best treats for boxer puppies

How could you not love a baby with a smile as wide as her sweet face? Marge looks you straight in the eye and searches your face to see exactly how she can make you happy. She is working on sitting, staying, and lying down. Marge is so smart! Marge and her sister, Lisa, were abandoned on the side of the road with her sister Lisa. Someone just left them on the side of the road to die a harsh death. We tried our darndest to ignore their plight but when I drove by a second time and saw how terrified and hungry they were, we had to help. We brought them food and water in buckets and prayed they would be friendly since I had heard all the stories about pit bulls. I admit they were leery of us too but as soon as they had a few bites they became our best buddies. Marge was so thin, and something had caused some serious cuts and abrasions, but she has never even paused in her outpouring of love and gratitude. What a precious girl. Marge is especially intelligent and gentle and loves nothing more than sitting beside you, knowing you are near. Marge loves kisses and belly rubs, running wide open, and treats. She will make a devoted fur baby to a family that does not have cats or chickens. I do not know about other dogs, but it would be better to err on the cautiousAvailable dogs are met by appointment only and pre-approved adopters ONLY. Our dogs are currently in a foster homes which can answer your questions better than anyone else. The application is the first step. Volunteers process the applications and need time above their personal needs and full-time jobs to process the apps. Please have patience. We do not have any paid staff members. Russell Rescue will try to first place our rescue dogs locally or in surrounding states. Russell Rescue is not open to the public for visiting hours. We do not have a physical location of our own. September 14, , pm. Boxer puppies for sale Nashville, Tennessee Boxer puppies for sale Nashville, Tennessee Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. His main purpose is for hunting large game. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. It is said that he got his name due to using his front paws for just about anything. Boxer dogs look intimidating with their stern-looking faces and powerful bodies. But they are actually very loving family dogs that get along with children and other animals. They love being with their families, and being separated from them can lead them to develop separation anxiety. Since this working dog is highly intelligent but stubborn in nature, he is better suited for experienced owners. The average lifespan of the breed is 9—10 years. Look for a boxer puppies for sale Nashville Tennessee? Here is a brief background of this protective dog with a good sense of humour. History of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed is a descendant of the now-extinct Bullenbeisser a fighting dog with Mastiff ancestry and the Old English Bulldog. He was developed in Germany in the 19th century as hunters of deer, wild boar, and bear. Later on, he was used to guard and drive cattle. The man responsible for the creation of the Boxer breed was Georg Alt, who was from Munich. He crossed a brindle-coloured female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown breed. In , the first German Boxer dog named Flocki joined a dog show in Munich. After winning the dog show, he was the first-ever Boxer dog to be listed down in the German Studbook. Modern Boxer dogs were believed to be the descendants of Flocki. Boxer puppies for sale in Nashville TN The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. The American Boxer Club was established in .In both world wars, various military tasks were given to Boxer dogs including guard dogs, attack dogs, and messenger dogs. The British Boxer Dog Club was then formed in .The Boxer breed was recognised by the Kennel Club shortly thereafter and classified under the Working Group. Versatile and hard-working, these dogs are capable of carrying out different canine work. Boxers are good choices for protection dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Temperament and Intelligence of the Boxer puppies Nashville for sale Extremely patient and gentle, the Boxer breed is good with children. But he is recommended for families with older children as he may accidentally knock over toddlers. Befriending other pets is possible if the Boxer dog is properly socialised at a young age. It will keep him from viewing small animals as prey and reduce his tendency to dominate same-sex dogs. Is a Boxer a good family dog? Yes, the Boxer breed is a good family dog. He may look noble and intimidating, but he is actually considered the Joker of the Dog World. Boxer dogs are playful and fun-loving. They love to be part of family activities and be the centre of attention. Are Boxer dogs dangerous? Boxer dogs may be tough-looking, but they are not generally aggressive. But they will stand guard and defend their families if necessary. Boxer dogs are initially wary of strangers, but they eventually warm up to them if no danger is detected. Their protective and loyal nature makes them good guard dogs as well as watchdogs. Are Boxers easy to train? Yes, Boxer dogs are easy to train if you are already experienced in handling the breed. They are intelligent but tend to be independent and stubborn. Due to this, they are not suited for first-time owners. Boxer dogs respond better to people that are firm and consistent. However, firm does not mean harsh. Instead of strict training methods, positive reinforcements are more effective in teaching this breed basic dog manners and tricks. Boxer Breed Highlights The Boxer dog breed is a loving, loyal, and protective companion. Boxer dogs are comical companions despite their intimidating appearance. The Boxer breed has low-maintenance grooming needs. As an energetic working dog, he has high exercise needs. Boxer dogs tend to be destructive when they are left alone or unable to let off steam. Are there miniature boxers? Yes, but they are rare. Miniature boxers are either a product of mating purebred runts or cross-breeding small dogs that have similar characteristics to boxers, such as Boston terriers, pugs, rat terriers, and fox terriers. While some of these minis may closely resemble their larger counterparts, they may not act similarly. Are boxers hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, boxers are not hypoallergenic. What problems do Boxers have? Boxer dogs are brachycephalic, which means they have flat faces. This trait narrows their airway and causes breathing problems. As a result, Boxers should not be out in the sun for a long time as it can lead to heatstroke. Overexercising them must be avoided too to avoid triggering breathing difficulties. How long do Boxer dogs live? The Boxer dog breed has a short lifespan compared to other dogs. He can only live up to 9—10 years, and this is due to the prevalence of health issues in the breed. When buying a Boxer puppy, look for a reputable breeder whose breeding stock and litters are health-screened. This will help you determine how likely is your chosen Boxer puppy going to develop certain health conditions. The city grew quickly due to its strategic location as a port on the Cumberland River and, in the 19th century, a railroad center. Nashville seceded with Tennessee during the American Civil War, in it was the first state capital in the Confederacy to fall to Union troops. After the war, the city reclaimed its position and developed a manufacturing base. Wiki Nashville Drop us a line! We will not send you unnecessary notices in the future. My name is Tetyana and I am glad to welcome you on the site of the breed nursery. Welcome to the Tennessee state page on TrustedPuppies. Famed for its rich musical history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality, Tennessee is a fantastic place to find and raise your new Boxer companion. Our goal is to connect you with the most exceptional Boxer breeders and puppies for sale in the region, ensuring you find the perfect furry friend for your family. Our site features a wide variety of reputable breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our Tennessee breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. Discover the vibrant dog-friendly scene in Tennessee, featuring inviting restaurants, spacious dog parks, and engaging dog shows. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the Nashville Kennel Club Dog Show provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of Boxer canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. With an estimated thousand dogs residing in the state, Tennessee ranks 27th in the nation for dog ownership. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable Boxer breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in Tennessee. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your Boxer puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect Boxer puppy on TrustedPuppies.

In some cases, the mother may be unable or unwilling to nurse her little ones, requiring you to step in and provide care. Bottle-feeding requires time and patience as new puppies require feeding every two to three hours. Learning a few tricks will make feeding time easier on you and the growing puppies. Choosing Bottles and Nipples When bottle-feeding puppies, it is important to choose bottles that are comfortable for you to use as well as nipples that will properly deliver milk replacement to the hungry little ones. For the puppies, the important part is the nipple and the size of the openings. When the bottle is full of puppy formula, tip it upside down. Give the bottle a gentle squeeze. Ideally, milk will come out a small drop at a time. When bottle-feeding a puppy, nipple openings too small cause the pup to expend additional energy to try to get the milk out, often resulting in the pup not receiving enough nutrients. In addition, the pup can ingest too much air while trying to feed, leading to gas and bloating. If you see a puppy struggling to get milk, heat sterilize a needle and increase the opening size. Too large of an opening can result in too much milk being taken in and increases the risk of inhaling milk into the lungs. Labeling the Bottles and Nipples Nipple openings will vary among pups. A weak pup may need a larger opening while a pup with a strong sucking reflex will do better with smaller openings. When feeding a large litter of pups, one trick is to label the nipple rings for each individual pup. Sanitation Sanitation and sterilization is essential for bottle-fed pups, especially if they were unable to get any of the colostrum from their mother. These pups lack the antibodies to fight infection. Wash and sterilize all bottle components before the first use and after every feeding. Boil bottles and nipples for at least 10 minutes. Remove from the boiling water and allow to air dry until the next feeding. Positioning and Feeding When it comes to the best positioning to feed a puppy, think of how they nurse from their mother. Puppies lie on their tummies and snuggle up close to their mom for warmth. Bottle feeding is no different. Wrap the puppy in a small towel for warmth and lay her across your lap. If the pup does not begin sucking, gently rub the chin and neck. Constipation and Gas Just like human babies, puppies who bottle feed need burping to let out any gas. Lift the pup onto your shoulder and gently tap and rub her back until she burps. Once she burps, you need to help her go to the bathroom. New pups are unable to urinate or poop without assistance. Mother dogs must lick puppies to stimulate elimination. With bottle-fed pups, you must take on this role. You should see urine at almost every feeding and stool every two to three feedings. Without stimulation, your pup can become constipated and sick. Full value puppy feeding is the only source for him to get all necessary nutrients. During first days of his life the main puppy feeding product is his mother's milk, that includes all necessary vitamins and minerals providing normal vital functions of his organism. That is why you should remember, that useful condition of mother-dog's milk depends on what and how you feed her. Her feeding must be full and nutrient as well. During feeding period you should carefully watch that stronger puppies didn't push off those who are weak. Weak puppies are to be put under the most "milky" nipples. Full puppies usually sleep after feeding. If they whine and act restlessly they are hungry. When the puppies will be 14 days and they open the eyes, you are to begin complementary feeding if the mother-dog doesn't have enough milk, then even earlier. You can start complementary or even bottle feeding at any age of your puppies. First the puppies must be fed two times a day after they suck mother's milk, gradually increasing a number of feedings. When the puppies reach 2 weeks age, they can be fed times a day. Blind new-born puppies are to be bottle-fed with special nipple put on the bottle. The hole in the nipple must be of such size that milk drip easily through it. The necessary for puppies temperature of milk is C. When the puppies open their eyes th day , you should habituate them to eat of the plate. It is recommended to feed each puppy separately the weak puppies first until the puppy himself refuses to eat. Then you can put the puppy under his mother-dog. The puppies are to be fed with whole warm milk or baby nutrition. When the puppies grow up a little you can give them milk porridge made of semolina, oat flour and on the 14th day of their life - white bread with boiled milk, home fatless force-meat and cottage cheese. While the puppies grow up, mother-dog loses her milk and starts avoiding her children. Do not force her to stay always close to the puppies. As far as the milk accumulates in her breast she will feed them herself. In feeding with dry foods you should take into account that all dogs have individual digestive system. If some foods cause allergy, diarrhea or your puppy just doesn't like it, it would be better to change it into another one. When buying dry foods, always check its expiration date. You should also remember that food amount for each dog is highly individual, so the dosage written on the bag is correct only relatively. But again, if you feed your puppy with natural food, remember than half of its food must include protein products such as meat, fish, cottage cheese and eggs. As for the meat, it should be fatless, beef is better. It is not really comfortable for Boxers and Boxer puppies to tear big piece of meat into small ones, because of its specific bite, that is why it is better to cut meat into smaller pieces. If you are going to feed your puppy with animal internal organs, for example liver, make sure that it doesn't contain any helminths. Besides, there are a lot of A and D vitamins, the excess amount of which is as harmful as their lack. It is better to give your Boxer puppy sea fish to avoid helminths. Poultry and fish bones are contra-indicated for Boxer. As for eggs, they are a perfect source of vitamins, that is why they are so useful, but in moderate amounts. Their excess can cause hypervitaminosis and skin rashes. Egg albumens are also capable to bind and to remove H-vitamin also called biotin from the organism, that is necessary for good state of the skin and fur. What vegetables to choose for your Boxer puppy? The best among them are carrot, pumpkin and squash. Cabbage, especially stewed, is very useful for your little Boxer. However, it causes flatulence in many dogs. If you are going to feed your Boxer puppy with cereals, remember that it is better to give him boiled rice, buckwheat, wheat and corn as well as corn and oat flakes. Most of the protein food your puppy should get in the raw state. You can give carrot partly stewed and partly grated. Other products are better to give boiled for them to be assimilated well. Only corn and oat flakes are enough to be filled with broth or kefir. These recommendations you can also use for feeding adult Boxer dog as well. However, there exist some differences. When your puppy is 1. Food, warmth and lots of shut-eye are required for health and growth in his first few weeks. But with his eyes closed during this time, he will need monitoring and a little help from you. Step 1 Rub a bit of the mother's milk on the puppy's nose, and help him find her nipple for nursing so he connects the two. Puppies must feed within the first 12 to 36 hours to receive the mother's colostrum, which contains vital antibodies and nutrition for his survival. He should be nursing every two hours the first week, with longer intervals between feedings after that. Step 2 Check the puppy throughout the day to make sure he is warm and breathing. Newborn boxers sleep constantly and typically make soft sounds in their sleep. Add a towel-covered hot water bottle or heating pad on a low setting to provide additional warmth for your puppy. Step 3 Make sure the newborn boxer puppy is going to the bathroom after he eats. As he is unable to do so himself, his mother will lick him to cause the urge to go each day. If possible, wipe this up immediately with a paper towel so he doesn't lie in it or his mother doesn't eat it a natural occurrence. Step 4 Weigh the puppy daily to make sure he is gaining weight; if not, he is either not nursing properly or not getting what he needs from his mother. Puppy formula can be purchased at pet centers to mix for bottle feeding if this occurs. Step 5 Visit your veterinarian on day three to have the puppy's dewclaws removed and tail docked, if you choose to have these procedures done. More Articles. Boxer Newborn Puppy Care Overview If you have had a litter of Boxer puppies at your home and you are in charge of taking care of a newborn Boxer puppy, much attention must be taken during the first 8 weeks. From the moment of birth until the pups are at least 2 months old, a person must be close by and ready for any situation. Each week will bring new changes and responsibilities. This is a crucial time for care that can shape the health of the dog for its lifetime. How to Know if a Boxer Puppy is Getting Enough Milk The amount of times that a newborn puppy drinks milk from its mother varies from pup to pup. The important aspect is to know if a puppy is receiving enough throughout the day. Sometimes larger newborns will push their way to Mama and smaller puppies may not be getting enough milk. Some puppies may not be strong enough to suckle from smaller nipples some will be larger than others or strong enough to suckle once other pups have done so, and as the milk supply runs lower a puppy needs to suckle harder. How do you know if a Boxer puppy is getting enough milk? It is important to weigh each puppy. This can be done with a baby scale or electronic kitchen scale. Of course, take great care when weighing them. Always use the same type of blanket or cushioning on the scale so that you always get an accurate weight and the blanket does not affect the weight Weigh each puppy 2 times per day: AM and PM Keep careful track of who is who! You can do this by using a dot of white-out fluid applied to the ear in a certain area or other gentle marking method If a puppy shows no weight gain each day, you must take steps to ensure that pup receives more nutrition If a newborn is not gaining weight: Give the larger puppies a supplement Allow the smaller puppy to drink first; the larger puppies will have more strength to suck harder to retrieve their milk If There is a Weight Loss: This can be extremely dangerous. During the first few days it will not be milk; it will be Colostrum. This is a highly nutritional fluid that gives vital antibodies to the puppy. The puppy will sleep almost all the time, when not drinking. The Boxer pup will also make soft noises. As long as the puppy's body is warm and you feel him or her breathing naturally, all should be fine. A puppy this young will not be able to eliminate on its own. The mother will lick the pup to stimulate the expulsion of bowel or urine. Do not be shocked if the dam then eats this. The newborn Boxer puppy will have its eyes closed. They will stay this way for about 10 to 15 days. The umbilical cord will still be damp and certainly not ready to fall off. Day 2 It is perfectly normal for a Boxer puppy to lose weight on its 2nd day of life. Carefully watch for any Boxer newborn that seems to be getting pushed out of the way by other pups and unable to drink from mom. If this is happening, remove the other puppies after they feed and allow the hungry puppy to nurse alone, not bothered by their brothers and sisters. Day 3 Talk to your veterinarian regarding docking the tail , if you have decided to do so. This is often done on day 3. This decision should be carefully thought about. In addition, the Boxer puppy's cord will be dry and just about ready to fall off. Dewclaws, if removed, are usually done so on this day by your dog's experienced veterinarian. Week 1 Puppies should be weighed each day. This can be done by preparing a small basket, lined with a soft and clean towel. The basket can be placed on the scale first, with the weight noted. Then, the puppy should be placed inside the basket. Subtract the weight of the basket to have the exact weight of your Boxer puppy. There should be an increase each day. If not, be sure to immediately contact your dog's veterinarian. Nails grow very quickly and should be trimmed as often as each day if needed. A clotting solution, such as Kwik Stop should be used in case the quick of the nail is cut by accident something to carefully avoid. As the pup matures, many owners find that a grinder tool works much better than a clipper. Some dogs need to learn to tolerate the noise, but once they do, grinding down nails can be fast and easy. Week 2 The eyes of the Boxer puppy may begin to open. This is a slow process in which they will open bigger and for more time each day. Puppies will still be nesting near mom. You should take a bit more time to handle the puppies. This is done to slowly allow the mother to become used to you holding them and for the puppies to begin bonding with you. Week 3 The Boxer puppy's eyes should be completely open. Ears will be open now, as well. The ear canal should be fully formed. This is a bit of a noisy time, as the Boxer puppies will begin to find their "voices" and begin to bark. A 3 week old Boxer will have an urge to leave the whelping box. They will have an instinctual urge to eliminate outside of their resting and sleeping area. One side of the box can be removed, with newspapers placed right outside. A 2nd box can be connected to the 1st whelping box. This will allow the pups to have room to romp around and play. This will also give the Boxer mom time to rest without her puppies jumping all over her. Allowing the puppies to play with each other in a safe and comfortable box is a necessary part of the first socialization they need. Week 4 When does a Boxer puppy begin eating solid food? The weaning process begins just about now, in Week 4. You may also wish to offer the very health option of homemade meals of only fresh ingredients. Start with small amounts. It will be a slow yet steady process for a puppy's digestive system to become used to solid food. Extra heating can be removed. The room should be at a comfortable 72 F .Week 5 You should begin introducing small toys to the puppy. The weight of the puppy should still be checked, this can be done every other day now. Normal weight varies very much but should fall in the range of 2 lbs. Feeding should change slightly, with more puppy food and less water. The dam may want to spend more time away from the puppies. This is where an owner must step in and have much more interaction with the puppies. While still fragile, they should be more than happy to be patted, cuddled and played with. Week 6 A Boxer puppy will be eating quite a bit of puppy dog food than before. Too young to be house trained , this may be a messy week or 2 since bowel movements will become more frequent. While it is too early to expect a puppy to be trained yet, if the weather is warm and day this is a great week to introduce a puppy to the outside world. If you are caring for more than 1 pup, take each one outside separately or 2 at the most. Always keep the Boxer on a leash and beware of any dogs in the area. Allow them to become used to what grass feels like! Allow a pup to enjoy the warmth of the sun and the refreshment of a cool breeze. Week 7 Puppies may not be nursing at all any more. They should be spending quite a bit of time with you and with the other puppies. Going outside should be a daily routine. The dam should be brought outside with the pups; she will use this time to teach them skills. This is the time to be very close to a dog's normal routine of grooming , feeding, exercise and play time. Week 8 This is the week that the puppies will receive their 1st vaccinations. If you will not be keeping the puppies, now is the time to begin the process of finding them a good home. All prospective owners should be evaluated fully. Make home visits if possible. Do not be afraid to ask many questions. If you will be keeping all or some of the puppies, now is the time to fall into normal care for your dog. Housebreaking training can begin as well as falling back into your normal schedule. See Also: Boxer puppy care - Overview of what is needed to take great care of a new Boxer puppy. Boxer dog questions and answers - Round-up of some of the most common issues and care elements with the Boxer breed. Sponge Feeding Bottle Feeding Puppies When you're bottle feeding puppies, it's important to use a puppy milk substitute that meets their special dietary needs. Commercial puppy formulas that are carefully prepared to do just that can usually be bought at your veterinarians office or from large pet stores. If your dog is pregnant, I would recommend getting some puppy milk in advance, so it's handy if you should need it. Feeding new born puppies is very similar to feeding new born human babies in that they need to nurse frequently! Every two hours during the day and probably once or twice during the night in the very beginning. This adorable video shows a tiny French Bulldog being bottle fed.If you're trying to feed a tiny, toy or miniature breed pup, they MAY be too small to feed well from a bottle, in that case there are other options including using a dropper, a sponge or the Miracle Nipple best option. Scroll down to learn more about these! Okay, so let's take a look at how to bottle feed puppies yourself, and the equipment that you need: Momma's milk is the best food for a new born puppy. Try to encourage the mom to allow the pups to nurse for at least the first 24 hours if possible, as this is when they can receive the benefits of the colostrum powerful anti-bodies and infection fighting pre-milk. Obviously this isn't always possible, but makes a big difference to the puppies. Depending on the size of the breed your pups belong to, you can feed newborn puppies using: A small syringe 3ml check out the Miracle Nipple syringe Special bottles designed