dog collar for labrador puppy

Life Span Did You Know? Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds. The Chocolate Labrador Retriever is not a distinct dog breed from other Labs, but it is a separate coat color variation that is specifically bred for. Similar to the other standard coat colors of Labrador Retrievers, Chocolate Labs are energetic dogs that get along well in a family setting. As a Retriever, they also make great hunting dogs and have also been known to fill other working dog roles including service dogs, guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and more. They are even one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units. A point of interest is that all modern Chocolate Labrador Retrievers can be traced to three specific Black Labradors that lived during the s. Chocolate Labs are industrious little pups. They were bred for retrieval and will often sniff about for something to get into. They are also one of the most affectionate dog breeds and absolutely love being with their favorite humans. Properly socialized and well-trained, Labs are one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. They get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They are famously even-tempered and playful. This makes them fantastic dogs for a growing family, as they tend to be gentle and patient with little ones. They can have a high prey drive. They usually do well with small pets within the family that they have been raised with or socialized around, but likely will still have the urge to chase other animals while out and about. They also tend to be open and friendly with strangers. After all, strangers are just more people to give them attention and play with them. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers may be high-energy dogs, but they are also highly adaptable. They will thrive in homes with fenced yards where they can run freely. They can adapt well to apartment living as well as long as they get plenty of daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. Their natural urge to dig and bark when they are bored or agitated can be quelled with a little training and exercise. Although they can handle some alone time, Labs love to be with their families and thrive on attention from them, so they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Chocolate Labs also have a water-resistant double coat that makes them well-suited for most habitable climates. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to heat. Although they can handle some cold and will likely love to play in the snow, they are not a snow dog breed and may need to bundle up while out on walks in areas with harsher winters. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Chocolate Labrador Retriever can include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, hereditary myopathy, and heart disease. There is also a condition with a genetic link called exercise-induced collapse EIC , which can occur in young adult Labradors. Carriers of this can be identified by DNA tests and it is advised that breeders test for this and avoid practices that would produce the disease. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Bloat in dogs can be dangerous and can quickly become fatal if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers are incredible companions and are also one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Their energy can make them a handful at times, but their intelligence, adaptability, patience with people, and eagerness to please make them easy to train. Labs are one of the smartest dog breeds , so they pick up on things easily. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive reward and praise, a Chocolate Lab will do their best to respond as expected and will often exceed expectations. Chocolate Labs have a short, water-resistant coat that will shed year-round. Brushing a few times a week, daily brushing during seasonal shedding, and the occasional bath are all that are needed to keep a Lab coat healthy and looking great. They may need baths more often if they are avid swimmers, go on a lot of outdoor adventures, and get dirty a lot. Floppy ears tend to trap dirt, moisture, and debris. Proper dental care for dogs is imperative to help prevent painful dental diseases like gum disease or tooth decay later in life. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with vet-approved dental hygiene chews. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds and need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough, but your Chocolate Labrador will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood and tend to maintain that puppy-like energy and maturity until they are years old. Swimming can be a great lower-impact activity and Labrador Retrievers are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water. Between that, their water-resistant coat, and webbed toes, you may have trouble getting your Chocolate Lab out of the water. Fully-grown Chocolate Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Chocolate Labs generally live for years on average. Fourteen years later, the American Kennel Club did the same in .Featured Chocolate Labrador Retriever Article. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed , times. Labrador retrievers are an adorable and popular dog breed that can make a great addition to your household. Aside from a physical examination, you can do a professional DNA test on the dog to check its genetic makeup. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Does the fur appear short, and have a thick texture? The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Did you know? There are silver labs, but silver is not an acceptable color in the breed standard as this color is believed to have come from a cross with the Weimaraner. However, dogs with this coat color may still be registered with certain kennel clubs. If the dog is a yellow or black lab, check that the puppy has brown eyes. In the case of chocolate labs, check for brown or hazel eyes. Check to see how long its legs are; while a Labrador should have longer legs than a Dachshund, its legs should be shorter than a Husky. Purchase a dog genetics test, which will give you a specialized testing kit. Some DNA tests will look for genetic markers, while cheaper tests focus more on the different breeds. Tip: Try to keep the puppy from sharing food or playing rough with the other dogs, as this might hurt the integrity of the saliva sample. Package the saliva sample according to the instructions given by the company. Seal the envelope or package carefully, so the sample is completely secure while it travels to the lab. Generally, you can find the test results listed by breed, followed by a percentage; however, this might differ, depending on the company. If this is possible, use a cotton swab to collect saliva samples from 1 or both parents. Store these samples carefully, so you can send them to a professional company. Seal the envelope or package carefully to secure the sample, and keep it safe in transit. Go to source Seeing a CH or confirmation champion title on the pedigree certificate means that the dog is close to the ideals in the breed standard and is related to a dog that was able to win over other dogs at a show with at least 15 conformation points. Go to source A dog with this lineage can make a great candidate for showing. If your dog has documented parentage with the American Kennel Club, you can search their database and purchase a certificate that affirms this. You can also register your dog through the American Kennel Club once you have proof of their pedigree. Go to source Fees for pedigrees very depending on the type. Find out how we get chocolate, black or yellow puppies and what color pups we might get when we mix Labradors of different colors. Strictly speaking, there are only three different types of Labrador color: black Labs, brown Labs usually referred to as chocolate and yellow Labs. These are the three colors recognized and accepted by the Kennel Club In practice, there is a wide range of shades of yellow Labrador color, from palest cream to richest fox red. But what makes a Labrador brown, or black, or yellow. And what about Silver Labradors? Where does this new and controversial coat color come in to play? Where do Black and Chocolate Labradors come from? The information that determines whether or not your Labrador is basically black or basically chocolate is passed on through a pair of genes. Why black is a dominant color: It is normal for dominant genes to switch off, or over-ride, recessive genes. And that is exactly what happens here. A dog with BB genes will be black, because he has no little b gene, the one that gives us a brown coat. But a Bb dog will be black too, because if the dominant black gene is present, it switches off the brown gene. How chocolate Labradors are made: Even though a dog inherits a little b gene, the dog will only appear brown if no black gene B is present at all. Two black genes BB gives you a black Labrador One of each Bb also give you a black Labrador Two brown genes bb gives you a chocolate Labrador Remember that the black dominant gene always switches of the brown gene, so only the dog at the bottom will actually look brown. Generation after generation of black dogs can continue to have only black puppies if dogs with the Bb gene are only ever mated to dogs with BB genes. Remember, the dog in the middle of our list above will look black, but pass the brown gene on to about half of all its offspring. But things are never that simple are they? Because of course some Labradors are neither black nor brown. The genetic information that creates a yellow coat comes from another pair of genes altogether. And these genes have a different kind of power. The result is a yellow dog But little ee is recessive, and if the dominant E gene is present, it switches off the masking gene. It only takes one big E gene to do this. So the dog will only appear yellow if no big E gene is present at all. There are three possible combinations of eee gene that a dog could inherit. There are nine different possible combinations. Nine different possible Labrador genotypes! The chart below lists them genotype is the genetic makeup, phenotype is the appearance of the dog. Old chocolate Labs I have been writing about Labradors for many years now, and there is no doubt in my mind that they are all wonderful dogs. But the chocolate Labrador is special. Meet Rachael, my Beautiful Brown Lab All Labradors are beautiful, of course, but brown Labradors will always hold a special place in my heart. In fact, I am unashamedly biased! You see, I am lucky enough to share my life with Rachael. A female chocolate retriever from a mixture of American and English Lab lines. This is Rachael as a puppy. This page is a celebration of what is for me, one of the most beautiful dogs in the world. Rachael has been a huge source of inspiration for this website, so this is a little tribute to her and a thank you for all she has taught me. Where do Chocolate Labs come from? But they had been around for some years before that. The Labrador breed was developed mainly by a couple of English aristocrats in the s, from dogs they had imported from North America. Although our early Labrador Retrievers were predominantly black, some of these original dogs carried the genetic information required to produce chocolate puppies. Just as some also carried the information required to produce yellow puppies. If mainly black dogs were bred from, you may wonder how a brown puppy was ever born! To understand that, we need to take a peep at the genes that carry the code for coat color in the Labrador retriever. How is the Chocolate Color Inherited in Labradors? The instructions that tell your dog what to look like, and what color to be, come packed in genes. And genes come in pairs. This is true for the gene that determines whether or not the Labrador will be brown this gene is called b or black B. Every Labrador has either two genes for a black coat BB or two genes for a brown coat bb or one of each Bb. The color black in Labradors is dominant. That means that if a Labrador has one gene for the color brown, and one gene for the color black, the dog will be black. This is because his black gene switches off the brown one. The brown gene just sits hidden inside him doing nothing in particular, while the black gene takes control of his coat. What about Chocolate Labs? So for a chocolate Lab puppy to be born, he needs to have those two chocolate genes, one is not enough. However, a black Labrador can sneakily carry a brown gene Bb and pass it along to his children. This is how the color brown can and did remain hidden in generation after generation of black Labradors. Shedding chocolate Labs can appear paler as the undercoat shows through more when deep in shed. In old age their coat can also fade, especially around their face. Why were Chocolate Labs not Wanted? So if there were always brown genes in our Labrador population, there have always been occasional brown puppies. All that was required to produce some chocolate Labrador Retriever puppies was for someone to mate a black dog carrying brown Bb with another black dog carrying brown. And hey presto, some of this litter of puppies are brown! And of course in the days long before DNA tests,, there was no way of knowing for sure that a black dog was carrying brown, until he had made some brown puppies. By which time it was too late! It seems bizarre to us now, in a world where chocolate is such a popular color in dogs. But in the early s only black would do. When did Chocolate Labs become Popular? By the s and 30s a few brown or liver Labradors as they were then called were making an appearance on the shooting field. But for some years more, brown was not widely acceptable to Labrador enthusiasts. Chocolate Labs are loving dogs, full of warmth and enthusiasm That preference continues today, and we still often name our brown Labs after favorite snack bars and chocolate flavored drinks! The s was a turning point in the popularity of the chocolate Lab, but interest grew slowly at first. Gradually, the public began to demand more chocolate Lab puppies, and gradually breeders began to produce them. Over the next few decades, Chocolate Labradors became increasingly popular both in the show ring and as pets. In the shooting community, where Labradors were expected to do a job of work, the preference for black continued. This continued throughout the late s, and into the present day, particularly in the UK. American Chocolate Lab American chocolate Labradors were bred to work, and are also known as field Labradors. The chocolate Lab has now become more established in the working community, but they are harder to find. There is a rumour going around that this is because brown Labradors are a bit stupid! But is it true? You might also have noticed that chocolate Labs are rarely seen as seeing eye dogs. Chocolate Lab Characteristics Just like you and me, every dog is a product of both his environment. As well as the genes he is born with. We have seen that many chocolate Labradors come from show Labrador lines, and these bloodlines tend to have certain characteristics in common. Characteristics that are passed along from parent to puppy. Chocolate Lab size varies quite a bit. Show Labradors English are often more heavily built, and somewhat slower and physically less agile than their field bred counterparts. Some English brown Labs may reach 80 or 90lbs without being fat or overweight. Whereas American chocolate Labs are often lighter. My Rachael, for example, weighs less than 60lbs. Most males of her build will weigh five or ten pounds more. English chocolate Labs are also more likely to have a chunky Labrador head and thick otter tail. And while some feel that the chunkiness of the skull has been taken too far in show lines, there is no denying the beauty of a classic Labrador head. A brown Labrador is more likely to be from these show types of bloodline and are therefore more likely to share these general characteristics. But there is more. Chocolate Lab Temperament American Labs may have a more intense retrieve drive, or urge to chase and retrieve things than their show bred cousins. In short, they are desperate to please. Over many generations this biddable quality has been bred into our working Labs alongside their retrieving and hunting prowess. This has given working dogs a rather different temperament from our show stock. Chocolate Lab Intelligence In show dogs you may see a more robust temperament. An English chocolate Lab is often less concerned over the little ups and downs of life. Nothing is taken too seriously. Many English chocolate Lab owners report that their dogs are especially playful. And I have certainly found that to be the case with Rachael. She adores soft toys and spends hours playing with her Flat Squirrel! However, they may less distractible, more focused and therefore easier to train. This can certainly give the impression of a dog that is pretty smart. These dogs may also be more likely to be black. English Labs are still highly intelligent, highly trainable dogs. The differences between field and show might give you the edge in competition. They are also becoming increasingly irrelevant as we switch to more modern methods of training which are much better at motivating dogs to engage in the training process. We mentioned earlier that the color black has long been favoured by the working retriever community. Experienced, working gundog enthusiasts are less likely to buy a puppy that is not from working lines, and when they do, they are more likely to choose a black dog. Unsurprisingly this means that most working lines of Labs are predominantly black. Black is also a great color for a hunting companion. A yellow dog really stands out in the countryside, even in poor light, so even when yellow dogs became more common, they were not so popular with the hunter. Brown dogs are better camouflaged but became more numerous much later and were embraced first by the pet and show communities. Are Chocolate Labs Stupid? To my knowledge, no study has ever been carried out on the differing intellectual abilities of Labrador of different colors. Everything you hear is based on personal anecdotal stories, often passed along in fun. At least to begin with! She has very intense retrieve drive, but is less naturally keen to share the outcome with anyone. She is also easily distracted and because of this she has taken me a little longer to train than my working line Labs. But it is most unlikely that there is any distinct difference in intelligence between dogs of the same breed that happen to be a different color. Being chocolate does not make a dog stupid Even if there were a difference in learning ability between different colored dogs, it does not mean that one caused the other. The answer lies in the behavior and temperament of dogs from different bloodlines. Types of chocolate Labs The difference in trainability is in short a feature of the difference between the field bred dog and the show bred dog. Not a feature of the color of the dog. It is a coincidence that many chocolate Labradors are English in type, and many black Labs are American in type. Because of this coincidence the characteristics of the show bred Lab tend to be attributed to our brown friends. While the characteristics of the field bred Lab tend to be attributed to our black dogs. So you can see how the myth got started. The fact is, that chocolate Labs from working lines are just as easy to train as black Labs from working lines. But you are less likely to meet a chocolate Lab from working lines at the moment. But rest assured, your chocolate friend is not stupid. With modern training methods you can easily teach him to be a well behaved and obedient dog. Chocolate Labrador Shades Unlike our yellow Labradors — which come in a wide range of shades, the color chocolate is pretty consistent in puppyhood. Most chocolate Labs are quite similar in color. As the old hair dies it starts to lose some of its color, and the dead hair is much paler than the glossy new coat that will soon appear. And though some chocolate Labs are darker than others, even when taking the stage of moult into account, variations between individuals are fairly small, with one very contentious exception. The Silver Labrador. Silver Labs Are Chocolate Labs Silver Labradors have a gene which dilutes the color chocolate and makes it a pale, silvery shade. Some people find this very attractive, while others regard it as an abomination. There is no doubt that a hundred years ago, there was no coat dilution gene in our Labrador Retrievers. We know for sure that this gene has appeared quite recently. The strongest theory is that the gene arrived through cross breeding a Labrador with a dog that carries the dilute coat color gene. A breed such as the Weimaraner for example. This seems rather less likely. Not as silver itself. A bright Future for the Chocolate Lab Throughout history, there have been a number of famous black Labradors, and we tend to associate yellow Labs with the all important role of working as assistance dogs. This is not because chocolate Lab dogs lack the qualities or abilities of black and yellow dogs, but simply because the popularity of the color is a relatively recent phenomenon. There are as we speak, plenty of chocolate Labradors serving in the military, working as assistance dogs and in the shooting field. Maybe you have a story to tell about your own chocolate friend, or maybe you are just starting out on your journey to finding a chocolate Lab to share your life. We have some tips for searching in the right places. The other way, is to buy a chocolate Lab puppy and raise him yourself. There are pros and cons to both rescuing an older dog and raising your own puppy, I go into these in some detail in The Labrador Handbook. It may well depend on what stage of life your family is at and on how experienced you are with dogs in general, and with Labradors in particular. You can buy both books from Amazon by following links above. If rescuing appeals to you, and you are ready for the challenges and the many benefits of giving a dog a new lease of life, there are plenty of rescue societies that specialise in Labradors. Rescuing can be a wonderful and fulfilling way of bringing a lovely brown retriever into your life, so do consider it thoroughly. You can find lots more information here: Is a rescue Labrador right for you and here The right dog for you- Puppy or Rescue? If now is not the right time for you to rescue an older dog. Or if you are getting a Labrador for a special purpose — as a hunting companion for example — you may be better off with a new puppy. If someone wants to sell you a puppy much younger than that, alarm bells should be ringing. You also need to make sure you buy your puppy from the right place. This means choosing the right breeder. And avoiding puppy mills and pet stores. If you want a puppy for hunting, you need to go to a breeder that specialises in field-bred dogs. If you want to get involved in the world of showing, you need to go to a breeder that breeds Labradors for the show ring. It is possible to train a show dog for work, though he or she is unlikely to get far in high level field competitions. It is not normally possible to succeed in the show ring with a field bred dog. Keep this in mind. Chocolate Labrador Puppy Health Labradors of all colors suffer from inherited disorders. Please, please make sure your puppy is from health tested parents — it may all end in tears if you omit this important step. Their parents should have good hip scores, good elbow scores, clear eye tests and be PRA clear too. But does picking a chocolate Lab puppy set you off on the wrong foot in terms of health from the start? Are Chocolate Labs Unhealthy? In a study hit the headlines hard, and had a lot of chocolate Lab owners in a panic. Their research suggested that there is a link between Lab color and not just health, but lifespan too. Over 33, Labs were studies, with .Giving a good sample size. Chocolate Labs in the study were more likely to have dermatitis, which matches with some colloquial findings of owners of silver Labs with skin problems. Ear problems are also more common, and this is in fact something Rachael has even suffered with in the past. Gastrointestinal issues were more common with chocolate Labradors too. Chocolate Labradors live on average for just .At least according to this study. Interestingly, they were least likely to have degenerative joint disease or dental problems. It reduces the chances of your pup becoming ill. But it is also important to look at the coefficient of inbreeding. Chocolate Labs get their color from a recessive gene. This means that to ensure you have a litter of chocolate puppies you need to breed from two chocolate parents. Reducing gene pools will always increase health problems. Finding a puppy with a very low coefficient of inbreeding will help you to avoid some of these problems. In addition to health testing, of course. It would also be sensible to avoid a chocolate Lab puppy with parents with a history of ear or skin problems. You can find out more about health issues in Labradors in this article: Health screening for Labrador Diseases. And there is lots of information on finding a good breeder here: Labrador breeders — how to find a good one Training and Exercising your Chocolate Labrador My advice for training and exercising your chocolate Labrador is to figure out what type of lines your dog is from and adjust your expectations accordingly. Then to follow a good positive reinforcement training programme. Make sure you exercise his mind as well as his body. Even if you never intend to take him hunting, he still needs a job to do, retrieves to complete, toys to find, streams to cross and so on. If your dog is from show lines, he too needs training and plenty of exercise, but he may also need plenty of play. Toys and games, and other dogs to interact with. Training my Chocolate Lab Even at seven years old, Rachael still loves to play with other dogs and with people. She is hugely enthusiastic about meeting people and dogs and prone to be over-friendly. And I have to make a special effort to ensure that she is not allowed to interact with visitors until she is sitting calmly. On the plus side, I have had to spend less time socialising Rachael than I would with a field bred lab. As she takes everything in her stride. Too friendly! You may find she is intensely friendly and rather distractible, so this aspect of his education is important. Above all, treat your chocolate labrador like an individual. He is far more than just a product of his breeding and environment. He is a unique character, there will never be another quite like him Caring for an old Chocolate Lab As the years pass by, we leave behind one set of challenges and they are replaced by new ones. Failing eyesight, stiff joints, and declining hearing. However, these senior years can still be happy and fun filled for many dogs, especially if you keep your dog slim. If your chocolate friend is quite heavily built as many chocolates are, you need to be extra careful to keep an eye on his weight as he ages. More body weight means more stress and strain on joints, this can aggravate problems like arthritis in older dogs. I personally think that elderly chocolate Labradors are particularly beautiful, with their greying muzzles and kind eyes. Of course, you will want to make your old friend as comfortable as you can. Tell us what is so special about your chocolate Labrador and why you think they are the best.

