black german shepherd puppies for sale in md

We can proudly boast that all of our dogs and puppies come from only the very best and proven bloodlines in the world. Each one of our males and females is health tested, titled, and has at least one parent that has earned a VA1 title Excellent Select, 1st place. The competition for VA is fierce and very few dogs attain this momentous achievement. Our Dogs Titles: So, what does all of this mean and why should it matter to a pet buyer? Working titles focus on the structural soundness and ability to demonstrate trainability and reliability in obedience, but more importantly, temperament is evaluated. Show titles provide a valuable tool for ensuring that the breed standard is followed. This is an in-depth evaluation that records the qualities and shortcomings of the dog. The temperament, conformation, courage, and function are reported. Temperament and character, along with physical and mental soundness play an enormous role in selectively choosing which dogs are breeding prospects. The German Shepherd is an athletic, loyal, self-assured, attentive, and intelligent dog. This applies to both competition dogs and family pets. Purchasing a puppy from titled parents ensures that the dogs being bred have passed vigorous testing and several judges along the way oversaw the process. Following this standard eliminates a biased breeder from breeding indiscriminately and encourages the goal to be producing the best puppies possible. At Centennial German Shepherds, meticulous planning and an abundance of thought go into producing every litter of puppies. Striving for excellence gives breeders credibility and provides the potential buyer with absolute assurance that their puppy is a product of deliberate and quality mating. Capo and our beautiful granddaughter, Shannon The meaning of Our New Kennel Name After working, showing, and breeding German Shepherds for over 25 years, we decided it was time to create a new kennel name and logo to signify our presence in Colorado the Centennial State combined with our Italian and Estonian foundation dogs. Centennial GSD chose to use the head of our gorgeous female Gucci and combine the American and Italian flags across her face to signify our team concept. Additionally, we blended the American and Estonian flags across our impressive male import's face to represent the Margman presence at Centennial. Our puppies are raised inside of our home where we can interact with them from birth until the day they leave with their new families. We assess them, take notes, photos, and videos, and create a detailed log about each puppy so that we can explain their individual characteristics and personalities as clearly as possible to anyone who is inquiring. We evaluate each puppy's growth and development, along with littermate interactions and responses to "daily life" situations on a full-time basis. Once the puppies are mobile, they are introduced to toys and small obstacles which are intended to spark curiosity and promote problem-solving and confidence. We understand that visiting the puppies or looking at photos is difficult, as both are only small snapshots of time in the rapidly changing life of a growing puppy. Visitors might experience the litter just before or after a nap, eating, playing, or any other event or activity that may skew the true personality of the puppy, and relying on a few minutes or even hours to make a decision can be overwhelming. For these reasons, frequent communication with prospective families from birth to placement is crucial. By clearly conveying expectations, we are able to assist in the selection process to ensure happiness and success for both the puppy and the individual families welcoming the youngster into their new home. Centennial GSD works hard at producing the finest German Shepherd Dogs through methodically and meticulously scrutinizing compatible bloodlines and pedigrees to ensure each breeding results in producing the best litter of puppies possible. Combining specific lines or avoiding lines that have genetic faults is important as we always have the betterment of the breed in mind. This is done by carefully choosing a mating pair that compliment one another by enhancing positive qualities and making an effort to reduce any faults known in one or both bloodlines. Our foundation dogs and the dogs we use for breeding trace back to the best Italian, Estonian, and German bloodlines. We seek out dogs with a geographically diverse gene pool while also studying line breeding to keep the integrity of the breed intact. By doing this, we reduce the risks associated with more closely related dogs. Our breeding dogs have certified hips and elbows, have been tested for DM, and are titled; ensuring that they are healthy both physically and mentally. None of the dogs in our breeding program and many generations back have joint or known hereditary issues and all of the dogs possess stable and wonderful temperaments. At Centennial quality over quantity always comes first. We stay in touch with our families after the sale of our German Shepherd puppies, whether it be for help with a question or just a friendly email to check-in. I sold several puppies almost two decades ago both out of state and overseas and have been fortunate enough to form beautiful friendships with many of those people that will last a lifetime. We take pride in our Colorado German Shepherds. Our goal is to produce healthy and beautiful German Shepherd puppies that win in the show ring, excel as working dogs, succeed as therapy or service dogs, and most importantly, flourish as loving family companions and guardians. I traveled to Estonia to pick up my female puppy Briatore Nordica, and while I was there I met another puppy her half-brother named Margman Othello. He was a gorgeous and friendly 7 month old sable youngster. Both puppies shared the same father, the magnificent multiple VA Margman Torsten. I was immediately smitten and consequently brought both back with me to Colorado. I also had the honor and pleasure of hosting Torsten, his owner, and his breeder at my home when they traveled to the United States for the first time after a Sieger Show. A few years later I imported another Margman female black and red who was bred to Torsten. Her puppies were wonderful and she enjoyed a nice life in Colorado. By this time Margman had become a household name and known for quality German Shepherds around the world. We had lovely puppies; a mix of sable and black and red, both long and short coats. It was then that I began my great love for the long haired German Shepherd. Rio was phenomenal in the show ring, he earned his SchH3 title, placed V1, and produced puppies that achieved the same and other working titles. He was a gentleman in the house and had a flawless character which he passed down to his puppies time and time again. His puppies excelled as therapy dogs, service dogs, and as healthy and loving family dogs. Rio was intelligent, possessed a solid temperament, and was stunning to look at. My beloved Rio was by far one of the best dogs I have ever had the privilege of owning and set the bar high for our future dogs. Now, many years later, I have once again imported a Margman dog; an impressive male to show, breed, and enjoy as a perfect companion dog. We look forward to combining the lines again and producing the best puppies possible. Expanding the gene pool while still staying true to the standard is our goal with future litters. Margman Dacapo is magnificent; an absolute dream dog. In we imported our first Margman long coat, a deeply pigmented black and red girl. Margit has bettered the breed by thinking outside of the box. Her sable and black dogs are the absolute best and she has also produced top long coats along with her phenomenal black and red dogs. She has combined strong females with the correct stud dogs to produce some of the best puppies in the world. She is devoted to her dogs and the future of the German Shepherd Dog. Her dedication is obvious, and the result has been and remains to be dogs that possess beauty, working ability, and outstanding character. Her vision is clear, her dedication is steadfast, and he loves the dogs so her goals are always set with the future in mind. We are a family-owned, professional German shepherd breeder located in beautiful Larkspur, Colorado. Our dogs in our breeding program come with clear-in-the head character, safe nature, and stable nerves. We welcome your visit to our kennels in Douglas County, Colorado. We believe in our German shepherd puppies breeding program, you should too! Our kennels in Larkspur, Colorado, we breed German Shepherd Puppies with world-class parents, top working, show line pedigrees. Confident, self-assured puppies bred for families. We are confident in our purebred German Shepherd puppies; you will be too. Click Here Working line German Shepherds Our working German Shepherds with full working titles are bred with focus and the ability to work, eagerness to learn and accomplish the given role they were originally bred for. Clear in the head, safe nature, and stable nerves to function in any environment with courage, intelligent and stability to exceed your expectations. The most sought after world-class and world champion pedigrees in the world! This is the best puppies you can get, unmatched in every aspect of the top working show line German Shepherds. Click Here Trained German shepherds Our trained puppies include potty and crate training, socialization skills within a family home environment including other animals, cats and dogs. Object orientation in building confident, self-assurd puppies with motivation to perform. Our puppies live with our families, our children, interacting daily in our homes. Click Here German Shepherds Buying an older puppy or a young adult trained German Shepherds can be risky and could end with disastrous results. Protection plus Love!!! We are a small "Mom and Pop", breeder of top quality, working line, German Shepherds. Established in , we are located in the very center of the state of Colorado in the Rocky mountains. Licensed, and AKC inspected and approved facility. Our goal is to breed Dogs who are top quality, and affordable. Beautiful, healthy, dogs that have stable temperaments. All our dogs hips and elbows have been checked, and passed by the OFA. We do genetic testing to insure none of our puppies will develop Degenerative Myelopathy detailed information regarding DM at the bottom of our "Family Comments Gallery" page. The medical documentation paperwork is available for viewing when you come visit to see our dogs or puppies. We breed for black and tan, black and red, sable, black and bi-color puppies. Mostly we have short coat dogs, but do produce limited numbers of long coat pups. Our dogs are predominantly Czech and German working lines. Trained dogs are a positive addition to the lives of their families. These pups can vary in drives and excitability levels but all are working dogs, capable of doing a job suited to their individual drive levels. We try to make it a top priority to match the right puppy to the right family. Our dogs bloodlines are versatile. We breed puppies who could excel in Search and Rescue, Schutzhund, French Ring or Agility, or be great pets and companions. We breed straighter back, working line dogs. Puppies are here, they are healthy and beautiful!!!!! Contact us for more info and to reserve your next best friend!! Our German Shepherds are our treasured family pets. If they are truly superb examples of their breed, and pass all their health checks, we will breed them. The puppies are carefully whelped and raised in our home. Our entire emphasis when breeding is temperament and health. Because of the extreme popularity of the German Shepherd breed, there are now several different types being bred, for very specific purposes. We strongly believe that there is a need and a place for all of them! However, in our opinion, there is nothing better than a well-bred, quality, German Shepherd, and nothing worse, or potentially more dangerous, than a poorly bred one, or one placed in the wrong environment for the wrong reason. Please do your homework; diligently research the type of German Shepherd that best suits your needs and lifestyle, before purchasing one. A puppy purchase should be a lifetime commitment! We cannot stress enough, how important temperament is in all dogs, and especially in the German Shepherd. They must be properly socialized and handled with care to insure that they have the best possible chance to be a well-adjusted adult. However, all the training in the world cannot change the genetic makeup of any living thing. Proper breeding is crucial! We breed German Shepherds, both short and long coated, who adhere to the AKC Standards for the breed, and frequently, after careful research, will try to incorporate an outcross to a working dog that has VA rated, Schutzhund trained dogs, in its pedigree. We have personal hands on knowledge of most of the dogs in our pedigrees, and have had many of them living in our homes with us, for the past nine generations. In our opinion, there is no better way to ensure that the puppies you produce have the best possible chance of a loving stable temperament, and good health. If this is what you are looking for, please feel free to give us a call, as we frequently have German Shepherd puppies available. If you are looking for a more specialized type of German Shepherd puppy, call us. We would be happy to assist you in finding your new best friend any way we can! Current Litter.

Daisy and Brock are a beautiful mother and son pair who love to snuggle together and cuddle. They are both sweet, happy, and friendly. They adore getting attention from anyone they meet during their walks and easily draw people in with their sunny personalities and soft silky coats. They have settled into an easy routine in their foster home and relish their walks every day and visits to the dog park. During their walks Brock clocks roughly twice the mileage of foster mom and Daisy with his side-to-side walking style. Neither is true! These pups love to live it up at the dog park where they show off their speed as Brock sprints and dives after his Kong frisbee, often grabbing it taco style, while Daisy relishes fetching an orange Chuck-It ball before eventually resting to chew on it. Brock is also a master at tug-of-war who has learned to drop it sometimes after repeated requests so it can be thrown again. Brock is extra special because he was born without a tail, which causes him to be incontinent. Inside the house he wears diapers and a belly band, and his incontinence is easily managed. When coming inside from a walk, Brock waits patiently for his diaper to be put on. Daisy and Brock took time to smell the roses and ponder life. While happy to be in a foster home, they would love to find their forever home. Please open your mind and your heart to considering adopting these two gorgeous pups. You will never regret your decision. See Recently Adopted for examples of Labs we have placed. Some Labs are adopted by our pre-screened adopters before they are posted on this website. If you are willing to pay the adoption fee in advance, you may be a good candidate to join our pre-screened adopter PSA program to receive early email notification about GGLRR Labs before they are posted on the website. We also provide a listing of Other Labs available for adoption from individuals or shelters. Many of our dogs are surrendered by owners who very much love their dogs but, for a variety of reasons, cannot keep them and have made the difficult decision to find them a new forever home. We applaud these owners for allowing us the opportunity to find these dogs new homes, and we do our very best not to be judgmental or critical of the choices that these owners make. Sometimes we know what they are mixed with; most times we do not. We may even have a dog up for adoption that has some physical resemblance of a Lab but turns out not to be a Lab at all per a DNA analysis performed by the adopter. We realize that people come to us to adopt a Lab. GGLRR cherishes the opportunity to provide new forever homes for all of the dogs that come into our program. This page also lists status of Labs in the process of being adopted in the No More Calls and Adoption Pending sections. Updated list of Labs currently needing fosters who may not yet be available for adoption: Fosters Needed. Vocality level 4 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament Few breeds so richly deserve their popularity as does the Labrador Retriever. When trained, the breed is obedient and amiable and tolerates the antics of children, other dogs, and other pets. The Lab is a calm house dog, playful yard dog, and intense field dog, all on the same day. Labs are eager to please, enjoys learning, and excel in obedience. It is a powerful breed that loves to swim and retrieve. Labradors need daily physical and mental challenges to keep occupied. A bored Lab can get into trouble! Upkeep Labradors are active and sociable dogs. They need daily exercise, preferably in the form of retrieving and swimming. Owners with swimming pools either must fence them out or be prepared to share the pool with dogs. The Lab coat sheds water easily. Weekly brushing is needed to remove dead hair. Health Major concerns: CHD, elbow dysplasia, OCD, obesity, patellar luxation Minor concerns: cataract, CPRA, hot spots, retinal dysplasia, hypothyroidism Occasionally seen: diabetes, entropion, distichiasis, tricuspid valve dysplasia, centronuclear myopathy, exercise-induced collapse Suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye, exercise-induced collapse DNA , centronuclear myopathy , knee Life span: 10—12 years History The original Labradors were all-purpose water dogs originating in Newfoundland, not Labrador. Not only did the breed not originate in Labrador, but it also was not originally called the Labrador Retriever. These dogs—medium-sized black dogs with close hair—not only retrieved game but also retrieved fish, pulled small fishing boats through icy water and helped the fisherman in any task involving swimming. Eventually, the breed died out in Newfoundland in large part because of a heavy dog tax. However, a core of Labradors had been taken to England in the early s, and it is from these dogs, along with crosses to other retrievers, that the breed continued. It was also in England that the breed earned its reputation as an extraordinary retriever of upland game. Initially, black labs were favored over yellow or chocolate colors. By the early s, the other colors had become more accepted. The popularity of this breed has grown steadily until the Labrador Retriever became the most popular breed in America in and remains so today. Related Content.

