best black german shepherd puppies
Puppies are current on vaccines appropriate for their age. All of our Boxers are on heartworm prevention and are microchipped. Adopting a dog of any breed is a very big decision and one that should be agreed upon by the entire family. Blue Ridge Boxer Rescue has many wonderful Boxers available for adoption. Some of them have had particularly hard lives thus far, so we ask that you be certain before filling out an application to adopt and that you have the time, energy, and financial means to care for a Boxer long-term please see our Boxer Breed Info Link. They have been through quite a bit and deserve to find that permanent home of their own where they will be cherished as members of a family. If you would like to submit an Adoption Application, you may do so by using the link below. Please allow our volunteers up to two weeks to process your application, though it often takes less time. However, if you have not received a reply within two weeks, feel free to contact us. The adoption fee required to adopt a rescued Boxer is considered a donation. We are a nonprofit organization run solely on donations, and all donations are tax-deductible. Stella found her forever home with the Vertes family in May ! Adoption Standards Thank you for considering adopting a rescued Boxer! Some of them have had particularly hard lives thus far, so we ask that you be certain before filling out an application to adopt, that you have the time, energy, and financial means to care for a Boxer long-term please see our Boxer Breed Info Link. They have been through quite a bit and deserve to find a permanent home of their own, where they will be cherished. All of our Boxers are on heart-worm prevention. Please allow our volunteers up to two weeks to process your application, and we will be in touch with you. However, if you have not received a reply within 2 weeks, feel free to contact us. The adoption fee required to adopt a rescued Boxer is considered a donation, as we are strictly non-profit. All of our rescued Boxers are temperament tested to evaluate how they react to different situations and environments. They are tested with other dogs, cats when possible as well as children. Boxer Breed Information Are you right for a boxer? Well, the boxer might be the right breed of dog for you. Please read all of the information below carefully. Boxers are high-energy dogs and have wonderful personalities. The best way to put it…A boxer is a boxer. You cannot mold them into being any other dog. Take them and love them as they are! Many people are surprised at the number of boxer rescues and the need for our type of organization. Please realize when you rescue a puppy or young boxer they will get bigger! Boxers need daily work and or exercise. Long brisk walks are ideal and playing fetch with a ball or toy is wonderful. Please Note: Boxers really do require a good amount of playtime. If they do not receive proper exercise they can become destructive due to being bored and having pent-up energy. Older boxers silver boxers do not require as much activity but still have a good bit of energy and love to fetch and go on walks. Boxers are also prone to seasonal flank alopecia. Quality foods and regular baths and brushing will help decrease the amount of hair shed by your Boxer. Boxers who are socialized on a regular basis, from puppyhood, generally relate very well with other dogs. Many Boxer breeders and rescuers will agree that placement of Boxers of the opposite sex male with female, spayed and neutered of course! Coffee tables, remote controls, shoes, chair legs, door frames, etc… are all fair game. It is of the utmost importance that you provide your Boxer with stimulating toys or activities to do when you cannot be around. It is your duty to provide a chewing outlet for your Boxer. Many of our volunteers use a KONG filled with treats or peanut butter, a food cube, a treat ball, or a Nylabone-type product. We also recommend crating your Boxer when you are not home. Most of our chewing occurrences have been linked to boxers being left uncrated! Crating your boxer is for his or her safety! This ensures they are kept in a safe place while you are gone. Boxer Health Boxers are predisposed to cancers—namely mast cell tumors and lymphomas. Skin conditions such as Demodex mange , allergies, hot spots, skin tags, etc… are also common. Boxer owners should be prepared to have a little money put aside for unplanned vet visits, besides their annual vaccinations! Most can recognize the need to be more patient and gentle with people however, some are better at understanding when to be gentle than others! Please think about what type of household you have and what age boxer may be best for you and your family before adopting! A great way to save money on your adopted dog, is to get their Heartgard Plus at PetMeds. Vocality level 3 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament The Boxer is playful, exuberant, inquisitive, attentive, demonstrative, devoted, and outgoing; this dog is a perfect companion for an active family. Boxers can be stubborn, but are sensitive and responsive to commands. They may be assertive toward strange dogs, but are generally good with other family dogs and pets. Upkeep The Boxer needs daily mental and physical exertion. They likes to run, but their exercise needs can also be met with a good jog or long walk on leash. They do not do well in hot weather. Some snore. The coat needs only occasional brushing to remove dead hair. Health Major concerns: boxer cardiomyopathy, SAS, CHD Minor concerns: gastric torsion, hypothyroidism, corneal erosion, colitis Occasionally seen: brain tumors, degenerative myelopathy Suggested tests: thyroid, hip, cardiac Holter monitoring Life span: 8—10 years Note: Sensitive to heat. White boxers may be deaf. The drug acepromazine can cause severe reactions. History The Boxer derives from two central European breeds of dog that no longer exist: the larger Danziger Bullenbeiser and smaller Brabenter Bullenbeiser. Bullenbeiser means bull-biter, and these dogs were used to chase large game through the forest. This required a strong but agile dog with a broad powerful jaw and a recessed nose. In England, the Bulldog was the favored breed for the sport, whereas in Germany large mastiff-type dogs were used. Around the s, German hunters began a concerted effort to create a new breed, crossing their Bullenbeisers with mastiff-type dogs for size, terriers for tenacity, and, finally, Bulldogs. The result was a tough agile dog with a streamlined body and strong grip. By , an entirely new breed, the Boxer, had been established. Although the exact origin of the name Boxer is obscure, it may have been derived from the German Boxl. The Boxer was one of the first breeds to be employed as a police and military dog in Germany. By , the breed had become established as a general utility dog, family pet, and even show dog. The AKC recognized the breed soon after, but only in the s did the breed begin its steady rise to the top of the popularity charts, eventually peaking as the fourth most popular breed in America. Related Content. Meet Cloud You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website. Cloud is a spayed female Boxer mix rescued from a North Carolina kill shelter, emaciated and suffering from a life of neglect. Our veterinary partner estimates that Cloud was born in approximately .She is a beautiful little petite pixie - 45 pounds of dynamite: a big personality in a small package! She's a total love bug and very affectionate with her people. Cloud is house trained, crate trained, has great leash manners and knows basic commands. Extremely smart, Cloud learns quickly and is eager to please. A high- energy girl, she requires daily exercise and stimulation. A fenced-in yard is a must. Cloud is dog-selective and although she tends to do well with large dominant male dogs who offer correction and leadership, she's not a fan of other females. She has a high prey drive, so no small dogs or cats for Cloud, thank you! Cloud must have a strong and confident leader. She is an absolute JOY, but not for a first-time dog owner or novice handler. She requires patience, direction and a family who will set her up for success and be vigilant in keeping her from bad situations. Her foster parents have worked with her on some food guarding tendencies, which result from her hungry times on the streets. Cloud is a great cuddler and good napper. Her forever home must be exceptional because she is an exceptional girl! All pets are also current on age-appropriate vaccines at the time of adoption Given technical constraints on this database, this pet's location may not be as listed here. We can, however, provide transport support for pets in foster at a considerable distance from the adopter. Considering Cloud for adoption?
Teaching Proper Socialization One of the main reasons why it is not recommended to get a puppy under the age of 7 or 8 weeks is because puppies at this age still need a lot to learn from their mother and littermates. The role of the mother dog is not only to give birth and nurse the puppies but also to teach her puppies their first few life-lessons that include self-discipline and social interaction. As her puppies begin to play with each other and tease their mother, the German Shepherd mother becomes an active teacher and role model. If the puppies bite her or their littermates too hard, she disciplines the offending puppy by swinging her tail and even growling at the mischievous puppy. The mother will keep delivering the correction, week after week until the pups fully understand to control the strength of their bite. Timid mother dog may make her puppies cowardly, as can an overly aggressive mother. Ideally, what you want to see is a German Shepherd mother dog who is calm, stable, and confident. Pierantoni, M. Albertini, and F. Pirrone 1. They compared two groups, consisting of 70 adult dogs each. One group had been separated from their litters at 30 to 40 days, while the second group had been separated from their litters at 8 weeks. The veterinarians concluded that the chance of behavioral disorders occurring in the first group was significantly higher than in the second group. The behavioral disorders explained in the study include destructiveness, excessive barking, fearfulness on walks, noise reactivity, food or toy possessiveness, and attention-seeking behavior. It Is Illegal in Some States The second reason why you should avoid buying a puppy under 8 weeks old is that in 26 states, it is illegal to buy a puppy that is deemed too young 2. Of those, 22 states state that all puppies must be 8 weeks old. The remaining three states—Wisconsin, Virginia, and Maine—require that all puppies must be at least 7 weeks old before they can be sold. For example, in the state of Kansas, in order to be legal to sell puppies, breeders need to make sure that the puppies must be 8 weeks old and weaned 3. A puppy that has been weaned too early can develop many behavioral problems that will follow him throughout his life. Some of the signs that your German shepherd puppy has been weaned too early include aggression, excessive biting, destruction, possession, and separation anxiety. In addition to behavioral issues, the puppy can also develop health issues such as malnutrition and a weakened immune system. Going After an Older Dog If a puppy that is too young is risky, then what about adopting an older puppy? Some people may be tempted to adopt an older puppy hoping to skip the tasks involved with the younger pup, from housetraining to car riding. If you select the right pup, you may be able to avoid some of these situations. However, bear in mind that older pups are less accepting of new people and new situations. That said, older pups can make a terrific companion if you know where and how to select them. Where to Get a German Shepherd Puppy? Thanks to their popularity, German shepherd puppies are available in so many different places that deciding where to look can be stressful. Here are some of the most popular places to buy a German shepherd dog: Breeders Buying a German shepherd puppy from a breeder is still your best bet for obtaining a healthy, lovable German shepherd. As is true in all professions, there are good breeders and bad breeders. So what are the differences between good breeders and others? Their reputations are such that customers come to them. They also temperament test every puppy to ensure the best possible placement. You should ask lots of questions too. Asking the right questions can help you to winnow the bad breeders from the good ones. Furthermore, there are lots that you can learn from established breeders. They can tell you more than you possibly imagined about the breed. The common assumption is that these dogs are abandoned because they have problems. However, this is not always the case. According to some statistics, German Shepherds are one of the most common breeds found in shelters. In the right home, these dogs can make great companions. This is why you should not be dissuaded from considering shelter when choosing a puppy or dog. Breed Rescue Groups If you are willing to accept a grown dog instead of a puppy, breed rescue can be the right place for you. Breed rescues are organizations that work with a single breed or a couple of related breeds. They are run by volunteers, comprised of experienced breeders, trainers, and owners of that breed. Thus, you can be sure that these people know what they are doing. As for the fee, it is a steal often just the cost of the veterinary care. Pet Stores The last and the worst option for getting a puppy is a pet store. No reputable breeders in their right minds will send the cream of their litters to pet stores. If they do send their puppies here, the puppies are usually undersized or poor conformation. Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful and useful as you raise and train your German Shepherd. Here are some of my favorite reviews for German Shepherd supplies that I personally use and recommend. Here is my recommendation for the best dog food for German Shepherds. Leash: A leash is a must-have for any German Shepherd owner. With a good leash, you can give your dog the freedom they need while keeping them safe and under control. Here are my top picks for the best leashes for German Shepherds. A harness that is improperly fitted or used can cause serious injury to your dog. Read my review of the best harnesses for German Shepherds here. Different bowls serve different purposes, and the bowl that you need will depend on a number of factors. See my recommendation for the best dog bowl for German Shepherds here. There are a ton of different factors to consider when choosing a crate. Beds: German Shepherds need a bed that is comfortable, supportive, and durable. This breed is known for being high energy, so you need a bed that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. House: It can be tough to find the best dog house for German Shepherds. Shampoo: You want to find a shampoo that is specifically designed for German Shepherds. This breed has a lot of furs, and you need a shampoo that will be gentle on their skin and coat. Shock Collar: A shock collar is a training tool that can be used on German Shepherds. It delivers an electric shock to the dog when they exhibit certain behaviors. While some people are against the use of shock collars, I believe that they can be helpful in certain situations. Read my review of the best shock collar for German Shepherds here. Vacuum: If you have a German Shepherd, you need a vacuum that is specifically designed to deal with all of the furs they shed. Shedding is a natural process for dogs, but it can be hard to keep up with. The right vacuum will make your life much easier. Related posts:. Territorial boundaries Are German Shepherds naturally protective? Yes, German Shepherds are naturally protective. They can get aggressive towards intruders and strangers. They have a natural guarding instinct. Will my German Shepherd protect me without training? Yes, luckily, this breed is capable of protecting its owner and family even without training. Loyalty and possessiveness are in the blood of German Shepherds, and they can go to any extent to protect their owners. As a German Shepherd owner, you must know about the difference between an aggressive and a dangerous dog. Is a male or female German Shepherd more protective? Although both genders of this breed are protective and loyal, males are more dominant in this trait. You will notice that both male and female German Shepherds are famous for barking at strangers to protect their homes. Male German Shepherds are more aggressive as compared to female German Shepherds. In this way, male dogs increase their protectiveness for the family as well as for the home. How to train a German Shepherd to be a guard dog? If you adopt a German Shepherd with the intention to make them a guard dog, you need to start training them from puppyhood. By doing this, your dog will understand the difference between regular and suspicious activity. Socialized puppies are never afraid of strangers or intruders. To socialize your pup, take him along and allow him to meet different people for multiple experiences. Make sure to have a firm grip over the leash of your German Shepherd to keep it safe from any bad experience. Enrolling in an obedience class Enrolling your German Shepherd in a dog obedience class is always a good approach. In this way, you can make a German Shepherd obedient and quick to respond to your commands. If you are willing to put your dog under guard training, control will be imperative. Positive enforcement or encouragement is crucial when your dog is learning to attack or bark at intruders. Make sure to provide treats to keep it motivated. Bark on command If your dog is not aware of this command, it may bark at every stranger. This way, you can order your German Shepherd to attack suspicious people. Dog alertness at home Install some sort of alarm in your home so that the pup will get to know when someone is trying to enter the home illegally. Practice this situation by turning on the alarm. Wait for your dog to bark at the intruder. When your pup is doing it correctly, serve it with a treat. In this way, your German Shepherd will learn the behavior to bark at intruders even without the presence of an alarm. Make sure that your pup is not learning to chase while you are teaching it about guarding. Chasing is not a good practice because it may harm any stranger who is not suspicious. Consider hiring a trainer to teach your dog how to be a guard dog. Territorial boundaries Walk your dog around the perimeter of your home. Your dog needs to learn to bark at strangers once they enter your property. German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds of dog in the country. They are renowned for their strength, agility, and fierceness, as well as their ability to protect their families. The best age to buy a German Shepherd puppy is around seven to eight weeks. This ensures that the pup is not taken from its mother too early, but still has enough time to integrate into being a part of your family. Read on for more tips on when the best age is to bring home your new German Shepherd pup. If you try to adopt or purchase a German Shepherd puppy earlier than seven weeks, you will likely encounter several problems. The first of these problems is like the legality of purchasing a dog at such a young age. The District of Columbia is the only state or district in the country that allows puppies to be sold at the age of six weeks. The second problem that you will likely encounter if you try to buy a German Shepherd puppy earlier than that seven-week mark is a lack of puppy socialization. The American Kennel Club states that puppies begin their socialization period at the age of six weeks , while an article from Psychology Today written with help from a prestigious dog breeder suggests that socialization begins even earlier — as early as three weeks old in some breeds. This socialization period is important because it allows puppies to learn essential behaviors from the other puppies in their litter as well as from their mother. When puppies begin to play and bite with their siblings and their mother, they will learn that these behaviors are not okay because their family members will bite at them or bark, which will teach the puppy that those behaviors are not okay. If your puppy is rehomed too young, they will miss out on these important lessons and will be disobedient. While the puppy will have to be separated from its mother, eventually, this process should not be allowed to happen too early. If pups are taken away from their mother too young, they will suffer from behavioral issues that are deeper than just poor socialization. Due to factors such as lack of maternal soothing, premature weaning, and separation anxiety, puppies who are removed from their mothers too early are prone to fear and aggression. In a study conducted in the journal Veterinary Record as quoted in the Psychology Today article , it was determined that pups who were taken from their mothers before the age of 40 days around 5. Finding the right timing to bring home a German Shepherd puppy can be tricky. There are a few factors that make it difficult to properly raise a German Shepherd puppy if you bring it home after that eight-week mark. The reason that people buy puppies so young is that they want their dog to be able to become a well-socialized part of the family unit. The second reason you should get a German Shepherd puppy before it passes eight weeks old is that it makes obedience and work training much easier to accomplish. They will need to be able to perform commands and tasks through nudges, picking up items with their mouths, and calling for help or assistance in order to help their owner. This is why training organizations teach puppies as young as possible so they can be competent service animals for people with disabilities. German Shepherds can easily be trained as seeing-eye dogs as well as animals that help people with epilepsy or neurological disorders. The author of the Psychology Today article believes that if puppies are left in the litter for too long, they will begin to build a sort of hierarchy or to peck order among themselves. Because German Shepherds have that reputation for aggressive behavior, you want to mitigate this potential as quickly as possible. Summary The best age to adopt a German Shepherd puppy is between the ages of seven and eight weeks old. This is the age suggested by the American Kennel Club as well as psychological researchers. It is also illegal in most areas of the country to rehome a puppy before the age of seven weeks, save for the District of Columbia. No breeder should be selling a puppy younger than six weeks old. At the same time, you should not let the puppy remain with its litter after the age of eight weeks to avoid aggression and to make training easier. Best age for buying a GSD? People say that the best age is Months so he can be trained and took all the vaccines. .Others say buying a pup months is the best way the dog get used to his living place and the his family! I don't know which is right and which is wrong. Now with that being said let me clarify that by saying that you really need to match the age of the German Shepherd you bring home to fit you and your home and your needs. Maybe you have needs for an older dog because you don't want to go through all the puppy teething, housetraining, etc. I would have to say though that maybe a first time owner would do better with an older, calmer German Shepherd. Check with your local rescues and shelters for potential companions. Then again, maybe you do want a puppy instead of an older GSD - maybe you have other pets and kids that you want the puppy to grow up with that might not accept an older German Shepherd easily. And you're willing to go through weeks of teething, housetraining and the whole nine yards. And that's all right too. Truth be told, you really need to assess your own situation and your needs - not necessarily your wants - about what will be the best pet for you - an older GSD or a GSD puppy. Both can make good pets in the right home and both have very specific, but different, needs. But for a first time owner an older GSD would be a great choice. Either way, training and socialization will be very important too. So take your time, think it through and good luck getting your new German Shepherd. How to begin with training a puppy and get a running start. Everyone has to have their first puppy and, just like with having a first child, there is a lot of learning involved. What age should you start training a German Shepherd? Whether you have a puppy or an older German Shepherd. I have learned that starting as soon as you bring your puppy home. This will prevent behavior problems from developing. Some people start at 8: weeks to 12 weeks or four months to six months of age depending on how old the puppy was when they purchased. I put together a beginner mini-guide below- to help you get started with a new puppy. You want to get your puppy on the right training schedule. How to housebreak a German Shepherd puppy? It works. Morning The first thing that you should do is let your puppy out of its crate and take it directly outside to go potty. An eight-week-old puppy needs to eat three to four meals each day. Your puppy should be given a bowl of water with its meal and be permitted to drink as much as it wants. Give your puppy about ten minutes to relax after it has eaten and then go back outside for potty. Before its next meal, your puppy should be taken out every hour in order to prevent accidents and should be placed into its crate whenever it will not be directly supervised. Crates are great for everyday use as they keep your puppy out of danger when it is not by your side. Afternoon Your afternoon will mirror your morning almost exactly. Your puppy will need to be taken outside if it has been crated, fed its afternoon meal and then taken outside again. When not being supervised, your puppy should be gated off into a completely puppy-proofed room or crated. Your puppy will get a meal, go outside, and be placed in a safe room or crate when not supervised. Throughout the day, use your puppies name in connection with positive things. This will help your puppy learn his name more quickly. Having a puppy in the house is fun for everyone in the family. Your job is to make sure that the puppy is given a predictable, structured environment to grow up in. German Shepherd Puppy Training: Training a puppy at a young age will prevent bad behavior from developing into big-time behavior problems. Some of us start at eight weeks, others start at 10 to 12 weeks old. Laying out the groundwork for leash training a puppy. With step by step video training guide. Video one; Leash training your puppy will be one of the first things you and I will need to do with our new German Shepherd puppy! Learning can be a challenge for many of us. Today I like to share a video with my friend Tonny and his new puppy Named Nora at 10 weeks old. This her first leash training exercise. What I have learned from my own experience; I like to practice this exercise 2 or 3 times a day for 4 to 6 minutes at a time every day- when training young pups at this age. Sometimes we as humans expect too much too fast and can forget what we learn from owning our last dog. We forgot puppyhood. I know I have made this mistake before. I have learned after training multiple German Shepherd puppies , how to spend a good enough amount of time working them by training shot training sessions to get the best results. Tony and his wife Shannon are teaching her how to walk on a leash in the street under real-world distractions. If you have never trained a puppy before learning these training skills will be challenging for anybody just learning. But done let it stop you from practicing. With just a little bit of time and patience, you and your puppy will come a long way together. I have learned this is the most important part of training our puppy and will build and strengthens our bond together for starting our new journey. Once your puppy is showing that they are understanding what the heel command means, now we can start to add in the sit-stay command. This is a command we will use every day with our puppy. Watch how Shannon works with her puppy in this video. Nora will get a little distracted when she is walking by me and her husband Tony. Dog training is all about doing things together as a team. Building trust and leadership with your new best friend. Always start off with your attention training and practicing around your home and in your yard. A little bit of practice goes a long way. I would love to hear about all your success. I will be sharing more training videos with you soon! Best of luck with your training. About the author: Dennis is the founder of German Shepherd Behavior. I have owned this breed for over 25 years and looking forward to sharing my German Shepherd journey with you. The new owners are very gentle with the puppy and simply talk softly to him and give him pats and toys as he gets settled in. Sadly, the Puppy Mill Project states there are more than 10, puppy mills operating just in the United States alone. Puppy mills keep breeding pairs of dogs in often horrific conditions and take the puppies away from their moms much too soon so they can breed another litter of puppies. The Humane Society states that there are some warning signs you can watch for to indicate you may be getting your puppy from an unethical breeder or even from a puppy mill: The breeder is willing to release the puppy to you at a very early age before the age of eight weeks. The breeder will not allow you to visit their kennel and see their operation or meet the parent dogs — they only sell at off-site locations or over the internet. Here again, this question is a topic of often intense debate between different breeders. As one canine biologist explains in Psychology Today , the very earliest any puppy should be allowed to leave the litter and go to their new home is 79 days seven weeks. But many other breeders feel that even seven weeks is too early, as the GSDCA article cited earlier here states. There are a variety of reasons why letting a puppy leave the litter sooner than seven to eight weeks is considered a bad idea. The puppy is still too little and fragile Some breeders believe a primary reason to keep puppies with the mom and littermates longer is that puppies are very little and easily injured. However, because the German Shepherd is a large breed dog and has a sturdier body to start with, some breeders may be apt to release GSD puppies closer to the eight week age range. In contrast, smaller and toy dog breeds that are very delicate may need a bit longer to grow up before going to their new home. The puppy needs to learn social skills Another common reason why many breeders feel that puppies should stay with their litters and mothers at least until they turn eight weeks old is that the puppy will learn important social skills. The best trainer for any German Shepherd puppy is typically going to be the mother dog. As well, GSD puppies will have the chance to play and learn from their littermates and get comfortable with having people around by watching their mother interact with the breeder. Some theories suggest that this initial period of dog-to-dog socialization needs to happen before the dog-to-people socialization so the puppy can learn to be a dog first and then to be a companion to humans next. This benefit is simply that the German Shepherd breeder is experienced working with this dog breed and can give your puppy some early expert training and socialization with people. The difference here would be bringing home a puppy that is already used to a collar and lead, puppy pads, and some initial potty training commands, playing with toys and being handled by people. The rehoming process is always going to be stressful enough on its own that you want to be sure your puppy has the most confidence possible before coming home with you. Set aside time to just be with your puppy Your puppy is going to be a bit nervous or even frightened at first — this is normal. Rehoming is a big change. You can make it easier by just carving out time to sit nearby, praising your puppy, offering pats, and talking softly. These guidelines can ensure that your new German Shepherd puppy feels at home right away living with you. The idea of having a German Shepherd puppy as a pet will be the right choice and you will not regret it as they are known for their ability of strength, agility, intelligence, and protective nature towards their owner. You should also know that the best age to adopt a German Shepherd puppy is when are seven to eight weeks older but at the same time, you should also know why you should not adopt them just after their birth. German Shepherd pups are just like human children, they too are highly attached to their mothers. They too learn many things from their mother and taking them away from their mother just after their birth will impact them adversely. There are plenty of reasons why you should not take German Shepherd pups just after birth their mother which you should also know before adopting them. Taking German Shepherd pups too sooner will affect both the child as well as the mother so you should avoid adopting them too sooner. German Shepherd pups do learn many things from their mother which play a very important role in their personality development and ultimately in survival in this world. The mother of a young German Shepherd puppy is also responsible for teaching them during the initial socialization period because they can learn animal behavior and social skills when they are about 3 to 5 weeks older. A mother is the first teacher of not only a human child but also of a young German Shepherd puppy. With the help of their mother, the German Shepherd puppy can scan and properly play behaviors and communication skills with other dogs and animals. They also understand the impulse bite inhibition from their brothers, sisters, and ofcourse their mother. However, some research also shows that the puppies who are taken away from their mother at very early stages of their lives show some problems in behavior and temperament when they become adults, here their temperament will include aggression, and fear, and will become difficult to train. This is the reason German Shepherd pups should not be taken away sooner after their birth from their mother. Basic Socialization Learning Basic Socialization is one of the major reasons for not taking away German Shepherd puppies from their mother under the actual age recommended or just after their birth as German Shepherd pups learn the initial phase of socialization from their mother. It is well said that mothers are the best teacher for children at the initial stage of life as is the case with puppies. German Shepherd pups learn many basic socialization techniques from their mother and they teach them to interact with other dogs or animals and also self-discipline. No doubt mothers play role models for their pups, they play crucial roles in behaving well with other animals. They also play the role of savior for some time as a result their pups feel safe if they see their mother near. On the other hand, socialization is also important for German Shepherd puppies as according to Dr. Sally Foote, one of the best veterinarian and behaviorists, the socialization period in puppies generally lasts from between 6 and to weeks of age. State Of Legalization Legalization is another process why you should not adopt German Shepherd pups at a very early stage of their life as many states do not allow the purchase of German Shepherd pups that are under 8 weeks of age. However, there are some states like Maine, Wisconsin, and Virginia that allow the purchase of pups that must be at least seven weeks of age. This very law is very impactful and good for the pups as it prohibits the greed of backyard breeders or other irresponsible breeders whose only purpose is to earn profit through illegal breeding. So you should also think twice before buying German Shepherd pups and go through the legal process implemented by the government. German Shepherds are considered to be the best companion of their owners and they are known for their protective nature towards their beloved ones. They are also popular for their strength, intelligence, and loyalty which makes them the perfect breed to be pet by lovable owners. Every dog lover will enjoy German Shepherds as a pet and their dream will come true if they bring this new companion home. However, there are a few things that you should also look at before buying a GSD puppy if you want full service of this breed. Here are 5 key points that you should look at before buying a German Shepherd: 1. Research On Reputable Breeder One of the most important things before buying a German Shepherd puppy is you should do proper research on breeders. They should be experienced, genuine and follow all government rules and regulations. You should also do inquiries about the parents of German Shepherd pups and look after their appearance and temperament. You should also understand that there are many breeders whose main purpose is to earn profit while some breed with good intentions. So always do some research before having German Shepherds as your pet and do a proper investigation of the breeders. Find The Reputable Breeder If you have done some research about the breeders before the purchase of a GSD puppy then you must be able to find a genuine and reputable breeder. Finding a suitable breeder will allow you to get the original breed and will prohibit the false breeder whose only aim is to earn profit. Always choose a breeder who has already completed all the certifications of German Shepherds and also done necessary health issues. The health certificate must include German Shepherd dogs who must not have any symptoms of hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye disorder, and their mental temperament. Evaluation Method Every new dog owner must go through an evaluation method before buying a German Shepherd. The evaluation method includes, you must evaluate the breeder and asking your query regarding the breeding of German Shepherds. You may ask the breeder the following queries: Their Breeding Experience.
