels are not taut. Puppy milk replacer, baby bottle, or feeding syringe If the litter is abandoned or orphaned, ask your vet to prescribe milk formulated for German shepherd puppies. Purchase a baby bottle or syringe for feeding. If you leave newborn German shepherd puppies with their mother, give her the first two days to bond with her litter and feed them. Once you see that your GSD has accepted her litter and is feeding them, you can put the puppies in a box beside their mother. She will take care of cleaning and nurturing her pups while continuing to feed them with her milk. But if she still refuses to take care of her pups, you must take matters into your own hands. To do this, place a clean towel or a washable vet bed inside a cardboard box. Keep the box beside your GSD but make sure that she cannot get in touch with her pups. Plug the pad into an electrical outlet and adjust the heat to maintain its temperature at 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The pups can get hypothermia if their body heat drops below 94 degrees Fahrenheit. See also How long should a puppy chew on a bully stick and when to take the bully stick away? Now, put your German shepherd puppies under the warmth of the heating pad at 95 degrees F and wait for them to feed. Only put three puppies per towel or one puppy per section of the vet bed for ease in feeding and monitoring. A mother GSD can produce about 4 to 5 cc of milk every hour. This means that she will need someone to feed her pups every 2 or 3 hours. To correctly use the eyedropper, put your puppy on its stomach and tickle its throat to induce swallowing. Repeat this process until you see that the pup has emptied the eyedropper. Pups will probably fall asleep after feeding. To avoid suffocation, place rolled-up newspapers in their box the pups can use them as pillows when they sleep. These are only temporary until the mother GSD starts to take care of them by licking them clean and keeping them warm with her presence. Weighing scale To make sure if the German shepherd puppies are gaining enough weight, monitor their weight by using a weighing scale at least 4 times a week. If the puppies are not gaining enough weight, they may not be getting enough milk or nourishment so consult your vet right away. Use a wet cotton ball or washcloth to massage or rub gently the anal region. A mother GSD can give birth to 4 to 9 puppies in one litter, 6 as the average. Newborn German Shepherd Puppies Newborns especially 1 to 3-day old German shepherd puppies are vulnerable so before you do anything, consult with your vet especially if you are inexperienced. Right after your GSD gives birth, check the 1-day old German shepherd puppies if they are breathing. If you notice a puppy having breathing difficulties, use a suction bulb syringe to suck out the blockage and clear its airways. Most of the time, they just sleep or eat. They usually eat every two hours during their first week of life. If the puppies are orphaned, you may wash them gently using a warm and moist cloth. Avoid over-bathing the pups because it can cause dehydration. You will notice some of them wagging their tails as well which is adorable to look at. The puppies will gradually open their eyes for the first time in 2 weeks. They will be curious so expect them to move around to inspect their surroundings. Instead of crawling, they attempt to use their legs even though their legs may shake. Check their weight to see if they are gaining well and continue keeping them warm and clean. Their ears will open so they can hear the sounds around them. Though their legs still shake when they attempt to walk, they can finally stand on their own. They will begin to socialize and explore their surroundings more so you should not separate the puppies from each other. They will start teething so they tend to bite everything. They will also be interested in eating solid food. The puppies can walk well at 4 weeks so they will continue socializing with their siblings, their mother, and their handler through playing. They can begin eating solid foods for the first time now that their teeth are fully developed. The puppies can be fully weaned when they reach 6 weeks because they become independent of their mother. They also improve their social skills by playing not only with each other but also with people. Not to worry because this is just a normal phase. This is a good time to expose the puppies to various sounds, places, and people. Teach them basic commands but focus on socialization and bite inhibition. If the puppies are not fully potty trained , train them now. At 9 weeks, the weight of male German shepherd puppies normally ranges from 9 to 10 kg while the females would be from 7 to 9 kg. Their height ranges from 12 to 15 inches. See also How to Crate Train a German Shepherd Puppy When the German shepherd puppies reach 10 weeks, their ears will become pointy but sometimes the ears are floppy. Their height and weight will continue to grow as long as they are adequately fed. By this time, your puppies should already know how to gently use their mouth in dealing with humans so you can enhance their training by teaching other basic commands. When they are done, let them play so that they learn how to do this on their own. Be patient because it takes time before they get the hang of it. If after 24 hours it still refuses to eat, use a baby bottle or feeding syringe to feed the puppy. Prepare a milk replacement formula using evaporated milk mixed with egg yolk, using two egg yolks for every half cup of milk. To avoid bacteria growth, boil the water first before mixing everything and store any leftover formula in the fridge. Gradually increase the proportion of milk replacement formula and decrease the proportion of puppy chow until you wean them off milk replacement completely. Your GSD puppy may have parasites because stools may look like pebbles or tan-colored, small balls which can be a sign that they have swallowed something in their litter box. This is particularly common when they are still with their mother because they tend to eat the feces of the other pups. Diarrhea can also be caused by stress, which is common for a newborn GSD puppy that has been removed from its mom. If this happens, make sure you give them enough attention and place your hand gently on their body to calm them down. Conclusion German shepherd puppies are truly a sight to behold from birth to adulthood. 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. Baby German Shepherds growing up! German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular dog breeds out there at the moment, with many devoted fans. They can be large and imposing as adults. But, like every breed, they have a cute puppy phase that many fall in love with. However, since most puppies are bought at weeks old, most of us miss out on this magical period of their lives. So what happens during those first important weeks? A typical German Shepherd litter consists of around puppies. The mean average, according to a study performed in , is 6. When they are first born, they will still have an umbilical cord attached and may be covered in amniotic fluid. Their mother should chew off the umbilical cord and spend the first few hours cleaning their pups. Then mom will focus on keeping her newborn pups warm while allowing them to nurse. At this stage, German Shepherd puppies will just sleep and avoid expending energy. They will frequently nurse from their mother. Newborn German Shepherds When baby German Shepherd puppies are first born, they are completely dependent on their mother. Their ears and eyes will be closed and they will be unable to regulate their own body temperature efficiently. A coat should be present, and the color will depend on the genes they have inherited from their parents. Black with tan markings is the most common for this breed. Additionally, they will be relatively immobile. They will be unable to properly support their own weight. Therefore, they will commonly crawl on their stomach to move about. They will also be unable to urinate or defecate on their own. Stimulation from their mother will be required to help them go to the toilet. One Week Old Baby German Shepherd In the first week, the puppies should bulk up significantly and double their birth weight. However, there will not be much change in their behavior. They will still primarily be focused on nursing and sleeping. To help themselves stay warm, the puppies will normally cuddle close to each other, except for when they are in a hot environment. At this stage, they will still be blind and deaf. While they are still