All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. They are almost square in appearance, with a strong body and sturdy legs. The maximum height for a male is 24 inches, which puts them in the medium-size dog category, but their sturdy build can make them seem much larger. Weights range from 85 pounds for a large male to 55 pounds for a smaller female. Field line bred dogs are often taller and somewhat thinner in build. Labrador retrievers are easily recognized by their broad head, drop ears and large, expressive eyes. Two trademarks of the Lab are the thick but fairly short double coat, which is very water repellent, and the well known "otter tail. The feet are described as "webbed," with longer skin between the toes to aid in swimming. The Labrador retriever is a moderately fast maturing breed, reaching adult height from six to 12 months, but possibly still filling out up to 2 years of age. Many Labs reach 12 to 14 years of age. Personality: In general, Labrador retrievers are excellent family dogs, as long as you keep in mind their need for exercise and training. These are dogs bred to work and work hard and they love to have jobs to do, particularly retrieving. Labs are usually good with other dogs, other pets, and children as long as training has toned down their natural exuberance. They are strong dogs and need some obedience training at an early age or they can be seen dragging their owners down the street at will. Owing to their energetic nature, Labradors who are left alone or not well exercised can become destructive — chewing, digging and barking to excess. The field line dogs are especially high-energy dogs, while some of the show line dogs become perfect couch potatoes at an early age. Chewing can be a problem because the strong retrieve urge gives them an oral fixation. Sturdy chew toys, exercise and training all help with this. Living With: Obviously, Labradors have a number of endearing traits or they would not be so popular. They are intelligent and fairly easy to train, partly from their desire to work with people. They are "easy keepers" and can become overweight if they are not exercised and food portions adjusted as needed. Labs are excellent family dogs because they do want to be with people and many do not do well as kennel dogs. Labradors do tend to be protective of their families and homes but are usually happy to greet company, too. With the strong retrieving instinct, they can develop into destructive chewers if not given appropriate toys and guidance. Labs may tend to "mouth" people and the solution is often simply to give them a toy to carry around, so their mouths are already full! These are very strong dogs and early training is necessary to have a dog that walks nicely on lead. The wonderful double coat that keeps the Labrador warm while retrieving in icy water also gives this breed top billing as shedders. Normally, their coats do fine with a quick weekly grooming, but at shedding time daily grooming is needed. The amount of exercise they need varies with the different lines: field line dogs can run all day, whereas show line dogs only need moderate exercise. History: Early in the s, some of the multipurpose dogs used in North America mostly Canada by hunters were shipped back to England. Many of these "water dogs" were of the Newfoundland type, but the smaller ones were often designated "St John's" dogs. In England, the breed was developed and refined probably with some flat-coated retriever input into the breed we recognize today. As is evidenced by their name, Labrador retrievers were bred and selected for their outstanding retrieving abilities, particularly in water. They have worked as partners with duck hunters in all kinds of weather and conditions. Their intelligence and desire to work as a partner with man has led to many other jobs, and to their current status as popular pets. Today, Labradors excel as service and guide dogs, family pets, scenting dogs for the military, customs and arson task force dogs, search and rescue dogs as well as hunting companions and performance dogs. The breed's good nature has propelled it to the number one ranking in popularity in America, a position it intends to keep. Despite their fame as indoor pets, they are even more at home outdoors. It should always be remembered that Labradors are water retrievers at heart and from early on, puppies show a strong desire to carry things around with them and a strong attraction to water, even puddles! Related Pet Care Articles. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Built for sport, the Lab is muscular and athletic. They have a short, easy-care coat, friendly demeanor, keen intelligence, and plenty of energy. Devotion to this breed runs deep; Labs are loving, people-oriented dogs who live to serve their families, and owners and fans sometimes liken their Labs to angels. The breed originated on the island of Newfoundland, off the northeastern Atlantic coast of Canada. Originally called the St. Today, most Labs skip the hard labor and spend their days being pampered and loved by their people. However, some Labs still serve as indispensable working dogs. They also excel as a search and rescue dog or as a retriever for hunters, thanks to their athletic build, strong nose, and courageous nature. And Labs have also become the breed to beat at dog sports such as agility and obedience competitions, especially obedience. In fact, owners say their sweet, helpful Lab is likely to greet an intruder and happily show them where the goods are stashed. One role has remained constant: wonderful companion and friend. Labrador Retriever Highlights Friendly and outgoing. Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are good with people of all ages and other animals. Intelligent and trainable. Labrador Retrievers are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are often used as working dogs, such as guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and therapy dogs. Active and playful. Labrador Retrievers are active dogs that need plenty of exercise. They enjoy playing fetch, swimming, and other activities. Loyal and devoted. Labrador Retrievers are loyal and devoted dogs that make great family pets. They are known for their gentle nature and love of children. Grooming needs are minimal. Labrador Retrievers have a short, thick coat that is easy to groom. They only need to be brushed a few times a week and bathed as needed. Overall, the Labrador Retriever is a versatile and popular dog breed that makes a great family pet. They are friendly, intelligent, and trainable, and they have a low grooming requirement. If you are considering getting a Labrador Retriever, be sure to do your research to find a reputable breeder. Labrador Retrievers are wonderful dogs, but they require a lot of time and attention. They are not a good choice for people who are not active or who do not have a lot of time to spend with their pets. Originally called St. Although their heritage is unknown, many believe the St. The second Earl of Malmesbury was one of the first, and had St. The third Earl of Malmesbury was the first person to refer to the dogs as Labradors. In Newfoundland, the breed disappeared because of government restrictions and tax laws. Families were allowed to keep no more than one dog, and owning a female was highly taxed, so girl puppies were culled from litters. In England, however, the breed survived, and the Kennel Club recognized the Labrador Retriever as a distinct breed in .They also top the list in Canada and England. Today, Labs work in drug and explosive detection, search and rescue, therapy, assistance to those with disabilities, and as retrievers for hunters. They also excel in all forms of dog competitions: show, field, agility, and obedience. Labrador Retriever Size Males stand .Females stand .Aside from a winning personality, they have the intelligence and eagerness to please that make them easy to train. Training is definitely necessary because this breed has a lot of energy and exuberance. The working heritage of the Lab means they are active. This breed needs activity, both physical and mental, to keep them happy. There is some variation in the activity level of Labs: some are rowdy, others are more laid back. All thrive on activity. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia : This is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem or medication to control the pain. Osteochondrosis Dissecans OCD : This orthopedic condition, caused by improper growth of cartilage in the joints, usually occurs in the elbows, but it has been seen in the shoulders, as well. It causes a painful stiffening of the joint, to the point that the dog is unable to bend his elbow. It can be detected in dogs as early as four to nine months of age. Cataracts : As in humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow over time. Cataracts can usually be surgically removed with good results. Early in the disease, dogs become night-blind. As the disease progresses, they lose their daytime vision, as well. Many dogs adapt to limited or complete vision loss very well, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Epilepsy : Labs can suffer from epilepsy, which causes mild or severe seizures. Seizures may be exhibited by unusual behavior, such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Puppies are born with TVD, which is a malformation of the tricuspid valve on the right side of the heart. It can be mild or severe; some dogs live with no symptoms, others die. TVD is detected by ultrasound. Research is ongoing to learn how widespread it is in the breed, as well as treatment. Myopathy : Myopathy affects the muscles and nervous system. The first signs are seen early, as young as six weeks and often by seven months of age. A puppy with myopathy is tired, stiff when he walks and trots. He may collapse after exercise. In time, the muscles atrophy and the dog can barely stand or walk. There is no treatment, but rest and keeping the dog warm seems to reduce symptoms. Dogs with myopathy should not be bred because it is considered a heritable disease. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid themselves of the excess air in their stomach, and blood flow to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is drooling excessively, and retching without throwing up. Theyalso may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. If you notice these symptoms, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Acute Moist Dermatitis: Acute moist dermatitis is a skin condition in which the skin red and inflamed. It is caused by a bacterial infection. The more common name of this health concern is hot spots. Treatment includes clipping the hair, bathing in medicated shampoo, and antibiotics. Cold Tail : Cold tail is a benign, though painful condition common to Labs and other retrievers. The dog may bite at the tail. It is thought to be a problem with the muscles between the vertebrae in the tail. Weekly checking and cleaning if necessary helps prevent infection. Labrador Retriever Care The lovable Lab needs to be around their family, and is definitely not a backyard dog. Labs show some variation in their activity levels, but all of them need activity, both physical and mental. Daily minute walks, a romp at the dog park, or a game of fetch, are a few ways to help your Lab burn off energy. However, a puppy should not be taken for too long walks and should play for a few minutes at a time. It is up to you to end play and training sessions. Without training, a rambunctious Lab puppy will soon grow to be a very large, rowdy dog. Luckily, Labs take to training well; in fact, they often excel in obedience competitions. Start with puppy kindergarten , which not only teaches your pup good canine manners, but helps them learn how to be comfortable around other dogs and people. Look for a class that uses positive training methods that reward the dog for getting it right, rather than punishing them for getting it wrong. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility, with its one-inch jumps. Labrador Retriever Feeding Recommended daily amount: 2. Dog domestic dog The Labrador Retriever, or simply Labrador, is a British breed of retriever gun dog. It was developed in the United Kingdom from fishing dogs imported from the colony of Newfoundland now a province of Canada , and was named after the Labrador region of that colony. It is among the most commonly kept dogs in several countries, particularly in the European world. The Labrador is friendly, energetic, and playful. It may also be trained as a guide or assistance dog , or for rescue or therapy work. Another early advocate of these Newfoundland fishing dogs was the 2nd Earl of Malmesbury , who bred them for their expertise in waterfowling. The dogs Buccleuch Avon and Buccleuch Ned, given by Malmesbury to Buccleuch, were mated with bitches carrying blood from those originally imported by the 5th Duke and the 10th Earl of Home. The offspring are the ancestors of all modern Labradors. John's water dogs bred by European settlers in Newfoundland were first introduced to Britain from ships trading between Canada and Poole in Dorset. These were then bred with British hunting dogs to create what became known as the Labrador Retriever. Early writers have confused the Labrador with the much larger Newfoundland and the Lesser Newfoundland , with Charles St. John even referring to the Lesser Newfoundland as the Newfoundland. Colonel Peter Hawker describes the first Labrador as being not larger than an English Pointer , more often black than other colours, long in its head and nose with a deep chest, fine legs, and short and smooth coat, and did not carry its tail as highly as the Newfoundland. John's breed of these dogs [6] [7] in the fifth edition of his book Introductions to Young Sportsman, published in .Black Chocolate There is a great deal of variety among Labradors. The following characteristics are typical of the conformation show bred bench-bred lines of this breed in the United States and are based on the American Kennel Club standard. Size: Labradors are a medium-large breed. They should be as long from the withers to the base of the tail as they are from the floor to the withers. The AKC standard includes an ideal weight for dogs of 25—36 kg 55—80 lb and for bitches as 25—32 kg 55—70 lb. The coat is water-resistant, so the dog does not get cold when taking to the water in the winter. That means that the dog naturally has a slightly dry, oily coat. Acceptable colours are black, yellow, and chocolate. The eyes should be kind and expressive. Appropriate eye colours are brown and hazel. The lining around the eyes should be black. The ears should hang close to the head and be set slightly above the eyes. Jaws: The jaws should be strong and powerful. The muzzle should be of medium length and should not be too tapered. The jaws should hang slightly and curve gracefully back. Body: The body should have a powerful and muscular build. The tail and coat are designated "distinctive [or distinguishing] features" of the Labrador by both the Kennel Club and AKC. If a dog carried wild type alleles at all three loci, the dog will have a yellow coat. If a dog has a loss-of-function mutation at MC1R, it will also have a yellow coat, regardless of their genotype at the other two loci. Within the breed, this trait is not visible. Show and field lines[ edit ] Head and muzzle appearance: field left , and show right , showing the shorter muzzle length, more solid appearance head, and "pronounced" stop of the latter As a result of specialised breeding, there are significant differences between field and trial-bred and show-bred lines of Labradors. In the United States, the former are sometimes mistakenly referred to as "American" and the latter as "English", in fact, both field and show types are bred in both countries and all Labrador Retrievers are descended from British lines. In this experiment, German Shepherds had the highest chance of not completing it. However, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers had a higher success rate after going through longer training than the training required for Labrador Retrievers. For retrieving the Labrador Retriever has a soft mouth , a trait that allows it to carry game and waterfowl without damaging it. It continues in that role today, along with the Leonberger , Newfoundland and Golden Retriever dogs; they are used at the Italian School of Canine Lifeguard. During the Vietnam War they were used as scout dogs to track down dead or wounded soldiers or enemy positions. Notable issues related to health and well-being include inherited disorders and obesity most are missing all or parts of the appetite-regulating POMC gene. As of , it was widely considered the most popular breed in the world.

