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This comes at no extra cost to you. At three months of age, Golden Retriever puppies get a little more confident, mischievous, and, of course, bigger! As a puppy parent, you might have lots of questions about your three-month-old Golden. Is this normal? Am I handling this the right way? Should I be doing something differently? At three months old, a puppy is feeling more settled in their new home. They are experts at identifying patterns and routines, and are understanding how things work around the house. You may notice increased confidence and curiosity around the house, as exploration can be fun for sixteen-week-old Golden Retrievers. This confidence boost may also come with more antics, like shredding the toilet paper in the bathroom and pulling down your nice throw pillows to wrestle with. You might observe that your three-month-old puppy has more energy than they did last month, as well. At this age, they also have better control of their bodies and are more coordinated, as opposed to when they were a two-month-old puppy. You may notice that they are running faster, jumping higher, and tackling obstacles like stairs. At three months old, a pup is still in the critical socialization window. What your puppy learns and experiences between three and sixteen weeks of age helps set a precedent for the rest of their life. Providing them with positive educational experiences with the sights, sounds, and experiences they will encounter as an adult dog is extremely important during this time. Avoid scary and stressful experiences with a three-month-old Golden Retriever puppy , as those can leave lasting negative associations resulting in a fearful or anxious dog. Remember that a pup at this age is still so young and needs lots of patient guidance as they grow into their adult self. Three-Month-Old Golden Retriever Puppy Size Most three-month-old Goldens will weigh between 15 and 35 pounds, but each puppy is a unique individual so there could be some that fall outside that range. Female puppies tend to be smaller than males, but there are exceptions to that rule. They will be growing a lot this month, so you may notice those legs getting longer by the day! Their cute little snout may also get a little longer as they develop. Golden Retrievers can have a variety of builds and sizes, so your vet can help you make sure that your puppy is at an appropriate weight if you have any concerns. With all that growing comes the need for a lot of sleep. Sixteen-week-old Golden Retrievers need about 18 hours of sleep a day. As much as possible, let your puppy sleep as much as they choose. At this age, they may not always be the best at settling themselves down for a nap even though they really need rest. Sometimes puppies can get overly tired and become super wild and bitey — puppy tornado mode! This is when your puppy needs you to step in and help them get the sleep they need. Utilizing a crate or pen is super helpful for this as it limits their options and promotes settling in for a nap. Set up the crate or pen so it has a comfy place for them to snooze. You can also offer them something like a bully stick or a stuffed kong to work on while they drift off to sleep. Many three-month-old puppies do well when the crate is covered, which cuts down on visual stimulation. You can also drape an old bed sheet over the panels of a pen to give the same effect. If your puppy struggles to settle, you can sit near their crate or pen, as your presence is a comfort to them. If you notice your pup curling up for a nap, you can pick them up and put them in their pen or crate. Behavior issues like excessive chewing , biting , barking and just general hyperactivity can come from lack of sleep. Ensuring that your puppy gets enough uninterrupted sleep is very important for their physical, mental, and behavioral wellbeing. If you got your puppy when they were two months of age, you may now notice that your three-month-old Golden seems to have more energy. With all that puppy energy, you might think that you need to wear your puppy out with exercise. While puppies certainly do need exercise, be careful not to overdo it. Exercise should be guided by the puppy. That means letting them set the pace and duration of exercise. Three-month-old Golden Retrievers do not yet have the physical and mental stamina for structured exercise like long leashed walks. Instead, short, easygoing walks are great at this stage. Think of walks more as adventures! Instead of trying to walk a certain route or distance, set an amount of time for the walk. Ten to twenty minutes is probably sufficient at this age. Free play is also a great outlet for exercise for three-month-old Golden Retrievers. Indoor playtime with toys is also a fun way for active pups to burn some of that puppy energy. Avoid long games of fetch, as the repetitive nature of the game can be hard on their growing bodies. Finally, getting your puppy out in nature is a great way to get them some exercise while also providing lots of mental stimulation. Historically, Golden Retrievers were bred to spend a lot of time outdoors in the fields with their owners. Our modern-day Goldens still absolutely adore getting outside in nature, and puppies are no exception. I recommend putting your puppy on a well-fitting, non-restrictive harness , and a fifteen or twenty feet biothane long line. This longer leash allows your puppy to explore more freely and makes pulling the leash less likely. Keep these outings short, and let your puppy take breaks as needed. It sounds a bit silly, but it can be easy to forget that a puppy is not a human! Keeping this in mind helps you stay patient as you teach your new best friend the ways of the world. One of the most important things for a puppy to learn is how to be alone. Even if you work from home, you have to run errands, hang out with friends and family, and go to doctor appointments. Using a crate or pen, or gating off a small space, is invaluable, as leaving a three-month-old Golden Retriever loose in your house would likely be a disaster! This e-book walks you through all the steps to teach your puppy how to be comfortable with confinement and being left home alone. Potty training will also be an ongoing process, so keep at it with your puppy this month. Just a few minutes every day is enough to start building some great skills with your puppy. You may also notice that some days your puppy has more energy, and on other days they are more relaxed. With their growing bodies comes a bigger appetite! Most three-month-old Golden Retrievers eat about two cups of food a day, split over three meals. As always, each puppy is a unique individual and so some puppies may eat more or less than that amount each day. Some days your puppy may eat all their food, and some days they may leave a little in the bowl, though Goldens are known to be chowhounds so your puppy might scarf down each and every meal. It can be really fun for both you and your puppy to feed meals in more creative ways. There are lots of toys available that make mealtime more mentally and physically enriching. You have to feed your puppy, so why not burn some puppy energy in the process! Here are some favorites:. How to Take Care of an 8 Weeks Old Golden Retriever There are many aspects of taking care of a week-old Golden Retriever: from the feeding, grooming, to the training, and so on. Just think about us, humans, for a second. A baby surely has different food and nutrition needs compared to adolescents and adults. As we grow older, our bodies change and we may eat differently. The same principle applies to dogs. When they are puppies, they require food at certain times of the day. For a week-old Golden Retriever, you should feed him four times a day. There are many important rules that you need to follow, in order to make the eating as easy as possible for your little Golden. The location where you place the food matters. The location should be the same every meal so that your dog feels familiarized and comfortably eats his food. It should also be a quiet place with minimal distractions. Do not forget to pay attention to the amount of food given. Remember that the amount of food consumed varies from dog to dog, so if there is leftover, try to cut down the food amount next time. Choose proper food for your puppy. Therefore, when you shop for dog food, pay close attention to the label and make sure it is food for puppies. Obviously, dogs need water too, not just food. It is vital to give your dog good quality water along with quality food. Fresh and clean water is necessary for your dog, and it should available to your pup at all times. If the water gets dirty, change the water. It is recommended that you change the water at least once a day. Some dog owners prefer using stainless steel bowls to contain water to plastic ones because the metal ones are less prone to bacteria, which is better for your puppies. Thus, this is a good suggestion if you are wondering which water container you should use for your dog. Golden Retrievers possess long coats that need regular grooming and brushing to prevent matting , thus it is important to have your puppy get used to brushing from a young age. When brushing your dog, make sure that you brush all the body areas such as neck, chest, ears, tail, and so on. As you go through the coat, pay close attention to any abnormality such as lumps or bumps. These can be a sign of an illness, so keep an eye on them for a few days and see if they are gone. If not, do not hesitate to consult a veterinarian immediately. One thing that you need to keep in mind is that shaving is highly restricted for Golden Retrievers. Some dog owners mistakenly think that shaving would keep the puppy cool, especially in hot weather such as summer. However, this is dangerous for your dog because the Golden Retriever needs its two layers of coat for water-resistance. If you think that a pup does not need exercise, you may want to think again. In fact, younger dogs require more exercise and activities than the elders. Hence, it is crucial to take your little Golden Retriever for a walk a few times per day or play some games with him to release his energy. Playing games is also a good time for your puppy to socialize with you and your family members so that he can get to know all of you over time. One common game that you can play with them is fetching. Fetching probably is one of the games that they are best at. They will definitely enjoy running and catching a tennis ball or a Frisbee while playing with you. You can also take your puppy to other activities as well such as swimming. Dogs are good swimmers. So do Golden Retrievers. They enjoy the water as much as the land. If you live near a lake or have a pool at home, you can totally take your dog to those water areas for him to swim around and enjoy the water. However, remember that the water should be clean, and the depth is safe for your puppy. This is a good time to train your dog so that he will get used to your home and establish his habits. One of the very first things that you want to train your puppy is to go potty at a designated place. Either the place is outside or inside, make sure that you follow the few tips following: Refrain from yelling at your puppy. There is the first time for everything, so take your time and be patient with your dog. Sometimes, it takes a couple of messes to have your dog familiarized with the place. Make sure that the place remains unchanged. After your puppy establishes his habit, you can start teaching him some basic commands. When it comes to training, remember to use treats as positive reinforcement. No matter if you have a puppy or a senior dog, positive reinforcements always work better than negative ones such as yelling or hitting the dog. You will definitely have great moments together, but it also takes time and effort to set things up for your puppy, as well as to establish new habits and routines for your puppy. Nevertheless, this effort will totally pay off. After these first few steps, things would become easier for you. Related Posts. Share 0 Shares At three months old, Golden Retriever puppies have experienced a lot of the world and their surroundings, which makes them more confident and can make them little rascals. By now, three-month-old puppies should be acquainted with their new homes, having been there for several weeks. Parents of these rambunctious, quickly-developing puppies are full of concerns. Training a 3-month-old Golden Retriever Feeding a 3-month-old Golden Retriever How to curb 3-month-old Golden Retriever biting Owning and caring for a week-old puppy is so rewarding, but taking care of the needs of these babies constantly can be a lot to deal with. Golden puppies at this age have become acquainted with their home. Unfortunately, that confidence borders on cockiness, and your sweet little puppy will sometimes seem like an agent of chaos and mischief. Your puppy will also be more vocal during this time period and bark more often. This is your puppy experimenting with its voice and learning about its capabilities. Three- months- old also marks a very important milestone for socialization. The socialization skills they learn during this time will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Try to avoid exposing your three-month-old Golden Retriever puppy to scary situations. Just as scary events can leave lifelong impressions on children, they can traumatize your puppy, as well. This can result in giving your dog permanent fears, phobias, and anxiety. Three months is still quite young for any sort of baby, so you need to remember that your role is that of a parent and a nurturer. How big a 3-Month-Old Golden Retriever will get? How much should a three-month-old Golden Retriever weigh? A three-month-old Golden Retriever puppy will typically weigh somewhere between lbs. Each pup is different and their health and size will be as unique as they are! Three-month-old Golden Retriever puppies are typically around 10 — 20 inches tall. Of course, there are several varieties of Golden Retrievers and they all have different sizes and builds. Your Golden Retriever puppy will need somewhere around 18 hours of sleep a day. Some days your puppy will sleep more. Whatever the case, your pup needs the extra zzzs. If puppies get overly tired they get cranky and start getting wild and bitey. Chewing is comforting to them. Another great way to help your pup wind down and get to sleep is by covering their crate with a blanket. This shuts out light and other stimuli so the puppy can focus on sleep without getting distracted. Again, this is much like children. When you see your puppy laying down and getting comfortable, you should put them in their pen or crate so they can take a nap. A lot of behavioral issues and hyperactivity at this age stem from a lack of sleep, so you can save yourself a lot of trouble if you start working to ensure your pup gets enough sleep. Like most pet owners, you likely got your puppy when it was two months old. This month, your puppy has a lot more energy! Most Golden Retriever owners assume that since puppies have this excess energy they need to exercise to burn it off. Your puppy will be able to instinctively know how much exercise they need. When they want to stop, let them. Your puppy may plop down to rest in the middle of your walk. This is pretty normal at this age. Instead, give them a few minutes to rest and see if they catch a second wind and start walking again. You should set your walk not in terms of distance, but in terms of minutes. Your pup will likely be tired after 20 minutes of walking. Another form of exercise that three-month-old puppies love is free play. You can let your puppy have free play outside if you have a fenced-in yard. Whether you have a fenced-in yard or not, your puppy will benefit from indoor playtime, as well. Golden puppies love a good romp with their favorite toys! You can play fetch with your Golden. Get your puppy outside and let them play. Golden Retrievers love the outdoors! They were originally bred to be hunting and field dogs, and although they have a variety of purposes today, they still love the great outdoors. Your pup will enjoy playing around outside and going for short nature walks. If you choose a longer leash, your puppy can explore independently without the dangers of being unleashed. For more information about the exercise needs of golden retrievers, check out our article about how much exercise golden retrievers need. How to Train a 3-Month-Old Golden Retriever Puppy Training is an important part of raising any puppy and ensuring they grow into a well-mannered adult. You need to train your puppy to be comfortable with being alone early on. You can teach your puppy to be okay with being alone by using a crate or gates. Golden Retrievers are easily trained with positive reinforcement and treats! For more information about puppy training, check out our article about golden retriever puppy training. In general, you should feed a three-month-old Golden Retriever puppy around 2 cups of puppy food per day spread out over the course of three meals. Again, there are no set- in- stone rules for how much to feed a three-month-old Golden Retriever. Some will eat more than others, and some will eat less. For this reason, you can give your puppies toys with food in them to slow them down a bit and give them a bit of mental stimulation during the process. You can put some puppy food on a towel or blanket, then roll it up and let your puppy find their food. You can also toss some kibble on the ground outside and let your pup follow their nose to their food. When it rolls, the kibble will come out of the hole. Using toys while feeding your puppy can help with their insane energy levels, too! Biting Puppies will bite, chew and nip. Biting and chewing are just how puppies play. The problem is that they have little needle-sharp teeth that hurt! But you need to stay calm so that you can teach them to stop. Instead, give them a toy to chew on. Another thing that helps is setting up a baby gate. When they bite and play too rough, you can put them on one side of the gate and yourself on the other side. Just let them stay in there long enough to calm down. When you do this, stay calm. Some people worry that puppies biting during this stage indicates aggression, but three-month-old Golden Retriever puppies rarely exhibit aggression this early on. One toy suggestion for puppies that are biting is a flirt pole toy. This is a stick with a toy attached with a string that you can pull around on the ground or floor. The puppy can burn off some energy chasing the toy, and then bite and chew on the toy once they catch it. Move the toy away from the puppy, and the second they drop the toy start moving it again. Excessive play and exercise can damage their developing joints and muscles. Conclusion Three-month-old Golden Retriever puppies are so much fun! During this month you should be doing lots of training, socialization, and bonding with your fur baby. With the right amount of nurturing and support, your puppy will grow into a well-behaved, emotionally- mature adult in no time! Check out our other posts about the development of Golden Retriever puppies:. 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! What are some signs of illness in a Golden Retriever puppy that is 12 weeks of age? We remember this time with our Golden Retriever Glee well. Before she was a large breed Golden Retriever, she was a tiny little Golden Retriever puppy who needed our help to provide the foundation for a good life. At this age, your pup is still in the critical socialization period, where they are learning about their environment and how to interact with other dogs and humans. So, what can you expect with a three month old puppy? Your Golden Retriever pup is likely to be more confident and curious about their surroundings, but still in need of plenty of guidance and attention from their human family. They may be losing their baby teeth, which can cause some discomfort and make them even more prone to nipping and chewing. Note that this is a dense and long-read, full of useful information. Golden Retriever Mom is reader-supported. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Setting up your home for a Golden Retriever puppy Golden Retriever puppies, both males and females, are curious and active, and they require a safe and stimulating environment to thrive. Here are some tips for setting up your home for your new furry family member: 1. Essential puppy supplies Before you bring your Golden Retriever puppy home, make sure you have all the necessary supplies. Here are some steps you can take to puppy-proof your home: Secure all hazardous items, such as cleaning supplies and medications, in cabinets or drawers. Keep small objects, such as coins and paper clips, out of reach. Use baby gates to block off areas of your home that are off-limits to your puppy. Cover electrical cords and secure them to baseboards to prevent chewing. Put away shoes, clothing, and other items your puppy may be tempted to chew. Crate training Crate training is an essential part of raising a Golden Retriever puppy. A crate, like the Diggs Revol Crate which we love, provides a safe and comfortable space for your puppy that will ultimately grow to be a large breed dog right before your eyes to rest and sleep, and it can also help with potty training and reducing destructive behavior. Here are some tips for crate training: Introduce your puppy to the crate slowly and gradually, using positive reinforcement. Make the crate comfortable with bedding and toys. Never use the crate as punishment. Gradually increase the amount of time your puppy spends in the crate, starting with short periods and working up to longer periods. Never leave your puppy in the crate for longer than they can hold their bladder. Here are some tips for potty training: Take your puppy outside frequently, especially after meals, naps, and playtime. Choose a designated potty area in your yard and take your puppy there consistently. Reward your puppy with treats and praise when they go potty outside. If your puppy has an accident inside, clean it up thoroughly to remove any odor that might attract them back to the same spot. By following these tips, you can help your Golden Retriever puppy feel safe, comfortable, and loved in their new home while also setting them up for success with crate training and potty training. Feeding your Golden Retriever puppy One of the most important aspects of raising a healthy and happy Golden Retriever puppy is feeding them a balanced and nutritious diet. Here are some tips on how to choose the right food for your pup, create a feeding schedule, and incorporate treats and chews. Choosing the right food When it comes to selecting food for your Golden Retriever puppy, you want to ensure that you choose a high-quality, balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. Learn more here. Avoid foods that contain fillers, by-products, or artificial preservatives, and opt for foods with real meat as the first ingredient. Most Golden Retriever puppies should be fed three times a day until they are about six months old, then you can gradually reduce to two meals a day. Also, be mindful of the calorie content of treats, as overfeeding can lead to weight gain. We love Nylabone both for puppies and large breed dogs like Goldens. Other good options include rawhide chews, dental chews, and antlers. By choosing the right food, creating a feeding schedule, and incorporating healthy treats and chews, you can help your Golden Retriever puppy grow up strong and healthy. Exercise and Playtime Exercise and playtime are important for the development and health of your Golden Retriever puppy. Regular exercise also helps your pup build strong muscles and bones, maintain a healthy weight, and improve their overall mood. A Golden Retriever puppy needs about minutes of exercise a day. However, this exercise should be spread out throughout the day as puppies have a lot of energy and can get restless quickly. Safe exercises for puppies include short walks, playing fetch, and supervised play with other puppies or dogs. Overexerting your puppy can lead to joint problems, injuries, and other health issues. Playtime is also essential for your Golden Retriever puppy. It provides an opportunity for bonding and socialization, and it helps your puppy develop cognitive and social skills. Interactive toys such as balls, chew toys, and puzzles can help keep your puppy entertained and engaged during playtime. In addition to physical exercise, mental stimulation is also important for your Golden Retriever puppy. Mental stimulation can help prevent destructive behavior and keep your pup engaged. Activities such as training, teaching new tricks, and puzzle games can provide mental stimulation for your puppy. Training your Golden Retriever puppy Training your puppy is an essential aspect of their growth and development as they grow from a puppy into an adult Golden Retriever. It not only teaches them good behavior but also helps build a strong bond between you and your pup. Here are some important areas to focus on: 1. These commands can be taught through positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise. Socialization Socialization is an important aspect of raising a Golden Retriever puppy. It involves exposing your pup to different people, animals, and environments to help them develop into a well-adjusted adult dog. Socialization can be achieved through puppy classes, dog parks, and walks in different locations. House Rules Establishing house rules is crucial in helping your Golden Retriever puppy understand boundaries and acceptable behavior. This can include rules around where they are allowed to go in the house, what objects they are allowed to play with, and what behaviors are not acceptable. By focusing on these areas, you can help your Golden Retriever puppy develop into a well-behaved and happy adult dog. Additionally, if you would like a more fulsome training regime, consider an online dog training course. Grooming your Golden Retriever puppy Grooming your Golden Retriever puppy is an essential aspect of taking care of your pet. Here are some grooming tips to keep your Golden Retriever puppy healthy and happy: Bathing: How often you should bathe your Golden Retriever puppy depends on their activity level, coat type, and lifestyle. A good rule of thumb is to bathe your puppy once every two to three months. After the bath, towel dry your puppy and let them air dry completely before brushing. For more information read The Ultimate 7 Step Guide to Giving a Golden Retriever a Bath Brushing: Golden Retrievers have a dense, double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles. Brush your puppy at least once a week using a slicker brush or a pin brush. Start brushing at the head and work your way down to the tail. Trim the nails every two to three weeks using a sharp dog nail clipper. Important note! Be careful not to cut the quick, which is the pink part of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. By following these grooming tips, you can keep your Golden Retriever puppy looking and feeling their best. Regular grooming also provides an opportunity to bond with your pet and strengthen your relationship. This includes regular check-ups, dental care, and parasite prevention. It is also important to be aware of any signs of illness in your puppy. These may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, or changes in behavior. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with your veterinarian right away to ensure that your puppy receives the necessary treatment. Here are some external links to Amazon products that will help you get started: Puppy Supplies:.