unable to see very well, this is a big step. Eyes should open for the first time at around days of age. They will appear blue in color, but this will change into brown as they develop. They may become a little more inquisitive about their surroundings with their new-found eyesight, and may begin to crawl around a little more. We can expect to see them make some big steps at this stage. Firstly, at around days old, their ears should begin to open for the first time. They should now be able to both see and hear, though not too clearly. Their senses will continue to develop over the coming weeks. They will begin to be able to stand and support their own weight. Walking may still be tough, though! They will likely be pretty wobbly. You can also expect to see their baby teeth come in at around this time. While they still get the majority of their nutrition from their mother, they will begin to show interest in solid food. They will begin to become more independent at this age, being able to urinate and defecate on their own. Beginning Of Socialization With their sight and hearing, they are likely to show a little bit of adventure and courage for the first time, exploring their surroundings as much as their unsteady gait will allow them. This milestone also marks the beginning of the socialization period, a critical phase of their development. Things learned now can shape their personality and behavior for the rest of their lives. They may engage the other puppies in clumsy play and show body language such as tail wagging for the first time. They will form relationships with their den mates, their mother, and humans. This stage is critical in getting the puppies used to humans. This can be achieved by gently exposing the puppies to human presence and contact so that they can see that they are no threat. While their brains are still very much in development, they are still able to learn some simple concepts at this stage. Crate and potty training can begin at this age. They should now be able to walk pretty well. This mobility will allow them to further play with their family and be even more curious about their surroundings. On top of this, their baby teeth should now be fully formed and the weaning process should be fully underway. They should be offered soft but solid food. They may begin to show signs of more complex social behaviors towards their other den mates, and they should learn important skills like bite inhibition. The socialization process should continue, with the puppies gently being exposed to new people, sights, and sounds. The German Shepherd babies will also be further weaned off the mother at this time, slowly moving onto a fully solid diet. Six Week Old Baby German Shepherd At this age, you will begin to see the puppies become even more independent of their mother. Six week old puppies are gaining social skills rapidly, and love to play with people and each other. Seven Week Old Baby German Shepherd When we move into the seventh week of their life, a new significant phase of development starts to begin: the fear period. While this sounds disconcerting, it merely means that this is the time that many puppies begin to show fear towards new things, rather than curiosity. Things that the puppy may find scary or uncertain during this time can make for big changes in their personality throughout life. For example, if a puppy has a bad experience with a human at this stage, it may lead them to becoming fearful and distrustful towards people for the rest of their life. This is why gently exposing the puppies to humans and common sights and sounds beforehand is important. By preemptively socializing the puppies with humans, we can help this period run smoother. The puppies will have reached weights of around pounds and should be around inches tall. Their ears will lie flat but should begin to become erect and upright over the coming weeks. They will be fully independent of their mother at this age. They should be completely weaned, with some basic training and socialization. From here, new owners are expected to continue to train and socialize them, as they are still within a critical period of development. New owners will also need to continue to ensure the German Shepherd puppy is fed a good, nutritionally balanced diet. For more information, you can check out our full puppy development guide here. And make sure you also take a look at this guide to bathing a puppy!

Our goal over the past 27 years is to breed high quality puppies, with a focus healthy dogs with correct conformation and sound temperaments. That can only be done through proper breeding and knowing the history of the pedigrees and genetics of the dogs that you breed. You can find and buy cheaper puppies, but you take a huge chance on the temperament, health and the genetics of that dog. Here at our kennel, we strive to provide the average family with a world class German Shepherd from West German show lines and European working lines at a affordable price. We are not a commercial kennel or a puppy mill. We breed our females to selected males with the intention of breeding the best puppies possible. We provide AKC papers, pedigrees, health record with vaccinations and deworming, microchipped, and a lifetime of breeder support. Deposits are non-refundable. We reserve the right to keep the puppies of our choice from any litter. Thank you and God bless, Jim Godwin. Protection you can Hug Come and let us help you pick a beloved new family member that will provide unconditional love and protection for you and your family. Our dogs make great family pets, they are easily trained, and have a natural protective nature. Our past dogs have produced dogs that have served as mostly family pets, But some have been Therapy dogs, comfort dogs, K-9's and Schutzhund sport dogs. We are also placing our puppies with the Mississippi department of Corrections to be trained as working K-9's. Take some time and check out our website for lots of information on what we have to offer. And if you have time, we would love for you and your family to visit our kennel, just call and set up an appointment. Our babies are adopted quickly, so reach out to reserve your furever friend or to set up an appointment to visit. For the complete list please see our list page. As with any breed, you should always expect to pay much more for a registered purebred puppy. Prices for German Shepherd puppies vary depending on the breeder and the pedigree of the puppy. Some breeders may charge more or less depending on whether the puppy is show quality or not. If you are interested in owning a German shepherd, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder in Mississippi. With so many to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect one for you and your family. Here are a few tips to help you get started: Ask your friends and family for referrals. Visit local dog shows and meet with breeders in person. Be prepared to ask lots of questions about the puppies, the parents, and the breeding process. Make sure that the breeder is willing to provide you with references from previous buyers. If a breeder balks at any of your requests, consider looking for another breeder. German Shepherds are a very popular breed and there is no shortage of options when it comes to choosing one. Be patient, do your research, and you will be sure to find the perfect puppy. Visit Your Mississippi German Shepherd Breeder in Person If you are in the market for a German shepherd puppy, there are some things you should keep in mind. First, if at all possible, try to visit your Mississippi German Shepherd breeder in person to get a better idea of what sort of puppies they breed. This is beneficial to both the buyer and the seller. Breeders who are proud of their puppies will be more than happy to show them off. By visiting the breeder, you can see the environment in which the puppies are raised and get a first-hand look at the parents. This will help you to determine if the breeder is responsible and breeding healthy dogs. It is also important to ask lots of questions. A good breeder will be happy to answer all of your questions and will be more than willing to provide you with references. If the breeder seems hesitant or unwilling to answer your questions, it is best to move on. When looking for a German shepherd breeder, it is important to make sure that you are dealing with a responsible person. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your German Shepherd Breeder in Mississippi One of the best ways to determine if a German shepherd breeder is responsible is to ask for references. Good breeders will be happy to provide you with references from previous buyers. If the breeder does not have any references, or if the references are all from family members or friends, it may be best to move on. A good breeder will be more than happy to provide you with references from previous buyers who are not related to them. It is also important to ask for health clearances from the parents of the puppies. Health clearances prove that the parents have been tested for genetic disorders and are free of any diseases. If the breeder does not have any health clearances, it is best to move on. Reputable German shepherd breeders in Mississippi can be tough to find, but it is worth the effort. By following these tips, you are sure to find the perfect puppy for your family. Happy hunting! Ask Your Mississippi German Shepherd Breeder if You Can Meet Past Customers When you are looking for a German Shepherd breeder in Mississippi, one of the best ways to determine if they are bred responsibly is to ask them if you can meet some of their past customers. Reputable breeders will be more than happy to provide references from previous buyers. Meeting past customers will give you a better idea of what sort of person the breeder is. In addition, it will give you a chance to see the environment in which they have been raised and ask questions about their health and personalities. A good breeder should be more than happy to meet with past customers. If the breeder does not seem willing to let you meet previous buyers, it may be wise to walk away. A responsible Mississippi German Shepherd breeder will work hard to make sure that every puppy finds a good home and will be more than willing to provide references from previous buyers who are not related to them. A good Mississippi German Shepherd breeder should have a good veterinarian that they use. This veterinarian should be familiar with the breed and should be able to provide health clearances for the parents of the puppies. If the breeder does not have a good veterinarian, it is best to walk away. A responsible breeder will work closely with their veterinarian to ensure that their puppies are healthy and free of any genetic disorders. It is also important to ask the breeder how often they have their dogs bred. Good breeders will only breed their dogs when there is a demand for puppies. They will also only breed their dogs when they are in good health and have been cleared by their veterinarian. If you are looking for a responsible Mississippi German Shepherd breeder, be sure to ask lots of questions. A good breeder will be more than happy to answer all of your questions and will be more than willing to provide you with references. An unethical Mississippi German Shepherd breeder will be more than happy to sell you a puppy without providing you with any information about the dogs or the puppies. They may even tell you that there are no records of the parents. It is also important to avoid breeders who are not willing to provide references from previous customers. Unethical breeders tend not to have many repeat customers because they do not take care of their dogs and neglect them when they are pregnant and after they give birth. Be sure to ask lots of questions before choosing a breeder. A good breeder should be able to provide you with all kinds of information about the puppies, the parents, and themselves. If the breeder is unwilling to answer your questions or seems shady, it is best to walk away. There are plenty of reputable breeders in Mississippi who would be more than happy to help you find the perfect puppy for your family. Many unethical breeders will try to hide this information from you. These breeders are usually trying to sell their puppies as quickly as possible and do not have much concern for the well-being of the puppies or their new families. There are no perfect dogs, but there are a lot of great breeders out there who will work hard to provide you with a healthy and happy puppy. However, a reputable breeder should be more than happy to provide you with a health record for your puppy. This health record should have all of the information on the vaccines that were given and any medical treatments that have been performed. They will also be able to inform you about what genetic disorders are common with the breed so you can watch out for them. Be sure to have a safe place for the puppy to sleep. This can be a kennel or a crate, but it should be big enough for the puppy to stand up and turn around in. You will need to have a place for the puppy to eat and drink. This can be a bowl or an automatic feeder and waterer. You will need to have a place for the puppy to potty. This can be an outdoor potty area or a pee pad. You will to have some toys for the puppy to play with. You will need to have a vet lined up who can provide care for your new puppy. If you can provide your German Shepherd with all of these things, they will be happy and healthy. However, if you are unable to provide these things, it is best to find an alternative pet. This process can take some time, but it is definitely worth it in the end. The best way to potty train your puppy is to take them outside frequently. When they go potty outside, be sure to praise them and give them a treat. Another thing that you can do is to put newspaper or pee pads in an area where the puppy can go potty indoors. When they go potty on the newspaper or pee pad, be sure to praise them and give them a treat. It is important to stay consistent with both of these methods so that the puppy will learn where they are supposed to go potty. If you are consistent with potty training, your German Shepherd puppy will be potty trained in no time. However, if you do not stay consistent, the puppy will likely start to potty inside the house. The best way to train your German Shepherd is to start when they are young. One of the most important commands that you can teach your dog is how to sit. Once your dog has mastered sitting on command, you can move onto the next step. The next step is to teach your German Shepherd puppy how to stay. When you come back, give them praise and another treat. Once they understand the concept of staying, you can start teaching them how to come when called. This process will take some time because you cannot reward them with treats every single time that they come when called; otherwise, they may get sick of coming when called after while. Eventually, your German Shepherd will learn how to stay and come when called whenever they are given the command. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. If all goes as planned, there will be three planned breedings for the spring and summer months. He had an amazing temperament, was extremely athletic and black sable in color. Sarge was a proven stud known for producing his likeness and passing on his hereditary characteristics to his offspring four of which remain at Weizen German Shepherd. He has a great temperament, weighs 95 pounds and is solid black in color with massive bone structure. He is a proven stud and produces puppies with dark pigmentation and great temperaments. He has been obedience trained and had bite work training at Weizen German Shepherds. He has an excellent pedigree, great temperament and is very dark sable in color. She is black sable in color and weighs approximately 74 pounds. She is high drive, easily trainable and very protective. She is black sable in color and weighs 88 pounds. Ketura is intelligent, has a great temperament and is obedience trained. She is DM free by parentage. Dark is black sable in color, weighs 95 pounds and has an outstanding pedigree. Dark has a wonderful temperament and was obedience trained at Weizen German Shepherds. She was born and raised at Weizen German Shepherds. She is black sable in color, weighs pounds and is a natural protection dog. She is very intelligent, obedience trained and has an excellent pedigree. She is intelligent, very bold, high drive and black sable in color. She is a Sarge and Seattle daughter. She is high drive, powerful and very black sable in color. She is a fireball of energy and smart. She is eight months old and dark sable in color. Wulfe is the son of Ketura and Zor. He is two months old and will be use as a future stud pending OFA scores. He is black sable and has a wonderful temperament. All puppies are imprinted from birth using the U. Military Bio Sensor techniques and exposed to different situations on a daily basis until they go to their new homes. Lynne Wheat is a Bred with H. Please Note: Weizen German Shepherds reserves the right to have first choice puppy from any of their litters.