Food bowl Treats Make sure you have all the above items before you bring your Golden retriever puppy home so that you can get started crate training him right away. Position The Crate Before you set off to collect your puppy, decide where you want his crate to be. Prepare The Crate Fit the crate with a non-slip crate liner, comfy bed, or crate pad, and put a tempting chew toy inside. Put a bowl of water and a packet of treats close by. Cut a small piece of the blanket and put it in the crate. Keep the rest of the blanket for future use. Let the puppy check out the area around the crate. Curious pups might even voluntarily venture inside the crate! Put a few tempting treats inside the crate, close to the door. Golden retrievers are notoriously food-oriented dogs that will most likely be enticed into the crate by those yummy treats. Never force the puppy into the crate. Chat to your pet, offer him more treats, and add a fun toy to the mix to persuade your furry friend to go into the crate. Generally, placing the crate around people will help to encourage your puppy to feel comfortable spending time inside it. Play Crate Games Crate sessions can be made more enjoyable for your puppy by incorporating some crate games. Use treats, cuddly toys, or a KONG toy stuffed with frozen peanut butter or treats to reward your puppy for entering his crate. Crate Feeding Your Golden Retriever Puppy Golden retrievers are very food-oriented, and you can use that to enhance and speed up the crate training process considerably. Allow your puppy to watch you prepare his meal, and then place the food bowl just inside the crate. Once your puppy is confidently going into the crate to get the food, move the food bowl to the back of the crate. Shut The Door By now, your Golden retriever puppy should view the crate as a safe, comfortable, fun place to be. So, try closing the crate door when your puppy is happily tucking into his food. The first time the door is closed, open it again once your pet has finished eating. At each crate training session, leave the door shut for a little longer. Step Back Away From The Crate Assuming that your crate routine is going well, your Golden retriever puppy should now associate the crate with a couple of treats, toys, games, and eating his meals. A common mistake people make is that they try to move too far away from the puppy too soon. Provided that the puppy is calm, you can now move away from the crate. If your puppy starts whinging, turn your back on your pet, and wait a few minutes until the whining stops. After ten seconds of your pet remaining calm, you can turn around and allow him to come out of the crate. Watch your puppy throughout this exercise, and let your pet out of the crate as soon as he shows signs of anxiety. Very young puppies aged up to ten weeks old will need to relieve themselves immediately after a meal. Potty Breaks When you begin your crate training puppy schedule , observe your pet closely for tell-tale signs that he needs to go potty. Generally, puppies will start whining, circling, and sniffing the ground when they need to relieve themselves. When that happens, immediately grab your puppy, and get him to his assigned toilet spot. Eight-week-old puppies typically need to go for a pee around every 30 to 60 minutes. During warm weather or after exercise, when the puppy drinks more, he might need to go more often than that. Once the puppy is older, he will be able to wait for longer between potty stops. What About Bedtime? The safest place for your puppy to spend the night is confined in his crate. Although your pup might experience a bit of separation anxiety from bedtime crating at first, you can help to mitigate that by putting the crate in your bedroom with you. Use a crate cover to create that safe, den-like space that encourages your canine companion to settle down and sleep. Sometimes, giving your Golden retriever puppy a special treat reserved for bedtime can help him understand that his crate is a comfortable space to spend the night. Expect Disturbed Nights! When your puppy is very young, you can expect to be disturbed by his cries for attention during the night. Dogs are clean animals, and they will resist soiling their sleeping area if at all possible. So, set your alarm to wake you up every couple of hours throughout the night so that you can take your puppy outside to relieve himself. Immediately Clean Up Accidents Unfortunately, dealing with potty accidents is all part and parcel of raising and training a new puppy. When that happens, never punish or scold your pup. When accidents happen around your home, use an enzyme cleaner to remove the scent of urine from your floor coverings. If your puppy has an accident in his crate, you must wash all the bedding immediately. Ensure that you have a good supply of spare bedding to grab if you need it, and clean the crate thoroughly to remove any lingering smell of urine. Golden retrievers are especially quick at remembering simple words, and these trainable dogs are typically pretty obedient. So, from the get-go, you need to begin using verbal cues. Pick short and clear words so that your puppy can easily recognize and remember them. Combine your cue words with crate training. Increase The Difficulty As crate training progresses, you can make things more challenging for your puppy. Ask your dog to stay in the crate with the door closed for longer periods, and begin to move out of sight. Just like little kids, puppies will throw tantrums during the first few days of crate training. That behavior is perfectly normal and to be expected, especially when you first close the crate door. Instead, reward calm behavior with treats verbal praise, and let your puppy come out of the crate. So, when a tantrum kicks off, simply turn your back on your furry friend, and wait until he settles down again. Consistency Is Crucial! One of the most common problems people experience when crate training their puppy is not being consistent. Yes, it can be tough when your adorable fluffy bundle is crying and whining inside his crate. Unfortunately, giving in to your fur baby when he complains simply teaches your pet that whining and other bad behavior get him what he wants, which sets your training regimen back. Playtime Is Vital A lively Golden retriever puppy bursting with energy is not likely to settle calmly in his crate. Final Thoughts I hope you enjoyed our guide to crate training a Golden retriever puppy. If you did, please remember to share it. Crates are also useful tools for potty training your puppy and preventing bad behavior, such as chewing and eating harmful substances. Always be consistent and patient when crate training your puppy; use cue words and positive reinforcement to make learning fun for both your pet and you. Did you use a crate to train your Golden retriever puppy? Tell us how you did in the comments box below. Meet our writer Alison Page Alison Page was brought up with dogs and various other pets! For a few years, Alison worked as a Practice Manager in a small animal veterinary clinic. Alison is now a full-time writer, specializing in creating articles on the care and training of dogs, cats, and fish. Leave a Comment. Key Takeaways Crate training can help you provide a safe and comfortable environment for your Golden Retriever. Avoid rushing the crate training process to ensure your dog feels comfortable and secure. Please do not use the crate as a punishment or leave your dog in it for extended periods. Crate training can be more effective and enjoyable for your dog if you use consistency, positive reinforcement, treats, and toys. Make it more comfortable by providing toys, blankets, and treats. Step 2: Once your pup is at ease, close the door and bring toys and treats inside. Keep an eye on them and let them out if they become distressed. Step 3: Increase the time your puppy spends in the crate with the door closed gradually, and step away from the crate while they are distracted. Step 4: Extend the time you are away from the crate. Selecting The Right Crate Size To ensure your Golden Retriever is comfortable and has enough space in their crate, you need to measure them accurately. Golden Retrievers will typically grow to by 20 to 24 inches tall and up to 75 lbs, so you need to make sure to get them the right size crate. Follow these steps to determine the size of your dog: 1. Measure the height of your Golden Retriever: Have your dog stand up straight, Measure from the floor to the top of their shoulder blades. Add around inches to this measurement to determine the minimum height for the crate. Measure the length of your dog from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. Remember to add 2 to 4 inches to the measurement. Measure their width by having your Golden Retriever standing with their legs slightly apart. Focus your attention on the widest part of their body, which tends to be the chest area. Once again, always add up to 4 inches to the figure. Finally, you want to consider the age of your Golden Retriever. For example, if you have a puppy, keep in mind that they will grow rapidly. You may want to choose a crate that will work for their adult size or opt for an adjustable crate with dividers, so you can gradually increase the space as they grow. Your Golden Retriever puppy will rapidly outgrow a nice crate that is not suited for an adult size. Now that you have all the measurements, you can refer to this Crate Size Calculator to find out the right and best dog crate size for your golden retriever. What Is Crate Training? Crate training is the process of teaching a dog to accept a crate as a familiar and safe location. Here are some of the reasons: House training: Using a crate, you can help your dog learn where and when to go potty. This will make house training more effortless and less stressful for both of you. Safe space: A crate can be a relaxing and safe place for your dog to relax and sleep. It can also help keep your dog out of a mess by preventing them from chewing on inappropriate items or getting into dangerous substances. Traveling: Whether driving or flying across the country, a crate can help keep your dog safe and comfortable. Additionally, many hotels and other accommodations allow crate-trained dogs. Separation anxiety: A crate can provide security and comfort if your dog gets anxious when you leave. Knowing they have a safe place to go can help alleviate their anxiety and make their time away from home less stressful. Overall, crate training is an excellent way to provide your dog with a secure and comfortable environment to call their own. You should start crate training your puppy when you bring them home. However, with patience and positive reinforcement, an older dog can be trained to use a crate. Crate training can be a helpful way to provide a safe and comfortable space for your Golden Retriever to rest and relax, but it should never be used as a form of punishment or confinement. When done responsibly and positively, crate training can be a positive and effective method for you and your Golden Retriever. However, with time, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can help your dog get used to his crate. Add treats, toys, and blankets to the crate to make it more inviting. Increasing the time your dog spends in the crate gradually is crucial. Remember that crate training should be enjoyable for you and your Golden Retriever. You can quickly make your furry friend feel safe and secure in their crate with a little effort! Benefits Of Crate Training Your Golden Retriever Crate training can be super helpful for your furry friend and offer them a bunch of benefits, such as: Prevents Destructive Behavior: By giving your Golden Retriever a cozy and secure space, crate training can prevent them from chewing, digging, or scratching on household items. Potty Training: Crate training can teach your Golden Retriever to associate the crate with their den, making it easier to hold their bladder and bowels until you take them outside. Prepares Them For Travel: If you need to take your Golden Retriever on a trip, crate training can help them feel comfortable and secure while in transit. Crate training is a great way to help your Golden Retriever feel safe, secure, and comfortable while preventing destructive behavior and keeping them healthy and happy. Adult dogs: They can handle up to 8 hours in a crate, ideally with a break in the middle. Overnight: Many dogs can stay in a crate overnight without issues. Always ensure that any time in the crate is a positive experience for the dog, supplemented by regular breaks, exercise, and playtime outside of the crate. The shift is a delicate balance of patience, supervision, and positive reinforcement. Gradual Exploration Start by letting your dog explore a restricted, safe space under supervision. As comfort grows, extend the time they spend outside the crate. Monitor and Supervise Observe your dog closely during early freedom stages to prevent accidents or mischief. Ensure your home is dog-proofed to minimize potential hazards. Essential Amenities Keep their water bowl accessible. Designate a comfortable resting spot outside the crate. Positive Reinforcement Reward good behavior with treats or praise. This encourages adherence to house rules and reinforces desired behavior. Display patience and affection throughout their transition. With time and consistent guidance, your furry friend will seamlessly integrate into the household, striking a balance between freedom and behavior. Before leaving your dog alone in the crate, be patient and make sure your furry friend is comfortable and safe. For them, the crate should be a positive and safe space, and associating it with negative experiences can cause anxiety and fear. While some time in the crate is acceptable, providing sufficient opportunities for exercise, socialization , and bathroom breaks throughout the day is essential. Maintain a consistent routine and use the same commands each time you place your dog in the crate. Use Toys And Treats: Place toys and treats inside the crate to entice your dog to enter. This will make the crate a more positive and enjoyable environment for them to be in. Ensure your pup gets enough exercise and playtime throughout the day, so your furry companion can relax in the crate when the time comes. Excessive whining, barking, panting, and restlessness are all signs of stress in a Golden Retriever. If your furry friend exhibits these behaviors in the crate, they may be too stressed. Can I use a crate for my adult golden retriever? Yes, as long as it is appropriately sized and they are comfortable in it, you can use a crate for your adult Golden Retriever. Can you leave a puppy crying in the crate? Leaving a crying puppy in the crate is not recommended because it can cause separation anxiety and other behavioral problems. Instead, it is critical to gradually acclimate them to the crate and create a positive and comfortable environment. Should you put a blanket over a dog crate? Yes, draping a blanket over a dog crate can provide a sense of security and darkness, but ensure proper ventilation is maintained. What age is too late to train a puppy? Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Want to learn how to crate train your golden retriever puppy fast? Crate training is one of the best things you can do for your puppy. It helps accelerate potty training, it keeps them safe, and it helps keep them from learning bad habits like chewing up shoes. Read this article to learn more about potty training your golden retriever puppy. When I was a kid I hated vegetables. I just wanted fries and chicken nuggets. But what did my parents do? They made me eat veggies a little at a time until I got used to them. And then after I got used to them, I learned to love them. Now as an adult, I would much rather prefer a pile of grilled zucchini, broccoli, and asparagus than a plateful of fries. Crate training your golden retriever follows a similar pattern. But the following steps are going to teach you how to teach them to love their crate and handle being alone. The wire crate helped because it was open so he could always see the people around him, which lessened his anxiety of being in there alone at first. Step 2: Get The Crate Ready This is another step that you will have ideally done before you bring your puppy home. The first thing to consider when getting the crate ready for your pup is where to put it. Here are a few options: In your bedroom In the living room or other area where people in your home hang out Get two crates and have one in your bedroom and one in the living room Golden retrievers love being around people, so having their crate around people will usually help ease some of the pain of crate training. This will usually help with the loneliness and crying. The other thing to consider when getting the crate ready is what to put in it. You also may want to put a bed in there to make it comfortable for them. So how do you do that? First, they need to decide to go into the crate themselves. You can do that by putting a favorite toy in the crate, or scattering food in there. Expect them to walk in and right back out the first time. You want to make it so that they know fun things are in the crate. Check out the video below for a fun crate training game to help your puppy learn to love their crate. Walk out of the room for a second, then come back in. Then walk out for five seconds, then ten seconds. These next few sections will answer some common questions that new puppy owners have, as well as some tips to help the process go smoothly. Putting your puppy in the crate with a full bladder is one way you can set them up to fail. Also, frozen kongs or chew toys with peanut butter work great for easing your puppy into getting comfortable in their crate by themselves. That means that a two-month-old puppy can only hold it for about two to three hours, so expect to have to wake up two or three times every night until they get a little older. Take the water bowl away about two or three hours before bedtime so that your puppy will have time to fully empty their bladder before going to sleep for the night. Get them sufficiently tired during the day. Play games like tug, fetch or chase to physically wear them out, and train them and give them puzzle toys like frozen kongs to mentally wear them out. Set an alarm to wake yourself up before they wake up themselves. This is a tough situation, but it can be done. Here are some tips to make it work. You may have to come home on your lunch break, ask friends, family, or neighbors to come over, or hire a dog walker to let your puppy out. Wear them out in the mornings Go on walks, play chase, fetch and tug, or wrestle with them in the mornings to get some of their endless energy out. Utilize an exercise pen You might want to consider getting an exercise pen like this one from Amazon and circling it around the front of the crate to give your dog some extra room. Check out the video below for an example of what a crate looks like with an exercise pen attached for extra space. Does she need to pee? Is she full of energy? Or does she just want to get out and get some attention? Remember to set them up for success before you put them in crate, meaning physically and mentally tiring them out and making sure their bladder is empty. You can also leave for short periods of time starting at seconds , then come back and let her out. How long it takes for your puppy to get used to the crate depends. Did you rush them into it, or did you let them learn that the crate is awesome? Have you been rewarding them for barking in it, or have they learned that silence is what gets them out of the crate? It also depends on the dog. Some dogs take to crates much better than others. You can do it! Is Crate Training Ever Over? We started leaving him alone in the house somewhere around six months old, and then a few months after that we started letting him sleep outside of his crate he decided to sleep under the toilet… weird dude. Two big questions to ask yourself when considering taking this next step are: When was the last time my puppy had an accident in the house? When was the last time my puppy chewed something up in the house? Just like with crate training, you want to take baby steps and set them up for success. Crate Training Mistakes While all of the tips above will help make crate training go smoothly, the mistakes below can ruin your efforts, or at least make it very hard to get them to relax in their crate. Mistake 2: Rushing crate training Crate training takes time. Would you want to go in an unfamiliar box in an unfamiliar house? They need to learn that the crate is fun, safe, and relaxing, and that takes time. This leads us to the next mistake… Mistake 4: Punishing them for crying in the crate If a puppy is crying in the crate because they want attention, they might perceive you yelling at them as attention. Mistake 6: Using the crate too much Golden retrievers are lovers. Conclusion Crate training is one of the best things you can do for your puppy. Have any questions about crate training? Or have any other tips for new puppy owners? Let me know in the comments below! Related articles:. Read the full disclosure here. I know that, and eventually, your dog will know that, too. In this article you will learn exactly how to crate train a puppy or dog, no matter their age or level of previous training. You should read the whole guide before starting, to gain a complete understanding of the process, including the tips and troubleshooting at the end so you can find the speediest success. Why do we do this? We do this so we can use the crate as a place for short-term confinement, to keep our dogs and our belongings safe when we cannot supervise them. Then we can confine them short-term when needed, and they are happy to do so. Yes, they can even enjoy their time in the crate! In contrast: A properly crate trained dog will enjoy time in there happily and stress-free, even relishing the chance to get down to some occupational chew toy time or just to chill out and relax. Dog obedience is key to get this result! Benefits such as: Dramatically speeding up house training. Giving your dog a cozy and comfortable place to call their own where they can sleep and relax, overnight or whenever they wish. Giving you a tool to use for managing problem behaviors or to use for time outs to calm your puppy when needed. Giving you a safe way to transport your dog both by car and air if the need should arise. So they can enjoy trips away and holidays with you. Preparing your puppy for boarding at the vets, a kennel or at home to recover after medical treatment. There are many benefits to using a crate when used correctly, but they can also be misused. And there are also times when you should never crate a dog, regardless of their age or how much or little they can be trusted: Times And Ways That You Should Not Use A Crate There are a small number of dogs that suffer true anxiety and panic when placed in a crate. Under no circumstances should these dogs be crated…ever! The signs you need to look out for are: Any damage to the crate that show signs of attempting to escape. Urinating or defecating in the crate. The crate has moved at all while your dog is inside they must have made some frantic movements for this to happen. Never if your dog has sickness or diarrhea. Never when the weather is extremely hot. Never for any time longer than 5 hours. Not any time your vet prohibits it for medical reasons. Never as a way to punish your dog or for punishment. Use obedience training to correct bad behavior instead. Crating your dog for any of the reasons above is either inhumane, dangerous or purely selfish. Getting Prepared Before you can start crate training, you obviously need a crate. But you also need to make it a comfortable and happy place for your dog. Choosing A Crate Dog sleeping in crate There are many different sizes and style of dog crates available, from tiny inch crates all the way up to inch and bigger! XXL heavy duty dog crates. There are wire dog crates , plastic, fabric and even high quality wooden crates that look just like pieces of furniture. But the most important aspect of the crate you choose is its size: Too small and it would be cruel to expect your dog or puppy to spend time in there Too large and it loses the den like feeling dogs crave, not to mention they can use one end to sleep in while using the other end as a toilet, so it loses its effectiveness. For detailed instructions on measuring your dog for a crate and selecting the right size and type to suit your needs, please see my article: Choosing The Right Size And Type Of Dog Crate 2. Making The Crate Comfortable And Safe Dog In Soft Crate After choosing the right crate, you then have to make it a comfortable, safe and pleasant place for your puppy or dog to love spending time. For a detailed guide on where to place your crate and what you should put in it, you can read my article on: How to make a crate comfortable and safe for your dog. Make sure the crate is out of any direct sunlight, away from heat sources like fireplaces or radiators, and away from any possible cold drafts. Place soft, comfortable bedding inside. Place 2 or more chew toys inside to keep them occupied and develop good chew toy habits. If you have a wire crate, cover it either with a purpose bought crate cover or an old blanket or towel. Following the above 5 tips ensures the crate is a nice comfortable place for your dog. These pose a risk of choking if they happen to snag on anything, so no collars or leashes allowed. Your dog or puppy must be completely naked when crated. You must not rush through and you must make sure you are successful at each stage before you move on to the next, otherwise you could end up causing your dog or puppy to hate the crate by leaving them crated before they are ready. This unfamiliar box can be scary! The ultimate goal is for them to use it voluntarily. So the first task you have on the journey to crate training your puppy or dog is to form in their mind an association between the crate and all the things that they enjoy in life, so they see the crate as a good thing. Fail at this and you could saddle yourself with a dog who hates the crate, refuses to use it and maybe even fears it which can be a very hard thing to undo. So how do you go about achieving this? Technique 1: Magically Appearing Toys And Treats Set up the crate before you bring your dog home or if you have an existing pet, assemble the crate without them seeing so it just magically appears. Now let your dog or puppy into the room. So what should you do? Just act as you normally would, do what you would normally do. Play with your dog or puppy, or sit and watch TV, just act normal. Hopefully they will investigate this new thing in their world, enticed by the treats around and inside it, but also out of plain curiosity. Just draw no attention to the crate at all. Every dog will eventually at least eat the treats around the crate, if not the ones inside. This has the effect of the most prized things in their life being magically conjured up by the crate. Do this for a couple of days or more before you start crate training, and then occasionally for the few weeks after starting so your dog learns to love the crate and what it provides. You should find after a very short time they venture into the crate on their own just to look for some goodies, all without any encouragement from you. NOTE: Any treats you give this way have to be subtracted from their daily food portions or they will be overeating. And I say to do this just for the first few days and then only occasionally because to help house training you want your puppy eating on a schedule to promote defecating on a schedule, not eating at random times and pooping at random times. Feed these meals inside the crate. At first, place their food bowl just inside so they only have to poke their head in to feed. Then after the first couple of times, place it half way into the crate. After a couple of times of this, place it all the way at the back. You might be successful with this right away, or you may have to place it at the front for a few meals over a few days. Some dogs confidence builds quicker than others. Eventually and not before too long you should find your dog expectantly running over to and maybe even into the crate every time they see you holding their food bowl. After a few days of magic appearing treats and your dog eating dinner from the crate, basically once they are used to the crate and associate good things with it, we are ready to start crate training. When you do release your dog you do not want them bolting out and bumping into you, particularly important if you have a large dog such as a Golden Retriever that can easily bowl you over on their way past! You want them to reliably leave the crate when you ask. You can only achieve these three things if your dog understands that they must stay inside until told they can leave, or must leave when they hear the cue word. Choose whatever words you like, just be consistent. You do not want to spook your dog at this stage. Sit close to the crate armed with some high value treats, show them to your dog and then throw one inside the crate. Move away so they can easily exit and just stand patiently and quietly waiting for them to do so. Repeat this 8 to 10 times then take a couple of minutes break. Then do another set of 8 to .Yes, for real. Repeat this whole exercise a few times over the course of a day or two until your dog is comfortably, happily and reliably going in the crate when you throw in a treat. Training your dog to do this is a huge step! Make sure they really are confidently going in to get the treat before moving to the next step. And remember to use your cue words every single time so they quickly learn them. Step 3: No Treat For Free! The next step is to ask your puppy or dog into the crate before you treat them. Make them work for the treat instead of using it to lure them into the crate. To start, do 2 or 3 exercises of throwing a treat in and using the cue word as they go in to get it. When they do, give them a treat or two while you praise them profusely. Then use the cue word to leave and praise them when they do. Repeat this 8 to 10 times, take a couple of minutes break, then do another 8 to 10 before finishing up for this session. Repeat this step many times over the course of a day or two until you are certain your puppy or dog truly understands the commands and is happy to both go into and leave the crate on cue before you move to step 4. Now, many of you will have a dog at this stage that goes in, gets the treat or their toys and cannot wait to get back out again. But some will already be sitting, laying and sleeping in the crate of their own accord. Regardless though, what you want to achieve is your puppy or dog to sit and lie in the crate on cue, which is different to doing it of their own accord. Begin this just a couple of days after getting them home because they need to understand the cues outside of the crate before you can hope to have them follow the commands inside it. Other things you should have been doing before this step are: feeding your dog or puppy their main meals inside the crate occasionally leaving stuffed Kong toys in the crate this gets them used to spending time in there, usually in a sitting or laying position this will have made things easier Now, run through 2 or 3 repetitions of steps 2 and 3 before you start step 4, always remembering to use your chosen cues! Next, when your dog is inside the crate: Simply cue them to sit, praise and reward them profusely when they do. Then ask for a down and do the same. Then cue them to leave the crate before repeating the exercise. Try this 8 to 10 times before a few minutes break, then repeat for 8 to 10 times more. Repeat this whole step a few times over a day or more, but as you repeat the exercises, ask them to stay sitting or lying down for longer periods before you release them. And you should vary the duration to keep them guessing what it takes to earn a treat. Try just 1 second, then 5, then 2, then 10, then 3 and so on. Try to stretch the time out over a few practice sessions. Remember to be gentle and that your tone of voice throughout training matters. As always: Start with 2 or 3 repetitions of the easier steps first, going through steps 3 and 4 before trying to close the door. When ready: Cue your dog to go into the crate, praise and treat them, then ask for a sit, praise and treat and then slowly close the door. You ask for a sit because this position is automatically a more calm and relaxed position than standing. Continue to praise your dog and give a couple of treats through the closed door for remaining calm and sitting. Then open the door, and cue them to leave the crate. If your dog looks fearful or panicked when you close the door some will! Start by closing the door just part way for a few repetitions, then half way for a few, then most the way before finally closing it fully. This may take one training session or a few over days. Are you ready to move on? Once your dog is happy to sit a few seconds with the door closed, begin to latch it. Praise and treat for calm, then release the latch and open the door. For a training session, do 8 to 10 reps, take a few minutes break and then repeat. During each set, vary the time they have to stay calm and sitting, 3 seconds, then 10, then 4, then 15 and so on. You should aim to extend the time they stay calm and sitting with the door closed to a full minute before moving on to the next step. Again, this could take an afternoon, or it might take a few days. Go at your dogs pace and never force things. The base is serving as a staging facility for hurricane relief operations. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jack Braden Once your puppy or dog can sit calmly in the crate with the door closed for a full minute, the next step is to start moving away with the ultimate aim of being able to leave the room. First of all, perform a few reps of steps 4 and 5 as a warm up, remembering to always use your cues. Next, follow these steps: Cue your dog into the crate, close the door, latch it, praise and reward them and take a couple of steps backwards away from the crate but still facing it. Then return, praise and reward. Open the door and cue your dog to come out. Do this exercise 8 to 10 times, then take a few minutes break and repeat. For each repetition, mix things up: Try walking away a different distance in a different direction, but remaining in the room. First 2 steps backwards and pause 5 seconds before returning, then 4 steps to the side and a 15 second pause and so on. Work up to walking right to the exit or the wall and pausing for a full minute. Next, you will want to amp things up even more: Perform this exercise while you actively walk around the room, looking busy doing other things, but return to praise and treat your dog often. Tidy some magazines, rustle through a drawer, just look busy doing other things a few times in the house. Then, go even farther: Perform this exercise but back yourself up to the exit of the room and leave for just a couple of seconds before returning and heading to the crate to treat and praise. Do this a few times. The time this takes and the success you have will vary from puppy to puppy and dog to dog. Always stop at 10 repetitions max, and never more than two batches in quick succession followed by a big break. Otherwise your dog will get bored and the training is less effective. Now you just need to start increasing the time they are happy to spend time alone. Before you begin, something that goes a long way toward helping is to make sure your puppy or dog is well exercised before asking them into the crate. Why is that? A tired dog will be far more willing to relax and chill out for a length of time, compared to one who is full of energy and keen to play or wanting attention! After exercising them, the first step is to increase the time they are happy to spend in the crate while you are still nearby. To achieve this: Crate feeding: Feed your dog in the crate, or give them a stuffed Kong toy or good tasting bone chew toy. Hang out nearby: Ask your dog into the crate, give them their food or the toy, then close the door and take a seat nearby to read a book or a magazine. Engage occasionally: Every now and then, give them a further treat and praise, then go back to your book or magazine. Gradual build: Try to work up to a good half hour of quiet and calm in the crate while you read and they chew. Ignore them: After a couple of times like this, crate your dog or puppy with their meal or a stuffed toy and move around the room busying yourself, paying little attention to your dog. You want them to be eating their meal or chewing a toy in the locked crate while you do other things. Leave the room: After a couple of repetitions of this, repeat the exercise but move freely in and out of the room a few times, as well as occasionally sitting nearby. Disappear: Start by leaving the room for only 5 or 10 minutes, extending the time over a few sessions until you eventually achieve a full hour of alone time. As always, how long this takes will vary wildly from puppy to puppy and dog to dog. Go at their pace. It helps massively to succeed in this step if you only ever give your puppy or dog the bone chew toys or stuffed Kongs when in the crate and never outside of it. It builds excitement and anticipation, something to look forward to in the crate. Step 8: The Grand Finale! Wait for them to start chewing and then leave and come back into the room a couple of times. If they stay calm and pre-occupied with their chewing, simply leave the house. Then, do this: Go outside and walk to the bottom of your garden, just hang there for a few minutes and then go back inside and walk around your home for a couple of minutes before going to the crate and your dog. You want them to think that this is nothing, a complete non-event. And certainly do not go straight to them when you come back in. Remember: this even means nothing! From now on, practice alone time in the crate when you leave the house at least a couple of times every day, for varying lengths of time. Never make a fuss of any sort before you go, never make a fuss on your return. Over a few sessions, build up the time you are out of the house with your dog in the crate to a couple of hours as long as they are old enough to hold their bladder this long. You can now use the crate to keep your dog and your belongings safe when you cannot supervise them, and use the crate as a sleeping place for your dog at night. Always leave a few toys in there with your dog, and continue to repeat the exercise where you crate them with a stuffed Kong or chew toy if natural opportunities do not arise, just to keep them happy with the situation. If you have a dog that: Some puppies will take regular naps in the crate before you even start crate training. They might go on to show little interest or care about the door being closed. They might be super confident and happy right away with a little alone time. You might be able to crate train such a dog in just a few short days. Dogs like this can take many weeks to crate train: Some puppies may show fear of the crate and not want to go anywhere near it. Once carefully trained to go in, they might feel panic and fear when you close the door. You have to go at your own dogs pace because if you rush them you can instill dislike or even fear of the crate in their minds, and then it will take far longer than it ever should have. But many or most dogs will take to it quicker, and most puppies certainly will as they have no preconceived ideas, habits or emotions to overcome. When going through the steps above, if your dog excels at any stage you can quickly move to the next step. If they do not, if they show any fear or uncertainty, spend more time at a particular step until they are comfortable before moving on. Your dog will show you when they are ready to progress and you should go at their speed, however fast or slow that may be. They need to be able to: move around exercise their muscles enjoy some mental stimulation If they are regularly crated longer than this, behavioral problems will be the result, as well as the fact they have little in the way of a fulfilling life. In my experience this is a bit optimistic, all dogs are different and when a puppy is very young, this is certainly too long. This is with the exception of puppies from 8 to 12 weeks old who will need letting out once during the night. But after 12 weeks, they can last the whole night through. Crating your dog when you work full-time means two lots of 4 or more hours crated and this is a long time, so quality time, exercise and stimulation before and after crating is essential. Tips For Better Crate Training What follows are a few useful tips to keep in mind when crate training your puppy or dog. They will make the process easier and faster, while making sure your dog is comfortable and happy throughout the process: Always make sure you take your puppy or dog to their bathroom spot before you crate them for any length time. They will be uncomfortable and noisily complain with a full bladder…but rightfully so! Also take them the moment you let them out as they will usually be ready to go. Make sure the crate door is always open and your dog always has access to it so they can use it as and when they please. Most dogs will use it as a place to rest and this is a good thing. Always leave chew toys in the crate for your dog so there is something for them to do while crated. This will minimize boredom and teaches good habits of chewing on the right things. Continue to feed them their meals in the crate. Also, reserve special treats like bones and stuffed Kong toys for the crate only and never outside of it, so they really look forward to spending time there. Exercise your dog or puppy well before crating them for any length of time. A tired dog is one who is happy to relax and chill out. If you find your puppy nodding off and completely unable to stay awake this happens a lot! This will speed up their acceptance of the crate considerably if they snooze and find themselves waking up in there often. The worst thing you can do is force them in because chances are it will heighten their fear and make things even worse. Instead, break the task down into easier steps for your dog by employing some of the following tasks: Practice asking your dog to step in and out of cardboard boxes. First trimming the sides down to look like a small tray, then using further boxes and increasing height of the sides. Place bedding in the box and practice asking them to lay down. Some dogs may not like the roof aspect of the crate. Ask your dog to step underneath, even sit under there yourself and read a book while enticing them over for treats. Start with a big gap and a wide area covered, then lessen the gap between furniture in later training sessions to make it feel more crate like over time. If you have a plastic travel style crate airline crate then remove the top half and practice having them step in and out of the bottom half only. Start asking your dog to step into the bottom tray only. Then put on 2 of the walls for a couple of training sessions. Then three walls for a few sessions. Then the roof until finally the crate is fully assembled. Then cover the back third of the pens roof with a sheet and do the same. Then cover a half. Then remove a part of the pen to make the area smaller and ask them in to play with them. Whichever of the above you try, make sure an exit is wide open and easy for your dog to use for escape so they will feel less anxious. And take things very slowly, making sure they are visibly comfortable at any stage before taking a next step. After a few days maybe more of slowly getting them used to stepping into things that progressively get more and more crate like, you should be able to begin crate training. This type of reinforcement will not help the cries. Yes, you getting angry and telling your dog off will actually make the issue worse. This will train them to think that if they cry long and loud enough, you will eventually come and let them out. Not a good idea. Wait for 5 seconds silence before you approach, then give them a treat. You ruined it! Wait for at least 5 seconds of silence before you return, then treat them. Enough repetitions of this will teach them that silence gets rewarded and noise makes you go away. Why did they whine? You might want to go back a step or two in your crate training though. Make sure they are comfortably happy and silent in the crate, for a reasonable length of time with the door latched and you present, before you ever try to leave them alone. Young puppies cannot hold it through the night without having a potty break. But how do you know if the whines are because they need to eliminate or just crying for attention? For a puppy 8 to 9 weeks old, you will need to set an alarm to take them to potty twice during the night, at 2. For a puppy 9 to 12 weeks old, set an alarm to take them to potty half way through the night, 3. Make sure you do not feed them anything in the 3 hours before bed, take away water at least 2 hours before bed, and take them to their toilet spot to empty themselves as the very last thing you do before you go to bed. When you take them to potty, make sure you do so in silence. No playing, no words, no attention, otherwise they will learn that night-time is a time for play and attention. You obviously do not want this. They are very different things. But if when you leave your dog alone crated they show these symptoms: anxiety. Dublin during one of his first puppy crate training sessions. When it comes to crate training puppies every puppy is different. Stetson was an extreme case and after those four weeks of pure torture, much to my joy he went totally silent and would sleep in the crate all morning without a peep. Dublin was on the other end of the spectrum and only had a couple of nights whimpering before he began sleeping through the night. Our wire crate is collapsible making it easier to store and travel with. The wire-style crate circulates air better and gives us an option of either leaving it open or covering it with a blanket to make it more like a den. As a guide dog puppy raiser, we are given exact steps on how to crate train our puppies. When properly used, the crate becomes a security blanket, a place where the puppy can retreat to escape the household confusion and to feel secure. Never use the crate as a form of punishment! Zoom Zoom! Crate Training your Golden Retriever puppy. The dog crate should offer a positive, secure environment, and a calming zone. The crate can be effective for in-house training. Confined to a crate, an unattended puppy cannot destroy or soil anything. Do not crate the puppy during the day for more than 3 hours. Start crate training your puppy on his first night. Place the crate in your bedroom where the puppy can still see and hear what is going on. Put a blanket or towel in the crate for bedding. It worked great with our most recent golden retriever puppy, Charlie. A pup will rarely soil the crate, however, if he does, try removing the bedding. A crate should not be too big, but large enough for the puppy to stand stretch, and turn around. If he should happen to fall asleep somewhere else, pick him up and place him inside, and quietly shut the door. Do not hesitate to periodically use the crate, even while you are home. You may feed the puppy in his crate and give him some favorite toys, to keep the experience positive. We feed all of our pups Wellness Core Puppy Food. Working on crate training — Puppy Paws! When it comes time to put your pup in his crate leave the toy or blanket in the crate with the scent of his litter mates this may help your pup sleep better at night. This worked well with Dublin. As soon as he finishes up his business take him straight back to his crate without any playtime or other distractions. Feed Your Puppy Early Make sure you feed him at least an hour and a half before bedtime. Play With Your Puppy Before Bedtime Play with your puppy for an extended period of time just before bedtime to tire him out. A good game of fetch always works well with our pups. Put Your Crate Next To Your Bed Put your crate near the bed we swapped out our nightstands for crates where your puppy can see you and if he starts crying hang your arm down so he can smell your scent. This worked with my rescue puppy, Linus. I slept on the floor next to the crate in my sleeping bag and Linus stopped barking. This will make your puppy more comfortable when he enters the crate. Be careful. Super durable toys like the Nylabone DuraChew have worked well for us in the past. Try doing this with the door open and closed. Lie Next To The Crate With The Door Open Try leaving the door open but lying down across the doorway of the crate as if to nap with him, to make him feel more comfortable in the crate, and at the same time make your body block the doorway. You might try that instead of purchasing a Calmeroos Puppy. It may help soothe your puppy to sleep and save you a few bucks. Just make sure you monitor your pup if you give him a chew he can consume like a Bully Stick. There are many different toys that are designed to help your puppy get used to the crate. Why not try filling a water bottle up with warm water and putting it inside a thick comfy sock extra points if you rub the sock on littermates and mama to get their scent. Hey…you do what you can with the things you have around the house. He is 8 wks and boy has he reminded us how much older we are now. It never occurred to us to use soothing music to help our pups get used to their crate and new environment. Thank you K. Most will calm down after that time. As soon as our puppy is calm we give him praise. However, as I said it depends on your puppy. In this case, we try to take a slower approach to introducing our puppy to the crate. He has to go potty. Most puppies will calm down and stop barking within this time frame. Wait until he stops for at least a split second before you open the door. No Bueno. A Calmeroos Puppy Heartbeat Toy and a blanket. If we have a destructive puppy then we may not want to have anything in the crate. If our puppy is having potty accidents in the crate then we take out the blanket. In our experience, most puppies stop barking in the crate at night after the first days. However, there have been outliers. Our first guide dog puppy, Stetson took four weeks before he stopped barking in the crate at night. On the flip side, our English Cream Golden Retriever pup, Charlie never barked in his crate at night. Puppies will often adjust to their crates based on past experiences. A responsible breeder may have already started crate training puppies before going to their homes. A puppy rescued from a shelter may not have known anything other than the kennel run he grew up in. It depends, every puppy is different. Conclusion Those are my best tips and trick for getting your puppy to stop barking in the crate along with answers to some of the most common questions we get about puppies barking in their crates. How about you guys? Do you have any tips or tricks on how to stop a puppy from barking in his crate? Is this one of your first nights home with your new puppy? Also, we recently put together our New Puppy Checklist detailing all the products we recommend for new puppy owners. It has been updated with new information based on our experiences over the years. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.
We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Usually, when we think of a Labradoodle, we think of a dog with the friendly temperament and work ethic of a Labrador retriever with the low-shedding curly coat of a poodle. However, it is not always possible to predict what characteristics a hybrid dog will inherit from their two parent breeds. First generation Labradoodles are just as likely to have the coat of a Lab as a Poodle. A straight hair Labradoodle is a mixed Lab-poodle dog that has inherited the straight coat of their Lab parent. They are also called a flat coat Labradoodle. This means they have a high-shedding coat rather than the hypoallergenic coat of Labradoodles with curly hair. But aside from their coat, they have the same overall personality and temperament profile as other Labradoodles. Read on for our complete profile and what exactly to expect from a straight hair Labradoodle. Vital Statistics Breed: Mixed breed of Labrador retriever and poodle Size: 21 to 24 inches for a standard Labradoodle smaller variations also exist Weight: 50 to 70 pounds Coat: Medium to long scruffy coat that is high-shedding Color: Chocolate, cafe, parchment, cream, gold, apricot, red, black, silver, chalk, lavender, blue Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years Potential Health Issues: Hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, eye issues Temperament: Intelligent and friendly Energy Levels: High; at least one hour of exercise a day Attachment: High; does not thrive when left alone History Of The Breed Labrador retrievers were bred in England in the 19th century from dogs imported from Canada. The result is a breed with a soft mouth and strong work ethic that loves the water. Meanwhile, the poodle is an older dog breed that originates from either France or Germany their exact origin is in dispute. The breed seems to have been around from the 15th and 16th centuries and was a popular lap dog pet by the 18th century. The poodle is highly intelligent and sensitive, making it an excellent companion. The Labradoodle was created in the s by bringing the two dogs together to try and reduce the shedding of Labradors while maintaining their characteristic intelligence and friendly personality. They became popular in the late s when breeder Wally Conron introduced them to the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia as a new working dog. Labradoodle Breeding Genetics There are a variety of different classes within a mixed breed dog family. The first is a F1 mix, which is a mix of the two parent breeds. In this case, it means a Labrador retriever parent and a poodle parent, though they could be standard or smaller in size. An F2 Labradoodle comes from breeding two F1 Labradoodles. As you head further down the breeding line, you are less likely to encounter Labradoodles with straight coats because this is one of the traits breeders usually control for. One of the purposes of mixing Labs and poodles was to try and control the high-shedding coats of Labradors, so breeders will usually favor the low-shedding poodle coat. Size And Weight The size and weight of a Labradoodle depends principally on whether the poodle parentage is that of a standard poodle, or of one of the smaller types of poodle. Labradors will measure between .Poodles come in standard, medium, miniature, and toy sizes. Standard poodles are quite large. They measure 18 to 24 inches in height and weigh 44 to 70 pounds. Mixing a Lab with a standard poodle will get you a standard Labradoodle, which measures 21 to 24 inches and can weigh 50 to 70 pounds. Medium poodles measure 14 to 18 inches tall and weigh 33 to 42 pounds. Miniature poodles are 11 to 14 inches tall and weigh 26 to 31 pounds. Toy poodles are 9. Introducing one of these poodles into the Labradoodle mix results in smaller dogs. The smaller poodle will always be the mother to ensure a safe birth. Read our full guide to the different sizes of Labradoodles here. Coat And Color In theory, a Labradoodle can inherit the tightly curled and low-shedding coat of their poodle parent or the straight double coat of their high-shedding Labrador parent. Most of the Labradoodles you come across will have the poodle coat because this is a trait breeders specifically control for. But in some rare cases, the coat may show up as an anomaly further down the line, or a breeder may favor this characteristic. Labradoodles with straight hair will more or less look like they have a medium-length scruffy coat, which makes them look a little like a teddy bear. What exactly the coat will look like can vary. It may look a consistent length over their face and body, or it may sprout in longer tufts in some areas or feather along the tail, legs, and face. The coat might be slick and glossy or have a more matte and flat finish to their coat. It is worth noting that while their coat is straight, they will probably not have the double coat of a Labrador. This means less seasonal change and less shedding than a Labrador. But straight hair Labradoodles will still shed a lot and need to be brushed regularly to remove excess hair and stop them from leaving it everywhere they go! But even with regular brushing, dog hair will be a part of life. On the positive side, they do not need to be taken for a professional cut as often as their curly-haired cousins. Additionally, they can be a variety of different colors. While black, chocolate, and yellow are most common, they might also be cafe, parchment, apricot, red, silver, chalk, or blue. Intelligence Labradoodles are known for their intelligence, since both Labrador retrievers and poodles are considered among the most intelligent dog breeds. Labradors are also eager to please and thrive when they have work to do and receive reward. This makes them highly trainable. Poodles can be a little more independent in their thinking and therefore less cooperative, but they are still sensitive to humans. But despite this, Labradoodles tend to be about as easy to train and control as Labradors. This makes Labradoodles great working dogs for disability assistance and search and rescue. It also means they are excellent and obedient pets, even for first-time owners. Temperament Both Labradors and poodles have a friendly temperament and never tend to be aggressive. They bond quickly with their people. For poodles, this bond can be quite exclusive, and they may be a little bit wary of strangers. Labs, on the other hand, tend to like everyone. This means Labs and their Labradoodle offspring make terrible guard dogs, even if they inherit a little poodle wariness. This means if a Labradoodle is barking, it is usually for a good reason, and you should pay attention. Labradoodles are friendly with children, and they also get on well with other animals. They are more likely to form a close bond with the house cat than chase them around the yard. Socializing your Labradoodle from a young age can foster this behavior. Just like their parent breeds, Labradoodles bond with their humans intensely. They can develop destructive behaviors if left at home for eight hours a day while the rest of the family is at school or at work. They do better in homes where there is usually someone around or if they can go to work with someone. So, while they benefit from outdoor space, they will need to be inside the house. This is something to bear in mind with a straight-hair Labradoodle, since they will shed. Diet And Exercise Labradoodles are high-energy dogs that need lots of exercise, usually a minimum of 60 minutes a day. Also, this should involve running, jumping, pulling, and searching, and not just a casual walk. Labradoodles are adventurous and will enjoy accompanying the family of hikes and day trips. They also love to swim! Their straight coats are actually made to repel water. This means it is easy for them to overeat and put on excess weight. This is not good for their heart and other organs and can also put unnecessary strain on their joints, leading to mobility issues. Remember that all the treats you give them during training or just because you love them also contain calories! Want to know more? Read our guide to the Labradoodle lifespan and what to expect from each life stage. FAQs What is a flat coat Labradoodle? A flat coat Labradoodle is a Lab-poodle mixed breed dog that has inherited the straight hair coat of their Labrador parent rather than the curly coat of their poodle parent. Is an F1 or an F2 Labradoodle better? F1 Labradoodles often tend to be healthier than F2 variations of the dog. But breeders are better able to control for certain characteristics with F2 dogs, so their appearance and temperament can be more predictable. Straight Hair Labradoodles It is very difficult to tell whether a Labradoodle puppy will grow up to have the curly coat of a poodle or a straight coat of a Labrador. So, you may be expecting one and end up with the other. Alternatively, if you are just a fan of the teddy bear look of a straight hair Labradoodle, you can seek one out. Regardless of their coat, Labradoodles have the same wonderful personalities. They are friendly and will want to spend as much time as possible at your side. They are easy to train and will very quickly feel like members of the family. Just remember, if your Labradoodle has straight hair they will shed. Brush them regularly to keep their shedding under control. Read our guide to how much Labradoodles cost. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Learn how your comment data is processed. Keep in touch. Labradoodles can come in a wide variety of coat colors and textures each adorable and unique in their own way. One of these varieties is the straight hair Labradoodle. A Labradoodle with straight hair, also known as a flat coat Labradoodle, is the subject of much confusion and many misconceptions. Can Labradoodles Have Straight Hair? Since the Labradoodle is a mixed breed between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle, some puppies will naturally take on more traits from each of their parent breeds. Some will have straight, flat coats like the Lab, some will have curly coats like the Poodle, and some will have wavy coats that fall somewhere in between. Russ is a flat coat black Labradoodle. Photo courtesy of adventurussdoodle on Instagram. Are Labradoodles Always Curly? In fact, it can come in a variety of textures ranging from straight, to wavy, to curly. Many breeders strive for Labradoodle puppies that have curly hair, as many prospective owners prefer them due to their likelihood of being non-shedding and allergy-friendly. This is why you may notice more curly Labradoodles rather than straight haired ones. Photo courtesy of nednoodlethelabradoodle on Instagram. As a Labrador Retriever and Poodle cross , Labradoodles inherit traits from both of their parent breeds. Coat texture is just one of the many traits that can differ not only from litter to litter but from puppy to puppy. Since this gene is inherited from the Poodle side, a Labradoodle puppy with Cu Locus will have a coat that is more wavy or curly in texture. Reputable breeders perform genetic testing on the parents in an attempt to produce healthier and more desirable puppies. More often than not, breeders strive for curly coated Labradoodle puppies since they are more likely to be low-shedding and allergy-friendly than flat coated puppies. This is why breeders will sometimes refer to straight coat Labradoodles as having improper coats. Genetics are tricky to predict and no breeder can guarantee a certain coat type. However, which generation your Labradoodle is will drastically influence the odds of them having a flat coat. You can also look for a breeder that backcrosses Labradoodles to Labrador Retrievers. However, those parings are extremely rare. Keep in mind that many prospective owners are looking exclusively for curly haired Labradoodles. Are Straight Hair Labradoodles Hypoallergenic? While no Labradoodles can be considered completely hypoallergenic, straight haired Labradoodles have a greater risk of triggering allergy reactions than curly haired Labradoodles. On average, a Labradoodle with a flat coat will still be more allergy-friendly than a purebred Labrador Retriever. Straight Hair Labradoodle Shedding Straight hair Labradoodles will likely shed a moderate amount, but usually not as much as a purebred Lab. What is a Straight Hair Labradoodle? Some may have a scruffy look where tufts of hair sprout out of their body, while also having a short wavy or curly fur undercoat covering their body. Other straight hairs are completely covered in medium-long fur, that grows consistently all over their face and body. Their coats can range from straight to wavy hair, similar to a labrador. They can also be slick and glossy, or flat and matte, with feathering along the tails, and around the legs and face. Typically a straight coat will vary in length and thickness, with no two dogs from the same litter being guaranteed to have the same type of fur growth. As puppies, straight hair coats will not begin to grow out their hair until they are eight weeks old. By the time they are 12 weeks old, it will be clear as to what sort of coat the puppies will have. No, not all labradoodles have curly fur. They have both fur and hair actually. You may have noticed that I have been freely switching between the two during my explanations. This is because hair and fur are the same thing. Can Straight Hair Coats be Shaved? Typically the answer will be no. If you live in a hot country, then during the summer times, it might be worth considering to give them a trim. Not a shave! Just a light trim to help stop their bodies from over heating. The fur coat, actually protects their skin from sun burn, and helps to prevent it from drying out, which can cause skin conditions. Clean up the hair around the dogs face, in particular around the eyes, if it has bushy eyebrows, and around the muzzle. It is best to look at reducing the length of the fur in areas that can could cause health problems or discomfort, if the fur was to become clumped up and mattered. How to Best Control Shedding? Straight haired labradoodles shed a lot more than any other labradoodles. As tempting as it may be to shave your furry companion to help counter shedding. It nonetheless remains inadvisable and should be avoided. It can be lessened however. Just as we humans shed hair, so will a healthy and happy dog. Throughout the year, your pooch will continue to shed hair, more so as the weather warms up and their winter coat falls out. To counter this, get in the habit of giving your dog regular grooming. A little bit of brushing can go a long way. It removes loose hair, and helps to re-affirm the bond between you and your dog, as they enjoy the attention and can even find the grooming to be relaxing. Bathing your dog should be kept to a minimum as the shampoos and warm water can lead to dry skin and other skin conditions. Instead take your dog for