Aug 18, Share German Shepherds have a distinctive look that includes alert, erect ears. For most pups, the ear cartilage begins to harden around week 20, or when the pup is finished teething. At that point, it can take up to 20 weeks for the ears to stand up fully. This can vary by the individual, however. Like human ears, dog ears are made of cartilage. As they grow and gain nutrition, German Shepherds develop stronger and stronger cartilage to support those ears. Typically, puppies at weeks will have floppy ears that occasionally stand up but quickly fall back down. Around week 20, or 5 months, your pup is done teething and its ears will begin to harden and stand. Your vet may have some suggestions to help the process along. If your pup reaches 8 months and still has floppy ears, the chance of them standing on their own is slim. Some breeders try to breed for larger ears, leading to ears that are too heavy to stand up. If strong, alert ears are important to you, be sure to look for a pup with parents that have erect ears. If the ears sustain trauma during that time, it can cause permanent damage to the cartilage. If your puppy gets parasites, it can impact healthy development, which includes the hardening of its ear cartilage. Be sure to take your puppy to the vet regularly and have routine fecal exams to check for worms and other parasites. Your vet can recommend an appropriate deworming protocol for your growing puppy and treat parasites if they occur. However, if you want your puppy to have strong, alert ears, you can help the process along in a number of ways. In an effort to move ear development along, some owners will add supplements like calcium. Chew toys are also good for teething and keeping your puppy occupied. German Shepherds are strong, even as pups, so be sure to choose solid, durable chew toys that are safe and appropriate for your puppy. It should only be used as a last resort, however. If you use tape too early, it can hinder natural development. That said, if you wait until the seventh or eighth month, it may be too late to help. Glue the ends of the popsicle stick to the tape on both ears, horizontally. Once a week, remove the popsicle stick, foam, and tape. If the ears stand on their own, leave them. Related Reads:. A thick-bellied and thick-legged cub of a Shepherd color with a long tail and dense fur can only be finally classified as purebred when the ears of a German Shepherd puppy stand up. The ears of a true German Shepherd are, according to the standard, erect, of the medium size, set high, with the ends directed forward and up, and not adjacent to the skull on both sides, even when a Shepherd dog is in motion or presses its ears or lowers them in a calm position. When German Shepherd ears stand up when excited, the distance between their highest points tips should visually equal the width of the auricle. Since the range of frequencies heard by a dog is much higher than that of a human, a German Shepherd determines the source of the sound and its direction and location instantly and accurately due to such an auricle at a distance of m depending on the pitch of the sound. Moreover, a Shepherd can hear the peals of thunder or the sound of a working chainsaw at a distance of km. The lowest sound for a human is 16 Hz, while the highest one is 20 thousand Hz. The upper limit of frequency fluctuations perceived by a GS dog as a sound is thousand Hz. Clear hearing is especially important for a German Shepherd as for a dog with high service qualities and no less high requirements for its work. Sensitive ears allow not only for relying on a Shepherd dog as an excellent guard but also for guiding it at great distances, giving commands at frequencies that are not perceived by the human ear or in an undertone. Their small ears are also imperfect — they are rather soft due to the underdeveloped cartilage that makes up the auricle. That is why there are separate German Shepherd puppy ears stages when they start standing up. The cartilaginous plate is covered on both sides with a layer of thin connective tissue that provides the main cartilage with growth and nutrition and is called the perichondrium. The perichondrium, on the contrary, is dotted with mini-hematopoietic capillaries and blood vessels. Through them, the cartilage receives necessary substances for its growth and compaction with the help of conventional diffusion literally, penetration by contact. In the same way, the ear cartilage of a GS dog is built on, and the perichondrium has semi-stem cells which, like bricks, are built into the cartilage tissue. Cartilage cells, in turn, produce collagen and elastin. This is due to the active work of all parts of the auricle cartilage and perichondrium. Up to 4 months, cartilage tissues are especially active, but by the fifth month, the growth of elastic layers and the embedding of stem cells decreases. Having reached a certain density, ear growth slows down, and in a short time, it almost diminishes. The metabolism in the auricle becomes so low that visually the ear seems to no longer grow. However, limited living processes in it continue throughout life. Otherwise, it would be impossible to restore the tissues of the German Shepherd puppy ears in case of damage. To do this, you need to feed the puppy a balanced diet with enough calcium and phosphorus. Excess calcium and phosphorus can adversely affect the formation of the ear cartilage and the development of the musculoskeletal system of a German Shepherd. We must not forget about the composition of the blood because it is the main food for the growth and strengthening of the cartilage plate due to the diffuse contact with it via the perichondrium. Not only nutrition but also the obligatory physical activity of a German Shepherd puppy, both at home and on walks , help improve the blood supply to the perichondrium. Under such keeping conditions, the ears of the Shepherd stand up on time and additional actions on the part of an owner are not required. The optimal age when the ears should stand up is 5 months. Do not be afraid if the ears are 1. This sometimes happens. You need to worry if the puppy is already 8 months old, and the ears still do not rise. If at the age of 12 months, the ears are still not on top, the question of a purebred puppy will emerge. Teeth and Ears It often happens that at 2- 3 months the ears of a Shepherd stood up, and at 4 they fell one or two at once This is a normal process associated with the change of teeth, when the body mobilizes all the microelements to build a strong dental system, pulling phosphorus and calcium front he cartilage in this direction. At the same time, the drooping ears should stand up. Hurry up! After a year, hopes to put up ears in a German Shepherd are melting exponentially. There may be, for example, a birthing crease, subluxation, or hematoma as a result of injury to the ear canal. Has your dog ever had ear infections or other ear problems? They can involve inflammation of the middle ear, otodectosis, or a forest tick attack. Have you noticed any allergic reactions in your pet? It may be allergic to dairy products or antibiotics. If antibiotics or immunomodulators were used, what did your dog get sick with, and how often? Infectious diseases significantly inhibit the development of a Shepherd dog and slow down growth and physiological formation, including cartilage tissues. The latter is in charge of whether the ears of a GS puppy will stand up or it will remain floppy-eared. In what conditions is the young Shepherd kept? When living in an aviary, a dog must have a warmed booth in winter to avoid hypothermia of the ears, leading to spasms of small vessels of the perichondrium and a dense canopy from the sun in summer — overheating also leads to spasms. Do you walk and talk enough to your dog? Each age demands its own supplements developed for puppies, and they are also divided by the size of the dogs: small, medium, and large dogs. The German Shepherd is a large breed! This is one of the most common problems in pedigree dogs, including German Shepherds. Diseases associated with the imbalance of hormones lead to problems with the immune system and prevent the body from proper formations of all organs and their functions. Overfeeding a German Shepherd as well as underfeeding leads to a deficiency of micro-and macroelements, which highly contributes to the timely formation of cartilage tissues by the age when the Shepherd should raise its ears. Have there been any stressful situations? Cortisol, a stress hormone, activates a defense mechanism that blocks the production of new cells including semi-stem cells in cartilage tissues , reduces blood flow, and forms a negative calcium balance in the body of a Shepherd dog. Very often, this problem is transmitted at the genetic level, and your German Shepherd floppy ears can be a result of it. When was the last vaccination administered? After vaccination, the body of a GS dog begins the active formation of immunity. The process requires the consumption of microelements and vitamins for biochemical reactions, so their deficiency is formed, similar to the condition after an illness. How often do you pet your puppy on the head? At your touch, the Shepherd dog instinctively lays its ears back, getting used to keeping them folded lengthwise from the base to the top. The result will be an acquired crease or scar along with the entire ear that keeps the German Shepherd ears down, and this will require cartilage adjustment. If the doctor sees it necessary, your pet will have to take a blood test, undergo an ultrasound, and possibly take some x-rays. Treatment Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will prescribe medicines most often — flavonoids, vitamins, glucosamine, calcitonin, thyroxine, iodine, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium , which normalize the composition of the blood and add the necessary building material to the body. It is important to carry out all the medicinal prescriptions under the supervision of a veterinarian. An overabundance of any element can lead to a deterioration in the general condition of the pet and its ears in particular. In addition to medication, the doctor will most likely prescribe an ear massage at home. The massage procedure is not complicated — knead the ear from the base to the very tip between the thumb and forefinger, helping to improve blood supply, for about 5 minutes, times a day. Be careful with the place where the ear is attached to the head! This place does not need to be kneaded, only the auricle itself! Though, the most favorable result will not be long in coming — the ears of Shepherd dogs stand up in just a week or two. It is worse if the veterinarian makes a diagnosis of the atypical defect of the ear cartilage. What does it mean? Is it safe for the health of the Shepherd? And is it possible to put ears on a puppy with such a diagnosis? Atypical Cartilage and Ways to Eliminate Consequences Atypical cartilage is a defect in the development of the ear cartilage, resulting from a damaged structure of ear tissues, and their inability to support the ear in an upright position. This often occurs in young dogs after the ears have stood up, and then an ear or even two has fallen off. The same picture can be observed in old Shepherd dogs — the ear or both fall off and then rise again. The reason is the same — deformation of the ear cartilage due to long years of life at old age. However, with the old GSs, it will no longer be possible to return the ears to a stable standing position. Nevertheless, it is quite possible to correct the position of the young German Shepherd ears — they need to be glued, allowing the cartilage to recover. Gluing is nothing more than the necessary support for the intensive synthesis of elastin a connective protein in tissues and its uniform growth over the entire area of the ear cartilage. Properly glued ears do not allow creases or folds, never stretch scars, and make it possible to fill these creases with full-fledged elastin within 1. In this case, the puppy or young GS should be given maintenance vitamin supplements containing gelatin. Good results are also provided by a steep bone jelly or soaked food gelatin, 1 tbsp before every feeding. Adding bone meal and sea fish to the diet is a good solution, too! Taping Ears Correctly Since when is it worth starting the taping process? Until months of age, cartilage correction is unlikely to be needed. It is better to use the support in the form of massage and, possibly, a garter to put two ears together from months of age so that they take the correct position on the head. Feel the ear from its base to tip. If a crease or scar is found, you need to tape the ear urgently! You can watch some videos to see how to tape German Shepherd ears correctly. To correct one non-standing ear if the cartilage is even and of good density, without creases and scars, you can resort to a cardboard or plastic insert that maintains the ear in the desired position. Watch some videos to see how to do that. In any case, do not despair! David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. However, some adult German Shepherds will have floppy ears. There are several causes for this. There is also a genetic trait in some German Shepherds to have floppy ears. When one or both of the parents has floppy ears, there is a strong chance that the offspring will inherit this trait. If this is the case with your dog, there is not much you can do about his floppy ears. Rough play. GSD puppies play rough , and a lot of times, this can affect their ears through nips and bites. Cartilage is not like the skin because it is not highly vascularized. You can support the healing times by offering him a healthy, balanced diet. You may even consider food specially formulated for German Shepherds. Ear infections. Because they have such dense fur, German Shepherds are highly susceptible to ear infections. The coat interferes with the air circulation of the ear canals, setting up the perfect circumstances for infections and mites. Signs of these problems include shaking the head and pawing the ears. The ears may go up for a bit during the teething process and then return to the floppy position. After more time passes, the ears should return to the upward position again. However, even after nine months, there are several methods that you can try that will assist in training his ears to stand. When your puppy reaches eight months old and still has floppy ears, you can try giving him chew toys to work out his jaw muscles. Chewing on toys will work his temporalis muscle, which is one of the muscles involved in supporting upright ears. Ear taping can be done at home, while surgical implants will need to be administered by a veterinarian in a sterile environment. The ear may be set in its position at this stage, and the procedure may not have much effect. Discard the hard plastic clip from the inside of each roller and only keep the spongy foam parts. Steps to Follow The first step is to insert the pencil into one of the rollers roughly one inch to create a handhold. Ensure it is well-covered, but do not use it so much that it oozes or drips off the roller. Then tape the ear into a fairly firm roll in an upright position. The roller must be placed inside and near the bottom of the ear flap. Remove the pencil from the roller. You will have to keep your puppy distracted for a few minutes until the glue has time to dry. The rollers will fall out on their own in roughly a week. You can remove them before this if you need to. Taping is intended to provide support to the cartilage of the ears so that it can form adequately and be strong enough to make the ears stand up. It is a painless procedure, but it can cause some discomfort for your dog. Additionally, if your German Shepherd is genetically predisposed to having floppy ears, no amount of taping will override his genes. His ears may perk up and flop back down during teething, which begins around 3 months old. Once teething is over, his ears will once again perk up. At this stage, they may be somewhere in the middle. One ear may be standing while the other is floppy, or both may be half-standing. You may even have a German Shepherd who has both ears fully upright at this age! If they are not, you will have to visit your veterinarian or breeder for advice on what to do. German Shepherd Ear Positions There are several German Shepherd ear positions that you will observe as your puppy grows from a newborn to 8 months old. First, he will have teensy ears from birth to 7 weeks of age. This is when his ears will flop to both sides. His ears will experience the flying nun position from 10 to 14 weeks. For this position, his ears will still be flopped to the sides but will be slightly lifted. Starting at around 14 weeks, his ears will be in the comb-over position where both ears will flop to one side of his head or the other. Anywhere from 15 weeks on, his ears will go into the seashell position. This position has the ears mostly upright but not quite all the way. At some point, one ear may flop over while one is upright in the one-up ear position. This position may be concerning because an ear that was previously upright suddenly flops over. However, it is temporary, and the ear will return to normal. Finally, once these stages have been cycled through, the ears will go into the perfect upright position. Note that not all stages will be experienced by every dog. Age in weeks. Bright eyes, strong profiles, and of course, those perky, attentive ears! When you first bring your German Shepherd puppy home, its ears will probably be floppy and droopy — at times, those ears may try to make a stand, only to fall back down again. What gives!? As your German Shepherd grows and gets the right nutrition among other things , the cartilage gets stronger and stronger. And voila — straight, pointy German Shepherd ears! But is it really that simple? Sometimes, yes. Sometimes, no. German Shepherd puppy ears can be unpredictable! The key is to be patient and give those ears time to develop on their own before stepping in. Those ears should perk back up after teething is over. If you want to learn more about the timing of teething and what to look for, check out this article on German Shepherd puppy teething. When went to visit my German Shepherd, Allie pictured above at 7 weeks old , her ears were floppy and undeniably precious. I brought Allie home at 8 weeks, and those ears still had their ups and downs, but by 10 weeks old, her ears were up permanently. So, the key is to catch it in time. This flip-floppy stage is completely normal. Genetics can also come into play when some breeders try to breed specifically for German Shepherds with larger ears. As a result, those big, oversized, heavy ears may be too much to stand up. If pointy, perky ears are important to you, then choose your breeder and puppy carefully. Make sure to check out the parents — how do their ears look? Any significant trauma to the ears during this time can cause permanent damage — which may also cause droopy ears. Try to have everyone keep their hands off those adorable ears as much as possible. Parasites: Yuck. Puppies need chew toys, as it exercises their jaw and their head and neck muscles. Those muscles are important for perky puppy ears. So, let your puppy chew, chew, and chew on the right things of course. If you need some ideas for durable dog toys that can withstand those chomping jaws, then check out this article for my picks of the best tough German Shepherd chew toys. Stick to a high-quality, natural diet instead. Cottage cheese and yogurt both have plenty of calcium without overdoing it , and chicken feet are a natural source of glucosamine, which helps strengthen cartilage. Give those ears time to develop on their own before you resort to taping. At the end of the article are some sources that go over common methods of taping. Note: There are several options that you can use for this — there are even foam dog ear forms. Thin, white surgical tape that tears easily. A 2-inch wide tape works well, and you can also get this at Walmart, CVS, or somewhere similar. Note: Do NOT use duct tape or electrical tape — these will do way more harm than good! An unsharpened pencil or popsicle stick. Adhesive — either skin bond adhesive or eyelash glue are good choices. Give those ears plenty of time to develop and get stronger before taking action. How old was your German Shepherd puppy when its ears finally stood up? Let me know below! Especially during the first six months, be extra careful not to aggressively clean their ears. They will be more prone to lesions in the ear cartilage at this time. Yet it would be understandable if you are reading this and feel dismay or even horror. How can that possibly be a good thing? But understand we are not talking about doing anything