for puppies or kittens Baby bottles nipples that are specially designed for premature babies often work well A sponge A tube If there are no holes in the nipple, use a needle held over a flame to heat and sterilize to pierce two holes. If it runs out the pup could choke or aspirate breath in the milk. Puppy milk replacement formula comes in powder form, or ready-made in cartons. The ready-made is easier to use, but quite a bit more expensive. If you're using the powdered version, be sure to mix it well as you don't want any lumps in it. Cool formula to room temperature before feeding it to a puppy. You can test it on the inside of your wrist to make sure it's not too hot or too cold, it should feel barely warm. Always feed a puppy face down on your lap or a table top, never hold it on it's back or upright, as this could cause it to choke or breath in the milk. This can lead to pneumonia and possible death. Newborn puppies who are being bottle fed usually do well on 6 feedings per day. They should be able to go from 11pm until 6am as long as they are receiving 6 feeds in 24 hours. Smaller puppies may still need to be fed in the night for the first few weeks. By three weeks old, 4 feeds a day is enough, and weaning can begin at around 4 weeks of age. Puppies who are under a month old need approx. Example: A 6 oz puppy would need approx .Most puppy milk replacers have about 1 calorie per ml, so that .This means a 6 oz pup needs approx. Of course, this is a rough estimate, some puppies need more, some less. As a general 'rule of thumb', it's better to feed smaller feeds more often, than larger amounts less frequently. It's recommended that you 'burp' new born puppies half-way through each feeding. Do this the way you would with a human baby, by holding the pup up against your shoulder and gently rubbing or patting its' back. If a puppy is getting enough to eat and is warm and comfortable, he will look plump, feel warm and sleep most of the time between feeds. In these instances, you should consult your veterinarian right away. To help puppies who are having difficulty feeding, or aren't getting enough nutrition, you can use a vitamin and nutrient-rich paste called Nutrical. I've used it myself for puppies who aren't thriving the way they should, and it is definitely something to keep on hand when you are hand-raising new born puppies. Don't try to feed a puppy who feels chilled or cold, or seems to be sick. If a new born pup gets too cold, his organs start to close down and feeding him will only make things worse. A cold puppy who isn't eating will get dehydrated quickly which is very serious. If you can't get the pup warmed up enough to suckle fairly quickly, get him to your vet as he may need IV fluids and extra help. CLICK HERE to read more about all the other things you need to do in order to take care of new born puppies properly including temperature control, tube feeding, weight gain monitoring and more. If you have teeny tiny puppies they might struggle with a bottle, and this is one of the situations where the Miracle Nipple Syringe can literally be a lifesaver. The syringe kit comes with two flexible rubber nipples can order small or large which have a unique design that reduces the chances of a puppy aspirating the milk, and also provides a surface for the natural 'kneading' action that happens during nursing. The Miracle Nipple also works great for kittens, rabbits and wildlife such as squirrels. Even the teeniest puppies are usually able to suck from these. If they're too weak to suckle to begin with you can gently squeeze the milk into the side of their mouths at first into the 'pocket' of the cheek, this helps to prevent the pup from choking, gagging or inhaling the milk. Check out this great video which shows a very small Dachshund puppy 'Baby Girl' being dropper-fed You could also use a syringe to gently 'inject' milk into the side of a tiny puppy's mouth in the same way, but once the pup is strong enough to suckle change over to an eye-dropper as that works better in the long run. There's also the option of sponge feeding. But in my experience, the Miracle Nipple outperforms any of these and would be my 1 suggestion. As your pup grows and puts on weight you should be able to 'graduate' to a bottle of some type, even if it's one designed for wild animals, or other pets such as baby rabbits and so on. Tube Feeding a puppy Sometimes a puppy is too small or weak to suckle, or simply refuses to try. In this situation you need to find another way to get the milk into him. There are risks involved because an incorrectly placed tube could flood the puppy's lungs. It's important, and very helpful, to be shown how to tube feed your puppy by an expert, usually an established breeder or your veterinarian is the best person to help you with this. Watching an experienced person tube feed a puppy and then practicing doing it yourself under supervision is the best way to learn. I definitely DON'T recommend even attempting tube feeding without proper instruction and practice. It's quite possible that things will go wrong. You will also need to get the right equipment. This puppy tube feeding kit has what you'll need to get started. Choose the 3. For this method you use can a small cosmetic sponge cut to approximate the size of the momma dog's teat, and also cut a small hole in the opposite end of the sponge. It's a good idea to have several sponges ready cut for use so that you can wash and dry them in between feedings. Fill a small syringe with the right amount of milk for the feeding and insert it into the hole you cut in the sponge. Dip the other end teat shaped of the sponge in the milk and encourage your pup to suck on it. You may need to gently insert the sponge into his mouth and squeeze a few drops of milk out to encourage him. Once he's sucking, slowly press the plunger on the syringe to pour milk into the sponge and keep it flowing slowly so the pup doesn't swallow air. .This video shows you how to sponge feed a puppy: Bottle fed puppies are at risk of Fading Puppy Syndrome, which can be fatal. It's important to know how to recognize this and what to do about it. Check out my page on taking care of newborn puppies to learn more about this link will open in new window so you don't lose your place here. Some you may be able to find at your local pet store, others you will probably need to order online. If your dog is expecting a litter of puppies it's a good idea to make sure you have some of these handy ahead of time.Reference books that can help.Pup should be tubed about every hours. An orphaned pup on day 1 of using the above formula. The same orphaned pup on day 10 of using the formula. They quickly become chilled, or hypothermic, if their mother, their siblings, or their environment does not keep them warm. It will be necessary to provide a heat source for your puppy for the first few weeks of life. Suitable heat sources include hot water bottles, incubators, and heat lamps. Whichever heat source you use, make sure the puppy doesn't become overheated or burned. In addition, avoid drafts by placing the puppy's box away from windows, doorways, and air-conditioning vents. If you are raising a litter of puppies, the temperature can be a little lower, as the puppies will huddle together and keep one another warm. The puppy needs to be warmed immediately. Take care not to overheat the puppy or warm it too quickly; this can be fatal in a weak puppy. Dehydration in Puppies Newborn puppies quickly become dehydrated very quickly if they are not nursing. They can also become dehydrated if their environment is too hot and dry. Two indicators of dehydration are loss of elasticity in the skin the skin stays tented when gently pinched up and decreased saliva production the gums and tongue feel tacky or dry. In addition to providing adequate nutrition, you may need to humidify the puppy box or whelping room if the puppy is small or weak. Be careful not to make the box too hot and humid; this can also cause respiratory distress. A home humidifier should be adequate. In some cases, you may have to do sub-q fluids. But that is a topic covered for another article on my website titled Save Your Puppy's Life. Hypoglycemia in Puppies Hypoglycemia quickly develops in a newborn that is not nursing frequently. As hypoglycemia worsens, the puppy becomes progressively more depressed and weaker. Without treatment, it may develop muscle twitches or seizures and then it will become unresponsive and comatose. If it is showing any of these signs, place a few drops of corn syrup on its tongue. This simple procedure is often sufficient to revive a hypoglycemic puppy. Also watch for signs of hypoglycemia over the next several days, as you adjust your puppy's feeding schedule. Feeding Puppies I am not a fan of bottles made for puppies. I prefer human baby bottles. If the pup has a good sucking reflex, try those. Take time to check the hole in the nipple before using the bottle the first time. The hole is the right size if, when you turn the bottle upside down, milk replacer drips from the nipple with only a gentle squeeze of the bottle. If, when you upend the bottle, you must squeeze it firmly to get milk to drip from the nipple, the hole needs to be enlarged. Otherwise, the puppy will become discouraged or exhausted when nursing and may even refuse to nurse. To enlarge the hole, heat a needle and then pierce the tip of the nipple a few times. If the puppy is weak and has a poor suck reflex, it is necessary to feed the puppy through a tube inserted into its stomach. Your veterinarian will instruct you on how to place the tube and maintain it for feeding. Orphaned Puppies Need Help Defecating Mothers stimulate their puppies to defecate pass stool by licking or nuzzling around the puppy's anus. To prevent your orphaned puppy from becoming constipated, you'll need to mimic this action using a soft cloth or cotton ball moistened with warm water. Gently stimulate the puppy's anal area after feeding for the first 2 weeks of its life. The Newborn Puppies The first 36 hours of a puppy's life is the critical period nutritionally. Healthy puppies will nurse right away and then every few hours. The pups must nurse from their mother within 12 hours of birth to receive her antibodies against disease. After 12 hours, their stomachs will not absorb antibodies. After this first 12 hours, if the mother does not have enough milk, or if her litter is too large, then the pups' diet can be supplemented with our homemade milk replacer. Cow's milk is nutritionally inadequate for puppies. Orphan puppies less than one week old must be stimulated to urinate and defecate. This is accomplished by gently massaging the abdomen and genital area with a piece of cotton wool or tissue, dampened with warm water. A newborn Leerburg puppy from a litter of .His brothers and sisters would crowd him out so he couldn't eat his share. He was maintaining his weight, but not gaining like his littermates. He had a strong suck reflex, so we decided to try to bottle feed him. That same pup relaxing after a swim with his new family. Weaning Pups We feed our pups an all-natural diet. That means no commercial food except the Honest Kitchen dehydrated food mixed with meat and supplements. Do your pup a favor - feed it all-natural and don't do yearly vaccinations. Educate yourself and extend the life and health of your dogs. I have written a great deal on this subject, Visit my article page and read about vaccinosis and the raw diet. After several days of just lapping our puppy formula from a bowl we add raw hamburger - like you see in the photo above. If the pups are small you may have to mash the raw hamburger into the formula. We feed a raw diet here at Leerburg. If you are considering an all-natural diet which I believe every dog should have , take a look at our extensive Raw Diet FAQ. Whelping Chart.

Request Barking One reason your Golden Retriever may bark is to communicate a need or desire to you. Meals, potty time , fetch, ear rubs, access to the yard, walks , car rides, bully sticks , etc. A dog who is request barking may stare at you intently between barks, and their feet may be a bit dancey. They may also run between you and the thing they want while barking, such as trotting to the door and then back to you to bark. Your dog might bark in the direction of the thing they want, rather than at you. Sometimes a request bark is accompanied by some whining and tail wagging as well. An owner might unintentionally reward a dog for barking, which then can result in more barking. For example, your Golden starts getting antsy because they know dinner time is soon, and they let out a few barks in your direction. This prompts you to get up and feed them. You can bet your bottomless pit took note of that and will be barking more to try to get you to feed them. If a bark works to get what they want, they will keep barking because it has been proven effective. One way to approach request barking is to stay a few steps ahead of your dog. If you know your dog will need to go potty a certain amount of time after a meal, for example, take them out before they can start barking at you. This prevents your dog from practicing the barking behavior and avoids you unintentionally rewarding the barking by giving them what they want. Another way to address request barking is to give them an alternative consequence. If your Golden Retriever starts asking for dinner through barking, you can put a leash on them and bring them over with you while you finish up your emails, or put them in a covered crate. Wait until your pup is chilling on their bed, then pick up their favorite toy for some playtime. This will teach your dog that if they act in calm, quiet ways, good things happen. Alarm Barking Some Golden Retrievers will bark to announce the presence of something, usually a person or animal, near their house or property. Alarm barks can vary by dog, but are usually a sequence of one or two barks, a pause, and then more barks. Some dogs may bark incessantly while the object in question is within sight outside the house, and others may mix in some growls too. Many dogs will run to the door or window where the potential threat is located, and some pace around a bit too. Alarm barking is a natural behavior for dogs, but if you prefer your dog respond in a calmer way to the daily occurrences outside your home or yard, there are some things you can do. An easy fix is to put up some frosted window film on windows where your Golden Retriever plays neighborhood watch. Another solution is to train a positive interrupter. This can work well for dogs who alarm bark at things they see, and also for dogs that alert to noises. Repeat a few times in a row. Step 3: Practice this in different rooms at different times of day for a couple of days. Step 7: Now that the cue is well-established, it can be used to interrupt alarm barking! As they show success, you can call out from further away in the house. With time, you may notice your Golden Retriever skipping the barking and simply coming to find you when they see or hear something. If they do, be sure to reward them with some treats! Follow all the steps and be generous with the rewards before using it in a real-life situation. Excitement Barking You may notice that your Golden Retriever starts barking when they get excited. A Golden Retriever who is barking out of excitement shows wiggly, loose body language. A pup who is carrying their favorite ball or stuffed toy is unlikely to bark. Keep a stash of toys near locations where your dog tends to bark out of excitement so you can help calm them down. You can also train your dog to go find a toy, which creates a positive new routine in exciting scenarios. Rather than barking like a happy fool, they know to grab a puppy pacifier. If your dog is overexcited, a short time-out can also help them learn to be quiet. Calmly guide them to their crate, your car, a mat, or just further away until they can show some self-control. This helps them understand that calm and quiet behavior is what gets them back to having fun. Another solution for excitement barking is to teach your dog to focus on you. Step 2: Toss a treat a couple of feet away, let your dog eat it. Toss another treat to repeat the pattern. Step 3: Take the game to new locations, starting with low distraction spaces and building up to more challenging places. Step 4: Add in other distractions. Instead of tossing a treat, use an easy distraction to play the game, perhaps a family member walking by, or a toy set on the ground at a distance. Step 5: Build up to more challenging distractions. Practice this focus game in increasingly hard situations, working up to the situation that causes them to bark out of excitement. You can reward at a high rate for their focus. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! Fear Barking Sometimes Golden Retrievers will bark out of fear. There may be something in their environment, such as a person, dog or object, that causes them concern or stress. Golden Retrievers are known for being very friendly dogs, but some may be more sensitive than others and will exhibit fearful barking. Barking that comes from fear can look differently depending on the dog. Some dogs may lunge forward while barking at whatever is causing them discomfort. Others may retreat from the scary or weird thing while looking back and barking. Fearful barking may also be accompanied by growling, bared teeth, and raised hackles. Is it men with beards? Kids on bikes? Large dogs? There are two games you can play to help your fearful dog feel more calm and confident: Look at That and Treat and Retreat. Simply give them a treat. Repeat this ten times. Repeat this another 10 times. Play steps one and two a few times at home. You can use different people or dogs that your dog is comfortable with to start. Keep your dog at a distance where they can be successful as they learn how the game works. Step 3: Take the game on the road. Perhaps you can chill in a quiet corner of the park where your dog can spot a trigger without reacting. Find a way to create more distance and try again. As your dog shows success, you can gradually get closer to the trigger. As you progress with this game, your dog will begin to point out triggers they see in their environment and then check back in with you, rather than reacting. Step 1: The person throws treats away from your dog. Give the person a supply of treats. Ask them not to make direct eye contact with your dog. When they enter your house, or your general vicinity if doing this outside, have them toss a treat behind the dog. The dog will have to move away from the person to get the treat. Not only do they get a yummy snack, but they also get more distance from the person. And that distance is what they want. So they are getting double rewards! Step 2: The person alternates tossing the treat behind the dog, and between them and the dog. Start with a treat toss behind the dog. Then have the person toss a treat in front of the dog. The dog will have to move toward the person to get it. Then another toss behind the dog. Go back and forth between these two treat placements. Again, repeat this with different people and environments. You want to see your dog looking happy and confident with this. Loose body language and easy movement are good signs. As they show success, the person can toss the treats closer and closer to their feet. Aggression Barking Some Golden Retrievers may bark out of aggression in certain situations. Aggression is a broad term to describe a wide variety of dog behavior, but in general can be defined as threatening or intentionally harmful behavior directed toward another dog or human. Goldens are notorious for their friendly demeanors, but aggression can show up even within this typically social breed. Aggression is complex, and sometimes a dog may bark aggressively in an attempt to avoid a potential conflict, rather than trying to start one. A dog may bark aggressively if someone infringes upon what they perceive as their territory, such as a home, yard or vehicle. Your Golden may also bark aggressively at other dogs due to a social conflict. Pain can also result in aggressive barking, as a dog may not want to be touched or approached out of fear of making the pain worse. Typically an aggressive bark is loud and deep, though it can vary from dog to dog. You can usually hear a difference in an aggressive bark compared to other kinds of barks — it sounds more intense and serious. A Golden Retriever who is barking aggressively may also growl, show their teeth, lunge, snap or bite. Their body may be stiff and they may give a hard stare in the direction of the person or other dog. Your Golden may also pin their ears back and quickly flick her tongue or lick her lips. The first thing to do in order to stop barking due to aggression is to prevent the behavior from happening. If you know your dog acts aggressively in a certain scenario, do everything you can to avoid putting them in that situation. Then, get help from a certified professional, such as your vet or a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant. Aggression needs to be taken seriously, so that you, your dog and the public remain safe. You can find a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant here ; many work virtually, so even if there is not a professional in your city, you can get the help you and your dog need. If you, another person, or another dog approaches the valuable thing or reaches for it, your dog may bark and show other signs of aggression. Resource guarding is a normal, natural behavior for dogs, but it can become dangerous. Your Golden can escalate from a bark to a bite if the behavior is not properly handled. A resource guarding bark will look like an aggressive bark described above in the Aggressive Barking section. You may see body stiffness, growling, snapping, and other aggressive behaviors accompany the barking. You might also see your Golden Retriever bark and then pick up the item if they are guarding a bone or toy, for example and take it further away. Your pup may put themselves in between the valuable thing and whoever they think may be trying to take it away while they bark. Resource guarding is a serious issue and can put your safety, as well as the safety of family members and other pets, at risk. First, do what you can to prevent the guarding behavior from happening. Perhaps that means not giving your dog a bully stick, or putting toys in a cabinet. Then, get help from a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, which you can find here. A very common solution that is recommended for dogs who guard their food bowl is to feed the food from your hand, or to stick your hand in the food bowl so they learn to tolerate your hand around their food. Not only is this not an effective solution, but it can actually make resource guarding worse! Always let your Golden Retriever eat in peace, without touching them or their food. Your Golden is the same way. You might think that punishing your dog will get them to stop barking. Resorting to physically punishing a dog is not recommended by dog behavior experts. It can really damage the relationship between you and your dog, and can create other behavior issues. Some dogs will actually bark more if you start making noise too. And if your dog is barking out of aggression or resource guarding, trying to punish your dog may very well make the behavior worse and put you at greater risk of a bite. You got your Golden Retriever because you want a loving, loyal companion, not because you want to intimidate or scare them. Getting help from a certified, professional trainer or a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant is also a great resource to help you work through the barking. How much and what kind of exercise are they getting? Are they getting quality sleep? Are they receiving appropriate mental stimulation? Are they eating a healthy, balanced diet? Are they experiencing pain or chronic health issues? Is your home a stressful living environment? A Golden Retriever whose needs are not met is more likely to resort to barking. If your Golden is in pain or sick , they may bark more. If your pup is living with a lot of stress or anxiety , barking may become their go-to behavior. Have any questions about golden retriever barking? Let us know down in the comments! Related articles:. They are sharp sequential barks, and are often just one or two barks at a time. Why They Bark? The Alarm barks are focused on something that startled or excited them and are meant to bring your attention to the matter. What to do? You should first acknowledge the bark and address whatever has startled the dog. You should also wait until they stopped barking and give them a treat to reinforce the behavior of stopping barking when you are present. This makes the dog anticipate the reward so they stop barking sooner. Ignoring this type of barking is not recommended as the dog will not stop and it will turn into insistent barking then into territorial barking and take an aggressive tone. This is the bark you may hear when the door knocks suddenly or a loud car or motorcycle goes by the house. More often than not the dog will run away right after the bark as happens in the video or they will switch to the territorial barking if they decided to fight. You need to socialize them more. If your dog has been socialized and trained to get used to loud cars, children playing, sudden knocks, and similar sounds, this would not be a problem. Frustration barks are a series of repetitive barks that may have some light growing mixed in between them. T Why They Bark? Even though these barks are often short and last for moments or minutes at maximum, but still needs to be handled correctly to not turn into an issue. Frustration barks should not be ignored because they can turn into other destructive behaviors like destructive chewing. The play bark is a high-pitched bark that is often repeated in a series and is commonly accompanied by a play bow. The dog used this bark and posture to initiate play with other dogs or even humans. If you can, just play with the dog. However, some people are worried that this may reinforce the behavior, but whether this is a bad or a good thing totally depends on you and your schedule. They dog is also likely to be pacing, jumping, spinning, and energetically wagging the tail. This happens when the dog is excited about something. Most commonly, it happens when the dog is anticipating walks, playtime, or reunion with their owners when they come back home after a long day at work. This is a monotone repetitive bark that can last on for hours with no end. These barks sound very much like howling. They are basically venting because barking is better than doing nothing, and they are calling for anyone to come to play with them. You should spend more time with your dog and provide them with sufficient mental stimulation as well as physical exercise. If there is just no solution to you leaving the dog for a long time, you should get them a couple of interactive dog toys. I have found two solutions that worked for me. The