You will be able to find all their current contact information, as well as a link to their website, so you can see what puppies they currently have available for sale. We provide you with all this information so that you can research each breeder individually and find the one that has your perfect puppy available! If you are considering getting a Boxer, you'll want to check out the incredible book "The Complete Guide to Boxers". It's written in an easy-to-understand way but still has the expert knowledge to help any new owner successfully raise their Boxer from puppy to old-age. It's widely available, so pick up a copy if you see one, here is the link to grab one on Amazon. If you can't find the perfect Boxer puppy in your state, try checking at your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Many Boxers young and old need a loving home and adopting one can be a great way to save a life. We are so happy that you have chosen Local Puppy Breeders to help you find the puppy of your dreams. In addition to visiting us often here, you can check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and Pinterest for more information, pictures, and videos! Welcome to the Maine state page on TrustedPuppies. Known for its picturesque coastline, charming small towns, and natural beauty, Maine 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 Maine breeders who specialize in raising amazing healthy puppies. Our ME 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 puppy. Discover the dynamic dog-friendly scene in Maine, featuring inviting restaurants, spacious dog parks, and engaging dog shows. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the Maine Coast Kennel Club Show provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of Boxer canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. Maine claims the 37th position in U. 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 Maine. 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.

Kat Wednesday 23rd of November I put a comment up here a couple of weeks ago and it was deleted. I said in it that this was the best combination I have ever had. I love how snugly they are but they are just as ready to play, go hiking, and walks are the best for them. They are a great combination. However, as with all breeds health testing is a huge factor. Each breed contains issues. Having health testing is extremely important. All dogs can have issues. My older lab is 13 and having issues with his back legs because he was slammed into injuring his back and knees by our young "purebred" St. Bernard who ended up passing at 4 due to cancer and had juvenile arthritis. Our Baby Girl the labs sister was born with bad front legs and with treatment and lots of love lasted until .A family member has a 10 year old "purebred" Pom who has horrible knees that was cheaply purchased from a breeder. Or my neighbor who picked up 2 Great Danes. One for free because the "purebred" breeder bred a double merle gene and caused him to be born without eyes and with many health problems. It has cost over 10k to keep him alive and he's now 6 years old and relatively healthy. It's important for people to understand that whether it's a "purebred" or "mixed" dog it's important to ensure the dog or the dog's parents are health tested. Stop promoting cheap puppy mill prices because those are the dogs that end up dead young costing the families thousands. If you are looking for a dog save up for the initial purchase and do your due diligence and research the health and cost. Depends on what we want at the time. Kat Tuesday 15th of November I absolutely love this combination and currently have 3 of them. They are so snuggly when it's time to rest. However, because they have longer noses and better breathing they are fast. My older male gives our Australian Shepherd mix a run for his money. Our others are just as fast. They get the major zoomies leaving us gasping for breath through the laughter. When we sit down they are right there for snuggle time. However, I do not agree with their price listing. They are healthy, active, smart, and well balanced. Some of the best dogs we've ever had. I highly recommend this breed and hope someday that this can be a breed in and of itself and no longer considered a "designer" dog. I do hope they can come up with a better name for the breed rather than French Bullhuahua. It just sounds designer. If a German Shepherd can come from a wolf type dog and a working sheep herding line then a Bullhuahua can be named something better. FrenchieWiki Community. Even the Chihuahuas are known for their short-tempered nature. Hence, do not be surprised if you find your puppy growing up to an obstinate or independent-natured dog. The French bulldogs are not known to be very loyal and often suffer from little dog syndrome, which makes them frequently excited. It is recommended not to leave them alone with your kid or pets since they get easily provoked or irked. Although, by instinct, they are not very friendly with strangers and would throw warning calls the moment they would come across anything suspicious. However, they do not make excellent watchdogs. The French Bullhuahua love attention and, to remain happy, they need constant interaction with the family. These dogs can adapt to all weather conditions. In warm temperatures, supply them with plenty of fresh drinking water, while in the cold, the short-coated dog might need a sweater. Care Exercise The bullhuahua does not need too much exercise. There are primarily two reasons for this. First, they are small-sized dogs, and secondly, they remain active all day playing around the house, or wherever they get a chance. They love to walk and run, and hence take them out with you once a day so as to satisfy their playing instincts. You can also take them to the dog park. This should also help them socialize well. Grooming The dog has a short coat, and do not shed much, and hence requires minimal grooming. Rest is general care meant for small size dogs. Keep a check for any ear infections, especially if your dog has inherited hanging ears. Also, trim their nails when long and brush their teeth at least 2 to 3 times a week. Health Problems Like most other crosses, the French bullhuahua is not much prone to any specific diseases limited to their breed. But keep general dog diseases into consideration. Also, ask your breeders about the health issues or ailments, if any, borne by its parents. You should also take your dog to the vet for a routine checkup once a year. Training You must take socialization and obedience training for this dog seriously. These dogs are not too obedient and might act obstinate from time to time. Begin training your puppies firmly and tactfully when they are still young. Instead, using a positive reinforcement method is recommended. Be firm and consistent, gather patience and praise your pup frequently as and when they show you success. Give them a loving pat; give them food treats every time they pick up a trick or training. This would help them develop an interest in learning new things every day. The quantity should be the same as other dogs of its size and energy level. But do not compromise on the quality of food to make sure that your dog is getting the correct levels of nutrition. Interesting Facts The French bullhuahuas are excellent at size-related agility. Bullhuahua Origins The Chihuahua The Chihuahua is a beloved canine breed that has a rich and fascinating history. Originally native to Mexico, these precocious little dogs date back at least two thousand years, and were likely developed by the Toltec people of Central Mexico. Over time, this small but feisty breed spread across North America, and today they are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. The French Bulldog The French Bulldog is a beloved and iconic dog breed that has a long and fascinating history. Tracing its origins back to the mids, this charismatic breed is thought to have been developed from a variety of other breeds, including the English bulldog and various terrier types. Originally bred in England for use in the silk-weaving industry, these puppies were transported across the channel to France, where they quickly found favor among Parisian elites. The Bullhuahua When it comes to adorable dog breeds, there are few that can rival the mix of Chihuahuas and French Bulldogs. Designer breeders started breeding these two together in the early s, the goal being to minimize the breathing problems of French Bulldogs with their smushed faces by combining them with Chihuahuas, whose slighter body frame and airier snout helped promote increased airflow. Over the years, this fascinating hybrid dog breed has experienced widespread popularity among dog lovers across the globe. French Bulldog Chihuahua mix Appearance The French Bulldog Chihuahua mix is a small but adorable dog that stands out for its unique look. Your Chihuahua French Bulldog mix should have a rectangular body with a compact and muscular build and a wide chest. They should also have a head that is slightly larger than their body, which may be apple-shaped given the Chihuahua parent's tendency towards round heads. Most French Bulldog Chihuahua mixes fall within the range of under 30 pounds and under 12 inches at the shoulder. Bullhuahua Temperament Chihuahua French Bulldog Mixes are known for their feisty, energetic personalities. They are often described as fearless and stubborn, with a tendency to be territorial over their favorite toys and hiding spots. However, these pups also have a playful side that makes them fun-loving and affectionate companions. Whether they are racing around your yard or snuggling up on the couch, Chihuahua French Bulldog Mixes are sure to keep you on your toes with their unique blend of traits! So if you're looking for an entertaining companion that will never fail to put a smile on your face, then a mixed breed dog is a perfect choice. Just remember to go easy on the training, as these mischievous pups have a mind of their own! A post shared by Kasey make. These dogs are known for their easy-going temperament and friendly nature, which makes them well-suited to living in multi-pet households. French Bullhuahuas can get along with practically any animal as long as the introduction process is done slowly and patiently. Whether it's a cat, another dog, or even a bird or reptile, this outgoing breed is quick to adapt if they're given plenty of time to adjust. Cherry Eye Chihuahua French Bulldog Mix Litter Size Since both parent breeds are small, the French Bullhuahua tends to have smaller litter sizes of between 1 to 3 puppies, with three puppies being the most common litter size. Interestingly, litters of up to 8 puppies are not unheard of. French Bulldog Chihuahua Mix Living Conditions Due to their small size, the French Bulldog Chihuahua is an excellent companion for people who live in apartments, although they can reside anywhere. The breed is generally very alert, which can cause some problems for apartment living if they become a problem barker; however, with training, the French Bullhuahua can be a great canine citizen. While they are intelligent, the breed is known for being stubborn, as both parent breeds tend to have this stubborn streak. Training should be done with positive reinforcement, as the French Bullhuahua will often become obstinate if a harsh correction is used. This breed needs rules in their home right from the start since their small stature often makes them prone to small dog syndrome. Treating the Chihuahua French Bulldog as anything except a dog can lead to this dog ruling the roost, and it can lead to problems such as aggression and separation anxiety. Start early with your French Bullhuahua puppy and ensure the dog is properly socialized from a young age to avoid aggression problems. In addition, keep training fun and short, with only 10 to 15 minutes of training being done at one time. With consistency and positive reinforcement, the Chihuahua French Bulldog can be a well-trained breed…however, make sure you approach training with plenty of patience. French Bullhuahua Exercise It may be surprising, but the French Bullhuahua is a fairly active dog and does wonderful in an active household. However, the exercise needs of the Chihuahua French Bulldog can suit any type of lifestyle since the small size of the breed means they need very little room to burn their energy. On average, 30 minutes of play is enough to meet the exercise needs of your French Bulldog Chihuahua. This can be through a walk, playing in a secure backyard, or playing fetch down the hallway inside. The breed is quite adventurous, so it is important to keep them on a leash when they are not in a secure area. In addition, be careful about visiting places with a lot of dogs. French Bullhuahuas are not usually shy and will often approach larger dogs, which could lead to accidents due to their small size. While the French Bullhuahua is not prone to bloat, smaller meals will prevent gorging, which can cause other health problems and diarrhea for the dog. Always make sure that your Chihuahua French Bulldog has access to fresh water. In addition to their regular meals, the breed enjoys treats such as fruits, vegetables, dog biscuits, and meat; however, make sure all treats are included in the daily calories to avoid obesity in your pup since the breed is prone to weight gain. French Bulldog Chihuahua Mix Puppies There is nothing cuter than a French Bullhuahua puppy with its goofy ears ranging from folded to standing upright and large eyes. They are often very sweet puppies filled with short playfulness that makes many people laugh. The breed can be quite clown-like as puppies and should be bright-eyed and solid puppies. French Bullhuahua puppies are a breed that needs a lot of patience. They can be quite stubborn, but with consistency, the breed will learn rules and commands. They may be a bit slow to housetrain and often do better when they are housetrained to puppy pads first. It is important to start training as soon as the puppy comes home. In addition to their stubbornness, care should be taken with puppy-proofing stairs and drops in your home. French Bullhuahua puppies can be prone to several bone and spine diseases, and allowing them to jump up or down from places can lead to long-term health problems, sometimes debilitating ones, later in life. They tend to be more of a one-person dog and are not suited for families with young children unless they are raised with the children. On average, the French Bullhuahua should be in homes with children over .The French Bullhuahua can be a stubborn breed and, without proper socialization, can have aggression problems. For these reasons, they are not recommended for first-time dog owners. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic French Bullhuahua Highlights The French Bullhuahua is a mixed breed dog. They are not purebreds like their French Bulldog or Chihuahua parents. The main colors of French Bullhuahuas are golden, brown, white, brown, black, brindle, merle, cream, and tan. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. French Bullhuahuas are generally considered to be a good choice for allergy sufferers. Their coats are very easy to groom. A good brushing per week will probably do. French Bullhuahuas have medium-to-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. French Bullhuahua dogs prefer to be mostly around adults or older kids who know how to play gently. Early socialization, however, can help them get along with other pets just fine. French Bullhuahuas can be a bit stubborn and take to house-training slowly, but for a consistent owner, their loyalty and desire to please will help training go a bit more smoothly. French Bullhuahua History The French Bullhuahua mixed dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Chihuahuas and French Bulldogs in the s, likely in North America. Breeders wanted to mix the two adorable parent breeds to help minimize the breathing problems of the French Bulldog with their brachycephalic short and smushed faces. They continued to create French Bullhuahuas as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the French Bullhuahua mixed breed got its 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 rescues in your area, or check with breed specific French Bulldog or Chihuahua rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed breed dogs and find homes for them. French Bullhuahua Size As the French Bullhuahua is a relatively new breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between Chihuahua and French Bulldog parents, you can expect French Bullhuahuas to be on the small side. Most weigh in at ten to 30 pounds and stand anywhere from six to twelve inches from the shoulder. However, many can be smaller or larger than average. French Bullhuahua Personality If there was ever a spunky mixed breed dog, it is the French Bullhuahua. As smaller dogs, French Bullhuahuas feel the need to protect their humans and tend to be a bit yappy. This lap dog loves to let their humans know about door knocks or unexpected noises from the TV. These dogs do best with early training to curb any unwanted barking habits. They can be a bit stubborn and take to house-training slowly, but for a consistent owner, their loyalty and desire to please will help training go a bit more smoothly. As small pups, French Bullhuahuas tend to latch on to one family member most of all, though they can get along with others in the house. French Bullhuahuas may be best suited to a one-person home or smaller families, as they demand quite a bit of attention. French Bullhuahua Health The French Bullhuahua mixed breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Chihuahua and French Bulldog also face. 