blue heeler german shepherd puppies
Breed Title Labradoodle Puppies Temperament Labradoodles are a popular type of dog, known for their friendly temperament and outgoing personality. They are also highly intelligent and easily trained, making them ideal pets for families with children. Labradoodles are generally good-natured and affectionate dogs that enjoy spending time with their families. They are energetic and playful, but can also be calm and gentle when needed. With proper training and socialization, Labradoodles make great companion animals. To keep your dog calm and centered, make sure you provide him with lots of daily exercise. This breed needs plenty of active outdoor time, and usually enjoys playing fetch. Labradoodle Puppies Health Considerations Though generally very healthy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around 12 — 15 years — our Labradoodles for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Labradoodle puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. Some of the most common health concerns for Labradoodles include allergies, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Allergies are the most common concern and can be caused by anything from pollen to grass. Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects the hip joint, and can lead to pain and lameness. Elbow dysplasia is a similar condition that affects the elbow joint. Finding a Labradoodle puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. The coat also comes in a wide range of colors, including black, brown, cream, apricot, gold, and red. Regardless of the type or color of the coat, all Labradoodles need regular grooming to stay healthy and comfortable. Brushing at least once a week will help to remove dead hair and distribute natural oils throughout the coat. If the coat is left unbrushed, it can become matted and uncomfortable for the dog. In addition, regular baths are also important to keep the coat clean and free of dirt and debris. When selecting a shampoo , be sure to choose one that is designed for dogs with sensitive skin. Meet Labradoodle Puppies for Sale. Australian labradoodles have been created for their temperament, coat, and conformation. This has been shown over and over again by so many who use the Australian Labradoodle for therapy dogs. They just have a special ability to know their owner's emotional needs. They are intuitive, smart, athletic, easy to train love bugs! Australian labradoodles have been very carefully genetically tested to give you the best dog possible. American labradoodles are crosses between poodle and labrador and their backcrosses. Coats and conformation are not stable. First generations are likely to shed. They can have the personality of a poodle, lab or both. When the lines are carefully chosen their temperament can be just as wonderful as an Australian Labradoodle. All Labradoodles are NOT non-shedding or hypoallergenic. It is very important that you do your homework and know what it is you are looking for and what you are getting. Ask about the parent's testing, their pedigree, their temperaments. As a breeder, it takes a great deal of time, patience, and money to raise healthy, happy labradoodles with wonderful temperaments which is then passed down to the puppies that will go on to be your much loved family pet. General Appearance: The Australian Labradoodle will have an athletic and graceful, yet, compact body. They should not appear heavy or overly fine. A distinctive feature of this breed is their coat, which is non-shedding and easy to manage. Movement: Trotting gait is effortless, smooth, powerful, and coordinated in mature dogs. Sound free movement and a light gait are vital. The sizes are measured to the withers top of the shoulder blades. Soundness is very important. Weight range tends to be 15 to 25 pounds. Medium 17" TO 20": The "Ideal" size for a medium female is 17 to 19 inches and for a male 19 to 20 inches. Weight range tends to be 30 to 45 pounds. Standard: 21" TO 24": The "Ideal" size for a standard female is 21 to 23 inches and for a male 22 to 24 inches. Weight range tends to be 50 to 65 pounds. The low to non-shedding is a big plus and adds to the allergy-free factor. All the Labradoodles we breed and offer for sale will have beautiful coats. The following are the three kinds of coats all Labradoodles have: COATS: Coat types are also still very sporadic with many dogs showing a combination of multiple types. Both the Fleece and the Wool coat should naturally grow in "staples" and be of a soft texture. Both the "Ideal" Fleece and Wool coats spin successfully. It comes in many styles, straight open fleece, wavy fleece, to spiral fleece. This coat is easy to maintain, but must be brushed in order to remain mat-free. There should be no body odor with this coat and very little to NO shedding. WOOL: These coats are denser to the feel more like a sheep's wool. The sprung wool coat is not preferred. To keep the wool coat long and flowing will require more maintenance. If this coat is kept short, it is very easy to maintain, but also requires regular grooming to avoids matting. There is no body odor with this coat. HAIR: Hair textures shed and are unwanted. There will be some shedding with this coat, although it could be minor shedding. This is not a coat for anyone with allergies or asthma. Black noses will have black lips and dark eyes. They can come in varying shades and may fade as the dog gets older Black: Dark and rich, black, they maintain this color their entire life - black nose Blue: Blue dogs are born black but will have blue skin and undertones at a young age -black nose. Blue also belongs to the Rare Color Group. Silver: Born black but will have more of a gray skin and will develop individual silver fibers at a young age- black nose. Silver dogs can take up to 3 years to color out. Uneven layering of color in the silver is normal. Chocolate: Dark and rich, born almost Black, they maintain a dark chocolate their entire life - brown nose. Chocolate belongs to the Rare Color Group. Cafe': Born Milk Chocolate of varying shades, and have the same dilute gene as the silver dogs, often taking up to 3 years to fully color out to multi shades of chocolate, silvery chocolate and silver throughout - brown nose, they also develop stunning highlights. Parchment: Born Milk Chocolate, will pale to a smoky creamy beige. Paling usually starts from an early age often as early as 6 weeks - brown noses. Parchment belongs to the Rare Color Group. Labradoodles Litters For Sale. Why get a labradoodle puppy? Labradoodles are smart, loving, child-friendly dogs. They have light to non-shedding, allergy-friendly coats, and they do not have the dog smell associated with other breeds. They are highly trainable, fun loving, family companions. Labradoodles also come in miniature, medium, and standard sizes. We breed all sizes of labradoodles, but concentrate mostly on mini labradoodles and medium labradoodles with an ocassional litter of large standard size labradoodles. We have found the miniature and medium sized labradoodles to be the perfect size for families on the go. They are wonderful companions and are just the right size for a snuggle on the couch, sleeping at the foot of the bed, or riding in the car running errands. On a personal note, our family fell in love with labradoodles when we saw what a patient, loyal companion a labradoodle was for our 6 year old son with autism. By breeding labradoodles, it is my hope to provide this type of loving companion for other families. Why choose Pacific Rim Labradoodles? Located in Southern Oregon, Pacific Rim Labradoodles takes pride in being a very reputable and ethical breeder of Australian and American multigeneration labradoodles. We are a family that has fallen in love with the labradoodle breed. We began breeding labradoodles in so that others could experience the joy of labradoodle ownership. Every labradoodle puppy is born and raised at our home. We are a small Oregon breeder that believes in quality before quantity. Our goal is to breed wonderful labradoodle puppies for companion and family dogs while continuing to advance the labradoodle as a breed. All of our breeding stock undergoes genetic testing for soundness of hips and eyes. The temperaments of our breeding dogs is also very important to us. We breed only labradoodles with phenomenal temperaments since the disposition of the parents is the best indicator of the disposition of your puppy. We back up all of our labradoodle puppies with a 2 year genetic health warranty and our continued support for the lifetime of your dog. The climate and low population of our gorgeous Oregon coast means that our dogs and puppies have 36 acres of trails and forest land to play on. Our labradoodles are kenneled only for safety issues when necessary. Our goal is to provide you with a happy, healthy labradoodle puppy and an enjoyable puppy purchasing experience. We look forward to working with you to find you the perfect new addition for your family.
A designer cross between a border collie and a standard poodle. Border collies are well known for their intelligence, loyalty, train-ability, and desire to please! Turn on your tv for 5 minutes and you will see a border collie featured in many of the commercials that pop up. Why the standard poodle? The original notion for crossing poodles with other breeds in general is the benefits of their curly non shedding coats, and the cute scruffy or teddy bear-like appearance they produce. But what many people don't realize is that the standard poodle is not the frufru, yippy, entitled breed you have imagined. They are actually the number 2 breed for intelligence after the border collie, and you will not find a more versatile or affectionate, companion! Combining these two breeds is a no-brainer, I'm amazed it has taken this long for this cross to gain popularity. I currently work for Emily at her primary business as a pet stylist, and have for about 3 years now. I'm passionate about dogs and about this amazing cross. I have already produced 2 amazing litters with my Willow Hill Borderdoodle, Ula, and am so excited to introduce our new Willow Hill Border doodle and future mama, Fiona from Menace and Pippen. We are located near beautiful Madison County Virginia where my dogs and pups are a part of my family and are raised inside my home! Why Willow Hill Borderdoodles? These are not backyard science experiments or accidents. I have researched, planned and teamed up with other amazing owners and breeders both near and far, to be able to form the most ideal parent pairs, producing the most fabulous additions to your family! My focus is health and temperament! You will notice that all of our parent dogs are fully health tested for all hereditary illnesses associated with their breed you can view their individual profiles on our hunks and gals pages. Because of my background as a vet assistant, you can be sure these pups are raised correctly; pups leave for their new homes at 8 weeks of age having been de-wormed every 2 weeks, and having a full health check by a licensed Veterinarian and all age appropriate vaccinations. They will also be well socialized and started on potty training. Did I mention all of our pups come with a 2 year health guarantee! If a congenital or hereditary defect is discovered by your vet we will refund or replace your puppy! Breeding the Poodle to a Border Collie greatly reduces or can even eliminate shedding. The Border Collie — Poodle cross is a great choice for people who enjoy the attributes and intelligence of a Border Collie and want a non-shedding coat. Any way you name it, the dogs are highly intelligent and great looking too! Growing up, Border Collies were my breed of choice, and they were amazing, but the shedding and over the top drive to work all day every day was more than I can handle in my current lifestyle. Introducing, the Bordoodle. Bordoodle puppies excel in Agility, as service dogs or therapy dogs, and as fun loving pets enjoying day to day life with their owners. The typical family that does well with a Bordoodle wants an active family pet to compliment their lifestyle. Our families take their dogs hiking, backpacking, cross country skiing, paddleboarding, to the lake, beaches, and more. We definitely produce dogs that are more chill and laid back, but our families getting a Bordoodle really want that high intelligence factor. Bordoodles make an incredible Agility, Performance sports or just an overall amazing trail buddy. Our Border Collies come from incredible herding lines and are great all around dogs. See Available and upcoming litters here! They love to play games, go on hikes, and be part of the family. Bordoodles love kids and get along well with other animals. They don't usually bark, except to warn of a stranger on your property. Bordoodles are usually hypoallergenic and are low to non-shedding. Bordoodles also excel in agility sports and are super desirable as service dogs due to their high I. We ask that you provide detailed answers whenever possible. Our Bordoodles are very smart, patient, intuitive, and level-headed. These are the ideal traits required in all service dogs regardless of the modality. In addition to our breeding program, Mountain Rose also owns the largest training operation in Utah. In our 8, sq ft facility, located in Morgan, Utah, we specialize in training Bordoodles as well as Sheepadoodles. If you are in need of a service dog, we can help you select a Bordoodle or Sheepadoodle puppy that displays the temperament traits consistent with those found in proven service dogs. You can obtain more information about Bordoodles and Bordoodles service dogs by browsing this site. If you would like to learn more about Sheepadoodle service dogs you can visit www. He can also be a bit stubborn but overall a complete joy. He rings his bell to go out to potty, at only 17 weeks can sit, stay, go down, roll over, leave it when treats are placed on his paws very impressive for a little guy , shake a paw or high 5 and has the best and most entertaining personality. He loves people and from what little interaction he has had with other dogs, seems to love them as well. We couldn't be happier with our newest family member. We really enjoyed meeting all the dogs, especially Flower and Finn. Of course, we also enjoyed the chance to speak with you and your trainers Colton and Daniel. Mountain Rose exceeded our expectations. After getting to play with the dogs in person, learning more about your program and seeing for ourselves how the puppies are being raised, we are even more excited about getting a puppy from Mountain Rose. Our fingers are crossed that Flower comes into heat soon! We also enjoyed seeing the Bordoodles at your daughter's house. Jonathan was very accommodating in showing us all five Bordoodles. They were very excited and fun to meet. Thanks again for your hospitality. She originally had reservations about us buying a Bordoodle. She said that she was unfamiliar with this breed and cautioned us and even advised that we may wish to look at a "purebred" dog. We just wanted to share that with you. He has really fit into our family and it's so fun watching him learn our routine.He's made friends with lots of the neighborhood kids and is super friendly with everyone. I take him to puppy school once a week with our son Carter he's 9 because Carter was having some trouble being the "pack leader" when we first got Gussie, but the puppy school has been great and Gus lights up the second Carter gets off the school bus each day. I attached a couple of pictures for you to see how much he's grown! She's so smart that at 4 months old she can play dead when she is shot with a "bang", she can heal like nobody's business, and she sits like a lady waiting for us to open the door before she goes out or comes in. She gets her treats in her bowl after dinner.All in all she's pretty terrific. He is definitely part of our family and we love him so much. He's such a smart dog! I remember when we first got him, his color was black. You said he would likely lighten up. Here's what he looks like now. The latest from Oregon Bordoodles! Check us out on Facebook for the latest news, upcoming litters and fun antics. Testimonials Wilder, now 3 month old, is awesome. He loves all of us, loves to please, and loves to explore and learn. Several neighbors and friends are jealous, and others have asked to help them with theirs. However, we met one of your older dogs at a restaurant last year, asked the owner about him, and immediately began researching Oregon Bordoodles. She is the most personable, intelligent dog I have ever owned. When we started looking into getting a Bordoodle we were fortunate to find Danielle, who answered all our many questions and worked closely with us throughout the process of picking a puppy and finally bringing our baby home. He is a spunky, energetic, loving dog. He loves to play and he is very brilliant. He can learn tricks in 10 minutes and will remember them forever. All of our lives have changed with his presence, but we would not trade him for any dog! It has been pure ease and love on every step of our journey. Lassie Grace is a love, with over the top energy and enthusiasm for life, hikes miles easily, with daily mile walks. Strong, muscular, guardian of her domain, still very puppy with ongoing training as she matures, never met a stranger human or canine , shining star at the vet and groomer they all love her disposition and they send me compliment notes on the joy she brings into their work space. She is high test energy yet mellows and melts right into you for love, confidently submissive, a total kid dog. The puppies were happy and at play in their warm and loving farm environment. We picked our female, red merle pup and named her Daisy. Danielle has provided us with excellent technical and emotional support as Daisy has grown. We love our year and half year old Bordoodle. Daisy is extremely cheerful, freindly and smart. She enjoys all ages of people, especially children. She is low shedding and rarely barks. As a very active dog, she requires consistent and lively exercise and play. Daisy is a great addition to our family and we love her dearly! Are you wondering what a "Bordoodle" is? Bordoodles are extremely intelligent, friendly and eager to please. They get along well with other dogs and children and are very easy to train. Bordoodles are often referred to as a "designer breed" or "Poodle Hybrid" which is not, technically, true, as all dogs are the same species. Contact Us BorDoodles Bordoodles are a wonderful mix of big brains and big hearts. Perfect for those looking for an active, intelligent companion. Our bordoodles are a mix of border collie and poodle. In this cross we hope to harness the intelligence and working drive of the border collie as well as the less serious nature and allergy friendly coat of the poodle. About Border Collies: Border collies consistently rank 1 on lists of most intelligent dog breeds and over the years we have found that to be very accurate. The border collie is an incredible athlete, amazingly intelligent and intuitive and has boundless energy for work and play. People typically revere these dogs for just those reasons. Whip smart, capable of amazing athletic feats and always eager to learn, the border order collie ranks highly on my list of favorite dog breeds and has since I rescued my first BC years ago. With all of that said, border collies are NOT for everyone because they are so smart, athletic and energetic. A bored border collie can be a nightmare. In the right hands they are awesome and in the wrong hands or inexperienced hands they can be a handful for sure. About Poodles: The poodle is a sporting dog, bred for cold water retrieving. In fact, poodles also consistently rank in the top 3 most intelligent breeds. They are also incredible athletes and have lots of energy. They do tend to be more low key than a border collie but they were also bred to work long hours in the field so we should not kid ourselves into thinking they are just a pretty ornamental breed. I have very much enjoyed the goofy, playful personalities of our poodles over the years and obviously the no shedding factor is a plus as well. Our poodles are eager to please, quick learners and all around great dogs. See our Doodle FAQs! The Bordoodle is best suited for active families. Bordoodle puppies learn super fast but they also require lots of mental and physical exercise to keep them content. If you are someone who enjoys more lazy days and naps on the couch, a bordoodle is not the dog for you. If, however, you love to lead an active life, and are prepared to add your dog to your adventures these pups might be a great addition to your family. Our bordoodles are excellent hiking and jogging partners, will excel at dog sports and many of them love to swim. Active families willing to commit to the training and exercise needs of this breed will find a fabulous, well rounded companion dog with the energy to keep up with all of your adventures. Our puppies can go home at 8 weeks and will have been vet checked, had first round of vaccines, been microchipped and dewormed. Visit our FAQ page for information around shedding, doodle generations, and more. Picks of the litter are made in the order deposits are received. Pictures of our past Bordoodle pups! Get In Touch! Litters tend to go fast! Get in touch to reserve a pup now! Life Span Did You Know? The Bordoodle is a designer dog breed. They are a cross between a Border Collie and a Poodle. Although a hybrid breed can take on any combination of characteristics of one or both of the parent breeds, the Bordoodle tends to be a friendly, affectionate, and loyal family dog. The Bordoodle is a playful, loving, and affectionate family dog. They get along well with children, other pets, and other dogs. They can be protective and initially wary of strangers, but do not tend to be aggressive as long as they have been properly socialized. As with any dog breed, poor socialization or training can result in poor behavior including fear-based aggression. But, these dogs generally have a lively, social, and friendly disposition. Although the Bordoodle tends to have a lot of energy, they can adapt well to just about any living situation. They will do well in large homes with room to roam as well as apartments as long as they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. They also do well in most climates. As with any dog, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because Bordoodles bond closely with their families, they thrive on attention and affection. This, paired with the fact that they are easily bored, means they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. A mixed breed can inherit the potential health concerns of one, both, or neither of the parent breeds. For the Bordoodle, potential health concerns to be aware of include allergies, epilepsy , hip dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy. Responsible breeders will screen their stock to ensure preventable issues are not being passed on to puppies. Bordoodles tend to be highly intelligent. Although they are eager to please and tend to pick up on things quickly, they are also easily bored. This can pose a challenge for some first-time dog owners. But, overall, the Bordoodle tends to be highly trainable and a good fit for dog owners of all experience levels. They are eager to learn and respond best to positive methods focused on praise and rewards. Puppy training classes are always an option and are a great way to socialize a puppy too. When it comes to coat care, the Border Collie is lower maintenance than the Poodle even though they shed more. You need to be prepared for either type of coat or anything in between with your Bordoodle. The Poodle coat may be low-shedding, but it requires daily brushing and almost monthly grooming in order to stay healthy. The Border Collie coat sheds moderately year-round with heavier shedding sessions twice a year as the seasons change. Brushing a Border Collie is on a weekly basis and bathing is as needed. Weekly ear checks with careful cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. The Bordoodle can range from moderate to high energy. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run should be sufficient to keep this dog happy and healthy. Trips to the dog park, playing frisbee, hiking, running, swimming with your dog , and more can all be great activities for you and your Bordoodle to do together. A fully-grown Bordoodle usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. A Bordoodle generally lives years. Bordoodle Puppies for Sale. The benefits associated with first generation Bordoodles, include a more diverse genetic makeup than purebreds reducing possibilities of disease and other genetic conditions that affect the parent breeds. Bordoodles are also hypoallergenic, that is, unlikely to cause allergy in humans. The breed Bordoodles were designed so that families who did not live on a property would have the opportunity to own a dog from the Border Collie line. This gorgeous dog combines the intelligent farm breed with a poodle to create a more family friendly pet. This breed are fantastic with children as well as other animals. The Bordoodle is an affectionate, loyal and intelligent companion, the perfect addition to any family. The Bordoodle is a reasonably active breed so do require regular exercise. This is influenced by the genetic make-up of each pup with some pups appearing more Poodle-like and others more Collie, therefore, it is impossible to predict the exact size a pup will grow to. The standard Bordoodle will be a medium to large sized dog weighing approximately kg and reaching cm in height. The mini Bordoodle, will be a small to medium sized dog, weighing approximately kg and reaching cm. Bordoodle colours also vary in each litter, we expect wheaten, chocolate, black and blue merle coats in our litters. Generally, the coat types are classified as fleece or wool, the fleece coat is a mix between the Border Collie and Poodle coat, it is a soft curl or wave which is low to non-shedding whereas, the wool coat is tight and curly like the Poodle and non-shedding. The amount of grooming required is dependent on the type of coat each individual pup has. All Bordoodles will require some grooming and clipping, especially those with a fluffy, woolly, non-shedding coat, as it will not fall out. Dogs with a more predominantly Poodle type coat also need regular brushing to prevent knotting. Bordoodle ears, as with all floppy eared breeds, need cleaning regularly or they may become infected. Around the eyes, should also be cleaned daily to prevent buildup eye discharge and tear staining. Please note that a Standard Bordoodle will require a yard and would not be suitable in an apartment. The Bordoodle is a fun-loving family pet that is excellent with children and other pets. The expected adult size are medium sized dogs, around cm tall and kg.
Questions about Boxer puppies for sale in Columbus OH? We have answers. How much are Boxer puppies for sale in Columbus OH? Columbus Boxer breeders will set their prices depending on the pedigree of their pups, and each pups markings and coat color. The reputation, location, and experience of each business will also play a part in how they set their prices. Can I only choose pups from Boxer breeders in Columbus? No not at all! The businesses and companies we work with are very used to helping to arrange puppy transport all across the nation. You can even pick your new pup up at any major airport! How do you screen breeders with Boxer puppies in Columbus? What makes Uptown Puppies different? We know it can be difficult to tell the difference between honest businesses and the not-so-honest scammers when searching for Columbus Boxers for sale. Instead of paying attention to marketing budgets, we use our screening process to guarantee that we only work with the best businesses, with the highest-quality pups out there. If you see a puppy with a too good to be true price, it probably comes from a puppy mill. These places force female dogs to have multiple litters per year so they can maximise their profit. Unfortunately this also means sacrificing the welfare of pups. As a result, these poor puppies are often sickly, and can have behavioral issues from lack of socialization. Can I find a Boxer for sale in Columbus today? We sure think so! The good news is that Boxers are a sought after breed so you should find lots of Boxer breeders Columbus with pups ready for new homes. We suggest taking a look through the seriously cute pups available from our partners. This breed has a rich history that originates as far back as B. The breed as we recognize it today was founded in Germany in the late s. Founding breeds used to create the Boxer include the Bulldog and German Bullenbeisser. What are Boxers like in general? Boxer puppies Columbus are slower to mature than other breeds, and continue growing until age three. Once mature, Boxers are playful and protective in equal measure. Are Boxers easy to train? Boxers are keen to please and quickly pick up new tricks. Are Boxers good family dogs? A Columbus Boxer makes a wonderful addition to an active family who spends plenty of time outdoors. A Boxer for sale Columbus will love to watch over their family and will form strong bonds. Their bouncy and energetic nature means they can be a little full-on for very young or old family members, as their enthusiasm can sometimes send things flying! For this reason, we included these online Boxer breeders for you to check as well. Thus, you can also check a Boxer breeder here. The great thing is that it has an online marketplace to search for a Boxer puppy from any of the states. Since they cover all kinds of breeds, you may find an available puppy through this website. Another thing to note is that you also need to prepare for other costs. In short, aside from the actual cost of the puppy from a breeder, you still need to spend money on other items. Like a new baby in the family, your pup needs some items and some changes. A new puppy at home is a concern for all the family members. Thus, they need to prepare for it as well. As you have your meeting, try to make a schedule of tasks and distribution of responsibilities. Prepare your home. Preparing a home for your Boxer puppy means making it a safe place to play and live. Thus, you need to secure every item that can potentially harm your pet. Moreover, you need to secure your items that your pet can damage, such as shoes, carpets, floor mats, and so on. Shop for supplies. Like all other puppies and babies, Boxer pups needs items for its daily life. The essential things it needs would be beddings, food, and food bowls. You also need to buy a leash and collar for identification. Create a schedule. Besides your pet, you also have your responsibilities. Try to schedule how your pup should do for the day and when you need to pay attention. The great thing about creating a schedule is that it will benefit both you and your pet. Choosing a Good Boxer Seller and Breeder The best Boxer puppies only come from those who take an extra mile in caring for them. Below are certain qualities that you should look for in a Boxer puppy breeder. The Boxer breeder should only breed Boxer puppies. A single breed should be the first thing to remember when searching for a reputable Boxer breeder. Every breed has a mating season to which they breed. If the Boxer breeder sells quite a lot of pups but only has a pair of parents, you can think that it forces the parents to mate so they can have puppies to sell. The Boxer breeder should train pups in their first weeks. Every reputable Boxer breeder gives all the pups around eight weeks at least to stay with their parents. In such a time, the breeder should train the pups before it moves to its new home. The Boxer breeder would continuously be in touch. Other states. For the complete list please see our Boxer Breeders List page. Prices may also vary depending on the gender and the lineage of a Boxer. If you want a pure-breed Boxer, expect to pay more money for it as compared to those that have been mixed with other breeds. A reputable breeder charging more for their puppies does not necessarily mean that he is selling high-quality Boxers. The factors that influence the price of a boxer puppy are as follows: Gender: Male dogs cost more than female ones because they have been proven to be better guard dogs and protectors. Pure-bred male Boxers can also produce a higher number of offspring as compared to females. White color: White is an uncommon color among pure-bred Boxers, thus increasing the price of a white puppy. However, it is not always true as some breeders only charge high prices for their puppies to attract buyers and then they sell low-quality ones after scaring away most of their customers. You need to find reputable Ohio Boxer breeders who can provide you with detailed information on their lineage and history before buying one. You can also ask your veterinarian about the breed line of the dog you want to buy and check out its medical records. Boxers do not usually bark for no reason unlike most dogs, which is great if you live in an apartment. This breed can make a good watchdog because of its loyalty and alertness. CONS: Boxers have high levels of energy that sometimes can be hard to handle. The Boxer breed tends to drool more than other breeds out there. You can do this by searching for them online or asking your veterinarian about reputable ones to work with. Visit their facilities and see if they are clean enough. If not, look for another breeder as you should avoid buying puppies from dirty and poorly maintained facilities. Ask the Boxer breeder whether he screens his breeding stock for genetic disorders and asks for health certifications to ensure that his dogs will produce healthy offspring. Also, ask him if there is a return policy in case your puppy does develop any medical conditions later on so you can bring it back and claim a refund or exchange it with another pup. It is important that you meet both of the parents of your Boxer puppy. This is to ensure that they are healthy, and you can also get an idea on how big your puppy will grow when it reaches adulthood. You should not buy puppies from sellers who cannot provide proof of vaccinations for their dogs. It is essential to keep your pets safe from infectious diseases so always purchase only pups with proof of vaccinations against parvo, distemper, rabies, etc. Make sure that you carefully read any contract or agreement before buying a Boxer pup. Some of these questions include inquiries about their breeding operations if they perform any kinds of medical tests on their adult Boxers prior to breeding them, how often do they clean their kennels and runs, etc. Visit the facility first before buying a puppy from them. Make sure that it is clean and spacious enough so your pup will have enough room to play around. Also, look for other puppies kept at the same place as this can provide an idea of whether their facilities are properly maintained or not. Visit more than one breeder as this way, you can compare their qualities and prices as well. People who have previously bought pups from them can give unbiased information about their pets so you can use this as a gauge if their dogs are worth buying or not. If a breeder is reluctant to provide you with references, think twice before buying their puppies as this may be an indicator that they are not reputable or do not have enough clients to ask for referrals. You might even get to hear about the experiences of other people who have worked with or bought Boxer puppies from your Ohio breeder. This is an important thing for you to do as it can help you make better decisions when it comes to choosing a Breeder in Ohio. Meeting past customers will also give you better insights about the Boxer breeders in Ohio so it is important to take advantage of this information. This can help you avoid falling into the wrong hands and finding yourself with a poor quality puppy or one that has inherited genetic disorders. You can find out more about the breeder by finding out the vet they use. This is important as our pets tend to be more susceptible to diseases as they grow old or become overweight which can lead to various health problems that may affect their lifespan. It is best to meet the breeder first before buying a pup from them. A breeder should be able to welcome your questions and concerns about their dogs and pups that they provide. If a seller is reluctant about giving you documents, refuses to show their facilities or does not let you visit them, these are some of the signs of an unethical breeder who is only after your money. Another sign to look out for when it comes to finding a good Boxer dog breeder in Ohio is if they ask money from you without providing any tangible proof that their dogs are healthy and have been inoculated against all kinds of infections. Avoid getting into commitments with them as this way, your chances of falling prey to frauds and scams become higher and higher. How to Prepare Your Home for Your Boxer Puppy In order for your Ohio Boxer puppy to have a very comfortable and enjoyable stay in your home, there are a few things that you should do first before bringing it into the house. The first thing you can do is prepare an area where it can sleep. You must also check the temperature of the place where your pup will be staying at by using a thermometer. The same goes with very hot areas as your Boxer might end up overheating. Water and food bowls should also be placed inside the area where your soon-to-be pet will stay at. Add some pillows, toys, bedsheets and other comforts to make it feel like its own room. Potty Training Your New Boxer Puppy Ohio breeders — Before you bring your Boxer home, It is best to know as much as possible about it before you decide to bring one into the house. The use of newspapers is also effective in places where pups relieve themselves but only for a short period of time as they can develop health and sanitation problems if left alone for too long. Remember, patience is a virtue in training your Boxer Puppy. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Looking for a responsible boxer breeder who takes pride into their puppies? Then you have come to the right place.Buckeye Boxers is a small family run business located in south-eastern Ohio. We take honor in producing the perfect puppy for your family. We strive to raise great boxer puppies and find good homes where all our puppies will be raised with lots of love and care. We breed healthy, happy, great temperamented, pedigree blessed boxers. Our puppies are born and raised inside our home until they are 8 weeks old and ready to go to their fovever homes. Our puppies come with amazing boxer temperaments and are healthy as can be. It is our wish to share puppy love with other people. It is our goal to provide you with not only a puppy, but a lifelong friend. Our boxer puppies are very socialized and loved,they are just waiting for YOU! So if you're looking for a spoiled, healthy, happy Boxer puppy that's full of love and kisses then buy a puppy from us! We promise that you will not be disappointed when you get a boxer puppy from Buckeye Boxers. We not only offer boxer puppies for sale, we also offer adult dogs for sale. Share this page:. We always have Boxer puppies for sale in our store! These regal and statuesque dogs are the rave, and have been for years! Why are Boxer puppies so darn loved and desired? Continue reading to learn the top reason why. They are family friendly dogs. There is absolutely nothing better than exploring the world of getting a puppy and researching the many breeds of dogs! They are big but gentle and very patient dogs. Conversely, they innately know exactly how to be kind and loving with their family members! These dogs will play with your kids on end because guess what — they stay in the puppy stage well longer than a lot of other breeds! Now is the time to take full advantage of purchasing one of our Boxer puppies for sale! The companionship of a Boxer and its family is like none other. You can also take a look at all of our available puppies by checking out our page by clicking here. After all, we want all parties involved to be furrr-ever happy together for years to come. There are lots of great dogs out there but none of them compare to Bernese Mountain Dogs. You may be wondering just what makes the Bernese Mountain Dog such a great friend. They ar.There is no getting around the warm and fuzzy feeling they give everyone.Are you interested in buying a small dog this spring? Well although there are many cute dogs to buy this year, we advise you take a look at Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog breeds.The Miniature Schnauzer, when groomed like the American Kennel Club standard, is a dapper looking dog! Their bus.You may not know it, but these dogs see their owners as the best part of their whole world. How will your p.Forgive us, but those are archaic thoughts. Plenty of people have apartment puppies.In this post, Exercises Grooming From ancient Germany precisely around the 19th century had the now extinct mastiff breed Bullenbeisser and bulldogs brought in from England. At the time of their arrival, they served as hunting dogs for bears, deer, and other ferocious beasts, it would capture the prey with the help of its awesome teeth and detain it until the hunter arrives. And in the first boxer standard club was launched with a comprehensive document that is still in use today. Shortly after, the breed made its way into other European countries and got into the U. S in the late 19th century with the American Kennel Club taking registration of its first boxer around .During the first world war, boxers played the role of a military dog as a pack-carrier, a guard dog, and an attack dog, later they were taken home by the soldiers and got introduced into the domestic world as a show dog, best companion, and a reliable guard. One with so much life, energetic, curious, attentive, active, smart, sociable and incredible fun with children is the boxer, they are also known to be very patient and highly protective of their family members making them the love and desire of many homes. As active dogs, they need a lot of exercise to keep them mentally fit, apparently having a mind of its own, you will find your boxer entertain itself by digging the ground often, chewing, and licking the mouth