first was the Furbo interactive dog camera. This is the best option because my dog can actually hear my voice and I can see him, and your dog will immediately calm down once they hear your voice. You can get it here from Amazon. He literally spends hours on end throwing it around the house, and I think your dog may like it as well 15, people seem to really love it on Amazon, too. They are also often accompanied by some destructive behaviors such as: Chewing Digging at windows and doors Pacing. September 24, Do Golden retrievers bark a lot? This is one of the most common questions that dog lovers ask when they contemplate getting a Golden Retriever. It is an important question for many reasons but particularly because most Golden retrievers are kept indoors and incessant barking on their part can make life very uncomfortable for their owners. So, what is the real answer to this question? Just like human beings talk when they have something to say, dogs bark. Expecting a Golden retriever not to bark would be like expecting a person to stay silent for good when they have the ability to talk. But, that said, the fact that people can talk does not necessarily mean that they have to do so all the time. In the same way, even though dogs have to bark, they do not have to do so all the time. Do Golden retrievers bark a lot when compared to the average dog? Golden Retrievers are among the friendliest and most peaceful pet dog breeds. They do bark, but their barks are fewer than most of the other dog breeds. While they can make good watchdogs, Golden Retrievers are generally a quiet breed and bark occasionally. Most Golden Retrievers usually only bark when they have a reason for doing so. Some of the main reasons why a Golden Retriever could be barking a lot include: Excitement — Golden Retrievers, especially youthful puppies, love to play a lot and are quite excitable. They express their excitement by barking. For instance, when a Golden meets a strange dog, it will almost invariably always express its excitement by barking. Distress — boredom, physical pain or an urgent call of nature are a few examples of distressing situations to which a Golden Retriever will respond by barking. Distress barking tends to be protracted and continues until the problem causing the distress is sorted out. Aggression — although Golden Retrievers are generally peaceful most of the time, they can show signs of aggression once in awhile, especially when they feel threatened and may bark at strangers. This aggression will express through slow barking and growling. Like human beings, each Golden Retriever is different from the next one. While one Golden may seem to bark a lot, another Golden might be completely mute even when in the same environment as the first. There are a number of factors that influence and determine how much a Golden Retriever will bark, the most significant of which is the upbringing and training of the dog. Golden Retrievers that receive very little or no training and are brought up in hostile or aggressive environments generally bark more and show more aggression. Over to Charlie the Golden Retriever who holds the Guinness world record for the loudest bark by a dog: So, do Golden Retrievers bark a lot? Most Goldens that are properly trained and brought up in a loving and comfortable environment tend to be more peaceful and bark much less than the average dog. Fear, frustration, or anxiety Play Often these reasons will overlap as well. For example, a Golden Retriever might bark because there is a neighbor dog in the alley. It starts with territorial barking but soon after is followed by excitement barking. Technically, all dogs bark for a reason. However, some dogs were bred to bark for a specific purpose, and if that purpose is no longer available to them, they often bark much more and for seemingly no reason. So, some dogs will bark more because they were bred for a purpose that included barking a lot. For example, beagles are known to be one of the breeds that bark the most, and this is because beagles were bred to bark and howl to alert hunters of a fox or other animals. As a side note, Golden Retrievers were bred to retrieve waterfowl from a water body. Therefore, not barking and waiting patiently to retrieve the birds is a requisite for the job. After all, a Golden Retriever that barks at birds would chase away the potential target of the hunters, so not barking is desirable behavior in the retriever breed of dogs. Excitement barking is associated with joy or curiosity and can be accompanied by yips or yowls and even a low-level, happy growl our pup Bailey does this — he sounds like a Wookie. Excitement barking is usually accompanied by tail wags, full-body wiggles, darting around, and other animated body movements. Excitement barking can happen during greetings, impending walks, car rides, seeing another dog or cat, or anything else the Golden Retriever is curious about, interested in, or takes joy in. For our dog Bailey, getting to go to doggie daycare is one of his favorite things. Still, once we start to pull into the premises, he often barks as part of his unbridled excitement. Territorial or Defensive Barking Golden Retrievers, like any dog, have specific areas that they may consider their territory. Usually, the house and backyard are obvious territories. However, the car can also be their territory. Or even YOU can be its territory. It can also be to alert the owner. Bailey watching out the window as a puppy. It is characterized by wanting attention from you. Demand barking is characterized by a more forcible bark, such as when wanting some food that you are eating. A Golden Retriever might make eye contact while barking at you, or it may run up to you and then back towards whatever has caught its attention. For example, our Golden Retriever Bailey saw a woman walking in the alley, so he started barking at her through the fence territorial barking. Following the lady was a little dog, which he turned his attention to excitement barking. The little dog stopped to sniff him through the fence. Bailey wanted to play with him, so he ran back to the door and barked to be let in attention barking. Once he was inside, he grabbed his harness off the table, ran to me, and dropped it at my feet smart dog , and then alternated between forcibly barking at me demand barking and running to the door. Bailey wanted me to take him to meet the little dog. Notice the commonality of all that barking — it was all for a reason. This is a typical Golden Retriever. Fear, Frustration or Anxiety Barking Golden Retrievers bond very closely with their owners and do not like to be left alone for long periods. As a result, a Golden Retriever may bark when owners leave, i. Anxiety and frustration barking is often a persistent frantic barking. For example, the Golden is barking because it does not want to be left alone and wants to accompany its family. It can often be accompanied by whining and howls and pacing back and forth. Fear-based situations can also cause barking, and if a Golden Retriever feels threatened and is fearful, it may bark. For example, one of the Golden Retrievers I used to dog sit for was terrific with other dogs and people off-leash. Still, on a leash, she did not like other people or dogs approaching her. Play Barking Barking is part of being a dog and one of the ways dogs communicate with one another. Play barking conveys excitement, happiness, and joy. Play barking can happen when playing with other dogs, humans, or even while playing with a toy or by themselves. Golden Retrievers are well known to be exuberant puppies , and that puppyhood can last well into adulthood. Play barking can even be when the dog is playing by itself. For example, our Golden Bailey will often play with an old shoe or find a plastic bottle. Bailey play bowing and barking at Cocoa the cat to get him to play. That should not be a goal of yours. A Golden Retrievers nuisance barking can be managed through training and behavior modification. As a first step, the reason or source for the barking needs to be identified, and then barking can be addressed using positive-based training solutions if required. To begin, ensure your Golden has had adequate physical exercise and play. Goldens are high-energy dogs, so meeting their physical and mental needs can go a long way to reducing barking. For example, a bored dog might bark to get attention, amuse itself, or out of frustration. Make sure your Golden has lots of stimulating mental activities to keep it engaged. One of the best ways to address barking is to control it early on when a dog is still a puppy. The problem is that often everything that puppies do is seen as adorable, and owners often reinforce behaviors unwittingly, only to deal with the consequences of that reinforcement later on. Feeding the treat reinforces that behavior. In essence, you have taught the puppy that if it barks at you when it wants something — in this case, food — that it will get it. A better choice would be to wait for the puppy to stop barking and then reward. In this way, the puppy learns that it only gets rewarded when quiet. Separation anxiety and fear barking can often be addressed with proactive training early on as well. Teaching your Golden puppy to be alone for increasingly longer periods lays the foundation for reducing anxiety when leaving. Ensuring your dog has lots of chew toys and is not left for too long can also help. I wrote an article on how to raise a Golden Retriever puppy while working. The article discusses separation anxiety and other ways to ensure your Golden puppy adapts well if you work. However, whether you work or not, there are some handy suggestions in the article, and I suggest you give it a read here: Raising a Golden Retriever Puppy While Working: Guilt-Free Solutions. In turn, fear-based barking is often born out of poor socialization. The more people, dogs, animals, settings, and situations you expose your puppy to early on, will go a long way to developing a confident dog that is not fearful and is calm in most cases. The key takeaway is this. The more proactive you are in taking a hand in training your puppy early, the easier it is to prevent many undesirable behaviors later on, including barking for attention, boredom, frustration, and separation anxiety. In contrast, many attention-based barking behaviors can be ignored. Ignoring a dog is a form of operant conditioning that is considered a negative punishment. However, it is still an acceptable one, i. You could turn your back to the dog until it settles down. Then ask for a sit and reward the dog with a treat. You are teaching the dog that barking and jumping will get no attention the punishment is ignoring the dog by turning the back , and the alternate desirable behavior that gets a reward is to sit and be calm and quiet. You can also teach your Golden to bark on cue. Barking on cue puts you in control. Territorial and excitement barking can often be controlled through training. Then, once barking can be elicited by command, you can teach the dog the counter behavior — to stop barking on cue. The final solution is to reward calm behavior. So, the dog gets attention and sometimes reinforcement for behaviors that we deem undesirable. In contrast, when the dog is calm and well-behaved, it gets no attention. These are the behaviors we want from our Golden Retrievers, so reward them often. So, what about punishments such as shock collars, yelling, physical reprimands, or makeshift devices like shaking a can of coins or using spray bottles? Second, timing needs to be spot on, which most people are not well equipped to do effectively. Thirdly, devices such as e-collars can become a crutch. People often expect the device to do the training for them. Unfortunately, most of us are not professional trainers, so it becomes a misuse of a tool. Lastly, punishment or feared-based methods often cause more problems than they fix. For example, shaking a can of coins at a dog to scare it or using an e-collar often creates a fearful, insecure dog with anxiety. Often that can be generalized to other unrelated situations. Lastly, punishing a dog can create a fearful, insecure and unconfident animal, eroding the trust and bond the dog has with you. Furthermore, bark collars punish all forms of barking, not just the ones you deem as problematic. See the problem? I take an in-depth look at the best training methods and discuss the role of punishment, including aversives, and why they are not ideal. By Tom Massey Jan 25, Known as a friendly and devoted family dog, the Golden Retriever has been one of the most popular breeds for 30 years. These energetic animals come in various golden shades and make excellent pets, working dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, and more. The Golden Retriever is a remarkably intelligent dog and learns quickly when properly trained as a puppy. They are active animals who love to play, seeking attention from their owners to expend physical and mental energy. Most Labrador and Golden Retrievers are not known to engage in excessive barking and any dog owner of a Golden Retriever will tell you that this is not an aggressive animal. This is a genuinely happy-go-lucky dog breed, and if it starts barking without stopping, something is clearly amiss. Some speculate that the lack of excessive barking is because they were bred to help hunters, so barking would scare the prey away. Golden Retrievers are also friendly dogs and are not known to behave aggressively. They will let out several usual dog sounds , including howling, growling, chortling, whimpering, yelping, and fear or alarm dog barks. Sometimes, you will encounter dogs who simply like the sound of their voice and will bark for fun or attention. Then, you can take the appropriate training measures to reduce barking. Why Do Golden Retrievers Bark? A Golden Retriever bark can signify multiple things, but there are a few general feelings your dog may be trying to communicate. And they will start barking when they feel ignored. Repeated barking, which could get louder as time passes, is a sign that your Golden insists you pay attention to it, whether to play, feed, or pet it. They might start barking when you mention dog parks or pick up a toy and start playing with your dog. A Golden Retriever might also indicate that they want to play or visit the dog park by using body language and barking. These fears can range from being scared of thunderstorms and fireworks to acting terrified around the vacuum cleaner. Whether the fear is legitimate or not, your Golden Retriever is bound to release some extra barking when stressed or scared. And, as your puppy grows, you can reduce these stressors in its life. You can also train it to let go of irrational fears—for example, showing your dog that it has nothing to worry about when you run the vacuum. Their frustration can result from several things: their squeaker toy is too loud, they want more water in their bowl, or they want you to play. When they are frustrated, Goldens might repeatedly bark at the object of their frustration. They might also become a bit aggressive or destructive. They love their owners and are eager to please them. So when the time comes for its owners to leave for work, the dog might start experiencing separation anxiety and express it through barking. Addressing separation anxiety is crucial to having a healthy Golden Retriever. Your dog will not only be loud because of its anxiety, but it can also engage in destructive behavior, like chewing your belongings in the house. Training to help it overcome such anxiety from an early age is key to good behavior in the future. This type of barking is also accompanied by different body postures that make your Golden seem more threatening. According to the American Kennel Club, you can use a variety of training methods and strategies to reduce barking and promote good behavior. It should all start with determining why your Golden Retriever barks a lot, identifying any other stressors in its life, and then spending time to correct this behavior through training or working through stressors. There are different ways to train your Golden pup to reduce the different types of barking. Reducing Boredom and Attention Barking Most of your barking problems will be solved by mental and physical stimulation. Spend more time playing with your dog and stimulating it physically or mentally. A tired dog is less likely to have the energy to bark, so whenever you feel like your Golden Retriever is barking a lot, try playing with it. A better way to address playfulness barking is to create a fulfilling play schedule. If you follow a routine of playing with your Golden a few times per day, it will learn that schedule and know when it can expect to have fun. If even after setting a play schedule, your Golden is still barking, you need to increase the frequency of play. Reducing Alarm and Fear Barking If you hear your Golden barking out of fear or alarm, you should go to them and acknowledge the object of their fear. Then, wait until the dog has stopped barking to give it a treat. They need to know you are confident in the situation so they do not feel like they have to handle it. Once the dog understands that these sounds are not a threat, it will have no cause for alarm or fear. If you find it challenging to train your dog, you should look to get your Golden from a reputable breeder who has invested time into socializing and training it. They are trying to get something from you by barking, so if we acknowledge their barking, it shows them they are getting what they want. Reducing Aggressiveness Barking When your Golden is becoming aggressive or territorial, you need to train it to understand that you are the one who takes care of threats. When you hear loud barking with growling and see your dog in a protective stance, immediately step in to reassure it that you will deal with it. Golden Retrievers are particularly smart, and they can learn how to behave the way you want them to without punishment. While you should avoid rewarding them for bad behavior, punishment is not a solution. Spending time with your dog and giving it the attention and stimulation it needs is key to addressing unwanted behavior. Ask yourself the following questions: Is there anything scaring or alarming your Golden Retriever? Have you played enough with your Golden Retriever? Has your Golden Retriever received enough attention and pets? Are you establishing a regular training schedule for your dog? Does your Golden Retriever feel threatened? Conclusion Golden Retrievers are loyal companions, and they are an ideal dog breed for families. And to avoid buying a puppy that could have barking problems, you can get your Golden Retriever from an experienced breeder who has spent time training the dog and teaching them healthy behaviors. We train our purebred puppies so they form healthy habits at a young age. We also feed them the best diet to maximize their well-being. Get one of the most popular dog breeds in the country with the passionate and loving team of breeders at Snowy Pines today. Share on. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Golden retrievers make great watchdogs, and they are eager to please their family, but they can do so quietly. This dog breed is more likely to bark in a friendly tone, rather than an aggressive way. Some Golden Retrievers will bark at anything that piques their curiosity, such as a passing car or mailman. However, they will rarely bark for long periods. The most common reason for this dog breed to bark is because they want attention, or they are trying to communicate with you. In this article, we will look at some of the reasons Golden Retrievers bark, and how often. This will help you determine if a Golden Retriever is a right dog for you. Understanding This Behavior Barking is natural for all breeds of dogs, including the Golden Retriever. You should never punish your dog for barking, as they do not know any better. By punishing your dog for barking, you are confusing and scaring them for a natural behavior that they cannot help. Instead of reprimanding your Golden Retriever, train them to control their barking positively. Your dog should never feel scared to express themselves, and barking is an essential part of their communication skills. Although excessive barking can be annoying, there is a reason behind it that needs to be treated, whether professionally or at home. A certified dog trainer or behaviorist can help you professionally diagnose and treat your Golden Retrievers barking positively. Keep in mind that Golden Retrievers are excellent guard dogs. They will do anything to protect their family and they may not understand what a threat is, and what is not. Although you may not think a passing car is a threat, your Golden Retriever may bark to alert you and bring attention to the situation. Overall, your retriever may only have the best intentions in mind; to protect the people they care about most. Attention Dogs love to receive attention from their human companions, even if it means that they must display a behavior that is not generally appreciated. In modern times, most dog owners are out of work or doing daily activities that cause them to be out of the house for a long time. When you come home, your Golden Retriever may bark at you and bags its tails, merely a friendly greeting. This will trigger a response from you, such as patting their heads or allowing them to jump up on you. Your Golden Retriever will associate this behavior with something positive which may cause them to repeat this behavior. If you are perhaps playing with your dog, they may bark from excitement to get your attention and express their feelings. A Natural Response to Stimuli If your dog hears or smells that interest or sparks a reaction out of them, they will bark as a response. If your dog is hurt, they may bark as a response to pain, or if your dog cannot get something they want such as food or toys, they may let out a loud bark to express their frustration. Passing cars, neighbors walking their dogs past your house, or external noises that may be inaudible to your ears may cause your Golden Retriever to bark. If a neighboring dog is howling or barking, your Golden Retriever may begin to copy this behavior or even respond to the distressed neighboring dog. Image Credit: Katrin B. Golden retrievers will communicate through barking for several reasons, such as excitement, pain, stress, curiosity, and even encouragement. When dogs are playing together, they will use verbal and non-verbal cues to communicate with each other. A good example of verbal communication between two dogs is barking, whereas a non-verbal cue will be tail wagging and playful chasing. Boredom If your dog has been left alone while you are out of the house, or they are not getting enough mental stimulation and enrichment in their life, they may result to barking to get rid of their frustration. Golden retrievers that bark out of boredom may begin to howl throughout the day, which can become a nuisance for you and the neighbors. A bored dog can become stressed or depressed quickly, so it is essential to get to the root of the problem and fix it before it can cause any damage. A bored Golden Retriever will also start displaying other unwanted behaviors to alleviate their feelings of boredom and possible distress. Image Credit: Muk Photo, Shutterstock 5. Energy Release Many people get a Golden Retriever not knowing about their high energy demands. Golden retrievers are naturally athletic and active dogs. They require daily exercise in the form of running, playing, and chewing. Keeping a golden cooped up indoors or outside on a chain can cause a build-up of energy that needs to be released. A mixture of barking and howling is a good indication that your Golden Retriever may need a way to alleviate their energy, especially if they have been laying around all day. By depriving your Golden Retriever of proper exercise, your retriever can become obese, distressed, and bored. We understand that a Golden Retriever who barks constantly can be annoying, so we have some tips to help you manage this behavior. Firstly, determine the root cause for this behavior. Is your Golden Retriever left alone for hours at a time with no enrichment and interaction? Then they are most likely suffering from boredom. You will need to find ways to keep them busy while you are away, such as providing them with stimulating toys and activities and access to a large space so that they can release some energy. When you get home , take a nice stroll through the neighborhood with your Golden Retriever so that they can look forward to a nice walk at the end of the day. If your neighbors complain about noise disturbances, it might be best to keep your Golden Retrievers indoors with a doggy door so that they can use the bathroom when needed. Keep in mind that weather that is too cold or hot will cause your dog to bark excessively as they are uncomfortable. A cool shady spot with a kennel and freshwater can help combat heat-related discomfort. Take a few hours out of your day to interact with your dog and play with them. You can use various toys and strength-enhancing activities to help them release energy. If your dog barks at random times and it sounds like it may be in pain, a veterinarian check-up may be necessary. If your retriever is barking at passing cars , neighbors, or other dogs through a fence or gate, consider covering that specific area with a dark mesh to prevent your Golden Retriever from seeing the culprits. By providing your Golden Retriever with a comfortable sleeping spot that fits the weather conditions a thick blanket and pillow for winter, and a shady soft space during summer , along with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and plenty of mental stimulation, you should be able to control your Golden Retrievers barking. However, this is not always the best option, especially if it is not being removed for a good medical reason. By putting your dog through this surgery, you are removing their primary form of communication. It involves a lot of postoperative pain and can be inherently cruel to the dog. Many veterinarians will refuse to do the surgery on a dog if they deem it medically unnecessary. If you are concerned and deeply frustrated with your Golden Retriever barking, we urge you to contact a professional behaviorist to help find a solution to the problem. Final Thoughts Fortunately, Golden Retrievers are not excessive barkers. They will rarely bark out of control in minor situations or for no reason. By choosing this dog breed, you should be aware that there may be some unwanted barking especially when it is required for the situation, but it will not last long. Eventually, your Golden Retriever will learn when it is necessary to bark. Golden retrievers are excellent dogs and quite easy to train. Ensure that your Golden Retriever has all its needs met and that all their enrichment requirements are fulfilled, and you should be left with a goofy, loyal dog that will only bark when necessary. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement.

