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In recent years, French Bulldogs, with their distinctive bat ears and adorable smooshed faces, have become a favorite breed among dog lovers globally. Just how popular? As Frenchies get more popular, so do their scammers However, as Frenchies soar in popularity, a darker trend emerges… The rising incidence of French Bulldog breeder scams. Everybody wants a Frenchie. A ton of people want to breed Frenchies. While you might save a few bucks on the puppy, it may lead to hefty vet bills down the line or, worse, heartache over a sickly pup. Sign 2: Lack of Health History Transparency A reputable breeder will always provide comprehensive health history for their dogs. Red flags to look for Unwillingness to share health records: Reputable breeders perform health tests and veterinary checks for their dogs and are happy to share these records. If a breeder is hesitant or refuses to show you these documents, be cautious. It might indicate the breeder is not honest or possibly trying to cover up health issues. A reputable breeder will educate potential buyers about these issues. If you encounter a breeder unwilling to share these details or offering suspiciously vague or inconsistent information, beware! Scammers, however, might show forged papers or offer none at all. Always verify these documents with the relevant dog breed registry to ensure their authenticity. Red flags to look for Absence of registration papers: If the breeder cannot produce any registration papers, it could be a sign they are not a reputable breeder or the dog is not a purebred French Bulldog. Forgery or alteration of documents: Some scammers might go as far as to forge registration documents. Look for signs of alteration or discrepancies in the documents. If in doubt, cross-verify with the issuing authority. Rushing the payment process: If the breeder is rushing you to make a deposit or pay in full without giving you enough time to consider, it might be a scam. Avoiding questions or concerns: A reputable breeder welcomes questions and understands that potential buyers may have concerns. You should always have enough time to research the breeder and make an informed choice. Slow down! Sign 5: Use of Emotional Manipulation or Sob Stories Scammers often resort to emotional manipulation or sob stories to rush a sale. Keep an eye out for these red flags: Red flags to look for Sob stories: If the breeder frequently shares stories designed to tug at your heartstrings e. While these situations can happen, they should not be used as a tool to pressure you into making a hasty decision. Creating a sense of guilt: If the breeder attempts to guilt-trip you into buying a puppy by suggesting the puppy might end up in a shelter or in a bad situation without your help, be wary. A reputable breeder has a network of fellow breeders and previous customers that they can rely on if they genuinely need help with rehoming a dog. Rushing the sale due to personal issues: If the breeder pushes for a quick sale due to personal issues like financial troubles or health problems, proceed with caution. Although these can be legitimate reasons, they may also be fabricated to create a sense of urgency. Sign 6: Poor Communication or Reluctance to Provide Information Communication is key in any transaction, and buying a puppy is no different. Reputable breeders are not only good at breeding puppies, but they also know how to run a business. Red flags to look for Delay in responses: While breeders may be busy, they should still prioritize communication with potential buyers. Avoiding direct answers: A reputable breeder should be able to answer your questions confidently and directly. Unwillingness to provide pictures or videos: A genuine breeder would be more than happy to share pictures or videos of the puppy, its siblings, and its parents. If a breeder refuses to provide these or only shares professional or suspiciously perfect photos, they might not be legitimate. Be wary of breeders who avoid answering your questions or are reluctant to provide detailed information about their dogs. A genuine breeder will always welcome your curiosity and inquiries. Sign 7: Absence of Verifiable References or Testimonials Check for testimonials or references from previous buyers. Reviews can easily be faked. You should try to get in contact with some of these people that have left the reviews if possible. Reluctance to connect you with previous customers: If a breeder refuses to connect you with previous buyers for feedback, it may be cause for concern. Genuine, verifiable feedback from satisfied customers is a solid indicator of a trustworthy breeder. Sign 8: Unusual Payment Methods and Requests Unconventional payment methods, like wire transfers or pre-paid debit cards, are a big red flag. Or they might pressure you to send a deposit through Zelle, Venmo, CashApp, etc. Reputable breeders will typically accept safer payment methods, like credit cards or secure online payments. Red flags to look for Requests for non-secure payment methods: If a breeder insists on payments through wire transfers, pre-paid debit cards, or gift cards, tread carefully. These methods are often untraceable and non-refundable. Be careful! Sign 9: Nonexistent or Suspicious Breeding Facility A quality breeding facility is vital for the health and well-being of the pups. Be cautious if you spot any of these red flags: Red flags to look for Refusal to show the breeding facility: A reputable breeder will be proud to show where their dogs are bred and raised. If a breeder refuses to show you the facility, it could be a scam. Poor conditions in the facility: If you do get a chance to visit or see images of the facility and the conditions seem poor or inadequate, this is a major concern. If a breeder refuses to show their facility, or if the place seems inadequate or suspicious, it might be best to steer clear. Look for a breeder with a facility that would make any puppy happy to be there. Sign Inconsistent or Incomplete Information about the Breed A genuine French Bulldog breeder will have an in-depth knowledge of the breed. If you spot gaps in their knowledge, this could be a sign of a scammer or an inexperienced breeder which is far from ideal. Your breeder should know a thing or two about