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They are superb with kids and very much compatible with other pets in the house. They are big and their tail is strong, so keep your breakable belongings away from the reach of that helicopter wag. They are great personalities for a pet but maintaining them is no joke. Bookmark this page which lists down cool tips to take care of a Golden Retriever. To prevent it from matting and to reduce the shedding, you must brush it daily. If you do this from an early age, they get used to it and they actually look forward to it. Not only that. While you brush them, watch out for scabs, cysts, scratches and bumps and if it does not go in a day or two, visit the vet. Wrap some wet cotton gauze around your finger and then wipe the inside of your puppy's ears and ear flap. Do it every alternate day and if you notice wax buildup or discharge or foul smell, take it to the vet, do not delay. When their nails start clicking the ground, it is a sign that your boy or girl needs trimming. Active dogs need fewer trims as per vets. It can bleed and it is very painful too. Also, do not cut the nail in one go. Go slow and if you see a circle on the trimmed surface, stop there and then because that is the quick. Never use a human toothpaste because they are very toxic for dogs. Make sure that your fur-child goes on a brisk walk, plays around at least for 30 minutes twice a day. Play fetch, take it for a swim if he loves water. They must have a place to retreat if they feel low or nervous. But never make it an area of punishment as that will stress them out. Teach them basic commands. Nowadays, we also have pet friendly cafes, so take them there. Not just pets, dogs should also know other humans besides you. They must know that people wearing attires unlike yours are also humans they need to be civil with. Do take them to crowded places to take away that fear and so that they get accustomed to loud noises as well. Fast cars and bikes, all these things scare them if they are not used to it. It is the same as human babies. Next up is another thing to do before you bring your puppy home… How To Puppy Proof Your House When puppy-proofing your house, think like a puppy. Crawl around on the floor and take note of what you see. Puppies will chew nearly anything, so make sure that there are no valuables down at puppy-height, or things that could be poisonous to them or be a choking hazard. Make sure there are no open cabinets or pantries where your puppy could get into food. Be careful of small trash cans that could hold some smelly trash that would be enticing to a puppy. And finally, next are a few other random tasks to do before you bring home your new puppy. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! Not exactly. Find a vet. Find the closest emergency animal hospital. This is not something you want to wait until you need it before looking it up and making a plan. Find a list of local poisonous plants and animals. Talk to your vet and do some research so that you know which plants and animals to avoid. Find a puppy kindergarten class. This will help with training, socialization, and general learning how to be a puppy parent. Check your yard or house for any escape routes. This next section will cover everything from what to expect with a puppy, what to do the first 24 hours of bringing them home, how to train them, and more. A week after bringing Oliver home, it was very obvious to me why she asked me that. Puppies are hard work! Their little bladders can only hold it for a few hours, so this is expected. Chewing Puppies will try to chew any and everything. Like every thirty minutes often. Now, for the most important expectation of them all… You will miss puppyhood! Yes, you will miss the sleepless nights and puppy bites. So make sure to take lots of videos and pictures. How would you like to be treated in this situation? Here are some tips to help your puppy get comfortable in their new home. Let your puppy make decisions When you get to your house, set them at your open front door and let them choose to walk inside. Let them explore their new home on their own terms. Letting them make decisions can give them a sense of confidence, hope, and control, and ease into their new home. Limit visitors Now is the time to build the bond with your puppy and let them get to know you, not overstimulate them with a lot of people. Limit their access to your home Getting used to a new home with two rooms will be a lot easier than getting used to a new home with five rooms. Only let your puppy have access to a few rooms so that they get acclimated to their new area quicker, then as they get more comfortable you can allow them to explore new areas of the house. You can use baby gates to restrict access to sections of the house. Bonus benefit: this will also decrease the chances that they leave you a present in the guest room. In general, just keep things low key when you bring them home and let them get used to their surroundings. Training Your Golden Retriever Puppy Training your golden retriever puppy is one of the best things you can do both for them and with them. They have short attention spans and like to have fun, so short training sessions and training games work best. A lot of people think that training is just obedience training, like sit and stay , but it also includes life skills like crate training , potty training , how to not jump on people or bite them, and how to not pull on the leash. Socialization Socialization is something that is not talked about as much as it should be. It can help mitigate fear and aggression and help them become confident, well-adjusted adult dogs. You can socialize your puppy with other dogs by setting up play dates with gentle dogs that you know are vaccinated and by going to puppy kindergarten. Dog to other living beings includes humans, cats, and other animals. You can socialize them with other people by taking them to a pet-friendly store like home depot, and you can socialize them to other animals by taking a walk by the neighborhood cat with lots of distance between them, so neither animal gets overwhelmed. Dog to stuff is the broadest category, but no less important. When Oliver was very young we were on a walk and a FedEx truck drove by. He had never heard a big truck like that and was terrified. So make sure that your puppy is comfortable with trucks, cars, the garage door, buses, umbrellas, and whatever other objects they may encounter. For instance, if you live in Chicago, get them used to trains, buses and crowded streets. Every day, separate out five special treats for your puppy. For example, you might let your neighbor give your puppy a treat, or maybe you take your puppy to a bus stop and when the bus goes by you give them a treat, or maybe you introduce them to a cow and give them a treat. The treat helps them have a positive experience with these new things and people, plus it helps you easily remember to expose them to lots of these new things. Do this for the first four weeks of their life and before you know it, your puppy will have been exposed to new dogs, people, things, or environments, and will be well on their well to becoming a well-adjusted adult dog. Puppy Raising Mistakes Below are some mistakes that new puppy owners make that could make it harder to train and raise their puppy into a happy, confident adult. Not remembering how young they are Puppies are like little toddlers. Waiting to train your puppy until they have a problem Training your puppy before they have any behavior problems will make life so much easier for you. Forcing things too quickly Things like crate training and potty training take time. Setbacks hurt more than stretching their limits will help, so be patient and take things slowly. Conclusion Golden retriever puppies might just be the best living beings on the planet. However, they are a lot of work and can be quite naughty sometimes. Have any questions about golden retriever puppies? Let me know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is thinking about getting a golden retriever puppy, please share this with them. Related articles:. They crave human attention and affection, the more the better! Often, they will sit by your feet and lean into you or will paw at you to keep petting them. Leaving your Golden alone too long might make him depressed, or could cause unwanted behaviours such as chewing, excessive barking, and other destructive behaviour. But, keep in mind that you are everything to your Golden Retriever and they want to spend their time with you. A high-quality diet is a must for these dogs, as they can easily develop skin problems such as allergies, and they can easily become overweight. Goldens love food, and will eat anything!! It is important to keep control and monitor their food intake so that they do not become overweight. It is certainly not an easy thing to do when they look at you with their sad puppy dog eyes begging for food every time you eat. The biggest mistake you can make is feeding them from the table. I can attest to this because I used to do it! My dog became slightly overweight, and it was a struggle to shed the pounds off of her. Give Them Space Goldens are labelled as a medium to large-sized breed. Breed standards state that adult Goldens will typically weigh between lbs female , and lbs male. Some adults can weigh more or less depending on genetics. Because of their large size, they need room to move. Goldens are not meant to be outside dogs all the time, they would rather spend time with their humans inside than be outside by themselves. Having a yard for them to run and play is beneficial, but when given enough exercise and outdoor time, Goldens can also do well in apartment living. Just make sure that your house or apartment is large enough to accommodate them. Keep Them Beautiful One thing is for certain of this breed, and that is they shed!!! Golden Retrievers are known for their beautiful long coat, which is actually a double-coat. Meaning it consists of a thick soft undercoat and a coarser topcoat. The undercoat is what sheds heavily in the spring and fall, and there is moderate shedding throughout the rest of the year. A Goldens double-coat offers protection from the elements, keeping them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Regular brushing is a must to keep their coat looking healthy and shiny, and to minimize shedding. Bathing should be done regularly as well, and since Goldens love water it should be easier to do. Because of their floppy ears, Goldens are prone to getting ear infections. Weekly ear cleaning is recommended to keep their ears free of dirt and debris and to prevent infections. Golden Retrievers are beautiful, and they know it and love to show it off. It is up to their owners to keep them beautiful. Grooming a Golden Retriever does not have to be difficult, you can easily learn to groom them yourself at home to save some money. Socialize Them Golden Retrievers are naturally social. They love nothing more than being taken for a walk and meeting new people and other dogs. Known for their friendly and gentle nature, Goldens will get along with all animals and all people. Now as an adult she continues this with the people that she knows. She will also go up to strangers and sit on their feet and wait to be petted. She loves the attention that she gets. After meeting someone, or another dog she usually gets very happy and excited. I would suggest taking your Golden everywhere with you, take them to the park, for car rides, let them meet new people and dogs. Let them experience new things and you will have a happy dog. Take Them Swimming Natural born swimmers, to say that Goldens love water is an understatement! Especially on a hot summer day, Goldens will love to go in any water source they can find. Some owners have Golden Retrievers that enjoy rolling around and getting dirty in mud puddles, I am lucky enough to not be one of those owners. Swimming is a great form of exercise for your Golden Retriever, so take them with you to a dog-friendly beach or other water spot and have a game of fetch in the water. Provide Mental Stimulation Because they are such intelligent dogs, Golden Retrievers are easy to train. They are eager to please their owner, especially when a treat is involved for being a good dog. In order to keep them from getting bored, and becoming destructive, they should be given plenty of mental stimulation. Golden Retrievers are happier and healthier, and more behaved when they are given mental stimulation on a daily basis. This can be done by teaching your dog basic commands and tricks, playing games with them, and providing enough exercise. An example of mental stimulation right now for my dog Ellie is when we are out walking she loves to go into the creek at several spots along the trail and hunt for frogs. She is so excited when she sees one and tries to catch it. They are basically big teddy bears. Craving human attention and affection is what they do and if that means jumping onto your lap and snuggling up with you, then that is what they will do. I remember when Ellie was a puppy I did not want her on the couch. I even tried to put tinfoil on the couch to deter her away from it. How long do you think that lasted?? Maybe a week or less. She would take a running leap and jump onto the couch and realize how comfortable it was, and just stay there. Nothing I could do about it, it was just easier to give in. Now I share a couch with her. She has her side, I have mine. Some Goldens live longer than the average, with many of them living up to 14 or 15 years. Genetics, lifestyle, environment, nutrition and spay or neuter status can all contribute to the health of your Golden. In order to keep them healthy and to ensure a long life with your devoted best friend, there are things you need to do such as: Provide a nutritious high-quality diet. Provide plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation. Keep your Golden at an ideal weight and watch food intake to prevent obesity. Look for any signs of illness and medical problems, and get regular vet check-ups. Play with them, and show them plenty of love. Provide regular grooming to keep them clean and healthy. They may bark at a stranger at the door, but will soon wag their tail and flash their friendly smile at them. They love people way too much to be effective as a guard dog. If someone were to break into their home, a Golden would rather lick them to death than show any form of aggression. The Golden Retriever especially needs a lot of love and attention in order to be happy. They value the time spent with you, and any dog owner knows that the time spent with their beloved Golden Retriever is never enough. A Golden Retriever quickly steals your heart and becomes your best friend. Their beauty both inside and out becomes addicting that most owners of this beautiful breed usually own more than one. Keep in mind that if you let a Golden be a Golden, by letting them do what they love such as meeting new people and going swimming, then you will be rewarded with a happy dog. How do you take care of your Golden Retriever to ensure their happiness? Share your thoughts and comments below. I would love to hear from you. Jenny I am the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ellie. She keeps me busy, and when she is resting, you can find me working on my blog. She is always close by though. I live in Stirling, ON Canada with my husband, and we both enjoy the never a dull moment life with our Ellie. Spread the love. Golden Retrievers were first bred in the early s in Scotland as hunting dogs. Although they are still used for hunting, Goldens also excel at many other activities, including search and rescue jobs and guide work. They require ample exercise—swimming in particular is a great outlet for their endless energy, and most Goldens love it! Their beautiful coats require brushing and in some climates a summer trim may be in order. Goldens are intelligent, understanding, and eager to please their families. The Golden Retriever is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Golden. By knowing about health concerns specific to Golden Retrievers, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Golden Retrievers to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Golden Retrievers. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Golden looking and feeling her best. Unfortunately, your Golden is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections Golden Retrievers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Golden Retrievers. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Golden is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Genetic Predispositions for Golden Retrievers Cancer Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. Your Golden will likely live longer than many other breeds and therefore is more prone to get cancer in his golden years. Many cancers are curable by surgical removal, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. Early detection is critical! Hemangiosarcoma is a type of bleeding tumor that affects Golden Retrievers at greater than average incidence. These tumors commonly form in the spleen, but can form in other organs as well. Unbeknownst to a pet owner, the tumor breaks open and internal bleeding occurs. Some tumors can be volleyball-sized or larger before signs of sickness show. We often find clues that one of these tumors is present during senior wellness testing, so have his blood tested and an ultrasound performed at least yearly. Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that afflicts Golden Retrievers more than other breeds. This disease makes the body form abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Because white blood cells can be found throughout the body, this cancer can show up almost anywhere. Lymphoma is a very treatable form of cancer with an excellent success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy. Luckily, lymphoma is one of the few types of cancer that can often be found with a blood test, so we may recommend a complete blood count twice yearly. Mast cell tumors are a particularly nasty type of skin cancer found more often in Golden Retrievers than other breeds. The sooner these tumors are surgically removed, the better. Unfortunately, mast cell tumors often look very similar to other kinds of skin lumps and lesions, many of which are not harmful. Therefore, all suspicious lumps should be tested and surgically removed as soon as possible. Many cancers are cured by surgical removal , so early detection is critical. Bloat Gastric dilatation volvulus, also known as GDV or bloat, usually occurs in dogs with deep, narrow chests. This means your Golden is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes up , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Golden Retrievers. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is also sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. And keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Goldens. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. Glaucoma, an eye condition that affects Golden Retrievers and people too, is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated. Symptoms include squinting, watery eyes, bluing of the cornea the clear front part of the eye , and redness in the whites of the eyes. Pain is rarely noticed by pet owners though it is frequently there and can be severe. People who have certain types of glaucoma often report it feels like being stabbed in the eye with an ice pick! Glaucoma is a medical emergency. Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye. This is one of the most commonly inherited diseases in dogs, and your Golden is more likely than other dogs to develop this painful condition. If untreated, these abnormal hairs can cause corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain. Several treatment options are available, and the prognosis is good once the hairs have been permanently removed. Allergies In humans, allergies to pollen, mold, or dust make people sneeze. In dogs, rather than sneezing, allergies make their skin itchy. The feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most commonly affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs of allergies. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for these conditions. Allergies, swimming, overgrowth of hair in the ear canals, and accumulation of earwax can all predispose your dog to ear infections, which are painful and annoying. Goldens are very often afflicted by allergies, which can cause itching and inflammation in the ears and elsewhere. The earlier we diagnose and treat these ailments, the less discomfort and pain your pet will suffer. Be sure to call us if you notice him scratching or shaking his head, a foul odor from the ears, or if his ears seem painful to the touch. By monitoring for ear infections and treating them early, we also reduce the likelihood of eardrum damage that can lead to deafness. Most ear infections tend to recur until we work together to control the underlying cause. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, and Golden Retrievers are commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, episodes will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and efficacy. Note the length of the seizure, and call us at or call an emergency hospital. Heart Disease Some Golden Retrievers inherit a heart condition known as aortic stenosis. This disease causes a partial obstruction to the blood flow leaving the heart, which means the heart must work harder to pump enough blood to the body. If the condition is severe, your dog may faint or seem to run out of energy during exercise. He may also have difficulty breathing, cough frequently, or have stunted growth. Golden Retrievers are also especially prone to a life-threatening heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, in which the heart becomes so large, thin, and weak that it can no longer effectively pump blood to the body. As this problem advances, your pet may act weak or tired, faint or collapse, breathe in a labored way, or cough. If indicated, treatment includes medication and dietary supplementation. Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in dogs. Any breed can be affected, but Goldens have an above average incidence. Dogs with diabetes are unable to regulate the metabolism of sugars in their bodies and require daily insulin injections. Diabetes is a serious condition and one that is important to diagnose and treat as early as possible. Symptoms include increased eating, drinking, and urination, along with weight loss. If he shows signs, we will conduct lab tests to determine if he has this condition and discuss treatment options with you. Treatment requires a serious commitment of time and resources. Well-regulated diabetic dogs today have the same life expectancy as other canines. Some of the blood supply that should go to the liver goes around it instead, depriving the liver of the blood flow it needs to grow and function properly. If your friend has PSS, his liver cannot remove toxins from his bloodstream effectively. Surgery may be needed, but in some cases, we can treat with a special diet and medication. Bleeding Disorders Your Golden Retriever is prone to a bleeding disorder called hemophilia. This is an important test as we may not otherwise know whether your pet has hemophilia until severe bleeding occurs during surgery or after a serious injury. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, and other behavioral changes. Treatment is usually as simple as replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. Taking Care of Your Golden Retriever at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Golden live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She needs a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Twice a year she blows her coat and loses crazy amounts of hair; daily brushing is recommended during this time. Golden Retrievers generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. She excels at dog sports like flyball, agility, dock diving, and obedience events. She has a passion for water, and swimming is a perfect form of exercise for this water retriever. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Golden Retriever needs help. January 24, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? What does it take to be considered ideal for a family dog? How do you know if the Golden Retriever is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Golden Retrievers! Bred in the highlands of Scotland by Lord Tweedmouth in the mid to late s, Goldens are a cross between a Yellow Retriever and an extinct dog breed, the Tweed Water Spaniel. Lord Tweedmouth wanted the ideal gundog to accompany him during fowl hunting and be able to withstand the rugged terrain and rainy conditions. Aside from being able to retrieve fowl, Lord Tweedmouth wanted an even-tempered dog to have at home when not hunting. And so, the Golden Retriever was born. Later in the s, they soon became a popular breed amongst American families when President Gerald Ford had a Golden named Liberty as his family dog. Golden Retrievers, like their name states, are golden! Their luxurious coats come in a variety of light to dark shades, ranging from light like the white Golden Retriever or English Cream to dark golden colors, even close to chocolate. Their coats feature feathering down their backs, chest, belly, hindquarters, and tails. Goldens have soft expressions combined with floppy expressive ears that give them a puppy-like appearance even as adults. Another thing to note of the Golden Retriever is that those fluffy coats are actually what are known as double coats. A strong water repellant coat on top coupled with a dense undercoat to regulate their body heat. This all means these pups can be heavy shedders! What are Golden Retrievers Personalities like? There is something to be said about being named a perfect family dog. The Golden Retriever breed is loyal, affectionate, playful, and gentle. If brought into a home with children, your Golden Retriever puppy will be a great addition for help introducing your new Golden Retriever pup to your kids and how to play together, check out our blog! But being a great family dog doesn't mean they are easy! Goldens have lots of energy which can come out in more jumping and being more mouthy, especially as puppies. Check our training tips for raising a well-mannered Golden at the end of this blog! Two to three daily walks are a must, and throw in fun activities like hiking or going for a swim, your pup will stay golden! Golden Retrievers are eager to please type of breed. They generally have happy go lucky demeanors which lends itself to affection and friendliness, including toward strangers. If you wanted a pup that could eventually become a service dog, a Golden Retriever is a great choice and make for excellent working pups! As a high-energy breed, Golden Retrievers do best in a home that will provide them ample access to romp around. Homes with fenced in yards or access to a park or field on a daily basis where they can run and fetch to their hearts content are the best environment for Goldens! These pups, with consistent early socialization, can adapt and thrive to living in a home with other dogs, or pets, and children! They love to play and make great playmates. That being said, their social nature can lead to dependencies on their owners and family. Golden Retrievers may develop separation anxiety if left alone and not properly trained from an early age. Golden Retrievers may also contract heart disease called subvalvular aortic stenosis SAS that with early diagnosis and treatment can allow for a regular life-span. When you are looking to add a Golden Retriever puppy, make sure you are working with a reputable breeder that cares for the health quality of the dogs they breed. Take advantage of that natural drive and eagerness to please by setting foundations at home. Start your puppy a regular daily puppy schedule to create structured routines in the home. Include consistent feeding, nap, play and obedience training times throughout the day to help your Golden pup learn what to expect and build confidence at home. During their puppy training focus on their obedience commands to help your puppy learn to look to you for guidance, build their communication with you, and solidify a trusting relationship! Since Golden Retrievers love to work, positive reinforcement and food rewards will be valuable motivators to get your puppy focused and listening. In-person and online puppy training programs will walk you through how to teach the commands, exercises to help your puppy learn them, and troubleshoot when your puppy needs it! Teach Your Golden Retriever How to Greet New People and Dogs While their open friendly disposition will help your puppy make new friends where ever they go, make sure to teach your puppy the right way to do so! Some overly energetic and friendly pups can get excitable around new people and dogs. That can result in some unwanted whining, lunging, and jumping. When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on those common over-excited behaviors when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer or join an online puppy training school to help set you up for the best success! Do Calming Obedience Exercises With all their high-energy and high-drive, teaching your Golden how to be calm in everyday scenarios will help tame that wild side! Great calming exercises include having your puppy learn to wait for their food bowl and in thresholds each time you enter or leave a space. This also extends to activities like fetch. Goldens are a natal for this! This can be done simply by having your pup drop the toy when they return and pausing for a few moments giving them a chance to settle before throwing it again for them to retrieve. Teach Them to Walk Nicely on Leash Many high-energy pups have a tendency to lunge toward exciting new things! Couple that with a social nature, and you may encounter that your Golden Retriever puppy will start to pull on leash. Focus on teaching them proper leash manners including how to walk in Heel position and how to pass other people and pups without lunging, jumping and excited whining, barking or nipping at them! That can greatly help possible bad encounters with strangers and other dogs while teaching them great habits! Did you recently bring home a Golden Retriever puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! My husband and I are bringing home our first puppy in September a goldendoodle and this was super helpful! Emily June 29, , am Thank you so much for this, Jen! I look forward to the post on favorite dog toys! We just got a puppy and, while its only been a week, we are definitely having some issues getting puppy to embrace his crate. He is doing really well with potty training, and has yet to have an accident in his crate, but soon after he enters his crate the howling begins. This way he associates it with a positive place. Also, leave treats in there. Some dogs do better with their crates covered so like drape a blanket over the sides so it feels more like a cave. You might also try placing a t-shirt or something that smells like you in there. Also, leave the door open all the time and praise him if he goes in on his own. Good luck! OH, what a difference! Long after they no longer needed their crates, we kept them and always left the door opened. They would go into them when they were tired, knowing they were in a safe place; their place. Friends always said to us that they would have a dog if it behaved like our dogs. Be consistent. Fun for all of you. I can definitely see how teaching while a puppy can make a huge difference. Looking forward to your next dog related posts :. Reply Link Megan June 29, , pm Ahh thank you for this post! My husband and I are looking into getting a pug puppy soon and these tips are so helpful. Looking forward to reading more posts on this, especially the crate training. Love the tips, we are still trying to stay the course with the UD group classes! Golden are the best! It has been such an eye-opening month with our new puppy. Our other dog is 8 so everything feels brand new. I actually wrote about it in my post for tomorrow, but a puppy is like a baby. My boyfriend and I are getting a golden pup in the fall and while I grew up with the breed I have never trained a pup on my own. We made the choice to get a puppy mostly to instil good habits and behaviour long term. So long story short, I would never put a puppy or young dog or any age in airplane cargo! Reply Link Megan June 30, , pm Good tips! Socializing him right away and crate training him were so key to having an awesome, well-adjusted dog! Reply Link Josi August 20, , pm Hello! Just wondering where you got your goldens? This really helped me figure out what to do when she gets here. Jen May 3, , pm YAY! Our 3rd Golden in about 33 years and know he has some big paws to fill Taegan was wonderful for 14 years. We are so excited!! I have a new English Cream Golden. I feel like I need to work for his affection. Great otherwise! Not super energetic. Bursts of energy followed up by lots of naps but never really interested in walks. First timer here. Your pup could really benefit from basic positive obedience! I would recommend seeking out an experienced trainer in your area to help you as your pup grows! Having a puppy in the home can be fantastic, but you also need to make sure that you can offer it the best as well. She has been really easy to house break. We are excited to bring her home. Thank you for the helpful tips. That is a good idea to make sure that we are committed to doing the work to train this dog. We do really want him to be well trained. Thanks for the tips! Thank you so much for this super informative post! Reply Link Jen January 22, , pm I always made sure she went before we got to the gym and walked her frequently. Meghan January 29, , am Thank you so much for the reply!! We kept each of our puppies on a leash in the house, never out of our sight except when they were in the crate for 4 months before we gradually gave them independence. We always messed with them and held them. They had accidents as you would expect until fully house trained at about 4 months, but never any destructive or aggressive behavior. We gave them plenty of tough chew toys. Also training classes. They were never nervous or skittish. They love to lay on us and never have had any trouble with grooming, food guarding, loud noises, children or other animals. Goldens are great dogs but like any dog, they can only know what you teach them. Great article!! Kathrinne May 5, , am Hi Jen, how old are your puppies when you let them go out? Jen May 5, , am What do you mean? Reply Link Carly September 8, , pm Thank you so much for your article! What would your input be? Do you think they would focus on each other more than their humans? Would 2 puppies be so much more difficult than 1? Any advice is greatly appreciated!! Love the name Zoey!! Any tips to Prevent that?? Reply Link Christine November 1, , am About to get golden 3. Learning all over about everything. Reply Link Jen November 1, , pm It is like starting over again but you will figure it out! Every pup is different but be patient and consistent! This is my first large dog breed so a little nervous. I read your post and you give wonderful tips that I will follow. Please let me know if it is safe to put a flea collar on the puppy. Thank you. Reply Link Jen January 29, , pm I would consult with your vet to see what they recommend for flea prevention and treatment. Also, about the scratching. It could be due to something else like an allergen outside. I have not had a dog in 3 years because I lost my last one in a painful way for me and I am afraid to get another one. I am now ready to get one and this page has helped me prepare for my new puppy. I am a 74 yr old male in pretty good shape no health issues, and retired so I should be around a while to look after a dog. My wife passed about four months ago so I guess I am looking to fill a void. I live in a single family home and have plenty of time to spare. Thanks Reply Link marion duffield April 14, , am I am picking my pup up in 2 weeks! This is the best AND most realistic article I have read about training…. My pup Tank will be 4 months when we get him. He is absolutely adorable. Have only seen photos. He lives with his breeder in Missouri and we live in Canada…. I am so excited for you!!!! Puppies are intense but so much fun. And wow, that is going to be an adventure! Reply Link Theresa April 30, , am Do you have suggestions about golden retriever puppy biting? We got ours at 7 weeks. She is now .How do we stop her from snapping and biting? She is smart and loving. The biting has been rough though. Can you help? But I love dogs soooo much. This info is everything to me. I love this post Soo much. Thanks a ton. You left puppy in car? Or what? Reply Link Madeline October 31, , pm I am picking up my 7 week old golden in 2 days! I am so excited! How did you go out taking him places before he had his full shots? I want to socialize him, and of course potty train him immediately, but obviously there are risks. Whats your take on this? So the whole crate training thing is not going so well. She hates it. Emily Camalo April 2, , pm Hi! Really appreciate you sharing all of this advice! It was super valuable. Reply Link Julie April 11, , am Loved your comments. I have a 9 week double doodle. I have crate trained since day 1 and she has been really good, day 1 upset for a couple of minutes. Day 2 no problem at all. Now just the occasional cry when I leave her but that is over with in a very short space of time. I also leave a low radio on for her. She uses the garden most of the time for toileting, but occasionally she will come into the house and do another wee. The problem I have at the moment is trying to stop her biting. I have tried the gentle command which she listens to some of the time. And I have tried standing and turning my back on her so she realises I am not playing when she bites, but she will then go for trousers or feet, which I try my best to ignore, or she will just go off and do something else like chew a mat or something which is a no no. Any ideas? Regards Reply Link Stephanie January 25, , am Really great info, thank you for your article. Our puppy arrives in 5 days and we have been preparing for months. Your advice is. Very helpful. Blessings to you. Of course, dogs should accept basic handling, because we have to touch them in various ways. You might have to put on or take off his leash or collar, groom him, or otherwise handle him. Most dogs can be trained to accept—and even enjoy—such interaction. You may have something else to do. Anxious behavior can also result in some illnesses, so you might want to also discuss this with your vet. After you successfully deal with and work with any stress or anxiety issues, the constant need to be near you and be petted should lessen or disappear. Give your dog attention throughout the day Dogs who have their needs met throughout the day are less likely to constantly seek attention. So, throughout the day, pet your dog occasionally. Have a few short training sessions. Play with him and walk him too. Give him a small, pea-sized treat at the same time. Repeat this training exercise three times per session, two or three times a day. It may take days or weeks, depending on the dog. Provide a sufficient amount of exercise for your dog Young goldens have energy to spare. Including an insatiable desire to be petted. Make sure your dog has enough walks and play for his age and breed. A young golden or lab usually has much greater exercise needs than a young yorkie. Give your dog a job through obedience training Teach him basic commands —attention, sit, down, stay, come, and leave it. Then, you can even train him to perform more advanced commands and tricks. Training will provide the right type of attention for your dog and will also teach him what behaviors are acceptable. Teach your dog to go to a place Teaching your pup to go to a bed or mat across the room will help him get used to not always being next to you. Ignore the request If your dog gets too pushy and demands that you pet him, one way to stop it is to ignore him briefly. You can turn away or walk away. But she insisted on it by nudging or barking for such attention. But of course I do pet her when I call her over. I want her to be happy and enjoy our bond. Even those who enjoy that type of petting may get too revved up then. Dogs generally like being petted on their upper chest, hips, and butt. They also may enjoy being petted on the side of their face or under their chin. And they may love gentle ear rubs, including the tips of their ears. This may relax them. If a dog is totally relaxed with you and trusts you, he may love being petted gently on his belly. This is not a the best idea. Make sure that your petting is gentle, not rough Generally, dogs love gentle, round massage-like motions when being petted. I can see my golden Riley almost melt like butter in my hands when massaging his ears. He almost instantaneously relaxes when I do it. There are even books about how to touch and massage a dog. One is called the Tellington Touch or T-Touch for short discussed above. Dogs like goldens who love being petted would really enjoy this. Doing so could be seen as a threat. This is especially true if the dog is new to you. Praise your dog when he enjoys the petting When your dog enjoys being petted, the petting itself is part of the positive reinforcement. But you can also add verbal praise when petting. Not all dogs may love being petted. And even those who do might not accept it from a stranger. Always ask the owner whether you can pet the dog. You can also ask whether he enjoys being petted by strangers. But remember that even if a dog likes being petted by some strangers, he may not like being petted by all strangers. Assess his overall body language using the bulleted measures stated above. Of course, if he shows any aggression, walk away without petting him. Prior to the pandemic, I would take all my dogs on regular excursions to pet stores and other places to socialize them to new people. And I would actively ask people to pet them. My current dogs accept and enjoy the company of new people. Most people were happy to oblige. Assuming the dogs you meet want to be petted, follow the guidelines above and: Pet gently. Come in sideways and let the dog approach you. Pet the side of his face, ears, and chest if he enjoys that. You can ask his owner where he likes to be petted. Pet for maybe 10 to 15 seconds. If the dog really enjoys it, you can double that time. Has he had any bad experiences with petting? Has someone petted him too hard? Or rushed at him? Or did a scary event, like a dish crashing to the ground, occur when he was being petted? If so, you can re-train him to like the petting he previously loved. He may be in pain or there may be another physical problem that must be addressed. Final Thoughts There are many reasons your golden may love to be petted. Most dogs love being petted gently and in certain areas on their bodies such as their ears and shoulders. And make sure first that the dog enjoys being petted by a stranger. Does your Golden love to be petted? Our Raven sure does! Tell us about your Golden Retriever in the comments below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation. If you also have brought a newborn golden retriever puppy to your home, you need to be extra careful in handling him. It is significant to note that newborn golden retrievers should not be handled like human babies. In this article, I will suggest you 10 tips that will definitely help you to take care of a newborn golden retriever effectively. Before owning golden retriever, it is necessary to know about his temperament— Know everything about golden retriever temperament Ideally, it is better to allow the mother of golden retriever puppy to take its care and responsibility. The puppy must be allowed to stay with his mother and the litter for the first few days. The puppy owner must take care of the puppy as well as its mother and ensure that they are totally comfortable and at ease. Mother as well as the puppy must be fed properly and their nutritional demands must be met properly. A newborn golden retriever puppy may have a lot of needs and its mother can take better care of its growing needs. Since, initially, the puppy is non-explorative, it requires more attention as far its safety is concerned. Mother as well as the dog owner must take care of the highly vulnerable puppy. Proper diet and clean water must be provided to the mother, especially if she is nursing her baby. It is important to ensure that high quality ingredients are available in the food being provided to the mother and the kid so that their nutritional requirements are met in the most effective manner. I have listed some good commercial foods that are must have for the mother of new born puppy:.