If you own a bulldog, you should be alert to the signs of breathing difficulty. When your dog faces any respiratory troubles, you will need to take steps to calm your dog and rest him so that his need for oxygen is less. When you see that your dog has respiratory distress, stop him from any physical activity immediately. Keep him calm so you can try to regulate his breathing. If you are outside, take your dog inside. Place cool wet rags on your dog to help lower his body temperature. Since all bulldogs are at risk for respiratory problems, you can do things for your bulldog to help reduce the likelihood of him experiencing respiratory distress. Weight loss is one of the most common treatments to help respiratory problems in bulldogs. These things lead to fast breathing and panting, which is more difficult for your bulldog. Keep your bulldog out of the heat. Excessive heat can worsen his breathing problems. One of the major problems for bulldogs is that the structure of the skull is made up of bone and soft tissue, and the size of the nose is reduced and flattened in this breed. Although bone is shortened, the soft tissue structures in the mouth, such as the tongue and soft palate, remain the same size as before. Due to this structure, the structural problems suffered by bulldogs include: Narrow nostrils. The nostrils of the bulldog are often narrow and either completely closed or mere slits, instead of having nice wide open nostrils like other breeds. Compressed nasal passages. The shortened bony case of the nose means the dog lacks the normal filtering mechanism of the nasal turbinates. Filtering serves to warm cold air when it's breathed in and to filter out dust. Long soft palate. A fleshy shelf called the soft palate divides the nose from the mouth. Given the shortened nature of the dog's nose and mouth, the soft palate takes up more room than it should and tends to block the entrance to the windpipe, causing choking episodes from time to time. Large tonsils. The dog's tonsils tend to enlarge to cope with the unfiltered area. The tonsils sit in the throat just above the entrance to the windpipe. When they are enlarged, they can restrict airflow into the windpipe. Narrow windpipes. Bulldogs have a syndrome where the windpipe has a narrower diameter, again making it hard to breathe. Patches of fur loss , often circle-shaped; Patches of red, irritated, and scaly skin. Parvovirus can also be also deadly when untreated, another condition associated with congestion in puppies and dogs. Kennel cough is another highly contagious disease that could affect puppies newly separated from their mother and siblings. How to Help a Congested Dog A trip to the vet is in order if your dog sounds congested when breathing. Early diagnosis means fast treatment, which in turn means a quicker recovery time and a higher chance of recovery success. Some medical complaints will not go away without treatment. This includes pneumonia, which is usually treated with antibiotics. Your pooch can only get those antibiotics if they have been prescribed them. More pressing cases could even require a night or two in the doggo hospital, for IV antibiotics and fluids. Allergies are often treated using antihistamines. Parvovirus, on the other hand, is much more serious, requiring quarantine and intensive medication courses. Heart disease will often require long-term medication, particularly in middle to older-aged dogs. By not going to the vet with your poor pooch, you are running the risk of letting a potentially deadly disease, such as Parvovirus, run rampant. Vacuuming regularly, using a filter vacuum, will keep dust, mites , and other allergens to a minimum. Check Your Products Have you recently changed the cleaning products you use? Or laundry detergent? How about home fragrances, perfumes and colognes, or even hairsprays? All these things can agitate sensitive doggos, causing congestion, particularly with pampered, mostly indoor breeds. Overweight dogs will experience a host of problems, including congestion and respiratory conditions. If your dog has outdoor-related allergies, however, this might not be the best idea. Emergency Fund Worried about the cost of vet care for your precious pooch? Why not let Petcube take away some of that stress? FAQ What can I give my dog for congestion? It is not recommended to give your dog any kind of over-the-counter medication that you — yourself — would take. When should I take a dog with chest congestion symptoms to the vet? Most benign causes behind congestion in dogs will clear up before that, so a longer bout of it would indicate an underlying problem. Are there high-risk congested dog breeds? Yes, certain breeds of dogs are prone to suffering from congestion more than others. Short-nosed or flat-nosed breeds, such as bulldogs and pugs, experience breathing problems more frequently than others. Was this article helpful? Yes — and no. Let us explain. Brachycephalic dogs, otherwise known as flat-faced breeds, have more difficulty breathing due to their shortened snouts. The French bulldog, Boston terrier, and pug are among the most well-known brachycephalic breeds, and 24 breeds total have brachycephalic conformation. These breathing issues are often pronounced with exercise and become more evident as your dog ages. While this type of congestion in dogs is considered normal for certain breeds, their physical features can lead to severe issues such as nasal stenosis and laryngeal collapse, both of which require surgery. Here are the most common causes: 1. See also Inactive Canine? You may be able to see the leaf, wood chip, piece of grass, or whatever your pup has managed to get up their nose protruding out of their nostril. In that case, gently remove it with tweezers. If you cannot see or are uncomfortable removing the obstruction, have a veterinarian examine your dog and remove the object. They may need to sedate your pup if the foreign body is far up its nostril and will provide the best follow-up treatment. Dogs and humans can share many of the same allergies, including allergies to several environmental substances. These include grass, pollen, dust mites, and more. Your pup may even be intolerant to cigarette smoke, certain types of medicine, or chemicals used in cleaning. Not only can congestion be a symptom of allergies in dogs, but they may also experience itchiness, runny eyes , inflamed skin, diarrhea, vomiting, and constant licking , among other symptoms. Respiratory Infections If your pup suddenly becomes congested, you are most likely dealing with a respiratory infection. A viral infection is the most likely cause of sudden congestion or sinusitis in your dog, and congestion is the result of inflammation and excess mucus. Several common respiratory infections and conditions develop in dogs, including kennel cough, pneumonia, dog flu, rhinitis, chronic bronchitis, and tracheal collapse. Schedule a vet appointment immediately if you suspect your dog has a respiratory infection. Many of these conditions must be treated as soon as possible to avoid serious health consequences. Age While age alone could be causing your furry friend to sound congested due to weakened cartilage in the airways , this is sadly not the only reason why this may occur. Heart disease is most common in older dogs, which may cause congestion and wheezing. Your older dog may find physical activity difficult as a result or is experiencing difficulty breathing due to lethargy. Sleeping Position Have you noticed that your dog only seems to sound congested when sleeping? Lying awkwardly can cause a slight obstruction in their airway, making them sound congested and increasing their likelihood of snoring. Air Quality The air quality in your home could be causing congestion in your pup and, unsurprisingly, yourself. This can result in fungal infection, with your dog sounding congested for even weeks or months at a time. Sedation Has your dog recently been sedated due to a medical procedure or surgery? Plus, your dog will be a little more sluggish than usual. Tumors Sadly, several types of tumors, both benign and cancerous, may cause congestion in dogs due to upper airway disease. These are primary tracheal tumors and will need to be removed to clear the obstruction in the airway. A humidifier can help reduce inflammation and release congestion, as can the steam from a hot shower. When using a humidifier, remember not to add any essential oils, as they may be toxic to animals. While it could result from something as minor as a doggy head cold, it could also be more serious. How useful was this post? Click on a star to rate it! Submit Rating Please give us feedback on this post: Let us improve this post! Tell us how we can improve this post? She is a strong healthcare services professional with a graduate degree from St. George's University. You can connect with her on LinkedIn. Post navigation. Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon. This post may contain affiliate links. Read more here. If you notice your furry friend has become congested recently, you may wonder what is going on. Snoring, grunting, sneezing, and snorting are all noises that are cause for concern if heard frequently enough. Reasons a dog sounds congested will vary and are largely dependent on age, breed and whether or not a dog has any underlying medical issues. Most of the time, the cause is benign and the issue can be easily dealt with. For a small number of pooches, there may be something more serious going on. Congestion in a dog can indicate an anatomical fault, obesity, allergies, foreign objects, respiratory infections, or even tumors. Temporary issues include poor air quality or an odd sleeping position. Some breeds are no stranger to noisy breathing. For others, however, sounding congested may be new territory. There is a wide range of potential causes for dog congestion and snorting. These include: Anatomy. Those carrying extra pounds are putting additional pressure on their heart and lungs which can affect their breathing quality. As a dog gets older, the cartilage in their airways weakens and they can begin to breathe more loudly than before. Similar to hayfever in humans, some dogs experience Allergic Rhinitis. This can cause sneezing as well as nasal discharge and congested breathing. A foreign body in the nasal passage. If a dog sniffs up a grass seed or awn this is likely to give them trouble when it comes to their breathing. Sometimes, an abscess develops and there is significant swelling. Signs typically start abruptly and can be severe. Respiratory infections. Bacterial, parasitic, fungal, or viral can all create congested breathing. This is due to the inflammation as well as the production of excess snot and fluid. If your dog has had an anesthetic or sedation you may well notice their breathing sounds heavier for the next day or so. This is a combination of their relaxed muscles narrowing their airway and the fact that they will be very groggy. Anything that obstructs the natural airflow needs to be considered. Benign tumors like polyps and cancerous tumors would both need to be considered. Air quality. If the air around your dog is not well ventilated and is dusty or smoky, this can affect the way that they breathe. Laryngeal Paralysis. Dogs who develop laryngeal paralysis can have noisy breathing and a soft cough. It tends to be senior dogs that are affected. Sleeping position. Sometimes, your dog may be lying awkwardly, causing slight airway obstruction. This can mean they start to sound blocked up and congested. Photo by Stefano Carnevali on Shutterstock Oftentimes, owners notice breathing changes when their dog is asleep as they have the opportunity to watch them closely. It may be that these changes are always present but are harder to spot when a dog is moving about and active. So, those with certain lung and heart diseases tend to cough more and have more trouble breathing when lying down. An abrupt change in breathing habits would usually be accompanied by other signs. You may notice your dog is also breathing faster and is less able to exercise. If your dog normally has quiet breathing, a sudden change needs to be explored. A congenital issue such as BUAS is much less likely in this case. The vet will check for signs of respiratory infections and airway blockages. They will also consider the season, to determine if seasonal allergies are a possibility. Dog Breathing Sounds Like Snoring There are several causes of noisy breathing that sounds like a snore. If this is a new thing for your dog, an airway exam should be performed by a vet. This is because they suffer from a condition called Brachycephalic Upper Airway Syndrome. Some are more affected than others and it is important you discuss with your vet if your dog requires any intervention. Dog Gurgling Sound When Breathing Gurgling when breathing may mean that there is fluid present somewhere in the airway, which could point toward serious lung or heart disease. A gurgle is a specific sound that should never be ignored. If you think your dog gurgles when they breathe, have them assessed right away. What are the Signs of Respiratory Distress in a Dog? A dog in respiratory distress may hide, pace around, or stand with their arms wide apart and neck extended. With limited oxygen, the breathing will generally be fast, shallow, or noisy and gums may be grey or blue instead of a healthy pink. Every owner should make themselves familiar with the signs of respiratory distress. While some assume signs would be obvious, this is not always the case. When resting or asleep, anything higher than 30 breaths a minute is a red flag. An exception to this is a healthy pup who may breathe quickly for a short time while dreaming. A trip to the vet should always be the first port of call. Once we know what we are dealing with and the correct prescription medicine has been issued, we can consider how we can help our dogs at home: Let your dog in the bathroom whenever a family member has a hot bath or shower. This can help clear their airways and soften any mucus buildup. Encourage your dog to move about, as long as they are up for it. Lying still for too long can lead to mucus and fluid pooling. Anti-histamines and similar over-the-counter medicines may be appropriate for some patients, especially those with allergies. However, this should always be discussed with a vet first. Clear away any nasal discharge with a warm, wet cotton towel or grooming wipes. This can put them off their food which can affect their energy. It can help to offer warm and strong-smelling food such as sardines and moist chicken. Consider using a humidifier in your home if needed. Keep the air well ventilated. Make it easier for your dog by ensuring the air is free of dust, smoke, cooking fumes and air fresheners. Thankfully, this tends to be something Mother Nature takes care of for us. While some websites may advise using a nasal aspirator, few dogs will tolerate this according to practicing vets and my own experience. Rather, using a humidifier and steaming your dog in the bathroom should be enough to loosen up mucus and let the body deal with it naturally. When liquid is dripping out of the nostrils, you can clean it away with cotton wool. If your dog has fluid in or around their lungs this is a true medical emergency. This is not something that can be treated at home and these dogs need immediate vet care. Fluid build-up may need to be drained with a needle or using medicine called diuretics. Loud breathing in a dog is a symptom that merits our attention. It will likely bother your dog, affect their sleep and make it harder for them to exercise. There are a range of potential causes for congested and noisy breathing, meaning a vet visit is a necessity. Your dog will be examined thoroughly and may require — after natural remedies are ruled — medication and other interventions. Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. Finding out the exact cause will better aid the treatment so that you can get your pup feeling better quickly. Viral infection: Think of this as the common cold. A viral infection of the sinuses or nasal passages can cause swelling and inflammation that makes it hard for your pup to breathe. It may also bring on a runny nose and eyes, usually with clear discharge, coughing, sneezing, and lethargy. Most viral infections tend to be mild to moderate. Viral infections usually find their way to a dog by contact with other infected dogs. Bacterial infection: Bacteria also like to make their way into the nasal passages, sinuses, and chests of our canine companions. The trouble with bacteria is they tend to elicit an immune response that creates thick, colored discharge from the eye and nose, along with inflammation of the airways, making it even harder for a dog to breathe. Dogs may also run a fever, cough, sneeze, not eat, and be lethargic. Occasionally, chest congestion in dogs can be due to pneumonia, a serious infection of the lungs that requires immediate treatment so that a dog can breathe. Bacterial respiratory infections can be passed from dog to dog or by contact with bacteria on objects. Fungal infection: Depending on where you live, fungal infections that cause congestion in dogs can be a concern. Fungal spores from the environment can reproduce in the respiratory system and cause congestion in dogs. These infections tend to go on and on, and owners may not notice anything other than a cough and mild congestion that lasts for weeks or even months. Allergies: Some dogs respond to pollen, mold, dust, and smoke like humans do. Lots of sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, runny noses, and congestion can occur due to allergies. For some dogs, these signs are seasonal. For others, they may happen any time of the year. Foreign objects: Dogs love to explore their world with their noses, making it easy to inhale grass seeds, dirt, or anything small enough to make it through their nostrils. Some foreign objects can get lodged in the nasal passage or sinuses, causing inflammation and congestion. Infections may occur secondary to foreign objects as well. Depending on where the foreign object is, dogs may also sneeze, have a runny or bloody nose, or cough if the object is in their chest. Others: Less frequently congestion in dogs may be a result of a tumor or heart disease. Other signs will depend on the issue and where it is, but you may notice dogs not wanting to exercise, difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, coughing, bloody nose, or lethargy. Is it Nose or Chest Congestion? They may also snort, sniff, or whistle when trying to get air through their nasal passageways, similar to the way a Bulldog breathes normally. For Bulldog owners out there, of course, this is completely normal, which can make it a little difficult to determine when your short-nosed breed is congested. For chest congestion, there will almost always be coughing. The cough will usually be moist and phlegmy since they are trying to dislodge the mucous that is partially causing the congestion. Dogs may also wheeze when trying to breathe since chest congestion makes it difficult to get air into the lungs. If your dog is having some coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose with their congestion, but is otherwise eating well and moving around normally, try some of the following steps first. Use a humidifier. The moist air from a humidifier can help to decrease inflammation and congestion of the airways. Treat your dog to shower. Do not get your pup wet, but simply let them sit in the bathroom while a hot shower is running. The warm, moist air from your shower is for him. Bringing your dog into the bathroom with you while you shower can help to break up mild nasal and sinus congestion. Give him a little TLC. A cold is a cold, and we all know what that feels like. If your dog has more serious signs, such as difficulty breathing, a fever, not eating, or a persistent cough, get a vet appointment. More serious forms of congestion should be seen by a veterinarian. If your dog starts to show any signs of getting worse, such as stopping eating, running a fever, or having difficulty breathing, get the next available appointment. If you notice a lot of open-mouth breathing or belly breathing, see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Blood work and x-rays may also be done to check for pneumonia, heart issues, and tumors. Your vet may also collect samples of any nasal discharge or phlegm to culture for bacteria. For viral and bacterial infections, antibiotics are typically given to fight the infection or to prevent secondary infections. Fungal infections take a long course of antifungals. If caught early and treated properly, most infections, including pneumonia, can be treated with a very favorable outcome. Treating allergies can be a sticky situation. Of course, the best allergy treatment is removing the allergen. Sounds easy, except it can be very difficult to pinpoint the exact allergens that affect your dog and cause them congestion. Some congestion-causing allergies respond to antihistamines, others need different therapies. Allergy testing and allergy shots are available with variable results. Foreign objects will more than likely need to be removed, and then the damage that they cause will need to be treated. Removal will require sedation or even surgery, depending on where the problem lies. Your dog may then need anti-inflammatories and antibiotics as a follow-up. Disclaimer: This content is not a substitute for veterinary care. Always consult with your vet for health decisions. Learn more. Also, be ready to tell your vet about any other signs your dog may be showing, such as not eating, or lethargy, and if other dogs in your household are affected. If your dog coughs up or sneezes a lot of phlegm, you may want to grab a sample to show your vet just in case. FAQ Are certain breeds more likely to be affected by congestion than others? Brachycephalic breeds, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers, are more likely to experience congestion since they are prone to breathing problems already. What if my dog sounds congested only when sleeping? Snoring or snorting while sleeping can be concerning and may be caused by different things. Some congestion during sleeping may be due to the position that your dog is sleeping in. Benadryl is safe to give to most healthy dogs. She has over 10 years of experience in small animal veterinary practice, working for a veterinary clinic in Idaho. How useful is this page? Help us improve. Click on a star to rate it: Submit Rating. If they sound congested or are breathing more heavily than they usually would, it can be alarming. There are many reasons your dog may experience congestion, most of which are nothing to worry about. They may have a cold or have changed into an odd sleeping position. Whatever the case may be, we will go over why your dog may sound congested and when to consult a vet. Typically, when your dog sounds congested when sleeping, nothing is wrong. However, it may be a sign of something more severe in some cases. If you notice signs of congestion in your dog, keep a close eye on it and note any changes. Common Reasons for Nighttime Congestion in Dogs Here are the most common reasons dogs are congested at night. Dogs are like humans in that the way they sleep affects their breathing. If it seems like your dog only makes strange sounds in their sleep while lying in an unusual position, you more than likely have no reason to be concerned. However, if the noises persist, no matter how they lie, there may be another cause. Allergies or a Cold Dogs are more like people than we think and can experience allergies or catch a cold. Our pups go through the same symptoms that an allergic reaction or illness gives us. Dogs that have colds will have a stuffy nose, causing some congestion. You may notice other symptoms in combination, such as sneezing or a runny nose. They may even have a fever. Learn how Wild Earth can help your dog live longer and visit the vet less. Take The Quiz Dental Issues Poor doggy dental health may cause various issues, including congested sounds. If your pup has an infection or a cavity, it can affect how they sound in their sleep. Their mouth is connected to their airway, so any irritation may transfer to their breathing. Medication Side Effects Have you given your dog a new medication recently? If so, check the side effects to see if they include congestion. Some medicines may also make dogs feel drowsier, causing them to have a deeper sleep, which may cause snoring sounds. Obesity Obese and overwei ght dogs can cause poor health, including their lungs. Ensure that your dog is within the recommended weight range for their breed. Offer treats sparingly, as the calories can quickly add up. You can also use healthier treats, such as baby carrots, that your pup is sure to love just as much. Dogs Breeds With Congested Breathing Some dog breeds are more prone to congested breathing than others due to their anatomy. If you have a dog breed such as a pug or French bulldog, this is normal for their species. Age Older dogs are more likely to snore or sound congested while they sleep. As they age, the nerves in their airways start to weaken. Although this is normal and is usually not a cause for concern, it could signify laryngeal paralysis. If you notice that the congestion or snoring disturbs your senior dog, talk to your veterinarian to rule out any illnesses. Secondhand Smoke We all know that if you smoke a cigarette near another person, it can affect their lungs. The inflammation the smoke causes to their airways can cause snoring or congestion. If you smoke, always do so outside, away from any people or pets. Although congestion is normal in dogs, there are some ways you can help them, especially if they have a cold. If their weight is the cause, ensure they are on a healthy diet with plenty of playtime and exercise. Take note of any medications you may have recently given them. Pay attention to the time of year your dog snores. If your dog snores more in the summer, they are likely to experience seasonal allergies. Try Home Remedies If your dog has other cold-like symptoms or you suspect seasonal allergies, here are some remedies to help them with congestion: Antihistamines can help dogs the same way they help people. Consult your vet to get the proper dosage. Use a humidifier at night; some extra humidity may help clear their airways. Get rid of any lingering bacteria by cleaning their bedding, bowls, toys, or anything else they use regularly Chicken soup helps dogs just as much as humans who are congested. Feed them lukewarm low-sodium broth, cooked veggies, and brown rice to help clear their sinuses. In some cases, it can be indicative of issues. More on Dog Knowledge:.