Frenchies… Sign Refusal to Allow In-Person Visits or Video Calls Reputable breeders will typically allow in-person visits or video calls to meet the puppies and their parents. Scammers, however, may be reluctant or outright refuse. Seeing the puppy and its living conditions before purchasing is crucial. Sign No Screening of Potential Buyers Good breeders will want to ensure their puppies are going to a good home and will typically ask potential buyers several questions. No discussion about breed suitability: Reputable breeders will discuss whether a French Bulldog is a suitable breed for your lifestyle. Look out for this warning sign: Red flags to look for Always has puppies available: If a breeder always seems to have a new litter available or multiple litters at once, this could indicate a puppy mill, which is a type of inhumane, commercial dog breeding facility. Remember to always do thorough research and trust your instincts when choosing a breeder. Look out for these 13 signs of a Frenchie Breeder Scammer Unusually low prices Lack of health history transparency Unverified or non-existent registration papers Pressure to make hasty decisions Use of emotional manipulation or sob stories Poor communication Absence of verifiable references or testimonials Unusual payment methods A suspicious or nonexistent breeding facility Incomplete knowledge about the breed Refusal to allow in-person visits or video calls No screening of potential buyers Puppies available for immediate sale By being vigilant and conducting thorough research, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling prey to such scams. Remember: responsible dog ownership starts with the decision of where and whom to buy from. Stay informed, be cautious, and ensure your French Bulldog comes from a loving, responsible breeder who cares about their dogs as much as you will care for your new Frenchie. You can ask for contact information to personally speak with previous customers. Additionally, use online resources to look for reviews and comments about the breeder. Should I pay a deposit before meeting the puppy? Be sure to get a written agreement detailing what the deposit covers and under what conditions it is refundable. Report the situation to your local law enforcement and contact your bank or payment service to dispute the charges, if possible. You can also report the breeder to local and national pet organizations. They can provide guidance and potentially pursue legal action. Online Platforms: If you found the breeder on a website or app, report the scam to the platform. Want to learn how to find a reputable breeder? Learn more about what to look for in a French Bulldog breeder, as well questions to ask your breeder, and more! Quite a few potential health problems due to his deformed face High cost A French Bulldog may not be right for you. Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult French Bulldogs have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics. If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Unfortunately, you usually can't tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up. Health problems. Unfortunately, these nice-tempered dogs are deliberately bred with structural deformities that detract from the dog's quality of life. They especially have trouble breathing. You need to protect them from heatstroke and if your summers get hot, your home needs to be air-conditioned. Along with respiratory disorders, Frenchies also suffer from spinal disorders, eye diseases, heart disease, and joint diseases. Read more about French Bulldog Health. French Bulldog sounds. Because of their short face, most Frenchies snort, snuffle, wheeze, grunt, and snore loudly. These sounds are endearing to some people; nerve-wracking to others. Some French Bulldogs, especially those with heavy loose lips, slobber water when they drink. Some drool, too, especially after eating and drinking. Gassiness flatulence. All short-faced breeds gulp air when they eat, and that air has to go somewhere, after all. However, commercial diets make flatulence worse by including fibrous or hard-to-digest ingredients. French Bulldogs who are fed a homemade diet of real meat and vegetables have much less trouble with gassiness. For such a small dog, French Bulldogs can be quite stubborn and manipulative. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. Food is a great motivator for this breed, but it often results in a fat Frenchie who only obeys if you're waving a cookie. I recommend a more sensible training method. French Bulldogs can be quite slow to housebreak. Expect four to six months of consistent crate training. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. To help you train and care for your dog Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. If your dog is over 18 months, you'll want Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Teach Your Dog English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. Related posts you might enjoy.

Silver beige White Apricot - This and red were two of the last colors recorded for this breed; so they are the newest and quite interesting. An apricot can produce a red. Some apricot Poodles are so light that they appear to be cream, however you will notice a red tint to the hair. A true apricot poodle will have some points or black spots on their skin. Liver points are acceptable but not preferred in the U. All blue Poodles are born black and then "clear" lighten as the pup grows. This often happens within the first year but this change can take place as late as 2 years in some cases. For this reason, many blue Poodles are registered as black. The outer coat of a blue poodle is usually as dark as that of a black, but hairs at the root is a mix of colors. The amount of each color depends on the age of the dog. In middle-aged dogs, medium brown predominates. True blue Poodles will have black points and dark brown eyes. Brown - A brown Poodle is a deep, dark color and in no way can be confused with Cafe Au lait which is much lighter. Pure brown Poodles must have liver points and dark amber eyes. Brown is created by the bb gene, as opposed to the BB gene of black Poodles, and therefore will have no black pigment anywhere on the body, including the eyes and nose. Cafe Au lait - This is a shiny light