french bulldog nursing puppies

We love all of our fur family of animals as our own. Each one is a precious life who we raised for the joy of contribution as "YOUR" lifetime family member for you and yours. Here at our unique ranch, we breed Top Show Quality English Style Labradors, American Quarter Horses, Arabian Horses and a menagerie of fairytale like small animals in a certified wildlife habitat and preserve, with 47 years of agriculture and breeding experience. Our life and our home is dedicated to these beings and making life long lasting friends with our community. We don't own our animals, Our animals own us! Our dogs are part of our family, No mass production. They get the best quality feed and natural nursing. They are gently held and cared for as infant babies would be. They are loved and socialized with people and other animals. We will provide you with our recommendations from many years experience. Reserve your labrador puppy with select look, color, gender, temperament and perfect match! A Furever Friend Our lab puppies have been adopted as high quality pets, as contribution for other breeding programs, for service and therapy, for agility, hunting and great companionship! They love to cuddle for a good movie snuggled on the couch and play during the day. They care, they have feelings and they know what you require from them. What would it be like to have one of these puppies? We like yogurt!!! Around the clock for the first 8 weeks of their lives, we assure they are properly eating, exercising, give them lots of love, kisses and begin socialization. Introducing them to unusual sounds, activities, animals, toys, obstacles, etc. At 8 weeks, they are ready to be adopted and go home with their forever families! The fun begins! Or do you prefer black lab puppies? We evaluate our english lab puppies which are best for show, breeding, pet, service and therapy. Investing in a healthy breed quality Labrador puppy ensures a long life of optimal health enjoying every moment of your time together. He's our sweet stocky beautiful block head boy and is available at STUD. Proven as an ultimate producer of show english lab puppies. Breeding for the betterment of the breed is our primary focus. Outstanding Pedigree Rain Forest. Located around the sunshine state, these breeders can help you find the best pet for you and your family. Published on Copy link Bringing home your first dog is a truly special experience. There is endless excitement that comes with raising a puppy - getting them acclimated to your children, letting them roam their new yard, buying them the perfect leash and chew toys to curb their mischievous appetite. A breeder whose mission is to take the absolute best care of the animals they raise. The breeder is focused on one breed and knows the best way to take care of them, instead of having a slew of dogs that lack the proper care and attention. In all, using a trusted breeder can give you the satisfaction in knowing exactly how your future pet has been treated and raised before bringing them home. GoodDog: Helping You Find The Best Breeder Before we dive into the best breeder options, we want to mention an incredibly helpful resource to find the best breeder in your area. They screen every breeder to ensure they are practicing responsible breeding and their platform was developed with the help of leading veterinarian clinics and academic experts. To give GoodDog a try, visit their website to find a labrador breeder near you. Situated between Jacksonville and Gainesville they breed chocolate, yellow and black Labrador puppies. They engage in Outcrossing - creating new genetic combinations by bringing together genes from unrelated labradors to eliminate undesirable traits caused by recessive genes is the fundamental philosophy of their breeding program. They do not inbreed. They have been breeding English Labradors since and all of their females are the result of their 39 year breeding program. Some other aspects of their breeding philosophy include: Bottle feeding their puppies in addition to their nursing from their mother. Placing their nursery in the center of their house to allow the puppies to adjust to the sounds of everyday life. Temperament tests for each puppy to match them with the perfect family. Complete physical exam by their veterinarian and first of scheduled vaccines. 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. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the United States. They are loyal, outgoing, friendly, and active. Affectionate and good with other dogs and children, they make wonderful additions to your family. There are plenty of reputable breeders in the Sunshine State to choose from. All the breeders mentioned in this list make sure the puppies are well cared for, including receiving all vaccinations, being thoroughly vet examined, and adhering to the Labrador Retriever Official Standard set by the American Kennel Club AKC. The 10 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Florida 1. No Lab has ever been returned for health or temperament issues, and each pup is raised in a home with 5 acres of land, plenty of love, attention, and care. All puppies are dewormed and thoroughly examined by a veterinarian. They also do not remove dewclaws. To get started, fill out the form under the contact link on the website. They focus on breeding pups of superior temperament and health. All puppies are vaccinated, microchipped, AKC registered, and come with a health certificate. They also offer a 1-year health guarantee. The bloodlines have a history of service dogs , companion, show, and hunting dogs. The pups are sold with limited AKC registration. The breeder socializes the pups, and they are raised in a loving environment. They are more focused on breeding for their own breeding stock and show lines but occasionally have pups available. They serve Florida, Georgia, and surrounding states. All puppies are AKC-registered and bred for companionship, show, field, and service work. All pups are examined and tested for top-quality breed assurance. They are happy to assist you with any questions; all you have to do is shoot them an email. Augustine and Jacksonville, Florida, this small hobby breeder raises AKC-limited-registered pups in the home. All puppies are bred according to the Labrador standard health and temperament and are ready to go home at 8 weeks. All parents are genetically tested for any joint issues and any signs of inbreeding. The British Labrador is primarily a sporting and hunting breed that holds the Labrador Retriever standard temperament. Their facility sits on 7, acres of land filled with wildlife and designed by nature experts, creating the perfect hunting-training scenario. They handpick from the finest British Labs in the world to produce the best hunting and sporting Labs. The puppies are sold with an AKC limited registration and are microchipped. You can take your new puppy home at 8 weeks, and the breeders raise them with love and plenty of attention. A unique fact about this breeder is they use an early socializing technique called early neurological stimulation , which improves cardiovascular health and other physical benefits.

Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article. There is a lot of talk about black Boxers dogs; some potential puppy buyers will actively seek out this colored puppy, but their searching is in vain. It may be hard to believe it when you see photos, but black boxers do not exist — the color gene responsible for black coat color does not exist within the breed. Brindle is a pattern of color, it is a striping effect. With most brindle Boxers, the dark stripes are clearly over a fawn background. However, with Boxer dogs that appear to have a black coat, this is due to super heavy reserve brindling. In fact, it can be so dark and so thick, that you cannot see any fawn beneath it. This gives the dog a very dark coat that does indeed appear to be black. Here, we'll go into the facts a bit more to talk about why black cannot exist with the breed and some myths are swirl about regarding this perceived coat color. Why Colors are Misinterpreted It is very easy to see a dog and immediately assume that he is a certain color, based on what your eyes are telling you. However, with some breeds, the Boxer included, you must take a second look. It is sometimes only when you realize how brindle can cause an effect of sorts, that makes a first impression of black, that it starts to make sense. In addition, some Boxers are given the term of black; however, in many cases, this is a shortened term that comes from longer 'black brindle'. The base color of all purebred Boxers is fawn. Brindles are actually fawn with a brindle marking. Those markings are made of a pattern for fur consisting of black striping which covers the fawn… Sometimes just a bit lightly brindled and sometimes a lot a heavily brindled dog. A black Boxer with white flash? Your eyes are playing tricks on you. This pup is super dark reverse brindle with white markings. Cassandra, 5 months old Photo couresty of Christopher Many wonder if perhaps there were black Boxers that were mostly bred out of the lines and that perhaps now and again a dog with a black coat shows up somewhere. However, if we look to the record keeping of the past century, we can see that this is not the case. In this year time period, a black Boxer appeared once, however there is a catch to this. In the Germany, in the late 's a Boxer was paired with a mixed dog that was part Bulldog and part Schnauzer. The resulting litter had puppies that had black coats. Since another breed was introduced into the bloodline, they were not purebreds. These dogs were not used for any further breeding and therefore did not have any influence on genetics going forward. Once in a while there will be a breeder that claims to have black Boxers and will point to this one incident long ago as evidence that black does indeed run in the bloodline. However, since those mixed dogs with black coats were never used for any sort of develop program this simply does not hold true. Another element that shows that this coloring does not exist in the Boxer line is the rule that the Munich Boxer Club created in .This group had stringent control over breeding and development of Boxers in Germany and set the guidelines for the standard, conformation and all elements regarding appearance including coloring. This group did not wish for any experimenting to be done that would introduce the color black and for this reason they made a clear rule that black Boxers would not be accepted. Some make the argument that programs may have ignored this ruling and still attempted to breed black Boxers. However it would have not been in their best interest to do so and additionally, any resulting dogs would have not been part of the Munich Boxer Club since they couldn't have been registered there. This means that any such hypothetical dogs could not have genetically been included in the Boxer's bloodline since they would have been barred from any programs that were developing and perfecting the breed. So, now that we know: This color does not exist in the line The only record of any black Boxer in the last century was a mixed dog and not a purebred Guidelines and strict rules of of the club in Munich that was the foundation of today's Boxers clearly excluded black Boxers.And it is also fair to say: The chance of there being some odd, rare gene mutation that brings black into the coat is extraordinarily rare; mathematically the odds are so low that this can be ruled out Black Boxer puppies cannot be born due to a hidden gene; this is because black is dominant over all other colors. It cannot be recessive, it always comes out over others Why are some people still adamant that this coloring exists? Diesel, at 2 years old Photo courtesy of Brittany Calvert This leads us to the conclusion of only two possibilities in this regard: A 'true' black Boxer simply cannot be a purebred. It is assumed that in this case, it would be done to sell the pups at a higher cost. Some elements to ponder.Their registration papers do not have that color code as an option. Therefore, even if someone verbally dubs a Boxer to have a black coat, the dog - if registered with a recognized club - would officially be another color; and that would most likely be brindle. Since the pup would be handed over to new owners with papers stating he was not black, how can they simultaneously claim to have black Boxer dogs? And this of course, is very unethical. In Summary Every being whether it is a mammal, like a dog, human, etc. These genes determine everything about the being, from skin color to the number legs to where the eyes are.Genes control coat color in dogs, too. In order for a dog to be black, that breed of dog must contain the gene for having a black coat. Boxer dogs do not have that gene. So, there cannot be any black Boxer dogs. It is genetically impossible. A Boxer that is black, or true black with brown points, for example, MUST be a mixed breed or a heavily brindled dog. Raised in a military family have lived in many places, My father retired here, so Arizona is my home, Boxer Mom Pups AZ has been breeding and raising boxers for 12 years. American Bulldogs for 3 yrs. We offer short term visiting. We have more than 20 years of breeding experience, We search high and low to find the best homes to suit our dogs. We have older dogs also, some are retired breeding stock that are waiting to become a couch potato! For Pet - Only homes, please. Some are rescues that we acquired due to families moving and can't take them or abandoned pets. All have been vet checked and are healthy and ready to go to their forever home. Let us know what you're looking for and we'll try to fit you with the right companion. We also have several males up for stud service, and breed back to our male pups on request and approval! When you choose your new companion, our relationship doesn't stop, we are available for any questions or concerns you may have just call or text. I have helped over the phone and in person with the birthing process with new moms and owners. We love getting pictures, visits as the pups grow along getting your feedback on our testimonial page about your experience with us!

Adoption Form Think Before You Adopt Before you adopt a Boxer or any other animals, we would like to request that you consider few things: Boxers may live for 15 years. Please consider that your lifestyle may change. You may not have the same job where you are able to come home at lunch, you may not have the same roommate, you may graduate from school or move to a smaller house. You may have a baby, get married or get a divorce. If you think that you may not be able to make a lifetime commitment to one of our Boxers, then we kindly request you reconsider adoption. No dog is ever perfect, just like people are not perfect. It requires work to make things work. Your expectations needs to be realistic. Do you have small children or a baby? Boxers are similar. They need love, attention and an opportunity to learn too. Are you familiar with the breed? If not, you may want to look into fostering with us before making a decision to adopt. Boxers are a highly affectionate breed and very energetic. Do you have the financial means to care for the dog? Annual food and medical cost can add up. Are you older and wanting to adopt a young energetic dog? Please think about more mature dogs that need homes. Everyone wants a young dog … if you are a mature human being, please consider more mature dogs that have been waiting for their forever homes for a while. Before you fill out this application, please read our Adoption Criteria. This is required reading, and it will answer many questions you may have. Thank you for taking the time to read our guidelines and becoming familiar with our process. Here are most, but we reserve the right to refuse adoption to any home which we deem unsuitable. Dog must be an inside dog. It is OK to have an outside dog run with inside access. This is because Boxers must be protected from heat and cold. Dogs are family members and do not sleep in a garage or outside. If you expect that the new dog will not react when a child hits them, throw toys at them, takes away their toy or food, etc, then please do not adopt from us. You are not required to have a fenced yard. However, if you do not, you will need to take the dog out for a potty break at least 4 times a day, more if they do not feel well. Same goes for a home with a low fence. If you are looking to adopt a puppy, please be realistic. Any home where no one is home for more than six hours a day times a week will be rejected for puppies. We do not do female to female placements of bully breeds. That means Boxer, Bulldog, Pit bulls, etc. We will consider female to female adoption of dogs with extreme age and size difference. Here are basics you will need: Flat Leash — Nylon, cotton or leather, 6 ft long Good quality food with no corn additive Food and water dish. If not, here is the form! Get a bite of what is happening at WCBR, our dogs, our amazing adopters and all the incredible people that keep this rescue going! Email Address Woot Woo! We will never keep you chained or leashed to our list. You can run free at anytime, unsubscribe at the bottom of any emails you receive. We are so excited to have you in the fun! His love and compassion for Boxers was felt by those who had the pleasure of spending time with him. Ken loved sports and spending time with friends. He also collected sports memorabilia and other collectibles like Hot Wheels. He truly loved Milo, featured in the the photo with him. Every time we received a message from him he included a picture of him and Milo. He never gave up hope that some treatment would be the ultimate cure. He worked as long as he could and made his journey to the light in late June. His weakened system just couldn't fight any longer. He will be deeply missed by WCBR, and we wish his family peace with his loss. Thank you to so many who have donated to WCBR in his memory. Ken will forever be in our hearts. We need your help. The number of Boxers being surrendered by families and in the shelters is overwhelming. We continue to receive owner surrenders a week, along with multiple pleas from surrounding shelters for Boxers in need. So many Boxer are coming from families that are no longer able to financially care for them, just don't want them, many are dealing with illness or the Boxer's pet parent has passed away, and many just are moving. Without the funding or foster homes, sadly we have to turn away these surrenders. Please Foster, Fund or be a Forever Home. Be sure the application is filled out in its entirety. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Fights are happening, resulting in injuries to both dogs. Bailey is very sweet, current on vaccines, and spayed. She has been ok with male boxers so we will consider placing her with a sweet boy, who loves to play. Bailey has no history with young children. She is currently taking Prozac and Trazadone at the advice of a trainer who claimed it would help to keep her from panting in her crate. Shame on this vet who willy nilly dished out these drugs to a 13 month old dog, without asking why!! Bailey needs a committed home, with an understanding of the needs of an adolescent boxer. She should attend positive based training with her new humans. Bailey would love a fenced in yard, in addition to lots of walks and continued socialization. If you are interested in this girl, please apply! Where do your boxers come from? Many of our boxers are owner surrenders. Perhaps the owner purchased the dog on impulse, not understanding the needs of a boxer. Sometimes, financial situations change, and families are not able to care for the dog anymore. We also take dogs that have been brought to shelters around New England. If a shelter reaches out for help, we do our best to find placement for the boxer in need. Lastly, we have a wonderful relationship with boxer rescue in Puerto Rico, and we work closely with them to bring boxers in need, from the island, to New England. All of our boxers are temperament tested and evaluated before coming into rescue. It should be noted that ALL dogs require a decompression period when going to a new home. Can I adopt a female dog if I already have a female dog? The short answer is no. Our experience in placing dogs, has shown us that placing two females together is oftentimes not the best long term situation. We receive many calls from owners needing to surrender their female boxers because there is fighting with another female dog in the house. Either way, the fighting is often brutal and bloody. We have adopted a policy to never place two female dogs in the same house. Are your boxers healthy? They are brought up to date on vaccines, tested for heartworm, and spayed or neutered unless too young or not medically able to be. Their vet records are provided upon adoption. Do I need to have a fenced in yard to adopt a boxer? We do not require a fenced in yard for all of our boxers. We look at each dog, individually, and based on the needs of that dog, we may require fencing. Please note that we do not consider an electric fence to be a proper method of containment and are not able place a dog in a home that uses electric fencing. Do you have a shelter where I can come meet the boxers? We are not a shelter and do not have a physical location where you can meet our adoptees. Most boxers will stay with their owners or shelter until we can secure a foster or adoptive home for them. What Are Your Adoption Fees? Petey Donor Spotlight: Doreen Murotsune For many of us who give our hearts, time, or dollars to rescue, we are first inspired by the love of a single special dog. Hana belonged to friends of Doreen, but Doreen and her boxer, Benjamin, fell in love with her. Benjamin and Hana were best friends, and Benjamin was always on the lookout for Hana and ready to protect her from any yappy Chihuahua who tried to intimidate her. In addition to being an active Strut Your Mutt teammate for each of the past 5 years, Doreen browses the boxers in our care and sponsors many dogs whose stories warm her heart. She not only sponsors dogs with single or repeat financial gifts, but also inquires about dogs with prescription diet needs and then purchases those diets on an autoship schedule, having the food mailed directly to foster homes. Planned Giving If you have ever loved a dog, you know that — while their lives are short in comparison to ours — the love you share is timeless. By including NorCal Boxer Rescue in your Will or Trust or naming the organization as a beneficiary on certain accounts, you ensure that for years to come, NCBR is able to continue rescuing boxers, providing them the care they need, and uniting them with families who will love them forever. Dogs are an incredibly important part of our lives. You can make them a part of your heritage. Click here to learn about the different options. Growing Old with You We know that the best place for an old dog is home with loved ones. Click here to find out more about the Growing Old with You program. Grey Muzzle Thank You! We are so honored to be a Grey Muzzle Organization grantee again this year! We know that many of you have a soft spot for frosted faces, but that the cost of caring for a senior boxer has given you pause when it comes to adopting one. We hope that this support will give you the security you need to give your heart away to a beautiful older soul. Thank you, Grey Muzzle, for trusting in us and for supporting our efforts! We are grateful for your partnership! Thank you, Hoven Foundation. Each dog who enters our lives is a gift. They bring us untold joy and share with us their unconditional love. They teach us to be better people. For nearly 10 years, The Hoven Foundation has not only appreciated the gift that each dog represents, but they have given back generously. The continued support of the Hoven Foundation has meant the difference between life and death for countless beautiful souls. Thank you to the Hoven Foundation for what you give to our dogs and, in turn, to all those whose lives those dogs touch. Join Our Mailing List! NCBR is a c 3 nonprofit and donations are tax deductible. We now accept vehicle donations! Donate your car, boat, RV, motorcycle or farm equipment. Plus you get a tax deduction! Call RIDE to donate or learn more. Upcoming Events.