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. Some of the more common health problems the French Bullhuahua suffers from include: Intervertebral Disc Hip Dysplasia. Lifespan Sociability As with many cross-bred pups, part of the price of French Bullhuahua puppies will be determined by the pedigree of the parents, albeit being considerably less than purebred puppies would be. One essential factor to keep in mind before purchasing one of these puppies is the extra cost of medical fees. Expect to pay just as much, if not more, to get the shots, papers, and other specialized medical treatments typical to the health of the French Bullhuahua. They are prone to inherit the common health issues of the parent breeds. French Bullhuahuas are a great choice for families who are looking to spend a lot of time with a playful and loving dog. They do have a stubborn side to their personality which can make training a bit complex. The mix of the two parents was originally to minimize breathing problems. French Bulldogs have brachycephalic faces, meaning they are shorter and smushed. Although they were bred to have this cosmetic trait, it can cause abnormal health problems due to restricted breathing. Breeders began to mix these two breeds to keep the cute, small traits that many dog lovers adored, while mitigating respiratory problems. The Chihuahua has a typical dog face, and breeding the two helped elongate the snout of the Bulldogs. Then, people started to fall in love with the specific crossbred, and the demand for the French Bullhuahua increased and became a designer breed. Christopher Columbus found the Chihuahua when he landed in the Americas. We know that both of these dog breeds have long histories. Many of the dog breeds common today originated in Europe and early America. Chihuahuas were found by Christopher Columbus when he landed in the Americas, initially believing that they were almost hairless, mute dogs. Hernan Cortes wrote about the dogs, noting that the Aztecs would raise them and proceed to sell the pups as food. They grew to be prized ratters in Mexico over the years and have currently become a dog associated with the rich in Western culture. Both of the parental breeds have become common dogs for celebrities to own. French Bulldogs and Chihuahuas have become a typical pet owned by celebrities. French Bulldogs may be an even more prolific Hollywood pet. These are dogs who know how to be spoiled! Rather, an owner should be ready to work on these traits when they begin to train their pups. They can be quite lovable dogs, typically picking one person whom they feel attached to and shower with love. Although people often think of smaller dogs as excessive barkers , these dogs usually only bark when there are new people around or if they are in a playful mood. They are generally delighted dogs, which makes them suitable as companions for singles who are only moderately active or for older people. They have even been known to work with patients suffering from depression and anxiety, helping relieve the symptoms with their perky attitudes. They can be overprotective of their families. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They tend to have short tempers, and although they are not aggressive, they are easily irritated by poking and prodding. If you do choose to adopt one of these dogs into a family with young children, the children should be coached not to irk the dog. These dogs should be socialized consistently with dogs of all sizes and ages from an early age. Doing this may still not be enough to keep the dog from getting excited around other strange animals, but it often helps quite a bit, especially if the other dog or cat lives in the home. They only need 1. Instead, set the food out twice , once in the morning and once in the evening. They only need to be walked about 5 miles each week, though the intervals of exercise should last for at least 30 minutes each time. Since these are intelligent dogs, they should be exercised physically and mentally. Give them chew toys or small puzzles with food rewards , or play interactive games with them. This takes care of their activity requirements and keeps them from being bored. To help socialize the pups and give them an exercise outlet, take them to a dog park. Just make sure that they will not be aggressive with other dogs beforehand. Doing this frequently keeps them accustomed to being around other animals and behaving well. The potential difficulty while training is why they are not a great fit for first-time dog owners. Anyone training these dogs will need a firm hand, consistency, and a great deal of patience. Any sort of aggression or irritation displayed during training sessions backfires with the French Bullhuahua, potentially causing it to become aggressive or uninterested. Maintaining their coat only takes a minimal amount of effort. It can quickly be done with a slicker brush that functions to glide over the coat, taking out any loose fur and dirt. If they are dirty, use pet-safe wet wipes to clean them. As with all dogs, general maintenance is important. Your pup may struggle with dental issues because of the shorter faces of the French Bulldog, which causes their teeth to crowd. Keep the nails clipped down as well, generally doing this every several weeks. They are still generally healthy dogs, but it is worth it to keep regular veterinary appointments. These should help you keep a close eye out for more severe conditions that may develop in this breed. Minor Conditions. Brindle, tan, brown, black, white, cream, merle Suitable for Experienced dog owners, apartment living, singles Temperament Playful, intelligent, reserved with strangers, stubborn While they can be great family dogs, they may be best suited for singles or small families, as they tend to attach to one particular human. Keep reading to learn more about French Bullhuahuas so that you can decide whether or not these dogs are a good fit for you and your family. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. If a dog is being sold for much less or much more than you expect to pay, it is worth asking why. These pups tend to be cautious around new people or strangers. They will suit you well if you are not new to owning a dog and can make a wonderful apartment companion. Still, you will want to make sure to start training your French Bullhuahua right away to nip any unwanted behavior in the bud. Are These Dogs Good for Families? This is because these dogs will play favorites, choosing one member of the household to bond more closely with. They do not appreciate a lot of commotion and are generally reserved with new people. If you do have kids, especially if they are very young, make sure to teach them how to properly interact with a dog; your French Bullhuahua may snap at them if they are too rough. Keep in mind that the earlier you introduce your dog to your children, the more likely they are to get along. Similarly, the French Bullhuahua needs plenty of socialization to get along with other pets. They can be territorial and overprotective animals, but the more opportunities your pet has to meet and get to know other animals from an early age, the better. These dogs are more prone to weight gain than other breeds, so we recommend sticking to specific mealtimes rather than allowing your pet to freely eat. Talk to your vet about what type and how much food is appropriate for your specific dog. You should plan to take your dog out walking for a minimum of 30 minutes each day. Your French Bullhuahua will also benefit from opportunities to run around in the backyard or at the dog park. As long as your pet gets adequate exercise, having a yard is not a requirement; these dogs are certainly adaptable to living in an apartment or another small space. This inherent stubbornness can make training your dog quite a challenge. As a result, these dogs are likely best suited for experienced dog owners who are familiar with dog training. You may want to set aside some time and money to bring your dog to a professional trainer. It is very important that your French Bullhuahua get the socialization and training it needs from an early age to avoid unwanted behaviors. If you plan to train your dog yourself, try to stay consistent and calm with your pet. It will respond much better to positive reinforcement than harsher methods of training. You should expect to brush your dog up to three times weekly to maintain a healthy coat and help prevent shedding. However, you should plan to clean its ears about once a week and trim its nails once every few weeks. Below, we have listed some serious and minor conditions you should look out for. Minor Conditions. It is also known as a French Bullhuahua. The French Bulldog Chihuahua mix is likely to have a winning personality. But prospective owners should be aware that the physical features of their parents can combine to pose a lifetime of health risks. With that said, we can look to the history of each parent breed to learn more about the origins of the French Bullhuahua. First, the Chihuahua! The Chihuahua The iconic Chihuahua has a somewhat controversial origin story, with many conflicting opinions about where the dog came from. The common theory is that the breed originated in Mexico. This is logical, given that the breed is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua. And it is true that what we know of today as the Chihuahua did come to us from Mexico. Pictures and carvings of breeds resembling Chihuahuas have been found decorating artifacts from lost societies all over the world. Either way, the breed is ancient. Despite its name, the Frenchie actually originated in England. It was bred primarily to be a lapdog, and a compact, city-compatible companion dog. Its origins date back to the mids. Today, both the French Bulldog and the Chihuahua are quite popular. Both breeds are prized for their adorable and unique looks, their loving personalities, and their petite size. The mix itself is fairly new, but the history and legend of both parent breeds goes back hundreds of years. The Chihuahua has an ancient history, that may be older than Mexico itself! Depictions of the Techichi breed, the predecessor of the modern Chihuahua, have been found in records of the ancient Toltecs of what is now Mexico. The French Bulldog is currently the 4 most popular breed in America, and it too claims some very famous owners. Do you know any fun facts about the French Bullhuahua? Leave a comment below! They reach a typical maximum height of about 12 inches. They typically possess a stocky, muscular body and the signature bat-ears that made Frenchies famous. Their heads are large for their bodies, adding to the cute-but-funny look. Coats are typically short to mid-length, and common colors are black, brown, tan, cream, white or a mix of colors. You will find that some Bulldog Chihuahua mixes look more like Frenchies, and some more like Chihuahuas. This is the nature of crossbred dogs, as there will always be some unpredictability. French Bulldog Chihuahua Mix Temperament The temperament of this mix will also be a blend of the temperaments of each parent breed. Generally speaking, the French Bullhuahua temperament is playful, loving, and a bit sassy. They love to spend time with their owners, and will usually bond closely to their favorite person. They have a moderate energy level. While they like to play, they are also quite content lounging about in your lap, getting plenty of attention and love! Chihuahua French Bulldog mixes are usually somewhat reserved around strangers, at least at first. Socialization from a young age is important. Bad Habits At times, this mix can become territorial and even aggressive. While this mix is loving and affectionate, they can also have a definite stubborn streak. At times this can make them difficult to train. Since undesirable behavior is easier to tolerate from tiny puppies, some owners let it pass rather than invest time and energy in shaping good habits. In other cases, new owners scoop their puppy out of new situations rather than engineering rewarding introductions. These dogs miss out on important socialization opportunities, and grow up nervous of strange people, dogs and environments. Chihuahuas in particular tend to yap and growl if they feel nervous or threatened. Dogs shoulds start their training from a very young age for best results. Positive reinforcement training is typically most effective. For some tips and tricks, see our Chihuahua training guide , crate training guide, and our general dog training guides. Socialization is very important with this breed, as they can be somewhat reserved and not very outgoing. To minimize aggression and shyness, make sure your dog gets plenty of exposure to other animals, strangers, children , etc. For exercise, this is a moderate-energy breed. They love to play, and go on frequent, shorter walks. They will also benefit from frequent trips to the dog park to play with other pups! The French Bulldog in this mix can mean that your pup might have some breathing or overheating issues. This is due to their Brachycephalic facial structure, which unfortunately can cause some serious health concerns! Be sure to watch for warning signs of serious breathing problems, particularly when your dog has been playing hard. Chihuahua Health First, the Chihuahua. The Chihuahua suffers from some health problems common to small dogs. Dental problems are quite common, as many Chihuahuas are born with dental deformities — or their teeth simply outgrow their small mouths. Joint problems, such as patellar luxation, are common. Epilepsy and low blood sugar are also possible. Blood sugar can usually be managed successfully by feeding your dog smaller, more frequent meals — but speak to your vet if you have concerns. With all that said, the Chihuahua is relatively healthy compared to many small breeds. It has an expected lifespan of years. Unfortunately, Frenchies suffer from a wide range of health problems, mostly due to the shape of their faces and snouts. The French Bulldog has a brachycephalic facial structure , which contributes to several health concerns. The structure of their faces affects their ability to breath, as well as their ability to cool themselves off by panting. Because of this, many Frenchies overheat easily, have trouble breathing, snore frequently, etc. Not all French Bulldogs have too much issue, but a large portion do. They also have many problems related to their size. Back problems, hip dysplasia, oversized heads, etc. In fact, French Bulldogs are almost entirely born by surgical cesarean section, simply because the puppies heads are too large to give birth naturally. The Chihuahua can also suffer during the birthing process. Lastly, keep in mind that due to the small size of this crossbreed, accidental poisoning is a concern. The Chihuahua French Bulldog mix can be made ill or even killed by relatively small amounts of chocolate, chewing gum, and other ingredients toxic to dogs. So, both breeds — and particularly the French Bulldog — face some very serious health concerns that should make you think twice about the breed. Some of these health concerns are improved by crossbreeding the two breeds, while others are not. We urge readers to think twice about this breed — and any other dog that frequently suffers from chronic health problems due to their breeding. In terms of their temperament, the Chihuahua French Bulldog mix can make for a good family pet. They are usually friendly, enjoy spending time with their family, and are a good fit for apartments and small homes, due to their size. That said, any potential owner should be very aware of all the potential health problems that these pups might face. Be sure to consider whether you are prepared to deal with a potential lifetime of health concerns! The Chihuahua is a bit more healthy, but can still face a lot of trouble. The mix of the two comes with significant risks for health concerns. If you have a moral issue with breeders continuing to breed dogs with significant health concerns, you can always adopt a pup. This way, you still get to enjoy the company of the breed, without having to support the ongoing breeding of disabled dogs. Rescuing a French Bulldog Chihuahua Mix We always encourage readers to rescue dogs from shelters, wherever possible. And of course, you should call your local shelters to see if they have anything for you! Watch for signs of mistreatment and aggression — and be prepared to be extra patient with your new pup! These places do not follow breeding standards, and often do not treat their animals very well! A good breeder should conduct health tests on their breeding stock, and have many years of experience. For more information, check out our puppy search guide! But, there are resources out there to help you — like our detailed puppy training guides Also, there are two additional things to keep in mind with this breed: They need to be socialized early and often, as they can be a bit shy with or even aggressive towards other dogs You need to be very careful with them physically, due to their small size and brittle bones You should also take your pup to the vet frequently, to ensure any health concerns are addressed early on.