Give it some baths here and there but not too many or it will dry out the skin , and brush its coat every other month to avoid excessive shedding around the house. Give your Corgi German Shepherd Mix at least one hour of physical activity every day. This can be long walks, hikes, and swimming. Corgis and Golden Retrievers have a natural attraction to water, so it should be safe to play with their mix in the pool. Many pet owners are now switching to the Raw Food Diet to prevent obesity, increase energy levels, and maintain a healthier dog overall. Just be cautious of the bacteria that live in raw meat. It can make humans and animals sick. The pricing of this breed is all over the board, but hopefully, this will help. Do I have the time to properly socialize this dog? Do I have the money if a medical issue arises? Do I have the energy to keep up with an active dog? If you answered yes, then this breed might be perfect for you! 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. Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. 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. They are not purebreds like their Golden Retriever and Corgi parents. The main colors of Golden Corgis are golden, tan, fawn, red, white, black, and brown. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. A good weekly brushing—and regular bathing—can help eliminate some of the shedding. Since both the Corgi and the Golden Retriever are such loving, outgoing dogs, the Golden Corgi tends to be an excellent active companion for both young and older children alike. These dogs tend to do well with other animals and pets in the household. Golden Retriever Corgis have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in. Sometimes the Golden Retriever Corgi can be playful, bordering on stubborn. They will test novice owners. However, they are intelligent dogs, which means training should be relatively easy, as long as you are patient and persistent. Golden Retriever Corgi History The Golden Retriever Corgi mixed dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Corgis and Golden Retrievers in the late s, likely in North America. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to combine the friendly, outgoing demeanor of both dogs. They continued to create Golden Retriever Corgis as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the Golden Corgi breed got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you. Check your local shelters, look up Golden Retriever Corgi rescues, or check with breed-specific Corgi or Golden Retriever rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed breed dogs and find homes for them. Golden Retriever Corgi Size As the Golden Retriever Corgi is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between Corgi and Golden Retriever parents, you can expect these dogs to be on the medium-to-large side. Golden Corgis weigh in anywhere between 30 and 75 pounds and stand ten to 18 inches from the shoulder. However, many can be smaller or larger than average. Golden Retriever Corgi Personality Many Golden Retriever Corgi lovers describe their dogs as spunky, silly dogs who have a lot of love to give. The good news is that both the Golden Retriever and the Corgi are intelligent dogs , which means training your Golden Corgi should be relatively easy, as long as you are patient and persistent. They will test novice owners every once in a while with some silly antics, but again, proper training should curb any irksome habits or stubbornness. Once they trust you, a Golden Corgi will want nothing but to please you. They are also outgoing and friendly dogs, which makes them an excellent choice for families with children. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Golden Corgis are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them, too. A good weekly brushing—and regular bathing—can help eliminate some of the shedding the Golden Retriever Corgi is prone to. Because they have longer double coats, Golden Retriever Corgis are much more tolerant of the coat than of extreme heat. Do not leave your Golden Corgi unattended in any extreme weather conditions, especially in warm conditions, which could lead to heatstroke. Still, as with any dog, it is important that any children playing with your Golden Corgi know how to properly interact with them. When it comes to other pets, Golden Retriever Corgis can get along with other animals if they are introduced slowly and calmly, and early socialization will help this go smoothly. Since the Golden Retriever Corgi is so friendly, they tend to do well with other animals and pets in the household, as long as the other pet will have them! Still, some Golden Corgis might not get along with other dogs and cats, so it really comes down to training, socialization, and the luck of the draw. However, you may want to try Golden Retriever or Corgi breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Lifespan Sociability Even as puppies, Golden Corgis are a strange blend of both parent breeds. That extends to their personalities as well. Rather than blending the two parent breeds, they seem to lift individual traits from a single parent. For example, they tend to have the amiability of a Golden and the stubbornness of a Corgi. Be sure to give them plenty of chew toys and keep your shoes on a high shelf as well, as chewed-up shoes are the price you pay for having a puppy. One thing both breeds have in common is a predilection for playtime. These dogs can spend hours chasing after balls or Frisbees or even just playing tug-of-war with an old rope. That makes them wonderful companions for anyone who loves playing with their dog, but if you get bored quickly, you might want to choose a less-demanding breed. Both parent breeds are sociable and outgoing, the type of dogs who have never met a stranger. Some take heavily after their Retriever parents, others after the Corgi, and some are an equal mix of both. That being said, there are still general statements that we can make about these pooches. They are almost always extremely friendly and outgoing, even around strangers. Are These Dogs Good for Families? While these dogs will usually play peacefully with even the smallest of children, their natural exuberance can sometimes cause them to get out of hand. Also, Corgis are herding dogs, so if your pup takes after that part of their genetic background, you may find your pooch corralling your kids all over the yard. While that may sound like a good thing, it can quickly get old for the children. You may need a large family just to keep up with one of these dogs, however. Ultimately, though, your entire family should fall in love with one of these low-rider pups. However, beware of those herding instincts. Also, if your dog takes after the Corgi side, they may try to dominate other dogs — yes, even much larger ones. Of course, given how wildly the personalities of these dogs can vary, everything written below should be treated as a guide rather than as hard-and-fast rules. If they overeat and fail to get all the activity they need, these pups can quickly become obese, and obesity is horrible for dogs. We recommend feeding them a high-protein kibble, as this will give them plenty of energy while keeping them long and lean. High-quality meat should make up the bulk of the food, and the first ingredient should be a lean meat source of some kind. Watch out for ingredients like corn, wheat, soy, or animal by-products. These are all low-quality fillers that manufacturers include to save money, but they offer little in the way of nutritional value and can often contribute to weight gain. In addition to protein, look for high-quality fruits and veggies like cranberries, kale, spinach, broccoli, and the like. Golden Corgis can be prone to spine and joint problems later in life, so it may be smart to give them a glucosamine supplement starting at a young age. Fortunately, they make it easy to exercise them. Just playing with them may be all you ever need to do in terms of providing exercise, but they also excel at agility training, obedience work, and other games. Ideally, any exercise you provide will tax their minds as much as their bodies. Obedience work is great for this, but you can also play hide-and-seek, organize scavenger hunts, or simply give them a puzzle toy to figure out. Be careful about how you go about it, though. Negative reinforcement — which includes punitive measures like yelling, using shock collars, or hitting the dog — almost never works and can lead to behavioral problems down the road. Instead, use positive reinforcement. If your dog is doing something wrong, re-direct them to the behavior that you want from them and reward it accordingly. However, the Golden Corgi is definitely not hypoallergenic. These dogs will shed, and since they have double coats, that shedding can get out of hand if you live in a hotter climate. They also blow their coats twice a year, in the spring and fall, so expect extreme shedding during those times. Be sure to dry their ears out thoroughly afterward because moisture in the ears could lead to infection. Beyond that, you should trim their nails as needed, brush their teeth as often as you can, and clean out their ears regularly to prevent bacteria from building up inside. The biggest issue that these dogs face is their Corgi heritage. The problem with Corgis, like most long-bodied dogs, is that their spines are under tremendous strain, leading to arthritis and other issues later in life. If you allow your dog to become overweight, these issues will become exacerbated, and your pup could be in constant pain as a result. Minor Conditions. This golden retriever corgi mix combines the big personality and small stature of the corgi with the lovable, up-for-anything attitude of the golden retriever. As you probably guessed, this makes for one seriously lovable companion. Golden corgis are intelligent , energetic pups with a lot of affection to give. Appearance As with other hybrid breeds that combine the genetics of two distinct parents, a golden corgi puppy's appearance can be a bit of a mystery until he grows up. Golden retrievers usually weigh between 55—75 pounds and stand 21—25 inches tall. These medium- to large-sized dogs have long, swishing tails with feathery fur that matches the rest of their coat, which can take on a range of hues along the golden spectrum. These pups have a happy-go-lucky personality and often look like they are grinning —it doesn't take much to make a golden retriever "smile. They have a very distinctive shape: a long, sturdy body perched atop four adorably stubby legs. Their perky ears are almost always standing at attention, and they have sizable and adorable backsides. Corgis come in an array of colors and markings, including red, fawn, black, brown, and white. As for what a golden corgi will look like, there's a good chance he'll have the yellow coat of his retriever parent plus the long body and stubby legs of a corgi. But he can inherit any combination of traits. But these stubby-legged dogs are gentle with children and seniors, though they may take some time to warm up to cats and dogs they don't know a reason why early socialization is so important! These pups are also intelligent and active—they love learning new behaviors , playing fetch , retrieving the newspaper, and taking long, leisurely walks. Like corgis, they're also great with kids and seniors; they also tend to get along well with other dogs and cats, especially other household pets they were raised with. Your golden corgi will likely take on a mix of personality traits from his corgi and golden retriever parents. All that said, remember that all dogs are different—even when they're the same breed—and there's no way to accurately predict their likes, dislikes, quirks, mannerisms, and aptitudes. When you adopt a golden corgi, you're committing to love him no matter what, so keep that in mind while researching different breeds. Living Needs Golden corgis are versatile pups who can thrive pretty much anywhere, but there are a few living needs to keep in mind before bringing one home. Both of this dog's parent breeds need lots of exercise to be happy and well-mannered, so consider whether you have the time and energy to dedicate to your golden corgi—daily walks, playtime, trips to the dog park , hikes , jogs , or swimming sessions are a must for this breed. Pembroke Welsh corgis, on the other hand, tend to have a mind of their own, but can easily learn good behaviors with engaging training sessions. The best way to train your golden corgi is with positive reinforcement tactics , which means giving them treats , praise, pets, and toys as rewards for making the desired decisions during training. Training is a great way to bond with your golden corgi and help him get some fresh air and exercise such as while teaching him how to walk on a leash nicely. Puzzle toys and feeders are also great for keeping him engaged, too. Care Caring for your golden corgi starts with researching and finding a trusted veterinarian who can offer advice on everything from your dog's ideal weight to any genetic health conditions he may be susceptible to. Courtesy of brienne. With a little practice and the right tools, you can also learn to groom your golden retriever corgi mix at home. Your corgi golden mix may inherit the long, flowing locks of a golden retriever or the thick, double coat of the Pembroke Welsh corgi or, more likely, some combination of the two. So, do golden corgis shed? You bet they do. Just like golden retrievers and corgis, this hybrid pooch is known for shedding. A lot. Brushing your golden corgi's coat regularly can help with flying fur, though it's still a good idea to shop around for a good vacuum cleaner , too. Set a reminder to brush your golden corgi's teeth every night before bed and chat with your vet about whether you need to schedule professional deep cleanings for your dog the need varies greatly, depending on the amount of plaque and tartar that builds up on his teeth. Health Though mixed breed dogs tend to be healthier than their purebred cousins overall, it's still smart to understand the genetic health conditions of the golden corgi's two parent breeds before adopting one of these charming pups. Pembroke Welsh corgis typically live 12—13 years. They may become overweight if they don't get enough exercise or they eat too much food, and they can be susceptible to degenerative myelopathy , a condition that causes spinal cord degeneration as they age. Golden retrievers, meanwhile, live to be 10—12 years old. These dapper dogs can experience elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia , allergies , cancer , eye conditions, hypothyroidism , and bloat, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus. Your golden corgi may never have any of these health issues, but you can never be too well-prepared when bringing home a new furry family member. To ensure you get a healthy, happy pup, only work with ethical breeders who screen for genetic health issues and supply verifiable health certificates for their puppies. An ethical breeder will also let you meet your golden retriever corgi mix's parents, which can offer additional insights, too—it's a big red flag if you can't meet the parents. Puppy Mills: The Reality of Pet Shops and Fake Breeders History Though it's difficult to track the exact origin of this breed, golden corgis were likely developed to take advantage of the best traits of both corgis and golden retrievers, which are beloved and extremely popular breeds. Farmers tailored the breed to fit their needs, which included endurance and strong herding instincts for rounding up dairy cows and, funnily enough, short legs for staying out of the cows' way! Golden retrievers were developed as hunting dogs in the mid-to-late s in Scotland. Desirable traits of these dogs included not only their ability to retrieve ducks and geese, but also their stamina for thriving in the region's rocky terrain and wet climate. Fun Facts How much is a golden corgi? The cost of a hybrid dog varies greatly, depending on the area of the country, the quality of the breeder, and many other factors. And because there aren't many golden corgi breeders around, you can check in with local rescue groups and animal shelters to see which dogs need new homes at the moment. Golden corgis aren't the only cute and friendly golden retriever mixes with adoring fans. There's also the goldador , golden shepherd , and goberian. Was this page helpful? Corgi Mix or a Corgi Retriever dog A Golden Retriever Corgi mix blends the best of both of the parent breeds; fun-loving, outgoing and makes a loyal companion. The Golden Retriever Corgi Mix puppy is cute and loving. The Corgi breed used to mix with the Golden Retriever could be one of two breeds; a Pembroke Corgi, or possibly the Cardigan Welsh Corgi; both are purebred Corgi breeds. The resulting pooch, even though both parent breeds are from recognized purebred dog breeds, is a hybrid dog; becoming popular in the s as new breed designer dogs. Any hybrid dog will inherit its characteristics from both parent breeds but the result will not be known until the puppy is born and observed as it grows up. In , Lord Tweedmouth, a British Aristocrat, wanted a loyal and hard-working gundog to retrieve waterfowl while hunting on his estate in Scotland. So he crossed a wavy-coated yellow retriever sire with a Tweed Water Spaniel dam and produced 3 Golden-colored Retriever puppies. Fact: the Tweed Water Spaniel is now an extinct dog breed. In , the Golden Retriever dog breed was registered by the UK Kennel Club, and they quickly became popular as adorable family pets and show dogs. These two variations of Corgi dogs from Wales are not officially interbred. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi has a broader chest and a more powerful and elongated body, a wide low-set tail, and big round ears. It can have some blue color in its eyes. It has a fox-like face, with compact ears. They have no blue color in their eyes. Their coat color is only accepted in Sable, Red, Sable, and Red mix with white patches. Both the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi dog breeds have strong front legs, a thick double coat, and great stamina which made them suitable as early herding dogs across the different terrain in Wales. Both Welsh Corgi dog breeds tend to have good temperaments and make loyal companions and great family members. Meet the offspring: The hybrid offspring of these two purebred dogs is the Golden Retriever and Corgi mix puppy — the Corgi Retriever puppy. This cross-breed dog has parents with hunting and retrieving skills and a high energy level. The Golden Retriever Corgi mix breed has the classic appearance of the Golden Retriever and shorter body of the Corgi breed; inheriting their friendly, smiley face and their lovely big brown eyes from both parents. Any Golden Retriever mix is likely to inherit soft, loving, and intelligent traits. Any Corgi mix is likely to inherit herding instincts, a high energy level, and possibly bossy tendencies. This mixed breed puppy will be happy, affectionate, and will easily become a fun family member for sure. Fact: Designer dogs, such as Golden Retriever mixes are increasing in popularity and so is the trend to give them a cute combo name that reflects a bit of both parent names. What are the main characteristics of a Golden Retriever Corgi Mix? Like any other crossbreed, a Golden Retriever and Corgi mix can inherit the characteristics of either parent or both. Crossbreed dogs, like The Golden Corgi, are no more likely to inherit health issues than purebred dogs; in fact, it is believed they may actually be stronger. Any mixed puppy can inherit all, some or none of the health issues its parent breeds have. It can be heavily weighted towards the characteristics of one parent more than the other. The characteristics of The Golden Corgi are a combination of nature and nurture: genetics of the parents, the environment, and the quality, type and amount of training and socialization. The Golden Retriever Corgi mix dog — possible coat colors: Both Golden Retriever and Corgis have a double coat: a thick topcoat and a warm undercoat. Therefore the Golden Corgi will inherit the same double-coat but is likely to be long-haired from the Golden Retriever mix. Possible coat colors from both parents are Fawn, Golden, Tan, Red, White, Black, and Brown, and could be one solid color or a mix of any of these colors. Loyalty and companionship The Golden Corgi is a relatively new breed, but the offspring of two adorable and much loved dogs. As both parents are highly loyal and trusting dogs it is likely that this pooch will be too. It loves companionship and being a family member so it will make a close companion and just hang around those it loves. Reputation: This mix-breed dog is likely to follow the reputation of the Corgi and Golden retriever. They are both loving and gentle dogs that are clever and make a great family member in any set up of a family. The Golden retriever is sweet, patient, and playful with no aggression in its bones. The corgi is also sweet and fun-loving and it can be silly and playful but it can also be stubborn and may nip at certain people or try to herd things, so be careful. This hybrid dog comes from two of the best loved and highly popular dog breeds. It too will be lovable, caring, and soft-hearted, yet with working dog parents, this mix puppy will want to keep active. They will still need to be trained and socialized early as puppies to teach them how to use that energy positively and learn how to behave in public. They will bark if bored or uncertain of a situation. Not a big barker so not a great watchdog, although any bark can be enough to keep intruders away. Trainability: Corgi Golden Retriever puppies are intelligent and easy to train. They are eager to please but they may inherit a stubborn streak from the Corgi; so patience is required when training this puppy. This pooch will have a high energy level and need to have an equally busy activity level to stop it from getting bored and getting up to mischief. Any crossbreed with hunting or herding parentage will need to be trained and socialized early as it will inherit some of these traits. They may attempt to herd small children and smaller pets so they need to be trained not to do this. Positive reinforcement and small treats will work well but not harsh discipline as this little puppy is soft-hearted and will get upset easily Power and intelligence: A Golden Corgi is an intelligent, spunky, and active with a herding and high energy working drive. It will enjoy and need working challenges incorporating mental and physical stimulation. Socialization: Early socialization and discipline are strongly recommended for any crossbred dog especially those with herding and working dog parents. When trained and socialized a Corgi Retriever dog will be approachable and friendly around children but should be supervised around very young kids. Purpose: Any herding or hunting dog will want to be useful and please its owner. It will enjoy tasks and challenges that combine exercise and puzzles. Behavior: The behavior of a Golden Retriever Corgi mix breed, coming from two gentle and loving dogs should be eager to please when obedience trained. It will inherit a resilient strong body, beautiful face and it will love its food. It is a medium sized dog, which can be expected to read a height between inches cm and a weight of between lbs KG in maturity. An average life span for the Golden Retriever Corgi mix is between years. Eyes: Brown Ears: Medium, soft triangular-shaped ears that dangle forwards Coat: A long length, waterproof double coat. It will be a medium shedder Color: The coat color dependent on which parent is dominant; it could be Fawn, Tan, Golden, White, Black, or Brown; solid or multi-color. Temperament: A Golden Retriever Corgi mix is not known to be aggressive. It is loving and affectionate with everyone. When trained properly it will be loyal, obedient, and quickly form a strong and lasting bond with its family. How should you train a Golden Corgi? This mix breed dog is smart and has a high energy level so therefore needs lots of exercise with challenging tasks to perform to keep it stimulated. Positive reinforcement and reward-based training work best. Types of training required: obedience, discipline, agility, and socialization. So, if you are not going to use a professional dog trainer: 1 Develop your basic command words: Find keywords such as Stop, Sit, Down, etc. You will have to lock the cage in the early days so it knows it can sleep there and be transported in it. Eventually, the puppy with your help will learn where and where not to go. Therefore, practice voice commands and road safety awareness firmly but not aggressively as its feeling get hurt easily. Hip Dysplasia — a growth abnormality common in both parent breeds. Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the joint, where the ball at the top of the limb does not fit properly into the socket and the ligaments attaching it are weak. This allows excess movement of the fitting causing eventual stiffness and pain. It can also suffer from Elbow Dysplasia where parts of the bone can break off. There is no cure; pain management and anti-inflammatories may be prescribed by the Vet. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA — this is a genetic condition where the retina in the eye degenerates and it can lead to vision loss if not diagnosed and treated early. Intervertebral disc disease — IVD is a common disorder causing pain, a partial loss of limb function, paralysis, and sometimes a loss of feeling in the hind limbs. Obesity — both parent breeds like their food and are prone to weight gain, therefore the amount of food must be matched with the activity level of this dog. Von Willebrand disease — is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by a lack of von Willebrand factor protein vWF in the bloodstream. A lack of this will prevent the control of bleeding should injury occur. Other health issues include various inherited eye problems such as Cataracts, and eye anomalies and Cancer. This characteristic will make the training easier compared to other breeds. You should get your treats ready for them because they will more willingly grant your requests. If you are looking for a pet which is loving to the family members, the Corgi Golden Retriever mix could be the one for your family. This trait encompasses loyalty and friendliness to all the members of the family. Despite the risk of its parent breed Corgi in acquiring various diseases, this designer breed has a decreased risk of developing fatal illnesses. With the mixed gene pool from the purebred dogs, the chances of having health problems become significantly lower. Appearance, Personality, and Traits of a Golden Retriever Corgi Weight 30 lbs to 70 lbs Height 10 inches to 1 foot and 6 inches tall at the shoulders Coat Type Short and straight, medium-length, often thick, wavy Coat Color combination of different shades of brown and red, black, white Amount of Shedding Temperament Intelligent, playful, high-energy, affectionate to family Because this puppy is a result of cross-breeding, the appearance may result in different features. Between the two types of Corgi, there is no significant difference in their sizes. Regarding the weight of Cardigans and Pembrokes, the males of the two kinds are often heavier than the females. The weight of male Corgi dogs ranges from 30 pounds to 38 pounds, while the weight of female Corgi dogs ranges from 25 pounds to 34 pounds. Additionally, Cardigans have a broader chest and more powerful body than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Other differentiating features between the two types of Corgi are the tail and overall shape of the bodies. Pembrokes have docked tails, while Cardigans possess a wide and low-set tail. The body of Pembroke is less elongated than Cardigans and curvier. Cardigans have a distinct waistline and elegant back of its trunk. They also have strong front legs, quite bent outward for supporting its heavy chest. Cardigans and Pembrokes also differ in the face structure and facial expression. The head of Pembrokes exhibits a fox-like appearance. Cardigans can have a hint of blue in their eyes, which is not present in Pembrokes. Corgi dogs have a similar characteristic coat. They have medium-length fur and thick, weather-resistant double coat. The different color combination of their coat is also similar to one another, such as red, tan, fawn, and white. Their body coat often lies flat. The females weigh from 55 pounds to 65 pounds, and the males of this breed weigh from 65 pounds to 75 pounds. The height of this breed is 21 inches to 24 inches. Golden Retrievers have a thick double coat that adds to its bulky appearance of this breed. The distinct color of its coat may be yellow, golden, or blond. Its coat is often dense, but some may have a straight or wavy coat. It has a characteristic long snout. Its eyes can evoke sweet emotions and it has a smile that brings warmth to people. The Golden Retriever Corgi mix puppies will be a combination of these aforementioned features. They weigh 30 pounds to 70 pounds. Their height may range from 10 inches to 1 foot and 6 inches. Due to the double-coat feature of both parent breeds, this mixed puppy has a predictable double coat as well. They may have coats that are short and straight, medium-length, or wavy. With the notable coat shedding of the parent breeds, this mixed breed has a moderate to heavy shedding. The colors of their coat can be a combination of white, black, and different shades of brown and red. Corgi Golden Retriever mix puppies can tolerate moderately to excellently varying temperatures. For the Corgi variations, they may have a varying temperament. Below are some of the differences in their temperament. Cardigans are more wary of strangers, making them better watchdogs. Pembrokes view a new person as a potential playmate. Cardigans are more cautious before acting on a situation. Pembrokes are often more open and out-going. Corgi dogs are part of the herding group. Dogs in this category have an innate to mobilize and control the movement of other animals, and sometimes they can gently herd family members, particularly the children. They usually respond well to training exercises, and they make wonderful companions. On the other hand, Golden Retrievers are truly affectionate to people. They have a calm nature and a drive to please their owners. They keep their loyalty to their owners for a long time. They get along well with children. Golden Retriever dogs are part of the sporting group. Dogs in this category are enjoyable, well-rounded companions. They are alert and naturally active. They have superior instincts in woods and water. Mixing these two purebred dogs, the temperament of the offspring can be a combination of these traits. Both of the parent breeds are intelligent, making the training process easier. They catch onto things, such as commands, easier than some dog breeds. When interacting with people, Corgi mixed with Golden Retriever puppies are affectionate and loving. They long for adequate interaction and play. They cuddle the family members as a sign of their affection. Also, they have an innate loyalty for their owners. Pet Stores Professional Breeders Rescue Shelters Among the four options, my colleagues and I highly advise buying from professional breeders. These people take good care of the dogs by providing high-quality food and conducive living environment, and they prevent inbreeding to guarantee minimal health problems. Reliable breeders can provide you with results of health clearances and genetic testing for the parent dogs and offspring, as well as records of vaccination and other pertinent documents. The pet store is probably the most accessible place to purchase a puppy. However, you should consider that most puppies in pet stores come from puppy mills. The puppy mill, a breeding site, is a place where they keep dogs in miserable conditions. In this place, the puppy mill owners force the dogs to breed and give birth. However, before buying from professional breeders, you can also consider visiting your local shelters to check if there is an available Golden Retriever mixed with Corgi puppy and if you are qualified to adopt it. There are also rescue-centers that are breed-specific and non-profit. You can find more information about such institutions on the Internet and consult with veterinarians. Aside from the aesthetic purpose of grooming, you should know that there are a lot more reasons to groom your puppy. Developing a more intimate relationship Bringing out the natural oil on the coat Avoid issues like bug infestations Maintaining the cleanliness and physical health Checking anomalies and possible health problems Here is a list of the tools and equipment you will need for grooming this pup: Metal, Medium-toothed and Fine-toothed Comb Slicker Brush Cotton Ball Nail Clipper The grooming process starts with combing. First, you will use a metal and medium-toothed comb to go over the coat, one section at a time. Then, you will comb the coat with a fine-toothed comb to eliminate ticks and fleas. You should take extra time to comb in spots where tangles occur frequently, such as the base of the ears. If your dog has a collar, remove it when brushing the coat, and do not leave out the neck area unkempt. The use of a slicker brush over a pin brush is advisable due to its purpose of untangling mats or knots in the fur. Also, it helps in removing debris and loose hair. It can run through the thick layers of the double coat and facilitate effective grooming. Another advantage of this brush is its massaging quality since it has long pins. Massaging the skin of your pup will stimulate the production of essential oils for moisturizing the coat. Also, this will increase the blood circulation and promote health for the dog. Daily grooming starts when the coat of puppy starts to blow or when the puppy starts to shed the undercoat. The next step is bathing your pup, especially when it is smelly and dirty. Some people proceed to trim the coat of the puppy before bathing it. It is your discretion if you will follow the steps to the dot. After lathering with shampoo and then rinsing the coat, you can opt to blow-dry the coat. The frequency of bathing will also depend on your decision, based on the smell and sanitary condition of the Corgi Golden Retriever mix puppy. Part of the grooming process is checking for wax buildup in the ears and signs of an ear infection. You can clean their ears with a cotton ball and a dog-specific ear solution. You should never use a cotton swab for their ears. If you do not have this much time in your hands, you should schedule appointments with reliable groomers around the city or your neighborhood. Corgi Golden Retriever Mix Health Problems This designer breed has a lower chance of contracting and acquiring fatal diseases. Although, you should know that genetics typically have a random selection of inherited traits. Therefore, you should be aware of the possible health problems from each parent breed. One acquired condition due to the environment is heat stroke. Since the Corgi Golden Retriever breed has a dense and double coat, they do not tolerate heat as much as they tolerate cold weather. You should protect your puppy from overexposure to the sun and keep it well hydrated. One of the possible health problems is hip or elbow dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is an inheritable disease wherein the thighbone does not attach properly with the hip joint. Elbow dysplasia involves joint laxity due to different growth rates of the bones of the elbow. Cataract is another health condition that may affect your puppy. Puppies with this condition could have prolonged bleeding during heat cycles, bleeding gums, and nosebleeds. Vaccinations are weapons against fatal diseases. There is a generally accepted guideline of puppy vaccination. Some of the recommended vaccinations are measles, rabies, and DHPP which is the combination of vaccines for hepatitis, parainfluenza, distemper, adenovirus, and parvovirus. By knowing the possible serious health issues of this mixed pup, you can be more watchful when your pup manifests some warning signs related to these possible conditions. The Corgi origin of this mixed pup will incline your pup to eat and may influence it to over-eat. You must take precautions to prevent over-eating. I advise feeding your puppy high-quality dry food divided into two meals, instead of letting a massive amount of food sit out on the food bowl. To check if your puppy is overweight, you may conduct the hands-on test and eye test. To do these test, you will stand next to the dog and look down at the dog, looking at the waist. You will place your hand on its back, with the thumbs along its spine and fingers placed downward. If the dog is overweight, you would not feel the ribs when you press down. To help your Golden Corgi prevent bone disorders during peak growth of four to seven months, I suggest you give a low-calorie diet for the puppy. Aside from the food bits, you must remember to provide clean and fresh water for your Corgi Golden Retriever puppy. Check out our list of best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food and see if any suits their needs, but make sure you consult your vet first! It is imperative that you provide them with lots of mental and physical stimulation. Their parent breeds are fond of water. I recommend the following activities for your Corgi Crossed with Golden Retriever puppy: Swimming Race-walking Fetching a Frisbee or tennis ball The duration of physical activity should be at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. A well-exercised dog will cause fewer troubles at home. For mental stimulation, you should give them food-dispensing toys. When you engage the puppy in training classes, you also expose the puppy for socialization, and you allow it to learn the right and wrong habits. During training, it is possible to encounter mischief and fluctuations in concentration. A way to prevent this situation is keeping the sessions short. To have efficient training sessions, you need to have consistency, positive reinforcement, and treat-based reward system. You need to refrain from giving harsh corrections to your Corgi Golden Retriever pup, because this mixed puppy tends to be highly sensitive. Corgi Retriever And Families Because they can be aggressive towards strangers, attributable to its Cardigan origin, you should initiate early socialization. This step will allow the puppy to be more accommodating to strangers or family friends. Aside from helping the pup to be familiar with having people around, early socialization allows the pup to get used to its surroundings and to avoid being overwhelmed by various sensory stimulation. To start early socialization, you will introduce the puppy to new sounds, smells, and sights. This step is crucial in acclimatizing with the surroundings. When doing this step, I advise that you give an appropriate amount of treats. Golden Retriever Corgi mix puppies are family-friendly and affectionate. You can count on their loyalty to your family. There should be adult supervision when the dog interacts with a child.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Availability of puppies and conditions of sale are at the sole discretion of the individual breeder. You are not obligated to purchase a puppy from the breeders whose names you obtain from GRCA puppy referral. They truly love their golden's and have passion for what they do.Beautiful dogs.We researched breeders in and found BBG to adopt a puppy our 4th golden for our family of five and none of us looked back! We found a breeder with knowledge, support, advice, respect, kindness, compassion, care and incredible love for the dogs! Best decision ever!!! After doing her research, Kerry flew all the way from Washington to PA to add new blood to her line to insure healthy puppies for her offspring and their owners. I selected BBG as a breeder due to Kerry's passion for breeding healthy and happy dogs. With health checks for multiple generations of both the Dame and Sire lines, it was very important to me that I was not supporting a puppy mill or irresponsible breeding industry. I couldn't be happier with my two boys, other than I can hear one of them in my closet as I write this.You will become a member of the BBG family, and it is fantastic. If you want a gorgeous, correct golden with just the right blend of show and field lines that has been given the absolute best start in life, you want a BBG golden. I live on the other side of the country, and I did an absolute TON of research on the lines carried by Golden Retriever breeders from across the country, and I kept circling back to BBG. BBG is truly unique, not just their look and lines, but also the fact that they keep it small, so your puppy will be given daily love, attention, and neurological stimulation with everything from baby slides and toys, to moshing in a fun ball pit! You won't just get daily photos and videos of your special puppy from birth on, but your puppy will also leave their care having been extensively socialized and exposed to just about everything a family dog will experience, because he or she will be born and raised INSIDE their home. My BBG golden is incredibly intelligent, and is everything a Golden should be! Thank you, Kerry and Vicki! Always on hand to answer any questions! BigBendGoldens does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information you find on this website BigBendGoldens , is strictly at your own risk. From our website, you can visit other websites by following hyperlinks to such external sites. While we strive to provide only quality links to useful and ethical websites, we have no control over the content and nature of these sites. These links to other websites do not imply a recommendation for all the content found on these sites. Site owners and content may change without notice and may occur before we have the opportunity to remove a link which may have gone 'bad'. Please be also aware that when you leave our website, other sites may have different privacy policies and terms which are beyond our control. Please be sure to check the Privacy Policies of these sites as well as their "Terms of Service" before engaging in any business or uploading any information. Consent By using our website, you hereby consent to our disclaimer and agree to its terms. Update Should we update, amend or make any changes to this document, those changes will be prominently posted here. Proudly created with Wix. Our Program Personality We understand that each English Cream Golden Retriever puppy has their own unique personality and temperament traits, including assertiveness, motivation, energy level, tenderheartedness, intensity, and focus. Our observation of their socialization and interaction with humans and other animals such as cats, provides important indicators for your puppy's needs and lifestyle. Family Looking for a lifelong companion for your children? Our English Cream Golden Retriever puppies are loving, happy, and easygoing playmates, who not only create great memories but also promote emotional and physical development. From building self-esteem to developing empathy and responsibility, our companion puppies have many positive impacts on children. Socialization At Golden Beaches, we believe in providing our puppies with the essential socialization necessary to become lifelong companions. Our multi-pet household allows our puppies to have early exposure to cats, which promotes respect and understanding for other animals and children. This socialization also benefits cats by overcoming fears and promoting positive behavior. Many of our clients with multi-pet households have found this approach beneficial, and some have even added a kitten to their family after starting out with one of our puppies. Nutrition At Golden Beaches, we prioritize the health and well-being of our Golden Retrievers by providing them with premium, holistically formulated dog food from puppyhood to adulthood. Our food has never been recalled and is packed with nutrients and protein, ensuring that our dogs have shiny coats, bright eyes, and long-term benefits. We believe that good nutrition is key to keeping our dogs healthy and happy, so we take the time to ensure that they receive the best possible care, socialization, and early training. Adventure Experience the great outdoors with your athletic, water-loving Golden Retriever. Our playful companions are the perfect adventure buddies for hiking, swimming, and exploring nature. With our Goldens, you'll make unforgettable memories while staying active and healthy. Join us on our journey and let us help you embrace the beauty of nature with your beloved furry friend. Confidence At Golden Beaches, we prioritize the early development of our puppies by exposing them to different sights, smells, and sounds. We even play various genres of music and sounds to help them adapt to new environments. Our approach includes using evaluation methods like the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test, as well as introducing them to different activities and tests. Through these efforts, we gain a better understanding of your pup's unique level of confidence, ensuring they will be comfortable in any situation. Share 0 Shares Golden Retrievers are a great breed of dog for anyone who is looking for a very trainable dog with a fairly active lifestyle. These dogs have also been known to fit in well with many families as well thanks to their easy-going temperament. This makes them well suited to be around children and other pets. When looking to get a Golden Retriever puppy you may want to take into account whether or not you will want a male or a female. This is because many people claim that male and female dogs can sometimes have different kinds of personalities and drive. Additionally, you may want to look into if a Standard or Miniature Golden Retriever is the right dog for you. It is important to note that miniature Golden Retrievers are always the result of a crossbreed, and they are not officially recognized as a part of the Golden Retriever breed. Looking for a reputable Golden Retriever breeder to get your puppy from can seem to be challenging at times. This is especially true when you take things like health testing, health guarantees, and proper socialization methods into account. Well, here are 14 Golden Retriever breeders in Washington state to help you out on your breeder search. This means that they follow all of their recommended health and socialization protocols. As a result, every one of their dogs have gotten health tested for hips, elbows, eyes, and heart. Additionally, this breeder also does genetic testing for some conditions that can affect the Golden Retriever breed. Every one of their puppies will be kept up to date on their deworming and vaccinations prior to going to their new homes. They will all be seen by a vet before going to their new families as well. This Golden Retriever breeder utilizes early neurological stimulation to start all of their puppies off right. From there puppies continue their socialization with age-appropriate exposure to a variety of environments and stimuli. This breeder views every one of their dogs as a part of the family, and they are all born and raised in their home with the family. This breeder sells their puppies with a month health guarantee, and they are also members of both the Golden Retriever Club of America and the Rainier Hunting Retriever Club. Name of Owner. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Washington Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Washington? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Washington? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Breeder Judy Slayton Bachofner has a hand in the growth and development of all her puppies and adult dogs, playing with them and caring for them every day. Judy Slayton Bachofner Working with dogs is a true labor of love and each dog is an important part of Judy's life. Judy and her husband Mark live in rural Washington state near the Oregon border. Set on several scenic acres, their home gives the "canine crew" room to run, investigate and live life to the fullest. We desire to place the right puppy with your family, based on your needs and the physical traits and temperament of the puppy. We also specialize in meeting specific needs, such as dogs for search and rescue, service, hunting and show. Judy is not only a reputable breeder but also a great source of information for all things golden! Learn more about Judy's background at the About Judy page on this site. If you are interested in new golden retriever puppies for sale in Washington or Oregon, or in setting up an appointment to meet with Judy, go to the Contact Judy page.