To breed French Bulldog puppies, you need to choose dogs that have a good health history, and who have characteristics you would like to pass onto puppies. Think about physical characteristics, like size and color, along with other qualities like temperament and personality. Have both dogs genetically tested and tested for infectious diseases like Brucellosis so you know they're healthy before you breed them. Typically, a bitch will start ovulating about 5 days into her cycle, once she has started spotting. When you have confirmation that your bitch is ovulating, place her in the same room as your stud. Make sure to supervise the mating session closely to prevent any aggressive outbursts. That way you can pull them apart and control their interaction better to prevent injury. This is completely normal and typically lasts around 20 minutes. You can request veterinarian assistance with artificially inseminating your bitch, rather than actually mating the two dogs. This method can be much easier on the female, so it is often the method of choice for veteran breeders. Keep the female on her back with her hips slightly elevated to help ensure conception. Don't try to perform this yourself unless you've been trained or you could hurt the dogs or cause an infection. Frenchies with tan points - black and tan Frenchie, blue and tan Frenchie, lilac and tan Frenchie, chocolate and tan Frenchie etc. Trindles - French Bulldogs which have brindle in their tan points. All black French Bulldogs - with no trace of brindle is also quite rare. How do you Artificially Inseminate a French bulldog? For the majority of dog breeds, natural mating is the most effective and cheapest way to produce a litter of puppies. This is not the scenario for French bulldogs. French bulldogs have unusually small hips and an oversized head. This makes it quite difficult for the male to mount the female naturally. When it comes to breeding French bulldogs, artificial insemination is the safest and most effective way. Caesarean sections for Frenchies One of the reasons why French bulldogs are quite expensive is because of the cost involved in birthing one. For Frenchies a C-section is usually considered the safest option. Caesarean section or C-section will involve the use of surgery to deliver the puppies. This is often necessary when a vaginal delivery will be too unsafe for the dam or the puppy or both. The oversized heads of the puppies and narrow pelvis of the dam makes it difficult for the dog to give birth naturally. What is the minimum mating age for French Bulldogs? Age of maturity differs from one dog breed to another. It has however been found that small breeds mature faster than large breeds. Male French bulldogs become fertile after about six months old. They can also reach full sexual maturity by 12 to 15 months. If your male Frenchie is healthy, he may even remain sexually active and fertile at old age. For your dam, their first heat season estrus comes after six months. In some situations though, this estrus has delayed for up to 18 months or even two years of age. The heat season of your dam should come at intervals of six months until old age. It is however considered controversial and against standard to breed your dam in her first season. According to the American Kennel Club Rules the registration of a litter out of a dam less than 8 months or more than 12 years of age is not ordinarily allowed. What is the Cycle of a French Bulldog Dam? Knowing the cycle of your female is necessary. This will help you track her reproductive periods. The cycle of a dam is divided into four: Proestrus: Your dam is in her proestrus when she has a bloody vaginal discharge and her vulva becomes swollen. This is when she attracts males, not for breeding. This period lasts for about nine days. Estrus: This follows the proestrus and also lasts for about nine days. During this time the female is fertile and will allow breeding. For breeding purposes, please note that ovulation will usually occur in the first 48 hours of this period. It is a period of about 60 to 63 days. It will occur whether or not your dam becomes pregnant. If your female becomes pregnant during estrus, the diestrus stage will last until she whelps or gives birth. False pregnancy is however also possible during this period. In this situation, your Dam may show signs of being pregnant even though she is not. Anestrus: This period lasts between three to four months. During this time, no sexual activity takes place. After the Estrus, you have to look for signs of pregnancy in your dam. These signs include an increase in appetite, weight, or nipple size. This is however not that conclusive in itself. As mentioned earlier, your dam may show pregnancy signs and still not be pregnant. A Vet can make this confirmation for you by conductingan ultrasound or X-ray or by examining her abdominal palpitation at 28 days. Once you have confirmed that your dam is pregnant, you have to start talking to the Vet about the special attention required for breeding a French bulldog. This will include how to identify emergency situations that would require immediate medical attention. This should also include details about her labor and what to expect after she gives birth. French bulldogs are like any other dog breed when it comes to pregnancy length. This period should last between 58 to 68 days. The average pregnancy period is usually 63 days from the day of conception. This is about two months altogether. A few days close to birthing, your dam may stop eating or have reduced appetite. Approximately 24 hours after her temperature drops,she can be expected to enter the first stage of labor when the cervix dilates and opens the birth canal for the passage of puppies. At this time, she will pant, strain, and appear restless. A few moments to birth, her body temperature may drop to 99 degrees or lower. This stage is then followed by actual abdominal straining and birthing. As mentioned above natural birth is not recommended for French Bulldogs due to their breathing difficulties and small hips coupled with larger puppy heads. Compared to other dogs that birth quite a sizable number of puppies, French bulldogs only birth a few. When breeding a French bulldog, the number of puppies you can expect in the litter will range from 3 to 5. There are some rare instances where French bulldogs have birthed as high as 7 puppies. French bulldogs are naturally small breeds. As such, a smaller number of litter mates would mean better conditions for the puppies inside the womb. The complications that may arise out of doing this will not only endanger the female, it may also create avoidable birth defects for the puppies. What is a pup back deal between French Bulldog breeders? A pup back deal is a puppy back to the Frenchie stud owner in exchange for the stud service. In most cases a puppy back is not ideal and can fall through for many reasons. If you insist on doing this type of deal you should consider the following to protect yourself: Always have a contract no matter who it is, even if it is a relative. Wording is very important. It is advisable to have a lawyer draft a sample agreement for you that you can use for future deals. Only make this deal with someone local that you really trust and have a relationship with. Open lines of communication is key. Always keep in mind that if the deal fall through for any reason it may sour the relationship so ask yourself if that deal is worth it to you. And finally know that not everyone is an honest person but on the same token not everyone is a dishonest person either. How do you know if two French Bulldog puppies are twins? It is rare but it does happen. How do we determine whether or not two French Bulldogs are identical twins? When the mother Frenchie dog is giving birth, count the placentas. If two newborn Frenchie puppies share a placenta there is a good chance you have some identical twins on your hands. If you want to know for sure your puppies are identical twins you can confirm that with a blood test. This is it for this Pawsletter. We hope you enjoyed reading or listening to this article and hope you learned something new along the way. We create these to educate, and inspire you to be the best French Bulldog owner you can be. If you want us to write about a particular topic please let us know below. Also don't forget to pawscribe to our email list. We always notify our loyal customers and friends with any new Pawsletter, event or announcement. We live in Oregon and will travel to Washington or northern California if needed. Michelle July 25, I have a tan Merle male looking to stud out in about months. I live in Oregon. JP July 10, Hello! Juan July 10, Hello! Please if anyone is interested to breed with my handsome boy you can contact me by email or text. Email denise. Thank you all and have a blessed one. In Houston, Texas!!! Julie June 23, Hello, in about a year I will be looking for a stud to mate with my two girls. I will need a stud that has had all his genetic testing plus eyes and hips. I live in California. He has a champion bloodline. Please contact me if interested. Misty June 23, We have a Blue brindle male with amber colored eyes and a blue piebald with blue eyes… just wondering what colors they may throw. Jason Lebron December 21, I have a blue Merle frenchie who will be 1 in January and I am excited to find his lover. Contact me anytime at or cruzpet Bronx ny bucks Lebron Rebekah Axelson December 14, I have a 3 yr old fawn male with black mask, black ears with white on his breast. Very muscular with lean and great personality. He has had DNA testing and has no allergies we know of. He has only in the last 7 months become extremely sexually driven with a need to breed. Because of his stamina and fit we feel having him fixed may take some of this away. .We have purchased aggressive chew toys and they usually work but there are days that the Boston terrier across the street goes into heat and he becomes very antsy and will even try to relieve himself. I would like to stud him for a puppy to have grow up with him preferably a female but not for breeding purposes. .I would then talk about options for having him neutered. I can also stud him for the possibility of buying a puppy with the stud fee. .I want what is best for him and feel he is a great color, fit and intelligent guy that having a litter would benefit him, myself and the Frenchie breed. Yet my goal and main concern is to give him relief without having him neutered at only 3 yrs Mary November 17, Hi, I have a 1. Thanks Hope November 12, We have a beautiful 8 month old male, who is a blue merle we are looking to offer stud service in the near future! Amazing quality, structure and genetics. If interest please contact me at for pictures and more info. Toure November 02, I have a 9 month old male frenchie fawn with the black mask that I am looking to breed in the NYC area. He has beautiful coloring and a spunky spirit. Warthog71 Excellent article! We have a brand new litter at 39 days old. The other girls have brown. All blue eyes may change to green. All pups carry Choco from the dad Isabella. The mom is standard Black Mask Fawn. All pups have their first round of deworming and are already eating solid food, though still nursing from mom, as is necessary for development. They are playing and curious and socializing like any normal, healthy litter. Contact for more info on this litter, future litters or stud service. Also, feel free to contact with any questions on the breed in general. We are all one big family. Steve Kazan info warthog.Champion bloodlines, IG CuzcoBusco. Michele Oneal May 24, Hi! I loved reading your article as I pick up my Puppy in 3 wks. His Dad competes and has won National Ribbons. My Breeder does DNA testing and has done this for 15 yrs. She does it for love, and will only sell to people that can stay home with her dogs. She is not interested in breeding for exotic colors but formation is key! I was Blessed to see one of her pups out with his owner at Lowes one day. It was by far the Best Frenchie I had seen! She truly is a lover and expert on them, which Is why I buying from her. We have a very beautiful Brindle male stud that is looking for a girlfriend. His name is Franc and he has the sweetest disposition! He loves to play with other dogs and children. He has a champion bloodline and we would love to have one of his babies! We live in Arkansas. If you are interested, please contact me ASAP at traci. God bless! Let us know if you have additional questions. Just like humans the body needs time to adjust and heal from a CS. We hope this helps. Pin 0 Shares With their unique look and adorable size, French Bulldogs are one of the most popular pet breeds we see today. Many owners will think breeding Frenchies is a quick way to make a buck. However, this is before they realise the problems surrounding French Bulldogs being able to breed naturally and mate or reproduce under their own steam. Can French Bulldogs breed naturally? It is very hard for Frenchies to breed by themselves. The way in which they have been bred, leads to difficulties in them being able to mate and reproduce themselves without the aid of human intervention. Frenchies have been bred down the years to such as an extent that their physical characteristics have changed significantly. The reason why French Bulldogs cannot breed on their own is due to the way they have been bred. This has resulted in short legs, a compact body and narrow hips. The male Frenchie cannot mount the female efficiently in order to reproduce. In fact, a breeder I spoke to even advised that you should not force the issue. If you do, it can lead to the dogs overheating! The breeding also means that giving birth is something that also needs human assistance. The female Frenchie is at great risk of harm if she has a natural birth. The puppies are also at risk of death due to the narrow birth canals — you can read more about this and watch a video in my post about natural Frenchie births. So, in short, can you breed French Bulldogs naturally? Most breeders use artificial insemination. Are French Bulldogs difficult to breed naturally? As you can imagine, French Bulldogs are hard to breed, and it can also be very expensive. If you want to become a breeder for French Bulldogs, the process is actually a lot more complex than shutting them in a room together and letting nature take their course. In the case of studs, although they have working penises and testicles and can indeed produce semen, it is difficult for them to mate. This is because they are unable to properly regulate temperatures due to their short noses and short coat. Given that the breed is characterised by narrow hips and large heads, the pregnancy as a whole as well as the process of giving birth is extremely risky for the mother — again, it is possible, but is strongly discouraged by vets. The breed is also known for their lack of maternal instincts around their puppies which may be the result of the bypassing of the natural birth process. Consequently, the most common route that professional French Bulldog breeder go down is artificial insemination and a caesarean section. Artificial insemination and caesareans are both incredibly expensive procedures. Also, with the French Bulldog breed being associated with various medical issues, it could be that any puppies born have similar genetic issues. Before undertaking the responsibility of breeding a French Bulldog, you should always make sure that you have the time and finances to see the process through without there being any detriment to the mother. The remainder of this article will explore the breeding process itself and is designed to inform rather than be a substitute for any actual medical advice. How do I know if my French Bulldog can be bred? The intervention of breeders over the years has meant that entire dog breeds which would have never come about naturally are now commonplace. French Bulldogs were made by crossing terriers with English Bulldogs, and an unfortunate side-effect of this non-natural breeding is that some Frenchies have birth defects or other genetic issues as a result. Because the breed is flat-faced with shorter-than-normal snouts, they are known for having breathing issues. Lots of French Bulldogs also suffer from allergies and problems to do with their eyes, joints and bones. This is why it is especially important to test your French Bulldog for any genetic defects before breeding them. Although different breeding organisations have different guidelines on genetically testing your Frenchie, it is generally recommended that you undergo the following process before attempting to breed them: Visit your vet so they can give your Frenchie a general health screening in order to establish if they suffer from any health issues themselves. Ensure your pup undergoes two separate DNA tests for the avoidance of any doubt or error about their genetic makeup and potential issues. If you find that your French Bulldog has any genetic issues, breeding them would be extremely irresponsible. Furthermore, you should work to establish whether your Frenchie is the result of two closely related dogs like siblings conceiving. If this is the case, this has the potential to cause more potential genetic issues for any offspring further down the line. Related breeding and mating questions If you found this article informative, you might want to look at the answers to some of these related questions below. How do I get my French Bulldogs to mate? Avoid letting your Frenchies mate naturally. Instead the question should be how you select two French Bulldogs to mate. In simple terms you should: Select a male and female with characteristics and genetics you wish to pass down to the offspring. Ensure that the male and female have no health issues or generic problems after consultation and checks with your vet. Ensure that the dogs are not related to each other. Do not stress your Frenchie out by travelling long distances. How many times can you breed a French Bulldog? A female French Bulldog is said to be able to breed twice a year, but because the caesarean and pregnancy can take a toll on the animal, it is recommended to wait at least 18 to 24 months before breeding them a second time, and so forth. You can read more about this in this blog post about breeding regularity. How old does a female French Bulldog have to be to breed? Responsible breeders recommend that female French Bulldogs should be at least 2 years old before you can consider breeding them. When can a male French Bulldog breed and mate? Male French Bulldogs do not mature sexually until they are aged around 15 months old. At this age they are more than capable of breeding — albeit by artificial extraction and insemination. Male Frenchies can actually produce sperm at a younger age, sometimes as young as 6 months — but it is not advisable to breed them at this age. Is it safe to breed French Bulldogs? Is it safe to breed French Bulldogs, but not naturally. Due to their genetic make-up, you should not let your Frenchies mate and reproduce naturally but instead use artificial insemination followed by C-section delivery. Is breeding French Bulldogs profitable? Breeding Frenchies can be a profitable business, and because of this, a lot of unscrupulous breeders do get involved. Due to French Bulldogs being unable to breed naturally, they are a more valued breed. This means they can be sold at higher prices. However, you should bear in mind that there will be a lot of medical expenses involved in the breeding process. How much does it cost to breed a French Bulldog? You will need to account for C-section costs , medical bills, vet support, and more. How many puppies do French Bulldogs have? Due to the smaller build of French Bulldogs and their narrow hips, their litters are one of the smallest compared to other breeds. On average, female French Bulldogs have litters of 2 to 4 puppies, although in rare cases it has been known for litters to be as big as six. This is a classic litter size for a Frenchie birth. You can read more about this in my guide to Frenchie litter sizes. Although naturally breeding and reproduction of French Bulldogs is physically possible, it is not only difficult for the animals to do, but can also be very dangerous and harmful for them. A responsible French Bulldog breeder should therefore avoid trying to force the natural route and work closely with their vet — discussing procedures like artificial insemination, caesareans as well as how best to care for your French Bulldog bitch and their puppies whence they arrive. If you are thinking of purchasing a French Bulldog puppy, you should also be wary of buying from a breeder that seems to cut corners with medical procedures. It can mean the puppies are unhealthy and the parents are mistreated. The area should be a minimum of 43, ideally around square foot square meters. Initially, a smaller area is sufficient, but as the puppies grow and learn to walk they will need more room, which naturally calls for a larger area. Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! That means that someone needs to be at home at all times, monitoring and nurturing both the mother and the newborns. A pregnant dog, especially during the last weeks before delivery, requires constant supervision. That allows the breeder to promptly notice any issues that may arise and seek immediate professional assistance. Continuous supervision can even ensure the survival of the puppies and preventing complications. At the earliest, the puppies can be left alone for hours when they reach 4 weeks of age. This level of round-the-clock attention is required for a minimum of weeks. After that you should check on them every 2 hours until they reach weeks of age or until they are placed with their new owners. Responsibilities around the mother dog The Frenchie mom should be up to date on all necessary treatments. That includes regular deworming and protection against both internal and external parasites, like heartworms and mites. Things to Consider After Mating Caring for a pregnant Frenchie mom Just like any expectant mother, your beloved Frenchie mom requires special attention and care during pregnancy. Regular exercise is still important, but it should be gentle and tailored to her needs. Long walks should be replaced with shorter, leisurely strolls, especially during hot weather. Engage in shorter walks and engage in interactive play sessions to keep her active and mentally stimulated. Shower her with extra love and attention during this special time. Keep her away from unfamiliar dogs to minimize the risk of illness. Remember, continuous monitoring is essential. Keep a close eye on her health and behavior throughout the pregnancy. As the pregnancy progresses and she enters the final weeks, create a calm and tranquil environment for her. Provide a cool and quiet space where she can rest comfortably. Minimize stressors and ensure she feels secure and at ease. Food and supplements Until you know that the mating was successful for sure, there is no need to change the amount or type of food your female Frenchie gets. Once her abdomen starts to round slightly after a few weeks , the food portion should be minimally increased, but you should avoid overfeeding. A Frenchie mom requires more nutrients during pregnancy to deliver healthy puppies, so it is important to pay attention to her diet. Feed your Frenchie mom twice a day and provide fresh cold water every morning. Avoid giving raw meat and raw eggs to your pregnant dog! Ultrasound It is recommended to have an ultrasound performed around the 28th to 30th day of pregnancy. By this time, the fetuses can be visible in the images, and their well-being can be assessed. Prior to the examination, it is important to ensure that the mother is calm and relaxed, as anxiety or fear can influence the results. It is generally not advisable to perform additional ultrasound examinations during the course of the pregnancy as it can cause significant stress to the mother towards the end of gestation, which can be risky. Choosing the right veterinarian The veterinarian will play a vital role in ensuring a successful pregnancy and safe delivery for your Frenchie mom. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind: Look for a vet who has experience in artificial insemination and C-sections. They should be knowledgeable about the specific needs and challenges associated with French Bulldog breeding. Make sure the veterinarian has access to the necessary facilities and equipment required for artificial insemination and cesarean sections. Seek recommendations from other dog owners and breeders who have had experience with your chosen vet. Choose someone who you feel comfortable with, who listens to your concerns and provides clear explanations. Make sure that the vet is readily available, both during regular hours and for emergencies. Here are some essential items to gather: Whelping box made of wood or plastic, with surrounding rails to prevent the mother from accidentally crushing the puppies against the walls. Bedding: Cut some rugs or mats to fit the bottom of the whelping box. These will be easily replaceable in case of dirt or mess. Avoid using blankets, as they can pose a risk to the puppies. Wipeable and waterproof underpads: These can be purchased from a baby store and placed underneath the mother and provide easy cleanup. A hanging heat lamp will ensure a warm and comfortable environment for the puppies. A smaller plastic box with high sides to transport the newborn puppies. Line it with a soft bedding for their comfort during transportation. Cleaning supplies: Stock up on washcloths, disinfectant wipes and baby wipes for cleaning and maintaining hygiene. Keep some fresh meat, such as lean turkey or any other lean white meat in the freezer. The mom may not eat her regular food during the first few days after delivery, so offering fresh meat can entice her to eat. Royal Canin Babydog Milk: Have a puppy milk replacer kit ready, including a nursing bottle in case of difficulties with breastfeeding. Scale to weigh the puppies and track their growth and development. Nesting behavior: The mother starts looking for a suitable place to give birth, often scratching and seeking out secluded spots. Vomiting and diarrhea Milk production: The nipples may become swollen, but this might only happen within a few hours after delivery for some dogs. Restlessness: The mother may display signs of discomfort, such as excessive panting, restlessness, and walking back and forth. Behavioral changes: The mom may seem restless, excited, or even spend most of the day lying down. If you notice these signs before the expected date, call your vet immediately! Provide a calm and secure environment for the mother dog. Praise, comfort her and gently pet her. Talking to her in a soothing tone can help keep her relaxed. As soon as you can see clear signs of labor, you should immediately notify the vet. Follow their guidance and instructions throughout the delivery process. Caesarean section During a C-section, the mother dog is placed under anesthesia. The veterinarian makes an incision on her abdomen to access the uterus, and removes the puppies one by one. Then they cut the umbilical cord and cleans the puppies. Finally, the vet stitches up the incision, and the mother dog gradually wakes up from the anesthesia. During the caesarean section the owner is not allowed in the room. The procedure is relatively quick, usually taking about half an hour for the puppies to be delivered. The incision on the mother can be painful and sensitive, requiring careful attention. The stitches will be removed after 10 days. After anesthesia, the mother dog may be disoriented and trembling, unaware that her puppies have been born. Since the anesthesia also affects the puppies, they are born asleep and may not cry or move much, which can be distressing even for an experienced breeder. It takes time for them to wake up, cry, and start moving. Rubbing them gently can help stimulate them, the assistants will help with that. Once all the puppies have woken up and are healthy, they should be taken home separately from the mother. The puppies need to be transported in a box, covered and kept warm, while the mother is transported in a crate. Things to Consider After Delivery Caring for the pups at home The Frenchie mom meets her puppies for the first time at home. You should be very cautious and have someone with you to carefully place the puppies next to the mom, as she may inadvertently harm them. She can sniff them, but only under close supervision. In the initial period, the mother should be brought to the puppies every three hours until all the pups are well-fed. When the mother licks and cares for the puppies, make sure to praise her. On the other hand, if you see any aggression from the mom towards the puppies, tell her off immediately, as such behavior is unacceptable in your presence. Every time you handle the puppies, thorough handwashing and hand sanitization are necessary. If they are huddled together and sleeping close to the heat lamp, it means they are cold. You should experiment with the height of the heat lamp and adjust the temperature accordingly. It contains essential nutrients that are crucial for their development, survival and strengthening of their immune system. If a puppy is too weak and cannot get enough milk, you should recognize that immediately. These pups will not thrive without supplementing their feeding with a milk replacer. Our recommendation is Royal Canin Babydog Milk, which is available in a kit with a nursing bottle, and you only need warm water to prepare it. Simply mix the powder with water, shake well, and it is ready to be fed. The First Week It takes a minimum of 3 days for the mother to adjust to the new situation, become comfortable with cleaning the puppies, nursing them, and start bonding with them. During the first week, she should never be left alone with the puppies, no matter how good she seems to be. Since she can accidentally lie on top of them, she should be placed in a lying position, and the puppies should only be allowed near her nipples. You should make sure that the pups are not near the sides of the whelping box, as they can get trapped and suffocate when the mom moves. It is important to maintain the appropriate temperature, both in the room and under the heat lamp, while monitoring the puppies. Daily ventilation is necessary, and during that time, the puppies should be covered with a blanket. Due to the sensitivity and pain from the incision, the Frenchie mom should only be taken for a quick walk and should not be allowed to jump. She should be kept in a secure place where she cannot access the puppies. It is normal for the mother to experience bleeding as part of the postpartum process. Feed her in the morning and evening. If she does not eat the regular food, which is likely to happen, you need to cook for her. Boil lean white meat in plain, unsalted water and mix it with a small amount of cooked rice. If she enjoys it, you can add cooked vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or pumpkins. Read this article to learn more about how the pups develop in their first few weeks. Second Week By this time, feeding the pups every 4 hours is sufficient. They become stronger during this week and start eating on their own, so there is no need to keep them on the nipple. At this stage, the mother dog becomes very attached to the puppies and enjoys being with them. There is no need to visit a vet for this. Using a sharp, sterilized nail clipper, carefully cut each stitch and then disinfect the area. Third Week The puppies become much stronger during this week, and feeding every 5 hours is sufficient at this stage. Their eyes are fully open, and they start to interact with each other, which is the most adorable phase. They push themselves up with their front paws and begin to stand on their feet. Fourth Week During the fourth week, the puppies begin to learn how to walk but may still be a bit unsteady. They will require more space from now on to move around freely and play. If the weather is nice, you can start taking them outdoors on a blanket towards the end of the fourth week. You can also begin training them to use doggy pads in a separate area, preferably in one corner. Towards the end of the week, you can start introducing weaning with warm water-soaked Royal Canin Starter food, thoroughly blended to a liquid consistency. Initially, you can apply it on their tongue and gradually assist them in standing next to the food bowl. Start with small portions and they will grow to enjoy it. You can also give them water, but only in very small amounts to prevent choking. What treatments should the puppies get The puppies need to be dewormed every two weeks from the age of 4 weeks old. At 10 weeks a booster shot of the combination vaccine At 12 weeks against rabies At 14 weeks against kennel cough optional. Talk to them to help them get accustomed to human voices and human presence. As they begin to grow, take them out regularly, hold them in your lap, show them affection, and make it natural for them to receive attention. Once they start walking, introduce them to different locations apart from their own designated area. Allow them to explore certain parts of the house, where they can encounter unfamiliar smells, sounds, and objects, of course, within safe limits. Start teaching them to distinguish between what is allowed and what is not. Let them interact with children and elderly individuals, but ensure that everyone handles them gently and with care. Ultimate Guide. No, you cannot just start breeding your French Bulldog. French Bulldogs have many, many special medical needs and are prone to birth defects and other issues if poor breeding takes place. French Bulldog breeding is hard. Frenchies are notoriously stubborn to breed effectively and safely. French Bulldog females are often totally incapable of giving natural birth due to hip dysplasia hips are weakened and too narrow for natural birth. This means breeding your female french bulldogs will often require a caesarian section c-section. Further, French Bulldog puppies are incredibly delicate and must have around-the-clock care in order to ensure the litter is breathing well, eating well, and not too hot or cold. French Bulldog Breeding and Health Concerns French Bulldogs are replete with health concerns and breeders work year after year trying to improve the overall health and well-being of the breed by selecting champion international pedigrees, paying thousands for top quality studs, and going so far as to rely on modern bio-genetic engineering to try and filter out fatal health conditions in their puppies. French Bulldogs are prone to fatal breathing problems due to pinched nostrils known as stenotic nares , an elongated soft palette, and hyperventilation due to excessive exercise, exhaustion, and overheating. Breeding French Bulldogs with health issues is the primary cause of the continuation and proliferation of genetic health issues in the breed. Breeding a rare breed of dog like Frenchies is difficult and when done wrong, only hurts the animal and their offspring, and continues to weaken the conformation of the breed. Backyard French Bulldog breeding is a terrible thing to do or attempt to do. If you have no experience breeding French Bulldogs, then we are begging you, please do not try. Consult with a professional breeder first. Breeders do not breed and show their champion animals for profit. They breed French Bulldogs to try and help the breed live longer, healthier lives by breeding out or circumventing bad health problems. The French Bulldog Club of America will not permit French Bulldogs who have had any medical procedures other than removal of the dewclaws. This is critical to preserving and protecting the breed. French Bulldogs are one of the most celebrated dog breeds of all time, but poor and immoral breeding practices has resulted in the proliferation of health issues among the breed.

These two are serious cuddlers!! We love them BIG! Thanks again for the amazing quality pups! Have a great week! He is truly the most wonderful boy and has been a godsend during the pandemic. He brings us so much happiness. He has an amazing personality.Thanks again. I attached a couple of pictures. My good friend and neighbor Jennifer is planning to contact you.He is absolutely the best!! I just wanted to let you know how well Bella is doing!! So sweet and doing very well and healthy!! Best dog ever!! Thanks again!! He is 3 now and such a love with the biggest personality! I am also writing as we have a few friends who love him so much that they are looking to inquire about getting their own golden like Huey! One of the names is Maggie Moriarty. I have passed along your information! I hope all is well! Stay Healthy! I would like to talk to you about getting a puppy. We have a dog from that we got from you 5 years ago, and we think he is a beauty! You can judge for yourself. Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you. She is such a sweet, smart loving girl! We love her so much! Thank you! Our family feels whole again! Annie, the pup we got from you late last March has turned out to be absolutely everything we had hoped and lots more. Having had goldens for every one of my sixty-six years, my standards are high, and I have had several world-class bird dogs. She is as mellow and easy going as a dog can be but given the scent of a bird and she is ALL business. She is smart and biddable; I just could not hope for a better dog. Grateful in Chelsea, VT. Chelsea, VT .I would add that it is quite unusual to find a Golden from show stock, regardless of how good that stock may be, and have the dog be as good as Annie is. I am not new to this game. She is as fine a dog as I have had for a first-season dog. Watching her learning curve has been astonishing. These are profoundly serious level dogs. Annie is not overshadowed by these dogs at all. All the best, - mm Madison is doing great!!!!!! Everyone had to hug and kiss her. She really is quite adorable. Our Daughter, Son-in-law and 14 month old granddaughter are coming in tonight for the weekend to meet her. I am anxious to see how the babies get along. Our granddaughter loves dogs. They also bring their sweet 4 yr old cat, too. I'll keep you posted, maybe even some pictures. I see all the puppies are spoken for. They are truly special. She is such a sweetie!!! You did such a great job crate training her. Our Nikki loves her. I just bought a new camera today and am charging the batteries now. I will send you a couple of pictures of them together when it is finished charging. She is loving our home and her new Mommy Sophie! We lucked out last night and found a big bag of Royal Canine at Pet Smart, along with many new accessories last night. Many thanks. He is growing so fast and gets smarter everyday. We have so much fun with him. My husband was so surprised and happy I gave him Odie for his birthday. I wanted to update you on Brandy. She's doing really well! She's actually sleeping and snoring on the couch right now - she's claimed her corner of it. She's very smart and friendly. She had completed Puppy Basic and we're in Intermediate Class now. She's very good with children and with my grandparents. My grandfather absolutely adores her, and she walks very slowly with him while he hobbles along on his cane. I sent some photos so you could see how she's grown! She is wonderful - thank you so much. We adopted Abigail from you the end of last February and I contacted you during the summer about a male puppy, well we are now ready. We are looking for a light, big and blocky male. We were interested in the males you just had, but were not quick enough! So, we were wondering if there might be any puppies fitting that description that might be up and coming. We are certainly willing to wait for the puppy. Please let me know if you might have anything available in the near future. Thank you so much! I always enjoy checking out your web site - your Christmas puppies were beautiful. I don't know how you manage to get them in such great poses - your photography is superb. Our Oliver is a very calm and affectionate Golden - we are enjoying him so much. He was a little upset on the ride home, which is understandable, but as soon as he arrived and met his two year old sister, Mitzi Maltese who likes to play every bit as much as he does, all else was forgotten. They have a ball together and wear each other out. He goes to the door whenever he has to go, which is every twenty minutes, and comes when he is called without hesitation. His training starts in earnest this weekend since he is a very smart dog. Instincts run deep. This morning he met our 16 year old cat for the first time, and his reaction was to freeze and point. He held the point for a good two minutes as the cat sized him up and then retreated to a safe loft to think it over. He is a great dog! Below is the announcement to family and friends with pictures. But it's a start. We already have about fifty pictures of him. Thanks for the picture of his mother. I have just moved it into the hard drive and will incorporate it into Montana's CD album. If you ever have a chance to get a picture of his father, we would love to have that as well. It was a pleasure meeting you, and we will stay in touch with pictures as he grows which is by the minute. Hope all is well with you, and quietly hope that you do not get out of the business. You do a great service. Stay in touch. What a wonderful dogso gregarious and affectionate. I wish I had a dollar for every time someone told me how handsome he is. As you may recall, this is my first dog ever and I am completely happy I made the decision. Coby was house trained in two weeks, so he is both smart and good-looking!! Keep up the good work. Frank Happened to visit your site last night and saw that you have a litter of puppies from the same parents that had Gem she was Caroline and I decided to send you some photos so you can see how well she is doing. We have had Gem for nearly 2 years now and, as you can see from the photos, she is a huge part of our family and my children love her so much. She is a very sweet natured dog and has never shown any signs of aggression to people or other dogs. She is so beautiful, people stop me to compliment her all the time. I was interested to see the photos of her parents again, now that she is an adult. I can definitely see a strong resemblance to her father, and from what I recall you telling me about his personality, it seems that she has a good share of that too. Thanks for helping us get such a wonderful dog. She is such a love. She wants to be wherever her people are. We ask where is Gracie? Thank you for a wonderful dog! She is an absolutely wonderful dog and we are loving her to pieces! We live on The Cape and she goes to the ocean to play on the beach every morning and goes walking on the dog trail every afternoon with her best friends Gracie GR and Ella Australian Shepherd and swims in the pond after. The family behind us recently got a puppy about Madison's age, a cross between a beagle and border collie. They play every chance they get. Madison weighs about 66 lbs. She jumps on everyone and licks faces; we are working on that. I have been following your website and all the pups are adorable! Thought you would like this picture. He's a great dog. Very lovable and very smart. Thank You. Shes doing great. Fully house trained, obeys commands sit, paw, stay, etc and is absolutely adorable! She loves people, especially little kids and is gentle and good natured. We love her! Thanks for getting us together! Sonny is doing great! He is such a perfect puppy, he is well on his way as far as potty training and is an angel in his crate at night, we don't hear one peep out of him. We are having so much fun with him and he seems really happy. Thanks again, I will send you a couple of pictures in a separate email. Thank you for our wonderful doggie! She seems to love her new big yard in Austerlitz and is having a ball following us around the house. Today we drove back to Brooklyn and Lily was promptly greeted with a friendly hello from the neighborhood dogs. One was a Goldendoodle and the other a Labradoodle, and together all three were a gorgeous golden color, what a beautiful sight! Lily is also enjoying her Brooklyn backyard and for now seems to have enough room to run around. She likes exploring the different floors of the house as well. Our cat seems to be taking her presence in stride and we anticipate that they will get along well after they become accustom to one another. Thank you for sharing your abundance of knowledge and providing us with an amazingly beautiful, calm and sweet puppy. He is a great dog and very social. I will keep you in the loop and send you some pictures as he grows. We took him out on the ocean yesterday to start to get him use to being on the water as our family spends allot of time there. He loved it and actually slept on the ride back!! Thanks again Dave and Amy, We will keep you updated with pics. These pictures are on his first birthday June 23, .People around watching me with him were just amazed how beautiful and smart he was for his age. We have him in agility and he is amazing. Odie is very smart, has a sweet personality and always has love and kisses for everyone he meets. Oh, he loves to watch golf on television with his daddy. If anyone is looking for a great Golden Retriever puppy they need to think about getting one of your puppies. A few accidents but we're working with him! He's been so much fun and we're looking forward to him being part of our family! Thanks again for everything. Love to see more, we are loving Cooper so much. Let me know. .Warm Regards, Denise. He has been such a joy and it has only been two days. I have been meaning to email you and give an update on our life with Stanley we renamed him Odie after seeing that name on your website before we bought Stanley, we loved the name. I know you remember us, so heartbroken over the death of our Jack. We still are, of course, but Odie had come into our lives and brought so much joy. He is the best behaved puppy, so mild mannered, never EVER barks, so loving and happy. He is very smart and learns so quickly. He has brought us so much joy already we cannot imagine life without him! I wanted to thank you for your patience with us, and thank you for providing us with such a perfect beautiful Golden, we love him so much. I have attached a photo of him, he is adorable, and a photo of him with his brother Max, our 10 year old Cocker Spaniel. Odie loves his brother very much!! Summer Brook Golden Retrievers English Golden Retriever Breeders and Trainers We are Golden Retriever breeders who breed puppies from lines that are heavily titled in either conformation or obedience most have titles in both , are health tested, and have great pedigrees and fantastic temperaments. We have developed a positive reinforcement training program that produces an incredible amount of focus in all of our Golden Retriever puppies. Whether we are the right Golden Retriever breeder for you or not, our website has helpful tips on finding and raising your Golden Retriever puppy. Canadian Gr CH C. We are English Golden Retriever breeders who strive to produce only the very best representatives of the breed with regard to health, temperament, and appearance. All of our adult dogs are titled in obedience. Our older adult dogs are titled in conformation as well. After health, our primary focus is producing puppies with good temperaments. Families getting Summer Brook puppies can be assured of a quality well-socialized puppy for several reasons. European Type Golden Retrievers Who are a Part of Our Family First of all, our dogs live as part of our family in our home and on our acre property. Summer Brook puppies are raised in a home environment where someone is home with them most of the time. All of our English Golden Retriever parents have passed tests for hips, elbows, heart, and eyes and have had DNA testing. All of our dogs have passed with hip scores equivalent to either OFA excellent or good. We have no dogs rated as fair in any category. You can get to these pages through the Our Dogs page. See our Health pages for information on genetic health issues in English Golden Retrievers, how breeders test for these issues, and how to interpret and verify the results. We have earned titles at highly competitive levels in all three. Go to the Our Dogs page to see the titles achieved by our individual dogs. Also, see our page on Dog Titles to learn which titles mean something. You can also learn which titles you can earn in a weekend of shows with any mediocre dog. We have done well with our older dogs in the conformation ring earning a wide variety of impressive titles. However, for our younger dogs, we have decided to concentrate our efforts in the obedience ring. We prioritize temperament and health over looks. However, all of our dogs are still beautiful and they come from long lines of conformation champions. English Golden Retriever Puppies Raised With Care Fourthly, our adults are very impressive, but people keep coming back for second and third puppies from us because of the way we raise our English Type Golden Retriever puppies sometimes called English Cream Golden Retriever puppies and where and how our dogs live. See our page on Golden Retriever Puppies to see our future breeding plans along with availability. Focused Puppy Training Program 10 Week Old Puppy Heeling And finally, we have a very popular training program for those wanting a start in training for their puppy. You must see some of the many videos of our past puppies to appreciate what we do with these young puppies. You can find several of these videos on the Puppies page. Also, you can find many more videos on our Youtube channel. Enjoy Your Visit! Secondly, we designed our website to help those who are just starting a search for an English Golden Retriever puppy and want to learn more about the imported lines of Golden Retrievers. There are dozens of pages on our website with a wide variety of information. Footer Subscribe for updates about dog training, puppy care, dog food, and more! Email Address.