harmful or invasive. The techniques you are about to read about will not harm or hurt your German Shepherd puppy at all. They will simply support the ears to grow into the upright position without having to work so hard to get there — or stay there. You want to give your pup enough time to try to do this naturally. But you also want to intervene before the cartilage in the ears starts to harden usually around seven to eight months old , leaving the ear flaps in the wrong position. You will need the following supplies: Some type of surgical tape NOT duct tape or any super-adhesive tape. Foam roller inserts or foam pipe insulation cut to size. Two plain popsicle sticks or unsharpened pencils. Wrap the surgical tape around the outside of the ear to hold the insert in place. Be prepared for your puppy to find a way to paw off this strange contraption several times before they finally get used to it and forget about it. You want to leave this in place for a week and then remove it to check the ear position. You may notice the ears start to stand a little straighter week by week. But if you see them flop over again, you need to re-tape them until they are strong enough to stand up on their own. Ear gluing Another option you can try is puppy ear gluing. This is actually not nearly as awful as it sounds and is far easier to do than the ear taping method. Another perk of puppy ear gluing over taping is that you are not going to cut off any air circulation to the inner ear canal. The key is to pick some kind of fabric glue do NOT use super glue or super-bonding glue that may not come off. What you need to do for this method is to add a dab of glue to the outside of the inner ear flap about two-thirds of the way down from the ear tip point. Then press the two ear flaps together for 30 seconds to allow the glue to set. Wherever possible, if you have multiple dogs in your household, try to keep your German Shepherd puppy from playing rough games with the other dogs. Rowdy playtime can easily cause the ears to separate. The glue will wear off on its own after a while and you can observe if the ears are able to remain upright and erect when this occurs. If you need to, keep reapplying the glue until the ears are strong and stable to remain in the correct position without glue. It may take a few weeks or longer for this to occur. Do not worry if the ears are not in a perfect position. As long as they stay upright, the inner muscles and tissues will naturally self-correct over time. Surgery Certain situations may even require surgical implants, like when ear cartilage damage occurs. Massage the Ears Massaging the ears helps by increasing blood flow to the ears, helping your form strong ear: Muscles Cartilage Chew Toys Chew toys are not only great for keeping your pup occupied, but they can also be great sources of collagen. This will help build strong ear cartilage capable of holding the ears in the upright position. Chew toys also work the ear muscles. This will strengthen the surrounding tissues. This is especially true for dogs prone to health issues, like German Shepherds. Foods rich in nutrients like calcium and glucosamine will help your dog form strong and healthy ears. These nutrients are vital for developing sturdy ear cartilage. Stimulation Dogs communicate a lot with their ears. Just think of German Shepherds that are alert and focused on something, like an odd noise they heard outside. Chances are, their ears will be standing erectly. Stimulation like this encourages the use of the ear muscles. There are two areas where you will definitely want to pay closer attention. Bath time and during playtime with other dogs. Keeping water out of the ears will reduce infections and head shaking. Using a headband is an easy way to do this, and can also prevent injuries when playing with other dogs. What causes German Shepherds to have floppy ears? The most common ones include breeding issues, teething, cartilage development issues, trauma, and poor nutrition or hygiene. Breeding Pointy German Shepherd ears are among the top distinct features of the breed. Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to improper breeding practices. Teething Floppy ears are a common occurrence when the dog is teething. Developing cartilage German Shepherd puppies are born with floppy ears. As their bodies develop, their ear cartilage and muscles also develop up to the point that they are able to support the weight of the ears, keeping them upright. German Shepherd ears typically start to perk up when the dog is about 6 to 10 weeks old. They can also sometimes flop back down while the dog is teething only to stand up again. Trauma Trauma is a common reason for floppy ears in German Shepherds. Physical trauma caused by an accident or injury to the ears can cause one or both of them to drop. If you suspect trauma, visit your vet to address any wounds and prevent infection. However, their ears need to be kept clean in order to prevent infections that could cause their ears to drop. Dogs not getting enough calcium and vitamin D during puppyhood may have trouble keeping their ears up as their skeletal support structure is not developed properly. They should be well-aligned, symmetrical namely just as wide as they are tall , and carried upright. However, not all dogs will have perfectly standard ears and some may have ears that are too large, too small, too high, too low, or just ears that point in the wrong direction. In fact, there are at least 12 different German Shepherd ear shapes , each with their own distinct characteristics. German Shepherd ears will usually stand up at around 4 months of age. But this can happen as early as the 1-month mark, or as late as the 6-month mark when teething finishes. But more than anything, they tell you how the dog is feeling at any given time. The ears really are the window to the soul for not just GSDs, but all dogs. During this time, more calcium is being directed to the growing teeth, and away from the ear cartilage. When teething is over, and more calcium can be directed back to the ears, they will most likely stand back up again. This is especially true if your pup has sustained an ear injury in the past, and broke the ear cartilage as a result. German Shepherd puppies are especially prone to this during the first 6 to 8 months, since their ears are still developing. These injuries can occur during rowdy play with other dogs and people, or from excessive scratching. This will help their ears develop faster and stronger, and will help prevent ear injuries in the future. But in most cases, if you act fast enough, even the floppiest German Shepherd ears are capable of being corrected. Ear development can vary from puppy to puppy. If they stand up when the puppy is scared or excited or when they bark, you can expect to see fully erect years by the time they are six months old. Will my German Shepherd mix ears stand up? Depending on the genes they inherited, your German Shepherd mix may have erect ears or not. You can support their ear development by giving them chew toys, massaging the base of their ears, and giving them calcium and vitamin D supplements. The ear flap is the outermost ear and is often called the pinna plural is pinnae. A dog has two pinna — one for each ear. Each pinna can work independently of the other, which is part of what gives dogs such keen hearing. This is the same reason all German Shepherd puppies are born with their ears down and floppy. It takes time for the cartilage to form, thicken and then harden into the characteristic erect ear position of the German Shepherd. The ears might pop up as early as four weeks old only to flop back down around four months old. Not only is the cartilage in the outer ears still forming and hardening, but the many muscles, tendons, ligaments, and tissues that help the ears move and function are still getting coordinated as well. This is why it is wise not to get concerned about ear position or stability until after your German Shepherd puppy has finished teething. There is just too much growing going on to expect your little puppy to look like a full-grown adult dog yet. This video gives you some unique tips to help their ears get stronger and stand up without human assistance like some of the tips you read about in this article.

Sign up to receive information about our upcoming litters! God has blessed us with two beautiful daughters, but we had more love to give! A lifetime dream of owning an English Bulldog has led to not only owning several of these amazing dogs, but breeding and rescuing. They are so similar to humans. Talk about emotional support. One look into their beautiful eyes and you will understand exactly what we mean. They are a challenging breed to produce, especially correctly and responsibly, but oh so worth it! We breed very few litters a year personally, but we do whelp litters for some friends! Just ask when our next litter is arriving and we should have some info for you! Just like a potato chip. Cannot stop at just one! Due to our overwhelming love for the breed we have opened our hearts and home to many rescues along the way as well. If you know of a bulldog in need, please do not hesitate to contact us! Also, if you are looking for the most amazing companion ever, message us about adopting one of our pups, retired adults or adult rescues! Sign Up For Updates. Questions about Bulldog puppies for sale in Austin TX? We have answers. How much are Bulldog puppies for sale in Austin TX? The cost of any Bulldog for sale in Austin will vary due to a few factors. The combination of coat color, pattern, and eye color will make a difference, as some combos are more unusual than others. The experience and location of Austin Bulldog breeders will also play a part in how much they charge for their pups. What if there are no Bulldog breeders in Austin right now? Bulldogs are a super popular breed so you should have too much trouble finding Bulldogs for sale in Austin. The businesses in our network can even arrange for pups to fly to your nearest airport! How do you screen Bulldog breeders Austin? Each of them also has to sign our Breeder Pledge. What makes Uptown Puppies different from anywhere else with Bulldog puppies Austin? What are puppy mills? Puppy mills are grim places that put profit above welfare. Sadly, pups born in mills are far more likely to suffer from health conditions, behavioral issues, or both. Are there any Bulldog puppies for sale Austin right now? In fact, we reckon you should check them out right now! Our network of approved companies have some seriously cute Bulldogs for sale Austin that are just waiting to find their forever homes. Will you be it? While they may have been bred as working dogs, the modern day Austin Bulldog for sale are chilled out pups who would rather curl up for a nap with their favorite humans than head out to earn their keep. How big does a Bulldog get? Bulldogs are built low to the ground but with plenty of chunk! They might only stand 15 inches tall when fully grown but they can weigh a huge 50 pounds. Are Bulldogs good family dogs? They absolutely are! The Bulldog for sale in Austin on the Uptown network want nothing more than to find their perfect family. Their kind and loving natures mean that a Bulldog is never happier than when surrounded by their people both young and old. This keeps the breed characteristics constant. Mixed breeds are created by crossing two purebred breeds together to create a new breed with characteristics that are a combination of both the parent breeds. Both are awesome options!

Experience the Golden Standard in Retriever Breeding! Our English Cream golden retriever puppies are raised in our home and play in our yard. We have only 1 breeding female. We are as selective about our forever families as we hope you are in choosing a breeder. We have learned a great deal about what to look for, and even if our puppies aren't for you, we'd be happy to share the knowledge we've gained. Feel free to email or call. We live in a neighborhood with lots of kids, and when we have puppies at home, we have many daily visitors for play and snuggling. See our questions page for more details. We are highly selective when we choose males to sire our litters. We perform every DNA and physiological test available for this breed. See our questions page for information on getting on our waitlist and pricing. Inbreeding is always a concern with pure breeds. The Golden Retriever standard is 7. Our June litter has 0. These lead to a set of physical traits in your dog common to the origin breeding line. They have blockier heads and ears set further down the skull. They are on the relaxed of behavior, but rearing and training will greatly influence their temperament and individual activity levels. They love romp, wrestle and chase the tennis balls. The most obvious difference in the what people call English or European Creams are the coats that range from bright white to slightly toasted marshmallow. One measurable difference is incidence of cancer. The rate of cancer reported in Golden Retrievers by the European Kennel clubs and their lineage is about half of that reported by their American club counterparts. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. It will be easier for you to come to meet and pick up the puppies in Southern California, rather than having to drive to our primary location in Newcastle. The dam and sire of this litter are our own adults in the breeding program, but are being hosted by a very caring, nurturing and experienced dog family. We work hand in hand to assure the puppies are cared for and socialized in the way our customers have come to recognize as the "best. If puppies stay for extended training, that is done at our Newcastle, CA. Below you can read more about the upcoming puppies and their loving host. If you would like to be included on the reservation list for the puppies, in our SoCal location, do not hesitate to contact us. We would love to welcome you to the CHGR family! Southern California is expected to have a litter due in December, .Puppies will go to their new homes in mid to late February. Place your reservation now as spots fill up very quickly! What a wonderful girl she is! We love Lexi and her pups, as she passes along her incredibly sweet temperament to all of her fur babies. She is beyond sweet and loves to lay her head on your lap, foot, or wherever she can to get close to everyone she meets. Incredibly smart, she loves to perform her skills, especially for treats! Lexi loves to play ball and adores people, especially children. Lexi loves to play with other dogs and also loves to sleep with the cat. She has a beautiful cream coat between a silky and cotton texture and is one of our larger girls, at a little over 75 pounds. We are a northern California breeder near Sacramento that prides itself on choosing our breeding dogs for top health, temperament, and beauty that conforms to the breed standard. Our dogs are selected from champion lines with health clearances. We will only breed dogs that pass all of these tests, so we can continue reaching to improve the breed through imposing high standards for our dogs. We breed dogs from these lines to continue a heritage of excellence in the breed. This standard is different from the AKC standard for golden retrievers, but both are accepted and licensed. The English type should have a blockier and fuller head, shorter muzzle, lower ear set, rounder eyes, stouter body structure, as well as a lighter color than the American type see comparison figure below. As an adult, it has been a pleasure to now show and selectively breed these beautiful English Golden Retrievers. Raising our English Golden Retrievers is a family endeavor that includes everyone from the youngest to the oldest. It is wonderful to make family memories with our dogs and children together. Our English Goldens are first and foremost pets who live and play among our family. Our children are involved from showing our dogs to whelping the puppies. Our puppies go home to their new families very loved and well socialized. In Northern California, we are located in Newcastle which is at the base of the Sierra Mountain foothills; close to Sacramento, and about miles from San Francisco or about miles from San Jose other cities near us are Roseville, Loomis, Folsom, Orangevale, Auburn, Lake Tahoe about an hour , and Reno about 2 hours. We can deliver our puppies to you if you are out of state, and personally travel with the puppy to bring your puppy to you. We cordially invite you to visit us and meet our beloved puppies and amazing dogs. We're located in the California Gold County just 25 miles east of Sacramento. Surrounded by golden foothills, we offer the perfect place to meet and enjoy the dogs. Expect to be greeted with wagging tails and wet noses during your visit, as our dogs are always excited to meet new people. Please let us know when you would like to visit by booking an appointment. The care and love you, Heather, and all at Classic Heritage devote to these pups is remarkable. The efforts taken to ensure pups are matched with their new happy forever home are excellent. Everyone I met was equally professional, educated, loving, kind, and a lot of fun. All of the dogs are beautiful and happy.We have had the best experience and have the most loving pup so anything we can do to help Classic Heritage we would. We have recommended you to everyone who has asked. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We are a small hobby breeder of only this breed. We are located on over an acre of land in Southern California. Our goal is to breed for conformation, health, and temperment. For Conformation, we attend at least 2 shows a year and make sure our dogs are champions before they are bred. All Clearances and needed x-rays are done to produce the healthiest puppy possible. Our dogs also display affectionate and intelligent behavior as all Golden Retrievers should. We love nothing more than tending to our puppies. All our dogs and puppies are fed high quality food including home-cooked meals. Before the pups are sent to their new owners, they are examined by a qualified professional at a top veterinary facility for health and conformation. All vaccinations and parasite checks are also completed. We are confident in the health of our pups and we back it up with a 1-year health guarantee. Our priority is to make sure our families and puppies are happy in every way. This means that we spend a great amount of time interacting with our puppies to learn their personalities. Additionally, we take our time learning the needs of our customers so they are paired with the perfect pup. From the time our pups are born they are exposed to stimulating age appropriate activities. They are also held by people of all ages and genders. As they get older they are exposed to different noises, other animals, water, different textures and other safe outdoor activities. A well socialized pup is one of the most important things to ensure that they have a happy forever home!! Puppies are not for breeding and are sold with limited registration! Once you own one, you'll never be without one. Reserve yours today! What to expect from an English Golden Retriever. All rights reserved. Contact Us English Golden Retriever Puppies in California When a puppy lays its head on you or looks up into your eyes, it gives you a feeling like no other. In exchange for a loving home and attentive care, a puppy will repay you with a lifetime of love, happiness, and wonder. There is no better breed to do that for you than a golden retriever—and there is no better place to get a golden retriever than MN English Golden. You will be hard-pressed to find golden retrievers with a more impressive pedigree or temperament than the parents of and puppies from our litters. Starting the moment their born, right in our home, we pet and cuddle them to get them used to the human touch. As they grow, we give them endless amounts of love, attention, and care, and expose them to different sounds and environments. By the time they go home to you in California, your puppy will be a great family dog who is easy to train, well socialized, intelligent, friendly, playful, and affectionate. Championship bloodlines run throughout our litters. Selection is done in the order in which we receive your reservation and deposit, so we suggest getting on the waiting list early. Every AKC golden retriever puppy from MN Golden comes with a health guarantee, vet exam and certificate, AKC registration form, microchip, up to date vaccines and dewormer, and a puppy pack including food and a scented toy, collar, or blanket. We begin basic training—potty training, crate training, etc. Ready to welcome one of our golden retriever puppies into your California home? Fill out a puppy application to get on the waiting list today!

Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Texas Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Texas? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Texas? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. We work with reputable Golden retriever breeders to ensure that our puppies are healthy, well-socialized, and ready for their new homes. Our prices for standard Golden retriever puppies and teacup Golden retrievers are competitive and reflect the quality of the puppies we offer. What is the History of Golden Retriever puppies Texas? Golden Retrievers have captured the hearts of dog lovers around the world with their friendly nature and stunning appearance. But have you ever wondered about the history behind these beloved canine companions? The Golden Retriever breed was developed in the late 19th century in Scotland by the renowned Lord Tweedmouth. He sought to create a breed that excelled in retrieving game during hunting expeditions while maintaining a gentle and friendly demeanor. Lord Tweedmouth crossed various breeds, including the now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel, with the aim of achieving his vision. The result was the Golden Retriever we know and love today. With their innate intelligence, strong retrieving instincts, and desire to please, Golden Retrievers quickly gained popularity as hunting dogs. Over time, their exceptional temperament and loyalty made them sought-after family pets and service dogs as well. Temperament of Golden Retrievers Today, Golden retriever puppies are widely recognized for their intelligence, affectionate personality, and adaptability to various lifestyles and activities. They are often used as therapy dogs, service dogs, and search and rescue dogs, as well as beloved companions for families, couples, and singles. If you are considering getting a Golden retriever puppy, you may be wondering about their temperament and behavior. Generally, Golden retrievers are friendly, gentle, and patient dogs that love to be around people and other animals. They are known for their wagging tails, joyful expressions, and willingness to please their owners. Meet Marlie, a Golden Retriever ready to meet her forever friend. This spunky gal is sure to brighten up all your days! She is AKC registered, vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, plus comes with a 1 year genetic health guarantee provided by the breeder. Her parents are Lila Golden Retriever — 70lbs. Marlie is super social and enjoy running around playing with the children she is currently being raised with. Reviews There are no reviews yet. Ellen is home full time where she spends most of her day with them from the moment they arrive until they day they go to their new homes. Most importantly, our puppies are center stage in the middle of family life here at Goldenwind. This offers our Texas Golden Retriever puppies optimum opportunities for both human and littermate socialization which is a necessity at this stage of their lives. When the weaning process starts, the puppies are moved to a large playpen in our living room. There they can hear and see everything around them. This includes loud televisions, stereo music, vacuums, doorbells, telephones ringing, doors opening and closing, thunder and rain sounds, kitchen pots and pans clanging, etc. When our Golden Retriever puppies are ready for their new homes at approximatley 8 weeks of age, they have been exposed to most household situations and noises that they will have with their new familes. All that means is that the animal was not quite 24 months of age when the test was performed. Therefore, you can request copies of the hip, elbow, heart and eye reports for the sire and dam of any litter or puppy that is offered for sale. A reputable Golden Retriever breeder will be able to produce the OFA certificates or reports from a board certified radiologist, board certified cardiologist and a board certified ophthalmologist. Therefore, Reputable Texas Golden Retriever puppy breeders have tested sires and dams for hips, elbows, heart and eye disease. Additionally, a Board Certified Canine Ophthalmologist exams the eyes. Reputable Golden Retriever Breeders will follow the American Kennel Club Code Of Sportsmanship One would think that it should go without saying that Sportsmanship is very important in any competitive sport. Actions truly can speak louder than words. We hope that you will see that with any Golden Retriever exhibitor you may meet.

Breeds The link has been copied! The German Shepherd breed has always been popular in America. In fact, they have been ranked as number 1 in popularity throughout most of U. If a female German Shepherd dog GSD has joined your family, and you are thinking about breeding from her, you may be curious about how many puppies you should expect in one litter — as well as how many she might have over her years with you. On average, a German Shepherd can have puppies per litter. Some have as many as 15 or as few as one puppy per litter. On record, the biggest German Shepherd litter was 17 puppies by a dog named Mosha. The gestation period is approximately 63 days about two months after conceiving. However, this number may vary by several days. A German Shepherd dog can have two litters per year until around the age of 8. This means that a German Shepherd Dog can have approximately 14 litters in her entire lifetime. Well, the answer to this may help you understand the quantity of puppies they produce in a litter. The German Shepherd is native to Germany and is a cross breed between working sheep dogs and a dog believed to be a quarter wolf. They were originally bred to protect families and to herd livestock. Are there factors that affect the number of puppies a female German Shepherd can have? How many times in a year can they give birth? Knowing how many puppies to expect may help you plan resources to accommodate them if you are planning on becoming a breeder. A female German Shepherd with a small body will have a smaller litter size compared to a GSD with a bigger body. If you want a larger litter size, therefore, you should breed your German Shepherd before they are seven years or older. The best breeding years are between 2- 5 years of age. As the male dog ages, their sperm count decreases, and this affects the number of puppies in the litter. If you are a breeder, it is best to practice breeding when the male dog is in its prime years, between 2- 5 years. This way, you are likely to get a bigger litter size. The female should also have a healthy diet before breeding. Diet and health go hand in hand. A diet that consists of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates will help your GSD to have a larger litter size. Your vet will help you determine the perfect diet before, during, and after your dog's pregnancy. Although it may be nerve-wracking, you need to be there to help your German Shepherd give birth. A whelping box with a heating pad or a heating lamp will help keep the new-born puppies warm. New-born puppies are unable to regulate their body temperature, hence why the heating pad or lamp will come in handy. Heating pads: place them under the blankets or towels where the puppies lie. Make sure the setting is comfortable for them. At birth, they weigh about 0. German Shepherd dog puppies have four developmental life stages after they are born. You will notice the mother licking her puppies to clean them. Milk from their mother is very crucial at this age. They can begin eating some main foods but still nurse and feed on soft foods. By eight weeks, a puppy has all its teeth, and the teething process begins. At this time, you should ensure each puppy starts to wear a properly-fitted dog collar. For added security, choose a collar that allows you to track their location via GPS. Final Thoughts Owning a dog is a joyous experience, and when you own a German Shepherd, you have a loyal, smart, fierce, and protective dog for life. To add to that, German Shepherd dogs make good mothers and they know what to do during and after giving birth. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Fi smart dog collars make it easier than ever. Once your dog has had them Factors that determine the number of pups that the dog will have Although the body of most animals operates synchronously and wonderfully, dogs are not machines. Therefore they do not always have the same number of pups. In addition, some factors may interfere with the amount of puppies present in the litter, which may vary according to: The age of the dog - the most numerous births often occur from the fourth heat onwards. If the dog is properly nurtured and fed. The dog's general health. When the dog is bred. Female dogs have only two fertile days and breeding them at this stage will ensure greater litter numbers instead of doing it a few days earlier. Dog sperm can survive inside the female for two days, so if bred two days before the fertile time, the female can still get pregnant - but it is likely that only a few sperm are alive to fertilise those eggs, reducing the amount of the dog's litter. It's the bitch who frees the number of eggs that will be exposed to fertilisation depending on factors such as size and heritage, thus the myth that a dog is a stud and that depends solely on the male for the amount of puppies is false. The number of puppies depends on the number of mature eggs that emerge from the ovaries, the day the sexual intercourse is done and then, of course, the fertility of the male dog. Besides, German Shepherds with pedigree tend to have fewer puppies than those that do not have such a pure lineage or care. How many puppies do German Shepherds usually have? We must bear in mind that the German Shepherd is a large breed, so the ovaries have the capacity to produce more eggs and the uterus has more space to store the puppies, which means that they usually have large litters. A German Shepherd which does not have a pedigree lineage usually has between 7 and 9 puppies, while those with pedigree lineage often pop out between 4 and 6 puppies. It is essential to note that this is not a standard because many factors interfere with the formula. There may be bitches that have more or even fewer puppies than indicated here. Once your dog has had them It is essential to respect the time of birth and the first hours in which both puppies and your dog are together. Remember that dogs are highly olfactory, so you should not bathe your dog after giving birth or you could remove its natural odour and thus confuse the puppies. However it is useful to carefully clean the dog basket and wipe it with a damp cloth that has been dipped in warm water. Then dry it with some towels and return it to those puppies. During the first 12 hours, your bitch will not want to eat, but it is important to give her plenty of fresh water to keep her hydrated. When the animal regains its appetite, it must have at its disposal nutritious food. German Shepherd puppies should not be separated from the mother before 8 weeks. This could affect their learning and development. The recommendation, in fact, is to wait until 10 weeks to give them a new home. Aug 3, Share German Shepherds tend to have between five and nine puppies in a litter. Eight is the average. According to the AKC , the largest litter registered was 17 puppies. This litter size is significantly larger than some other breeds. German Shepherds are larger dogs, so they are going to have more puppies than smaller breeds. For instance, Dachshunds only have one to six puppies on average. The largest litter ever came from a Neapolitan Mastiff, a breed that can reach pounds. When it comes to litter sizes, size does matter. It is impossible to tell how many puppies that a particular dog might have until she gets further into her pregnancy. These factors may help you make a good guess, however. This is most obvious when comparing different dog breeds. In turn, small breeds have small litters. However, the exact size of the dog also matters. Smaller German Shepherds will have smaller litters on average than larger German Shepherds. If your dog is larger, she may end up having a larger litter, or she might not. This will reduce the overall size of the litter. Even if you feed her excellent food and take care of her, underlying health problems can cause puppies to perish before they are fully developed. Diabetes is an excellent example of this. However, improperly fluctuating blood sugar can have a massive impact on growing puppies. Without the proper blood sugar levels, many puppies will not develop properly. Short-term conditions can also cause some puppies to develop improperly and be reabsorbed. For instance, infections can cause one or more puppies to stop developing altogether. Most miscarriages go unnoticed without any clinical signs, especially if only a few puppies are lost. Only late-term miscarriages usually get noticed. This seems to happen most commonly in purebred dogs, according to the vets at High Street Steeping Vet Clinic. Purebred dogs may have more genetic abnormalities than mixed breed dogs because they inherit traits from a smaller genetic pool. The odds of them inheriting something harmful is higher, simply because there are fewer genes for them to inherit. Many purebred dogs are also inbred, including the German Shepherd. Middle-aged German Shepherds tend to have larger litters than younger and older dogs. German Shepherds typically have the largest litters around age 5. After that, they may decline in size. However, this decline is more rapid and apparent in some dogs than others. Many older dogs have health problems, which likely affects their litter size too. Some of these health impacts may go unnoticed and therefore, be wrongly attributed to age. Season There is evidence that the season that the dog gives birth affects the litter size. However, other studies found no correlation between when the litter was born and the overall litter size. There may be a regional component to this, though. In areas with more significant seasonal changes, the season may make more of a difference. In the tropics, it may not. However, more studies are needed to determine this possibility. Heritability Studies have found that dogs may inherit their litter size potential. Dogs that are born to bigger litters tend to have bigger litters themselves. If there is another factor at play, it will likely take precedent. Plus, much of this heritability may be linked to the size of the dog. Many dogs are going to be a similar size as their parents. Nutrition Image Credit: Monika Wisniewska, Shutterstock There are a few nutritional components that can affect litter size and the overall health of the mother and her puppies. When a mother dog becomes pregnant, her nutritional needs change. Protein is essential for pregnant dogs. This is similar to what puppies need, so many pregnant dogs are often fed puppy-intended dog food. Fatty acids may also play a role. Dogs with lower levels of serum glucose in their amniotic fluid tend to have smaller litter sizes. Therefore, feeding them a diet higher in omega fatty acids may be helpful. Image Credit: J. Feeding your canine a better diet may result in a bigger litter, for instance. If your dog is sick, it is paramount that you treat them before attempting to create a litter. However, these factors have to be adjusted before the dog gets pregnant. Once the dog has conceived, it is impossible to increase their litter size, though you can prevent losses. There are also many factors out of your control. While there are a few things that you can do to reduce the risk of these issues, you can never prevent them entirely. Even if your dog lives in a clean environment and is healthy, infections can still occur. You should be feeding her food suitable for puppies as soon as you plan on breeding her or at least as soon as you find out that she is pregnant. Choosing which dogs to breed also impacts litter size and can be controlled to a certain extent. However, some dogs may have small litter sizes but may otherwise be great breeding candidates. In general, to increase your dog's litter size, we recommend doing the following: Regular testing for infections Regular vet checks for reproductive tract disease Final Thoughts The average German Shepherd litter size is about eight puppies. However, there are many factors that can go into this. Keeping your dog healthy is essential to maximizing litter sizes. But many factors are outside of your control. If a puppy inherits specific genes, they are less likely to develop correctly and make it to birth, lowering the overall litter size. Related Reads:. Health A healthy German shepherd will produce many healthy puppies compared to an unhealthy one. Always take your GSD to a vet clinic to confirm that she is in a healthy state. This is because the larger ones have a bigger carrying capacity. Diet Diet plays a crucial role in influencing the size of the litter of a GSD. Feed her a balanced diet rather than only kibble throughout. Age German shepherds are more fertile between the ages of two to three years. If she gets older than that age, she is less likely to deliver a large litter. Individual Genetic Factors If a German shepherd delivers a large first litter the chances are that she will do the same in the second and the third litter. Gestation period for a GSD Their pregnancies take around 64 days which is a little more than other dogs. This is influenced by their bigger size. What to Expect of a Pregnant German Shepherd Change in Appetite The appetite might increase or decrease depending on the stage of pregnancy. She can show signs of morning sickness like vomiting. In case of a reduced appetite, you should try to feed her her favorite meal. Decrease in Activity If your GSD feels exhausted most of the time, she will be taking a nap more than usual. If your dog likes sleeping a lot, this sign might go unnoticed. Unless you have confirmed that she is pregnant, sleeping a lot should be seen as a red flag especially for active dogs. Behavior Change Behavior change will depend on an individual dog. Some German shepherds will seek extra attention and will be around you most of the time, while others will like isolation and will be hostile whenever you get closer to them. Her abdomen will enlarge, though this is among the last signs of pregnancy. This should not worry you as she will be back to her normal size once she delivers. The nipples might get dark red in color. Other times the milk might leak in the late stage of pregnancy. Frequent Urination A female German shepherd can increase the no of times she urinates during pregnancy. Sometimes it can be territory marking. She can pee anywhere, in the living room, the seat, or in the corner of a room. Nesting Behavior During the last stage of pregnancy, she will start preparing a place for the expected puppies. She will shred anything from blankets, newspapers, or clothes and keep them in her nest. Proper Feeding Feed your expectant German shepherd a balanced diet. Buy her the best dog food you can afford. It is advisable to