swims or use lukewarm water to rinse off their coats. The most important thing to remember is to keep your dog in a comfortable environment, as stress can cause a dog to shed even more. A good diet helps to promote stronger hair follicles and a shinny coat, that can help reduce shedding. Some owners later discover that they are allergic to straight haired labradoodles. While it may be tempting to shave off their fur, in an attempt to eliminate the allergic reactions. This should never be done! Allergies are not triggered by dog fur. They are caused by pet dander — skin particles that are shed by the dog all year long. By shaving the fur off, the owner is actually making things worse for themselves. It drys the skin out, removing moisture and causes rashes to develop. As a result more skin is shed, exposing the pet owner to more dander. As more skin conditions develop or worsen, the dog will start scratching releasing even more dander into the air. How Often Should a Dog be Bathed? Bathing your dog can be effected by many different factors and can be very situational. You may need to bath them more frequently for medical reasons, or because of what they have decided to roll in. Generally speaking, bathing your labradoodle should be more infrequent. Over bathing your dog can strip its fur of natural oils that help to protect their skin and strengthen their hair. Ideally, you should limit proper bathes to when they start to smell a little, or if you need to remove matter from their fur. If they are just dirty with dust and mud, use lukewarm water or a running hose to wash away the dirt. Alternatively encourage them to swim in a body of water such as a river or at the beach while under your supervision. As a precautionary measure you can get a life jacket for your labradoodle. When you do need to give them a proper bath, use a mild oatmeal or coconut based dog shampoo. It will strip away some of the oils from their coat, but these types of shampoos will help to keep the skin moisturized. Over bathing can lead to skin irritations that can be itchy and uncomfortable. Dogs do not need to have baths as much as humans need to. How to Watch Out for Skin Conditions If your Labradoodle has any skin conditions, this could cause them to shed more fur, or even release more dander into the air. They may show signs of a skin condition by excessive scratching or nipping and licking at the same area. Remember mites and parasites can cause just as much damage to the skin as over-bathing. If you are wondering if the straight hair coats are the sort of labradoodles for you, please consider the following points: Their coats require the lowest level of maintenance. They do shed a lot more then other coats. They look more like labradors, than poodles. They may not be suitable for people with dog allergies. No two straight hairs will have the same coat. Related posts:. Finding flat coat Labradoodle puppies A flat coated Labradoodle will look the most like a purebred Labrador. Other names for this coat type include straight coated and hair type Labradoodle. Labradoodles with flat coats will shed more than those with wavy and curly fur, but they will have much lower grooming requirements. They can come in any of the typical Labradoodle colors, and will most often be friendly, intelligent, and energetic dogs. What is a Flat Coated Labradoodle? Flat coated Labradoodles can look quite different to other Doodle mixes, because their fur tends to be straight and flat against their bodies. Like other Labradoodles, this mix will be a combination of the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. Some breeders may use Miniature Poodles to create a flat coat mini Labradoodle, but others will use the Standard Poodle to produce a large dog. And, Labradoodles with this coat type may also go by other names. Some breeders may call them hair type Doodles, or straight coat Labradoodles. But, no matter what description is used, they will have fur that resembles a Lab more than a Poodle. Can Labradoodles Have Straight Hair? It might come as a surprise to find out that Labradoodles with straight hair exist! When most people picture a Labradoodle, they imagine a dog with curly or wavy, low shedding fur. After all, the original Labradoodle was created to be good for people with allergies! And Labrador coats are known for their high shedding qualities. A first generation Labradoodle has one purebred Poodle parent, and one purebred Labrador parent. To achieve puppies with wavy or curly fur, most breeders will mix two f1 Labradoodles with similar fur, or will mix a Labradoodle with a Poodle. The traits of f1 Labradoodles can be quite varied, since puppies can inherit any combination of genes from its parents. So, later generations are more predictable, and breeders can harness popular traits, like a curly coat. But, flat coated Labradoodles are absolutely possible, and for some people these Doodles make a better pet! Flat coated Labradoodles will often have a double layered coat, just like their Labrador parent. Hair coat Labradoodles may have some wavy patches of fur, but in general their hair will be straight. Other than this, they will be similar to other Labradoodles. They will grow to be large dogs, with a healthy shaped muzzle, floppy ears, and a long, curved tail. Their coloring will depend on that of their parents. Flat coated Labradoodles might come in one of the three standard Labrador shades black, yellow, and chocolate , or one of the many Poodle colors! Do Flat Coated Labradoodles Shed? Labradoodles with straight fur are the most likely to shed out of all the Labradoodle coat types. In the hotter months, Labradoodles will shed heavily to lose their dense undercoat. And, if they take after their Lab parent, they will likely shed moderately all year round. All of them will contain allergens in their dander and saliva. Grooming is less necessary in flat coated Labradoodles, since their fur is less likely to tangle than wavy or curly fur. There is no particular Labradoodle generation that will have flat hair. But, this trait is most likely in first generation mixes, who have an equal influence of Poodle and Labrador DNA. In subsequent generations, most breeders will increase the amount of Poodle influence to increase the chance of traits like a curly coat. Hair coat Labradoodle fur can still grow quite long, so grooming will also help to prevent any painful knots and tangles. As a general rule, you will want to brush them a couple of times a week, but this might increase in high shedding seasons. You should groom your Labradoodle from a young age, so they are familiar with the process, and comfortable with being brushed and bathed. A slicker brush can be great for giving your Labradoodle a quick once over and removing any dead fur. But, in those heavy shedding periods, you may need to use a deshedding tool as well. When bathing your Labradoodle, make sure to use dog-safe products. And, make sure you dry them thoroughly. Dog hair dryers can be perfect at getting into that dense undercoat! Floppy Labradoodle ears are prone to ear infections, so pay attention to them, too! All Labradoodle puppies will have similar coats. Over the first year of their life, they will shed their puppy coat to reveal their adult coat. But, experienced Labradoodle breeders can be skilled at predicting adult coat types even in those early weeks. To increase your chances of getting a Labradoodle with straight fur, choose a first generation mix. But, be aware of bad breeders who may be looking to profit on this popular mix. Choose the most reputable breeders you can find. The best breeders will be happy to answer all of your questions, will have evidence of health testing, and will be happy to show you where their dogs and puppies live. Make sure the mom is friendly and healthy, and that all puppies look healthy. Avoid backyard breeders and puppy mills. Puppies and dogs from these breeders are often mistreated and more likely to have health and behavioral issues. But, they can make a wonderful companion for someone that loves the Doodle breed, and wants a lower-maintenance dog! They need less frequent grooming, but have the same high energy levels and mental stimulation needs as any other Doodle! Do you have a straight hair Labradoodle at home? We would love to hear about them in the comments! Readers Also Liked. Finding a hair coat Labradoodle puppy A flat coated Labradoodle is more often called a hair type Labradoodle. These dogs will have straight hair, similar to the Labrador parent. Their coat is most often double-layered. Some hair type Doodle fur may have a very slight wave, but not as much as the fleece coat variety. Instead, flat coated Labradoodle is just another term that some people use to describe the Labradoodle mix with straight fur Labrador Retriever crossed with a Poodle. More commonly, this fur type is referred to as a hair coat. A flat coated Labradoodle can come in any of the traditional Labradoodle colors. Size and general traits can vary depending on the genes that an individual puppy inherits. So, even two hair coat Doodles can look quite different from one another. Many breeders will prioritise a fleece or wool coat to achieve these curls. This means that hair coats are most common in first generation Labradoodles — Labradoodles with two purebred parents. However, first generation mixes are often quite unpredictable, because their parents usually offer the biggest variety of genes. Labradoodles with hair type or flat coats, will generally look more like a Labrador than a Poodle. Their fur can be single or double layered, but a double layer is common. Their outer layer of fur will be straight, or may have a very slight wave. The best way to predict what a specific Labradoodle could look like is to take a closer look at their parents. Can Labradoodles Have Straight Fur? There are three commonly accepted types of Labradoodle fur. These are: Hair type Fleece type Wool type The wool variety is the curliest of the three. This hair type is single layered, coarse, and will be very tightly curled, like a purebred Poodle. The fleece type is wavy, or has loose curls. It will be very soft to the touch and is usually single layered. The hair type is the straightest of the three. So, if your Labradoodle has a flat, straight coat, they are a hair type Labradoodle. First generation Labradoodles are usually the most likely to have straight, flat fur. In later generations, many breeders will seek to achieve curly or wavy fur. Some will even backcross their Labradoodles with purebred Poodles. Fleece coats are the most popular variety. Do Flat Coat Labradoodles Shed? One of the major selling points of Labradoodles is a low shedding, hypoallergenic coat. However, if your Labradoodle takes after the Labrador, they will usually be moderate shedders. Curly fur, like the Poodle, will catch any shedding hairs. But, if your Labradoodle has straight, flat hair, shedding fur will fall straight out. But, regular grooming is still important to prevent any tangles, and can be a great way to control shedding. Some owners like taking their Labradoodle to a professional groomer. Unlike Labradors, Labradoodles with straight hair can have very long coats, like Poodles. So, as well as brushing, they will need regular haircuts. Keep their nails well trimmed, to avoid painful snaps and breakages. Their puppy coat will be a single layer of fur, that usually is either straight or very slightly wavy. It will be very soft to the touch. But, straight hair coats are most common in f1 mixes, since later generations tend to be bred for wavy, low shedding coats. So, to find a flat coated Labradoodle, you might start your search looking at f1 mixes. Some will specialize in certain coat types. But, they may shed more around your home. Standard Labradoodles are medium to large dogs that require plenty of daily exercise, training, and mental stimulation. They are very people-oriented, so are happiest in homes where they are rarely left on their own. If they are left alone for too long, they can become stressed and unhappy. This can result in unwanted behaviors like chewing, digging, barking, and so on. So, owners must be prepared to dedicate at least an hour to exercise every day, as well as time for training, grooming, and playing with your Labradoodle. A Labradoodle with this fur type can make a wonderful companion in the right home. They require slightly less grooming than curly coated Labradoodles, but may shed more around your home. Do you have a straight haired Labradoodle at home? We would love to hear about them in the comments! Readers Also Liked. 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. A flat coat Labradoodle is another name for a straight haired Labradoodle. They take more after the Labrador side of the breed with a scruffy medium length coat rather than a curly or wavy coat that people usually associate with the breed. Standard sized Straight Hair Labradoodles grow to 51 to 66cm and weigh 23 to 45kg. On the other hand, Miniature Straight Hair Labradoodles get to 40 to 51cm in height and weigh 12 to 23kg. Yes, Straight Haired Labradoodles need basic grooming like all dogs, requiring a weekly brush to remove shedded hair and the occasional bath to keep them clean. Nevertheless, they do not need to be taken to the groomer for a trim every weeks like their curly coat relatives which can save owners quite a bit of money yearly. Do Straight Haired Labradoodles Shed? Yes, Straight Haired Labradoodles shed quite considerably like their Labrador parents. They are the opposite of Curly or Wavy Haired Labradoodles who hardly shed at all. No, Straight Haired Labradoodles are not hypoallergenic as they shed due to the dominance of Labrador genes over Poodle genes. They are unlike Wavy or Curly Haired Labradoodles which are hypoallergenic due to their long, curly coat that needs to be cut. That being said, straight haired Labradoodles are more hypoallergenic than a purebred Labrador. You can read our full Labradoodle shedding guide here. This is most likely to occur in a first generation Labradoodle F1 Labradoodle when a Labrador and Poodle are bred together rather than two Labradoodles. Whilst most people believe that all Labradoodles have a wavy or curly coat, it is actually very common for Labradoodles to have straight haired coat, taking after their Labrador parent more than the Poodle. Some Labradoodles look more like Labradors then Poodles, especially when they have a straight coat instead of a wavy or curly one. This occurs when Labradoodles do not inherit the curly coat gene called the Cu Locus gene and most commonly occurs for F1 Labradooodles. F2 Labradoodle is when an F1 Labradoodle is bred with another F1 Labradoodle resulting in a fifty-fifty chance of Straight Hair Labradoodles occurring in the litter. If you are looking for a Straight Hair Labradoodle you will want to get an F1 or F2 litter as they have the highest change of the straight hair gene of the Labrador coming through. No, not all F1 Labradoodles will have straight hair however a significant percentage of the litter will. F1 Labradoodles can have any coat type from wavy to curly to straight as it is a first generation breed of a Labrador Retriever and Poodle. No, Straight Hair Labradoodles do not have a double coat like their Labrador parent. Instead they have a single coat. As the weather gets hotter, Straight Hair Labradoodles will start shedding a little more than usual. Nevertheless, colour changes as expected for maturing Labradoodles. The colour of their coats often change colour or fade several shades lighter as they become an adult. 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!
Take a guess! We think all of these names are extremely cute, but the one that caught our attention the most is the Golden Dox. Like with most mixed dog breeds , people get very creative with dog names and nicknames, so can you with the Golden Dox puppy! Although it may seem like an unusual combination, Golden Retrievers can indeed breed with Dachshunds. The breeding process requires that the Golden Retriever female carries the Golden Dox puppies. Wondering why? Both the Dachshund and the Golden Retriever parent must undergo a health examination prior to mating. Dog owners have to be aware that the mating process comes with its risks, especially when you have two dogs that are very different from one another in size. Male Dachshunds are outgoing and energetic little dogs that can become even more energetic during heat periods in female dogs. When a male Doxie shows signs that it wants to mate , he will be determined to do so — no matter what! Obviously, there is a massive difference in size. When it comes to their personality traits, the Golden Retrievers are known to be the best family dogs and companions for practically everyone. On the other hand, Doxies are known to be needy and even a bit aggressive! There is lots of information about our beloved sausage dogs being the most aggressive dog breeds in the world. Say whaaat? It seems like there is nothing similar between the purebred Golden Retriever and the purebred Dachshund. Or is it? The Dachshund Parent The wonderful sausage doggy we all know and love very much. The Dachshund originates from Germany and it was bred primarily to be a fierce hunter. Back in the 17th century when serious Dachshund breed development took place, this small dog was used to hunt badgers and other small animals. With its short legs, the Dachshund showed incredible digging skills. Its long snout could get inside the holes it dug, so it was pretty easy for it to retrieve any small animal from the ground. Clever, active, courageous, and a bit stubborn are the words that best describe the Dachshund breed. Perhaps the reason why both male and female Dachshunds are so energetic, loud, and needy might just lay in the way they were bred. These doggies were always on the mission to hunt and thrived when they had a job to do. Plus, they were very attached to their owners, just like modern Doxies are. Its smiling face and loyalty towards its family members made the Goldie one of the most popular breeds in the world. The Golden Retriever is a large Scottish dog whose origin dates back to the s. It was primarily bred to, you guessed it — retrieve game such as waterfowl from bodies of water and bushes. Its hunting skills were passed down from Water Spaniels that were used to create this purebred dog. Many Golden Retriever dog lovers may not be aware of it, but this golden pup is one of the best bird hunting dog breeds. Not only that, but the cuddly Goldie has also earned its spot on the smartest dog breeds list. Besides their affectionate nature, both Golden Retriever genders are real smarty pants! But, we might just have an answer to it! As with most dogs, male and female Golden Doxies are going to be different in height and weight. Its size will also depend on whether or not the Dachshund parent is a miniature or standard type. Due to the fact that there is a size difference between the American and English Golden Retriever , this factor is also something to keep in mind. Height Despite its large and tall Golden Retriever parent, the Golden Dox is going to be a short dog. It usually inherits the dwarfism gene from its Dachshund parent that makes its legs short. Having said that, the Golden Dox height ranges from 10 to 23 inches. We can say that the Golden Dox is going to be a small to medium-sized dog. In case you are not sure how big a purebred Dachshund will get, we got you covered with our detailed Dachshund growth chart. Weight The weight of a Golden Dox pup can vary depending on which parent side it leans more towards. With both dog parents looking and weighing so different, the weight range of a Golden Doxie can be quite broad. However, in most cases the Golden Dox weighs between 30 and 60 pounds. The Golden Retriever growth chart shows how big this purebred dog gets, so you can figure out its maximum weight. Both Goldie and Dachshund growth charts can help in predicting the size of your Golden Dox puppy. Photo from: frejalolathehotdogs Oh, these are splendid little sausage dogs that inherit very unique looks! When you take a good look at the Golden Dox puppy, you see that it clearly resembles both the Golden Retriever and the Dachshund parent. Most of the time, the Golden Dox inherits equal appearance and personality traits from its Golden Retriever and Dachshund parents. However, the way the Golden Dox looks depends on whether or not both parent dogs are purebred or not. If a purebred Goldie is bred with a Dachshund mix puppy, then the outcome will be something different. To achieve the unique Golden Dox look, both the Dachshund and the Golden Retriever parents must be purebred dogs. For Goldies we have a field and show Golden Retrievers , while Dachshunds can be miniature or standard sized. So, the body structure of a Golden Dox will depend on these factors. Oh and, if a blockhead Golden Retriever is in the mix, then the Golden Dox has a higher chance of inheriting a larger and sturdier skull along with almost identical facial features as the Goldie parent. Unique Appearance The Golden Dox puppy inherits short legs and elongated sausage body like most Dachshund mixes do. The long muzzle is still present, as well as floppy ears. Strong and sturdy bones are inherited from the Golden Retriever parent. For the most part, the Golden Dox has a wider skull than its purebred Dachshund parent. How a Golden Dox coat type will turn out depends solely on what types of Dachshund and Golden Retriever were crossed. Yes, both dog breeds come in different types, and all types have different coat lengths and densities. Canadian Golden Retriever — short and thin coat 3. American Golden Retriever — flat or wavy with feathering and a ruff around the neck The Dachshund parent comes in three coat types as well: 1. Smooth Doxie — short and shiny coat 2. Long-haired Doxie — soft and dense coat 3. Wire-haired Doxie — short and wiry Golden Retrievers of all types inherit a double coat, while the wire-haired Dachshund is known to be the only Doxie type to inherit this coat. However, long-haired Dachshunds usually inherit double coats. All of this should be taken into consideration when estimating what kind of coat type a Golden Dox will have. But, the funky sausage dog is here with over twenty different coat colors and patterns. I mean, the official Dachshund breed standard states that there are twelve Dachshund coat colors. So, this means that the Golden Dox is bound to inherit a whole pinwheel of interesting coat colors. Golden, cream, white, black and tan, wheaten, red, black and cream, and so on — almost any color you can imagine! Take a look at the dapple Dachshund dog, a very unique pup that could pass its color genes to the Golden Dox puppy. Do Golden Dox Shed? Photo from: cookiegoldendoxie The shedding amount of a Golden Dox puppy will depend on previously mentioned coat types of both parent breeds. The Golden Retriever has a thicker and denser coat than the small Dachshund parent. Goldies shed normally moderately the year, but fall and spring are when they shed the most. On the other hand, Dachshunds shed very little. Due to the fact that the Golden Dox is a combination of both worlds, the shedding amounts seem to be divided evenly, making the Golden Dox a relatively low-shedder. But, this can vary. If a long-haired Dachshund mixes with a Golden Retriever, chances are that it will shed moderately. Quick answer — no. The Golden Dox is not a hypoallergenic crossbreed because both parents are not hypoallergenic pooches. Although they make great family pets, Golden Retrievers may cause health issues to allergy sufferers. Same goes for Dachshunds. Even though they can inherit short coats, Dachshunds are still non-hypoallergenic dogs. On the other side: extremely energetic, playful, loyal, affectionate, and unbelievably cuddly. The Golden Retriever Dachshund mix puppy is all of that! Actually, the Golden Dox personality is quite difficult to put in words. The Golden Dox has two incredible dog breeds for parents. It inherits the lovely and affectionate side from both of them. Willingness to play and please is definitely something that the Golden Dox inherits from the Golden Retriever parent. Devotion and high energy levels are passed onto the Golden Dox from its Dachshund parent. Personality traits of the Golden Dox puppy that aspiring dog owners may find challenging include stubbornness and free-will. Even though the Golden Dox can be extremely obedient and loyal, there are times when it wants to have things its own way. Golden Retrievers are among the most loved family pets in the U. But, most dog lovers are not aware that Golden Retrievers may have an aggressive side to them. As for Dachshunds, these small sausage dogs are known to be needy and loud, but extremely affectionate! However, Dachshunds are also labeled as aggressive dogs. What gives? Does this mean that the Golden Retriever Dachshund mix puppy is going to be an aggressive dog? No way! Both Golden Retrievers and Dachshunds parent breeds are fun, outgoing, loyal and affectionate family pets. If trained and socialized on time, both make wonderful pets that will do anything to please their loved ones. So does their little hybrid offspring, the Golden Dox. I mean, any dog can become aggressive if not trained and socialized properly. Photo from: brianbsantacruz Even though it gets attached to one person in particular, the Golden Dox gets along with everyone in the house. It can be very good with children and with the elderly. Besides being an affectionate cuddle buddy, the Golden Dox is actually a small guard dog. Golden Doxies can get really loud and bark at nothing , just enough to alarm their owners. This particular trait makes them great guard dogs. There might be an issue if you own a cat or other small animals because the Golden Dox may inherit a high prey drive. Both parent breeds are known for their hunting skills, so the Golden Dox may see the small animal as prey. Photo from: frejalolathehotdogs Children will love the Golden Retriever Dachshund mix, not only for its size and cute looks, but for its high energy levels and willingness to play. Children must know how to play nicely with Golden Dox puppies, while puppies must go through early socialization and get used to being around children. There are times when kids become too much even for the highly energetic Golden Dox, so it will want to be alone if it feels like it. I would advise parents to never leave their small children unsupervised with a Golden Dox, or any other dog. Besides running around and chasing stuff, Golden Doxies enjoy mental games that get their clever brains going! You can expect a Golden Dox puppy to be a very smart little dog with lots of energy and zoomies that are difficult to calm down! But, you will love the energy that this mixed breed passes onto everyone. Are Golden Dachshunds Healthy? However, several congenital health problems from purebred parents can still be passed onto the hybrid Golden Dox puppy. Golden Doxies are generally healthy pups, but there are some health risks lurking in their genetic code. Home » Breed » Golden Dox what you need to know before getting one Golden Dox what you need to know before getting one This page contains affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. The lifespan of the Golden Dox is around 10 to 14 years. In this article, I will be talking more about these adorable puppies and what to consider before taking them home. What is a Golden Dox? Both the Golden Retriever and the Dachshund have been household pet favorites for years. With its parentage, it seems like the Golden Dachshund is made for dog superstardom. Golden Weiner dogs are true people lovers; they love cuddles and just being around their human family. They are good around children, making them ideal house pets. Their friendly nature, however, does not make them ideal guard dogs. Golden Weiners are more likely to welcome strangers than scare them off. They are fine with other dogs, but not with other pets such as rabbits or cats. The Dachshund in them has the tendency to look at smaller animals as prey. Golden Dachshunds are not nuisance barkers and would only bark when they sense that something feels wrong. The Golden Dox loves playtime Golden Weiner dogs are a smart and highly energetic bunch that loves to play outdoors, something that they inherited from their parent breeds. Golden Retriever Dachshund mix need at least 60 minutes of play a day to release all their pent-up energy, or they may turn to chewing and digging. Training the Golden Dox Golden Dachshunds are quick to pick up on commands and learn tricks, but, just like any other breed, it is best to train them young. Starting training as early as 8 weeks old curbs their Dachshund tendency to be stubborn. The eager-to-please Golden Retriever side craves human affirmation so he will seek opportunities to make you happy. But this does not mean that the Golden Dox will obey all the time. Training for the Golden Retriever Dachshund mix has to be both positive and firm. They love positive reinforcement such as praise and treats for a job well done. What do they look like? How Golden Weiner puppies turn out will be largely dependent on which parent breed their genetic makeup is leaning towards. Some of these puppies have the head of a Golden Retriever and the body of a Dachshund, while others take on a different appearance. These hybrids are also described as little Golden Retrievers or bigger Dachshunds. How big do Golden Retriever Dachshund mixes get? As mentioned above the average size of a full-grown Golden Dox is 10 to 23 inches 25 to 58 cm in height and around 30 to 60 pounds 13 to 27 kg. There are also breeders who can give you miniature Golden Dox puppies, which are bred from Golden Retrievers and Mini Dachshunds. However, not much information is given on how tiny Mini Golden Dox puppies can get. The Golden Weiner inherited its muscular build from its Golden Retriever parent and got the long body and short legs of its Dachshund side of the family. You can expect moderate shedding from the Golden Dox all throughout the year. Their double coat can vary from short, medium, or long depending on what they inherit from their parent breeds. The hair can also be smooth or wavy. Grooming the Golden Weiner dog is simple. Daily brushing should keep their coat shiny and tangle- free. Visits to a groomer every other month is also recommended to ensure their coats remain healthy and attractive. Golden Dox ears need to be checked and cleaned once a week to avoid ear infection and his nails should be clipped every two to three weeks. Teeth should be brushed daily or at least three times a week. How can I keep my Golden Dox healthy and happy? As mentioned on the first paragraph the average lifespan of a Golden Dox is 10 to 14 years. Some common health issues are the same as what its parents have. These may be ear infections, intervertebral disc disease, and hip dysplasia. Where can I buy a Golden Dachshund? You can get them from breeders, but, sometimes, you can find a Golden Dox for adoption at rescues and shelters. Breeders who focus on the Golden Retriever-Dachshund mix may not be common, but you may check breeders of the Golden Retriever and the Dachshund. Conclusion Overall, the Golden Dox is ideal for an owner who can take the time to go out and play with it. They are active dogs that want you to be with him in their daily activities for them to be healthy and happy. These crossbreeds can be high-maintenance when it comes to your time and in affirmation. If you have the stamina, the Golden Retriever Dachshund mix is perfect for you. If you want to share your experience with the breed, feel free to submit a comment below. About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. Are the dams and sires of Golden Dox puppies always a Golden sire and Dachshund dam or does it go both ways? If so, is having a Golden dam or a Golden sire better? There are actually lots of different names out there for this mix breed. So much so that it can get a little confusing when searching for a Golden weiner dog or Golden Dox for sale. Either term is fine, although Golden Dox is more common. You are probably more likely to find breeders and keen owners talking about Dox crosses than Weiner Dogs. Just make sure to see the parents when buying a puppy, to make sure you and the breeder really are on the same page. Want to train your dog without spending hundreds of dollars? Click Here to check out the brain training for Dogs course now! Why some people are concerned about this extreme hybrid and question the ethics in breeding it? There are some people that will dislike the idea of this cross because it is so extreme. There are fears over the health of the parents and litter, and the practices involved in creating the pups. Clearly, the most important issue on the minds of owners is the size of the dog. Golden retrievers are medium sized gun dogs with a good build. Dachshunds are tiny little hounds with long bodies and short legs. There are many short Golden Doxie dogs with longer bodies and the ears and color of the Golden. These factors will all depend on the leaning towards a certain parent. Some take after the Golden a lot, while others are much more like the Dachshund. Gender will also play its part here. The opposite would put a female Dachshund at risk because of the size of the puppies. Clearly, this safer method requires artificial insemination. Many breeders will go about this the correct way, and breed for healthier litters with fewer health concerns. Others wont think about the risks and could put the pups and mother at risk. Ideally, these pups wont have as many spinal issues, but there are still joint risks due to the heritage of the Golden Retriever. Other risks include epilepsy , bloating and some eye problems. Some Golden Doxes may live longer with proper care. Others will not live that long due to physical issues. The two dog breeds also love to spend their lives outside of their homes. Families who like to go on trips and spend time outside the house are perfect for the hybrid dog. Spend about thirty to sixty minutes a day to exercise with your dog. Take the Dachshund Golden Retriever on a walk in the morning and the evening. During the day, play fetch with the Golden dox leaning to the Golden Retriever side. If it is leaning to the dachshund side, the fetch game may not work as well. Make sure that your house has proper fences to avoid losing the hybrid dog. It is also ideal to avoid letting the Dachshund Golden Retriever from jumping off of high places to prevent leg and back injuries. Puppies love exploring things in their early days, which makes a trip to the woods an ideal exercise for your baby Golden Dox. Invite your friends to your house to give the dog the chance to form bonds with strangers at a young age. Make your friends offer treats to the Golden Dox to make it feel comfortable with friendly visitors. While in public, make sure that you keep your Golden dox on a leash to avoid losing your adventurous pet. It is also ideal for the hybrid dog to participate in dog sports like flyball, treibball, and agility exercises. Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix Training When training the Golden Retriever and dachshund mix, you need to be consistent with your technique. The Golden Dox are intelligent creatures and will react to orders quickly with proper motivation. Positive reinforcement can work on Golden Retrievers and dachshund, which makes it easier for owners to train a Golden Dox. The training method can also include having fun with your dog by going on quick runs and catches. Use treats, praise, and gifts as your positive reinforcement techniques. Golden retrievers are one of the most natural dog breeds to teach, which is why training will not be an issue if the hybrid puppy is leaning more on the Golden Retriever side. The retrievers dedicate themselves to exercise until they get the command right. Dachshunds are more challenging to train because of their stubborn personalities. They can quickly learn commands but feel less inclined to obey them. They mostly decide on what they want to do rather than listen to order if they are not in the mood. To understand better the Sausage pup personality, skim through Dachshund training and Dachshund potty training articles, as well as our Dachshund breed guide. If the pup is leaning to the Golden Retriever side, training will be a breeze. It is advisable for the whole family to use similar command gestures to avoid confusing the dachshund mixed with the Golden Retriever. It is also recommendable to start building a connection with the Golden Dox and let it calm itself before undergoing training. The Golden Dox love to chase and hunt smaller animals, which makes it vital to teach it how to obey commands. If you own a Golden Dox puppy, go through the best ways to train your puppy article, you will find lots of useful info there. Make sure to avoid the most common mistakes in dog training. It is also important to socialize the Golden Dox with other animals in its first months. The dogs leaning to the Dachshund side will chase after other pets, sometimes animals bigger than it, because of lack of training. Its energy levels are suitable for people who love to go outside and participate in activities. Dachshund Golden Retriever is also loyal when owners take the time and patience to raise them properly. The alert level of the Golden Dox is exceptionally high, making them great guards for a safe house. A Golden Dox is a welcome addition to a loving family. When owners dedicate their time to the dog, it will repay them with loyalty and affection. The price of a Golden Dox may be expensive, but it will be worth it when it starts to form bonds with each of the family members. If you are interested in more Dachshund mixes , take a look at our list of these mix cuties.