These hard working dogs quickly made a name for themselves, and eventually became one of the most popular retrieving dogs in the world. They are then sent out to collect it and bring it back to hand, often navigating harsh terrain or rivers in the process. English vs American Lines Over the years they have been developed into two very distinct lines, one bred for work and the other destined for the show ring. The English Labrador is a dog built for show while the American or Field Lab was selected for their retrieving skills. In general you can tell them apart fairly easily, as the show bred dogs have broader heads, more barrel chests and the more typical standard otter tail. Working bred dogs tend to be slimmer, narrower in the muzzle and often have less of a show standard build and tail. Variations in Appearance The black Lab size depends on if he is a male or a female. For example, a female black Lab will usually be around 21—.A male black Labrador can grow to be .The black Labrador can weigh anywhere from 55 to 70 pounds if female and upwards of 65—80 pounds if male. The Labrador Retriever is a handsome dog with a sleek, water-resistant coat. By breed standard, black Labs should be entirely black, especially if they are for show. Coat Color Genetics The black coat color is so prevalent in Labradors because it is a dominant trait. That means that a puppy only needs to inherit the gene from one parent to have an all black coat. Grooming and Shedding All Labs shed equally regardless of coat color, but and they all shed a lot. You will also want to give your black Labrador a bath every now and then. This is especially so if he has gotten himself messy, since he loves to swim and get dirty. Are Black Labs Friendlier? Labradors have a great reputation for being easy going and loving dogs. Dogs with common coat colors are also possibly less likely to suffer from problems related to line breeding. Where breeders mate related dogs back to each other to retain a certain characteristic. There is no evidence black Labradors are any different to their yellow or chocolate cousins, but all Labs have a pretty great personality. They are confident, friendly and loyal. They are unlikely to be great guard dogs, but they might bark to alert you to a stranger arriving at the door. Training and Exercise Since black Labradors are so intelligent and active, we recommend giving them doggy jobs and training that you can incorporate throughout their lifetime. You can also utilize puzzle toys to keep their active minds busy. They will need a good amount of exercise every single day. Long walks, hikes, jogs, or swimming can be great exercise routines for you and your black Lab to share. Are Black Dogs Healthier? There are no links between the black coat color in Labradors and health problems. However, they are prone to the same diseases as the rest of the members of the breed. Hip and elbow dysplasia, sight problems and cruciate ligament disease are all fairly frequently found in the breed, but the former three are made less likely by health testing potential puppy parents. A healthy black Lab will live around 10 to 12 years. Make sure you know whether you want American or English lines, so whether your puppy is destined to be a pet, working dog, agility champion or show ring star. Ask to see evidence of hip and elbow scores, a clear eye test and a certificate to say the parents are PRA clear too. If you are looking for a black English Labrador puppy that is show quality, keep in mind the price will likely be a bit higher. From puppyhood to old age care The black Lab is up to 24 inches tall and weighs up to 80lbs. Depending on on their ancestors, your black Labrador puppy may be a little smaller than this when they are fully grown. And the hunting or American Lab may have a lighter frame and a strong drive for retrieving. The lifespan of a black Labrador is 12 years, and some purebred black lab puppies can live even longer given the right diet, exercise and a healthy dose of luck. He was my constant companion almost into adulthood. He came on countless runs through the woods, spent hours playing ball in the backyard, but also sat with his head gently rested in my lap whenever I was sad. It has always amazed me that despite the black Labrador being the most common color, it is in some ways the least appreciated. With an amazing history of working alongside human companions, and a fabulous temperament, this pup really is one to watch. This black retriever has been favored by the hunting community for generations. But they were bred from a fishing companion that has been extinct now for nearly fifty years. This breed was also most likely the route of the rather different, and bigger, Newfoundland. Albeit often with white markings. Do you ever feel like you see more black Labs around than any other color? The first chocolate Labradors that we know of were born in the s, but colors other than black were not at all popular until the mid 90s. Horribly, for many generations most puppies born with chocolate or yellow coats were routinely euthanized at birth! If a puppy has inherited the gene for black coat color from either of her parents, this is the color that her coat will be. These both come from a pigment called eumelanin. More eumelanin leads to a black Lab, less leads to a chocolate. Genes come in pairs. Here we are dealing with B genes at the B locus. B is dominant over b. So a pairing of BB or Bb will give a black coat. Only bb will give a brown coat. A puppy gets one gene from each parent. With me so far? This is because these genes are also effected by another set of genes, at the E locus. E is dominant, and does not get in the way of the B genes. But e is recessive, and this does. It has the potential to stop the B genes giving a black or brown dog, and gives us yellow Labrador pups. And these all interact with each other differently to give different coat colors. This diagram explains them nicely: You can see from these combinations alone that the most common result is a black Lab puppy. But also how chocolate and yellow Labs were hidden for a time through careful matings and selective culling. But there is another twist to the black coat color tale. Occasionally a Lab is born with the dilute gene. This genetic twist essentially tones down the shade of the dark coat color. In the same way that the chocolate Lab looks silver when this gene is activated, the black Lab looks charcoal. In genetic terms, this dilute gene lives at the D locus. Popularity of Black Labs Black Labs have always been the most prevalent color, but their popularity has changed over the years. In the sporting dog community owners of hunting dogs still often prefer the black coat, but pet and show owners often show a preference these days for the paler colors. Chocolate and yellow Labs can even fetch higher prices from some breeders, not to mention the less common fox red and silver tones. Black Dogs Are Harder To Rehome There is a sad phenomenon in pet shelters, which impacts the rehoming rate of black dogs. Prospective owners often pass them by, regardless of temperament, in favor of the brighter colored pups on offer. But these adopters are missing a trick, because black dogs have so much to offer beyond their coat. And what they do offer differs slightly between the Labrador types. English Black Labs — bred for show There are two strains of Labrador. One was bred for the show ring, and the other was bred for the field. Although they are both Labs in the true sense, these separate strains can be quite different and are easy to pick apart if you know what you are looking for. English black Labradors are often preferred by pet homes as well as owners interested in the ring. The English black Lab has a reputation for being a little slower to mature, and a lot more playful. American Black Labs — bred to work American black Labs are slimmer, less excitable but more driven. They stand around the same height, but their heads are less broad and their tails often have less of the otter quality that their show companions sport. Although still friendly, they are perhaps less inclined to play than their show bred cousins. And in contrast to this have a stronger drive to retrieve and hunt. The English black Lab was bred for looks over purpose. Their broad head and barrel chest is matched with a straight, thick furred tail and a heavier weight on the scales. Black Labradors bred for show or as pets tend to be slower to mature, with a more playful personality, and are arguably less likely to run off after wildlife! Which Type Suits You? American black Labs may need more exercise and mental stimulation than English black Labs. They will benefit from gun dog style training involving retrieving exercises. Black Lab Characteristics Although there is no denying that the different Labrador strains have separated to a fair dramatic degree, these are still all fundamentally black Labs. And they do have some features in common that makes them who they are. The Lab has a double coat, excellent for keeping them warm in and out of the water. Their thick straight tail is described as having an otter-like appearance. And they are almost all one single color with no other markings. Mismarked Labs rear their heads from time to time, but this is generally just a case of white toes or a splash of white on their chests. Grooming and Coat Care Your black Lab needs no special grooming due to his coat color. In fact, the grooming requirements of your Labrador Retriever are some of the simplest among dog breeds. Their coats are designed to take care of themselves. Though your furniture and floors may benefit if your dog has a twice daily brush when shedding heavily. Other than that Labs have a wonderful coat that requires only occasional washing. The eventual size of your black Lab puppy will depend a little upon their upbringing, and a lot upon whether they are from American or English lines. An adult black Lab will weigh anywhere from 55 to 80 lbs, and be from 21 to .The English black Lab will tend to be closer to the heavier end of the spectrum, and the American nearer to the lower. Black Lab Temperament Labradors are well known for being friendly. Perhaps sometimes a little too friendly! This bouncy breed is more likely to leap up and lick a burglar than to stop him in the act. The downside of this is that they can be easily distracted at the dog park by wanting to greet everyone they come across. Their jolly, lively nature can also lead them into trouble with people who are unsteady on their feet. Although lovably clumsy, this dog also has a brilliant brain. Intelligence Black Labradors have been bred for generations as hunting companions. Deliberately bred from dogs that were attentive to their handlers and relatively easy to teach commands to, they are absolutely an intelligent breed. Because to get that black coat expressed is just a matter of mating two dogs, whereas to get the recessive genes you need to at least partially make your breeding choices based upon the colors of the parents as well as factors to do with temperament and trainability. But the most important factor when bringing together two Lab lines should always be one of health. Training and Exercising Your Black Lab Black Labs are intelligent dogs and training is an absolute essential for them and their owners. RUnning, swimming, cycling, hiking and even dock diving are popular pass times. Although American Labs tend to be more driven to fetch, English Labradors are often still keen too. Both types need a good workout every day to keep them fit and healthy. And to help them relax at home. You can exercise your dog with a traditional walk, by going for a run together or through play. Retrieving games are a great way to give your Lab a lot of exercise without you having to travel quite such a long distance yourself. You can find some great ideas for games you and your Labrador can play together in this article. Black Lab Health The best way to avoid health problems is by purchasing a puppy from health tested parents. The main areas to be aware of are joint problems and eye problems. Hip and elbow dysplasia are common Lab complaints. This condition ranges in severity and an adult dog can have x rays to assess their joint health, and be given a score to let you know how well their joints have developed. To avoid your puppy suffering from this either both parents need to be Clear or one Clear one Carrier. If one is a carrier, your puppy might carry the gene too. A general eye exam once a year will make sure that there are no other vision problems manifesting over time. Most breeders advertise online now, so you will need to be careful to have a good chat with them before committing to buying a puppy. Do not put down a deposit before meeting the mother and the litter at their home. The mum should be relaxed and happy to meet you, and for you to handle her pups. If you are looking for a pet you will need to decide whether you think a show or working temperament is better suited to your lifestyle and family needs. Make sure the breeder willingly shows you copies of health certificates from both parents. As a minimum they should be PRA clear, have a recent clear eye check from a vet, have good hip scores and an elbow score of 0. If one parent has been shown as a carrier for dwarfism or PRA, be sure to check that the other has been tested clear. Good breeders ask lots of questions because they care about what happens to their pups, and will be open and willing to answer all of your questions too. You might find it helpful to check out our article on Labrador breeders before you start searching for a pup. You might also want to read this article: Choosing the Right Dog. The information in these articles will help you avoid some of the common mistakes people make when looking for their new best friend. Rescuing a Black Lab Rescuing a dog is a great thing to do if your circumstances are right. And rescuing a black Lab is even better, as this color can be hard to home. Reputable rescues will work hard to match you to the right dog, and help you to make a choice that fits in well with your family. Rescuing such a dog can be very rewarding. We hope you will find our article Should you adopt a Labrador helpful. You can view a list of rehoming societies on our rescue page. They will also offer plenty of support and help once you bring your dog home. Especially when it comes to behavioral and training problems. White or grey hairs may start forming around their muzzle, giving them a bearded or grizzled look. This pale hair is nothing to worry about and happens to most black Labs sooner or later. As your black Lab reaches old age, you might find that he slows down a bit. His typical energetic black Lab personality may mellow. He will be less boisterous, and more inclined to spend the day in bed than bouncing up and down by your side. The average lifespan of a black Lab is around 12, but if you are lucky your pup might be with you for 14 or more years. A more comfortable bed, ideally with memory foam, can help support those ageing joints. Ramps for accessing the car can really help them out too. Depending upon advice from your vet you might also want to switch them to a senior dog food , which is easier to digest and has additives that some believe can help slow the pace of arthritis. Life Span Did You Know? Black Labrador Retrievers, or just Black Labs, are a common coat color variation of one of the most popular dog breeds. The Black Labrador Retriever is not necessarily a separate dog breed. Black Labs are still Labrador Retrievers; they just have a distinct coat color that is a specifically-bred characteristic. Like other Labrador Retrievers, Black Labs are energetic, playful, and affectionate dogs that make great family companions. Although they are active and energetic dogs, Labs are also known for their gentleness and patience with other family members. Well-socialized Black Labs tend to get along well with just about everyone including children, other dogs, pets, and even strangers. They are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , Black Labs thrive on attention, especially from their favorite humans. They are happiest when they are spending time with their families and receiving affection and attention from them. Despite their high energy, Labs are highly adaptable dogs. They do tend to be better suited to homes with fenced yards where they can run, but they also adapt well to apartments provided they get enough daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. They do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat and extreme cold like many dog breeds. As such, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Black Labrador Retriever can include elbow dysplasia , hip dysplasia, heart disease, hereditary myopathy, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Another potential health concern is EIC exercise-induced collapse , which can occur in young adult Labs and has a genetic link. Because carriers can be identified by DNA tests, it is recommended that breeders test for them. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you talk to the breeder 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 large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Labrador Retrievers are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Although their high energy and puppylike exuberance can sometimes be a challenge, they are intelligent dogs that are eager to please. As long as training is kept consistent and focused on positive rewards and praise, novice owners still tend to do well with Black Labs. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training too. Black Labs have a short, water-resistant double coat that sheds year-round and sheds heavier as seasons change. Depending on how active your Black Lab is and what they get into, they may need a bath more often, especially if they are swimming a lot. Weekly ear checks and careful cleanings when needed help prevent ear infections. Good dental care for dogs , like daily brushing and cleanings at the vet when needed, can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. As one of the most active dog breeds , a Black Labrador Retriever will need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are a minimum. Your Black Lab will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood. They tend to maintain a puppylike exuberance until they are years old. Although they do tend to mellow out as they get older, they are still active, energetic, and playful dogs. Once they are fully grown, you can try other things like hiking, running, dock diving, and more to find other activities you and your Black Lab can enjoy together. Fully-grown Black Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Black Labs generally live for years on average. Black Labrador Retrievers came before the also-popular Chocolate Lab. All modern Chocolate Labs can be traced back to three Black Labs in the s. It was the December issue of .Featured Black Labrador Retriever Article.
