bulldog puppies newborn

Our names are Davianna and Mirta Olert. Our family has lived in Anchorage, Alaska since and have always been very much dog centered. We started our mother-daughter run German Shepherd adventure with Atari from Chinook Valley Farm in , and quickly realized how special he is. Atari is a trained service dog, International Champion, shows at AKC registered dog shows, and is a beloved family companion. This special dog inspired us to pay forward how lucky we have been with him and to share the results of his excellent bloodline with others through careful and limited breeding. We are a small operation intentionally. We only breed the healthiest dogs with the best possible bloodlines to ensure each mating pair has the greatest aptitude for producing excellent family, companion, service, working, obedience, and protection dogs. Our dogs are family members first, they mingle with us daily, from outings and training classes to lounging at home on the couch watching TV. We mindfully place puppies in homes that will suit their emerging personalities and the needs of their new families the best. We are committed to placing puppies in homes where they will thrive and where you will get to experience the same joy our Atari, Ana, and Kali give us everyday. Get new content delivered directly to your inbox. Type your email…. Puppy pads Create a Schedule German Shepherd pups would do well with a schedule. Dogs live with a routine, and they are easy to train by having one. For this reason, make a schedule of the things you need to do regularly. Eventually, your pup will learn the routine events and will make itself adept at them. It will help you prepare for your pet, especially in the first few days of living together. As you allow your pet to adjust, do your best to create a stress-free environment for it. Always supervise it as it familiarizes itself with its new home. Still, it would be best to prepare yourself for loud noises when your pet is asleep. Moderate Training German Shepherds are highly trainable. It simply means they respond well, especially to positive reinforcement. Squeaky Toys Out of all toys, your pet will love the squeaky ones. For this reason, prepare for a lot of loud squeaks every time your pet is active. Thus, in picking your pet, you may want to consider getting it from the best. Tells you any health problems A good breeder will tell you any significant health problems in any of the dogs he or she bred. Asks more questions than you A good breeder would ask for more items from you than you would for him or her. Not in a hurry to send off A good breeder is not in a hurry to send the puppies off and get your money. He or she will even show you other breeders and veterinarians caring for their dogs. Requires expectations on both sides A good breeder will create a contract that offers not only what he or she expects from you. More than that, he or she will also show what you can expect from him or her. Sends puppies properly A good breeder will never send a puppy in a compartment and without any responsible person to go with it. Works only with one or two breeds A good breeder works only with a single or a couple of species. Shows breeding experience A good breeder shows her dogs in recognized confirmation shows. He or she will also join his or her breed in other breed-related performance events. Other states. The average cost of a German shepherd dog in the U. Depending on the breeder, this detail could affect the price of the dog as well. The best way to find German shepherd dogs for sale around you is by searching online. The website PuppiesForSale has a list of registerable puppies for sale in Alaska. You should always avoid buying a pup from someone who does not belong to a reputable kennel club. More specifically, you should ask prospective breeders to provide information about their dogs. The internet is one of many useful tools that will aid you in finding a reputable breeder. You may use search engines to find a list of breeders in your area. Before you purchase a pup from someone, it is best for you to speak with them first. If possible, you should schedule an appointment so that you can meet the breeder and their dogs in person. If you have any questions regarding German shepherd puppies, please contact the breeder via email or telephone. During this meeting, the breeder will provide you with important documents and information. You should ask them about their breeding practices and explain why you want to buy a German shepherd dog from them specifically. Look at the temperament of the dogs kept by your prospective breeder. The dogs should be well-mannered and friendly. They should also behave appropriately around you, your family members as well as other people they meet during the visit. Are the German shepherd dogs kept in a clean area? An unclean kennel may be a sign of careless breeding. Your breeder should take good care of their dogs and make sure that they are clean at all times. An onsite visit is best for selecting your Alaskan German Shepherd breeder. You may contact these individuals and ask them about their experiences with your breeder. What was the temperament of the puppies they received? Were the pups healthy upon delivery? How long did it take for their pup to be trained? What was the overall experience like as a whole? You may contact these individuals directly and ask them about their experience with your breeder. If you are purchasing a German shepherd pup from a breeder in Alaska, ask them if they provide their dogs with proper veterinary care. A responsible breeder will ensure that their dogs receive the medical treatment they need to be healthy and happy. What vaccinations does your Alaska German Shepherd Breeder give their pups? What is included in this vaccination schedule? Ask your prospective breeders to give you information regarding the immunizations they give their dogs as well as a schedule for these immunizations. While Alaska state laws do not require dog breeders to give German shepherd puppies vaccines, responsible breeders will vaccinate their dogs. If they refuse to give references from past customers. If your breeder in Alaska chooses to hide information about their dogs, like where they come from or how old they are. If you visit the kennel and the dogs seem extremely skittish or fearful of human contact. If you notice any of these signs, it is best to search for another German shepherd dog breeder if you want to buy a healthy puppy from a responsible breeder. Your new Alaskan German Shepherd should be a happy healthy puppy from a reputable breeder. An honest and reputable breeder will provide you with a complete health history on your new German shepherd puppy. Ask the breeder if their dogs suffer from any of these common diseases: Hip Dysplasia: This genetic disease makes it difficult for the dog to move around normally because their hip joints have been malformed. It may be related to the actual size of their joints or even a genetic defect. Depending on how much hip dysplasia your dog has, they may be more prone to further injuries and arthritis as they age. Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow dysplasia is another genetic disease where the elbow joint becomes deformed making it difficult for dogs to walk normally. The joint will pop out of place easily when the dog moves around which makes it difficult for them to move comfortably. Eye Problems: Dogs may be born with this disease or acquire it later in life when their eyesight gets worse. Most dogs develop cataracts in both eyes, while others might only develop one eye. This will affect their eyesight and cause them to scratch their eye or face more. Once you have located a German shepherd breeder in Alaska, make sure to ask the right questions before settling on one dog breeder. If you find an ethical breeder who breeds healthy Alaskan German shepherds, you are one step closer to becoming the proud owner of a German Shepherd. Your first step should be to make sure you and all members of your family are prepared to love and care for the new puppy. Is everyone on board with getting a brand new member into the family? Are they willing to dedicate time and patience in order to train this new addition? If everyone in your family agrees they are ready for a dog, you will need to make room in your home or backyard for the new puppy. This includes making sure the entire family is prepared with any necessary supplies like food bowls, towels, and brushes. If you have other pets at home, you will also need to make sure your entire household is prepared for the introduction to the new puppy. A dog bed small enough for your puppy to fit comfortably in will teach them that this space is where they are allowed to relax. Introduce Your Puppy to Their New Home Before you introduce your German shepherd puppy to their new home, it is important for them to meet the other members of the household first. You will need to have patience when introducing your puppy to any older dogs or cats in the house because they may not understand this. Potty Training Your New German Shepherd Puppy Potty training a puppy can be a long and arduous task, especially if you have a new puppy that is not fully potty trained. Be prepared for this process to take at least three weeks before your German shepherd will start going to the bathroom outside instead of in the house. Clean up after them immediately — if the smells remain in the house, they may be easily distracted and go potty indoors. Take them out at regular intervals — set a schedule. If your puppy knows they will be taken outside every two hours, they will begin to expect it and hold their bladder longer. Praise them when they do go outside — this helps with their training and makes them feel happier about going in the right spot. Try A Potty Training Bark Collar If you need some extra help throughout your potty training process, you might consider purchasing a bark collar to help get your German shepherd puppy on track. A bark collar works best for puppies who are not yet potty-trained and know when to go outside. These collars can be effective, but they may not handle smaller dogs as well. Because the collar goes off whenever your puppy is barking, they will most likely learn to hold their bark, causing them to be even quieter when going potty indoors. No matter what method you choose for potty training a German shepherd dog, if you are consistent and patient, they will learn how to go outside in the appropriate areas. We hope you are excited about bringing home your new member of your family. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. View more We offer an unmatched 5 year health Guarantee on all our puppies. The best breeding stock and bloodlines in the World. Germany, Serbia, Ukraine and more. The best a consumer can look for and ask for. For all things major, including hips, elbows, eyes, degenerative Myelopathy etc… Love's German Shepherds German Shepherds bred with the mystique and grandeur of Alaska in mind. We breed only the finest German Shepherd bloodlines. Our goal is to produce dogs which are strong, healthy, and possess stable temperaments making them the finest dogs for family companions, show, sporting and protection. Our German Shepherd puppies are bred for Alaska and have large heavy bones, rich pigmentation, Black and Red, may be plushy with undercoats. Excellent drives, clear heads, stable nerves and impeccable character. Consisting of only the finest German bloodlines, our Western German Shepherds are very balanced dogs; they possess a calmness and stability in their temperament. These dogs have been bred to excel in show, sports and protection. Our main goal is to produce a dog that can handle the Alaska outdoors, to be a companion at your side on a hike thru the wilderness, a dog that has the poise, intelligence and body awareness to follow you across a log over a stream, play in the snow with the kids or bound with you on a glacier. The result is a dog possessing high energy and endurance, fiercely loyal and protective with a proud and beautiful gait. Temperament, health, working ability, brains and looks So now that you know who we are, here is what we do. Fill out the puppy application and we will see if we can match you with one of the finest German shepherd puppies in Alaska. If you are from a large family or have seen a large family, then you know that each child has their own temperament. The same applies to litters. There are many temperaments in a litter and our goal is to match you with the puppy that suits your needs, but more importantly our goal is to find the best home to match the puppies needs. A happy puppy is a happy home. One Minute Puppy Videos.

Highly-rated and pet owner-approved, Puracy Dog Shampoo soothes irritations and combats foul odors while giving your dog a soft, healthy coat. Zinc and coco glycinate formula suds, to create an easier washing experience than most sulfate-free shampoos. Biotin and aloe soothe skin and encourage healthy fur growth. Essential oils provide a natural scent without harsh chemicals being introduced. As Bernedoodles may have coats ranging from soft and straight, to dense and curly, their personal needs determine the right shampoo more than any site rating can, but knowing how to look for a good baseline is a great first step in creating a healthy washing routine for you and your companion. Searching for natural moisturizers tends to bring up more or less the same ingredients — aloe and oatmeal — which make for a great natural means of encouraging healthy skin and shiny coat. Avoiding sulfates, as one does with human hair, is vital since Bernedoodle fur can resemble hair much more so than other breeds, but to prevent fleas and parasites, shampoos should contain an agent to form suds other than sulfates, so keep an eye out for coco glycinate or other helpful compounds. Because the prices tend to be so similar from brand to brand, it is recommended that you have a price range in mind when searching for a shampoo, and to consider what specific purposes you need from a pet shampoo. Some shampoos are gentle and soft and are best used on puppies between the ages of eight weeks to six months, while others penetrate deep to address parasites or soothe skin irritations. Recommended Reading:. It works especially well on Bernedoodles with textured hair and makes it more manageable. Moreover, it contains some amazing ingredients like aloe, glycerin, vitamins A, B, D, and E. All of them are great for soothing the skin and hair, while improving the moisture levels and help reduce skin irritations. Coat type: Curly and wavy coats. Both their shampoo and conditioner contain silk and panthenol, which will result in fully moisturized, static- and tangle-free hair. In addition to that, it targets mineral and chemical buildup, which are the main culprits against shiny hair. Chris Christensen has some amazing leave-in conditioners. Chris Christensen Ice On Ice Conditioner is a great detangling and finishing spray that adds elasticity and strength to the hair. Additionally, it lightly detangles and breaks down any product build up in the hair. Hello, shiny and silky smooth coat! Regularly washing your Dood is a necessity, just like you would wash yourself. Tip 3: Trim Their Hair. Giving your pup the occasional haircut helps remove dead ends that can make their whole coat look dull. Not to mention, Bernedoodles are notorious for growing out their hair rather quickly. Tip 4: Feed a Healthy Diet. Of course, the backbone of a healthy and shiny coat is a healthy and balanced diet. It is true what they say — beauty comes from within. We recommend you opt for dog food formulas that are made with real, natural, and whole ingredients. They should also include plenty of added supplements and vitamins, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins A and E, salmon, or flaxseeds. It helps rid the coat and skin of any chemical and mineral buildup, it thoroughly cleanses, but it also contains some very powerful soothing and moisturizing ingredients that do absolute wonders on that thick Bernedoodle hair and oftentimes sensitive skin. After all, not all Bernedoodle shampoos deliver the same results on all pups. While some Bernedoodles require weekly bathtime, others can do perfectly well when washed every weeks. We would strongly advise against using human shampoos on Bernedoodles. Are Bernedoodles High Maintenance? Like other Doodles, Bernedoodles are rather high maintenance and they do require regular upkeep on your part. Best Shampoo For Bernedoodle: Conclusion Choosing the right shampoo for your Bernedoodle can truly make all the difference. Learn How to Upkeep Your Doodle! Enroll Now The information on this page is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional groomer advice. Always seek the advice of your groomer, veterinarian, or other qualified animal health provider with any questions you may have. You Might Also Like. The chest and tummy area. I would use these, as they have rounded tips for extra safety. Let it sit, and then brush or comb it out. Let it sit for a bit. Then, carefully start to break apart the tangle with your comb. GloCoat Pet Conditioner and Detangler is one of the best! Every doodle owners should have this on hand. This instant coat conditioner quickly penetrates mats and tangles for faster comb-outs. For tougher mats, some people swear by using a plastic letter opener. That stinks no pun intended because the whole point of bathing your dog is to get them clean and smelling good. A person takes their beloved doodle to the groomer for the first time and he or she comes back unrecognizable. The first thing I would recommend to is to find a great groomer. Ask your friends and family, post the question on Facebook, or check Yelp reviews. Find a groomer who is kind, caring, understanding, professional, and communicative. Try a new place until you feel comfortable! Many doodles are cut with the puppy cut, lamb cut, teddy bear cut, or lion cut, but even those terms can mean different things to different groomers. We recommend you bringing lots of photos of bernedoodle hair cuts you like to your groomer and communicating very clearly what you want. The Facebook Bernedoodle groups I recommend here scroll down to the bottom of the page , are a great place to get ideas and ask questions. A note about shaving your Doodle: I personally never shave my dogs. I request that the groomer use one to two levels up from that on the clippers. I understand that some people live in very hot, dry, or humid climates and believe their dog is much cooler with a shaved coat, or they like the look of it shaved. Research has shown that shaving a dog during the summer may not actually keep them cool. Their coat is designed to keep them cooler and protects their skin from sun burn. By shaving your pet you usually interfere with this built-in temperature regulation. In the winter, this keeps the cold out and holds the heat in. During the summer, this system holds the heat at bay and helps your dog regulate his body temperature. Without this insulating layer of hair, he is susceptible to heat stroke. When humans are overly warm, our skin perspires and the evaporation of the perspiration helps us to cool down. We have the advantage of perspiring skin over our entire body. In dogs, this evaporative cooling is limited to a very small area—the footpads, which sweat, and the lungs, where panting allows for latent heat to be removed through evaporation. Shaving the coat will have no effect on these areas. At the end of the day, you have to do what you and your vet think is best for your dog. I have personally found that shaving changes the coat texture and it can become more coarse…or that, a dog who was once nice and wavy can become curlier, or vice versa. If so, please hit the like or share button below! Combination of Shampoo and Moisturizer Puppy safe with a great smell Can be used for Puppies AND as adults Made in the USA Soothing coconut base, aloe vera AND Vitamin E for velvety smooth puppy fur Hydrating Cons The best value comes with buying the larger jug, which means higher initial cost but less cost in total Lavender smell is pleasant, but not everyone loves lavender Puppies can have an amazing smell — but they sure can be stinky sometimes. While they are learning Bernedoodle puppies can be affected by odour. Choosing a great puppy shampoo helps avoid the stinky puppy problem, and also protects and nourishes the Berendoodle puppy coat. Buddy Wash is made in the USA from natural ingredients. The coconut base is supplemented with other soothing and puppy friendly ingredients. The Aloe helps nourish and protect the coat. The botanicals have a lovely inoffensive aroma. While you should only wash your Bernedoodle when appropriate, puppies sometimes go through a large volume of shampoo. Finding cost effective larger volume option like Buddy Wash helps you greatly when dealing with a growing, active and inquisitive puppy. Finding a cost effective puppy shampoo for large Bernedoodle puppies is difficult. Owners and trainers recommended a shampoo that would work through puppyhood and the beginning of adult life. Buddy Wash protects and moisturises the Bernedoodle puppy coat. They both have long-term amazing track records and can work perfectly for your Bernedoodle. It comes in a super large value pack which means more bang-for-the-buck. A groomer I spoke to while researching Bernedoodle coats says she uses this specific shampoo for almost all of her grooming clients. It provide an excellent clean fur to work with when grooming or style cutting. It is a super simple, natural dog shampoo that works very effectively with Bernedoodle coats. Oatmeal is of course great, and the shampoo also contains coconut and aloe for low allergy, highly effective cleaning. Wahl Oatmeal shampoo also boasts higher concentrate of the coconut based products. This means a smaller volume of shampoo is necessary to create an excellent lather. A great budget conscious Oatmeal shampoo that we highly recommend. Natural Dog Shampoo with Colloidal Oatmeal Lavender scented antibacterial Shampoo This shampoo has rave reviews and is a favourite of many Bernedoodle owners. The only drawback is that it does have a natural oil Lavender scent. It is not too strong, most will love — but for some it can be a dealbreaker. Be careful when your wet Bernedoodle exit the tub — as the ground can get very slippery. If they lose their footing there is a chance that a serious leg injury can occur. Frequently Asked Questions How often to bathe a Bernedoodle In the absence of dirt or matting, once every four weeks is adequate. Be careful not to over bathe your Bernedoodle. Use a good quality shampoo with natural ingredients and a Poodle Mix appropriate pH level. How often to bath a Bernedoodle Puppy Bath your Bernedoodle puppy whenever it gets dirty. Otherwise once every weeks using a puppy appropriate shampoo is adequate. Use the best shampoo for Bernedoodle — natural ingredients, hypoallergenic. Colloidal oatmeal is a great option. How can I make my Bernedoodle Smell better? Regular bathing and grooming tends to help your Bernedoodle smell better. Trimming excess hair from the paws and around the butt will also reduce odour. You should also check the ears of the Bernedoodle for smell. It is common for Poodle cross breed dogs to experience wax or oil build up in the ears. Gentle regular ear cleaning is effective to improve the smell. Conclusion All of the Bernedoodle shampoos that we have discussed today are going to give an excellent result. A clean, healthy, and great smelling puppy! We only included shampoos that provide value for money AND excellent performance. No shortcuts, but also no overpriced shampoos. Any of the products listed will give a great result and leave Bernedoodle and owner feeling good. We hope our comprehensive testing has helped you find the best shampoo for Bernedoodle.