We have created a list of the Best German Shepherd Breeders in Pennsylvania to help you find a healthy puppy. You can ensure that our list will not include any backyard breeders or puppy mills. They only breed puppies from parents who are certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals to be free of hip and elbow dysplasia. Their German shepherd puppies have excellent physical and mental qualities and come from superior lines. This breeder specializes in breeding black and red purebred German shepherd puppies, as well as they also breed for those who are interested in German shepherd dog ownership for the purpose of the Show Ring, or for the disciplines of Schutzhund, or as Service dogs. All puppies come with a 1st vet check, a two-year written health guarantee, as well as their first vaccination and their first round of deworming. Every German shepherd puppy also comes with a three-generation pedigree from the A. They strive to produce German Shepherds with a stunning black and deep red coat, exceptional character, and family protection all in one. All parents dogs and are health screened and hip and elbow certified. Breeders invite everyone to come to visit their house to see how their dogs are raised and what facilities that get it. German Shepherd Breeder Info:. Despite their popularity as a household pets, German Shepherds require a lot of attention. Good Dog is a website that will help you find the perfect puppy. Our database has registered German Shepherds and other types of German shepherds. Using this database, you can quickly find a puppy, and start the application process today. To get started, sign up for our newsletter. When looking for a puppy, keep in mind that the most common colors are solid black and tan. You can also get German Shepherds with gold and light gray markings, sable, and gray with lighter or brown markings. This hybrid combines German and American genetics to produce a dog with the best of both worlds. It never produces a puppy with Degenerative Myelopathy or any other health problem. The American Kennel Club maintains a marketplace on its website for German Shepherd puppies for sale. The site is home to valuable information about German Shepherds and tips for choosing the right puppy. The breeder is also known to offer genetic testing and an AKC health guarantee on their puppies. They welcome visitors and strive to breed only the best German Shepherds. In addition, breeders will be upfront with you about the process, the expected age, and the amount of time the puppies will take to grow up. Breeders who are honest with their customers and breeders will provide documentation about the parents and the puppies. Unlike some breeders, the photos are not manipulated or edited. They take time to socialize with their puppies and their new owners. Their goal is to create happy dogs that make new owners delighted. Lindel Shepherds, meanwhile, care about the health of their puppies. As a certified Orthopedic Foundation of Animals, they regularly test their puppies for hip, elbow, and Degenerative Myelopathy. They are excellent watchdogs and love a job. Without adequate exercise, they may become bored. To get the best out of their temperament, they need daily attention and exercise. The right environment will provide them with plenty of mental stimulation. A lot of people wonder why German Shepherds are so sought-after. Despite their popularity, the truth is that they are an excellent choice for families. These dogs are loved and socialized every day. But how can you decide which one to get? And what about the health of your new furry friend? You can find a German Shepherd Puppies Harrisburg Pa online at a local breeder, or visit your local pet shop. If you are looking for German Shepherd Puppies in Harrisburg Pa, you might be better off with an older dog, as they are generally easier to train. For first-time owners, puppies are a great option, but they must be prepared to go through teething and housetraining. And, of course, you need to be prepared for all these things, so you can have a great companion.

The Golden Shepherd tends to be a friendly, energetic, and affectionate dog that is loyal to their family and tends to be protective of them. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, and more. A Golden Shepherd tends to bring the all-around friendly personality of the Golden Retriever and the intelligence and devotion of the German Shepherd into one dog. They love their families and tend to get along with everyone including children. These dogs are not necessarily suspicious of strangers, but they are alert and will tend to bark if they see something they feel you need to know about. Golden Shepherds are moderately adaptable dogs. Because they are high-energy, they tend to do better in homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living as long as plenty of time is dedicated to giving them the daily exercise they need. They tend to do well in most climates. But, as with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Because Golden Shepherds are devoted to their families and thrive on spending time with them, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. A mixed-breed dog can inherit the potential health issues common to one, both, or neither of their parent breeds. As a larger, barrel-chested dog breed, the Golden Shepherd, like their parent breeds, is also at a higher risk for bloat. The Golden Shepherd is a highly trainable dog breed. They are intelligent, eager to please, and pick up on things quickly. This makes them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Puppy training classes can still be a great idea because they offer opportunities to socialize a puppy while also strengthening your bond with them. The Golden Shepherd will have a thick double-coat that sheds moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year as seasons change. A quick daily brushing, especially during seasonal shedding sessions, will help remove loose fur to make your dog more comfortable and also help keep more fur contained to a brush instead of everywhere else. Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. Monthly nail trims are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long or causing issues. Plus, if anything is starting to happen, you can get the vet before it gets more serious. Because many dog owners overlook this, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal. The Golden Shepherd comes from two high-energy dogs, so they require a lot of daily exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime and time to run are the minimum. But, a Golden Shepherd will likely be up for more activity if you are. A trip to the dog park for some off-leash time, playing frisbee or chasing a ball, hiking, swimming, running, and more can all help this dog expend some extra energy. You want to keep their activity low-impact as they are still growing, but once they finish growing, try different activities to see what you both love doing together. You could even try training them for dog sports! A fully-grown Golden Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Golden Shepherd generally lives for years. Currently, we do not have any Golden Shepherd puppies available, but we can alert you when new Golden Shepherd puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address! Related Breeds. Any puppies that qualify as a German Shepherd Mix are a cross between a German Shepherd and another dog breed. In a mixed breed, you can get any mix of characteristics in the parent breeds. German Shepherds tend to be strong-willed, intelligent, playful, and loyal. To get a full idea of what to expect in your puppy, be sure to ask the breeder about the other dog breed in the cross and check out the mother dog in-person to get a general idea about size and temperament. On the German Shepherd side, you have an independent dog with high intelligence and a playful spirit. German Shepherds make great family pets and are born protectors. Because of their protective instinct, they can be suspicious of strangers. Socialization early and often can help curb this suspicion and make them more open to new people and situations. German Shepherds also tend to be loving and have a lively personality. The German Shepherd Mix can have any or all of these characteristics plus any characteristics from the other parent breed in the mix. Before buying a German Shepherd Mix puppy and bringing them home, be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed. If the puppies are being family-raised around children, you should be able to get an idea of how they will do in a family setting that includes children. The German Shepherd is a moderately adaptable working dog that was bred to guard, work, and herd. They do not tend to do well in apartments and are best-suited for houses with yards. GSDs prefer to be with their families and do not like to be alone. They also tend to prefer cooler climates as they are sensitive to heat. With a German Shepherd Mix, you could get a moderately adaptable dog that is just like a purebred German Shepherd. You could also end up with a dog that is more like the other parent breed. Talking with the breeder about the other parent breed can give you a good idea of what to expect. German Shepherds can be prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. You will need to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an idea of any other health concerns to be aware of in your German Shepherd Mix. Health screenings, clearances, and the genetic history of the parents can help allay concerns about potential health conditions. On the German Shepherd side, training and obedience classes are highly recommended for novice dog owners. Although GSDs are highly intelligent, pick up on things quickly, and train fairly easily, they can be stubborn with an independent streak. Regardless of the other parent breed in the cross, you should be prepared to enroll in obedience and training classes with your German Shepherd Mix. The experience will be beneficial to both you and your puppy and will also offer some opportunities for socialization. You will still want to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an understanding of what to expect during the training process. Professional grooming a few times a year and the occasional bath is also recommended. Regardless of the coat type, your German Shepherd Mix will need to have their nails trimmed monthly and their teeth brushed regularly. Not every dog will allow you to do this, so try to get a tooth brushing session in at least a few times a week to reduce tartar buildup. This will help prevent dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Plus, it will help cut down on bad breath! German Shepherds tend to have a high activity level. They were bred to run, herd, guard, and protect, so they are used to working and having a job to do. They are definitely not a lazy dog breed! Be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed in the mix. You will still want to go in prepared for a high energy dog with the understanding that your German Shepherd Mix puppy may have an activity level closer to the other breed in the cross. If both are high energy dogs breeds, expect to end up with a high energy dog. A German Shepherd is a large dog breed that generally weighs between 55 and 90 pounds. They also usually stand between 22 and 26 inches tall at the shoulders. The other dog breed in the cross could result in a smaller or larger German Shepherd Mix. A German Shepherd generally lives for years. You should be able to expect a similar range in your German Shepherd Mix, but the other dog breed in the cross could affect this range. Featured German Shepherd Mix Article. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article. They have consistently remained in the top 10 most registered breeds. The German Shepherd is also a popular service dog, due to not only its ability to be trained easily, but also because it can retain that training for many years. But, how did the GSD become the dog breed we know and love? Each type of dog bore characteristics that made it more adaptable to its specific environment. These early shepherds had varying coat lengths, color, and texture. Even the build was different. However, the core characteristics of intelligence, ruggedness, loyalty, and the ability to perform highly specialized tasks remained consistent in all breeds. These dogs lived and worked on farms. They were working dogs, herders, and worked with man side by side as a constant companion and an invaluable helper. It was also at this time that farmers and herders began selectively breeding the herding dogs, which started a gradual progression toward a single breed. In , von Stephanitz was attending a dog show in a village in western Germany. He noted a medium-sized dog that looked strikingly like a wolf. It was yellow and gray with a sloping back, a long, slender muzzle, and supple agility. It was powerful, steady, and had impressive endurance. It seemed as if it were born with the herding ability. Von Stephanitz purchased the dog and registered it as the first German Shepherd. It was not long and von Stephanitz had indeed standardized the type and form of the breed. He established a breed standard that incorporated utility, mental stability, intelligence, structural efficiency, and temperament. The German Dog Club of America was founded in .From there, the German Shepherd dog has worked its way into the lives and hearts of farmers, herders, and families the world over. If this dog breed seems like it could be the right one for you, learn more about what owning this dog is like and check out the available German Shepherd puppies for sale! They are known for their determination, focus, trainability, and loyalty. Here are a few facts about German Shepherds: 1. But, German Shepherds were originally used as herding dogs and livestock protectors. They can still be found working as farm dogs, but are more commonly found as family companions, military dogs, police dogs, and service dogs. They are certainly a versatile working dog that is happiest when they have a job to do. German Shepherds Are Born Protectors Socialization and training are important to any dog breed, but they are especially important for German Shepherds as they have a protective instinct. These dogs are born to protect. That, paired with their strong will and independent nature, means they can be wary and suspicious of strangers. With poor socialization and inconsistent or bad training, this can result in a dog that is loving to family and aggressive towards anyone else. That being said, German Shepherds make some of the best companions and are one of the most popular dog breeds. A properly socialized and trained German Shepherd is loving with a playful spirit and a lively personality. They get along with children, other dogs, and other pets. They thirst for learning, training, and fulfillment. So, ongoing training will be a necessity to keep your GSD mentally stimulated and engaged. Plus, your GSD will love learning new things! They are a highly trainable dog breed in that they are intelligent and pick up on things quickly. However, they are also strong-willed, independent, and can be stubborn. Because of these traits, novice or first-time owners should enroll in obedience classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer. Not only will this ensure you have the skills you need to handle a strong-willed working dog, but it also ensures a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy. These dogs have a lot of energy and they love to run! In fact, the German Shepherd is one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. Daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity are a must for this dog. You can even train them to compete in dog sports like agility , obedience, flyball, and more. They would probably enjoy the challenge of learning something new, especially something that gives them an excuse to run! As one of the most active dog breeds , a German Shepherd is a good fit for active owners and families who can invest the time into training and socializing them and who can give them the exercise, attention, and affection they need. These are just a few facts about German Shepherds. If you think this could be the right dog breed for you, learn more about them and then check out the available German Shepherd puppies. You could end up finding your best friend!