Golden Retrievers are usually excellent mothers, have easy births and take great care of their puppies. They are also usually comfortable when their owners handle and care for the puppies. So this can be a very enjoyable time; however, there is a lot of work involved and a multitude of things that can go wrong. Preparation is key. Wash your hands thoroughly every time before handling the puppies or their mother. There are few things more adorable than newborn Golden Retriever puppies. Remove your street shoes before entering the puppy room. Shoes are a common source of germs or parasites that can infect the puppies. If you have been around other animals or sick people, change your clothing before entering the puppy room. Remove the sac from each puppy as it is born, allowing the mother to sniff, clean and chew the umbilical cord. The puppy can't breathe until the sac is removed. Pull it away quickly and then suction out the nose and mouth with the syringe. Swab the stump of the umbilical cord with the iodine. Allow Mom to investigate and clean her pup, and then weigh the puppy and record its birth time, weight, sex and colour of its collar. Put a coloured puppy collar on the pup loosely. Ensure the collar is not too tight or loose enough for another pup to become entangled in it. Keep in mind that the puppies grow at a very fast rate so be sure to check the collars daily. Allow each puppy to nurse after weighing it. If the mother is already delivering again, put the puppy in the plastic box under the heat lamp. It's OK to keep the puppies in the plastic box through most of the birthing; however, each puppy should be allowed to nurse within the first few minutes of birth, to receive colostrum. It is very important that the puppy receive the colostrum. The heat lamp should not be too close to the puppy. Once all of the puppies are born, place the puppies with the mother to nurse. Move the heat lamp towards the whelping box, but aim it so that the puppies can crawl back and forth as they get too warm or too cold. A puppy cannot regulate its own body temperature for the first few weeks. Make a bed for the family, if the mother gave birth in some place other than a whelping box. For a Golden Retriever mother and puppies, a box that is 4 feet by 4 feet with sides about 12 inches high is good. A plastic moulded kiddie pool will work fine too. Weigh each puppy twice daily for the first week and record the weights and times. Swab iodine on the umbilical stump twice a day until it dries up. Infections can lead quickly to septicaemia in such small bodies. If a puppy loses weight after the first 24 hours it should be watched carefully for problems and supplemented with a bottle feeding. If it continues to lose weight, take it to the veterinarian, along with the recorded weights since birth. Weigh daily after the first week, until about 4 weeks of age. Assist the puppies as needed when they nurse. Some will have more trouble than others, so help the weaker nursers and be sure all puppies get enough milk. Smaller or weaker puppies may need some private time with mom or a bottle of puppy formula, one or more times a day. Notice any signs of trouble, such as lethargy, coldness, failing to nurse. If any puppy seems at all "off" to you call the veterinarian. Small things turn fatal very fast with newborn puppies. Handle each puppy daily, holding it securely but changing it to different positions, such as turning it on its back, and then back to its tummy. This is mildly stressful and helps the pups develop well while also preparing them for being pets when they are older. Do not allow small children or strangers to handle the puppies. Change the newspapers and other bedding in the box every day or as needed. As the pups get bigger the papers and towels will need to be changed a few times each day. Introduce the puppies to semi-solid foods at around four weeks of age. This should be a gruel made of dry puppy food soaked in puppy formula until it is mushy. It's normal for them to make a huge mess with their food; they are learning. Clean them up with a warm, damp wash cloth. Deworm and vaccinate the puppies according to your veterinarian's instructions. Do not give them over the counter worm medicine, as these may not all be safe. Deworming starts around three weeks of age and vaccinations at about 6 weeks, but consult with your veterinarian as there are times when changes to the schedule are needed. TIP Mom's health is crucial to the welfare of the puppies, so make sure you feed her a good quality dog food. She needs much more food while nursing puppies. If several hours go by and there are no more puppies, take the mom to the veterinarian for an exam and X-ray to be sure there are no more puppies. If the puppy does not start breathing after clearing the mucous and sac away and using suction, you can try to revive it with brisk but gentle towel massage. Also, wrap the pup in a towel, face down, and with the towel and both of your hands fully supporting the head, neck, and body, briskly swing your raised arms downward to help dislodge any mucous. The puppy must be fully supported or this will break its neck. Here's what you need to know about taking care of your newborn pups after they are born. Approach the Puppies With Caution Although you may want to pet and hold the puppies constantly, it is important not to intervene too much in the first week or two of their lives, as they are very susceptible to disease, and it can be stressful for the mother and puppies. Use caution when approaching the puppies, as some mothers may show aggression to humans or other household pets if they perceive a threat. As the puppies get older and more active, your dog will want more and more time to get away and sleep, exercise, or socialize with members of the household. So give your dog space to get away from the puppies, but make sure that she is often returning to check on them. Provide A Warm Environment Puppies cannot regulate their body temperature until they are 3 to 4 weeks old. Therefore, for the first 4 weeks of their lives, you should provide a warm, clean box or bedding for the mother and puppies to share. To keep the puppies warm, position a heating lamp above it. Ensure there are unheated areas, as the puppies will need to move away from the heat source if they become too warm. Monitor the puppies' temperature. If puppies are too cold, they cannot process milk and it may curdle in their stomach. Do not use heating pads, as the puppies may be cold and stay on the heating pad too much. If it is too hot, it can cause burns. Start Socializing the Puppies If the mother dog allows it, you can get the puppies used to your presence. Socializing them early can help ensure that they fit nicely into a household. Puppies should initially be weighed twice a day for the first week or two, then daily. Puppies should never lose weight or even maintain weight—either of these is cause for supplementation and concern. If you notice that one of your puppies is smaller, not gaining weight, or has less energy than the others, consult your veterinarian. Puppies should not be taken away from their mother and sent to their new homes too quickly, as they learn important social rules and behavior from their mother and siblings. Puppies should not be separated from their mother if they are younger than 8 weeks old, and it may be illegal before this in many states. Waiting until they are 10 weeks old will give the maximum benefit of social interaction with their mother and littermates. Feeding and Weaning Newborn puppies should nurse at least every 2 hours for the first week or two of life. After this, they can stretch the feeding times to hours, as long as they are still gaining weight and doing well. Once the puppies are 3 to 4 weeks old, you can begin the weaning process by giving them access to puppy food. You can mix a high-quality commercial puppy food with water or canned puppy food to make it easier for them to eat. It is important that the food is softened at first. They should still have constant access to the mother, as she will continue to nurse them. Over the next few weeks, they will rely more and more on puppy food rather than nursing. Most dogs will wean their puppies by 5 to 6 weeks of age. Puppies have sharp teeth at this point, so nursing may be painful to the mother dog. Continue to be vigilant and monitor her for signs of mastitis. Contact Your Vet Just After the Puppies Are Born Contact your veterinarian to ask for their recommendation regarding when the puppies should first be examined. They may want to see them right away to evaluate for cleft palates , umbilical hernias , and other health concerns, or they may advise you to wait until they are a bit older. Most veterinarians recommend deworming at regular 2-week intervals starting at 2 weeks old. Lauren Jones graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in , after receiving her bachelor's degree.Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? Shop All Cat Food Few things are more delightful than a litter of newborn puppies, but the prospect of caring for all of these brand new little lives can be daunting. But don't worry. Check out this guide to newborn puppy care to tell you what need to know to raise a healthy, happy litter. A Clean Environment Newborn puppies will spend their first few weeks in the box or pen in which they were born, so it's important to choose wisely when preparing for their arrival. The space should offer enough room for the mother to lie down and stretch out comfortably without crushing the puppies, and she should be able to come and go freely while keeping the puppies contained. It should also be easy to access so that you can change out the bedding each day. In these early days, Mom will clean up her pups' waste, but if it's a large litter she may need help keeping up. Around the end of the second week or the beginning of the third week, the puppies will open their eyes and become more active. Once they start to toddle about, you can move them to a larger pen with room to play, and bathroom cleanup will require more of your attention. Although the puppies will snuggle up with their mom and each other for warmth, it's best to use a heat lamp during their first month of life. The lamp should be placed high enough above the box to prevent any risk of burning the mother or her pups, and there should also be a cooler corner that the pups can crawl to if they get too warm. For the first five days, the temperature inside the pen should be kept at about 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. From days five through ten, gradually dial back the heat to 80 degrees, and then continue to reduce the heat little by little until it reaches 75 degrees by the end of their fourth week, suggests PetPlace. Nursing and Nutrition During their first few weeks, puppies rely exclusively on their mother for their nutritional needs. Although she may be less active during this time, nursing uses up a lot of the mother's energy and her daily caloric requirements will be higher than normal, says the AKC. To ensure both mother and puppies receive adequate nutrition throughout the nursing stage, the mother should be fed several servings of a quality puppy food throughout the day. Your veterinarian can recommend the type and amount of food to feed your nursing mother. It's important to keep an eye on the puppies' weight during this time. If you notice any of the puppies being underfed, you may need to keep an eye on them when it's time to nurse and make sure the smaller puppies latch onto the fullest nipples for feeding, says The Nest. Puppies who cry or whimper frequently may also be hungry and need more attention during feeding. If the smaller puppies still don't show signs of healthy growth or weight gain, talk to your vet. It might be necessary to take over and bottle-feed them. It's also important to watch the mother for signs of mastitis, says Wag! Signs of mastitis include red and swollen nipples and reluctance to nurse. The mother may even snap at the puppies when they try to eat. If you notice these signs, contact your vet right away. By the fourth or fifth week, the puppies will start getting their teeth and the weaning process will begin as the mother's milk production slows. Once you notice the puppies starting to sample Mom's food, it's time to provide them with their own dish of puppy food. Health Young puppies are susceptible to disease and infection, so you'll need to keep a close eye on them. Newborn puppy care should include regular inspections to watch for signs of infection or poor health. Report anything unusual such as vomiting, diarrhea or a puppy who won't stand or eat to your vet. Little puppies are also especially vulnerable to fleas and other parasites, says The Spruce Pets , so talk to your vet about appropriate parasite control. Although antibodies they receive from nursing will help protect them from illness in the early weeks, these antibodies wear off around six to eight weeks, which is when they will need to receive their first round of vaccinations. Make sure you and all family members thoroughly wash your hands before interacting with these puppies to help reduce the risk of getting them sick from any bacteria that might be lying in wait on your hands. Socialization By the fourth week the puppies are ready to begin socializing with humans and other dogs. Weeks four through twelve are a critical window during which puppies need to learn about the world they'll inhabit so they'll become well-adjusted, happy dogs, says The Spruce Pets. Poorly socialized puppies tend to grow into anxious dogs who may have behavioral problems, so whether you plan to keep the puppies or send them to good homes, it's important to cuddle and play with them, allow them to explore and play and expose them to as many new experiences as possible. Newborn puppy care entails a lot of work, but these first several weeks go by in a flash. If your puppies end up being adopted, you'll be saying goodbye to them in no time, an event that is often bittersweet. Enjoy the pups while you have them, and when it's time to let go, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you gave them the best possible beginning. Contributor Bio Jean Marie Bauhaus Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of furbabies. Newborn puppy care can be chaotic, so you may want to get a head start and keep a list! Recommended Videos Learning how to take care of a puppy can be fun and oh so rewarding, but what, exactly, does it entail? Many pet parents use kiddie pools, large boxes, or pens as whelping spaces—all of which work if Mom can come and go as she pleases. Warmth for puppies There are many ways to keep newborn puppies warm, but making sure that their mom and siblings are around to share body heat can be especially helpful for several reasons. In most cases, a heated blanket or warming lamp will do the trick. After a week, you can lower the temperature to about 80 degrees, then to 75 degrees at the end of the second week. Image used with permission by copyright holder 3. Puppy socialization It may seem odd to picture newborn pups socializing, but it just looks a little different than what we typically think of as socialization. Instead of meeting other dogs and people, these new additions socialize by learning to interact with their mother and with one another. In their first few weeks of life, notes VCA Hospitals, puppies will eat and sleep most of the time, so there may not be much to supervise during this period. A restless or noisy puppy, however, can be a sign that something is amiss. They should be gaining weight daily a digital scale will come in handy for monitoring weight and have visibly distended tummies. Crying and acting anxious are signs of a malnourished pup, VCA Hospitals also points out. Smaller pups, or those who are pushed off the teat by their siblings, can be placed on one of the back nipples for top-quality feeding. Since these teats produce the most milk, they are ideal for pups who need more nutrition. Bottle feeding is always an option too. Your veterinarian can provide you with all the instructions and supplies you need in order to keep the pups healthy, so you should always keep up with postnatal checkups for mom and babies. Image used with permission by copyright holder 5. Keeping newborn puppies healthy Even the most skilled puppy caretakers need the watchful eye of a doctor as well, so your veterinarian should be part of this process from beginning to end. They can not only keep Mom healthy throughout pregnancy but also make sure that the puppies are developing as they should be. Vets will give you the chance to get all puppies and Mom up to date on vaccinations to boot. Editors' Recommendations. If you also have brought a newborn golden retriever puppy to your home, you need to be extra careful in handling him. It is significant to note that newborn golden retrievers should not be handled like human babies. In this article, I will suggest you 10 tips that will definitely help you to take care of a newborn golden retriever effectively. Before owning golden retriever, it is necessary to know about his temperament— Know everything about golden retriever temperament Ideally, it is better to allow the mother of golden retriever puppy to take its care and responsibility. The puppy must be allowed to stay with his mother and the litter for the first few days. The puppy owner must take care of the puppy as well as its mother and ensure that they are totally comfortable and at ease. Mother as well as the puppy must be fed properly and their nutritional demands must be met properly. A newborn golden retriever puppy may have a lot of needs and its mother can take better care of its growing needs. Since, initially, the puppy is non-explorative, it requires more attention as far its safety is concerned. Mother as well as the dog owner must take care of the highly vulnerable puppy. Proper diet and clean water must be provided to the mother, especially if she is nursing her baby. It is important to ensure that high quality ingredients are available in the food being provided to