Jan 19, Share Cording is such a fascinating hairstyle that it might make you wonder if it is a specific type of poodle. You might ogle over the corded poodle when you see it, thinking this must be one special poodle hybrid, right? But the reality is, this is a grooming style you can get for any poodle you wish. It might be a little bit complicated to get the ball rolling, but once you learn more about cording, you can learn more about this hairstyle for your curly best friend. But some recorded historical documents provide us with a greater look at this. For example, there was a dog named Achilles in England during the s that had a corded coat. Since then, it has taken off, being both an aesthetically pleasing and useful hairdo. They have very fantastic coats to create a perfect corded look. Even though cording is a definite look that poodles can have, it has very little to do with the impact of their breed historically. Cording is famous for a variety of reasons. It has a mop-like look and texture. The even-hanging locks of the corded coat provide an exciting appeal. Some dogs cord naturally, but poodles need the extra help of human hands. Cording is just another grooming look that is achieved for aesthetics. So, it changes nothing about poodle popularity—just the style you want your poodle to sport around. Cording the coat can protect your poodle against frigid temperatures as it provides an added layer of insulation. But binding together the fur in this way creates an extra water-resistant outer coat that will also protect them from the elements. So, it is stylish as it is functional in the right environment. However, on the flip side, it can cause your poodle to get too hot if they live in toasty temperatures year-round. By , the mention of the corded coat was recorded in the breed standards. Unlike other dogs like the Puli or Komondor, the poodle requires humans to achieve this coat. Also, it can get debris, mildew, and even mold stuck in the hair follicles. Because these cords are difficult to maintain, you have to be committed to keeping up with routine care. As long as the locks are properly maintained, you can curb most of this issue by ensuring they are in good shape. And then you have other dogs with naturally occurring cording, like the Puli, Komondor, and Bergamasco. You can cord your poodle yourself! Essentially, this hairstyle is the equivalent of giving your dog dreads. So, if you are familiar with that process, this can be a lot easier for you. But if not, there are tons of tutorials on sites like YouTube that can give you a visual guide. You can also look up many resources that teach you how to maintain these beautiful rope-like locks. Grooming will take time. On top of regularly recording the strands, you also have to be really careful with other aspects of bathing. When you bathe your poodle, you must be careful how you treat the fur. Coords can become very dry and brittle if natural moisture is taken out of them. Cords can become very frizzy and even fall off if they are incorrectly managed. You have to massage each cord individually to remove any debris or dirt. You must also rinse and remove residue with warm soap and water. Cords can be touchy. If you are familiar with dreadlocks, you might have heard people say that you have to take special care of them, or they can get downright gross! The same goes for your poodle. Cords trap lots of dirt and debris, but they can be really tricky to clean properly. No matter what type of poodle you opt for, whether it be toy, miniature, medium, or standard, these dogs are insanely intelligent and friendly. They make terrific companions for people of all ages, from infancy to senior years. The poodle is arguably the most intelligent dog of the canine world, picking up concepts, living eloquently, and mastering training. They are a joy to have around, and many poodle lovers will tell you that there is no other breed for them. The only issue when owning a poodle is the maintenance required. Poodles do require grooming and frequent care cosmetically. But as far as personalities, they are gentle, loyal, and friendly pets. So, we have to say that yes, in fact, poodles make great pets whether they are corded or not. Conclusion Now you know a little more about this fancy hairstyle. If you want a fancy new look for your poodle, this might very well be what you should try. But just know that it will require time, money, and regular upkeep. Some poodle owners eschew the traditional, though, and opt for the look of cords, or dreadlocks. Cording, and caring for a corded coat, take time and patience. Avoid brushing, clipping and washing your poodle for a long period of time. The hair forms mats naturally. Inspect your poodle daily and remove debris, such as dirt or leaves, that becomes tangled in the hair. Have a professional trim only the hair under her tail, where if it is left long it may become unsanitary. Pull the mats apart in even sections, about one-quarter-inch to one-half-inch wide, as soon as they start to form. The mats do not hurt or harm your poodle, but pulling too hard on her hair while separating them may cause discomfort, so proceed slowly. Roll the sections into tight coils, or dreadlocks, with your fingertips. Use a metal comb to help separate the hair. Rub a small amount of petroleum jelly on the hair to help hold each cord in place. Continue until the entire coat is corded. Dilute the shampoo with water and apply it to her entire coat. Rinse the shampoo out completely and lightly mist her coat with a leave-in conditioner. After washing, dry your poodle thoroughly to prevent a mildew smell. Blot her coat with a clean, dry towel. Follow up with a hair dryer on low or medium setting. Hold it about 12 inches from her skin and finish drying her coat. As you dry the coat, separate the cords with your fingers and make sure you dry each one. Tips Work with your dog's coat often to keep the cords separated. Work from the back of your poodle's neck down her back. This helps ensure you cover every inch. Warnings Always used shampoo and conditioner formulated for dogs. Items You Will Need.

Do German Shepherd puppies change color? Yes, as they grow, these puppies naturally change their coats. Expect a dramatic coat change as it turns into an adult. Do you ever wonder how these puppies go through color changes? You can witness these fun replacements of colors until your dog reaches two years old. They naturally change their overall appearance as they age. Even the color of their eyes changes, too! Adult coats simply replace them gradually as they grow. When you see a newborn puppy, it will be hard to tell what its dominant color will be. There are also German Shepherd puppies that are born with overall white color, which is an exception. White pups will stay all white until adulthood. At Age 0 to 2 Weeks At this age, changes to the puppy coat begin. Some keen dog breeders can tell if the German Shepherd puppy will have an all-black coat or change its color. Aside from coat color, you can also tell at this point if your dog will have short, medium, or long coats. They may turn all black, or their color may develop a darker or lighter color. At 4 to 6 Months When German Shepherd puppies turn four to six months old, they start to shed off their puppy furs. As a result, their coats gradually become thicker and denser as well. By this time, you can see your puppy develop into an adult dog. There will be small or drastic changes, and at this stage, you can usually tell what the dominant color of your dog will be. This is one of the most exciting stages. You can certainly tell if it has turned out to be black, black and tan, gray, or sable. You can often see them in the show ring. However, the original color of German Shepherds is sable because they were bred as working dogs. Nowadays, there are a lot of colors that German Shepherds can have. Black and Tan When you think of a German Shepherd, the first picture that comes into your mind is black and tan. The black appears mostly on the upper limb and their faces, while the dominant color for the chest, neck, and underbellies is tan. Black and Red For this one, the black color mostly appears on the saddle or upper limb and face. The chest and underbellies, however, will have a dark red appearance. Black The dog has a pure black coat, and it is very rare. You cannot see any visible color on them aside from black. Their origins are either both black parents or black and tan. Bi-color Bi-color dogs are those that have a dominant black coat color with a sign of another color. Their face, legs, and feet may have minimal color variation. They are bred intentionally. Gray German Shepherds with gray color have a distinctive appearance. You will see the whole body of the dog with the dominant liver color. You can see most of them in dog shows. Its coat is literally like that of a panda! This is a purebred dog and not a combination of parents with different color breeds. The rare gene altercations are responsible for its cute color. The coat appears to have more black and tan colors and a few white spots. Sable Sable is one of the most popular colors of German Shepherds. You can mostly see this coat color with the working lines of German Shepherds. Red Sable Red sables are rare breeds. They are sold expensive because of their unique color. It resembles a rich brownish-red coat. Its fur has black tips. At 24 months, German Shepherds generally tend to stop changing their colors. If you notice an excessive change in color at this point, consult your veterinarian for immediate assessment. There might be some underlying conditions that you need to address. All canine friends are great companions. When you own a German Shepherd, you will be amazed at how they change their colors into adulthood. Each German Shepherd has its unique coat color. The genes have the biggest impact on their color. The most important thing to note is that you own a healthy and happy German Shepherd regardless of its color. Paul S. Paul has been creating content for the dog niche for many years. The information he shares comes his first hand experience growing up in dog lovers household and then owning multiple dog breeds of his own as an adult. Paul enjoys doing the hard research to collect, analyze and present our dogtemperament. They have a strong and dominant personality. On the other hand, a solid white German Shepherd has a shy personality. But if trained well, just like any other GSD, they are hardworking, loyal, intelligent, and brave breed. However, their unusual light skin and golden eyes make them rare as well! They are the majority of the black GSD that is considered as the original color of the breed. Black could mix with tan, red, silver or cream, and even white. They are considered as one of the most popular colors of the GSD and popular in Hollywood as well! The majority of their bodies are black, and as puppies, their colors lighten. The color tan can be replaced by other colors, such as red. They can also be found in a working field. Black and Red — Similar to the black and tan GSD, but the color tan is replaced by a red or strawberry-type like color. They can be found in the show field. But they could still be considered as Black and Red color. Bicolor Almost black — The majority of their bodies are color black. Yet, the legs have a different color, for instance, brown, gray, or Agouti, and they also have no saddleback. Blue — Their origins are unknown. Still, the blue pigment appeared when the black color was diluted, turning the skin to a liver brown color that can appear blue in our eyes. Gray — They have the same appearance or color as the wolf. Liver and Tan — They have a unique brown color of the incomplete black pigment. Their overall look could look brownish with little to no color of black. They were born in a tan color, yet as they grew up, one additional color or two also grew, replacing the Tan. White — Snowy-fur light-colored GSD that could mean solid and pure or mixed. It shared the same bloodline as German Shepherds. Yet, it is presumed that they are independent or recessive from other colors. Rare Colors These are the German Shepherd considered as a severe or genetic fault. This means for different reasons, their colors are unusual for the GSD breed. Panda — They have a pattern of white color with black spots. It is said that they are the result of Piebald coloring occurring as unpigmented white spots. Liver — They have a recessive gene that blocks the black pigment from appearing, thus replacing it with brown. Pale and Dilute — anything that looks pale or lighter in color, such as white and liver GSD. They are indeed one of the most unique canine breeds. Final Thoughts The way we see it, German Shepherds do change color as they grew up. Rapid or Unusual changes are abnormal and should be taken to the Vet for immediate care. And lastly, this article made us appreciate them all. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. It can take time for their color to develop as they mature. Black German shepherds are one of the color patterns that you see in this dog breed that does not change over time. Unlike the other colors you see in German shepherds, a black German shepherd will be born black and remain black. Many people are afraid of all black dogs and sometimes will not want a black German shepherd. Black German shepherds have the same temperament as any other color German shepherd and will make a great companion for you. If you are wondering if your German shepherd puppy will be all black, simply look at the parents. If the dam and sire are black or have a mostly black coat, then there is a possibility that some of the puppies will come out all black. White German shepherds are like black german shepherds. They are born white and will stay white for the rest of their lives. There will be no color changes over the next several years. If they end up being not a pure white German Shepherd, you will then see some color variation over time. If you want to learn even more about German shepherds, click here! While they are growing up and learning, their coat is changing with them. Here is a timeline of what their coat could look like at different stages: German Shepherds at Birth The puppies are born! German shepherd puppies are born all black. At this point, it is hard to tell what color they will be, and they need to do some growing before we can be sure of their color. The only exception to this rule is that if your puppy is born all white, they will stay all white, and there should be no further changes. You will be able to tell if they will be an all-black German shepherd or if their coat will change. This is also the time period when you will be able to tell what type of coat they will have. German shepherds can have shorter coats or longer coats. The most common coat a German shepherd will have is a medium-length coat. Closer to the end of the 2-week mark is when you will be able to tell for sure what type of coat your puppy will have. They can get lighter and darker during this time, sometimes returning to all black as well. Your puppy will start to grow and even shed its coat in this time. If your puppy has any red, brown, sable, or any other variations other than black, they should be showing up by now. Even though your pup should be fully grown, believe it or not, their coat can still change at this time. With seasons changing and your dog blowing out their coat, it is not uncommon to see another change in their coats. Their coats could have a small change or a drastic change. At this point, only time will be able to tell what your puppy will look like in the end. Once they reach the age of two or 24 months , you can almost be certain that this is what your dog is supposed to look like. If you want even more common traits and specs for German Shepherds, you can check out the link here! As we mentioned, German Shepherds typically stop changing colors when they reach the age of two. There are rare cases, but sometimes they can go through another color change. It is unlikely though. If your dog goes through another drastic color change, you may want to reach out to your veterinarian or the breeder you purchased your puppy from. It is best if you go through a breeder to get your German shepherd puppy. When you go through a breeder, they will be able to tell you any health concerns that this specific breed could have. They try to breed these puppies without any health concerns, and they will often have specific tests done to show that these health problems are not present in the litter. You can find reputable breeders on the American Kennel Clubs website. When you go to a breeder from the AKC, your puppy should also come with a certificate of authenticity. Can I show a German shepherd? You will also want to get a dog with certain markings if you want to show your dog. Some German shepherds, like the sable coats and white coats, cannot be show dogs. Cheaper than replacing everything they might break. And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone. And the best part is it also has a day money-back guarantee! You can also check out a full review here to learn exactly what the course has to offer! Recap As you can see, there are a lot of factors that will affect your german shepherds color! But the most important thing to remember is, that no matter what the color, all that matters is that you have a healthy and happy german shepherd! If you liked this article, make sure you check out the rest of the website. Otherwise have a great day! Related Posts:. Puppies When choosing a companion dog, it is normal for coat color to be a major consideration. But how about the German Shepherd coat? Do German Shepherd puppies change color? This article will discuss German Shepherd puppy coat coloring and how that coloring changes over time. Yes, German Shepherd puppies change color as they develop into adulthood. Even after they completely shed their puppy coat and grow their permanent adult coat, you can still expect to see some subtle changes in color. Instead, it sheds and changes continuously from birth to around 6 months. Once your German Shepherd turns 7 months old, the changes to their coat color will be more subtle. Nevertheless, it will continue to transform until they become adults at around 2 years old. Puppies are single-coated and their fur is generally soft and fluffy. Over time, they will shed that coat and develop a double-coat composed of dense fur and coarse outer hairs. Thick, downy fur helps puppies regulate their temperature within their first few months of life. However, their needs will change as they develop into adults. In the spring, German Shepherds blow their undercoats in preparation for the warm summer months. They will again shed heavily in the fall to develop a thicker and possibly darker winter coat. However, their appearance will still change—possibly multiple times—until well into adulthood, which starts at around 2 years old. However, you may still notice some subtle changes in thickness as the seasons turn. The color might also change slightly due to various factors like diet and sun exposure. However, experienced breeders can often tell whether a puppy will be long-coated before they turn a month old. It is also common for some unique markings to appear or disappear at this time. Nevertheless, the change in appearance might still be significant between 7 and 18 months old. Their shade could become darker or lighter, and their coat pattern can show some slight changes as well. Changes could still occur as a result of diet, environmental exposure, or health issues. No matter what color you prefer, your German Shepherd will benefit from proper nutrition and supplements for dog coat growth. Liver These are all approved show-ring standard coat colors in case you want to show your GSD. But is there any way to know for sure what coat color your GSD puppy will have when they grow up? First-time German Shepherd owners are often very surprised to learn that a large breed dog like the German Shepherd can continue growing for 24 to 36 months. An adult German Shepherd dog may weigh anywhere from 50 to 90 pounds and stand anywhere from 22 to 26 inches tall paw pad to shoulder. That is a lot of growth that needs to get done. For this reason, genetically speaking, it is advantageous for a large breed puppy to grow in spurts, spacing it out over time. Canine coat color experts explain that dogs have two basic pigments: eumelanin melanin and phaeomelanin. Eumelanin Eumelanin pigment always defaults to black. Eumelanin not only determines basic coat color but also controls for iris eye colors and nose colors. Phaeomelanin Phaeomelanin always defaults to red. Like eumelanin, the introduction of different genes can determine where on the red spectrum phaeomelanin expresses shows up. Unlike eumelanin, phaeomelanin only affects coat color and not eyes or nose. This is the chart many breeders use to design breeding programs to focus on certain coat colors. Each parent dog contributes a set of genes that control for color: coat color, eye iris color, and nose color as well as skin color. If you have a preference for a specific adult coat color, whether because you want to show your GSD or you are developing your breeding program, the best guarantee is to work closely with a knowledgeable breeder who understands coat color genetics. There is one exception to the coat color change to be aware of: often GSD puppies born with white coats will stay white. The coat is no exception here, as we mentioned in the introduction here. When your GSD puppy is born, all the puppies are typically but not always solid in color. The most common GSD puppy colors are black, grey, or — surprisingly — white. Kennels Von Lotta, a German Shepherd breeder, and kennel have posted this picture of a litter of newborn neonate German Shepherd puppies that were born black. Whelping to 2 weeks The puppies will start to show some differences in coat color and also coat length. By the day mark, breeders say it is often possible to tell if a GSD puppy is potentially going to grow up to have a long coat. As South Florida Shepherds kennel and breeder explains, the very same parent dogs can produce GSD puppies with very different adult coat colors. Because nearly all GSDs are displaying their permanent adult coloration by 18 to 24 months, continued changes or a sudden recurrence of color changes should always be investigated further. Now you know what to watch for as your little fluffy German Shepherd puppy starts to display their full and fabulous adult coat color and pattern.