These hybrids were the ancestors of the Labrador Retriever, and they were owned and used by fishermen in dragging nets filled with fish out of the sea to the boats. Not only that, but the Labrador Retrievers were also trained to recover fish that got away from the nets or from fishing hooks. The dogs continued to function in that capacity in Newfoundland until the news and deeds of the breed got to the Earl of Malmesbury in the early s, and he brought them to England, where they were used for shooting sports. This breed is fast in movement, most especially when they are running. In addition to their agility and strength, Labrador Retrievers are homely, easy-going, outgoing, intelligent, affectionate and friendly to humans and other animals also. Dog lovers who have children are always keen on getting this breed because of its endearing and non-aggressive nature towards children most especially. Due to its origin and history, this breed is not a breed that sits in a place for a long time. It is a breed that enjoys roaming and hunting, and can also thrive in both warm and cold weather. The Labrador Retriever breed is full of exuberance, boisterousness, and energy, and as a result of this, it needs a lot of training and exercise to keep it active and agile at all times. Therefore, the Labrador Retriever needs as much as minutes worth of training and exercises daily. You need to pay attention to its teeth and nails. Make sure the teeth are brushed from time to time and nails clipped frequently. Our Labrador Retriever puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Labradors are shedders and they shed seasonally during the shedding season, and that is why Lab owners are advised to make adequate plans concerning hair disposal when their Labs start to shed. How is it possible for Labradors to swim and play in deep water? Kindly note that Labradors have the tendency to get obese, so it is important that you watch what they eat and how they eat. Where can I buy a Labrador Retriever? Contact us today to learn more about the availability of our Lab puppies. Are Labradors sniffers? Yes, of course. Based on their penchant for wildlife, is it safe to have a Lab around my children? Labrador retrievers are a warm and friendly breed that enjoy playing with children. Do Labrador Retrievers have health challenges? Unfortunately, Labradors also suffer from health challenges just like every other dog. But the illnesses peculiar to their breed include joint problems, obesity, heart diseases, cataracts, and ear infections. Do Labrador Retrievers bark like other dogs? Yes of course. All dogs bark with the inclusion of the Labrador. Half of the time, they are quiet. Can I put my Labrador in a crate? Why not? Keeping your Labrador in a crate is one sure way of training them to feel safe when they are alone by themselves, and also to keep them safe from external forces. Is it true that a Labrador was jailed once? Most definitely yes. Pep spent ten years in jail. Are you interested in purchasing a Labrador Retriever? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. The Labrador Retriever is also the most popular purebred dog in America for the 21st straight year. More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: The ten reasons that I am giving for children to have a dog are not listed in order of importance. All of us have different characteristics which we find more important than others. Every reason I list, however, is important to the childhood of your son or daughter. Dogs help children to be more cooperative and sharing. For children, a close relationship with a dog is a proven benefit in study after study. For instance, in research with preschool children, psychologists at Oregon State University found that teaching children to care for a puppy enhanced their social skills. Sue Doescher, a psychologist involved in the study. And that transfers to how other kids feel. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .In , a group of Spanish explorers and missionaries came upon the river and Native American settlement on June 13, the feast day of St. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! We have answers. The San Antonio Labrador Retriever puppies for sale on Uptown come from a long line of dogs hailing from Newfoundland. These obedient, strong, and friendly dogs used to help on fishing boats, retrieving nets and fish from the freezing sea. Nowadays, a Labrador San Antonio is best known for their adorable friendly natures. Can Uptown help? We sure can! We partner with the best San Antonio Labrador Retriever breeders, who all have to be approved before they can work with us. Take a look at the gorgeous Labrador Retriever puppies San Antonio on Uptown and when you fall in love, just message their breeder so you can make that puppy yours. We pride ourselves on only partnering with the very best companies and businesses. Every Uptown partner has to sign up to our Breeder Pledge so we know that they breed and raise the best pups out there. Are there any Labrador Retriever puppies for sale San Antonio available now? This also means that these adorable pups get reserved super quickly! Once you and your family are ready to welcome home a new puppy, we recommend contacting breeders with puppies you love straight away, or you might miss out. Because we only work with the best breeders, you can be confident that their pups have been ethically bred, and well cared for. Whatever information you need, from health checks to a progress report, our partners will be happy to provide it. Do you sell puppies from the cheapest Labrador Retriever breeders San Antonio? Rather than concentrate on price, we prefer to focus on quality. Our partners pour a lot of time, money, dedication and expertise into breeding the best and healthiest pups. Remember that cheap puppies will often be poorly bred, and may suffer from lifelong health conditions as a result. Do you recommend specific food for a Labrador Retriever for sale in San Antonio? Will a San Antonio Labrador Retriever for sale make a good family dog? How big do Labradors for sale San Antonio get? Labrador Retrievers are a well-built and muscular medium-sized dog. Males will measure .Female Labs are smaller, at

Rachael Ray Nutrish is another brand I love for Labrador Retriever puppies as it is packed with DHA for healthy brain and eye development and specially formulated for young, growing dogs. You can also select different sizes and recipes. My favorite is chicken and brown rice. Bedding And Toys Lab puppies need quality bedding and toys for teething. Labrador puppies grow quickly and have sharp claws and teeth. Puppies also go through a teething phase and will need special teething toys to help soothe their sore mouths and help keep your furniture safe. As far as bedding, the best bedding for a Labrador puppy is going to be made of high quality material that is soft and plush while also being sturdy enough to keep them off the floor and support their growing bodies. KONG toys are wonderful tools to use during crate training , but they also help with separation anxiety , boredom, and the teething stage that all puppies go through. Enter the Nylabone Puppy Starter Pack. These flavored chew toys come both textured and regular to help get your pup and your furniture through the teething stage safely. Cuddly toys like the Smart PetLove Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy above can help your new Labrador puppy adjust to sleeping on his own, assist in crate training, and may even help alleviate anxieties including noise phobias and separation anxiety. Puppy blankets are a must and can be used for multiple purposes in your home for your pup. My favorite puppy blankets are blankets that are specially made for dogs, like the Luciphia fleece blankets above. While you can use any blankets on hand, blankets that are specially made for dogs are usually a bit more durable, easier to wash, and have been made with quality and safe material for your pooch. Puppy blankets just make it easy to always a comfy place for your puppy to rest his head no matter where you are. Ultra Squeaker Ball is an absolute favorite in my house and with my clients. I especially love using this toy for puppies who are just getting the hang of playing fetch. For puppies, picking up on how to play fetch can be tough. Balls that squeak or make noise when thrown help to make the game more exciting and help encourage young pups to chase whatever is making that high pitched sound! Leashes, Harnesses, and Collars Collars, leashes, and harnesses are important tools to help socialize your puppy. Getting your puppy used to wearing a leash, harness, and collar is an important step towards socializing them. So even though your Labrador puppy will outgrow his harness and collar quickly, I still suggest investing in these items. Here are five of my favorite leash, harness, and collar products for Labrador Retriever puppies. As I mentioned above, puppies are especially fragile so steer clear of attaching a leash to their collar and try to help them adjust to wearing a harness that is comfortable. What I like about this harness is that it is adjustable so you can use it a bit longer as your puppy grows. Best of all it is the perfect length five feet for puppy training and is a leash your Lab puppy can take with him into adulthood. It is built like a standard leash, but it offers you control over how far away your puppy can get. This is excellent for puppy parents who live in busy neighborhoods or who are working with a puppy who likes to wander. Large breed puppies like Labrador Retrievers require crates that grow with them. This is why I love crates that come with dividers so that they can grow with your Lab puppy. I also recommend playpens, as Labrador puppies are notorious for being very active and energetic. Lab puppies are also incredibly curious and tend to chew a lot in their first few months, which is why indoor dog gates will also be an important part of puppy proofing your home. Take a look at some of my favorite puppy-proofing products below. Nobody likes cleaning up potty accidents. Of course, no one wants a big, bulky pen that takes up half of their home either! I also love that the pen is big enough for puppies to grow into and allows them to learn how to explore a space larger than their crate while keeping them and your home safe from their curiosity. And since crate training is such an important part of puppyhood and actually helps your puppy adjust to being alone and feeling secure, we recommend investing in a good, high quality crate you can use for years. It has two separate doors for entrance and exit and it comes with a divider so it can be adjusted to the size of your dog as he grows. Just remember to leave your pup inside his crate with a KONG and some bedding so he is comfortable, and remember that puppies who are younger than six months old should not stay in their crates for longer than four hours. For those of you who plan to leave your puppy out and about while you are gone and after he is trained, of course , then a crate that folds may be your best bet. The MidWest Foldable Dog Crate posted above is one such crate that is not only made well, but also stores well. Like most crates ideal for Labrador puppies, this crate also comes with a divider so it can grow with your dog. Along with crates and puppy playpens, you also might consider getting a gate to keep your puppy from entering places in your home that may pose a risk to him. Many of my clients keep gates up in their kitchen entryway, or gate their living rooms where puppies are tempted to chew on wood furniture. Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate Sale Buy on Amazon For those of you worried about installing something or accidentally damaging walls or paint, there are always free-standing gate options, like the Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate. I do like the way these gates look and the simplicity of them, however, they are not always the most secure and may not stand up to a strong and curious puppy. These gates are also not ideal for leaving puppies unsupervised as they can sometimes find ways to knock them down. Grooming your Labrador puppy early on not only helps to socialize him and prepare him for a life of vet visits, groomer visits, and physical contact with people, but it also helps to keep him clean and healthy. Like babies, puppies are more sensitive to certain products and require products that are specifically designed to be gentle on their sensitive skin and fur. Be selective of the shampoos, dog brushes , and other grooming products you pick for your Labrador puppy and make sure you always use high-quality products. Some of the products I recommend most for grooming a Labrador puppy are listed below. Pet Care Sciences Puppy Shampoo. Top Picks For Our Dogs Preparing Your Home For A Puppy You should treat the preparation of your home for the arrival of a new puppy in much the same way as you would for the arrival of a baby because the process is almost identical. You must be ready to provide every little thing your puppy needs in life, making sure they have water, are fed, comfortable, happy, catered for and safe. To achieve this there are 4 main things that you need to do: Go shopping for equipment and supplies Puppy proof your home and garden to make sure your puppy stays safe Set up an area for your puppy to sleep and spend time in when you cannot supervise them Decide on the rules and routines required to successfully raise a puppy Without such preparation, things will be difficult. A Nutritious Puppy Food The most important supply needed for a new puppy is a highly nutritious puppy food. Hopefully your puppy came from a responsible breeder who was feeding them a high quality, complete and nutritious food. If so, you should ask what they were feeding, stock up on and continue feeding this if possible. If not, then puppies are incredibly active, growing fast and developing bone, muscle and more every day. Because of this they need almost double the calories, more protein and have different nutritional needs to mature adult dogs. Furthermore, they have far smaller mouths than adult dogs so puppy food comes in smaller chunks more suited to their size. Click here to see our recommendations for the best puppy food for labs Bowls for Food And Water There is a bewildering array of dog bowl choices out there so choosing the best can be difficult. Looks and design aside, I recommend going for stainless steel bowls because they are long-lasting, cannot be chewed and are very easy to clean. I also recommend buying bowls with heavy rubber bottoms so they stay rooted to the spot and are harder to spill or flip over. Unless of course you buy bowls in a stand, then these problems are already solved. A Puppy Crate And Bedding A good crate is one of the most beneficial things you can provide for the good of yourself and your puppy. First of all, supply some bedding to place inside for your puppy to sleep on. My recommendation for this is VetBed. Many puppies can chew and ingest normal bedding which can result in medical emergencies and VetBed is the most durable bedding on the market. During these times you need to provide a larger, but still safe enclosure to confine your puppy. You might also like to buy a plastic sheet and some puppy pads or use lots of old newspaper for them to use as a potty in your absence. Puppy Chew Toys Puppies chew. A lot. And they seem to prefer chewing phones, footwear and TV remotes more than anything else. Just make sure whatever toys you do buy are suitable for a puppy as many will be too large for their little mouths to begin with. Interactive Puppy Toys So you can play games with your puppy, provide exercise and mental stimulation, you will want to buy a few toys that encourage the two of you to interact. Balls for throwing and chasing, soft toys and ropes for playing tug, other toys for fetch, there are many available. You will also need a collar to provide a place to attach an all important ID tag. ID Tag An ID tag is an essential means to be reunited with your puppy should the worst happen and you somehow lose them or they run away. Clicker A clicker is an extremely useful tool used during training as a reward marker that dramatically improves the timing of communication between you and your puppy when you want to reward a behavior. Although not essential, I do highly recommend you use one. Puppy Training Treats Tasty food treats are the go-to reward used during training so you will want to make sure you always have a good stock at hand. They need to feel happy with being bathed, happy having their coat and teeth brushed, their feet touched, nails clipped and having their eyes and ears inspected. To do so, you should fake going the process, getting them used to being handled, the sight and feel of the tools and so on. To achieve this, you will need to buy and get them used to the following items: Dog shampoo Combs and brushes suitable for a Labrador Scissors Cotton balls Toothbrush Use these tools right away and often, and give your puppy praise and tasty treats as you go so they form positive associations with grooming. Puppy Proof Your Home and Garden The process of puppy proofing your home is very much like baby proofing before the arrival of a child. Except a puppy is far more curious, active and destructive and can get themselves into far more trouble. A puppy is a new-born. Everything is a toy and they will run and pounce and jump and chew on anything in their environment. So before you bring your puppy home you simply must make it safe for them. For things you cannot move skirting boards, table legs etc. To keep them safe while still providing an area for them to play in and stretch their legs, you want to restrict their access to a single room, or otherwise create an enclosed space for them. To do so, either buy a pet barrier or baby gate that goes across a doorway to restrict them to an easy to clean and safe room, or buy an exercise pen puppy pen to create an enclosed space in another room. I also strongly recommend buying a crate for many reasons, but initially, mostly just to provide the perfect place for them to sleep. I shall discuss crate training a little later in this article. All of this must be decided BEFORE you get your puppy home because consistency is a key part of raising a puppy successfully. Everyone must enforce and live by the same rules for your puppy to thrive. Initially they have no idea how you want them to behave, or how and when they can expect the things they want and need in life. The more consistent everybody is with the puppy, the quicker they will learn all this stuff and the happier everyone will be. So decide and write down if necessary when your puppy will have all their needs met, make sure everybody knows who is responsible for each task and make sure everybody knows the rules. You might think the collection and journey home with your new puppy is no big deal, but there are many things can go wrong. Therefore, you should never take a puppy before 8 weeks old. During the first 8 weeks, a puppy learns a lot from their mother and litter-mates: Bite inhibition, canine body language, acceptable play and interaction with other dogs and how to accept discipline. Things you will find it very hard to teach them later yourself. The flip side of this is that the 7 to 14 week stage is the most impressionable for a puppy, where they bond strongest with people and must be socialized to all the sights, sounds and smells of the world so they grow up confident and comfortable