the mother and the kid so that their nutritional requirements are met in the most effective manner. I have listed some good commercial foods that are must have for the mother of new born puppy:. It is after birth that you might need to help keep her clean and comfortable. The lactating dog needs to eat a high quality puppy food that is high in protein and calcium. This will allow her to produce substantial amounts of milk. She should eat puppy food until the puppies are weaned. Let her eat as much as she wants, which can often be four times her non-pregnant intake. You cannot overfeed her during this period, as making milk for puppies requires a lot of calories. Be aware that the first hours after giving birth, she is likely not going to eat much of anything at all. Getting too much calcium can set her up for milk fever later on. Milk fever is caused by a significant drop in blood calcium levels and typically occurs weeks into lactation. This can lead to seizures because the calcium levels in the blood are too low. If you suspect milk fever, seek immediate veterinary attention. During the first weeks, the new mom will be very busy keeping track and taking care of the puppies. It will be important for her to have access to them to keep the puppies warm and fed and clean. Take her out for short bathroom breaks for only minutes. While she is outside and away from her puppies is a good time to change her bedding, keep her bed clean from soil at all times. A groomer or your veterinarian can do this procedure if you do not feel comfortable or do not have the equipment. Mammary gland infections mastitis do occur and can get very serious very quickly. If you see mammary glands that are very red or purple , hard, hot or painful, there is a problem. In some cases, mastitis has the potential to kill the nursing mother dog. If you suspect mastitis, take the dog immediately to your veterinarian. Even if you have to take her to an emergency veterinary hospital, it must happen immediately. It is normal for you to see vaginal discharge from the momma dog for a few weeks up to 8 weeks after birth. This discharge can look brownish red and look stringy. Occasionally a mild odor will be noticed. If you see yellow, green or gray material, or notice a foul odor, take your dog to your veterinarian. She may have an infection in her uterus. Unless she is filthy, wait a few weeks to give her a bath with a mild oatmeal shampoo formulated for dogs. Otherwise until then just wipe her down with a clean, warm, damp cloth to remove any blood, placental fluid or fecal matter. They should eat every hours at minimum. Happy puppies are sleeping puppies; if they are crying a lot, they may not be getting enough nutrition. Check for fat little bellies and clean coats to signal that they are well cared for. Try weighing the puppies on a digital scale to make sure that they are gaining weight every day. Puppies should double their weight in the first week. Do not disregard a puppy looking skinnier or less active than the other puppies. Take him to your veterinarian right away. He may require supplemental feeding or other help. If after the first few days, you see the rest of the puppies growing and one that is still small and skinny, this may be a sign of insufficient feeding or another problem. It should be a solid surface without any holes into the sinuses. Consult your veterinarian if there are any concerns. Take the puppy to a vet right away for an exam immediately. Newborn puppies, like newborn humans, can get sick and dehydrated quickly. As the puppies get older and more mobile, the confined area will get messier. Cleaning up after the puppies at least times per day will be needed to keep the whelping box sanitary. Puppies need healthy socialization to their new world, including introductions to people. Hold each puppy several times per day. Get the puppies accustomed to being touched everywhere on their bodies so that it will not seem strange when they are older. Mom might get protective and be a bit aggressive toward humans, this is normal, so prevent children from bothering the puppies. Socialization starts in earnest at two to three weeks of age. It is important to handle the pups several times a day at this age, and start introducing strangers and children so they get used to different voices and appearances. Do this and you are laying a great foundation for their future. If you are selling or giving away the puppies, wait until they are 8 weeks old before handing them over to the new owners. In some states, like California, it is illegal to sell or give away puppies before 8 weeks of age. Puppies should be fully weaned and eating dog food on their own before they leave for a new home. Starting a deworming and vaccination program is often recommended before the pup leaves.

We are devoted to the preservation of the breed, determined to produce the best possible example of a loving, kind, confident and beautiful companion and in addition, for us a future competitor in the various activities that this talented breed offers. We strive for temperament, correct conformation, soundness and a conglomeration of the many skills that the Labrador possesses. We hope that with our hard work over the past 30 years we are continuing to be able to provide a few people each year with a puppy that they will cherish for a lifetime. Meet The Breeder Faith V. Hyndman I've always been an animal lover. As a young child I collected canaries, parakeets, salamanders, turtles, gold fish, cats, horses, and always a dog or two. My interest in Labradors began when we were looking for a family companion who needed minimal grooming after having spent 15 years with Poodles. In we ended up finding and purchasing Trumpet, who started my love affair with this wonderful, versatile breed. Buckstone Labradors Breeds With Purpose Type We strive to produce Labradors that not only look beautiful, but act as the versatile retriever that they are. Temperament Labrador temperament is of utmost importance for us. Through selective breeding of fabulous temperaments for many years, we know that our puppies will make wonderful lifelong companions. Ability Our dogs are proven in the show ring to have conformed to the written standard. We have many champions and have owned and produced dogs who have gone on to earn many performance titles, serve as wonderful family pets and personal hunting companions. Support With nearly 40 years of breeding and dog care, we've probably seen it all.We offer lifetime support to our puppy buyers and are always just a call or e-mail away to be a great resource for your Buckstone puppy. Our Puppies We generally breed one or two litters a year. Our plan is to always keep a puppy for ourselves so that we are able to continue with our hobby of training and competing with our Labradors at their many different levels. Our puppies are raised in the house and are well socialized. They will have their first shots and be examined by our veterinarian before leaving for their new homes. We require that our puppy buyers come to our home in Pennsylvania to pick up their new family addition. We love meeting you and are excited to welcome you into our own Labrador family. We always look forward to frequent updates and photos and will always be here for your Buckstone puppy. Buckstone Puppies are carefully placed in homes that have been interviewed by phone or in person. Buckstone Puppies must be picked up in person at my home. We do not take lists or promise puppies before they are ready to be placed into new homes. We never take deposits nor will we ever ask for money online or through gift cards. Please feel free to contact us about puppies we may have who are looking for their forever home. I'm interested in a Buckstone Puppy! The Labrador Retriever is also the most popular purebred dog in America for the 21st straight year. More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: Dogs are better than popping pills or drinking elixers. Children with dogs for pets have been found to have lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and fewer overall physical complaints than those without dogs. In fact, there are several diseases where dogs have been used to help those who have the disease. Two of these are: rheumatoid arthritis and emotional disturbance stemming from cases of severe abuse. Samuel B. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Did you know… The Quakers came here in to settle. In the beginning they lived in caves carved out along the Delaware River. Over 80 homes were quickly built. The first and second continental congress convened here in Philadelphia. The citizens were loyal to their new country and made Philadelphia the headquarters of the American Revolution. Philadelphia was the national capital until except for a brief time when New York City was the capital. In , the largest USA city was Philadelphia. Philadelphia continued that distinction until .The motto, The City of Brotherly Love, came from William Penn, who envisioned the area as a place where anyone of any color or background could live together in peace and harmony. The distance from Philadelphia to Washington DC is miles. The distance to the Pennsylvania state capital is 94 miles. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! We have answers. The Philadelphia Labrador Retriever puppies for sale that you see on Uptown are descended from a breed that hails from Newfoundland. These tough, smart, and obedient dogs were used by fishermen to help them retrieve nets and fish from the cold waters. These days, a Labrador Philadelphia is known as an all all-round family dog. Can Uptown help? We sure can! We can help connect you to the best Philadelphia Labrador Retriever breeders, who are all pre-screened to make sure they meet our high standards. Why is Uptown different from other places with Philadelphia Labrador Retrievers for sale? Every business on Uptown has to sign our binding Breeder Pledge. Are there any Labrador Retriever puppies for sale Philadelphia available now? They will always be happy to provide all the information you need to know your pup is healthy. Do you sell puppies from the cheapest Labrador Retriever breeders Philadelphia? When a new breeder applies to join our network, we prioritize checking that they use ethical breeding practices, as well as keeping parents dogs and their pups in the best conditions. Remember the price you pay for your puppy reflects the time and dedication it takes to breed a healthy dog. Do you recommend specific food for a Labrador Retriever for sale in Philadelphia? Will a Philadelphia Labrador Retriever for sale make a good family dog? They also love a good chill-out on the couch! And if someone in your family is keen on training, Labs are smart enough to excel here too. How big do Labradors for sale Philadelphia get? Labradors are a medium-sized breed, with a sturdy and muscular body. Males usually stand between .Male Labs weigh roughly 65 to 80 pounds, and females 55 to 70 pounds.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. What are "mismarks" in Labradors? Color oddities "mismarks" have occurred from time to time and have been well documented throughout the breed history of the purebred Labrador Retriever. Such mismarks have includes black and tan markings, brindling, some white markings and ring-around-the-tail markings. It is unknown as to whether mismarks appear because of recessive genes from generations ago or whether they are the result of a spontaneous mutation. Although mismarks occur naturally in Labradors, these mismarks are rare. Breeders attributed this to previous interbreeding of Labradors with Gordon Setters during the early history of the breed. Because this trait was considered undesirable as a characteristic of the breed, breeders chose not to breed individuals expressing the trait in hopes of reducing frequency of its expression in future offspring. Because this allele is recessive, it may be passed through many generations before a breeder is aware that the allele is present. This explains the low frequency of expression of this trait in the current Labrador population. Brindling describes alternating expression of black and red color in the hair throughout the coat. There are several possible causes for this fault that occasionally appears in Labs. Alternatively, brindling in Labs may be the result of what geneticists call a mosaic. A mosaic indicates differences in the somatic tissue of heterozygotes that come about during mitotic division of somatic cells recall from above that somatic cells are those that make-up the body. There are two possible ways by which an individual may become a mosaic. The first is called chromosome nondisjunction by which during division into daughter cells, one of the chromosomes fails to separate from its duplicated chromosome. As a result, one daughter cell receives an extra chromosome and the other receives an unpartnered-chromosome. In either situation described above, the daughter cells of these altered somatic cells will contain the same alterations. As a result, one will observe a mosaic or brindled pattern of normal color mixed with color produced by the altered somatic cells. This condition has been reported in a Lab showing mosaic black and yellow coat color. Rather, this coat characteristic was attributed to a chromosomal alteration as described above. Some white is permissible under the AKC standard and is fairly common. There are several conditions that can produce white hair in Labs. Some of these conditions are determined by color genes and others may be caused by environmental factors that effect melanin production. Certainly white hairs and even patches are easily traced throughout the history of the Labrador Retriever. White Spots To analyze the reason why some black Labs have only a few white hairs on their chests or undersides, while others have white spots or patches, it is best to first understand that all Labs are white the condition of having no melanin. The gene loci for color control both the color of the pigment as well as the distribution of melanocytes throughout the body of the Lab. Therefore, in a black Lab, although color is determined by alleles at the B locus, alleles at the A and E loci determine even distribution of the color over the entire surface of the coat. Therefore, although all Labs should be homozygous for the S allele at the S gene locus, some may still express white hairs on the chest, bottom of the feet and under the arms and groin areas. Bolo Mark "Bolo marks" get their name from champion Labrador, Banchory Bolo, who lived from .Bolo was the first dog in England to earn dual championships. He passed these bolo marks white hairs on the chest or feet on to further generations of Labradors. These marks are not considered a true mismark. Labrador puppies with odd markings could absolutely be mixed-bred puppies. If you consider a mismarked Labrador please educate yourself and make sure the breeder is someone you trust. So-Called Silver Labradors have many skin conditions and coloration problems. If you bought a dog advertised as a "Rare" color, you get what you paid for -- rare problems and off colors that are not the same as the mismarks that have always been known to exist in the breed which are addressed in this article. Here is the Standard for colors as written: The Labrador Retriever coat colors are black, yellow and chocolate. Any other color or a combination of colors is a disqualification. A small white spot on the chest is permissible, but not desirable. White hairs from aging or scarring are not to be misinterpreted as brindling. Black-Blacks are all black. A black with brindle markings or a black with tan markings is a disqualification. Yellow-Yellows may range in color from fox-red to light cream, with variations in shading on the ears, back, and underparts of the dog. Chocolate-Chocolates can vary in shade from light to dark chocolate. Chocolate with brindle or tan markings is a disqualification. I've had telephone calls. Mismarks have been well documented in the breed since the beginning. Don't be so quick to determine that there was any other breed in the wood pile, although, the buyer MUST be aware that Lab puppies with odd marks absolutely might be mixed-bred puppies this is where you must use your common sense, and gut feelings regarding the knowledge base of the breeder in question. The whole litter will not be mismarked in a Labrador litter. One or two in the odd litter maybe, but not an entire litter. Mismarks occur naturally in Labradors. They're not mixed breeds at all. They're not "rare" they're not "bad", they're just mismarked puppies. They can't be shown, but they make as wonderful a pet as their non-mismarked littermates, and are usually sold for less than their littermates. They're everything that a Labrador is. Often, a Sire and a Dam will never produce a mismark again, even though they carry the genes to do so. Don't be fooled. My intent is not to get into the genetics of mismarks. This is addressed in an article by Pamela A. Davol better than I could ever do it, and if you are interested in words like "nucleotides, gene locus, homozygous, eterozygous, and allele", that article is for you. If not, and you're just a potential puppy owner, and simply want to know that something is possible without going into the genetics of it all, this page is for you. IMPORTANT: Sadly, after reading this article through the years, many owners of questionable litters have written to me, asking me to display their obviously mixed-bred puppies on this page as a demonstration of mismarked puppies. Do not allow the breeder of any questionable litter to send you to this page as "proof" that their puppies are purebred. Although respected breeders might send a buyer here to see that mismarks can, and do happen, they'll not send you here to prove to you that their puppies are not mixed. If you've done your homework, and the breeder in question is respected, responsible, and well-known, that's one thing. If the breeder is a back-yard breeder "we just bred her once so the kids could see the miracle of birth" , you best assume that you are