Australian Labradoodle Puppies that want to be a part of your home. The Australian Labradoodle is the most amazing pet we have ever experienced! Their cuddly disposition is probably the most attractive characteristic of our puppies. They are extremely social and intelligent. We strive to maintain the great breeding lines in our puppies that we have been blessed with. You can read more about our introduction to this breed here. You will learn why our dogs look different than many labradoodle dogs that you may have seen. At CuteLabradoodles, we are dedicated to the ethical treatment of all of our dogs. We desire to have a loving family adopt every puppy that comes from our breeding program. All of our breeding dams reside in a home just like yours. They are not kenneled as puppy producers but are pets that are a part of the family. We live in Montesano, Washington on 6 acres located in the Schafer Meadows area. The dogs are joined in this community by wild Roosevelt Elk, Llamas, wild Peacocks, deer and various other wildlife that are indigenous to the area. We health test all of our breeding stock. We insure sound, healthy Australian Labradoodle puppies. You can rest assured when you take one of our puppies home it will be healthy, socially acclimated and anxious to be apart of your family! So take a look around explore our puppy pictures page , take a peek at our breeding stock and meet the family. If you are interested in taking one of our puppies home with you check out the information page and contact us if you have more questions. Like us! Follow us! This family owned business is committed to performing extensive health testing and temperament assessments on each female and male breeding Doodle before selecting them to produce our adorable puppies. We have a select number of litters each year, focusing individual attention to the development of each doodle puppy before it goes to its forever home. Whether you are looking to purchase your first Australian Labradoodle or your third, this will be a very exciting time for you and your family! To achieve this, we carefully select our breeding dogs based on extensive health examinations and temperament assessments. Our breeding moms and studs have been carefully examined and tested by local veterinarians here in Texas to ensure they are free of eye, hip, and elbow problems, cardiac issues, genetic diseases and coat issues. Eye testing is ongoing for the entire time the dog is actively breeding. Photo Right: Our reproductive veterinarian, Dr. Kirk Esmond Each and every breeding dog passes extensive health testing to provide the best opportunity for healthy puppies. I think we are getting ready to go to our forever homes! We specialize in medium size dogs, ranging from pounds. Needless to say, the precious puppies we raise are part of our family. Our breeding Australian Labradoodle dogs live in our home as our family pets or in Guardian Homes as a valued family member. Welcome to the world of a Legendary Labradoodle. People are talking about us. Not only do we have an adorable, healthy, hypoallergenic and non-shedding family companion, but Legendary Labradoodles goes to great lengths to assure the temperament of the puppy will thrive in your home environment. They are truly producing the best pups in temperament, coat, and health not to mention hands down the cutest faces and body shape. We are a reputable Labradoodle breeder We do all health testing on our Labradoodles before breeding. We are dedicated to a quality-breeding program that has allowed us the opportunity to develop relationships with some of the top Australian Labradoodle breeders in the United States and we are located in Sacramento, CA. She is a calm, patient, and sweet breeding dog that has a gentle and affectionate personality. Brookside Diesel 23 pounds Diesel exudes joy and playfulness, reveling on attention and companionship. He exhibits a warm and friendly demeanor towards both humans and fellow canines. Diesel's abundant energy is evident as he eagerly positions himself in front of anyone petting another dog, yearning for his share of attention. She is a happy, cunning, smart, and sweet breeding dog that has a unique blend of intelligence and mischievousness. Our previous litter We are pleased to share that we have had the pleasure of raising 5 litters of adorable Australian Labradoodles. Each our puppy received the best care and attention possible, ensuring that they developed into happy, healthy pups. We are thrilled to announce that all of our previous litters have found their forever homes and are bringing joy and happiness to their new owners. We take great pride in our breeding program and are dedicated to producing healthy, well-socialized Australian Labradoodles that are the perfect addition to any family. We hope that our track record of successful litters and happy owners gives you confidence in our breeding program. As experienced breeders, you can trust us to provide you with a wonderful companion that will bring years of love and companionship to your life. The dogs they use to breed are beautiful and appear in great health as well. My puppy Luna can be a lot of work at times but that goes without saying. Highly recommend Adorable Labradoodle! Colin T From the beginning I have had such an amazing experience with adorable labradoodle. Tatyana was super responsive. She FaceTimed me so I could pick the perfect puppy for my family. She even offered to let me visit her before pick up date. On pick up date, she worked with me for a time that worked well for my schedule. You can tell she loves what she does and the puppies are I. Such a loving home and environment. We took home a little girl we named Charli and she is so smart. She is def the addition we needed. Thank you so much. He is such a great noy and I am sooo in love with him. Finn is almost six months old and certainly is adorable! Lori Steuben Norman is very people oriented. I believe all these good traits come from good breeding and the breeders who took the time and care for there animals. So this is our first sample of a non hunting companion. What a wonderful choice we made. Thank you again Adorable Labradoodles. Ruben Great experience with Adorable Labradoodle. Very professional, friendly, and helpful the whole way with getting your dog to you. I would recommend Adorable Labradoodle to my own family and friends. I received the perfect little Teddy Bear and now she is 8 months old. Jane All of these puppies are well cared for and loved, socialized, and have amazing temperaments. You can tell how the entire family loves and knows each puppy. This is not a high volume breeder-everyone knows each puppy and takes the time to answer all of your questions. There is so much heart and soul here. Thank you! Michelle Takemoto Very responsible Breeder. Puppies are socialized. My red poodle I would highly recommend Adorable Labradoodle! We had a great experience with this breeder and I could not imagine getting a puppy from anywhere else. As a first time dog owner, she went above and beyond in terms of thoroughly answering our questions. Kon Kon Viev More Our Certificates If you are looking to purchase a Labradoodle as a pet or as a breeding dog, then you are at the right site. We are current ALAA breeders, and we have a good reputation in the Association, which is confirmed by certificates and diplomas.
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. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Sheprador Highlights The German Sheprador is a mixed breed dog. The main colors of German Shepradors are black, white, red, cream, blue, and grey. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. Many German Shepradors absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also help to keep them cool during hot summer months. German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. German Sheprador History The German Sheprador dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing German Shepherds and Labradors in North America, possibly in the s. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create German Shepradors as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the German Sheprador got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up German Sheprador rescues, or check with breed-specific German Shepherd and Labrador rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. German Sheprador Size As the German Sheprador is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between German Shepherd and Labrador parents, you can expect the German Sheprador to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 95 pounds and range in height from 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. German Sheprador Personality German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their German Shepherd parents regularly work as military, police, and guard dogs, while their Labrador Retriever parents have jobs as hunting and guide dogs. German Shepradors like to work and need to have a job to do, whether big or small. Give them a sense of purpose, and this dog will earn their keep ten fold. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reenforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. German Shepradors are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour long walk per day with several shorter walks mixed in. Hiking and other adventurous activities are also recommended. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as this mixed breed is prone to tartar build-up. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with its one-inch jumps. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. German Sheprador Feeding An ideal German Sheprador diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. They usually have medium length, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. You will need it. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also helps to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are an indoor dog and need to live indoors. Like all dogs, however, German Shepradors need to be trained how to behave around children and vice versa. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this awesome breed by reading about their parent breeds the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever. German Sheprador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for German Shepradors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. 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. Shedding is a must in German shepherd lab mix puppies so brushing is extremely important during the shed season. You may also bathe them once in 2 months keeping in mind the weather condition in your hometown. Cutting nails can be good but you can choose to trim them as it would not be a good idea to cut nails thoroughly. These include the type of food that your dog is used to eating, the ingredients in the food, and the size of the dog. German Shepherds are bred as working dogs, so they are typically used to eating food that is high in protein and low in carbs so does labrador. A diet that is high in protein and low in carbs is a good fit for a German Shepherd lab mix as well. One thing to keep in mind is the size of the food. The German Shepherd lab mix is a large dog, so a diet that is too small or too heavy might not work for them. Small meals can make your dog lazy and heavy meals can lead to bloating. A balanced diet is a key to keeping your dog happy and healthy. You can also make proportions of a heavy meal that can be given multiple times a day. Experts consider feeding your dog a fresh meal is way healthier than giving them a processed meal. If you are still confused then you can consult your vet because he will prescribe food according to the size and health of your dog. Fun Facts: This dog is extremely energetic and active. He will not let you rest once you start playing with them. If he takes after the Labrador side, he will chew everything that comes his way So better keep your favorite stuff hidden from him. Constant dominance-based training does not work with GSD lab mix dogs. While training them you must think out of the box and present some creative methods of training. This dog can be your best guard dog, the reason is that both the parents are excellent guard dogs and loyal to their homes. In the United States, Labrador is the number one favorite and famous dog while the German shepherd is the second number. Breeders decided to take advantage of it and crossed these two breeds. Both German Shepherd and Labrador shed heavily due to their double coat, Therefore their pup will also have heavy shedding during the season. However, there are some things that should be considered before getting one. Knowledge is power and it will be a good time for you to get the best dog to have the best time in life. The German shepherd lab mix is the ultimate family dog, so before adopting one, make sure you have time to spend with this energetic breed. Because Labrador loves to be around its human, so does its mixed puppy. They will be at their best if you keep them happy by showing love and affection and keeping close. They might go bananas if you do not spend enough time with them, and they may also show destructive behavior such as starting to dig or chewing things around. This can also increase anxiety levels and make your dog depressed. They love kids and are great companions. They are good with other pets in the house if you introduce them in the right way. Keep other pets away from this dog. If you see their aggressive behavior, They might not like them sometimes. They get bored too easily due to which they need constant mental stimulation. Keeping the German shepherd lab mix clean, and timely walks and activities can improve the overall health of the dog. Brush them often as their shedding is high. German Shepherd Lab Mix Exercise: As mentioned above this breed is restless and super active for which it is important to keep this dog tired. Exercising this dog is one of the vital factors. The German Shepherd is a super active dog with full energy. On the other hand, Labrador is also an energetic dog so we can predict their mixed pup will also have these traits. Regular walks to the park are essential. They can be your great companions for hiking, swimming or running. Most people are confused if a German Shepherd Labrador mix can swim? Of course, they can swim because of their Labrador lineage. There is one thing that you should keep in mind that you have to train them for swimming and introduce them to pools. Because they are easily bored, try to play different games. Games that have purpose and are effective for physical and mental stimulation. Before adopting a dog, always make sure you are doing justice to them in terms of weather. There are some dogs who are a good fit for summer and who do well in winter but if we talk about German shepherds and Labradors they both are not good for hot weather. As a matter of fact, they both love winter. You may notice German shepherds are super happy during the winter season and lazy during hot weather. The same goes for Labrador. German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coat dog who would love to open up during cold times of the year. They are extra playful and joyful under the snow. New owners have this confusion they might feel cold in the snow while in reality, it is the opposite, They enjoy the snow more than humans. This time is the best time when you can play with your dog and train different activities. They may also show you a high energy level and excitement while training and exercising. As we all know positive energy emits positivity, you will also feel fresh and energetic if you spend some playtime with your German Shepherd lab mix. Did you know they may get heat stroke if they are kept outside during the daytime in hot weather? There are cases where the owner kept the German Shepherd outside during hot weather and the heat results in heart failure in the dog. There are extreme cases as well. This is because the German Shepherd is a large dog with a double coat and cannot tolerate heat for a long time, and so does the German Shepherd lab mix. If you are in a country where the temperature goes high then better not to adopt a dog who has a double coat. Also, if there is mild Summer Heat in your hometown, You may take care of a German Shepherd lab mix pup by providing them with enough water all the time so they can stay hydrated. Do not leave them outside and keep them under the shade. This way you can protect your mixed breed from many problems caused by heat. German Shepherd Mixed with Labrador Puppies for Sale: Crossbreeding was not popular back then, this practice started in the last decade only, and people are still not familiar with designer breeds. If we see the graph we will see how fast this trend has grown and people are owning these hybrids to enjoy new experiences. Although it is a little difficult to find mixed breed dogs. German Shepherd and lab mix is one of the popular and well-known designer breeds. You might be wondering where to get a german shepherd lab mix puppy as this is not usual to get a mixed dog. First of all we would like to suggest you visit your nearest shelter house and see if you can get one from there. If you cannot get a dog from a shelter house you can visit different breeders in your area. It completely depends on how the dog was raised, the quality of living, and the quality of food he had been given. Conclusion: Finally, we have given you all the quality information about the German shepherd mixed with the lab. German Shepherd lab mix is a loving and protective dog, who may eat up anything to death if they love you. They make amazing family pets as well as prove to be the best guard for your family. They are energetic and love to play all the time. They can keep a sad person happy and active. They are best friends to those who show them some affection. However, it is a crossbreed dog of German shepherd and Labrador Retriever. They have sweetness like Labrador and Intelligence like a German shepherd, you will fall in love with this crossbreed if you are a fan of both German shepherd and Labrador. Post navigation.
Breeding quality Golden's to be Your Next best Friend! They are AKC limited Registration , Full registration available for additional fee to approved homes only. They come with a 1 year health guarantee and a life time of help with any concerns and support , vaccinated age appropriate, De- wormed ,complete vet examined. We love our Golden's. They are a true part of our family and family life. They Live in our home and go camping and traveling with us and are a huge attraction where ever we take them and the tail wagging and unconditional love is priceless. They are such sweet souls. They are best friends but they also make great service dogs, hunting companions, dock dogs, agility partners, walking friends, they are a very versatile dog. We raise these pups as if we were keeping all of them. They are held and played with everyday. They play with kids and have Social interaction with other dogs in our family. We take them outside and expose them to the outdoors , we also give them stimulating toys and water to play in to get them started to be confident, thriving ,well adjusted babies. Mom's name is Callie. She is light gold close to white in color and has a beautiful full coat. About 78 lbs. She is 4 years old. She has been very health dog. Has her Eyes, Heart, Hips and elbow clearances. DNA golden retriever panel also. She is so calm, loving and smart. She loves kids, people , walks, swimming. She is worth her weight in gold as far as personality. Dads name is Bounty. He is a very handsome boy. He also has personality plus. He is also a huge part of his family! He is pet, in his home and on the furniture! He is a beautiful and solid 80 pounds He had heart and eye certified and had many proven healthy babies on the ground. His Coat is gorgeous and his personality a plus. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder. Kaila Duggan. Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan 2. Golden Acres The Golden Acres is one of the most trusted breeders in the state. They have over 20 years of experience working with Golden Retrievers and raising show-stealing puppies. Golden Retriever puppy eats kibbles. All the puppies are hand raised and socialized with children, adults, and other puppies. They also spend a lot of time outdoors, running and playing in the fresh air. Happy and Healthy Dogs Golden Acres is committed to raising happy and healthy puppies. All of their dogs are tested for genetic diseases like hip and elbow dysplasia. They also vaccinate their puppies. They also have a nutrition and exercise program to ensure the puppies are well taken care of. Unmatched Experience The team at Golden Acres is made up of experienced and knowledgeable breeders who have a passion for Golden Retrievers. They have years of experience in caring for, training, and breeding dogs. They are committed to learn and grow their knowledge of the breed to make improvements to the breeding process. They also have a strict breeding program to make sure they produce healthy and beautiful pups. They also have a temperament test to make sure their dogs are good-natured. Positive Training Golden Acres also puts a big emphasis on socializing their puppies. From the time the puppies are born, they start the socialization process. The puppies are introduced to different environments, sounds , and people. This helps ensure the puppies are well-adjusted and comfortable in new situations. They are dedicated to providing support to their customers and are available to answer questions anytime. The team also provides valuable advice throughout the lifetime of the puppy. They also offer a health guarantee so you can rest assured your puppy is healthy and well taken care of. The couple has two children and runs an at-home business boarding dogs and breeding exceptional Golden Retrievers. Contact Details:. Share 0 Shares The Golden Retriever is possibly one of the friendliest and loving dog breeds that you will ever have the pleasure of meeting. As a result, they have become one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States and have captured the hearts of many. This is the article for you if you are looking for Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Michigan. We have compiled a list of the best Golden Retriever breeders in Michigan. As always, it is still important that you do your own research to ensure that a breeder is ethical and reputable before purchasing a puppy from them. As a result, these breeders only have about two to three litters of puppies a year. However, this only means that these Golden Retriever breeders look for quality and not quantity when it comes to breeding their dogs. Of course, all puppies are kept up to date on their age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, and vet visits. All of the dogs from this breeder have established pedigrees, and they have also been health tested before being bred. In fact, many of their dogs come from championship bloodlines and have won titles themselves. If you are interested in purchasing a puppy from this breeder, then you will need to fill out the questionnaire that is available on their website. Name of Owner. A good dog breeder is registered in a breeders association and breeds according to the rules and guidelines of the respective breed association. In addition to participating in beauty and performance shows at dog shows, this also includes health checks on their breeding dogs. These papers show which ancestors were involved in the development of the puppy and whether inbreeding was carried out. What makes a serious dog breed? The prices that dog breeders charge for their puppies mostly flow back into dog breeding. A profit is hardly achieved with good and species-appropriate husbandry. How do I recognize a reputable breeder? First, make sure that the dog breed leaves a clean and well-groomed impression. The following points can also help you buy puppies from a reputable dog breeder: Do all animals look lively and healthy? Do the puppies grow up in the family instead of having to live in a kennel outside? Are the parent animals on-site? Are you allowed to visit the puppies several times? Is the breeder interested in your living conditions? Would they like to know as precisely as possible where their puppies will live? Does the dog breeder take special measures to give their puppies a good start in life? For example, do the puppies get to know car journeys and train journeys? Are they used to other pets and children? Does the breeder grant themself a right of repurchase in the event that the buyer wants to give their dog back? These points are indicators of a reputable breeder. In addition, you should make sure that the puppies are not over-vaccinated and dewormed before buying. Worming treatments in particular can cause permanent damage in puppies that cannot be justified by a potential benefit. If the dog breeder is critical of your questions, that is also a good sign. Due to their balanced psyche and benevolent disposition, they have gained a reputation as ideal family companions, and their ineradicable passion for water and craving for retrieval make them indispensable for hunting. Golden Retrievers are medium-sized, well-proportioned dogs. Although their exterior is regulated by a single standard, there is a division into 3 types in the breed: English. Dogs of this type are easily recognizable by their wide skull, powerful legs, and very light, almost white coat. Dogs of this type are distinguished by an elegant constitution and graceful posture. Tall, thin dogs of rich dark color. To choose the right pet, you should study the breed standard. Then it will become clear what the perfect Golden Labrador looks like. Of course, the puppies are still too small, so it is rather difficult to assess their conformation. When choosing, first of all, pay attention to the following signs: The Coat. Labradors have dense and coarse guard hair without waves and feathers, a thick and soft undercoat. The AKC standard allows only 3 colors: cream, golden, dark golden, and light golden. A small white spot on the chest is not considered a fault. Expression of the muzzle. It depends to a certain extent on the eyes. In golden Labradors, they are brown or hazel, expressing intelligence and good nature. The eyes should not be cloudy or heavy. In puppies under 12 weeks of age, the iris is blue. The lighter the shade, the lighter the eyes of an adult animal will be. Body type. The back is short and straight, without dips or bulges. Puppies that are overly light, weak, gaunt, or overweight should not be chosen. A characteristic feature of the breed is a thick tail at the base and tapering to the tip, reminiscent of the tail of an otter. During swimming, the tail plays the role of a rudder. During a game, the puppies cheerfully lift it, but never bend or throws it on its back. Labradors are prone to hip dysplasia. For instance, you may want to get the essential things for your puppies like grooming tools, food, and shelter. Therefore, in the early days, pets really need the attention and care of their owners. To avoid digestive problems, puppies should first be fed what they ate at the breeder. And it is better to introduce all new products gradually and in small quantities. At 2 months, golden retrievers should receive food times a day, and when they reach 1 year they are transferred to double feeding. Until the golden puppy has received all the vaccinations, it cannot be taken out for walks. Therefore, before the end of the post-vaccination quarantine in the house, it is better to remove the carpets and cover the floor with disposable floor pads. These platforms will help you connect with people who have Golden Retriever puppies for sale or adoption near you. It can be a great alternative in looking for your future pup within the comfort of your home. AKC Marketplace is your trusted resource to help make a lifetime of responsible dog ownership safe, happy, and healthy. They help over 21, animal shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies advertise their homeless pets to millions of adopters a month, for free. They pride themselves on connecting loving families with new furry friends and have happy customers all over the nation. Milo needs to find a new home. His owner has provided this information about him. Milo is currently undergoing a two week training with Off Leash Training, a board and train program for behavioral rehabilitation, so that he can be his best self. Personality of Milo: He is such a sweet loving boy. He loves car rides and sticking his head out the window. He loves going on adventures to new locations like parks or walking trails. He is a bit clingy and prefers to be around his person. He loves jumping for hugs and pets but we are working on greeting manners. He loves fruits and veggies. Strawberries are his favorite! He loves playing in the water in summer, we have some sprinklers that I would be more than happy to pass along, along with all his toys, bed, crate, leashes. I think Milo would do best with someone who is active and has time and space to provide for Milo. Milo weighs about 70 pounds. Milo is house-trained and crate trained. Milo would need an experienced adopter. A fenced in yard would be preferred for Milo. His only special needs would be weekly ear cleaning and daily walks. Since Milo is in active training, he needs an experienced dog owner who can provide Milo with a loving home and continue his training so he can be his best. Could it be you? Please consider meeting him and making him your companion and BFF. Please use these links for our:Online Adoption Application: paawarren.
Dog treats Dog crate Boxers are energetic and highly intelligent dogs. They strive for attention and love to please their owners. Although Boxers are quick learners, they tend to be stubborn when they do not want to do something. It is important to train Boxer puppies at an early age, as they can become hard to train and control. One of this first things you should do when you get your Boxer puppy home is to potty train it. Begin potty training when the Boxer puppies are at least 7 weeks old as they are now able to walk and learn. Make sure to start training as soon as possible. If you start potty training when the puppies are over 12 weeks of age, it will be more difficult for them to learn. They will have developed bad habits that will be hard to break. Choose a location in your yard where the Boxer puppy will go to the bathroom each time he goes outside. Always take the puppy to this one location when it is time to go potty. Do not confuse the puppy by taking him to a new location each time. Use the leash to lead the puppy to the location that you had chosen in Step 2. Stay in this area until the puppy has gone potty. Reward the puppy in this manner every time he has finished going to the bathroom. Create a consistent routine. Take the Boxer puppy outside to use the bathroom at the same times everyday. Putting the Boxer puppy on a regular feeding schedule will help you predict when the puppy needs to go potty. Repeat this process until the Boxer puppy is no longer going to the bathroom in the house. If you have a fenced-in yard, the puppy should be able to go to the bathroom on his own without a leash. This can take several weeks or more to accomplish. Tips It is important that you stay consistent with your training. Apply these steps in the exact same manner each time. Your puppy will learn much faster because puppies learn by repetition. If you do or say something different each time you take your puppy out to potty, you will confuse him. Watch for signs from your puppy that he needs to go to the bathroom. If your puppy is sniffing around, circling, whimpering or scratching at the door, he probably needs to go out. It is recommended that you purchase a dog crate if you cannot supervise your Boxer at all times. Make sure you purchase a large enough crate to accommodate your Boxer. You will need to crate train your puppy to ensure that he will not go to the bathroom throughout your home. This does nothing to help your puppy learn faster. Punishing will only make the puppy afraid of you. Instead, ignore your puppy when he has an accident and clean the mess up right away. Be patient and keep rewarding your Boxer puppy whenever he goes to the bathroom outside. Boxer Dog House Training Overview Housebreaking your Boxer does not need to be a struggle of wits or will power between you and your dog. How do you properly house train a Boxer? By following 2 main rules: 1. Use a method that prevents your Boxer from eliminating inside the home. Provide and offer an area to relieve themselves that is both easily accessible and available when they need it. Keeping these 2 training rules in mind, housebreaking your Boxer can be done without stress or frustration. Rule 1 The goal is for your Boxer to not eliminate inside the house but how do you accomplish this? It is really easier than you might think. There are 2 basic methods. Watch them like a hawk - If you are lucky enough to be able to stay home with your Boxer until he or she is house trained, you can use the Umbilical Cord Training Method. If you are away during the day, default to this method any time that you are home and it can be reasonably incorporated. You will simply put a leash on your Boxer and tether the other end to you. You may connect it to your belt loop or around your wrist. The important element is that your Boxer will never be more than 6 feet away from you. With this method, you will take your Boxer puppy outside every 2 hours for a 2 month old, every 3 hours for a 3 month old and so on. The less a pup is allowed an opportunity to have an "accident" inside, the more successful the house training will be done. And we must remember that essentially there are no accidents. When nature calls, a puppy will urinate or eliminate where they are at that moment. Bladder and bowel muscles are not at full strength and the Boxer has little control in regard to holding needs. Therefore, it is the owner's job to make sure that their Boxer is outside in the bathroom area, at the time that the body calls for it. The other method is confinement by crating and is not recommended. For times that you cannot be right with your Boxer puppy , it is best to have him in a gated off area. If the room that you choose has carpeting, it is recommended to obtain a piece of linoleum, that will not be installed, it will simply be placed down. It's a good idea to keep the gate open when you are home, allowing your Boxer to check things out and even play, should he choose. It will allow him to get used to the area for times when you are not home. Do keep in mind that without full control over holding his needs, he must still be taken out at the times mentioned above. When you are not home, pee pads or paper can be placed down; however do not expect your puppy to learn 2 methods of housebreaking. The beneficial element is that it will be confined to one space easy to clean up and as the Boxer grows, he will be able to hold his needs for longer periods of time, with the end result being able to hold on for the 8 hours or so that owners are away for work. Rule 2 You must clearly show your Boxer where you expect him to go to the bathroom. If there are any doubts in your dog's mind about where he is supposed to eliminate this will make for one confused dog. And, it will most likely lead to that dog just giving up and going inside the home. Choose a spot that works well in all weather. What looks like a great location on a warm spring day may not work so great when your older, trained Boxer has to hike thorough a foot of snow to reach it in the winter. The area should be roughly 8 feet in diameter and used for nothing else but bathroom needs. If you want to play with your Boxer or do some outdoor command training , do this after he goes to the bathroom and in a separate location at least 15 feet from the bathroom area. The location that you choose as the main spot for your Boxer to use as a bathroom is vital. A dog will become very confused if you show them a new area each time you bring them outside. Just having the yard or "somewhere outside" is not specific enough and will impede progress. The 1 complaint that owners have in regard to housebreaking their puppy is that he or she urinates or eliminates right after coming back into the house. While this may just be a matter of the dog's body not having the need while outside, most of the time it is because an owner did not give the dog an opportunity to do so. Puppies need to sniff around - stand in the center of the chosen area - and with your Boxer on a 6 foot lead, allow him to sniff away any where within that diameter. As they are sniffing, their body is readying to push out a bowel movement and an owner must allow for enough time to go by for this to happen. The mistake occurs when an owner heads back in with their Boxer, only minutes before the dog is ready and that is when the dog eliminates seemingly right after entering back inside. As digested food moved through the intestinal tract, the puppy clenched bowel muscles in anticipation of being taken out. A pup needs 15 to 20 minutes to find just the "perfect" spot and to relax enough to do the deed. How to Begin Using the above Umbilical Cord Training Method Each time your puppy makes a motion that implies that they are about to eliminate, you must bring your dog outside to a designated area. In some cases, you may need to pick up your puppy and run to that spot - expect to do this several times, as even finishing in the designated bathroom area is preferred to not at all. Still give praise even if he only finished up there. Don't scold for what's been done inside, as again, the dog went to the bathroom in the area he was in at the time. Taken outside enough will stop this from happening - and don't worry, as your Boxer matures, he will be able to hold on for about 1 hour extra, for each month that he ages. As soon as your Boxer is done with their business, give tons of praise. A puppy has no idea that he did something right, unless it is conveyed to him via words and at times, additionally a treat. You do not need to give your dog a treat each time they "perform" good; but you should shower your Boxer with pats and tons of happy and excited words. Act as if your dog just did the best possible action in the world! A dog aims to please their owner; if you make your Boxer feel as if he did something extraordinarily wonderful, he or she will be prone to do it again. This does not need to be done forever. Once a dog performs enough repetitions of a certain action, it becomes habit. However, an occasional "good dog! Block off certain rooms that are not in use and use a gate to keep your Boxer on the level of the home where you are. If "allowed" to have accidents, they will continue to believe that they can go urinate or eliminate inside of the home. Even if you yell "NO! Be sure that it is large enough for the pup to: play, sleep, eat and go to the bathroom. Crating does not work when a dog is left home alone. Canines do not care to go to the bathroom in a confined space, but if left with no other choice, they will.Bring your Boxer out about 20 minutes before you leave. Bring him out as soon as you arrive back home. Don't scold for any messes that occurred while you were gone, it makes no sense to reprimand a dog for a natural bodily function. Leaving Your Boxer Outside There are several reasons why a Boxer of any age should not be sent out into the yard without supervision. The Boxer is among the top dog breeds that are stolen. Where are they taken from? Their own yards. A fence may keep other dogs out, but it will not keep out a thief intent on jumping over the fence to take your helpless puppy. Until a Boxer is old enough to scare off a thief, do not leave your puppy outside. In addition, outside elements such as the hot sun can quickly overheat a dog causing heat exhaustion, which ultimately leads to death if treatment is not given in enough time. Your Boxer puppy should be taken out many times during the day, given that he or she sleeps through the night: When they first wake up After each meal times a day Before bedtime A general guideline in house training a dog is that a 2 month old Boxer puppy can hold its needs for 2 hours, a 3 month old for 3 hours and so on. The maximum time that any dog should ever be expected to hold their needs is 8 hours and this is for a full grown adult canine. Taking steps to help your Boxer sleep through the night can also help to some extent. Keeping in mind that meals must be spaced apart from exercise to help prevent bloat , a good bout of cardio about 2 hours before bed may help a pup sleep better through the night.
As a tiny pup she grew up in their house lots of breeders say they do this, but the pups are often in an outside shed. She arrived with me at 8 weeks old as a confident well rounded little girl. As an added bonus, she was practically house trained. I would have no hesitation in recommending Southdown Labradoodles. They are really caring breeders who love their dogs and will go the extra mile to make sure every pup gets the very best start in life. After a great amount of searching we found Southdowns Australian Labradoodles. Debbie was both friendly and professional. She was happy to answer any questions we had and we found the puppy information pack really useful. Debbie kept us informed throughout Otties pregnancy. Being able to watch Ottie and the puppies over the webcast was amazing and helped us feel connected to the puppies. We were able to see what a lovely mum Ottie was. Debbie's care of the puppies including making sure they all had the necessary health checks was excellent. The puppies were beautiful and well socialised. Our puppy has a very good temperament, well adjusted although very mischievous. She has bought a lot of joy to our lives and we can't thank Debbie enough. If you are looking for an ethical trustworthy breeder who places the welfare of her dogs and puppies above all else then you would do no better than Debbie. We would definitely recommend her Marie, John and Pebbles New Puppy Owner Adding an Australian Labradoodle to our family is the best decision we have made and we couldn't imagine our lives without our fur baby! As soon as we met Debbie and Tony, it was obvious that they are responsible breeders and are passionate about what they do. They took time to answer all of our questions and as first-time dog owners with young children there were lots!! We were invited to meet them and their dogs when the pups were four weeks old; following this we visited regularly and were always made to feel welcome. We were able to view the puppies via puppy cam at any time and it was lovely to see them grow and develop. Debbie and Tony provided us with expert advice and are clearly very knowledgeable about the breed. We have stayed in touch with Debbie and Tony and meet regularly for dog walks. They have always been on hand with advice and to answer any questions - I recommend them to everyone. My parents fell in love with our pup and 14 months later, brought home her brother - it's lovely to watch them grow up together, they bring so much fun and laughter to our family. Pippa K Are you ready to embark on your Puppy Journey. ? Our Breeding Dogs We are proud to introduce our breeding dogs, who are the foundation of our program to produce healthy, happy, and family-friendly Australian Labradoodles. Our dogs are all tested for health and temperament, and they come from a long line of well-bred Australian Labradoodles. South Downs Australian Labradoodles Puppies We are currently expecting a litter of puppies from our breeding dogs. Our puppies are born and raised in our home, so they are well-socialized and used to being around people and other animals. They are also non-shedding dogs, making them a great choice for families with allergies. Non-shedding Dogs for Families Australian Labradoodles are known for being non-shedding dogs, which makes them a great choice for families with allergies. They are also very intelligent and easy to train, making them a joy to have around. Eastbourne Australian Labradoodles Puppies for Sale We are located in Eastbourne, England, and we are happy for our puppies to relocate to other parts of the UK with their new 'puppy parents'. If you are interested in learning more about our puppies or our breeding program, please contact us today. We have both been animal lovers since we were children. There is no animal we don't love. All life, whatever you are, is precious! We both were brought up spending school holidays volunteering with our mums at a pony rescue and cats protection league. Animal Welfare is extremely important to both of us and we raise every puppy with the love and care they deserve. We are very lucky to have 3, soon to be 4, healthy children that also play a huge part in raising our dogs and puppies. You will see our children regularly on the puppy cam, playing and even cleaning out the puppies. Alex is chief puppy cleaner and gets very upset if anyone tries to help him as he likes the puppy area to be just perfect. Teaching children compassion and love is very important and we do feel very lucky that we can do that for our children with the love and care we put into our puppies. Being around animals and being able to work with them everyday is not only a passion but a childhood dream. We have worked with dogs for the last 16 years and have a very successful doodle dog grooming salon. This is where our love for Australian labradoodles was born. Out of all the dogs we groom, pedigree and cross breeds in our busy salon, we have never come across a breed of dog that is as wonderful as an Australian labradoodle. Australian labradoodles are born to be a companion, and a dog the whole family can enjoy. Having been brought up in a family that had rescue dogs, rescue cats and rescue chickens, its very important to us that our puppies and dogs are raised to the highest welfare standards, and we will campaign and help other breeders willing to work to the same high standards we have here at Willows Australian Labradoodles. Not every Australian Labradoodle is created equally, so we can't stress enough the importance of buying from a breeder that is doing all the health testing not just one test and then claiming that they are health tested and raised the puppies in a family home. As each person and family plays such an important part of having the highest welfare and the best quality dogs possible. Willows Australian labradoodles East Sussex - Fully License Breeder The proof is in the Puppies A good way of explaining how a good breeder feels is to compare ourselves to a baker. We are making the best possible cake we can! We grow our own organic ingredients, weigh out each ingredient, perfect the perfect mix and put it all together from our years of experience. Then we lovingly place it into the oven and set a timer.
She is a talker and will let you know when it is dinner time. Her whole body jumps when she barks and it is so cute! Flower loves to sleep! She is partially blind and deaf and also has some stiffness in her back legs. Despite all of this, she is a spunky girl that gets around pretty well and loves going for walks. Her goofy personality will keep you smiling! Upon full examination, our medical team discovered that Flower is in the early stages of renal failure. It is fairly easy to manage at this stage. You will just need to make sure she is drinking plenty of water and keep her on a low-protein diet. Monitoring for any continuous vomiting and diarrhea will be important as well. Flower would do best in a home without other animals so that she can be the center of attention for however long she has left! We hope we can find Flower a loving family that is willing to make however much time she has left the best years of her life! This sweet girl deserves all of the love and TLC! Her adoption fee will also be significantly reduced for the perfect home. Please fill out the online application, and you will be contacted if you are approved and are a good fit for one of our adoptable pets. Have you ever met a superhero in the form of a puppy? Well, allow us to introduce you to Hulk! This little dynamo has a big heart, despite his small stature and tough beginnings. Hulk is not only a hilarious bundle of energy but also a smart and social pup ready to find his forever home. Hulk's Heroic JourneyHulk's journey to find his forever family is a tale of resilience and determination. Rescued from being dumped in a box, he's proven that even the smallest heroes can have the biggest hearts. Hulk is the last of his litter of four, and he's ready to become the center of attention in a loving home. Hulk's Hilarious PersonalityHulk's most endearing quality is his adorable waddle, thanks to his short legs. Watching him navigate the world is a constant source of amusement. He'll have you laughing with his every move! Despite his funny appearance, Hulk has a heart as big as his name, filled with love and a desire to please. He loves attention and has a nonstop wagging tail. He is a huge fan of cuddling so hopes his adopter will make room for him on the couchQuick Learner and Problem SolverHulk's intelligence shines through in his quick learning abilities. In just one day, he mastered wee-wee pad training, a testament to his smart and adaptable nature. He's also a little explorer who figured out how to climb a puppy ladder immediately, proving that he's always up for a challenge. Great with Other DogsHulk's sociable nature extends to his furry friends. He's excellent with other dogs and loves to engage in playful antics. Whether it's a game of tug-of-war or a friendly wrestle, Hulk is always up for some canine camaraderie. What Hulk NeedsHulk needs a loving family who will embrace his hilarious quirks and provide him with the guidance and love he deserves. He thrives on positive reinforcement training and mental stimulation, so be prepared for lots of fun and learning together. He's a hero in the making and will make you proud with his quick progress. Ready to Bring Hulk Home? If you're ready to embark on a journey of laughter, love, and endless adventures with a puppy who's as determined as he is adorable, don't hesitate to open your heart and home to Hulk. He's eager to join your family and be your loyal sidekick. Visit us today to meet Hulk and witness his indomitable spirit firsthand. This is your chance to make a new best friend who will keep you entertained with his antics and fill your heart with love. Don't miss out on the opportunity to welcome Hulk into your home and watch him grow into the superhero he was meant to be! This litter is our F,G,H,I namesakes. All Canines are started on Heartworm Preventatives and if 6 months or older they are tested for Heartworm Disease. Reminder: We do not DNA test our animals since it is costly and takes several weeks. Breeds are determined by what their owner tells us, physical characteristics, traits and app scans. Nor will we ever say an animal is a purebred even if we suspect or told by the owner. Choosing an animal to adopt should be based on interacting with the animal and not by breed standards. The only definite way to determine any breed is by doing a DNA test. We suggest calling prior to visiting our adoption center to ensure the animal you wish to meet is here at our Center some are in foster care and still available. If you already have an approved application then just email us at lchsmanager gmail. All our pets are posted online and we continue to take applications until they are actually adopted. Many times things change and an approved adopter does not adopt the animal so we do maintain a wait list when necessary. Please do not visit if you or anyone in your household have had symptoms of COVID 19 or been around anyone that you know has been positive or experienced symptoms within past 14 days. It is of the utmost importance that our staff stays healthy so our pets can be taken care of.
Also called the Bernese Mountain Poo, Bernesepoo, Bernesedoodle, and Bernepoo, the Bernedoodle hybid mixes the happy-go-lucky temperament of the Bernese Mountain Dog with the intelligence of its Poodle parents. Mini Bernedoodles are happiest when they're spending time with their families, children included. They are willing participants in playtime and cuddle fests alike. Fans of the breed adore their friendliness, playfulness, intelligence, and affection. They are fairly adaptable and go with the flow. If you need a dog for the whole family, or if you're a single owner looking for a lovable, smart mixed-breed with good health that will put a smile on your face with their antics, you won't be able to find a much better choice than the Miniature Bernedoodle. They do well with children and other animals, and are happiest as part of a family. They love spending time with their human family and should not be left alone for long periods. They can be wary of strangers, but early training can help their socialization. Toy and mini Bernedoodles can be more energetic and stubborn than the standard version, but you will find them relatively easy to train because of that Poodle intelligence. Their skull is moderately round with flat cheekbones and a long, straight muzzle with a scissor bite. Their eyes are dark, oval, and set far enough apart to make their facial expressions appear alert and intelligent. Ears have wide and thick ear leather and hang close to the head, at or just below eye level. Coats can be curly, dense, and highly textured, or corded, hanging in tight even cords of varying lengths. The coat is tricolor with black as the base and markings in rich rust and clear white. The tail will vary in length, but it is bushy and carried high. Exercise Medium Activity Bernedoodles are moderately active and will love daily walks. They enjoy playing fetch and spending time with you. This breed tends to wander and hunt, so a fenced-in yard is important. They can adapt to urban or rural settings provided there is time and space for daily exercise. This breed requires a lot of human interaction, so leaving him alone outside for long periods will not work for the Bernedoodle. We recommend at least an hour of exercise every day. They will do well with time to fetch, run, and learn new tricks. Breed Title Mini Bernedoodle Temperament While Mini Bernedoodles are famous for their high energy and willingness to go on adventures with their owners, they make extremely versatile pets. If you adopt one of our Mini Bernedoodle puppies for sale, be prepared for a loyal companion — with moderate exercise needs — who will want to follow you around wherever you may go! Ideal for families, the Mini Bernedoodle develops particularly strong bonds with small children. Known for its loving and protective nature, our Mini Bernedoodle puppies for sale will quickly develop a lifelong bond with your child — filled with hours of play and adventures. Mini Bernedoodle Health Considerations When it comes to health, the Mini Bernedoodle breed is robust and enjoys relatively high longevity — with an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. However, like all dog breeds, your Mini Bernedoodle puppy has its own unique health considerations to keep in mind prior to adoption. At Keystone Puppies , we take care to breed dogs with the highest standards of ethical integrity—free of common congenital defects. To learn more, read about the Keystone Puppies Health Guarantee! Dogs with straighter coats may trigger allergies. One of the most popular features of our Mini Bernedoodle puppies for sale is the curly coil they inherit from their Poodle parent. Hypoallergenic , these dogs are ideal for owners with allergies who may not be able to tolerate a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog. While you should brush your Mini Bernedoodle puppy at least two to three times a week—to ensure fur its coat stays healthy, shiny and unmatted— it is not recommended that you bathe your pup more than once a month, as the soap strips away vital natural oils that keep skin healthy and moisturized. All our Mini Bernedoodles for sale come in a variety of coat color combinations including black and brown, black and white, white and brown and all black. Meet Mini Bernedoodle Puppies for Sale. The most typical breeding of a micro mini would consist of a miniature bernedoodle girl being bred to a small toy poodle boy. Micro Bernedoodle Size The micro mini bernedoodle is expected to mature at pounds depending on the size of the sire and dam. The Tiny Bernedoodle Coat The micro mini is considered more of a non-shedding or very minimal shedding bernedoodle due to being an F1B cross and possessing more of the non-shedding poodle gene. This bernedoodle cross, like the other Bernedoodle crosses, comes in many different colors and producing many more colors than the F1 crosses due to breeding poodle color genes from both mommy and daddy. While producing more color variations they are still categorized similar to the other crosses, consisting of a tri-color micro mini, bi-color micro mini, and a solid color micro mini. Temperament or Micro Bernedoodles The micro mini may differ slightly in temperament, as expected with the F1B cross. They may be more high-strung and energetic, similar to the toy poodle Tiny Bernedoodles Dogs for Sale We currently have no Tiny Bernedoodles for sale. If you would like to be notified, please contact us and we will notify you when our Tiny Bernedoodles become available. Tiny Bernedoodles Past Litters. Life Span Did You Know? They tend to be affectionate and loving dogs that make great family pets. They are even known to make great therapy dogs! Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other canine registries. One of the facts about Bernedoodles is that they are true companion dogs. They are cuddly companions that love nothing more than being with their favorite humans. As long as they are well-socialized and trained, Mini Bernedoodles tend to get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Miniature Bernedoodles are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in larger homes as well as apartments. They are sensitive to heat and extreme cold, but do well in most climates. Because they bond so closely with their families and thrive on attention, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time and can develop separation anxiety if you do not work with them early on. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. You can ask about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Mini Bernedoodles are intelligent dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. This makes them a highly trainable dog that is a good fit for owners of all experience levels. They can become stubborn if training is not consistent or clear. Although their coat tends to be low-shedding and will range from straight to wavy or curly, the Mini Bernedoodle coat requires some maintenance. Daily brushing is recommended to remove tangles and prevent mats. Professional grooming is recommended every weeks. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep them from growing too long and causing issues. Ear checks on a weekly basis with careful cleanings as needed help to prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, Mini Bernedoodles are more prone to developing gum disease. Good dental care for dogs early and consistently throughout their life can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Daily tooth brushing, plus cleanings at the vet as needed, is ideal. Although Mini Bernedoodles will be playful and have bursts of energy while playing, they are not high-energy dogs. They tend to sit in a more moderate range. Daily walks plus some playtime throughout the day are usually enough for them. But, they love spending time with you and will likely be up for more activity if you are. They may be smaller dogs, but they also tend to be relatively athletic. When puppies finish growing , you can try higher-impact activities like running, hiking, training for dog sports, and more. Fully-grown Mini Bernedoodles usually stand inches tall. They can range from pounds. F1B and F2 Mini Bernedoodles usually weigh pounds and are on the shorter side of the range. Mini Bernedoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Bernedoodle Article. The miniature bernedoodle may also vary in color and coat with the mini or toy poodle daddy being credited with the majority of these specific conformations. Miniature Bernedoodle Size Depending on the breeder, there is a great size range in the mini-bernedoodles. Some breeders use miniature poodles, other toy poodles, to obtain the smaller body size. Mini bernedoodles can range anywhere from 15 pounds to 40 pounds depending on the dogs used for breeding. HC Bernedoodles specializes in these special mini-bernedoodle puppies. Though it's important to note, size of the puppy is often not known until after birth. We've had a 7 pound toy produce a 50 pound as an adult offspring. First, and possibly the most popular is the traditional black tri color which consists of black, white and tan or rust colors and will strongly resemble the Bernese mountain dog's colors. Then there,s the sable tri color which will consist of any sable color, tan and white markings and is considered to be more of a speciality color. Sable is a color that will generally carry a fading gene and will lighten in color as they age. We also have the bi colors which are most generally black with the white Bernese markings. You may encounter a solid color mini bernedoodle as well and they will generally consist of a solid black with a few small white markings that will generally disappear as they mature in size. At HC Bernedoodles we avoid breeding solid colors due to being the least appealing look in the Bernedoodle. We may see a more wavey coat in some vs. While the wavey coat may be more appealing in appearance, the curly coat is more suitable for allergy sufferers due to generally being less shedding than the wavey coat. It is difficult to predict these coats as young puppies due to observing a puppy coat vs. Miniature Bernedoodle Temperament The miniature bernedoodle may be more active than the larger Bernedoodle breeds due to the toy or miniature poodle being more of an active breed. They are a highly recommended family dog breed and are tremendous with children due to carrying the genes of the affectionate, loving Bernese mountain dog. While intelligence simplifies training in the mini bernedoodle it can work in a negative sense as well. If training is neglected you may see bad habits develop earlier than in breeds that may not be known to be as intelligent. Therefore it is highly recommended to start training at an early age and be consistent in training exercises. Health Health is possibly the greatest attribute in the F1 mini bernedoodle. Being a smaller size hybrid cross they are the least likely to inherit congenital health problems, with the likelihood of hip or elbow dysplasia being greatly reduced due to the much smaller size. Exercise The miniature bernedoodle requires a moderate amount of exercise. Daily exercise is generally sufficient. If you would like to be notified, please contact us and we will notify you when our Mini Bernedoodles become available. Mini Bernedoodles Past Litters.
box terrier puppy - Learn More! We are a British Labrador breeder that proudly serves residents throughout Minnesota and beyond. Whether you are looking for an amazing pet for your family, a skilled hunting partner, or both, we know you will be nothing but impressed by our puppies. When you purchase one of our puppies for sale in Minnesota, you can expect the best of the best. We are breeding Premium British lines of Labrador Retrievers, and we have been doing so for two decades. In addition, we have more than 30 years of experience training dogs. At KT British Labs, we firmly believe that there are three things that make a dog: genetics, genetics, and genetics. Through our training, we teach our dogs to be both perfect companions and hunting partners. They can go from hunting waterfowl to playing with your children in no time at all, making them ideal for hunters who are also looking for a new family pet. We invite you to browse our website to learn more about our available dogs, if you have any questions, and thank you for choosing KT British Labs! Carolyn Hall. We have weekend tours a. If you are interested in scheduling a tour or getting on our waiting list for a new puppy of your own, please call John at .We have an array of colors and shades of colors to choose from. There are white, yellow, red, and black puppies. Call us and let us know the sex and color preferences that you have. Please call John at to register your puppy and for more details. Summer Training Sessions Available in ! Call John at to register your dog for training. We have various options available. Take a look at our training page located at the top of our home page for more information. Helping Paws train for 2 years with foster homes and then are placed as working service dogs for those in need. We are touched and thrilled by this organization and RBK being a part of a great cause!!! We are always updating customer accounts. I would appreciate an email at info royaltybritishkennels. We look forward to calls from you RBKers at a reasonable fee for boarding - any time of year. Another way to keep up with your family and your canine. Our kennel is on a schedule for cleaning and feeding, therefore, we know you will understand. To schedule a kennel visit, please leave a message at a few days prior to the date you would like to come for a visit, or send us an email at info royaltybritishkennels. Please include your phone number so that we can confirm. Thank you. We look forward to meeting you and sharing our kennel with you. Litters arrive all year long. Questions about anything with your dog or new puppy? We are always willing to help you out. Leave us a message and phone number to return your call at or send us an email at info royaltybritishkennels. We enjoy helping and hearing from all of our RBK family - whether it is a question, or maybe just to touch base and share a story. We take pride in having high quality dogs and breeding them in a family setting. Our dogs are all used in the hunting field and we enjoy each one of them and their individual personalities. We take special care in maintaining the British line by breeding for traits not just size and color. Take a look at our family and see if you desire to make one of our quality puppies part of your family. Toni is nine years old and has been imprinting on our puppies since before she could walk. She has become known as the "Puppy Momma" and she is amazing at what she does. We home school her which allows more valuable time to be spent with our amazing dogs and puppies. Her other passion in life is time spent with our horses especial her horse Chessy that she trail rides and games with. Toni's bunny Cookie, whom thinks he is a puppy, completes our family. Toni knows the meaning of hard work and she has the determination to succeed! Any time spent with her and you will know she puts all her love into each and every puppy we raise. Not sure how we could do it without her. History of Our Dogs Ringo was where it all started. He was our loyal family dog that retrieved hundreds of ducks and pheasants throughout the years. He possessed the traits desired in British Labradors; loyalty, mild temperament, and size, to name a few. Ringo became our main stud and fathered many adored puppies. After 14 years he left Hawk to take his place. Originated in Atwater, Minnesota, our state-licensed kennel is located in New London Minnesota on several acres overlooking a beautiful remote lake. The founders, Roger and Donna Ostendorf, started breeding this superior hunting labrador in the s. In , Donna and Roger retired and privileged us with the opportunity to carry on with the breeding reputation she had built. We are committed to maintaining the same quality of dogs that Donna had spent so many years developing. A field trial dog in the United Kingdom is required to have a calm disposition, eagerness to learn, and a willingness to please. He must be steady and quiet on the line. The British labrador is highly intelligent, calm, loyal, and even-tempered. Training success is done easily with a calm hand, repetition, and praise. This breed is ideal for hunting, service work for the handicapped, law enforcement, and family companions because of the aforementioned desirable attributes. Finest Quality Puppies We strive in all areas to provide our customers with quality British Labradors. The breeding done here is carefully managed. We study bloodlines, genetics, physical features, and personalities before breeding. Our goal is to produce the finest puppies. Quality bloodlines and health are the foundation for our superior puppies.
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box terrier puppy - They are clear of known diseases for the breed and over other genetic diseases and sub-variants. We also apply proper nutritional practices and supplements for joint and muscle health, practice non-impact exercises to decrease possible damage to both bones and joints. Our professional breeders also provide educational information to potential buyers and anyone interested in canine health and genetic testing. We are working with other breeders to proactively address the benefits of genetic testing for health and breed purity. The Importance Of Genetic Testing For American Bulldog Breeding In the past, breeders have relied strongly on phenotype when breeding, which allowed the introduction of other breeds. To reverse this tendency to breed by phenotype only, it is crucial that the American Bulldog community work towards having genetic testing as a fundamental practice in their breeding programs. The coefficient of relationship is a measure of the degree of a biological relationship between two dogs. Our Client Reviews "Awesome farm and knowledgeable breeder! Remy is everything we wanted and more! Words cant describle your devotion to this breed. Great experience with extremely educated breeders! Our Partnership with Experienced Veterinarians Think About It Farms is working with veterinarians from both the genetic and research fields. The veterinarians are assisting us in the proper care, nutritional needs, exercise, determining which hereditary qualities and behaviors are considered beneficial to improving the breed, developing practices of selectively breeding, and raising the dogs to promote these desirable traits. Call us today at to learn more about our American Bulldogs and our efforts to preserve them. Their personalities are easy to love; they have a confident demeanor and are known for their almost clown-like antics when excited, making them an excellent family companion. This breed is quite family-oriented but may be distant with strangers at first. Their characteristic aloofness to outsiders helps make them great guard dogs. With consistent training and established rules and boundaries, this powerful pup can learn with the best of them. As a working breed, they were known for their wild pig and cattle catching abilities, making them indispensable on southern ranches in the US. Grooming Hurray for easy care! Make sure your vet gives your pup a professional cleaning every year, too. Be sure to put nail trimming every couple of weeks and ear cleaning monthly is usually enough on the grooming menu, too. And as for baths, plan on a bath about once a month or so. You may be able to just use your nose. If you detect an unpleasant odor eww! Training When it comes to training, an American Bulldog puppy needs a confident pup parent who uses positive reinforcement to teach various skills, such as how to walk nicely on a leash and come when called. Start training your American Bulldog puppy early to get them used to the ropes. Once you understand what works for them, training becomes easy. Remember: American Bulldogs are smart. These social interactions give your dog a chance to explore a variety of environments and social situations. Feed your puppy large-breed puppy kibble for their first 14 months to support slow but consistent growth. Skip food or supplements with calcium until your pooch is fully grown and eating an adult diet. The added calcium could disrupt healthy bone development. Treats are an essential part of training and a great way to show your pup you love them. However, too many treats can lead to a tubby pup, so check with your vet if you need help figuring out a proper treat-to-mealtime ratio. Exercise Even though they have a moderate energy level, an American Bulldog needs a lot of exercise. And exercise is important to keep your dog out of trouble. If they have unused energy, an American Bulldog will resort to destructive behaviors to release that energy, like chewing on your favorite pair of shoes. This athletic dog benefits greatly from structured walks and play to work the mind and their muscular build. As a puppy parent, strive to offer non-impact movement such as hiding balls in the yard or offering a puzzle toy, as these games lower the risk of joint and bone damage early on. Get out of the house twice a day or more if your young dog is up for it for playtime and walks that last between 20 and 30 minutes. Trainers often suggest skipping the dog park because structured play is more difficult in this setting. Instead, get creative with activities. Think: fetch, tug-of-war with a rope toy or a chewy option filled with something delicious. You may even try lower-impact dog sports like agility or nose work. Both are an excellent way to keep your pup mentally and physically engaged. Remember, a happy dog is a tired dog! Ideal Environment Both city and country homes will suit the American Bulldog as long as you can offer lots of exercise and playtime. Still, families with kids are a good match for this protective and intelligent breed. A structured day with regular walks and chances to play with a variety of toys is the best environment for the American Bulldog. Staving off boredom is paramount, and, of course, no animal likes to be home alone for a long time. When considering the American Bulldog as a pet, bear in mind that training is the key to their success, especially when adding this breed to a home with kids or other dogs. Pup parents need to be aware of some of these issues so they can help their dog live the healthiest life possible. Joint Dysplasia: This joint abnormality is seen in the hips and elbows, and a dog with dysplasia may run, jump and climb less than usual. Most often, the issue is a rupture or partial tear. Cherry Eye: Did you know dogs have a third eyelid? Bone Cancer: Often found in the long bones arms, legs , the cause for this condition is unknown, though vets feel it may have a genetic or environmental component. Deafness: Deafness, which can occur in one or both ears, may be acquired via drug exposure or infection. But deafness could also be hereditary and is linked to dogs with light coats and eyes. Acquired deafness is usually permanent but may improve over time without intervention. A special diet may be the treatment or medications, depending on the cause. Spinal Issues: Degenerative myelopathy DM is often genetic in nature and affects the spinal cord, leading to weakness and hind limb paralysis. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis: NCL is an inherited, progressive and rare neurological disorder that starts showing up between 1 and 2 years of age. The most obvious symptom is behavioral changes in the dog, and the pup will usually lose coordination and eyesight. It can be discovered through a DNA test, and at this time, there are no treatments. This proud pup carries an imported pedigree, having been brought over from across the pond as a descendant of the English Bulldog, which was originally bred for bull baiting. Thankfully, this horrific sport was outlawed in England in .Back in the 17th century, early settlers packed these working dogs with them for service on farms and ranches. The American Bulldog became a utility player, stepping in to accomplish many tasks, such as guarding livestock and catching cattle and feral pigs. In fact, were it not for their success as an excellent catch dog in the southern states, we might not know the breed today. John D. Johnson and Alan Scott were able to breed the last few native American Bulldogs in the southern US, resulting in two types the Scott type and the Johnson type that thrive today. These breeds differ in appearance; the Johnson American Bulldog sports a bigger, stronger build, a larger head and short muzzle, and the Scott American Bulldog has more lithe features, such as an athletic, small-boned frame and a longer muzzle. Are you looking to add an American Bulldog as a family member? Check out the AKC puppy finder to find a reputable breeder. You can also seek out local American Bulldog rescues to find a worthy, loving dog to call your own, or keep an eye out for the breed at your local shelter. FAQs Do American bulldogs shed? Yes, American Bulldogs shed, albeit lightly and seasonally. Are American Bulldogs Pitbulls? Are American Bulldogs aggressive? American Bulldogs may be aggressive toward other dogs, particularly unfamiliar ones of the same sex, in part because of their protective and somewhat dominant nature. But with consistent training and early socialization, this breed is considered a loving family dog that does well with kids and other pets. How long do American Bulldogs live? American Bulldogs can have a generous life span, often living between 10 and 12 years. Providing your dog with the proper diet and exercise can help your pup live a full life. What are the most popular American Bulldog names? Get more dog names here. What are the most common American Bulldog mixes? Families of all kinds admire this agile, athletic breed and count themselves lucky to own such a loving, loyal pet. Female Names. Aug 3, Share It seems that many countries have their version of a Bulldog. While each has their own unique build and look, they all share common denominators. You can recognize most Bully breeds by their stout bodies and short muzzles. American Bulldogs, in particular, have developed quite a bit over time, branching off into other subgroups. When it comes to breeding for specific purposes, a single breed can take on different markings or body structures. The 5 Types of American Bulldogs 1. Johnson breeding lineage. These dogs were bred during the World War II era. They have a classic underbite and boxy skulls, giving them that distinct Bulldog look. This line is stout and heavy. Because of their broad, muscular bodies and short muzzles, they are often confused with other Bully breeds, such as the English Bulldog. They stand between 23 and 27 inches at the shoulder. They are incredibly protective and pleasing as household companions. Their low activity levels can often lead to laziness and obesity. They are friendly and even considered goofballs. They came into fruition as a cross between the Johnson American Bulldog and southern Bulldogs, like the White English. They are known as the standard or performance type because of their power and strength. This bloodline is much swifter and physically driven than the Johnsons. They are athletically built and have a longer muzzle. They also have long legs, making them tall and lean in stature. They are generally between 22 and 27 inches, at shoulder height. Because they were bred for work, they require a much more stimulating environment. These dogs are often confused with the American Pit Bull Terrier due to their similar body structure and temperament. Rather than sharing the classic underbite, this line has what is referred to as the reverse scissor bite. Scotts are better suited for individuals with active lifestyles. This typically involves being physically destructive with personal property. These physically capable dogs are made to fight and bred solely for this purpose. They are also considered a performance line, but for more sinister purposes. They were developed in the s by Joe Painter and several others. However, they began to thrive and rise in popularity over time, thinning out this defect. These dogs are stocky, responsive, and trainable. They weigh an average of 55 to 75 pounds. So, they are small in stature but bulky all over. While the Old Southern White and the White English are thought of as being the same dog, there are two variants here as well. There are a Bulldog and a Mastiff style , which creates subtle differences in structure that may not be highly noticeable to the untrained eye. These dogs are commonly seen in the South, though they have been fizzling out over time. Even though they may have been a part of modern lines, they should not partake in breeding with current American Bulldogs. The American Bulldog has come quite far from their beginning points. So, creating a mixture could now create muddied bloodlines and undesirable traits. That means that breeders use various lines to interbreed, creating a different result. You can get many different body structures, temperaments, capabilities, and characteristics. The breeder may have a desire to tailor the breed for specific purposes. They could want more of a worker, a companion, a protector, or a watchdog. Breeders can manipulate lines and specify traits exhibited in parents to create ideal specimens for specific roles. Since hybrids are ever-changing , there are no general rules in terms of size or structure. They can take on various characteristics of any of the lines. You can have a Bully-style hybrid or a sleeker, leaner combination, like the standard lines. American Bulldogs have such a rich history with many stories to tell. American Bulldogs have become a competent, structurally striking contribution, adding to the already-impressive Bulldog group. There is so much to love about them, and they have definitely left their mark on American culture. Your browser does not support the audio tag. Description The very muscular, sturdy and powerful, yet compact frame of the American Bulldog remains higher on the leg, more agile and swifter than its English counterpart. Some individuals are reportedly able to leap six or more feet into the air. Males are characteristically stockier and heavier boned than the more refined females. The head is large with strong jaws. Agile and light on his feet, the chest is wide and moderately deep, giving the sense of athletic ability and power. The neck is muscular, tapering from the