with their surroundings. So anyway, for the journey home there a few things you need to consider: Safety in the car, the need for water and toilet breaks and the possibility your puppy will be sick. Having a loose puppy in the car presents a very real danger of leading to a crash, they can easily climb out of a box and now is not the time to use a harness and car safety belt. If the crate is small enough you can place it on a front or rear passenger seat and secure it with the seat-belt, or you may have to place it in the trunk of your car. Fully line the crate with absorbent paper in case there are any accidents, this will keep most of the mess off your puppy and make cleaning easier. And finally, place a chew toy or two in the crate to keep your puppy occupied. If you have another person to help you, your puppy can ride home in their lap if the journey is short. They must be under your passengers control. They will also need to potty every half or so. Therefore, you should plan breaks along the way every 30 minutes or so. Stop the car, allow them to drink, then wait for them to wee before setting off again. When you stop, make sure your puppy is on leash and tightly held by someone before letting them out of the car. And as an extra precaution, carry your puppy and only put them down to do their business, then carry them back into the car. Take with you some towels, plastic bags, kitchen roll and deodorizer to take care of any accidents. And when driving, take all corners slowly, and accelerate and brake gently. If your puppy is on a passengers lap, they will be able to see some warning signs that puppy is about to be sick: Their lips will curl, they will excessively salivate and then eventually start to heave. When your passenger spots these signs, they can place a thick towel beneath the puppy to catch everything and avoid a mess in your vehicle. When bringing home a new puppy, make sure you collect them and then drive straight home. Your puppy is having the most stressful day of their short life so far, try not to make it harder than it already is by taking them to strange places and passing them around to strangers to say hello. You want to get them home quickly so they can start the process of settling in as soon as possible. Whether this is inside on paper, or a spot outside, as soon as you arrive home carry them there, set them down and wait for them to do their business before doing anything else. This might take 30 seconds or it might take 10 minutes, but patiently wait and when they go, praise them profusely. Well done! Shut them in another room away from the puppy as things are intense enough as it is. Explain they have to be calm and gentle during the first introductions. Let them sniff and look around, getting used to the area and their new little world. You can now let people come and say hello. Have people sit or kneel to greet them. Once everybody has said hello, you should stay with your puppy, show interest but stay calm. Allow Your Puppy To Sleep After all the excitement, stress, massive change and huge amount of mental stimulation your puppy has just been through, they will likely need to sleep soon after arriving at your home. So as soon as they either start to look tired, or the introductions to their new living space and family have ended whichever comes first put them to bed for a short while. On the other hand they might feel completely overwhelmed, retreat into themselves and show reluctance to explore. They might slink into a corner silently and sit there watching their new world with wonder but apprehension, before falling asleep for hours. And when it comes to the first night they might sleep right through, or they might cry and whine the whole night. As your puppy begins to get used to everything, their character will start to shine through and you will begin to see their true personalities. Exactly what this will be is different for every puppy…it will be fun for you to find out! And by being the provider of everything they need in life, giving them all that is good, it will only take 2 or 3 days for your puppy to learn to love you and get excited and happy to see you when you turn up. So your task is to set up and stick to these schedules, begin training your puppy and help them to learn how you want them to behave and when they can expect the things they need in life. What should you feed your puppy You should feed your puppy the same food they had at the breeders because an abrupt change in diet almost always leads to stomach upset. Complete and balanced means it has everything a puppy needs, and in the right quantities. So seek out this kind of wording and check the internet for other owners reviews. Puppies need to eat a lot because their rate of growth is very high. For puppies up to 12 weeks, you should divide their daily requirement into 4 portions, for puppies 12 to 26 weeks, feed them 3 times per day and from 26 weeks on feed them twice per day. You should also aim to feed them as close as you can to the same times every day and evenly spaced throughout the day. This will help their body clocks fall into a pattern and will help your house training immensely because they then potty the same times every day. For example: 8 to 12 weeks old, 4 times a day at AM, AM, PM and PM 12 to 26 weeks old, 3 times a day at AM, PM and PM 26 weeks old and ongoing, 2 times a day at and Obviously you can adjust these times to take into account when you get out of bed and to fit around your life. Also… The first few nights have the crate or exercise pen your puppy sleeps in placed in your bedroom. One night move the crate next to the bedroom door. The next night move it outside the door, but leave the door open so they can still see you. The next night further into the hallway. Finally to their eventual resting place. They might take to sleeping on their own OK, they might whine and cry. NEVER go to them to comfort them if they cry, you must only get up to take them to potty and then silently and without fuss put them back into the crate. Rewarding silence and ignoring noise is the only way they will eventually learn to be quiet at night themselves. Any time you cannot closely supervise them, you have to confine them, either in their crate, an exercise pen or a puppy proofed room secured with a barrier across the doorway. The point of confining them as a puppy is so they can enjoy all the freedom in the world once they are an adult. By confining them with treat dispensing chew toys they get rewarded for chewing the right things and develop a chew toy obsession. Confine them now, they form a good chew toy obsession and have no chance of developing bad chewing habits. Then once they are over their adolescent chewing stage you slowly open up the house to them and eventually they can have free roam and be completely trusted. A little sacrifice when young for a better life later. And a second hugely important reason for confining your puppy when you cannot supervise them is for speedier house training. In fact if you read my comments from earlier, you will see you start the very first moment you finish the journey home. In essence, house training is about creating good habits while avoiding bad ones and for the speediest success you want to start immediately. Wherever your puppy is able to potty has the chance of becoming their favored toilet spot for many weeks or months to come. So you want to prevent them pottying inside, and encourage them to potty outside. The main ingredients of a successful house training program are preventing mistakes and praising heavily for doing the right thing. Achieving this is all about schedules, supervision and confinement. Now, your puppy will need to potty anywhere from every 15 to 45 minutes. So to start with, take them outside every 30 minutes and adjust this schedule to suit their natural rhythm. You must also take them outside immediately after they wake up from any sleep, after any eating or drinking, after play and after any heightened excitement. These are times that often lead to a puppy needing to potty so take them outside at these times and you will avoid many mistakes while taking advantage of predictable opportunities to praise them for doing the right thing. In the first week or so, you will likely find your puppy almost instantaneously leaks with little warning. Simply do your best to take them out to potty extremely often so they go in the right place as often as possible. And confine them to a single enclosed room or in an exercise pen for the first week or so to protect your carpets. Crate training goes hand in hand with house training, being one of the best tools to help speed up the process. Therefore, you want to start crate training very early on, after just a few days of getting puppy home, and I personally aim for 9 weeks old to start. I prefer to wait a week or so to avoid them pottying in the crate as much as possible, doing the most I can to preserve their instinct not to soil where they sleep, the instinct that helps most when using a crate for house training. But by all means sleep them in their crate at night if you wish and I do. For more information on crate training your puppy and using it for house training purposes, please see the links below:. You might want to limit them to one or two rooms in the house at first so they can get used to everything slowly in their own time. Calming products: Plug-in diffusers that release calming pheromones can be good for the first few weeks. They can help your puppy feel more relaxed around the home — especially during those first nights! Set boundaries: Make sure your boundaries are clear from the beginning and stick to them. You can begin by socialising your puppy at home and by carrying them out and about with you. If they need to sleep and rest, give them the space to do so and encourage them to play on their own sometimes to help prevent separation problems later in life. Consider training classes: It can be a good idea to go along to training classes with your puppy, so you can let them have positive experiences with vaccinated dogs and people in a safe environment. Make sure you choose classes run by trainers who are certified or accredited and use reward based methods. For more tips, read our guide on the first day with your puppy. It's also a good idea to get your new puppy insured as soon as possible. This will help make sure they have all the cover they need in future if they fall ill or become injured. Feeding your puppy With so much choice available, it can be tricky to know what to feed your new puppy. Puppies need a particular level of nutrients compared to adults to help them grow, so finding an appropriate puppy food is essential. Speak to your vet for advice on the best puppy food for your dog to make sure you pick one that will suit their needs as they grow. You can still keep your puppy happy and entertained in lots of other ways, for example playing games or trying a puzzle feeder. Before you start exercising your puppy in the big wide world, you must make sure that their vaccinations are fully up to date, in order to keep them safe and healthy. Training your puppy Your new puppy will likely need to learn all of their skills from scratch, which means lots of basic training! Start the basics at home, such as teaching your dog recall and sit. It can help the two of you bond, and your pup will see training as a fun thing to do. One thing that most people think about when bringing their puppy home, is toilet training! Always use positive, reward-based training and never punish your puppy for toileting in the wrong place. Toilet training might take time — some pups can learn toilet training in a few months, while others might take a lot longer. Non-slip bottom dog dishes Puppies naturally move their dish around as they are eating, especially if the dish has a flat bottom that easily pushes around the floor. We have found that dishes with a non-slip bottom can help so that your puppy is not chasing around his food dish. Make sure that it is large enough. And since dogs grow fast, that means they will likely grow to that size within a year to a year and a half. Almost all dogs we train eat between 4 -6 cups of dog food a day. So, make sure that your dish is large enough to accommodate this many cups. Water dish It is vitally important that your puppy have access to clean water for drinking. With the puppies we raise, we have found that it can be challenging to keep a small water dish full, so we prefer to use these 2-gallon water dishes. They are easy to fill and allow us to only have to fill them a couple times a week instead of several times a day. We suggest that you introduce a lead to your puppy as they start to grow in confidence and walk further from you when outside. There are two great reasons to do this early on. First it teaches your puppy how to handle the pressure of not being able to go wherever they want whenever they want. And it keeps your puppy from developing a habit of running away from you. A Flexi-lead works especially well if you want to give your puppy a little more freedom to go do his potty business but still keep control. Toys Puppies need toys. If you do not give them toys that they CAN chew and play with, they will chew on your sofa leg, or a book or a blanket or anything else they can find. So, purchase some good durable puppy chew toys. But watch your pup carefully. As they get older and stronger, they will be able to rip apart cloth toys and ingest them. Or they will chew rubber toys into small pieces and eat them. When your pup gets strong enough to destroy toys, it is time to take away the puppy toys and give them only dog toys designed for older , larger dogs or quality rawhides that they can chew that will not cause digestive problems. Stay away from rope toys. Many puppies have managed to ingest strings and ropes requiring surgery to remove them. Puppy-sized bumper If your plan is for your Labrador puppy to become a hunting or competition dog, you should have a puppy sized bumper. Learn more about teaching your puppy to fetch in this post. Barriers I recommend that you section off a small portion of your home and not let your puppy have full run of the entire house. Learn more about housebreaking your Lab puppy in this post. To section off a part, it can be helpful to have some child-gates available or an area of your home that you can close doors. This means that you need to show your puppy where the boundaries are and what is and is not allowed. To do this, you will need a few more tools. This is often when we see dogs that are running away from their owners, playing keep-a-way when retrieving and just basically being naughty. A lot of this could be avoided with the use of a check cord. Yes, a check cord can be cumbersome and often a pain to use, but it only takes one or two times of your puppy running away from you to make it worth it. Put a check cord on your puppy and allow them to drag it around with them. This alone is a great lesson for a dog. Dragging the weight is a type of pressure that they will need to learn to deal with. Occasionally, step on the rope and allow your dog to feel the pressure of being stopped and controlled. These sound like such minor things, but you would be surprised how much more well-adjusted your puppy will be just from learning these minor lessons. Chain or prong collar As your puppy gets stronger, it will get more and more difficult to control your puppy with a lead just hooked up to a nylon collar. As you notice that your puppy is getting harder to control, is pulling you around or dragging you down the street, you need to move to a chain or prong collar. Actually, it would be best if you changed to a chain or prong collar long before this becomes an issue. Remember, it is always easier to fix problems when they are small rather than waiting for them to become huge problems. Larger bumpers for retrieving dogs As your dog gets larger, you will want to move away from the puppy bumper and start using regular sized retrieving bumpers. We prefer to use plastic or rubber bumpers since they do not get as dirty or smelly as the canvas ones. They also last a lot longer and can be used for both water and land retrieves. Learn all about the different bumpers used for training hunting dogs here. Orange is a color that is difficult for retrievers to see, so that color should not be used for young dogs that are just learning about retrieving and hunting. Save the orange ones for advanced dogs working on blind retrieves. Final thoughts on What do I need to buy for a Lab puppy? There are many things that you will need for your new puppy both now and in the future. Take some time to prepare before you bring your puppy home so that you will avoid buying things on impulse that you may or may not need. If you are planning on using your puppy as a hunting or competition dog, check out 6 vital tools every gun dog trainer needs. You can email me at ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. What do I need to buy for a Lab puppy? Lab Puppy proof the house. Things like dangerous chemicals, solvents, cleaning solutions, paint and other dangerous substances need to be secured. As well you will need to look at cords hanging and things falling on the puppy if they accidentally pull something down. Stairs need to be gated off until your puppy is older and learns how to walk down them without trying to jump off. Purchase a quality dog food. It never ceases to amaze me how some people end up feeding a low quality food to their dog, or something experimental like a vegan food, or even feed them a so called raw diet and not balance their nutrition requirements. The single biggest thing you can do for your dog is feed them a proven diet with nutrients delivered in the proper ratios. A second thing to consider is where your food is made and how you can be notified if there is a recall. At the time of writing this there is a popular food under recall for toxic levels of vitamin D. There have been numerous cases of deaths related to this and yet the company claims they independently test their ingredients. The food we recommend is such because we have years and years of experience over 13 years with it using it ourselves and recommending it to those who adopt our puppies. We have actually had so few health issues with our puppies and aging adults eating this food that we have increased our warranty to 4 years and include all major organs. Bottom line, feed a high quality proven food from the day you bring your puppy home, not necessarily one with the most protein. We will provide you with feeding suggestions once you place your reservation for a puppy and a proven puppy food to feed them. Visit the pet store for the required equipment. You are going to need a large dog crate with a divider so in the beginning your puppy will have just enough room to sleep. Crate training is the best way to protect your puppy while making them safe when unsupervised. As your dog grows you can remove the divider so it has room to lay down and not touch the walls. We stock the most popular toys and cover all the different types you will need so that you can get them when you pick up your puppy. They come with explanations of how the different types are used to both stimulate, calm and play with your puppy, how to cycle them, teething, and more. A stainless steel water and food bowl is also another good choice. I would wait on getting a collar so that you can fit them properly. We have inexpensive training leashes that adjust to any size for you to purchase when you are here. Have a family meeting to establish