As the name implies, this breed originates from Germany and was originally intended to be a herding breed. Today, however, the German Shepherd is best known for its versatility. Although they may have started as a herding dog, GSDs have been used to perform a huge array of tasks. They are a popular breed for police work, search and rescue, and tracking. But the German Shepherd also makes a fantastic companion dog. Single Coats vs Double Coats in dogs. Dogs have either double coats or single coats. In dogs with a double coat, the undercoat is made up of softer, dense usually short fur. It keeps the dog warm in cold weather, and also protects the dog against extreme heat. If a dog has a single coat, then there is only the topcoat. No undercoat will be present. Are German Shepherds Double-Coated? Although German Shepherds have the same general looks, there is some variation within the breed. German Shepherds are generally considered double-coated dogs, but the coat can come in a variety of lengths and thicknesses. Some German Shepherd dogs do not have an undercoat present. The only German Shepherds that are acceptable in competitions will have a medium-length overcoat with an undercoat. If the dog does not have an undercoat, then this is considered a fault by the AKC. Some dogs have undercoats that are very sparse or that shed completely. This is called an open coat, and it is also considered to be a fault. German Shepherd coats can vary greatly. A medium-length coat, which is usually one or two inches long and is the only coat acceptable for show lines. There will be an undercoat present. A long coat with an undercoat, which will have an overcoat at least two inches long. This coat will usually be very thick, which makes these particular dogs especially well-suited to colder climates. A long coat without an undercoat, which looks very similar to a dog with a long coat with an undercoat, but without an undercoat. You should be able to feel for yourself the softer undercoat underneath the overcoat. However, it can be more difficult to tell in puppies. This is because puppies are born with a single coat, with the fur being very soft and fluffy. At around 4 to 6 months old, the puppy will shed this coat completely, and his adult coat will grow in. If the parents both have double coats, then most likely the puppy will also have a double coat. Remember to always get your puppy from a reputable breeder. Coat Types and Shedding German Shepherds shed throughout the year, but their coat type can affect the amount that they shed. During the spring and fall when your double-coated German Shepherd is blowing out his coat, you will need to be even more diligent about brushing him. One of the biggest mistakes you can make for your dog is bathing him too often. You should only have to bathe your GSD every 3 to 4 months or so. Around the spring, during flea season, you may find that you need to bathe your dog more often. Just try not to bathe him more than every 2 months to help keep his coat and skin healthy. Can You Shave a German Shepherd? Your dog is already naturally insulated from hot weather. If you shave your German Shepherd, then you may ruin his double coat. It can take years for his coat to grow back in properly, and in some cases, it may never grow in right again. A rich diversity of lengths, colors and pigment—combined with a number of varying body types—make the German Shepherd one of the more structurally diverse of all dog breeds. From the short stock coat of the East German working line dogs to the extreme long stock coat of some West German show-line dogs—there is a shape, style and color tailored to you and your lifestyle. There are three main types of hair on German Shepherd Dogs: ground hair undercoat , guard hair topcoat and whiskers. Dogs with both an undercoat and a topcoat are called double coated. The first layer, or undercoat, functions primarily as insulation and is soft and usually of a lighter color. The second layer, or topcoat, consists of thick-shafted, coarse hair. It also has weatherproofing qualities ideal for working and playing outdoors. With rare exception, most German Shepherds have double coats—though the degree of undercoat can vary widely. German Shepherds can have little to almost no undercoat or have massively dense, woolly undercoats that require daily maintenance. Double coats are ideal for maintaining warmth in colder months, but also provide cooling in the summer by keeping heat away from the surface of the skin. For this reason, the shaving of double-coated dogs is not recommended if they have prolonged exposure to the elements. Their coat helps regulate body temperature and protects their skin from harmful UV rays. Shedding German Shepherds, aka German Shedders, shed and shed a lot. Working dogs are required to do their jobs regardless of weather or terrain. To keep their coats in optimum condition—daily, excessive shedding is needed. Unfortunately for us, this means additional brushing and bathing. If you do not own a good vacuum cleaner or sweeper, you will need to purchase one if you have one or more German Shepherds inside your home. In the spring, their thick winter undercoat is shed and replaced with a thinner, cooler undercoat. In the fall, their summer undercoat is shed and replaced by a thicker, warmer undercoat. Care and Grooming Daily brushing and frequent bathing are your best defenses against excessive shedding. Bathe and groom puppies frequently so they learn to enjoy—or at least tolerate—the experience. Most German Shepherds enjoy a good grooming and since most love water in any form , bathing can also be a pleasurable experience for them. Daily brushing and frequent bathing are your best defenses against excessive shedding. Brushing Most double-coated breeds like German Shepherds need to be brushed regularly—especially if they have a thick undercoat. In the spring and fall when their coats are being blown, daily brushing is important. This helps reduce the amount of hair inside your home and removes their undercoat more quickly. While regular brushing is great for removing loose and dying hair, it also gets rid of mats and tangles—which are common with long- and medium-length coats. Mats are not only unsightly, but they can be painful due to their closeness and tightness to the skin. In southern parts of the country where humidity is high, mats can also lead to skin irritations as the dampness can encourage the growth of skin irritants and other microbes. Check your German Shepherd often for mats—paying special attention to areas behind the ears, between the legs and along the back of the thighs. If your dog is a short stock coat with little undercoat, occasional brushing and bathing is all that is required to keep their coats looking great. Click HERE to learn about elbow hygromas and options for treating and prevent them. Keep your German Shepherd's elbows soft and free of calluses and hygromas. Calming bed for dogs who suffer from anxiety. Water resistant and tear resistant cover. Non-skid bottom. Replacement covers available separately. This short coat, with a thin undercoat, is easy to maintain and can require little or infrequent grooming. Bathing is a breeze as their coats are designed for waterproofing and dry quickly. Water generally rolls off of the guard hairs of German Shepherd Dogs. For all of these reasons and more, short stock coats are the preferred coat type for service dogs, police dogs and military dogs. The dog pictured to the right is an excellent example of a very nice, healthy coated, short stock coat—with minimal undercoat. Medium stock coats have longer, thicker hair on the neck, underbelly and along the back of the thighs. Their undercoat tends to be more dense than that seen in the short stock coats of West and East German working lines. Medium stock coats require additional grooming to keep their coats in optimum condition. Note also that medium- and long-coated dogs do not shed more than their short stock-coat counterparts—the hair shed is just longer. Hair around the face, ears, chest, bottom line and back of thigh panties can exceed four inches in length. This coat requires regular care and grooming. Hair, especially behind the ears and between their rear legs, is prone to matting, and requires daily brushing. The American Kennel Club AKC is one of the few show organizations that still considers a long stock coat to be faulty. Long stock-coat dogs are not only accepted by most German Shepherd Club organizations, including the German SV, but they have become valuable and sought after in recent years—and compete at the highest levels in Germany and world wide. Note also that these coats often continue to grow in length and density with age, so older dogs require additional daily care and grooming. All coat colors and lengths mentioned above are attributes of purebred German Shepherds. However, some breed organizations consider certain characteristics to be breed faults and can be penalized or even disqualifying in the show ring. However, if you plan to show your dog, you will need to study the standard and requirements of your desired show organization s to ensure your dog is eligible to compete and title in the show ring. But the German Shepherd of today actually comes in a variety of colors and patterns as pictured above. The color of their coat is determined by genetic makeup. Genes that are dominant are more common, while those that are recessive are more rare. Black and Tan This is the most common color pattern—which is usually black all over, with tan or cream-colored chest, shoulders, legs and thighs. There are many color variations to this pattern, most commonly—black and red, black and cream and black and silver. Bicolor Another variation to the traditional black-and-tan colored dog are bicolored dogs. Their bodies are predominantly black with a secondary accent color on the lower legs that can be tan, cream, gray or silver. All of these black areas, also called points, on the legs and toes should be richly pigmented. A dog is not considered to be bicolored unless it has these distinctive black markings and they can appear on both dual- and sable-patterned dogs. Sable The word sable means the color of black. The definition of a sable pattern refers to guard hairs being tipped with black. The more guard hairs and the longer the tipping, the darker the dog. Black sables are dogs with heavy tipping and less ground color. Agouti is a term that refers to the banding or grizzling of hair coloration that can be seen in varying amounts in the neck, shoulder, tail, croup and border markings in saddle-marked dogs. Some German Shepherds have so much grizzling in the black blanket or so much undercoat showing, that they are hard to distinguish from sables, and some sables that carry the partially-hidden, saddle-pattern recessive gene have so much of that recessive showing through that they look like washed-out saddles. Melanistic is another term associated with black coloring. Melanistic refers to the amount and density of melanin black pigment found within the hair shaft. Melanistic coloring refers to the masking of a color or pattern with black. Sable-colored German Shepherds are infamous for changing colors multiple times before reaching maturity. Adult dogs can have a completely different coloring and pattern then what was present as a puppy. No good dog is a bad color. Black is uncommon due to being a recessive gene but still prevalent within the breed. Typically, they are completely black with no other colors on the body. Solid White Solid white German Shepherds are not albinos. Their color is the result of a recessive gene that can be carried by any colored dog. When learning about pigment and color patterns, understand that white is not a color. There is no solid-color gene for white. The more pure white a dog, the lighter the color of its masked color underneath. Every white German Shepherd is really a traditional color and pattern covered by a white mask. The blue colors in these dogs replace the black areas of their more common black-and-tan counterparts. Blue dogs often appear as a dusty or somewhat light gray with a gray leather nose. Sometimes puppies are born with very light eyes as well. This, too, is a rare recessive gene and considered by the AKC to be a faulty eye color. Isabella An Isabella German Shepherd, aka lilac or mouse-gray German Shepherd, is the result of a recessive gene dilution giving them a washed-out silvery-blue color. The color is not technically a blue, however. The color is most widely recognized within the Weimaraner breed. Because Isabella German Shepherds are less common and considered faulty for showing purposes, there are fewer reputable and responsible breeders. Select your Isabella GSD breeder carefully and insist on thorough health testing information and lineage information. Liver Liver is another recessive gene leading to liver-colored offspring. In a liver-colored dog, all the black parts are a brown or liver color, ranging from light to dark shades. They might also have light eyes—which typically changes into a darker color with maturity. Panda The Panda German Shepherd is a piebold-colored dog meaning no more than 35 percent of its body is white with mixed patches of black and brown. Research confirms that this pattern is not the result of crossbreeding—but rather a genetic mutation. Ticking vs. Roan vs. Blue Merle Ticking is flecks or spots of color on white areas. Most ticked dogs are born white and develop ticking as they mature. Generally, ticking is heaviest on the legs and muzzle. Roan is a pattern of white and colored hairs evenly mixed over the white areas of the body. Roaning creates a near-solid pattern over a white coat causing a dog to appear dusted with white. If the predominant color of the dog is black, then the roaning can appear bluish in color. People sometimes confuse merle dogs with roan or ticked dogs. Merle dogs do not have a white base coat of color, however, some merle dogs are ticked. The genes responsible for ticking, roaning and merle are dominant so a purebred German Shepherd cannot produce these patterns without being crossed with a dog breed that carries the genes. As we can see from the images above, German Shepherds come in an array of coat colors and patterns—including saddle, blanket, bicolor, sable and solid colors. The organization does not, however, allow dogs of these colors to be shown in the conformation ring as these characteristics are faults according to the German Shepherd breed standard. Dogs carrying the liver gene or the recessive dilution gene that produces either Isabella or blue dogs also carry serious penalties in the show ring. Liver, blue and Isabella are not recognized because of the color of their leathers; and the solid whites are omitted due to the absence of black in the hairs on top of their backs. If you wish to campaign and show your dog in the conformation ring however, you will need to keep with animals with traditionally accepted colors and patterns. Dogs that are liver, blue or Isabella are severely penalized. Reverse Mask and Maskless German Shepherds The reverse mask aka wolf mask German shepherd is not a mix or hybrid, but rather a dog presenting a pattern that appears when both parents carry the gene for this coloring. These patterns date back to some of the earliest German Shepherd foundation dogs and still appear in certain lines, today. Rin-Tin-Tin was another reverse-mask without the stripe German Shepherd. The reverse mask can also present with or without the wolf stripe running down the nose. Some dogs are born with the wolf stripe but it fades with maturity—while others maintain the stripe. Maskless German Shepherds are dogs born with no mask, meaning their face coloring is the same as that of their body. Maskless dogs most commonly present as solid cream, tan, gray or silver. Both reverse mask and maskless German Shepherds are considered faulty lacking pigment for conformation purposes. Impression and Expression Impression — an idea, feeling, or opinion about a dog formed without conscious thought—or formed on the basis of little information. It is well balanced, with harmonious development of the forequarter and hindquarter. It looks substantial, giving the impression—both at rest and in motion—of muscular fitness and nimbleness. The ideal dog is stamped with a look of quality and nobility—difficult to define, but unmistakable when present. Aside from overall outline, size and strength of body, the head is the most prominent feature of a German Shepherd. It is here that we find expression. The head should convey strength of character, intelligence, confidence and nobility—even in the very young. In recent years, some show lines have developed a black-face mask in which the entire mantle and muzzle of the dog is predominately black. Any feature that detracts from the overall impression or expression of a dog can be less desirable. Black-faced German Shepherds have become very popular, but some traditionalists believe this pattern can in fact, change the expression of the dog—giving it an intimidating or less approachable expression. Most of the top VA dogs in Germany still carry the traditional mask pattern, but there are many up-and-coming black-faced dogs vying for the top spots. Another example of how color can impact expression is eye color. Light eyes on a German Shepherd overpower other aspects of the dog and change its expression from that of a traditional, loyal shepherd to that of a more elusive, mystic wolf. For this reason, the breed standard calls for the eyes of German Shepherds to be as dark as possible. In the show ring, light eye color—especially yellow hues—are penalized. Become a part of the GSDLiving experience. Upload a photo, pay tribute to your best friend

Tom Thorpe Blog Golden retrievers are in demand the world over. They are popular because of their versatility. Goldens make awesome family pets because of their wonderful dispositions. They are also great at hunting and amazing show dogs. You might be wondering what is wrong with your Golden. Overall, there will be nothing wrong with your Golden since growth is not a linear process for any breed. Instead, it might occur in spurts, especially the first 24 months of their life. However, it is crucial to monitor your puppy carefully during this vulnerable stage. It might be both fun and educational to watch your little golden puppy grow and develop. They are at their most impressionable. This is the stage where you can shape the personality of your puppy. In the first seven weeks of life, your golden puppy will be struggling to walk. They might be staggering and falling often. After growing several weeks after birth, the puppy will be able to develop stability while walking. It is extremely crucial at this point that the puppy is with their mother and litter. The mother will instinctively teach the puppy the necessary survival behaviors. During this time, the mother will teach the puppy the importance of obedience and affection. It is crucial to gradually socialize the puppy without separating it from the litter to get used to human interaction. During the third month of the Golden retriever puppy behavior stages, it is important to introduce it to its lifelong human family. It is crucial to spend plenty of time with the new puppy for socialization. But be cautious about moving the puppy around eight weeks or even later. The puppy might get traumatized and experience fear. During this period, any traumatic experience will have a dramatic impact on the puppy. Make sure to mitigate these stressful experiences, and if they do happen, it is crucial to remove the puppy from fear-inducing situations at once. Fourth and Fifth Month During the fourth and fifth month of Golden retriever puppy behavior stages, especially the sixth month, the puppy is already acting like a spunky puppy with full energy and teeth emerging. Make sure to train good habits in them by laying down consistent rules. Be cautious that your puppy might suffer their second fear impact. It might occur during the fifth month or later. During this Golden retriever puppy behavior stages, the puppy will act like a typical puppy—full of unlimited energy and plagued by growing teeth. Promote good habits in the puppy by enforcing rules. Be vigilant about the second onset of fear-impact, which might happen around the fifth month or later. Keep in mind Goldens are eager to please and are extremely trainable. Training classes give them a chance to stimulate their need for physical, social, and mental activity. You must establish a good working relationship with your Golden to build solid obedience skills. You should be able to overcome the challenges of handling a rebellious teenage Golden successfully. You should bond with your dog and develop trust. They will be exploring their potential and form friendships with other dogs and animals. It should be noted that not all dogs will like other dogs. Dogs are just like their human owners. Growth milestones At this Golden retriever puppy behavior stages, they will tend to have a short attention span. They require various activities to expend energy. You might find that they will be teething at this stage. Goldens were bred to carry stuff in their mouth, such as waterfowl. You might find that your Golden will enjoy picking up things with its mouth. Keep in mind that your Golden enjoys communicating. These dogs can be motormouths as well. They will be whining and barking. At this stage, it is crucial to focus on their style of communication. They must know the difference between friendly vocalizations and aggressiveness. Moreover, a dog owner must be able to interpret the body language of their puppy. It should be noted that puppies might undergo a fear stage. Training enables your puppy to work through their common fears that might arise during this developmental stage. Purposely expose them to loud sounds such as thunderstorms, fireworks, and crying babies. They should also witness unexpected movements such as awkward elderly movements and children playing. Exposing them to these will help them develop coping skills. It prevents them from being fearful and recognizes these events as normal and harmless. Purpose of training The purpose of training at this point is to establish schedules, rules, and routines. It is the time to lay down boundaries and expectations in the household. Make sure to explore and discover the talents and interests of your puppy. Most owners ask the breeder for a calm Golden who will simply sit on the couch with them during evenings. After this, they will find that their Golden will be happy to sit by their side at night and watch TV. Training is extremely crucial. Pet owners tend to prepare well for the baby stage, which is 2 to 6 months. However, they find themselves shocked and underprepared to handle their rebellious teenage Golden retriever. Unfortunately, this stage lasts much longer. The sudden spurt can send them to behave in extreme ways. They might be cranky, occasionally feisty, and have bouts of brooding. It is crucial to find friends for your puppy. They must interact with other dogs to release their pent-up energy. They must engage in play such as frolicking and wrestling. Similar to children, they will have their preferences. Respect the choices of your Golden. Although they are over the teething stage, the Golden must indulge their instinct to have something in their mouth. You can stimulate this need by giving toys and instructing them with commands such as drop, leave, and fetch. Keep in mind that at this stage, your puppy will require increased levels of physical stimulation. Engage them in exercises such as fieldwork, diving, and obedience. Scent games and hunting also prove exciting. It also helps them establish crucial traits such as teamwork and respect. At this point, your Golden retriever has overcome a difficult stage, and their well-mannered behavior becomes established. But keep in mind that another fear stage might occur. They are nearing 18 months and are closer to two years of age. You might find that their rebellious tendencies are diminishing. Female Golden retrievers might enter 1 to 2 heat cycles. Once they reach 12 to 24 months, they will need adjustments in their nutrition. Their caloric intake will depend on