to beat boredom. They are also very stubborn in character which makes them a terrible choice for first-timers with dogs, they are generally a bit difficult with adult dogs including dogs of a similar breed but friendly with puppies. They usually do not bark unless there is a genuine reason behind it but they love to growl. If you have occupied home with people around all the time or you want a canine buddy the whole time, then a boxer is just the perfect breed to get. Being a highly active dog, they dread loneliness and they can cope finely in both a house and an apartment as long as you provide it with enough room and spaces for exercises and activities. What you must have is a large yard if you are living in a house for it to dig the ground and run around as it likes. And more so, if you are given to being away from home most of the time, getting a boxer may not be the best for you and the dog, because they usually get aggressive when left alone. Boxers are known as loud snorers and they drool greatly too. Boxers are playful and very energetic dogs as such regular exercises are part of a good canine relationship, especially a breed of this sort. Your boxer should be allowed to play in a fenced area and on-leashed since it is likely to jump and leap around in excitement. This puts a boxer as a bad choice for a frail owner as they may find it a tad impossible and daunting keeping up with its excessive activity demands. Being a breed with a short and thin coat its grooming demands are quite easy and little, all it needs is a light brushing of the hair twice every week to maintain its good and gleeful looks. Bathing should be a once in a while since boxers are generally clean dogs and its nails, be trimmed once every month or as often as they grow worn on surfaces, its teeth should also be brushed daily to avoid tartar formation and other dental crises. Our Boxer 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. Frequently Asked Questions Are Boxers good family pets? Yes, boxers are particularly fond of their family members especially when goodly trained. Are Boxers trainable? Though the boxers can be a little headstrong, they are very intelligent and with a proper training environment, they respond well. Are Boxers friendly with kids? They are very fond of children and they love playing games with them. Are Boxers friendly with other animals? Boxers are naturally patient with puppies, pooches and small animals but a bit unaccommodating of adult dogs and other animals. Are Boxers good apartment dogs? They can live anywhere you make as a home all you need is to provide it with enough space for exercise. How is Boxers shedding? Given the shortness of their coat, they shed minimally and occasionally, you can also regulate the shedding by frequent brushing of their coat. Are Boxers good for first-time owners? Not quite, as their exercise needs are way too high for their inexperienced hands. Are Boxers loud barkers? But growling is a thing they do most. Are Boxers tolerable to heat and cold? All they need is moderate exposure to heat and cold because of their thin fur body. How long can Boxers live? The average life-span of boxers is 10 years Are you interested in purchasing a Boxer? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Contact Can Bulldogs Get Bloat? Plus 6 tips to Prevent it! The adorable face of your bulldog is truly mesmerizing each time you look at it. He is your true companion, always keeping beside you to help multiply your joy and divide your sorrow. Can bulldogs get bloat? Yes, bulldogs can get bloat, regardless of age. Bloating is caused by a heavy intake accumulation of air and the twisting of the stomach. It is the second leading cause of death in dogs, the first cause being cancer. Bulldogs are subject to multiple diseases and health emergencies. Luckily, bloating can be identified and prevented in most cases. What is Bloating in Dogs? Bloating also goes by the name Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus. In order to fully understand what it is, we will try to examine its stages. This can lead to blood circulation problems as the organs that surround the stomach along with the heart and diaphragm can be pressed. As the pressure builds, it prevents the blood from hind legs and abdomen from reaching the heart of your dog. Second Stage: Volvulus During the first stage, things might be relatively easier to control but the problem elevates if your dog reaches the second stage- Volvulus. Here, the stomach rotates and twists by degrees along with food, water and air trapped in it. The stomach, while flipping, drags the spleen and the pancreas along with it, cutting off the blood flow. This lethal disease can result in your dog dying in hours without you realizing it. Why Do Bulldogs Bloat? The prime cause of bloating is the accumulation of air in the stomach dilatation part as well as the twisting of the stomach volvulus part. Veterinarians have not yet been able to identify the sequence of the two parts, i. Bloat emerges suddenly and it can strike even a healthy dog. Though the actual cause of bloating in bulldogs is not yet known, the following reasons according to veterinarians are the most probable reasons that can cause your adorable bulldog to bloat. Bloat typically develops after your bulldog has taken a large meal. It can develop after your bulldog has consumed a lot of water after the meal. Bloat can also develop if your bulldog has extensively played after the meal. The faster your bulldog eats the less it chews so basically he is just chucking down all the food. Look out for the following signs that could signal the first stage of bloating; If there is an unusual tummy enlargement in your dog as though it is distended in the sides. The dog may start feeling sudden depression, malaise or lethargy. There could be pale gums or excessive salivation. Feelings of anxiety and unease in the dog. Also, the dog may feel painful or show aggression when his belly is touched. The first stage is usually followed by the second stage of bloating. In this stage, you may want to check the following; Is your dog having rapid heart rate? Is he experiencing shortness of breath? Is he losing consciousness? Have the gums turned purplish? Is he collapsing? The above indicators are not sure signs of bloating in your dog, but they are in most cases. You may consult with your veterinarian for the final call. While bloating is such a serious problem for your canine friend, you need not worry even if your sweet bulldog has been diagnosed with bloating. There are still many chances that he will recover soon if proper treatment is provided. The following are some possible treatment plans for curing or managing this condition. Radiographs and lactate test — As the symptoms can be related to some other disease, doctors may need to perform some tests to confirm it. Radiographs assist in determining whether the stomach may have already been twisted. Removal of the gas — If the dog is experiencing the first stage of bloating, a feeding-tube is inserted in the stomach which can help to vacate the trapped gas through his mouth and the esophagus. However, in case his stomach is already twisted, then the doctor would be forced to puncture the stomach and abdominal wall so as to allow the accumulated gas out. Surgery — If his stomach is already twisted, it may need to be brought back to place even after the gas has been taken out. Thus, surgery will be performed to untwist the stomach. Bloat is one of those curve balls that come out of no where and can be costly. Dog insurance can totally protect you and you can give your dog the best care with out any hesitation of cost. We break down 4 different dog insurances here to help you decide if it is right for you. Prevention is always better than cure! Why should you wait for your beloved canine friend to undergo this pain and risk of life? You should always take some precautionary measures to ensure your dog follows certain habits so that the occurrence of bloating is largely avoided. The following are some of these tips. Feed your bulldog in smaller portions, with two meals per day. Ensure he does not eat too fast. You can follow the below points for doing so: Give your bulldog small portions and refill the bowl finishing. Get a bowl from the market which helps your dog to feed slowly. If there are many dogs, take care that they are fed in different bowls. In fact, feed your dogs in separate areas if at all possible. Eating together causes anxiety and makes the dog eat fast. Even eating next to their human family members can cause stress while eating and cause your bulldog to eat faster. Let your bulldog eat in privacy for stress free meal time. Keep your dog active as well as fearless and happy. Stressed dogs are much likely to develop bloat. Do not let him drink excess water after eating. Ensure that he rests for some hours after taking his meal before letting him play. Consult a veterinarian before giving any medication. Conclusion I know that your love for bulldog knows no bounds. Though we cannot eliminate the risk of bloating, we can at least try to prevent it by following the above effective steps. I can not stress enough that bloat can quickly become an medical emergency and can lead to death in your bulldog if not treated with in an hour. Many people ask if bloat is treatable at home, and unfortunately, it is not. It is only preventable. Be sure to take note of the above steps to keep your bulldog safe and healthy. Post Views: 1, Shallow breathing Pale gums Puppies experiencing bloat will appear visibly uncomfortable and usually have a distended stomach. The pain may make your puppy act restless, pace, and whine and cry. Puppies may also wretch without producing vomit, as the blocked stomach entry will prevent regurgitation. The gums may appear pale, demonstrating a lack of oxygen, accompanied by shallow breathing and a rapid heartbeat. If your puppy is not treated, it will collapse and die. Causes of Bloat Several factors can contribute to your puppy experiencing bloat. Breed: Large and giant puppy breeds are three times more likely to experience bloat than mixed breeds. Large and giant breeds have wider, deeper stomachs that can hold more air, putting them at higher risk. The deep, narrow chest conformation of certain breeds creates a more acute angle where the esophagus connects with the stomach, making bloat more likely. Still, puppies of any size can develop bloat. Ingesting too much food or water quickly: When puppies eat food or drink too fast, they can inhale and trap large amounts of air in their stomachs and create bloat. The food or water itself can sometimes cause bloat, as a too-full stomach can press on other organs, no matter what is filling it. Exercising after eating: If a puppy partakes in strenuous exercise too soon after eating, its stomach can twist and swell, causing bloat. Anxiety: Irritable, anxious, and aggressive puppies are more prone to bloat. Weight: Dogs of any breed that weigh over pounds have a 20 percent risk of developing bloat at some point in their life. Diagnosing Bloat in Puppies To diagnose your puppy with bloat, your vet will examine clinical signs, medical history, and perform blood analysis and imaging tests like an ultrasound or X-ray. Imaging tests will reveal the extent of the bloat, and blood analysis will evaluate the level of oxygen loss. A speedy diagnosis is ideal, as an operation should happen as soon as possible. Treatment If you notice your puppy has symptoms of bloat, it needs to be taken to an animal hospital immediately. First, your vet will stabilize your puppy by administering IV fluids and oxygen. To treat bloat, your veterinarian decompresses your puppy's distended stomach by passing a tube down its throat to empty air from the stomach and allow the return of normal blood flow. When the stomach is twisted, your puppy will need surgery to properly reconfigure it. Sometimes, part of the stomach or the entirety of the spleen will need to be removed. If your puppy's surgery is successful, your surgeon may perform a gastropexy the suturing of the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent future twisting. Prognosis for Puppies With Bloat The prognosis for puppies with bloat varies based on how early treatment is received and the extent of the organ damage. After surgery, your vet will monitor your puppy in the hospital for several days. Some puppies treated can return to normal shortly after treatment, while others will die regardless. The mortality rate for puppies who have received treatment for bloat is 20 to 40 percent and rises with every organ injury sustained. How to Prevent Bloat Although you can't completely prevent bloat, there are measures you can take to reduce its likelihood of occurring. Gastropexy surgery may be recommended preventatively, particularly in Great Danes or other puppies predisposed to bloat. Gastropexy doesn't prevent air from being trapped in the stomach, but it does keep the stomach from twisting. You can take many at-home measures to minimize the risk of bloat. These include lowering your puppy's food bowl, feeding smaller quantities of food over multiple meals throughout the day, separating multiple dogs at feeding times, and waiting several hours after eating before exercising your puppy. Positive puppy socialization that reduces anxiety can also help prevent bloat as it ages. FAQ Why does eating too fast cause bloat? Often if your puppy eats too much or too fast, its belly can be overfilled with food and gas, press on other organs, and cause bloat. How common is puppy bloat in a small breed dogs? Bloat most frequently occurs in large and giant breed dogs, but all dogs are able to experience the condition. How fast does it take for bloat to set in? Bloat sets in within two to three hours after your puppy begins experiencing symptoms. If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet. Article Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Otherwise called Gastric dilatation-volvulus GDV , this condition is very common in pets all across the world. We all know that French bulldogs love to eat, but did you also realize how much they can suffer from bloat? The condition of gastric dilatation-volvulus GDV is a serious problem that can be fatal if left untreated. It progresses quickly towards life-threatening levels in just minutes. The stomach bloating in French bulldogs can come in two stages. The first stage is called gastric dilatation when the gasses and fluid cause the stomach to expand or bloat. Unfortunately, it can be fatal for a dog within only a few hours. The pancreas takes up much space inside dogs because it produces many important hormones like insulin to control blood sugar levels for example. When these vital organs get cut off from oxygenating tissue due to being pressed against one another by powerful abdominal muscles as seen during the digestion process which happens while flipping , they start producing harmful chemicals that can turn out to end up fatally. What causes a bloated stomach in French bulldogs? Use an anti-choking feeding bowl Since French bulldogs are naturally prone to fast eating because of their short snouts, you have to buy your pet a special anti-choke feeding bowl. The rotating bone will move as your Frenchie tries to reach food from the bowl and it will slow down his eating. In that way, your furry friend will not only have to work for his food but will also become less prone to bloating. Interactive Anti Choke Bowl is another French bulldog bowl that can help your pet. Feed your dog with multiple meals a day Instead of feeding your furry friend only one meal, you can divide the amount into two or three meals. Do not play with your dog right after the meal Playing with your Frenchie after the meal can cause his gizzard to twist. Just imagine how would you feel having training right after lunch. Well, your Frenchie would feel the same. Exposing your dog to strenuous exercise can lead to pains, gasses, and bloating. Keep your dog active Taking your Frenchie on regular strolls will improve his digestive system. Besides, walks will keep your dog in good shape and healthy. A rule of thumb is to take a French bulldog on multiple short strolls during the day. Visible stomach enlargement Heavy breathing and rapid heart rate A dog can show aggression when you try to touch its belly Hard belly in touch. Follow 21 symptom that should never be ignored by a pet-owner. This article is not specifically related to French bulldog. It is important for all the breeds, and since we know frenchies are very friendly pups that get along with the bigger or smaller fur-friends, Dailyfrenchie finds it important that you learn how to catch the thread, before it turned into a serious health issue. There are serious symptoms that should never be ignored in your dog. A symptom is defined as "any problem that can indicate an underlying disease" and may be your first clue to the presence of a life-threatening problem in your dog. Here is a list of 21 symptoms that should never be ignored if you see them from your dog! If you notice one or more - contact your vet immediately! Pacing and Restlessness. In dogs, pacing and restlessness can be indicate pain, discomfort or distress. Restlessness can be associated with a condition called " bloat " in which the stomach. Bloat and most commonly occurs in large breed or deep-chested dogs. Pacing and restless can be an indicator of a serious problem. Unproductive Retching. Dogs that attempt to vomit and are unable to bring anything up is a common sign of "bloat". Collapse or Fainting. Acute collapse is a sudden loss of strength causing your dog to fall and be unable to rise. Some dogs that suddenly collapse will actually lose consciousness. Some dogs recover very quickly and look essentially normal just seconds to minutes after collapsing, whereas others stay in the collapsed state until helped. All the reasons for collapse or fainting are serious and should not be ignored. Not Eating or Loss of Appetite. Anorexia is a term used to describe the situation where an animal loses his appetite and does not want to eat or is unable to eat. There are many causes of a "loss of appetite" and is often the first indication of illness. Regardless of cause, loss of appetite can have a serious impact on an animal's health if it lasts 24 hours or more. Young animals less than 6 months of age are particularly prone to the problems brought on by loss of appetite. Loosing Weight. Weight loss is a physical condition that results from a negative caloric balance. Essentially more calories are being burned than are being taken in. Weight loss is considered clinically important when it exceeds 10 percent of the normal body weight and is not associated with fluid loss. There are several causes for this, some of which can be very serious. Breathing Problems. Respiratory distress, often called dyspnea, is labored, difficult breathing or shortness of breath. This can occur at any time during the breathing process, during inspiration breathing in or expiration breathing out. When your dog has trouble breathing, he may not be able to get enough oxygen to his tissues. Additionally, if he has heart failure , he may not be able to pump sufficient blood to his muscles and other tissues. Dyspnea is often associated with accumulation of fluid edema in the lungs or the chest cavity pleural effusion. This fluid can lead to shortness of breath and coughing. This is a very serious symptom and should be evaluated immediately. Red Eye. A "red eye" is a non-specific sign of inflammation or infection. It may be seen with several different diseases including those involving different parts of the eye including the external eyelids, third eyelid, conjunctiva , cornea, and sclera. It may also occur with inflammation of the structures inside the eye, with glaucoma high pressure within the eye or with certain diseases of the orbit eye socket. Either one or both eyes can become red, depending upon the cause of the problem. Some of the possible causes can be serious and ultimately cause blindness. Jaundice, also referred to as icterus, describes the yellow color taken on by the tissues throughout the body due to elevated levels of bilirubin, a substance that comes from the breakdown of red blood cells. There are several causes for jaundice and regardless of the cause, jaundice is considered abnormal and serious in the dog. Trouble Urinating. Discomfort may be demonstrated by crying out during urination, excessive licking at the urogenital region or turning and looking at the area. There are several underlying causes. Some of the causes if left untreated can result in death in as little as 36 hours. Urinating and Drinking Excessively. These signs are often early signs of disease including kidney failure, diabetes mellitus , thyroid gland problems, uterine infection called pyometra , as well as other causes. It is believed that fever is a method of fighting infection. The body resets the temperature control area of the brain to increase the body temperature — probably in response to invasion of foreign matter such as bacteria or viruses. The normal temperature in dogs is .If your pet temperature is high, call your veterinarian. A seizure or convulsion is a sudden excessive firing of