tan color and some confused this with silver beige. It is not uncommon for the pup to be born brown and 'clear' to this color. A Cafe Au lait should have liver points and dark amber eyes. Black - A true black Poodle is a deep ink black. The dog's coat will have zero blue or silver tinting and not have any white or silver guard hairs. The face when shaved will be deep black, as well. A true black will not "clear" or "fade". Blacks will have black points and dark brown eyes. See More: Black Poodles. Silver Beige - This is a diluted brown, therefore a true silver beige Poodle is born brown. By 6 weeks, silver beige will appear on the face and paws with a full coat change by the age of 2 years. The dog will have liver points and dark amber eyes. Red - This only became an official color in and now many breeders in Canada have come together to form the Apricot Red Poodle Club. A true red will have black points. Read about the fascinating history of reds here: Red Poodles. Silver - A true silver Poodle is born black and "clears" by the age of 2. However, you will know a true silver by the age of 6 weeks, when the face and paws "clear" and the rest of the coat will follow in suit over the next year or two. Silvers will have black points and dark brown eyes. This color is a diluted gray, caused by the silver allele V gene. White - Most white Poodles are a pure, snow white. However, some breeders will dub a white tinted with apricot or beige as being white. A bit of black spotting is acceptable on a white, however there should never be any ticking in the white. The ticking gene is a totally separate gene that makes the coat appear dirty. Gray - While a Poodle can be born gray and stay gray, it is also not uncommon for a black Poodle to turn gray at the age of years old. Cream - These Poodles will have black points; you'll know that a Poodle is cream and not Silver Beige or Cafe au Lait if his nose is black. It is the Cch gene which causes an otherwise brown Poodle to be cream. Color Changes When a Poodle puppy is a solid, one must understand that many variables can affect what will become the adult coat. When a pup keeps the same color coat, this is known as "holding". However, many Poodles 'clear'. To clear means when the coat fades or lightens to another color. A lightening of the coat does not necessarily occur evenly all over the coat, rather Poodle color will often hold more on the dog's ears and the thicker guard hairs. Cafe Au lait Poodles are born dark brown and change to cafe around the age of 2 yrs Blue Poodles are born black and change over by the age of 2 years Sliver Poodles are born black and change over by the age of 2 years Apricots are often born a dark shade that lightens by the age of 2 years Many owners can become confused as their Poodle takes on a completely different color as they grow. For example, a blue Poodle puppy could be misinterpreted as black, although a reputable breeder should be able to know the difference. If that puppy has parents with parti in the bloodline, as the coat clears during the first 2 years, other colors may appear and the once black looking puppy who was actually a blue parti becomes a parti with a wide array of possible colors. Fixing a Dull or Yellowing Coat It is common for a Poodle's coat to dull, become brassy or yellow as the dog matures. Sunlight, air pollution and constant bombardment of minuscule debris are at work here, in addition to the natural aging process cycling out a duller color than a Poodle once had. At all times, each hair strand is in 1 of the 3 phases: Growth, rest or release. Therefore, it is a gradual process.Owners may not notice a difference in the richness, depth and shine of the coat until the process has been going on for a while and enough hairs have grown in faded or dulled to make a drastic difference. The key to fixing and maintaining a beautiful color on a Poodle is to use a color enhancing shampoo. There are some great ones manufactured specifically for canines. In addition, while in general one does not want to use a human product on a puppy or dog, as long as the PH balance is correct, it most certainly can be used with excellent results. When a black, blue, or brown dog has the mutation in this gene, they gradually fade in color as they grow. Not all black, blue, or brown poodles have the mutation, but some do. You will begin to see the change in color starting at a months of age and it is usually complete by the time the dog is mature. In some dogs there may be small changes throughout the life of the dog. Skin Color Skin color can change as well. The most common reason for a Poodle to have a change of color on the skin is exposure to sunlight and this most commonly happens on the belly. It is not uncommon for a pink belly to have darker spots appear. An owner should be concerned if those darker spots are raised above the skin and should have the dog's veterinarian take a look at any raised, dark areas. In the monthly Poodle blog Topic of the Month , you'll find new, helpful articles on a regular basis. 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. Its coat is a soft, rich color, which may have some natural shading, especially a slightly darker feathering on the ears or tipping on the ruff. When properly groomed and brushed, the coat of a cream poodle is practically luminous. Poodles should be brushed frequently, at least every other day, to prevent their coat from getting matted or snarled. Their ears are particularly apt to need attention, as they frequently take dips into the food and water dishes! Hold the leather of the ear gently in one hand and brush the fur carefully with the other to avoid pulling. Use the same technique on the tail puff. Puppies under a year old should be shaved on the face, throat, feet and the base of the tail, with a pompon on the end of the tail. The face, throat, feet, base of the tail are shaved, as are the hindquarters, except for optional pompoms on the hips. The legs are shaved, leaving bracelets, and there is a pompom on the end of the tail. Because our puppies at Homestead Poodles are completely socialized, they are used to being handled and should be comfortable with grooming. Owners may want to learn how to clip their dogs, but at first, it is best left to a professional groomer. And remember to give your dog plenty of praise and admiration when he or she is freshly groomed. Poodles Info.

Breed Profiles By Kate Brunotts 10 min read January 4, 4 Comments K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. Looking for an exuberant best buddy? The Boxador — a cross between a boxer and Labrador retriever — is a marvelous mutt that has plenty to offer to his family members. What Is A Boxador? These canine companions are sure to love accompanying you on any adventure with a wagging tail following behind them. Most people love life with these enthusiastic and intelligent pups. The Beautiful, Bouncing Boxer These loyal, loving dogs are known for their playful personality and adorable looks. Boxers and most boxer mixes are athletic yet patient pups, who do well with all members of the family, big and small. In fact, boxers are some of the best dogs for babies in the world. Boxers want nothing more than to be around their family members and do well in active households where there is always something to keep them busy. Reaching about 65 to 80 pounds, these muscular pups need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Boxers are also known for holding onto a puppy-like spirit well into adulthood. While this is undoubtedly charming, boxer owners must be ready to put in the work with training. These pups tend to drool and snore quite a bit, though they do not shed heavily. Despite their few shortcomings, these canine clowns are sure to make you laugh and leave a pawprint on your heart. These friendly, outgoing dogs are well-loved due to their people-pleasing attitudes and playful spirits. Labrador retrievers and Lab-mixes usually make amazing companions so long as they get the exercise and mental stimulation they need to keep their tails wagging. These sweet dogs love spending time with their family members and — like boxers — do well with kids and other pets. Labs are medium sized dogs weighing between 55 to 80 pounds. Luckily, these adaptable dogs are fairly intelligent and an easy-to-train dog breed , so long as they earn a treat or two for their efforts. Labrador retrievers were originally developed to help fishermen, and they were also used as bird-hunting dogs tasked with retrieving waterfowl. With that in mind, here are some general guidelines of what you can expect from a Boxador. This outline can help you determine whether or not these designer dogs are the right fit for your family and lifestyle. Size and Shape: Boxadors are medium to large dogs usually weighing between 60 and 90 pounds. These dogs often have a boxer-like frame, but with more bulk like their Labrador retriever parents. Temperament: The energetic Boxador is always ready to play and enjoys spending as much time as he can with his family. These pooches are likely to act like permanent puppies and do well around kids as long as they are taught to understand hoe yo interact gently with little ones. The Boxador is a loyal, happy-go-lucky dog that is always ready for his next adventure. That being said, these dogs may need access to a coat throughout the colder months to keep themselves cozy while out on walks. The main coat colors of the Boxador are black, white, brindle, and brown. Occasionally, these pups have white markings along the snout and chest like their boxer parents. Intelligence: The Boxador is wickedly smart though you may not have guessed it based on his sometimes clown-like personality. With the right incentive, these dogs are sure to learn a whole range of tricks as they are eager to please their families. Training Challenges: Luckily, these pups should be fairly easy to train. That being said, these pups will shed and need a brush at least once a week. Your Boxador will love going on regular runs, hikes, or playing an engaging game of fetch or frisbee whenever he can. Ideally, Boxador homes have a large, fenced-in yard where these sweet pooches can get out some of their endless energy. Health: These pups are pretty healthy, especially for larger dogs, and they have an average canine lifespan of 12 to 15 years. However, they are susceptible to health conditions shared by both parent breeds including hip dysplasia, cataracts, and diabetes. Here is a quick checklist to ensure these are the perfect pups for your family. You have a lively household. These sporty sweethearts want nothing more than to spend as much time as they can with their family members. These smart pups love staying mentally and physically engaged, so regular training sessions are a must. These pups are happy to curl up on the couch and offer lots of hugs and kisses, so long as they meet their exercise needs. You have enough time to entertain these active pups. Boxadors are not highly independent pups. These dogs thrive on action and will need owners who can fulfill that need with ample attention, exercise, and engaging activities like training sessions or using puzzle toys. These patient yet playful pups love spending time with children and adults. As long as their needs are met, these sweet pups are sure to make amazing canine companions. These dogs crave excitement and are happiest when they are with the people they love. The life-of-the-party Boxador needs an owner who understands that these intelligent, active, and social dogs need plenty of mental and physical stimulation on an everyday basis to feel their best. Tracking down a Boxador buddy can be difficult as it would be with any designer dog. That being said, you can always scour the internet for these furry friends. If you know any Boxador owners, you could ask them for their breeder or if they know of any upcoming litters. You could even message Boxador owners via social media for insight. Image from GreatDogSite. If you choose to adopt a Boxador from a rescue or shelter a great idea , make sure you spend adequate time getting to know your new furry buddy to get a sense of their personality. Similar Breeds and Breed Mixes to the Boxador Are you still deciding whether or not the Boxador is the best buddy of your dreams? Here are some other similar breeds and mutts to take into consideration. Dalmador: This Labrador retriever and Dalmation mix is known for his friendly, rambunctious personality. These spotted sweeties love spending time with other dogs, kids, and other family members though they can be protective around strangers. Briard: This ancient herding dog is loyal, hardworking, and fiercely intelligent. These confident canines are great with kids and staying active. Beagador: The comical beagador is a cross between a beagle and Labrador retriever. These playful pups are super sweet and intelligent, though they may have a stubborn streak that will require some patience. Golden Boxer: This boxer and golden retriever mix is sure to steal your heart with his adorable looks and eternal devotion to his family. These smart pups make excellent watch dogs and love spending time outdoors. These athletic dogs love to stay busy and need an owner who can provide firm and consistent training. The Catahoula leopard dog is fiercely loyal to his loved ones. Bullador: This Labrador and English bulldog mix creates an active, loving canine companion. The bullador loves meeting new people and playing whenever possible. Boweimar: The boweimar is a cross between a boxer and Weimaraner. These energetic, loving family dogs need plenty of exercise and attention to keep their tails wagging. These playful pups make amazing furry friends so long as their needs are properly met. Do you have one of these silly sweethearts at home? Does he show more of his boxer or Labrador retriever side? Like it? Share it! Chopped carrots or celery make great little healthy treats. Your vet can help you develop a care routine. Boxadors love to eat and will rapidly gain weight if they are allowed to free feed. Pick a high quality dog food and stick to a feeding schedule; two feedings per day could be ideal to keep this pooch happy. They also need an exercise schedule. A 30 minute hike, walk, or game of fetch, plus an hour of active running around a yard will help burn off pent up energy. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. Keeping them clean and dry is the best way to avoid doctor visits. If your dog develops a pungent aroma or is scratching their ears excessively, they may have an ear infection and will require a vet exam. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth a minimum of three times a week. Clean your dogs eyes as you would your own. You can use a cloth or your fingers to wipe away discharge or debris that collects in the corners. Boxador Feeding An ideal Boxador diet should be formulated for an active, medium- to large-sized breed. Limit their amount of treats, as well. The main colors of Boxadors are; black, brown, brindle, and white. Rarely solid, their coats typically have a blend of two or more colors. Luckily, their coats are very easy to groom. A good brushing per week will probably do. They may self groom and are considered a pretty clean dog. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any tail pulling or biting on the part of either party. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this pup by reading about their parent breeds, the Boxer and Labrador Retriever. Boxador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Boxadors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Boxer or Labrador Retriever breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Boxer Lab mix dogs are not purebreds, in spite of sometimes being referred to as Boxadors. In fact, these dogs are considered designer dogs or hybrids. Also known as cross breeds or mixed breeds, a Boxer Lab mix is the offspring of a purebred Labrador Retriever and a purebred Boxer. Crossbreeding has been an ongoing practice for centuries, but it peaked in popularity over the past two decades thanks to celebrities toting pint-sized designer dogs in purses. Today, there are a variety of hybrid dogs in the canine kingdom being bred and sold for premium prices. Unfortunately, this has led to a good amount of controversy amongst breeders and dog enthusiasts alike. What You Should Know About the Designer Dog Debate Originally, crossbreeding dogs was performed by professionals who were intent on creating new breeds for specific working purposes. Most first, second and third generation crossbreeds were not usually sold to the public, as their traits both physically and temperamentally were deemed too unpredictable. However, in recent years, crossbreeding has become somewhat of a fad, and many breeders have turned to rapidly breeding different dog breeds and then selling them for just as much as their purebred counterparts. This is part of the debate, as many point out that there is a fine line between a crossbreed dog and a mutt. While this could be considered splitting hairs, there is a more important aspect of the crossbreed controversy you should be aware of, as it has to do with health and temperament. One of the benefits of investing in a purebred dog is that their temperamental traits, physical appearance and health issues are relatively predictable. This is especially true when you are careful to obtain your dog through reputable sources. When you get a newer generation crossbreed, however, you are leaving a number of their genetic traits up to chance. In the case of the Boxer Lab mix, many aspects of his physical appearance, temperamental traits, and even health issues will be unpredictable. That said, there are some benefits to crossbreeding. There has been some speculation that crossbreed dogs like the Boxer Lab mix may be healthier than purebred dogs due to what is known as hybrid vigor. Hybrid vigor hinges on the theory that purebred dogs have been overbred for generations, leading to a very small gene pool that makes them more susceptible to suffering from a number of common genetic ailments. Crossbreeding a dog like the Boxer Lab mix widens this gene pool, thus reducing the chances of potential genetic health issues the Boxer Lab Mix might be susceptible to. This is hybrid vigor in a nutshell. That noted, it should also be said that, while the Boxer Lab Mix may have a less likely chance of developing certain genetic diseases, he also may have a longer list of genetic diseases to contend with now that he has both Labrador and Boxer genetics. For now, keep reading to learn more about the Boxer Lab Mix. While both the Lab and the Boxer are relatively similar in size, they have different head shapes, body shapes and personality types. As such, they have a high prey drive and guarding instincts. This means your Boxer Lab Mix is likely to be high