their growth and physical activity levels. Goldens are born athletes and must be slim and lanky their entire life. Adult female goldens should be in the range of 55 to 65 pounds while male Golden should be in the range of 65 to 75 pounds. Mature Goldens at 18 to 24 Months Training Training at this point should be well ingrained in your Golden. It helps if you were to provide activities that are fun and enjoyable. Growth Milestones Once they reach two years of age, the Golden will have reached the final phase of growing. But male Goldens will need another year to finish their full physical maturation, especially the development of their head and facial structure. In this stage, males and females should be neutered and spayed if you have no intention to breed them. Making sure your Golden meets the breed standard of weight can be a challenging task. Teenage Goldens require higher numbers of calories. But as their calorie needs peak, there might be changes in their body, especially if they have undergone sterilization. Weight control becomes a challenge. Their physical activity needs should be met. Goldens have athletic requirements similar to an Olympic athlete. The temperament and traits of the Golden come into full bloom at this point. It may be only nascent at the previous stages, but now it is fully manifesting. Purpose of training Keep in mind that their physical and emotional development is fully complete. The owner must take advantage of this period and build a strong training and foundation with their Golden. If you invest time and effort in the first two years of your Golden retriever puppy behavior stages, you will have the perfect dog of your dreams that will be your companion for life. Ideally, you should help them grow slowly. There are plenty of dangers associated with a dog growing too fast. Risks include bone diseases and arthritis. These conditions are even more prevalent in large breeds such as Golden retrievers. Overfeeding with low quality food results in growing too fast. When you examine ingredients on dog food labels, the first ingredient should be an animal protein source. If you find that your puppy is gaining weight, make sure to cut down the calories you give them. Keep in mind that bigger is not always better. Make sure your dog is within the weight range of the stage they are in. Managing their food intake and activity levels keep them healthy and fit. Final Thoughts You must know the Golden retriever puppy behavior stages so you can meet their needs and requirements. It is crucial to monitor not only the health of your developing puppy but also their training. Puppyhood is the time to instill good behavior to have the perfect dog companion that obeys your household rules and commands. When you invest time and effort in training and interacting with your Golden, it creates the huge potential that they might just become your ultimate friend. Following these tips can keep your furry companion healthy and happy. Exercise Requirements for Puppies: If you own a Golden Retriever, you want to keep them happy and healthy. This includes providing them with the appropriate amount of exercise for their age. If your Golden Retriever is a puppy, it will require less exercise than an adult. So, if your puppy is three months old, it will need about 15 minutes of exercise daily. It is important not to overdo it, especially with puppies. Because they are still growing and developing, excessive exercise can cause bone and joint problems. Starting to exercise with your Golden Retriever at a young age can help you bond with them and set them up for a healthy lifestyle. While you have to be careful to not overexert your Golden puppy, making sure they get plenty of exercise can also help prevent unwanted or destructive behaviors, which will talk about more later. Adult To Senior Golden Retrievers Staying active is crucial for adult Golden Retrievers to maintain good health, strong muscles, healthy joints, and weight management. They require minutes of exercise twice a day. Keep an eye out for any signs of pain or difficulty keeping up as your Golden Retriever ages. They tend to push themselves to please their owners, which can result in soreness or joint problems. Consider your lifestyle and make adjustments to ensure your Golden gets enough exercise. Consider games like fetch or dock diving if you prefer more relaxed activities. Bring your dog along if you enjoy going for walks or runs! Spending time being active with your pet will keep them happy and healthy. Types Of Exercise For Golden Retrievers Golden retrievers are an active breed that needs regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Here are some of our favorite different types of activities that Golden Retrievers enjoy: Hiking: Explore new trails and enjoy the outdoors with your furry friend. Bring a collapsible bowl with you for water breaks. Visit a dog park: Let your Golden interact and play off-leash with other friendly dogs. Go for a swim: During the hot summer months, keep your Golden relaxed and happy by taking a dip in a dog-friendly lake or pool. Just keep an eye on them and give them a bath afterwards. Play fetch: This classic game never gets old. Take your Golden to the park or play with their favorite toy indoors. Try agility training: Strengthen your bond with your pet while having fun setting up a backyard agility course with hula hoops, tunnels, and PVC pipes. Take a walk or run: A simple walk or run with your Golden can be enjoyable. Go hunting: Your Golden can enjoy this natural form of exercise with proper training. Try dock diving: if your Golden enjoys being in the water. Toss their favorite toy into the water and watch how much fun they have. Tug of war: Play a friendly game of tug of war with your pet using a durable and safe toy such as the Goughnuts Tug Toy. How To Make The Most Of Golden Retriever Walks Taking your golden retriever for a walk is not only an opportunity for exercise but also a chance to bond and create lasting memories. In this section, we will share valuable tips to help you make the most out of your golden retriever walks, ensuring an enjoyable experience for both you and your furry friend. Just stay away from any roads or sidewalks that run alongside them. Because these sessions require a lot of concentration and discipline, they should be kept short. To keep things interesting for your pup, experiment with unexpected changes in speed and direction. This will keep your furry friend entertained and interested. Incorporating Training Into Your Walks A walk with your Golden Retriever is an excellent opportunity to practice some training exercises on and off the leash. It is not only essential to maintain your training skills, but it is also beneficial to practice in various settings. Reward your loyal companion with a game or a treat between exercises to keep them motivated. Remember to leave time for free running! A good recall is essential if you intend to walk your Golden off-leash. While walking on the leash, vary your speed and make quick changes in direction. You can zigzag, circle, or retrace your steps before proceeding. Trying something new instead of your usual walking route is also a good idea. Remember to shower your dog with love, praise, and treats for its excellent behavior! Implementing these changes will make your furry friend more attentive and engaged during your walks. Furthermore, it is a perfect way to keep their minds active and stimulated. Playing Hide And Seek Playing hide-and-seek with your Golden Retriever can make exercise time more exciting and engaging. Keep an eye on your dog and call out if they panic and believe they have lost you. When your Golden Retriever finds you, they will feel a sense of accomplishment and pride, which can boost their confidence. Remember to keep the game safe and enjoyable for your furry friend and to always reward them for their efforts with plenty of love, praise, and treats. This will encourage your pet to pay close attention to you if the toy reappears, and they will be less likely to wander too far away. You can stop occasionally and play a quick and exciting game with them using the toy. Make sure to end the game while your dog is still interested, and then send them on their way. Because most Golden Retrievers enjoy chasing and retrieving balls, consider throwing a ball far away with a racket or ball launcher. Hand throws, on the other hand, are more lively and keep your Golden close by. Remember that throwing sticks can be dangerous. As a safer alternative, use a rubber stick or an old hosepipe. How Exercise Impacts The Behavior Of Golden Retrievers Golden retrievers are active and energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay healthy and well-behaved. Not only does exercise improve their physical health, but it also significantly impacts their mental and emotional well-being. A tired and satisfied dog is less likely to engage in these behaviors and more likely to relax and enjoy their time with you. Furthermore, exercise can provide an excellent opportunity for socialization, which is especially important for Golden Retrievers, who are known for being friendly and sociable. Walking your Golden Retriever with other dogs or participating in organized activities such as obedience classes or agility courses can help them gain confidence and comfort around other animals and people. Regular exercise not only improves their physical health but also has a significant impact on their mental and emotional well-being. Exercise helps reduce stress and anxiety, preventing unwanted behaviors such as destructive chewing, excessive barking, or aggression. By keeping your golden retriever active, you provide them with a healthy outlet for their energy, leading to a more well-behaved and relaxed companion. The Importance Of Mental Stimulation: Exercise is not just about physical activity; it also provides mental stimulation for golden retrievers. Engaging in activities that challenge their minds, such as puzzle toys, obedience training, or agility courses, can enhance their cognitive abilities and prevent boredom. Mental stimulation through exercise contributes to a well-rounded and balanced behavior in golden retrievers. Socialization And Exercise: Golden retrievers are naturally social dogs and enjoy interacting with other animals and people. Regular exercise provides an excellent opportunity for socialization, allowing them to become more comfortable and confident in various social settings. Activities like dog park visits or group walks can help your golden retriever develop social skills, reducing the likelihood of behavioral issues related to fear or aggression. Destructive chewing often stems from excess energy and boredom. When dogs do not have an outlet for their energy, they may resort to chewing on furniture, shoes, or other household items. Exercise helps to burn off that energy and keeps dogs physically and mentally stimulated, reducing their inclination to engage in destructive chewing behaviors. By providing your Golden Retriever with sufficient exercise, you can help redirect their energy into more appropriate activities and promote overall behavioral well-being. The Truth About Golden Retriever Behavior Issues Golden retrievers are adorable dogs, but like any other breed, they can have behavioral issues. The good news is that all golden retrievers can improve their behavior, and with some work, you can have a well-behaved golden in no time. It is not a permanent issue, and numerous methods exist for correcting bad behavior. You can use strategies for stopping bad behavior in golden retrievers, such as satisfying their needs, giving them a job, removing temptation, and not reinforcing bad behavior. Conclusion Exercise plays a vital role in shaping the behavior of Golden Retrievers. Regular exercise not only keeps them physically fit but also has a significant impact on their mental and emotional well-being. Furthermore, exercise provides an excellent opportunity for socialization, allowing your furry friend to develop confidence and comfort around other animals and people. By understanding the relationship between exercise and behavior in Golden Retrievers, you can provide your furry companion with the physical and mental stimulation they need to lead a happy, balanced, and well-behaved life. Golden retrievers are naturally curious and enjoy exploring their surroundings with their mouths. Providing plenty of chew toys and positive reinforcement for not chewing on inappropriate items can assist in redirecting this behavior. This behavior also serves to relieve teething discomfort and satisfy their oral fixation. How to prevent aggression in your golden retriever Aggression prevention in Golden Retrievers begins with early socialization and training. Positive reinforcement and teaching appropriate behaviors and boundaries can be helpful in the prevention of aggression. Seeking the assistance of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist can also help deal with any aggressive behavior. Why do golden retrievers roll on their back? There are several reasons for this. They might be looking for your attention or a tummy rub. They may also be scratching, marking their territory, or regulating their body temperature. Rolling over is not always a sign of submission, and it could be used as a combat strategy during playtime. If your dog rolls over to scratch its back, this could be due to a flea or tick infestation. Are golden retrievers good with exercise? Golden retrievers are known for their love of physical activity and exercise. They are active and require daily exercise to keep their physical and mental health in check. Can you exercise a Golden Retriever too much? Yes, it is possible to exercise a Golden Retriever too much. Overexercising can result in injuries, exhaustion, and even heat stroke. How can exercise help with Golden Retriever separation anxiety? Exercise can help reduce anxiety and stress in Golden Retrievers, including separation anxiety. Regular exercise can help your dog burn off excess energy and promote relaxation, making it easier for him to cope with being alone. Adding mental stimulation through puzzle toys or training sessions can also be beneficial. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. Is your golden retriever struggling with some behavior problems? Welcome to the life of a golden retriever parent! Have you ever been around a baby late at night? There are also physical and mental stimulation needs. Golden retrievers were originally bred to retrieve gunned down birds for their owners. They had to work all day running through fields, streams, and marshes… It required a lot of energy to do all of that work, so being full of energy and desiring a job to do is in their genes! Can you see how your golden might be bored and looking for an outlet for all of their energy? So the question is, how do you mentally and physically exercise your golden? Here are seven ways to do that: 1. Give them puzzle toys My golden retriever, Oliver, has a ton of energy, so we give him a lot of puzzle toys. We give him frozen kongs often, which is where we take some of his food , soak it in water for ten minutes, stuff it in a kong , then freeze it. It takes him anywhere from minutes to get all of the food out and he absolutely loves them. Plus, they use up a ton of mental energy. We have a rubber ball that we put his food in and he has to roll it around to get his meals out. Teach them to love chew toys Dogs naturally love to chew and it releases feel-good endorphins. If your golden is anxious or has a lot of pent-up energy, getting them to go to town on a chew toy will do wonders for them. You can play tug or fetch, or especially if you have a mouthy puppy you can use a flirt pole to play with them. Take them on walks Taking your golden retriever on a walk will allow them to sniff, which will help with the mental stimulation, as well as get a little physical exercise. Usually, with Oliver, we go on walks and sprinkle in some training throughout. Train them Challenging your golden retriever by teaching them new things and making them earn treats and praise is a great way to burn off some of their mental energy. Plus, when you challenge them and they overcome those challenges, that will help build confidence and give them a sense of satisfaction both of which will help decrease bad behaviors. Check out this article to learn how to train your golden retriever. Set up doggy play dates Most goldens love playing with other dogs, so if you have a friend who has a dog, or you meet some people in an online dog group, that could be a great way for them to get some exercise. We recently attended a local golden retriever meetup and Oliver absolutely loved playing with all of the other goldens. Take your golden to daycare A few times a month, Oliver goes to doggy daycare and he has a blast. Whenever we pull up to the building he realizes where we are and he gets so excited. One of the workers there even told me he has a girlfriend! Remove The Temptation One day, seemingly out of the blue, Oliver developed the bad habit of digging into the trash can in the office. He would grab Post-it notes, tissues, crumpled up paper, anything… Then he would run around the house and try to get us to chase him to get it back. Eventually, we got fed up with it, so we moved the trash can on top of the desk for a few weeks. He got out of the habit, and now we can use the trash can in peace again. Are there any temptations for your dog that you can remove, either temporarily or permanently? Can you put your shoes in the closet so your dog will stop chewing them? Can you not give them a certain toy that they become aggressive or possessive over? If your puppy is biting you, leave the room. This is called redirection. You give them pets and tell them how much you love them. They pull on the leash and you let them go up to the smelly smell, which makes them happy because they get to check it out. Are you accidentally rewarding and positively reinforcing this bad behavior? If you are, that could be adding to your problem. You have to kindly and patiently teach them what you want them to do. Puppies also love to have fun. Be sure to not give in to their games and accidentally reinforce bad behavior like stealing socks. Another thing is puppy biting. You can learn more about the golden retriever puppy timeline here. Common Golden Retriever Behavior Problems Here are several common golden retriever behavior problems: jumping on people. It is your responsibility as a dog owner to understand why your Golden barks as often as he does and when. When learning to decipher the different types of dog speak, you must figure out what excessive barking means. Golden Retrievers bark for many reasons, including alerting you of danger, such as a stranger. Here are some examples: A warning or alert bark will be quick and sharp and may become more intense. A Golden Retriever demanding food or attention will have a piercing and persistent bark directed at you. A bored dog will have a repetitive monotone bark. A Golden Retriever suffering from distress, such as separation anxiety or panic, will have a high-pitched and highly repetitive bark. As the dog gets more stressed, the barking may become even higher pitched or progress to howling. A fearful or suspicious bark will be fast and low. A playful bark will be high-pitched, more tonal, and modulated. Golden Retrievers can bark at other dogs, any movement outside the house, and noises around them. Your Golden Retriever will bark at you demand barking to communicate various things to you, especially when he wants to get your attention or something specific from you, such as food, play, or to go potty. Dogs soon learn that they can get what they want, especially if you usually give in. Prevention is better than cure in this instance. It sends the wrong signal if you start taking care of your dog when he barks at you. But if this barking results from his need to exercise, you can address that need before he starts barking at you. Never take care of the underlying need immediately after your dog barks at you. You should also take care of the issue causing him to bark. Daytime barking bothers remote workers working from home. Nighttime barking bothers everyone except those working the night shift. A one-off occurrence can be chalked up to an illness. But this can become a regular habit. And for social reasons alone, it is essential to understand and fix the cause for your Golden Retriever barking overnight. Your Golden Retriever might bark at night to alert you of a danger or if he is anxious, fearful, or wants attention. Other causes are if he sees or hears other animals in the yard, hears another dog also barking, feels lonely or bored, or has not had enough exercise. Here are some tips to prevent your Golden Retriever from barking at night: Use a crate from the first night you bring your pup home. Choose something like the all-inclusive Midwest for Pets icrate from Amazon. It comes with everything you need, such as a divider and a removable wipe-clean tray. This crate also gives you the option of a single or double door, which is pretty handy. You have to ignore him. It can be hard to do this on the first night you bring your new puppy home, but you will undoubtedly thank me for this advice! Ensure your dog is comfortable whether you leave him in his bed or crate. Have water and plenty of toys handy. Make sure your Golden Retriever is exercised sufficiently throughout the day. Most well-exercised dogs are desperate to go to bed at night to enjoy a sound sleep. Why Do Golden Retrievers Howl? Most people associate howling with the wolf-like Siberian Husky. But did you know your Golden Retriever also manifests this wolf-ancestry behavior once in a while? Golden Retrievers howl to warn you about a danger they can sense or to respond to another howling dog in the neighborhood. They also howl when reacting to high-pitched sounds such as music or sirens, when seeking attention, if in pain or distress, or if suffering from separation anxiety. Usually, howling is a form of communication that dogs use outside their usual barking, groaning, or whining. Unless it is incessant, you have a normal dog. If your Retriever is howling to get your attention, treat this behavior similarly to demand barking. You must ignore and teach him that howling at you will not work. When he stays silent and stops howling for a few seconds, use positive reinforcement, such as treats, toys, and lots of praise. Why Do Golden Retrievers Cry? Have you ever taken your dog on a car trip and heard the most horrendous crying or whining as you park up somewhere? You may wonder why your Golden Retriever is crying. Identifying health problems that may cause your Golden Retriever to cry is important. Consult your vet if stress and anxiety have become an issue for your dog, as anti-anxiety medication may help. Separation anxiety. Treatments include counterconditioning that focuses on developing an association between being alone and good things, like treats. Desensitizing techniques can also help, along with medication. Again, consult your vet or a professional animal behaviorist. Attention-seeking whining. This is similar to demand barking, as mentioned in the section above. You must teach your Golden Retriever that remaining quiet will lead to a more positive outcome. Recognize appeasement whining is normal canine behavior. This occurs when your dog tries to appease people or other dogs when they perceive aggression or a threat. Why Do Golden Retrievers Groan? You will undoubtedly have heard your dog groan, moan, or sigh. My dog often groans after eating a meal and flopping down with a full belly! Sometimes, it can be really amusing. But why do they do this? Medical reasons can also cause groaning, e. Behavioral groaning is of no concern and is normal canine behavior. However, consult your vet if you suspect your Retriever is groaning due to a medical reason. Why Do Golden Retrievers Dig? A little digging can be expected from a Golden Retriever or any dog. Golden Retrievers dig to relieve stress or get rid of excess energy. If your Golden Retriever is digging many holes, then he is excited and has too much energy. If he is digging fewer holes but is going deep, he is anxious. Whatever the reason, this behavior needs to be reigned in. You can establish a digging zone, interrupt your Golden Retriever whenever he is digging outside of it, and take him to the acceptable digging area. Since digging can be tied to excess energy boredom , you can engage your dog in a game of fetch or take him for a long walk. You may wonder why your Golden will circle his bed, an area of the rug or carpet, before lying down. Dogs may also assess their laying spot for anything harmful, such as vermin, or anything that could cause them injuries before making a comfy nest. However, despite centuries of domestication, there is little scientific data to prove the above — except for the understanding that canines circle before lying down to make a comfy nest. This small study of 62 dogs suggested that dogs are more likely to circle before lying down when presented with a soft, uneven surface to make a temporary nest to sleep. OCD is a psychological condition that often has a genetic tendency. Stricken dogs will repeatedly perform normal canine behavior and often fail to respond to therapy. Dogs worried about predators and protected their bellies by sleeping on them in the wild. Sleeping belly-down also allowed them to get up quickly if needed. So why do Golden Retrievers sometimes sleep on their back? Golden Retrievers sleep on their back with their paws in the air to cool down or when they feel very relaxed with their environment and are at ease exposing their belly. This shift is the result of thousands of years of dog domestication. One of the cutest sleeping positions of puppies is when they sleep upside down — they are just more comfortable sleeping on their backs! Adult Golden Retrievers who sleep on their back for a while are also adorable. They are trusting of you and will no doubt sleep anywhere. Golden Retrievers may roll on their back for many different reasons. This behavior might occur when your dog is alone, playing with you, or with other dogs. Golden Retrievers roll on their back when seeking attention from you, e. Or to groom or scratch themselves, mark their territory, change their body smell e. A roll on the back is often interpreted as being submissive during canine play. However, research has shown that lying face upward is a combat tactic, not an act of submission. Your Golden Retriever may roll over when playing with other dogs for two key reasons: To avoid a bite on the side of the neck be defensive. To launch an attack be offensive. Golden Retrievers often roll over to scratch their back — since they cannot reach it with their paws. This could be normal scratching, but it could also be due to a flea or tick infestation. Dogs will roll on their back to get a rub or tickle on their tummy when playing. So, avoid it if you do not want him to always ask for it! Your dog may also roll on his back to cool down. One of the weird dog behaviors that I find a little difficult to grasp is rolling in stinky things, such as fox or badger poop or bird droppings! Some dogs love to cover themselves in foul smells that leave you spluttering in disgust. So, why do Retrievers roll in poop? Golden Retrievers roll in poo, such as fox poo, due to instinctive canine behavior. Dogs like pungent scents, and they encourage rolling action. Wild dogs had to hunt to survive. Your Golden Retriever is leaving his scent behind. Your dog might be trying to leave his scent, similar to marking or spraying behavior. Your dog is interacting with you, his pack! Other packmates would track the scent back in the wild, which helped their hunting. So, now you know why your Golden Retriever rolls in poop, how do you prevent him from returning with a foul, pungent stench? When walking with your dog, stay alert and limit his poo-rolling activities. Learn to anticipate it right before it begins. If I notice my dog sniffing or tracking the ground with greater intensity, I know she can smell the strong scent of the fox. Do you find it funny when your Golden Retriever chases his tail? Golden Retrievers may chase their tail due to boredom, insufficient mental or physical exercise, or attention-seeking behavior to get something from you. Medical reasons can also be the cause, such as being irritated by fleas or ticks, infection, or in cases of OCD. Healthy adult dogs need at least two hours of daily activity, including various walking, off-leash running, fetch, frisbee, agility, or swimming — Retrievers love to swim! He will, therefore, keep doing it, especially if he needs you to notice him! Golden Retrievers have soft mouths because of their innate retrieving instincts. They learned to retrieve birds and other prey and return them to their hunters without damaging them. They also learn to minimize the impact of their bites as puppies and avoid putting too much pressure on their bites. Golden Retrievers put everything in their mouths because of their retrieving instincts. They retrieve things to show affection, stay entertained, and expend their excess energy. Golden Retrievers love socks because socks can carry the scent of the human who wears them. Retrievers often miss their owners and feel close to them when they fetch or play with their socks. If you start spending more time with your Retriever, he is less likely to steal your socks. But the ones that are territorial or signal an illness require immediate action. Related Posts You May Like:. The bottom line As perfect as we would all like our retrievers to be, there are some factors you should consider regarding their temperament before choosing to adopt or buy one of your own. Getting to know your retriever: the basics What falls under the normal behavioral categories for dogs may be a blur to some, especially for new dog owners. So, here are the fundamentals you need to know. Now, like all dogs, Goldens jump, bark as a form of expressing their emotions, such as being happy, or scared in specific scenarios, digging around, and loving to chase small animals like chipmunks or squirrels. All of which are natural and normal. Retrievers are also highly sociable and energetic dogs, as they are called retrievers, after all. These then develop into behaviors, which can either be good or bad. With that being said, read on to learn more about common behavioral issues in retrievers. People-jumping Golden retrievers naturally love everyone they meet, even if it happens to be someone they have not met before. But sometimes, they may get a little too friendly. One particular way retrievers typically greet people is by jumping on people to say hello. And yes, these breeds were meant to be hunters the good kind with the everflowing energy they have within. A primary reason this happens is a lack of physical and mental stimulation through exercises or activities such as puzzle toys or dispensing toys to meet their physical and mental needs. Because of this, they tend to find their own way to meet these needs, some of which may not be pleasant. These destructive means may include chewing up socks or the furniture and even sneaking to rob your food on the counter! It could be your long-sleeved clothing, your arm, or a random twig they found at the park. No matter how gentle your retriever may be, when they hold you with their mouths, it might develop into a rather irritating habit, and may even hurt someone, if left unaddressed. A joy that Golden retrievers are more than eager to pursue. When out and about, retrievers tend to go on tunnel vision on where they want to go, such as an empty and open field just a few feet away. In doing so, they may pull on your leash and can sometimes topple you over with that sudden sprint as you get pulled down. This may also lead to breaking free off the leash and may cause your dog to get injured or lost. Needy for attention Goldens are undoubtedly and naturally friendly. Because of it, this means wanting to be in the spotlight of attention and care. This is why retrievers are suitable for and found in many family homes. Some ways they demand your attention can be through barking, grabbing, and nudging your arm to establish their presence, to name a few. Though each retriever may vary individually, there may be instances where how they get attention becomes negative. Such as stealing off your gloves from the table when you want to go grocery shopping. Over-the-roof energy levels When you walk by any golden retriever you see, there seems to be an overflow of energy through their smile as they pant or their wagging tails as they walk. Though this sounds fun to be around outdoors, it is not the case when being indoors. With energy to spare, retrievers will find anything they can do to use that energy. In most cases, it may be unwanted things or activities. These include running around and knowing over objects in the living room, biting or chewing off pillows, and leaving feathers all over the house. Separation anxiety The fact that they are sociable, loving, and family-oriented dogs, also makes them prone to separation anxiety. This may be when you have to leave the house to watch the movies or do some groceries. In fact, Golden retrievers tend to suffer separation anxiety at a higher rate than other dog breeds. The severity of their separation anxiety may range from mild to severe, which may be indicated by distinct symptoms. For retrievers with mild separation anxiety, they may pace, whine, drool, walk around frantically, or any other distress-related behavior. When the anxiety becomes severe, this may cause them to engage in destructive behavior such as digging at windows or doors or anything to get them outside. In doing so, they may be susceptible to unwanted injuries, especially when they dig at windows. Puppy biting Like all breeds, it only comes naturally for puppies to bite anything they can get their paws on, and yes, that means retrievers do too. It is crucial at this stage to train and teach golden pups how to inhibit biting. If this progresses without interference, it may lead to harmful injuries such as biting through the skin. Digging Digging is innate in all dogs, no matter what breed, size, or shape. This may be an issue, especially when they start digging objects at homes such as window frames, doors, or the fridge, as they may cause damage over time. This may result from being deprived of exercise and mental stimulation, which causes them to turn to digging as their way to cope and fulfill their physical and mental requirements. A great way to handle this is by either turning their attention with a pet toy or a simple game of fetch. Alternatively, you can also provide a safe outlet for them to do their personal digging, such as a dog-friendly sandbox. There are several factors or reasons why this may be the case for the rare few that do have aggressive tendencies. They include physical punishment from their past, a poor breeder, or a lack of socialization with other dogs or humans. At this point, resolving them simply comes by avoiding these factors in the first place, by choosing a reputable breeder, never physically punishing them for bad behavior, and ensuring they get socialized and introduced to other family members they meet from time to time. The bottom line The Golden retriever is a great dog breed for anyone, including individuals, couples, and especially families. Like all social beings, retrievers, too, naturally develop their sets of behavior as they are a hunting breed are innately set to retrieve things in their mouth. These include lack of physical exercise, mental stimulation , socialization, bad breeders, and lack of training on the rights and wrongs. Some of the best ways to combat them are by addressing these factors, that is by finding a reputable breeder, ensuring they get introduced to other dogs and humans to get familiarized, giving them puzzle toys for mental stimulation, taking them out on dog walks for physical exercise, and teach them how to properly greet strangers without jumping on them without any physical punishment. More Behavior. But how long will your bundle of fur stay a puppy? Puppy which begins at birth and continues until the end of rapid growth, generally lasts between months depending on the breed of the dog. Puppies have a sensitive period for socialization which runs roughly between three weeks and three months. Below are some things to consider for safety, nutrition, socialization and training: Purchase books and videos by professional positive reinforcement trainers and behaviorist. Puppy proof your home- keep electrical cords safely away from chewing, toxic materials should be stored in a safe place including medications and plants. Provide your puppy with appropriate chew items, toys and games. Supervise your puppy at all times or make sure they are in a safe pen or crate area no free roaming without supervision. Safety: Crate training, on leash, fenced yards, transportation safety restraint, temperature in cars, no riding in open truck or with windows wide open. Consult your veterinarian for approval and get your puppy started in a puppy class at weeks. Puppies should receive a minimum of one set of vaccines at least 7 days prior to the first class and a first deworming. They should be kept up-to-date on vaccines throughout the class. This is something that your puppy class will help with if they have supervised play time with other puppies. If you have a well-mannered older dog, they may help you in teaching your puppy or young dog proper etiquette. Puppies will often follow and mimic older dogs behaviors. Enjoy, love and be kind to your puppy at all times. Young Adult starts when the puppy stage ends, and young dogs go through a period where they are still maturing both socially and physically. This stage usually lasts to about years of age. If your dog has behavioral issues fear of loud noises, aggression, separation anxiety, food guarding, excessive barking, etc. Some dogs may not enjoy being petted or made over by lots of new people in a structured setting, but they would be outstanding in nose work or dock diving. Dogs burn energy three ways; with their paws, brain and mouth. Mature Adult stage continues for the next quarter of their expected lifespan. At this time, you and your dog have a routine and they are well trained and happy. Below are some suggestions and signs you should look for as your dog matures: Continue to keep your dog active in physical and mentally stimulating activities that are suitable for their age. Make sure they are still getting social interaction with people, animals and new environments. Behavior changes can be due to medical problems and not out of spite. If a potty-trained dog starts urinating in the house, it may be a sign that there is an underlying medical problem that should be examined by a veterinarian. Consult your veterinarian as soon as possible if you have concerns. Seniors are in the last quarter of their life. This is a time that you may need to alter things in your home so that your dog can easily get around and be supported properly. Non-skid rugs or mats, harnesses, doggie boots, ramps, and orthopedic beds may be needed at this time. Senior dogs can still enjoy walks, car rides and fun activities; being with you is their greatest desire. Moderate activity, nutrition and frequent health examinations are key to keeping your best friend happy, healthy and enriched in their golden years. Below are some geriatric symptoms to be aware of: Weakness, lethargy. Going through life with a badly behaved dog can be very demanding and stressful, usually resulting in a lower quality of life for both dog and owner alike. The list of articles will be growing all the time to cover everything from understanding what natural personality characteristics of a Golden Retriever are, why they act the way do, what behavior issues are, how they can develop and how to solve common Golden Retriever behavior problems. I think every owner has a duty to learn what makes a dog tick. They have different instincts, drives and needs that fuel their temperament. The key to raising a well balanced and well obedient dog is first understanding what these different behavioral needs are, then finding acceptable ways to satisfy those needs. This opens up a whole new level of communication because you can then adjust how you behave toward your dog and what you ask of them depending on their state of mind. And this impacts every aspect of your lives together. These next few articles will help you to understand your Golden Retriever:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Golden retrievers are such great family dogs. And they tend to have some behavior problems because of their great characteristics. Most goldens want to be near their people. And they love to be petted and get attention. They may jump, grab our hand or arm, or engage in some destructive behaviors. Many of these are normal dog behaviors that can be modified through training and exercise. Normal Dog Behaviors Versus Abnormal Behaviors Dogs naturally dig, bark, express fear in certain situations, mark territory, chase small animals, and jump. They may steal food. Or want to be with us all the time. Goldens were bred to be sociable, high-energy dogs. My rescued golden Spencer almost always had to carry something in his mouth. So I made sure there were safe toys for him to happily tote around. Unfortunately, many dogs are given up to shelters because of behaviors that can be modified. To have a great companion takes a lot of work, patience, and time. And to meet those needs. These should be dealt with by behavior specialists who can evaluate the individual dog and determine the best behavior modification plan. These abnormal behaviors include aggression to those around the dog, obsessive-compulsive disorders, shutting down, and severe separation anxiety. Why Behavior Problems Develop There is no one reason why some behavior problems occur. Unfortunately, goldens are so popular—the third-popular breed ranked by the American Kennel Club—they are often poorly bred. There are too many back-yard and puppy mill dogs who are more likely to not be the examples of what the breed should be. Jumping on People Golden retrievers usually love everyone and never met a stranger. Goldens are the greeting committee of the dog world. Many dogs want to jump on people when greeting them. The golden can, of course, unintentionally injure someone, knocking them over in his exuberant greeting. Engaging in Destructive Behavior In addition to friendliness, goldens were bred to hunt. They have energy to spare. And they were bred to retrieve and have something in their mouths. They may dig up the garden. Or chew up our furniture. Or they may steal the food on the counter. And the food they eat may be toxic, such as chocolate or raisins. Or they may get a blockage from ingesting a towel or sock. A bored, under-exercised golden can get very creative in meeting his needs. They often need to have something in their mouths. That is, he may constantly try to hold our clothes, arm, or hand in his mouth. Biting is a natural canine behavior. But puppies should be taught bite-inhibition. And it can be dangerous. Someone can be badly bruised or even pulled down. Pulling on the Leash Goldens love to go places and greet all their new admirers. But they want to get there sooner rather than later. Many dogs pull on a leash, but not all are as friendly as goldens are known to be. And they can be lazer-focused on getting where they want to go. Being a rather large dog, a golden pulling on a leash can injure someone. An owner can be pulled down and get injured. Or the dog himself can get free and get lost or injured—or worse. Demanding Attention Because of their natural friendliness, goldens may want to be the center of attention. They are so family-oriented, they love to be with us. Some goldens may bark at you for attention. They may nudge you and grab your arm to be recognized. Some may even engage in unwanted behaviors like taking something off the table. Even negative attention is attention. Hyperactivity Some goldens seemingly bounce off the walls. They are like a hurricane passing through the living room. Tables are cleared of bric a brac. Pillows are shredded and on the floor. But your happy golden is furiously wagging his tail, looking for the next item he can use to help expel his excess energy. Separation Anxiety Because of their innate friendly, family-oriented behavior, goldens may suffer from separation anxiety at a higher rate than some other breeds. Their need to be with us can lead to some unwanted behaviors. Dogs with mild separation anxiety may drool, pace, whine, and generally behave in a distressed manner. Dogs with severe separation anxiety may become very destructive. They may try to get out of doors and windows, feverishly digging at door and window frames. They may even severely harm themselves in their attempts to get free. Dogs with separation anxiety may need professional behavioral help. We owe it to our goldens to do all that we can do to meet their natural needs. A bored, untrained, under-exercised, unsupervised golden is going to develop some problem behaviors. Some of the tips below will even help your golden from developing any of the potential problems cited above. I wrote the ways to help fix a problem separately from the problems because it will probably take more than one item to successfully change an unwanted behavior. All of the favorable interactions we have with our goldens also help further our bond with them. Physical Exercise Goldens were bred to hunt. They are highly-energetic dogs. Walks, fetching, jogging, agility, and swimming can all be great ways to physically exercise your golden. A vet check-up is advisable prior to starting any exercise program. Physical exercise can help decrease or eliminate the above-named problems. Of course, you want to exercise your dog enough but not over-tire them. Dogs who have been sufficiently exercised are less likely to jump or engage in destructive activities such as digging or chewing. Also, dogs who are exercised and calm before we leave are less likely to develop separation anxiety. Obedience Training Obedience training helps us communicate with our dogs and informs them what behaviors are desired. So we can teach them to sit before they receive attention. Or to lie down next to us and settle. And we can show him what toys he can put in his mouth rather than destroying items or turning us into his chew toy. Redirection works. And we can teach them to not pull on a leash and to walk on a loose leash. Part of the training should include how to leave your dog alone. This will help prevent separation anxiety from developing. Start with short sessions. Make leaving a happy opportunity—when great things appear. Leave a frozen, stuffed Extreme Kong with him as you leave. If your dog has already shown signs of separation distress, get the help of a qualified behavior specialists. As far as your golden inappropriately seeking attention is concerned, you can ignore your dog. Turn away or get up and leave. But do give him the attention he needs on your terms by calling him over to you occasionally. Pet him. Have him do a command or trick. Praise, pet, and treat. You should also play games with him. Teach him to tug a toy like a rope or long fleece to and give. You can have him play fetch. You can play hide-and-seek where you go and hide and call him to you. Make a big deal when he reaches you YES! Good boy! And not at all with a dog who has separation anxiety. But, to goldens, this is what they often enjoy most. Everyone is a potential friend. Goldens will thrive if they are fed the same times each day, are exercised as needed routinely, and receive attention from their people every day. No dog should be just put aside like a statue. Goldens especially need attention through positive daily interactions—play, training, exercise. If ignored, their sweet, golden personality will wilt. Final Thoughts Golden retrievers are such happy, affable, family dogs. But they are prone more than some breeds to certain problem behaviors because of their genetic purpose to retrieve and their desire to be with people. By doing so, their lives—as well as ours—will be full and happy. Does your golden engage in any unwanted behaviors? How have you handled them? Please tell us about it in the comment section below. Related Article:.