Tweet Looking for free German Shepherd puppies? If you are looking for a German Shepherd, and your budget is tight, you can find your new best friend nearly free or at a decent price. You just have to know where to look. Most of the dogs they place are one year or more, but they often have puppies as well. This normally includes vaccinations, a heartworm test, and spay or neuter. For about one third of the price of a purebred GSD from a reputable breeder, you can give a deserving dog a second chance. Rescue groups specialize in finding forever homes for lost, abused or unwanted German Shepherds. They have extensive knowledge of every dog they place and can normally match you with the right dog for your unique situation. Do you have a German Shepherd rescue success story to tell? Adopt a German Shepherd It may take some patience and persistence, but you can find a nearly free German Shepherd from a local shelter. If they don't currently have puppies, check back often. Or ask them to call you as soon as they get one. The adoption fee will normally cover an initial vet checkup with puppy shots and a spay or neuter. This is cheaper than the cost of a purebred German Shepherd from a rescue group. One quarter of all shelter dogs are purebreeds. Why adopt a dog? You may be their last hope. Many shelters only hold dogs for a week. If they are relinquished by their owner, they are on the short list for euthanasia, as they are not considered lost and no one will be coming to look for them. My Begian Malinois , Ryder, was 48 hours away from being put down after his owner signed him over. Search for a local animal shelter. Don't make price your primary consideration. Backyard breeders and puppy mills price low to sell quickly. Avoid these unscrupulous breeders. Even if an ad reads AKC registered dogs , this is not necessarily a sign of a quality dog. Be aware that Puppy Mills also use this as a lure for unsuspecting buyers. Exercise patience. You don't have to break the bank. Your new best friend is worth the wait. Jennifer here. I've been a fan of the German Shepherd breed for as long as I can remember. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. Are you looking for a German Shepherd puppy right now? Having problems finding one that fits into your budget? Read on to find out even more. So, if you want to find out even more about this why not check out the list of my best tips below to help guide you in your search to find top quality, healthy, reasonably priced, cheap German Shepherd puppies and dogs. This is one of the best ways to find great, adorable and wonderful German Shepherd puppies for less than from a breeder. GSD rescues specialize in saving as many lost, abused, or unwanted German Shepherds as they can and their main goal is to find new, long term homes for them. Most of the dogs these rescues have are older than 1 year in age, but from time to time they often have German Shepherd puppies available too. Just ask them what they have available and discuss what you are looking for with them. Fees for German Shepherd dogs and puppies adopted from a GSD rescue vary but you can always find out by doing online research or by calling or emailing the GSD rescue organization for more information. Here are a few places to begin your search for German Shepherd rescues. It is very possible to find wonderful German Shepherd Puppies at your local animal shelter. These animals have been turned in for some reason and need a second chance at life and you're looking for a free, or at least cheap, German Shepherd dog or puppy. So there you go - match made in heaven hopefully! And if they don't currently have any GSD puppies, no problem, just check back often or maybe even ask them to contact you whenever they do get one in. It can really be worth the wait if you're patient! So, where to start? Ask your local vet about where you can find animal shelters in your area, check the phone book and possible even ask groomers or pet stores that are local to your home. Another great place to start is: www. With all those unique GSD mixes out there to choose from, there's sure to be one one dog or puppy that is the perfect one for you. Adopting a German Shepherd mix puppy or dog can cost you a little too depending on where you find your next pet but this fee often times includes more than just the adoption fee so do your research first to see exactly what is covered in the adoption fees. So, if you follow the tips above, do your research and get all the referrals you can your chances of finding the best, healthiest free german shepherd puppies will increase dramatically. Good luck! We've had to take it off him. Adoption Policy We require an application first so we can show you dogs who might be right for your home. We know our dogs and once we get to know you better, we can help you select your next family member! Exceptions can be made, however, for first-time adopters who show the confidence and leadership tendencies that purebreds will respect and respond to. Counselors have to use good judgment in assessing the attributes of the adopter, as well as of the dog. If you have doubts, get a second opinion from Robin or another experienced counselor. Almost all of our dogs come from the Central Valley and are used to space; it is harder for them to adjust to apartment living, but please check local animal shelters, there are always plenty of dogs available for adoption! If you have submitted an on-line application but have not been approved by our volunteer, please do NOT come down to meet dogs as we won't be able to show you any. Our main priority right now is to keep our staff, volunteers and you healthy during these difficult times. No on-site screening at this time. Once approved and told to come meet dogs, we will be happy to help you. If you're just "shopping around", please apply at a later time. Thank you for understanding and for opening your homes to one of our deserving dogs! Please refer to our website for the most accurate and up to date information.

Long or medium, water resistant Coat Colors Bi-colored, range from black, cream, sable, black, and amber. Above all, know that these dogs are by no means small! In fact, they can grow to be quite large. This mix will grow to be somewhere in between how big its parents are. Male and female German Shepherds have a better big difference in height and weight. While males grow up to 24 and 26 inches cm , females get to be about 22 and 24 inches cm. As far as weight, males can be 65 to 90 pounds kg heavy while females are only between 50 to 70 pounds kg. The Golden Retriever looks a bit different. Again, there is a difference between the sexes. Females can grow as tall as .Males are inches 58 — 61 cm tall and pounds 29 — 34 kg heavy. But what does this mean for your Golden Shepherd? As mentioned above these dogs grow to 20 to 26 inches cm tall and 60 to 85 pounds 27 — 39 kg heavy. It really is just a guessing game with this breed. Hands down, they the best out of the best when it comes to guarding. Golden Retrievers are on the opposite end of the spectrum. They are very easy going, love all strangers, and are loyal to any family members. These dogs are social and beloved because of their awesome people pleasing skills. The Golden Retriever German Shepherd Mix could inherit any combination of these behaviors from their parents, just as the same as their appearance. Their cleverness makes training easy. Kids and Golden Shepherds get along great. Your dog will always be up for some fetch or tug-of-war. Since there is hunting blood in their veins, watch them around smaller animals. Or you might witness lots of chasing. Be on the Lookout for These Possible Health Problems source As mentioned in the first paragraph Golden Shepherds have a life expectancy of around years if they receive enough love and high-quality care. However, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers have numerous health issues that can pass down to their puppies. Work closely with your breeder to prevent this from happening to you. German Shepherd Health Risks These dogs have been bred for multiple centuries. Because of this, they run into many medical problems. However, here are the top three problems that you might run into. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This is a pretty common disease for most, but unfortunately, the German Shepherd is more prone to it than others. In fact, 1 out of 5 German Shepherds are expected to have this. This could be blamed on their energetic personality and big stature. Regardless, hip and elbow dysplasia is when the hip or elbow joint frequently pops out of its socket. As you can expect, this can cause the bones to wear down over time and, eventually, cause lameness. Perianal Fistula In other words, doggy diarrhea. It can be particularly alarming as it is often accompanied with bloody poop. It all starts when the skin around the anus begins to gets infected. Osteoarthritis Or, when the joints begin to wear down after normal living. Most specifically for German Shepherds, it happens around the spine. If you take good care of your German Shepherd, as well as schedule regular vet visits to be proactive in their health, you can expect 11 happy years together. The most alarming of these is cancer. Aside from this, you can expect .Here are several of their other health problems: Atopic Dermatitis : Otherwise known as allergies! Most commonly, dogs can be allergic to pollen, animal dander, plants, insects, food, and medication. This breed is known to have lots of issues with this. Aortic Stenosis : This is a medical condition that affects the blood flow in the chambers of the heart. Eventually, this can thicken the heart walls and lead to serious heart issues and even failure. Just like with German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers are also prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Many do debates whether this is true. The unfortunate side of this is that examples have shown us over time they may change into something not as healthy. A great example of this is the English Bulldog. Yet, on the other hand, mixing combines the positive traits of two types while getting rid of the negative. It takes a lot of time and hard effort, but it can happen. Regardless of this debate, whether your pup is healthy comes down to the breeder you choose and the parents. But what should you specifically work on? Make sure to socialize your Golden Shepherd early in case they adopt the nervousness around strangers from their German Shepherds parents. Have visitors, other animals, and children over often. The more experience they have around strangers, the better. Plan for many daily walks. Because of this, a house with a yard is better. But an apartment can work if given enough daily exercise. Since German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are prone to having joint problems and your pup could inherit these issues, be cautious when exercising. As well, overeating can be a problem because extra weight increases the load on the joints. Make sure to use a brush that can reach both layers of the coat. Heading to the bathtub too often can damage their skin. As well, pay attention to how long their nails have grown and clip when necessary. Brush their teeth weekly to avoid the buildup of plaque and stinky kisses. And check their ears weekly for too much wax. This depends on where you buy from and the pedigree. The good news is that there are breeders everywhere! Also across Canada and the UK. As we mentioned before, do your research! Make sure anyone you purchase from is raising healthy and happy pups. Do a quick search in your area on sites like:. 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 Golden Shepherd Highlights Golden Shepherds are mixed breed dogs. The main colors of Golden Shepherds are black, tan, red, cream, and blue. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. They shed quite a bit. The Golden Shepherd not only loves kids, they enjoy the commotion they bring with them. Though, as with all dogs, playtime with kids should always be supervised. Golden Shepherds have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour-long walk per day. Hiking and other adventurous activities are strongly recommended. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create Golden Shepherds as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though Golden Shepherds got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up Golden Shepherd rescues, or check with breed-specific German Shepherd and Golden Retriever rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. That said, as a mix between German Shepherd and Golden Retriever parents, you can expect the Golden Shepherd to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 95 pounds and range in height from 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. Golden Shepherd Personality Golden Shepherds make excellent family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their Golden Shepherd parents regularly work as military, police, and guard dogs, while their Golden Retriever parents have jobs as hunting and guide dogs. Golden Shepherds like to work and need to have a job to do, whether big or small. Give them a sense of purpose, and this dog will earn their keep ten fold. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reinforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Golden Shepherds are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as this mixed breed is prone to tartar build-up. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with its one-inch jumps. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. Golden Shepherd Feeding An ideal Golden Shepherd diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. As with all dogs, the Golden Shepherd dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Golden Shepherd diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs—including weight, energy, and health—to make a specific recommendation. They usually have medium length, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. You will need it. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also helps to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are an indoor dog and need to live indoors with their family. Like all dogs, however, Golden Shepherds need to be trained how to behave around children and vice versa. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this awesome breed by reading about their parent breeds the German Shepherd and Golden Retriever. Golden Shepherd Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Golden Shepherds because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Golden Retriever breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. This hybrid breed, sometimes referred to as a golden German shepherd, is utterly adorable, incredibly smart, very loyal to his family members , and, above all else, supremely lovable. Golden shepherds make great pets for families that have plenty of time and energy to dedicate to daily exercise and affection. Appearance Golden shepherds, like other hybrid breeds, get their traits from both parent breeds. Half German shepherd, half golden retriever, they may closely resemble one parent or the other, or they may look like some combination of the two—it all depends. Golden retrievers typically stand 21—25 inches tall and weigh 55—75 pounds. As this breed's name suggests, their fur color falls somewhere along the yellow spectrum—from creamy white to dark golden. They have feathery tails that are almost always wagging happily. German shepherds tend to be about the same size as golden retrievers, weighing between 50—90 pounds and standing 22—26 inches tall. These regal-looking canines are typically black and tan but they can also have black, black with red, sable, or white fur, too. Similarly, golden shepherds may have the floppy, folded-over ears of a golden retriever or the alert, upright ears of a German shepherd. No matter which parent your golden shepherd puppy looks like, he's basically guaranteed to be cute. A full-grown golden shepherd will likely be a medium- to large-sized dog , so consider how much space you have before bringing one home. Temperament For lovers of German shepherds and golden retrievers, golden shepherd dogs are the perfect happy medium. These good-natured pups get the brains of a German shepherd, the happy-go-lucky attitude of a golden retriever, and the family-friendliness of both parent breeds. Golden retrievers are cheerful, fun-loving dogs with delightful personalities—there's a reason they're so popular, particularly among families with kids. They love to romp and play, but they're equally as happy snuggling up on the couch for movie night. Golden retrievers absolutely adore getting attention from their human owners—pets, scratches, praise, and cuddles are their favorite—so they're all-around top-notch companions who would gladly follow you anywhere. They are friendly with new people and almost always steal the spotlight at parties. They love going for walks and learning new cues and tricks , so some daily blend of physical and mental stimulation is important for keeping a German shepherd happy. They love their human family members deeply and are often referred to as "Velcro dogs" because they like to be in the same room with their people at all times. They'll readily alert you to a delivery at the door, too. As a German shepherd and golden retriever mix, golden shepherds will likely have varying personalities that incorporate attributes from their parents, according to Nicole Ellis , CPDT-KA, pet lifestyle expert with Rover. This makes them ideal for families that spend a lot of time at home or young professionals with remote jobs. Puzzle toys and feeders can help keep your golden shepherd engaged, too. Care Grooming a golden shepherd is relatively low-maintenance, though be forewarned: Your dog will likely shed a fair amount golden retrievers and German shepherds both shed heavily in the spring and fall and moderately year-round. To keep your golden shepherd looking his most handsome, brush his coat at least once a week and bathe him with shampoo formulated specially for dogs as necessary. Regular brushing can also help keep the shedding in check, to a degree, but you may also want to invest in a good vacuum cleaner , too. Courtesy of bella. Also, brush your golden shepherd's teeth nightly or at least as often as you can manage! Set a reminder to clean your golden shepherd's ears regularly , too. Though your golden shepherd may naturally be a very social dog, thanks to his golden retriever lineage, it's still important to socialize him from a young age. This way, he'll be comfortable around new sights, smells, sounds, people, and other dogs. Puppy kindergarten training classes can help your golden shepherd puppy learn new cues while also interacting with other pooches of all shapes and sizes as well as their owners. As you search for a training facility or begin to prepare your own training plans , keep in mind that golden shepherds respond best to positive reinforcement that involves a reward, such as high-value treats , petting, and effusive praise, Ellis says. Health A golden shepherd's health and expected lifespan depend greatly on the health of his two parents. German shepherds, which typically live 7—10 years, can be susceptible to certain genetic diseases and conditions, including elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia , epilepsy , bleeding disorders, eye conditions , degenerative myelopathy hemangiosarcoma , and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Golden retrievers tend to live slightly longer with average lifespans between 10—12 years. Like German shepherds, golden retrievers may also experience elbow and hip dysplasia and eye conditions including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Golden retrievers are also susceptible to allergies and hypothyroidism. The good news is that hybrid breeds tend to have fewer medical problems than purebred dogs, she says, though you should still be aware of these common concerns. History As with other hybrid breeds, the exact history of the golden shepherd is unknown. We do know that golden retrievers were developed in the mid-to-late s in the Scottish Highlands by Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Lord of Tweedmouth, who wanted to develop a skilled hunting dog who could tackle the region's rugged terrain. German shepherds hail from Germany, where they were developed in the late s by a German cavalry officer named Capt. Max von Stephanitz. These intuitive dogs learn quickly, which is why they're such a popular choice for police work, search and rescue missions, and other important jobs. Today, golden shepherds are primarily companion animals and pets. There aren't many golden shepherd breeders in the U. But check with local animal shelters and rescue groups regularly, as they may have a mixed-breed dog with some German shepherd and golden retriever in his DNA or dogs with similar characteristics to these two pups! Fun Facts If you're training for a marathon or planning a big summit, a golden shepherd will gladly accompany you on your training runs and hikes. These pups are very sporty and have a lot of endurance not to mention that they'd get to spend time with you, their favorite person! Large breeds like golden retrievers and Germans shepherds can become overweight if left to their own devices. Keep an eye on your dog's weight and talk with a veterinarian about the best way to keep him fit and healthy. Golden shepherds are good contenders for dog sports like agility, rally, obedience, and more. They love a good session of fetch in the backyard, too. Was this page helpful? This combines the intelligent and hardworking traits of the German Shepherd with the loyal and loving traits of the Golden Retriever to create a playful and affectionate dog that makes an excellent family dog. This lovable hybrid breed is becoming more and more popular in the United States for many reasons. Read on below to find out more about this interesting breed and whether they might be the right dog for you. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that their mixed breed offspring is also a very popular dog! However, the breed has been registered by the International Designer Canine Registry since and is also registered with the Designer Breed Registry. They soon became popular in the United States in the early s. The German Shepherd had a controversial past. These dogs were used in World War One and were seen as German dogs which is why they were shunned. However, these dogs regained popularity with the public in the s and have been a favorite with the police and military for decades, due to their hardworking and loyal nature. The Golden Shepherd was first bred in .The hope when breeding this dog was to create a puppy with the alertness, courage and quickness of the German Shepherd while getting the retrieving ability and gentle nature of a Golden Retriever. Characteristics Of The Golden Shepherd Due to the fact that these dogs are not a purebred breed, it can be a little difficult to predict their characteristics. This is especially true for the Golden Shepherds that are first generation. However, we can make predictions based on past Golden Shepherd litters. Always buy from a reputable breeder and never from puppy mills. Appearance A Golden Shepherd can weigh anywhere between 35 and 55 lbs and stand between 22 and 24 inches tall. Males are normally bigger than females and it will, of course, depend on which parent your Golden Shepherd pup takes after more. These dogs are medium to large size and normally have a German Shepherd body and a Golden Retriever head. However, German Shepherd puppies often have floppy ears when they are born, eventually becoming erect as they grow, so there is a chance your puppy will have these ears too. However, German Shepherds can also have short coats, so there is a chance your Golden Shepherd will inherit this coat too. Whichever coat they inherit, it will be a double coat which, unfortunately, means lots of shedding! They will have two major blowouts every year but, to be realistic, your Golden Shepherd will never stop shedding. It can be golden just like their Golden Retriever parent, or they can take after their German Shepherd parent and have a mixed color coat. This could be black, cream, yellow, tan, white or blue. Again, take a look at the parent breeds of your Golden Shepherd to determine what color coat your puppy might inherit. Temperament The Golden Shepherd is known for being a gentle, kind and loving dog that makes an excellent companion. Energetic and full of life, these pups love to be around people and love to play. They do not like to be left alone and will want to be by your side at all times, meaning they can sometimes exhibit signs of separation anxiety. Early socialization can help to fix this. Extremely intelligent, it is no wonder that these pups need to be kept entertained and thrive when given a job to do. While they are sociable dogs who love people and other animals, they can often inherit a protective nature from their Shepherd parent that can result in these dogs being an excellent watchdog or guard dog when trained. The Golden Shepherd loves to please their owners, making them very easy to train. They also love to play with children and other animals, so you do not need to worry about any kind of aggression and socialization will be minimal. Lifespan The average life expectancy of a Golden Shepherd is anywhere between 10 to 14 years. They are generally a healthy breed and can live a long and happy life! Known Health Issues While the Golden Shepherd is a healthy breed for the most part they can, as with all dogs, be prone to some health problems. These are usually health issues that have been passed down to them from their parent breeds. One of the biggest health concerns for the Golden Shepherd is bloat. They are more susceptible to this because they are a large breed of dog. Bloat is where the stomach twists and fills with gas. It can be fatal. Feeding your dog smaller, more frequent meals can help to reduce the risk of bloat. Other issues the Golden Shepherd may be prone to are hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. This is common in large dog breeds and is when the elbows and hips weaken and become arthritic. It can be the result of quick growing. Degenerative Myelopathy is another problem that both parent breeds can develop. It can result in hind leg paralysis. Regular vet checkups and keeping an eye on your dog will ensure you can catch any of these issues before they become untreatable. Remember — buy from a reputable breeder and the chances your dog will suffer any health conditions will be greatly reduced. Trusted breeders will do health checks on both parent breeds and will not crossbreed if there is a chance of passing on any issues to offspring. Daily Life Now we have explored the characteristics and the temperament of the Golden Shepherd, it is time to look at what daily life with one of these dogs is like. Although their traits can be a mixture of both parents, looking after these dogs is pretty straightforward. This type of dog needs roughly three to four cups of dog food a day and it should ideally be a dog food tailored to large breeds. You should always check the back of the food packet to see the exact amount of a certain food you should be feeding your pup based on their weight. Always try to feed your Golden Shepherd high-quality dog food that meets all their nutritional needs. This breed can be known to be a little greedy, so try not to feed them too many treats, either. Remember, the Golden Shepherd breed is prone to bloat, so split up their meals. Two to three meals a day will greatly reduce the risk of bloat in comparison to one large meal. The Life Protection formula is suitable for adult dogs that need a little extra help. It comes in a pound bag to cover multiple feedings and uses a chicken and brown rice recipe. Thanks to the real chicken used in the formula, your dog gets the protein that it needs to build and maintain healthy muscles. The formula also uses fruits and garden vegetables along with whole grains. Unlike other dog food that uses lots of grains and fillers with a small amount of protein, Blue Buffalo gives your dog a nice dose of protein with just the right amount of grains and no fillers. This food is also suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs and other problems as it is free from soy and wheat along with preservatives and corn. Formulated for large breeds, this food helps to support hip and joint health in bigger dogs. With U. The large kibble size of this food not only provides a crunchy texture, but it also helps to support dental health in large breeds by scrubbing the teeth as they chew. Even better, there are also natural prebiotics which help support healthy digestion and there are no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Exercise This German Shepherd Mix has high exercise needs and is best suited to an active family home. They need around 60 minutes of exercise a day, so are therefore excellent as a hiking or running buddy! These pups also need lots of mental stimulation as they are a very intelligent breed. If they are not kept entertained then they will likely become bored and begin to exhibit destructive behaviors. One way to ensure your dog stays entertained is to give them a job. This can be as simple as teaching them a dog sport, such as agility or flyball. Family Compatibility With both parent breeds, the German Shepherd and the Golden Retriever, two of the most popular dogs in the United States, it comes as no surprise that the Golden Shepherd is a good family dog. The breed is very affectionate and will just want to play with you and be by your side. They can be known to exhibit signs of separation anxiety when left alone for too long, so you will need to makes sure that you have the time to spend with this dog before buying. Otherwise, they can begin to exhibit destructive behaviors. Extremely intelligent, these dogs are easy to train, meaning even the smallest of children can help out! The Golden Shepherd is not fussy about where they live, either. This dog will thrive in an active family where they can be taken on walks and hikes but, as long as you exercise them enough and keep them entertained, they can happily live in a small apartment and do not need a lot of space. All they need is lots of love and attention! Training The Golden Shepherd is a highly intelligent dog who will do anything to please their owner. This means that they are very easy to train, which also makes them a perfect first dog or great for those who have no experience in training a large dog. You should always use positive reinforcement when training the Golden Shepherd. This includes reward based training — both verbal praise and treats. You should never get angry or frustrated with your Golden Shepherd, because they will not understand and will not want to learn. Socializing Fortunately, this Golden Retriever Mix is a very sociable dog and socialization is very easy. They love to have friends around them, in the form of both humans and other dogs and pets, so introducing them to other members of the household should not be an issue. However, because of their parent breeds working history, they can be known to chase squirrels and other small animals while out. Socializing your Golden Shepherd from a young age and introducing them to new sights, sounds, places, smells, people and animals can help to combat this. Grooming As we mentioned above, the Golden Shepherd does shed a lot of fur and so they are not the pet for those with allergies. Because of this, they also do require a lot of grooming. Although they will have two blowouts a year, they will also need regular brushing to minimize shedding. You should try to brush them at least two to three times a week. Also check their ears when you can for any signs of infection. The Golden Shepherd makes an excellent family dog. These pups love people and never like to be left alone, so they will do best in an active household where they can always be part of the action. They especially love children and other animals and are very good at understanding their needs. While the Golden Shepherd might be best suited to those who have experience with a large dog breed, their intelligence makes them a dream to train. They also just want to please their owners, meaning they can be a good first pet and will just want to love you. How much does a Golden Shepherd puppy cost? You should always buy from a reputable breeder who can give you health checks for both parent breeds. If this is too far out of your price range, check your local shelter. There are always dogs out there who need a loving forever home! Summary The Golden Shepherd is the result of breeding two of the most popular dogs in the United States and the result is a loving, affectionate and active family dog. These pups make the perfect companion for anyone, children and animals included, and their intelligence makes them a dream to train. Do you think a Golden Shepherd could be the pup for you? The Golden Shepherd tends to be a friendly, energetic, and affectionate dog that is loyal to their family and tends to be protective of them. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, and more. A Golden Shepherd tends to bring the all-around friendly personality of the Golden Retriever and the intelligence and devotion of the German Shepherd into one dog. They love their families and tend to get along with everyone including children. These dogs are not necessarily suspicious of strangers, but they are alert and will tend to bark if they see something they feel you need to know about. Golden Shepherds are moderately adaptable dogs. Because they are high-energy, they tend to do better in homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living as long as plenty of time is dedicated to giving them the daily exercise they need. They tend to do well in most climates. But, as with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Because Golden Shepherds are devoted to their families and thrive on spending time with them, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. A mixed-breed dog can inherit the potential health issues common to one, both, or neither of their parent breeds. As a larger, barrel-chested dog breed, the Golden Shepherd, like their parent breeds, is also at a higher risk for bloat. The Golden Shepherd is a highly trainable dog breed. They are intelligent, eager to please, and pick up on things quickly. This makes them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Puppy training classes can still be a great idea because they offer opportunities to socialize a puppy while also strengthening your bond with them. The Golden Shepherd will have a thick double-coat that sheds moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year as seasons change. A quick daily brushing, especially during seasonal shedding sessions, will help remove loose fur to make your dog more comfortable and also help keep more fur contained to a brush instead of everywhere else. Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. Monthly nail trims are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long or causing issues. Plus, if anything is starting to happen, you can get the vet before it gets more serious. Because many dog owners overlook this, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal. The Golden Shepherd comes from two high-energy dogs, so they require a lot of daily exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime and time to run are the minimum. But, a Golden Shepherd will likely be up for more activity if you are. A trip to the dog park for some off-leash time, playing frisbee or chasing a ball, hiking, swimming, running, and more can all help this dog expend some extra energy. You want to keep their activity low-impact as they are still growing, but once they finish growing, try different activities to see what you both love doing together. You could even try training them for dog sports! A fully-grown Golden Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Golden Shepherd generally lives for years. Currently, we do not have any Golden Shepherd puppies available, but we can alert you when new Golden Shepherd puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address! Related Breeds. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Golden retrievers and German shepherds are two of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Both medium-to-large dogs that are highly intelligent, easy to please, and great with families, it was only a matter of time before someone created the golden shepherd by mixing these two breeds. But what can you expect if you decide to adopt one of these amazing dogs into your family? Read on as I take you through exactly what you can expect from a golden retriever-German shepherd mix, including their size, appearance, temperament, and the care they need to thrive. Is the golden shepherd the right dog for you? Learn more below! Essential Statistics Breed: Mix of golden retriever and German shepherd Height: 21 — 26 inches Coat Type: Medium-long high shedding coat Colors: Black, cream, white, gold, yellow, brown, chocolate, liver Lifespan: 7 — 12 year lifespan Temperament: Highly intelligent, easy to train, playful, friendly, does well with families Exercise: High energy and exercise needs History Of The Breed Golden retrievers were first bred in the United Kingdom to retrieve shot waterfowl. Their soft mouths allow them to retrieve ducks and other game without damaging them. As a highly intelligent breed that is eager to please and with a naturally good nature and understanding of how to act around children, goldens have been popular working dogs since the s, and you will often see them working in search and rescue and disability assistance. German shepherds , also known as Alsatians, were first bred in Germany just before the start of the 20th century as herding dogs. When natural sheep predators began to die out in Germany at the start of the 20th century, German shepherds were taught to do other kinds of work. While German shepherds are not an aggressive breed, they developed a bad reputation in the 20th century when the German Nazi army started using them as working dogs. The breed was also adopted by gangsters and bootleggers in the United States. Fortunately, today, their reputation is largely recuperated, and they are often seen working with police and in roles such as search and rescue. Golden shepherds were first bred around .The intention with this mixed breed was to create a dog with the courage, quickness, and alertness of the German shepherd but also with the good nature of the golden retriever, which is also intelligent, highly trainable, and easy to please. The results are excellent working dogs and family pets. Golden retrievers are usually 21 to 25 inches tall and will usually be the mother in a first generation golden shepherd coupling. They weigh 55 to 75 pounds. German shepherds are slightly larger, measuring 22 to 26 inches tall and weighing 50 to 90 pounds. As you would expect, their golden shepherd offspring measure 21 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 90 pounds on average. Both parent dog breeds have medium-to-long coats that are known to be high-shedding, so you can expect the same from a golden shepherd. Being a mixed breed, they can come in an extensive range of colors, including black, cream, white, gold, yellow, brown, chocolate, and liver, and they will often be bicolor. The color of their coat tends to be highly unpredictable in the first generation. Because they are high-shedding, they do need regular grooming, which means brushing at least once a week to keep shedding under control. Still, there is no escaping all that dog hair, and you will definitely need to invest in a good vacuum cleaner. The way their facial features will develop is less predictable, since they are still a new breed and breeders are still learning to control for desirable features. They can also either have the pointed ears of a German shepherd or the drooping ears of a golden retriever. Either way, they are sure to be a gorgeous pup! Golden Shepherd Temperament And Intelligence Golden retrievers are known for being playful and friendly dogs that love everyone they meet and therefore make terrible guard dogs. They are playful and loyal to the family with whom they have developed a bond. While they can be wary of strangers or anything that seems out of place, they are more likely to alert you with a bark than attack. You can expect a golden shepherd to be playful and friendly, but a little bit warier of strangers than your standard golden retriever. Both parent breeds are highly intelligent and also eager to please. German shepherds, in particular, are also independent thinkers and problem solvers. This means golden shepherds are easy to train, as they learn new commands quickly and enjoy the rewards that come with completing them, but they are also good at knowing what is required of them in new circumstances. Golden shepherds, like both of their parent breeds, are incredibly loyal and will want to be around their people all the time, whether that is out and about, or curled up on the couch at home. This can lead to frustration and destructive behavior. They are naturally protective of children, and despite being large breed dogs, they are very aware of their own size and strength and know how to play gently with children. However, it could be a struggle to have this breed with very young children, as they have lots of playful energy, and this can be overwhelming for smaller folks. Golden Shepherd Energy And Exercise Golden shepherds, like both their parent breeds, are high-energy dogs. Additionally, golden shepherds need at least an hour of fairly intense exercise each day. This means running around the dog park and sniffing everything, playing catch, and going for a swim rather than just a casual walk. They should be getting less exercise as puppies, despite their apparent energy, as too much exercise can undermine their proper development. While they are growing, they should have about five minutes of exercise per day per month of age. So at four months, they need 20 minutes of exercise each day, and at six months, they need half an hour. As adult dogs, they will love joining you on longer adventures, such as hikes and boat trips and will have no problem keeping up. Bear in mind that, while they are natural swimmers, if you go out on a boat, they should be wearing a flotation vest. As well as formal exercise, they need to be able to move around and play throughout the day, and a decent-sized backyard is the best thing for this. Golden Shepherd Health Concerns Of course, when you adopt a dog into your family, you will want to closely monitor and care for their health. This means ensuring they are vaccinated for all the most transmissible canine diseases, such as Parvo , protection against fleas and ticks , and proper dental care, which ideally means daily brushing. But certain dog breeds are also more susceptible to certain health conditions than others. With mixed breeds, they could be less susceptible to some of the most common ailments of their parent breeds, or they could be more susceptible to certain conditions. The best thing to do is inform yourself about the common health issues for both parent breeds and monitor your puppy for all of them. This means for golden shepherds, you will want to be on the lookout for: Elbow and hip dysplasia, common in both parent breeds Eye conditions, common in both parent breeds Bloating gastric dilation volvulus , common in both parent breeds Epilepsy, common in German shepherds Allergies, common in golden retrievers Hypothyroidism, common in golden retrievers Degenerative myelopathy hemangiosarcoma, common in German shepherds Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, common in German shepherds Of course, just because some dog breeds are more susceptible to these conditions does not mean they will get any of them, and your golden shepherd could pass their entire 7-toyear lifespan without being affected by any of these. But if you know the symptoms, you can catch any problems early and ensure a better quality of life for your dog. One other health concern with both the parent breeds of golden shepherds is obesity. They love their food, and we love to reward them with delicious treats. Remember, every treat you give them also contains calories! Also, never feed them off your own plate. They already tend to think they are human, and this can just lead to begging at the table and food theft! Plus, a lot of the foods humans eat are toxic to dogs. This not only includes chocolate and fake sugar, but also common kitchen staples such as onion and garlic. Invest in good quality food for your dog and avoid giving them table scraps. No doubt having read my guide you are interested in bringing a fantastic golden shepherd into your family. These are the questions you should ask yourself to determine whether you are a good fit for this unique breed. Do you have an active lifestyle? Your dog is going to need lots of exercise and is happiest when they can accompany their humans in energetic activities. Are you out of the house a lot? Golden shepherds love company and need to be around their people most of the time. They need a home where there is usually someone about or where they can accompany someone to work. Do you have much space? Golden shepherds thrive when they have space to use their energy, and they are fairly big, so they can make a small apartment feel claustrophobic. Are you willing to accept dog hair as a part of life? Are you a first-time owner? Golden shepherds are easy to train and control, so they are actually great choices for first-time owners. Do you have kids or other pets? Golden shepherds are great around kids and other pets if they are properly socialized. But these big dogs with lots of energy could be challenging if you have very small children. Let these questions guide you as to whether a golden shepherd is the right dog for you. In short, if you are low on space, time, or energy, a different breed might be a better match. If you find a breeder selling for less than this, be wary, as you may be dealing with a puppy mill. You may also find golden shepherds in your local shelter , because despite being amazing and pliable dogs, their energy and attention and exercise needs often prove too much for some owners. What do you think of the golden shepherd? Does it mix the best aspects of the German shepherd and golden retriever? Is this the kind of dog you would like to adopt? Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

Heart murmurs are graded on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being mild, and 5 being very loud and easily detected. When a dog is relaxed or sleeping, rates above 35 breaths per minute signify heart problems and warrant an immediate trip to the veterinarian. Count each rise during that period, then multiply that number by four to find out the number of breaths per minute. By the time you see visible signs of a heart problem — difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, coughing, weakness, lethargy, exercise intolerance and collapsing — your dog may have heart disease. What are heart murmurs? There are two broad categories of heart murmurs in dogs: A congenital murmur is present from birth. Congenital murmurs are usually caused by a structural heart defect. Fortunately, most murmurs in young puppies turn out to be benign in nature. An acquired murmur is one that becomes apparent later in life. Acquired murmurs are usually due to heart valve abnormalities or cardiac muscle disease. Fortunately, most dogs with acquired valvular disease never develop congestive heart failure, as long as they receive proper care. The most common cause is myxomatous mitral valve degeneration, which is a progressive degeneration of the mitral valve. The cause is unknown, but in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, a genetic link has been identified. Larger breeds also sometimes develop murmurs associated with cardiomyopathy, which is a term for cardiac muscle disease. Learn more about dilated cardiomyopathy The mitral valve is the valve between the left atrium upper chamber and left ventricle lower chamber of the heart. Oxygenated blood from the lungs goes into the left atrium, where it is transported to the left ventricle, which then pushes the blood out to the rest of the body via the aorta. When the mitral valve degenerates, it becomes bumpy and irregular and no longer closes all the way, allowing blood to wash back into the left atrium. The heart becomes less efficient, making it work harder with every beat. Eventually, fluid backs up into the lungs. When that happens, the dog is in congestive heart failure and will require cardiac medications for the rest of their life. Monitoring is your best defense If your veterinarian tells you that they hear a heart murmur, they will likely recommend an echocardiogram to confirm the diagnosis and establish baseline cardiac function. Repeating the echocardiogram annually is a good way to monitor progression. An echocardiogram is non-invasive and usually done without anesthesia or a sedative. A simple blood test, called pro-BNP precursor of B-type natriuretic peptide , is a useful tool for monitoring as well, as pro-BNP levels rise in the face of cardiac muscle stretch and stress. Obesity makes it harder to breathe, which strains the heart. It also makes it harder to exercise, and exercise is good for the heart. These diets are sodium-restricted, which helps prevent fluid accumulation and supports healthy blood pressure — both of which are important for cardiac patients. The nutrients include antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and other things that support cardiac function. If you are told that your dog has a heart murmur, you should schedule regular follow-ups to monitor its progression, help your dog lose weight through proper diet and exercise, and consider using a prescription diet for canine cardiac health. Your attention to cardiac management could be the difference between a dog who ends up with congestive heart failure and one that does not. If your puppy does not outgrow their murmur, an echocardiogram is recommended to determine the cause, cardiac status and prognosis. This is important whether your dog is intended for breeding or not. For dogs intended for breeding, the echocardiogram will help determine whether the dog ethically should be used for breeding. For dogs undergoing spay and neuter procedures, the echocardiogram provides your veterinary surgeon with important information regarding the risk of anesthesia. The ultimate prognosis depends on the type of congenital heart defect. Many puppies will live a normal lifespan. For other puppies, surgery may be an option. Stud Dogs Puppy Heart Murmur A heart murmur is a specific sound detected when listening to the heart with a stethoscope. This sound is a result of the blood flowing faster than normal within the heart itself or in one of the two major arteries leaving the heart the aorta and pulmonary artery. Instead of the normal Lubb Dupp, an additional sound is present that can vary from a mild pshhh to a loud whoosh! What is a heart murmur? Your vet will use a stethoscope to listen to all areas of the heart A heart murmur is a specific sound detected when listening to the heart with a stethoscope. Your vet may use a grading system from 1 to 6 to describe how loud the murmur is e. Heart murmurs in dogs can develop at any stage of their life. However, the significance of the heart murmur can be very different depending on the age at which the murmur is first detected. My dog seems normal to me but my vet has detected a heart murmur. Is this possible? It often comes as a surprise to owners to be told that their dog has a heart murmur. Many dogs with heart murmurs seem normal to their owners and have no obvious symptoms of heart disease. However, it is important to remember that the presence of a heart murmur is just an indication that there may be underlying heart disease. In itself the heart murmur is not a diagnosis. If your dog has had a heart murmur detected but is not showing symptoms of heart disease, it is possible that the heart disease may not yet have developed significantly enough to affect the normal functioning of the heart. However, this situation can change and cardiac symptoms can develop rapidly. This is very important as it means that appropriate treatment to assist heart function can be started promptly if and when it is required. These disappear by 5 months of age If a heart murmur is present from birth or develops shortly after birth, it will probably be detected by your veterinary surgeon at the first or second vaccinations. In puppies, there are two major types of heart murmurs. This type of murmur is soft typically a grade 2 or softer and is not caused by underlying heart disease. An innocent flow murmur typically disappears by months of age. However if a puppy has a loud murmur grade 3 or louder , or if the heart murmur is still easily heard with a stethoscope after months of age, the likelihood of an underlying congenital heart problem i. Examples of congenital heart problems in dogs are patent ductus arteriosus, aortic stenosis and pulmonic stenosis. Interestingly, some types of congenital heart disease in puppies have very characteristic sounding heart murmurs. If congenital heart disease is suspected, your vet will almost certainly want you to see a specialist for further assessment. Puppy strangles is especially problematic in Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, Brittany spaniels, springer spaniels, and dachshunds. Signs Puppy strangles is a result of an immune malfunction. The skin, especially on the face, becomes infected with deep sores. These sores can become so involved that they reach the lymph nodes of the neck. This neck area swells with hard knots under the jaw until it looks like the baby dog will strangle—hence the name. Puppy pyoderma is characterized by pustules on the face, and painful swelling of the lips, eyelids, and face. This may also include swellings in the groin area, where the lymph glands are located. Infected neck lymph nodes often become abscessed, break open and drain. Signs of puppy strangles go beyond the facial sores. Puppies develop a fever, become lethargic, and stop eating, which can lead to low blood sugar that complicates the condition. The draining sores on the face must be diagnosed as pyoderma, as opposed to juvenile demodectic mange that looks similar. Treatment for puppy strangles such as steroids to relieve the inflammation could actually make the demodectic mange worse. Once your veterinarian has diagnosed the condition, ask for tips on how to help your puppy heal. Some home treatment can relieve the discomfort, too. Home Care Apply hot packs to the sore face two or three times a day. Moist heat brings blood circulation to the area to help heal the wound more quickly and clean out the infection. Apply moist heat five minutes on, five minutes off, until the cloth has cooled, and then reapply. Soak with warm water at least once a day to soften the crusties, and then gently wipe them off. Follow up by washing the area with a 2. For the lymph nodes that have abscessed, clean the spots three to four times a day with warm water on a cloth applied for five to 10 minutes at a time. As with any abscess, these spots will be very tender, so be gentle. Rough cleaning also could increase the chance that the area will scar. Veterinary Treatment Your vet may need to lance abscesses that have not opened on their own. Flushing out the deep wound can be accomplished using a syringe without the needle or even a turkey baster or squirt gun filled with an antiseptic solution like diluted Betadine. Typically, several weeks of antibiotics from your vet will be needed to resolve any deep infection and prevent secondary bacterial infections in the draining wounds. Your vet may also prescribe steroids to reduce the inflammation. We look forward to serving our clients from our new location in Longmont, CO. Heart murmurs are abnormal heart sounds that vets can hear by listening with a stethoscope. There is a wide range of causes for heart murmurs in dogs that can range from no impact on your pup's health to a more severe prognosis. Today, our Rocky Mountain Veterinary Cardiology vets explain. What is a heart murmur? A heart murmur occurs when there is turbulent blood flow within the heart. Some murmurs, especially those found in young puppies, can be 'innocent' or 'physiologic' and will have no negative effects on your dog's health. Young puppies with innocent heart murmurs will usually outgrow them by about 5 months. Unfortunately, a heart murmur in an older dog is less likely to be deemed 'innocent' and can typically be categorized in two ways: pathologic caused by heart disease or extracardiac not caused by heart disease. What are heart murmur grades in dogs? Not all heart murmurs sound the same. When your vet listens to your dog's heart, they will assess the intensity, timing, and location of the murmur and grade it using the following scale: Grade 1: Barely audible - the least serious type of heart murmur Grade 2: Soft murmur, but easily heard with a stethoscope Grade 3: Intermediate loudness, most serious problems will result in at least a grade 3 heart murmur in dogs Grade 4: Loud murmur that can be heard on either side of the chest Grade 5: Very loud murmur Grade 6: Very loud murmur that can be felt by placing a hand on the dog's chest wall - the most severe type of heart murmur What are the symptoms of heart murmurs in dogs? The symptoms of a heart murmur largely depend on the underlying heart condition that is affecting your pup. There is a wide range of conditions and diseases that can cause a heart murmur in dogs. Most commonly, heart murmurs in small dogs are caused by a leaky mitral valve the heart valve in between the left atrium and left ventricle. The mitral valve allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle but does not allow for blood to flow back into the left atrium. Sometimes as a dog ages the valve degenerates which causes blood to leak backward. This condition is known as chronic valve disease, degenerative mitral valve disease, or endocardiosis. In larger breed dogs, heart murmurs are often caused by a disease called dilated cardiomyopathy with a subsequent leaky mitral valve. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease that causes the muscles in the pumping chamber of the heart to become weakened and decrease the contraction strength of the heart. While these are common culprits of heart murmurs, there is a range of other issues that can cause a murmur to occur. Your vet will be able to run the proper diagnostic tests to properly assess your pet's heart and determine the cause of the heart murmur. How can heart murmurs be treated? An innocent murmur will not require any treatment, but your vet will want you to come for follow-up appointments to ensure the heart murmur resolves itself. A heart murmur caused by cardiac disease or defect may require medication, a specialized diet, or surgery. At the very minimum, your dog will require vet visits every 6 months to monitor the murmur. What is the prognosis of a heart murmur? The prognosis of a heart murmur largely depends on the underlying cause of the murmur and ranges from good to severe. For innocent murmurs that don't require treatment, the prognosis is generally good to excellent. Heart murmurs caused by extracardiac disease or a functional problem that can be treated may resolve over time. For dogs that have a leaky mitral valve, long-term medication can help prolong their lives or improve their quality of life. The prognosis for a dog with dilated cardiomyopathy varies - if the dog is already showing signs of heart failure the prognosis is unfortunately not good. For dogs with congenital heart defects, the prognosis varies- if the defect can be corrected by surgery the prognosis is usually very good. Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet. Is your dog showing signs of a heart condition? The veterinary cardiologists at Rocky Mountain Veterinary Cardiology have extensive experience in treating heart disease and other cardiac conditions. Request a referral from your vet today or contact us for more information. Our experienced vets are passionate about the health of Boulder and Denver companion animals. Get in touch today to book your pet's first appointment. This article aims to clarify common myths and misconceptions regarding heart murmurs in dogs so that any pet owner can understand the significance of this diagnosis and the next best steps. What is a heart murmur? Does a heart murmur mean my dog has heart disease? Not necessarily; not all dogs diagnosed with a heart murmur will suffer from cardiac heart disease. A heart murmur is a clinical finding—not a disease diagnosis. Some heart murmurs are benign or harmless and may go away on their own, particularly in puppies. Additional diagnostic testing, such as an echocardiogram ultrasound of the heart will likely be required. Some puppies can grow out of heart murmurs by approximately 16 weeks of age. These murmurs are usually low grade quiet and show no signs of affecting the animal. If your puppy has a louder murmur that has been heard at several vet visits, it is recommended that your pet be evaluated by a veterinary cardiologist to determine if intervention medicine or surgery is advised. What causes a heart murmur in dogs? Anything that changes the blood flow through the heart creating turbulence can cause a murmur to be heard. Not always. Murmurs are graded on a scale that refers to their loudness see below. Quiet murmurs may still represent severe heart disease in a patient, while conversely, loud murmurs may not impact a dog lifelong, depending on the diagnosis. This is why further investigation into the cause of the murmur with a veterinary cardiologist is useful to guide treatment recommendations and provide prognostic information. Grade 1: heard inconsistently in a quiet room with a quiet animal Grade 2: easily heard but quieter than the normal heart sounds Grade 3: same intensity as the heart sounds Grade 4: louder than the heart sounds and heard on both sides of the chest Grade 5: loud with a thrill vibration that can be felt with the hand against the chest Grade 6: very loud with a thrill and can be heard with the stethoscope off the body wall My dog is acting normally. Does that mean the heart murmur is harmless? Again, not necessarily. Dogs may be asymptomatic for their heart murmur but have significant heart disease already present that warrants treatment. Since acquired heart disease usually presents in older patients, owners often think they are slowing down due to age when heart disease is truly contributing to their change in energy. In other cases, asymptomatic dogs with heart murmurs may not require heart medications, but they may have the early stages of heart disease present that warrant other precautions. For instance, general anesthesia for a surgery or dental procedure is only recommended if a dog diagnosed with a heart murmur has been evaluated by a veterinary cardiologist and deemed to be a safe anesthetic candidate with appropriate protocol precautions in place. What are signs of cardiac heart disease in dogs? Signs of cardiac disease in dogs can include: Difficulty or labored breathing. My pet was diagnosed with a heart murmur! What does that mean? It is caused by abnormal turbulent blood flow. Abnormal turbulent blood flow can occur when blood passes across abnormal heart valves or across abnormal structures within the heart. It can also occur when blood flows very fast across normal structures such as when an animal is excited. An echocardiogram ultrasound of the heart is a non-invasive test that is performed to determine the cause of the murmur. In some instances, the louder the murmur, the more significant the abnormality within the heart. They are soft and usually go away by 14 weeks of age. This may indicate that congenital present at birth heart disease is present. The cardiologist will perform an echocardiogram as well as other tests EKG, blood pressure, etc. Depending on the disease present, some congenital diseases can be fixed or made better with an interventional catheter procedure, traditional surgery, or administration of cardiac medications. If you have an older, small breed dog: Heart murmurs in these dogs may indicate that these dogs have a leaky mitral valve the heart valve in between the left atrium and left ventricle. This valve degenerates as dogs age and when it does, the older valve allows blood to leak backwards. We refer to this disease as chronic valve disease, endocardiosis or degenerative mitral valve disease. Mild chronic valve disease that leads to small leaks across the mitral valve usually does not create a problem for a dog. The disease is slowly progressive in most cases and the leak will continue to worsen over months to years. If the disease becomes severe, the dog is at risk for developing congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure means that the leak across the heart valve overwhelms the heart and fluid goes from the heart backwards into the lungs instead of from the heart forward to the body. A cardiologist can perform an echocardiogram and determine the stage of chronic valve disease present. The presence or absence of congestive heart failure is diagnosed by X-ray of the chest. If congestive heart failure is present, oral medications can be prescribed to help maintain a good quality of life. Some dogs can do well with these medications for years. Bernard, Newfoundland, Cocker Spaniel, Dalmatian or Portuguese Water Dog : Heart murmurs in these dogs may indicate that they have a disease called dilated cardiomyopathy with a subsequent leaky mitral valve. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of the pumping chamber ventricle of the heart where the muscle becomes weakened and the contraction of the heart is decreased. When the ventricle is unable to pump blood to the body, fluid goes from the heart backwards into the lungs instead of from the heart forward to the body. This is known as congestive heart failure. In addition, because the heart is not pumping effectively, these dogs can develop profound weakness, lethargy, exercise intolerance and fainting. Unfortunately, they can also pass away suddenly from abnormal heart beats arrhythmias from the diseased heart chambers. A cardiologist can perform an echocardiogram and determine if dilated cardiomyopathy is present in susceptible breeds. Oral medications can be initiated in the preclinical asymptomatic phase of dilated cardiomyopathy and in some cases, these medications can delay the progression of the disease to the development of congestive heart failure. If a dog develops clinical symptoms of congestive heart failure, X-rays are used to confirm the presence and determine the severity of the congestive heart failure. Some dogs can do well with these medications for a period of months to years. If you have a middle-aged to older cat especially a Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, Ragdoll, British Shorthair, American Shorthair, Sphynx or Devon Rex : Heart murmurs in cats can be due to the excitement of the veterinary visit physiologic heart murmurs or due to underlying heart disease. An echocardiogram is necessary to differentiate between a heart murmur that is just due to excitement versus a heart murmur from underlying heart disease. Heart murmurs or other abnormalities heard with a stethoscope may indicate that cats have a disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This is the most common acquired heart disease seen in cats. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a disease of the pumping chamber of the heart where the muscle does not relax well after it contracts. Blood is then unable to fill the heart normally and fluid goes from the heart backwards into the lungs instead of from the heart forward to the body. Signs of congestive heart failure include a fast breathing rate, difficulty breathing, fainting, weakness, lethargy, hiding and a decreased appetite. Unfortunately, in addition, these cats can also pass away suddenly from abnormal heart beats from the diseased heart chambers. A cardiologist can perform an echocardiogram and determine if hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or other structural heart disease is present in susceptible breeds and in cats that have abnormal heart sounds on physical examination. The progression of disease is different in every cat. Some cats develop congestive heart failure soon after their disease is diagnosed by echocardiogram. Other cats remain asymptomatic for their hypertrophic cardiomyopathy for many years before they develop congestive heart failure. Still others never develop congestive heart failure or any symptoms of their heart disease. Recheck cardiology visits and echocardiograms are necessary to determine the progression of disease in each patient. If a cat develops clinical symptoms of congestive heart failure, X-rays are used to confirm the presence and determine the severity of the congestive heart failure. If congestive heart failure is present, oral medications can be prescribed to help maintain a good quality of life, and some cats can do well with these medications for a period of months to years. Jordan Vitt, a veterinary cardiologist at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, says the three types of congenital heart defects seen most often are patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonic stenosis, and subaortic stenosis. Saki Kadotani, who is completing a residency in veterinary cardiology. Vitt explains. However, each of these heart problems has its own cause and treatment. Patent Ductus Arteriosus Patent ductus arteriosus PDA is a condition in which a blood vessel that should close at birth fails to close. This problem can occur in any breed of dog. When puppies are born, this ductus should close and all blood flow through the ductus should stop. Vitt, when this happens, blood that should flow to the body goes back into the lungs through the PDA. This can result in heart enlargement, leading to congestive heart failure if the problem is not detected and addressed. To prevent this abnormal blood flow, the PDA should be closed. This can be performed by a surgeon by tying off the PDA through a surgical incision in the chest or minimally invasively by a cardiologist, like Dr. The minimally invasive technique is performed by placing a heart catheter through the femoral artery to place a device that will occlude, or close, the ductus. This narrowing of normal passages makes it harder for the blood to move from the heart to the lungs or from the heart to the body. Stenoses may affect the pulmonic valve or the aortic valve. Vitt says. This procedure involves using a heart catheter to place a balloon at the stenotic valve. The balloon is then inflated to widen the valve opening and improve the flow of blood. The balloon is removed after the procedure. A newer technique for repairing subaortic stenosis begins with threading a smaller balloon, which when inflated exposes small surgical blades, to incise or cut the scar tissue before using a larger balloon to open up the narrowed valve region. All of these minimally invasive techniques are performed by the cardiology service at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Early Detection Because congenital heart defects are something puppies are born with, there is no way to prevent this disease. However, early detection and treatment improve the prognosis for the patient. Most puppies have soft murmurs at a young age, and most murmurs go away on their own by the time the puppy is four to six months old. A murmur that is characterized as a grade 2 or less is very likely to resolve; on the other hand, Dr. Vitt advises that a heart murmur at grade 3 or higher should be evaluated by a veterinary cardiologist as soon as possible. Any murmur that is still present at six months or that is getting worse should also be evaluated. The earlier the detection, the sooner the problem can be evaluated and potentially fixed for the best long-term outcome. If a problem is detected in any of the puppies, the owner may opt to have an echocardiogram or ultrasound of the heart as well. In addition, the cardiology service will soon offer breed-specific screening days. On these days, dog breeds predisposed to certain heart diseases will be evaluated at a discounted price to encourage early detection and potential treatment. To find out more about breed-specific screening days, contact the cardiology service at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

View All Articles in Ear Health .Grooming Table A good grooming table will take your home grooming salon to another level. The dog grooming arm attached to the table will keep your pup safe and still, so you can focus on the grooming. You can either build a DIY grooming table or buy a great dog grooming table. Firstly, all Doodles are prone to matting. So naturally, brushing will help prevent any knots and tangles before they even get to form into mats. Also, every now and then or every day! Or when they get smelly… Here you can learn all of our best Doodle bathing tips and tricks. This should be done weekly, or in some cases, every days. Make sure to check out our ultimate dog nail trimming guide. In addition, trim their inner ear hair to avoid dirt and bacteria getting trapped. This will prevent bad smell and discoloration around the eyes. As all dogs are unique, there is no one-size-fits-all rule. For instance, how frequently you bathe your Bernedoodle depends on their activity levels, skin conditions, coat type, and hair length. Some dogs may need baths every week, while some require bathing only before hair trimming. The best way to deal with matting is to prevent it. Luckily, you have the option to choose from a variety of cute Bernedoodle grooming styles. The sooner you introduce your Bernedoodle puppy to grooming, the easier it is for your pup to get used to it. Are Bernedoodles High Maintenance? Bernedoodles and other Doodles might seem high maintenance to some. Doodles need regular brushing and haircuts to keep that coat looking gorgeous. The best tip is to brush your Bernedoodle daily to maintain a beautiful coat without too much effort. If you decide to groom at home, you will have to factor in the cost of all the grooming tools. High-quality Bernedoodle grooming tools usually last longer. Why is My Bernedoodle Shedding? If your Bernedoodle is shedding, we recommend you brush them daily to remove the loose hair from the coat. Let us know in the comments! Take matters into your own hands and learn to give your Doodle the exact haircut YOU want with this valuable online course! Learn More The information on this page is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional groomer advice. Always seek the advice of your groomer, veterinarian, or other qualified animal health provider with any questions you may have. You Might Also Like. Grooming Shears Dog grooming tools for your dog. Your Bernedoodle may not need some heavy-duty grooming shears, but they may require a shedding blade to help remove excess hair. Always start slow and take your time, praising your Bernedoodle along the way. Train Your Bernedoodle Before you begin grooming your Bernedoodle, be sure to get familiar with the equipment, the sounds they make, and how they feel. Be careful not to hurt your Bernedoodle with any of the equipment because that will only make them fearful of the experience. Despite having more Poodle genetics, F1b Bernedoodles still often have the distinctive tri-color markings Jet black, clear white, and rust Consider using a week to get your Bernedoodle familiar with the tools by letting them sniff the tools and hear what they sound like before you engage in actual grooming. Use treats and positive reinforcement to make them comfortable with you grooming them. It can be challenging to know when to throw in the towel and reach out to a pet grooming service, but this may be the easiest option. Here are just a few of the reasons why you may want to outsource grooming to a professional: Your Bernedoodle is scared. You feel too nervous grooming them. Your Bernedoodle is not sitting still. Your Bernedoodle is not trained for grooming with you. Seek out the help of a professional groomer to keep you and your Bernedoodle happy with grooming and ease as much anxiety as possible. Tips for the Groomers When you choose to see a professional groomer instead of doing the haircut yourself, you may want to ensure that you and your Bernedoodle are getting the most out of the experience. Although this can be challenging, some tips can make the process smoother and ensure that your Bernedoodle receives exactly the haircut you desire. A cordless clipper for dogs. Explain it to your groomer by pointing out different sections and telling them how exactly you want your Bernedoodle to look. However, remember that mistakes happen, and hair will always grow back. Show Pictures When possible, pull up pictures of how you want your Bernedoodle to look. Pictures of other Bernedoodle looks can help you and your groomer figure out how to achieve the look and discover if that groomer is capable of creating the look. Ask About the Process If you have any questions, you should always ask the groomer who will be working with your Bernedoodle. Questions are always welcome, and a groomer will want to ensure that you and your dog are happy with the service and feel as safe as possible. Final Thoughts Bernedoodles are perfect family dogs because they are calm, loving, and goofy. Bernedoodles have a luxurious coat of hair that mixes the curly nature of Poodles with the color combinations of Bernese Mountain Dogs. This dog breed also has many characteristics of its parent dogs, leading to a calm and gentle grooming experience. Bernedoodles are eager to please and easy to train, meaning grooming your Bernedoodle at home can be a fun and exciting experience. Ensure you have all the proper tools and that your dog is trained well to make grooming your Bernedoodle at home a dream come true. But it can be a challenging experience for busy parents, those without experience, or those with a Bernedoodle who is scared of trimmers. Know when to take your Bernedoodle to a professional grooming service to make things easier on you and your loving Bernedoodle. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. The Poodle is, of course, quite famous for its distinctive haircuts, so it can be expected that the Bernedoodle should sport a great haircut as well. The Berner originated in the Swiss Alps and has a thick double coat consisting of a woolly undercoat and an outer coat that is a little longer and shaggy. The Berner is famous for his black, rust, and white coloring. Unfortunately, he sheds a great deal, which requires brushing several times a week. The Poodle actually has a single coat of hair that consists of very dense, curly hair rather than fur that sheds minimally. They are considered hypoallergenic and make great dogs for allergy sufferers, and they come in a wide variety of colors. Grooming the Poodle is more of an ordeal than it is for the Berner, and for many Poodle owners, the easiest option is bringing the dog into a professional groomer or keeping their Poodle closely trimmed. Their coats may be the same rust, black, and white as their Berner parent, or they could be black, black and white, or many other variations. The fur will more than likely be wavy at the very least but, more often than not, has some of the same curls as their Poodle parent. The more curlier their coat, the more likely they will shed less and will be hypoallergenic. There are several haircuts you can opt into for your Bernedoodle, so, without further ado, here are 8 haircuts for you to consider in alphabetical order: 1. This could also be a different version of the Summer Cut, which can be seen below at number 7. This one has the easiest upkeep as your Bernedoodle is essentially shaved down, which will not only keep him cool, but it will prevent dirt and mats from accumulating in his hair. Lamb Cut A post shared by Sully and Tonks sullyandtonks The Lamb Cut allows for a longer length of hair on the body, and the legs are also kept fuzzy and longer. The face, tail, and feet are usually shaved closely but with a fluffy topknot and ears. This cut involves closely shaving the hair down on the body and legs but leaving tufts of hair on the tip of the tail and feet. Poodle-Inspired Cut This Bernedoodle haircut will look exactly as it sounds. Most of us are familiar with the traditional Poodle cut, short fur on the legs and body, and longer hair on the lower parts of the legs, the top of the head, and the tail. The ears, tail, topknot, and legs are always thick and fluffy. This cut may suit some Bernedoodles since they are part Poodle but will only work if they have the traditional Poodle curls. The hair is usually layered along the legs, feet, and sides of the body. The hair on his head is cut rounded and in layers. This cut can be any length you want but is guaranteed to make your Bernedoodle look adorable. Summer Cut The Summer Cut is a different version of the Winter Cut see below but with the hair trimmed shorter over the entire body so your Bernedoodle will stay cooler over the hotter months. It is kept about less than an inch on the body and 1 inch on the legs, but with longer hair on the tail. It looks similar to the Winter Cut but is just shorter overall. Summing up Bernadoodles Haircuts Considerations should be made regarding how much time you have for grooming and how comfortable you would like them to be. It might be fun to experiment to decide which one of these will not only best suit your Bernedoodle, but what he seems to be the most comfortable in. These large, friendly, lovable dogs make an excellent choice of a family pet, especially for homes with allergy sufferers. Bernedoodle Coat Types Bernedoodles have three primary coat types that each lends themselves to different haircuts and styles: 1. This coat is not super curly but wavy instead. These dogs are light shedders that need brushing regularly to remove loose body hairs and keep the coat in good order. These dogs have a fluffy look, but they lack the very curly hair of the other coat types and instead have a loose wave. Straight-coated dogs are light shedders and are generally regarded as low-maintenance, easy-care pups. That said, these dogs do require regular brushing to prevent the hair from matting. Curly Wool Coat The curly coat is most like that of the Poodle parent. Different Colors And Coat Patterns Bernedoodles come in various different colors and coat patterns, depending on which parent the puppy most takes after. Generally, the more unusual coat colors and patterns are more desirable and, therefore, command a higher price. Black and White The black and white Bernedoodle is probably just about the most popular of the Bernedoodle color variants. Black is the dominant base color, and white markings adorn the chest, neck, and face. Occasionally, black and white Bernedoodles have white markings on their paws, too. Brindle coloring develops more as the dog gets older. A brindle coat is basically a mixture of two or three colors and is a genetic feature that puppies are born with. Phantom Color Image Source Phantom Bernedoodles are usually a combination of black and tan colorings. Unfortunately, merle dogs are at risk of serious health problems, including deafness and blindness. For that reason, ethical dog breeders would never cross two merle Bernedoodles. Sable Coat Sable Bernedoodles have a solid base coat color, but every hair has a black tip. The overall look of the sable Bernedoodle depends on how much of the hair is black. Clearing refers to the phenomenon where the coat color begins to fade as a puppy reaches adulthood. Interestingly, a sable dog tends to keep a dark ear color, but the black-tipped hairs grow out. Types Of Bernedoodle Haircut In this section of our guide, we take a look at the various different types of Bernedoodle haircuts that you can choose. Of course, you can have a go at clipping your Bernedoodle at home. Taking the DIY grooming route can save you a fortune in professional grooming fees in the long-run. However, we recommend that you take your pet to the groomer for a professional haircut first. Ask your groomer for haircut tips and check out some of the YouTube tutorials posted by professional grooming salons. A Winter cut is a rather generic term that can be interpreted in different ways by professional grooming salons. Summer Cut One of the most common haircuts for Bernedoodles is the Summer cut. This simple style is perfect for dogs that live in a warm climate or for those that enjoy an active lifestyle. The Summer cut helps to keep your dog cool and makes grooming less onerous. Many owners like to give their dogs a Summer cut at the beginning of the spring when the weather warms up, allowing the fur to grow back throughout the summer so that the dog has a cozy coat when fall and winter arrive. This is another of the common haircuts that owners choose for their dogs during warm weather. If you fancy clipping your dog at home, the Kennel cut is simple to do and lasts for a while. As the name suggests, this style is more commonly associated with Poodles, but it does suit curly-coated Bernedoodles very well. The Poodle cut involves clipping the hair short on the back, underbelly, and back legs. The toes and feet are shaved short, as is the tail. Teddy Bear Cut Image Source The Teddy Bear cut, or trim is a perennial favorite with many Doodle owners and is definitely the style you want to go for if you want your Bernedoodle to look cute. The feet are clipped beveled or round, while the head hair is styled into a rounded, fluffy shape on the top of the head or the whole face, depending on your preference. Lamb Cut Image Source The Lamb haircut is another shorter style that sees the legs left longer, while the body hair is clipped short to around 1 inch long. This style is often teamed with a clean face clip. Generally, the Lamb cut works best with curly-coated Bernedoodles. First, the groomer clips the dog to create a fluffy collar effect, boots, and long tail hairs. The body hair is shaved short so that it looks similar to a Summer cut. The head hair is clipped short, leaving a stripe of hair or Mohawk. Lion Cut Image Source The Lion hairstyle is a cut that is best taken on by a professional groomer with experience in creating this style. You often see the Lion cut used for Poodles, and it is a common sight in the show ring. Short Hair Image Source Short hair is a good option for you if you have an active dog that likes to get down and dirty at the beach or dog park. Finally, short haircuts are much more comfortable for your dog during hot and humid weather. However, a long coat can leave your pet vulnerable to heatstroke and overheating. Long fur is much more prone to matting and takes longer to brush than a shorter coat. Again, wavy coats can take a fair amount of grooming and brushing if you allow them to grow longer. These gorgeous coats can be grown long to create a gorgeous corded look or clipped short for a more practical, everyday hairdo. The curly coat is probably the most high-maintenance coat of all. Those delightful curls are very prone to tangling and knotting, so you must make sure you have enough time every day to brush and comb your Bernedoodle, regardless of what hairstyle you choose for him. This particular tail style suits a Berndoodle with short hair. A long hairstyle would probably not look quite right with this tail cut. This style tends to suit smaller dogs rather than large ones. The clean face trim is very popular with dogs that have inherited the sharper facial shape of the Poodle parent, but it does suit pretty much all the styles of haircut that you can choose. Final Thoughts I hope you enjoyed this guide to all the different styles of Bernedoodle haircuts that you can choose from. However, if you prefer to have a proper haircut for your pet, you might want to go to a reputable salon with experience in clipping Doodles. What haircut did you choose for your Bernedoodle? Did you take the DIY route, or did you stick with the salon? Tell us what you finally decide in the comments box below. Meet our writer Alison Page Alison Page was brought up with dogs and various other pets! For a few years, Alison worked as a Practice Manager in a small animal veterinary clinic. Alison is now a full-time writer, specializing in creating articles on the care and training of dogs, cats, and fish. All those appointments can add up quickly. With a short Bernedoodle haircut you can go longer without visiting the groomer, therefore saving a fairly large chunk of money over the course of a year. The key to doing this successfully is making sure you are brushing often in between visits so you avoid your Bernedoodle hair matting. Chris Christensen Big G Dog Slicker Brush Even if you decide to groom your Bernedoodle by yourself to save money, choosing a Bernedoodle summer cut instead of keeping their hair long will save you frustration and time. Call me crazy, but I think a nice, short haircut on a Bernedoodle looks just as adorable as a longer teddybear look. This style looks great on any Bernedoodle size. What Are Bernedoodle Summer Cuts? A Bernedoodle summer cut is simply another term for a short haircut. What is a Bernedoodle Kennel Cut? Just like Bernedoodle summer cuts, a Bernedoodle kennel cut is often a term used to describe a generic short haircut. Many dog groomers will interpret this as the same length of hair all over from head to tail. How to Request a Short Bernedoodle Haircut There are lots of terms that can be used to describe how you want your dog to look when talking to a groomer. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. If you have a picture of your Bernedoodle with a past haircut you were happy with, use that. As always, be nice to your groomer and take their advice into consideration. Want to Do It Yourself? It might sound intimidating, but there are beginner courses such as this one from Udemy that will walk you step-by-step through the process with video lessons. The instructor of this particular course is a former professional dog groomer and even has a doodle herself that she uses as an example! They vary in length as well as style. A few are completely shaved while others are simply a shorter trim. Photo courtesy of Lauren Wettack on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Alex Lickenbrock on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Amy Pettit Newton on Facebook. Photo courtesy of AriAnna Johnson on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Ashley Grandy on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Carrie Strout on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Charisma Dawn on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Caroline Desorcie on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Gigi Chang Parke on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Jessica Monette on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Jessica Trinder on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Katy Conover on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Kayla Alene on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Kelly-Daniel Kirby on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Rai Zee on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Sheli Monacchio on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Tanis Ohlhauser on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Teresa Mccarroll on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Vivi Aleproti Hanelt on Facebook. More About Bernedoodles….

Apply to Adopt A little about us.Genuine Australian labradoodle puppy breeder since .Located in Monterey, California just two hours south of San Francisco. We are a small in-house breeder specializing in breeding miniature to medium labradoodles from the seeing eye dog Australian lines. We do not ship our puppies but will meet new owners at the airport. We average four to five litters a year. This gives us the time to complete early neurological stimulation starting at three days and desensitizing to fireworks, thunderstorms, etc. We give each litter and each puppy the love and attention it needs during those first irreplaceable eight weeks of your puppy's life. We take great responsibility in giving every puppy the best start in order to grow into a well-adjusted, highly socialized, and healthy member of your family for many years to come. Our puppies are born in our bedroom, raised in our kitchen and get the best of care and lots of handling from their first day. We not only guarantee genetic health but also have very strict requirements for the temperaments of the breeding dogs in our program. Puppies are examined by a veterinarian, vaccinated, and micro chipped before going home. About Australian Labradoodles.Australian Labradoodles are beautiful, healthy, allergy and asthma friendly. They were originally bred to be service dogs and not a 'designer' pet. The Labradoodle breed started with a request over thirty years ago by a family needing a seeing eye dog but who also had a family member with asthma. After some research and years of breeding by leading service dog breeders, Tegan Park and Rutland Manor in Australia, the Australian Labradoodle was born. Our top goal is excellent health, fantastic temperament, and service qualities. Just like any other breed that becomes popular, though, some breeders have started breeding for the popularity of these dogs and not for the benefit of the breed itself. So here's how to make sure you're getting the dog you want. Here are some helpful tips to understand what a breeder means when they are using these phrases. The multi-generation Australian Labradoodle, which is the original Labradoodle, has a foundation stock including six different parent breeds. These dogs were developed in Australia, and hence the "Australian" in the name of the dogs. This was a breed that was developed with goals in mind for a low shedding service dog, not a designer dog. The multi-generation Labradoodle has only poodle and lab in its heritage. It does not include the other parent breeds that were originally used by the creators of the breed. These have been primarily developed later in the U. These dogs tend to shed their coat since they are more closely related to the Labrador and often have a wire hair look to them. The "Back Cross" or "F1B" is a dog from an F1 see above mated back to a poodle usually for coat correction. These dogs have not had the multiple generations of Labradoodle mated with another Labradoodle nor the addition of Australian Labradoodle foundation stock or multiple parent breeds. Breeding Labradoodles takes more than just mating two dogs and hoping for the best. It requires lots of research, time, and money to raise the healthiest litters possible. Unfortunately, the soaring demand for Doodles has also attracted Doodle scammers and puppy mills. The Humane Society conducts an extensive review of problematic breeders and puppy mills each year. Likewise, look for breeders who offer at least a two-year health guarantee for all their puppies. Typically, health warranties cover most or all genetic diseases that the parents have been tested for. For more on issues that can plague Labradoodles take a look at our article Doodle Health Issues and Diseases. Additionally, many reputable breeders are also recommended by Gooddog. To become a certified breeder by any of these organizations, the breeder must follow strict health and genetic testing standards, and follow ethical breeding protocols. All puppies are handled from the day they are born. The pups are exposed to children, everyday sounds, sights, and household experiences. What Makes This Breeder Unique? With 17 years of experience in breeding Australian Labradoodles, we pride ourselves on selecting only the best dogs for our breeding program, which in turn ensures that we are producing the best puppies imaginable. We work closely with our licensed vet to perform health testing, including hip and elbow testing; eyes, heart, skin, and patella testing; and a series of genetic tests, on all of our breeding dogs. We provide a temperature controlled, in home my master bedroom environment, with sound therapy to expose your puppy to lifes sounds from an early age. This helps desensitize your puppy to the sounds of life traffic, fireworks, outdoor machinery, crying baby, misc appliances, automobiles, etc. We start crate training at 5 weeks with a soothing heartbeat snuggle puppy to comfort them as they transition to sleeping alone and all the puppies love it and sleep better with minimal crying. We add nutrients and special additives for puppies to their drinking water. We add probiotics to their food for a healthy GI tract and immune system. We make special liver water, gruel, with puppy supplements, dog milk formula to their nutritionally dense food to support eyes, ear, bone, joint, coat and heart health. We expose your puppy to sunlight daily on the deck right outside the puppy nursery area. There is always a plush bedding for their cozy comfort in their play areas for those impromptu naps puppies love. Our puppies are held and played with while being bathed and exposed to water, in our walk-in shower, which builds a positive experience, with water, for their lifetime. Bath time is with a human sitting in this large shower allowing plenty of space for your puppy too roam around and enjoy water in a nurturing experience. The puppies love it instead of being in a sink with a dry human just washing them. Water is actual playtime while they get clean and build positive experiences with being wet. Instead we utilize Puppy Culture, Badass Breeder protocols and tons of love from humans that are passionate and dedicated to what they do. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. We look forward to providing you with your fury best friend! When full grown, these health tested, Australian Labradoodle puppies will be approximately pounds with wavy fleece coats, curly fleece coats or the occasional straighter hair fleece coats. Our puppies can go home as early as 8 weeks old. We can also hold back a puppy if you are interested in training services. Sugar Pine Doodles on Facebook. Would you like to be a guardian for one of our breeding doodles? Please click for our Guardian Home Program to learn more. Find the Next Member of Your Family. We strive to produce dogs absent of the genetic diseases prevalent in many purebred dogs today. We offer a 2-year Health Warranty against severe genetic defects and pledge to provide lifetime consulation support for your dog. We aim for a "personal" touch in our relationship with our puppy families and are happy to answer any questions you might have about the breed, about our dogs and about what you might expect from an Australian Labradoodle Puppy. Pictures and stories of our most recent litters and adult dogs on our "Puppy Photo Blog"! Happy Fall ! Puppies Are On The Ground! We are taking reservations for our 4 litters going home December- March .Chocolates, Reds, Apricots, Caramels in large mini to mediums. A Guardian Home will keep the dog as their own family pet, while we retain breeding rights for a specified number of litters in the case of females , after which she will be spayed and retired to the family forever. Males will need to remain intact for years. Please phone or email for more information on this opportunity. A few key facts about our program.You can follow how our puppies grow on our "Puppy Photo Blog"! Our dogs live in our homes as beloved family members or in loving Guardian Homes. The adult dogs play an important role in socializing puppies and teaching them canine "Good Manners," while the human family members devote countless hours to individualized puppy care. Puppies are exposed to a variety of different stimuli including vacuum cleaners, car rides, a cat, chickens, annoying pop music, unusual culinary aromas, an excess of televised sporting events, and the bagpipes! Careful but Extensive Socialization While we are extremely careful about keeping young puppies protected from disease and from stress, we try to expose the puppies to a variety of humans throughout their lives with us. Personalized "Match-making" While we appreciate good-looks as much as the next person, temperament and sound health are the key factors behind breeding quality Labradoodles. Can you judge a book by its cover? We evaluate our puppies' personalities extensively and focus on achieving the optimal match between puppy and family. Ongoing Support Have questions about how to manage your new family member? Need advice on food or training? Referral to a vet or groomer? Or would you like a lesson on grooming your dog? Vacation boarding for your new puppy? We are committed to providing assistance to our Labradoodle community throughout the life of the dog. Payments In , The Guide Dog Association in Australia began a breeding and research program to produce a dog that was highly intelligent, with a wonderful disposition, that would not shed and therefore be allergy friendly. The Association carefully selected a female Labrador, and a male Poodle of superior quality to breed. John Gosling agreed to breed the first litter of Labradoodles in an attempt to lessen the likelihood of allergic reactions. Pat Blum was overjoyed with the outcome and was able to finally get her much needed Guide Dog that she named Sultan. Being such a desirable dog, the Labradoodle is still being bred by many people today. They are gentle, sweet and loving. These traits make them an ideal family dog that is much sought after in the general public. The Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. Wally Cochran was the driving force behind this program, and the goal was to produce a non-shedding guide dog by using a Labrador Retriever and a Standard Poodle. The result of this cross produced intelligent, easily trainable puppies that were the beginning of the Labradoodle as we now know it. Crossing these two breeds also gave the Labradoodle a hybrid vigor and a variety of coats. Allergy and Asthma sufferers take heart, Labradoodles may be the breed for you! The Labradoodle can vary in size: Height in.

Choosing a reputable breeder, however, can be rather difficult. The answers you receive will help determine the quality of your breeder and puppy and provide you with information you need to help raise your puppy. Important Questions to Ask a Breeder 1. Study up on your specific breed to see if there are common genetic problems worth discussing. Is that the size dog you want? Can I meet the entire litter? View and interact with the entire litter. This will allow you to evaluate the cleanliness of the environment and the size, personality, energy level, and health of the puppies. The puppies should interact and be playful with other dogs and comfortable around people. They should not cower when you approach or touch them and not resist when you roll them on their backs and hold them in that position. Make sure that they appear to be in good health and evaluate their overall temperament. Are they shy, aggressive, or well-adjusted? What preventative care do you provide to the parent dogs? A measure of the quality of care provided for the puppies can be evidence by the care delivered to the parent dogs. Optional vaccines include Lyme and the canine flu, which depend on disease risk. Have the parent dogs had health problems? What health problems have the parents had to date? When did they develop and how were they treated? This will help guide you as to what to look for and take preventative measures for your dog. How old are the puppies? What age can I take my puppy home? Puppies ready for adoption should be between 8 and 12 weeks old. It is important that the puppies socialize with their litter mates and other dogs early in life. Taking them away too soon can be a problem. Puppies not taken by other buyers over 12 weeks old or puppies that have been returned can indicate problems as well. Have the puppies been socialized? Have the pups been around other dogs and people? Socialization is critical in puppies ages 6 to 16 weeks. Proper socialization consists of positive experiences with other dogs and humans of varying ages, race, and sizes. Have vaccines been administered to the puppies? How many shots have the puppies received and when are they due for their next round of shots? Puppies generally start their vaccine series between 6 and 8 weeks of age. Ideally, vaccines are administered by a licensed veterinarian rather than a feed-store vaccine. Have the puppies been dewormed? All puppies are born with worms and routine deworming is recommended. This often begins as early as 2 weeks of age and most puppies have at least one dose of dewormer by 6 weeks of age. How many veterinarian visits have the puppies had? Have any puppies in the litter been sick? Have the puppies seen the vet, been examined, and declared healthy? If not, what problems have they had? If any of the puppies were sick, what were the signs, the diagnosis, and treatment measures? Have they been on any medications? Have any puppies had parvovirus? Ask for medical records that includes examinations, weights, deworming treatments, and vaccines. What is your guarantee? What guarantee does the breeder give with their puppies? If the puppy is found to have a severe illness, what will they do to compensate? How long does the guarantee last? This is a difficult topic, but one that is a lot easier to cover up front rather than after the fact. When do I need to go for the first vet visit? How soon is the first vet visit? Consider it a probationary period to see your vet and get the puppy evaluated before finalizing the contract. Do you have any references? Ask the breeder for references from puppy owners that they have sold to within the past year. Call their clients and find out if the breeder was fair, if they were happy with their pets, and how any problems were handled. If so, what is in it? Is the breeder willing to take the puppy back at any time if you are unable to keep it? Do you require puppies to be spayed or neutered by a certain age? If that is the case, it may not be an issue, but it is best to know before you get your puppy. Ask if the breeder has information about the breed line. For example, ask how long most dogs in the breed line have lived and what they typically die from. What are you currently feeding the puppies? Regardless of what they are feeding, it is ideal to continue feeding the same food for the first few days at home to minimize the risk of gastrointestinal distress. Learn how much and when they are feeding to keep your puppy on the same schedule for the first few days. Will you supply a health certificate and certificate of sale? Ask the breeder if they will supply a veterinarian-issued health certificate for your puppy. Also, be sure to ask for a certificate of sale, which may be required depending on your location. Are there any required certificates if you are shipping out of state? Do you belong to a breed club? Do they have any training tips that have worked well for their puppies? One of the most challenging things a new puppy owner has to deal with is housetraining their puppies. Breeders have a lot of experience training and may have useful tips that have worked well for other puppies. Do you offer support? Top breeders are passionate about their puppies and adamant about finding them the best homes. In fact, they usually want to interview you more than you want to interview them. Many want to track the lives of their puppies and are willing to answer questions and help you navigate small issues as you raise the dog. What do you provide with the sale of the puppy? When you are finally ready to pick up your puppy, what will the breeder provide? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. What Does a Good Breeder Do? A good breeder is without doubt the best place to get your Labrador puppies. They will usually have a demonstrable love of the breed and are usually active in a competitive discipline such as field trials or showing. Breeding responsibly takes a lot of dedication, time and considered, reasoned processes. Good Labrador Retriever breeders: Carefully select and match a sire and dam to breed Labrador puppies with particular traits and temperament. Take the utmost care of the welfare and living conditions of their dogs and puppies. Perform many health checks on their breeding stock to cut the risk of inherited diseases. Can provide certificates of pedigree for both parents. Will provide information and help to you throughout the life of your Lab. Matching The Sire and Dam For Breeding Good Labrador breeders will usually be involved in a competitive discipline and will selectively breed their Labradors to improve the breed for a particular purpose. Some will breed for field trials, some for conformance to show in the ring and some for obedience. In each discipline, different qualities and temperament are bred for. Although most will also breed for their dogs to become good family pets. A good breeder will carefully consider the strengths and weaknesses of the parents, hoping to achieve a higher level of perfection in their next generation of dogs for the purpose of which they are bred. Contrast this with a less responsible breeder. They will often throw together any two dogs of the same breed purely to produce a litter of puppies for sale. No consideration given to the pedigrees of the parents and how compatible they may or may not be. Welfare and Living Conditions A good breeder will want to meet you and will give you the chance to see the parents of the puppies and the conditions in which his breeding stock lives. This is a very good opportunity for you to screen out some less reputable ones. A good breeder will either raise their Labrador puppies in the home, or in clean and well maintained kennels. Of utmost importance is the puppies early socialization to different experiences, surroundings and human contact. A responsible Labrador breeders stock, from puppies through to adults, should look healthy and be friendly and sociable. If you find they have health or temperament problems, you should walk away. Health Checks Good Labrador breeders will have put their dogs and bitches through an array of health checks before deciding to use them in their breeding programs. A bad breeder may say his stock has had a vets clearance for health. This is not at all sufficient and a breeder should be able to produce certificates that you can verify online or by phone. The two main health clearances you should ask to see: Are the parents free of hip dysplasia? These checks should be performed once a year. But a responsible one will be aware of these common ailments and will be honest about his stock being prone. In contrast to a good breeder, a bad breeder will not have put his puppies through any such health checks. But if you get your puppy without such checks, you would be supporting bad practices, gambling with your dogs future health…and gambling with potentially high future vets bills! If a breeder cannot offer certifiable proof of the health of his stock and is unwilling to discuss genetic diseases, then you should definitely walk away. Ongoing Help to Care for Your Puppy Good Labrador breeders will provide you with lots of information on how to raise and care for your dog, both before you take your puppy home and throughout the lifetime of your dog. They will be extremely knowledgeable and because they truly care about their puppies, no question will be too simple or too small for them to answer. They will often help with dietary advice, training advice, health and care advice and be able to offer contact details of important organizations. Some will even go so far as to give a promise they will take your puppy back if it displays unmanageable health problems or your circumstances change and you can longer care for your Lab. A bad breeder will not provide anything like this level of service. The 12 Questions You Should Ask of a Labrador Breeder In order to help you filter out the good Labrador breeders from the bad, I have prepared a list of 12 questions that you should ask a breeder. They are questions they will expect and should be happy to answer: How are you involved with the Labrador breed? If they are seriously into their breeding, they have some involvement in field trails or showing their dogs. How many different breeds of dog do you breed? They are more likely in it for the money and not just for the love of the breed. Are the sire and dam registered? Will the puppies be registered? Of course, when buying a pedigree dog, you will wan this to be proven and traceable. Most good breeders will also register their puppies and will hand them over when you collect your puppy. Where are your Labrador puppies raised? The perfect answer is in the home. Some kennel bred puppies are still well socialized and given lots of human attention. Can you provide check-able certificates of the parents health screening tests concerning hips and eyes? Good Labrador breeders will health screen their stock and will not breed dogs that have poor scores for health. They will care more for the quality of life of their potential puppies and for the overall health of the population. Is there any history of other diseases common to Labrador Retrievers in the ancestry of the puppies? Unfortunately, many pedigree dogs have an array of inherited, genetically linked diseases. A good breeder will be happy to discuss this with you. Should my circumstances change in such a way that I can no longer care for the dog, would you be willing to take it back? The majority of good breeders will be happy to do so and will provide a written guarantee. However, a deal is a deal and if the breeder seems good in many other ways, do not place too high an emphasis on this one. May I contact you with any questions that I have about the dog once I have him in my care? Every single breeder should say yes and will be happy to help. At what age am I able to take the dog home? No breeder will let a puppy go before it is 8 weeks old. These first 8 weeks, the puppy is learning a huge amount from its mother and litter mates. Taking a puppy from its mother too soon is tantamount to cruelty. Is it possible for me to meet the parents of the puppies? You can learn a lot about both the potential looks and temperament of your chosen puppy by meeting the parents. If the sire cannot be seen, you should at least be able to get its name and the name of the owner so you contact them and try to arrange a viewing and check its certificates for health etc. Can you provide references of previous adopters of your puppies? The experiences had by people who have previously dealt with the breeder are invaluable. They can tell you how their dog is doing, whether any health problems surfaced and the way the dealer dealt with them both during the sale and throughout the lifetime of the dog. From the answers they give, you should be able to instantly spot the bad breeders and cut them from your short list. You should try to make a personal visit to the remaining ones to further check that they are reputable. For more information, please see:. I visited my latest puppy at four weeks. She was still boring. I was far more interested in mum and dad. With my previous two who are litter mates , I helped to whelp them and spent a lot of time days at a time with them and the rest of the litter before they came home with me. Their personalities even at six and a half weeks - even at 14 weeks - wasn't indicative of what they eventually grew into. For me, I'd rather the breeder made the decision of which puppy went to which family. They are the ones who are best placed to do so based on what you are looking for in a puppy and what you can offer them, and it shows a keen interest in the puppy's ongoing welfare. Even having spent so much time with Willow and Shadow in those first few weeks, I couldn't have predicted what they would be like as adults, so expecting to do so after a couple of hours is asking a bit much. You will get the puppy you get. You will bring him home and you will love him. He will be easy or he will be challenging. Either way, you won't know what it would have been like with any of the others, so it really doesn't matter which you choose. Click to expand.I'm ready for a challenge to be honest. My first 2 were lab x collies and were an absolute dream in the house but Ben was terribly dog aggressive and both pulled like trains even pulling my sister straight off her feet. The last 2 originally belonged to my brother which he had from pups and they were a dream for him, never pulled did everything asked off them, when I took over their care due to his circumstances changing they were little devils, jumping up pulling like crazy, and wouldn't do anything I asked but I was a pushover with them and they were right up till the day they were PTS excitable and puppy like, but I loved them regardless even when Simba got overexcited and bit my lip when giving me a kiss. I'm prepared to put in the work needed to have MY idea of a dream dog, which is maybe not everybody else's idea of a dream. I said so confidently I'm ready for the challenge bet I'm on here crying at his naughtiness in a few months haha. What an exciting time! After a short phone call, arrange a visit by yourself. No matter how tempting it is to bring the kids along to visit a room full of puppies, you have to make the first visit on your own. To make sure you're prepared, here's our handy check list of the 15 questions you'll need to ask your puppy breeder. How old are the puppies? It may seem like a silly question but you want to make sure they are between weeks old. Are you able to see the puppy with its mum and dad? You want to assess the temperament of the mum and the puppy and how they interact with each other. Is she aggressive or caring? Is the puppy hyperactive or docile? These answers will help you decide whether this is the right puppy for your family. Are you able to see and handle the full litter? The average litter will be between five and six puppies. By handling a few fluff-balls, you will be able to see whether they are all of similar size, character and health. You can also see how they interact with other dogs and you. Are they weaned? What social experiences have the puppies had so far? Most modern breeders ensure that every puppy has had ample interaction with people and their puppy siblings before they are ready to be sold. What should I feed my puppy? Do you have a diet sheet to take away? A lot of breeders even keep a diet sheet that you can take home with you, letting you know when to feed them and how much. Pretty handy! When am I allowed to take the puppy home? Puppies should not be allowed to leave their mothers before 8 weeks because it can affect their development. The majority of breeders will let you take the puppy home after 8 weeks but some choose to keep them until 12 weeks. Which vaccinations has the puppy had and when is the next dose due? Puppies should receive vaccinations between weeks old and another dose at weeks old. If you are keen to take the puppy home at 8 weeks old, you need to know what vaccinations they still need to have before they can go and explore the big wide world or the local park. Has the puppy received any other treatments such as worming? Similar to vaccinations, around the same time, puppies should be treated for worms and fleas. Did you know all puppies are born with worms? Poor things! Do you have any copies of health certificates for the parents? Depending on the breed, some pedigree dogs have hereditary conditions that can be passed down to their puppies. Can I return the puppy if there are any health problems? Is the puppy registered with the Kennel Club? If you are looking to buy a pedigree dog, the breeder should have registered the puppies with the Kennel Club and be able to provide a certificate to state that they are, indeed, pedigree. If the application is still pending, it might be worth asking to see the certificate of the mum and dad. Are you able to get references from any previous puppy buyers? If they are a professional breeder, you might be able to contact previous buyers and visit their dogs. This way you can get a second opinion about the breeder and discuss openly whether their dog is everything they hoped for. Will there be a contract of sale? All reputable breeders should provide you with a contract of sale. This will state the responsibilities of both you and the owner and as well as an official document for your records. Does the breeder place any caveats or guarantees on the sale of the puppies? Occasionally, a breeder may require you to have the puppy spayed or neutered or you might not be able to show the dog. It is essential you know this before deciding to buy to avoid any disappointment. And of course, if you're about to purchase a brand new puppy of your own, they're going to need somewhere to sleep! Don't forget to check out our excellent range of luxury dog beds available here in the UK and here in the USA! Related Blog Posts. Tweet on Twitter Getting a healthy, pedigree Labrador puppy requires planning. In this article we are going to share with you 8 steps that you can follow to ensure that you are buying a healthy Labrador puppy. There are potential problems that many new puppy buyers are not aware of. The litter of puppies next door, or in your local newspaper, might not be the right one for you. So you need to be cautious as you set out on this exciting journey! Plan in advance Good breeders do not usually struggle to get puppy buyers. On the contrary, they often have waiting lists. So, if a litter of eight week old puppies is still unsold, be wary. It pays to plan in advance. Six to twelve months ahead of when you want your puppy is not too soon. The structured approach below is designed to help those with no contacts in the dog breeding world, find the right puppy. Step 1. Those bred for the show ring or as pets, and those bred for work as gundogs. You can read about these two types of Labrador, and their characteristics in this article: which Labrador is right for you? In the UK we call these two strains working type or field type and show type. They look and are, very different dogs. In the USA, working bred Labradors are often referred to as field type or American and show bred gun dogs as bench type or English. The split is the same in both countries, whatever they are called. And you need to know which is which and which you prefer. Step 2. This article looks at all the different places and ways in which you can buy puppies and explains the pros and cons of each. Finding a reputable breeder if you have no contacts in the doggy world, is not as easy as walking into a pet shop, but it is worth every bit of the effort that goes into it. One way to start your search, is by looking at your local Labrador breed club. This will lead you to some experienced breeders. You will then need to do some further checks to find out whether or not the breeders meets the standards you are looking for. Many people that are involved in the committee of their breed club are themselves breeders. If they no longer breed, they will be able to put you in touch with someone that does. One will be labelled FT secretary. The FT stands for Field Trial and suggests that this person is involved with working type labradors. If someone is showing their dogs, the dogs themselves are more likely to be show type rather than true working type. Step 3. Contact some Labrador breeders Make a list of contacts to approach, you can then phone them or email them. Let them know that you found them on the Kennel Club website, and are looking for a pedigree Labrador puppy. Tell them which type work or show you are interested in. Have a separate list ready, to enter details of any litters. So the second question is often the best way of getting a puppy from one of her dogs. If you have a colour preference, let the breeder know. He or she will ask you plenty of questions later if you want one of their puppies. Step 4. For several reasons. They may not have any puppies at the moment, or they may not meet the criteria you have set for the breeder of your puppy. They will however, be able to give you more contacts to add to your list. What you are aiming to do, is to make a list of half a dozen or so litters of puppies that you can then check out and narrow down. One of the best ways to find a litter of puppies, either before or after they are born, is to find a nice stud dog, and track down all the female dogs he has been mated to over the last month or two. A reputable breeder will be happy to email you photos and may even let you visit her stud dog, so that you can decide if you like him. This trail will also lead you to some smaller, less experienced breeders so you will need to do your homework carefully to make sure that the mother of your puppies has the right credentials. Checking those out is our next step Step 5. Checking credentials It is up to you to check the credentials of the litter. This is something that people are often unaware of. A pedigree does not guarantee very much at all. The Kennel Club pedigree is simply a statement of ancestry and contrary to popular belief, does not imply that the puppy it belongs to or his parents have met any standards. The three credentials you need to personally check and verify are Temperament Abililty Temperament The most crucial of all credentials has to be temperament. An adult Labrador may weight in excess of 70lbs. These are large powerful dogs that everyone expects to be friendly. You cannot take any chances with poor temperament. He will inherit tendencies to friendliness or unfriendliness, nervousness or confidence etc, from both of his parents. Never buy a puppy without meeting his mother. And if you can meet the stud dog, so much the better. If you cannot meet the stud dog, make sure that someone who has met him, can vouch for his good nature. This may not be quite as crucial with a show champion as any successful show dog will have proven itself happy to be handled in the most personal manner by total strangers. Working dogs are a different matter, and occasionally dogs with poor temperaments do succeed in competition and are used at stud. Health Health credentials are essential. Follow this link to read all about inherited diseases in Labradors and read our article on health checks. I cannot stress this too much. You must physically check certificates or copies of certificates way in advance of collecting your puppy. It is very hard to turn down a puppy once he is in your arms. Ability Ability is important if you have an activity in mind for your dog. If your aim is to compete in working trials, you might want to choose a puppy whose ancestors have been successful in that sport. Choosing a litter Narrowing down your choice to a single litter can be tough. Unless you have your heart set on a puppy from a particular dog, you may find it difficult to decide. In many cases though, there are not that many litters that meet the right criteria. You can narrow down your choice further by looking again at the breeder. How friendly and helpful is she? Do you think she will be supportive if you get into difficulties with your puppy? Has she offered to take the puppy back at any point in his life if you cannot cope? If you can answer yes to all three, then that is a real bonus point for that litter. This person is important and you need to feel that you can trust her. A breeder with a lot of dogs may have her pups in an outdoor kennel, but they should still spend lots of time with the family. Check out this article: How to spot a good breeder , and this one How to spot a bad breeder for more information. It pays to be picky. Step 7. Choosing gender Should you buy a dog or a female dog? Some people simply prefer one gender over another. And it is very hard to generalise about the sexes. Male Labradors are no more difficult to train or control than female dogs. And though entire males may be more likely to roam if not supervised in an unfenced property, female dogs can do this too. Females come into season twice a year at which time they may need to be confined to washable floors. They will also need to be kept separate from entire males with vigilance for a period of around three weeks. Neutering a female is more expensive than neutering a male. And older, un-neutered female dogs are prone to a serious and potentially deadly condition called pyometra. These are all things to consider. But overall, it often just boils down to personal preference. Step 8. Choosing your puppy And now for the final and most exciting step Choosing your puppy. Which one of these gorgeous bundles of Labrador loveliness should you take home? One of the very best things you can do when choosing a puppy from a litter, is to take someone experienced with you. Another good reason to choose an experienced and dependable person well in advance. If there is a choice, a good breeder will be able to guide you in this. All they can tell you is what you can hope for from the pedigree, and that the puppy seems OK physically. Check out this article: Choosing the right dog for more information. To make sure all is well, you will need to have your new puppy checked over by your own vet, within a day or two of bringing him home. Health and temperament problems in a large dog can be devastating. Now available in most countries, the handbook is already a bestseller in the UK. Finding the perfect Labrador puppy can be daunting, and asking the right questions when dealing with breeders is essential. Did You Breed the Puppy Yourself? This is a crucial question, as it helps ensure you work directly with the breeder rather than a middleman or broker. That said, Labradors typically have a friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited temperament. Labradors are also highly intelligent, easily trainable, and often used as service dogs and in other working roles. They can adapt to different living conditions, including apartments or rural areas. However, Labradors require regular exercise and mental stimulation to maintain their physical and mental well-being. A lack of exercise and mental stimulation can lead to behavioral issues. Socialization is a vital process for puppies, as it helps them develop positive associations with people, other animals, and new experiences. This process begins early and should continue throughout puppyhood. Before bringing a new puppy home, a responsible breeder will have initiated the socialization process. This should include exposure to different people, animals, and environments, such as car rides and walks in new areas. The breeder should also have introduced the puppy to common household sounds like vacuum cleaners and TVs. Exposing the puppy to these experiences teaches them to adapt and become more confident in new situations, reducing the risk of fear or anxiety issues later in life. Ask the breeder how they continue socializing their puppies after they leave their care. A good breeder will provide advice and resources for continuing the socialization process at home. For example, they may recommend enrolling the puppy in puppy classes or obedience training or providing you with exercises to practice at home to help the puppy develop positive associations with new experiences. While seeing the parents in person and observing their demeanor and behavior is ideal, some breeders may have reservations about in-person visits, or an in-person visit may not be practical. You can ask for photos or videos to understand their temperament and habits in such cases. This can still provide a glimpse into their personality and traits. They should be healthy and free from any genetic issues that could be passed on to their offspring. Ensure that the breeder has conducted health screenings and can provide supporting documentation. Labrador puppies can usually be brought home at around weeks. Removing a Labrador puppy from its mother and litter mates too early can negatively affect its development and behavior. Labrador puppies learn crucial socialization and communication skills from their mother and litter mates during their first few weeks. If removed too early, they may develop behavioral problems such as anxiety and aggression, affecting their long-term well-being. Additionally, if a Labrador puppy is taken away from its mother too early, it may have a weaker immune system and be more susceptible to illnesses. When considering adopting a Labrador puppy, ask the breeder if it has received its first set of vaccinations and deworming treatments. Puppies, including Labradors, are vulnerable to various diseases, so early vaccinations are essential to protect their health. Some of these diseases. I had a lot of questions about choosing a dog breeder. Getting a new dog is a huge decision and I wanted to make sure I was doing everything right. Several of the photos in this post are from my recent visit to the Westminster Dog Show where I got to see some of the best labradors in the world! How do I find a good Labrador breeder? One of the best places to start your search for a wonderful lab breeder is at the park or on a local trail. Keep your eyes peeled for labs and their people and ask where they got their puppy. In my experience, people who have worked with responsible breeders are more than happy to pass along a recommendation. When you get recommendations this way you can also see the size and temperament of their lab and get an idea of what their breeder specializes in. Another perk of getting recommendations in person is that they probably worked with a labrador breeder near where you live. When I started my search for a second dog who ended up being Lucy! I was hiking with my other lab Lola. We came across another beautiful English Lab on the trail. I complimented the dog and asked the owner where she got him from. Turns out, he was from Morgan Kennels, just a few hours south of where I live. Are you labrador obsessed? What kind of genetic testing is done on Pure-Bred Labradors? The OFA has a list of recommended tests for Labradors. Based on their list, other genetic tests you might see referenced by a labrador breeder include: EIC Excercise Induced Collapse : This is a genetic syndrome most commonly seen in retriever breeds. If a dog has this syndrome they will struggle with strenuous activity, but can still make great pets. HNPK Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis : This is a genetic defect that affects cells of the nose and can result in the formation of a crust with cracks over the nose area of young dogs. This is a recommended test for Labrador Retrievers. ACVO American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists : This references a test done by a certified veterinary ophthalmologist to determine if dogs have any genetic eye diseases that could be passed on to puppies. PRA Progressive retinal atrophy : This references a group of genetic diseases that cause deterioration of the retina and can lead to vision loss or blindness. If you have any questions about the tests done on your puppy and their parents, just ask your breeder. They should be more than happy to explain each one to you and what the results mean. If your breeder is worried about germs they might offer to send you photos instead. Because of that, they may not have both parents available to meet in person. Ask if you can see photos or video of the dad. Their size, coloring and temperament are all important things to look for. Does the breeder have a contract? Your breeder should have a contract for you both to sign. A responsible breeder will always take back a puppy if anything happens that prevents you from taking care of the dog. Their priority is always the health and wellbeing of their pups. Will my labrador breeder help with questions I have a few years down the road? Any responsible breeder will also answer any questions as they come up. When Lucy was about 2 or 3 years old she started to have a bladder leaking issue. Do Labrador Breeders have requirements for new Puppy families? Just as you have a ton of questions for your potential labrador breeder, they should have a ton of questions for you, too! A good sign of a responsible breeder is someone who treats all of their puppies like their own. Your breeder will probably ask you about where you live, your yard, your lifestyle, working hours, etc. My breeder also wanted to know about past dogs I had and any issues we had over their lives. How much does a pure-bred Labrador Puppy Cost? Getting a puppy whether from a breeder or a rescue is a big investment for the next years. They also have a great deal of expertise in raising healthy puppies that uphold the breed standard. Did you love this post? Check out these links:.