increase the quantity of food you feed her. Instead of giving her a lot of food at once, divide the food into smaller portions and give it to her many times. This is to ensure that that the mother and the unborn puppies are healthy. Give Her space Due to hormonal changes, your dog will have mood swings. If she is not willing to eat or play do not compel her. Just give her space to be herself. Whelping Box A whelping box is set on the last stage of German shepherd pregnancy. It is a safe and comfortable place equipped with all the necessities needed for safe delivery. The place should be noise-free. Bottom Line German shepherds are caring parents. In rare cases, German shepherds eat their newborns. Be watchful to avoid such instances. Related Posts:. Puppies If your German Shepherd is pregnant or you are planning on breeding you may be wondering how many puppies can a German Shepherd have. The amount of puppies each German Shepherd has will vary on many different factors. This article will answer dive into the factors to help you better predict the number of puppies your GSD will have. Generally, you can expect a German Shepherd to have between 5 and 8 puppies per litter. However, German Shepherds have had litters as large as 14 and as small as only 1. There are many factors that contribute to the size of the litter. A German Shepherd can have puppies twice a year. Large dogs like German Shepherds go into heat around every 6 months. During their heat is when they are capable of becoming pregnant. A normal heat cycle lasts between two and four weeks long. Thus, if you breeders or individuals who are looking to breed their GSD track their heat timing and plan to have them mate during their heat. German Shepherds are pregnant for nine weeks on average. Factors That Affect German Shepherd Littler Size Although it is normal for a German Shepherd to have between five and eight puppies a litter, there are many factors that can increase or decrease the litter size. The most common factors are below: The size of the female dog The size of the dog has a big impact of how many puppies they can carry. Although German Shepherds are considered to be a large dog breed some female German Shepherds are larger than others. A female GSD that is larger will be able to carry more pups than a smaller one. Inbreeding Another factor that can contribute to litter size is inbreeding. A pregnancy that is the result of inbreeding will generally produce less puppies than one that is not. Accordingly, if you want to increase your GSD litter size make sure not to bred a female with a male that is related. The age of female The age of the female German Shepherds also plays a role in their potential litter size. Older German Shepherds will generally have smaller litters. The prime age to breed a GSD is between 2 and 5 years of age. You should not breed an elderly GSD. Just like with human males, the sperm count of male German Shepherds will decrease as they age. This decrease can make it harder for them to get a female pregnant and can also impact the litter size if they do get a female GSD pregnant. Health of the female Another factor that is important is the overall health of the female German Shepherd. In order for any dog to produce a healthy plentiful litter of puppies the dog carrying the pups has to be in prime health. Leading up to pregnancy your dog should be fed a high-quality diet, and during pregnancy a GSD will require a diet in that a certain amount of protein, fat and carbohydrates to ensure a health pregnancy. Additionally, pregnant German Shepherds can sometimes need dietary supplements if they are not getting the appropriate nutrients through their diet. Conclusion There are many factors that impact how many puppies German Shepherds can have. Most commonly German Shepherds will have between five and eight puppies, but age, health, and inbreeding can cause a GSD to bear a smaller litter. Breeders who are looking to increase litter size will need to make sure that all those controllable factors are in line and let nature do the rest. A junior is the canine version of a teenager, and this is usually the time period between six and twelve months old. Adult dogs have completely finished growing and range between one and seven years old, while mature dog is at least seven years old. After this age, the dog will then be considered middle-aged. The ages of the last two categories will depend on the breed. A senior dog is an older dog that has reached the final quarter of its life expectancy. Since a German Shepherd has a life expectancy between 12 and 14 years, it will enter its senior years when it is between nine and .A geriatric dog is one that has reached the end of its stated life expectancy — and is still going strong. If Gunther the German Shepherd makes it to 15, he is considered geriatric. Is it true that dogs age seven years for every human year? She says it may have stemmed from an observation that dogs lived to be 10 years old, while humans lived to be 70 on average. It is true that dogs age much faster than humans, but the extent and speed of this process depends on many factors. Larger dogs tend to age faster and have shorter life expectancies than smaller dogs. The AKC divides dogs into four size categories: Small 20 pounds or under Medium 21 to 50 pounds Large 51 to pounds Giant Over pounds An adult male German Shepherd usually weighs between 66 and 88 pounds, and an adult female generally weighs between 49 and 73 pounds. Then, until they reach the age of five, they age four years every year. Large dogs that are over five years old then generally age five or six years every year, and a German Shepherd that lives to be 14 is comparable to a human of .How many puppies can German Shepherds have? It is born completely helpless and depends on its mother for everything; it even needs her help to go to the bathroom. The puppy will typically start to crawl when it is a week old, and its eyes will open a few days later. The first baby teeth emerge when the puppy is two weeks old, and it will start going to the bathroom on its own around the same time. The socialization period lasts from the third to the twelfth week. Then, when the puppy can move, see, and hear, it needs to learn the social skills that will enable it to successfully interact with humans and other dogs. However, it still needs to stay with its mother during this time, so she can teach it proper dog behavior and other vital life skills. German Shepherds this age should also be introduced to humans to begin getting used to their presence. They will generally begin playing with their littermates and their humans when they are about four weeks old. Puppies that are at least seven weeks old can then be housebroken. The following video covers the growth and development of a German Shepherd puppy from when it is seven weeks old to six months old. The owner noted such physical changes as increasingly erect ears and darkening fur. The juvenile period lasts from three to six months and ends when the dog reaches sexual maturity. By this age, the puppy has all of its baby teeth. The puppy will be old enough for obedience school towards the end of the juvenile period. By the time a German Shepherd is six months old , it will look mostly like an adult dog, but it has not yet finished growing. It will have reached about 70 percent of its adult height and weight, and it will also have all of its adult teeth. German Shepherds, at this age should be spayed or neutered unless their owner plans to breed them. How many puppies do German shepherds have in their first litter? April 27, We all know that German shepherd is an intelligent dog and quite active in all his areas. But apart from his intelligence, he is the most fun-loving dog. And I also found that this is the only breed of dog which is so versatile, he can be your family dog, a guard dog, a military dog, a police dog, a search and rescue dog and a herding dog as well. I can say that this is the most versatile dog. Pregnancy and litters of German shepherd dog The bodyweight of a female German shepherd is around 30kgs and height are between 20 to 24 inches and this is a bodyweight for the healthy pregnancy of a German shepherd dog. German shepherd dog becomes a wonderful mother and she has a huge number of litters in her pregnancy. This is no fixed numbers of puppies in the German shepherd litter and it can vary from 1 to 15 puppies. Usually, a female German shepherd dog has 8 puppies in her first litters. A Female German shepherd has two litters in a year and this started from an early age and continues up to the age of 8 which means that she can have 14 litters in her entire lifetime. Factors affecting the size of litters.

No two families are the same, and their needs for their four legged members differ. We breed three different sizes of Australian Labradoodles so you can find the perfect pup to complete your family. The height of each breed size is measured from the wither, or the shoulder blades to the ground, because this gives the most accurate and reliable measurement for dog height. Weight is based on a healthy range for a full grown Australian Labradoodle of each size. Read more about the sizes below to help you determine which Doodle is right for you! Miniature Height: 14 to 16 inches from the wither Weight: 15 to 25 Lbs Miniature Australian Labradoodles are ideal for families who live in apartments or rental homes with breed and pet weight restrictions. At less than thirty pounds, they can easily accompany you and your family to pet-friendly hotels when you travel most have policies that restrict pets to thirty pounds or less , and they are just the right size for kiddie cuddles! Medium Height: 17 to 20 inches from the wither Weight: 30 to 40 Lbs Medium Australian Labradoodles are slightly larger than Miniatures, and can weigh up to forty pounds. Mediums are still small enough to be lap dogs, but big enough to have a good game of tug of war or accompany you on your morning jog. Standard Height: 21 to 24 inches from the wither Weight: 45 to 65 Lbs Standard Australian Labradoodles are the largest size available. At twenty-two to twenty-four inches from the wither and up to sixty-five pounds, these pups bring the happy, huggable breed to the big dog table. Standards are ideal for active people with a lot of space, as they make good running partners and love to play. Reserve A Puppy Today! The Australian Labradoodle is a very active breed, and needs adequate space and exercise. For example, Miniature Australian Labradoodles would fare better in an apartment than a Medium Doodle. Likewise, a Medium Labradoodle would be better suited to a small house than a Standard. All three sizes are easy to train and very smart. They get along well with other dogs, so they make great additions to pre-started menageries, and are protective and loyal but not aggressive, so they are great with kids. These family friendly, sociable dogs are ideal for anyone seeking companionship and unconditional canine love, from singles to couples, kid-free homes and big families alike. Larger Labradoodles will need more than a small breed. Walking the dog will be an everyday necessity for the next years. So, be realistic about how much time you have available. Before sharing it with another living being, you should make sure there is enough space. You all want to be able to live together comfortably. Thirdly, whilst your kids will grow, it might be easier if they are very young baby-toddlers to have a small dog. The dog won't tower over them, and it might be easier for you to look after both. That being said, maybe a more pressing issue would be the size of your vehicle. It might even be the deciding factor. Another factor is health. That includes DNA testing for hereditary diseases. The larger the dog, the increased risk of structural health problems. In particular, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and patellas knees. So, before adopting a puppy, please make sure these checks are done. They significantly reduce the risk of your dog developing avoidable health conditions. A small factor to consider as well is gender. Male dogs are generally slightly larger and stockier than females. Regardless, boys and girls are likely to vary in adult size once fully grown. The points mentioned are areas to think about before bringing any animal into your home. Whilst we emphasised the concerns for larger dogs, all sizes of Labradoodles make fantastic pets. We wanted to highlight these points to make sure that you know how each size differs in terms of requirements. If it is, great! They can be a wonderful addition to your family! This is because the other infusion dog breeds influence the final height and coat type of the puppies. When you think about the height and weight of these breeds, it makes sense. It makes this breed much easier to size, compared to a British Labradoodle. Eight different breeds make up an Australian Cobberdog. Depending on the size of your Cobberdog, they will either have Standard Poodle or Minature Poodle genes. If you wanted a smaller dog, for example, a Spaniel would help bring down the sizing; a Standard Poodle would not. What about F1b Labradoodle sizes? F1b denotes a backcross to a pedigree breed, usually the Poodle breed. Backcrossing is when a hybrid e. Labradoodle is bred to a dog of similar genetics to one of its parents. If you're contacting Labradoodle breeders with F1b puppies available soon, ask for the parents and grandparents sizes. This is particularly important on the Poodle's side. Both generations of backcross Labradoodle breeding will influence their final size. It wouldn't matter that the direct parent is medium-sized. Mixed breeds, like all pedigree dog breeds, can vary in sizing. So all sizes are approximate and for illustration purposes only. Your dog could grow to be bigger or smaller than their parents. This variance is often a result of their ancestors' sizing genetics. It might also be from the breeds used during cross-breeding. Cobberdogs are the best if the height is important to you. Their sizing is much more predictable. This is especially true if you want a small Labradoodle. The other pedigree breeds offset the height of the Labradoodle Retriever and Standard Poodle. When filling out our application form , you can pick more than one size and state your preference. Our most popular request is an Australian Cobberdog in miniature medium size. It's a good size Labradoodle puppy for families with young children. UK Breeders since .We Export Worldwide. The multigenerational means that the pups we sell are the result of at least 3 successive generations of Labradoodles. This ensures that our dogs exhibit all the best Doodle traits while minimizing the undesirable traits of their parent breeds. Our medium Labradoodles are the result of years of hard work and dedication to breeding the best dogs possible, period. How big are medium Labradoodles? Medium Labradoodles fit exactly where you think they would on the Doodle size spectrum—smaller than standards but bigger than miniatures. The most important thing to note is that no matter the size, our Labradoodles are bred to have consistent personalities and coats. Whether your adult Doodle is 15 pounds or 50 pounds, we strive to meet the same expectations with all of our puppies. Should I buy a medium Labradoodle? Good question! That depends on how much exercise you can give your new friend, and how much space you have at home. While medium Australian Labradoodles are smaller than standard Labradoodles, these dogs still need lots of exercise to stay happy. Medium Labradoodles are great for active people or those with a big yard. Even though Labradoodles are very well-behaved, keeping a medium or large dog cramped up inside all the time will make him or her restless and unhappy. We breed Doodles in four distinct size ranges:. Not suited to apartment living due to size and exercise requirements. Good with Children Yes. A Standard Labradoodle is classified as a large dog breed. When they are fully grown, Standard Labradoodles get to a height of 20 to 26 inches .Their full adult weight is between 50 and pounds .Yes, Standard Labradoodles are a large breed because they weigh at least 50 pounds which is the condition for a dog to be considered a large breed. They also have an average height of 23 inches which is just over the 22 inch height requirement for a dog to be considered a large breed. Standard Labradoodles are 20 to 26 inches .Evidently, they are about 5 or 6 inches taller than this because of their head however the standard is to measure dogs at the withers their shoulders as their heads move so much. A Standard Labradoodle is between 50 and pounds in weight. Female Standard Labradoodles tend to be lighter weighing between 50 and 85 pounds while males generally weigh between 60 and pounds. There is such as wide weight range as they are a mixed breed dog and their weight highly depends upon the percentage of Poodle to Labrador Retriever genes they have. Generally Labradoodles that have a higher percentage of Labrador Retriever genes weigh more than ones that are more Poodle. Standard Labradoodles are fully grown between 12 and 18 months of age. As the largest version of the Labradoodle, they take the longest to reach their full adult size. The general rule is that large breeds grow at a slower rate than small breeds. It is expected that a Standard Labradoodle would reach its full height around 10 to 12 months of age and for the remaining months will gain weight at a steady rate. A Standard F1 Labradoodle is a first generation pup. This means that it was the result of breeding a purebred Standard Poodle with a purebred Labrador Retriever. A Standard F1b Labradoodle is the first cross-back generation. The main reason why breeders produce cross-back generations is to get a litter of Labradoodles that have curlier fur that more closely resembles a Poodle. This coat is more hypoallergenic and therefore more highly suited to allergy sufferers. Labradoodles can be both medium and large dogs, it depends on what size Poodle is bred with the Labrador Retriever. Standard Labradoodles are classified as a large dog breed while Medium Labradoodles and Mini Labradoodles that are on the larger size are considered to be medium sized dogs. Standard Labradoodles live for 12 to 15 years. This is the same lifespan length as Medium Labradoodles and only slightly shorter than Mini Labradoodles. As a mixed breed dog, Standard Labradoodles have less hereditary health issues than their purebred parents which prolongs their lifespan. This is one of the reasons why this cross breed was made in the first place. Check out the adorable Labradoodle puppies that are currently available here! PuppySpot is a dog adoption website that connects breeders with prospective pet owners. They have a zero tolerance policy for puppy mills which is why they screen every breeder annually! They have placed over , puppies in homes and offer various trusted, USDA-certified transportation options to deliver your puppy to your home safely! Further Reading.