expectations. Every human in the home will need to follow the same rules consistently so that your puppy understands what is expected of them. Schedule an appointment with a good Veterinarian. Not all Veterinarians are of equal experience. We have heard some pretty crazy stories, so we suggest you get some referrals of some long term relationships of people you trust for a Vet. You should take your puppy to the vet a couple of days after you get home so it has time to get use to its new surroundings before being taken somewhere. Prepare fore the Drive Home 1. Your puppy can last about 2 or 3 hours without a potty break. We normally feed your puppy early in the morning on the day of pick up so that it has time to go potty before the drive home. Our recommendation is to give your puppy some water every 3 hours and then let them have a pee. This could also go along with letting them play or explore outside a bit. When you stop, find an unused grassy space to potty on. Arriving at home with your puppy 1. First quickly bring them to the spot you want them to potty. This is the beginning of your dog being house trained. They will likely have to go right after you get out of the car. So when you stop, give them a drink in the area you want them to relieve themselves in. Wait until they go and then you can take them into the home. Treat your puppy like a puppy. It is breakable and will be a puppy for about a year. Things like playing with larger dogs and such should be carefully supervised. Constant supervision. Your new puppy needs to be constantly supervised until they can be trusted and you know that they understand the rules. Constant supervision means either you or someone watching them, they are in their crate the crate is the supervisor , or that they are in a section of the home baby-gated off or also an outside run with a kennel and a cement floor so they cannot dig under the fence yes they will dig. After a potty bring your puppy to the room with their crate. Introducing them to their crate perhaps with a few pieces of kibble in it will show them where their safe space is. This is also where they need to be comfortable enough to self-calm and fall asleep. If you have another dog, first introduce them outside on neutral territory. Bringing a new puppy and simply coming straight into the home could have one of three effects. The first being that both dogs might be ok with it. Second is that the older dog has an issue with a new strange animal in its territory. This would result in your older dog being defensive, maybe even protective or possibly anxious and scared and once this has happened it is out there. Undoing this type of trauma could take days or weeks. Relax and let them get to know each other and all will be good. After some get familiar time begin training your puppy without distractions using Positive Reinforcement training methods. We suggest that everyone participates in some training classes either in a group format or private. The important thing to understand is that you are training you to train your puppy. Your puppy will also lose any training it has done if it is not reinforced by everyone in the home. Other resources are 80 Puppy Training tips that you can learn as well as an excellent site with video called Puppy Trained Right. We have a discount code available for those who are taking home one of our puppies. This will allow them time to eliminate most of their food and urine and will give a better chance of sleeping the night without having to go potty. Prepare their crate in a quiet, dark spot. Make it a sleepy place, place a blanket over the top and down 3 sides to block draft and to make it den-like. Some mild exercise or training just before bed. Just like a human, you want them to be tired before bed. So for example if you let them sleep from 9 to 11 pm they may not need to go down at 11 to sleep. The last while before bed try to stimulate them mentally and physically so that they are ready to turn in. This can be training sessions, a walk, a play session or even fetch in the house. One final potty around 11 pm. After you prepare them for sleep take them out one more time and give them ample time to relieve themselves. Bring them back in, let them settle in the crate, put an item of clothing in there that smells like you for them to snuggle on. The quicker they learn the new pack and learn to settle in the crate the better and that happens by not reminding them of their old litter. If they smell their old litter they will whine for them to find them. Settling in their crate. Once your puppy goes down you will want to be teaching your puppy that the time in their crate is for sleep, they are safe in there, and that if they bark or whine they cannot summon you to save them. So, what if they really have to go? This is something you will have to figure out. It may be possible that they must go outside to relieve themselves, but, they may also just want you to hold or feed them. If they go, just put them back in their crate to settle and go back to sleep. You will know within reason that next time they are just lonely. This normally stops after about 2 or 3 days. Whoosh them out to their pee spot. Pick them up and carry them quickly to their pee spot. When they go reward them with praise and say the potty word that you use. Feed, and then woosh them out again to their pee spot. Puppies often need to poop right after they eat, or sometimes while they are eating. Some exercise, training and mental stimulation. After waking up and eating they will be ready for a walk and some training. Setting them up for their first full day in the home. Plan their day out so that there is a balance of play, training, napping, eating, and potty. In the beginning your puppy will need about 20 hours or so of sleep a day so be sure it is getting enough. If your puppy gets nippy they may be trying to tell you they are tired and want to be left alone in their crate. Every opportunity that your puppy presents in the form of nipping is a training opportunity to teach bite inhibition. Coming home to your puppy after work. Learning how to greet them. If you work full time it is important to understand that a young puppy cannot hold their bladders for more than 3 or 4 hours. If you work full time you will need someone to watch them or at least visit them once or twice during the shift to let them out, drink and play. When you arrive home this is the time to teach them manners. Most dogs will be excited and will jump on you to greet you. Be sure you teach them how you want them to greet people. We will teach a dog to sit in front of us before it gets any attention. No attention means no talking, no eye contact and no touching. Will they need to relieve themselves? If they have been in a crate you will likely need to let them go potty, a walk or some fetching would also be good at this time because they likely have some energy to expend. Training pre or post feeding? There are also some Labs who are not food motivated. So if your Lab is not responding well to training after they are fed, you may want to train them before eating so the hunger is on your side. Socialization with people other than your family, and animals other than those in the home. While socializing you want to expose them to many people while not overwhelming them. To start we recommend 1 new person each morning and one new place each night. After you can see that your puppy is not overwhelmed you may decide to increase the frequency of exposure to new places, animals and things. Prepare for night time routine. Get your new furball ready for bed time as outlined above. Setting your puppy up for success. Avoiding dog parks and strange dogs. Until your puppy is fully vaccinated around 14 weeks old they are vulnerable to other diseases by unknown dogs. By all means, if you know someone who has a dog and you can verify that their dog is up to date on all shots such as Parvo, Rabies, Leptospirosis, Kennel Cough, Distemper, Hepatitis, Corona and Para Influenza, 2. Get into a reputable training class or private training with a reputable trainer. Training classes are mainly to train you. Ask around in your area for a recommendation of a good trainer at a reasonable price. Gentle, regular exposure to everyone and everything. For example, while you are exposing them to people you will need to expose them to female babies, toddlers, pre teens, teenagers, young adult women, middle aged women and older women. You will need to include women with glasses, hats, soft voices, loud voices, etc…. Adjust their food as they grow and as their activity level increases or decreases. If for example your dog is much more active or much less active then the recommended feeding amount will not be correct. Instead use your eyes. You might have to adjust the food amounts up or down as your Labrador gets more or less activity. Positive Reinforcement training by everyone in the pack. When you get into your car and you to go somewhere, you tell your gps where you want to go. Dogs are the same way. Instead teach your dog what you want it to do. Instead of scolding, simply withdraw your attention. This is enough punishment. Then, get back to showing your dog what you want it to do. If your puppy is not eating or has a loose bowel movement. Not eating much is pretty common when a puppy goes to its new home, however if it stops drinking then that would be cause for an immediate vet visit. In a new home your puppy might not be comfortable for a couple of days and eating might be just grazing. This is ok as long as it is drinking and seems to be playful. Loose bowel movements in the beginning could be due to nerves or your puppy could also have a parasite. At this young age puppies put everything, and I mean everything into their mouths. It is quite common for puppies to get loose stool from a parasite. This can be addressed easily if you take a stool sample into your Vet for analysis. What is a puppy emergency that requires a visit to the vet? Our rules for an emergency trip to the vet are: Uncontrollable bleeding, puppy not breathing properly, broken bone, puppy is not drinking and appears lethargic. If any of these present themselves you may want to consider getting help right away. Other things can normally wait until the next morning to be addressed because they are not critical. Depending on where you live however you may have a vet that is open 24 hours and even on the weekends. So this is a start for you to think about when you take a Labrador Puppy home. Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. Frankly and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases franklymedia. Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox! Morning Headlines. The crate which we suggest is foldable which makes it extra convenient. Dogs are naturally den animals and a crate provides them with a place where they can relax and feel safe. Crate training and choosing the right size Crate training makes toilet training a million times easier, and keeps your puppy safe at night whilst the family is asleep. The best puppy crate is one which is big enough for them to stand up, stretch out, turn around and lie down in. But no bigger. Or by buying an adult sized crate which comes with a divider, to allow you to provide the correct amount of space for your growing puppy. Bedding You will of course also need bedding to line the crate. This fake fleecy fur bedding comes in a roll and you can either buy a piece to fit your crate or cut to it to size yourself. For puppies, you should avoid any dog bed with a fancy liner and a stuffed or padded interior. Your pup will probably rip it open and eat the contents in no time. Check out our indestructible dog bed article for some great inspiration. Food is obviously the most important item on your new puppy supplies list. Puppy Food To start with, your new pup will need to eat three to four times a day. Having a supply of the new brand ready will allow you to make this changeover from the old food to the new, before the old runs out. The best puppy food is one which is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. Puppy Bowls Next up on the new puppy supplies list are their food and water bowls. Most of them are dishwasher safe, and cheap to buy. You can have a couple in the cupboard, making it easy to keep the food bowl shiny and clean between meals. The downside of the usual stainless steel food bowls is that they can tip over, not to mention the horrendous noise as the puppy chases them around the kitchen! To avoid these disadvantages, find a non-slip version with a steadier bottom. Those designed for use by dogs and puppies. Ceramic water bowls help to keep the water cool as well. The best part of getting a new pup is the fun you have playing with them — and for this puppy toys are real Labrador essentials! Between 12 to 24 weeks your pup will be losing their baby teeth and their new teeth will be emerging. This is a very uncomfortable time for you pup — the reason why they chew everything in their path. You can protect your shoes, furniture , and even cables, by making sure that they have plenty of toys to chew instead. Puppy toys are fun to buy, and there are a lot of choices out there. We have a couple of real firm favorites when it comes to puppy toys. Puppy kongs are brilliant. Kongs bounce around and can be played with if your pup feels like it, or picked up and carried around. Just make sure that the rope is thick and not easily shredded. Be sure to avoid small toys, or those with small parts that can be chewed off, that your pup can swallow. They can cause choking or blockages in their bellies. Besides being too small, the toys in your puppy supplies should also not be too big. They should be able to get their mouths around their toys easily. Having to stretch to chew on or pick up toys or bones that are too big can injure their growing jaws. Collar and leash You should introduce your pup to their dog collar and leash as soon as possible. They can get used to wearing their collar in the house from a young age, before going outside for walks. It has a convenient quick release buckle as well as an ID tag. Dog harnesses, instead of collars, are becoming increasingly popular among dog lovers. Always use a harness for a dog that has problems breathing. It also has a thick padded handle to protect your hands. A pup might still squirm and try to get away. Then you can start brushing again. Letting your pup inspect and sniff the brush also helps them to get over any fear. This specialised pet brush has fine bent wires that gets rid of mats without hurting. Amongst the most useful Lab puppy essentials on our new puppy checklist are puppy barriers. There are a few options for creating barriers, to keep your pup safe and give them some space when they need a break. The most popular puppy barriers are actually baby gates. They make fantastic human toddler and puppy barriers — you might even use them to separate the two. They come in a few different sizes, and fit into most doorways or hallway spaces. The human members of the family can easily come and go, whilst keeping the puppy securely contained. You can start using it with your pup from a very young age. Combined with treats, they let the pup know exactly when you approve of their behavior. Their use is rapidly increasing in popularity. Using positive reinforcement training and working with a clicker will help you to both train your puppy, and to form a stronger bond and better relationship together as he grows. Almost last but not least on our new puppy checklist is puppy insurance. There have been astonishing advances in the veterinary treatments that are available for our pets today. Most things you can be treated for, your dog can be treated for too. Open heart surgery, complex hip operations, and advanced cancer treatments are all available to dogs. Read The Small Print And do read the small print before you buy, some of the cheaper policies will dump you at the end of the year if your dog gets a long term condition. I did not read the small print and this happened to me. So take care to choose a policy that keeps on renewing as long as you keep on paying. Many dog owners would recommend the final Labrador puppy accessory on our new puppy checklist as the most essential. Covering everything from the first days at home, through crate training, potty training, dealing with teething and much more. Do you have any tips for our readers? Are there other items that you wish you had bought before your Labrador puppy arrived and would add to our puppy supplies list? Why not share your thoughts in the comments section below. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. This gene determines how soft the coat will be. Furnishings are facial hair. This trait test is a breeder's best indication for shedding. Hair, Fleece or Wool? Labradoodles can have coats that shed a lot, shed a little, and that do not shed at all. There are differences you should be aware of to help you determine which coat would be better suited for you and your family. It can be difficult for a breeder to predict coat-types for first and second generation F1 or F1b labradoodles. Some pups are wavy when born and have produced very fleece type coats when they got older. Some pups are straighter haired when born and end up with a beautiful fluffy non shedding coat. Then there are some pups that appear like they have a wavy coat, but end up shedding, or a pup that looks wavy but ends up curly as an adult. The only way to know for sure what coat you are getting from an F1b litter, is to have the coats DNA tested. Doodle Sweethearts includes this in their breeding program using Paw Print Genetics! The fleece coat is low to non shedding, depending on 1 or 2 furnishings; tends to look shaggier than wool and it hangs in silky, light, loose locks which flow and ripple when the dog moves. Some feel this is the ultimate labradoodle coat or teddy bear coat. Puppy coat is easy to care for, but during transition to the adult coat, it can become very high maintenance due to matting. The final adult coat may or may not be easy care after puppy transition has been completed. Mostly non-shedding, but some have been known to shed minimally. Should be fairly allergy friendly Should be no doggie odour. Typically seen in F1B labradoodles or second generation and multigen lines. There are different types of fleece coats as well, some fine or thick, some wavy, curly or straight. As a puppy this sometimes can be hard to differentiate between a fleece coat or a wool as an adult, but with DNA coat testing, this can be determined. Fleece and wool coats can be kept short or long depending on your lifestyle but generally need to be clipped times a year every wks Weekly brushing is required to clear any mattes Curly Soft Wool Coat What is a Curly Soft Wool Coat? Wool is generally non shedding; it is denser and thicker, curlier and soft.Fleece and wool coats can be kept short or long depending on your lifestyle but generally need to be clipped times a year every wks Weekly brushing is required to clear any mattes Unlike some other breeds, dogs with fleece and wool coats shed very little dander skin cells a common cause of allergies in humans which makes them excellent for households with allergies. Proudly created with Wix. But how can that be possible? Before we start When we talk about genetics, there are some important words we must remember from our science lessons in high school: Phenotype — that is how the dog looks Genotype— that is the genes the dog carries Phenotype and genotype can be different depending on the genes the dog carries. A dog can carry recessive genes -not visible until it meets a similar gene. And several different genotypes can look the same, having the same phenotype. And the other way around. Dominant— only one set of the gene is necessary for the trait to be visible Recessive — two sets of the gene must be present for the trait to be visible Homozygote — the individual has 2 similar alleles of the trait — for example LL Heterozygote the individual has2 different alleles of the trait — for example Ll Now when we have refreshed our memory, lets dive into the science! These genes determine the type, length, texture, and shedding. The main genes that affect the coat type are : RSPO2 gene that controls furnishing -no furnishing, a small amount of furnishing, plenty of furnishing It is also involved in the control of the coat texture and the length of the coat on the body. FGF5 gene that controls the overall hair length — short hair or long hair KRT71 gene that controls the presence of curls in the coat — straight coat, wavy coat or curly coat. Both the furnishings gene and the curly gene are dominant, so you only need one copy to get a curly coat or a coat with furnishings. The long hair gene is recessive, so you need both copies to get long hair. For the purposes of giving a basic understanding, I will use F for the furnishing gene, L for the long hair gene and C for the curly hair gene. If the letter is noted as a capital is in Dominant and if it is a lowercase letter it is Recessive. Breeds with curls are for example Poodles, bichon frise Breeds with waves are for example Portuguese waterdog There are different variants of this mutation that affect different breeds. They cannot transmit this curl variant to their offspring. They will transmit this curl variant to all of their offspring. It also controls the wire texture of the coat and in some cases also the length of the coat on the body. They cannot transmit this furnishing variant to their offspring, and they will transmit the non-furnishing variant to all of their offspring. They have short-haired faces. They will transmit this furnishing variant to all of their offspring, and they cannot transmit the non-furnishing variant to their offspring. Its also responsible for not only the furnishing phenotype but also for determining the hair length of the entire body depending on the genetic background, suggesting an interaction between FGF5 and RSPO2 influencing the hair-length phenotype in dogs. Lastly, there is the FGF5 gene. It controls coat length. Five recessive mutations variants in the fibroblast growth factor-5 FGF5 gene are associated with long hair phenotypes in dogs The FGF5 gene is a gene that produces a protein called fibroblast growth factor 5 FGF5 that regulates the hair growth cycle. Dogs with long coat lengths have hair longer than 5 cm that covers most of their body. This coat type is seen in breeds such as Maltese, Shih Tzu etc. The mutation on the FGF5 gene that causes long coat length is recessive, meaning that two copies of it are needed to produce this trait There are different variants of this mutation that affect different breeds. Another one occurs in Afghans. They cannot transmit any of these long hair variants to their offspring. They will transmit their long hair variant to all of their offspring. Another gene is the W Locus The W locus is another important gene that affects dog hair growth. This gene determines whether a dog will have a wire-haired coat or not. The W locus has two known alleles: W and w. Dogs with the WW or Ww genotype have wire-haired coats, while dogs with the ww genotype have smooth coats. Genotypes: Ww: Wire-haired Coat depending on other genes. The non-shedding genotype caused by a mutation in the FGF5 gene affects hair growth and results in a non-functional protein that prevents shedding. On the other hand, the mutation of the MC5R gene affects the number of hair follicles and their growth cycle. This mutation results in a reduced number of hair follicles, which leads to a decreased ability to grow hair and, consequently, a reduced amount of shedding. Therefore, while both mutations can result in a non-shedding phenotype, they are caused by different genetic variations and affect different aspects of hair growth and shedding. Both genes that affects shedding is recessive, meaning that two copies of it are needed to produce this trait. Dogs with two copies of this mutation i. Dogs with high shedding have a normal variant of this gene, while dogs with low shedding have a mutated variant of this gene. For example, the presence of the curly coat KRT71 gene can affect the length and texture of the hair even if the dog has the short-haired FGF5 gene. Similarly, the presence of the furnishings FOXI3 gene can affect the growth pattern of the hair even if the dog has the short-haired FGF5 gene. Some genes have additive effects, meaning that they work together to produce a combined effect. A dog with two copies of both genes will have longer hair than a dog with one copy of each gene. Long-haired breeds carry the variant form of FGF5. Not surprisingly, coats must be of sufficient length to curl, and all curly-haired dogs are homozygous for the FGF5 mutation. Finally, if all three mutations are present, the phenotype is long and curly with furnishings. Examples of this type of breed include poodles and Portuguese water dogs. The interaction between the genes can create different genotypes even within the same breed. This explains why we see the working lines with smooth bodies and quite short furnishing and the show lines with lots of hair on both the body and legs and in the face. Combining the genes If we combine all the genes, there are technically 7 different phenotypes that we can see. This is why you can have 4 different looks of 4 different pups in a litter if you cross 2 breeds. An example: Poodles have two copies of the furnishing gene, having hairy faces FF , while golden retrievers have none ff. Same if you cross a Poodle and a Labrador. All pups will have hairy faces as the furnishing gene is dominant. They also test for shedding genes so that they can guarantee the claim that they are non shedding. They get curly coats but can get a shorter coat gene from the cocker. How do I calculate the outcome when I cross 2 breeds? Do you remember Mendel? We must remember that this is based on statistics out of offspring and dogs rarely have that in one litter…. But it will give us a statistical indication of what we can expect. This is also called a Punnett chart. I have written the phenotype on some of them just to illustrate the differences you can see in the same litter Genotype. What is a Straight Hair Labradoodle? Some may have a scruffy look where tufts of hair sprout out of their body, while also having a short wavy or curly fur undercoat covering their body. Other straight hairs are completely covered in medium-long fur, that grows consistently all over their face and body. Their coats can range from straight to wavy hair, similar to a labrador. They can also be slick and glossy, or flat and matte, with feathering along the tails, and around the legs and face. Typically a straight coat will vary in length and thickness, with no two dogs from the same litter being guaranteed to have the same type of fur growth. As puppies, straight hair coats will not begin to grow out their hair until they are eight weeks old. By the time they are 12 weeks old, it will be clear as to what sort of coat the puppies will have. No, not all labradoodles have curly fur. They have both fur and hair actually. You may have noticed that I have been freely switching between the two during my explanations. This is because hair and fur are the same thing. Can Straight Hair Coats be Shaved? Typically the answer will be no. If you live in a hot country, then during the summer times, it might be worth considering to give them a trim. Not a shave! Just a light trim to help stop their bodies from over heating. The fur coat, actually protects their skin from sun burn, and helps to prevent it from drying out, which can cause skin conditions. Clean up the hair around the dogs face, in particular around the eyes, if it has bushy eyebrows, and around the muzzle. It is best to look at reducing the length of the fur in areas that can could cause health problems or discomfort, if the fur was to become clumped up and mattered. How to Best Control Shedding? Straight haired labradoodles shed a lot more than any other labradoodles. As tempting as it may be to shave your furry companion to help counter shedding. It nonetheless remains inadvisable and should be avoided. It can be lessened however. Just as we humans shed hair, so will a healthy and happy dog. Throughout the year, your pooch will continue to shed hair, more so as the weather warms up and their winter coat falls out. To counter this, get in the habit of giving your dog regular grooming. A little bit of brushing can go a long way. It removes loose hair, and helps to re-affirm the bond between you and your dog, as they enjoy the attention and can even find the grooming to be relaxing. Bathing your dog should be kept to a minimum as the shampoos and warm water can lead to dry skin and other skin conditions. Instead take your dog for swims or use lukewarm water to rinse off their coats. The most important thing to remember is to keep your dog in a comfortable environment, as stress can cause a dog to shed even more. A good diet helps to promote stronger hair follicles and a shinny coat, that can help reduce shedding. Some owners later discover that they are allergic to straight haired labradoodles. While it may be tempting to shave off their fur, in an attempt to eliminate the allergic reactions. This should never be done! Allergies are not triggered by dog fur. They are caused by pet dander — skin particles that are shed by the dog all year long. By shaving the fur off, the owner is actually making things worse for themselves. It drys the skin out, removing moisture and causes rashes to develop. As a result more skin is shed, exposing the pet owner to more dander. As more skin conditions develop or worsen, the dog will start scratching releasing even more dander into the air. How Often Should a Dog be Bathed? Bathing your dog can be effected by many different factors and can be very situational. You may need to bath them more frequently for medical reasons, or because of what they have decided to roll in. Generally speaking, bathing your labradoodle should be more infrequent. Over bathing your dog can strip its fur of natural oils that help to protect their skin and strengthen their hair. Ideally, you should limit proper bathes to when they start to smell a little, or if you need to remove matter from their fur. If they are just dirty with dust and mud, use lukewarm water or a running hose to wash away the dirt. Alternatively encourage them to swim in a body of water such as a river or at the beach while under your supervision. As a precautionary measure you can get a life jacket for your labradoodle. When you do need to give them a proper bath, use a mild oatmeal or coconut based dog shampoo. It will strip away some of the oils from their coat, but these types of shampoos will help to keep the skin moisturized. Over bathing can lead to skin irritations that can be itchy and uncomfortable. Dogs do not need to have baths as much as humans need to. How to Watch Out for Skin Conditions If your Labradoodle has any skin conditions, this could cause them to shed more fur, or even release more dander into the air. They may show signs of a skin condition by excessive scratching or nipping and licking at the same area. Remember mites and parasites can cause just as much damage to the skin as over-bathing. If you are wondering if the straight hair coats are the sort of labradoodles for you, please consider the following points: Their coats require the lowest level of maintenance. They do shed a lot more then other coats. They look more like labradors, than poodles. They may not be suitable for people with dog allergies. No two straight hairs will have the same coat. Related posts:. As you might have guessed, this dog is a cross between poodle and Labrador parents — and the result is an adorable bundle of joy with a sweet, gentle personality. Labradoodle puppy coats come in a range of colors and textures, so labradoodle owners are spoiled for choice when choosing their fur baby. Read on to discover more about Labradoodles and labradoodle coat types. What Are Hypoallergenic Dog Coats? Hypoallergenic dogs have less of a thick coat than many other breeds. A highly shedding coat presents a higher risk to allergy sufferers than non-shedding dogs like a labradoodle puppy. As a dog with one of the most allergy-friendly coats , there are a few practicalities to keep in mind when it comes to your labradoodle pooch and its coat. Pretty much every labradoodle puppy goes through a coat change, which is separate from a shedding coat. The puppy coat is eventually replaced by an adult coat, which comes with more grooming requirements. Types of Labradoodle Puppy Coats One of the best things about labradoodle dogs is the wide range of choices with regard to appearance. Wool Coat You can determine if your Labradoodle puppy has a fleece coat. You can identify fleece coats by the way the fur sits between the eyes, as this area starts to get curly first. This is the curliest coat type, but it still comes in a variety of types. Some dogs with a curly coat have a cotton-type coat, which is the softest but also incredibly high maintenance. Labradoodle puppies with wool Labradoodle puppy coats are mainly non-shedding and can make great companions for pet owners with allergies. Fleece Coat Doodles with a fleece coat require a little less maintenance than the other types of doodles, but they still need weekly brushing and plenty of TLC. A fleece-coated labradoodle is the result of combining a curly wool coat gene with the gene for a straight coat. Areas such as the ears and collar are particularly prone to getting matted, so be sure to pay close attention to these areas when you brush your fleece-coated labradoodle once or twice per week. Hair Coat A labradoodle with a straight coat has inherited most of its fur genes from its Labrador retriever parent. Something interesting about Labradoodles is that their Labradoodle puppy coats change as they get older, so your hair-coated labradoodle might get a wave to its fur as it gets older. While you can also take it to a professional groomer on a weekly basis, this can incur hefty grooming costs. Most labradoodle owners opt to take their dog to a groomer once a month or two and do regular adult coat maintenance themselves. Use the correct type of dog brush and be sure to get all the way down to the skin. Give your dog a brush before and after bath time. All puppies eventually lose their puppy coat to make way for their adult coat, this goes the same with Labradoodle puppy coats. You might find the new type of coat is totally different from the old coat. Coats and Generational Differences The amount of hair your dog sheds varies between puppies, but generational differences can also play a role. First-generation doodles shed slightly more than second-generation doodles, with multigenerational Labradoodles shedding even less. We genetically test each breeding parent to make sure the shedding genes are not passed on to the puppies in our training program. We adore the breed and have a wide range of Labradoodle puppies for sale to choose from, with different color and type of Labradoodle puppy coats. We can even deliver a fully trained doodle puppy direct to your door if you like! It is possible for Labradoodles to have coarse fur, and some will even have straight fur, like their Lab parent. But, neither the Poodle or Labrador breeds have proper wirehaired coats. Wirehaired Labradoodles will need slightly different coat care to a wool, fleece, or even Lab haired type. What is a Wirehaired Labradoodle? The standard American Labradoodle mix combines the purebred Poodle with the purebred Labrador Retriever. Labradoodles are not yet an officially recognized breed by many breed clubs, but they have a large, growing fanbase nonetheless. But, straight coats and overly harsh fur are undesirable. So, many Labradoodle breeders will aim to stay away from this coat type, breeding for curly, wavy, soft fur instead. Because of this, a wirehaired Labradoodle is very uncommon. Unless a breeder is specifically breeding for this trait by introducing another coat type from a different purebred dog. Can Labradoodles Have Straight Hair? Although fleece and wool coat types are preferred by most breeders, it is possible for Labradoodles to have straight fur. Particularly first generation mixes, which are mixed breed dogs with two purebred parents. This will usually have two layers, but both contain straight fur. Since most breeders will try to create puppies with fleece or wool fur, you may need to find a breeder that specializes in hair coat Labradoodles. Or at least one that has a litter of first generation puppies. So, we now know adult Labradoodles can have three coat types: hair, fleece, or wool. Each one is increasingly curly. Of the three fur types, fleece coats will be the softest. But the hair type will be the straightest. Both hair and wool types can feel quite coarse. However, none of the three fur types are wire-haired. All Labradoodle puppies will have similar coats, regardless of their adult fur. They will have a single layer of soft puppy fur. Over the first few months of their life, this will shed away to reveal their adult coat. This potential coarseness will come with the arrival of their adult coat. Are Wire Haired Labradoodles Hypoallergenic? Labradoodles are often sold or marketed as a hypoallergenic dog. No dog breed is hypoallergenic! Curly fur is more likely to catch shedding dander and saliva-coated hairs, so it can be better for people with allergies. Since puppies can inherit any traits from their parents, a Labradoodle with a wirehaired parent may shed like that parent. So, owners will be best prepared for shedding if they research the parent breeds used to produce their wirehaired Labradoodle. Wirehaired coats can benefit from regular brushing. They will be able to teach you techniques and daily maintenance for the time in between sessions with them. Where to Find a Wirehaired Labradoodle Puppy Knowing where to search for a wirehaired Labradoodle puppy will depend what you mean when you say you want a wire haired puppy. Do you really want a Labradoodle with a wiry coat? Or do you just want one with a straight, coarse, Lab-like coat? If you want a Labradoodle with a Lab-like coat, you should look for first generation mixes. These puppies are more likely to have a large Labrador influence than later generations, or puppies that have been backcrossed to a Poodle. But, if you want a Doodle with a true wire coat, you should look for puppies that have been bred from a wirehaired breed. They will have influence from another purebred dog. Above all, no matter which coat type your dog has, you should only choose reputable breeders. The best breeders will only breed from healthy, friendly dogs. They will be able to show evidence of health testing, and will treat their dogs and puppies with care. Avoid puppy mills, pet stores, and backyard breeders wherever possible. Does your Labradoodle have coarse or wiry fur? Or maybe you have a Labradoodle puppy with a wirehaired parent! We would love to hear your experiences in the comments! Readers Also Liked.