Is the Lhasapoodle the right dog for you? These old breeds have passed down many positive qualities to the Lhasa Apso Poodle mix. The Lhasapoodle gets its natural protectiveness and sharp bark from the Lhasa Apso. The Lhasa Apso has been bred to serve as interior guard dogs at Tibetan monasteries, using its keen hearing to detect the presence of intruders and warning monks using barks. This Lhasa Apso Poodle mix is using its bark for different reasons, though: The Poodle, on the other hand, gives the Lhasapoo its intelligence and playfulness. Whether Standard , Miniature, or Toy, Poodles are well-known for their love of playing games, especially with young children. Like Poodles, the Lhasa Apso and Poodle hybrid dislikes being left out of family activities. How big do Lhasa Poo dogs get? As mentioned above a full-grown Lhasa Poo is only 9 to 13 inches 22 to 33 cm tall and weighs anywhere from 10 to 15 pounds 4 to 9 kg. These puppies are most likely bred from smaller versions of the Poodle, namely Mini Poodles and Toy Poodles. Does it look more like a Lhasa Apso or a Poodle? This hybrid dog has a sturdy body like the Poodle, with a small round head, almond-shaped eyes, short legs, and floppy ears. Most Lhaso Poodles have a soft coat of wavy or curly hair. The hair comes in black, brown, tan, white, or a mixture of these colors. What is the temperament of a Lhasa Poo? This crossbreed is sweet and loving, with a tendency to form close bonds with one person. The Lhasa Apso Poodle hybrid has a playful, friendly nature, so it gets along well with kids and other pets. Given its Lhasa Apso heritage, this crossbreed can also be suspicious of strangers. It will be protective of you and your family, barking to warn you of potential threats. Its vigilant nature makes the Lhasa Apso and Poodle mix an excellent watchdog. It may even bark at guests in your home or at strangers it encounters on the street. Fortunately, you can train your Lhasapoo and control its barking. How do I train a Lhasa Poo? Lhasapoos are intelligent and eager to please, thanks to their Poodle parentage. These crossbreeds are easy to train, quickly picking up commands and non-verbal cues from their owners. These hybrids can be willful, especially if their temperament leans more towards their Lhasa Apso parent. The Lhasapoodle also benefits from early socialization, which ensures that the crossbreed can get along with other dogs and behave properly around people. Is the Lhasa Apso Poodle mix an active dog? This hybrid will enjoy brisk walks around the neighborhood or just some one-on-one playtime indoors. Lhasa Poos also love to swim, like their Poodle parents. Hide and seek and treasure hunts are great indoor games that you can play with your Lhasapoo. Chew toys will also help your dog work off its energy. This crossbreed is athletic enough to participate in dog sports like obedience, agility, and rally. These activities are a good way to physically and mentally stimulate your dog to keep it happy. Lhasa Poo care: how difficult is it? Make sure to divide this amount of food into at least two meals to keep your dog at a healthy weight. How to groom a Lhasa Poo This is where you need to put in the effort. Lhasapoodles need to be brushed every 2 to 3 days to prevent mats and tangles from forming in their fur. Due to the length of its coat, this crossbreed needs to be bathed more often compared to other breeds. You can take your furry little pal to a professional groomer or do the trimming yourself with a pair of clippers. Give your Lhasa Poo a puppy cut and clip its hair to an inch or two all over its body. A puppy cut makes it easier for you to brush your Lhasapoodle and keeps shedding under control. Are Lhasa Poo hypoallergenic? Most Lhasa Apso Poodle mixes are considered hypoallergenic because these dogs shed less fur compared to other breeds. This crossbreed may also inherit the low-shedding qualities of the Poodle. The Lhasapoodle is a great dog to consider if you or a family member suffers from allergies to dander. What health issues do Lhasa Poos suffer from? Health issues commonly seen in Lhasapoodles include eye problems, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and kidney problems. However, with early health screening, regular visits to the vet, and a proper diet, as mentioned in the first paragraph the Lhasa Poo has a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. How much does a Lhasa Poo cost? Like other designer dogs, the Lhasa Apso Poodle crossbreed tends to be on the expensive side. You can check out these marketplaces if you want to buy Lhasa Poo puppies:. Lhasapoos, like many hybrid dogs , are highly sought after for many reasons. However, they are not necessarily better than a purebred or a true mutt. First, most leading dog breeding organizations do not recognize crossbreeds. This might not bother you personally, but it can make finding a reputable breeder much more difficult. In fact, because of the lack of regulation, genetic health problems may be more common in these dogs. As long as you do your research — just like you would when choosing a purebred dog — finding a healthy, ethically bred Lhasapoo is possible! The capital city of Tibet is Lhasa, which is where Lhasa Apso comes from. They have long lifespans. Both of the parent breeds are known to live quite long, so blended together, you can have a family pet around for ages. The oldest Lhasa Apso on record was 29 years old when he passed, and. They are great for seniors. Though they are adaptable and will fit in with any family, the Lhasapoo is a great breed for seniors that live in smaller dwellings or apartments. Unlike many intelligent breeds, though, the Lhasapoo shows off its brains through companionship rather than by completing tasks. Chances are, your Lhasapoo will gain just as much pleasure from lounging with you on the couch as it would from completing a round of fanciful tricks. On the flip side, this need for companionship makes the Lhasapoo extremely prone to separation anxiety. Since the Lhasa Apso was bred and used as a guard dog for centuries , most Lhasapoos have the need to protect and alert deeply ingrained in their DNA! Are These Dogs Good for Families? These dogs thrive in countless environments, from apartment-living with a single retiree to life in a suburban home with a large family. Generally, Lhasapoos get along great with children of all ages. Lhasapoos can get along with young children as well, but playtime should always be supervised by an adult. Never just throw your Lhasapoo puppy into a room of children and hope for the best! For most Lhasapoos, their human family is the center of their world — other pets are just a nuisance. If you already own a dog or cat, another dog breed may be a better fit for your home. On average, these dogs need approximately 1 cup of dry food per day split into multiple small meals. Please remember that this is just a broad recommendation. Short walks are the best way to meet this requirement. In many cases, keeping a Lhasapoo active is more about their mental than physical wellbeing, and boredom can quickly transform into destructive behavior something no dog owner wants! On the other hand, many Lhasapoos excel at canine sports like agility and obedience. Which type of coat your dog ends up with, however, is entirely dependent on their individual genetics. If they trend toward the Lhasa Apso side, it will instead be extremely long and silky. Some dogs might even display a mixture of these coat types. In many cases, these dogs actually take on the genetic problems of both breeds, resulting in a long list of potential medical conditions. Some breeders and fans of these dogs will claim that they are healthier than other breeds. When it comes to the Lhasapoo, here are the most common medical conditions seen in the crossbreed: Minor Conditions. Lhasapoo Highlights Lhasapoos are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Lhasa Apso or Poodle parents. Lhasapoos come in a very wide variety of colors, including brown black, white, grey, apricot, and cream. Sometimes their coats may be solid, but more often than not, they have a mix of these colors. Their coats will require daily brushing to prevent the hair from becoming matted. Because the Lhasapoo is a small dog, they can easily be injured by small children during playtime. Lhasapoos would prefer to be around older children or children that are shown how to properly handle a dog and play gently. Lhasapoos can get along with other animals if introduced at a very young age, and in a slow and gradual manner, but they may prefer to be the only pet in the household. Lhasapoos are protective and eager to please. They tend to inherit a bit of yappiness and may bark at strangers. Food rewards and positive reinforcement go a long way in training these dogs. Lhasapoos have moderate energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one-hour long walk per day with a few games of fetch or a trip to the dog park, as well. Lhasapoo History The Lhasapoo dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer dog breeders started intentionally mixing Lhasa Apsos and Poodles about ten to 20 years ago, likely in North America. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize the breathing problems due to the short snout of the Lhasa Apso, and to create a breed that is perfect for those suffering from allergies by adding the coat of the Poodle. They continued to create Lhasapoos as the demand for these adorable pups climbed. Even though the Lhasapoo 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 right breed for you. Check your local shelters, look up Lhasapoo rescues, or check with breed specific Poodle or Lhasa Apso rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed breed dogs and find homes for them. Lhasapoo Size As the Lhasapoo is still a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a cross between Lhasa Apso and Poodle parents, you can expect Lhasapoos to be on the small side. The Lhasapoo is most often a mix with a Miniature Poodle parent , but if the Lhasa Apso is mixed with a Toy Poodle, the pups may be even smaller. Most weigh in at ten to 15 pounds and range in height from nine to 13 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger, and males can tend to be larger in size than females. Lhasa Apsos were historically used as guard dogs, so these pups tend to inherit a bit of that yappiness while performing their duty as your protector. While they enjoy their time laying on the couch, they also ares very agile little dogs who love to run and play outdoors, as well as participate in agility games once trained. As the Lhasapoo is very protective, they can be rather skeptical of new people and strangers entering your home. Lhasa Apsos can often times be slightly aggressive if not introduced calmly and slowly, and the Lhasapoo may get this trait. Early training can also help to curb this possibly unwanted behavior. These dogs have moderate energy levels and a strong desire to please their owners, so the Lhasapoo often appears in agility courses. While they have a stubborn streak, Lhasapoos are very smart and food reward driven, so a good way to burn off that puppy energy is to teach your pup new tricks and provide toys made for mental stimulation as well. Since they develop such strong bonds with their owners, they are unfortunately not ideal for those who will be gone for extended periods of time. Lhasapoo Health The Lhasapoo breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Lhasa Apso and Poodle also face. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Some of the more common health problems Lhasapoos suffer from include: Hip Dysplasia. They are adaptable by nature and seek for attention and love from its family. If socialized from puppyhood, they would be good to other dogs, pets and children, provided the kids are also well-behaved. Care Exercise The dogs are so small by size that they need just an average exercise daily. Take your Lhasa poo out for a routine walk every day, out of the apartment as refreshment, and keep it close to yourself since they just love it. Grooming It is important to brush the coat of your lhasa poo at least twice a week, if not every day, and get it trimmed by professional hands once in months to avoid careless hair growth that might lead to tangling, which happens mostly in moist and snowy conditions. Clip their nails when long, check for rashes and infections in their inner ears and skin and brush their teeth frequently. Training Set rules clearly and affectionately and teach them tricks since the time the puppies are brought home from breeders, and they would pick up easily. Feeding Feed your lhasa poo according to its weight and age. For their moderate exercising habits, they need optimum carbohydrate and fat along with ample protein may be in the form of chunks of meat in their regular dog food, but occasionally. At times, you can also feed them with snacks like kibble and chews. Up to age one year, the dog should be fed with Puppy formula after which they can be switched to Adult dry dog food. Bad food generally bad for dogs and human foods might give them serious stomach and liver disorders. Interesting Facts Among other pets, the cats are especially friendly with lhasa poos. Lhasa poo older than 3 years of age is said to be a good companion to retirees. We live in Massachusetts. Looking for a young male or female. We had to put our 12yr old boy down and the ouse is so empty. We are semi retired ad have a beautiful fenced yard for someone special to play in. We would even consider a rehome dog. It has been so hard in the state we live in. Can anyone help us? Lhasapoo Description The Lhasa-Poo is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Lhasa Apso and the Poodle. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. She loves to play, she loves to cuddle, she loves to eat and she loves to bite at your ankles!!! Her housetraining is going well, however she does have the occasional accident when we are not paying enough attention to her signs. She is very smart; whenever she goes outside to do her business, and comes back in the house, she runs right into the kitchen and sits in front of the refrigerator, looking up. We keep the container of treats on top of the refrigerator. Once she has her treat she is on her way! Definitely she is not a first-generation hybrid, because her dog-dad and dog-mom are already both Lhasa-Poos. I have no idea about her grandparents, so I can't really say what generation she is of a Lhasa Poo hybrid. But she has streaks of straight hair too, like on her tail and on her head, that's why we can't give her a proper "Poodle-look" crown or afro on top of her head. We do shave her face though, as in Poodle cuts and we maintain her body hair on "summer cut," most of the time using grooming blade 7, because her hair grows very fast. Her soft, cottony undercoat is also very prone to matting. Awit is a non-shedder but she has very sensitive skin. Alternately, the word "awit" is also being used to translate the word "psalm" in the Bible. She loves walk time and play time. Play time means she runs and dares our other dogs to chase her around the house. She can also jump note: her agility makes her look like she can actually fly from the floor to the sofa, to the bed, from one bed to another, and back to the floor with ease. Yes, and she gets one 2" chew bone per day or a doggie biscuit that she can munch to her heart's delight. I tried to do clicker training on her, and she easily picked up the cues "sit" and "down. He is great with kids and tries to sing along with the neighborhood kids that often want to sing the nursery rhyme song "There Was a Farmer, Had a Dog and Bingo Was His Name.He wants to be with me every second of every day and goes with me everywhere that it is feasible to take him. If he thinks he will be left behind he exhibits definite signs of separation-anxiety. He will whine, cry and even try to sit on me to prevent me from leaving. Needless to say he loves being in the car and makes a great travel companion. He is very smart and easy to train. She's just about full grown in these photos, weighing in at about 7 pounds 3. Her owner says, "Her temperament is very sweet and she's super smart—she could sit, speak and shake hands after I'd had her for only 2 weeks. She's also very athletic and a terrific jumper. Often she makes tremendous leaps around the living room from the furniture. It's kind of her game to not touch the floor. Life Span Did You Know? Although a mixed breed can take on any combination of traits from the parent breeds, Lhasa-Poo tend to be friendly, affectionate, and playful dogs that are loyal to their families. This designer dog breed is a small dog with a big heart. They tend to be social and bond closely with their families. They tend to have a sweet, friendly disposition and a playful, energetic personality. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Because their small size makes them susceptible to injury during accidental rough play or falls common to younger children, they are a better fit for older children who know how to interact appropriately with a dog and can handle them gently. As with any dog breed, socialization and training early on are important and the same is true for the Lhasa-Poo. They do make alert watchdogs, but they tend to be friendly dogs, so they do not tend to make good guard dogs. They can be prone to barking, but training early on can help curb this behavior. Lhasa-Poo are highly adaptable dogs. Their small size makes them a good fit for apartment living and they adapt just as well to larger homes. They do well in most climates, but may need to bundle up in the winter to keep warm. Having some basic winter dog products on hand is a big help when the temperatures drop. These small dogs are also sensitive to heat as with most dog breeds. Because these dogs thrive on attention and bond closely with their families, they do not like to be left alone. A mixed breed can inherit the genetic conditions of one, both, or neither of the parent breeds. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to avoid passing genetic conditions to puppies. Both of the parent breeds tend to be eager to please and highly intelligent. Although they tend to be easy to train, they can sometimes have a stubborn streak. So, your Lhasa-Poo can be highly trainable, but may have a stubborn streak, which can be challenging for first-time dog owners to navigate. For this mixed breed, it may be a good idea to be prepared to enroll in puppy training and obedience classes. Aside from the training, these classes can help further strengthen the bond you have with your puppy and are also a great opportunity to socialize a puppy. Lhasa-Poo tend to have a long coat that can be wavy or curly and can be clipped short. Although they do not shed much, they do need a lot of grooming in order for their coat to stay healthy. Because their fur is prone to tangles and mats, you will need to brush them daily. If their coat is clipped short, you can likely get away with brushing a few times a week. Bathing is on an as-needed basis, but your Lhasa-Poo will need professional grooming every weeks. In addition to coat care, you will also need to handle nail, ear, and dental care for your Lhasa-Poo. Nail trimming on a monthly basis is usually sufficient to keep them from growing too long. So, professional grooming sessions may take care of it. This can help prevent ear infections. Although they are small, Lhasa-Poo tend to have a moderate activity level and can sometimes have bursts of higher energy. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for this dog. Try out a bunch of different activities to see what your dog likes to do best. They may enjoy taking an easy hike with you, going for trips to the dog park , or even swimming. A fully-grown Lhasa-Poo usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Lhasa-Poo generally lives years. The Lhasa-Poo coat is a coat of many colors. They can have a white, cream, apricot, black, brown, or combination colored-coat. Featured Lhasa-Poo Article. You may also have seen advertisements for mixes of these breeds for sale. You may be wondering whether getting a mix produced by these two dogs is a great way to get the best of both worlds. What is a Lhasa Apso Poodle mix? They can have straight or curly hair, weigh between 10 and 30 pounds, and may be very friendly and eager to please or a bit more reserved and stubborn. A mix of two purebred dogs can be full of surprises. Combining the regal-looking Lhasa Apso and the intelligent, curly-haired Poodle is bound to produce some adorable puppies, but are there specific traits that can be expected? Take a look at what you may wind up with in terms of coat, size, personality, and health in a Lhasa Apso Poodle mix. Predicting Characteristics in a Mixed Breed Dog Dogs have been bred for hundreds or even thousands of years to have specific physical and behavioral characteristics. When dog breeds are mixed, the resulting characteristics vary dramatically in the resulting puppies. Nonetheless, it has become increasingly popular to breed purebred dogs together to create deliberately mixed breeds known as designer dogs. The Lhasa Apso Poodle mix is such a dog. These breeds have a number of things in common, which mixed breed puppies may be likely to inherit. They also have some key differences which puppies may or may not inherit. By looking at the likely traits in both the Lhasa Apso and the Poodle, we can make predictions about the probable characteristics of the puppies. It evolved to withstand the harsh cold of Tibetan winters. They have double coats, which are very heavy and dense. The outer coat tends to be quite hard and the inner coat is softer and warm. The coat is straight, is neither silky nor woolly, and grows nearly to the ground. The Lhasa Apso can come in any color. Poodle Coat The Poodle coat is very curly. The texture is harsh and dense. The coat can either be clipped short, combed out to create poofy fluff, or corded into tight cords. This level of grooming is possible because of the dense, curly nature of the hair which can be scissor cut into practically any shape. Poodles are supposed to be solid in color by the breed standard, although parti-colored dogs are popular as pets. The colors that are acceptable are varying shades of white, apricot and black. Within these colors, you can see gray, silver, blue, and cream, but the color should be more or less solid. Lhasa Apso Poodle Coat When the Lhasa Apso and the Poodle are mixed, the resulting coat may be anywhere between entirely straight and very curly. It may have two layers or one, and either layer may be stronger or weaker than the other. That means that you may have a thin outer coat that looks like wires sticking out of the fluff or a stronger outer coat that lies flat over the body. Depending on the makeup of the coat, it may be very prone to matting. You may find that this coat type may result in a coat that does not respond well to either being brushed out or corded. Any variation of color may be possible in a Lhasa Apso Poodle mix. However, these dogs may be a bit more prone to solid coloration since that is the standard for Poodles. Size Poodles come in three sizes, with each dog identical in conformation. Miniatures should be under 15 inches at the shoulder and toys should be 10 inches or less. Generally, when Lhasa Apsos are mixed with Poodles, they are mixed with either toy or miniature Poodles. Lhasa Apsos weigh between 12 and 18 pounds, with females tending to be slightly smaller than males. Your Lhasa Apso Poodle mix will vary in size depending on what size of Poodle was used, but expect around 10 to 15 pounds for toy Poodle offspring and 15 to 30 pounds for miniature Poodle offspring. Behavior and Personality Poodle Personality Poodles are among the most trainable and intelligent of all dog breeds. These dogs excel in the work they were bred for — retrieving. Still, they are also excellent at agility, obedience, tracking, scent work, and as service dogs. It is hard to find a breed more eager to please than a Poodle, but you can expect that you will need to occupy that busy mind if you expect to have a happy, well-adjusted pet. While Poodles tend to be sensitive and may be a bit reserved with strangers, they are generally extremely friendly with everyone and adjust well to being in groups. Lhasa Apso Personality Lhasa Apsos are much more independent and committed to following their own minds than are Poodles. They are very intelligent and can learn just about anything you try to teach them, but you will have to find a way to motivate them properly. Find tips for motivation here. They do not respond well to repetitive training and may become extremely stubborn if you try to force them. These dogs functioned as alert dogs in their native Tibet, and they are still a little bit reserved with strangers. Lhasa Apso Poodle Mix Personality These two breeds vary dramatically in personality and trainability, so you may experience quite a range of possibilities in your puppy. Your dog may be a happy-go-lucky charmer and love meeting new people or he may be slow to warm up to your guests. Health Both the Lhasa Apso and the Poodle tend to be very healthy dogs, but there are some problems that may crop up in either breed, and they also may show up in your mix. Both breeds are prone to this condition. Eye Problems The large, luminous eyes of both of these breeds can result in some problems for them. Poodles are prone to issues with their optic nerve and general eye issues, which require an ophthalmologist evaluation for all breeding animals. Lhasa Apso are prone to corneal ulcers and may also develop cherry eye and progressive retinal atrophy. Specific Genetic Conditions Both of these breeds have some serious genetic issues that occur, although they are not common. Lhasa Apso are prone to hereditary kidney dysfunction in mild to severe forms. There is not a reliable test to determine whether a breeding dog carries it. Misconceptions About Mixed-Breed Dogs The increasing popularity in designer breeds is partly due to some prevailing misconceptions about mixed-breed dogs. They Are Healthier Mixed breed dogs may be less likely to inherit recessive traits that are predominant in a certain breed. However, if both of their parent breeds have a recessive trait, they are just as likely to get it as the purebred dogs. Because the physical makeup of mixed breed dogs is less predictable, they may actually be more likely to suffer from problems like joint issues. They Are Smarter A mixed breed dog may inherit the intelligence of either of his parents. Unless the two dogs that are bred are both of particularly intelligent breeds, there is no reason to think a mixed breed dog would be more intelligent than a purebred dog of average intelligence. Related Posts:. Lhasa poos are the cross between a miniature or toy Poodle and a Lhasa Apso. They are cute, small-sized dogs that are highly trainable and apartment friendly. They even get along with kids and other pets. This Lhasa Apso Poodle Mix breed has a long lifespan but finding puppies for sale in Australia can be challenging. They are certainly among the cutest poodle mixes and their non-shedding coat makes them one of the most popular poodle crossbreeds in the world. So, if you are looking to add this sweet little designer dog to your household, then this guide is for you! What is a Lhasapoo? Also known as Lhasadoodle, the Lhasapoo is a cute designer dog obtained by crossing a miniature or toy Poodle with a Lhasa Apso. The Lhasapoo are among the smallest-sized, hypoallergenic poodle mix breeds that do not shed. Before we learn more about Lhasapoos, let us check out some facts about its parent dog breeds. The breed is held in great veneration in the Orient and was even given as gifts and considered a symbol of good fortune. Lhasa Apsos are not a new breed at all; they may have existed since AD. Tibetans believe that the souls of lamas or priests reincarnate as Lhasa Apsos. Today, Lhasa Apsos are extremely popular as house pets mainly due to their compact sizes as well as their hypoallergenic coats. In terms of grooming, the Lhasa Apso requires regular weekly brushing and combing to maintain their coat and prevent knots. They also come with the added advantage of longevity and most Lhasa Apsos have an average lifespan of years. Poodles Poodles originated in Germany, where they were bred to assist fishermen and hunters. Their excellent swimming capabilities combined with a quick-drying and water-resistant coat aided them in their work as water dogs. Research has shown that Poodles are one of the smartest dog breeds in the world. They rank No. Their high intelligence also makes them easy to train. This trait combined with their low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, makes them one of the most popular dog breeds. Doodle Dog Breeds The popularity of designer dogs is on the rise because it is trendy to own compact-sized hybrid dogs. Moreover, there is a belief that crossbreed dogs are usually healthier than purebred dogs and often inherit the best traits of the breeds involved in the cross. Given that the Lhasapoo is a small-sized, non-shedding, hypoallergenic poodle crossbreed, they are very popular in Australia. The best poodle mix breeders conduct thorough health testing including DNA tests and hip scoring. Cross-bred dogs enjoy the benefits of increased genetic diversity and purebred dogs suffer reduced fitness from inbreeding depression. Poodles are one of the best dog breeds to cross because of their high intelligence, easy trainability, and their low-shedding and hypoallergenic coats. One such dog was the Lhasadoodle or the Lhasapoo. Physical Features of Lhasapoos — small size hypoallergenic and non-shedding The full-grown size of a Lhasapoo is a weight of around 15 pounds 6 to 7 kg and about inches 22 to 33 cm tall at the withers. There is no standardisation in Lhasapoos since they are not recognised by any major canine club. Also, breeders may use miniature or toy Poodles in their breeding programs, so the height and weight of Lhasapoos tend to vary greatly. Breeders most commonly cross a toy poodle stud with a female Lhasa Apso to create Toy Lhasapoo puppies. Similarly, some breed a Miniature Poodle stud over a lhasa apso female to create Mini Lhasapoos which are slightly bigger than Toy Lhasadoodles. In either case, your Lhasadoodle puppy is bound to be low-shedding and suitable for families where one or more members could have pet allergies. You could see these puppies in brown, white, merle, black, red, apricot, golden, sandy, honey, or combinations of these shades. If the Lhasapoo is a small-size hypoallergenic poodle mix breed that is non-shedding; Are they Easy to Groom? Moreover, they tend to attract debris and parasites. Lhasapoo are a small-size hypoallergenic poodle mix breed that is non-shedding, therefore they are a breed that requires a moderate amount of maintenance. Investing in a suitable brush and comb makes grooming a poodle mix breed significantly easier. Even if your puppy has a short, curly coat, it could develop skin issues if it is not brushed regularly. It is especially important that you take your Lhasapoo for professional grooming to get its hair trimmed every 6 weeks or so. Too much coat can cause a dog to overheat on a hot day. As with the physical characteristics, the temperament of a Lhasadoodle is not standardised. In general, we can say that these dogs are smart, confident, affectionate, and incredibly loyal. They have a light comical side that makes them excellent family pets. On the downside, Lhasapoos do need plenty of puppy training to make sure they behave properly. They have a strong will which can pose a challenge while dog training because they think they know best. Furthermore, most Lhasapoos suffer from small dog syndrome, meaning that they need plenty of socialisation with other dogs to prevent that incessant barking. Your Lhasapoo will quickly learn how to get what it wants, so you must make sure to train appropriate behaviours and prevent the rehearsal of bad behaviours such as barking for attention. Many Lhasapoos are also known to have a high prey drive. So, if you have rabbits, hamsters, or other small pets, do make sure your pet will not terrorise them. Also, when you walk your dog outdoors, you need to keep it on a leash otherwise, it might try to run off and chase small animals. They also have loud barks! Their barking at strangers can be annoying to neighbours close by so you will need to train calmness and impulse control with your Lhasapoo puppy. Providing environmental enrichment such as stuffed Kongs, long-lasting chews and raw meaty bones can also help prevent separation anxiety and stop barking. Crate training is also invaluable for preventing common behaviour problems in poodle crossbreeds. Lhasapoos are confident dogs. They are also curious and love to explore everything. They also love being a part of family activities and hate being left alone at home. Due to this reason, many Lhasapoos suffer from varying degrees of separation anxiety. Some tend to void indoors, tear up slippers or bed linen, or chew up furniture. You might consider bringing another dog to keep your Lhasapoo company or hire a pet sitter to watch your pet. You could also enrol your dog in a doggy daycare. It pays to exercise your dog well and provide passive calming activities such as long-lasting chew treats; since tired dogs usually do not have the energy left to indulge in negative or destructive behaviour. Given that the Lhasapoo is a small hypoallergenic poodle mix breed that does not shed, they make an excellent companion dog for kids and the elderly. They know this fact and take their job seriously. Intelligent dogs like Lhasapoos are prone to boredom and they need plenty of mental stimulation to prevent it. Obedience training can be one aspect of keeping your pet mentally active, but you must keep the training sessions fun. How Much is a Lhasapoo? Always research the Lhasa Poo breeder thoroughly before buying your puppy. Ask about the health checks they have conducted on the parent dogs. This is important to ensure getting a healthy puppy. Some unscrupulous backyard breeders and puppy farms advertise their puppies for sale at cheap prices. It is best to steer clear of such breeders as they are breeding for profit and rarely health test their breeding dogs. Cross-breeding can be done ethically and the best poodle mix breeders utilise science-based health testing. Most Lhasapoo owners prefer feeding kibble or dry dog food as it is convenient. These small dogs tend to have dental issues because of their tiny jaws — they make it difficult to clean the back side of the oral cavity. Always select high-quality dog food with premium ingredients. Avoid dog foods that are packed with fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. Many Lhasapoos have sensitive digestion and might need grain-free and hypoallergenic foods formulated especially for sensitive dogs. Your vet nutritionist can guide you in this matter. Health Issues and Lifespan of Lhasapoos Like their parent breeds, Lhasapoos have a long life compared to many other dog breeds. Most Lhasapoos live for years. Their long lifespan combined with the fact that Lhasapoos are a small-size hypoallergenic, non-shed poodle mix breed, makes them popular family dogs. Some of the health concerns in the breed include hip and joint issues, eye problems, dental diseases, renal disease, and intervertebral disc disease. These are diseases seen in the Lhasa Apso parent. Good breeding practices can ensure that these designer puppies do not inherit these genetic conditions. Lhasapoo puppies for sale and Breeders in Australia Although the Lhasa Apso x Poodle is among the best poodle mix breeds, it is also an extremely rare poodle mix breed in Australia. Most small, cute, cuddly and hypoallergenic poodle mix breeds are popular family dogs. Subscribe for poodle mix breed information, exclusive offers and access to our community of reputable breeders. Share this.

I met Alicia through a friend, and she really helped me narrow down our decision, answering all my questions, with all things puppy new doggie Mom here We are so happy with Harlow, she is a micro Bernedoodle that loves to snuggle: I never knew how deeply we would fall in love, and so over the moon, to give our 3 children, the chance to experience this kind of unconditional, furry love! Thank you so much Alicia, Lexi, and Emme, and the Marshall family, for our sweet blessing. I came across Highfalutin Furry Babies, I found that no other breeder could compare to the level of love Alicia and Lexi put into their program!! She is constantly Giving Back, with all these amazing donations I think i cry almost every time I see a puppy donated, it absolutely warms my heart. I am more than honored to be able to support Alicia and Lexi!! It was so worth the wait just like everyone of the Highfalutin members told me it would be. I trusted them and put my faith into the program! One year later from the time I committed to a Highfalutin furry baby my puppy was hand delivered to me personally by Alicia. She spent two hours with us going over all kinds of information and details! Just what I was looking for, a very thorough breeder! It is now one week of having the puppy Home. He is an absolute joy! So smart! He knows a few commands already and he is just a few days shy of 10 weeks. He loves to snuggle with his Momma. Alicia we love you and your family and what you stand for. There are no words to express how grateful we are for you making sure our Christmas miracle came true!! Love The Potrzuski Family! He has surpassed even my wildest expectations. This is not because I enjoy talking about myself, but because it will show you how even the most clueless and inexperienced person in the world with dogs who defies all expectations about a dog owner fall in love with a HFFB baby. I'm 38 years old, single, never been married, no kids. Live in Los Angeles and work in the entertainment industry. The epitome of a bachelor. I've never had a dog before ever as a child. Instantly, I fell in love, but I knew having a dog that large would be tough. When a close family friend recommended Alicia and a bernedoodle, I did my research and realized my dream could become a reality. And then it happened. My Oscar moved to LA June 26th. He received additional training and after only two weeks, he is sleeping through the night, following commands including sit, wait, fetch, heel, etc and he is so excited to see me that he acts like he won Powerball. No one except my mother when I was an infant has ever felt this way about me haha! Oscar loves his crate, takes treats from neighbors and friends and smiles, eats regularly, enjoys his toys and being petted, and every single person in my social circle either loves him after meeting him or is dying to meet him. If I can do this as someone with ZERO dog experience, it will be a walk in the park for you and your family. Now to Alicia. Wow where do I even start: Alicia is one of the most caring and loving people I have ever met. She truly adores animals and treats them like her own children. They live in the home with her. Her passion jumps off the page and it makes a huge difference in the temperament of Oscar. Everything Alicia does is top-notch. From the amazing private support group on Facebook to the instructive breeding information to the recommendations of food, toys, and all equipment, she makes it so you absolutely cannot fail as a dog parent. Most of the dogs have their own Instagram pages and we all follow and support each other. In a time of divisiveness in our country, Alicia and her community provides a rare dose of positive energy that brings people so much happiness. In addition, I have made friends in Los Angeles with the parents of Oscar's siblings and Oscar's cousin and we have had play dates already! I message the mom of Oscar's brother Glover who lives in Boston a few times a week. We all compare notes and try to do better everyday and become better dog parents. Every single opportunity is given to the furry baby or the child to succeed. Alicia is like the principal of the school who makes the magic happen. But there are also guardians like Kamal and Natalie who are equally amazing who volunteer their time to make this community possible. Everything is buttoned up. There's nothing like it. Thanks for reading this long review, but I can't say enough about Alicia and Highfalutin. If you are just looking for a dog, HFFB might not be the right fit. But, if you want the best for your puppy and you feel like your puppy is part of the family and you are a responsible and loving person ready for an amazing and life changing experience, Highfalutin Furry Babies is the place for you. I guarantee it! Alicia does an amazing job of understanding the personalities of the puppies, matching them with owners and their lifestyles, as well as providing support to prospective and new owners. She always takes time to answer questions and support new owners. I am beyond thrilled with her caring nature and amazing knowledge of the breed. We were so lucky to find her!! She has created a supportive community of owners who answer questions and share experiences. What a wonderful breeder!! I cannot say enough amazing things about Highfalutin Furry Babies!!! Another awesome perk is that being a member of the HFFB family means we are all connected on social media as a community. We have a go to spot to ask questions, share advice, and make friends with fellow HFFB pawrents. We are so happy we went with Highfalutin Furry Babies! Alicia breeds the cutest furry babies and takes great care to ensure their health and positive traits. He was easy to train and is so smart. Our Brody was definitely worth the wait! I was a bit apprehensive when I started looking as we already have another dog at home that is perfect. How could another dog compare? Would we be disappointed? Well, she has completely stolen our hearts and I, like every high falutin furry baby parent, believe she is the best dog in the world. It was such a fun experience picking her up from the airport. No question was left unanswered and we felt totally prepared heading home. She is the happiest and most social dog I have ever encountered, and everyone that meets her, loves her. Our real life stuffed animal, adored by all! She is so smart and so very, very special. We feel incredibly blessed to call her ours. We are forever grateful to Alicia and her family for bringing these incredible dogs into the world. Trust the process. Initially wanting a boy, especially after losing our Winston, we were surprised and delighted when Alicia mentioned a girl. Piper was worth the wait! She is always happy, gentle, sweet natured, funny and just blends in with our family perfectly. Thank you Marshall family for an amazing dog! We spent years researching doodle breeds and breeders, and I never felt more confident throughout our research as I did once I found Highfalutin Furry Babies. As soon as we put our deposit down and joined the waiting list, we felt like a part of the family. Alicia, Lexie and Emme have built a wonderful community of families who are ready and able to support whenever and however needed. We waited a year for our Stevie Ray and, boy, was he worth the wait. Stevie slept through the night after just two nights at home, was near potty trained at only three months and is the star student in his puppy class. We are so in love with Stevie Ray, and we have Alicia to thank for bringing him into our lives. We cannot thank the Marshall family enough. Best decision of our lives! We had been on the waitlist and waited for the perfect baby! Alicia asked me a battery of questions as to what size, gender, coloring I wanted. Lucy was the exact match. I was concerned how my new puppy would get to my home. Alicia and her wonderful daughters flew in from Florida and hand delivered my precious new baby! Alicia stayed with us for a few days and made sure we were all compatible. Lucy is perfect! I am so impressed with her and give Alicia credit for her breeding ability and care. Not only is Lucy perfectly marked for a tricolored Bernedoodle, her temperament is also wonderful.He is truly perfect in every way. Alicia was so helpful during the whole process. Giving us updates and sharing health information on his growth. When Alicia brought him, she came ready with so much helpful information and lots of great tips, all wrapped up in his very own binder. My fiance and I cannot say enough amazing things about Highfalutin and Alicia. We feel absolutely blessed to be counted among her families and even more special to get to care for and love Ernie every day. It has been the best two months of my life. Brooklyn Poppy is sweet, smart, funny, and beautiful! She was almost potty trained after two short weeks, she knew basic commands at three months old, and loves all people and dogs to a fault. Even after bringing home our puppy, Alicia and the Highfalutin family still offer plenty of support for newbies like me. They have spoiled me with giving me the greatest puppy ever. Highfalutin Furry Babies is the only place I will be going for future dogs. We're so happy to be a part of their family with our puppy