Lifespan Sociability The Maltipoo is a mix between the gentle and playful Maltese and the active and smart Poodle. They can have any mix of these traits. They may be brilliant or have more average intelligence. Their exercise needs can vary a bit as well, depending on how active they are. Most of the time, these dogs are decently smart and typically train pretty quickly. Of course, this can vary quite a bit. Some may be smarter than others. Usually, Maltipoos are friendly. Early socialization and training ensure that they are accepting of strangers and other pets as well. These are not typically aggressive in the least. Maltipoos are described as 1st generation or 2nd generation. These are one of the few mixed breeds that are sometimes bred past the 1st generation. Colors vary greatly. Maltipoos can look very different from each other. They come in a variety of different colors. You can find a puppy in just about any color. Size depends on the size of the Poodle used. The Poodle used in breeding has a large role in the size of the puppy. Usually, toy Poodles are used, and this is the size we have used when writing this article. However, rarely, standard Poodles are used, and this results in an enormous puppy. They are affectionate and usually gentle. Puppies can be playful and quite active. However, they tend to calm down as they age. Some may stay relatively active into adulthood, like their Poodle parent. They are well-suited to families with children who like to play as well as snuggle. These dogs are a bit loud and vocal. They can make good alert dogs on some occasions, depending on their specific character and training. Maltipoos tend to bark at anyone who passes by. Related Read: Maltese vs. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are playful and cuddly, so they fit in with many different people. They are usually very friendly with strangers and friends alike. Sometimes, these dogs are not particularly good with children, though. They are smaller and can be more easily injured by toddlers and preschoolers. This can cause them to snap and be more fearful of children. This dog is not incredibly territorial, nor does it have a significant prey drive. Of course, dogs that are properly socialized and raised around cats and other pets usually see them as part of the family. Puppy classes and socialization are essential for raising a well-meaning dog. They can eat any other high-quality food that any other dog eats. Of course, we recommend a high-quality dog food that contains quite a bit of meat and protein. These dogs are not particularly prone to food allergies, but they can happen. Some dogs are quite active and need a lot of playtime. Others prefer to lounge around. It is usually better to be on the side of too much exercise than too little. Plan on taking your dog on at least one walk a day. Playtime in a backyard may be necessary as well. They are typically smart and eager to please. They are not particularly stubborn or anything of that sort, so they usually take to training well. Because of their intelligence level, they need a bit of mental exercise every day, or they may become destructive. Training is an easy way to do this, so many dogs enjoy it immensely. They do not shed much, but their coats are high-maintenance otherwise. Their wooly coat requires daily brushing from a young age. Luckily, most dogs get used to regular brushing. They typically need a bath at least once a month on top of whenever they get visibly dirty. They will likely need a bath after running through leaves, for instance. Or, at least, a good brushing. Clippings every few months are required, though their faces and paws may need trimming more often. We recommend scheduling them a monthly grooming appointment unless you are willing to learn how to groom them properly at home. Their nails should be trimmed every month at the very least. They need their teeth brushed quite a bit as well. Daily is best. These dogs are particularly prone to dental problems, so brushing is essential. They are not prone to many different health conditions. Minor Conditions. Their coat is somewhat hypoallergenic, although not completely hypoallergenic. This is because they trap more dander than other breeds. If you are an allergy sufferer, make sure you spend a lot of time with your Maltipoo before you bring them home to ensure you are not allergic to them. We will go into more detail about grooming your Maltipoo further on. Color While the breed standard color of a Poodle is white, a Maltese can come in many different colors. This means that your Maltipoo can also come in many different colors and, as they are a designer breed, most likely will be unique in their colorway and design! You Maltese Poodle Mix could be black, blue, grey, brown, cream, silver or white, although the most common colors are a light beige or white. Temperament The Maltese Poodle is a true companion dog who loves to be around people and thrives on human attention. They are very loyal to their owners and will care for you as much as you care for them. That being said, they love all people they meet and will want to be friends with everyone! Fortunately, separation anxiety can be helped with socialization from a young age. The Maltipoo is also a playful dog. Although they do not have a high activity level, they are very intelligent and require mental stimulation. They will love to play with you and have known to be mischievous from time to time! Lifespan The typical life expectancy of a Maltipoo is around 12 to 16 years. Known Health Issues Unfortunately, as with any dog, the Maltese Poodle mix can develop some health issues. They inherit these health problems from their parent breeds and can, therefore, be more susceptible to issues the Maltese and Poodle are. The most common health problems with the Maltipoo are set out below: White Shaker Syndrome — this is a syndrome that is common in small dogs and causes the whole body to shake. It is caused by an inflammation in the brain which is idiopathic. Some owners mistake this for their dog just being cold but if you suspect they are suffering from white shaker syndrome, you should take them to the vets. Patellar Luxation — this is a common condition in smaller dogs and is caused when the patella is not properly aligned. This can cause lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait, sort of like a skip or a hop. Epilepsy — this seizure disorder can be treated with medication. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — this is an eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. Buying from a reputable breeder will help to reduce health issues in your Maltipoo. You should also watch out for any signs of the issues about and take your pup for regular health checkups. Daily Life Now we have learnt all about the characteristics of a Maltese Poodle Mix, it is time to take a look at what everyday life with one of these pups is really like. Below we cover their food and diet, their exercise needs and their grooming needs. The general rule is 40 calories per pound of body weight per day, which can average out to around calories or one cup of food a day. However, you should always check the bag of the food packet to see the exact amount of that particular food you should be feeding your pup based on their size. It is recommended that you do not feed your Maltese Poodle in one go and instead break up their food into three to four meals a day. The food you give them should be high-quality dry kibble that is formulated for smaller breeds of dog, so you are sure they are getting the correct amount of energy, protein and fat. Your dog will function at his best with enough protein. Without adding any grains, their recipes are created with the assistance of doctors to provide your dog the ideal ratio of protein and fat. Each batch is checked to ensure it meets our high standards, and high quality ingredients are mixed in the USA for quality control. These pups should be getting between 30 to 40 minutes of exercise everyday. This can be split over games, walks and runs to keep them engaged and entertained. Your Maltipoo will also benefit from mental stimulation. Because they love to spend time with you, playing games with you indoors will be their favorite pastime. Family Compatibility The Maltipoo is a pup that adapts to any situation and makes the perfect family pet. A loyal companion, they are also excellent with couples, seniors and individuals. Because they are a little dog, they are also great for apartment and town living and their exercise needs are small they do not require a large yard to run around in. These dogs get on very well with other animals and will do well in a home with other pets. They are easy to train and socialize too, which means they are a good dog to have if you do not have experience with pups. The Maltipoo does well with children, but because of their size they are very vulnerable and delicate. You will need to teach your young children to be careful with this hybrid dog otherwise they could hurt them! The Maltese Poodle Mix is a lap dog that requires a lot of attention and you must ensure you have the time to spend with your Maltipoo before you buy them! They do not do well when they are left alone and like to be around people. When they are left alone for too long they can begin to exhibit destructive behaviors, so you must make sure you have time to curl up with them on the couch or, even better, take them with you wherever you go! Training and Socializing Both the Maltese and the Poodle are intelligent dogs who love to learn. Therefore, the Maltipoo is a dog that is easy to train. You must be patient and consistent with them, but they will pick up basic commands very easily. You should always use positive reinforcement with your Maltese Poodle hybrid. This includes verbal praise and treats. Never use punishment with them. Because they are so devoted to their owners, they will not understand and be hurt and confused, which can lead to destructive behaviors. You should do it from a young age and introduce them to lots of different sounds, sights, places, smells and people. Luckily, this breed of dog love both humans and other pets. Grooming The Maltese Poodle Mix is a generally easy dog to take care of, although they do need to be groomed often. This is because of their beautiful coat! Whether they have the curly coat of a Poodle or the longer coat of a Maltese, you will need to brush their fur almost every day. This is especially important if they have the curlier hair of a Poodle because matting can occur and this can become uncomfortable for your pooch. Their coat will need to be professionally groomed every 6 weeks or so to keep them looking their best. Their ears will also need to be checked and their nails should be clipped by the groomers. Dental hygiene is also important for your doggie to prevent gum disease and dental decay. Try to brush their teeth as often as you can to keep any health problems at bay. Regular grooming from a young age will reinforce the bond you have with your Maltipoo. Maltipoo Breed Traits. The Maltese poodle originated in the United States around , with the breeders intending to create a more low-maintenance lap dog for companionship. The intelligence, affectionate nature, and easy trainability of the Maltese are combined with the low shedding and more hypoallergenic nature of the poodle to create this designer dog. Maltese poodles are small and bred to be fun playful lap dogs. While Maltese poodles are not recognized by the American Kennel Club or other purebred dog kennel clubs, there are several organizations hoping to help Maltese poodles obtain recognition with the American Kennel Club by adhering to certain breeding and appearance requirements. However, this is still a work in progress as reputable breeding organizations work toward creating a crossbreed with desirable traits and a consistent appearance. They are affectionate, fitting well into families, and they are a perfect apartment-sized dog, which makes them a perfect addition to the home for people in more urban areas. Plus, Maltese poodles come in a range of colors and coat patterns due to their crossbreed heritage, making each dog as unique as their loveable nature. Since Maltese poodles are a cross between the Maltese and toy poodle dog breeds, they have a similar small stature. They stand between 8 and 14 inches tall and weigh between 5 and 20 pounds, depending on lineage. Most Maltese poodles will have medium to long hair that is very soft, fluffy, and may contain a wavy pattern. Maltese poodles are available in a number of different patterns such as bicolor, tricolor, tuxedo, sable, and merle, and the colorations of Maltese poodles range from black, brown, and grey to red, blue, cream, white, gold, and fawn. What Size Is a Maltese Poodle? They grow between 8 and 14 inches tall, though occasionally, you will find one as small as 5 inches tall and weigh between 5 and 20 pounds. This breed has a single-layer coat that will continually grow, hence the increased grooming needs of this pup, but is less likely to shed as much as a double-layer coat would. The Maltese poodle is known for being a sociable, friendly, affectionate, and loyal pup. For the most part, Maltese poodles are gentle and love to receive attention from their family as much as they love to give attention. Maltese poodles are quite alert, a trait that comes from the toy poodle in their genetics. However, they are not prone to aggression or a high prey drive. Your Maltese poodle may bark more when they are bored or anxious, but these behavioral issues can be fixed with proper care and training. Are Maltese Poodles Affectionate? Maltese poodles are highly affectionate pups. They love to sit with their humans and spend time lounging around in addition to spending time playing outside, taking walks, or visiting dog parks and dog-friendly areas. Maltese poodles have a need to receive lots of affection from their families, and they will certainly give just as much affection back. You should remember that because the Maltese poodle is such a people-loving and affectionate pup, they can be prone to separation anxiety and may not handle long periods of separation from their families well. Maltese poodles are good with kids, thanks to their relatively gentle and calm nature. They can be playful and affectionate and easily get along with children who want to play or spend time properly petting them. It is important to note that children who play rough with your Maltese poodle may hurt the dog due to their small and more fragile size, so older children and children who know how to treat animals properly are likely a better match for this pup. Maltese poodles are generally good with all other animals that they may meet or live with. They are outgoing and sociable and unlikely to become aggressive, though they may bark at first if they see the other animal as suspicious. Larger dogs may not be the best choice for a companion for Maltese poodles, as this dog breed can be easily injured by rough play or accident. Are Maltese Poodles Aggressive? They may bark at things that frighten them or find suspicious, but they are unlikely to bite, growl, or nip unless they are being directly threatened or accosted. Do Maltese Poodles Bark a Lot? Maltese poodles can be quite the barker in certain situations. This breed tends to bark at things they find frightening or suspicious, but they will stop after they see what the item is clearly or the unfamiliar person is proven to be friendly. Maltese poodles can develop anxiety and behavioral issues when left alone for long periods of time, which can result in excessive barking; proper training and care can reduce the amount of barking and make this pup happier. Are Maltese Poodles Intelligent? Maltese poodles are reasonably intelligent dogs due to the genetics of the toy poodle. Toy poodles are known for their above-average intelligence and the ease at which they pick up basic obedience training or more advanced skills. Are Maltese Poodles Easy to Train? Maltese poodles are fairly easy to train thanks to their average to above-average intelligence. They pick up basic obedience commands quickly and may even be suited for more advanced skills and commands. They also love to show off to their owners and spend time with their families, which makes training them a good time for all. Are Maltese Poodles Energetic? Maltese poodles are quite an energetic dog, but their exercise needs are moderate. They love a quick minute playtime with their toys inside or outside the home, and they require a 15 to minute walk at least twice daily to stay happy and healthy. You should also take your Maltese poodle to dog parks regularly in order to get them to socialize with other dogs in a safe, contained manner. Maltese poodles are one of the best breeds for apartment living. They may bark from time to time when hearing noises from other apartments or seeing things outside, but with proper training and care, your Maltese poodle should not cause too much noise or disruption in an apartment. Are Maltese Poodles Good Watchdogs? Maltese poodles are pretty good watchdogs; they are alert, bark at anything suspicious they see, and are fiercely loyal to their family. You can expect your Maltese poodle to bark at unfamiliar strangers or things they perceive as threats which can be helpful when you want a small dog that can alert you to potential trouble around your home. Maltese poodles may be good service dogs in certain situations. This dog is quite small, so they are not suited for mobility or guiding-related service tasks, but due to their trainable nature and constant want to help out their families, they can make good medical alert or emotional support dogs. The Maltese poodle is pretty emotionally perceptive, something that helps them relieve conditions such as anxiety and depression, and they can pick up medical alert commands easily, in addition to learning more advanced skills such as fetching medications, phones, and water. How to Care for a Maltese Poodle Caring for your Maltese poodle requires spending time with your pup exercising them, loving on them, and providing them with the nutrition they need. You should take your dog out on walks at least twice a day and spend time playing with them and their toys whenever possible. Regular visits to dog parks and walking in public can help socialize your dog, and you should always remember to stay up to date with veterinary care. Your Maltese poodle will likely need regular bathing and grooming services to keep their hair clean and free of mats. You will also need to feed your Maltese poodle two meals a day, supplemented by treats and other highly nutritional additions. You should remember not to leave your Maltese poodle home alone for long periods, as this can cause behavioral issues and upset your dog. Maltese poodles do need to be groomed. Their hair grows constantly, and since it is on the longer side, it can become matted and dirty easily. Brush your Maltese poodle several times a week, bathe them approximately once every month or so, and take them to a groomer on a regular basis to get their hair brushed out and trimmed so that it stays clear of their eyes and out of the way. Do Maltese Poodles Shed? Maltese poodles shed a small amount, but they are considered a low-shedding and more hypoallergenic dog breed. This lack of shedding is attributed to their single-layer coat that continually grows instead of shedding small hairs all over the place like a double-layered coat often does. What Should a Maltese Poodle Eat? Your Maltese poodle should eat high-quality dog food divided into two to three meals daily. Like many crossbreeds, the Maltese poodle may present health issues inherited from its parents and health issues resulting from being bred into a small-sized dog. Maltese poodles are prone to health problems such as mitral valve disease, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, luxating patella, bloat, and allergies. Proper care of your Maltese poodle and regular veterinary visits can help ensure your pup stays in top shape and may help you to catch a developing health problem before it turns into something more serious or life-threatening. Maltese poodles have a life span that ranges between 10 and 13 years. In order to give your pup the longest, happiest life possible, you should be taking proper care of your dog, ensuring that regular vet visits are maintained, and keeping an eye on your Maltese poodle for potential emerging health issues. Are Maltese Poodles Expensive? Maltese poodles are considered a designer breed and can be more expensive to purchase as a result. How to Find a Maltese Poodle Breeder? To find a Maltese poodle breeder, you can perform internet searches for both local and national reputable breeders. Most of the time, you will be put on a waiting list for a puppy, and the breeder will keep you updated on when your puppy can come home. Keep in mind that you should attempt to gather as much information about the breeder, their licenses, and the conditions in which the dogs are being bred to ensure that you purchase from a breeder that properly cares for their animals. Can You Adopt a Maltese Poodle? While you can adopt a Maltese poodle from a shelter, this breed may not often turn up at local and national organizations. This is because Maltese poodles are considered designer dogs and are typically purchased directly from breeders; owners who spend money on a dog like this are unlikely to rehome them. That being said, there may be several rescue organizations dedicated to rehoming this breed when they have been given up due to unfortunate circumstances; keep an eye out on the websites of local and national organizations to see if any have Maltese poodles available for adoption. Are Maltese Poodles Purebred? Maltese poodles are not purebred dogs. They are a crossbreed, created from a mix of the Maltese dog breed and the toy poodle dog breed. Can You Show Maltese Poodles? You cannot show Maltese poodles as they are not official purebred dogs and are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. They may be recognized by specific mixed and designer breed kennel clubs; you will need to search for these organizations and see if show opportunities are available. Maltese poodles are usually a pretty good choice for new dog owners. This breed is gentle, friendly, and affectionate and is relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise. They love spending time with their families and are quite playful, in addition to fitting well into apartment-style living. The only things new dog owners may be overwhelmed by are the higher grooming needs of this pup and the fact that they are companion dogs, meaning they cannot be left alone for long periods. Deciding whether or not the Maltese poodle is the right dog for you can be a difficult choice. Below, we make a list of points about when this dog may or may not fit into your lifestyle; review these items carefully to determine whether or not the Maltese poodle is the best dog breed for you. The Maltese poodle might be the right dog for you if: You want a friendly, loving, and sociable dog that loves to spend time with you and give affection as much as they receive it. You want a dog that is easily trained for basic tasks and has a playful, more energetic outlook on life. You want a dog that fits in well to apartment-style living. The Maltese poodle is not the dog for you if: You plan on leaving your dog home alone for long periods of time; Maltese poodles need social interaction and plenty of time spent with their families to stay happy and healthy. You want a dog that will mix well with any larger breed dogs in your home; Maltese poodles are generally too small to play well with larger dog breeds, though it is possible. You want a dog that can spend plenty of time outdoors with you hiking, hunting, or generally being active; Maltese poodles are playful and energetic, but they are too small for labor-intensive outdoor activities. Once you review these items and our complete dog breed guide, the decision of whether or not to add a Maltese poodle to your family should be clear. And, no matter which dog you decide to adopt, as long as you take proper care of it and provide it with ample love, you and your pup are sure to live happily together for as long as possible. March 15, Table of Contents Maltipoos — Adorable designer pups Maltipoos are dogs that result from crossing a Miniature or Toy Poodle with a Maltese. The Maltipoo has yet to be recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club and other organizations across the world. Most dogs have a fluffy and wool-like coat, though, which is one of the features they are most appreciated for. How big does a Maltipoo get? This is a relatively small breed. Adults get to a height that ranges from 10 to 12 inches, depending on their gender and genetic inheritance. Most have a weight between 10 and 20 pounds, also depending on their gender, whether they were spayed or neutered, and if their parents were smaller or larger. If you are looking for an especially small Maltipoo, you should pick a female and also ask your breeder for a cross of two smaller parents. If you are looking for a larger dog however, make sure to pick a male puppies from parents that are on the larger side. Genetics are strong when it comes to size! Temperament The best thing about a Maltipoo is that it usually inherits the personality of its parents. However, like any other breed, whether mixed or not, this one needs to be socialized as early as possible. Another Maltipoo personality trait that dog owners love is that they can be quite affectionate. They do tend to suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for many hours during the day, so if you tend to be away from home for more than 10 hours on a daily basis, this might not be the right dog for you. Are Maltipoos easy to potty train? Most Maltipoos are very easy to train, especially if some of the training was done by the breeder. Praise and repetitive routines offer the best results when it comes to potty training a Maltipoo. For more information on house training your Maltipoo, talk to an experienced trainer. Is a Maltipoo a good dog? Most dog parents seem to agree that Maltipoos make not good, but great dogs. On top of everything, a Maltipoo maintains their puppy temperament even in their senior years, which can be very refreshing. Are Maltipoos barkers? Some Maltipoos can cause problems if they are adopted from inexperienced or irresponsible breeders. All puppies have to be trained to some extent in order to maintain good behavior, especially in relation to other animals and people. As we previously mentioned, they do not do well when they spend a lot of time alone. Unfortunately, that can be a problem for most pet owners unless they live in a house and have a yard where the dog can have some fun while they are away. On the other hand, they cannot be considered a hypoallergenic dog breed. They do shed several times a year, and their coat should be groomed every months depending on whether it is curly or not. Some Maltipoos have fluffy or curly hair around their eyes, so the latter can sometimes get irritated. If you ever try to cut some of the fur around the eyes, make sure to cover them with your hand first. Others prefer a lamb cut or a fancier style such as the Miami cut. Do Maltipoos have health problems? Unfortunately, the answer to this question is yes.