Contact Us for litters and reservations for litters. The success of Vom Banach K9 dogs out in the world, and the happiness of Vom Banach K9 owners, is due in part to the effort we make to ensure that you have the absolute right puppy for your situation, whatever it is. We literally spend hundreds of hours with our puppies from the moment they are born in our home until the time they are ready to leave for their new home with you. Whether you seek a devoted family pet, or a prospect for SAR, detection, Shutzhund, Police K9, competitive obedience and agility, or nose work, we will help select the right puppy for you. An important part of the process is speaking to you to learn about you and the dog that will best meet your needs and expectations. In advance of that conversation, please fill out the form below and click on Submit when completed. Thanks very much. Vom Banach K9 German Shepherd puppies are happy, healthy, well-socialized and confident. Our German Shepherd puppies are known for their loyalty, affection, eagerness to please, work ethic, and rich dark black sable, sable, and solid black coats. Shipping by air is fast, safe, convenient, and cost-effective. We use only airlines that have demonstrated a solemn commitment to animal travel over the last 26 years. Vom Banach K9 uses only certified airline-approved crates. For information on our current litters please Contact Us. Your browser does not support the video tag. For the complete list please see our list page. As with any breed, you should always expect to pay much more for a registered purebred puppy. Prices for German Shepherd puppies vary depending on the breeder and the pedigree of the puppy. Some breeders may charge more or less depending on whether the puppy is show quality or not. If you are interested in owning a German shepherd, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder in Mississippi. With so many to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect one for you and your family. Here are a few tips to help you get started: Ask your friends and family for referrals. Visit local dog shows and meet with breeders in person. Be prepared to ask lots of questions about the puppies, the parents, and the breeding process. Make sure that the breeder is willing to provide you with references from previous buyers. If a breeder balks at any of your requests, consider looking for another breeder. German Shepherds are a very popular breed and there is no shortage of options when it comes to choosing one. Be patient, do your research, and you will be sure to find the perfect puppy. Visit Your Mississippi German Shepherd Breeder in Person If you are in the market for a German shepherd puppy, there are some things you should keep in mind. First, if at all possible, try to visit your Mississippi German Shepherd breeder in person to get a better idea of what sort of puppies they breed. This is beneficial to both the buyer and the seller. Breeders who are proud of their puppies will be more than happy to show them off. By visiting the breeder, you can see the environment in which the puppies are raised and get a first-hand look at the parents. This will help you to determine if the breeder is responsible and breeding healthy dogs. It is also important to ask lots of questions. A good breeder will be happy to answer all of your questions and will be more than willing to provide you with references. If the breeder seems hesitant or unwilling to answer your questions, it is best to move on. When looking for a German shepherd breeder, it is important to make sure that you are dealing with a responsible person. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your German Shepherd Breeder in Mississippi One of the best ways to determine if a German shepherd breeder is responsible is to ask for references. Good breeders will be happy to provide you with references from previous buyers. If the breeder does not have any references, or if the references are all from family members or friends, it may be best to move on. A good breeder will be more than happy to provide you with references from previous buyers who are not related to them. It is also important to ask for health clearances from the parents of the puppies. Health clearances prove that the parents have been tested for genetic disorders and are free of any diseases. If the breeder does not have any health clearances, it is best to move on. Reputable German shepherd breeders in Mississippi can be tough to find, but it is worth the effort. By following these tips, you are sure to find the perfect puppy for your family. Happy hunting! Ask Your Mississippi German Shepherd Breeder if You Can Meet Past Customers When you are looking for a German Shepherd breeder in Mississippi, one of the best ways to determine if they are bred responsibly is to ask them if you can meet some of their past customers. Reputable breeders will be more than happy to provide references from previous buyers. Meeting past customers will give you a better idea of what sort of person the breeder is. In addition, it will give you a chance to see the environment in which they have been raised and ask questions about their health and personalities. A good breeder should be more than happy to meet with past customers. If the breeder does not seem willing to let you meet previous buyers, it may be wise to walk away. A responsible Mississippi German Shepherd breeder will work hard to make sure that every puppy finds a good home and will be more than willing to provide references from previous buyers who are not related to them. A good Mississippi German Shepherd breeder should have a good veterinarian that they use. This veterinarian should be familiar with the breed and should be able to provide health clearances for the parents of the puppies. If the breeder does not have a good veterinarian, it is best to walk away. A responsible breeder will work closely with their veterinarian to ensure that their puppies are healthy and free of any genetic disorders. It is also important to ask the breeder how often they have their dogs bred. Good breeders will only breed their dogs when there is a demand for puppies. They will also only breed their dogs when they are in good health and have been cleared by their veterinarian. If you are looking for a responsible Mississippi German Shepherd breeder, be sure to ask lots of questions. A good breeder will be more than happy to answer all of your questions and will be more than willing to provide you with references. An unethical Mississippi German Shepherd breeder will be more than happy to sell you a puppy without providing you with any information about the dogs or the puppies. They may even tell you that there are no records of the parents. It is also important to avoid breeders who are not willing to provide references from previous customers. Unethical breeders tend not to have many repeat customers because they do not take care of their dogs and neglect them when they are pregnant and after they give birth. Be sure to ask lots of questions before choosing a breeder. A good breeder should be able to provide you with all kinds of information about the puppies, the parents, and themselves. If the breeder is unwilling to answer your questions or seems shady, it is best to walk away. There are plenty of reputable breeders in Mississippi who would be more than happy to help you find the perfect puppy for your family. Many unethical breeders will try to hide this information from you. These breeders are usually trying to sell their puppies as quickly as possible and do not have much concern for the well-being of the puppies or their new families. There are no perfect dogs, but there are a lot of great breeders out there who will work hard to provide you with a healthy and happy puppy. However, a reputable breeder should be more than happy to provide you with a health record for your puppy. This health record should have all of the information on the vaccines that were given and any medical treatments that have been performed. They will also be able to inform you about what genetic disorders are common with the breed so you can watch out for them. Be sure to have a safe place for the puppy to sleep. This can be a kennel or a crate, but it should be big enough for the puppy to stand up and turn around in. You will need to have a place for the puppy to eat and drink. This can be a bowl or an automatic feeder and waterer. You will need to have a place for the puppy to potty. This can be an outdoor potty area or a pee pad. You will to have some toys for the puppy to play with. You will need to have a vet lined up who can provide care for your new puppy. If you can provide your German Shepherd with all of these things, they will be happy and healthy. However, if you are unable to provide these things, it is best to find an alternative pet. This process can take some time, but it is definitely worth it in the end. The best way to potty train your puppy is to take them outside frequently. When they go potty outside, be sure to praise them and give them a treat. Another thing that you can do is to put newspaper or pee pads in an area where the puppy can go potty indoors. When they go potty on the newspaper or pee pad, be sure to praise them and give them a treat. It is important to stay consistent with both of these methods so that the puppy will learn where they are supposed to go potty. If you are consistent with potty training, your German Shepherd puppy will be potty trained in no time. However, if you do not stay consistent, the puppy will likely start to potty inside the house. The best way to train your German Shepherd is to start when they are young. One of the most important commands that you can teach your dog is how to sit. Once your dog has mastered sitting on command, you can move onto the next step. The next step is to teach your German Shepherd puppy how to stay. When you come back, give them praise and another treat. Once they understand the concept of staying, you can start teaching them how to come when called. This process will take some time because you cannot reward them with treats every single time that they come when called; otherwise, they may get sick of coming when called after while. Eventually, your German Shepherd will learn how to stay and come when called whenever they are given the command. 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. German Shepherd German ShepherdT The German Shepherd Dog is hailed as the worlds leading police, guard and military dog, however, this dependable breed is more than its 9-to-5 job. Consistently one of the United States most popular breeds according toAKC Registration Statistics, the German Shepherd Dog is also a loving family companion, herder and show competitor. The breed is approachable, direct and fearless, with a strong, muscular body. Derived from the old breeds of herding and farm dogs, the first German Shepherd Dog exhibited in America was in .The fame associated with Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart, two members of the breed whose movies played on variations of the boy and his dog theme, shot the popularity of the breed sky-high. Temperament Energetic and fun-loving, the breed is very fond of children once a relationship is established. He is a loyal family pet and a good guard dog, the ideal choice for many families. He requires regular exercise and grooming. The German Shepherd Dog is extremely intelligent. They are very easy to train with a firm hand and keep that training well. Herding Group; AKC recognized in .Ranging in size from 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Herding, police work. Ilac also was SG2 many times throughout Germany and Belgium. He also competed at the World Sieger Show in Germany. Our World Class German Shepherd Puppies have superb attitude, excellent temperament, great trainability and wonderful personalities. Our German Shepherds are gorgeous Black and Red color, big boned, and correct structure. Our success assures you that we will be here to answer your questions and honor our guarantee. Only successful professional german shepherd breeders can afford to have these expensive high quality breeding dogs. Our puppies are professional grade and so is our Guarantee! It is always a good idea to visit the kennel and inspect their operation, meet the parents of the puppy you are thinking of purchasing. This can be done by appointment and you are always welcome. This would be true in the entire family tree, generations as far back as x-rays and certifications existed. This is the highest standard used by any kennel in North America. As a buyer you should always ask about hip certification. Sieger Shows are a requirement to comply to the German standards for breeders. These shows are where they bring in the German judges, breed wardens and koermeisters. Kennels compete for breed ratings that improve the breed. This has to be done under German Regulations. Please also read our standards page and terminology. Antverpa and Lord v. Listed within is the foundation of our exclusive breeding program designed to produce dogs with working drives, sound nerves, correct structure, classic saddle back markings, as well as robust health and longevity. We have gone to great expense to bring together the stock capable of producing our ideal. Take a look and see, we are sure you will be as satisfied as we are! How to purchase a German Shepherd Puppy We make sure each dog has the health care and worming at the appropriate ages. Worming is done at 3 weeks, 5 weeks and 7 weeks of age. We will also help to crate train the pups by establishing a morning routine for the pups. We let them on the grass to relieve themselves, feed them, let them have 30 minutes time outside to do their business again, then put them in individual crates to learn how to be relaxed and quiet in a crate alone. We start with a positive 30 minutes on the first day. Then increase the time till the pups can stay in their crate for up to 3 to 4 hours at one given time. If a puppy can hold in the kennel for 3 to 4 hours, this allows for the new owners to be able to have a head start on house training. We give them their first puppy booster shot at 7 weeks then monitor them in separate kennel runs, 5 x 15 feet, for 7 days prior to shipping them to their new homes at 8 weeks of age. This teaches the puppies basic manners and how to continue their routine in new surroundings. Mail to: Alpha K-9 Kennels, P. Box , Hakalau, HI .Venmo Laurel-Smithson-1 Deposits are active for a maximum of 2 years only. Price will be subject to change. Deposits will be forfieted after 2 years. Some clients pass on a puppy when they are contacted. Not intended for breeding. Pick of each puppy is determined by the order in which the deposits are received. You will be contacted once the litter is days of age. Obedience, watch dog, sport or just a good family companion. Pictures will be posted every 2 weeks or so. Deposit 1 will pick first at about 7 weeks of age. Then the rest will follow. Personalities do not show till about 6 weeks, so we need to be patient and let them develop so I can observe and test closer to 7 weeks of age. Complete payment is required by PayPal, Venmo, check or Money order 10 days prior to shipment of each pup. Puppy will have a new crate yours to keep and will be shipped on Hawaiian cargo. Stateside, Guam, Canada Shipping available. Puppies will be ready for shipping at weeks of age. Prior to this time we will contact you to arrange a flight date and time. You may also fly to Hilo to pick up your puppy. We will contact you days in advance to verify flight arrangements. A copy of their shot record 7 weeks ,3 worming dates. A sales contract will be e-mailed containing a guarantee on each pup for hips up to 1 year of age. It is recommended to take the puppy to the vet within 48 hours of arrival to approve the purchase. First name according to the litter letter may be selected by the owner. Limited AKC puppy registration application will be mailed weeks after pick up. If you need any additional information on our dogs, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail alphak9kennels gmail. Thank you again for your interest. Mahalo, Laurel Smithson Our Dogs. We have the answers you seek! What affects German Shepherd price? German Shepherd breeders Florida sell German Shepherd puppies Florida at different prices according to a number of factors. German Shepherds come in a number of different colors, but the most expensive ones are white German Shepherd puppies for sale in Florida. Breeding experience comes into play, as well as location. Pedigree also plays a big part. As there are so many breeders and businesses connected to Florida Puppies, there will be a pup for you! Can I only connect with local litters and breeders? The necessary travel arrangements will be made! How does Florida Puppies screen breeders? Florida Puppies has the highest of standards when it comes to breeding German Shepherd puppies for sale in South Florida. Why is Florida Puppies regarded as one of the best in the business? Florida Puppies has an excellent name in the business because we take the business of breeding White German Shepherd puppies Florida and other German Shepherd puppies for sale in Florida very seriously. We look at the breeding facilities, healthcare, and feeding practices of all the breeders and businesses connected to us. What is everyday life like for a German Shepherd in a puppy mill? German Shepherd puppies for sale Florida have very hard lives in puppy mills. These gorgeous puppies are treated terribly. They live their first few months of life caged up, instead of being let out to run and play. Often they will get hip dysplasia at an early age due to this, as well as many other serious health problems. Do German Shepherds have a lot of health problems? German Shepherd puppies Orlando Florida have the typical amount of health problems that most dogs have. They may suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, diabetes, cataracts, bloat or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus GDV , epilepsy, hemophilia where they can bleed severely once injured , degenerative disc disease, and allergies, among others. We have a wide network of breeders, businesses, and companies connected to us that all take pleasure in breeding the best German Shepherds around. How can Florida Puppies work for me? Just find a puppy on Florida Puppies that you like, and contact its breeder or business and in no time, it will be yours! How do I know I can trust you? We know how hard it is to find genuine and authentic German Shepherd puppies in Florida breeders and companies. There are just way too many scammers out there pretending to sell pedigree pups that actually come from puppy mills and backyards. We make sure that all the breeders and businesses connected to us are authentic. Our reviews should encourage you to put faith in us! What is the history of the German Shepherd? German army captain Max von Stephanitz was a dog breeder who registered the first German Shepherd in Germany back in .The purpose was to develop an ideal service dog specifically for utility and intelligence purposes. It served the German army in both World Wars, and Americans noticed them and brought some back home. Many German Shepherd puppies Central Florida ended up on the silver screen, and serve in the police force today. German Shepherds Available! Puppies are here, they are healthy and beautiful!!!!! Contact us for more info and to reserve your next best friend!! Our German Shepherds are our treasured family pets. If they are truly superb examples of their breed, and pass all their health checks, we will breed them. The puppies are carefully whelped and raised in our home. Our entire emphasis when breeding is temperament and health. Because of the extreme popularity of the German Shepherd breed, there are now several different types being bred, for very specific purposes. We strongly believe that there is a need and a place for all of them! However, in our opinion, there is nothing better than a well-bred, quality, German Shepherd, and nothing worse, or potentially more dangerous, than a poorly bred one, or one placed in the wrong environment for the wrong reason. Please do your homework; diligently research the type of German Shepherd that best suits your needs and lifestyle, before purchasing one. A puppy purchase should be a lifetime commitment! We cannot stress enough, how important temperament is in all dogs, and especially in the German Shepherd. They must be properly socialized and handled with care to insure that they have the best possible chance to be a well-adjusted adult. However, all the training in the world cannot change the genetic makeup of any living thing. Proper breeding is crucial! We breed German Shepherds, both short and long coated, who adhere to the AKC Standards for the breed, and frequently, after careful research, will try to incorporate an outcross to a working dog that has VA rated, Schutzhund trained dogs, in its pedigree. We have personal hands on knowledge of most of the dogs in our pedigrees, and have had many of them living in our homes with us, for the past nine generations. In our opinion, there is no better way to ensure that the puppies you produce have the best possible chance of a loving stable temperament, and good health. If this is what you are looking for, please feel free to give us a call, as we frequently have German Shepherd puppies available. If you are looking for a more specialized type of German Shepherd puppy, call us. We would be happy to assist you in finding your new best friend any way we can! Current Litter.

Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Goldador Overview The idea was to create a working dog with the sensitivity of the Golden Retriever and the tolerance of the Labrador Retriever. It worked. Cross them, and the result is the unequivocally genial Goldador. Thanks to their easygoing nature and keen intelligence, Goldadors have proven outstanding guide dogs, service dogs, search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and bomb detection dogs. But like their parent breeds, Goldadors are happiest simply working alongside a person they love. Goldadors are active and require at least half an hour of daily exercise — most enjoy retrieving games as well as hiking and swimming. Training the eager-to-please Goldador is relatively easy — they come from a long line of dogs who work closely and willingly with people. This makes them an excellent choice for first-time owners, provided they get the exercise, structure, and positive reinforcement they crave. Goldadors are also a good option for families with children though they can be a bit rambunctious for toddlers , as they want nothing more than to be part of family activities. The ideal residence for a Goldador is a home with a fenced yard, but with regular exercise and companionship they can live and thrive in apartments and condos. Whatever his home, a Goldador should live indoors with his people. Goldadors are good family dogs and generally do well with children of all ages. The Goldador sheds moderately and requires weekly brushing. Goldadors require about 30 minutes of exercise per day. They enjoy being outdoors and can make excellent jogging companions. Although a house with a fenced yard is the ideal home for a Goldador, he can do well in an apartment or condo with proper exercise. Goldadors can be a good choice for first-time dog owners. Goldador History The Goldador was first developed more than a decade ago: the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever were crossed with the hopes of creating a sensitive, tolerant working dog. The effort proved successful. At this time, there are no breed clubs or any efforts to create a breed standard for the Goldador. Goldador Size The Goldador is one of the few designer breeds with a fairly predictable size, as both parent breeds are large and similar in size and shape. The Goldador is usually 22 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 60 to 80 pounds. Goldador Personality The Goldador is affectionate and loyal, alert enough to make an excellent watchdog, but too friendly to be an effective guard dog. His intelligence and desire to please render him highly trainable, and he responds best to positive reinforcement techniques. Socialization helps ensure that your Goldador puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Goldador Health Goldadors are prone to certain health conditions. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but it can be worsened by environmental factors, such as rapid growth from a high-calorie diet or injuries incurred from jumping or falling on slick floors. Elbow Dysplasia is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem, or medication and weight loss to control the pain. Cataracts are an opacity on the lens of the eye that causes difficulty in seeing. The eye s of the dog will have a cloudy appearance. Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels are regulated in part by insulin, which is produced in the pancreas. Glucose sugar is needed by the cells of the body to burn for energy; insulin is the key that lets the glucose into the cell. Without insulin, the glucose cannot enter the cell, so the cells are hungry even though there are high levels of glucose circulating in the blood. A diabetic dog will eat more food to try to compensate, but he will lose weight because food is not being used efficiently. Signs of diabetes are excessive urination and thirst, increased appetite, and weight loss. Diabetes can be controlled by diet and daily insulin injections. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA : This is a degenerative eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. PRA is detectable years before the dog shows any signs of blindness. Fortunately, dogs can use their other senses to compensate for blindness, and a blind dog can live a full and happy life. Both parents should have health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for hips, elbows, heart, and thyroid and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation CERF certifying that the eyes are normal. Goldador Care The ideal home for a Goldador is a house with a fenced yard where he can play safely; however, he can do well in an apartment or condo if he gets daily walks or runs. Interested in dog sports? Goldadors make formidable competitors in agility and flyball. Mental stimulation is crucial as well. Teach your Goldador to fetch the paper or your slippers, practice obedience training regularly with him, and put his mind to work from time to time with an interactive dog toy. As with all dogs, positive reinforcement techniques praise, play, and food rewards work best with the Goldador. Goldador Feeding Recommended daily amount: 3. Note: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. For more on feeding your Goldador, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Goldador Coat Color And Grooming A Goldador should have the same double coat as a Labrador Retriever, with a short, thick, straight topcoat and a soft, dense undercoat some have a slight wave down the back. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush will remove dead hair, helping to keep it off your clothes and furniture. During seasonal shedding periods, however, daily brushing is recommended. Bathe your Goldador as needed, and be sure to give him a thorough freshwater rinse any time he goes swimming. The Goldador can be prone to ear infections, so check and clean the ears weekly. Other grooming needs include dental hygiene and nail care. Trim his nails once or twice a month, as needed. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth and ears. Goldador Children And Other Pets Goldadors are an ideal family companion and are generally gentle and loving toward children of all ages. As puppies, they can be a bit rambunctious and may knock over smaller children unintentionally, so close supervision is important. Social and easy-going, Goldadors do well with other dogs and pets, especially when raised together. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how good-natured, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Goldador Rescue Groups There are no official rescue groups for the Goldador, but this cross is frequently available at private and municipal animal shelters. More Info For You. Tomato leaves stem or unripe fruit Alcohol, beer, wine or liquor Grapes or raisins Golden Retriever Crossed with Labrador Exercise Requirements The Lab Golden Retriever Mix has an active temperament so they might get destructive if they get bored. It is recommended to exercise them at least 2 hours daily. Getting them to do physical activities every day will help keep him happy and healthy. Here are some outdoor activities that you can try with your Golden Retriever Lab Mix: Hiking: It is a great way to turn your daily walk more challenging and exciting for your dog. Swimming: Utilize your private pool and do a swimming exercise with your dog companion. Swimming does not only serve as an exercise activity to yourself and to your companion dog, but it is also a great bonding experience. It also provides relief from the heat during the summer months. Make sure you supervise your dog all the time while doing this activity. Dock Diving: This is a fun sports activity to enjoy with your dog. All you have to do is throw a floating toy and encourage your dog to jump and swim out to retrieve it. If you and your Golden Retriever Lab Mix want to upgrade the challenge, you can try joining a Dock Diving Club and compete with other dogs. Play Fetch: This is a classic outdoor game that is great to do in summer. Challenge your dog by putting a twist to the activity, you can either use a Frisbee or a tennis racquet to make the object travel farther for your Golden Labrador to retrieve and return back to you. However, you should not be working them too much because when it comes to recovering objects, both parent breeds of Golden Retriever Lab Mix can be overly enthusiastic. However, even though they are intelligent dogs and has a friendly nature, you still need to put time and effort to train them better. Both parent breeds were bred to carry things. The best way to teach your Goldador not to bark is to socialize them frequently with strangers. Use Positive Reinforcement The Labrador crossed with Golden Retriever is a sensitive type of dog, so training them using positive reinforcement will be very helpful. Make sure to avoid negative punishment-based training since this hybrid dog may end up fearing you rather than respecting you as their leader. Make it a regular routine to reward your puppy whenever they do something right. Training your Goldador consistently in a positive method will give you pet companions that are obedient and good-natured. Do Mental Exercise The Golden Retriever mixed with Lab is an intelligent dog, and they need stimulating mental activities to avoid developing any aggressive behaviors, such as nuisance barking and chewing. Without proper mental exercise, Goldador puppies will grow into a passive, timid and uninspired dog. Labrador Golden Retriever Mix and Families Despite its large size, the Labrador mixed with Golden Retriever is a great family dog because of its easy-going personality. It is extremely friendly and affectionate. The Goldador is the type of dog that goes well in a loving and active family — one that considers him as a family member. The Golden Labradors cherish the company with children. They are naturally gentle, but they can play tirelessly as long as your kids can keep up. However, due to their sheer size, supervision is still needed around toddlers and infants. The Goldadors makes an excellent therapy and companion dog. Because of their affectionate nature, they generally do well when given lots of attention and affection. These hybrid dogs love to be with people, and hence it is tough for them to cope with solitude. So give love lots of love and affection to your Goldador Lab Retriever Mix and expect that it will shower you back with love. Breed Title Goldador Puppies Temperament Goldadors are an amazing combination of the intelligence and trainability of the Labrador and the friendly, gentle personality of the Golden Retriever. With their outgoing, friendly character and sweet disposition, Goldadors make excellent family pets around children and other animals as they have a great aptitude for understanding people. In terms of temperament, these beloved pups are highly sociable but not overly boisterous or hyper; they enjoy playing fetch but rest just as happily on your lap or at your feet while you work. Golden Labrador Retriever Puppy Health Considerations Though generally very happy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around years — our Goldadors for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Golden Labrador Retriever puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. Finding a Golden Labrador puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can also dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. Depending on the climate they live in, Goldadors may need regular baths — however omitting shampoo once or twice a year will ensure their coat retains its natural oils. Finally it is recommended to check the ears regularly and trim nails as needed. Adopted Golden Labrador Retriever Puppies. The double coat has a soft undercoat below a rough top coat that is water resistant. Either way, their coat will be fairly high maintenance. Shedding and Grooming Your new friend is going to shed, sometimes a lot. Both parent breeds heavily shed their coats with the change of seasons twice a year. For the rest of the year, expect a moderate level of shedding. Increased brushing during transitional times can help catch the loose hairs and stop them from spreading everywhere. Golden Retriever Labrador mixes will need weekly brushing, likely more during shedding season. Their nails should be trimmed regularly as well. Are They Hypoallergenic? The Goldador dog will not be hypoallergenic. They are high shedders, spreading dander from skin and saliva liberally around your home! With designer breeds like the Golden Retriever Lab, you can only make an educated guess about their temperament based on the general demeanor of their parents as well as the temperament of the parent breeds as a whole. If they are left alone a lot, they may become very destructive to your home. They will chew out of boredom or anxiety. As many Lab lovers know, these dogs do not know a stranger. Generally, the Goldador will get on well with children and other pets. Socialization Socialization from an early age is important for any breed, including the Golden Retriever Lab. Even though it hails from overly friendly and sociable breeds, there are still no guarantees to the temperament of your dog. Since training and socialization are both best started early on, puppy training classes can be a great way to both train and socialize your puppy at the same time. Training Tips The Goldador has an easygoing and eager to please temperament that helps make them highly trainable. Owners should start training early, from the time their puppy comes home. The parent breeds have a long history as service dogs, bomb detection dogs, hunting dogs, and now therapy dogs. Obedience classes will help create a well-mannered dog but also strengthens the bond between the dog and owner. Since Goldadors grow to be large dogs, obedience is also important to prevent them from jumping up at your guests! Energy Levels Golden Retriever Labrador puppies will grow into high-energy adults with a love for playing and a passion for retrieving! A Labrador Golden Retriever Mix makes a great companion for jogging, hiking, or cycling. This is a breed that also loves to swim. Canine sports, like agility, obedience trials, and tracking, are also a great way to keep your dog physically active, mentally stimulated, and out of trouble. As a very social breed, they do best as indoor dogs, but with a large, fenced in yard to run around. In addition to self-exercise, they need walks or other forms of daily activity with their owners. Exercise is especially important for the health of your Goldador since both Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers have a tendency to develop elbow and hip dysplasia. Weight management is one way of combating these joint problems. Health and Care All pedigree dog breeds are inbred to some extent. The measure of this is called the coefficient of inbreeding COI. The higher the COI, the greater the risks of health issues arising specifically from inbreeding. In a crossbreed such as the Goldador, the COI is usually much lower than it is in a purebred dog, and this is a good thing. To begin to look at the health and care of a Goldador we first need to consider the inherited health risks from both parent breeds Labrador and Golden Retriever. Labrador Health Labrador Retrievers are prone to a few hereditary health conditions and joint problems, as well as some health issues common to most dogs. To help minimize the likelihood of hereditary health issues in your new Goldador pup, check that your breeder has followed the recommended testing for the Labrador Retriever breed: Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis HNKP. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Labrador is a designer dog breed that originated in the United States. They are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever. The goal was to combine these two highly popular breeds to create a dog that exhibits the best traits from both of them. A mixed dog breed can take after one parent breed more than the other or any combination of traits from the parent breeds. This can result in some variation among individual puppies. But, overall, a Golden Labrador is friendly, intelligent, energetic, and affectionate. Although this mixed breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club and more. This large designer breed is characterized by their energetic personality and friendly disposition. Both of the parent breeds in this cross are open, friendly, and affectionate, so you can expect the same in your Golden Labrador puppy. They are very playful and get along fabulously with children, other dogs, and other pets. They may be alert enough to be a good watchdog, but they do not make good guard dogs. They are instinctually more interested in making new friends and getting attention than they are with anything else. They can have a slight prey drive, but most of the time, they are just curious and interested in playing and making friends. The Golden Labrador is a moderately adaptable dog breed. Their large size and energy tend to make them a better fit for larger homes with room to run. They can adapt well to apartment living as long as they are given enough exercise and mental stimulation. But, small spaces can be a challenge because they are large dogs that are so playful and energetic. Golden Labradors do well in just about any climate. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because they love their families, thrive on attention, and get bored easily, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. As a mixed breed, a Golden Labrador can inherit the potential health conditions of one or both of the parent breeds. Although the Golden Labrador is a relatively healthy dog breed, there are some potential health conditions to be aware of. These include eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy and joint issues common to large dogs like patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. Like their parent breeds, the Golden Labrador can be prone to weight gain, which does put them at risk of diabetes later in life. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to ensure genetic conditions are not being passed on to puppies. Regular vet visits, proper nutrition, and sufficient exercise can help keep your dog healthy and reduce preventable diseases. Both of the parent breeds in this cross are highly intelligent and highly trainable, so the Golden Labrador should be no different. Eager to please their owners, these dogs pick up on things quickly and respond best to positive training methods focused on praise and reward. This dog breed, like both of the parent breeds, is a great fit for owners of all experience levels, including first-time dog owners. Their high energy can sometimes be a challenge, so you may want to consider puppy training and obedience classes. This designer dog breed may be called a Golden Labrador, but they can show up in many colors. A cream, yellow, or golden coat may be the most common, but a Golden Labrador can also have a black, red, or brown coat. It tends to be a dense double coat that is short or medium in length. This dog breed will shed moderately year-round with heavier shedding sessions twice a year as the seasons change. During seasonal changes, you may want to increase to daily brushing. Not only will this make your dog more comfortable, but it will also decrease the amount of loose fur that ends up around your house. In addition to coat care, you will also need to handle nail, ear, and dental care for your Golden Labrador. Floppy ears tend to trap more dirt, moisture, and debris, which makes them more prone to developing ear infections than ears that stick straight up. Unfortunately, this is often overlooked, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Beyond that, you can use vet-approved dental hygiene chews and treats and even a specially-formulated dental care diet to supplement your efforts. Getting them used to it early and keeping it a positive experience can make grooming a lot easier as your puppy grows into a big dog! Plus, it can become a bonding experience that your dog looks forward to. Golden Labradors are high-energy dogs. Daily walks, playtime, and some extra activity are generally enough for this dog to stay happy and healthy. But, they will probably tire out before you do! Their friendly nature makes the Golden Labrador a great fit for trips to the dog park. Try teaching your dog how to play frisbee. With their retriever background, it could become one of their favorite activities. You can also train your Golden Labrador for several dog sports like agility, dock diving, obedience, and more. A fully-grown Golden Labrador usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. A Golden Labrador generally lives years. Although Golden Labrador is the most popular name for this designer dog breed, they are also sometimes referred to as a Goldador or a Goldador Retriever. Featured Golden Labrador Article.