If you experience such a problem, you can check these online Maltipoo breeders. Below is a list of three websites where you can find a Maltipoo puppy for sale. In general, these three sites are platforms for both puppy sellers and breeders to connect. It also has an online marketplace that you can access through the link below. Aside from the puppy searching platform, you can also find helpful articles on how to take care of your Maltipoo. On this website, you can find a good quality Maltipoo puppy. One feature of this platform is it will allow you to put some filters on your searches. These filters will help you narrow down your options according to your preference. Like the first two, this website is also a great place where you can search for a Maltipoo pup. On this website, you can find all kinds of dog breeds as well. Thus, you may be able to find an available Maltipoo puppy for sale. It will be more affordable for typical breeders, while it can go even higher if you would get one with a high-end status. Thus, if you get a puppy from a reputable breeder, you may expect any breeder to sell their puppies in this price range. Moreover, you need to prepare for the items and food your dog will need upon bringing it home. You successfully found one from a breeder. However, your tasks are only about to start! The first thing to do is to prepare for your new Maltipoo puppy. Pick a potty area for your pup. Afterward, you need to praise it in a way such as offering a treat. This way, you start potty training your pet while welcoming it home. Introduce its new home. The next thing you need to do is to introduce it to its new home. However, before you do this thing, make sure you have your home puppy-proofed already. It includes open electric plugs, sharp edges, and even toxic substances like cleaning materials. One common mistake of new puppy owners is to let the pup wander around the whole house. Such a thing can be pretty overwhelming for a small pup. Thus, it would be best to save the house tour for another time. Instead, let it stay and familiarize itself in its new crate or bed. This way, it will see the area as a safe zone and feel comfortable with it. Allow your pup to meet the family members. This tip is ideal for you to do one person at a time. If you have several family members at home, your pup may find it stressful to meet strange faces all at the same time. Thus, it would be best to let each one meet your pup for a particular time. This way, your pup will familiarize itself with your family through a particular bonding time. Provide chew toys for your Maltipoo. Maltipoo puppies, like the others, love to chew, especially as they start growing their teeth. Thus, you need to provide safe chew toys for it. These chew toys do two things at the same time. Second, it prevents your pup from chewing your things at home. Take your Maltipoo to its sleeping spot. Puppies often sleep for 15 to 20 hours a day, and Maltipoo pups are no exception. Thus, they often fall asleep in different places all the time. If your pup shows sleepiness, always take it to its sleeping spot. This way, it will learn to go there on its own if it feels sleepy. It would be best if you give your puppy some crate training. Pups find such places as their safe and secure spot. Of course, it will be so if you introduce the crate to your pup in a good way. Always keep an eye on your new pup. Always pay attention to your new pup, especially during its first days and weeks of stay. While you allow it to roam and play around, make sure you have your eyes on it to prevent potent harm. Make rules and schedule. Dogs find routines and rules ideal for their training. Thus, it would be best to do so for your pup. Take things slowly, one step at a time. The thing about dog parenting is that it will teach you to be patient. Give your pet some time. With proper and constant training, you and your pet will get there at some point. The answer to this one is usually and always the breeder. Still, with all the choices around, you may wonder if all breeders are worth your trust. Below are some of the tips you can use when choosing a good Maltipoo seller and breeder. This guide will help you filter out your options so you can meet only the best and the reputable breeders around. Pay a personal visit to the breeder. While we provide all the contact info and website of each breeder, we also put in the address, and it would be best if you visit them. The visitation will allow you to see the actual place where your pup started its life. If you find yourself looking at only one breeder, try to look for second and third options. Chances are you may like the breeder, but they have no pup available for you. With this in mind, you may want to contact several breeders at a time. Get to know the breeder and your future Maltipoo pup. One good sign of a reputable Maltipoo breeder is that he or she has facts of the breed ready to fire at you. For this reason, you may want to do a little research yourself about Maltipoos. This way, you can verify all the information he or she relays. Aside from these facts, also try to consider asking about your future pet. It includes temperament, possible health issues, and even certain attitudes. Interact with the litter and the parents. One thing to note about the litter is to compare it with your pup and see if your pup shows other behavior. On the other hand, the parents would likely pass their temperament to the litter. Be mindful of the policies and guarantees. All breeders need to explain their terms and conditions to each seller. Always note that reputable breeders want the pups to have the best future in the hands of good paw parents. Talk to other customers. A reputable breeder would be happy to introduce you to other people who bought puppies from him or her. Other states. For the complete list please see our Resource Page page. You can expect to pay anywhere from this amount, depending on your geographical location and the breeder you choose. Prices of a Maltipoo puppy might also vary because of the added bonus of a registration or pedigree papers. The Maltese, a purebred dog breed is registered with the American Kennel Club. Rare colors also garner a higher price for your little cutie. For example, you might want to be sure to ask the breeder if there are any grey or phantom-colored puppies available as these colors might command a slight increase in cost. The Maltipoos personality will depend largely on what kind of care he receives while growing up. If he is deficient in socialization skills then it could lead him to be shy or even fearful when meeting new people or dogs for the first time. However, if you are diligent with early socialization introduction during puppyhood, you should have no problem bringing out his outgoing side, which can result in your having a fun-loving playmate for life. This means that they have been required to meet certain standards of breeding and care set by the AKC in order to be approved. Responsible breeders will also ask you a lot of questions when you come in for your initial consultation with them. This way you can meet both parents and choose the right size and color of your pup. You should also take this opportunity to ask any questions that you might have about caring for your new Maltipoo puppy during his first few days with you as well as the things he will need throughout his lifetime. Visiting your breeder in person will also serve as a great opportunity for you in order to get to know the person who will actually be caring f for your pup when he or she leaves with you. A responsible breeder will be more than happy to give you the names and phone numbers of customers who have previously bought a puppy from them so that you can follow up and ask any questions and find out how satisfied they were with their new pup. If at all possible, we recommend paying a visit to your breeder. Meeting past customers will also serve as a great opportunity for you in order to get additional feedback from someone who has already gone through the experience of buying a Maltipoo from your breeder. This will also serve as a way for you to find out whether or not they were satisfied with how attentive their breeder was during the transition period after the purchase was made and before their new pup actually went home with them if everything went smoothly. They should also give you all of their veterinary records, including the medical history forms filled out by their own vet during each visit. You can find Maltipoo puppies for sale from both breeders and rescues in Minnesota. Look out for The Signs of An Unethical Maltipoo Dog Breeder in Minnesota The number of Maltipoo dogs in Minnesota is constantly growing and this means that there is a lot of competition when it comes to finding responsible breeders. Make sure you also check closely for symptoms of an unethical breeder. They should also be able to provide you with all of the necessary documentation needed in order to make sure that your pup is free from any serious medical problems as well as those which could develop over time. How to Prepare Your Home for Your Maltipoo Puppy Preparing your home for your new puppy is one of the most important stages because if they are not placed in a secure location with all of their belongings then you can be sure that your Maltipoo will make himself comfortable on the couch or manage to find their way into an area which might pose a danger. The rest of your house will need to be prepared as well so start by putting away any things which could easily be destroyed such as rubber toys, shoes and even pillows. Puppy proofing is a big part of bringing your new pet home and knowing how to do so is the best way to keep them safe and happy. Potty Training Your New Maltipoo Puppy Training your new pet to use the bathroom is actually something that can be done relatively quickly as long as you stick with it. They respond much better to positive reinforcement. If you can, try and take your Maltipoo to the same spot every time they go outside so that it becomes their designated potty area. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. This ensures the puppies are well-socialized and prepared for their forever homes. They specialize in producing designer breeds that are non-shedding, hypoallergenic, and small in size. The puppies at Puppies and Kids are raised alongside children, which makes them more suitable for families with kids. The breeder does not offer shipping services, so you will have to pick up your puppy in person. The breeder requires a non-refundable deposit to secure your desired puppy when submitting your application. However, they prefer that customers cash their cheques before payment. They aim to match puppies with loving homes that suit their personalities and lifestyles. With a capacity to produce up to seventy-five puppies at a time, you can rest assured that you will find the perfect furry addition to your family. The team at Four Paws and a Tail takes pride in maintaining high breeding standards to ensure you get the best value for your money. All the puppies are trained and vaccinated before going to their new homes. When you purchase a puppy from Four Paws and a Tail, you get more than just a furry friend. Their puppies also have a 1-year genetic health guarantee, deworming and vaccination records, and a medical report. The breeders offer staff support throughout the lifetime of your puppy, ensuring that you have access to professional guidance whenever you need it. They take great care to ensure that their puppies go to quality homes where they will receive the love and care they deserve. After purchasing a puppy, you will receive a free vet exam to ensure your new furry friend is healthy. The dogs are placed in foster homes where they receive individual attention and care until they are ready to be adopted by their forever families. The program is headed by Dan Bassett, who adopted his first puppy in and has been passionate about rescuing dogs ever since. His love for dogs has inspired him to create this program and help as many dogs as possible find their perfect homes. At Small Dog Rescue, all the dogs are given ample time for socialization and exercise to ensure they are happy and healthy. The organization is committed to providing dogs with a safe and nurturing environment. If you want to adopt a small dog, SDR is a great place to start your search. Location: Minnesota. Maltipoo vs Poochon Comparison Doodle breeds are the stars of the 21st century. These delightful dogs are hypoallergenic, effortless to train, and easy to love. If your choice comes down between the two, read on to find out which one fits your lifestyle best. Are you pondering how to make your furry friend's birthday as extraordinary as they make every single day for you? Well, you're in the right place. We have the definitive guide to creating a mouth-watering puppy birthday cake that will not only get tails wagging but also make you the star of the dog park. Why opt for generic, store-bought treats when you can infuse love.All Maltipoo Insights Maltipoo Breed Info Meet the Maltipoo, a delightful and charming designer dog that has quickly become one of the most popular crossbreeds in the world. These little dogs may be small in size, but they make up for it with their spirited personality and ever-loving nature. The fusion of these two breeds results in a friendly, intelligent, and playful dog, adored for its gentle and affectionate disposition. With a coat that's often soft and slightly wavy, a Maltipoo brings the low-shedding advantage of Poodles, making them a suitable option for allergy sufferers. In addition to their delightful personality and striking looks, Maltipoos are incredibly adaptable. Their small size makes them great companions for apartment dwellers, while their love for play and activity makes them fit comfortably into an active household. These dogs are all about companionship, and they thrive when they're in the company of their human family. Whether you're an experienced dog owner or a first-time pet parent , a Maltipoo can make an excellent companion. Their combination of Poodle intelligence and Maltese affection creates an easy-going temperament, perfect for families, seniors, and individuals alike. The Maltipoo, with its heartwarming charm and joyful spirit, is bound to win over hearts everywhere. Like any breed, a Maltipoo has unique needs and characteristics. Understanding these will ensure a happy and healthy dog and a rewarding, lifelong companionship for you. Maltipoos are not a dog breed really, they are a cross between a Maltese and Poodle. Known for being affectionate and fun-loving Maltipoos are so lovable. Some dogs are simply easier than others; the Maltipoo pup is one of those easy dogs. They are great for new puppy owners. These easy-going puppies are great companions for young and old alike. They love being around their pack. Maltipoos are also a perfect fit for apartments as well as smaller spaces. They work well with singles, families or seniors. These Maltipoo pups are very kid-friendly and enjoy time with other pups. Maltipoos are smart and will enjoy activities with the family. Can we take a second to look at how cute these little guys are? Come on have you seen anything cuter? We make it simple when you are searching for a Maltipoo breeder in Minnesota. Spending time with your soon to be Maltipoo pup and his brother and sisters is the best way to know if you are allergic. However, they have low-shed coats that are pretty easy to groom. This makes leaving the house easier. No puppy hair on your clothes. Your Maltipoo pup will be super loving, showering you with affection and will enjoy snuggling. Maltipoo pups are stranger-friendly puppies. Fetch anyone? This is one of the characteristics that make them great for first-time puppy owners and seniors. They have a natural desire to play. They will mentally thrive with your attention. With a poodle parent, you have no choice but to be smarty pants. They are great at putting together the training prompt with the action. Maltipoo pups will see learning new tricks as pure attention. They will eat it up! Maltipoo pups need mental stimulation or they will find a way to entertain themselves that you might not like. Which makes them great to snuggle with. Their coat comes in thick and curly or soft and silky. They have a variety of coat color options.

Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.Top 30 Smartest Dog Breeds In The World If you're a dog lover, you've probably heard the age-old debate: which dog breeds are the smartest? While all dogs have their own unique intelligence and personality, some breeds have proven to be consistently brilliant over time. In this guide, we'll explore the top 30 smartest dog breeds ranked, from problem-solving whizzes to trainable and intuitive pups. We've done our research to provide you with an updated and informative.These pooches are joyful, lively, eager to please dogs. They are adventurous, kind, family-oriented pups who love hiking, swimming, canine games, sports and any, and all, family activities. These puppies are merry and bouncy little marshmallows. They are cuddly and sweet pups who love running around, playing, making friends and are very enthusiastic learners. The breed is divided into 3 recognized categories: Toy Poodle; Mini; Standard. Although they differ in size, one thing is for sure: they are glamorous companion pets. Questions about Poodle puppies for sale in Albuquerque NM? We have answers. How big are Poodles? Poodles come in all shapes and sizes, so it really depends on how big you want your Albuquerque Poodle for sale to be. Standard Poodles are the largest, followed by medium or Moyen Poodles, mini Poodles, and finally micro or teacup Poodles. Poodle breeders in Albuquerque, NM have created all sorts of variations of this popular breed, so you're sure to find one that's perfect for you. What colors and coat patterns are common with Poodles? Poodles are often seen as high-maintenance dogs that require a lot of grooming. But did you know that they come in many different colors and coat patterns? That's right - poodles come in dozens of different color combinations, from white and black to cream and silver, and even multi-colored coats. And their coat patterns can be equally diverse, from sable and brindle to harlequin and phantom. So if you're thinking of getting a poodle, know that you have many options to choose from! Are Poodle puppies in Albuquerque, NM healthy dogs? Poodle puppies Albuquerque are known for being robust and healthy dogs. However, they can still suffer from conditions such as bloat, epilepsy and Addison's disease. That's why it's important to only adopt a Poodle for sale Albuquerque from a reputable and ethical breeder. Will my puppy have any kind of health guarantee? When it comes to health, there's no need to worry about adopting a Poodle. The breeders listed here offer an industry-leading health guarantee for ten years. That's right, ten years! All puppies adopted through our network also receive a thorough nose-to-tail health evaluation before going home. How does puppy transportation to Albuquerque work? There are a few things to consider when deciding how to transport your new puppy. Ground transportation may be less expensive, but air travel is faster and likely more comfortable for your pup. You can also opt to have a professional chaperone accompany your puppy on their trip. Most families choose to fly when they are bringing home a new puppy, because it is the easiest and quickest option. If you decide to fly, you will be able to meet your pup at Albuquerque International Sunport. Are Poodles popular in Albuquerque? Dogs have been man's best friend for centuries, but there's one breed that has always been a step above the rest: poodles. Albuquerque Poodles for sale are popular all over the world for their intelligence, loyalty, and of course, their unique look. No matter where your Poodle for sale in Albuquerque comes from, he or she is sure to be a cherished part of the family. Where do Poodles come from? Poodles are one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide. But where do these furry friends come from? While there are many theories, the origin of the Poodle is still largely unknown. One thing we do know is that the Poodle Albuquerque is a water dog, which likely contributed to its widespread popularity. Interestingly, smaller varieties of Poodles for sale Albuquerque were originally bred as circus entertainers. But it wasn't long before they became France's favorite pup! Poodles are a popular breed of dog known for their intelligence and loyalty. But how long do they live on average? The average lifespan of a Poodle is 12 to 15 years. However, this figure can differ based on the size of the dog. Smaller Poodles have a tendency to live longer than larger ones. Another factor that contributes to a Poodle's lifespan is whether or not they come from an ethical breeder. Dogs that have been improperly bred often have genetic issues which can severely shorten their lifespan. Are Poodles smart? Poodle intelligence is often debated amongst dog owners, with some believing that Border Collies are the smartest and others arguing for Poodles. But does it really matter which dog is the smartest? All that matters is that Poodles are incredibly intelligent creatures that will amaze you with their ability to learn new tricks quickly. Whether you think they're showing off or are simply brilliant, you'll have to decide for yourself. Do Poodles shed? Looking for Poodles for sale in Albuquerque, NM? Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and each one has their own unique coat. But do Poodle puppies for sale in Albuquerque, NM shed? Let's find out! Poodles are among the least shedding breeds, which means they're extremely allergy friendly. However, the cost you pay for that wooly, luxurious coat is regular grooming to keep their fur clean and free of tangles. How much exercise do Poodles need? You want Poodle puppies for sale. Albuquerque, NM has them! Poodles are a very active breed of dog that needs at least an hour of exercise every day. This exercise can be split up into smaller chunks throughout the day, but it is important to make sure that your poodle is getting enough exercise to stay happy and healthy. Exercise not only helps with behavioral issues, but it can also prevent many health problems down the road. What kind of food do Poodles eat? In Albuquerque, Poodle puppies for sale are often thought of as high-maintenance dogs that only eat the best food. However, this isn't the case. No need to grab your dog a Frontier Roll at Frontier Restaurant. Poodles are still dogs at the end of the day and therefore have a diet that is mostly the same as other dog breeds. Talk to your veterinarian about what kind of food would be best for your poodle.

There are multiple possible combinations in the canine world. The coat color your pup ends up with depends on the mix of dominant and recessive genes that they receive from both parent dogs and how these genes interact. Golden Retriever Colors According to American Kennel Club standards, Golden Retrievers come in three distinct shades: dark golden, golden and light golden. Their coats are a single color all over with no apparent markings. Poodle Colors Poodles , on the other hand, can come in ten different solid colors: apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, gray, red, silver, silver beige, and white. Poodles also bring patterns into the mix. See Also: Click the image The Science Bit Without going into too much detail, the coat color of every single dog on the planet is a product of two main pigments: eumelanin responsible for shades of black and pheomelanin which covers shades of red and yellow. The genes that a dog gets determines how much of each of these are produced, as well as how they might be diluted or mixed with white the complete absence of pigment. For more details on how this all plays out, check out this handy description by VCA Hospitals. Each puppy inherits one set of color genes known as alleles from their mother dog and one set from their father dog — so they end up with two in total. This all depends on whether the alleles are dominant or recessive, and some are more or less dominant than others. Predicting Goldendoodle Colors So, to get back to Goldendoodles…. The Poodle colors are more likely to come through. To be golden, the puppy would need to inherit two recessive golden alleles — one from each parent. The puppy will most likely be a similar color to their Poodle parent. Yet this obviously only applies to first-generation Goldendoodles. With later-generation dogs, things get even more complicated as there are more Poodle genes to contend with. For instance, you may feel confident that with two black dogs you will get black puppies, right? After all, black is dominant. Well, as covered above, dogs inherit two alleles, and even though the dominant one is expressed, a recessive one could be passed along to their offspring. If both parents have recessive golden color alleles and both pass these along, then you could very well end up with a golden puppy from two black parents! What we can do is take an educated guess based on what we know and what we have observed about how the genes that determine coat color interact. Breeders may also opt to have their dogs tested to see which alleles they carry. This can make any coat-color guestimations that much more accurate. All in all, with those crazy, varied Poodle genes, Goldendoodles can come in pretty much every color that a Poodle comes in — and weirdly more besides. Unlike with Poodles, pedigree standards do not govern the breeding of Doodles. So, we are starting to see an array of mixes and patterns, many of which we have detailed below. Their coloring is typically the result of a mutation in the gene that would otherwise produce a black coat. These mutated genes are recessive, so the puppy would need to inherit one from each parent to end up this color. While chocolate Goldendoodles are often born quite dark — sometimes even black, they tend to fade a fair bit as they age. This process can begin as early as six weeks and will be most noticeable at this time on their muzzle and between their paw pads. Apricot Goldendoodles A variation on red, an apricot coat is one of the most sought-after for a Goldendoodle. It gives pups the appearance of a cute teddy bear even more so than their hair and adorable features already do. However, as this color is created by a recessive gene, the puppy must inherit it from both parents. Photo used with permission. Credit: Taurean DuHart Photo used with permission. Credit: doodlikekylo This coat color typically starts off a little darker and lightens over time. Depending on the interplay of genes, it can lighten quite considerably. For this reason, apricot Goldies may sometimes be confused with cream or tan ones. They will almost always have black eyes, eye rims, noses, and toenails, all inherited from the Poodle. Cream Goldendoodles Again, from the red line, cream Goldendoodles are frequently confused with white ones because of how light their coat can get — but they are very definitely not the same. These dogs are often used for breeding dogs with multi-colored coats, such as merle or parti Goldendoodles covered later. Credit: Murphywestslopedoodle Cream Goldies inherit their colors from both parents — a touch of gold to a little white. This is one of the reasons that they have the most extensive variation of coat tones and points with either dark or pinkish noses and paw pads, and light or dark eyes. Champagne Goldendoodles are so named for the yellowish tinge to their light, beautiful coats. These dogs have a recessive red gene that is diluted into this stunning pale yellow tone. Credit: Pattie Martin In some cases, it might be a little tricky to tell the difference between a cream Goldie and a champagne one. Champagnes tend to have a touch more color. Puppies may be born with a darker golden coat which lightens as they age. Secondly, the gene that creates a black coat is recessive, meaning that black coats are only likely in second and third-generation dogs. Finally, the Poodle fading gene can be quite active in these pups, silvering them down to grey, blue, or, naturally, silver once they are past their puppy years. Credit: sweetpupneo Black and White Goldendoodles While most black Goldendoodles are a single color, occasionally, you will also come across ones with white markings. In some cases, white may even be the more dominant color with just a touch of black. As with other parti and patterned coats, black and white Goldies are most often found in later generations. Black and white Doodles may also be referred to as tuxedo, parti, merle, phantom, and brindle. Gray Goldendoodles Not surprisingly, Gray is derived from the black line and inherited from the Poodle side of the Golden Retriever-Poodle combination. This is another rare shade in these types of dogs and only really occurs with multigenerational breeding. These Goldies are usually born very dark in color and start to show as gray after around six weeks. By the time these dogs hit two years of age, they will have faded into their adult hue. However, color holding can occur around the face and ears giving a cute two-tone effect. Blue Goldendoodles At first glance, blue Goldendoodles can look very similar to gray ones. However, they are generally a darker, more steely shade, and their coat can have both darker and lighter patches. This color is super rare, being recessive. It takes multiple generations of Goldendoodle breeding to achieve. Like gray Doods, blues are born dark and fade out across the first two years of their lives. Their coats may even continue to clear as they age, but a select few will remain truly blue. Again this color is tricky to predict. You never really know what you are going to get when you adopt a black Goldie. Silver Goldendoodles A lighter version of blue or gray Goldies, silvers are also born a much darker color and just keep on fading. You might see signs that a pup will be silver from somewhere around six to ten weeks, where you can start to spot lighter roots. You will likely also find white or silver hairs between their toes. The shift from black to silver is probably the most dramatic of any of the Doodle coat changes. Your pup will look like an entirely different dog when it is done. For this reason silvers are often mistaken for grays early on in life. Silver Beige Goldendoodles Unlike regular silvers, silver beige Goldendoodles are born dark brown. However, just like regular silvers, they lighten as they age. The lighter the final color, the earlier the puppy will start clearing — anywhere between six to twelve weeks. Silver beiges can sometimes be mistaken for sables as they start to fade. The combination of colors in their coat gives this effect. Tan Goldendoodles Tan Goldies get their coloring from their Retriever parent. Just as with apricot and cream dogs, tan occurs because of a dilution in the red pigment pheomelanin. This color sits somewhere between these other two more popular and more common ones. Often these dogs have shades of light apricot, cream, and white mixed in with their coat. Although from a distance, they do appear a single uniform shade. White Goldendoodles Although they look distinctly white from a distance compared with their warmer-toned cream counterparts , white Doods are often not white all over. They have various shades of cream mixed in throughout their coat. Unlike cream, white is not the result of fading, so white puppies will actually be born white and retain this color all through their lives. While these dogs look either brown or black at birth, even at this early time, the root of the hair is much lighter than the tip. Sable Goldendoodles tend to hold onto their dark color around the face and ears. The rest of their coat settles into more of a cream or tan shade, although always with darker tips and lighter roots. This makes for a really unique-looking dog! Abstract Goldendoodles Dogs with abstract coats are mostly one single color be it any of the ones outlined above with touches of another color. These are usually found on their face and around their chest and paws. Such dogs are also referred to as mismarked or chrome. Phantom Goldendoodles Super hard-to-find phantom Goldendoodles comprise two colors — a base shade solid chocolate or solid black and a lighter one. The lighter points are usually to be found around the eyes, muzzle, and legs. Most Phantom Goldendoodles are commonly black and tan, but this can vary, e. Parti Goldendoodles Dogs with parti coats are two distinct colors, with the second one usually being white. To be considered a parti rather than an abstract Doodle, the pup needs to have a color breakdown rather than simply a few highlights. You can find parti hounds in every color covered above, but no two look the same. As mentioned above, the parti gene is a recessive one, and so the Goldie would need two for them to be expressed. However, there are plenty of parti Poodles about. Tuxedo Goldendoodles Tuxedo Goldendoodles are another two-color mix. Any of the above colors are combined with white. However, the white is concentrated around the chest and front legs. This gives the pup the appearance of wearing a tuxedo hence the name. As you can imagine, these pooches are pretty popular because of their distinctive appearance — especially when in black and white. Their markings are apparent from birth. Although, naturally, the white splotches often begin small and get more prominent as the dog matures. Merle Goldendoodles Merle Goldendoodles are another extremely uncommon type. Watercolor merles, which are harder to find, also have tickings, but their coat lightens with age. Merle coats are tricky for breeders to work with as the gene that causes this pattern is also linked to health issues such as deafness and blindness. So careful breeding by someone very knowledgeable about canine genetics is needed. This unique pattern of dark and light coat is arranged in such a way as to make the dog look like it has tiger stripes. While the width and color of these stripes vary from dog to dog, in Goldendoodles, it usually takes the form of a black or brown base coat with lighter colored stripes. Tri-Colored Goldendoodles With the increasing amount of multigenerational Goldies, color options are becoming ever more varied. However, it is very usual in other types like Bernedoodles from the Bernese Mountain Dog. They usually have a little of another breed in them — one that does carry the tri-color gene. To date, no research has demonstrated a link between color and behavior. Rumors that say differently can actually be quite harmful. For instance, some people equate black dogs with higher aggression levels. This is simply not true. On the other hand, there are a few studies that link specific colors with certain health conditions. For instance, the merle gene as outlined above can lead to certain conditions such as deafness and blindness. These days, most breeders focus on breeding extremely healthy puppies over ones of a particular color or pattern type. The parent dogs are thoroughly tested for genetic conditions that they otherwise might pass down to their puppies. In all honesty, with no coat color being better than any other in terms of health and behavior, your choice of Goldendoodle should be based on health and temperament over looks. However, naturally, people have different preferences about these things. So, once you have ascertained that the puppies you are checking out are all good, you can choose the one that looks best to you. Usually, the intensity is reduced, and black dogs switch to gray or silver while red ones dull down to apricot or cream. The apricot Goldendoodle is the most popular color choice, with cream being second and red in third place. More popular colors usually translate into more expensive. Will my Goldendoodle change color? Most Goldendoodles are born with dark coat colors that change, fade, or silver to a lighter color with age, depending on their inherited genes. This is known as clearing and generally occurs within the first two years. The muzzles and ears of a Goldendoodle tend to hold more of the original colors as other parts change. What color Goldendoodle is best? There is no specific color of Goldendoodle that is best. The one that you opt for will be based on what you like. While red tones are pretty popular among the Doodle-fan crowd, some opt for dogs with rarer colors like black, blue, and silver. Others want different and distinct patterns that only come with multigenerational breeding. While color is one of the first things people notice about puppies, it should be one of the least important factors to base an adoption decision on. When purchasing a puppy, you want to ensure that they are healthy and have the right temperament — family-friendly, active, playful, etc. Only then should you start to consider color. No matter which Goldendoodle you decide is right for you, it will no doubt be love at first sight. Not just because of their adorable appearance, but because they make excellent, loving companions. You will never regret your choice to adopt one. What color of Goldendoodle is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below! Kennel club recognition is quite an arduous process and is often only available to purebreds. Poodle Standard colors: apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, gray, red, silver, silver beige, and white. As you probably noticed, Golden Retrievers only come in three colors. This section discusses all 13 Goldendoodle colors for proper identification, including some of their charming pictures. Chocolate Image credit: the. You probably come across one in your neighborhood as you take your morning walk. They got their rich brown color from their dominant Poodle genes, but some of them experience silvering as they mature. Chocolate or brown dogs may become silver beige depending on their genes. The chocolate color in Goldendoodles is recessive , so you need two Goldendoodles that are either pure chocolate or have the chocolate gene in their lines to produce a chocolate Goldendoodle. Among all the colors listed here, apricot is probably the most sought-after because they resemble teddy bears. This is a trait they got from their Poodle parent, who also comes in the same tone. Apricot is also the last registered Poodle color. They are considered the brightest type because their coat simply stands out. This may fade into a lighter shade when they mature. They are often thought to be white Goldendoodles because they are very light in color. Creams have the largest variation when it comes to coat tones and points, so it is possible to see one with dark eyes, nose, and toenails and another with lighter features. Some are even pinkish under their coat. Champagne Champagne Goldendoodles exist, albeit rare. They possess a recessive red gene, which is also diluted to create a pale yellow to a cream tone. The rarity of these dogs makes them quite pricey, but they are still one to consider if you want a teddy-looking dog. However, their eyes, nose, and paw pads remain pure black. There are instances where white is more dominant, but those who are primarily black also exist. Contrary to what most people believe, not all black and white Goldendoodles should be called tuxedo because it pertains to a specific coat pattern. This will be focused on once the tuxedo coat pattern is discussed. When they reach two years old, their gray coloration even lightens to rustic silver, and there will be no more signs that they were once almost black. These dogs are very rare and are only achieved through multiple generations of breeding Goldendoodles. They also have blue noses and paw pads. Their hairs resemble that of an aged man, so you can easily identify them among others. Most silver Goldendoodles show signs that they are indeed silver as they reach 6 to 10 weeks. The tone of their coat has varying degrees, from dark to light silver. Silver Beige Image credit: wheresguthrie. They are originally born chocolate, but because of certain genes, their color cleared, and they become silver beige. What creates the effect that they are sables is the combination of silver to gray hairs and the beige coloration. Some parts of their body appear cream-colored, and this is expected from this variety. Aside from their impressive set of colors, Goldendoodles are even more unique because of their coat patterns. Usually, novice pet owners confuse this with certain coat diseases, but this is typical for this hybrid. The base coat may be one of the 13 basic colors discussed earlier. Usually, these are found on their face, chest, and paws. Often, two colors make up their coat: one is the base, and the second is a lighter shade. There is an exact location for the lighter points — above the eyes, along the sides of the muzzle, across the chest, along the legs, and under the tail. Most Goldendoodles with this coat pattern are developed through multi-generational breeding. This is why parti pups will have distinct appearances from each other. This creates the impression that they are wearing a tuxedo. Classic merle pups usually have some blue or chocolate patchwork or tickings on their body. Meanwhile, watercolor merles which are harder to come across, also have some tickings on their coat. They are distinct from the former because their coat lightens as they age. Most of them have light-base hairs, which makes their stripes stand out. The most popular color for Goldendoodles is also the last color to be recognized for Poodles — apricot. The fame it gained as the latest color for the breed is also reflected in its cross between the Golden Retrievers and Poodles. This is followed by cream and red. Sables are also in demand even though they are not of the same level as the three shades mentioned above. Since these colors are desired by many, expect that they are a bit more expensive than their other cousins. Despite being common and easy to breed, these black pups are not highly sought after. What Is the Rarest Goldendoodle Color? The rarest Goldendoodle colors are those that can only be achieved through multi-generational breeding. This means that in order to produce these dogs, you have to breed together puppies beyond f2 or second generations. These are gray, blue, and silver. Apart from these colors, two patterns are found to be rare. They are the phantom and parti Goldendoodle. Similar to the gray, blue, and silver dogs, they can only be achieved through multi-generational breeding. The color of every dog is a product of its two main pigments, eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is black in default, but it also produces certain diluted colors due to the genes inherited by the dog. The second pigment, which is pheomelanin, is primarily red, but it can become apricot, cream, tan, and other similar shades when altered by dilution genes. For a breeder to produce a certain Goldendoodle color, the parents must undergo DNA testing to determine whether they can produce the desired color for the litter. Some others carry a recessive gene that makes them exhibit a very different color from their parents. There are some myths that aim to taint the reputation of some varieties but have no scientific basis. For instance, the assumption that black Goldendoodles are aggressive simply because they are black colored. Make sure to look for pertinent data first before becoming influenced by mere opinions on the color and the breed of dogs. In fact, a friend of mine who has two male Goldendoodles of different colors, a blue three-year-old, and an apricot 2-year-old, has observed that the two have very similar temperaments. Both are affectionate and love being with him all the time. But if we are to consider the study of the University of Sydney, which investigated the life expectancy of dogs according to their colors, chocolate Goldendoodles may be prone to ear infections and various skin diseases. Merles are also observed to be predisposed to deafness, blindness, skin sensitivity, and skin cancer, especially when the two parents used to breed the puppy both carry the merle gene. These are extreme issues, so you better consider this in buying your pet. As is with other crosses and purebreds, Goldendoodles also experience subtle color changes as they mature. This phenomenon is brought about by their Poodle lineage. Mostly, red and its varieties lighten when they reach two years of age. But other colors may also undergo lightening through a process called silvering or dilution. This is more prevalent in black and chocolate puppies who turn out blue, silver, or silver beige, depending on their genes. However, this may not be true for all Goldendoodle puppies. Some may not have any genes that will lighten their colors and will retain their rich color all the way to adulthood. It is also know as "piebald" and is similar to the paint patterning seen in horses. If a merle dog is bred to another dog that carries a merle gene, puppies can be born either deaf or blind or both. A dog can carry the merle gene without looking merle, so it is imperative that genetic tests are performed. Merle patterning can only appear on black or chocolate-based dogs. A Cream or red dog can carry the gene, but the patterning will not be seen. We often refer to Classic Merle as "Cookies and Cream. Watercolor merle dogs are born a lighter version of their base color for example, a silver watercolor merle is born a dark grey and continue to lighten over their first two years. These puppies can also have some LIGHT merle-type patchwork patterning, enhancing the watercolor effect. This patterning may show up as early as 1 month of age or not show up until the puppy clears to its adult, lighter color. Watercolor merle produces colors previously unseen in Goldendoodles and is an incredibly striking color. Our stud, Knox, is the only Goldendoodle we know of the produces this color. Black dogs with Watercolor Merle will be born a dark grey color. Chocolate dogs with Watercolor Merle will be born a gold color. Since Knox only became a stud in late , we don't yet have photos of other adult dogs with this coloration, but so have some examples of how puppies have matured to date. Watercolor merle is also known as Maltese merle or atypical merle. Sable can appear on any base color. It appears seemingly out of nowhere and hasn't yet been associated with a particular gene. Seal only occurs on Black dogs. An infinite number of colors for the Goldendoodle puppies! There are many different possibilities that your resulting Goldendoodle puppy could be, and if you know the parents, you could probably make a good educated guess on what your puppy will look like. For example, if one parent is brown and the other parent is black, most likely the puppy will be a really dark, chocolate brown or black. It really all depends on the genetics and which fur colors hold more dominance than the other. In some cases, the colors will turn out to be both brown and black, like phantom, or black and white. Types of Fur When you mate a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, usually there are three different types of fur. This coat needs frequent brushing to prevent knots and tangles, and these coats are more often on the low-shedding side of the spectrum. This does not mean that a Goldendoodle that has a wavy coat will never shed, but they shed much less than their Golden Retriever parent. The curly coats come from the Poodle side of the family tree, and you can tell very quickly when you have your puppy if the fur has more curl than not. These coats need frequent brushings as well. Straight coats come more from the Golden Retriever side of the Goldendoodle. As you can imagine, these types of Goldendoodles shed a lot, so if you are allergic to dog hair, this would not be the type of Goldendoodle to have in your home, as you will be cleaning up a lot of fur. When you breed a Goldendoodle with a Poodle, the fur will typically get curlier, just like the type and texture of a Poodle, and increasingly non-shedding. And the same idea will happen when you breed a Goldendoodle with a Golden Retriever, except the hair will be more straight, long, and will naturally shed a lot more. When you breed a Goldendoodle with a Goldendoodle, the fur you get as a result depends on what gene the parents gave. The resulting puppy will have hair that looks more like a Golden Retriever than a Poodle. Thinking about your future Goldendoodle puppy can be a lot of fun —you have the color you can think about, which the possibilities are endless, and even fur to guess between curly, wavy, and straight. See below for a complete list of Goldendoodle characteristics! Also known as the Groodle, the Goldendoodle ranges in size from small to large, depending on the variant of Poodle that the Golden Retriever is crossed with. Originally bred as a larger alternative to the already popular designer breed known as the Cockapoo, the Goldendoodle has proven to be an excellent family dog. They're also versatile working dogs. Goldendoodles have achieved success as guide dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, and sniffer dogs one study tested their success at sniffing out peanuts in foods for owners with nut allergies. Goldendoodles have also done well in agility. The Goldendoodle is an affectionate and gentle dog that has gained popularity since he was first developed in s. He's still a young cross compared to other designer breeds, and many of today's litters are the results of first-generation breedings between Poodles and Golden Retrievers. Goldendoodles are usually highly social and get along well with everyone. They don't do well in any type of guarding or watchdog role and should not be used in that capacity. They can thrive in both city and country settings, but they're not well suited to apartment living, since they do better with the space provided by a fenced yard. Goldendoodles should not live outside or in a kennel, however, since they thrive when they are in contact with the people they love. Goldendoodles can be very easy to train and are a good match for first-time or timid owners. They're not known to have any aggressive traits, but they do need proper socialization to avoid any shyness or fearfulness. Goldendoodles also need daily contact with their owners; they'll suffer from separation anxiety if they're left for too long. The best way to avoid any destructive behavior is to crate them and to provide toys and treats to keep them busy throughout the day. Keeping the radio on when you're out is another great way to keep them happy. Goldendoodles are considered to be non- to light shedders and may be a good match for people with allergies. They do require weekly or biweekly brushing , and many owners opt to have them clipped. Although Goldendoodles are a young designer breed, that hasn't stopped people from understanding their worth. They have become popular quickly, and their star is still rising. They make excellent family dogs and provide gentle, intelligent companionship throughout their lifetimes. Highlights Designer dogs, also called hybrids, aren't true breeds — they're crosses of two specific breeds. If you're interested in a Goldendoodle puppy, understand that his looks, size, and temperament aren't as predictable as those of purebreds, since you don't know which characteristics from each breed will show up in any given dog. The Goldendoodle is the result of Poodle to Golden Retriever breedings. So far there are very few multigenerational breedings crosses between two Goldendoodles. The Goldendoodle is considered to be a non- to light shedder, but he requires regular grooming and clipping. If the coat is kept short, it should be clipped every six to eight weeks and brushed every few weeks. If the coat is kept in its natural state, it should be brushed once every week or two. The Goldendoodle is not a watch dog, and he's generally not known to be noisy. He may not bark even if someone knocks on the door. Although he's got an average energy level, the Goldendoodle is not recommended for apartments. He does much better in a home with a fenced yard. The Goldendoodle requires about 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise. Being a wonderful family companion, the Goldendoodle generally gets along well with children and does well with other dogs and family pets. The Goldendoodle is a very social dog who should not live away from his family. He's are not suited to living in a kennel or outside; he wants to be in the house. The Goldendoodle can suffer from separation anxiety if left for long periods at a time. The Goldendoodle may make an excellent companion to people with allergies. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Look for a reputable breeder who tests her breeding dogs to make sure they're free of genetic diseases that they might pass onto the puppies, and that they have sound temperaments. History The Goldendoodle is considered to be one of the newest of the "Doodle," or Poodle mix, breeds. Breeding began in the s, after both the Cockapoo and the Labradoodle gained footholds. The theory behind the Goldendoodle's development was to create a larger Doodle that maintained the desired low-dander, low-shedding coat and that possessed the intelligent and friendly nature of the Golden Retriever. The fact that the Goldendoodle is still a fairly young cross means that most pups are the result of first-generation breeding. That is, most are Golden Retriever and Poodle mixes; as of yet, breeding rarely occurs between pairs of Goldendoodles. Despite the fact that the Goldendoodle has gained some popularity, especially in Australia, there is still no breed club or registry in existence. There are, however, several online communities for the Goldendoodle lover and owner. The Goldendoodle's popularity is still on the rise, and many believe that it will surpass that of other Doodle breeds. Size Goldendoodles vary in size. This is because, at this stage, they're rarely the result of multigenerational breedings in which one Goldendoodle is crossed with another , and there are no breed standards that Goldendoodle breeders are aiming for. These dogs tend to range in size from 13 to 20 inches in height and 15 to 35 pounds in weight. The average height for a Small Standard Goldendoodle is 17 to 20 inches; the weight is 40 to 50 pounds. The Large Standard Goldendoodle averages 20 to 24 inches in height and weighs 50 to 90 pounds. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Choose the middle-of-the-road puppy, not the one who's beating up his littermates or the one who's hiding in the corner. Always meet at least one of the parents — usually the mother is the one who's available — to ensure that they have nice temperaments that you're comfortable with. Meeting siblings or other relatives of the parents is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when he grows up. Like every dog, the Goldendoodle needs early socialization — exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences — when they're young. Socialization helps ensure that your Goldendoodle puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start. Inviting visitors over regularly, and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills. Health Goldendoodles are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Goldendoodles will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed. If you're buying a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you health clearances for both your puppy's parents. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. In Goldendoodles, you should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA for hip dysplasia with a score of fair or better , elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand's disease; from Auburn University for thrombopathia; and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation CERF certifying that eyes are normal. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Patellar Luxation: Also known as slipped stifles, this is a common problem in small dogs. The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part as a bone at a joint. Patellar luxation is when the knee joint often of a hind leg slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, although many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition. Ear Infections: These can be a problem for Goldendoodles because of their floppy ears, which trap moisture. Check and clean the ears regularly. Hip Dysplasia: This is an inherited condition though it's also sometimes triggered by malnutrition in which the thighbone doesn't fit snugly into the hip joint. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but others don't display outward signs of discomfort. X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem. Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred — so if you're buying a puppy, ask the breeder for proof that the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and are free of problems. Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, this condition is also a degenerative disease. It's believed to be caused by abnormal growth and development, which results in a malformed and weakned joint. The disease varies in severity: the dog could simpy develop arthritis, or he could become lame. Treatment includes surgery, weight management, medical management, and anti-inflammatory medication. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA : This is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind; they lose sight during the day as the disease progresses. Many affected dogs adapt well to their limited or lost vision, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Von Willebrand's Disease: Found in both dogs and humans, this is a blood disorder that affects the clotting process. An affected dog will have symptoms such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, prolonged bleeding from surgery, prolonged bleeding during heat cycles or after whelping, and occasionally blood in the stool. This disorder is usually diagnosed between three and five years of age, and it can't be cured. However, it can be managed with treatments that include cauterizing or suturing injuries, transfusions before surgery, and avoidance of specific medications. Allergies: Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, and the Goldendoodle is no exception. There are three main types of allergies: food allergies, which are treated by eliminating certain foods from the dog's diet; contact allergies, which are caused by a reaction to a topical substance such as bedding, flea powders, dog shampoos, and other chemicals; and inhalant allergies, which are caused by airborne allergens such as pollen, dust, and mildew. Treatment varies according to the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications, and environmental changes. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: Also called bloat, this is a life-threatening condition that can affect large, deep-chested dogs such as large Goldendoodles. This is especially true if they are fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink large volumes of water after eating, and exercise vigorously after eating. Bloat is more common among older dogs. GDV occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists torsion. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid himself of the excess air in the stomach, and the normal return of blood to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen and is salivating excessively and retching without throwing up. He also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak, with a rapid heart rate. It's important to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible if you see these signs. Hypothyroidism: This is a disorder of the thyroid gland. It's thought to be responsible for conditions such as epilepsy , alopecia hair loss , obesity, lethargy, hyperpigmentation, pyoderma ,and other skin conditions. It is treated with medication and diet. Care The Goldendoodle can be easy to train. Intelligent, he's usually eager to please — a perfect combination for either first-time trainers or experienced trainers. He should be trained with positive reinforcement, since harsh corrections could damage his confidence. Socialization is important for all breeds, but for a gentle dog like the Goldendoodle it can be instrumental in discouraging any shyness or timidity. The Goldendoodle has an average energy level and will require daily exercise through walks or a good romp in the back yard. Generally speaking, 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise will be enough to keep a Goldendoodle from becoming bored. He's known for his love of water, so swimming provides another opportunity for appropriate exercise. Since the Goldendoodle may grow large, he does require room to move. He's not recommended for apartments but should have a home with some type of fenced yard. He's not an ideal pet for outdoor or kennel living, since he thrives when he's with his family, so owners should expect to keep him primarily in the house. The Goldendoodle can also suffer from separation anxiety , which can lead to destructive behavior , if he's left alone for long periods at a time. Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1 to 4 cups depending on adult size of high-quality dry food a day, divided into multiple meals. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference — the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you'll need to shake into your dog's bowl. Keep your Goldendoodle in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. If you're unsure whether he's overweight , give him the eye test and the hands-on test. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. If you can't, he needs less food and more exercise. A Goldendoodle should also be fed several small meals per day instead of one large one, since the Golden Retriever can suffer from gastric torsion, or bloat , a trait that can be easily passed on to any Goldendoodle offspring. For more on feeding your Goldendoodle, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. If he's clipped, he'll still need a good brushing every few weeks. The Goldendoodle requires a bath only when it's absolutely necessary, or his coat and skin will lose necessary oils and moisture. Brush your Goldendoodle's teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Trim nails once or twice a month if your dog doesn't wear them down naturally to prevent painful tears and other problems. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding — and your dog may not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. So, if you're not experienced trimming dog nails, ask a vet or groomer for pointers. His ears should be checked weekly for redness or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection. When you check your dog's ears, wipe them out with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to help prevent infections. Don't insert anything into the ear canal; just clean the outer ear. Begin accustoming your Goldendoodle to being brushed and examined when he's a puppy. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards, and you'll lay the groundwork for easy veterinary exams and other handling when he's an adult. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Children And Other Pets The Goldendoodle makes a wonderful family pet , especially if his nature takes after the Golden Retriever parent. He's likely to be highly patient and gentle and to get along well with children of all ages. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. Teach your child never to approach any dog while he's eating or sleeping or to try to take the dog's food away. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. He does well in homes with other dogs and pets and doesn't actively show aggression toward other animals. Of course, as with all dogs, it's important to properly socialize your Goldendoodle from puppyhood.