energy, loyal, playful, and protective. Of course, he could be more like a Boxer in some aspects of his personality or more like a Labrador in other ways. It will all be up to genetics and how you raise and train him. For the most part, Boxer Lab Mix dogs have been found to do great with children and other dogs. They could have a high prey drive, however, and should be monitored around smaller animals like cats, rodents and birds. The Boxer Lab Mix is not an aggressive dog, but he is high energy and could be wary of strangers if not properly socialized at an early age. He is also quite excitable, especially during play, and may be prone to knocking young children over or accidentally injuring smaller dogs if he plays too roughly. We also suggest teaching young children how to respectfully interact with a dog. Help them learn and understand basic canine body language , and work with them on proper ways to communicate and train your Boxer Lab mix so everyone in the home is on the same page. Labrador Retrievers come in three colors including chocolate , yellow and black. Boxers, on the other hand, come in a variety of colors and combinations including white, brindle and fawn. This means your Boxer Lab mix could be any one of those solid colors or a combination of both. Boxer Lab Mix dogs are also relatively large , weighing in at 50 to pounds and standing at 23 to 25 Inches in height. When it comes to Boxers, some owners choose to crop their ears and dock their tails. However, naturally both Boxers and Labrador Retrievers have floppy ears and long tails, so your Boxer Lab Mix will have the same traits. One of the closest similarities between purebred Boxers and purebred Labrador Retrievers is in their coats. Both Boxers and Labs have smooth, short coats that shed year round. This means that your Boxer Lab Mix, regardless of which parent breed he takes after most, will have a similar coat and may not be an ideal dog for allergy sufferers. All dogs require routine training and socialization that should be consistent throughout their lives. But how do you properly train and socialize a Boxer Lab mix? Training Your Boxer Lab Mix The Boxer Lab Mix is an intelligent dog with a natural eagerness to please, though he can also be prone to stubborn behaviors and is easily bored and distracted. This is especially true if training sessions are not kept short, fun, gamelike and repetitive. Studies have also found that dogs respond best to positive reinforcement training techniques like treats and praise. For this reason, we advise against punishing or scolding your dog during training sessions or using aversive training methods like force or fear to get them to behave. Doing so will not only hinder the lesson and reduce the chances of your dog retaining the information, but it could also harm the bond between you and your dog in the long run. If your Boxer Lab Mix is more play or toy motivated, you can try using praise and play as well. We also suggest ensuring everyone in the home is on the same page with you in regards to your training methods. This will help ensure training is consistent and that information is more easily communicated to your dog. Socializing Your Boxer Lab Mix Just like training, socialization should begin early with your Boxer Lab mix and carry on throughout his lifetime. When your dog feels safe and confident with the world and people around him, he is less likely to suffer from stress, anxiety, destructive behaviors, and even behavioral issues like aggressive tendencies. To properly socialize your Boxer Lab Mix, experts recommend introducing him to as many new places, people, things and experiences as possible at an early age. This could exasperate his fears and lead to worse fear-based behavioral issues down the road. Instead, use patience, positive reinforcement and gentle encouragement to help your Boxer Lab Mix explore, learn and make new friends. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Both the Boxer and the Labrador Retriever are bred working dogs. They are also both known for their high levels of energy and athleticism. This is one of the reasons Boxer Lab Mix dogs are best suited for homes with backyards and active families, singles or couples. They are also highly social and will become easily bored if left home alone for long periods during the day. You can help keep your Boxer Lab Mix entertained throughout the day between exercise and play with puzzle toys and interactive games that not only help keep him busy, but also challenge him and keep him thinking. Some of the best puzzle toys for Boxer Lab Mix dogs are interactive toys that use treats or dog food to motivate your dog and hold his interest. Other toys that can help keep your dog busy include KONG Toys for large breed dogs that are filled with dog-safe treats or organic peanut butter free of added sugars or xylitol. Not only will puzzle toys like the Nina Ottosson Interactive Toy above help to ensure your dog is busy, it can also help reduce a number of behavioral issues that stem from boredom including depression, anxiety, and destructive chewing, marking and barking. Experts say that the average Boxer Lab Mix needs at least 45 minutes to an hour worth of exercise each day. Some Boxer Lab Mix dogs can be prone to brachycephalic airway syndrome, which can lead to respiratory issues and heat intolerance. Other Boxer Lab Mix dogs are prone to suffering from exercise induced collapse. This means that you should let your Boxer Lab Mix go at his own pace during exercise and play and try not to overexert him. Good exercise for a Boxer Lab Mix could include a long walk, a moderate hike, short jogs, supervised swimming, and free runs at a dog park. Boxer Lab Mix dogs will also enjoy free playtime and games of fetch in a securely fenced backyard. It hooks in the front, which redirects your Boxer Lab Mix if he pulls and brings him gently back to you without putting dangerous pressure on his neck or traeacha, which can further exacerbate breathing issues related to brachycephalic airway syndrome. We also like that this harness is adjustable and comes in a few different sizes and colors, so you can make sure you get the right fit and design for you and your dog. They shed, but otherwise are simple to groom. This is a hybrid that has a smooth, short coat that only requires occasional brushing a few times a week. With that being said, keep in mind that the Boxer Lab Mix is a heavy shedder and sheds year-round. He sheds most heavily during the shedding season in spring and fall, at which time he may need to be brushed more regularly. The best brush for a Boxer Lab Mix will be a deshedding comb or a slicker brush. The Furminator Deshedding Comb. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Medium to large in size and full of life, the boxer Lab mix is an increasingly popular designer dog with active people and families with children. Developed by crossing a purebred Labrador retriever and a purebred boxer, this mix has a lot to offer to the right home. If you are looking for a devoted, outgoing, and smart canine companion, the boxerlab is a great choice! Energetic and playful, these dogs prefer an active lifestyle and need regular exercise to stay happy and thrive. A spacious home with a fenced backyard is ideal for this mix, but not a requirement. If you are an outdoorsy person and can keep your pooch exercised, the boxerlab will make a great apartment dweller. When left alone a lot, this mix is prone to separation anxiety and might become bored and destructive. Whether you are looking for a canine playmate for your kids or an exercise partner, the laboxer might just be the perfect dog for you! Keep on reading to learn everything you need to know about this adorable crossbreed. Boxer Lab Mix Dog Overview Size — 23 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder, weighs between 50 and pounds Coat — Short shiny coat, color varies Shedding — Moderate shedding Lifespan — 12 to 15 years Temperament — Energetic, eager to please, friendly, devoted Trainable — Very trainable, but might be stubborn at times Activity — Very active needs at least 30 minutes of exercise every day Best For — Active people, families with children, homes with outdoor space What Is A Boxador? The boxador dog is a crossbreed developed by mixing a purebred boxer and a purebred Labrador retriever. Although both parent breeds are officially recognized by the AKC, the boxer Lab mix has the status of a designer breed. Boxadors have several different names and are also known as laboxers, boxerlabs, and boxerdors. While some boxerlabs take more after one parent than the other, others are a perfect blend of both parent breeds. Generally speaking, most inherit a boxer-like frame but are sizably built like their Labrador retriever parents. Although their appearance is unpredictable, there are a few traits you can expect to see when it comes to size, coat, and color. Size Being a cross between a Labrador retriever and a boxer, boxerlabs tend to be medium to large size dogs. Most are between 23 and 25 inches high at the shoulder and can weigh anywhere from 50 to pounds when fully grown. And males tend to be larger than females. Color The Labrador retriever comes in three colors — yellow, chocolate , and black. On the other hand, the boxer also comes in three different colors — white, fawn, and brindle. Keeping this in mind, it comes as no surprise that the Lab boxer mix can come in many different coat colors. The most commonly seen colors in this mix are brown, black, brindle, and white. Coat While a Lab has a short, double water-resistant coat, the boxer is a short-haired breed with a smooth and silky single coat. Most laboxers inherit the short, silky, and smooth coat of their boxer parents; however, some can have a denser coat of a Labrador. Since your boxerlab will inherit character traits from both its parent breeds, you should meet both the Lab and the boxer parents. Since both boxers and Labrador retrievers are friendly, playful, loving, and devoted companions, chances are that their mix will be too. Although boxer Labs can act as either of their parent breeds, they are generally extremely playful and energetic. Depending on how much your mix takes after its boxer parent, they might act goofy and cheerful most of the time. Boxerlabs form strong bonds with their people and do best in large families that have the time and energy to interact and play with them several times during the day. People-oriented and loving, this mix craves companionship and tends to develop separation anxiety when left alone a lot. If they are forced to stay home alone while you are at work, boxerlabs can easily become bored and destructive. Activity Level As an offspring of two very energetic working breeds, the laboxer is a very active dog with high exercise needs. Being such an active and athletic dog, your mix will need at least 30 minutes of exercise every day in addition to two walks. Activities such as running, hiking, swimming, or agility are all great ways to keep your pooch exercised and in excellent shape. Since boxerlabs love to play, games such as fetch, flyball, Frisbee, hide and seek, and tug-of-war are ideal ways to interact with your pooch and keep them entertained and exercised at the same time. Having a securely fenced backyard can be a big bonus when owning this mix. This way, you can keep your laboxer exercised and in great shape without leaving the comforts of your home. This mix craves companionship and is happiest when involved in all family activities. But, besides love and affection, you should also pay attention to: Exercise As mentioned previously, the lab boxer mix needs at least 30 minutes of vigorous activity every day. In addition to two regular daily walks, you should take your dog for a run, hike, or swim to burn excess energy and stay in good shape. Fun-loving, playful, and goofy, this mix loves games and will enjoy having a variety of interactive dog toys that will stimulate their curious mind. Games such as fetch or hide and seek are also a form of exercise that will also keep your pooch entertained and mentally stimulated. Intellectual Stimulation In addition to being highly energetic, laboxers are also intelligent dogs that can easily become bored without mental stimulation. If left to their own devices without interactive toys, your mix will chew and rifle through your belongings just to have some fun. And when you are at home, interact and play with your pooch as much as you can to stave off boredom and encourage good behavior. Companionship True to their parent breeds, boxadors are