nerves in the brain. The severity of the seizure can vary between a far-away look or twitching in one part of the face to your dog falling on his side, barking, gnashing his teeth, urinating, defecating and paddling his limbs. A seizure can last from seconds to minutes. Seizures are symptoms of some neurological disorder — they are not in themselves a disease. They can be caused by several disorders including epilepsy , toxins or tumors. Bruising and Bleeding. Abnormal bruising and bleeding arises with disorders of hemostasis clotting. Clotting abnormalities are also called coagulopathies, because they reflect the inability of the blood to coagulate or clot. Bleeding from clotting disturbances may occur into the skin, the mucous membranes, and various internal organs, tissues, and body cavities. The impact of such bleeding on the affected individual may be mild or severe depending on the degree of blood loss. It affects the respiratory system by hindering the ability to breathe properly. Common causes include obstruction in the windpipe, bronchitis, pneumonia, heartworm disease , lung tumors, kennel cough and heart failure. Some of the causes are life threatening and all pets with a cough should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Bloated or Distended Abdomen. Abdominal distension is an abnormal enlargement of the abdominal cavity. This term is usually reserved for abdominal enlargement due to causes other than simple obesity. One cause of abdominal distension is abnormal fluid accumulation. Another cause of abdominal distension is enlargement of any abdominal organ including the liver, kidneys, or spleen. Distension of the stomach with air " bloating " or fluid or distension of the uterus womb during pregnancy, can result in abdominal distension. Pressure from the abdomen pushing into the chest may make breathing more difficult and pressure within the abdomen may decrease the appetite. NOTE: It is important to recognize abdominal distension because it can be a symptom of potentially life-threatening diseases and should be investigated thoroughly. Bloody Diarrhea. Blood in the feces can either appear as "melena" which makes the stools appear black and tarry is the presence suggests digested blood in the feces. Melena is different from fresh blood in the stool hematochezia. Bleeding into the colon or rectum appears as fresh blood in the stool. Bloody diarrhea should be evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Bloody Urine. Hematuria is the presence of red blood cells in the urine. It may be gross visible to the naked eye or microscopic. There are several possible causes including bacterial infections, cancer, stones in the urinary tract. Bite Wounds. Bite wounds are often the result when two animals engage in a fight or aggressive play. Bite wounds, which may only appear as a small puncture wound in the skin, can actually be quite extensive. Once the tooth penetrates the skin, severe damage can occur to the underlying tissues without major skin damage. Some wounds may appear deceptively minor but may have the potential to be life threatening, depending on the area of the body bitten. Bloody Vomit. Vomiting blood can fresh blood, which is bright red or partially digested blood, which has the appearance of brown coffee grounds. There are a variety of causes of vomiting blood and the effects on the animal are also variable. Some are subtle and minor ailments, while others are severe or life threatening. Lethargy or Weakness. Lethargy is a state of drowsiness, inactivity, or indifference in which there are delayed responses to external stimuli such as auditory sound , visual sight , or tactile touch stimuli. Lethargy is a nonspecific sign associated with many possible underlying systemic disorders. It may have little to no impact on the affected individual; however its presence may represent severe or life-threatening illness. Lethargy of more than a day's duration should not be ignored, and should be addressed, especially if it persists. Pale Gums. Pale gums or mucous membranes can indicate blood loss or "shock". The possible causes for either blood loss or shock are life-threatening and thus should be evaluated immediately. We know it is long reading, but the fact that you made it to the end means - you truly care for your pup. The severity of the case determines the treatment recommendation for the affected dog. At VMC, we aim for rapid confirmation of diagnosis, attending to patient comfort by release of as much gas pressure as possible and with pain medications , and for rapid stabilization and preparation for surgery. Dogs that are bloated without volvulus can normally be treated non-surgically. There are some definitive diagnostic indicators that can tell us that we are dealing with a high-risk surgery with a low probability of success. We want the pet owner to be able to make an educated decision about proceeding with surgery in those cases. The surgery also allows the veterinarian to assess the amount of damage caused by the lack of blood flow due to the twisted stomach. If there is any tissue that is damaged it will be removed. In extreme cases where the condition has been left untreated for a longer time period, there may be too little live tissue to salvage. With appropriate pre-surgical diagnostics, pet owners can be informed of this risk in most cases prior to pursuing surgery. Generally, a gastropexy is also performed during the surgical procedure. During a gastropexy, the stomach is sutured to the abdominal wall. This is designed to keep the stomach in place and prevent twisting of the stomach if bloat occurs again. Dogs especially those with any of the risk factors above may also require intensive care after surgery, including the possible need for blood transfusions and other specialized care. Preventing Bloat Preventative measures can be taken to reduce the risk of bloat. Some strategies that are currently recommended are: Feed smaller meals more frequently, and restrict activity for hours after meal time. Do not use a raised food bowl. Never let the dog drink a large amount of water all at once. Avoid strenuous exercise on a full stomach. To lessen the severity of bloat, a gastropexy is an excellent preventive. Many owners of large breeds of dogs routinely opt to have the surgery done when their dogs are young. This procedure is often performed at the time of neuter or spay, and this procedure can now be performed laparoscopically at the Veterinary Medical Center of CNY. None of these measures will guarantee that the dog won't bloat, but they may help reduce the severity of the problem if it arises. Without treatment the condition is fatal. Pet owners should be familiar with their nearest veterinary emergency facility in the event that their regular veterinarian is not available after hours or does not have experience handling this condition. If possible, call ahead and tell them you suspect bloat. Time is of the essence when dealing with cases of bloat, and the sooner your pet receives veterinary care, the better chance of a full recovery. A true GDV is a condition that must be treated surgically in order for your dog to survive. Surgery and post-operative care are costly, and euthanasia is the only alternative that will prevent suffering for the dog. For those who own breeds in the high risk pool, we recommend budgeting for a preventive gastropexy rather than risking an expensive emergency surgery with an already compromised pet. Many pet insurance companies will also provide coverage for this preventive surgery. We offer pre-screening triage services by partnering with VetTriage! Visit Us. Rapid or shallow breathing Collapse or shock If you find out that your Frenchie is suffering from bloat, contact your veterinarian immediately. Basically, bloat is a medical emergency, and if the treatment is not done at the right time it will lead to a lot of complications and even death. How to prevent bloat in French bulldogs? Although the bloat is not completely preventable, you can take certain steps to decrease the chances of bloat in French bulldogs. Feed your French bulldog a high-quality diet A good quality diet with all the nutrients is essential for the overall health of French bulldogs. When selecting the dog food for your Frenchie, always go through the ingredient list and make sure that the formula is according to the age, breed, and activity level of your pup. Furthermore, make sure that the food has good quality ingredients, including whole grains, animal-based proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid feeding your French bulldog table scraps or human food, as this can disrupt their digestive system and increase their risk of bloat. Feed smaller meals more frequently The next important thing that you can do is to feed your Frenchie small frequent meals as it can help in reducing the chances of bloat by preventing the air to enter the stomach. You can do this by feeding your Frenchie three to four small meals instead of two large meals per day. Use a slow-feed bowl If your Frenchie is an aggressive eater and eats his meals too quickly it increases the risk of bloat. In order to avoid this situation use a slow-feeding bowl or mat. They are designed in a way that they could decrease the speed of your dog while eating. The slow feeding bowl for French bulldogs is a revolutionary new product designed to help your dog eat at a slower pace. The design of the bowl keeps food inside it and prevents your dog from gulp-feeding, which can lead to bloat and other digestive issues. The slow-feeding bowl for French bulldogs is made of high-quality plastic and is dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean. Limit water intake before and after meals Water is an important component for maintaining the good health of your French bulldog but if they drink a large amount of water before or after every meal it increases the risk of bloat. In order to avoid this issue limit their water intake for at least an hour before and after a meal. Instead, wait at least an hour after feeding your dog before engaging in any strenuous activities. Reduce stress and anxiety Anxiety and stress are not good for your French bulldog because they increase the risk of bloat. To decrease the stress in your French bulldog make sure they have a safe and comfortable space when they need rest. It is also necessary to provide your pup with a lot of mental stimulation and exercise to burn off excess energy and reduce stress. Monitor your French bulldog for signs of bloat Early detection is necessary when you want to treat bloats. Always keep an eye on your French bulldog for the sign of bloat, like restlessness, distended abdomen, and unsuccessful attempts to vomit. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately. Consider a prophylactic gastropexy A prophylactic gastropexy is a surgical procedure that can be done to prevent bloat in dogs, especially those at high risk, like French bulldogs. In this procedure, the vet will attach the stomach to the abdominal wall, as it will prevent it from twisting. Talk to your veterinarian about whether a prophylactic gastropexy is right for your French bulldog. Feeding your dog a high-quality diet, feeding smaller meals more frequently, using a slow-feed bowl, limiting water intake before and after meals, avoiding exercise immediately after eating, reducing stress and anxiety, monitoring your dog for signs of bloat, and considering a prophylactic gastropexy are all effective ways to prevent bloat in French bulldogs. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your French bulldog lives a healthy and happy life. How to treat bloating in Bulldogs Time is crucial when treating the incidence of bloating in Bulldogs. Early treatment makes a difference between life and death for them. Some symptoms of this disorder are similar to other diseases. So, if bloat is suspected, the vet performs some quick tests to confirm or rule it out. Procedures may also include radiographs x-rays and lactate test. Radiographs help determine if the stomach has already been twisted, while the lactate test is performed to check if there is already necrosis or cell death in the stomach or surrounding organs. The damage done by bloating is often irreparable if necrosis has already begun. If the vet determines that your Bulldog has a high chance of survival, treatment is immediately started. Letting the gas out While treating bloating in Bulldogs, it is necessary to remove the trapped gas. But if the stomach has already twisted, the vet may opt to puncture the abdominal and stomach wall to let the trapped gas out. Surgery If the disease reaches the volvulus stage, the stomach has to be returned to its original position even if the gas has already been out. To do this, the vet will untwist the stomach via surgery. Many surgeons recommend performing a gastropexy, an operation that refers to the suturing of stomach to the body wall, after the stomach is arranged back to its original position. This surgical operation prevents the stomach from twisting again. How to prevent bloating in Bulldogs? There is not a surefire way to stop bloating in Bulldogs from happening. However, there are a few things that you can do to reduce the risk of bloat in your pet. Feed your Bulldog smaller meals spanned throughout the day instead of giving him one large meal per day. Feed him using a slow-feeder to stop him from eating too fast and gulping air in the process. Do not feed your Bulldog dry kibble with water as dry dog food tends to expand in the stomach. Do not let your Bulldog drink too much water after eating. Make your Bulldog rest for a couple of hours after eating before letting him to play. It slows him down while eating. Use gastric medication in your first aid kit and use it as soon as you see the early signs of bloating in your Bulldog. But make sure to call your veterinarian first before giving your Bulldog any medication. Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.
Rosehall Shepherds has been carefully breeding large, old fashioned, straight back German Shepherds for over 20 years. These dogs are very healthy, intelligent, gentle, family friendly dogs. A number of Rosehall dogs have been trained as therapy dogs and are also in other areas of service but primarily family companion dogs. We hope that the following pictures will give you a little taste of how we live, work and play with these wonderful large German Shepherds. The 'big yard' is mostly open and covered with thick grass and is securely fenced. This is the yard where the adult German Shepherds can run free in small groups for longer periods of time requiring less supervision. Big dogs must have a securely fenced yard big enough for them to be able to break into a run so they can frolic in their exercise times. It's good for humans too. Emily takes time daily with each dog to visit, sometimes on the favorite stump in the 'big yard' which is an acre and a half safe and secure play place. These dogs our part of our family and prosper with the abundant attention given to them. The one-on-one time is essential as well as them having time as house dogs. Some of you would call it a pond. This area on the west side of Lake Alice is where much of our afternoon play time is done. We walk and play with them in small groups to keep everyone happy and well socialized. The dogs must have daily opportunities to interact, bond, and play with one another and their humans. These are truly family companion dogs! The creek that carries the overflow from Lake Alice doesn't run year round but when it does, there are a couple of small waterfalls that are very pleasant places to pause and listen to the water. Most of the dogs really like wading around and splashing in the falls. Just another of our several places that are good excuses to visit and pay attention to and play with our doggy friends. Many of our visits also incorporate 'school time' and we find these dogs very easy to train and willing to please. We hope that you have enjoyed this little 'taste' of Rosehall Farm. Contact us to make an appointment to visit if you want to experience more and meet our healthy, Old style, straight back, German Shepherds. Please make sure you read our FAQ page This info will answer lots of your questions and probably raise a few more. It is very helpful to us if you can read this first. Then ask all the questions you may have! Please visit our FAQ page and then contact us. We live out in the country and our phones are not always reliable. If you have trouble getting through, try Emily's cell phone text is best Cell phone voice is rarely usable when we are on the farm so please use text or email. We have four exquisite, very red young females available now. Two are extra big girls for those that want something larger. These girls have the sweetest, fun loving temperaments. They have finished all of their puppy vaccines and are ready to go out on family outings and to training classes with you. Great early socialization, started leash training now as well. We repeated it! We have two red sable long coat males available now in the litter. They have excellent temperaments, great early socialization, and they come to you with their first two puppy vaccinations, current deworming, microchip and vet checked. He was the only male in the litter and his sisters have already found their new homes. He comes to you with great early socialization, his first two puppy vaccinations, current deworming, microchip and will be vet checked. This is Blossom's final litter before retirement so if you've wanted a sibling to your Blossom puppy this is your last chance! We are retaining one female from this great pairing as we were so impressed with their previous litter together. Puppies had super temperaments and great coloring and conformation. They will come to you with great early socialization, their first two puppy vaccinations, current deworming, microchip and will be vet checked. Willy is titled to the IGP 2 level, has received the V excellent show rated and has the highest hip and elbow certification awarded. Willy is a powerhouse with elegant proportions. He is a mountain of energy and brings all his high drives to his work SOLD DOB: July 12, Hans is the spirited pup who has a perpetual smile on his face, sneaks in for a love and licks your face. He is absolutely fearless, loves everyone and going everywhere with you. He is an outgoing puppy full of expression. His coloring and markings are similar to his mother, Iduna. He has good balanced drives. He will make a great family companion and has the potential to be a competitive working dog. Curious and uninhibited with a touch of sweet. Harl has eyes that will melt your heart and see into your soul. He is sweet, sensitive and intuitive. Having a rough day? He'll lean in and curl up with you for a good snuggle to make the world a better place. In my opinion, he is the complete package of bloodlines, genetics, structure, temperament, conformation and pigment. From a young age, we've watch him develop, grow exhibit the natural drives we desire in our GSD's. He loves to play, exhibiting a strong prey drive with the flirt pole. He also has a great off switch. To date, he has no interest in the broom, mop or vacuum! I appreciate his analytically approach to life. He sits back and comfortably takes in new situations, absorbing the environment before diving it. Harl shows this same level of thought and intention in his obedience training. Harl loves to play with our adult dogs, socializing with his mom, dad and our "surrogate" grandma's. He naturally poses in his "show stance", has good bone, a deep chest, sound structure and shows free flowing movement with good reach. We are excited to see Harl reach his full potential with his fur-ever family and the social and obedience foundation we have instilled. All puppies have completed their veterinary wellness exam and are current on vaccinations and deworming. We are currently working on puppy culture exercises, socialization activities, problem solving activities and drive building exercises. 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. Sound in mind and body, strong, functional, intelligent, trainable, courageous, and resilient. These are the natural qualities that can only be realized through the incredible genetics of purebred German Shepherds. We only import the best-of-the-best. Certified champions straight from Germany! Due to his home being burglarized in , Wayne decided to train dogs in tracking, obedience, and protection. His untrained Staffordshire Bullterrier was unable to protect his home and he then decided to obtain a Rottweiler for protection. Wayne continued to train Rottweilers up until the early 90s where he purchased his first German Shepherd. He was raised along side German Shepherds which had a huge impact toward his love and respect for the breed. At Kraftwerk K9, we honor the history of the German Shepherd. We here at Kraftwerk K9 care for and teach these world-class dogs to live up to their full potential. Our ethical breeding facility sits on 25 gorgeous acres of Washington soil and is available for touring before purchase. Take a look at our facility Learn more about our certified German Shepherds by calling today at or visiting our Available Dog page!
Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. There is no way to find out if your puppy will develop any of these conditions. All you can do is to take care of your dog properly to prevent some of these severe medical conditions. Your growing dog should maintain a healthy weight because extra weight can be an additional weight on its spine. The ideal dog nutrition will also depend on any nutritional needs of your dog. If you are training your dog, never give treats as a reward. This encourages obesity and will only cause more problems for your dog. Here are top dog food brands that your German Shepherd Lab will surely love. Its core ingredients include ground brown rice, lamb meal, white rice, and chicken. It is all natural and contains no preservatives. Even a picky puppy will surely love this dog food. Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula Precise Holistic contains chicken, brown rice, chicken fat, and oatmeal and is considered the best organic dog food for large dogs. This comes with extra calcium and phosphorus needed by dogs to achieve its full, large size. This is a portion of irresistible dog food for large breed dogs such as your Lab German Shepherd mix. Just like any other dog, never give your German Shepherd Lab the following human food. Not all human food is safe for dogs. Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Salty foods and junk food Chocolate, coffee, or tea Onions, chives, and garlic If you want your dog to grow strong and healthy, you need to give them the best care in the world. So, start with their nutrition! That means you need to stay away from the worst dry dog food, and try out the best dry dog food instead. Your hairy friend comes from different parents and therefore you can experiment with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Our puppy friends need nutrition that is full of proteins and easy to digest. You can look for some ideas in the best puppy food brands. Senior dogs, in their grandpa style, need food which contains moderate protein levels as in the best senior dry dog food. Because of this, you need to spend ample time in a day to exercise and to walk this dog otherwise; it can develop destructive behavior. Play with your dog regularly to develop a strong bond with your pet. Remember that this dog will love to swim because of its Labrador Retriever lineage. A local dog pool or a pond would work great with your dog. If you have a large yard, an old, large vat will work great just for him to play and cool off. All dogs love to fetch and play Frisbee. Use other kinds of toys like large ropes so you can play pulling games. Use a giant ball for fetches like an old football or a tennis ball. Here are a few ideas 1. This is available in six sizes so you will surely find the best size for your medium to large-sized Lab German Shepherd mix. It is indestructible so your dog will undoubtedly spend hours playing with it. It is made from durable materials that will never break or chip. This is indestructible, and your dog will surely love to play with this over and over again. It is soft but is made to be indestructible. Your pet will surely love to chew on this soft bone. This will be his favorite toy in no time. Lab German Shepherd Mix Training The Lab crossed with a German Shepherd is a brilliant dog, but it may need more than simple traditional training techniques to train this dog. The following tricks will help you make your dog obey you in no time. The Clicker Technique Learn how to train your dog using a clicker. Press this, and you will hear an audible click, a sound that dog loves very much. The clicker may be used in all kinds of tricks, but the most common is for positive reinforcement. Just click the clicker when your dog can follow the trick and then click again if you want to repeat the behavior. Invest in a good clicker which is available in most pet stores online. This can contribute to obesity and other health problems related to being overweight. Reward good behavior by patting your dog, playing with him or giving him a good scratch. Tell your dog what a good dog he is and combines this with a lot of pats as reinforcement. Every dog takes his time so you must be patient. His bed should at the same place where he found it the first time while his food bowls should also be in the same area. Consistency is the key to training dogs important stuff. Also, consider talking to everyone at home regarding your rules and commands to reinforce consistency in training your dog. Train Your Dog In A Familiar Environment Dogs like the Lab are easily distracted; therefore you must train your pup in a quiet and familiar environment first before you take him out for further training. Start inside a quiet room with only you and him. You can train him outdoors once he is less distracted to noise and the presence of other pets and people. You may also opt for professional training for your Lab German Shepherd mix dog if you want your pup to grow up and become a service dog or police dog. German Shepherd Lab Mix and Families Lab German Shepherds can be great family dogs because these dogs love to be with their masters and to please them every way they can. These are patient with children and will never roughhouse or bite. They can even tolerate toddlers and very intense games like dress up and role play games. Lab German Shepherd mix dogs will love to be with other pets and even other dogs. They are not domineering and will never cause a fight. The Lab German Shepherd mix may become anti-social and may become aggressive with people or other dogs when they are not introduced to people and other pets early on. Your dog should be trained first and exposed to other dogs and people to prevent this untoward behavior. German Shepherd Lab mix puppies German Shepherd Lab mix dogs are a combination of energetic friendliness and natural protection. As well trained adults they have the potential to make great herding, hunting, retrieving, therapy, service or pet dogs. German Shepherd Lab mixes are affectionate with their family, but need plenty of exercise, shed heavily, and can be destructive if left alone for long periods. That is, they have one parent of each pedigree. So there is huge variation in how they look, and no standard appearance. Some have the telltale muzzle and tall ears of the German Shepherd, others more resemble a Labrador. The color of their coat will depend on the coloring of their parents. For example, a black Lab German Shepherd mix is likely to have a dark coat, and a German Shepherd yellow Lab mix is likely to have a mid-toned coat. There are even arresting-looking white German Shepherd Lab crosses. An ultra-warm undercoat and a coarse outer coat to protect them from the elements as they work outdoors. This is because the gene for long coats is recessive and very unusual among Labs. Gathering up their lost hair will be a never-ending task! A good vacuum cleaner is essential. This might be reason enough to choose a different crossbreed if you have a busy family or someone with allergies in the home. German Shepherds are large dogs. They stand 22 — 26 inches tall at their shoulder blades, and weigh 49 — 88 pounds. Meanwhile, Labs are a medium sized breed, 22 — 25 inches tall at their shoulders, and 55 — 80 pounds on the scales. A Labrador German shepherd mix could be as petite as their smallest parent or as big as their largest parent. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could weigh anything from 55 pounds to 80 pounds. As usual, the lower end of the range is typically made up of female dogs, and the top end is dominated by the boys. They love to interact with people, show their affection, and get on well with children. Also, the German Shepherd is confident, courageous and smart. They are loyal and full of life. Furthermore, Labradors and German Shepherds are both fast learners and eager to please. German Shepherds in particular need productive ways to channel their intelligence, or they will get into mischief to stave off boredom. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could inherit any combination of the traits of their parents, which is why meeting both parents before committing to bringing home a puppy is so important. Socialization Socialization is the process of making a dog comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities. Even for breeds that are known to be friendly and easy-going, like Labradors, socialization is very important. German Shepherd Lab mixes are likely to inherit a love of people and company from both sides of their family tree. But socializing them properly as puppies will be vital to give them the confidence they need in meeting new people. German Shepherds, despite their great loyalty to their family, can be wary of strangers. So thorough socialization from puppyhood is essential, even for a mix. For instance, Socialization can involve having new people call over to the house regularly so your pup gets used to new faces and voices. It can also involve introducing your puppy to new dogs, cats, children and other animals so that they do not become fearful or territorial. A young dog in good health could require even more. They will also need human company for much of the day, and training to keep those big brains from getting bored. They are working dogs at heart. Highly motivated to learn and impress you with their ability to follow instructions. Like with any dog, training them is an ongoing commitment that lasts a lifetime. But with your ultra smart dog it should be a satisfying and rewarding one. German Shepherd and Labrador Health Magnification of health problems in pedigree dog breeds has become a well-documented problem. Labrador Health One of the biggest health problems facing Labradors today is hip and elbow dysplasia — looseness in the joints that eventually leads to painful arthritis. Another is progressive retinal atrophy, a gradual failure of the retina at the back of their eyes that can ultimately leave them blind. Also, Labs are also notoriously greedy, and prone to obesity if their penchant for snacking is indulged too often. Another less serious but common issue in Labs is ear infections. These are easily treated but may require veterinary care and frequent inspections. In addition, they are more than usually prone to: Gastrointestinal diseases. Origin of the Black Lab German Shepherd Mix Designer dogs — the result of deliberately crossing two different pedigrees — are a relatively recent phenomenon. But the Labrador and German Shepherd pedigrees both go right back to the 19th century. And understanding their individual histories provides important insights into German Sheprador temperament. Labrador history Labradors were originally bred as hunting dogs, to retrieve fallen waterfowl from the water. Breeders selected breeding dogs for traits which made them great at this job: a strong build, a thick waterproof coat, and an enthusiasm to learn and work in a team with their handler. The best Labs were also gentle and chilled out companions once the hunting day was over. Which is why Labradors exploded so successfully onto the pet scene, and into service roles as well. Unlike Labs, GSDs needed to be able to work confidently at a distance from their handler. They also used to double up as watch dogs and guard dogs, alerting their owner to the arrival of anything unfamiliar, which might be a threat to their flock. Like Labradors, they also proved to be remarkably versatile, and succeed in a wide variety of roles — including police work, military work, narcotics detection, and service roles. What to Expect From a Black Lab German Shepherd Mix The whole purpose of establishing pedigrees for purebred dogs is to ensure that all the puppies descended from that pedigree look and behave in a reliable way. Inevitably, mixing breeds creates possibilities for unpredictable results. Puppies inherit traits from both of their parents at random. Designer dogs with parents who have a lot in common are easier to predict. Puppies from parents who either look very different, or were bred for very different purposes, are more variable. Black Labs can also carry the genes for chocolate and yellow coloring. Some Labs also silently carry the genes for markings like tan points. These genes hark back to when Gordon Setters contributed to the foundation of the breed. So a black Lab German Shepherd mix puppy might be black or dark brown, and have markings including sable shading or tan points. How big do German Shepherd black Lab mixes get? Labradors and German Shepherds are both medium to large sized dogs. Labs weigh 55 to 80 pounds, and GSDs weigh 50 to 90 pounds. For both breeds, females tend to occupy the bottom end of the weight range, and males the upper end. So, a black Lab German Shepherd mix could weigh anything between 50 and 90 pounds too. Their weight will be partly determined by all of the following: the general parameters of the breed the size of their parents their sex and environmental factors, like receiving adequate nutrition in puppyhood. Do black Lab German Shepherd mix dogs shed? Labs and GSDs both have thick double coats — ideal for insulating them against harsh weather conditions whilst working. So, one thing we can say for sure about the black Lab German Shepherd is that they too will be high-shedding dogs. Regular brushing, and seasonal grooming with specialist tools like a Furminator can help to keep your house clear of discarded fur. They also have a strong retrieving instinct — or in other words they like to carry things around in their mouths! Black Labs in particular have traditionally been favored for working roles, so they tend to be focussed and easily motivated to engage in training. German Shepherds are often described as courageous and loyal. They have strong herding and guarding instincts. Part of this is an innate distrust of unfamiliar people. Although, they are devoted and affectionate to their human family and regular guests. They are also very smart, and capable of picking up new cues quickly. But they are both talented problem solvers and quick learners. Sheprador puppies are sure to be smart and trainable too. So, the training and socialization you do with them while they are young will be very important. Puppies under 12 weeks old readily form positive associations with new things, if they have a good first encounter with them. Socialization is particularly important for German Shepherds and their mixes, because they are naturally inclined to be wary of strangers. It gives them the confidence to interact calmly with the world when they are older. Typically friendly breeds like Labs still need socializing too. And very friendly individuals will also need teaching how to greet people calmly, without jumping up or getting over excited. German Shepradors also need methodical leash training from a young age — being dragged along the sidewalk by a large dog is no fun! Exercise Labs and GSDs are both athletic dogs which have been bred to be mentally and physically active for several hours a day. An adult Lab GSD mix dog needs at least 2 hours of walking per day. At home, they enjoy additional games of fetch, tug and scent work. Training and puzzle feeders like Kongs and sniffle mats are valuable for providing mental exercise. A Sheprador is also likely to enjoy dog sports like fieldwork and advanced obedience training. Black Lab German Shepherd Mix Health Just like in every other respect, Sheprador health is a mixed inheritance from both of their parent breeds. Labrador Health.
Buying a dog from a breeder is going to be exponentially more expensive than adopting from a shelter. Adoption Duration From Application to Purchase Adopting from non-profit, volunteer-run rescues can take anywhere from a week to a month. They might do a phone interview and a house visit before you ever meet the dog. Since the dogs live with foster families, you have to wait until the foster has time to meet with you. If they approve, you can give them the final adoption contract and the adoption fee and take your new pet home. Give your dog the time and space to explore the house and familiarize themselves. Make sure you have the food they like, give them plenty of water, and have treats to reward their good behavior. This structure will help them feel more comfortable in your house. Breeder Mill Red Flags Do your research before buying from a breeder. Some people are just out to make a profit. They want to bring the dog to you instead of letting you see where the dog grew up. You can also find other information on our site, such as Goldendoodle rescues in Ohio. Share this article with the animal lovers in your life, and share your thoughts and adoption experiences in the comments — we love to hear from our readers. Meet our writer Jen Clifford is an animal behaviorist and veterinary technician with more than a decade of hands-on experience working in small animal and specialty veterinary clinics. Leave a Comment. 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. Read about little Eeyore! Adopt a Golden Retriever Give a golden retriever dog a loving home. We rescue golden retriever dogs from select areas of Ohio, Michigan and in Indiana. Adopt today! See them all. Help Golden Retrievers We rely strictly on your donations to make a difference in the lives of so many loving, deserving golden retriever dogs. You can play a major role in helping us survive! How can I help? Sponsor a Golden Retriever Be a Golden Angel Sponsor or help a golden retriever with extraordinary, critical medical needs. Get all the details and have your name listed next to your sponsored dog. Become an angel. Volunteer or Foster a Golden Retriever Tuck a dog in at night or help show off golden retrievers at our adoption events. Whether you want to provide a temporary loving home or just want to help at events.Be part of rescue. We also adopt golden retrievers to the southeast area of Michigan and the northeast area of Indiana. We adopt to areas within Ohio, Michigan and Indiana where we can do a home visit by a trusted volunteer. Please contact us to see if we can service your area.