Final Thoughts Labradoodles and The Great Hypoallergenic Debate Chances are you already know that Doodles, as a type of so-called designer dog, came about as a solution to the issue of pet allergies. Basically, many of the very best service animals are high shedders, which is a problem for those sensitive to the proteins found in dog saliva and carried by loose hair. While experts agree that no dog is ever completely hypoallergenic — all dogs shed to some extent, after all. The Poodle with its trademark curly hair coat is just about as close as you can come. Breeders have been modifying dogs for certain purposes in this way for generations. By finding just the right combination of working dog genes and low-shed ones, it was possible to develop the perfect service animals for those with allergies. Well, that all depends on the kind of coat they inherit… The Three Types of Labradoodle Coats The thing about Labradoodles is not only do they have two very distinct parent pups, but these parent pups also have widely varying coats. In fact, they are about as different as you can get. Doodle with a curly wool coat. Hair Coat Right at the other end of the canine spectrum, you have the Labrador Retriever straight-haired double coat. Naturally, this one is the highest shedding of the three although it has to be said that it is nowhere near as bad as the regular old Labrador Retriever type. Doodle with straight hair Fleece Coat Finally, your pal could end up with a coat that sits somewhere in between the two extremes. Wavy and single-layered, the fleece coat is likely the one that most people think of if they picture the Doodle. Rather than resembling one parent over the other, the dogs are distinctively Doodle, looking like gorgeous little teddy bear dogs. Doodle with wavy coat. The reason? As per the title of this article… Labradoodle coat change. The shedding of the puppy coat is a natural process that occurs in all dogs somewhere between the ages of six months and one year. This might come as a shock to newbie pet owners that are expecting to have adopted a low-shedding dog. However, the shedding of the puppy coat is pretty standard and in no way indicates that you will be dealing with a high-shedding Labradoodle for the rest of their days. At the end of the day, though, you should be prepared for your wool, hair, or fleece-coated Doodle to look quite different at the end of this transition. That being said, there are a few signs to look for in your puppy that could tell you what you might expect from their adult coat. So, here are the big two switch-ups you might expect to see in a Labradoodle coat change and how to anticipate the outcome of them: Labradoodle Coat Change: Type One possible way you might know ahead of time what kind of coat a Labradoodle puppy might have is to pay close attention to their generation. So, for instance, with Labradoodles, the breeder might combine a pedigree Labrador Retriever with a pedigree Poodle, and the resultant litter will be categorized as first-generation F1 Labradoodles. Determining the kind of coat each puppy in this litter might end with will be just about impossible. However, the breeder may also choose to pair a first-generation Labradoodle with a pedigree Poodle in the hopes of introducing more Poodle genes and making it more likely that the offspring will have a low shed coat. This is referred to as backcrossing, and the puppies are labeled F1B. Backcrossing one of these dogs with another Poodle creates an F1BB litter, and so on. So your first step in finding out about coat type is to chat to the breeder about the heritage of the puppies. Once the puppies are born, you might also start to see some further clues in the ways their original coat starts to develop. Furnishings the expert term for hair around the face, ears, tail, and legs are great for this. However, dogs destined for a curly or even just wavy mane will usually have quite pronounced hair at these locations, especially around their beard area and around their eyes. Labradoodle Coat Change: Color Up until now, the focus of this article has been heavily on Labradoodle coat change as per type. This seems to be a key consideration for most looking to potentially pick up a Doodle pup. However, a further way Labradoodle coat change may be seen is with regards to color. Oh no. Yet, it is this first change that will likely have the most significant impact here too. In that way, you can be sure to collect up most of the loose coat before it drops or gets tangled around the rest of the curls left forming tight, tricky knots that you may well need to end up cutting out. A decent slicker brush, such as the Chris Christensen Brush , which is designed to penetrate the coat fully, lifting and trapping loose hairs as it goes, will make your life easier. Find the Best Deal:. This coat is preferred by many. It should be wavy and forming light loose spirals. The Fleece coat has a distinctly soft, loopy spirals it feels like no other dog coat. This is a thicker tight curl coat. A Wool Fleece blend is a distinctly nice unusual coat as well. Has a cute fluffy longer coat look. Regular brushing is recommended. Minimal to non-shedding. The Multi-gene Australian Labradoodle always has the ultimate coat. Due to many years of breeding and the uniqueness of the Australian doodle produces a usually textured coat. It should be silky-soft waves and or light loopy spirals very nice Fleece coat and Fleece wool blend. As your Labradoodle puppy develops their adult coat and out of their puppy coat at about 6 to 12 months. Doodle coat will start to thicken and mat, this is the time to start grooming. When the pup coat is changing to their adult coat Puppy may lose a little hair and the coat may become lighten or darken. A change in curl or wavy will happen as the coat matures. Do NOT shave puppy coat off! In addition, we have our GorgeousDoodle preferences and tips as well : When your Doodle is about 14 months old they will have their adult coat and then body and legs can be shaved with clippers if needed. We usually only try to use the shavers on the tummy and sanitary areas but scissors cut everywhere else. It is important is to know your groomer or have a groomer that is recommended. Ask to see photos of other Doodles they have groomed, etc. The best shampoos and conditioners are super important…Doodles have sensitive skin. It is always important to leave their coat longer on the head, face, and tail. It looks good if the tail is full and top of the head is full and ears are trimmed up. I always talk with the groomer and give them firm instructions. No shaving the face or ears or paws or tail. We groom our dogs ourselves. We sometimes leave the legs a little longer with poodles it is called leaving the pants on and or leave their paws and ankles with a bit longer coat. It can be fun to give them a whole new look with a little different cut. Buy wide-tooth combs and open wirer brush and the scissors with a round tip. It is a fun coat, that you can leave long and just carefully trim around faces. Take to a groomer and you can have a full groom cut down to an inch or two or whatever you want. It is a good idea in Summer season hot weather to give them a full short body and legs cut. We would love to see photos of before and after the grooming of your Doodle. Another good soap is Dr. And some mild cream rinse. Bath 3 to 5 weeks or only when needed. Here are some pictures of our favorite high moisture great smelling shampoos and conditioners, very mild!! Most Labradoodles love water and are pretty easy to bathe or take swimming. Bath and cream rinse after swimming. The coat is one of the unique features of this Breed and sets it apart from any other breeds. Australian Labradoodles have no body odor, they do not require constant bathing and brushing, which is great for all types of owners. Is highly possible that the non- fur fleece and wool textures coat of the Australian Labradoodle is less likely to cause any pet allergic reactions. Labradoodles will have some very low hair breakage loss. Just like humans can have low hair loss. But that is not shedding. See lots of fun photos and videos of our GorgeousDoodles families on our Pics and Vids page , and on our YouTube and Facebook accounts! There are three types of coats that Labradoodles can have. A hair-coated Labradoodle is the least popular among people with allergies owing to the fact that it sheds the most out of the three types. This makes them the least hypoallergenic. The straight coat can vary in length and thickness, so you may have to take your dog to the grooming salon more often than you had anticipated. The muzzle area is usually hair coated and will be a good indicator of their coat type. Fleece or Wavy Coated Labradoodles Fleece-coated Labradoodles are the easiest to maintain compared to the other two types, making them the most preferable. Labradoodles with this type of coat experience minimal shedding, thus helping keep allergies at bay. This coat also requires the least maintenance. The fleece coat comes in three varieties — straight, loose curls, and very curly. However, just because this type of coat sheds the least does not mean you can skip the groomers. Whatever type of coat your Labradoodle may have, a visit to the groomers at least once every six weeks along with regular grooming at home is necessary for maintaining its healthy coat. This rich black coat is a fairly common Labradoodle shade. Labradoodles are a hypoallergenic breed of dog. As they grow, they also begin losing the coats that they are born with. This transition usually starts as early as 6 months of age but can even take until they are 12 months of age. Ideally, you should brush your pup slowly and carefully, reaching down to its skin to ensure that the old puppy coat is coming off. This will help the puppy coat to shed faster, remove any tangles from its fur, prevent matting, and help the adult coat grow healthier. The Labradoodle ranks 1 for being a hypoallergenic dog and specifically bred for it. A hypoallergenic dog poses a significantly lower risk of causing an allergic reaction. This is because dogs that are labeled as hypoallergenic shed little to no fur at all. The first Labradoodle was created for a blind Hawaiian lady whose husband had an allergy to dogs. Since then, the popularity of this breed has grown rapidly. Labradoodles shed less fur, resulting in much less dander, as they have coats that are easy to maintain. As previously stated, the process of a puppy coat shedding varies from pup to pup but typically begins when they are 6 months of age. While Labradoodles are a hypoallergenic breed, it does not mean a Labradoodle pup will never lose its puppy coat. Most furry dog breeds shed in the sense that they lose their fur regularly. This is not the case with Labradoodles. This Apricot Mini Labradoodle is looking up at the camera, because he thinks he might get a treat he did. A Labradoodle puppy does not shed its puppy coat overnight or within a few days. Losing the puppy coat is a gradual process that can take up to a year and a half until the new coat grows. To allow the adult coat to grow properly, the puppy coat needs to be shed entirely. This is also why brushing your Labradoodle puppy is so important. When brushing your pup, you will notice strands of hair falling out at first. Eventually, tufts of puppy hair will come out. The more you brush your dog, the more you will be pulling out the old hair to make way for new growth. If you do notice any signs or symptoms, make sure to visit the vet and take appropriate measures for treatment. How To Manage A Shedding Labradoodle Puppy Coat Once your Labradoodle puppy starts shedding its puppy coat, it is advisable that you brush your dog regularly and at least groom it a couple of times every week or during daily periods of excessive shedding. Different dog breeds shed differently, so if you think something is amiss, you can always consult your vet to get your pup checked out. However, to avoid such dire situations, you need to make sure that you groom and brush your puppy regularly to avoid any matting. Depending on the type of Labradoodle coat your pup will develop, you should ideally be brushing your dog at least once a week to prevent any matting or tangled fur. Comb When you brush the coat, make sure you brush in the opposite direction of the hair growth. This will allow you to remove the old hair better. Then, you can move on to brushing in the direction of hair growth. You can do this with a fine-tooth comb. Ideally, a wooden or stainless steel comb would be a good choice. Make sure you pick a comb with wide teeth on one end and fine on the other. Detangler As your pet grows into a new coat, the old hair can knot up. This is when a detangler is needed. A detangler will help you effectively de-knot the coat without causing any distress to your pet. This tool is designed to help loosen the tangles and mats while being super gentle on your pup. If you keep putting off brushing your pooch, the old puppy coat will not shed but the new coat will start growing in, which will result in matting. A de-matting comb will be your knight in shining armor in such cases. Over-shedding is one example of why your pup may require a full body checkup as complete hair loss is unhealthy. Labradoodle playing in a water fountain. What a way to cool off on a warm day! While some people may be genuinely allergic to certain dog breeds, allergic reactions are typically caused by the dander or allergens present in dog fur. Without any exception, all dog breeds produce allergens that are responsible for allergies. These allergens are usually found in the dander, hair, urine, and saliva of a dog. If your dog is cooped up indoors for too long, it is prone to producing more allergens. This is why it is essential to take your dog out regularly. While there is no fool-proof way of deducing the type of coat your Labradoodle will have, there are still ways you can perhaps make an educated guess. For example, an F1B Labradoodle typically has fleece fur. Tracing genetics will give you a clearer picture of the outcome you can expect. Another way is to inspect the fur around the muzzle and the face of your Labradoodle pup. In the case of a fleece-haired coat, however, you will be able to determine the type of hair it will have by the time your pup is almost five weeks old by checking the fur around its eyes. Remember, Labradoodles are closest to the hypoallergenic dogs. Changing coat is when a puppy loses its baby fur to allow the adult coats to grow. The process of shedding is natural in many dog breeds. In the case of Labradoodles, the shedding happens when you brush them. On the other hand, shedding is losing fur that happens quite regularly with many furry dog breeds. Labradoodles shed fur but to a minimal extent, unlike other dog breeds. It is not the typical shedding where you will find clumps of hair everywhere. This was when it was observed that the cross-breed is useful, and the trend caught on. What are Hypoallergenic dogs? Hypoallergenic dogs are a breed with a relatively less thick coat that does not shed excessively and thereby limits the chances of causing allergies to humans. It is important to note that no dogs are percent hypoallergenic. When do Labradoodle puppies lose their puppy coat? Labradoodles do not keep the coats they are born with into adulthood. The average life span of a Labradoodle is 11 to 14 years. The coat they are born with are baby coats, and they will eventually shed them at some stage. This usually happens between 6 to 12 months. While it can be earlier for some, it may be later for others. When changing coats happen, both the color and texture of the coat of the Labradoodle will vary. The coat of a Labradoodle puppy appears thicker can come in varying shades depending on the cross-breeding. Some misunderstand this for normal shedding. It is, however, just a process of the Labradoodle growing into its new coat. When the process of changing the coat is completed, you would be surprised to find that your puppy has put on a coat of an entirely different color and texture. Take special care while brushing It is essential to take extra care when the process of shedding of coat happens. In the case of the Labradoodle pup, when you brush its coat, you are not only taking out the old fur but giving space for new ones to make it look clean, healthy and prevent further mess. It is important to use the right kind of brush and brush it down right to the skin. This will take off the old fur and prevent it from tangling with the new fur. Brushing right down to the skin also removes the old or dead skin. If they are allowed to remain on the puppy, the dead skin can accumulate to form a mat and create an ugly mess. What kind of allergies do dog furs cause? The sight of a dog with a thick coat makes you want to hug it and play with it. They are, however, known to cause allergies. More than the fur, the skin is attached to the end of the fur called dander that causes allergies. The urine and saliva of dogs are also known to cause allergies. The fur of dogs can cause the following kind of allergies: sneezing, running nose, cough, nasal congestion, itching, and red eyes, itching nose, and roof of mouth or throat, etc. Different generations of Labradoodles? The amount of hair your Labradoodle will lose can vary from puppy to puppy, and it depends on the generation of the puppy. The first generational Labradoodle F1 will shed a little more hair than the second generation F1b , third-generation F3b , and multigenerational Labradoodles. If you want to buy a Labradoodle but have allergies to hair, you should consider the second and third generational Labradoodles. Types of Labradoodle coats? There are three types of Labradoodle coats: Hair: This coat resembles the coat of a Labrador and sheds the most. The texture can range from feathery, wavy, or scruffy. You would need to brush it at least once a week and may occasionally need trimming. Fleece: There are two types of fleece: normal and microfine. Normal fleece is wavy and has a loose spiral. Microfine is supple and superfine and tends to get matted very easily. The fleece texture of fur should be brushed and combed at least once a week and trimmed at least thrice a year. They are also asthma and allergy-friendly. Wool: There are three types of wool: original, cotton, and new style. Cotton is the softest of the three types of wool. It is incredibly dense and can be straight or curly. It needs high maintenance as it needs to be brushed and combed at least once a week. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. As you might have guessed, this dog is a cross between poodle and Labrador parents — and the result is an adorable bundle of joy with a sweet, gentle personality. Labradoodle puppy coats come in a range of colors and textures, so labradoodle owners are spoiled for choice when choosing their fur baby. Read on to discover more about Labradoodles and labradoodle coat types. What Are Hypoallergenic Dog Coats? Hypoallergenic dogs have less of a thick coat than many other breeds. A highly shedding coat presents a higher risk to allergy sufferers than non-shedding dogs like a labradoodle puppy. As a dog with one of the most allergy-friendly coats , there are a few practicalities to keep in mind when it comes to your labradoodle pooch and its coat. Pretty much every labradoodle puppy goes through a coat change, which is separate from a shedding coat. The puppy coat is eventually replaced by an adult coat, which comes with more grooming requirements. Types of Labradoodle Puppy Coats One of the best things about labradoodle dogs is the wide range of choices with regard to appearance. Wool Coat You can determine if your Labradoodle puppy has a fleece coat. You can identify fleece coats by the way the fur sits between the eyes, as this area starts to get curly first. This is the curliest coat type, but it still comes in a variety of types. Some dogs with a curly coat have a cotton-type coat, which is the softest but also incredibly high maintenance. Labradoodle puppies with wool Labradoodle puppy coats are mainly non-shedding and can make great companions for pet owners with allergies. Fleece Coat Doodles with a fleece coat require a little less maintenance than the other types of doodles, but they still need weekly brushing and plenty of TLC. A fleece-coated labradoodle is the result of combining a curly wool coat gene with the gene for a straight coat. Areas such as the ears and collar are particularly prone to getting matted, so be sure to pay close attention to these areas when you brush your fleece-coated labradoodle once or twice per week. Hair Coat A labradoodle with a straight coat has inherited most of its fur genes from its Labrador retriever parent. Something interesting about Labradoodles is that their Labradoodle puppy coats change as they get older, so your hair-coated labradoodle might get a wave to its fur as it gets older. While you can also take it to a professional groomer on a weekly basis, this can incur hefty grooming costs. Most labradoodle owners opt to take their dog to a groomer once a month or two and do regular adult coat maintenance themselves. Use the correct type of dog brush and be sure to get all the way down to the skin. Give your dog a brush before and after bath time. All puppies eventually lose their puppy coat to make way for their adult coat, this goes the same with Labradoodle puppy coats. You might find the new type of coat is totally different from the old coat. Coats and Generational Differences The amount of hair your dog sheds varies between puppies, but generational differences can also play a role. First-generation doodles shed slightly more than second-generation doodles, with multigenerational Labradoodles shedding even less. We genetically test each breeding parent to make sure the shedding genes are not passed on to the puppies in our training program. We adore the breed and have a wide range of Labradoodle puppies for sale to choose from, with different color and type of Labradoodle puppy coats. We can even deliver a fully trained doodle puppy direct to your door if you like! Labradoodle Puppy -Will a Labradoodle be easy to look after? Karen has been grooming Labradoodles since she introduced the first litter of doodle puppies in BC Australian Labradoodle with a fine wool coat, Lexi The Labradoodle Wool Coat The coats are identified by their feel rather than their look. The wool coat is one that I love because I live with severe allergies and asthma. This coat is most like a poodle coat and although the wool coats of our dogs are very soft they feel like poodle coats and are very curly. These coats absolutely do not shed. Even during the change from puppy coat to adult coat they shed very little. Our Aussi has a curly wool coat. He is clipped so that he can lead his very active life style. Lilyanna has an unusually soft curly wool coat that waves when it is long. The Labradoodle Wool Coat The coats are identified by their feel rather than their look. The Labradoodle Fleece Coat The fleece coat is wavy rather than tightly curled. It is a very desirable coat because it is slightly easier to look after than the wool coat and it has a lovely silken feel. Although we have not had a shedding fleece dog there is the possibility of some light shedding when they change from a puppy to adult coat. The fleece coat does need to be brushed but it is much more easily kept long than a wool coat. The puppy and adult dog will need regular grooming because the face will need trimming as will the bum and beneath the ears to prevent matting. Somewhere between nine and fourteen months of age the adult coat will grow in. At this transition time the coat will need lots of attention in order to keep the length. Brush right to the skin with a stiff brush or rake. If the dog mats at this point she will have to clipped short by your groomer. Hair Coat The hair coat feels very similar to the hair on your head. It is unlike the feel of wool or fleece. The hair coat will shed. It requires little attention. Puppies will often look like they are going to have a fleece coat until the hair comes through the puppy coat at about eight or nine weeks of age. The doodle with a hair coat has the same wonderful temperament and personality as the doodle with the non shedding coat but is not good for a person with allergies or for a family that has chosen the doodle because of his non-shedding qualities. It is hard to get a brush through the curls if you leave it too long. Without this regular brushing right down to the skin mats will form next to the skin. Mats make it very uncomfortable for the dog to walk and run and play. We keep our wool coated dogs clipped short because we live with fields of weeds and burrs. It is quite possible to keep a wool coated dog with a long coat, it simply is a matter of keeping up with the brushing and keeping feet, faces and bums clipped. This would be a trip to the groomer at least every second month. Every six weeks keeps dogs in both long and short coats looking and feeling like movie stars. Grooming For Every Doodle No matter what the doodle coat there is grooming required. This can either be done by an interested family member or your groomer. Ears Fur grows out of the ears of a labradoodle. It begins its journey deep in the ear canal. If ears are not keep clean and dry dirt and wax can lead to severe ear infections. You can tell when the doggie has hot ears that there is a problem and a trip to the vet will be in order. Some doodles love to dig and have very thick fur in their ears. This means it could be a good idea to pluck the fur from deep in the ear. It is not difficult to take tweezers or better still a hemostat and pluck out the fur on a regular basis. I must say I almost swooned the first time I did it myself but it does get easier. Unless you are an expert it is a two person job, one to hold the dog and promise treats, the other to pluck. Your vet can recommend an ear drying powder which will keep the ears in good health. Of course, your groomer will do the ear plucking for you. If you take your dog every six weeks she should be fine. Nails Unless dogs travel on a stone river bed a couple of kilometers every single day they need their nails trimmed. Our Labradoodles have dew claws and they will always need attention. Nail trimming should be done every few weeks. It is however another wonderful thing your professional groomer will do. Our doodle girls have fuzzy feet and so have to be content with a simple nail trim. Little Bottoms All long coated dogs need a trim around their little bottoms for ease of toilette. He is enjoying his new summer doo as he loves water sports. This boy always stops to smell the roses or dandelions. Contact Us. A Labradoodle puppy! Partly thanks to that gorgeous fluffy coat. When do Labradoodles Lose their Puppy Coat? It is quite a gradual process. The process typically starts around 6 months of age. But, it can take up to a year and a half to complete. This may not be great news if you or someone else in your family suffers from dog allergies. But, as long as your Labradoodle grows up to have a fleece or wool coat, you will have less shed fur to clean once the puppy coat has fully shed and the adult coat grows in. What is a Labradoodle Puppy Coat Like? The Labradoodle puppy coat is a lot different to all adult varieties. Puppy coats are always single layer. Are Labradoodle Puppy Coats Hypoallergenic? After their creation, the resulting demand for an allergy-friendly dog catapulted Labradoodles to worldwide fame. It also led to the development of many other hybrid dog breeds. The truth is, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. So, Labradoodle puppy coats cannot be hypoallergenic. So, your Labradoodle puppy coat will not catch any falling dander. Allergens could still find their way onto other objects in your home. And, their shedding puppy coats could aggravate your allergies. Adult Labradoodles can have one of three coat types: Hair coat — will shed moderately all year, and heavily during shedding seasons Fleece coat — will shed lightly to moderately, varies from one Doodle to the next Wool coat — does not shed visibly, but hair sheds into the surrounding coat, which can cause painful knots if not groomed properly Influence from Parent Breeds Labradoodles come from a long line of working dogs; primarily the Labrador Retriever and the Standard Poodle. Labrador Retrievers typically have a double coat. Their fur has an insulating under-layer and a protective outer-layer which helps them in their working roles. The Poodle, on the other hand, is one of the rare working breeds with a single layer coat. Are Adult Labradoodle Coats Hypoallergenic? The fleece type of adult Labradoodle coat will often be best for individuals that suffer from allergies. But, this will still need regular grooming to control shedding dander. And, regardless of which adult coat your Doodle has, your dog will still need to shed out their puppy coat first. Suddenly, you will find tufts and clumps of shed dog hair everywhere, where before there was none. This can start as early as six months. So, watch out for shed fur from this age. It could start anywhere from six to nine months, or even slightly outside of this range. The puppy coat has to be completely shed out to allow the adult coat to grow in. That would leave your Labradoodle defenseless against pests, the elements, and injury. Instead, their coat will shed in stages, over time. This is why it can take up to a year and a half for the puppy coat to fully shed out and the adult coat to fully grow in. Depending on the adult coat your Labradoodle inherits, these hairs may be long and straight hair coat , long and loosely curly fleece coat , or short and tightly curled wool coat. In most cases, a Labradoodle will have fully lost their puppy coat and grown into their adult one between the ages of 12 and 15 months. But, there is no exact timer that buzzes the moment this process is finished. But, some veterinarians may be happy for you to cut it short with scissors, to keep your cleaning schedule for shed fur a little more manageable. Not only will this help you to gather and remove shed fur before it goes all over your floor, but it will also familiarise your Labradoodle with the grooming process. All three types of adult Labradoodle coat require regular grooming. Are you dealing with a shedding puppy coat right now? We would love to hear about your experiences with the Labradoodle puppy coat in the comments. Related Articles. What to expect in the early days. Crate training, housebreaking, and reward-based training. Exercise guidelines and mental stimulation. The importance of correct socialization. General health and nutrition. Shedding and grooming. And so much more. You will save you time, money, and loads of frustration…take my word for it! Get Your Copy Today! We use this stainless steel Poodle comb. One side is narrow and the other wide. It works great! We use this Safari De-Matting Comb. Detangler — This can be used along with the comb or de-matting comb to help loosen problem tangles and mats. You can find some of our favorite grooming tools and supplies here. Do Labradoodle Puppies Shed? For instance, a German shepherd will shed its coat twice a year. Shepherds are amazing dogs, very different from Labradoodles in many ways, not just shedding. Learn more about them in these articles. Matting is a clump of tangled hair that is difficult to comb through. If they get too serious, a groomer will have to cut out patches of hair. Genetics plays a part in determining how much hair a Labradoodle will shed or lose. Second F1b generation, third-generation F3b and multigenerational Labradoodles are going to shed less than a first-generation Labradoodle F1. Some owners will actually look for a second, third, or multigenerational Labradoodle dog just for the non-shedding or low-shedding attributes. Read this for a more detailed look at multi-generational Labradoodles. Australian Labradoodles are usually a good choice for people looking for asthma and allergy-friendly dogs. Of the various types of Labradoodles, the wool-coated Labradoodle has had the highest success rate for people suffering from asthma or dog-related allergies. They go through a coat change where their puppy coat changes to an adult coat. When this shedding process begins, the coat will begin to fill out and will get thicker. If the puppy is not brushed daily, the coat will become very matted and tangled. The more hair you see coming out in the brush, the better the puppy will look. Other owners use this opportunity as a way to bond with the dog and become familiar with the brushing process, which should become a regular part of their lives. The age at which Labradoodles stop shedding their puppy coat depends on the age it began the shedding process. It can take from a week to several weeks, and every dog does it at a different age. One puppy may be shedding its puppy coat between the ages of months while another may be from months of age. If you suddenly realize your Labradoodle puppy is in need of a good haircut, the pup has probably begun the shedding process. Changing from a puppy coat to an adult coat can bring an entirely different color texture and overall appearance. All dogs create allergens or proteins, which are what usually cause allergies. What are the Different Types of Labradoodle Coats? Labradoodles have three types of coat: hair, fleece, and wool. There are two reasons for this. One reason is that Labradoodles come in many, many different colors. Secondly, while there are only three types of coats, there is some variation within the different coat types. Depending on the length and density of the hair, Labradoodles with a hair coat should be brushed at least once a month. Due to its resemblance to the Labrador Retriever, the hair coat is the one that sheds the most and will be the least hypoallergenic. Fleece The fleece coat may be normal fleece or microfine fleece. Normal fleece has the texture of soft angora and may be wavy or have loose spirals. In addition to being brushed every couple of weeks, this coat requires trimming once or twice a year. Also wavy or spirally, the microfine fleece is very fine and super soft. Because of the texture, it tends to get matted easily. It will need a good brushing or combing at least once a week. The coat should also be trimmed a couple of times a year to prevent it from growing past three inches. Both types of fleece coats are said to be asthma- and allergy-friendly coats. Wool The wool coat comes in three types: original wool, cotton wool, and loose or new style wool. Cotton wool is super dense, may be straight or curly and is the softest of the three wool coats. When groomed, it stands up and often has the appearance of a big cotton ball. Each of these wool types are asthma- and allergy-friendly coats with the original wool having the most success in this area. All three require regular trimming. You can find even more information on Labradoodle coat types in this article. Still have questions about your puppy? Be sure to grab your copy of our Labradoodle Guidebook to find the answers and get your puppy on his way to becoming a well-adjusted, affectionate, happy adult. Related Questions: What is an Australian Labradoodle? How many years do Labradoodles live? Labradoodles are a relatively healthy breed of dog. While they are susceptible to some canine diseases , a healthy Labradoodle will generally live to be 11 to 14 years old. Related Posts:. Also, your fleece coats, while, overall, are softer than your wool coats in texture, still have some texture variation within the fleece coat type. The Australian Labradoodle requires varying degrees of grooming depending on their coat type. A light trimming might be required with scissors but usually not. However, we do not have any hair coat in Sunset Hills, because our puppies are all multi-gen. This coat usually requires trimming once or twice a year. This coat also requires trimming about three-four times a year. All allergy and asthma friendly labradoodles have a coat change from puppy to adult usually between months of age. During their coat change, it is recommended that you groom them daily. The coat change can last anywhere from a week to several weeks. This is usually the time when owners decide that their beautiful furry doodle needs a shorter look. Note: Not all Labradoodles are Allergy and Asthma friendly. We do recommend that if you have the opportunity to meet one of these wonderful dogs in person that you should check to see if you have any reactions before you make your decision in purchasing your new puppy. We recommend that any family or person who suffers from dog related severe allergies or asthma should look into a Wool coated labradoodle as they have the highest success rate. For labradoodle sizes, please go to our Size link. For pictures and definitions of the colours of the Australian Labradoodle, please go to our Colours link. For the information on grooming, please go to our Resource link.