shoulders to the head and may have a slight dewlap. The head is square, large and broad with muscular cheeks relatively in proportion to the size and overall structure of the dog. There is a defined furrow between the rounded eyes, with a distinct, sharply defined, deep stop. The strong muzzle is broad and square. The preferred bite is reverse scissors, but a moderate underbite, scissors or even bite are acceptable. A variety of ear types are acceptable including cropped, rose, half-pricked and forward flap. Uncropped ears are preferred in the American Bulldog Breeders Association standard. Eyes are most often brown, but can come in any color. They sometimes have split eyes, where one eye is brown and the other eye is blue. Black eye rims are preferred on white dogs. Pink eye rims are considered a fault according to the written standard. The nose is black, red, brown or grizzle; black is the preferred color according to the standard. In black-nosed dogs, the preferred lip color is black, though some pink is permitted. The lips should be full but not too loose. The front legs are heavy-boned, strong and straight. The hindquarters should be very broad and thick with well-defined muscles. The tail is low-set, begins thick at the base, and tapers to a point. The coat is smooth and short, and comes in all shades of brindle including red brindle, varying degrees of white, red, brown, tan, fawn and piebald. Temperament The American Bulldog is loyal, reliable, brave and determined. Not a hostile dog. Alert and self-confident, this breed genuinely loves children. It is known for its acts of heroism toward its master. It has strong protective instincts, and needs a firm, confident, consistent pack leader. Well-socialize and obedience train them at an early age, to prevent them from becoming reserved with strangers. Without that strong-minded pack leader who can tell the dog what is expected of it, it may be aggressive with other dogs. They need to be around people and know their place in their pack to be truly happy. This breed tends to drool and slobber. Without enough daily mental and physical exercise they will become high strung and may become hard to handle. Height, Weight Height: Males 22 - 28 inches 55 - 70 cm Females 20 - 26 inches 52 - 65 cm Weight: Males 70 - pounds 32 - 54 kg Females 60 - pounds 27 - 45 kg Health Problems Prone to hip dysplasia. Living Conditions The American Bulldog will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. Exercise The American Bulldog should be taken on a long daily walk. Life Expectancy. American Bulldog Guardian Dog Group The goals and purposes of this breed standard include: to furnish guidelines for breeders who wish to maintain the quality of their breed and to improve it; to advance this breed to a state of similarity throughout the world; and to act as a guide for judges. Breeders and judges have the responsibility to avoid any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence and soundness of this breed, and must take the responsibility to see that these are not perpetuated. Any departure from the following should be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dogs ability to perform its traditional work. History Bulldogs in England were originally working dogs that drove and caught cattle and guarded their masters property. The breeds strength, courage, and familiarity with livestock led to its popularity in the brutal sport of bull baiting. When this sport was outlawed in England, the original type of Bulldog disappeared from Britain and was replaced with the shorter, stockier, less athletic dog we now know as the English Bulldog. The original Bulldog, however, was preserved by working class immigrants who brought their working dogs with them to the American South. Small farmers and ranchers used this all-around working dog for many tasks. By the end of World War II, however, the breed was almost extinct. John D. Johnson, a returning war veteran, decided to resurrect this breed. Along with Alan Scott and several other breeders, Johnson began carefully to breed American Bulldogs, keeping careful records and always with an eye for maintaining the breeds health and working abilities. Because of the many different types of work this breed can do, several distinct lines evolved, each emphasizing the traits needed to do a specific job. The best known lines are usually referred to as the Johnson and Scott types. The Scott dogs, commonly referred to as standard, are more of a performance style, athletic dog, sleeker in appearance than the bully dogs, with less bone, longer muzzles, more moderate stop and a less extreme undershot bite. Today, however, many American Bulldogs have crosses to two or more of the original lines and are considered to be hybrid in type, with characteristics of more than one of the original lines of bulldogs. The Johnson dogs, commonly referred to as bully, are bulkier in body, heavier in bone, with larger heads that have more stop, a shorter muzzle and a more pronounced undershot bite. They generally have more muscle mass as well. The modern American Bulldog continues to serve as an all-purpose working dog; a fearless and steady guard dog; and a loyal family companion. General Appearance The American Bulldog is a powerful, athletic short-coated dog, strongly muscled, and well boned. The body is just slightly longer than tall. The head is large and broad, with a wide muzzle. Ears are small to medium in size, high set, and may be drop, semi-prick, rose, or cropped. The tail may be docked or natural. The American Bulldog comes in solid colors, white with colored patches, and brindle. Gender differences are well expressed in this breed, with males typically larger and more muscular than females. Honorable scars resulting from field work are not to be penalized. The American Bulldog should be evaluated as a working dog, and exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dogs ability to work. Characteristics The essential characteristics of the American Bulldog are those which enable it to work as a hog and cattle catching dog, and a protector of personal property. These tasks require a powerful, agile, confident dog with a large head and powerful jaws. The American Bulldog is a gentle, loving family companion who is fearless enough to face an angry bull or a human intruder. Note: It is common for young American Bulldogs to be somewhat standoffish with strangers, and judges should not penalize this. By the time the dog is around 18 months of age, however, the breeds normal confidence asserts itself. Disqualifications: Viciousness or extreme shyness; cowardice. Head The head is large and broad, giving the impression of great power. When viewed from the side, the skull and muzzle are parallel to one another and joined by a well-defined stop. The stop is very deep and abrupt, almost at a right angle with the muzzle. Despite the depth of the stop, the forehead is wider than it is high. Viewed from the top, the skull is square. There is a deep median furrow that diminishes in depth from the stop to the occiput. Cheek muscles are prominent. In bully dogs, the skull is generally box-shaped to rounded, with a more definitive stop, and more wrinkles than the standard type, which has a skull that is box or wedge shaped. Serious Fault: An excessively narrow skull, in any type. The length of the muzzle in the bully type dogs is 25 to 35 percent of the overall length of the head. In the standard dogs, it is 30 to 40 percent of the overall length of the head. The jaws are well muscled, displaying great strength. Lips are moderately thick, but not pendulous. Black pigment on the lips is preferred. The chin is well defined, and must neither overlap the upper lip nor be covered by it. Serious Fault: An excessively narrow muzzle in any type. Disqualification: Any dog that exhibits difficulty breathing while in the ring. In the standard type, a reverse scissors bite is preferred, a scissors bite or a moderate under bite up to inch is acceptable. An even bite is allowable but not preferred. An extreme undershot bite is considered faulty to the degree that the bite interferes with the dogs ability to work. Teeth are not visible when the mouth is closed. Worn teeth or broken teeth are acceptable. Disqualification: Overshot. Wry jaw. NOSE The nose is large, with wide, open nostrils. Black color is preferred, but shades of red or brown are acceptable. Lack of pigment is a cosmetic fault. EYES Eyes are medium in size, round to almond in shape, and set well apart. All colors are acceptable, but dark brown is preferred. Haw is not visible. Black eye rims are preferred. Faults: Very visible haws. Disqualifications: Crossed eyes. Eyes that do not match in color. EARS Ears may be cropped, but natural ears are preferred. Natural ears are small to medium in size, high set, and may be drop, semi-prick, or rose. Drop ears: The ears are set high, level with the upper line of the skull, accentuating the skulls width. At the base, the ear is just slightly raised in front and then hangs along the cheek. The tip is slightly rounded. When pulled toward the eye, the ear should not extend past the outside corner of the eye. Semi-prick ears: Same as drop ears except that only the tips of the ears drop forward. Rose ears: Rose ears are small and set high on the skull. Fault: Hound ears. Neck The neck is where the American Bulldog exerts power to bring down livestock. The neck must be long enough to exert leverage, but short enough to exert power. The neck is muscular and, at its widest point, is nearly as broad as the head, with a slight arch at the crest, and tapering slightly from shoulders to the head. A slight dewlap is acceptable. Faults: Neck too short and thick; thin or weak neck. Forequarters The shoulders are strong and well muscled. The shoulder blade is well laid back and forms, with the upper arm, an apparent degree angle. The tips of the shoulder blades are set about 2 to 3 finger-widths apart. The elbows are set on a plane parallel to the body, neither close to the body nor turned out. Viewed from the front, the forelegs are perpendicular to the ground or may, especially in a dog with a very broad chest, incline slightly inward. The pasterns are short, powerful, and slightly sloping when viewed in profile. Viewed from the front, the pasterns are straight. Body The chest is deep and moderately wide, with ample room for heart and lungs. The ribs are well sprung from the spine and then flatten to form a deep body, extending at least to the elbows or lower in adult dogs. The topline inclines very slightly downward from well-developed withers to a broad, muscular back. The loin is short, broad, and slightly arched, blending into a slightly sloping croup. The flank is moderately tucked up and firm. Serious Faults: Swayback; sloping topline. Hindquarters The hindquarters are well muscled and broad. The width and angulation of the hindquarters is in balance with the width and angulation of the forequarters. The lower thighs are muscular and short. Viewed from the side, the rear pasterns are well let down and perpendicular to the ground. Viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are straight and parallel to one another. Serious Faults: Narrow or weak hindquarters. Faults: Cowhocks; open hocks. Feet The feet are round, medium in size, well arched, and tight. Fault: Splayed feet. The seriousness of this fault is based on the amount of splay in the feet. Tail The American Bulldog may have a natural or a docked tail, but the natural tail is preferred. The natural tail is very thick at the base, set low, and tapers to a point. It should reach to the hock joint. A pump handle tail is preferred, but any tail carriage from upright, when the dog is excited, to relaxed between the hocks is acceptable. Serious Faults: Tail curled over the back; corkscrew tail; kinked tail, tail that ends in a complete curl; upright tail when the dog is relaxed. Coat The coat is short, close, and varies from soft to stiff to the touch. It is one inch or less in length. Disqualifications: Longer than one inch, any feathering, or a wavy coat. Color Any color, color pattern, or combination of colors is acceptable, except for solid black, solid blue, merle, and tricolor. A full black mask is also unacceptable. Some dark brindle coats may appear black unless examined in very bright light. A buckskin color pattern, where the base of the hair is fawn and the tips are black, may also appear solid black. A judge should not disqualify an American Bulldog for black color unless the dog has been examined in sunlight or other equally bright light. Disqualifications: Solid black or blue with no white markings; tricolor; merle; full black mask. Height and Weight The American Bulldog must be sufficiently powerful and agile to chase, catch, and bring down free-ranging livestock. Dogs capable of doing this come in a rather wide range of height and weight. Standards are leaner and more athletic in appearance. Bullys are thicker and more powerful in appearance. Males are typically larger with heavier bone and more muscle than females. Both sexes, however, should have a well-balanced overall appearance and all dogs should be well conditioned, neither over nor under weight. Desirable height in a mature male ranges from 22 to 27 inches; in a mature female, from 20 to 25 inches. In all types, weight should be in proportion to height. Gait When trotting, the gait is effortless, smooth, powerful and well coordinated, showing good reach in front and drive behind. When moving, the topline remains level, with only a slight flexing to indicate suppleness. Viewed from any position, legs turn neither in nor out, nor do feet cross or interfere with each other. As speed increases, feet tend to converge toward center line of balance. Poor movement should be penalized to the degree to which it reduces the American Bulldogs ability to perform the tasks it was bred to do. Disqualifications A dog with a Disqualification must not be considered for placement in a conformation event, and must be reported to UKC. Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Life Span Did You Know? The American Bulldog is a descendant of a generic bulldog type of dog breed brought into the region that is now the Southern United States by working-class immigrants many years ago. These were all-around working dogs used by small farmers and ranchers for several tasks around the farm. They were often found working as catch dogs, stock dogs, and overall farm guardians. When feral pigs were introduced to the New World, they had no natural predators and the population quickly grew out of control. In addition to their farm duties, the settlers found the bulldog-type dog to be the best solution they had for dealing with it. So, the bulldog continued to thrive, especially in the South. Johnson and Alan Scott that we have what we know today as the American Bulldog. Modern American Bulldogs can still be found working as all-around utility dogs, farm dogs, catch dogs, cattle drovers, and more. They can also be found competing in dog sports, working as a guardian, police, or military dog, and are also popular as a family pet. This dog breed is a sweetheart with a gentle, fun-loving nature. The American Bulldog is affectionate and adores their families. They also love children and tend to be good with other animals. American Bulldogs can have a high prey drive, so you will want to make sure you introduce and socialize them properly with other small animals in the household. Due to their protective nature, they can be aloof towards strangers and strange dogs, especially when they are younger. Early socialization can help them be more comfortable navigating their guardian instincts. Overall, this dog breed tends to be confident, social, and are most at ease and relaxed when they are with the people they love. American Bulldogs are an emotional dog breed and thrives on human attention and affection, so they tend to bond strongly with their owners and may come across as clingy sometimes. They will also often convince themselves that they are lap dogs regardless of their size, so make sure you are ready for a lot of love and cuddles with your American Bulldog, drool and all! The American Bulldog is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They are strong, high-energy working dogs that love being around their favorite humans. This makes them better suited to larger homes with space for them to run. They are not generally a good fit for apartment living, but they can adapt as long as they get more than enough exercise and attention. Because they do tend to bond strongly with their owners and want to be near them, they do not tend to do well with long periods of time alone. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold, but can adapt to well to most climates. There are some health issues that can be found in specific genetic lines and are not common to the breed overall, but these can be ruled out with genetic tests. Some potential health conditions to be aware of in general with the American Bulldog include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, thyroid disorders, kidney disorders, bone cancer, and eye-related issues like ectropion, entropion, and cherry eye. Talking to the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and asking to see any health clearances can help allay potential concerns. American Bulldogs are highly trainable and eager to please, so they are a good fit for owners of any experience level, including first-time dog owners. They can have a stubborn streak, so a first-time dog owner may want to consider enrolling in puppy training classes. As with any dog breed, early and ongoing training and socialization are important for your American Bulldog puppy to grow into a well-rounded, and a well-behaved, dog. This dog breed has a short coat that is generally smooth. Common coat colors are white and predominately white with patches of brindle, black, or red. More coat color patterns are emerging and becoming more common like all shades of brindle, fawn, brown, red, and more. The American Bulldog is relatively low maintenance and easy to groom and they are light to moderate shedders. They only require a bath as needed. But, you will need to be prepared to deal with some extra drool! Floppy ears tend to trap moisture and dirt, which can lead to ear infections. The ideal dental care for dogs is using an enzyme toothpaste or brushing their teeth every day. Dental hygiene chews or treats, a specially-formulated dental care diet, and more can be used to supplement your dental care efforts. The American Bulldog is an athletic and high-energy dog breed. They love daily walks and plenty of playtime outside. They may even enjoy plenty of other activities with you like swimming, hiking , and more. With their working dog background, this dog breed does need a job to do in order to stay happy and healthy. They also tend to be a good candidate for dog sports like obedience, weight pulling, the Iron Dog competition, and more. A fully-grown American Bulldog usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. An American Bulldog generally lives for years. Chance, one of the canine stars from the Homeward Bound films, was an American Bulldog. Featured American Bulldog Article.