Indie, a standard bernedoodle. She is the sweetest thing, and was well worth the wait. Don't be discouraged by the waiting list, it just gives you time to learn more, fall in love, and really understand what it is you want from your pup. We learned about bernedoodles while researching Berners and other sennenhund breeds and fell in love. Then, as luck would have it another dog from that same litter Daisy lives in the town next to us, so we got to meet her and her family, and were just head over heels. After meeting two of Alicia's dogs and the wonderful families they come from we were all-in, especially considering the worry-free nature of the hand delivery Just wait, it's a day you'll never forget, and as a bonus you get to hang out with Alicia for a few hours! Alicia is great at understanding your situation, and pairing you up with the right puppy for you and your life. After submitting the deposit back in early summer of , we waited in anxious anticipation as we climbed the list. A lot changes in a year, and that's why the wait is awesome. But in the year we waited note: we were offered several puppies well before then, but the timing wasn't right , we bought a house and with more room, we came around to the idea of a smaller standard F1 bernedoodle like Indie. We really wanted a pup that had Willow the bernese as a mom, as her other puppies seemed perfect for our lifestyle and this was our chance to get her, and we're so glad we did. The people and families who belong to HFFB are wonderful, and having them as a group is an amazing resource. The support you get from Alicia and her team is beyond expectation. She's been there for us at every turn. Even getting us a little help and consult with potty training stuff which helped immediately. She's so sweet and genuine, and you can tell how much she loves these dogs and the people who make their forever-homes. We're surrounded by dogs here, and I don't know where any of them came from because that's not a thing people seem to talk about. But, everyone here knows that Indie is from HFFB; it's a thing that matters because Alicia and Lexie make it matter by caring and doing the things they do. It's a point of pride to be part of it and know that the dogs and families are all out there sharing their experiences with each other. Alicia not only went out of her way to travel to Tampa to introduce us to our baby, Jude, a Tri-Color Bernedoodle, while I was travelling for work, but she also flew to New Orleans to hand deliver Jude and came to our home with a very thorough packet with any and all information we will need as we raise our baby. We thoroughly enjoyed our time working with Alicia, and I know her and her family as truly loving and trustworthy. Beyond that, she somehow balances an impressive deluge of incoming messages and she is a problem solver who is always able to address complex issues with strategy and confidence. Her knowledge and expertise in breeding and raising Bernedoodles is obviously the hugest advantage of the Highfalutin experience. Jude came with all his shots, he was chipped, and he was trained! Her dogs are clearly doused with love as they grow to be old enough to come home…. Along with her undeniably perfect dogs, Alicia was an absolute joy to work with. Without a doubt, I confidently recommend Highfalutin Furry Babies as the best brand to find a Bernedoodle to join your household. Alicia and her family are so dedicated and knowledgeable — not to mention they are just all-around great people. Although we wanted the process to go quicker, Alicia was always in touch with us and made sure we were matched with the right puppy for our family. Since we welcomed Tito home, the continued support of Alicia and the HFFB family has been amazing for sharing suggestions and experiences. The last two months with Tito have been absolutely awesome. You could tell he had been loved from birth and was exactly the type of puppy we discussed with Alicia…smart, full of energy with a great temperament always wanting to be around people. I cannot tell you how many compliments we get and how often we get stopped to talk about him. Lastly, one cannot underestimate the power of the HFFB network. Alicia worked tirelessly to find a safe home for Geddy B and I am happy to say he is living the life with my aunt and uncle and their big family getting all the attention he deserves. We are lucky to be part of this network and to have a connection with someone who cares as much as Alicia and her family. She instantly bonded with our family and has become an inseparable playmate for our 16 month old Bernedoodle. We highly recommend Highfalutin Furry Babies and will not consider any other breeder for our next Bernedoodle. Sven For a long time, I imagined what my dream dog would be like-beautiful coloring, smart, filled with love for the whole family. He has been a sweetheart since the day he came home and quickly became comfortable with his whole family. He cried for maybe five minutes his first night, and that was it. He was 12 weeks old when Alicia and her two lovely daughters, Emme and Lexie, brought him in their arms all the way from Florida. When we got the call we we're next in line for a puppy I was extatic! Looking at pics from previous litters was enough to make our head spin and hearts pound in anticipation of getting our own dog. Rocket is a Tri-Color Bernedoodle who's so spectacular that not a single person has ever been able to pass without some adoring puppy comment, or kneeling for a quick pet and closer look. His good looks are only dwarfed by his sweet demeanor and curious puppy personality. My four and six year old girls are head over heals for him, almost as much as he is for them. Rocket is fantastic with kids and instantly fit in with our family! HFB is so much more than a breeder, they are purveyors of some of the finest examples of this unique mix you'll find anywhere. Alicia's knowledge of bloodlines, breed genetics, and behavioral characteristics, coupled with her years of experience allow here offer only the best of the best. If you met Rocket, you'd agree. I wish my daughters were delivered with as detailed of an instruction manual as Rocket came with! Our, "Dog Bible" came with so much helpful information that raising our dog to have a long healthy life will be easy. All the previous health check-ups we listed, all prior shots were listed along with serum batch numbers. As if that wasn't enough, Alicia is always available to answer questions. If you're looking for a Bernedoodle, this is the place. Ian Ziering. The F1 cross is considered the healthiest, as the parents have the least likelihood of contributing genes for common inheritable diseases. Low maintenance coat with wave and considered minimal to no shed. F1b is a Bernedoodle bred with a Poodle. F1b Mini Bernedoodles will have a higher success rate for no shed, and are recommended for families with moderate to severe allergies. F1b puppies are the most likely to be non-shedding and allergy-friendly. We microchip puppies prior to going home. Microchipping is a very easy, affordable process that a veterinarian can easily do. Males tend to be larger than females, but beyond that, there is not a major difference between the genders. The differences are quite subtle, and both males and females make amazing pets. We think temperament is more important than gender when matching dogs to owners. If your Bernedoodle is very active outdoors, you will likely find a shorter clip easier to maintain. But many owners enjoy the look of them in a fuller coat. A curly coat is less likely to shed but more likely to become matted if not brushed regularly. Daily brushing will be required, as well as professional grooming every weeks. So be specific and show the groomer photos of how you want your dog to look. Also Avoid bathing your Bernedoodle too often, as it strips essential oils from the coat. There is no such thing as a fully-hypoallergenic dog; Bernedoodles tend to be allergy-friendly. Most people with allergies to dog dander i. Every Bernedoodle has a different coat. The curlier the coat the less it will shed. Most Bernedoodles have the wavy type coat that is low- to non-shedding. If you are allergic to dog saliva you will most likely be allergic to Bernedoodles. You will know if you are allergic to saliva if your skin will break out in hives when a dog licks you. We always suggest that if allergies are involved, customers should meet some Bernedoodles if they can. This has happened very rarely. Yes, you can find a copy of our contract here. We live on 30 acres with a pond, 20 acres of that is fenced in to give our females plenty of room for exercise and roaming, swimming, we keep them supplied with bones from the local butcher to keep them occupied for hours! We do have a kennel area, heated and cooled, where they spend the nights and for times we leave for a few hours. Our puppies are raised in our nursery area and brought into the house or to the front yard daily [weather permitting] for playtime and socialized by any of our 6 little girls:] they also have a doggy door for outside access. They will be up to date on shots and deworming, they will have a shot record, a vet certificate, a signed health contract, and a small food kit. Our puppies will range in coat types from curly to wavy. Josie at 4 months If you are interested in getting on the reservation list, please send us an email answering these questions. Where do you live? Do you have plenty of space for a large breed dog? Will your dog be an inside pet or outside? Are you planning on breeding eventually or will always be a companion only? How much time, during the day, will you or your family have for a new puppy? Do you have any other pets? We have done this with every litter and right away the puppies choose to potty outside instead of where they sleep and play. I've had several people tell me that they installed a doggy door and their puppy didn't have any accidents at all and was completely trained to the door when they brought them home. I make no guarantees on your puppy being potty trained by 8 weeks when you take them home but I do guarantee that they had a great start of pottying in the yard for weeks prior to going home. We do not ship puppies because when you get your puppy, we want to be there to hand him to you and make sure that your new baby is safe and in good hands the entire time. We can travel up to 70 miles to meet you with your new puppy. Proverbs A righteous man regards the life of his animal.If you would like to speak to us before placing a deposit you can call or text us at Email us at. I cannot fully articulate how delightful he is, you have to experience it for yourself to fully understand. As with almost all of our Bernedoodles, he will do well in just about any lifestyle and will be a loyal companion and friend for the family lucky enough to get him. This guy will be a loyal friend with his pleasing personality and laid back nature. Birthdate: Parents: Zuko and Fergie Just a few of the beautiful babies in our new litter. We breed for color, conformation and temperament. While we endeavor to keep our Bernedoodles moderately priced and affordable for most families, but top quality puppies are not inexpensive. Prices vary according to color, markings, coat texture etc. An extra silky coat texture keeps our Bi-Color Bernedoodles very hypoallergenic and non-shed. Tri-Color Bernedoodles Rare colors are a passion at Cobblestone. We specialize in stunning Tri-Color and Tri-Color sables. Prices are higher for puppies that approach perfection in markings coat and color. Bernedoodle puppy health We believe that core nutrients are vital for raising healthy puppies. I've found it takes more than just an expensive dog food to keep dogs healthy. Start your puppy on good supplements to help him grow up healthy and strong. Our parents and puppies thrive on them. Shipping Your Bernedoodle Baby Our puppies travel with a Puppy Nanny to their new homes to ensure a comfortable and safe journey for each puppy that leaves Cobblestone. Fees are based on puppy size and destination. Puppies travel to major airports and availability and scheduling are limited so please be flexible : Occasionally, a puppy will need to travel via United or Delta Air Cargo, we have used this service for many years and they do an excellent job of delivering our babies to their forever homes! She has settled in just great. Oh my heart she is spoiled rotten! It's currently nap-time after playing with a new toy that squeaks. Thank you guys!

Observations about and lessons learned from living life with Labrador retrievers Saturday, April 02, The Need for Whelping Box Rails Long time readers have seen me write on this before, but I thought I'd throw a brief explanation in for those more recent to following the adventures of our gang. Because new-born puppies can't regulate their body temperatures can't pant to cool off; can't shiver to warm up , they're instinctively drawn to their mother's body warmth. To supplement her warmth, we keep a heat lamp above the whelping box so the pups can stay warm wherever they roam in the box near mom or not. The long-held-breeding addage "a cold puppy is a dead puppy" is unfortunately too true; puppies need to stay warm to stay alive. In our case, remember: we have a pound dam and 1-pound neonates -- smothering is very possible if the pups, in their search for warmth, get too close and Elsie rolls the wrong way. Especially when the pups snuggle in along Elsie's back and outer side. Take a look: Puppies wedged behind Elsie's back, but protected from being rolled back on by the pvc pipe rail above them. One black pup behind Elsie's lower back, again, protected by the pvc pipe railing should she roll back to rest on her side. Master Blue nuzzling from behind, but with room underneath the pipe to wiggle out safely if Elsie rolls fully onto her side. Without the railings, the puppies could easily be trapped between the walls, floor, and Elsie's back without any room for escape. The rails, though they don't prevent all smothering possibilities for instance, if Elsie lies down on top of a pup in the center of the box , they do eliminate the risk of trappings that can occur along the whelping box walls. In this case, I moved the pup. The first whelping box DH designed used 2x4s bolted into the walls, like narrow shelves, for rails. They worked wonderfully when the puppies were small. But when the pups were able to get up on their feet, and then started teething, the 2x4s became teething rails. To boot, the wood was difficult to keep clean. So, DH designed a new whelping box used with Kenya's litter last year for the first time. He switched to PVC piping for rails: easy to wipe off; more comfortable for Elsie to rest her head on; more difficult for the pups to consider chewing later on , lighter and easier to use during assembly, yet every bit as effective as a whelping box anti-smothering rail. We're always thinking; always adapting; always learning, trying to do the best we can by these puppies and their moms. So we change things up as we learn better ways. Our thinking is this: Though we can't give pups life, we can do our best to protect and foster the health of the precious lives entrusted to us. Call us crazy. But it's all we know to do. And we'll continue to it this way until we find one better. All is well. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia A female dog in her whelping box. Whelping Box with Extension Wall. Whelping boxes vary from improvised cardboard boxes, durable corrugated plastic to purpose built equipment, typically made of plywood or plastic. Desirable features include ease of cleaning and sanitation, extendibility, and toughness. However, there can sometimes not be enough traction, and with the added factor of an unnaturally flat floor, often puppies can develop, and suffer from what is known as hip dysplasia. Also whelping dens exist, which are whelping boxes that are enclosed on top. Commercially available whelping boxes often feature accommodations for accessories such as heat control devices and IP camera attachment. The sides of the box are designed to be high enough to safely contain the puppies, yet low enough to allow the mother to enter and leave comfortably, with consideration given to her protruding mammary glands. Alternatively, the box is provisioned with a doorway with adjustable height for the same purpose. The bottom of the box may or may not have a floor and may be lined with specially designed "whelping pads," or layers of newspaper or fabric to provide insulation from cold floors and to absorb fluids. Full covers may be used to prevent puppies from escaping. Most boxes will include a low railing termed rails, pig rails, or roll-bars fixed to the inside perimeter of the box. This is to protect puppies from being crushed or smothered by the mother should she roll over during birthing or while asleep. This is considered especially important with larger dog breeds. February 3, I won't use a whelping box without them. Round rails I find the pups stick their head through and get caught when older and now I use the solid rails with no problems. Also depends where the rails are positioned for the individual breed. Now I am not being critical here, but why was the bitch not up on her feet and investigating the crying? I only ask because the slightest noise and my bitches are up on their feet investigating. Could the bitch be tired after whelping and be in such a deep sleep that she didn't wake. Hope you have solved the problem because no breeder wants this sort of problem. You'd have to ask her this question. Both times she was awake. With the most recent mishap she actually did try to move but as she did she was pressing on the puppys neck even more. It was just lucky I was there and able to push her head down and release the pup. My whippet Penny was the same though, she'd be laying on a puppy and it was squealing and she'd just lay there. I was the one who'd have to rescue it. You're lucky your girls are more responsive. Just wishing you all the best and looks as though you will have to be ever vigilant with her. Looks as though you may be in for a bit of a rough few weeks. Link to comment. Preparing to cut out the door for your DIY puppy whelping box You will need 1 piece of melamine for this step and also your circular saw and jigsaw. Measure 14 inches from both ends of the melamine board and cut as shown in the diagram below. Use your square to mark the areas for the cutout. It is important to use the jigsaw on the side cuts and your circular saw for the lower portion of the door. For the lower portion of the door, us your circular saw to create a starting cut and finish with your jigsaw. This will allow you to cut out the door without having any over cutting occur. Do not throw away your cutout as this will be used as your door slides. This should not be much to remove. You can use your circular saw or jigsaw for this step. This will allow the doors to slide easily in the track when installed. For the final step of the door preparation, you will need the Melamine roll of edging. Run a bead completely around the outer edge of both door pieces. Use your heating iron to adhere the edging to the door pieces. Round the edges to prevent any cuts from happening when reaching into the whelping box. Repeat the process for the other side of the door. Make sure the angles are pointing in towards the door opening as shown in the diagram above. This will ensure the door slides to operate properly and prevent them from hanging up on protruding screw heads. Assembling the DIY puppy whelping box Assembling the whelping box is easy! Lay them flat out on the floor side by side as shown in the diagram below. Next you will need the door panel that you cut in the previous step. When finished, countersink the holes and prepare the panel for installation. Stand the panel on end and join it to the front long facing floor panel. Repeat the process for the back of the whelping box. Use the same process for the sides, with the exception of drilling additional holes on both width ends to attach to the front and back panels of the whelping box. Make sure they are level with the panel inside and outside as well as the top and bottom. Assemble the corners as shown in the diagram below. Make a dry run before gluing all of the parts together to ensure a proper fit. The pig rails should easily slide in and out of the whelping box. It should be a snug fit when properly installed. Primer and glue all the PVC pieces together. You have just completed the DIY puppy whelping box. You may want to purchase a few whelping pads to ensure the comfort of mom and puppies. It also makes it a lot easier to clean up. We like to use odoban for easy clean up and odor control. We hope this tutorial was helpful for you. This whelping box design can be adjusted in size to fit your type of dog. They work great for the comfort of mom and also will prevent the whelping pads from sliding around. Add the finishing touches by using the veneer edging and cover all exposed edges of the melamine material. If you enjoyed this tutorial, and decided to build your own DIY puppy whelping box, please let us know how it turned out. What do you line your whelping box with? We like to use these whelping pads for our whelping box. They help ensure the safety and comfort of mom and puppies. You can also use incontinence bed pads , as they are very absorbent and can help keep your whelping box clean and sanitary. Can I use a kiddie pool as a whelping box? A kiddie pool is not a good long term solution for a whelping box. Puppies are able to escape easily, and it does not provide a safe atmosphere. They are very difficult to clean due to the molds that are used for the pools. There are small crevices in the molds that can trap bacteria and pose a risk to your What do you put in your whelping box? We like to use whelping pads inside our whelping box. You can also opt for a puppy nest warmer to keep the puppies warm and comfortable. We like to use a thermostat controlled nest warmer. Pig rails are a very important item to have in your whelping box. These help ensure the safety of your puppies when they are small. Pig rails help prevent mom from laying on the puppies and suffocating them. Do I really need a whelping box? The answer is YES! A puppy whelping box is an essential part of breeding dogs. A whelping box ensures the safety and security of your puppies. This also helps to provide a sanitary environment and a controlled atmosphere for your dog. This post contains affiliate links, which means we make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See our full disclosure Privacy Policy.