This is one of the hardest parts of my job because I love all of our babies. We take deposits to reserve your spot in the 'pick order' once our litters are successfully on the ground. Our pups go to you only after thorough check ups by licensed Veterinarians. We highly recommend you have your puppy spayed or neutered by 6 months of age. Get In Touch I understand that your pets are part of your family and I give them the same care and attention that I provide for my own animals. Home: Services Our list changes periodically so that we can produce the best Labrador. Cannon is currently one of our three studs. Picture albums of both can be seen on FaceBook. We perform genetic tests as well as OFA skeletal exams on our dogs to help eliminate certain diseases that we don't want to pass to our puppies. Not only does Twix possess the beauty and fabulous demeanor of a great AKC labrador, her loyalty and willingness to please is unmatched. She passes these traits onto her puppies as well. Her daughter, KODA, has now replaced her in the whelping arena. Please follow us on Facebook for current pictures, videos, albums and daily updates. Get in Touch WindFields Labradors. Go To WindFields!!! Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We are currently located in beautiful Georgia, but formerly from Minnesota, the "Land of 10, Lakes. Our dogs and puppies are family raised and play with our children daily. We breed only quality puppies with the hopes to better the breed. Our intention is to breed English Lab puppies that will qualify to be working dogs- therapy dogs, service dogs, hunting companion, etc. All of the litters are registered with the AKC and come to you up-to-date on vaccinations and dewormings. We're licensed and inspected annually. We provide the best care possible, as suggested by our trusted vets. We can also assist you in arranging transportation for your new baby if you do not live within driving distance. Take a look at our Available and Upcoming Litters pages and be sure to call or email with any questions. We offer a Lifetime Warranty! If you would like to visit our home, please read our Visitation Policy. Thank you for giving us a chance at becoming your trusted Labrador Retriever Breeder! Northern Lakes Labradors. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. The Labrador Retriever is possibly the most beloved dog around, and these active, friendly pups are one of the most popular family dogs. Get ready to find your new best friend! The 10 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Georgia 1. All puppies sold are on Limited AKC registration and are available at 8 weeks of age with up-to-date vaccinations and worming. Parent dogs are also screened for PRA and exercise induced collapse. Before they ever reach your home, puppies will have been introduced to water, whistles, birds, retrieving, and simulated gunfire. They come microchipped and with current vaccinations and worming, plus will have had their dew claws removed. Your puppy will be sent to its new home with a written warranty, along with a starter kit, including food samples and care instructions. They use the Puppy Culture program, an approach based on science, for training and socialization. They do not breed champagne, silver, or charcoal Labradors. They also do not sell on a first come, first serve basis but instead are dedicated to getting to know potential owners through a two-step process. Puppies are sold on Limited Registration, and there is usually a 6—12 month wait for one. They have a stringent screening process to find the best homes and owners for their puppies. They comply with AKC rules and regulations and offer yellow, chocolate, and black Labradors. To become one of the top breeders in the Southeast, they routinely bring in show champion lines. Horizon ships to all major airports. They do not allow visits but are active on social media, so you can check out plenty of pictures and reviews from other buyers. Puppies are exposed to people and sound to get them socialized and introduced to crates to make crate training easier for you. Puppies come with Limited Registration and a 2-year genetic health guarantee. Their puppies are family-raised, so are socialized via plenty of playtime with children and adults. Parent dogs come from strong Champion Pedigrees or are Champions of Conformation, plus are given clearances for health before breeding. Puppies come with AKC registration, proper vaccinations, worming, and have their dew claws removed. This breeder also offers a lifetime guarantee up to 10 years if your pet is kept on the same food they were started on. Plus, if you find yourself unable to keep your pet at any time in the future, they can help you place it in a new home. They were so easy to work with and we highly recommend them to anyone looking for a beautiful lab to add to their family! Puppies are screened for genetic and congenital issues and given proper vaccinations, flea and heartworm medication, and intestinal parasite prevention. They typically have puppies available in spring and fall. Related Read:. These predictable, durable, steady breeds, like Labs and Goldens, are great with kids and offer the whole family more dog to love. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for almost forty years. Our industry setting Puppy Guarantee makes buying one of our pure-bred Labrador retrievers one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Labrador Retriever owners from around the country. Visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-the-minute puppy information at .Located near Laurel Hill, NC, we deliver our world class Labrador retriever puppies and adults to locations as far away as Alaska. We can easily deliver our guaranteed Labs to your location in or around Athens. For details, call Woody or Judi at .Labrador Retriever Puppies and Children In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Labrador retriever can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Many other life lessons are learned by living around a wonderful dog. Some of them are learning to be gentle, benefits of companionship, importance of faithfulness, the safety and security of home and appreciation of the needs of others. Above all the lessons, dogs are just great fun. They can make us laugh, even after a terrible day. They are always there wanting a reassuring hug. How noble—and cool—is that? Be sure to read the rest of her article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! Dogs are great for the whole family. They teach children responsibility, offer unconditional love, and provide years of laughter. When you decide to add a dog to your family, you might as well get the best of the best—a Labrador retriever puppy from Silver and Charcoal Kennels. Our Mississippi Labrador retriever breeding program delivers puppies to Georgia and all over the country. We aim to provide every family who wants one with the puppy of their dreams. As an established professional Labrador retriever breeder, no one is better equipped to do that than we are. Silver Labrador Retriever Breeder in Georgia Labrador retrievers are known to be intelligent, friendly, gentle, loving, and beautiful dogs. We breed our Labs to embody all those traits. Our silver, champagne, and charcoal Labradors make excellent hunting dogs, rescue dogs, service dogs, and family companions. They grow to have stable temperaments, high intelligence, and fun and affectionate personalities. We complete genetic testing for our dogs and deliver every puppy with AKC registration, a month hip guarantee, and up-to-date vaccinations. Our pups have impressive pedigrees, with bloodlines that go back decades, and Sires with Field Trial Championships and Senior Titles. With their quality of health, your Silver and Charcoal Kennels pup is sure to be around to love you for many years. Once a puppy becomes available, you will be able to take them home at eight weeks old. You can pick them up or we will drive them to you in Georgia. The newest, furriest member of your family awaits you. Get in touch with us today to learn more about or reserve a Labrador retriever puppy from Silver and Charcoal Kennels! Questions about our puppies?

With high energy, this breed is not for the faint of heart. While your Mini Labradoodle will be perfectly content to snuggle up on the couch with you, he needs rigorous exercise to ensure optimal health. Thanks to their Poodle ancestry, our Mini Labradoodles are whip smart — making them a breeze to train with positive reinforcement — but this is tempered by the easygoing nature of the standard Labrador. Sociable and friendly, our Mini Labradoodles for sale get along well with other dogs — but their high energy may make them a bit too exuberant when it comes to play! Mini Labradoodle Puppies Health Considerations Every breed of dog comes with its own unique health considerations. Though generally healthy and long lived — with an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years — our Mini Labradoodle puppies for sale are no exception. This will help you quickly identify symptoms and seek immediate treatment should an issue arise. They can also be short, dense, and sometimes harsh in texture, more similar to the Labrador. Like all doodles, Mini Labradoodles come with a range of coat varieties. Some take more after their Labrador parent—with straighter coats—and others have the tight ringlets of their Poodle parent. Most will fall somewhere in between, and nearly all Mini Labradoodle puppies have coats with minimal shedding. Initially, you will need to brush your Mini Labradoodle puppy around four times a week until his coat is established — at around eight to 12 months, you can reduce this to three times a week. You can take your Mini Labradoodle pup to the groomer for a trim between two and four times a year — with many owners opting for seasonal cuts — but should wait until your pup sheds his baby fur before taking him for his first cut! Meet Mini Labradoodle Puppies for Sale. We use our own Snowy River Training Program to help our puppies develop into confident and well-behaved companions. We offer a wide range of Labradoodle colors and sizes to choose from, including mini and medium. We are committed to providing the best possible homes for our Labradoodles and will work with you to ensure a smooth adoption process. Bashful Life is better with a Labradoodle by your side! Come and meet Bashful! He is a sweet loving, cuddly boy. Already crate trained and loves to go for walks. Also, loves the water! Come and meet Doc. He loves adventure and would love a home with an active family. Already Crate Trained! Frequently Asked Questions Description for this block. Use this space for describing your block. Any text will do. With decades of experience, we have been breeding the finest Labradoodles and providing families with loving, healthy, and well-socialized puppies. What is the breeding process at Snowy River Doodles? Our breeding program focuses on producing puppies with excellent temperaments, sound health, and beautiful coats. We carefully select our breeding dogs from top-quality lines, ensuring the highest standards in health and temperament. Our puppy has begun potty training and crate training. What does that mean? We use a litter box placed in their pen starting at three weeks of age and gradually make the pen larger as they begin to recognize the potty area. This trains the puppies to potty in one area. When you go home, that area will be outside. At six weeks, they begin spending time outside. At this time, they also start eating at least one meal a day in a crate by themselves and they spend some time in a crate for a few hours during the day. We put an old towel and chew toy in the crate with them. Do you ship? No, we no longer ship puppies. We feel that there are enough labradoodle breeders across the country to find one locally and there is no need to put a puppy through this stressful process. I am willing to meet owners at the Philadelphia or Harrisburg Airport if you wish to fly in and take your puppy back home with you under your seat. Please inquire if you are interested in this. There are additional fees and requirements. Our Labradoodle puppies are raised in a loving home environment where they receive early socialization and basic training. We introduce them to various sounds, surfaces, and experiences to ensure they are well-adjusted and prepared for life with their new families. Can I visit Snowy River Doodles to meet the puppies and their parents? At Snowy River, we prioritize the health and safety of our puppies. Only families with deposits will be able to visit once puppies are 6 weeks old. And meet the parents at that time. His parents are Tally and Huey. Tina was very responsive throughout the adoption process and you can tell she really cares about her dogs and where the puppies go. Eli has a huge personality and is such a sweetheart. Training was pretty easy as he is super smart. He adapted well when we added our daughter in and is very patient with her. We love our Eli so much and he has added so much to our little family. Thank you Tina for the best companion and snuggle buddy. He is smart, funny and still, at 6 years old, very mischievous! He is the second doodle I got from Snowy River Labradoodles. Sadly his brother, Baxter has crossed the rainbow bridge. They have the most wonderful temperament and are just so much fun. Tina does a wonderful job working with the puppies and is such a pleasure to deal with. There has never been and never will be another dog like her! She smiles at us, she stands up and hugs us when we get home, she brings pure happiness to everyone she meets! She is a little more timid when going out in public so pet therapy is not in her future career. She is still the sweetest! She comes around and gives everyone in our family love, not missing anyone. When you arrive home, she always goes and grabs her babies to show you. She knows so many tricks and was so easy to teach! Our year-old daughter taught her sit, roll over, shake, jump through a hula hoop, tell a secret, weave between your legs, high five and even how to push a button to ask for a treat. She likes to put on dog shows for our company! We really did our research before purchasing our first doodle and man did we choose right when we came to you! We sincerely thank you from the bottom of our hearts! We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Lower Gwynedd Pennsylvania and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Life Span Did You Know? Second-generation crosses could include a Labradoodle and a Mini Poodle or two Mini Labradoodles as parents. This hybrid dog breed was originally developed to create smaller potential service dogs that might be a good fit for people with allergies to dog fur. With a mixed breed, you can end up with any combination of traits from the parent breeds. Often, Mini Labradoodles are smart, friendly, and sociable dogs that are highly trainable. They are often found working as service dogs and therapy dogs and living as beloved family companions. Although they are not recognized by the AKC, the Mini Labradoodle is recognized by other canine registries. A Mini Labradoodle is a combination of two friendly dog breeds that crave human affection and are always happy to have company. These dogs also tend to have playful, energetic personalities and low prey drives. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their smaller size, these dogs can be injured by accidental rough play or accidental falls, so any interactions between young kids and puppies should be closely supervised. Miniature Labradoodles will usually bark to alert you when someone is at the door, but generally are not prone to nuisance barking unless they have been trained into it. It may not be a bad idea to train your dog to stop barking early on. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles may be initially wary of strangers, but tend to warm up quickly and will often be happy to make a new friend. Miniature Labradoodles are highly adaptable. Provided they get enough exercise, attention, and mental stimulation, they can adapt well to apartments as well as larger homes. They tend to do best in moderate climates, but can tolerate warmer or colder climates. As with any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Although they tend to have a fluffier coat, they are also smaller and may need to bundle up in some winter dog products to stay warm while out on walks in the cold. Mini Labradoodles are also very much companion breeds. They bond closely with their families and thrive on being near them, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. The health of the parents and good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of Mini Labradoodle puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done to help allay any concerns you may have. Miniature Labradoodles tend to be highly intelligent and eager to please. This generally makes them easy to train and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. In fact, their parent breeds are considered some of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. These dogs respond best to consistent training and positive reinforcement. Puppy training classes can ensure that owners of any experience level learn the latest training techniques and start building a strong bond with their puppy. Grooming requirements with a Mini Labradoodle can vary. On the Poodle side, you have a low-shedding, but high-maintenance, coat that needs daily brushing along with trimming and grooming every weeks. On the Lab side, you have a higher shedding coat that is more low-maintenance, requiring some weekly brushing or brushing a few times a week and intermittent bathing. Overall, Mini Labradoodles range from having a non- to low-shedding coat. They can have one coat type or the other, or a combination of both of them. So, you will want to be prepared for brushing a coat a few times a week and the possibility of more grooming needs. Regardless of coat type, there are some other general grooming tasks you can count on. Regular dental care for your dog will help prevent serious dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay later in life. This is especially important for dog breeds with floppy ears as they are more prone to developing ear infections. Miniature Labradoodles can be high-energy dogs. In general, they require daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity to be happy and healthy. Since they love to be around their family and can have an exuberant and outgoing personality, they will likely be up for more playtime if you are. This little dog may get tired more easily at times and could push themselves too far in their excitement. On the other hand, they may just keep going and going with no signs of slowing down. What is most important is making sure your Miniature Labradoodle gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. Fully-grown Mini Labradoodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Miniature Labradoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Labradoodle Article. His breeding program focuses on improving the health and well-being of the breed by selecting breedable parents with the best traits to produce healthy, multi-generational Labradoodle puppies. He also begins crate training each puppy at five weeks. In addition to getting microchipped, socialized, vaccinated, and dewormed, each puppy goes home with ALAA registration and a two-year health guarantee. Limited Litter Availability Ethical breeders usually limit the number of litters their breedable Labradoodle mothers produce each year to ensure that each puppy gets equal attention as their littermates. This protocol lets the mothers get months of rest before producing their next litter or retiring. Limited litter production also applies to breeders who specialize in breeding other designers Doodles. Health Prioritization Reputable breeders offering Labradoodle puppies for sale in PA should get their dogs tested for several hereditary health issues to avoid producing litters with potentially unhealthy puppies. Although Labradoodles are a generally hardy dog breed, they can become susceptible to eye, hip, elbow, knee, and cardiac diseases. Experience with the Breed The best Labradoodle breeders should have extensive knowledge and experience working with the breed they can relay to first-time owners with countless questions. The time it takes to bring your puppy home after filling out an application can vary depending on where you look. I was very lucky in that my breeder had a litter of puppies available at the time I was looking for one. In fact, I spotted an advert for puppies on Facebook, and I was able to go and view them right away. At the time, the pups were only four weeks old, so I did have to wait for four weeks until they were old enough to leave their mother and had received their first vaccinations. That time gave me a chance to buy everything I needed for the new arrival and to puppy-proof as best I could my home and garden. Your life will suddenly get a whole lot busier once your furbaby lands! We made a list of ethical breeders from nearby states, which you can try:.