View fullsize The first labradoodle was developed in the 's in Australia as a means of providing allergy friendly coats on an intelligent service dog. With the name "labradoodle" being so popular, some breeders are crossing poodles with labrador retrievers and calling the resulting dogs "labradoodles. They might shed, they might trouble people with allergies, they might be a labrador or a poodle or almost anything in between. The goal of Multi-Generation Australian Labradoodle breeders is to develop a consistent breed with predictable traits. By breeding only multi-generation Australian Labradoodles with a lineage that can be traced back to Australia, we are doing our part to perfect and standardize the Australian Labradoodle breed. Many people who are allergic to dogs can have an Australian Labradoodle. Not only are they intelligent, but they are also very funny. With their floppy ears, wide-set eyes and wavy or curly coats, they can look like muppets. When introducing them, we like to tell people that "yes, they are as silly as they look. While resting they can assume what we call the " attack position " where their bellies are exposed, legs splayed out and tongue hanging out of their head that's lying on the ground. Australian Labradoodles are in love with the dishwasher. Anytime we are loading it they will be waiting to inspect everything that goes in. We got Matilda in .One year later we decided that with all three children away at college we should get another Australian Labradoodle and start breeding them. In we bought one of Tilly's unaltered little sisters from Pine Lodge Labradoodles. Look at our Labradoodling blog and our Puppies pages to see lots and lots of pictures. There are more pictures on Instagram. Our house sits on eight acres in Western Washington between Seattle and Bellingham. We had horses several years ago, the mare lived to be 37, the gelding we had out of her, .Now the barn is just where we lock the cat up at night. We let the dogs run wild in a large fenced yard when the weather cooperates, take them for long walks when it doesn't and keep them in the house with us the rest of the time. When the children visit they are all over their poochies, taking them for walks, runs, hikes and bike rides. And road trips. Having had many animals over the years, someone probably grumpy, maybe dad declared that there would be no more animals in the house. We had a barn, a yard and even some woods. There was plenty of room outside for all the animals anyone could need without having one stink up the house. That all changed when we got our Australian Labradoodles. If we wait too long between baths they will eventually smell like grass, which is where they spend most of their time in the summer. Otherwise you can walk into our house and not know we have dogs unless you see them. Or hear them. When you come visit, they'll say hi. The puppies we sell are registered with the ALAA and WALA , come with a two year health guarantee and will be sent to their forever home with their shots up to date, a microchip, a veterinarian's checkup and a free month of insurance available from Trupanion. Our first Australian Labradoodle. View fullsize. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near West Melbourne Florida and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Wonderful Dogs Ideal family pets Your furry best friend. Burrinjuck Labradoodles is situated less than three hours from Melbourne. Our labradoodles are treasured members of our family. My husband and I, together with our daughter Bree are devoted to our labradoodles and share the responsibilities involved in training, loving and caring for them. The labradoodle puppies that we breed are raised on our lifestyle property. We understand how vitally important the first eight weeks are for the health, well being and social development of your puppy. It is crucial that puppies have multiple opportunities to interact with people from an early age. We devote many hours of quality interaction time with our puppies, as this is how puppies learn about social bond and develop confidence and trust. Our puppies are raised in an optimal environment for mental stimulation and cognitive learning. Puppies have there own playground, filled with play equipment, obstacle courses and novel toys. Your puppy will have the best possible start to life.
Lab puppies are energetic little learners eager to run, swim, and fetch. Although active, they also tend to overeat and gulp down their food. They can benefit from the right growth formula to provide immune system support, healthy growth, weight management, and digestive care as they take on puppyhood. Royal Canin Labrador Retriever dry puppy food is tailor-made nutrition created just for your pure breed puppy. Whether you have a Yellow Lab, Chocolate Lab, or Black Lab, this exclusive breed-specific diet is uniquely formulated for your Labrador Retriever puppy with specific nutrients to help them thrive. The unique donut-shaped kibble is specially designed to help your fast eater slow down and actually chew. An exclusive mix of antioxidants and vitamin E supports their developing immune system and keeps their body growing strong. Calcium and phosphorus support healthy bone structure, while a balanced energy content helps them maintain an ideal weight. Once your Lab puppy is over 15 months old, transition them to Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Adult dog food for precise nutrition into the adult years. Read more Promoting pet health and wellbeing Creating value for our entire ecosystem Committed to become certified carbon neutral by Cookie Settings. Or use express checkout methods: Checkout Order now, fast shipping and specialized vet support About this item Details Labrador Retriever puppies are some of the most affectionate dogs you can have as a companion. They quickly become part of the family, and providing them with the best possible care is important. Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Puppy offers complete and balanced nutrition so you can enjoy many happy years together! Nutritionists at Royal Canin know each dog is unique. This recipe caters to your puppy's biological profile. Firstly, this formula helps maintain your woofer's ideal weight, keeping them light on their paws. Maintaining a healthy weight is especially important during puppyhood since a weight surplus can harm your puppy's joint health. So, through a mixture of balanced calories, protein, calcium, and phosphorus, this kibble supports your puppy's development while preventing excessive weight gain. Puppies are still developing their immune system, meaning an "immunity gap" opens them up to dangerous ailments. So, Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Puppy includes an exclusive antioxidant complex with vitamin E to boost your pet's immunity. Likewise, Labrador puppies have a sensitive digestive system, which makes feeding them the right food essential. Hence, this dry food contains prebiotics and highly-digestible proteins to support a healthy gut microbiome and promote stool quality. Lastly, this kibble's shape, size, and texture are tailored to your Labrador's jaw. Because of this, your pet will have an easy time picking up food and chewing it, making mealtime more accessible. Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Puppy overview: Maintains ideal weight with balanced calories, protein, calcium, and phosphorus. Supports immunity with exclusive antioxidant complex and vitamin E. Features prebiotics and highly-digestible proteins for digestive health. Technological additives: clinoptilolite from sedimentary sources 10g. Sensory additives: yucca extract mg. Contains preservatives and antioxidants. Analytical constituents: Crude protein: .Dimensions This product is available in the sizes: 3 kg.
blue heeler german shepherd puppies - Life Span Did You Know? The Maltipoo is a designer dog breed that originated in the United States and is a cross between a Maltese and a Miniature Poodle. Because it is a mixed dog breed, it is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. It is known for being a good companion dog that is a great family pet and can adapt well to almost any living situation. This designer breed has an affectionate, gentle nature and a fun-loving, charming personality. Maltipoos tends to be open and friendly. They get along well with children, other pets, other dogs, and strangers. They can be prone to barking, which makes them an alert watchdog. Socialization and training early on can help you direct the urge to bark towards more positive outlets and help your dog understand what they should bark at and what is okay for them to ignore. The Maltipoo is a devoted dog that loves attention and lots of cuddles. Maltipoos are highly adaptable. They do well in any family type, from large families to single owners and everything between. They get along well with children, but younger children should be closely supervised and taught early on how to interact appropriately with a dog. Your Maltipoo can be injured easily by a falling toddler or accidental rough play. The Maltipoo can adapt well to any living situation. They are not overwhelmed by large homes and yards and fit right in with apartment living. They crave attention and love being around their humans, so they should not be left alone for long periods of time. They also adapt well to a variety of climates. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold, but they can usually handle a wider variety of temperatures than other small dog breeds. Maltipoos are generally healthy dogs. As with all breeds, even crossbreeds, there are some health conditions to be aware of. Some of these include epilepsy, patellar luxation, and progressive retinal atrophy. Health clearances and DNA test results for the parents can help to allay any concerns about health conditions. Maltipoos are a great fit for owners of any experience level, including first-time dog owners. They are intelligent and highly trainable. They learn quickly and are eager to please their owners. Because they are sensitive, Maltipoos do not respond well to harsh tones or scolding. They respond best to training that stays positive and uses rewards, praise, and play. Because both of the parent breeds are considered low or non-shedding, the Maltipoo will often also have a low or non-shedding hypoallergenic coat. Their coat tends to be fluffy and soft. The length can range from medium to long and the type can be slightly wavy or curly. They do need to be brushed daily and bathed monthly to keep their coat healthy, clean, and free of tangles. Professional grooming or clipping the coat a few times a year can also help keep your Maltipoo cool in the summer and their coat looking good year-round. Their nails should be trimmed once or twice a month as needed and their teeth should be brushed regularly. A few times a week is usually sufficient to keep tartar buildup at bay and reduce the risk of dental problems like tooth decay or gum disease, but brushing once a day is ideal. Get your puppy used to having their paws, ears, and mouth handled early on to ensure regular grooming and vet exams are much easier when they are older. The Maltipoo has a moderate activity level. Daily exercise with a few walks, some running in the yard, a game of fetch, or a trip to the dog park will ensure your Maltipoo gets plenty of exercise. A Maltipoo usually stands 8 to 14 inches tall and weighs between 5 and 20 pounds. Looking at the size of the parents will often give you a good idea of the size your Maltipoo puppy might become as they grow. This designer dog breed generally lives for 10 to 13 years. The Maltipoo tends to maintain a puppy-like appearance and behavior throughout their life. Featured Maltipoo Article. When dealing with designer dogs, the nomenclature can be a little hard to follow. Combining three breeds is even more confusing. Here are the terms you need to know to understand Malshipoos. A Malshi is a cross between a Maltese and a Shih Tzu. A Maltipoo is a hybrid of a Maltese and a Poodle. A Malshipoo is a mix of all three breeds. A post shared by spritzy. What Does a Malshipoo Look Like? While the designer dog parents of Malshipoos have been around for over 20 years, Malshipoos are new enough that they are not yet recognized by any dog registry. A post shared by Pikachu the Malshipoo pika. Height and Weight Maltese weigh up to 7 pounds. Shih Tzus are considerably larger, usually 9 to 16 pounds. Maltese A Toy Poodle may weigh as little as 4 pounds and up to 6 pounds; Miniature Poodles are about the same size as Shih Tzus, 10 to 15 pounds. Shih Tzu Maltese are usually 7 to 9 inches 14 to 23 cm tall. Shih Tzus are taller, 9 to .A Malshipoo will weigh about 10 pounds and stand about 10 inches 25 cm tall. A Malshipoo might be smaller if one parent or grandparent was a Toy Poodle and larger if one parent or grandparent was a Miniature Poodle. Abstract painting of a standard Poodle. Every dog has two strands of this DNA, and each strand can cause the dog to grow either large or small. Coat Color and Curl There is a beautiful range of coat colors in dogs because coat color is controlled not by one but by five groups of genes. Each group of genes is called a locus. E, K, A, B, and D loci have up to four variations each. The E locus, for example, has E, Em, Eg, and e genes. The E gene codes for black coat color. But the presence of other genes may make those pigments turn out brown, blue, or isabella. The e gene codes for red coat color. But other genes dictate where the red color will appear. A puppy can inherit two e genes for red colors in its coat that are never seen because B and D genes lighten the pigment to make it invisible. These genes also determine eye, nose, and paw color. The variations you can find in Malshipoos come primarily from their Maltipoo parent or grandparent. Shih Tzu So, what kind of coat do you get when you mix the genetics of a Maltese with the genetics of a Shih Tzu with the genetics of a Poodle? Poodles carry a gene called KRT.If any dog gets two copies of this gene from its parents, it will have curly hair. Dogs with just one copy have wavy hair, and dogs without copies of this gene have straight hair. Toy Poodle How genetics work for a Malshipoo depends on which breeds were the parents and which were the grandparents. Cross a Malshi with a Poodle, and all the resulting Malshipoo puppies will have at least wavy and possibly curly hair. Cross a Maltipoo with a Shih Tzu; some puppies may have long, straight hair. Here are the possible combinations: Black Malshipoos have the black hair color of their Poodle parent or grandparent with the long hair of their Maltese parent or grandparent. Some Malshipoos will have black hair as puppies that turns brown as they grow up. But they will have black paws and noses. Blue Malshipoos are often born black but fade to blue as they mature. Black Malshipoos can also fade to gray. Chocolate Malshipoos have a coat the same color as a Hershey Bar. But they can fade to tan as they become adults. Red Malshipoos are very hard to breed. It is easier for breeders to get apricot coats. All-white Malshipoos require all-white parents and grandparents. Not just the Poodle parent or grandparent will need to be all-white. Most breeders look for Poodles with an all-white pedigree going back five generations to be sure of getting all-white Malshipoo puppies. You will occasionally encounter Malshipoos with bronze, cream, or liver colors. There are also Malshipoos with parti coats, 50 percent black with the rest blue or sable. All Malshipoos need regular grooming to prevent tangles and matting. Most owners will take them to a professional groomer monthly. Malshipoos are lap dogs. They love to curl up with their owners. They are designed to be loving companions. Malshipoos are intelligent dogs. They are easy to train. They adapt to new living conditions quickly. Malshipoos are great apartment dogs. They fit in small spaces. In fact, you need to be extra careful when you take your Malshipoo outdoors for exercise, protecting it from larger dogs and road hazards. The price of constant companionship from your Malshipoo is, well, constant companionship. Malshipoos do not like to be left alone. They can experience separation anxiety if not supplied with toys or a companion pet. They get along well with other dogs and cats and are loving pets for small children, but that leads to another concern. Malshipoos are small dogs that are easily injured. At most, they could nip the ankles of an intruder. With some grooming and the right haircut, a Malshipoo can look like a living teddy bear. But Malshipoos tend to look like puppies their entire lives. Not everyone likes the look of an aging dog. Other common concerns include the following: Malshipoos love the sound of their own bark. They require intensive training to minimize barking. Malshipoos are great companion dogs for kids, but it is important to ensure that children treat them gently. Malshipoos thrive with a daily walk, but they also need complex play or puzzle toys for mental stimulation. Malshipoos can steal the heart of any dog lover. They never run out of love to give. Health Concerns for Malshipoos Nearly all Maltese, Shih Tzus, and Poodles suffer from the same preventable health problem: gum disease. Small dogs need to have their teeth brushed two or three times a week. Most dogs come to enjoy tooth brushing sessions that can make a huge difference in how long they keep their teeth. Making sure they never have to go up and down stairs reduces the risk of developing this problem. Any reputable breeder will do genetic testing for common health problems before breeding the parents. It is better to meet the parents and the puppy before you take your Malshipoo home. Professional dog breeders take time to make sure puppies get a good start in life. They will have begun socializing your dog with people and other pets, and they will be able to give you face-time with their puppies before you make a selection. To find reputable breeders, ask your veterinarian. Or make inquiries at the International Designer Dog Registry and the ones mentioned above. Malshipoos are rarely available as rescue dogs, but it never hurts to let your local shelter know that you are looking for this delightful designer dog. Kevin is a proud Bernedoodle owner and Doodle dog fanatic. Read how a chance encounter with two Bernedoodles spurred a lifelong passion here. If you want to get in contact with Kevin, you can send him a message.
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blue heeler german shepherd puppies - Country Life June 21, This picture could only be improved if the puppies were using their paws to cover ears, eyes and mouth respectively.But, well, you can't have everything. Credit: Alamy If you're after a labrador — aka 'the world's favourite dog' — you'll need to take some expert advice. It is one of the most versatile breeds, capable of working in search and rescue, as a guide dog, in medical detection, as a sniffer or assistance dog and in the theatre of war. Labrador tips from the experts Go to a specialist breeder, so that you can see the different generations of a breeding line. Make temperament, not sex, your overriding factor when choosing. As soon as your puppy wakes up, take it outside. When introducing the labrador to a lead, walk it with an older dog. A yellow Labrador puppy. Possible labrador problems to look out for Canine hip dysplasia is a genetic disease, causing the abnormal development of the hip socket, resulting in pain and lameness. Listen for a popping sound when the dog walks, and look for reluctance to use stairs, as well as sensitivity when you touch the hindquarters. Labradors can also be prone to retinal dysplasia, an inherited condition that affects labradors used for field work, and results in their developing blind spots. Generally, the dog can work around this by changing head position. Reputable breeders will be able to show certification that the dog has no eye conditions, which you should ask to see when buying a dog. Head and skull: Skull broad with defined stop; clean-cut without fleshy cheeks. Jaws of medium length, powerful not snippy. Nose wide, nostrils well developed. Eyes: Medium size, expressing intelligence; brown or hazel. Ears: Not large or heavy, hanging close to head and set rather far back. Mouth: Jaws and teeth strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite. Coat: Distinctive feature, short dense without wave or feathering, giving fairly hard feel to the touch; weather-resistant undercoat. No need to scroll down: we can confirm that the Golden Retriever is indeed on the list below. Credit: Alamy Which is the more popular spaniel, the springer or the cocker? Shooting Times's David Tomlinson weighs up the pros and Close up of dog. Credit: Getty Images With a silken coat, affectionate nature and boundless enthusiasm for life, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel lives up to its Credit: Getty As the dog world prepares for Crufts , we take a look at the breed of dog which has been A sprocker spaniel Picture: Alamy Whether you own labradors, springers, cockers or a mix of all three, debate over which gundog is best has raged Related. Your breeder should be concerned with breeding healthy dogs, rather than focused primarily on selling them. Visit a potential breeder and observe his interactions with his dogs; they should be friendly and relaxed. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Look for breeders who are registered with national organizations such as the American Kennel Club [3] X Research source or with breed-specific organizations such as the National Labrador Retriever Club. Ask the breeder why these two particular dogs were bred. If they have had other litters, ask for references from people who bought those puppies. If you want a gun dog, don't choose a breeder who primarily raises cuddly pets or award-winning show dogs. These breeders will be able to assess puppies more accurately for the qualities you're seeking. Look for quantifiable measures. For example, select breeders with litters from parents who have hunt test or field trial scores if you want a puppy who will grow into a good hunting dog. These are organizations that work to find homes for Labradors who need a good home. While these organizations often have many adult and even senior dogs who need homes, they also place puppies. Charities or non-profits may offer Labrador puppies for auction as a means of raising funds. Because these auctions are often conducted without appropriate legal oversight and because they encourage rash decisions about pet ownership, they are opposed by groups such as the National Labrador Retriever Club. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. That sweet ball of fluff who will be your walking buddy, later snuggling up on the couch together. After all, your pup will probably be with you for a dozen years or more. So he has to be a great fit. It should never be a hasty decision. But it should also be FUN! That brings us to the question: how to choose the perfect puppy? Read on! You picture fun romps in the field, playing frisbee, and showing little Max off to all of your friends. But before getting a puppy, there are so many practical things to review in deciding whether to even get a puppy. My first dog as an adult was a shih tzu named Cuddles. My husband and I had discussed getting a dog for a while. We both worked and knew that the pup would take up a lot of time. Not to mention the expenses associated with a dog. But I saw the little gold and white week-old ball of fluff and was smitten. Luckily, I had a family member who could take her out to potty and exercise her during the day. In choosing your new pup, the following considerations are important. Are You Active or a Couch Potato? Can You Afford a Puppy? A puppy is more than the initial purchase. That can be a drop in the bucket compared with the lifetime costs of owning a dog. There are bills for: food and treats; chews; vets; crates ; beds; collars, harnesses, and leashes; training classes; dog walkers; dog daycare; pet insurance; enzymatic cleaners ; grooming—and more. These can really add up. You may decide not to get pet health insurance and not need pet walkers or doggie daycare, but expenses can really add up over the years. Do You Have Children? Children and pets can be a great match. You want to make sure that you choose the right canine. A toy breed may not be the right choice for a toddler. A tiny dog may inadvertently be injured by such a young child. We raised puppies for years before we had kids so we had a good idea of expectations for our puppy. If you have very young kids a rambunctious Lab may not be the right choice. Do You Have Other Pets? You need to take into consideration any other pets you have. If you have a senior dog, for example, a young puppy may not be a great choice. Are you gone too many hours to take care of a puppy? A friend of mine who works hour days decided not to get a puppy. The pup would have been alone too long. A puppy needs attention and potty breaks. Of course we need to work. You may be able to have someone come in and exercise, feed, and potty the pup. And give him attention during the day. As I discussed, you may need help with the new puppy. If you have reliable relatives or friends who can regularly help out, it can make getting a puppy much more realistic. Or you can hire pet sitters or walkers to help out. If you live in small quarters, a large, rambunctious breed may not be best. As young puppies, goldens can be wild, even inside. Of course, with a sufficient amount of mental stimulation and physical exercise, you can make it work. After Dalmations came out, everyone wanted one. Dalmations are high-drive, independent dogs. I was called to work with a family who got a Dalmation puppy that was wrecking their house. The minute walk the pup was getting was just a warm-up for the dog. We set up an exercise and training program for the puppy and the family was able to keep him. Do your research. The American Kennel Club lists purebred dogs and their needs and health profiles. Before choosing a certain breed, consider the following. Large or Small? You should have an idea what size dog you want. Conversely, if you want a frisbee or jogging partner, a chihuahua would be a bad choice. Why Do You Want a Dog? This may seem like a silly question. Most people want a dog for companionship. But you may have additional things in mind. You may want a jogging partner. Or a dog to do therapy work with. Or to show in obedience. Grooming Needs Would you love spending time every day brushing and combing a dog? Exercise Needs As you know, some breeds need a lot of exercise. We also do obedience training and she plays with puzzle toys. Lifespan Of course we want our pups to live forever. But some breeds generally live longer than others. Generally, larger—especially giant breeds—have shorter lives than their smaller counterparts. Friendliness or Independence Of course within any breed and litter you can have a wide array of personalities. But there are certain breed characteristics that can help guide your choice of which breed you want. I have dogs at both ends of the spectrum. My golden retriever Riley loves everyone and would do great in any setting. But my Lhasa apso Ralphie—true to breed—is more discriminating when making friends. So Riley would be great with well-behaved children and would love to be hugged by them. Health Problems Any dog can have unforeseeable health problems. But some breeds are likely to have more health problems than others. For example, bulldogs, pekingese, and pugs are among the breeds that are more likely to have breathing problems and overheat. Breed Types Of course there are many breeds and mixes to choose from. If you get your dog from a breeder, consider what lines your puppy comes from. If from working lines, the dog will likely be more intense than if from show lines. All of the below classes of dogs can make great companions in the right setting. Herding dogs were bred to herd, of course. Popular examples are border collies, Australian shepherds, and Shetland sheepdogs. Generally, they require more exercise than some breeds like toy breeds. And they may become destructive if left to their own devices. Also, some bark excessively and may not be good in an apartment setting. Sporting dogs were bred to hunt. They have a lot of energy and need regular, invigorating exercise. Popular examples are golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, and cocker spaniels. Just like other working-type dogs, hounds have almost limitless energy. So attention to you may be an issue. Also, some bay when excited. Popular examples are beagles, dachshunds, and greyhounds. Dogs from the working group are alert, intelligent, strong, and bred to work with people to perform various tasks. Some were bred to guard property, to pull sleds, or to perform water rescue. Some popular examples are Doberman pinschers, huskies, and rottweilers. They require not only exercise and precise training so that their natural instincts are kept in check. Terriers are feisty and energetic and vary greatly in size. They were bred to hunt and kill vermin, So a squirrel they see on their walk will be very alluring to them—and, without training, they may almost pull you off your feet trying to get to it. Some popular examples are Parson Russell terriers, Staffordshire terriers, or West Highland whirte terriers. Pit bulls which is a generic name for many types of terriers are also in this group. Toy breeds were generally bred as amiable companions. They may make great lap dogs and have big personalities despite their small stature. Shih tzus, Maltese, Yorkshire terriers, and chihuahuas are some very popular examples. Nonsporting group dogs are a catch-all group with various sizes and personalities. Some popular examples are bulldogs, French bulldogs, bichon frise. There are so many options. You may want a certain breed. So a breeder or rescue of that breed should meet your needs. Just make sure that the breeder is a good one. Good breeders do so to improve their breed. Bad ones care only about making money. They do any necessary health certifications. They put a lot of time into their litters socializing them to new experiences and people. Good breeders are invested in their litters and will help you choose the right puppy for you. They stand behind their dogs for life and will readily answer your questions and take the dog back if you need to give him up. You can get referrals to such breeders through breed clubs, dog clubs, and resources such as the American Kennel Club. A reputable, good breeder also will have questions for you regarding your family, work, home, activity level, and reason why you want a dog or their breed. The pups will also have been checked by a veterinarian and been given the appropriate vaccinations for their age. There are also breed rescues that rehome dogs of their chosen breed. However, they rarely have puppies. Shelters and rescue groups can also be great places to get a puppy. Many use foster homes, where a puppy or litter of puppies are located. Foster parents get to know the puppies and can help determine whether any particular puppy is a good fit for you. Many rescue groups try to place a puppy in the best home possible. When I adopted my Aussie mix puppy Mille, the rescue group would adopt her out only to people who had experience with herding breeds. Many shelters are first come-first served. In order to place as many dogs as possible, they will adopt out a puppy to the first person who wants him—barring any obvious reason not to. How to Choose a Puppy from a Litter There are many tests that can be given to determine whether a puppy is a good fit. This assumes you have a litter to choose from. There is a range of temperaments and personalities in each litter, No puppy may perfectly meet every test below. But look at the big picture. So, in addition to your own observations, you can bring a friend along to have another opinion about the litter. Or you could hire a trainer to help you choose. Overall, as a companion, a middle-of-the-road dog usually works out best. Also, a reputable breeder or good rescue group or shelter who knows the puppy can help guide you in making your decision. See the Mother and Littermates If you can, watch the puppy and his littermates and mother interact. The puppy you choose should be able to take a proper correction and back off then re-engage. The breeder should have the mother available. Check Out the Puppy The puppy should look healthy and alert, not lethargic. Inspect his coat and skin. He should be well-fed with a little fat around his rib cage. The pup should run and walk normally, without a limp. A puppy should engage with people and be curious, not slink away or cower. A scared puppy will probably be more difficult to socialize and train. Will he follow you if you walk away? Clap your hands and make a kiss sound. Will he come towards you or run for the hills? Hold Puppy on His Back Hold him on his back for about 30 seconds. Ideally, he should briefly struggle and relax. When I had two sheltie puppies to choose from and one fought constantly when held and the other struggled briefly, then settled, I chose the latter. I had already gotten another dog from this great breeder. I wanted a dog who was a companion but who I also wanted to show in competitive obedience. My choice turned out to be the right one. Duffy was a great dog to live with and became a nationally-ranked obedience dog. He also did agility for fun and was a therapy dog who visited a hospital on a weekly basis. Hold the puppy and touch and gently open his mouth. Look in and gently rub his ears. .Gently touch each paw, even putting slight pressure on them. The puppy should be comfortable with these activities. He may slightly struggle. But a puppy who really fights against such touching, even to the point of mouthing or growling may turn out to be difficult to groom, handle, and pet. Pet the dog calmly from head to toe. He should enjoy it and relax. Pick the Puppies Up If you hold each puppy around the middle, ideally he would be relaxed and not struggle. Also, cradle the puppy up against you. Ideally, he should relax and like the attention. He may startle at first but should rebound and even go and check out what made the noise. Social Dominance Fall to the ground at least a few feet away from the puppy. He should want to come over and see what happened. Even if you like the look of a certain puppy, he may not be the right puppy for you. Consider the above factors as well as the following when choosing a puppy. The dogs live in rabbit-type hutches or dark barns. They receive no proper socialization, vet care, or human contact. There are also small back-yard breeders which, essentially, are puppy mills on a smaller scale. The mothers are bred at each heat and have horrible lives. Dogs sold in pet shops and through the internet usually come from them. Of course, do your own research because no one will admit they are a puppy mill. But two puppies may bond too much with each other. And to train, socialize, and exercise each puppy requires a lot of time, energy, and money. The dogs in shows have been highly trained and specially selected for their jobs. Then pick a great breeder, rescue, or shelter. Final Thoughts Getting a new puppy is such an exciting time! Do you have a puppy? How did you decide to choose him? Please let us know in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. I had wanted a female red lab, none were available. A trainer near me was getting a second dog from a renowned breeder in Ireland and she asked if he had a puppy for diabetic service dog work. Both her pup and my pup flew over from Ireland together. A pup with a desire to work, a willingness to please, and a calm demeaner. I received a cute ball of fluff, a male yellow lab pup with red ears and red highlights. A good breeder is able to match you with a dog that will meet your needs, give them all the information you can. I never met the breeder, but my pup arrived at 10 weeks old already already on his way to being well socialized, exposed to sounds, not nervous, liked the vacuum, fireworks are not a problem, loves the motorcycle sounds, handled all sorts of traffic noise at 3 months. We started his public training at 3 months old and he handled it like a champ. I had to buy a motorcycle with a sidecar as he always wanted to go out when the bikes were started up, so at 9 months he was in the sidecar with Rex Specs goggles. Did I mention he loves to travel and meet me people, when his tail wags which is all the time his whole body wags. Selecting Your Labrador Retriever Puppy Selecting your puppy Try to restrain your emotions when you are selecting our pup. Remember that the breeder has been with the pup from day 1 to selection day at 5 weeks. At Pawlinglabs, we will ask you to forward a list of the characteristics that your are hoping for, prior to selection. When you come to select, we will ask you to observe the litter before entering and handling the pups. Labrador pups are very cute and cuddly, but when it comes time to select the right one for you there is plenty to consider. Carefully observe Labrador Retriever puppies before buying them, ensuring that the pup you select looks healthy and is to breed standard. There are some basic points to note about Labrador Retriever standards. The coat of a Labrador is their most distinctive feature. Labs have two coats, the water resistant undercoat which is unseen, and the top coat which is dense, straight and short. There is might be a slight wave in their coat, however the coat should feel rough to the touch. Labrador puppies come in three different coat colors: yellow light cream to red fox , chocolate liver and black. There must not be any other colours in the coat. Labs have a broad skull and a well defined stop. Their head is quite large but the features on the head, such as the ears, look proportioned. The ears of a Labrador should be set far back from the face. The inside skin of the ears should be a pale pink and soft without any scabs or discoloration. There shouldn't be any odour coming from them. The eyes of a Lab pup are round, either deep brown or hazel with black rims. The eyes should be friendly and express intelligence. The Labrador Retriever has a wide black and well developed nose with distinguished nostrils. The nose should be clean and without discharge. Be aware that a wet nose is not an indication that the Lab is healthy, nor does a dry nose indicate he is unwell. The teeth should be set square to the jaws with the top teeth slightly overlapping the bottom. Labrador puppies have fewer teeth than adults and they will lose their baby teeth as their adult teeth grow in. Labs have a well developed and strong chest. It has good depth and width. Their barreled ribs are well sprung and their back is level. Their loins are wide and strong. The skin of a Lab should be without scabs or bumps. It is normal for Labrador puppies to have extra skin at the back of their neck; this is how their mother picks them up. The skin color of a lab is usually pale pink but it can also be brown or even spotted. The tail of a Labrador is thick at the base and tapers towards the tip. The tail is a moderate length and has no feathering. It is as smooth like the rest of the coat with a rounded appearance. The tails is even with the back or slightly upwards. It should never be carried over the back or hang down. Labrador have long and sloping shoulders that connect to the strong front legs. The hind legs are developed well and have a turned stifle. Both the front and hind legs should be straight. The feet of Labrador pups are compact and perfectly round. Their toes are arched and pads well developed. Feet should be straight, not turned inwards or outwards. The gait of a Labrador should be carefree. Labs take long strides and walk straight. Observe your puppies as he walk. Make sure it is not favoring any leg or paw. This can be a sign of a current or future health issue. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. Tweet on Twitter Buying your first dog can be a life changing decision. Choosing the right dog will help to ensure that your life changes in a good way. There are some wise precautions you might like to consider before viewing any litter of Labrador puppies. Or choosing which one to bring home with you. Buying a Puppy from a Friend It is often tempting to buy a puppy in an opportunistic moment of enthusiasm. Perhaps because you happen to hear of a friend who has a litter that will be ready to go to their new homes soon. Or a neighbour who has a gorgeous litter of puppies that you fall in love with when you pop over to admire. But the puppy that lives just around the corner, and the puppy that is going to bring you years of pleasure, may be two very different things. It is a really good idea to put your sensible hat on at times like these, and to approach the whole business of selecting your puppy in business-like way. The first decision to make is to choose what type of Labrador you wish to end up with. Which characteristics are most important to you, and will help him to fit into your family best. Choosing a Working or Show dog? Those bred for work, and those bred for the show ring. The working bred dog is generally very responsive and easy to train. But he may also fall short of what you expect in appearance. If you are hoping to get involved in gundog fieldwork, or agility at some point it is important to purchase a field or working bred labrador. Of course choosing a dog is so much more than just weighing up the pros and cons. There are now a number of hereditary diseases in labradors that can be tested for. Routine testing under these schemes is gradually growing in popularity for a number of conditions. These include hip dysplasia, elbow displasia, and a number of inherited eye diseases. However, there are still many puppies available for sale in the UK whose parents have not been tested, or that have been tested and fall below the necessary standard for breeding. Amazingly, in the UK, the Kennel Club will still register puppies from parents that have poor hip scores. Hopefully this will change in the future. You will need to read up on these to make sure you understand what you are looking for. Finding the right dog breeder Knowing where to look for a breeder is not easy. Labrador breeders come in all shapes and forms. At their best breeders are dedicated experts on their breed, who produce a few litters each year of top quality puppies for their own kennels show or field and sell any surplus to quality pet homes. At their worst, breeders are simply puppy farmers who churn out litter after litter with no thought to the health and welfare of either the puppies or their mother. Telling the difference is not always straightforward. In some cases these may be excellent puppies, in other cases they will not. The key to a good litter is a quality female dog with excellent health clearances, put to a compatible quality dog with equally excellent health clearances, and given quality care throughout pregnancy and beyond. The female dog must have a purpose beyond producing puppies, whether that is as show dog, working dog or highly treasured family pet. On the whole, this is more likely to be achieved by an experienced breeder. The Kennel Club in the UK run an accredited breeders scheme, and members agree to meet certain minimum standards. However, there are many excellent breeders who are not members of this scheme so do not dismiss a breeder on these grounds alone. The scheme is not perfect yet, and its standards are not necessarily enforced, as the KC prefers a voluntary approach. If you are inexperienced it is very important that you get some help in finding a breeder. Choosing one from a newspaper advert or from the internet when you know nothing of the source can be a risky decision. If you want to buy a pup from top working parents, then you may find the pups are all spoken for very quickly, long before they are eight weeks old. It can be disheartening to phone advert after advert only to find all the pups are gone. It pays to plan ahead. If you do some research, locate a really nice female dog, and book one of her pups before they are born, you may find the whole process a lot smoother. You may also be able to enjoy visiting and photographing the puppies whilst they are growing. Check the ancestry of the dog If you are buying a Labrador for gundog work, or agility, make sure the parents of the litter you want to view are from working stock, look for a few FTCH and FTW field trial champion and field trial winner in the pedigree. If you are hoping for success in the show ring, you should be looking for CH and SH CH title SH CH is show champion, CH is a show champion with a working certificate which is not a demanding or difficult test of working abilities. Viewing the puppies Some puppies will be raised in the home with the family. This can be ideal, as the pup will have been accustomed to people and the hustle and bustle of family life from the very beginning. Be aware though that not everyone who has a litter of puppies knows what they are doing. Look at how the pups are handled and how clean their quarters are. The pups should smell nice, and look bright and healthy. The litter may have been whelped and raised in kennels. This is also perfectly acceptable provide the breeder has accounted for this. An experienced breeder will have made sure that the pups have had plenty of human contact regardless of where they are living. Again look at the surroundings. A responsible breeder will run a clean and tidy kennels. Always see a puppy with its mother. If possible see the father too. The parents should be friendly and relaxed. The mother may not look her best seven or eight weeks after giving birth, but she should look healthy. Again, if you doubt your ability to make a judgement on a puppy or his parents, take an experienced person with you. Dog or female dog? Until fairly recently male dogs were more popular than female dogs. Fashions come and go, and at the moment, female dogs seem to be in favour. You will hear various claims as to the differences in temperament between them, but most of these contradict each other and it really is a matter of personal taste. The main disadvantage of a female dog is that she will come into season twice a year each year from the age of months until the end of her life. This can be inconvenient. Having your female dog spayed will prevent her coming into season, but the procedure is a major and expensive operation, and recent research has shown a few problems associated with spaying that you will want to consider before making your choice. Because female dogs are currently fashionable, you will probably pay more for a female dog, but as the price of a puppy is such a tiny fraction of what you will spend on her over her lifetime this is probably the least relevant factor. The appearance of a male dog may be more pleasing to some. Males tend to develop a squarer, more chunky head which some owners prefer. The average male will also grow a little taller and weigh a little more than a female. These differences are however fairly minor ones. If you are not sure whether you want a dog or female dog, keep an open mind. At least you will have a wider choice of puppies. Which puppy? If you have booked a puppy in advance from a reputable breeder, there may be little or no choice as to which puppy you have. It is not unusual to find that all puppies due in popular kennels have been booked before birth. If you are keen to buy a dog with plenty of red ink on the pedigree, you may need to do some research and book the pup as soon as the female dog has been mated. If you do get the chance to choose your puppy out of several in a litter, how should you go about it? Puppy Health Having made sure that the parents of the puppy you are viewing have good health clearances is a good start. You still need to make sure your puppy is healthy. A thorough check up by your own vet soon after you get him home will help put your mind at rest. But how can you be sure the puppy you are viewing is not sickly even before you bring him home? Some puppies may be more lethargic than others when you visit, but this may be a reflection of how hard they have been playing before you arrived, rather than how healthy they are. A good breeder will not try and sell an unhealthy puppy and if relevant, will point out any minor defects to you. Puppies are sometimes born with slightly misaligned jaws for example, which may not matter to someone who has no intention of breeding from the puppy or working him, but such a defect should not be concealed from the buyer. Umbilical hernias are not uncommon and can be troublesome. When you go to view a litter of pups it is really important to take someone with experience with you. This is especially important if the breeder is unknown to you and does not come recommended by anyone. Arrange to visit your vet within a day or two of bringing the pup home, and try not to form an attachment until he has been given a clean bill of health. If you have any doubts about the health of the puppy or the litter in general, ask for time to think. This dog will be with you for the next 12 years or more. You will become deeply attached to him or her and serious health problems can be cripplingly expensive to fix. Not to mention very distressing for you both. This needs to be the right decision for you and your family. Whilst health problems in puppies can be devastating the majority of puppies are robust and healthy and providing you take the precautions outlined above, you are unlikely to have any problems. More information on puppies Check out our Labrador Puppies section for more help and advice on choosing your new friend. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was first published on 21st November , and was updated to include new information in March .Readers Also Liked. No doubt, selection of the right pup to meet one's particular expectations is extremely important. Making a correct choice can improve the odds of producing an excellent retriever with the least amount of frustration and perhaps even avoid disappointment. The first and most important point to consider is that one must approach puppy acquisition as a genetic selection process rather than trying to utilize methods to select a promising prospect from a particular litter. Focus not so much on picking a pup, rather pick litters. The way to pick potentially successful liters is to pick a breeder who has proven brood stock and a credible reputation for producing healthy pups genetically predisposed to perform in a manner you desire. Carefully consider your expectations for your future gundog. What are the desirable traits? What will the dog's primary functions include? What breeds interest you and why? Once you decide on a breed and the desired traits are defined based upon your intended uses, then seek a reputable breeder who has experience producing pups which exemplify the traits that best suit your purposes. Genes determine the reaction of the dog to its environment, as well as, confirmation and soundness. Genes are the building blocks of heredity and are passed from parents to offspring in a predictable manner. The topic of genetics can quickly progress into a lengthy discussion unsuitable for this article but one can count on knowing this-like begets like. Total outcrosses, matings of unrelated genetics, may produce the occasionally exceptional offspring, but this is an unpredictable undertaking. The only way to gain predictability of traits is to seek an experienced breeder with proven bloodlines which produce successful progeny. This will usually involve some form of line breeding. The mating of similar genetic relationships line breeding is conducted to intensify qualities within the line and to improve upon the predictable traits within litters. Line breeding is successfully practiced in all forms of livestock. Line breeding itself produces nothing, good or bad, it merely intensifies what is genetically there in the bloodline. Most professional breeders use some form of line breeding as soon as they find a successful combination. In other words, outcrosses, random matings, despite the parents' apparent abilities and or titles, will not assure that the traits of the parents will be passed to the offspring. Only line breeding can offer this possibility. Consider, too, there is often as much difference between litter mates in ability, temperament, and tractability as one might find between separate litters within a breed. The chance factor remains, but the odds improve if the buyer: 1. Buys from established, reputable breeders who know their business. Buys pups from breeders who specialize in producing the type retriever they desire. Buys pups produced by excellent gundog parents who have produced proven progeny from previous matings. Select litters with strong mother lines. Dams should be trained hunting dogs and she should possess the qualities you desire in your dog, not just in the sire. Dams project more influence on the litter than the sire. Good bitches are seldom mated to poor dogs, yet the opposite frequently occurs. A poor bitch is unlikely to produce good pups despite the virtues of the sire. Look closely for desirable traits and strength in the trailing bottom line of the pedigree That is the dam, granddam, great granddam, etc. Excellent mothers are important. Don't pick litters based solely on the number of titles in the pedigree. These are impressive achievements to be sure, but they are not indicators of natural tractability, temperament, and gamefinding ability. Nor do titles indicate whether the traits may be passed successfully to the offspring. Evaluate parents of pups based upon gundog standards important to your needs and their demonstrated ability to produce good pups. Seek out sires, dams and grandparents that project strong genetic traits that can be passed through to their offspring. Research has indicated grandsires and granddams prove to have more genetic influence upon the litter than the sire and dam. Genetics can influence natural gifts, such as: calm temperament. Normally Lab puppies travel well, find more on this here. For many people it can be stressful not knowing how to pick or why you should pick any specific puppy. We will try to clear things up here so that you have a few criteria to select with. For the most part, the genetics of the purebred Lab puppies in the litter are set once the parents mate. When we choose to keep parents to breed we are choosing the best specimens and mating them with the hope that we are going to be creating even better puppies through the combination of their genes. Improving on weak areas with each litter is what professional breeding is all about. Now that you understand the genetic potential is set, you will work within your litter to try to narrow down the puppy who goes home with you. Keep in mind, that all of the puppies in the litter are of high quality. So, standing over the puppy box containing the puppies have a look without saying anything or doing anything. The puppies will either have different colored collars or different colored ribbons on them to identify them. Each different color corresponds to a unique microchip number implanted in that puppy. What are you looking for? Well, observe which puppies are the most active and the least active. Observe which puppy is bossy and more of a leader, and, which is more of a follower. Are there any outgoing puppies? Are there any shy ones? Please understand that puppies and all dogs for that matter will feed off of the energy of the animals and the humans around them. So, if you bring your children and they are full of energy, talking loudly, excited, etc… then the puppies will pick up on that and imitate their behavior to an extent. We love to see the kids! The vet bills, training, the poop cleaning, nail clipping, taking out to go pee at 6 am, trips to the vet, and so on are yours. All yours! So unless you feel your children have better skills to choose the puppy than you, try to leave them out of it. You want to use the criteria here to select the lab puppy that fits your family the closest. Ok, there are a couple of things I need to say first. On your pick up day and depending on how many puppies are in the litter, your puppies may be sleeping. The good news to this issue is that there will not be a bad puppy in the litter. As professional Labrador Retriever Breeders our primary goal is to create better Labrador Retriever puppies with each litter we produce. Depending on what the issue was with the puppy we would care for them or home them with a person who fully understood any issue present and was willing to care for them. Getting back to selecting your puppy. As you watch over the litter try to narrow it down to two puppies you are interested in and watch them. Look for any excitement, playfulness, shyness, active or lying around, or differences in color, size, or other physical attributes such as tail size, ear size, forehead and snout size, etc…. This means that these dogs are super smart, even tempered, loving and willing to please all because of the Labrador Retriever breed and the selections we make in our breeding program. Training is key to having a well behaved Purebred Lab Retriever puppy. On the day you pick up your puppy it will be normal for the puppies to be on the shy side. Though they have been socialized by 5 or 6 of us they get use to us. So the new sights, smells, sounds etc… that you bring will all be a brand new thing for them. At 8 weeks old they are unsure if these new stimuli are safe and they may be cautious coming to you. Again, all normal. On the other hand, a puppy who comes right up to you with no apprehension may be the one you want. Especially if you are a hunter and you need your dog to work to retrieve game. You should also know that if a puppy runs from its pack to see you it is not choosing you! It could be the more dominant or most curious puppy and it would approach anyone coming to see the litter not just you. Can we pick your lab puppy? Sure we can! The latest research we have read on the topic indicates that how a puppy behaves at 8 weeks old when with its litter has no bearing on the puppy it becomes after you train it properly. This means that for most people the training and socialization you provide is much more important than which puppy you choose. We always suggest picking the most easily trainable puppy and we will be happy to do this for you. For the best explanation on setting yourself up properly to lead your puppy to becoming a well behaved dog, please sign up for the www. A generous discount is available for our clients to help you understand how to use positive reinforcement to train your puppy. So we are happy to offer advice and can absolutely choose your puppy in the event you cannot make it, but doing so on your own would be the best scenario. Another method we frown on is the breeder evaluating a puppy with a tool to grade their personality and then comparing that to a marking tool that you complete to grade yourself. Remember when I said puppies respond differently to different people? Well they have basic emotions similar to that of a two year old. If you are not in the room, and I am evaluating the puppy remember my experience with puppies and your lack of , then how can a score sheet be used to match the two of you together effectively? You need to see the puppy behave with you. So you have it narrowed down to two puppies, compare similar personality traits and physical features as I mentioned earlier. Toss in the fact that they have medium energy and poof! Please understand what you see the puppies doing on pick up day are not how they are going to act for the rest of their lives. Puppies are not born with any knowledge of these things and rather need to be trained to understand your boundaries. For this reason we have focused on breeding smarter puppies generation after generation. At least you have some guidelines to use when you arrive. For example, the largest puppy is not necessarily going to be the biggest one when full grown. At 8 weeks old the biggest puppy has been the one who is the pushiest at the food bowl and eats the most at feedings. This is why 8 weeks is the best time for your Lab puppy to go to bond with their human family. As some puppies get larger in size they can push the other smaller puppies around so size then becomes another factor in the development of your puppy. Take your puppy home at 8 weeks old and you have provided them time with their litter to learn puppy to puppy manners weeks 4 to 8 and you have eliminated the possibility of them being bullied by the larger pups after week 8. The larger pups also will not learn to become overly dominant because there are not smaller ones around them to boss around. What about people who want the runt? The first group feel that because the runt is smaller they will listen better when truly listening is a skill learned through training. And the second group feel that a smaller puppy is sick and weak and will not thrive. Again this is not the case as smaller puppies simply do not have as strong of a food drive than their siblings. The larger issue surrounding the runt is this. Professional Lab Retriever Breeders breed for consistency. It is this consistency in our breeding program that ensures the first picked puppy is of the same high quality as the last picked. So before you arrive to choose your Purebred Lab Puppy, have a couple behavioral qualities in mind and a couple physical qualities. Observe quietly and try not to bring too many people with you so that the puppies only pick up your energy and not the energy of the group. This is the best way to truly observe how the puppy will react to you alone. Narrow it down to a couple and compare them together measuring them against your list of traits. If you make a choice to not train you have to be ready to deal with whatever your Lab decided to become. And one final note. Some people have heard to wipe a blanket where the puppy sleeps or on the mother because the scent will calm the puppy in your home. Think of it this way, if your puppy smells the mother or one of its littermates what does it do next? So a blanket with this scent on it will cue your puppy to look for someone who is likely not coming back. Imagine the frustration of a puppy newly separated from its litter being able to smell them but not find them. We suggest you do not do this to your puppy. Our suggestion to help settle the puppy only if you need to is to put a t shirt into the crate with the scent of the person who they bonded the most to. This is their new pack. Get them accustom to their new pack and the quicker they forget their old pack the easier it will be for them. Love them, set clear guidelines, and enjoy them for years to come. Chocolate Lab with pumpkin.