Read hundreds of reviews on Google and Facebook Sandy Peters and her family are a truly unique and amazing experience.We have had a fabulous experience choosing a puppy from Sandy. We were looking for a family dog but also, as a physical therapist, I really wanted a dog with a therapy dog temperament. She does an outstanding job breeding and nurturing these puppies!! The early neurological stimulation and service dog protocols make a huge difference for these pups. Her attention to detail and her patience with me were above and beyond. An amazing experience from start to finish.Working with Sandy and her family has been an amazing experience from start to finish. She is so responsive, knowledgeable and accessible. We got to be a part of the entire process and felt we really knew our pup before we even met her. I learned so many tips watching the live stream videos, was provided a puppy schedule and product recommendations, and any questions I had were quickly answered. I know for a fact very few breeders are as thorough and experienced as Sandy. I literally cannot find accurate words to describe how amazing Sandy.I literally cannot find accurate words to describe how amazing Sandy, her family, and her puppies are. We brought our beautiful Scarlett home today and she is relaxed, has eaten, toileted and slept like a champ. Sandy breeds these puppies with integrity, decades of obvious experience, kindness and a true love for what she does. There were 25 puppies to choose from and it was hard to choose because all of them had amazing personalities and temperaments. The fact that Scarlett came home crate trained was an unbelievable bonus for us and hard to find with breeders! If you are considering purchasing a Goldendoodle and are concerned about finding a top of the line breeder, your search is over. Put your deposit down today! Featured photos. Standard Goldendoodles can weigh anywhere between 50 and 90 pounds. Personality The place where the Goldendoodle puppy really excels is its personality. Its breed is known for being simultaneously intelligent and adoring. A Goldendoodle puppy is very sociable, which makes them perfect animals for households with children and other animals or pets, even cats. Just like the Labradoodle, this breed requires correct socialization to ensure they get used to different sights, sounds and smells during puppyhood. This means taking your Goldendoodle to plenty of doggy-friendly parks so they can meet canine friends and introducing them to other people. Our Goldendoodle puppies for sale are fully trained Doodles, so you can focus on the fun bits, like bonding, eating food and playing. These dogs prefer to live in a house with a gated backyard where they can get regular exercise breaks. Do They Like to Play? Goldendoodle Puppy Training These clever dogs are perfect for first-time dog owners because Goldendoodles love to please and take great pride in learning new skills. Are Goldendoodles Intelligent? Both of its poodle and golden retriever parent breeds are known for their intelligence and trainability, and Goldendoodles have inherited this breed trait. This means the person training a Goldendoodle needs to be strong-willed, firm and consistent — but never harsh or aggressive. Much like a poodle, Doodles are sensitive dogs, and positive reinforcement is a must to bring out the best in them. How Obedient Are They? Goldendoodle pups adore human company, and making their pet parents happy brings them genuine satisfaction. As such, correct puppy training produces a highly obedient and loyal adult Goldendoodle. Older adults, people with disabilities and individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders can benefit significantly from the warmth and sweetness of these adorable Goldendoodle pups. Are They Easy to Train? Doodle puppies can be mischievous and cheeky, but aggression is practically unheard of. So as long as you treat them with the same gentle respect they offer, a Goldendoodle is one of the easiest dog breeds to train. Goldendoodles have loads of energy and require regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and calm temperament. A Goldendoodle need a moderately high level of outdoor activity — usually a minimum of 30 minutes, but ideally one hour, of moderate to vigorous exercise per day will keep Goldendoodle puppies at their best. Unlike puppy mills, all good puppy and dog breeders provide a certificate that shows health clearances. At Pride and Prejudoodles, our tests cover common health conditions. As such, you have peace of mind when purchasing your new puppy from us. How Long Do Goldendoodles Live? Goldendoodles live for between 10 and 15 years. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Goldendoodle puppies for adoption. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near East Aurora New York and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted! Vocality level 2 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament As a crossbreed, it is hard to say for sure which behavioral and personality traits each Doodle will possess. Overall, pet parents report that Goldendoodles are friendly family dogs who do well with children and other pets. Good puppy socialization is key to their development as a well-rounded adult dog. They have an average to high energy level and require roughly minutes of exercise daily. Due to their loyal, people-pleasing nature, Goldendoodles can be easy to train, and if done properly with positive reinforcement, can be extremely obedient pets. They prefer room to run around, so would thrive with a fenced yard. They may not be the greatest choice for apartment dwellers, unless you are big on daily outdoor exercise. Upkeep With an average-to-high energy level, Goldendoodles do best with more active families who can dedicate time to playing games with them. They thrive on socialization and playtime with other dogs to help to burn their energy. Mental stimulation in the form of agility or ongoing training will help keep their adventurous spirit content. If not properly occupied, they can sometimes become destructive -- another reason why they might not be the best match for a small apartment. Goldendoodles have a double coated fur that can be quite dense. Some have fur that can be left in its natural state but you should still expect to brush it out roughly once per week. Others may have fur that will require more upkeep, including professional grooming every weeks the more dense the fur, the more it will trap dirt. Otherwise, bathe your Goldendoodle as needed, brush teeth regularly, and trim nails times per month. Be sure to check and clean their ears to remove any buildup and avoid infections! The mix of the two did not appear in America until the s, but has been gaining popularity as people value a type of dog that could possess the low dander levels of a Poodle and the intelligence and happy personality of a Golden Retriever. The Goldendoodle was originally offered as a larger alternative to the Cockapoo, one of the early intentional crossbreeds. Because Goldendoodles are so popular, they certainly can be found for adoption in animal shelters and Doodle-specific rescues. If sharing your home with a Doodle is your dream, be sure to consider adoption! Related Content.
Exercise, Growth, and Joints Exercise Labradors not only love exercise, they need exercise. We all look forward to taking our puppy for a walk, however it is important not to over-exercise your puppy. In natural play, puppies will romp until they are tired and then stop to lay down for rest. When walking a puppy on a leash, they cannot stop when they normally would for rest. Too much exercise or walking can severely damage their bone and joint structures irreversibly. This should be taken seriously. THE RULE is: No more than 5 minutes of exercise for every month of age So that means, at 2 months old 8 weeks , your puppy only needs to exercise or walk for 10 minutes per day. At 3 months of age 15 minutes of exercise and so on. If you walk your puppy too far too soon, your puppy may develop hip and elbow dysplasia as they get older. Labradors have been known to develop dysplasia younger than other breeds of dogs. In many of these cases, it is often due to environmental factors such as over-exercise, running on hard or strenuous surfaces such as concrete or sand , continual jumping or agility work. Things to avoid with your puppy: No jumping in or out of car, especially larger cars. Lift the dog or use a ramp. No throwing balls or frisbee great distances for your puppy to chase. The sudden stopping and over reaching with the front legs is dangerous. No agility, jumping or flyball before years old Do not let other dogs knock or push the puppy over continually, includes body-slamming Avoid much stair climbing which can increase the risk of dysplasia No fast turns or roll-overs Good exercise: Swimming is great, since there is no weight-bearing impact on their joints. Remember, labradors love water! Walking on leash, for no longer than the recommended length of time for their age Self-directed play is an overriding rule for any puppy under 18 months old. The majority of exercise should be free play, exploring, and noodling around Hide and seek games are fantastic, as the dog can move at its own pace looking for its toy or treat or you. Size is a factor as large dogs, especially ones that like to play with paw whacks, can inadvertently injury a young puppy. Supervised play is critical. You need to teach the puppy a release command. All these games are forms of exercise for puppies and are a great way to help your puppy learn useful lifelong skills and qualities. Growth plates and bones: Development and injury Growth Plates Growth plates are soft areas that sit at the ends of the long bones in puppies and young dogs. They contain rapidly dividing cells that allow bones to grow longer until the end of puberty. Growth plates gradually thin as the hormonal changes approaching puberty signal the growth plates to close. In puppies, this closure normally completes between 18 to 24 months old in labradors. After sexual maturity, the growth plates calcify and the rapid cell division ends. The growth plates become a stable, inactive part of the bone, now known as an epiphyseal line. Dogs bones are held together with muscles, tendons and ligaments soft tissue. In an adult dog, if a joint experiences a stress such as bending the wrong way or rotating too much, the bones will hold firm and soft tissue will be pulled, resulting in a sprain or tear. Why this matters so much, is that unlike a sprain, injuries to the growth plate may not heal properly or not heal in time for the puppy to grow up straight and strong. Injury to a growth plate can result in a misshapen or shortened limb, which creates an incorrect angle to a joint resulting in yet more future injuries when he grows up, including dysplasia. These xray images show open and closed growth plates in a puppy and adult dog. Bone Strength In addition to having soft growth plates at the end of long bones, puppies bones in general are softer. Spiral fractures of the tibia lower leg bone are very common in puppies. A spiral fracture is where the bottom half of the bone twists in the opposite direction of the top half. Any exercise that puts torque twist on a bone puts the puppy at risk of a fracture. For an example, movements such as twisting and turning suddenly can cause these type of fractures. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This is where we recommend you read our Health and Genetic Testing page, where we talk about hip and elbow dysplasia. It is critical that you, as a puppy owner, understand as much as you can about hip and elbow dysplasia, how you can help prevent it, and what your breeder should be testing for. On the other hand, an underfed or malnourished puppy or dog is also at higher risk of injury. Muscles mass directly influences strength, likewise inadequate calcium and nutrients affect bone density. A body condition score of about is healthy for a young puppy. Once an adult, the ideal body condition score would be about 5 for a healthy, fit labrador. Sterilisation Desexing In larger breeds, sterilising young puppies at a young age has shown to increase the risk of joint disorders and injury. We recommend sterilisation occurs between 24 months old for this reason. This recommendation is outlined in our Health Guarantee. We discuss this more under Desexing or Sterilisation. Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors are amongst the most popular family pets in the UK thanks to their loyalty, gentle nature, and intelligence. Like most dogs, they thrive with regular exercise, keeping them healthy and happy. How much exercise does an adult Labrador need? A healthy adult Labrador generally needs at least 80 minutes of high-quality exercise per day. Of course, when setting exercise goals for dogs with existing health issues including obesity , you should consult your vet first. What types of exercise are best for Labradors? When we say high quality, we mean just that. Try and incorporate off-lead time into their exercise routine and take a ball or toy to play fetch with — running will help to raise their heart rate and burn off more calories. How much exercise does a Labrador puppy need? For their first three months, your puppy will get enough exercise from tearing around the house, playing and causing chaos. How much exercise does an old Labrador need? At an advanced age, your dog will have less energy in general and be more likely to suffer from health issues that may limit their mobility. Be observant — being the loyal companions they are, Labradors will push through a lot of pain to keep up with you. Watch for excessive panting, changes in their movement, and exhaustion as signals that they have overstretched themselves and adjust their activity accordingly. Can you over-exercise a Labrador? Labradors have the capacity to build up incredible fitness that will see them on the go all day long, but for most, there is a limit on how much they can do. Gradually increase their activity levels, using a PitPat to check in on their progress. How far can a Labrador walk? A working Labrador could be expected to cover many miles every day through the undergrowth and even water. However, your pet Labrador will have slightly different stamina, depending on how much exercise they are used to. Getting out and about with your Labrador keeps them happy and healthy and can be a highly rewarding experience for you both. Download our app for free to see if PitPat is for you. You might also like Single page Single page Top 10 most active dog breeds Got energy to burn? Single page Single page 10 ways to exercise your dog indoors Whether you find yourself stuck indoors because of the weather or for any other reason, your dog still needs plenty of exercise. Here are our top tips for exercising your dog indoors. These tips will also help you to advance your dog so that, eventually, you can trust them to be off the leash in a safe area. Don't release your dog until they can demonstrate knowledge and obedience on the long leash and in many different settings. To begin with, walk them in the house and in the yard. Dogs learn 'contextually and by repetition'. These hints will help you to become the pack leader. Be certain that this is only reason that your dog will follow you. Make time to walk your dog Whether you walk your dog in the morning or evening will be influenced by your program. Whenever you exercise your dog, the walk should allow for 'focused time' and 'free time'. Two leashes will facilitate this. If they are under 12 months old, take some water with you. Also take a back-pack and a treat belt available on Ebay. I recommend no more than thirty minutes of walking in total for a dog under 14 months old as their growth plates are not set until this time. Be careful of overly vigorous activity, particularly if you have an older but playful dog. I don't recommend running for more than very short bursts for the same reason. Healthy hips and elbows are critical for a healthy, active and long life. Use two leashes - a long leash approx 7m and a short leash approx 1m Start your walk with the labrador pup on a short leash. The short leash will help you to direct and guide the dog. This allows you to maintain full control over your dog. Set up your walk for success. Start by getting the dog to sit or at the least be stationary and under your control. As you begin, keep your dog behind your body alignment. Be patient and encourage your dog. Do not show aggressive frustration. This will only cause confusion and fear or aggression. If your dog is not complying, stop and reset. You are the master Walking in front of your dog demonstrates that you are the master or the pack leader. You should be first out the door. The dogs should exit the compound only at your command. This is essential whether you are walking 1, 2 or more dogs. If your dog controls the pace and direction of the walk, they are the pack leader. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk. Dogs learn contextually The next two hints are important training essentials. Firstly, labradors learn contextually and their training in not immediately transferable to a new environment. Using the same disciplines and routines, train your dog the same way in different settings. This will entrench your expectations. Correct immediately Secondly, a labrador has about a five second retention of information. After five seconds the dog has lost any association between your assertiveness and their behaviour. If they disobey you, you must correct them within five seconds or not at all. If the dog is disobedient or simply does not understand, reset and start again. The long leash I'm a big fan of the long leash. A long leash will help you to correct bad behaviour at a distance. After a period of training with the short leash, remove it and connect the longer lead. Keep the leash in your hand, releasing it slowly and progressively. As they master this, you can back away while the dog is 'sitting and staying'. Reward your labrador pup with vigorous affection and a treat. After this, you should allow them to wander and sniff around. All this time you will keep your dog on the long leash and under your control. Be sure that the free time is less than their focus time. During the socialisation phase, 8 - 16 weeks, you will need both leashes as you expose your labrador pup to other dogs. As you walk your dog, you will come across small and large dogs that are aggressive. Walking on either leash will give your complete control. And it will ensure safety at all time. You new labrador pup has no innate road sense. Walk them, getting close to roads. Expose them to vehicles so that they do not panic. Reward your dog for good behaviour. Remember that dogs register tones and frequencies, not words. Use higher tones to affirm, reward and encourage. You approval is the greatest reward for a Labrador. Direct eye contact without high vocal affirmation will be interpreted as aggression. Use lower growling tones to reinforce disapproval. Try to avoid 'No' as a command. It is too general and therefore confusing to the dog. Always reward and reinforce obedience to specific commands. Use food treats to begin with, however you must gradually phase them out. Your vocal affirmation and affection should be your longer term goal. As your dog maintains the proper behaviour, reward them with treats. Reward your dog after the walk I recommend that you reward your labrador pup after the walk. Let them have a drink firstly then give them a portion of food that is less than a meal but more than a treat. It will not take long for your dog to anticipate the whole experience. When you appear with the leashes, they will become very enthusiastic. If you adhere to these eight hints and maintain the discipline of your training, you and your dog will value and enjoy the experience. Finally, remember to pick up after your dog. Don't go on a walk without your poop bags on hand! Find a vet you can have confidence in. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Whether young or old, big or small, yellow, black, chocolate, from field lines or show lines, your Labrador needs exercise. It will keep their heart and muscles strong, their mind stimulated and their weight under control. But how much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors Are a High Energy Breed The Labrador Retriever is a high energy working breed, initially bred for very physically demanding work retrieving game for hunters. This would involve all day hiking, running and swimming in sometimes difficult conditions. So Labrador Retrievers were bred to have lots of energy and be very active. And though their main role in life today is as a family pet, they still have those same genetics that made them suited to their original role. Dog Ball Thrower. Yes, you can throw a tennis ball extra far with the Chuckit, but two reasons why I love it: 1. In this state they will often resort to destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing…and will often be very restless, may bark excessively and try to escape your home and garden at every opportunity. Insufficient exercise can also lead to weight problems with Labradors. Excess weight is a problem because it can lead to all sorts of problems such as damage to their joints hips and elbows , heart disease, increased blood pressure and increases the risk of diabetes. So a lack of exercise leads to behavioral problems, hyperactivity and possibly an assortment of health problems. However, as a general rule of thumb, a normally healthy adult Labrador Retriever will need 1 hour of exercise every day. The more relaxed Labs just 45 minutes per day, the more energetic 1. This can be made up of running, swimming, playing fetch , jogging alongside you…anything that goes beyond a gentle walk. But if the first consideration is your Labradors age, how much do puppies and the elderly need? Nice for long runs with your Lab. If you have older dogs or children, the puppy may well try to keep up with them and over-exert themselves, playing to exhaustion and damage their developing joints. So keep an eye on them and interrupt play if need be, to give them plenty of rest. Once they are fully grown, they can go out for much longer. The 5 minute rule should be sufficient to keep your lab puppy fit, burn off excess energy yet not over-exert them and cause possible developmental issues. Continue the 5 minute rule until your puppy is at least one year of age where you can then begin to exercise them more vigorously. This is highly dependent on your labs overall health and can vary wildly from one Labrador to another. Some labs may need to slow down from the 7th year onwards, while others remain extremely active beyond their 10th year. As Labradors get older, many develop arthritis, dysplasia and other health issues that can prevent a Labrador from enjoying or needing exercise as much as they used to when young and healthy. They will likely still try to chase a tennis ball all day and hike mountains just to please you, even if it may be doing them more harm than good. Try not to put them in this position. As your Labrador ages, you need to be more observant , looking for changes in their movement, excessive panting, slowing down, feeling tired. And during grooming sessions and massage, check for any painful spots indicative of sore joints or other problems. We noticed Linus was stiff getting up in the morning and decided to try adding glucosamine to his diet. We saw a noticeable difference a few days later and an added spring in his step. If your Labrador tears around your home like a tornado. If your Lab displays any of the restless and destructive symptoms described above, try increasing their levels of exercise for a few days and see if their behavior problems improve. However, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket you might want to check out PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher. Over-exercising very young and elderly Labradors can do more harm than good. For your adolescent and adult Labrador, exercise them well. As a general rule of thumb, aim for 1hr per day and scale this up or down depending on your Labradors individual needs. This could mean 45 mins for the more sedate and elderly, or 1. And at the end of the day, think of it like this: You have the best exercise machine to rival that of any gym to keep you fit and healthy yourself. And hey, what fun!!! What better motivation and need is there to keep yourself in shape? Do you mostly agree with the above? Please let us know in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Just like us, Labradors need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Whether you have a young or old dog, they all need to get the blood flowing to stay healthy and live long happy doggie lives. Regular exercise with your Labrador is very beneficial for you both. Exercise stimulates neuron growth in the brain, encourages the production of endorphins with a known mood-boosting effect , helps strengthen your bones and muscles, improves blood pressure, and can significantly help with depression. Are you having a hard time figuring out how much exercise your lab needs? Answers vary drastically from one dog to another. The amount of exercise to give your Labrador depends mostly on the age of the dog. The key to taking your Labrador puppy out for exercise is to be patient. Some labs are athletic, and thus need more exercise than others. Also, certain Labradors are genetically programmed to be energetic and have high metabolism rates, whereas others are more laid-back. Here are some exercise guidelines a new lab owner can follow to make sure their dog gets the right workout. With older dogs or children, a lab puppy may well try to keep up with them and exhaust themselves before they reach their adult size and stamina. Hold off on structured games and other forms of heavy physical activity for the first three months. This will set the stage for long-term, healthy exercise habits. This rule states that you should take your Labrador puppy out for at least five minutes of exercise per month of age up to twice a day until he or she is fully grown. This can be anything from a walk around the block to a run in the dog park. How old your dog is will make a difference in their stamina. To determine how much exercise your dog needs, first take their age into consideration. Labs that are four years old and above need between one and two hours of exercise per day. The truth is Labradors can lead a perfectly healthy life with just an hour of daily active playtime. The Labrador Retriever was bred to retrieve game for hunters. That means they naturally love to play fetch. All you need is a toy for playtime and room for running around. Tug-of-War is less cardio-oriented but helps with muscle mass and body structure in growing dogs. Plus, they love it! It requires that you prepare your puppy with a proper agility training course. Agility training is great for completing a total-body, structured workout, while also providing mental stimulation for your labrador. This involves activities such as going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. You will need to train your lab to engage in the activity and this involves proper instruction. Find one that fits his size and abilities, as well as your own personal comfort level. Either due to space or having a small yard, it may be difficult to get their puppies out every day. The good news is that, with a little creativity, indoor exercise can be just as viable and fun! Here are a few ideas you can try at home. Try Treadmill Training Sessions With Dogs A dog can be trained to use a treadmill and enjoy it, but the experience will take time. Build an Obstacle Course for Your Labrador Use everyday things found around the home or office to create an obstacle course. It also boosts their energy levels and problem-solving skills. For example, you might use old boxes and trash bags to make a tunnel, chairs or stools to jump across, and other furniture for your puppy to climb. At first your puppy may not catch on, but with effective use of the treat and lots of encouragement, you can help it learn as it goes. Hide-and-Seek With a Treat! Hide a treat around the house, and let your puppy work to find it. As you hide treats around the room, remember to make sure they are not hiding somewhere that is unreachable. Tip 2. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. All dog breeds respond positively to lots of physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will flow. Tip 3. Make an Exercise Routine and Schedule for Your Dog Lab owners, take note: maintaining the health of an adult Lab is all about consistency. And this starts with walks at a young age. Take regular walks with your dog, no matter the weather conditions. Walk at the same time each day in order to create an exercise pattern that both you and your dog can stick to. Maybe you can get the puppy used to a leash and casually walk through your neighborhood with it. That way, you can vary the activity occasionally. In six months, increase the amount of time your dogs are running to 15 minutes. This keeps their energy high and stops weight gain as they mature. Conclusion As a dog owner, your foremost responsibility is protecting the health and safety of your pet. Insufficient exercise causes health problems in dogs , like hip dysplasia especially those already prone to hip or joint problems. Share on. Tweet on Twitter Puppy exercise requirements vary between different types of dog, and as a puppy grows the exercise they need will increase. It is possible to give a puppy too much exercise so I will give you a puppy exercise chart, as a guide to how far a puppy can walk at different ages. Taking your new puppy for a walk We all look forward to the day we can take our new puppy for a walk. For many people, daily dog walks is a huge part of why they bought a Labrador in the first place. Others already take quite small puppies for quite long walks and are surprised to discover that many experts believe this to be a bad thing. So just how much exercise does a puppy really need? How much exercise does a puppy need? This rule of thumb says that a puppy should have no more than five minutes of walking for every month of his age. So that would be fifteen minutes a day maximum for a three month old puppy, twenty minutes for a four month old and so on. This concern about excessive exercise has arisen because it is widely believed that exercise is a factor in the development of serious joint disorders. Especially in larger breed puppies such as Labradors Breeders are particularly concerned about hip dysplasia, a serious and complex disorder of the hip joints, that is believed to be influenced both by inherited factors passed from dogs to their puppies and by environmental factors In addition to factors influencing growth rates, the stresses and strains placed on the vulnerable growing joint by excessive exercise are believed to be a contributory environmental factor in the development of inadequate hip joints. It seems likely, that a puppy that had inherited a tendency for poor hips, could have its soft and still forming hip joints made a good deal worse through prolonged or hard exercise. It is also possible that a puppy that has inherited excellent hips, will come to no harm whatsoever through hard exercise. On the contrary, a certain amount of free running exercise is a good thing Running off-leash A Norwegian study published and which included labradors, showed that puppies given the opportunity to exercise off leash in a park before the age of three months were less likely to develop hip dysplasia HD , not more. Stair climbing The same study showed that puppies that had to climb stairs on a regular basis during the same period were at increased risk of HD You can read about this study in Science Daily. So what does this study tell us? Well, it is only one study, but it suggests that playing in a natural way, with other pups or simply running about at their own speed is probably going to benefit a small puppy Strenuous exercise Whereas more strenuous activity such as climbing hills and stairs, may not be such a good thing at a very young age. Another study has suggested that running hard for a retrieve, may not be great for joint health either. And some breeders also prevent dogs from jumping for the first twelve months to reduce impact on the shoulder and elbow joints. This may be especially important for some of the heavier breeds of dog, and those that are slow to mature. How far should my puppy walk? But how does that translate to distances walked? If you like to think in distances rather than time, a mile is around steps for an adult human and takes about twenty minutes at a moderate walking speed. So a maximum walk for a four month old Labrador might be about a mile. And of course if you are walking out and back again, that means not taking the dog more than half a mile from your home or car, whichever is your starting point. With young puppies, you need to keep a balance. Think about the overall energy your puppy is expending rather than focusing on walking alone. Walking is only one form of exercise and is no more valuable or important than games or training exercises. If you have been to visit a friend with your five month old pup and their dog has played for half an hour in the garden with yours, your dog does not need a walk as well. It is the total exercise that counts. How much exercise is too much? And you are bound to know of someone whose puppy had far more exercise than this and came to no harm. However taking a puppy for long walks or asking him to negotiate very steep or uneven surfaces when he is little, is probably a bad idea. Beware of letting a puppy play for too long with an older dog that does not want to stop. And keep an eye on children who may inadvertently exhaust a puppy by encouraging him to play when he needs to sleep. Crating your puppy when he is tired or overexcited, will enable you to make sure that your puppy gets some well deserved down time. Summary Young puppies need the time and space to run about freely, and free running exercise is beneficial. You do not need to attempt to prevent puppies playing in the garden, trotting about the house or playing with another young puppy for a while. Provided that the puppy is free to stop and rest whenever he wants. As far as we know at the moment, formal exercise — walking on a lead — for example, is probably best restricted using the five minute rule as an approximate guide. And strenuous exercise such as stair climbing, and chasing balls should be limited or avoided altogether in puppies under three months of age. Remember, an adult dog can become an amazing athlete, but like all athletes, fitness and stamina are best built up in gentle stages if injury is to be avoided. Do talk to your vet about exercise at your first appointment with your puppy. We are still learning about hip dysplasia. Research is ongoing, knowledge increases all the time. Your vet should be up to date with the latest information regarding the optimum amount of exercise for your new puppy. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was originally published in and has been extensively revised and updated for References Slater et al. Diet and exercise as potential risk factors for osteochondritis dissecans in dogs. Am J Vet Res. Sallander et al. American Society for Nutrition. Krontveit et al. Risk factors for hip-related clinical signs in a prospective cohort study of four large dog breeds in Norway.
This little dog is much willing to approach people and be held by them. They are highly energetic and are in motion most of the times. They are good with children, specially grown up kids. Toddlers might not be safe with them because of their highly active nature. They love taking part in family activities and make a great family pet and apartment dog. They can adapt themselves to almost any situation or living. They are curious and would search for new things around. They are extremely sociable and are good to strangers too. Yorkiepoos are frequent barkers, making them good watchdogs. They also tend to shout and are prone to destroy things especially when they are bored or are left alone for long periods of time. Just a little bit of brisk walk around your block every day should serve the purpose. Also, allow your Yorkie-poo to play around with a ball or a toy in an enclosed yard, if you have one. The playful dog would be happy to play and exercise. Grooming The grooming needs depend on the type of coat your dog has. However, Yorkiepoos mostly need regular or even everyday brushing. Curlier the coat, more frequent should be the grooming; else its coat will get matted very easily. If its coat is too curly like its poodle parent , trim the coat every one to two months. You can take your dog to a professional groomer if you are not an expert in grooming. Also, keep an eye on the ears for possible infection and the teeth clean to avoid tartar buildup. Clip the nails as and when required. Health Problems Yorkiepoo is a typically healthy hybrid. Being a very new breed of dogs, very little is known about any breed specific health issues, except being prone to periodontal diseases like most other small size dogs. Other possible general dog health issues can be dysplasia, epilepsy, hypoglycemia particularly for puppies , musculoskeletal problems, and eye problems such as distichia and cataracts. Those that are underweight or less than 3 pounds might be prone to vomiting, tracheal collapse, diarrhea, anesthesia sensitivity, and frequent injuries. Training Teach your puppy to socialize while it is still very young. Mental stimulation and social interaction are important for your pup to keep them mentally and physically fit. Ask friends and relatives to visit your house often and get them acquainted with your little one. Your dog loves activities like tricks, dog agility, etc. Obedience training is important for these little barkers. Also, set your own rules to resolve pack leader issues. You can also approach the puppy kindergarten classes. In order to lure your finicky Yorkiepoo to eat, you can mix and match tasty doggie foods and try to be creative and experimental about what your little one would love to eat. If you opt for dry kibbles, be sure you choose the type that is meant for the dogs of their size and energy level. In fact, dry food is better for this breed over raw or cooked foods because, with everyday wet food, these dogs have a great potential in developing bad breath, gum disease, and tooth loss. Interesting Facts Yorkie-Poo puppies are very fragile and delicate. If the pup is squeezed hard or hugged too tightly, the puppy can die. A short fall or anyone tripping over it might cause grave injury or even death to the puppy. Since many breeders these days are breeding the Yorkshire Terrier with both the Miniature size Poodles and the Toy Poodles, it is creating a wide variation in the weight and size of the Yorkie-Poo. They retain almost their puppy size even when they are adults. Low dander? Double check! In fact, it was specifically designed for two reasons: to give people with the sniffles a break and to create a health-hardy companion dog. This came about due to the reputation of small-sized purebred dogs facing numerous health issues from poor breeding- including the Yorkshire Terrier and the Poodle. And so, the Yorkipoo was born with a promising gene pool that would take the reputation of the toy breed to a new and improved level. The Yorkshire Terrier is the type that loves attention In this corner we have parent No. These dogs are highly intelligent, making them easy to train. They are affable and affectionate, confident and active, with a bit of an overprotective streak. Yorkies have a tendency to bark a bit too much, but this can be overcome with regular training. This yapping ability is often a trait that the Yorkie passes on to crossbreeds like the Yorkipoo and the Dorkie Dachshund-Yorkshire Terrier Mix. They are recommended for families with older children or the elderly, as they tend to act dominant with toddlers. Toy or Miniature Poodle: The Clever Canine Ranked as the second most intelligent dog breed behind the Border Collie, the Poodle is a clever and handsome canine that has made it a popular choice for breeding and producing a variety of poodle mixes. They shine at anything that has to do with agility, obedience, tracking to herding or even circus performing. They also make excellent service dogs. Poodles are purebred, known for their fantastic, hypoallergenic curls. They were bred in England in the 18th century as companion dogs, but became the national dog of France, due to immense popularity in the country. This breed is also known for having a friendly and loving temperament. The Yorkiepoo is a Pint-Sized Cutie Reaching a petite 7 to 15 inches size while weighing anywhere from 3 to 14 lbs, the Yorkipoo is the pretty lap dog that gives off an aura of dainty prestige. The pride of this crossbreed is its silky coat that can be straight, wavy or curly. Some people prefer to let the hair grow long, while others find it more convenient to keep it trimmed short. The colors of the coat come in a myriad of hues that range from gold, blue, white, black, red, sable, apricot, tan, chocolate, gray and parti-color. A confident, yet gentle disposition melts away any worries of aggression. Can you leave Yorkipoo alone? The Miniature Poodle is known to be highly dependent on the owner, but the Yorkshire Terrier is known to be more independent. It can go either way for the Yorkipoo. Because of its easy-going and friendly nature, the Yorkipoo is favored by families and older folks alike, as they do well in a variety of homes, get along with children and make excellent therapy dogs. Confidence can cause a Yorkipoo to get excited when meeting other dogs and jump upon a larger furry friend without a second thought. To avoid any dangerous situations, supervision is recommended when letting dogs meet for the first time. Keep lessons interesting and upbeat with new commands and rewards to avoid boredom and stubborn behavior. Yorkipoos are sensitive to hard-handed training. Stay patient, gentle and positive to reinforce good behavior. As with many small breeds, the Yorkipoo tends to bark…a lot. Keep obedience training consistent to curb excessive barking. Crate training can be beneficial to help housebreak your Yorkipoo. Check out this well-trained Yorkipoo as it performs some awesome tricks! With that being said, there are a handful of health problems that are common among Toy breeds. Epilepsy: Seizures that happen unexpectedly from unknown causes. Patellar Luxation: Kneecap dislocation common with Yorkshire Terriers. Portosystemic Shunt: An abnormal connection that develops between the portal vein and another vein, bypassing around the liver. Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: Disintegration of the hip joint that leads to inflammation. Hypothyroidism: Occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid. Hyperadrenocorticism: Benign growths or other issues associated with the pituitary gland. Atopic Dermatitis: Chronic skin allergies. Yorkipoos just want to have fun! How much exercise does she need? Yorkipoos are energetic and playful, especially when it comes to showing off some tricks. Keep destructive behavior, such as barking and chewing at bay by taking your dog for a daily stroll on the leash or tussling with a toy in the yard. Does a Yorkipoo need regular grooming? Daily brushing wards of tangles. Be sure to brush and trim the hair around the eyes, as this can irritate them and cause eye injuries. Its popularity is rising and with it, the demand for breeders. When searching for Yorkipoo breeders, make sure you take the time to research multiple options. Instead, opt for breeders that take the time to answer your questions and even ask you questions about your lifestyle to determine whether or not you have the time and resources to dedicate to a dog. Since the Yorkipoo is a crossbreed, ask for background information on the parents. What is their medical history? How is the temperament of each parent? Adopt a Yorkipoo Before bringing home a brand new puppy, why not check out rescues? Check out this website to search for Yorkipoo rescues:. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Yorkipoo Overview The Yorkipoo is a people-loving and fun-seeking companion, ready to dazzle his family and entertain visitors with tricks and antics. His confident nature prevents him from being overly aggressive, and he exudes contentment in his own skin. With ample energy and a whole lot of love to give, the Yorkipoo is a great choice for those seeking a small, confident canine companion. Originally bred as a hypoallergenic companion for allergy sufferers, the Yorkipoo inherits the intelligence of both the Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle breeds. Like his parent breeds, he thrives in performance competitions such as agility and obedience. Sporting a low-dander, low-shedding coat and the compact size of a toy breed, the Yorkipoo fits well in various households, even as a wonderful companion for seniors. His gentle and affectionate demeanor has also led him to success as a therapy dog. However, due to his small stature, caution is advised when introducing him to larger dogs to prevent accidents. Training the Yorkipoo is rewarding, as he is a quick learner. While he can be stubborn, positive and enjoyable training sessions work best, as harsh methods can be detrimental to his well-being. He takes pride in his alert barking, making him a reliable watchdog. While some Yorkipoos can be trained to limit barking, others may be more vocal. When the Yorkipoo mix is successful, he combines the best traits of both parent breeds — the intelligence and spirit of the Poodle and the bold terrier nature of the Yorkie. While multigenerational breeding has grown, many Yorkipoos result from first-generation unions of purebred parents. Energetic like its Poodle and Yorkie ancestors, the Yorkipoo thrives on daily exercise and enjoys outdoor activities. Barking is a favorite pastime, often persisting even with training, making him an alert watchdog. This non- to low-shedding breed is a suitable companion for allergy sufferers, requiring regular brushing to maintain his fine, silky coat. Endearing and gentle, the Yorkipoo forms a great bond with older, considerate children, though interactions with very young kids should be monitored. Positive reinforcement facilitates training , although occasional stubbornness may arise. Well-suited for apartment living, the Yorkipoo tends to get along well with other pets and dogs. As a loyal companion , he may experience separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. Ensuring a healthy dog entails avoiding irresponsible breeders, puppy mills, and pet stores. Seek out reputable breeders who prioritize genetic health testing and nurturing temperaments to provide a loving and well-rounded Yorkipoo. Yorkipoo History The Yorkipoo, a charming and endearing hybrid breed, traces its roots back to the deliberate crossing of two distinct and beloved purebred parents: the Yorkshire Terrier and the Toy or Miniature Poodle. While the Yorkipoo may seem like a modern creation, its history is relatively recent, spanning just a few decades. The emergence of the Yorkipoo can be attributed to the growing interest in designer breeds that combine the best traits of their parent breeds. This particular blend aimed to create a smaller-sized dog with a hypoallergenic coat, addressing the needs of allergy sufferers while also striving to minimize the genetic health issues that have plagued Yorkshire Terriers and Poodles due to poor breeding practices. By combining the intelligence and elegance of the Poodle with the bold terrier characteristics of the Yorkshire Terrier, breeders sought to create a well-rounded companion with a desirable temperament. Initially, most Yorkipoo litters were the result of first-generation breeding, which aimed to capitalize on the strengths of both parent breeds. Yorkipoo Size The Yorkipoo, with its endearing and compact stature, is a small-sized breed that perfectly embodies the charm of a true lap dog. Generally falling within the toy breed category, the Yorkipoo is often a result of crossing the petite Yorkshire Terrier with the diminutive Toy or Miniature Poodle. As a result, these delightful dogs typically stand at a modest height of around 7 to 10 inches 18 to 25 cm at the shoulder, making them ideal companions for various living environments, including apartments and smaller homes. Their lightweight build further adds to their appeal, with adult Yorkipoos often weighing between 4 to 15 pounds 2 to 7 kg. Despite their small size, these pint-sized pups are renowned for their energy and vivacity, which allows them to partake in various activities with enthusiasm. This low-shedding quality makes them an attractive choice for individuals with allergies, as their reduced dander and shedding help minimize allergic reactions. Their small size, combined with a coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its silky texture, culminates in a delightful and manageable package that seamlessly integrates into a variety of households, leaving a big impression with their captivating personality and charming presence. Yorkipoo Personality The Yorkipoo embodies an active, affectionate, and fun-loving spirit that thrives in human companionship. This loyal and loving companion eagerly joins in family activities, exuding confidence from its terrier heritage while maintaining an easygoing and undemanding demeanor. Its intelligence shines through in its ability to become an excellent companion through consistent and positive training, adapting well to various situations. Puppies with favorable temperaments display curiosity and playfulness, approaching and interacting with people willingly. Opting for a balanced puppy, neither excessively dominant nor timid, is wise. Meeting at least one parent, usually the mother, and observing interactions with other relatives helps gauge the potential personality of the puppy. Enrolling the puppy in a puppy kindergarten class and regularly introducing it to diverse environments, people, and experiences, such as parks, stores, and strolls, helps refine its social skills. By providing a nurturing and stimulating environment, the Yorkipoo can grow into a delightful, adaptable canine companion. You can verify these clearances by checking the OFA website offa. Epilepsy : This neurological condition can cause mild to severe seizures, characterized by unusual behavior, staggering, or even falling down. While seizures can be distressing to witness, dogs with idiopathic epilepsy generally have a positive long-term outlook with proper diagnosis and treatment. Patellar Luxation: Common in small dogs, this involves the dislocation of the kneecap, causing discomfort. While it can be debilitating, many dogs lead normal lives with this condition. Portosystemic Shunt PSS : An abnormal blood flow between the liver and body, PSS can lead to various symptoms like neurobehavioral abnormalities and urinary tract issues. Corrective surgery and special diets can aid long-term management. Surgery can offer pain relief. Hypothyroidism : A disorder of the thyroid gland, it may manifest as epilepsy, hair loss, obesity, and skin issues. Treatment involves medication and dietary adjustments. Timely diagnosis through tests is crucial. Atopic Dermatitis : An inherited skin ailment causing allergic reactions to common substances, it results in itching, redness, and hair loss. Treatment includes allergen avoidance, antihistamines, and hypoallergenic shampoos. Yorkipoo Care The Yorkipoo is a versatile companion, equally comfortable in a house or apartment. Due to his small size, outdoor living is not suitable, making indoor living essential for both his physical and emotional well-being. Daily exercise is key to his contentment, as he possesses unexpected energy levels. A daily stroll or playtime in the yard will suffice to maintain his health and happiness. Engaging in activities like hallway fetch can also help him expend excess energy. A crate can serve as a cozy retreat for naps as well. Starting crate training early enables your Yorkipoo to adapt to confinement, which proves useful for boarding or hospitalization scenarios. A crate should never be treated as a jail, and he should not be confined for more than a few hours at a stretch, apart from nighttime sleep. Yorkipoos thrive on human companionship and are not suited for prolonged confinement within a crate or kennel. Just as with people, dogs are unique individuals, and their food requirements vary. Naturally, an active dog will require more nourishment than a more sedentary one. The quality of the dog food you choose also plays a role — better quality food provides more nutrition, requiring smaller portions. To assess his weight, use the eye and hands-on tests. Look down at him — a slight waistline should be visible. When placing your hands on his back with fingers spread downward, you should be able to feel his ribs without applying excessive pressure. If not, adjust his food intake and incorporate more exercise. For further details on feeding your Yorkipoo, refer to our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. While each Yorkipoo may differ, those resulting from multigenerational breeding Yorkipoo crossed with another Yorkipoo are often described as odorless and nonshedding. Although complete nonshedding is a bit of a myth, as all dogs experience some shedding, the Yorkipoo does produce minimal dander, a quality highly appealing to allergic owners. The Yorkipoo showcases a versatile spectrum of colors including cream, black, white, red, sable, apricot, tan, chocolate, gray, and silver, often adorned with various markings, such as black with tan points. Regular daily brushing effectively prevents tangles and matting. Ensure to gently brush hair away from the eyes to prevent irritation, and occasional trimming with scissors can safeguard eye health. Dental hygiene is crucial for toy breeds like the Yorkipoo, brushing teeth two to three times a week to combat tartar buildup and potential gum disease. Weekly ear checks are essential for signs of redness or unusual odor, indicating a potential infection. Grooming rituals should be introduced to your Yorkipoo from an early age, acclimating him to brushing, paw handling, and mouth inspection. Positive experiences with grooming, filled with praise and rewards, set the stage for seamless veterinary exams and handling in adulthood. Yorkipoo Children And Other Pets The Yorkipoo is a gentle and affectionate companion who can form a positive bond with children. An older, more considerate child can often enjoy a rewarding companionship with a Yorkipoo. Always supervise their encounters and guide them on approaching and touching dogs properly, preventing any unintentional actions that could provoke a negative response. Ensuring safe and supervised interactions is crucial, even with the friendliest of dogs. While he may exhibit a playful prey drive from his Yorkie parent, his interactions with smaller pets and cats are often in good spirits and driven by curiosity rather than aggression. Yorkipoo Rescue Groups Yorkipoos are frequently acquired without a full grasp of the responsibilities that come with ownership. Numerous Yorkipoos are seeking adoption or foster care. See below for a list on where you may be able to adopt your own Yorkipoo:. Also called Yoodle, Yorkapoo, Yorkerpoo, Yorkiepoopoo, and Yorkiedoodle, the Yorkie Poo has the heart of a true companion and the pedigree of a showman. They are quite popular among those seeking a small, highly hypoallergenic best friend. Yorkie Poos are very confident and can do well in shows and competitions with appropriate training. They make great family companions and fun little friends. Temperament Yorkie Poos enjoy being active. They are friendly to all and loving with their families. They are curious and intelligent, and they respond well to training and positive reinforcement. Their confidence can get them in trouble with other dogs sometimes. They forget their true size because they see themselves as much bigger dogs than they actually are. Early training and socialization will help them handle this and all kinds of situations. This breed is highly intelligent because mental acuity runs in both parent breeds. They are able to learn new concepts very quickly, and they follow directions very well. They have a charming appearance and a lively, social personality to match. Yorkie Poos that favor their Poodle parents can have large tufts of hair hanging from their limbs. Yorkie Poos that favor the Yorkshire Terrier genes tend to have multi-colored coats. Because our Yorkie Poos have no undercoat, they are considered hypoallergenic and can be an ideal fit for those with allergies. The smaller to medium size and its silky, soft coat are two features that are consistent in Yorkie Poos regardless of their parentage. Coats will vary in length, and they can be one of several colors: Black. Size Life Span These rambunctious little pups are friendly, smart, sweet, and somewhat mischievous if given the opportunity. This makes for dogs that are unafraid of possible threats and are excited for whatever adventure you might stumble upon. These tiny-but-mighty canines originated in the U. Although they are fairly new, they have gained plenty of popularity and are sure to stay. This gives the breed legitimacy and a better chance of being cared for and adopted. Before you decide a Yorkie-Poo is right for you, however, be sure to research both breeds heavily. This breed is active and loving, as well as fiercely loyal. The Yorkie-Poo is also incredibly confident and can be somewhat stubborn due to their Yorkshire Terrier heritage. These dogs love to learn, so they will be easy to train and happy to please. They enjoy learning through games, obstacles, and tasks, which makes them perfect for children! If you decide to adopt a Yorkie-Poo, you will need to give them extensive socializing. If dogs, in general, are not properly socialized they will often become aggressive and anxious. Yorkshire Terriers and Yorkie-Poos are no exceptions to this rule. When they are puppies, socialize them with other canines and new people. Yorkie-Poos adapt well to apartments, urban areas, and small families. These dogs are incredibly patient with their owners and surroundings. If you notice your dog is anxious in certain situations, you will need to identify the problem and work with them to make them comfortable again. This may mean retraining, a change in scenery, or a reestablishment of rules and boundaries. If a Yorkie-Poo lives in a small home, they will need at least an hour of daily exercise. This can be a walk usually, but once a month they will need a more strenuous workout. You can try a hike or a trip to the dog park for really good exercise. The Yorkie-Poo is generally healthy but is prone to ailments such as epilepsy, hypothyroidism, and atopic dermatitis. To keep your pet healthy, we suggest regular vet checkups, a nourishing diet, and an exercise routine. Discuss ailments or possible future ailments with your vet. By deciding on a specific diet plan, you and your veterinarian will help your dog enjoy good health for years to come. This will keep the mind and body sharp while they age. Most Yorkie-Poos can flourish on a quarter cup to a full cup of high-quality dry food twice a day. Yorkie-Poos have plenty of energy, so keeping them properly fed will help them stay happy and healthy. You should offer a dry dog food that is full of vegetables, protein, and vitamins. Though you may be tempted to free-feed or have the dish full at all times, this will give them the opportunity to overeat and gain weight. Having scheduled feeding times twice a day will improve their eating habits and overall health. A Yorkie-Poo is relatively easy to train and tends to be patient with their owners, but can become stubborn. They are a good fit for first-time or novice dog owners. They do tend to be sensitive, so positive reinforcement is important. Once you have done detailed research on each dog breed, you should research reputable breeders. You will be pleasantly surprised by how excited breeders are to discuss their puppies and practices. Thanks the presence of a Poodle in the mix, Yorkie-Poos are low shedders, but still need to be brushed every day to keep their coat healthy. They will only need to be bathed periodically when they have just played in the mud or in bad weather. These pups are somewhat hypoallergenic. This means they do not shed often and it is rare they create dander. So if you, or your loved ones, have any issues with pet dander, this may be the pooch for you! They will also need professional grooming every weeks for their coat to stay healthy. By checking regularly and cleaning carefully as needed, you can help prevent ear infections. Dental care for dogs is also extremely important, especially in small dog breeds that tend to be more prone to dental disease like your Yorkie-Poo. Yorkie-Poos can have high levels of energy, so they will need daily exercise to avoid anxiety or destructive behaviors. But, they are also small and can tire easily, so will only require a moderate amount of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Taking them on a walk for an hour is a great way to exercise your pet. A quick game of fetch before or after the walk will have them napping in no time. Be sure to bring water with you while walking with your dog. They are small and become dehydrated quickly. A Yorkie-Poo is usually 7 to 15 inches in height and 3 to 14 pounds in weight. A Yorkie-Poo will generally live 10 to 15 years. Featured Yorkie-Poo Article.
Fact checked by Sarah Scott Sarah Scott is a fact checker with more than 16 years of experience in researching, writing, and editing digital and print media. She has verified and edited articles on a variety of subjects for The Spruce Pets, including pet behavior, health, and care as well as the latest trends in products for animals in the home. With proper training, they make excellent family pets because they get along with everyone and everything. Bulldogs have a whole lot of love to give. These moderately active dogs boast a quintessentially stocky build with wrinkled skin, and their coats are super soft. Want more reasons to love bulldogs? These cute faces should tell you all you need to know. Even then, they like to think that they're lapdogs. These soft-coated dogs have big heads and strong jaws that, when combined with their unwavering loyalty, make them top-notch watchdogs. Continue to 2 of 10 below. They weigh less than 30 pounds, but they make up for their small size with unabashedly bold character. One of America's most popular small dog breeds , French Bulldogs are quiet but alert, making them almost as effective as their American and English watchdog cousins. Continue to 3 of 10 below. Today, their tough appearance has earned them mascot status at California State University, Yale, and the University of Georgia. Continue to 4 of 10 below. Regular exercise will help them maintain a healthy weight. Make regular walking, hiking, or running a habit. Exercising your bulldog will keep its muscles and heart strong, increasing its lifespan while preventing problems such as hip dysplasia and heart disease. Continue to 5 of 10 below. Some bulldogs will sleep for 12 to 14 hours in 24 hours and must be encouraged to get up and engage in a bit of daily exercise. Continue to 6 of 10 below. They're ready to do whatever everyone else is doing. French bulldogs have a long history as companion dogs because of their loving, playful, and calm nature—they won't mind spending the day poolside with you. Continue to 7 of 10 below. Your bulldog will likely allow you to dress it up in a Halloween costume and birthday crown every year. Just don't be surprised if your photos capture big, wide puppy-dog eyes asking for a little mercy. Continue to 8 of 10 below. American bulldogs are fiercely loyal and love their owners to no end. They are exceptionally affectionate but can get territorial and suspicious of strangers. They'll socialize easily with everyone once proper training is enforced. Continue to 9 of 10 below. These dynamic dogs are enthusiastic companions and eager to please, offering as much loyalty as their big cousins and the protective instinct to prove it. Continue to 10 of 10 below. Stubbornness may just be a sign of intelligence since bulldogs seem well aware that they can wait out their owners. Once you have a treat in hand, your dog will likely learn and obey your every command. Article Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Pedersen, N. A genetic assessment of the English bulldog. Canine Genet Epidemiol, vol. With their wrinkled faces, stocky bodies, and heartwarming personalities, these puppies have captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts all over the world. Come along as we delve into some fascinating facts about English Bulldog puppies that will leave you even more enchanted by these delightful fur babies. These wrinkles are not just cute; they serve a historical purpose too. These little bundles of joy are notorious for their adorable snoring, thanks to their short snouts and flat faces. Their unique anatomy can sometimes lead to snoring, but it only adds to their charm. They are known for their playful and affectionate nature. These pups often seek attention and cuddles from their human companions. This stubborn side can actually make training sessions quite entertaining. However, these puppies put their own comical spin on physical activity. Due to their sturdy build and short snouts, they might not excel in activities that require intense endurance. Watching an English Bulldog puppy attempt to play fetch or chase a tennis ball can turn into a hilarious spectacle. Their determination will keep you laughing. English Bulldog puppies are incredibly loyal and devoted companions. They form strong bonds with their families and are particularly gentle and patient with children. Their affectionate nature and protective instincts make them excellent family pets , ready to shower their loved ones with endless love and loyalty. English Bulldog puppies isolated against white background English Bulldog puppy in grass Two English Bulldogs against wooden background English Bulldog puppy isolated on white background English Bulldog puppy lying on floor English Bulldog puppy sitting on rug English Bulldog puppy on leash English Bulldog puppies will bring a unique blend of charm and quirkiness into your life. From their historical wrinkles to their snoring symphonies, these puppies are more than just pets. Check out shelters and rescues to find the perfect pup for you, and save a life in the process! Call Morgan at for specific pup identification if you are leaning towards placing an early deposit. Please check back, we update our website daily! Please see our Deposit Page and our Transportation Page for information on getting your puppy. We love the English bulldog temperament, physique and expression, I just personally like it to be about lbs. We find the smaller sizes are more buoyant and playful and, though still very heat sensitive, are better able to cope with life in general. Downsizing an AKC breed takes time. Our girls all come from long lines of lb. We not trying for 20 pounders…our goal is to have healthy, beautiful babies that consistently mature at lbs. If you see a puppy that tugs on your heartstrings please call, or go to our deposit page for more information. In the last few years it has become clear that most people would prefer their puppy to be transported using our White Glove transport or Nanny Flight transport. Today, we have requests for our Puppies from all over the country. Because of this, the majority those requesting a Sugarplum Bulldog Puppy have also requested transport to their area of the country; those in Florida, for example, cannot easily make the drive to RI. As such, the majority of our Puppies have shifted to a transport model; this gets them closer to their new forever home. Because of this, we have come to the decision, that for the well being of our Puppies and for the benefit of our new Sugarplum Bulldog owners, we have developed a transport model for our pups using our Puppy-Mobile with direct transport to the pups new Forever Home! Our Mid-Western breeding home is co-owned by Sugarplum Bulldogs, and our partner. I realize that not having a chance to play with the Pups is disappointing to some, but please understand that our team are dedicated to the highest level of care for our little Pups. We truly feel that this new model is in the best interested of our Puppies and their new homes. Please feel free to ask me any questions…. They are also known by other names like English bulldog or British Bulldog. But whatever you may call them, they are one of the best ever breeds still existing. In ancient times, bulldogs were actually used to drive cattle to the market and used to participate in a game known as bull baiting. But today these bull dogs have became a gentle companion dogs who really love their kids a lot. But remember there are other various amazing information about this breed in the article. Read it full without a miss. Despite its energy or lack thereof , no one can deny that bulldogs have the propensity to have fun! In fact, a bulldog named Otto is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records because of its love for skateboarding. They are very compact in overall shape. They have massive folds all over their body especially on the head. The head is covered with extra skin on both the skull and forehead. The cheeks generally extend to the side of the eyes. The ears are small in appearance and are placed slightly high on the head. The short and flat coat of the bulldog is straight smooth and glossy. They are also found in various coat colors like solid white, red, brindle, fawn, pale yellow and various other combinations. One of the most common problems for English bulldogs is conception. Because of its build and biology, male bulldogs often find it difficult to mate with female bulldogs. As such, most English bulldogs are bred via artificial insemination. The next part of the problem would be giving birth. Combine that with their compact build and huge muscles, and they might quickly sink to the bottom. Therefore, if you have a swimming pool at home or you regularly go to the beach, be sure to keep an eye on your English bulldog. You can get a doggie life vest and build more sea-bound memories with your pup. They can look cute, and they can look fierce. Because of this, the English bulldog is the most popular college mascot of all time. In fact, at least 15 colleges and high schools use the English bulldog as their official mascots. The height of the bulldog is normally inches and the weight is about pounds on an average. Females are slightly of less weight ranging from pounds. Bulldogs are very prone to breathing problems and some are found with small windpipes as well. They have a poor eye sight and can fall into a heart stroke anytime in a house or a car. They are also very prone to weather changes. Skin problems and hip and knee problem are also very common. So it can be said that they are full of diseases from very early age. But if you can keep them in a good care they will obviously survive more. A bulldog is possibly the first-ever dog to ride a car. In , cars were still quite rare. Horatio Nelson Jackson, along with his co-driver Sewall K. With a horsepower car and a pair of goggles for Bud, the three of them proved to the world that cars will pave the way for transportation in the near future. So, maybe you can find a way to use these as motivation for your little one to run and play with you. Bull baiting was banned in the UK in .After that, the English bulldog almost faced extinction. Luckily, many others saw the potential of the breed. Breeders then tried to make them gentler and kinder by mixing them with other breeds that have these characteristics. As a result, they became one of the sweetest and gentlest breeds out there. They are very gentle in nature and they are very affectionate and dependable on their owners. Bulldogs are mainly known for their good courage and guarding abilities. If you are the owner they will need your attention all the time. Even some bulldogs are very dominating in nature. So if you are an owner of strong mentality, you can control them. All of England loves this breed! Since then, it has become one of the most popular breeds in the US, snatching the fourth rank. When bulldogs are young, they are very active and playful but this reduces with time as they grow old. This breed is real family pet and is very suitable for small families. Bulldogs have a habit of drooling which sometimes results in stinky smell. If you can train them in a correct way they will really do everything according to the command. So you can self train them or take them to a dog trainer who can easily train them. Bull dogs are human lovers and they really depend on them. So humans should also be very lovable towards this dig breed. English bulldogs are perhaps the most heavy-eyed dog breed out there. English bulldogs often sleep for 14 hours a day. Maybe they got tired fighting bulls in their early days which is also where they got the name , and they now just want to sit back, relax, and take a nap. English bulldogs are extremely popular among celebrities and important personalities. Some of them have even lived in the White House. Both President William G. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt also took care of a family bulldog called Jaques. David Beckham once received a bulldog named Coco from his wife Victoria as a Christmas present. Even though bulldogs may not like the water or swimming in particular, Michael Phelps has one named Herman. Adam Sandler also has a bulldog named Meatball who served as his best man in his wedding. An English bulldog is best for a small house or an apartment life. Once they grow up they will not be very active in the indoors and bulldog is a real indoor dog. So if you live in a temperate climate, you can bring a puppy today as your pet. You will really get amazed by seeing their loyalty. You have seen some beautiful photos of English bulldog puppies and you can imagine how sweet they are. I'm a blogger who loves to write about pets. I like to try new products, find cute pictures of them and share them with people. Related Posts.
best black german shepherd puppies - What Is a Giant Schnoodle? This hybrid is known for its towering stature, thick curls, big paws, and hypoallergenic coat. Giant Schnoodles are some of the most loyal and fun-to-have large mixed breeds. This pooch is curious, friendly, and bold by nature. Despite being big dogs, Giant Schnoodles love nothing more than cuddles and playtime. Compared to other hybrids, the Giant Schnoodle is fairly new. Thus, it is still not recognized by canine organizations, including the American Kennel Club. The only thing we know for sure is that they were first developed alongside other Poodle mixes sometime in the s. The Giant Schnoodle mix along with other Doodles was originally bred because of its desirable hypoallergenic coat. Despite our limited knowledge of the history of the Giant Schnoodle, we are certain that its parents have a rich history behind them. The Giant Schnauzer was developed in Germany in the mids. This dog descended from its smaller variant, the Standard Schnauzer. It is common knowledge in the pet community that Standard Schnauzers were mixed with Great Danes to develop the Giant Schnauzer breed. These big dogs originally served as working dogs for breweries and livestock farms to drive cattle. On the other hand, Poodles have been around longer compared to the Schnauzer. These intelligent, curly dogs were first developed sometime in the 13th century also in Germany. Germans initially used Poodles as duck hunters and retrievers. Because of their water-resistant coats, the Poodles were also used by fisherfolk for water-related tasks. The AKC officially recognized the Poodle as a recognized breed in .Given the rich history of its parents, the Giant Schnoodle is definitely packed with good traits that trace back hundreds of years. This pup is larger than the average Standard Poodle and about the same size as the Giant Schnauzer. The Giant Schnauzer Poodle mix has a thick, wavy coat that comes in black, silver, tan, white, and other Poodle coat colors. Their coats sit close to the body and are usually smooth and silky in texture. Like its parent breeds, this hybrid has a well-proportioned body and an elegant gait. It is not too muscular nor too thin. The Giant Schnoodle has pretty big paws but slightly slender legs. Their tails often curve upwards but may also be straight. This hybrid can either adopt the boxy muzzle of the Schnauzer or the slightly pointed nose of the Poodle. Interestingly, Giant Schnoodles may also sport different ear shapes. Some of these hybrids can have folded ears like the Schnauzers. Meanwhile, others can have Poodle-style ears, which are long and droopy. All in all, the Giant Schnoodle is a fabulous-looking dog. They are quite literally an upscaled version of the ever-so-cute Schnoodle mix! Meanwhile, a female Giant Schnoodle weighs 55 to 75 pounds and has a height of 22 to 25 inches. As with other dogs, gender plays a role in the size of the Giant Schnoodle. In general, males tend to be a few inches taller and slightly heavier than females. Moreover, this sizable hybrid reaches its full size at around 18 to 24 months old like the Poodle and the Giant Schnauzer. Some grow faster than others, while others noticeably take time to reach their full size. This designer breed is a loyal dog that is affectionate, clever, and super fun to be around! The Giant Schnoodle is also a very friendly and affectionate dog. This is a pet that comprehends social situations and quickly befriends strangers. They do well in households that have lots of family members or other pets. When it comes to training, the Giant Schnoodle is no slouch either! This pup is quick to learn new tricks, especially if you start training early on. That said, their stamina is not the best as these hybrids can get tired quickly. However, because of their inborn intelligence, Giant Schnoodles tend to be mischievous at times. This pup is quick to outsmart its owner. Luckily, their stubborn streak tones down with age. In terms of living conditions, the Giant Schnoodle does best in spacious homes. While they can get away with apartment living from time to time, they still need a room that is big enough to play and stroll around. This is a pup that is prone to separation anxiety, so regular and early socialization is a must for this pooch. All things considered, Giant Schnoodles make great family pets. Because of this, these pups are recommended to everyone, even first-time pet owners! Surprisingly, this designer breed lives a slightly shorter life compared to the Poodle or the Giant Schnauzer. For reference, their two parent breeds have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. This is quite interesting, especially for a hybrid pooch that is supposed to benefit from the so-called hybrid vigor. But why is this? Does this mean that the Giant Schnoodle is an unhealthy breed? The Giant Schnoodle mix is not unhealthy by any means. In fact, compared to other large breed dogs, the Giant Schnoodle has a pretty good life expectancy. However, there are a handful of health issues that may shorten the lifespan of this giant hybrid. This physical disorder causes intense pain while moving and inevitably leads to a decline in posture. A dog that has hip dysplasia is also at risk of inactivity and obesity. Epilepsy: While both the Poodle and Giant Schnauzer are not known to be epileptic breeds, a Giant Schnoodle mix puppy can still develop epilepsy. Epilepsy is a syndrome characterized by unpredictable seizures and sporadic jerking. Thankfully, this issue is manageable through medications. Bloat: Bloat , scientifically known as gastric dilation-volvulus, is a potentially fatal illness requiring immediate medical intervention. The most common causes of bloat are overeating or eating too fast. Hair fall, increased hunger, and panting are a few signs of this condition. As you can see, the Giant Schnoodle may suffer from a number of health conditions. Some of these issues are preventable, while others are straight-up fatal. As always, while this guide is useful, this does not provide veterinary advice. But because of their size, they are a tad bit harder to manage. These dogs are bigger eaters and require a slightly different kind of nutrition. They also need to be provided with training and groomed regularly. Food and Diet The diet requirement of the Giant Schnoodle is, well, for a giant. Needless to say, this dog eats a lot! While not as much as larger and more active dog breeds, the Giant Schnoodle is a big eater. These pups need high-quality dry kibble to support their nutritional needs. In terms of feeding frequency, twice a day is good enough. Do not practice free feeding! A rule of thumb to follow is to stick with fruits, veggies, and white meat. Probiotic vitamins also go a long way in aiding their digestion. Cleaning and Grooming Because Giant Schnoodles are hypoallergenic, they do not need much cleaning. A trip to the groomer once every two months is also ideal. Dental health is something you should keep a close eye on with a Giant Schnoodle mix. Similarly, these dogs should also have their nails clipped at least twice a month. In terms of bathing, the Poodle Giant Schnauzer mix does not need frequent baths. In fact, bathing your pup too frequently is bad for their coat and skin. After all, these dogs are intelligent pups that are playful and have lots of energy. Positive reinforcement works best for the Giant Schnoodle. This training scheme capitalizes on treats, praises, and dog clickers to motivate your pooch. This way is the most enjoyable and effective for them! In terms of exercise, your pup needs at least an hour of physical activity per day. These dogs enjoy swimming, playing fetch, and socializing with other dogs. It is also good to invest in puzzle toys as they will help keep your pooch entertained for hours. Unsurprisingly, this is also true for the Giant Schnoodle mix. Compared to the price of a purebred Poodle and Giant Schnauzer, the price of a Giant Schnoodle is considerably more expensive. However, you can snag one of these hybrids at an affordable price from rescues and shelters. The Schnoodle is the result of the mating of the Schnauzer and the Poodle. Our mini and Giant Schnoodle puppies are .Since this is a hybrid mix between two of the most intelligent dog breeds, you can expect this breed to be far more intelligent than most. Both the Giant Schnoodle and the Miniature Schnoodle have few health issues and the longest lifespan of the other hybrid breeds. The Schnoodle learns very fast and is able to stay on task making the Schnoodle an excellent choice for service or therapy positions. Most clients like the Schnoodle because of its hypoallergenic coat an the fact that the Schnoodle does not shed. We love them because they are easy to train,eager to please and come in a variety of color pattern. The Schnoodle Puppy all sizes and all colors. The Miniature Schnoodle is approximately 15 inches in height and weighs pounds. The Giant Schnoodle stands 27 inches in height and weighs upward of 60 pounds. The Schnoodle coat is meant to resemble the Schnauzer puppy, soft and wavy. First generation litters typically keep the soft and wavy coat throughout their lifetime. The coat should not be wiry like an adult Schnauzer nor have tight curls like the poodle. The Schnoodle coat should be a good balance of both breeds and above all non shedding. Schnoodles look terrific in beards, like their Schnauzer parent. You can keep it clean by trimming it often and cleaning it after meals. The amount of grooming depends on the coat of the individual Schnoodle. The Schnoodle enjoys a good brushing a couple times a week. Overall the Schnoodle is low maintenance. You will want to check the ears, and the eyes of your Schnoodle often to make sure they are clean and nails should be trimmed regularly. The Schnoodle loves to learn, and they are easy to train. The Schnoodle is a branch of the working dog class and would appreciate a job to do. Past Schnoodle Puppies from Feathers and Fleece Farm have went on to do a number of jobs such as assisting brain injury clients, retrieving diabetic test kits and peanut detection just to name a few. Most commonly the Schnoodle is used as an alert dog. Letting families know that there is a stranger on premises. No matter what the job is the Schnoodle is ready to assist and please. We have imprinted each Schnoodle puppy so they are ready to take on their new position in the family. They can grow to be quite large, with males reaching heights of up to 28 inches and weighing up to 80 pounds, and females reaching heights of up to 25 inches and weighing up to 70 pounds. Giant Schnoodle puppies will typically have a fluffy, wavy coat and are known for their intelligence and loyalty. We are loving and grooming each puppy daily for their new life. There is no predetermined date for weaning or departure. We breed only health tested parents with quality features, like a muscular build and a blocky head with a short muzzle. Highly intelligent. Contact About Giant Schnoodles Not to be confused with Miniature Schnoodles , the Giant Schnoodle is a rare breed that is achieved by combining a Giant Schnauzer about 75 pounds and 25 inches tall at the shoulder with a Standard Poodle about 70 pounds. This combination produces a highly intelligent, easily trained, loyal, calm and affectionate dog. Giant Schnoodle Temperament The Giant Schnoodle is a very sweet, laid back dog that can be goofy sometimes too. They do well when left to themselves but they need daily interaction with their family and thrive on exercise. They will happily carry a pack for you with water bottles etc. Grooming Their coat is a soft silky wavy coat with soft curls. Their coat is non-shedding, hypoallergenic and our puppies are black. These dogs love water, so much to that they would appreciate a pool to use if possible a kiddy pool will do , or a lake, a pond, creek or even a puddle! Be prepared to attract attention as wherever you go with your Giant Schnoodle people will stop you to Ohhs and Ahhs! These are all of our wonderful Giant Mommies December
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best black german shepherd puppies - Gap in birth The overall Labrador gestation period is from 58 to 64 days. You will notice when your Labrador is ready to give birth by watching for common signs such as a lack of appetite and a rigid abdomen. You might find them crying; it may be due to the labor pain. How many puppies does a Labrador have in their first litter? After their first litter, they will have on average between 6 to 10 puppies. Labrador Litter Size The average Lab litter size can range between 1 to 12 puppies depending on the health, age, and size of the dog. The size of a litter is different for different breeds; large breeds give birth to more puppies than small ones. Litter size depends on the size, diet, and age of the Labrador, the litter size may increase or decrease. You should also know about the Labrador heat cycle. The biggest litter recorded in the Labrador breed was the birth of 14 puppies. What factors affect the litter size in Labradors? Litter size is not a fixed thing, but it changes depending on different factors. The very first litter of the female Labrador is mostly tiny as compared to the other litter. If the female is under 7 years, there are chances of a small litter. While on the other hand, sometimes breeding Labrador before 5 years can result in a large litter size in puppies. Even labs that give birth between 2 to 5 years of age get large litters. Older Labradors produce less sperm than young male labs; this may affect the litter size in terms of puppies. However, the male Labrador that is 5 years old has an abundance of quality sperm, which contributes to a healthy and large litter. This is why it is highly recommended to allow breeding when both the male and female Labradors are 5 years old. The health of the Labradors Health plays an important role when it comes to litter size. In short, both of the Labradors should be healthy in order to maximize the overall number of puppies. As a dog parent, if you want your female lab to give birth to the maximum amount of puppies. Providing the best quality supplements to both male and female Labradors is really going to help in increasing litter size. Diet A female Labrador with a poor diet is never going to give birth to the required number of puppies. If you expect a large litter size from your Labrador, you should first provide her with the best quality food throughout the year, not just in the breeding season. Providing the best quality and suitable quantity of food is going to improve the fertility of your female Labrador. We are not talking about providing a bunch of supplements but a balanced diet to produce a large litter. Gene pool As mentioned above, it is not all about the female Labrador. Still, male Labradors somehow plays a role in litter size. Fertility is the only factor that is affected by the gene pool. Other than this, traits are primarily hereditary. Sometimes, the color, size, and eye colors are not affected by the gene pool, but all of these are hereditary. Gap in birth Last but not least, the gap between the birth seasons also affects the litter size of the female Labrador. You cannot expect the same large litter two years later. Consult a vet when you are planning to breed your Labrador. As such, they are recognized experts in facts and figures for many breeds of dogs. According to their data, most labrador litters contain between five and ten puppies, with the average being seven. In comparison to all dog breeds, Labradors are right in the middle. The average size of a litter of puppies, in general, is five or six dogs. The largest known litter of labradors ever recorded was 14 puppies , born to a black labrador in the United Kingdom in .Labradors are huge fans of babies as they age. Active families love a Lab! In short, probably not. Your vet can confirm pregnancy, give an estimate of how far along the pregnancy is, and give you an approximate due date. Humans and canines alike know the excitement of a first pregnancy. When it comes to labradors, this can also impact the size of the litter. Biological and evolutionary factors come into play and make first litters smaller. Expect one or two additional puppies from her first two. After the fourth pregnancy, the litter size tends to taper off. In addition to whether or not it is her first litter, the age of the mother labrador also affects the size of the litter. Generally speaking, the older the mother, the smaller the litter size. This fact is a little confusing, though, when you also consider that first litters are smaller. It means that a 3-year-old labrador will have larger litters than a 5- or 6-year-old labrador. So, if two female labradors have their third litter at ages four and six, the four-year-old labrador is likely to have the larger litter of the two. How Old is Dad? Believe it or not, the age of the father of the puppies can also impact the size of the litter. This is because of the viability of his sperm. When a female dog is in heat, her ovaries release several eggs that are ready for fertilization. However, if the male dog is older, his sperm tends to be less vigorous, meaning fewer will reach the eggs, and therefore fewer eggs will be fertilized, resulting in smaller litter size. A Labrador lounges on his dog bed Natural versus Artificial Insemination How did the mother dog become pregnant? Many labrador breeders and breeders for other types of dogs, as well prefer artificial insemination. It also takes the social interactions of the two dogs out of the equation. Some dog handlers and breeders hesitate to put their mama dogs in such a sensitive and potentially unpredictable situation. The bad news is that, while artificial insemination seems to be the more controlled and safe option, it usually yields fewer puppies. Of course, the breed of the dog is a significant factor in genetics. Does the Size of the Mom Matter? Not really. If you have a mom who is part labrador herself or is a purebred labrador but has puppies with another breed, some of these numbers and averages change. If your pregnant pooch is only part labrador, the size of her litter will also depend on what other breeds she contains. The general rule of thumb is that the larger the breed, the larger the litter. If your lab is a part German shepherd , expect a somewhat bigger litter. The breed of the father matters less, though. The breed of the father has more to do with the size of each individual puppy. Fun fact: the largest known litter of puppies ever recorded is a whopping .Unsurprisingly, the 15 male and nine female puppies were born to a Neopolitan Mastiff in , one of the most giant breeds around. Do Labs like water? Healthy dogs tend to produce larger litters. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Andorra and Spain Hi Nigel and welcome to the forum. I have two Labs from the same litter. It's definitely not advised and there is lots of information out there saying that you should never do it. I can definitely tell you that it's a lot harder than having one puppy! Now, I'm the one that does all the training, and so my situation is slightly different to yours. The important thing is that they spend a lot of time apart. If they spend too much time together, you run the risk of them becoming too closely bonded to each other and not as close to you. I actually brought one of mine home at 8 weeks and decided later to take the second one against my better judgement , who came home at 14 weeks, so we had had plenty of time to do initial bonding with the first puppy. Even with all the hard work I put in to keeping them separate, I was really concerned about the prospect of litter mate syndrome; not so much the fact that, according to some organisations, "one of the puppies will never reach its full potential", because I have no aspirations to working or trialling, but more the unmanageable aggression that can manifest. If this does happen, it appears there is nothing to be done except re-home one of them. At 14 months, I'm pretty certain they're past the "danger zone" but I had considered which dog would be re-homed if the situation arose. It was a very pragmatically made decision, but it would have broken my heart if it had happened. You have to weigh up whether you could make this decision, if necessary. This seems to be largely down to luck. We often see another one of the litter mates, who lives in our village and, I can honestly say that if I had taken her alongside my bitch, they would have had to have been separated because their playing often veers towards the aggressive, despite the fact that they only see each other about once a month. Of course we all stick up for our own dogs, but there's something in the other one that doesn't mesh with Willow, and also makes Shadow start bullying Willow, which never happens otherwise. My two do play very rough together, but Annie is a catalyst to unpleasantness. Having done it myself, I would advise against it, although not because it's not possible to raise two well-adjusted dogs. For most people, I'd say that it's just not practical to take the time separately with each puppy and takes more than regular dedication, but in your case, that may not be so much of a consideration. However, you have to be aware that you are taking a big gamble and have to be prepared to give one of them away; I don't think that's fair on yourself or the dogs. It seems that, however much work you put into it not happening, it's largely out of your control. The stories of litter mates ending up literally trying to kill each other are horrifying, and I can see how that behaviour would easily occur between Willow and Annie, even though Willow and Shadow are fantastic together and, incidentally, Willow is fantastic with every single other dog. Moreover, most reputable breeders won't allow you to take two puppies from the same litter, so you may want to question the motives of any that allow it. In my case, the breeder was a friend and inexperienced; I was telling him about these things rather than the other way around. All the best, In this article How to determine your Labrador's litter size As we've said, the number of puppies inside a Labrador's belly varies greatly. Your pet can have anywhere from one to over twelve puppies. The average litter size is five to ten, but it is heavily influenced by several factors more on that later. Your veterinarian can actually help you find out exactly how many puppies there are inside a Lab's uterus. They can take X-rays of the pregnant female and count the skeletons of pups in her belly. This is an acceptable way to determine litter size in dogs. You have to wait until six weeks of pregnancy for puppies' skeletal system to develop. Ultrasound scans and abdominal palpation are other ways to estimate litter size. What is the average litter size for Labs? In , a comprehensive study was performed to answer the question of litter size in dogs. The researchers analyzed breeds and more than 10, litters, and they calculated the average litter size to be 5. However, there was a clear difference between miniature and large breeds. The former only had 3. The above research is for all dog breeds. But the AKC analyzed over 85, Labrador litters to conclude that Labs have a typical range of five to ten puppies, with an average of 7. So we can safely say that Labradors, being a large breed, will likely have a larger litter size. Though cases of producing just a puppy or two are not unheard of. Overall, if you have a pregnant Lab mother, expect her to give birth to about half a dozen babies. The biggest Labrador litter on record Now you know how many puppies to expect when your Lab gets pregnant. And you're probably wondering, "But what's the maximum they can pop out? Back in , when a black Scottish Labrador named Anne was pregnant, the vet predicted that she would have three to six puppies. Little did they know, the proud mama kept popping out babies one after the other until there were 15 of them! A more recent case was reported a few months back in April .Here, A Labrador called Bella produced 14 fur babies, just one shy of the record set in .The labor lasted for seven hours, and Bella gave birth to eight black and six yellow Labs. Fun fact: Anne's 15 kids are a lot, but the Guinness World Record for most puppies is set by Tia, a Neapolitan mastiff. She gave birth to 24 puppies in November .Of course, she couldn't do it all by herself and had to take the help of a Cesarean section. Factors affecting Labrador litter size Many variables influence how many puppies Labradors have. In this section, we'll talk about some of the crucial ones. But several other factors such as breeding management, reproductive history, and season also play a role. Even the environment she lives in affects her well-being and, consequently, the health and number of her babies. Much of the information here is sourced from an article published by Dr. Bretaigne Jones for Royal Canin. Age Labradors usually remain fertile for their entire lives. However, as you might imagine, their litter size decreases as they get older. As a general rule, Labs are most fertile between the ages of two to five. However, regardless of her age, a dog's first litter is usually smaller than the future ones. After the first one, the number of puppies increases with every litter, through the fourth litter. Then, it starts declining steadily. A Labrador will have her first heat cycle anytime after she's six months old. But you should never breed a Lab during her first heat cycle, as she's relatively young at this point. Imposing the stress of pregnancy and lactation can have adverse effects on the mother's mental health. Just like very old females, too young mothers also produce smaller litters. This is why the AKC recommends waiting for the third heat cycle, which means not breeding until the female Lab is months old. Lastly, the male Lab's age also affects the litter size. But the influence is much less than the female's age. As a male Lab gets older, his sperm count and quality decrease. He will produce larger litters under the age of five. Breed Size We've already discussed that smaller breeds tend to produce fewer puppies, and larger breeds have a bigger litter size. This trend is seen even within the same breed. A Labrador weighing 45 pounds 20 kg may only produce five or six babies, while a pound 32 kg Lab may give birth to a litter of ten puppies or more. Again, these are only generalizations based on the data available about Labrador puppies, which means there will be exceptions. You can have a relatively small Lab giving birth to nine or ten pups every litter. Health and Nutrition This one is a no-brainer. If your Lab is happy and healthy, she'll give birth to more puppies, and the babies born will be healthier as well. The mother needs to be in perfect health so that she and her pups survive the birthing and whelping process. Not only the female but the male Lab should also be healthy if you want to avoid complications. Nutrition is crucial for your Labs throughout their entire lives. And when it comes to breeding, diet directly affects the litter size. Both male and female Labs will produce healthier and larger litters if they've been fed a high-quality diet. Check out my Recommended Products for foods that I recommend, including custom fresh food solutions. Gene Pool Diversity Breeding two dogs from diverse genetic backgrounds results in bigger litters. Similarly, the smaller the gene pool is, the fewer puppies your Lab will have. Gene pool is smaller when closely related dogs brothers and sisters, fathers and daughters, etc. The more dogs are bred from the same line, the smaller the litter will be. This process of mating such dogs is known as inbreeding. We can measure the gene pool diversity using the coefficient of inbreeding, a numerical value ranging from zero not inbred at all to one completely inbred. Other Factors to Consider Apart from the things we discussed, litter size is also affected by: Type of breeding: Natural breeding results in more puppies than artificial insemination AI. Using AI can decrease the litter size by as much as 15 percent. Season: Usually, if a Lab gives birth in spring, she produces more puppies. But if the breeding takes place in summer, the litter size is smaller. Mating frequency: Litter size is smaller if the female is bred only once. So it's recommended to mate the Labs every other day until the female refuses to mate. What can you do to increase litter size in Labradors? While litter size is mostly out of our control, optimal conditions can increase how many puppies Labradors have. The first thing you should do is feed your Labs a healthy diet throughout their lives. There's no reason to spend extra money on grain-free food because dogs' evolution has given them the ability to digest grains easily. Just make sure you're feeding them one of the high-quality kibbles available in the market. Apart from a healthy diet, you should also give her enough playtime and exercise to maintain her ideal body weight. For female Labradors, it's lbs. Pregnancy drains the mother's body of protein, vitamins, minerals, and energy. You need to satisfy her dietary needs with food rich in fats and carbohydrates. Feeding a low-carb diet during pregnancy leads to increased fetal death and stillbirths. Consult your vet and make sure her diet includes enough vitamins, amino acids, minerals, omega-3 acids, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. As the mother nears the last three weeks of pregnancy, her dietary needs will increase significantly. This is because the embryonic puppies gain 75 percent of their body weight during this period. Depending on the litter size, she may need one and a half to two times her typical requirement for these few weeks. Control inbreeding risk Another thing you control is the coefficient of inbreeding. We've seen that mating closely related Labs results in decreased litter size. So it's the breeder's responsibility to choose suitable Labradors to pair. It would be best if the male and female Lab's last three ancestors are unrelated. Lastly, you can give your Lab lots of love and attention. She's going through a challenging period, and it's up to you to support her. Doing this doesn't directly increase the litter size, but it keeps the mother happy and enhances her well-being. So go and scratch her behind the ears! The One-Half Rule This is a general rule that's usually followed by all mammals. It states that a mother will produce half as many babies as there are nipples on her. Sounds interesting, right? Statistics back this rule. Most female dogs have eight to ten nipples, and as we've seen, the average litter size is 5. Humans, of course, have two. Most mothers give birth to one child at a time, but they may also produce twins occasionally. While it does happen, having more than two babies is rare among humans because nature tries to ensure enough nutrition and nourishment for all the babies. Now don't start counting your Lab's nipples! This is simply a statistical correlation; it's not a method you can use to predict litter size. The best way to determine litter size is to take your Lab to the vet. How often do Labradors produce puppies? As we've discussed, female dogs can go into heat anytime after they're six months old. After the first heat cycle, they will typically go into heat twice a year, which means they can produce puppies every six months. However, many breeders and veterinarians advise against breeding continuously. They contend that it's hard on the mother's body and decreases the litter size. Accordingly, they allow their female Lab to breed every other heat cycle, which means the mother will give birth to one litter per year. Others, including one I spoke with on the issue, contend that breeding back to back has physiological benefits for mothers, citing commentary from Dr. Robert Van Hutchinson, a well renowned veterinarian and reproduction specialist. In an online reproduction seminar , Dr. Hutchinson explained that the female's progesterone levels remain elevated for 60 days during ovulation - regardless of pregnancy. This causes severe stress to the uterine lining, and can lead to long term health issues. Therefore, skipping seasons prolongs this activity as opposed to breeding season after season and retiring the mother early. How many puppies Labs have in their lifetime As we've discussed, a Lab goes into heat twice every year, which means she can give birth to a litter every six months. Suppose a female starts breeding when she's two years old and continues doing so until she's eight. In that case, she would produce 13 litters over her lifetime. We've also seen that the average number of pups a Labrador produces is 7. We know that litter size is affected by several factors and does not stay the same throughout the years. But for argument's sake, let's say our female Lab continues to give birth to seven kids during every heat cycle. So theoretically, a Labrador can give birth to over 90 puppies in her lifetime. How long are Labradors pregnant? When measured from the date of ovulation, gestation lasts for days. Since it's difficult to determine the date of ovulation, you cannot know precisely how long your Lab will be pregnant. This is because male sperm can live for 10 to 11 days in the uterine tubes of the female dog. However, for the most part, you should expect your Lab's gestation period to last for two months, or maybe slightly longer. Signs of pregnancy in a Labrador As we've discussed, Labs' gestation period is only about two months. So you don't have a lot of time to notice and interpret the signs. Many pet owners are shocked to find their Lab pregnant in the final days of her pregnancy. Below are some signs of pregnancy in Labradors. If you start to notice them in your female dog, it could be that she's about to give birth to little fur babies. Your dog becomes exhausted quickly or spends more time sleeping Loss of appetite early stages or increased appetite later stages She becomes more affectionate, seeking extra attention, and wanting to stay beside you Appearing lethargic or depressed and just want to be left alone all the time There's mucus discharge from her vulva occurs about a month after mating Her nipples' size or color changes happens about a month after mating Her abdomen size increases noticeable after 40 days She gains weight starts happening around day 35 Of course, the best way to determine whether your Lab is pregnant is to take her to a vet. They will perform one of several diagnostic tests to determine if she will become a mother. Abdominal palpation, ultrasound scan, witness relaxing test, and X-rays are the most common ways to check pregnancy. Final thoughts Breeding Labradors isn't an easy task. You have to invest time and effort to take care of the mother and her puppies properly. Labs usually have five to ten babies per litter, and the average litter size seems to be 7. Factors like the mother's age, health, diet, and the coefficient of inbreeding affect how many puppies Labradors have. We can also influence the litter size to some extent by making sure the female Lab is healthy and by selecting unrelated dogs for mating. Many breeders mate their Labradors every other heat cycle once a year ; others believe back-to-back breeding to be most effective. Tweet on Twitter It is not unusual for people go to visit a litter of Labrador puppies to choose their pet, and come home with not one puppy but two! Two puppies usually settle in together very happily. After all, leaving home with your brother or sister is a great deal more fun than leaving home all by yourself! It may seem that bringing two Labrador puppies home together is great. That the two dogs will be good company for each other whilst you are busy, growing up to be great friends and playmates. But is this really a good idea? In this article we are going to look at the challenges involved in raising two puppies. Helping you to decide whether this is the right decision for your family. There is clearly a lot of appeal to the idea. You might disagree with your family about which puppy is best and think it will sort the argument out. You might think two are equally adorable. Or even be concerned about him feeling lonely when you need to leave the house. But there are a lot of factors you need to take into account to make the right decision. Bonding With Your Puppy Two puppies of the same or a similar age, form a terrific bond. Unfortunately this bond is often at the expense of a bond with the owner. Your littermate pups may be so besotted with each other that they will have little time for you. Why Does This Matter? It matters because building a bond between you and your dog is very important if you are to be successful in training the dog. To have a great relationship with your dog, you need to be the centre of his universe. If you have two puppies at once, this is hard to achieve without constantly separating the dogs. Littermate Syndrome Littermate syndrome is the name given to certain behaviors shown by a pair of puppies from the same litter. It is not a condition that has been extensively scientifically studied, but more one that has been born from observation in these scenarios. Littermate syndrome describes two dogs who are overly fixated on each other. They show little interest in their human family or other dogs. They will often be very nervous and insular. If allowed to bond to this degree, dogs can become very distressed at being separated even for short periods of time. This can make living with them very challenging in terms of training, exercising and when dealing with enforced separation for example veterinary visits. Littermate syndrome is not a definite result of taking on littermates, nor one which has been studied beyond anecdotal evidence. However, it does describe behaviors that can potentially occur when two puppies at allowed to become constantly dependant upon each other. Raising Two Puppies From Different Litters You might hope to avoid littermate syndrome by raising two puppies from different litters. Unfortunately, this is not a guaranteed solution to this problem. Two puppies of similar ages can become just as co-dependant as two from the same litter. Nor does it avoid the other more practical pitfalls of buying two puppies at once. Such as the trouble with training sessions. Even family pets need to learn basic commands and house manners. They need to be taught not to nip, not to jump up, to walk nicely on the leash. They will probably also need to learn to sit and stay, not to mention coming when they are called. You cannot train a dog in the early stages whilst his brother is leaping all over him or attracting his attention. Dogs have to be trained singly, away from other dogs, until the training reaches a point where they can be trained together. This happens much later, often months if not years down the line. Two puppies are an incredible distraction to each other. In order to teach even very simple skills, you will need to have one pup well out of sight and sound. You will need to ensure that you have time to train both dogs if you want to commit to bringing home a pair of puppies. Puppies are a lot of work, and two puppies can be more than twice the work of one. Your pleasure in the early weeks of having a puppy may be greatly reduced by having to divide your time between the two. Think hard about the other commitments in your life and whether you have not just the time, but the energy. Can you logistically deal with two sets of potty training? Do you have the patience to calmly work with not one but two chewing, biting, crying puppies? Walking Two Dogs At Once When considering raising two puppies, you will have to decide what to do about walking them. Walking two dogs at once can be a joyful experience when they have good recall and can walk to heel off-leash. But this will not be something you can reliably do until they are well past the proofing stage of training. Early walks are all about establishing good behavior and focussing on training. If you take on two puppies at once, they will need to be walked separately. Or at least managed by two different individuals on the walk. They might also find the sight of each other terribly distracting and need to be walked on different routes initially. My Breeder Recommends That I Take Two Puppies No reputable and experienced dog breeder will ever sell two littermates to one family, unless the buyer is an experienced dog trainer who is going to house the dogs separately. If the breeder you have chosen is recommending you buy two puppies at once, I am afraid that she is probably doing so for one of two reasons: Because she needs the money. Because she is unaware of the problems it will cause you. Either way, you may want to have another think about whether this is the right breeder for you. They might not have the ethics or experience that a good Labrador breeder requires to help a new puppy parent make the right choices. Raising Two Puppies Successfully Raising two puppies successfully will take time, patience, space and money. Unless you have a lot of free time and some experience in dog training, two puppies at a time can be a very challenging experience. Whilst the first few days might be easier, the next six months could have you tearing your hair out. So do think hard before you do it. For most families, it is far easier to wait until your puppy is over a year old before introducing another dog into the household. That way they will each have your full attention when they are small, and form a good bond with you that is more powerful than the bond they have with each other. You will also probably get a lot more enjoyment out of them in the early days too. How about you? Have you already brought home two littermates? What do you think are the pros and cons? Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. But what if you have a Lab that has recently given birth to only 2 puppies? Is that normal for Labradors, or should it be a cause for concern? The larger the breed, the more likely the litter will be bigger, but a healthy Lab can also have a small litter. The rest of this article will go into Labrador litter sizes in greater detail. Keep reading to learn more about this exciting subject! The breed of the mother is another factor to consider. Make sure to keep your puppies warm during the first few weeks. If the mother has previously had larger litters, she may be confused or distressed due to having such a small litter this time around. You should also stay close to her if she seems highly distressed. Littermates Are Important for Puppy Development During the first few weeks of life, puppies learn basic social skills by playing and play-biting each other. The mother will scold puppies for being too aggressive and teach them manners. Feeding your Lab a healthy diet will also increase the chances of a big litter. After seven years old, having a small litter becomes more common in Labradors and all dogs. Although it may not seem like it, keeping your Labrador healthy and active will also increase its chances of having many puppies. A healthy Labrador will have a more muscular body, so carrying a big litter will be easier. Litter Size Occurs Naturally You can do certain things to make it more likely for your Labrador to have a bigger litter, but it may not always work. Or she may be too young or too old! Many small dog breeds are likely to have small litters, such as Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Dachshunds, and Yorkshire terriers. Typically, Labs will always have many more puppies than a Pomeranian. Jack Russels, for example, are a small breed, but their average litter size is six. Six is a big number, considering how tiny Jack Russels are! A healthy Labrador between 2 and 5 years old has the best chance of having a big litter. Smaller litters need extra help to stay warm due to the lack of warmth from littermates.