This thoughtfully crafted dog food is formulated to meet the unique nutritional requirements of Labrador Retriever puppies up to 15 months old. It contains premium proteins and prebiotics for optimal digestion and energy. With vitamin E and minerals, it supports the immune system and overall health. The kibble size and texture promote dental health. This puppy food provides a tasty and balanced diet to support healthy growth and development, making it an excellent choice for Labrador Retriever puppy owners. This nutritious dog food is made with real chicken and eggs and provides essential vitamins and minerals for healthy digestion, immune function, and overall well-being. It also supports strong bones and healthy skin and coat. Its balanced nutrition and delicious taste make it a satisfying choice for adult Labrador dogs. This high-quality dog food offers a complete nutritional profile at a reasonable price, making it an excellent value-for-money option for pet parents seeking to provide their dogs with a nutritious diet. How to find the best Labrador dog food? Selecting the optimal dog food for your Labrador necessitates the meticulous evaluation of various factors. Look for high-quality ingredients: Choose dog foods that contain high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, and fats and are free from artificial preservatives and fillers. Choose a formula for Labrador Retrievers: Some dog food brands offer recipes designed explicitly for Labrador Retrievers, considering their unique nutritional needs. Suitability with age: Age factors matter a lot when choosing Labrador dog food. Puppies, adult dogs, and seniors have different dietary requirements, so select a formula appropriate for your dog's age. Read the online reviews to get an idea of how other dog owners feel about a particular dog food brand. You may be interested in Product. Diamond Naturals Dog Food Review An additional reason for there being specific food for puppies is the pieces are smaller which not only prevents them from choking, it also makes the food easier to digest. The pieces are richer, denser and the ideal size for smaller mouths. These ingredients are where your pup gets the nutrients they need to grow and live, nutrients that are sadly lacking in the cheaper dog foods. With foods that are a bit more expensive, your pooch can eat a more well-balanced meal and enjoy it. They eat more, they poop more, and this means house training becomes much harder for you. What you feed your puppy is a major factor in the success of your house training process. Firstly, dry food tends to be more complete and balanced with the correct amount of vital nutrients in it. The ingredients tend to be of better quality as long as you pick the right brand. Plus, dry food helps to keep teeth strong due to being a solid food, and the slightly abrasive nature of the solid food has a natural teeth cleaning effect. It also lasts far longer than cans as you need to feed less of it. Recommended Best Puppy Food For Labs And Large Breeds In this next section we give you 4 of the best foods on the market made from high quality ingredients but still available at a reasonable price. These foods will provide your puppy with all the nutrients they need in just the right mix and quantities, not just so they survive, but so they can truly thrive. Deboned chicken is high quality chicken protein, whereas the chicken and turkey meal is a concentrate. It is nutrient rich with vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin A as well as containing minerals like zinc, iron and calcium. It even has some fruit content like apples and blueberries. The Lactobacillus acidophilus, green tea extract and rosemary extract are all known to help prevent infections. This is a very high-quality food your puppy will truly thrive on and is our top recommendation as the best puppy food for labs. However, if price is no object, K9 is certainly one of the best foods available! K9 Natural Grain-Free Puppy Freeze-Dried Dog Food gives your puppy all the benefits of raw food, aiming for optimum levels of growth and development — not too fast nor stunted — and for lean muscle mass and peak conditioning. Its main ingredient is grass-fed New Zealand beef. And this is rounded out by whole food ingredients like flaxseed, kelp, New Zealand mussel, fruits and veggies, and hoki oil which provides DHA for EPA for healthy brain and eye development. It gets a big thumbs up from us. The first ingredient is bison and is a high quality meat product. The next ingredient is lamb meal, which has a large amount of protein in it being a meat concentrate, percent more than fresh lamb meat. The third highest ingredient is sweet potatoes, which are an excellent source of complex carbs. They contain fiber and beta carotene. In fact, this food consists of approx. This provides your puppy with a source of energy ideal for his busy puppy lifestyle. Overall, this food is highly recommended and your puppy should thrive on it. They also allow regular independent inspections of their manufacturing process and source ingredients the US, EU and NZ. So quality control is well taken care of. The large breed puppy formula contains a scientifically formulated balance of proteins, fats, phosphorous and calcium in just the right amounts and proportions to promote a healthy rate of bone and muscle development, highly important for large breed puppies where excessive nutrients can be just as harmful as malnutrition. The food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin for the health of connective soft tissues which is reassuring for large breeds, and especially Labradors, who can suffer from many joint problems in life. It also contains omega oils for healthy brain development, as well as other fatty acids known to promote healthy skin and coat. So Eukanuba large breed puppy food comes recommended. The fiber in it will help with digestion while it has antioxidants that are known to help keep your dog healthy for many years to come. Royal Canin Breed Specific Labrador Puppy Royal Canin is a very well-known brand with lots of positive reviews from past and present dog owners on Amazon. It has an above average protein content than the minimum recommended for your dog, coming in at 31 percent protein at dry weight. The protein it has comes mostly from chicken by-product meal which is considered somewhat low quality and consists of whatever is left after chickens are slaughtered. However, it does NOT — as you might read elsewhere — consist of anything from feet to beaks. According to dogfoodadvisor. After chicken by-product meal, the second ingredient in this food is brewers rice. The fourth ingredient is corn gluten meal which is a residue left over once most of the useful, starchy carbohydrates have been washed out of it. With such popularity, high ratings and reviews with so many people saying their dogs thrive on this, there must be some truth to it. The third to 5th ingredients are wholesome whole grains that provide high energy from complex carbohydrates that are easy to digest. These are far better than corn and most other sources of carbs found in cheaper foods that are hard for a puppy to get any nutrition from. Out of everything in this product, 40 percent of it is protein, which is higher than average. About 14 percent of it is fat, and of the remainder, 38 percent is carbs. And the omega oils may help reduce risk of developing arthritis. Not only this, but Labradors are a large breed and are more sensitive to nutritional imbalances than smaller breeds. You really do need to get their diet right to do the best for them. Luckily, many brands of food specifically aimed at large breeds and Labradors have been created that provide everything they need in just the right amounts, that are easy for an owner to feed by simply following instructions on the packet. I know there is a lot of conflicting advice out there when it comes to dog food and it can be a nightmare to wade through if trying to find the best puppy food for Labs. So hopefully this article has been of some use to you. A very good resource that does good work for dog food quality awareness. Check them out! Please be aware this page contains affiliate links and Labrador Training HQ receives a small commission if you make a purchase through any such links. This has no effect on the eventual price you pay and we are very grateful for your support. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Increase portions as your puppy grows. Be sure to follow the rule of dog treats. This is about changes over time. Nutritional deficiency or excess can lead to disease and ultimately death. You may have noticed that your dog has dandruff after changing food, but the food is really good — try adding levels of zinc and vitamin A. Your main task as a pet owner is to monitor the health of a small family member and be responsible for this life. Image credit: canva. The first one is a protein that can be found in meat, poultry, fish, yogurt, and cooked eggs. Protein is responsible for the structure of muscles and tissues, as well as the formation and growth of new cells. In the diet for a Labrador puppy, it is imperative to include carbohydrates that are found in brown rice, potatoes, and wheat. Carbohydrates supply the body with glucose, which is responsible for the functioning of the brain and nervous system. An obligatory component of dog food is fats. It is a source of energy, development, and functioning of the cells and muscles of the body. Fats are included in oil and even fish oil. Puppy food for Labs or any other dog includes a certain amount of minerals such as calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and others. Minerals in dog food form bones and cartilage and balance the nerves. It promotes the production of hormones in the Lab puppies, regulates the balance of fluids in the body, and transports oxygen into the blood. Like people, dog and puppy foods should include plenty of water. Water is life! Once in the body, they strengthen bones, and teeth and fill the Labrador puppy with energy. Cost point Every time you buy pet food, you think about the issue of price. Of course, cost is important when making a purchasing decision. You should be aware that higher-quality puppy food can cost more than the average price. Your dog is an irreplaceable member of your family, which must be protected and loved with all your heart. Risks and diseases Lab owners should know well about all risks and diseases that their dogs may face. Numerous studies confirm that the Labrador Retriever breed is prone to digestive sensitivities and skin allergies due to irritating foods. This leads to pruritic diseases. Skin allergies and problems with the gastrointestinal tract are severe. Labs are prone to obesity. Maintaining a healthy weight and body is considered an important point of caring for a dog. In general, Labrador Retrievers should have a taut, hourglass-shaped figure. Obesity puts additional stress on bones and joints and makes it difficult to stay healthy. To combat weight gain, you need to exercise your dog with certain physical exercises, follow a proper diet, control portion sizes, and receive treats. Another disease caused by malnutrition is Gastric dilatation-volvulus. In short, this is boating. Indigestion is a severe problem that should not be ignored. The worst risk is death from the musculoskeletal disorder of muscles, nerves, joints, arthritis, and spinal discs. Also, you should be aware that feed processing of dog foods affects the occurrence and development of cancer. Dry food is cooked at a very high temperature, which leads to the formation of harmful chemical elements in the body of the dog. Such food also contains carbohydrates, which break down into cancer-causing glucose. You can combine dog food with homemade recipe food for your pet yourself. Moreover, it is a good way of feeding your dog if the dog food at home is over or there is very little left, but you need to extend the time until the next purchase. Dogs fed solely on home-cooked or combined diets lived for about 13 years, while those fed only processed food lived for about 10 years. Like human food, it can be chewed easily. Food is broken down in the body so that key nutrients are absorbed more quickly. Such food facilitates digestion and relaxes the stomach. Reducing stress on the digestive system reduces the likelihood of bloating. If you still decide to cook homemade food, follow the rules. Study each ingredient. Cook all animal products for the exact finish to kill harmful bacteria. Risks of homemade dog food Most of the problems are caused by a misunderstanding of the nutritional needs of the Labrador. If you do not understand the effect of food on the body of your pet, which reaction is correct and which can lead to negative consequences and different stages of life, contact a professional veterinarian who can tell you in detail about the effect of food on the body of a dog and how to properly form a pet diet. What food is best for a Labrador puppy? We made for you the list of the best puppy food for Labrador puppies. We can highlight the most noteworthy products from this list. Should I feed my Lab puppy dry or wet food? Mix dry and wet food. What is better to choose — opinions are different. But if you are in doubt about which puppy food to choose, consult your veterinarian. What is the recommended amount of water for a puppy? Older pups that have been nursed require one-half ounce to one ounce of water per pound of body weight. What do you feed an 8-week-old Lab puppy? An 8-week-old puppy should be fed several small meals a day. After 14 weeks, the Lab puppy can switch to two meals a day. Food for a Labrador puppy should be full of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals for healthy development. Giving treats is fine, but remember that Labradors are prone to overeating and gaining weight quickly. Also, try to give treats for obedience. You can choose canned food and dry food for your dog as you wish but you should always think about the effect of this dog food on your dog. Hope this article was helpful for you and that your pet will grow healthy and strong. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Once they reach eight weeks, changing to dry kibble food is best. We recommend feeding a Labrador puppy dry kibble for the first months before changing to an adult food type. But to remain healthy, owners should know what to feed them. Dog owners should feed a Labrador puppy dry food kibble , wet food, or fresh human food, depending on their budget and lifestyle. There are many options for food for dogs, and it can become challenging to determine which one is the best option for the dog. We have found the best options and listed them below. They help us with our daily tasks, are always there when we need them, and bring great joy to our lives. But, it is essential to ensure that our dog gets the best nutrition possible. They have a lot of energy and need to be fed accordingly. This includes the number of calories, food type, and the number of meals per day. We will explain all of these factors to help understand what to feed these precious animals. A Labrador puppy needs high-quality protein in their diet, so they should not be fed just any type of food. This is why we recommend three food options: dry food or kibble, fresh food or human food, or wet food. We prefer using dry food or kibble in most cases, but it is beneficial to start with wet food for young puppies and transition to dry food after a few weeks. Feeding a puppy human food is possible, but it can be more expensive and requires extra work to stick to a cleaner diet at this age. We have found it to be a healthier and more convenient option for our pets. It is also a good alternative to wet food which can be difficult to store and prepare. The benefits of dry dog food are that it offers the pup a balanced diet that doesn't need refrigeration. It also offers convenience because we can buy it in bulk and store it in the pantry or freezer until needed. Dry dog food is also less expensive than wet food, which is another benefit for pet owners. Fresh Food Human Food Feeding a Labrador puppy a diet of fresh, real human food is one of the best things to do for their health and well-being. It will not only make them happy and content, but it will also keep them healthy. This eliminates the guessing game; they are only fed real, natural foods with no unknown ingredients. However, it will become expensive and require regular cooking and preparation. Wet Food Wet food is recommended for Labrador puppies when they are first born and for the first weeks while they grow. It can be either raw or cooked. Wet food is a good source of water and minerals, which are important in the early days of their life to help them grow strong bones and teeth. It should be given to a puppy as soon as it comes out of its mother's womb, but it must not be given before it starts eating solid foods because it will cause diarrhea. Once they get more mature, moving to kibbles is best. It is known for its low level of grain and carbohydrate content and high protein content. Once they reach the week mark, there are better options to help the puppy continue to develop and grow. This food also helps with digestion and weight management. It also promotes proper bone growth with antioxidants and necessary nutrients like vitamin E. The kibble is also shaped strategically to help puppies who chew fast while helping with jaw growth. Overall, this is the best food option for a Labrador puppy. It is designed for all life stages, from puppies to seniors, and we love the benefits it provides to younger labs. The product features a blend of highly digestible proteins, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, taurine, and glucosamine. This ensures the dog gets the nutrition they need while also reducing the risk of digestive tract problems such as bloat or pancreatitis. It also has a low glycemic index and no corn, wheat, or soy in the recipe. Dog owners can also expect an excellent protein ratio when using this food. Both veterinarians and nutritionists have recognized it for its high-quality ingredients for young puppies. The Acana High Protein formula is made with a blend of chicken, turkey, and fish meals, whole eggs, and natural beef or lamb meal. The product has a limited ingredient list with no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. It also has no added sugar and a low glycemic index. This food also contains probiotics and prebiotics to help the pet maintain a healthy immune system. This is the perfect dry dog food for puppies after eight weeks old. This brand is also very affordable for those who want to feed their dog a healthy diet without breaking the bank. It features a patented recipe that helps to promote healthy digestion, strong teeth and gums, healthy skin and shiny coat, a strong immune system, healthy joints and muscles, and a healthy heart. This is a high-protein food option for Labradors too. It promotes lean muscle growth and improved body health with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics 5. It is made with high-quality ingredients and has a great taste and texture for labs to enjoy. This food is to help with puppy development and is suitable for all Labradors under one-year-old. This wet food provides the perfect balance of healthy proteins to support a dog's growth while providing the energy they need to maintain its fitness levels. This can be fed as a meal or as an occasional snack between meals. It has no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or added sugar. It also contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are important for healthy skin and the dog's coat. They are large, strong, intelligent dogs that need a lot of attention, exercise, and food. These dogs can be picky eaters and usually need a lot of calories because of their size. This is especially true for puppies so they can grow properly and remain healthy due to their increased risk of health issues. Food Type Labrador puppies' most popular dog foods are kibbles and canned wet food. Kibbles are the best option for a puppy because they are easy to chew and digest. Canned food is a good option for pups who have difficulty chewing or digesting dry food and would benefit from a little moisture in their diet. The food type also depends on the owner. Dry food or kibbles are faster to prepare, while serving human food to a lab puppy requires extensive prep time. Nutritional Value When it comes to nutritional value, we want dog food that has high-quality protein and carbohydrates. This will help the puppy grow strong and healthy. This is why we need to take into account the nutritional value, quality of ingredients, and taste. It should be made with all-natural ingredients that are sourced from human-grade materials such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. A brand should have all the essential nutrients for a pup but still, be low in toxic elements and preservatives too. Dietary Restrictions Lastly, consider the dietary restrictions of the Labrador puppy before choosing a dog food option. This includes any allergies or health concerns for the dog and shopping for something that suits them best. For example, lab puppies must reach a certain carbohydrate and protein number daily. Labradors are also known to have allergies, especially young ones, so planning around this is crucial. A puppy should be fed at least three times a day, with a meal size that is appropriate for its body weight. They should also be given small daily snacks to keep them satisfied and happy, including treats to help with training. We feed our puppies the best that we can. We want to give them all the nutrients and vitamins they need. We also want to make sure that they are getting a balanced diet. The most important thing when feeding a Labrador puppy is that they get enough calories from their food every day. In the first weeks, the puppy should eat four smaller daily meals. Once the lab reaches three months, this can be changed to three meals per day. And after months, we recommend two meals per day. The key is not to change the calories much when the meals change but to simply modify the size of each meal to fit the total daily food amount. Feeding a Labrador puppy is not rocket science, but there are some things everybody should know about what to feed them and when to feed them. We have covered this basis, but changes need to be made as they age. This leads to a common question about changing food to fit the needs of a grown adult Labrador. The dog's age will determine how quickly they grow and how much energy they need. Lab puppies can stick with kibbles for up to 12 months. Lab puppies need a balanced diet with high-quality proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water to ensure proper growth and development. Also, calcium and phosphorus support bone growth; omega fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin; antioxidants for enhanced immunity; and prebiotics or probiotics for improved digestion. Protein And Fat Content As an owner of a Labrador puppy, keep a check on the amount of protein and fat in their food. A balanced diet with adequate protein content promotes muscle growth, bone development, and healthy brain function. When choosing the best food, look out for pet foods that contain high-quality ingredients rich in animal-sourced proteins such as chicken meal, turkey meal or lamb meal. Avoid dog foods with artificial flavors and preservatives that can cause health complications in your puppy. Avoid foods with meat by-products or fillers like corn gluten meal. Look for brands prioritizing using fresh fruits and vegetables to provide additional nutrients and fiber. Avoid artificial flavors and preservatives. When reading food labels, ensure that protein is one of the first listed ingredients, guaranteeing high-quality dog food. They also need sufficient glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joint development. You can ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients by choosing a breed-specific formula like best purina pro plan for labs recommended by four veterinarians in the USA. Allergies And Intolerances Some common ingredients in dog food, such as beef, corn, soy, fish, and wheat, can cause allergic reactions. If you notice symptoms such as poor skin or coat health after feeding them certain foods or treats, consult a veterinarian immediately. They may recommend a special diet or elimination process to determine the allergen. Budget While high-end, premium dog foods may seem the best option, they can also be expensive. It is a well-known brand that offers both dry and canned food options at reasonable prices Feeding Schedule And Portion Control For Labrador Puppies Learn how to properly feed and control the portion sizes of your Labrador puppy with our helpful feeding guide and puppy schedule chart. Generally, Labrador puppies should be fed times a day until they are six months old, after which you can switch them to twice-a-day feedings. The amount of food you give your pup will depend on their age and weight. Never overfeed your lab because obesity is prevalent in the breed. Therefore, watch portion sizes and adjust accordingly if you notice any significant changes. Most puppies must eat thrice a day until they are six months old. After this time, you can reduce the frequency and switch them to two larger meals daily. Instead, stick to set feeding times and portion sizes recommended by your veterinarian or on the packaging of their dog food brand. Healthy Feeding Practices For best puppy food for labs One of the best ways to ensure proper nutrition is by selecting high-quality dog food that meets all their nutritional needs. In addition to selecting the right type of food, portion control is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight in Labrador puppies. Puppy Feeding Schedule Chart: healthy food for labrador puppy Establishing a proper feeding schedule is key. Age of Puppy. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies.