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Yes, you can shave a Labradoodle. Labradoodles have a Poodle style coat with a single layer — which means you can safely shave most of their coat with very few drawbacks. Labradoodle Max looking handsome even before his haircut. The downside is that the shaved look will mean a fairly long wait for regrowth if you want to go back to a full-coated look later on. There are pros and cons to shaving your Labradoodle. You gain utility, but lose looks. Blue Merle Labradoodle Guide A shaved coat can help to reduce heat during hot weather. If you live in an area where temperatures regularly reach high heat or high humidity, shaving your Labradoodle may be beneficial. There is less chance for moisture and heat-related rashes — as well as general overheating. You ARE removing some of the protective sun-blocking hair though so be mindful of dog sunburn, Shaving your Labradoodle can make them easier to groom. There is less matting under the leg areas like where harnesses and collars rub. A shaved coat makes it easier to clean your Labradoodle. It is much easier to shampoo and wash a dirty Labradoodle with shorter hair. Shaving your dog is an extremely controversial topic among dog owners. There is a distinction between the types of coats that dogs have they makes all the difference. It should NOT be controversial to shave the coats of dogs with a single coat like Doodle dogs Labradoodles, Cavapoos, Goldendoodles, etc. If your dog DOES have a double coat though — listen to the expert advice from groomers and Vets — and steer well clear of a full shave. A Labradoodle with shaved hair looks like… a Labradoodle. Obvious point aside, check out the images throughout this article. Shaved Labradoodles DO appear more Poodle-like in most cases. Many Labradoodles have a higher percentage of Poodle genetics. F1b and F2 Labradoodles are super low shedding and sometimes smaller. They are the most in-demand generations of Labradoodles. They have a higher percentage of Poodle genetics learn about the Labradoodle generations here and therefore have the body type of a Poodle. Hiding beneath the glorious and fluffy Labradoodle coat is the lithe body of a dog breed that was specifically bred for water retrieval while hunting. Surprisingly skinny! Shaving a Labradoodle to the bare skin will often leave them looking naked. Try to leave a little length for some dignity. Most Labradoodle owners will trim the face and ears of their Labradoodle but leave them a little longer. This helps maintain some of that gorgeous and distinct Oodle look the teddy bear face that Labradoodles are so known for. With Max my apricot miniature Labradoodle — we DO trim the ear hair a little — but try to leave the furnishings around the snout to give a less extreme look. Most Labradoodles have surprisingly long hair, making grooming simple, when there is no knots. Labradoodle hair regrows fairly quickly, give it 8 weeks and you will be back to fluffy. If you do commit to a shaved Labradoodle — remember the old saying that the difference between a bad haircut and a good haircut is a few weeks of regrowth. For a shaved Labradoodle though expected 8 weeks before you get decent growth that makes your Labradoodle much more like a teddy bear again. How fast does Labradoodle hair grow? The average length of time for a Labradoodle to grow back after being shaved is approximately 8 weeks. The first week is usually the hardest visually — but the hair IS growing. The hair grows at a steady pace. It takes about months to fully recover from a shaved Labradoodle back to luscious locks. You just need to wait. Labradoodle puppy sitting on a tree trunk. Brush your dog daily. Just brush their coat once a day while waiting. Over brushing can cause hair loss itself — but this is unlikely from a quick slicker brush once every day or so. Keep up with bathing — but only when needed. Bathing, when required, helps prevent dry skin and keeps your dog clean — and stops irritation that can slow down hair growth. Make sure to use a Labradoodle-appropriate dog shampoo even when they have short hair. Use a blunt stainless steel comb. Try using a wide-toothed comb, especially if your dog has long hair. Skin can become infected through excessive scratching. Check for fleas. A flea infestation can lead to itching and irritation — which in turn slows down hair growth. Remove dead fleas immediately. Monitor for skin allergies from food or treats — as this can reduce the regrowth rate of hair. Will Shaving my Labradoodle Prevent Shedding? Shaving your Labradoodle will not reduce shedding. The hair that does shed will be shorter which can benefit some people — but the hair and dander will still shed. There are risks associated with the process of shaving if done poorly which could increase shedding. These shedding increasing issues include injury to the skin and underlying tissue, infection, bleeding, and allergic reactions. If you want to try shaving, start small. Try just trimming around their ears and muzzle. How to Shave a Labradoodle It is fairly easy to shave a Labradoodle — once they are used to it. Of the Labradoodle haircuts — this is the easiest for amateurs and at-home groomers. There are other bits of equipment that are nice to have — but are not really necessary. A grooming table or restraint, nail clippers, a blunt stainless steel comb, and even detangling spray can be useful but are not essential in most cases. The hardest part is getting your Labradoodle to stand still for you to groom. We just hold Max our Mini Labradoodle by hand but a restraint or collar will help for some. Start with a moderate length and then adjust once you get an idea of how the shaved Labradoodle will look. We go fairly short for the beach with about a mm 0. Start with the flat easy areas. The back and body first. Legs are tricky and fiddly with many angles. Do these next. The chest and belly that was not finished in step two is next. If your dog has longer ears akin to a Cockapoo determine length and cut the length first before gently shaving the other surface only. You can use blunt ended scissors for a clean finish if your shaver is not up to scratch. Consider cutting the cheek and jowl area first, then under the chin, then finish up with the moustache. Leave the furnishings moustache if you want a teddy bear look on your shaved Labradoodle. If whiskers get cut during the shave this is not the end of the world — but it is ideal to leave them alone where possible. A rich Apricot coat Labradoodle at the groomer. It should take about an hour to DIY shave a Labradoodle. The first few times may be a bit longer. Remember the following tips to make your life easier Putting your Labradoodle on a raised surface provided they are secured will save your back and neck Have plenty of treats handy for bribery You can do a solid first pass then do a tidy-up the next day. No points for perfection — spend the extra time rewarding and treating your dog. Should I Shave My Labradoodle? Labradoodle with white and black coat. This is a common reason many of us do go for a shaved Labradoodle look. Personally, we live so close to the beach and the days are so warm that overheating from exercise outweighs many of the risks of shaving the Labradoodle coat. There are two sides to shaving your Labradoodle. Shaving too short causes problems when it comes to grooming and hygiene. This can lead to skin infections. And that can lead to serious health issues. And it helps prevent parasites. The same goes for fleas. If you want to avoid getting bitten by fleas, make sure your pet gets a trim every month. This will help reduce the number of flea eggs they shed throughout the season. Your dog will dry faster when washed and his skin will be better protected against bacteria. When you groom your dog, you are helping him maintain a healthy immune system. In addition to preventing infection, grooming keeps the skin moisturized. Dry skin can lead to itching and irritation. Here are some things to consider before you decide to shave your pet. Labradoodle grooming ideas and tips 1. This can cause irritation and possibly even bald spots. You might find yourself spending more time grooming your pooch, while less time getting ready to go out. In reality, there is little to no difference to a single-coated Labradoodle coat when shaved. It is basically just a really short haircut. How to keep your Labradoodle cool in summer Dog owners know how important it is to take care of their furry friends, especially during the warmer months. But what do you do when your pup gets overheated? A black Labradoodle on a paddleboard. Wearing a floatation vest. They are good swimmers but all dogs can get tired. A cooling vest If you have a dog that tends to get hot, try using a cooling vest. They come in various sizes and styles so you can choose one that fits your dog best. Use Ice Cubes You can also freeze ice cubes in a plastic bag and place them inside cooling best. You can also put ice cubes in water that might be warmer to provide a cool drink throughout the day 3. Limit sun exposure Less time in the sun, less heat, less issues. Monitor the time your longer haired Labradoodle spends outside Labradoodle shaking dry after bath. Takeaways for the Shaved Labradoodle grooming style Shaving a Labradoodle is a legitimate haircut with many upsides all year round but particularly during the hot summer months Shaving a Labradoodle does NOT change the coat color or type of coat a Labradoodle has Shaved Labradoodles still shed the same amount though the physical hair shed is smaller Shaving a Labradoodle can reduce heatstroke and overheating risk, but increases the risk of dog sunburn while exposing the skin to sun damage It takes around 8 weeks for a shaved Labradoodle to return to the longer-haired look You will avoid severe matting, but will still need regular brushing and regular grooming every couple of weeks. A consistent grooming routine is still necessary I love my Labradoodle Max and his adorable teddy bear look — but the benefits of a shaved haircut for our beach-loving pup mean he gets a shave or two every summer. 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. When nearing July or August, It is not uncommon to see Doodles wondering around shaved almost to the skin, and by reading the rest of this article, you will get to learn why their owners are doing more harm than good. Basically, the only time you should ever really shave your Labradoodle is when a vet does it for a medical purpose. If you start to mess around with where the hair grows and how long it should be, you might screw up a basic function that keeps your dog comfortable and safe. Why Is Shaving Labradoodles Popular? But if there are so many problems that originate from shaving a Doodle, why is it so common? The main reason for that is probably because shaving is a good solution for other breeds. The Poodle, for example, is a breed of dog that is generally shaved quite a lot and seeing as Labradoodles stem from those, it would often make sense that they should be shaved equally as much. But unless your Labradoodle has extensive Poodle within its DNA genetic make-up, the Doodle coat is never as thick as a purebred Poodle. Double-coated Dogs Unlike breeds with hair, a Labradoodle has two layers of fur. This type of fur is different from the hair on other breeds. One example of this is that double-coated dogs have fur that grows to a determined length. The layer on the bottom is called an undercoat and is softer and shorter, where the longer hairs are more coarse and they are placed over the undercoat much like a blanket. When talking about temperatures, the outer oat and undercoat work together to insulate your dog against the heat and cold. So if you shave the outer layer, it will allow the heat to come in. Think of it like leaving the lid open on a cooler and then expecting that it will still be able to keep your drinks nice and cold. Protection From Sunburn Not only is the double-coat able to insulate the Labradoodle but it also gives great protection against the sun. Sunburns can lead to very severe issues for your dog, including heatstroke which can be fatal to anybody. This is another example of how our efforts to alleviate one issue expose our dogs to even more serious issues. As an example, the coat under the legs is usually longer and softer and this helps to provide some friction relief when your dog is running around playing for hours or if he is following you for a long run. The problem with that situation is that the undercoat gets all messed up whenever you shave the outer coat. Congratulations, your dog can now end up being too hot in the summer and too cold for the winter. How To Keep Your Labradoodle Cool In The Summer So, if you really want to make sure that your doodle stays cool in the summer, shaving is perhaps the worst possible solution. Panting is one of the only ways that dogs can regulate their body temperatures. The way a dog regulates their body temperatures is by panting. And when people then assume that shaving their Labradoodle will help it endure hotter temperatures, the problem is that it only gets worse. So, what can you do to keep your Labradoodle cool? There are many different ways you can help your dog stay cool for the summer, and here are a few of my tips. Get a pool in the backyard Labradoodles love the water, and getting a pool in your backyard is a guaranteed success! Place water in the shade Remember that shade moves throughout the day, so moving a water bowl with the shade will prevent the water from getting overheated. Avoiding Heat Strokes Heat strokes can be fatal to anybody, so you should do anything possible to avoid it happening to your dog. A shaved Labradoodle is much more likely to get issues with the heat in the summer than one that has just been groomed properly without overdoing it. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. Labradoodle Grooming instructions, Labradoodle Haircuts Should your Labradoodle coat be short, medium or long? How to groom a labradoodle. I believe Australian Labradoodles should have a natural look even after being groomed. If you find a picture of a labradoodle cut you like, print it and take it in to the groomer. This does not mean twice a year is the only time you give them a bath or minor trim of course. This is what I do. Twice a year I shave the main body down to about a half inch. This is neck, body to knees including belly and tush. Monthly, I do a minor trim. This involves trimming the head, tail, tush, and feet. As needed, I use an excellent pair of thinning shears to remove matts. I find the more you brush and fuss with their coat the more they tend to matt. If they smell for some reason I give them a bath. In a nut shell: Trim the ears. Along the back edge of the ear tight and curved along the ear leather. Length of ear should be short to just short of the nose if pulled forward. Hair on the ear should be layered on the outside to about an inch and shaved underneath the ear leather and behind the ear against the neck. Clean out hair in ear canal. Top of the head layered about an inch or two long. Trim the top of the head above the eyes at an angle short just over the eyes, try and leave long eyelashes to allow the eyelash to hold up the hair on top as it grows. You want to see their eyes easily. Below the eye at the muzzle, trim the top of the muzzle short at an angle just under the eyes so they can see easily. The muzzle should be layer and round NOT long and blunt cut. Feet, shave the body but leave below the knees what I call "Doodle Boots" hand trimmed to be big, round and floppy. Not short poodle feet. Shave the entire body not head, feet or tail What tools I own to groom my dogs? Bath: I use any puppy shampoo that smells good. To trim above and below the eyes: Tweezerman Baby Nail Scissors, these are sharp, curved and have a blunt end, so no poking eyes. To work in the ears: Miracle care, Ear care, Ear powder, step 1. This makes it super easy to just pull ear hair out with your fingers and for hair that is deeper inside I use a pair of hemostats my vet gave me. Note, I also feed coconut oil daily 1 tsp per 10 lbs to keep bacteria away. To work all over in general: a fantastic pair of thinning shears the Geib thinning shears I have are no longer made but I suggest Geib Gator Tooth Double-sided thinning shears plus a great pair of scissors, make sure the point is not too sharp. Remember, I do not brush much just where matts are found. In detail: General Labradoodle Grooming BODY Cut Thin all mats with thinning shears, brush or pull the matts out, trim with scissors all over to the desired length Or shave the dog down to about an inch all over the body not knees to feet, head, or tail and let it just grow out number 10 blade and E comb. This can be done twice a year and ends with the least amount of grooming required over a year. TUSH area Taper hind quarters to tail gradually with shaver or scissors don't shave the top of the tail. Make the transition from body to tail a gradual transition. Shave or trim close the tush and private areas. In the summer, I usually shave the belly super short to keep cool and dry fast if swimming. Pull all hair from the ear canal and shave the underside of ear leather near ear canal. To clean the ears: Click for Ear Powder this is the product I use which works great. I do not squeeze it in, it tends to clump out in a big spurt or not at all. I take a Qtip and open it up and dip the q tip into the powder. This will give you a good amount. Rub the Qtip in the ear canal, if you lift up the ear the ear tends to open wide. You can twist the Qtip around and most hair will stick and pull out. Then using your fingers it is easy to remove the hair once the powder is in there. This will both remove the hair and dry out the ear. I do shave the ear underneath and behind the ear to allow more airflow. You can ask the groomer to do this as well. This will keep ears from getting bacteria. Thin out or shave with medium blade, the hair on neck just behind and under the ears to allow ears to lay flat and air to get under the ear. Usually the coat below the ear flap and along the neck gets matted due to a collar, so shaving it helps with matting as well. Grooming EARS outside Trim outside of ear flap this is the hair hanging down on the ear flap pictured below left , it should be layered. The outside of the ear should NOT be a long blunt cut like a cocker spaniel. The hair should be pulled outward and layer trim to about an inch. The length of the ear hair should be cut to a length that when you pull the ear forward the hair ends between the nose and canines long teeth. Pictured below right. I then trim the back side of the ear in a curve along the ear leather line. It should be a round circle with a short edge at the top near the eyes, so they can see. Trim the top side of the muzzle from the eye to the nose at an angle starting at the nose about inches above the nose angled down into the stop point where muzzle transitions to head. Pictured below left. Top along eye. Trim the muzzle below the eyes short just inside the eyes almost to a point to allow clear vision. Trim hair along lip line to keep hair out of mouth, you can also just thin out that area. Lip line hair should be thinned and left about 1 inch at most below lip. You may want to thin out with thinning shears under chin to neck, an area that can mat easier. The beard should round out the look. I trim the muzzle to about an inch or two all around. Conclusion What coat does a Labradoodle have? Labradoodles are a mix between a poodle and a labrador. Typically, there are 3 possibilities. The first is a haircoat or straight coat, much like a labrador. This hair-coat type tends to shed more and is not as hypoallergenic. You need to brush it just once every 2 weeks to get rid of any loose hairs and prevent shedding. Matting is usually not an issue with this coat type. Fleece Coat The second type is a fleece coat my personal favorite! They have wavy locks that are separated into loose curls. This often gives them an adorable teddy bear look. This hair is more hypoallergenic and sheds less than a straight coat. Wool Coat type The final type is a wool coat type, which closely resembles poodle fur. In this case, the entire coat has a sheep-like texture. This hair is often hypoallergenic but can mat easily. Therefore, these dogs with very curly hair need everyday grooming brushing to prevent mats and extra consideration of the grooming style. Evidently, Labradoodles come in a variety of fur types. Therefore, the decision to place your pooch on the grooming table is a personal one, dependent on its coat type and your free time. However, one common factor is that all doodles have a double coat. This means they have an inner, softer coat that serves to keep the dog dry and an outer, oilier coat that repels water. The outer coat, or the guard coat, also helps to repel dirt. Therefore, it helps the pup stay cleaner for longer. What do they look like shaved? What your doodle will look like shaved is greatly dependent on how much you shave off and the style you choose. If you shave close to the skin, your doodle might end up looking naked. This is because skin may be exposed when you cut past the undercoat. If you only shave the outer coat and leave the undercoat untouched, your dog will look entirely different! In this case, you will be able to see their labrador characteristics a little better, such as their strong nose, and athletic body. However, the soft undercoat layer will still remain. Finally, if you style their outer coat like in a teddy bear cut, lamb cut, or lion cut, the illusion created by their thick and wavy fur can help shape your doodle is something brand new! Should I Shave? To shave or not to shave? That is the question! First, we must consider what the fur does if we want to pick up the hair clippers. The most important feature of fur is its ability to insulate. So, in the hotter months, the coat traps the cool air around it, sort of like a thermos. This prevents your pooch from overheating. This clever system of insulation prevents heat strokes, which dogs are especially prone to. When is shaving necessary? This is where we must make an important distinction based on coat types. There are only some instances where curly-haired doodles can be shaved. If you shave your doodle with straight hair , this can cause sensitive skin. This can cause the skin to rub on itself severely, creating red, itchy patches. The simple answer is the difference in coat type. Poodles are not double coated; they have a single layer of fur which means that they can be shaved with little repercussions. Poodle fur is a lot like human hair. There is only one layer of very curly hair. When this hair falls out, it stays in the coat. This is one of the main reasons that Poodle grooming is so tedious. Poodles are very prone to matting; their loose hairs can easily bunch together and stay on the skin. So, owners will often take hair cutters and shave their Poodles close to the skin. Instead, it makes it very easy to groom them and manage their coat. On the other hand, Labradoodles have two layers of fur. So, shaving them can lead to all sorts of health complications, as mentioned above. This is why you should avoid shaving your hair-coated labradoodle at all costs. However, if your curly-haired labradoodle has severe matting that can not be removed with hair clippers or a brush, then you may be forced to shave parts of the fur off. In this case, try to loosen the mat out with a wide-toothed comb. Your goal is to gently! You may also use a detangling spray to help you. Once the mat is a few inches away from the skin, you can carefully place scissors in the mat and then open it up. Finally, when the mat is almost at the end of the fur, you can cut off the mat. This helps prevent it from becoming a huge infection later on. Reduced infections: Since your dog will dry faster, he is less likely to develop a skin infection that is often caused by bacteria growing on wet fur. By removing it, you expose its skin to increased UV radiation, which can cause irritation and skin cancer. Removing the fur can cause overheating, especially if you live in an area with over degree weather. Irritation Due To Friction: Without fur, bare skin rubbing together easily becomes red and inflamed. For example, the hair has lost its texture and is now a different color. While this has mainly anecdotal evidence, it is one of the most common complaints about shaving. The evidence shows that the consequences of shaving your doodle greatly outweigh the benefits. If you do decide to take a bit of fur off, we recommend not going under 1 inch. Keep around 1. You can use dog hair clippers with the largest attachment. Keep your movements light and topical. Conversely, you can also use scissors to trim off the excess. Labradoodle fur usually grows back to its maximum length in weeks. So, if you want a short style, you have to keep up the trimming every few months. How to keep your dog cool Now we know that shaving does not keep your dog cool in the summer months. So, how can we keep our puppies cool without harming them? Brush them frequently. Removing any loose hairs can prevent heat retention. Give your dog cold water. If their bowl is outside, place it in the shade. Provide treats like frozen bone broth, ice cubes, or frozen fruit. Temperatures rise fast in the summer, and your little errand can quickly turn lethal. How to Prevent Mats One of the main reasons that people shave is to prevent matting of the fur. However, there are many other ways to stop matting. The most important is to make sure that your dog is completely dry. While it is pretty adorable to see your dog run around and rub themselves on everything after their bath, this is a surefire way to create stubborn mats. After this is done, you can also brush out the fur to get rid of any loose hairs. You can also try an undercoat rake to quickly remove any stubborn dead hairs. Conclusion The debate on shaving Labradoodles is definitely a confusing one. However, we know that shaving your dog for the sake of heat protection is a big no-no. If you found this article illuminating or have any questions on this topic, please leave a comment down below. Thanks for reading! 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. Leave a Comment. Shaving to combat shedding and grooming Labradoodles are low shedding dogs that often have wavy or curly fur. Though this fur type can help to trap shedding hairs, and stop them from falling around your house, Labradoodles need more grooming than the average dog. So, some owners naturally wonder if shaving all that fur off will be easier. Can You Shave a Labradoodle? Labradoodles are a popular modern mix that combines Labrador Retrievers with Standard Poodles. The resulting puppies can be quite varied. Some will have fur like their purebred parents — either straight double coats like the Lab, or very curly Poodle coats. And, others will have wavy fur that falls somewhere in between. Though Labradoodles are known as teddy bear dogs, there are tons of haircuts available for Doodles, just like their purebred Poodle parents. One popular option for purebred Poodles is to be partially shaved. So, many Labradoodle owners will consider the same option for their mixed breed dogs. Advocates of shaving claim that a shaved coat can help to keep your dog cool in hot summer months. Shaving certain body parts can also be functional. However, shaving fur too short does have some drawbacks that owners should learn about first. The appearance of a shaved Labradoodle will depend how short their fur has been cut and how much of their body has been shaved. In these cases, they will still often look quite Doodle-like. But, they may look a little more Labrador than Poodle! In other cases, owners choose to, or have to, shave their Labradoodle to the skin. They will have little to no fur on their bodies. Sometimes, owners will choose to shave only some areas of their Doodle, such as the face or feet. The purebred Poodle parent can have some interesting haircuts, like the Continental Cut. This involves shaving their face, throat, feet, hindquarters, and the base of the tail. This haircut is possible on Poodles because of their fur texture. So, a haircut like this will often not have the same striking, sculpted effect. Because the options vary so much, one shaved Labradoodle can look very different from the next. The fur type that your Labradoodle has can also play a part. For instance, whether they are hair type, fleece type, or wool type. Should I Shave My Labradoodle? When it comes to shaving your Labradoodle down to the skin, the answer is usually no. Most Labradoodles will not need to have their fur shaved so short. In fact, it can do more harm than good. They will no longer have a barrier to protect them against cuts and scrapes on walks, and will need some form of sun protection, like a dog-safe sunscreen. If your Labradoodle is more like its Lab parent, and has a double layered coat, shaving can impact the growth of their undercoat. Shaving advocates claim that shaving your Labradoodle can help to keep your dog cool in the summer. But, it can be dangerous for a shaved dog to go out in the sun, as they will be much more prone to sunburn. There are many other ways to help your dog stay cool in hot months, which we will look at a little later in this guide. When Shaving is Necessary Sometimes, professional groomers will have no other option but to completely shave a Labradoodle. Extreme matts and knots can be very painful for your dog, and are near impossible to brush out without causing a lot of pain. So, most groomers will have to shave the entire coat instead. How to Shave a Labradoodle Shaving a Labradoodle is usually a lot harder than it sounds. And, you may need to introduce your dog to the process gradually, from a young age, so they are comfortable with the sound that your clippers make. But, take care not to cut your dog, especially on sensitive areas like their paw pads and the webbing between their toes. Hair growth rates vary from one dog to another. But, generally, Labradoodle fur is fast growing. Once shaved, your Labradoodle will likely have fur all over their bodies once again in as little as 3 weeks. But, these rates will vary. Some dogs may take longer, and others might take even less! Most Labradoodles need their fur trimmed every two to three months. Will Shaving my Labradoodle Prevent Shedding? Despite popular belief, Labradoodles are not hypoallergenic dogs. Many Labradoodles are low shedding, but not all. This is because any loose hairs get trapped in the curls. Especially in hot months. Shaving can help to reduce shedding for a short period. And, if your Labradoodle has very curly fur, it can actually increase the amount of dander that sheds around your home, because there is no fur to catch the dander. It may help for a few days, but Labradoodle fur grows quickly, so the benefits will often not outweigh the cons in this case. Most owners will need to groom their Labradoodle multiple times per week to prevent knots and tangles. Shaving a Labradoodle would remove their fur, and so, would remove the need for grooming. So, though less time will be spent on grooming, you may need to spend more time and money fixing and preventing these other problems. Grooming is a huge part of owning a Labradoodle. But, if this is not an option for you, it may be better to consider an alternative breed with lower grooming needs, like the purebred Lab. Many groomers will recommend trimming it more frequently in those hotter months, but shaving a Labradoodle in the summer can actually just expose their skin to sun damage. Labradoodles, like all dogs, will pant to keep themselves cool. In the summer, make sure your dog has constant access to water and shade, particularly if they are outside. You could also choose to invest in a doggy pool. Heatstroke can be a real problem for dogs in the summer, so stick to the cooler times of day when exercising, such as early mornings or late evenings. Shaved Labradoodle — A Summary Most groomers will recommend a regular trim for your Labradoodle dog, and they will only fully shave them to the skin if it is absolutely necessary. Shaving a Labradoodle has pros and cons. It is easier to manage than longer fur, but can leave your dog prone to sunburn and other skin-related injuries. Have you had to shave your Labradoodle before? Do you prefer to shave certain parts of their bodies, like the feet and face? Let us know in the comments! Readers Also Liked.

Poochon vs Shih Poo Comparison If you love small doodle breeds and want to add a fluffy and cute puppy to your family, we have just the right candidates. Meet the Poochon and Shih Poo designer doodles. They are among our favorite doodle puppies here at Premier Pups. The Poochon and Shih Poo dogs are smart, happy, and ready to love you to the moon and back. They enjoy games, cuddles, and attention, and they are more than happy to keep.Welcome to the exciting world of doodle puppies! If you're considering adding a new fur baby family member, you're in for a treat. Doodle puppies are simply amazing. They are friendly, loving, and playful dogs that are perfect for families with children. With so many different types of doodle breeds available, one more adorable than the next it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. But don't worry, we're here to help! They are loyal and devoted, have adoring personalities, and are always ready for a cuddle session. Poochon puppies are joyful little fluffs with bouncy paws and wiggly tails. They are lively and happy pups who love to jump around and they are excellent training students. Sturdy and small, Poochons have an average height between 9 to 15 inches and an average weight between 6 and 17 pounds. It is considered a designer dog breed. The mix originated in Australia and started appearing in the late s. The goal was to breed a low or non-shedding dog that was sturdy and active with a temperament for families with children. The Bich-Poo is charming, affectionate, highly intelligent, and eager to please. They tend to get along well with other pets and with children, which makes them a great fit for families. Bich-Poos are also alert watchdogs. They can be prone to excessive barking, but training and socialization as a puppy can curb this tendency. Although they will alert you as a watchdog, they are more interested in making friends, so will not make a good guard dog. Bich-Poos are highly adaptable. They do well in apartments or larger homes as long as they get enough exercise and fit right in with families with children, other pets, or both. They do well in most climates and, as with most dog breeds, caution should be taken with extreme heat or cold. With this first generation cross, many of the health issues associated with the parent breeds are often not a concern. However, there is always the potential for inherited issues. Some of the potential breed-related health concerns are allergies, patella luxation, and progressive retinal atrophy. Because they are a small dog breed, they are also prone to breaks and fractures if dropped. This designer dog breed tends to be highly intelligent. That, paired with their eagerness to please their owner, makes them quick learners and fairly easy to train. They tend to be a good fit for owners of any experience level. Novice owners may want to enroll in obedience and training classes to ensure training and socialization is going as it should. A professional trainer can also help you put a plan in place to eliminate any potential issues with separation anxiety or the nipping that can become a common fear or anxiety response in small dogs. A Bich-Poo will often have a soft and curly coat. If their coat takes on Poodle properties, then it will be low-shedding and hypoallergenic. Common coat colors are typically light, like white or apricot, but can appear in other colors like tan, brown, black, or gray. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks is also a good idea for a healthy coat. You will also want to trim their nails monthly and clean their eyes and ears regularly. Although small, these dogs are robust and energetic. They tend to have bouts of high energy and require regular exercise throughout the day. Although they are active dogs, moderate levels of exercise will be enough to tire them out. Regular exercise, like daily walks and active playtime, will help immensely when your pup gets a sudden spike of energy and starts racing. Some of their energy bursts can seem endless, but, due to their smaller size, they do tend to tire quickly, so these bouts of energy will likely be on the shorter side. After that, your Bich-Poo will likely be ready for a nap and some cuddles. Keeping your dog well-exercised and engaged is key. A bored dog is one that can become restless and start to whine, chew, or bark. This designer dog breed usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and can weigh between pounds. A Bichpoo will generally live between years. Featured Bich-poo Article. I got Roxy in January and she is such a good girl! At 5 months she already knows how to sit and give kisses. Thank you!! Just wanted to tell you we are delighted with our new mini GoldenDoodle we got yesterday! She is the sweetest pup! Meet Elsa! She is so smart! Rolls over, shakes, rings a bell to go outside! Her little personality makes me laugh every day. My wife and I absolutely adore our female Whoodle pup that we purchased from you guys. Midnight is the sweetest pup and has so much love to share. We will hopefully be back this coming fall or spring to bring home another puppy. Good morning, I wanted to share a few pictures of our red minature goldendoodle we purchased from you. She is so fun, spunky, sweet heart and loves to play. She came into our home May .What a delightful, sweet dog. Thanks Valley View! I got her in Oct of .She is my sweet baby girl with lots of personality!! She is now 3yrs old and spoiled rotten!! We got Bear sometime in the beginning of and he is the best thing to ever happen to us. We drove three hours to get him and it was totally worth it. He is a very smart dog that can learn tricks in less than 10 minutes! His favorite trick is giving hugs! I have never met another dog that is this goofy. He loves eating socks, digging out of the trash and licking bellybuttons. He also farts when he stands and burps super loud. He makes me laugh and I love him so much! Thank you! This is Alfredo and we got him 15 years ago. This pup is Gizmo and we got her in January .We welcomed Winter into our family July of .She just turned 1 years old and is a very healthy beautiful girl. She enjoys the outdoors. She had an attitude the size of a horse and uses it to her advantage at times. She is spoiled beyond belief! The joy she has brought into our life has been amazing. Thank you for our beautiful girl. She is absolutely perfect! We have our two perfect girls now but if we ever decide these two need another sister we definitely will be back! Love the Beetcher family! This is Pixie Pickles. She is a great addition to our family. She is so friendly and has the best personality! We absolutely love her! Heston family We purchased a golden doodle from you Just before Christmas last year. We have been extremely happy with him, he is quite a character. Everyone who meets him, falls in love with him right away. Including my mom. I will attach a couple pics of Tucker also. Thank you very much. I hope you have a great rest of the day. Hello There, I bought Milo from April .Pandemic started then and since then has become my super companion. I remember his dad is called snow and mom is acorn. Are those 2 still alive? I just want to see what they look like. This is Milo now. He is soo happy and super clingy with us. But over all healthy dog. I will forever be grateful of the farm. He really helped me with my depression during the pandemic. Spoiled rotten is this dogs life now! Thank you so much we love her, and will definitely be back again when looking for another puppy. He will be 2 on January 14th he is the best and smartest pup we have ever had. This is Pixie Malshi. She joined our family in October .We fell in love with her picture online and the moment we saw her we knew she was perfect! She loves being around people and has the best personality. She fits in perfectly with our family. Hello, Just a quick update. We are not the original owners. He grew to be a 20 pounder. We have his teeth cleaned every year and has only lost 2 teeth. He is in excellent health. He was trained and certified as my PTSD service dog. He has taught himself other tasks to keep me safe including alerting me when my blood sugar drops. He has saved my life several times. He is my constant companion seeing me through life threatening surgeries and complications. I groom him as part of my PTSD therapy. Wherever we go he finds the one person who needs a hug. He is fantastic with kids. His soft mouth has help so many kids overcome their fears. We named him Harley. We are crazy in love with him! She is still very shy when it comes to people but she loves other dogs. She will start her puppy class on the 25th of this month. She loves her big sister Gabby. Her favorite toy is her elephant. She loves to snuggle and gives kisses she also loves to go for car rides.

For the complete list please see our List of Boxer Breeders page. Purchasing a boxer puppy in North Carolina directly from a breeder can be expensive; however, it is also the best way to ensure that you are getting an animal that has been raised with proper care. Some breeders do not have the right facilities needed to raise healthy dogs and oftentimes these animals may be sickly or lack proper socialization skills due to improper care during development. What Are The Extra Costs? There are very few extra costs associated with owning a Boxer in North Carolina outside of routine vet visits, food, and other supplies that your new pet will need in order to live comfortably. A responsible breeder will typically keep all of their breeding dogs inside of their home and raise them with love and attention. They should also be able to tell you about their history; including any titles that either parent might have earned. A good breeder will give you health guarantees for your new pet as well as plenty of information on how to properly take care of your Boxer throughout its life. Responsible Boxer Breeders will typically not sell puppies to people who plan on leaving them outdoors or alone for long periods of time without supervision because it is important for them to receive plenty of attention while they are young in order for them to grow up healthy and happy. This will give you a chance to learn as much as possible about any sire and dam as well as the environment that they were raised in. Visiting your breeder will also give you a chance to see their home and how they keep their dogs. This will give you a better idea of what type of environment your puppy is coming from and if the breeder is someone that has invested time into raising healthy puppies. You should be able to tell if someone is being honest with you or not from how they answer your questions and whether or not they seem knowledgeable about the breed itself. A good breeder should be willing and able to help you decide what puppy would best suit your lifestyle and family needs, which can only be done if they know everything about you. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your Boxer Breeder in North Carolina It is a good idea to always ask for references from your breeder or anyone who has purchased a puppy from them in the past. If they have any, you should be able to get in contact with at least one person who can tell you about how their experience was with the breeder and whether or not they were satisfied with the way that everything was handled. If you cannot find any references, then this is something that should raise a red flag and may cause you to reevaluate why there are no people willing and able to speak on their behalf. Not having references does not necessarily mean that someone is a bad breeder; however, it does mean that you should take the time to dig a little deeper. A responsible breeder will usually have plenty of satisfied buyers that are willing to share their information about the transaction with future potential owners because it helps ensure that the people they are selling their puppies to will be good homes. Meeting past customers will also give you an idea of how the breeder interacts with their buyers and if they are willing to allow them to ask questions before, during, and after the sale. A good breeder will not only have a veterinarian that they trust and depend on to take care of their dogs, but they will also be willing and able to share the information about them with you. It is extremely important to find out how often your breeder takes their dogs to see a vet because this can also give you an idea as to just how much attention they pay towards making sure that they stay healthy and happy. If someone cannot afford proper veterinary care then breeding these animals should be A Reputable North Carolina Boxer Breeder Will Ask About Your Living Situation Most breeders want to make sure that their puppies are going into a loving home where each one can thrive and receive all of the attention it deserves. You may find yourself at the receiving end of a lot of questions from your breeder which is perfectly normal. You can usually find this information on their website or by calling your local department of agriculture. Look out for red flags when dealing with an unethical breeder in North Carolina; these may include: Claiming that their lineage is rare or includes show-quality dogs without any proof. Lack of Health Certificates Provided. Constantly being asked to pay a higher price after you have already committed. This may also happen if your breeder tries to do business over the phone and refuses to provide any documentation at first. Refusing to provide their contact information, address, or name. Take the time necessary when looking at boxers in NC that will make sure that their lineage is healthy and well taken care of. If your breeder cannot provide you with any information pertaining to potential health problems then this is not someone you should do business with. How to Prepare Your Home for Your Boxer Puppy There are a number of things you will want to consider preparing for before your boxer is set to arrive. First, make sure you stock up on all of the necessary supplies like food and water bowls, toys, treats, bedding, etc. Remember; puppies tend to chew on everything so make sure you keep important documents like remote controls and cell phones out of reach or else they might end up getting destroyed. Puppies also love leather; if given the opportunity they will start chewing away at your furniture corners which will make for a mess to clean up. Potty Training Your New Boxer Puppy Training your boxer to go potty outside will get easier with time; this is one of the most important things you can do when raising your new pup. Remember, patience is key when training any dog; it can be frustrating at times, but you should never hit or otherwise punish your puppy for having an accident. This will only make them more afraid of you and afraid to go near their potty areas in the future. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. When going on walks, you'd expect all 60 lbs of him to drag you, but not Shaw! He walks so well on leash because he is so attentive to his human. Even in the play yard, Shaw will enjoy a nice leg stretch and a lap or two around the yard, but then he will come back to check in with whoever took time out of their day to show him love. He will sit by you and soak up all the affection you have to offer. Shaw is a smart boy and will gladly sit for a treat, which he will take ever so gently. He'd LOVE to bond with his forever human over training and treats. Again, that attentive nature of his will quickly capture your heart. The nice thing about Shaw is that he is the best of both worlds. He'd love to take a stroll with you, but he'd love to hang at home with you just as much. He really just wants to be around his people. Shaw has had positive interactions with another dog at the shelter. We suggest doing slow introductions with Shaw because he is learning how to "dog" with other dogs. He is not aggressive, simply unsure! As always, we strongly recommend bringing in your dog for a meet and greet to make sure it is a good match!

So if you're a person and you're reading this, the answer is most likely no. I've heard a lot of people advise against it because they think that working line dogs are more aggressive. But actually, the opposite is true. Most dogs bite out of fear, and most well-bred working line dogs don't fear much, so they're far less likely to become a fear biter. Now that that myth is dispelled, why aren't working line dogs for everyone? Yes, you'll get a pup that's from health tested parents which will drive up the price a bit, and that's definitely worth it. But what really drives the price up is paying for knowledge. It is far more difficult than one might think to consistently produce puppies that have the drive to make good working dogs as adults. It takes study, training, time and money to pull off. A lot of it. You're paying for that acquired knowledge, a higher chance of getting a healthy puppy, and most importantly you're paying for working ability. If you have no plans to work your dog, paying for working ability feels like an unnecessary feature for many. Drive: If you've owned any other line of German Shepherd as a puppy, you remember the biting, the chewing, the destroyed shoe, or bite marks on a table leg etc. Multiply that by .The same prey drive that makes most puppies destructive, hyper, bitey, and gives them the zoomies is amplified. By a lot. They will play rougher and for longer. The only time they're still is when they're asleep. If you don't stay on top of things, you will pay a price, every time. And it will be like that for months. There's always that one person who thinks their dog is over the chewing phase at 12 months old and comes home from work to no longer having a couch. You might have a chance. A person who thinks they're prepared is often a person who is untrainable themselves. A person who is a little apprehensive is more likely to do in depth research, contact knowledgeable trainers who compete in dog sports etc. The local pet store training program isn't going to cut it. The week program they took to become a certified dog trainer isn't enough to prepare them to train your puppy, much less guide you through tough times. You will have to contact trainers who actually compete and have been working with working dogs for years. They are not cheap. In fact, you're better off joining a club yourself and training your own dog with guidance from experienced club mates. You cannot go half in on training a working line dog. You'll end up with a young adult dog that is completely out of control. It'll act like a puppy, chewing, nipping, jumping up, and barking etc. Knocking your guests and kids over while meaning no harm whatsoever. You will have to have control. You will have to have a strong relationship with your dog. You will have to set and enforce boundaries. You will have to learn to harness your puppy's drive to use it to your advantage. On a positive note, the easiest dogs to train, if you know how to train dogs using motivation and reward, are dogs with a lot of drive. They'll break their back for a treat or a short game of tug or fetch. If you harness their drive, they make very responsive, obedient dogs. Work: If you do not put in the work, you will be very unhappy with your working line dog. If you do, chances are you'll be happier with them than you've ever been with any other dog. So one must be honest with themselves: do you have the time to devote? You probably do, because it only takes minutes a day of training. But are you going to invest the effort in keeping an eye on the puppy, even going as far as using a leash indoors? Raising a working line German Shepherd puppy is much more labor intensive than raising just about any other dog on Earth, sans maybe a Malinois pup. If you are still here, and you still think it's worth it, and you already know of trainers in your area who can help, and preferably have found a club to join. A working line German Shepherd pup might be for you. Just make sure you get a puppy from a reputable breeder who actively works or titles their dogs, who has hip and elbow scores on their dogs, has guarantees etc. Don't cheap out and buy a puppy from a guy who just happened to buy 2 dogs with working lines somewhere back in the pedigree. You run the risk of getting a puppy with higher than usual drive who doesn't have a stable temperament, and you definitely do not want that! It's better to buy once and cry once, than to save a few hundred dollars now and spend thousands on training to "fix" temperament issues, or get surgery to correct severe hip dysplasia. Do you think you could handle the responsibility of owning a working line dog? If so, let us know and leave a like and comment. Contact Us for Details on Our Puppies! The joy of owning a working line bred German Shepherd is immeasurable — but a companion and workmate that gives itself over to you so completely requires a significant reciprocal commitment. Do you have a fenced yard? Are you able to devote at least 30 minutes per day to exercising your dog? Will your puppy be raised inside of your home as a part of your family? Do you have small children, infants or other animals in your home currently and if not do you plan to in the future? Do you plan to crate train your puppy in addition to housebreaking? Are you prepared to feed a high quality food to your dog such as a grain-free or holistic food as a regular diet throughout its lifetime? Do you know the difference between the temperaments and character of a Working Line German Shepherd Dog over a show line or an American bred German Shepherd? Have you already consulted with a private trainer or know of obedience classes that are offered in your area that may be more specific to working dogs over an average Pet Store style all breed pet training class? Do you plan to spay or neuter your puppy when he or she is old enough? Are you financially prepared to provide care for your dog and seek veterinary care in the event of an emergency that may require hospitalization of your dog? If you are planning on breeding, do you have at least 5 years minimum experience as a Breeder? Are you educated in canine reproduction and development, have the basic knowledge and understanding of genetics as well as proper care for newborn pups, neonatal intensive care and experience in identifying reproductive complications or emergencies should they arise? Upcoming Litters What customers say about our puppies "Dedicated to a fault is only one way I would describe her, there are so many positives.Dedication, patience, and caring are truly not strong enough words. Audrey and I discussed her breeding line and I was most impressed! She took the time to explain her dog's lines, what some of them had gone on to do : police, detection, protections, pets - it was impressive. I was beyond happy that Audrey not only had the experience, but also had the educational degrees to back up what she was saying. I did not meet Audrey when this litter was born but instead there were a few male puppies available black and sable but none had been actually chosen yet. Audrey put me down for a sable male per my request. I knew I would not see whatever puppy was to be mine except through videos, pictures, etc….She would send videos, pictures, and just general updates. Audrey was always available and responded quickly to any correspondence. I sometimes wondered when she slept with all these clients and pups. Dedicated to a fault is only one way I would describe her, there are so many positives. One day Audrey sent a particular video and I fell in love. It is the fairest way to allow clients to choose. Audrey and I continued to correspond sometimes daily and she was amazing. A day or so later, Audrey let me know that this little guy was mine. I believe that Audrey does everything within her power to ensure that clients do receive the puppy they want if the fit is correct. Now, we had to transport this little man. Audrey and I communicated a lot! I had never had a puppy brought to my door physically unseen. This was completely new to me yet, I know dogs are flown all over the world. Together, Audrey and I navigated this last leg of the journey and I could not have asked for more from her. Dedication, patience, and caring are truly not strong enough words to use when describing how Audrey was during this process. Audrey ended up keeping my pup who was named Malachi for an extra week. While he was there, she taught him his name and sent pictures and videos often. They certainly made my day! Since Malachi has arrived home, he is nothing short of amazing! He is exactly as Audrey described him and the litter Daisy x Maverick focused, well behaved, eager to learn, and dark stunning sable! Exactly what a great breeder should do. My experience with North Mountain Kennels was wonderful. If you are looking for a well bred high quality working German Shepherd l highly recommend North Mountain Kennels. Audrey is in a class all of her own and I am grateful that the stars aligned so that I was able to be blessed with one of her pups. He is a true gift and I look forward to all the days ahead with him. Thank you Audrey! Currently Available Puppies. We are number 1 out of 50 Top rated breeders in America!!! Rated by happydoggo. There are scams out there who use our brand. Their website may look exact the same since they duplicate our website or their domains look similar. Our website is vomragnar. We take payments only over the phone by a credit card or with quick pay Zelle. Our brand name is patented. We are licensed breeders in Illinois. These phone numbers has Chicago Illinois area code. Please do not trust scammers and beware. We are the top rated German Shepherd licensed breeder located in the Northwestern suburb near Chicago, Illinois. We show and train our dogs with known World Champion trainers. We offer German Shepherd puppies for sale as well as trained adult German Shepherd dogs. Our German Shepherd puppies range from 8 weeks old to young males and females. We ship dogs within United States and Worldwide. Please contact us about pet transport information. Owned and operated since by Natalya Babenko. Not interested in award-winning show dogs? No Puppy Mills Our puppies are our babies. All of our puppies have plenty of wide open spaces to get all of the physical exercise their growing bodies need Puppy Power We work hard to match the perfect pup for you and your family. Give us your preferred puppy specifications and expectations and we will do our best to surpass them Breeding purebred West German Showline German Shepherds are our passion. If you share our passion and is looking for a German Shepherd breeder that specializes in providing the highest quality show dogs, protection dogs, working dogs, service dogs or family companions, your search just ended. You can reserve the puppy over the phone and pick up the puppy at 8 weeks old. Our Chicago kennel has several litters each year. However, we strive to breed healthy dogs with best bloodlines in mind. We breed dogs with good temperament and character. We breed to the established SV Standard. They are black and red, solid black, and red sable in color. Our dogs are raised and socialized in a home environment with children and other dogs. We are proud of our achievements! Take a look at the latest show results. Why To Choose Us. Kappel Kennel is located in Cleburne, Texas and is associated with top kennels in Germany. We are always striving to improve and produce top quality show line German Shepherd Dogs. The German shepherd dog is one of the most famous breeds throughout the world. This makes the GSD one of the best family dogs one can own. At Kappel Kennel, we have the complete passion, commitment, knowledge, experience, all dedicated to this magnificent breed. We produce not only the highest quality family pets, but we maintain the breed standard to consistently produce top champions with many ranks and titles. Kappel Kennel prides itself in breeding world class males and females to produce a consistent higher caliber of dogs. German Shepherds that are imported to our kennel are top ranked with highly scrutinized conformation and workability. At Kappel Kennel, we stand behind our dogs. All of our puppies go home with a 5 year genetic health guarantee. Not many kennels warranty their puppies for more than 26 months. We know the genetics of the puppies we are producing and we are happy to send your puppy home knowing they are healthy and will remain free of any genetic diseases. Daisy is so aware and more protective and Duke is so loving and more of a service that we are even thinking of getting him verified as our service dog. This is the perfect combination that we were particularly looking for. They both follow us everywhere we go and they also are great with children and older people. Thank you to Danny and the team for all the help and for providing the best customer service ever! The best people we have ever met as well. They were both so patient with us as we talked about why we wanted a GSD and what lifestyle we lived. They were amazing and so knowledgeable. They spent the entire afternoon showing us the different kinds of males and females. They also recommended us a certain temperament since we live an apartment. Thank you so much for everything you have done for us. We will definitely keep in contact with them and show them how Dak grows. They genuinely care about the dogs more than any other breeders I have met. You will enjoy their time and company in finding your perfect GSD. Found Danny to be an honest person who cares about these Dogs. He genuinely tried to find the right fit Dog for my special needs son. I would highly recommend the foster program he is offering. Texas showline GSD all the way babeeeeey!!! New Listing Beautiful long coat litter coming up! This combination should produce some terrific pups. We carefully planned this litter to ensure we'd be producing amazing puppies that can excel in anything. .From sports, the show ring, task trained service dogs, and even just being amazing family companions. We have limited spots available to reserve so contact us for more details! Sound in mind and body, strong, functional, intelligent, trainable, courageous, and resilient. These are the natural qualities that can only be realized through the incredible genetics of purebred German Shepherds. We only import the best-of-the-best. Certified champions straight from Germany! Due to his home being burglarized in , Wayne decided to train dogs in tracking, obedience, and protection. His untrained Staffordshire Bullterrier was unable to protect his home and he then decided to obtain a Rottweiler for protection. Wayne continued to train Rottweilers up until the early 90s where he purchased his first German Shepherd. He was raised along side German Shepherds which had a huge impact toward his love and respect for the breed. At Kraftwerk K9, we honor the history of the German Shepherd. We here at Kraftwerk K9 care for and teach these world-class dogs to live up to their full potential. Our ethical breeding facility sits on 25 gorgeous acres of Washington soil and is available for touring before purchase. Take a look at our facility Learn more about our certified German Shepherds by calling today at or visiting our Available Dog page! The physical traits and disposition are ideal for long hours of concentration and the ability to adhere to commands. A working line GSD is generally a healthier dog than its show counterpart and there are distinct differences. Working line German Shepherd breeders choose their sires and bitches carefully in order to produce the strongest pups with the best genetic lines. This breed excels at K9 training and they are well acclimated to following commands, provided the owner has a firm hand and understands how to best work with the breed. The working line breed was standardized with the intent of producing dogs that could protect livestock from predators. The breed became more popular around the turn of the 20th century and was introduced in the United States in .Working line German Shepherd breeders developed and improved breeding techniques and the working line dogs became instrumental in military initiatives for both the Allied and Axis forces during World War II. After World War II, German and American working line German Shepherd breeders continued to further the breeding process and these amazing dogs have become synonymous with military and law enforcement work over the last century. There are a few differences between the working line German Shepherd and the show line in disposition and appearance. The working line dog is bred to be stronger, healthier, and more able to work for long hours. These dogs also enjoy working. They are high energy, which is necessary for the type of work that they do. In appearance, working line dogs have a thicker coat. They are sturdier and thicker than show line dogs and their back legs are longer, giving them a straight structure. Show line dogs have shorter back legs, giving them a slanted back and a sleeker appearance. These dogs are bred to be agile and obedient. Excellent for protection, the Czech line is strictly bred and is noted for its dark coat. West German. The West German line is noted for its coloring and pleasing looks. They are also known to be calm in temperament. They do have a strong drive and great work ability. DDR German Shepherds are known for their athleticism. These dogs are more muscular and larger. They were bred for extreme conditions and difficult work, such as search and rescue. Protectiveness, Intelligence, and Trainability The working line German Shepherd is naturally inclined to protection. The breed likes and wants to do well with commands. They are very responsive and intelligent. But they need a firm hand from their owner and trainer. Depending on the line, most GSD can be described as aloof. They are intelligent and highly motivated. These dogs were bred for work, so they need to be exercised and worked regularly to maintain optimal health. These dogs are specifically bred to work and to carry specific traits and temperaments. Working line GSD are an excellent choice for military, law enforcement, and protection. Your breeder should be able to work with you to find the right dog, type, and temperament, depending on the type of work you want the dog to do. We can match you with the ideal German Shepherd puppy for your needs and work with you to understand all of the intricacies of the breed and training.

We have answers. What's the most interesting thing about Golden Retriever puppies for sale near Lubbock? Golden Retrievers are incredibly intelligent, loyal, and loving animals. One of the most intriguing things about them is their capacity for unconditional love. Golden Retrievers are often referred to as the family "nanny" as they show an incredible amount of compassion for children, whether they are related or not. Another interesting thing about this breed of dog is their eagerness to learn; they often take instruction from their owners extremely well, and willingly participate in activities with enthusiasm. The Golden Retriever's natural talents and activity-level make them stand out among other breeds. Are Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Lubbock non-shedding? Golden Retrievers are considered to be a moderately shedding breed of dog. While they don't shed as much as some breeds, the truth is that they do still shed and regular grooming is necessary to help keep their coats healthy and free of excess hair. Some Golden Retrievers may shed more or less depending on their age and health, but even with regular grooming, it is almost impossible to completely eliminate shedding from this breed. If you don't mind some shedding, Golden Retrievers can make wonderful furry companions that will bring joy to your life. What's the best dog food for Lubbock Golden Retriever puppies for sale? When it comes to picking the best dog food for Golden Retrievers, there are a few factors to consider. First, make sure to check the ingredients list as some foods may contain unhealthy fillers or additives. Your Golden Retriever should have a balanced diet that features proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Additionally, you should add some calcium and phosphorus to maintain your pet's healthy growth and development. Additionally, check with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's diet. Lastly, you want to look for food with quality ingredients that can help with coat health and digestion. Do Golden Retriever puppies in Lubbock have any kind of special requirements? Yes, Golden Retrievers do have special requirements; they should receive regular exercise, reliable socialization, and appropriate nutrition. Exercise and mental stimulation can help to keep your beloved Golden Retriever healthy and happy. This is best done through walks, play, long hikes, training sessions, or any other form of physical activity that engages the body and the mind. As Goldens are very social animals, they require social interaction, which can be provided through dog group activities, doggie daycares, or time spent with trusted family, friends, and other pets. Are Golden Retrievers for sale in Lubbock considered big dogs? Generally speaking, Golden Retrievers are considered to be a medium to large size dog. The size of your individual Golden Retriever will depend on its geneology and nutrition; however, the average size for a full grown Golden Retriever is anywhere from inches tall and weighs between pounds. Though they are not the largest breed, they often appear larger due to their thick fur coats which can make them appear larger in size. Can I take my Golden Retriever puppies near Lubbock running? Yes, you can certainly take your Golden Retriever running with you. There are a few things that you should keep in mind to ensure that your pet has a safe and enjoyable experience. Firstly, you'll need to make sure that your Golden Retriever is current on their vaccinations and that they are up-to-date in terms of flea and tick prevention. Additionally, you may want to consider having them spayed or neutered in order to control their aggression. Do Golden Retrievers in Lubbock make good family dogs? Yes, Golden Retrievers make wonderful family dogs. They are known for their nurturing nature and are devoted to their people. Golden Retrievers have a mellow personality combined with a loving spirit that makes them an ideal choice for families. They are loving, loyal, and determined to please, making them trainable and easy to handle. The breed has been known to be patient with children and playful with other pets. They are generally good-natured dogs, not known to start fights or be aggressive towards humans. Are Lubbock Golden Retrievers for sale considered smart dogs? Golden Retrievers are indeed a very smart breed of dog. They are often described as one of the mosttrainable, obedient, and responsive breeds, due to their eagerness to please and keen intelligence. In fact, Golden Retrievers have been highly ranked in intelligence tests and oftentimes perform very well in police and military work, search and rescue, and even as therapy dogs. Additionally, their intelligence can often be seen in their natural inquisitiveness and awe-inspiring problem-solving skills. Contact Us Are you looking for a great family dog? Here at Cozy Retrievers we specialize in raising healthy, happy and beautiful golden retriever puppies. Golden Retrievers are an athletic, friendly, and highly trainable breed. Their gentle and playful demeanors make them wonderful pets for families with young children. Goldens also excel as service dogs, search-and-rescue dogs and hunting companions. Consider making your new best friend a golden retriever. On the evening of Sunday, February 27th, and into the early morning of February 28, Cozy became the proud mother of 11 sweet puppies. She has her paws full with seven females and four males. They are a great-looking litter of puppies with stunning dark golden coats. The puppies are AKC registered with a full pedigree. Each puppy will receive a wellness exam from a certified veterinarian, be up to date on vaccinations, and also be dewormed. The puppies will be ready for their new homes on April 25th. Available puppies are featured on our current litter page. Lubbock is home to the Texas Tech Red Raiders and tumbleweeds yes they do exist beyond the movies. If you really want a tumbleweed to take home with your new puppy, we will round one up for you! Report abuse. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Lubbock Texas and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted!

Yet underneath that strong and active exterior is a lot of labor and commitment to protecting their loved ones. When it comes to maintaining their health, you need to understand how much to feed a Boxer puppy. We have included a Boxer puppy feeding chart to help you take care of this breed. The daily food intake for a Boxer may range from one cup to four cups. Meal sizes for Boxers depend not just on weight but also on the sort of food they eat. Due to their medium size, boxer puppies need three daily meals and around four cups of food every day. Keep in mind that RER is only a rough estimate of how many calories your dog requires per day; other variables, including their age and activity level, will need to be included in as well. Keeping the puppy clean and warm is essential during this time, as is giving it enough milk or formula to help it thrive. Choose a premium puppy food that has been developed with their unique nutritional requirements in mind. Provide modest, regular meals three to four times a day. At the beginning, feed the puppy just a quarter to a half cup every day, and gradually increase the quantity as it grows. Always have clean water available, and keep an eye out for any symptoms of food intolerance or gastrointestinal distress. To keep them healthy, give them high-quality puppy food in many little meals throughout the day. Exercise, socializing, and the introduction of obedience training should all be high priorities. Keep a close eye on their eating habits and weight gain, and alter their food intake accordingly. This is a pivotal time for training and socializing, so be sure you provide lots of both. It is important to keep feeding them three times a day, and to stick with a high-quality puppy food. Provide around 2 and a half cups of food daily, split between three meals. Starting now is a great opportunity to introduce more advanced training methods like obedience or agility programs. Throughout a day, give them around 2 and a half cups of food. This is a pivotal time for further education and integration into society. Feed them around two and a half to three cups each day. Throughout this phase, they are still learning new skills and interacting with others, making it an essential part of their development. Provide two meals daily, adjusting the quantity of food based on their weight. Maintain a program of regular exercise and training, and watch out for any signs of age-related health decline. Boxer pups need a high-protein, moderate-fat diet for optimal growth and energy. Bone health may be supported by making sure the meal has enough calcium and phosphorus. Depending on its age and degree of activity, the calorie requirements of a Boxer puppy may range from around to 1, per day. A Boxer puppy requires between — calories per day when they are 8 weeks old, and — calories per day when they are 6 months old. Authentic meats and seafood, whole grains, and produce should all be included as ingredients on the label. Puppies of different ages have different dietary needs and feeding schedules. A Boxer puppy of 6 weeks old has to be fed times a day, with each meal consisting of only a few bites. Puppies need to be fed three times a day until they are three months old, then twice a day until they are 12 months old. Training and housebreaking are aided by establishing a consistent eating pattern. Yet, the two are not identical. Dry kibble offers the advantages of being portable, simple to store, and lasting for a long time. Crunchy kibble is good for your teeth because it encourages chewing, which may reduce plaque. Yet, some pups may prefer wet food because to its increased moisture content and inherent tastiness. In addition, it may help you stay hydrated, which is crucial to your health. The preference and dietary requirements of each puppy are unique, thus the choice between kibble and wet food must be made carefully. An animal hospital is the best place to get advice on what to feed a Boxer adult dog. Many factors might be at play if a Boxer puppy suddenly stops eating. Illness, stress, dental issues, and even just a change in habit may all cause lack of appetite in Boxer pups. Sometimes getting a puppy to eat may be as simple as presenting a more appetizing food, feeding it by hand, or making mealtime less of a stressful experience. Leaving food available for a puppy to graze on all day is considered free feeding, which is not advised for Boxer pups. Since free-feeding might induce overeating and weight gain, it is not recommended for Boxer pups. High-quality protein from genuine chicken initially supports muscular growth. This natural dog food has all the nutrition your puppy needs with whole grains, garden vegetables, and fruit. Pros Real chicken first ingredient for protein Contains DHA and ARA for cognitive function Wholesome whole grains, garden veggies, and fruit A blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals No chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy 2. Real chicken is the first ingredient in this tasty, nutritious puppy chow, delivering protein for strong muscles and a healthy heart. It also has a SmartBlend of high-quality, readily digested omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals for a lustrous coat and healthy skin. Four antioxidant sources for strong immune system High-quality, easily digestible ingredients. Delicious crunchy bites and tender meaty morsels. Cons Contains some corn and wheat 3. This high-quality kibble for pups under 1 year old has actual chicken as the first ingredient and no chicken by-product meal, maize, wheat, or soy. Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA help brain and ocular development and deliver protein. Pros High-quality protein for muscle development and growth No GMO, chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy. Brain and eye growth from omega-3 fatty acids like DHA. This formula contains high-quality protein from lamb and omegarich fish oil to create lean muscles and enhance brain and eyesight development. Pros Protein-rich lamb is the first component. Omega-3 fish oil DHA for puppy brain and visual development. Calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals for bones and teeth, Vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat Cons Lamb, may not suit all pups 5. Pros Flaxseed and salmon oil contain omega-3 fatty acids Grain-free Created by vets with protein, fat, and minerals Cons Not for ingredient-allergic pets. Raw feeding a Boxer puppy is a contentious issue with no clear consensus on whether or not it is healthy for the dog. Yet, some owners and vets are worried about the potential for bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalances in a raw diet, despite the fact that others feel it might give advantages including better digestion and coat health. Also, choose a reliable raw food supplier. The typical growth rate for a Boxer puppy is pounds per week for the first several months of life. A Boxer puppy, depending on its size and gender, may gain pounds by the time it is 6 months old. To make sure your Boxer puppy is developing normally, keep an eye on his or her size and weight. A constant supply of cool, fresh water is essential for the health of a Boxer puppy. Puppy development necessitates that they consume more water than an adult dog would. Puppies need half an ounce to an ounce of water per pound of body weight every day. A Boxer puppy weighing 20 pounds, for instance, should need 10 to 20 ounces of water each day. Puppy water consumption should be closely monitored to prevent dehydration. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. And, I'll go out on a limb to say I bet those early Boxers ate dog food with less additives and fillers than found in today's formulas. That is of course, unless you're armed with information on sourcing the best possible modern foods for feeding Boxer dogs! Adult Boxer dogs require 1, to 2, calories of good quality dog food per day depending on age and activity, with an averagely active adult dog somewhere midrange. Being a muscular breed that is highly active, Boxers require quality protein in food at a slightly higher level than many less active breeds. Credence should be given to invest in a quality kibble dog food with high protein and caloric value or go with a Raw Dog Diet , especially for active Boxers. Bloat Concerns This breed is prone to bloat, Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus , so grain free kibble and raw diets are a great option for feeding Boxer dogs. Carbohydrate and fat levels are less a concern when feeding Boxer dogs, yet Boxers are know to put on extra weight rather easily. Low carbohydrate diets should be fed to overweight dogs and the breed ideally should be slim, stocky and muscular. To learn how we choose quality kibble formulas, or for help selecting your own, visit our Feeding Dry Dog Food section. For a great alternative to kibble and food we highly recommend for Boxer dogs, visit our Raw Feeding Dogs section. Supplements As with any medium to large breed dog, providing a food that includes supplements adds additional insurance towards good health. To maintain your Boxer's joint health, foods containing chondroitin and glucosamine are awesome. If your kibble doesn't include these compounds, they can be supplemented separately with a product such a Cosequin. For a shiny coat and to promote skin health, foods with Omega-6 fatty acids are wonderful. For control of inflammation or arthritis pain in older Boxer dogs, support the heart, kidneys and stabilize overall mood, Omega-3 fatty acids are great to see on an ingredients panel. Just like Cosequin however, Omegas can be fed separately and as needed by simply squeezing a gel capsule over your Boxer's meal. In summary, feeding Boxer dogs about 2. Amount fed may go up or down based on your dog's size, weight, age and overall daily activity. Feeding Boxer Dog Puppies Quality formulated all life stages food and several small meals a day for a Boxer dog puppy. Your Boxer puppy will grow rapidly through the first six to eight months. Similar to any medium or large breed puppy that is susceptible to bone growth issues like hip dysplasia, feeding a quality all life stages, large breed puppy formula, or Raw Dog Food diet will help regulate growth. Boxer puppies can eat! Two to three regulated servings per day is recommended, do not free freed. There's an unwritten rule in among Boxer enthusiasts to feed at least twice as much food daily that your puppy would eat as an adult, In multiple regulated servings. Begin by following feeding guidelines per the label provided on your chosen Kibble Dog Food Formula. Increase or decrease the amount fed by assessing your Boxer's body weight and energy as he or she grows. From age 6 to 8 months on, the rapid growth phase should cease and while still technically a puppy, your Boxer can be transitioned to an adult diet. This includes higher protein foods yet many who were already feeing an all life stages formula can continue with the same. As always with both puppies and adult Boxers, keep an eye on your dog's weight. You should always see a trace of the last rib with this breed and they should appear slim, yet muscular. Adjust amount fed per serving accordingly to maintain that perfect Boxer appearance. And lastly, with all dog breeds that are prone to bloat, feeding Boxer dogs several small meals a day is a safer bet than free feeding, or one HUGE serving! Don't forget to check out our Feeding Dry Dog Food articles which focus on selecting a quality kibble for your Boxer dog. And, if there's another mid-size dog in your pack, Feeding Medium Size Dogs provides access to a library of breed specific feeding guides. For help choosing kibble dog food for your Boxer Dog plus additional info about raw feeding, visit our Homepage for quick banner access to the major sections of our website! Besides a nutritious diet, Boxer owners must know the right time to feed their pups. Boxer puppy feeding schedule is made easy with this Boxer feeding chart. Larger and stronger Boxer pups push their weaker siblings aside to get the most food. This is why many Boxer breeders and owners make sure that all puppies get enough food. Two week old tiny Boxer puppies are new to this world and rely completely on the Boxer mother. They should always stay with their mother because her breast milk is their main and only source of nutritious food. During this period, two week old Boxer puppies open their eyes for the first time. However, they are still dependent on the Boxer mommy. Even though they are double the size at three weeks of age, Boxer pups are still nursing. During the period between four to six weeks, their teeth grow bigger and the Boxer mommy will wean them off soon. At four weeks of age, the Boxer mother starts weaning her puppies. To help the Boxer puppy transition from milk to store-bought puppy food, it is time that you try making puppy mush. Try offering your Boxer pup this mixture up to four times per day but make sure not to overfeed it. Too much puppy mush can cause your Boxer pup loose stools and diarrhea. However, most Boxer puppies will need some time to fully get used to their new diet. That said, you will need to soften the puppy food that your seven week old Boxer puppy is eating. You should give your Boxer puppies high-quality food three to four times a day. Boxer puppies at this age love to eat, so make sure not to overfeed them two cups per day. This means that your Boxer puppy is totally ready for proper mealtime! The feeding schedule should include: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They will also have more energy, which may necessitate consuming more calories or eating larger portions. Its little body needs all the nutrients from high quality food it can get. At this point, your Boxer puppy eats twice the amount of food an adult Boxer dog would eat. Even though your eleven week old Boxer puppy has an enormous appetite, you must not leave food to its own will. So, every time it is done eating, you should pick up the leftover dog food. Make sure to separate the amount of food in 3 to 4 smaller portions through the day. At six months of age, the Boxer puppy is growing rapidly and you might want to consider home-cooked dog food or introducing it to a raw diet. High-quality commercial dog food is packed with necessary nutrients, but nothing can replace a good home-cooked meal! The period between seven to twelve months of age is when you will want to give your Boxer puppy less food than you would feed a 5 month old Boxer. At twelve months of age, Boxer puppies will do well with two meals per day. However, this depends on the health state and development of your Boxer puppy. If the Boxer pup is more on the skinny side, then you should feed it more food than described in feeding charts. Just make sure to ask your vet to help you develop a balanced diet for your Boxer pup. Fully grown male adult Boxer dogs reach between 65 to 80 pounds, whereas adult female Boxer dogs weigh a bit less, reaching anywhere from 50 to 65 pounds. Adult Boxer dogs should be fed two meals per day — breakfast and dinner. The most important thing is to take away leftover dog food when your Boxer dog is done eating. Due to the fact that the Boxer dog breed is prone to bloating a life-threatening condition , owners and breeders should be cautious around feeding them too much food. If you have owned Boxers or if you are currently a proud owner of the Boxer, then you know how highly energetic these pooches are. Well, due to their high energy levels, Boxers require a lot of exercise. With frequent exercise comes heavy calorie burning after which your Boxer dog needs more food! Besides high energy levels, Boxer dogs are medium breed dogs that inherit faster metabolism than an average medium-sized dog. That said, Boxer dogs require food that is rich in calories and nutrients to make up for the energy that they use during the day. The best Boxer food will be one that is made for active dogs and includes all the vitamins and minerals they require to stay healthy and fit. Young Boxer puppies should eat more than a cup per day, while older Boxer puppies can consume up to three cups daily because their nutritional needs are higher. Adult Boxers require about 40 fewer calories per pound of body weight than puppies. That said, daily food intake for adult Boxer dogs typically ranges from 3 to 5 cups, depending on their weight. Adult Boxer dogs should be fed twice a day, while Boxer puppies must be fed 3 to 4 meals per day. All dog breeds require basic ingredients in dog food such as protein, carbs, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. But the Boxer dog breed is a bit different. Because Boxers are hyper dogs with insane energy levels! So, a good diet for a Boxer pup must consist of basic ingredients, but you may also want to boost it with home-cooked food and supplements. This is why you have to choose the best source of protein for your Boxer dog. Poultry, beef, and seafood are excellent sources of animal protein for Boxer dogs because they are easy on their digestive system. Fatty acids like omega-6 and omega-3 are great for your Boxer dog because they give its coat extra shine and make its skin healthier. With a proper diet that is packed with vitamins and fatty acids, Boxer coat colors become more vivid and its coat sheds less! Fruit and veggies are also great for Boxer dogs because they are packed with vitamins and minerals which are essential for a healthy metabolism. Dairy products like whipped cream and blue cheese should either not be given at all or given in very small amounts. Grain-Free Diet What makes the Boxer dog breed different from other medium-sized dogs is that they are prone to developing Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus bloat. This means that the majority of Boxer dogs will have to go on a special diet. Grain-free diets are usually recommended for adult Boxer dogs in order to avoid bloat and other digestive system issues. We can say that Boxer dogs have more sensitive stomachs than other dog breeds. Not only can these ingredients trigger canine bloat, but they can also cause food allergies. Supplements Sometimes a simple diet for your Boxer dog is simply not enough. Due to their rapid growth and high activity levels, Boxer dogs need to keep their joints in tip-top condition. So, you want to search for food supplements that contain glucosamine chondroitin — compounds that are essential to joint health. Moreover, Boxers are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia which is why these supplements are of utmost importance. But, the Boxer dog breed is a bit different than the rest. Now, I know that this is an ongoing dilemma to the majority of Boxer owners, as there is no correct answer. Dry Dog Food Despite the fact that many Boxers dogs may prefer wet over dry dog food, dry kibble is preferable to keep their teeth and gums healthy, and their jaw strong. The crunch of a hard kibble will help to some extent to remove plaque, but you will still need to provide some at-home dental care. Pure kibble diets are perfectly acceptable to give to your Boxer dog. Additionally, you can boil some chicken or give your Boxer dog some raw meat. Boxers love those! It is perfectly fine to feed your Boxer dog a pure kibble diet. But, you will want to make it a bit more interesting by adding some dog food toppers, cooked or raw meat, fish, and vegetables. Wet Dog Food Wet food has more water, which keeps Boxer dogs hydrated throughout the day. Compared to dry dog food, wet food has higher fat content which is a no-no for Boxers that are prone to canine obesity. For most Boxer dogs that are prone to heart disease like cardiomyopathy, wet food with high fat content may be too much. Different Boxer dog life stages require different food amounts. Besides the life stage your Boxer dog is in, we should take into consideration that Boxers are medium-sized dogs, which means that they require a healthy diet that is specially designed for medium breed dogs. Age Earlier in this article we have mentioned that Boxer puppies need a special diet that consists of a higher percentage of protein, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. This is perfectly understandable because Boxer puppies need a healthy diet to grow. Additionally, Boxer puppies are always on the go and their bodies burn calories like crazy! In contrast to young Boxer puppies, old Boxers need to be fed a healthy diet that has a lower content of protein and fat. Naturally, the metabolism of a Boxer dog slows with age. So, due to the fact that many senior Boxer dogs are less energetic and more on the lazy side, they burn fewer calories. A slower metabolism is one of the main reasons why older Boxer dogs become obese because excess calories from high-calorie dog food are converted into fat. Failure to feed a diet designed for the unique requirements of medium to large-breed puppies like the Boxer can lead to health issues such as canine arthritis , hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, and obesity. This is why you have to choose Boxer food that is designed to control the amount of calories and calcium consumed in order to reduce the risk of these health issues. Gender Regardless of the gender, all Boxer dogs need the right nutrients that will help them stay healthy and strong as they grow. However, the nutritional needs of male Boxer dogs greatly differ from those of female Boxers. Research shows that intact male Boxer dogs eat more than their neutered counterparts. Which is pretty obvious due to the fact that intact male Boxer dogs go crazy when they show signs that they want to mate. In fact, intact male Boxer dogs are known to roam and jump fences in order to get to their ladies. Roaming and chasing those female Boxer beauties burns away all the calories! So, intact male Boxer dogs are always hungry! Neutered Male Boxer Dog Upon reaching sexual maturity, intact male Boxer dogs often become restless and impossible to handle. This is the period when you can see signs that your male dog needs to be neutered. Neutered male Boxer dogs have lower energy needs than their intact counterparts. After having your Boxer dog neutered, you have to put it on a special diet to ensure a fast recovery. In fact, you will need to cut the food portion in half because neutered Boxer dogs require fewer calories. If your neutered male Boxer dog starts to lose weight, you can reintroduce a gradual increase in food. Intact Female Boxer Dog Intact female Boxer dogs typically need fewer calories than both intact and neutered male dogs. Intact female Boxers that are fed the same diet as intact male Boxer dogs are more prone to obesity and heart problems. Spayed Female Boxer Dog Boxer dogs that have been spayed or neutered have lower levels of estrogens and androgens, which, just like in neutered male Boxer dogs, lowers their metabolic rate. Therefore, the spayed female Boxer dog requires less energy. After surgery, the appetite of a female Boxer dog might increase because estrogen has been shown to suppress hunger. To ensure that your spayed female Boxer maintains a healthy body constitution and condition, the amount and type of food must be changed. Pregnant Female Boxer Dog Once your female dog starts showing signs of pregnancy , get ready to learn more about what a feeding schedule for a pregnant pooch looks like. Start by offering your pregnant Boxer dog smaller and more frequent meals rather than large portions. Pregnant Boxers will have less space in their tummy for large amounts of food so make sure to keep the balance between small meals. Additionally, her diet should consist of a lot of soluble carbohydrates along with a little fiber. One of the most crucial minerals for pregnant Boxer dogs are calcium and phosphorus. These minerals support healthy bone development of unborn Boxer puppies. Activity Levels Boxer puppies, adolescents, and young adult dogs that are in perfect heath have insane energy levels! This means that their activity levels are high and they need regular exercise. When your Boxer pup runs all over the place, it needs a lot of nutritious food to feed those muscles! Boxer dogs that receive these optimal levels of dietary protein are more likely to perform to their full potential. Besides healthy protein intake, active Boxer dogs need a bit of carbohydrates. If you notice that your Boxer dog is gaining more weight , simply feed it less, and if they are becoming underweight, feed more. Lazy Boxer Dogs Adult Boxer dogs differ from one to another and have different activity levels. While active adult Boxer dogs normally active require 30 calories per pound of body weight, lazy Boxer dogs require less calories per day to maintain their overall health and avoid becoming obese. Senior Boxer Dogs The majority of senior Boxer dogs frequently prefer canned or raw food over dry dog food. Maybe it is because their teeth are not as strong as before, or simply because of the added moisture found in canned dog food. Even though senior Boxer dogs tend to eat less because they are less active and have slower metabolisms, they require dog food that is high in energy, antioxidants, and fatty acids. This is why senior dog food for Boxers features a healthy balance of antioxidants and fatty acids. Senior Boxer dogs typically prefer smaller portions that are given more frequently throughout the day rather than two fully loaded bowls a day. What Foods Should Boxers Avoid? As we mentioned in the grain-free diet part, Boxer dogs should avoid any dog food that contains wheat, corn, or soy. These ingredients are merely fillers for your Boxer dog, offering little to no nutritional value. In fact, the majority of food allergies in dogs are triggered by grains such as wheat and corn. Besides these common dog food ingredients, Boxer dogs should avoid human food like chocolate, macadamia nuts, milk, avocado, candy, and spicy food. Cooked bones should never be given to Boxer dogs. So, when cooking bone broth for your Boxer dog, make sure to get rid of all cooked bones. Boxer dogs are known to have sensitive stomachs. If your Boxer dog ingests food that is toxic to its digestive system, chances are that it will throw up yellow or develop diarrhea. It is best to consult with your veterinarian and go over any worries you have about what foods your Boxer dog should avoid. While many Boxer dogs simply have an insane desire for food, an increased appetite also known as polyphagia can also indicate a number of health problems. For example, Boxers with diabetes often show signs of polyphagia or an insatiable appetite. These can be signs that your senior dog with diabetes is dying. Besides health issues and all that serious stuff, Boxer dogs can simply inherit a faster metabolism which makes them always hungry. Owners are understandably worried when their Boxer pup abruptly stops eating or gradually loses interest in food. In the absence of other symptoms of health issues, a Boxer not eating is typically not a cause for concern. Normally, stress, reaction to medication, and changes in their environment, can all cause a Boxer pup to stop eating. Boxer puppies that are in their teething period like to nibble on people or objects, rather than consuming their puppy food. Some Boxer pups experience severe discomfort and pain while teething which reduces their will to eat. A Boxer puppy may frequently stop eating due to intestinal parasitic infestation or infections that cause upset stomach. The lack of appetite in Boxer puppies could be a sign of a serious issue like a blockage or poisoning. In other cases, Boxer dogs can lose their appetite due to internal obstructions, pain, and dental issues. The best food for your Boxer dog is usually food that is made for active dogs. While most Boxer owners prefer the Royal Canin brand, there are other commercial dog foods across the U. The majority of Boxer dogs inherit a sensitive stomach, so it is best to avoid bad food brands and to consult your veterinarian about the best dog food that you can find. Conclusion Give your hungry Boxer pooch all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and live a long life! The best way to keep a Boxer pup happy is by giving it nutritious food and lots of exercise. This Boxer feeding chart explains how much food a Boxer needs based on its activity levels. So, I believe that you have gotten the hang of this feeding guide! Make sure to ask your Boxer breeder for additional tips and tricks. Even though this Boxer feeding chart answers the most common questions about Boxer diet and feeding schedule, in case your Boxer puppy is showing signs of health issues, call your veterinarian for a check-up. Related Content. Your dog may suffer from indigestion if they are fed too late at night. A Boxer may struggle to acquire weight at times. Having three meals each day, including snacks, can help during this time. Adult Boxers should be fed in the morning, noon, and evening. Scheduled feeding times should be established early on to prevent weight-related diseases. Adult Boxers on a two-meal diet should eat in the morning and evening. Never let your dog exercise vigorously after a large meal, especially if they eat rapidly. This prevents bloating , intestinal obstruction, and other serious digestive problems. Introduce fewer carbs and consider nourishing their intestines and giving them micronutrients that help fight off disease-causing microorganisms. The following is a top-notch selection of Boxer food: Dry Food: Your best bet is to feed your Boxer dog grain-free kibble or dry kibble. Some even advocate dog food with human-grade ingredients. High-quality kibble containing animal protein formulated specifically for the growth and development of lean muscle mass in Boxers. Wet Food: Wet food is another commercial dog food option. If you want raw feeding for your Boxer, be sure to consult a veterinarian first, as raw diets can be tricky to prepare. Home-Cooked Diet: Aside from raw food, you can feed your Boxer home-cooked food as well. Always get your meat and other ingredients from reputable butchers and merchants to avoid potential problems. There are benefits and drawbacks to each of these dog food options mentioned above. But, for the most part, these are the best food options for the Boxer. If you are in doubt, seek the advice of an animal nutritionist or veterinarian. However, Boxers are susceptible to skin allergies caused by these products. To have a grain-free diet for your dog, you should look out for ingredients like brown rice, wheat, corn, and barley. Chocolate: While chocolate is a delicious treat for us humans, it can be harmful to your Boxer. The stimulants in chocolates, known as methylxanthines , make them toxic for dogs. It could be fatal if your dog has consumed cocoa powder, cocoa butter, or cooking chocolate. Fatty Meals: Pancreatitis outbreaks in dogs can be blamed on fatty meals. A veterinarian should always be consulted before feeding a dog a new diet. Call a veterinarian immediately if you believe that your Boxer dog has consumed something hazardous. Some dogs may have stomach upset and even appetite loss if you suddenly switch to a new high-quality food or diet. This shift should occur within a five- to seven-day time window. American Kennel Club AKC advocates starting with 25 percent of the new food for your Boxer and gradually increasing it until all of the old food has been replaced with fresh food, based on the same ratio. Below is a table showing what the AKC recommends as a standard diet transition plan for most dog breeds, including Boxers: Day. How much food to feed a boxer puppy How much food to feed a boxer puppy May 15, Let Everyone know For decades the Boxer dogs have been loved and cherished all over the world. Their imposing build along with their gentle and playful personalities captured the hearts of many dog lovers. This broad and muscular breed burns a massive amount of energy in their day-to-day life course, and thereby their diet and feeding formulas are subject to additional requirements. So the food to feed a boxer puppy must be taken in to consideration. To provide the boxer with quality and meaningful life, it is rather important to know how much food they should be fed, what and how often they should be fed. Concerns when feeding a Boxer puppy Boxers are a medium to large dog breed of German descent. Bred to bait bulls in the 19th century, they were fed a lot healthier than they are today, and their dietary habits were managed better. They are, by nature, lovely and enthusiastic, not to mention, far more involved when they are puppies. Their dietary requirements are a little different from other dog races due to certain anatomical variations. What food to Feed a Boxer Puppy Although it is undoubtedly not a fact that boxers are picky eaters, they may have special nutrition requirements when it comes to their feeding. Puppies typically need a nutritious feeding formula with a minimum of .Also, calcium and phosphorus are needed to maximize bone growth for your boxing puppy with ratios of at least or even .However, more is not always better. This will keep your Boxer pup from developing joint problems like osteochondritis or hip dysplasia. Boxers are also vulnerable to food-related allergies that can occur as food intolerances such as itching and inflammation. So choosing the right feed for your Boxer Pup might necessitate some experimentation. And indefinitely the feeding rate varies with the growth of your boxer. Boxer puppies, however, demand about 55 calories of food per pound of body weight, from a general viewpoint. A Boxer puppy is likely to become a medium to large muscle and a lean dog between 50 and 70 pounds if it feeds the correct food type and amounts. Since they are a highly active muscle species, they need high-quality protein foods to feed their energy slightly more than other less active breeds. Many dog food brands have just 25 percent protein formulas, which could prove to be inadequate for a Boxer puppy. It is therefore critical that you do your research and invests in a feeding formula of good quality. There is a common misconception that Boxer puppies should be fed twice as much food as they can consume as adults. It is still a good idea, however, to weigh your puppy every week or every two weeks and change the food intake accordingly. Some puppies may be susceptible to elevated protein, in which case food with moderate protein and fat content is recommended. Besides, Boxers will require a Calcium-to-Phosphorous ratio as near as possible to .In the first 6 to 8 months, your puppy can develop steadily in size and maturity. When your puppy grows older, you should decrease food consumption progressively as it can go longer without food. Kibble specifically intended for Boxer puppies is what is widely recommended as a choice of food as it helps preserve both intestinal and oral health and is nutritious. Some Boxer puppies tend to be a bit sensitive to food, in which case you may have to try a few options before you settle on your favorite puppy. Food with Omega-6 fatty acids is great for a sparkling coat and to support skin health. During their development, Boxer puppies need the recommended quantities of high-quality food and feeding formulas in different ranges. They can be fed up to 4 times a day between 2 and 4 months. Individual pups can still be eaten 3 times daily between 4 and 6 months. The frequency is reduced 2 to 3 times daily over 6 months. It is also possible to maintain this level of food in adulthood. This is the stage where you can teach your pup some food or sleep or exercise discipline and whatnot. In these cases, three meals a day can be considered. However, 2 meals per day are the preferred feeding schedule for your dog to train. You can feel some pressure from its ribcage or spine as you place your hands on the chest or back of your puppy. And you can encounter several problems by over-feeding your puppy. Bloating Bloating is a problem that is particularly common among boxer puppies. It can happen if you feed your puppy too much or too little. Constant bloating may contribute to other more severe gastrointestinal problems that could prove fatal to your dog. For this reason, boxer puppies are often recommended eating kibble-free foods and raw diets as they use more plant-based protein and carbohydrate formulas. Other food sources containing items such as grain, wheat, rice, and oats are frequently discouraged and may trigger excess gas in boxer puppies, which in turn causes bloating problems. Obesity As previously described, boxers are ideally supposed to have a slim, muscular build. They are not specifically susceptible to gaining too much weight, which is why the level of carbohydrates and fats in their food formulations is less of concern. However, boxer puppies or any dog are considered to be opportunistic when it comes to feeding. They will also continue to eat as long as they have food at their mercy. Boxer puppies may end up overeating for these reasons, which could cause them to become obese and overweight. This, in essence, will make their joints weak and cause arthritis, heart disease, liver disease, and kidney problems. There may be a variety of reasons why your puppy does not eat enough. Very frequently, loss of appetite is also one of the first symptoms of a more severe illness. This can also occur due to various reasons, such as; Anorexia Anorexia is indeed a problem for dogs, just as it is for human beings. Symptoms of anorexia include fever, pain, shortness of breath, and tiredness. In certain cases, it can also induce changes in the size of the organ and the weak lungs. If left untreated, it can end up being fatal to your dog. Lack of exercise may also be a source of anorexia, which is why exercise has become so crucial to your puppy. They will likely burn calories at the same amount of consumption to maintain balance. Short Life Span If you consistently underfed your Boxer puppy during its stage of growth, it will most likely grow into an undernourished and extremely unhealthy boxer, with far less engagement and energy than most other boxers. This could also affect his life span. Since Boxers are muscular dogs with a reasonable level of activity, they do need a constant supply of nutrients as described above, otherwise, they will not accompany you for a long time. Recap Boxer puppies need great care and consideration when it comes to their diet since they have some particular and unique dietary needs compared to other dogs with the same level of activity. What to Avoid when feeding your Boxer Puppy? There are no grains at all. Until ultimate research has been completed, play it safe and offer kibble with some level of healthy grain unless otherwise recommended by the veterinarian Boxer Pup must be on a specific grain-free diet, etc. Another one is synthetic preservatives, which could certainly be toxic. Artificial Coloring Ingredients, Blue 02, Yellow 05, and 06 are the most common types of dyes that we can find in feeding formulas that cause behavioral problems in puppies. Additional taste enhancers like MSG, which is one of the worst taste enhancers, are linked to anxiety, stress, rapid heartbeat, and respiratory problems. Fillers are inexpensive additives that are mixed into dog food to pump it up but have little or no nutrient properties. A dog could eat a massive amount of food and yet still be hungry again shortly after. Because of that fast metabolism function, this has become one of the major causes of Coprophagies eating feces. By-products — There are animal parts such as some intestines that are not suitable even for a boxer. Consumption and feeding formulas that involve such food might cause troubles with spinal tissue, lung failure, spleen removal, issues in hooves and tails and undeveloped ovum, etc. However, you should still consult your vet or pet nutritionist to be on the safe side. You should feed your adult Boxers two times a day, with 12 hours of spacing between meals. Ideally, one in the morning and one in the evening. You should feed your senior Boxers two times a day except given a specific schedule by a vet. As a general rule, you should feed your boxers a few hours before going to bed in the evening, so they have enough time to digest the food before going to sleep. Treats should be heavily used as a reward when training your dog. The food you feed your Boxers should specifically cater to large breeds and contain the required nutrients necessary for a strong and healthy dog. The kind of food to feed your Boxers includes dry dog food, wet dog food, a home-cooked diet, and biologically appropriate food to ensure your dog eats a balanced diet. Let me touch on these few points to help you understand what to feed your dog: Dry Food: Dry dog or kibble is a portion of commercial pet food made by grinding and mixing up ingredients like meats, grains, and nutritional additives, which are then shaped into little kernels and cooked at high temperatures to remove the water content. Dry dog contains more carbs, less fat, less water, and sometimes less protein, and is often recommended by vets due to its lower cost, dental health benefits, convenience, weight loss support, and playtime perks. Wet Food: Wet dog food, or canned food, is made by mixing up and cooking the ingredients before adding or extracting varying amounts of water. Unlike dry dog food, wet dog food contains more water, fewer carbs, more fat, and often more protein. They are recommended by veterinarians due to their high water content, taste, ease of eating, and high nutritional profile. Home-Cooked Diet: Home-cooked diets are a great option for pet parents who are not into commercial dog food, and want to go the extra length to prepare a meal for their furry companion. Feeding your dog a home-cooked meal will give you control over its nutrition and can put you at ease knowing that you will always give your dog the best treatment. BARF Diet: Biologically Appropriate Raw Food is a type of food that contains raw meat, raw eggs, crushed animal bones, fruits, vegetables, probiotics, and other natural ingredients. BARF diets are used as a substitute for processed foods with preservatives. However, consult your vet before feeding your pet a raw diet to avoid health complications from harmful substances. They have large appetites, which makes it tempting to hand them whatever we find ourselves eating. There are certain human foods, fruits, and vegetables to avoid feeding your Boxers because these foods contain toxins that are harmful to your pet that could lead you to frequent trips to the vet. Human food to avoid feeding your Boxers includes chocolates, coffee, gums, peanut butter, candies, cooked bones, etc. The Fruits and vegetables to avoid feeding your Boxers include grapes, avocado, garlic, onions, etc. You should always check the ingredients on the food label to see if these ingredients are present in the food. Or you can simply consult a vet or pet nutritionist to check the ingredients with them. Puppy food contains more calories and nutrients than adult food to meet the nutritional requirements at that stage of life. Your boxers will not eat if they have one or a combination of the factors listed below: Illness, dental problems, tooth medication, separation Anxiety, time of day, spoiled food, stress, and picky eaters Boxers are prone to having dental problems, and a major sign of this is bad breath. If you notice consistent bad breath from your pup or if your pup is not eating or drinking water, consult your veterinarian. You should visit the vet. Boxers and most dog breeds are ravenous feeders, which is why meals must be arranged in strict order. This goes hand in hand with training your dog from an early stage. You must avoid free-feeding your dog, as this might cause them to bloat and lead to stomach issues. An alternative reason might be if your dog is engaged in too many exercises, is under stress, or is infected by worms; if your dog is in any of these categories, then it may be why they are always hungry. Do boxers eat a lot? Boxers are notorious eaters, and if they are not trained properly, they may eat to the point of developing stomach issues like bloating. Boxers are large and thus will need adequate and proper training to keep them on a straight and healthy diet. Can boxers become vegetarians? The Boxer breed can live on a vegetarian diet as long as this diet consists of all the essential nutrients required by the Boxers to thrive and grow optimally. If you are taking your dog on a vegan diet, then ensure that meals contain micronutrients that may not be present in a vegan diet. You should consult your vet or pet nutritionist while planning your vegan meals to ensure your Boxer does not encounter any health complications. Can boxers eat bones? Boxers can be fed raw, not cooked, bones, as this will encourage healthy bones and teeth and, as a bonus, contain a lot of micronutrients that may not be in their food. However, you ensure that bones fed to your dog are deboned after two to three days to prevent infection. Some guidelines concerning this have been stipulated by the American Kennel Club. You can feed your boxers different types of human foods, such as beef, chicken, pork, turkey, salmon, tuna, and eggs. They can also be noodles, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, unsalted peanuts, parsnips, and other foods such as rice and pasta, yogurt, cheese, and peanut butter. Boxers can eat many types of fruits, such as strawberries, apples, bananas, raspberries, peaches, mango, pears, blueberries, plums, melon, pineapple, oranges, and kiwi fruit. They can also eat vegetables such as pumpkin, carrots, peas, corn, cauliflower, spinach, cabbage, broccoli, and more. However, you may need to feed them supplements if you feed them home-cooked meals as recommended by your vet or dog nutritionist. Final Thoughts on Feeding A Boxer? Boxers are adorable and strong dogs that can thrive on balanced, rich nutrients. Pet parents have to take special care in structuring the diet plan of their beloved pet to ensure that it grows most healthily and strongly. Options such as dry, wet, raw, and homemade diets are all great for them. You can free-feed your Boxer as a puppy, but you have to draw up a strict plan as they go on. It is also essential to know what foods are healthy and should be avoided, as some are toxic. However, if you desire more information on how to take care of your Boxer, you should contact the nearest vet for information on essential nutrients, and you can also see a pet nutritionist for a regimen schedule for your pet. David Cassiel As a biologist and dog enthusiast, I have gained valuable experience and knowledge through my internship at a veterinary hospital and my personal ownership of multiple breeds. My passion for dogs and expertise in areas such as nutrition, care, and training drives my goal of providing a helpful resource for dog owners through my pet website. Find More Search for: Affiliate Disclaimer We may earn commission from Amazon and other retailers when you make a purchase through our links. You can learn more about our affiliate disclaimer here. Your vet can run the necessary tests and examine your puppy to determine the cause. Male Adult male Boxers are slightly larger than females. Males weigh an average of 60 to 70 pounds, requiring 3 to 5 cups of food. This weight range requires 2 to 4 cups of food per day. On top of a caloric increase, an active Boxer will also need a protein-rich diet to feed their muscles. A protein-friendly, calorie-dense dry kibble should be offered, and you should follow the instructions based on their weight. Image Credit: boxerdogmadness, Pixabay Sedentary Boxers tend to become overweight quickly if you overfeed them—blame their voracious appetites and love for snacking. This food offers a low-calorie alternative without skipping out on necessary nutrition. However, what really happens is that it decreases their metabolism rate, slowing their energy. This slowing process can cause weight gain if you continue to feed them the same amount of food. The puppies always get the nutrients first. So, if you have a food that is lacking in certain areas, the mother will suffer. Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock Boxer Feeding Guide for Seniors Just like puppyhood has special dietary requirements when dogs reach a certain age, so does old age. Seniors need to eat foods that cater to their life stage to keep them capable, happy, and healthy for their remaining years. A Boxer transitions into the senior category, usually around 6—9 years of age. If you have your dog on dog food for all life stages, it might be appropriate to continue this diet. A lower-calorie food will also help to prevent your dog from becoming overweight. If your senior has specific health issues, it might be best to feed them a specific diet that helps with their condition. As time goes on, you can work with your vet to accommodate their special dietary needs. It is formulated specifically for later years. Some dogs have voracious appetites that are never satisfied. It seems like you barely get it into the bowl before they suck it up like a vacuum cleaner. Free-Feeding—this practice involves making food available to your dog at all times. The danger with this method is that large dogs like Boxers are susceptible to bloat, or gastric dilation-volvulus GDV. Bloat happens when the dog eats too quickly, causing gas to fill the abdomen. It can be fatal. This method can also make overeating seem like the norm, which causes bad manners. Feeding your dog smaller, more frequent meals is a better alternative to free-feeding. Slow-Feeder Bowls—a great way to slow your pooch down, allowing them to digest their food properly, is to give them food in a slow feeder. It gives your Boxer unique designs to eat around, stimulating their mental curiosity while slowing them down. What Foods Are Bad for Boxers? Some things to look out for are: Corn. Male boxer puppies would be around 17 inches or more during their 6th month while females will be slightly smaller at around 16 inches. Birth to 3 weeks old When your boxer pup is still very young, they should be with their mom and be nursed properly. Keep in mind that your boxer should get equal amounts of milk, especially if they belong to a large litter. Observe the litter for any signs of bullying or some puppies being overpowered. This is also the case if the mother is too thin to supply milk to all of her pups. When your puppy reaches 3 weeks of age, you might start to notice rapid growth. That is normal for boxer puppies since the breed tends to grow faster than most dogs. Boxer pups of this age still need to be nursed. To do this mix 1 part puppy food with 3 parts water in a bowl and offer it to them. It also helps to train your pups to only eat when they are hungry. A good rule of thumb in terms of scheduling for the water and puppy food mixture would be 3 to 4 times a day. You want the process to be a pleasant one for your boxer pup. This is when the weaning process becomes slightly visible. The mother dog will slightly let go of her little ones for them to be independent. Keep them away from dangerous objects and supervise them as much as possible. Ensure that their food is easy to chew to avoid eating problems. If your vet allows for it, you can add some veggies or other food ingredients that are deemed safe for pups as advised. Your puppy will need more nutrition by this time so they need to learn to eat solid puppy food. After all, 6 weeks old is a time for exploration, playtime, and energy bursts whether indoors or outdoors. You may also want to feed them more if they spend a lot more time playing or running around. Once your puppy reaches 7 weeks old, they should already know how to eat their solid food. Give them the serving somewhere between 3 and 4 times a day depending on your available time and their hunger pangs. Your boxer pups will also get nursed less often during this time, as the mother will likely just stand up while giving milk reluctantly to her little ones. She might even run away from them at some point, allowing them to become more independent. Keep their meals served at 3 to 4 times a day, with at least 2 or more cups per day, divided equally. You can also follow the chart that we mentioned above, especially if your boxer pup is quite the active fellow. Having more cups a day is important for puppies that have far less weight than others. You can also ask your vet about how many calories they need depending on their energy levels. Know the activity levels of your puppy and adjust accordingly. If your boxer pup is always on the go, they might need more calories than usual. Moreover, a 9-week-old boxer pup might also roam around and pick various objects to ensure that their surroundings are kept puppy-proofed. Bloating comes from excessively gobbling food so make sure they only get equal portions for their daily meal schedules. While we did say that boxer pups during this period are likely to eat twice as much as a regular adult boxer, always observe if your puppy is getting overweight by checking their waist. Talk to your vet if you suspect your pup might be gaining too many pounds. Always keep in mind to avoid bloating problems with your pup by ensuring the schedule gets followed. Continue with the usual puppy food or as instructed by your vet. Recommended Food Now that your boxer puppy has a set schedule, what should you feed them? Here are some suggestions: 1. Quality Kibble Like most active breeds, dry kibble is the way to go if you want affordable and easy-to-store food for your boxer puppy. Worry not — there are grain-free options in the market. Wet or canned food If you want added calories for an active boxer puppy, consider wet food. After all, canned puppy food is tasty to most dogs, especially during their puppy years, since the smell is enough to get them eating. Omega fatty acid foods Boxers are prone to cardiomyopathy, which can be lessened if they take foods and supplements rich in omega fatty acids, such as fish. Talk to your vet for a diet plan that will help lessen the likelihood of such eye problems. Glucosamine foods Hip dysplasia is common in boxers so we recommend foods that are rich in glucosamine, such as chicken feet and seafood. Consider looking for either kibble or canned puppy food that has glucosamine to help prevent hip dysplasia and other joint problems. Look for primarily meat-based puppy food rather than cheap commercial brands. Commercial brands out there may have more corn and wheat than protein from meat. Instead, look for slightly pricier yet more quality brands of puppy food for your boxer. And, as usual, you should also stay away from human foods that are toxic to dogs, such as grapes, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, and the like. FAQs on Feeding a Boxer Puppy Boxer pups need extra care when it comes to their diet — here are some frequently asked questions with regards to feeding them properly: When do I switch to adult food for my Boxer puppy? By this time, you can slowly transition your puppy to adult food in portions. Should I give my Boxer puppy supplements? As a workaholic dog breed, boxer pups need protein and other nutrients, which are fortunately already in most quality dog food brands. Raw feeding a Boxer puppy A raw diet is okay for boxer puppies provided that you get expert advice from your vet about it. Raw feeding is no walk in the park since you need to do the math on calories and nutrients as compared to commercial food. Also, take note of food handling to avoid bacterial infection, especially if you live in areas where humidity is high. If you need help, talk to a breeder or someone you know tried raw feeding before — especially for puppies. Conclusion A healthy and energetic boxer puppy will be a satisfied life companion if you feed them properly. All you need to know is that boxers are typically workaholics so they need to have a balanced diet with sufficient calories based on their activities. We hope this helped you figure out how much to feed your boxer puppy! Every bite of food will be detrimental or beneficial to this breed's health. Overview Food is fuel both for a growing Boxer pup and large strong adult Boxer dogs. The type of food that you offer for both meals and snacks has a direct affect on your Boxer's health both now and in the future. Also of importance is a feeding schedule and making sure that you offer the proper amounts. This section will cover everything you need to know in order to provide a well-balanced, nutritious diet for your Boxer puppy, adult, or senior. How Often to Feed a Boxer Puppy or Dog Let's look at a summary and then the details: Puppies under 12 weeks: free-fed Puppies and up to the 2-year mark: 3 meals per day Adults 2 years and up: 1 to 2 meals per day Young pups 8 to 12 weeks old: Very young pups, and particularly those that are a bit underweight, should be free-fed for at least the first month at their new home. This is the method of having fresh food accessible at all times. For a pup still trying to gain their bearings, you may need to lead them to their bowl throughout the day. Note that food should be thrown out and the bowl washed and then refilled several times per day as opposed to just topping off the food since pups may not be interested in stale food. Growing pup to 2 year mark: It's best to get a Boxer onto a feeding schedule as soon as possible. Schedules of anything feeding, exercise, sleep time, etc. Young Boxers often struggle a bit to fill out and during the 1 to 2-year mark Boxers can go through a 'skinny phase', so 3 meals per day, plus snacks, can work well during this time. Adults 2 years and up: Most adult Boxers that have reached their final adult weight and height do well with 2 meals per day, plus snacks. If snacks are regular and of substance, a Boxer may be perfectly content with 1 main meal per day. Note that this breed is prone to bloat, so you want to avoid letting a Boxer get so hungry that he rapidly gulps his food down. If that is the case, increase the frequency of meals or use a slow-feed bowl; stainless-steel is best, something like Mr. How Much to Feed a Boxer Puppy or Dog The exact serving size that is appropriate for each Boxer varies and depends mainly on age and current weight but also is affected by activity level, health status, type of food wet vs dry , and individual metabolism. This said, there are general guidelines: Puppies usually require about 55 calories for each pound of body weight. Young pups might eat a bit over a cup a day, older pups can eat up to 3 cups a day. Adults need fewer calories per pound of body weight than their younger counterparts, about .Depending on an adult Boxer dog's size, food is usually in the 3 to 5 cup per day range. To know exactly how much to give your Boxer, know your dog's weight. Don't guess since that can be wildly off. Then, look at the feeding guidelines on the bag of kibble; these are listed by age and weight and are usually pretty spot on. Dry Kibble vs Wet Canned Though many Boxers may prefer wet canned food, dry kibble is better to maintain healthy teeth and gum and a strong jaw. You'll still have to provide some level of at-home dental care , but the crunch of a hard kibble will work to some extent to remove plaque. Additionally, dry food seems to keep the stools firmer and healthier. If your Boxer is a finicky eater and balks at dry food, try mixing in just a bit of canned stick with the same brand or add just a bit of water or low-sodium chicken or beef broth. Grain vs Grain-free It's wasn't that long ago that putting a dog on a grain-free diet wasn't much of a big deal. Some grains, especially those with gluten, can cause excessive gas , upset stomach, and other issues. And, some dogs are allergic to wheat or gluten which can manifest as itching and other skin problems. But recently, a suspected link between certain grain-free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy DCM, a canine heart disease caused veterinary experts to take pause. And, since Boxers are one of the breeds prone to DCM, it's important to understand where things are on this. Though it was first thought that any grain-free diet may be the cause, the current thought is that it is a BEG diet, meaning boutique small specialty brands that have exotic meats non-traditional meats like alligator, kangaroo, bison, venison, etc. Many more studies need to be done for conclusive answers to be found. For now, it is recommended to offer healthy grains and this can be done while avoiding gluten if your Boxer has an issue with it. Navigating the Many Choices of Dog Foods What to Avoid: Many brands are guilty of having at least one of these elements that you do not want your Boxer's food to have: No grains at all. Until conclusive studies are complete, play it safe and offer a kibble with some level of healthy grains unless the veterinarian recommends otherwise Boxer needs to be on a specific grain-free diet, etc. Synthetic preservatives. These can be toxic. Butylated hydroxyanisole BHA , butylated hydroxytoluene BHT , and ethoxyquin, just to name a few, are linked to behavioral issues, organ damage, and some forms of cancer. Artificial coloring. Common dyes like Yellow 5 and 6 and Blue 2 are linked to behavioral and health issues. Artificial flavor enhancers. MSG is one of the worst, it is linked to anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and breathing issues. Generic animal digest, meats, oils, or fats. When anything is listed as 'animal', it is derived from a 4-D animal: dead, dying, diseased or disabled animals and can literally be any meat from any animal at all: minks from mink farms, roadkill, zoo animals, expired meats from supermarkets and butcher shops, etc. Fillers are cheap ingredients that are put into dog food to bulk it up but they have little to no nutritional value. The 'food' goes right through their system; a dog will eat but be hungry again soon afterward and this is one cause of coprophagia eating feces. These are the animal parts that are not fit for human consumption and includes such things as spinal tissue, lungs, spleens, hooves, tails, undeveloped eggs, etc. Made outside North America since meats from overseas can be questionable. The kibble will be preserved using a vitamin blend often listed as mixed tocopherals and will be naturally flavored and colored. Some level of grains. Grains that are generally well-tolerated include rice, oatmeal, and quinoa. Wholesome real meats, veggies, and fruits. Some ingredients sourced from Norway are fine; this country has very strict guidelines. If you are not sure what is in your Boxer's food, investigate it. Know about grain content and the presence or lack of additives and subpar ingredients. Recommended Dog Food for Boxers Please note that the following recommendations are formulas with some level of healthy grains; if you did not read the previous ' Grain vs Grain-free ' you may wish to do so before continuing on. This meets all of the requirements of what you're looking for. There are no synthetic preservatives; vitamins are used instead shown as mixed tocopherals. The grains in this formula are generally very well tolerated: quinoa technically a seed , oatmeal, and barley. There are 3 different recipes to choose from: beef, chicken, or lamb. Other ingredients include peas, salmon, carrots, apples, blueberries, and flaxseed. There are good levels of glucosamine chondroitin vital for joint health , antioxidants, and omega fatty acids important for skin and coat health. There are no by-products, fillers, or generic meats or oils and this is sourced and made in the USA. For this one, the base is chicken a very classic tasty protein that most dogs love , along with oatmeal, brown rice, ground barley, peas, flaxseed, carrots, tomato pomace, spinach, sweet potatoes, apples, and blueberries. All other ingredients shown on the label are either vitamins and minerals or natural preservatives. This has no wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, and this is made in the USA. This brand offers a top-quality formula that is gluten-free. There is no wheat, corn, soy, by-products, artificial flavors, artificial colors, or chemical preservatives. The base is chicken and brown rice and other ingredients include white rice, oatmeal, rice bran, avocado, flax seed, herring, and kelp. It has good levels of omega fatty acids and antioxidants. The one trade-off for having it be gluten-free is that it does not contain any fruit; however, it does have all required vitamins and minerals and you can always offers a small amount of fresh fruit as snacks. Homemade Vs Commercial Commercial dog food is convenient and, if you choose a superior brand, it will ensure that your Boxer receives all needed nutrients and is on a well-rounded and well-balanced diet. And, home cooked food gives you complete control over what your Boxer eats and does not eat and can be tweaked to satisfy a finicky eater. So, there are pros and cons to each. Whether you opt for a top-quality kibble or you use good cuts of meat and fish and fresh produce in homemade meals, neither option is super-cheap. Because, of course, you get what you pay for. But, if you buy in bulk and lean toward frozen vegetables and fruits, home cooking may be a bit less expensive. That said, when you prepare meals at home, you'll need to offer a good daily vitamin and mineral supplement even good brands of kibble need to add this in because it's nearly impossible for a dog to receive all nutrients just from food alone. Some of the foods that can be incorporated into meals include: Proteins: Chicken, turkey, veal, beef, fish mackeral, haddock, salmon, whitefish, cod, and others , eggs, and certain beans kidney, lima Vegetables: Carrots, broccoli in moderation , potato, sweet potato, sugar snap peas, green beans, spinach Fruits: Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, pumpkin Grains: Quinoa, oatmeal, rice Related Articles: Best Snacks, Chews, and Treats for a Boxer - A great rundown of the difference between these 3 things and top recommendations. How many calories does a Boxer dog need - Requirements based on age, size and activity level. Recommendations to lower or raise intake. Boxer dog weight issues - This breed can become overweight, usually due to a combination of eating too much and being sedentary. Boxer begging behavior - Boxers are pretty good at playing their humans and it's easy to fall into the trap of giving in to begging. Read how to stop the cycle. Choosing the Best Bowl for a Boxer - Size, height, material and design are all important.

A fox red and traditional yellow Lab, flanked by a pair of black Labs. Black, yellow, and chocolate are the three traditional coat colors recognized by the AKC. If you ask the American Kennel Club , those are the only acceptable colors for a Labrador. And even then, those dogs must have other specific color features like dark noses and lips to count as true Labradors. But lately, non-traditional Labrador retriever colors have increased in popularity. The coats on these dogs look like faded versions of the traditional colors. Charcoal, silver, champagne, and white Labs have all emerged on the scene. So where did these new colors come from? Are they associated with health problems? A yellow Lab rests with her black pups. The dogs that Labs originate from, St. Once multiple generations of Labrador retrievers reproduced, recessive-gene colors like chocolate and yellow emerged from other bloodlines. The sire and dam that produce the litter of puppies pass down those genes to the offspring. Natalie Krebs The black coat color gene is dominant, Wilson explains. The chocolate coat gene, on the other hand, is recessive. Say two black Labs breed and produce a litter of pups. If just one of the parents—in this example, the sire—has all-black genes, none of their puppies will be chocolate. All the pups will be black Labs. Chocolate Labrador retrievers carry the recessive gene for coat color. If two chocolate Labs produce a litter, all the pups will be chocolate, too. The same is true for a black Lab that breeds a chocolate Lab. If the black Lab only has black genes to pass down, all their puppies will be black. But if that black Lab has a recessive chocolate gene to pass down, the litter could include both black and chocolate pups. Two chocolate Labs can only produce a chocolate litter, Wilson explains. All these dogs—the parents and the offspring—only have recessive chocolate genes. This yellow Lab was bred from a black female and a fox red male. Natalie Krebs Yellow coats come from an entirely different pair of genes than black or brown coats. Yellow Labs have the widest range in coat color while remaining within the AKC breed standard, Wilson says. Yellow Labs must have dark, heavily-pigmented noses, eyes, and lips, but their fur can range from a lighter vanilla to fox red. But in reality, the earliest yellow Labs were fox red, Wilson says. The color was first documented toward the end of the 19th century, and today, this coat variation is well within the AKC breed standard for yellow Labs. One of the more common falters is the light brown or pink nose, lips, and eyes. But from a health perspective, says Wilson, yellow Labs with light features are more prone to complications. Yellow Labs fall outside the AKC breed standard when their lips, nose, and skin around the eyes is pink, rather than black. These types of Labs are often referred to as Dudley Labs. This can make the skin more prone to sunburn or melanoma. Lighter, more sensitive eyes also make it harder for the dog to work properly in the field. Black Labrador retrievers are one of the most popular bird dogs in the country. Alex Robinson The best traditional Labrador retriever color is, of course, a matter of personal preference. Each color has their pros and cons. Yellow Labs Are harder to disguise in marsh and timber Are tougher to keep track of during an upland bird hunt since they tend to blend into grassy cover Identifying ticks, cuts, and abrasions is easier on their light coats Black Labs Are easier to disguise in many waterfowl environments, including marsh and timber Are easier to spot while working thick upland cover Their dark coat makes it harder to notice ticks, blood, and thorns Chocolate Labs Are the least traditional of the traditional Labrador retriever colors Have amassed a loyal following over the years Blend well into most habitat types and environments Non-Traditional Labrador Retriever Colors If a puppy inherits the recessive dilute gene from both parents, its coat will be diluted, or lighter in color. Chocolate Labs will turn silver in appearance. Black Labs will become charcoal, chocolate Labs will turn silver, and yellow Labs will turn either champagne or what is known as polar white. Dilute breeding to produce non-traditional Labrador retriever coat colors has its controversies. The practice is particularly frustrating to the traditional Labrador retriever community that strictly adheres to AKC purebred standards. Wilson rehashes a story of the first documented silver Lab, which she says was supposedly born in Wisconsin in to a chocolate Lab female and a chocolate Lab male. But the breeder, who Wilson says she knew about through a friend, was having trouble with a Weimaraner on his property at the time. When the litter arrived, some of the pups were chocolate Labs and some were silver. Silver Labrador retrievers have become wildly popular across the country. They forwarded the information to the AKC, who dispatched a field inspector to determine the genetics of the pups. This was a tricky assignment in the era before modern DNA testing and microchips. The breeder presented a chocolate female as the dam and said the sire, which had been on loan as a stud, was back in the northern part of the state. Silver Labs can have the exact same personalities and capabilities as traditional-colored Labs. Courtesy of Peggy Stalnaker Stalnaker, who breeds dilute Labs at DuckCreek, doubts this version of the silver Lab origin story, given what she knows about dilute genetics. Her hunch is that a few true recessive dilute puppies were born by accident. Stalnaker points out that this book was published well before the first documented cases of dilute Labs in the United States. The charcoal Labrador retriever is darker than silver and comes from a black Lab with the dilute gene. When dilute Labs became popular, she explains, attempts to meet consumer demand resulted in some problematic inbreeding. This resulted in dilute Labs that were less genetically diverse and had higher chances of genetic health issues. But Stalnaker puts all her dogs through extensive genetic testing to determine any predispositions for these issues, which range from dwarfism to exercise-induced collapse syndrome to excessively dry noses. Their fur would be really thin. She has avoided this by breeding in non-diluted Labs that possess the dilute gene. This means some of her puppies are traditional colors and some are diluted. But the diluted Labs have less disorder-prone genetic codes thanks to the genetic diversity from the non-diluted sire and dam. Her customers have been happy with their DuckCreek Labs. She recalls one man who flew to Kansas from south Georgia to pick up a silver puppy and fly it home. She cites the time commitment as a barrier. Despite criticism from traditional Labrador loyalists like Wilson, some owners still register dilute Labs under traditional AKC colors. Choosing a certain color Lab is really a matter of personal preference. If anybody is nasty, I just block them. The new variety of Labrador retriever colors is probably here to stay, since the consumer demand is high. But the dilute Labs will probably remain on the outskirts of the Lab community for the foreseeable future, while the traditional Labrador retriever colors of black, chocolate, and yellow continue to win hearts and field trials alike. Katie Hill Katie Hill is a staff writer for Outdoor Life where she covers outdoor news, hunting, and conservation in the West. She still lives in Missoula. Articles When we think of Labrador Retrievers, the classic triad of black, yellow, and chocolate coat options. However, this popular dog breed actually comes in more colors and patterns than that. Besides the common Black Labrador you normally see, there are actually 13 different aesthetic options Labrador Retrievers can come in, in terms of coat type, colors, and patterns. These include rarer variations like the Dudley Labrador and Merle Labrador variations. In the sections below, we shall take a closer look at all these variations in terms of how to spot them and anything else that makes each unique. Dudley Image from Best Bully Sticks Dudley Labradors are a variation of the Labrador breed born without any pigment on their nose, eyes, or paw pads. These surfaces appear pink, red, or a very light shade of pinkish-brown. Dudley Labradors are usually light-colored and may either be a very light shade of yellow or all-white. Their eyes are also a characteristically light shade of brown. The genes responsible for the Dudley trait on Labradors are generally unproblematic. However, the lack of pigmentation leaves the nose of the Labrador exposed to sunburns. Merle Image from Instagram: smillasdogdiary Merle Labradors are some of the most unique-looking dogs in general and not just in the Labrador breed. They can be recognized by the presence of dark, mottled patches on a white or other light-colored coat. The patches on a Merle Labrador are of different sizes and distributed randomly. The merle gene responsible for this trait also affects pigmentation and can give the Labrador blue eyes, especially if they are bred from two Merle Labs. Unfortunately, the gene is also associated with eye and ear diseases which are also more commonly found in double-merle settings. What makes them common is the fact that there are several genetic combinations that give this trait. They are also unique in that Black Labrador puppies can result from breeding yellow or even chocolate-colored Labs. Due to their wide availability, Black Labradors are arguably the most popular variation. They are also believed to be smarter and more hardworking than the other variations, even though there is no scientific basis for this. They have a predominantly black coat with tan markings. The markings are usually distributed in a predictable manner over the body. This includes markings over the eyes, on the snout, neck, chest, and limbs. However, these will have mixed features and may not fully look like typical Labs. It appears as a dark shade of brown, very similar to chocolate or liver. Among the 3 most acceptable Labrador colors, Chocolate Labs are the rarest. This is because the genetic combination responsible for the trait only appears rarely. Even with breeding between 2 Chocolate Labradors, there is always the risk the puppies may not all be chocolate. What makes them different is that their shade of chocolate brown is a bit lighter and has a rusty red quality to it. In some cases, the shade is so light that they look almost earthy brown, like that of a fox. No matter how light or dark the shade of red is, it is important for it to be a solid color so that the Lab can be considered a true red variation. Like Chocolate Labradors, the red variety also has a reddish-brown-colored nose. Yellow Image from Paw. The shade of yellow varies from a rich, almost golden yellow to a light tinge of yellow that can easily be mistaken for white from a distance. The shade of yellow on Yellow Labradors is also nowhere near as intense as that on Goldies. This is different from really pale Yellow Labradors, which may sometimes have more pigmented fur on the ears, paws, and snout. Contrary to popular belief, White Labradors are actually not all suffering from albinism. They get their white coat from a rare and recessive leucistic gene. They get their grayish-blue shade from a dilution gene that waters down the intensity of what would have been a black coat. This dilution gene on Blue Labradors affects not only the fur but also other black-pigmented surfaces like the nose. At first glance, it may appear black, but on closer inspection, you will notice even its nose has the same slightly watered-down shade. They are not as common as the single solid-tone coat types. However, they are way more common than the other patterns that Labradors could possibly come in. The markings occur mainly with Black Labradors and Yellow Labradors. The white fur, in these cases, is distributed mainly to the neck, chest, belly area, and paws. They are best appreciated on Yellow Labradors or brown Chocolate Labradors due to the contrast. The stripes are most pronounced over the back, torso, and limbs. It is also common to find Brindle Labradors with a combination of patterns, in which case white markings are the most common pairing. Short Haired Image from YuMove According to the American Kennel Club breed standards for the Labrador Retriever , the short-haired variety is the only recognized and accepted coat type. Thus the fur is straight and coarse to the touch. The short-haired Labrador has a double coat with a softer undercoat that offers protection from simple injuries. Interestingly, short-haired Labradors tend to shed a bit more than their longer-haired companions and thus need more attentive coat care. However, their faces typically have shorter fur. Despite long-haired Labradors being so gorgeous, the trait is considered undesirable and is a result of recessive genes in the dog breed. The fact that it is recessive means that two long-haired Labs have to breed to produce puppies with the same trait. When comparing the three classic variations, the Chocolate Labrador is the rarest among the rest, Black Labrador and Yellow Labrador. This is because the chances for the required chocolate gene combination to manifest are much lower. In general, blue and white are two of the rare Labrador colors, whereas the merle pattern is considered to be very rare in purebred Labs. What Color Lab Sheds Least? There is no single Labrador color that sheds any more or less than the other varieties. The myth that Yellow Labradors shed more than black or chocolate ones is commonly busted from the fact that yellow fur strands are a lot more visible and easier to spot on clothes and furniture than the darker strands. The intelligence of a Labrador has nothing to do with its coat type, color, or pattern. However, there is this belief that Black Labs are the smartest. This is simply due to the fact that they are the most commonly found around the world. However, you can encounter several other Labrador colors thanks to genetic variation and different breeding practices. Below are six of the most common color varieties. Black Labrador Since four out of nine potential Labrador color gene variations result in a black coat, black Labs are the most common coat color in Labradors. So, the takeaway here is that black Labs are always the dominant coat color. People love black Labs for their soft, shiny coats. The black Labrador pose for a photoshoot! Yellow Labrador Yellow Labs come in as the second most common color after black Labradors. Unlike black Labs, which have an unmistakable, predictable color, yellow Labs can come in many different shades. The genetic makeup of yellow Labradors includes one-third of the possible Lab color combinations. The genetic codes include eeBB, eeBb, and eebb. A Labrador sniffs a smoked dog bone 3. Chocolate Labrador Chocolate Labs are the rarest of the three primary Labrador colors. There are only two genes that will produce these dogs—EEbb and Eebb. As with yellow Labs, chocolate labs vary significantly in their coat color. Some chocolate labs have a light brown coat, others a medium brown, and some are even so dark that they appear mixed with black and brown. Aside from their genetic predisposition to an earlier death, these dogs can also suffer from the same issues as other Labs, including patellar luxation, osteochondritis dissecans, and canine hip dysplasia. So, if you have your heart set on buying a chocolate Lab, keep in mind that you may lose your best four-legged friend about 1. A chocolate Labrador Retriever having its coat brushed 4. They get their dark, reddish coat from the same gene as yellow Labs. But since yellow Lab genes can present a wide variation in yellow colors, it causes some puppies to enter the world with an almost red coat. Red Fox Labrador Retriever looks up. Silver Labrador You might have trouble recognizing a silver Lab as a Labrador when they walk by, given that this is such a distinct color deviating from the three primary colors. And, unfortunately for silver Labs, these dogs are a color variation from chocolate Labs. Another issue that silver Labs frequently face is color dilution alopecia. Alopecia is a condition when the immune system harms hair follicles, which leads to skin issues and hair loss. So, should you be interested in breeding your Labrador, please be responsible and never breed a silver Lab. Silver Labrador Retriever sitting in the forest. Like red fox Labradors, white Labs have the same genetic makeup as yellow Labs. Nevertheless, no one will mistake these dogs for pure white; they almost always retain a light cream-colored look, thanks to some yellow fur. Albinism is a life-threatening and rare genetic condition resulting from a lack of pigmentation. Albino Labs often die young and suffer from conditions like blindness and deafness. A white Labrador Retriever sits quietly. If you think mating two black Labradors is a guarantee for producing black Lab puppies, think again. Black is a dominant gene in Labs, but the color yellow always overrides black and chocolate. Instead, check out the chart below to see the puppy colors from mating different colored Lab parents. Parent Colors. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Updated: Nov 15, When it comes to coat color of Labrador puppies, there are three colors recognized by the American Kennel Club. Black Labs, yellow Labs, and brown Labs often called chocolate Labs are the three main varieties of Labrador retriever, however these puppies often exhibit different shades of black, yellow, and brown fur. So with so much variation, what causes a difference in color? Where it begins to get tricky is when we discuss the genetics of black labs and chocolate labs when compared to yellow lab. Allele: One of two or more versions of a gene. When it comes to the coats of Labrador puppies, fur color is determined by one of two different genes, as well as a variety of alleles. When it comes to black lab puppies and chocolate lab puppies, both varieties inherit their fur color from a single gene, known as "Tyrosinase-related protein 1. Here we have two dominant genes for black fur, obviously resulting in a black lab puppy. In a situation in which either parent passes on the dominant allele and the other passes on the recessive, the lab puppy will still have a black coat. When both parents pass on the recessive allele, only then do we see a chocolate lab puppy. So, Where Does Yellow Come from? Yellow Labrador puppies get their hair color from a gene entirely different from the gene that determines black or brown fur. Melanocortin 1 receptor MC1R is the gene responsible for yellow lab puppies, but can still result in fur coats of black and brown. As you may have deduced, the allele for yellow lab puppies is recessive. Both parents pass on dominant alleles for black or chocolate fur, resulting in a black or chocolate puppy. Only in a situation in which both parents pass on alleles coding for yellow fur is the TYRP1 gene overridden and yellow lab puppies are produced. What is also interesting about the creation of yellow lab puppies is the fact that while their fur coat is without black or brown pigment, their skin will still exhibit the same color pigment as that of black or chocolate lab puppies. Labrador Retrievers Care and Maintenance 1. Black Labrador Retrievers A Black labrador is the most popular coat among all variations. Their pure shiny black coating allows them to move swiftly and secretly in the field, making them a good hunting companion. Historically, black labs were purposely bred for hunting, and they used to euthanize other labradors. Fortunately, they are all in the past, and the strong hunting instincts of black labs are now being used and trained for security, search, and rescue jobs as a service dogs. Their dark, pure shiny black fur coats are what makes them so handsome and appealing to all dog lovers. However, not all black labrador retrievers are pure black. Some are mixed with white spots on their fur caused by a gene interruption from their ancestor, the St. Nevertheless, all black labrador retrievers are attractive in their smooth and sleek fur. Personality: Black labs are very reliable and focused as service dogs. The Dog Training Agencies normally pick their kind because of their intelligence, loyalty, and strong hunting skills. Aside from that, black labs are wonderful pets, too, because of their warm and comforting personality. Out of all breeds, black labs are the most affectionate and caring; and they love to show it to their owners. This is why most people admire black labradors; even though they look so strong and sturdy physically, they still have a soft and kind personality that captivates our hearts. Health Condition: Another good news about black labradors is that they are healthy dogs who live within the average lifespan of a labrador retriever years. Nonetheless, they are still prone to bacterial or viral infections, so an owner needs to watch them, make sure that they eat healthily, and receive the guidance and affection they need. Yellow Labrador Retrievers Yellow labrador retrievers are not the famous type of labrador. Due to this exposure, many labrador lovers have adored the unique color of yellow labs. Their color ranges from light brown to a lemon-like yellow. In this spectrum, a fawn labrador yellowish-brown color is included as well. This is a darker shade of yellow but not as dark as a red labrador. A cream-colored labrador is also considered to be part of yellow labrador retrievers. Yellow labs have the widest variety of color spectrum among all six labrador colors. They are recognized as therapy dogs for they love to show warm and comforting affection as well. Aside from that, yellow labs are highly trainable and equipped to work as service or search and rescue dogs as they are considered hardworking like black labradors. However, the lightness of their fur and extroverted attitude does not make them qualified for hunting. Health Condition: The yellow labrador retrievers are part of the healthy breeds as well. They live longer than other breed coats, and their health issues only occur in their old age. These health issues normally include dysplasia, blindness, or deafness. The weakening of their body is only a worry when they get old, but it is necessary to maintain their good health while still young. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers Chocolate Labrador Retrievers are the rarest one among the three major colors black, yellow, and chocolate. Most people adore this chocolate-like coating of their fur as they are shiny and attractive. Nonetheless, the color of chocolate labs varies in terms of intensity. Their color widely ranges from light brown to a combination of brown and black lab coats. Personality: As said before, chocolate labs are known for their energetic vibes. Their cuteness is derived from their uncontrollably cheerful and goofy personality. At times, they may be naughty, but they are just as caring and affectionate as any other labrador retriever. Health Condition: The only downside of chocolate labradors is that they are more prone to health issues and have shorter lifespans than other color types of labrador retrievers. Among their health concerns are skin irritation hot spots , ear inflammation, and sight defection. Based on research, their average lifetime is about a year and a half shorter than other labradors. They are known to be genetically associated with yellow labradors, just like red fox labs. Thus, an extremely light shade of yellow can be seen on their fur, and they tend to have the light brown or yellow shade of ears and paws. But the whiteness of their fur overpowers the yellowish shade under sunlight, which also gives the majestic aura of white labs. The fur around their ears and paws are normally white in the majority, but some parts have darker shades of light brown. Plus, they enjoy pleasing people with their charming personalities. Additionally, white labs are trusting and gullible hence, and it makes them poor security guard dogs. But owners love to cuddle and pamper them because of their innocent, delightful attitude. Health Condition: Just like chocolate labradors, white labs are prone to health problems too. Their white coloration may develop into albinism which is common for their kind. Some assume that red fox labs are mixed with golden retrievers — which is not true because the only similarity is the shade of color. Color Characteristic: Like white labradors, red labs are part of the color spectrum of yellow labs. While the white labs are in the lighter part of the yellow spectrum, the red labs are on the other end. Therefore, red fox labs are just darker coats of yellow labs perceived in the reddish version. The distinctiveness and vibrates of their rugged brownish red shade are what captures the heart of most dog lovers. Personality: Red labrador retrievers have a sociable personality as well. They can be easily trained to help other people, and they are natural when it comes to being playful. Just like chocolate labrador retrievers, red labs are active and outgoing! They are also considered gentle and lovable, which is a good characteristic for a family dog. Health Condition: In terms of health, red fox labradors are in good shapes, like yellow and black labs. They are not prone to any sickness or diseases, and their lifespans are in the normal timeline. For owners with red fox labs, just provide the proper care a normal dog needs to keep them healthy and prolong their happy life. Silver Labrador Retrievers The Silver Labrador Retrievers are the rarest among all the six recognized labrador coatings. Frequently, people mistake silver labs as being mixed with the Weimaraner breed. However, the silver labs are purebred and one of the six recognized labrador coat colors based on researchers. Color Characteristic: The color of silver labs ranges from light gray to silver-blue color. When they are exposed to sunlight, the silver shade is more vibrant and distinct. According to researchers, silver labs are in the same color spectrum as the chocolate labs. Silver Labradors are just like chocolate labradors but in diluted genes. Instead of being chocolate in color, their genes can potentially override all the other colors subtly and result in a stunning silver coating. Thus, silver labradors have recessive genotypes, which sets them apart from other labrador coatings. They are sociable, energetic, and adorable, yet soft and loyal at the same time. They are wonderful family pets and can bond with each family member. Training them for household activities is plausible as well because of their energetic personality. They love to run, swim, walk and play with their owners; thus, life is never too boring by having them around. Health Condition: The unique color of silver labradors makes them vulnerable in terms of health. They are prone to skin diseases and tend to develop skin itch or patchy fur due to the dilution of their genes, creating alopecia. Importance of Coat Color of Labrador Retrievers According to breeders and owners, each coat color is linked to the behavior and personality of labrador retrievers. Although this statement is not scientifically proven, the breeders have recorded the variety in the behavior of all the color coatings of labrador retrievers. It has been observed that: The calmest, most focused, and skillful are the Black Labrador Retrievers. Yellow, Silver, and White Labrador Retrievers are friendly and gentle to people and children. They love to be part of a family. The Fox Red and Chocolate Labrador Retrievers are known as the playful and most active kind of labrador. All types of labrador retrievers are loving and very affectionate. Thus, choosing the right one should be based on your personality. If you are sporty or athletic, a black lab is a perfect match for you because they can join you in training and exercises. A chocolate lab or a red fox lab will be a great companion if you are outgoing, playful, and competitive! And if you have a big family or starting a new one, the best choice is either a white lab, a yellow lab, or a silver lab. These labradors are soft and kind to everyone they meet, and they can easily create a bond with people. Labrador Retrievers Care and Maintenance All labrador retrievers are physically fit, strong, and healthy. Here is some important information that you need to know in nourishing and petting a Labrador Retriever: 1. Diet and Nutrition — it is vital to feed your labs with high-quality manufactured food or a home-cooked meal that does not contain poisonous ingredients. You must study what is the appropriate food for a dog and what food can harm them. There is no problem with shedding their double water-repellent coating because they occasionally shed on their own. Training and Exercise — training a lab puppy from 7 weeks to 4 months is essential so they would grow up with skills and a sociable personality. At an early age, enrolling them to puppy training classes would help in enhancing their obedience, socialization, and agility. Their fun-loving and positive personalities combined with their gentleness and willingness to please their owners makes them the perfect family pet. Statistically speaking, Black Labs are the most common of all Labrador color variations. This is due to how coat color is inherited in this breed. Without getting too far into a scientific explanation for this, there are nine different possible gene combinations for coat color. Four of these lead to a black coat, three to yellow, and only two to chocolate. Due to random chance, Black Labs make up nearly half of all Labradors. Yellow Labs often have a very light brown or tan colored coat that can appear yellowish. Chocolate Labrador Image Credit: skeeze, Pixabay The rarest of the three major Labrador colors, the Chocolate Lab is beautiful and adorable with a deep brown, chocolate-colored coat. Chocolate Labs are regarded as the most energetic and hardest to train, and while there is no research-based evidence to support this, Chocolate Labs are the only Labs not used as service dogs by the leading dog training organizations. This is possibly due to a higher energy level. Their absence from service dog institutions may also be due to the fact that Chocolate Labs experience more health problems and tend to have shorter lifespans than their Black and Yellow counterparts. On average, Chocolate Labs live about a year and a half shorter than other colored Labs. Simply put, they have the genetics of a Yellow Lab but present a darker coat that appears reddish. White Labs usually have very pale brown fur that can appear purely white, especially in the sun. Their fur normally has light brown or yellowish tinges around the ears and paws. Albino Labs do carry additional health problems such as deafness, blindness, and other eye issues. Austin, Shutterstock Silver Labs are stunning, regal, and sleek. Their light grey coat shines beautifully in the sun, and their appearance is as striking as it is adorable. These pups are similar to Red Labs in that they have the same genetics as one of the major three Lab colors. Silver Labs are really Chocolate Labs, even though they may look more like Blue Labs, but their coat is light or diluted, and the result is a silvery appearance. Like their chocolate siblings, Silver Labs, unfortunately, inherit some additional health issues and tend to live shorter lives than Black and Yellow Labradors. Defining Physical Characteristics What is it that makes this breed so recognizable? Labs are often stocky and athletic with a broad chest and a thick, wide skull. Labs have short, dense fur that is water-resistant. In fact, they were named after the Labrador Sea off of Newfoundland where they were originally bred to retrieve waterfowl. No matter where they go, Labs seem to bring joy and happiness with them. They are loyal, loving, and affectionate. What more could you ask for in a dog? Labs have short, dense fur that is prone to heavy shedding and matting, so you should plan to brush your Labrador at least two or three times a week to cut down on shedding and keep their fur looking sleek. Labradors of all coat colors should be bathed about once every other month with a dog-friendly shampoo. Bathing more often can eliminate those healthy skin oils we mentioned, so avoid giving your pup a bath more often unless they find their way into some mud. Final Thoughts Labs come in three main colors but can have lots of different coat shading that makes them appear unique and especially striking. See also:. Find out how we get chocolate, black or yellow puppies and what color pups we might get when we mix Labradors of different colors. Strictly speaking, there are only three different types of Labrador color: black Labs, brown Labs usually referred to as chocolate and yellow Labs. These are the three colors recognized and accepted by the Kennel Club In practice, there is a wide range of shades of yellow Labrador color, from palest cream to richest fox red. But what makes a Labrador brown, or black, or yellow. And what about Silver Labradors? Where does this new and controversial coat color come in to play? Where do Black and Chocolate Labradors come from? The information that determines whether or not your Labrador is basically black or basically chocolate is passed on through a pair of genes. Why black is a dominant color: It is normal for dominant genes to switch off, or over-ride, recessive genes. And that is exactly what happens here. A dog with BB genes will be black, because he has no little b gene, the one that gives us a brown coat. But a Bb dog will be black too, because if the dominant black gene is present, it switches off the brown gene. How chocolate Labradors are made: Even though a dog inherits a little b gene, the dog will only appear brown if no black gene B is present at all. Two black genes BB gives you a black Labrador One of each Bb also give you a black Labrador Two brown genes bb gives you a chocolate Labrador Remember that the black dominant gene always switches of the brown gene, so only the dog at the bottom will actually look brown. Generation after generation of black dogs can continue to have only black puppies if dogs with the Bb gene are only ever mated to dogs with BB genes. Remember, the dog in the middle of our list above will look black, but pass the brown gene on to about half of all its offspring. But things are never that simple are they? Because of course some Labradors are neither black nor brown. The genetic information that creates a yellow coat comes from another pair of genes altogether. And these genes have a different kind of power. The result is a yellow dog But little ee is recessive, and if the dominant E gene is present, it switches off the masking gene. It only takes one big E gene to do this. So the dog will only appear yellow if no big E gene is present at all. There are three possible combinations of eee gene that a dog could inherit. There are nine different possible combinations. Nine different possible Labrador genotypes! The chart below lists them genotype is the genetic makeup, phenotype is the appearance of the dog. Original Labrador Retriever Color Black is the original, archetypal Labrador color, and genetically the most dominant. Chocolate and yellow puppies were frequently euthanized at birth. To understand that we have to look at the genetic difference between black and chocolate Labs. Labrador Retriever Color Genetics Both types get their color from a pigment called eumelanin. Labs with lots of eumelanin pigment in their coat are black. If they have a little less, they appear brown instead. We use letters to tell each place apart — a bit like giving each locus its own zip code! The B locus is home to a pair of genes called B genes. There are two types of B gene your Lab can get in their pair: One we call big B — it contains an instruction to make lots of eumelanin, and causes a black Labrador coat. And one we call little b — it contains an instruction for less eumelanin, and causes a brown or chocolate coat. Big B is a dominant gene, and little b is a recessive gene. Dominant genes to switch off, or override, recessive genes. So dog with BB genes will be black, because he has two genes for a black coat. And a Bb dog will be black too, because the dominant B genethe recessive b gene. Only a dog with a matching pair of bb genes will express the instruction for less eumelanin in their coat, and be brown. Remember that the black dominant gene always switches of the brown gene, so only the dog with two copies of the b gene will actually look brown. But the dominance of the black color enabled our chocolate friends to remain hidden and rare with the breed, for many decades. Generation after generation of black dogs can continue to have only black puppies if dogs with the Bb gene are only ever mated to dogs with BB genes. In fact, it would take two black Labs both carrying the little b gene to produce chocolate puppies. Like this: Statistically, one quarter of their litter would be chocolate colored. And of course, some Labradors are neither black nor brown. The genetic information that creates a yellow coat comes from another pair of genes altogether. These genes are located at the E locus. And — you guessed it — we call them E genes. Just like B genes there are two versions of the E gene, big E and little e. Big E is the dominant gene. It does not interfere with the B genes. Little e is the recessive gene. It has the potential to mask the B genes that would otherwise give us black or brown coats. And the result is a yellow dog. How Yellow Overrides Black and Chocolate Only the little e gene can mask the instructions for black or chocolate fur. There are three possible combinations of E gene that a dog can inherit. It could have two dominant genes EE two masking genes ee or one of each Ee. Only the middle of these three dogs will be yellow. Nine Different Possible Labrador Genotypes! Every Labrador has a combination of B and E genes — called their genotype. There are nine different possible genotypes. Here they are in full: Can you see why each combination of genes turns out the way it does? Because as you can see, the second dog down the list may look black but he could throw brown puppies, and the fourth dog down the list may look black, but he could throw yellow puppies. The fifth dog down the list is also black but he could throw yellow and brown puppies. Puppy colors are easier to predict when both parents owe their appearance to the recessive genes b or e. Mating Two Yellow Labradors Two yellow Labradors mated together will never throw brown or black puppies. All their offspring will be yellow. This is because yellow dogs do not possess the big E gene which is needed to switch off the masking effect. Mating Two Chocolate Labradors Two brown Labs mated together will never throw black puppies because brown dogs do not have the big B gene. But two chocolate Labs can produce yellow puppies, if each of the parents carries the little e gene — like this: In the mixed litter, statistically one of half of the puppies will be chocolate and one half yellow. Depending on their genotype, two black Labradors can indeed have yellow or chocolate puppies. Remember from our grid above that there are four different possible genotypes for a black Labrador. The genotype refers to the genetic code that the dog carries. And the four different possible black genotypes down the side to represent the father. Inside the grid are the puppies that could be born from each combination. If and only if, both parents carry a little e gene, then some of the puppies may be yellow. Remember that your puppy needs two little e genes one from each parent in order to be yellow. If only one of two black dogs carries the little e gene, all their puppies will be black. Yes it is, check out the bottom right hand square in the diagram above! Notice that it can only happen if both parents dogs have this genotype: EeBb. In other words, they both carry a little e and a little b. This is good example of how complicated, and unexpected, Labrador colors can be. There are six different possibilities for litter color combinations depending on the genotype of the parents. You can even get a litter of all black puppies from a chocolate mother and a yellow father or vice versa! Here are the color possibilities: yellow, black, and chocolate puppies yellow and black puppies. Labrador Colors 1. Black Labrador Most black Labs are entirely black. But, some have one or two white spots on their fur. This interruption in their solid black coat is due to genetic traces left from their late ancestor, the St. The black Labrador Retriever was historically the most common coat color. Even today, nearly half of all Labs are black! When Retrievers were first bred, black coated dogs were the only pups deemed acceptable. Their popularity was driven by two reasons: Black is the favorite coat color for hunting. Four out of nine gene combinations result in a black coat. Sadly, until the 20th century, all other Lab colors would be euthanized shortly after birth. They were not valued the same way black Labradors were. Black Labradors were perfect for their original purpose, hunting. Their dark coat color helped them blend in and move stealthily while hunting or participating in field trials. These Labs tend to have the strongest hunting instincts as their black coats were historically bred for hunting. Even to this day, they are focused, diligent workers. These shiny, sleek dogs are not only beloved in the field, but they also make wonderful pets. Many owners regard black Labs as the calmest and most affectionate of all Lab colors. However, there is no scientific evidence to back up this claim. Chocolate Labrador Chocolate Labs are the rarest of the three major Lab colors. These dogs are rarely used for hunting or working, but are champions in the show ring! Their color stuns judges and earns high marks in conformation shows. The shade of brown that chocolate Labradors can come in varies. Some are a rich chocolate while others are a dark brown color known as liver. Some even have a beautiful red hue within their brown fur! The chocolate color exists on a spectrum and can vary greatly due to genetics. Some of these assumptions have become widely accepted in the Labrador community. Chocolate Labs are regarded as the most rambunctious with a bit too much energy for their bodies! These pups are spunky and often hard to train, which may explain why they are not used as service dogs. Even if these Labs are a bit energetic and naughty at times, they are just as beloved due to their affectionate nature and goofy personality. The unfortunate truth about chocolate Labradors is that they often suffer from more health problems than other types of Labs. Some of these health concerns are minor and include hot spots skin irritation and ear inflammation. However, some are more serious and can shorten their lifespan. They often live a year and a half less than the other Labradors. Yellow Labrador Yellow Labradors may not be the most popular Labrador Retriever color, but they are the most beloved. Many owners claim that yellow Labs are the friendliest and most outgoing. Their outstanding reputation is reinforced by their heavy presence in daily life! Yellow Labs are often seen in movies such as the adorable Lab who played Marley in Marley and Me or the sweetheart who acted as Old Yeller. The media have also boosted their popularity as has their recognition as common service, search and rescue, and therapy dogs. Similar to chocolate, the yellow coat color exists on a spectrum. Some yellow Labs are a light brown or tan, others are yellow like a lemon, and then there are cream-colored Labs. There are also fawn Labradors. Fawn Labs are darker, but are not quite red. The yellow Lab may be the Labrador Retriever with the most variation in its coat color! Yellow Labs are just as hard-working as black Labs, although they are not as commonly used for hunting. They are very similar to black Labs and are just as highly trainable, affectionate, and hard-working. Silver Labrador Silver Labradors are by far the rarest of all colors. These dogs are a light gray to blue color that looks silver in the sunlight. These Labradors are often mistaken for Weimaraner mixes because of their silver coat. Silver Labs actually have the same genetics as any type of Lab, despite looking very different. They are just as smart, fun, and loving as any other Retriever. They have a dilute gene that overrides the designated chocolate coat color. Rather than being chocolate, these dogs have a silver or blue coat color. This same coat color dilution can occur in yellow Labs and in black Labs. Diluted yellow Labs are known as champagne and diluted black Labs are known as charcoal. However, Silver is the most unique. Not many silver Labs exist due to the recessive nature of the dilute gene. Silver Labs are undoubtedly stunning, but they have a higher potential of developing health issues. They often develop color dilution alopecia which presents as itchy skin or patchy fur. Fox Red Labradors have the same genetics as a yellow Lab, but just have a deep yellow or brown hue to their coat. This deep brown looks rusty red and makes them look just like a fox. Labrador Retriever fans adore fox red Labs because of their friendly personalities. They have lovingly nicknamed these dogs Ruby Labradors. Clifford, the beloved big red dog, is even based off a fox red Labrador. The red color gives them a rugged look that many owners love! However, this love does not extend to the American Kennel Club. The American Kennel Club does not recognize fox reds as a unique color and registers these Labrador Retrievers as yellow labs. Judges often view this dark pigmentation as a serious fault, so it is unlikely that a fox red Lab would ever win a conformation show. Some people are highly suspicious of the fox red color. They often argue that fox reds are not purebred and that they are mixed with Golden Retrievers. This is not true. It is all the beauty of a Golden Retriever without the high maintenance and long coat that Goldens are known for. White Labrador White Labradors are just a variation of the yellow Lab. They have the same genetics as a yellow Lab, they just happen to be much paler. White Labs are the lightest shade of yellow possible. This color exists on the opposite end of the spectrum than fox red Labs do. The shade of their fur is typically a pale yellow that looks white in the sunlight. They may also have brown or yellow ears and paws that are darker than the rest of their coat. Their white fur gives them an aura of royalty. Just like any yellow Labrador, white Labs are regarded as kind dogs who love everyone they meet. They make horrible guard dogs as they make friends with everyone and are quick to trust every stranger they meet! They are often pampered and spoiled beyond belief. There are no known health issues associated with this color. Most white labs are healthy because they are just a pale yellow, not true white. Albino Labradors are rarer and also sensitive to bright sunlight. Merle labs may suffer from deafness, blindness, and shortened lifespans. Discussing Labrador Retriever colors can be controversial. Are silver and red Labs purebred? Do personality traits differ between different colored Labs? Should silver, red, and white have their own color category? The answers to these questions are not simple. They say that behavior is determined by genetics, socialization, training, and health. In their opinion coat color is just cosmetic. On the other hand, there are owners and breeders who argue that coat color affects the personality of a Lab. These owners and breeders have lived and interacted with Labs of all colors. In their opinion coat color is linked to characteristic personality traits. These Lab lovers have agreed that: Black Labs are the calmest and most skilled at hunting. Yellow Labs are the friendliest and best with people and children. Chocolate Labs are the rowdiest, most energetic, and difficult to train. On the side of science, color does not affect the behavior of a Labrador Retriever. However, breeders and owners have recorded the behavior traits associated with each coat color. It is up to you whether to decide if color matters for Labrador Retrievers or not! Which Is The Rarest Color? Silver is the rarest Lab color. Silver is rare because it can only come from a unique genetic makeup. The dilution gene needed to produce this silver hue is a recessive gene and is often masked by the genes for a chocolate coat. If you ever happen to see one of these silver beauties, take the time to really admire them as you may never see another one again! Which Color Is The Best? This is definitely an opinion question that has no right answer! Each color of Labrador suits a specific type of owner: Athletic, hunting owners will want a black Lab. Yellow Lab owners claim that their dogs are the best due to their friendly personalities. Chocolate Labs win the most prizes in conformation shows. Silver Labs are the rarest, to complicate the argument even more. It is up to each owner to decide which color they love the best. An argument can be made for each Labrador color as to why that color is the best. Among Labrador owners it is widely accepted that black Labs are the calmest. This could be a result of their hard-working, hunting instincts which cause them to be much more focused and level-headed. Chocolate Labs who parade around show rings are often the most rambunctious. If you ask the experts, you will get the answer that coat color has no effect on Labrador behavior. However, if you read various Labrador Retriever websites and forums, or talk to Lab owners, you may hear a different story. Whether you decide to believe this claim is up to you! There is no scientific evidence to back the claim up that black Labs are the calmest Labradors. Summary Each color of Labrador Retriever is beautiful and unique in its own way. Silver Labs are rare, black Labs are sleek and elegant, yellow Labs have an aura of kindness, white Labs are elegant, red Labs are devoted to their work, and chocolate Labs are gorgeous and show ready! Labrador coat colors are the perfect example that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. Want to learn more about Labs? Read: English vs. American Labrador: Top 10 Differences. Which coat color is your favorite and why? Let us know in the comments below! She is a passionate dog lover and was raised with an affectionate, calm Yellow Lab Golden Retriever mix that fostered her love for her canine companions. Kelsie is actively involved with multiple humane societies and has cared for the dogs of over 45 different families. You May Also Like.

Poodle Clips Overview One of the most fascinating and interesting elements of the Poodle breed are the amazing clips of the coat. The owner of a pet Poodle may simply choose to keep the entire coat trimmed to a certain length.Or the owner of a pet or show Poodle may want the appropriate show cut. The AKC requires certain cuts depending on the age of the Poodle. Let's take a look at the proper Poodle clips for AKC conformation and what each clip entails. When showing, this is the only acceptable clip for Poodles under 1 year old. Many pet owners opt for this cut as well, as it allows for the Poodle to have full coverage over the body, without exposing any skin, except for the dog's small paws. When skin is exposed it is subjected to the sun and can develop possible sores from playing around in the yard or when exposed skin is resting against carpeting. With this type of clip, the Poodle's face, throat, paws and base of the tail are shaved. The entire shaven foot is visible. You may opt to have a pompon on the end of the tail. In order to give a neat appearance and a smooth unbroken line, shaping of the coat is done with scissors to even things up and get rid of any long, straggly hairs. The face, front legs between poms and elbow, hind quarter to the pom area and with the exception of the hip rosettes, feet, and base of tail are all shaved very closely. The pack area is left very, very long and scissored into shape. The top knot is left very long and pulled into a ponytail. The tail is given a very large pompon. Poms on the legs are started just above the wrist and hock joints and end just above the feet. They are also scissored round. The hip rosettes are placed directly over the Poodle's hip joint. These are also scissored round. The reason that this is allowed is that the only element which is "modified" is the lack of the hip rosettes, which are optional. English Saddle With this clip, the Poodle's face, front leg between pom and pack, crescent on the flank, base of tail, separations between poms on rear legs and paws are all closely shaved. The pack is left rather full and is scissored into shape. The top knot on the head is left long and pulled back into a pony tail. The poms on front legs are leg long and started above the wrist joint and ends above the feet. The area over the hips and flanks are scissored shorter into a smooth blanket. The tail's pom is left long and shaped into a ball. The poms on hind legs are rounded off and spaced evenly apart. The bottom pom begins just above the hock and ends above the feet. With this Poodle clip, the face, feet, throat, and base of the tail are shaved close, leaving a scissored cap on the top of the head. The rest of the dog's body, and legs are clipped or scissored to follow the outline of the dog leaving a short, soft blanket of coat approximately 1 inch long. The hair on the legs may be slightly longer than that on the body. There is a nice, fluffy pompon at the end of the Poodle's tail. It is also referred to as the 'Second Puppy Clip'. The hair on the top may be left puffed out or pulled into a topknot. The coat is allowed to be very low on the legs, only showing a bit of the paw. It is a nice clip that offers a pleasant shape while not exposing any skin. Since coat growth can quickly cause this clip to loose shape, it is retouched approximately 5 to days before a show event. Kennel Clip - This is a pet clip, meaning that many pet owners opt for this easy clip and it is not permissible in the AKC show ring. Body hair is short all over and just scissored into shape. The top knot and tail are left longer than the body hair. The length of the body hair is completely up to the owner, some opt for a shorter length in the hotter months and longer in colder months. Lamb Clip - This is very similar to the Kennel Clip. The only difference is that the coat is left longer. With this Poodle clip, the dog's face, feet, and base of tail are shaved closely. Body hair is left fluffy but not too long and then scissored into shape. The legs are shaped into a pom at the bottom starting just above the wrist and the hock ending just above the feet. The length of the hair is up to the owner, however, most opt for a very short clip. Dutch Clip - This is an interesting pet clip. The Poodle's face, neck area, belly band, feet, and base of tail are shaved closely. The belly band may be shaved thin or wide, as shown in the photo. The lines between the withers along the spine and between the hips along the spine are also shaved. These lines are very narrow. The top of the head, the legs, and tail are left very fluffy. As you can imagine, the coat cannot be brushed in the traditional sense, cords must be separated out by hand. This used to be a very popular way to keep the coat long ago, however now this is exceedingly rare since most pet owners simply do not have the time to braid the section, keep the coat clean or wait for the exceedingly long drying time that comes with such large dread-lock type sections. This an exceptionally difficult style to do and to maintain which keeps owners away even if the look is a desired one. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. Face, front leg between pom and pack, crescent on the flank, base of tail, separations between poms on rear legs and feet are all shaved closely. Pack is left very full and is scissored into shape. Top knot is left long and pulled into a pony tail. Poms on front legs are leg long and started above the wrist joint and ends above the feet. The area over the hips and flanks are scissored shorter into a smooth blanket. Pom on tail is left long and shaped round. The poms on back legs are shaped round and spaced evenly. The bottom is started just above the hock and ends above the feet. The pom on the front leg starts just above the wrist joint and ends just above the feet. There should be a shaved narrow seperation between the upper part of the leg that is left fluff and the pom at the wrist. Length of body hair depends upon preference. There is no pom on the tail. Legs are left longer than the body and rounded. Top knot is fluffy. Length of hair depends upon preference. The ears are also completely shaved in this cut. Head and body are left fluffy and shaped into classic lines. The only difference being that the feet are NOT shaved in this clip. The legs, top knot, and tail are left fluffy and are rounded. Length of the legs depends upon preference. I am happy to have you sign my guestbook, but if you are doing it just to be rude, please don't bother. It just wastes my time and yours. I do not have any puppies or adults for sale. All articles on this site unless otherwise states are written by me, Keisha of Arpeggio Poodles. Articles by other people have been given their due credit. I am sorry I have to post this but I am finding my articles being stolen and being placed on other peoples sites. All photos are sole property of Arpeggio Poodles unless otherwise noted. Reproduction of photos without express written permission is prohibited! All pictures and graphics unless otherwise stated are of my own design. Please do not take them. Most of the information on my site is from my own views, opinions, or research that I have done. Where appropriate I have sited my sources and links to their sites. Do not take my opinions as that of a licensed vet. Any person that relies solely on my information does so at their own risk. 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Website: tangoshaus. This small home breeder raises miniature, moyen, and standard Poodles. With a focus on temperament and health, these Poodles make ideal family pets, therapy dogs, and service animals. All of the Poodles at Valaurah Farms are health tested and microchipped before going home. Many of these puppies find new owners locally, while others go to homes throughout the United States. One of the more popular Poodle breeders in Washington, they are so popular there is often a waitlist for them! Once you have committed to a Poodle, Valerie will send you updates on its development and health. Valaurah Farms offers plenty of information about becoming a Poodle owner, including tips on preparing your home for this new addition. Cascade Standard Poodles This small, home-based breeder offers Standard Poodles raised in a home environment. At Cascade Standard Poodles, the puppies grow up around family, including children. This helps ensure that the dogs are well socialized and can adapt quickly to new homes. This breeder follows AKC standards and focuses on breeding Poodles with good temperament and structure. They only breed once or twice a year, emphasizing the health and happiness of their dogs. All puppies are microchipped, vaccinated, dewormed, and come with a health guarantee. Cascade Standard Poodles has a thorough application process to ensure that puppies find good homes. They will inquire about your current living arrangements, including the makeup of your family and other pets. In addition, owners must show that they understand the needs of Poodles, including grooming, exercising, and socializing. They breed dogs that come in both red and apricot colors. For over 18 years, Celebrity Red Standards has been breeding dogs for show and as pets. These puppies are well-cared; potential owners will see how smart, active, and easy to train they are. This breeder has an ideal environment for raising Poodles. They reside in Snohomish County, on a large waterfront property. All puppies have access to several acres of land; they also have a lake to swim in! Celebrity Red Standards understands the importance of a healthy Poodle. They do extensive DNA and health testing; you will also receive a health guarantee for your dog. In addition to health, this breeder focuses on structure and temperament. Location: Lynnwood, Washington. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We raise our sweet poodles in our home where they are a huge part of our family. We specialize in responsible poodle breeding with a focus on health and temperament. To maintain these high standards, we only breed dogs that have been rigorously screened for health concerns and personality. Our dogs are raised with our children, and they are showered with attention from friends and family. We occasionally have litters raised in our homes, and they are available to approved homes with limited AKC registration. I was raised around herding breeds, and thought I would always own a herding dog. During my years working with animals professionally, the Standard Poodle stood out to me from other dogs. I love their willingness to please, strong drive to make their people laugh, outstanding qualities as a constant companion, their ability to read body language and expressions, as well as how clean they are. I'm not much for fancy poodle haircuts, and my poodles tend to have basic cuts that are easy to maintain when not working on a show title. Nonetheless, I love their hypo-allergenic coats, their clean nature, and that they usually still smell clean weeks after a groom. Standard poodles are a medium to large breed. Our dogs tend to be on the smaller side. The Standard, with his greater size and strength, is a wonderful all-around athlete with their origins as hunting and retrieving dogs. Nonetheless, they are equally great at being an apartment dog if provided regular exercise. Home: Service. Questions about Poodle puppies for sale in Washington? We have answers. Give me an overview of Poodle puppies for sale in Washington. Poodles come at different prices. Different things to consider are their height, size and weight, color as well as experience of the professional breeder. You will be able to afford one! Can breeders arrange travel for Washington Poodles out of state? Yes they do! The breeders, companies and businesses in our network know that perfect families do not always live close by, and sometimes far-distance travel arrangements have to be made. You may even be able to pick up your pup from an airplane close by or even around the corner - it all depends! How do you screen miniature Poodle breeders in Washington? We really care about puppies and their well being, so it is of the utmost importance that anyone who wants to be connected to us is screened under strict rules - and then they have to take our Breeder Pledge. The health of your puppy-to-be, its wellbeing, the way it is taken care of, the place it is brought up in - all of this matters to us. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other miniature Poodle breeders Washington? The internet is available to absolutely everybody - and that includes scrupulous breeders who are out there just wanting to cash in by selling puppies. We care deeply for dogs and puppies and we love connecting good and honest breeders with families who just want to open their homes to a new and wonderful puppy. What is a puppy mill like for miniature Poodle Washington? A puppy mill is an awful place that is unfortunately legal. Dogs are treated terribly and all their owners want from them are their puppies which they make money out of. Are there any miniature Poodle puppies Washington for sale now? We just need to know a little bit about yourself and exactly what you are looking for. Then begin your search and find the Poodle of your dreams. There are breeders, companies and businesses out there that are really excited to place their beautiful puppies in your home. What kind of dogs are mini Poodle puppies Washington? Poodles are actually part of a group of formal dog breeds. The Poodle is available in Toy size, Miniature size and large, regal, Standard size. They are highly intelligent and their origins belong to both Germany and France. How do I know I can trust you with miniature Poodle puppies in Washington? It is hard to monitor all the puppy scams that happen daily on the internet so we make sure that we have a secure Breeder Pledge and a strict screening process, in order to create the best of relationships between our customers and our breeders, companies and businesses. Our reviews reveal all!