looking at mixed-bred puppies. If the neighbor dog could get over the fence and bring a few of his buddies along -- there can be mulitple fathers in one litter , you must be careful. You have every right to ask your breeder to DNA the puppy before you purchase a black and tan or brindled puppy as a purebred. There may be one or two mismarks in a large litter, but if several of the puppies in a litter are "mismarked", the litter should be considered highly suspect. If a litter is not registered, you would be wise to consider the puppies are not purebred. Buyers of such puppies should be VERY careful that someone is not foisting mix-bred puppies on you, and using this article to prove anything! The pictures on these links were sent to me by breeders. .At one time I had all of the photos on one page, but it became so image intense, I have linked to the different images, below:. This article is not going to go into the depth of canine coat color genetics, but rather keep things simple and within reason for most people. At the end of this article, I will add links to some sites that will be helpful for those interested in the genetics of coat colors. I want to start with our basic Labrador colors and their variations. Later we will discuss the so-called Silver and White Labradors and also talk about mismarking or unusual colors that can happen in the Lab. Black Labradors are solid black. A small white spot on the chest is permissible. Sparse white hairs in between the toes and footpads are common in some of the blacks. Some mature black Labradors will have a red or orange hue to their coats at certain times of the year. This is known as casting. Casting can occur when the Lab is shedding and the hair is dead but also can be a result of bleaching from prolonged exposure to the sun. Eye color on chocolates can range from yellow through brown. Darker coat and eye color are most desirable in chocolates. Washed out chocolate coats and light eyes are not attractive for this breed. The chocolate coat is hard to maintain in one uniform color. The sun easily bleaches the chocolate Labrador, giving him the appearance of various shades of the chocolate color scattered throughout the coat. Keeping the chocolate Labrador out of the direct sun or the use of mink-oil with sunscreen lightly spayed on the coat will help the chocolate Labrador look his best at all times. YELLOW: Yellow Labradors can range is shade from a very light cream all the way to a rich dark red color known as "fox red" with various darker shading along the ears, top line, tail and hocks. A small white spot on the chest is permissible, however will not be noticeable in the lighter shades of yellow. Yellow Labradors should have black pigment on the nose, lips and eye rims with the exception of newborn yellow as they are born without pigment but within the first few days of life, the black pigment will begin to come in. We call a yellow Labrador without pigment a "Dudley". The black pigment on the nose of mature Labs can fade in the winter-time to a brown or pink color, this is very different from a true Dudley, it is very normal and the black pigment will return with warmer weather. Yellow Labradors that lack black pigment all together will have brownish or pinkish colored eye rims, foot-pads, nose and lips and they will never turn black. Dudley Labradors is a direct result from the yellow Labrador inheriting two sets of chocolate genes we refer to as "bb". So technically speaking, you can look at this as a "chocolate dog in a yellow coat" or an "eebb". Unfortunately Dudley Labradors are disqualified from being shown and was excepted until the revised AKC standard in .The FCI or "world" standard does not disqualify for lack of pigment. One more note. .What a shame!! Nevertheless, this does not make any Dudley Labrador inferior. They are Labradors true and true. This does not mean that I think it is okay to breed a Dudley Labrador, rather saying that they are normal in every way with the exception of having the pigment of a chocolate. If you choose to breed your Dudley Labrador, then do so back to a quality black Labrador. Sounds confusing but it really isn't. To help simplify this, I have copied and pasted a paragraph courtesy of the Vet DNA Center that gives you some idea of how many color combinations can be seen within the breed. However, there are 9 possible reported genotypes what you cannot see for the E and B loci and therefore 81 possible breeding combinations. A small white spot, stripe or patch on the chest is very common and does not lessen the quality of a Labrador, nor indicate it is not pure bred. Sparse white hairs can appear on the tips of toes, between the footpads, on the heels, near the groin, and under the neck. However, if white spots are large and white markings are highly noticeable, then this is not typical and could indicate the dog may be mixed with another breed. Scarring can also result in white hairs on a Labrador. Splashing is described as a black Labrador with tan or yellowish hairs on the legs and sometimes neck and chest. This mis-marking looks as if the black lab ran through a mud puddle and was splashed with muddy water, hence the name Splashing. This is a mis-marking that had been noted in the breed for many generations. It is not wise to breed any Labrador that is splashed, as this will only perpetuate the gene for years to come. It does not affect the dogs ability to be an excellent pet or hunting companion. The black and tan is a serious fault and under no circumstance should this color be perpetuated. Mosaic is a very rare condition in which results in improper cell division that effects the color of the dog. Such dogs can be yellow with small or large black patches. I have only produced one Mosaic to date. Again, this is very rare and seldom happens. I tell people without trying to sound rude, that there is no such thing as a pure white Labrador. The color yellow is the correct term, but when people see a Labrador that is of the very light cream shade, they instinctively say, White. I have produced many Labrador pups that could be classified as white when pups but they always mature to have the tale-tale signs of shading of some from or another, either on the ears, back, etc. The shading is very pale and almost unnoticeable and pigment as black as coal but I am sorry to say, it is still classified as yellow and not white. The gene that produces pure white such as seen in the Maltese, white German shepherds, white boxers and other breeds does not exist in the Labrador. I do understand how people can easily use the term white lab when they see a pale yellow but white is not a term to be truly associated with the Labrador breed. Most of the "White Labs" being advertised from backyard breeders are lacking in suitable temperaments, proper size and seem to have more health issues. Thus said, breeding for a "specific color" will not allow you to advance in any other area. My best advice, stay away from persons advertising "White Labradors". It is nothing more than a sales pitch and is something frowned upon amongst reputable breeders, and other fanciers in the Labrador community. There absolutely no such thing as a pure bred silver, charcoal or champagne Labrador. These are dogs that early in the 60's and 70's, two kennels that bred both Labradors and Weimaraners began advertising Silver Labradors. The dilute gene is normal in the Weimaraner breed. It does not occur naturally in the Labrador. Those professing to breed and advertise dilute Labradors are misrepresenting the color of the dog on the AKC papers. So, let's take a look at the full genotype where color and pattern are concerned. This page focuses more on the White Spotting which is more commonly seen. Buyers walked away and Breeders scorned other breeders…until it would happen in one of their own litters. Those who still maintain that a miss-marked Labrador is the result of an accidental pairing do so out of an ignorance of the science which proves them wrong. Johns Water Dogs. With the goal of producing a solid black dog, the old-timers would only breed dogs with the most black in their coats; eventually, they were able to breed solid black to solid black until they consistently were producing litters with mostly solid black dogs. This was evidence that there was some recessive gene that was causing pure-bred dogs to express those white hairs. The non-mutated form S makes it possible for a dog to express a few white hairs or none at all. It is a roll of the dice. And a dog with two copies of the mutated version ss will be solid white. So, a puppy getting BB is not going to be Chocolate nor is a puppy getting Bb because the "B" cancels or hides the "b". The "S" gene however is co-dominant and therefore only one copy of the mutated "s" will result in expression of the recessive which is the expression of white. Your puppy is every ounce a pure-bred Labrador from genetically tested parents descended from the black and white St. Johns Water Dog - the first Labrador retrievers.

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