outgoing, people-loving, and easy-going dogs that form strong bonds with their owners and families. Bred to be loving companions, laboxers are delighted when they are involved in all family activities and are best suited for large families. This mix craves affection and company and can easily develop separation anxiety and other behavioral problems if left at home alone a lot. Ideally, a boxador dog should live in a large family where they will have company at all times. Grooming Most boxerlabs have short glossy coats that are easy to keep clean and are a fairly low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Brushing your pooch once or twice a week is enough to remove loose hair and dander and keep their coat clean. In addition to regular brushing, you will also need to bathe your dog once every two months or as needed. Diet An ideal diet for a Lab boxer mix should be formulated for medium to large-sized breeds with high energy. Make sure the food you are feeding to your pooch is rich in protein and reinforced with all essential vitamins and minerals. Like their Labrador retriever parents, this mix has a tendency to gain weight easily and can become obese in no time. To prevent weight gain and all health problems associated with it, feed your dog two times a day and stick to a regular feeding schedule. Known Health Problems The boxerlab is considered a healthy breed, but they are predisposed to some of the same health problems that boxers and Labrador retrievers face. The most common health issues seen in this designer breed are: Hip and elbow dysplasia: Both boxers and Labrador retrievers are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, so boxerlabs can develop it too. Allergies: Like people, dogs can develop food or environmental allergies. Itching is the most common symptom associated with allergies. However, some dogs also exhibit respiratory problems and might cough, sneeze, wheeze, or have a runny discharge from their eyes or nose. Hypothyroidism: This is a relatively common endocrine problem in dogs caused by an underactive thyroid gland. Dogs suffering from hypothyroidism usually experience symptoms of lethargy, weight gain, and changes to the skin and coat. Life Expectancy The Labrador boxer mix has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. But, when cared for properly and taken to regular veterinary check ups, this mix can live longer. Highly intelligent and eager to please, most laboxers are fairly easy to house train, and learn basic obedience. Boxerlabs, like all other dogs, react the best to positive reinforcement training techniques and reward-based training. The idea behind this approach is to reward good behavior using treats or praise and to ignore bad behavior. This type of training has been proven to give the best results and is highly effective even if you are dealing with an extremely willful dog. Besides training, laboxers can also benefit from early socialization and should be exposed to many different people, situations, sounds, and sights from a young age. Early socialization can help your laboxer puppy get used to other people and pets and grow into a friendly and well-rounded dog. Who Should Own A Boxador? Bred to be a loyal and devoted companion, the Lab boxer mix is best suited for active people and families with children. This friendly mix craves companionship and is best suited for large homes and families who can spend time and play with their dog every day. Buying A Boxer Lab Mix Puppy Spend some time researching reputable Lab boxer mix breeders before you decide to welcome a laboxer puppy into your home. Since this is a fairly new designer breed, be prepared to spend more time researching and tracking down a reputable breeder. Once you locate a breeder you like, schedule an appointment to meet the puppies and the mother and to inspect the facilities they are kept in. If by any chance the breeder refuses to show you the conditions the puppies are kept in, walk away and look for another breeder. A reputable breeder will be more than happy to answer all of your questions and will also be able to provide health certificates for both parents and all puppies. However, you may end up paying more, depending on the breeder, your location, lineage, and gender. History Of The Breeds Boxer Originating in Germany, the boxer is a medium to a large-size working dog breed that was used as a guard dog. Although they might seem intimidating, boxers are goofy and mischievous canines that make great family companions. Highly energetic, easy to groom, and loving, the boxer is a great choice if you are looking for a loyal family pet that can also double as a guard dog. Easy to train, friendly, gentle, and affectionate, Labs make great family pets and companions to people of all ages including children. Due to their amazing temperament and high trainability, Labrador retrievers are often used as service dogs for people with disabilities and make great guide dogs. Boxerlabs make amazing pets for active people or large families with children. This loyal, energetic, playful, and friendly mix forms strong bonds with its people and likes to be involved in all family activities. If you are active and have enough time to interact and play with your dog every day, the Lab boxer mix will be a great pet. Are Boxer Labs aggressive? However, they form strong bonds with their owners and are naturally suspicious of strangers. Therefore, early socialization is a must if you want your mix to grow into a friendly and well-behaved dog. Conclusion Medium to large in size and highly energetic, the boxer Lab mix is a fairly new designer breed on the block. Amiable and devoted to their people, this pooch forms strong bonds with its owners and prefers to be involved in all family activities. If so, tell us more about your pooch in the comment section below! Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. They were once working dogs on farms and later became popular guard dogs and police dogs. Brown Boxers are medium-sized dogs with a short, smooth coat. They can range in color from light brown to almost black. These dogs are very active and need plenty of exercise. They make great family pets and do well with children. They are one of the most popular breeds in the United States, thanks to their friendly nature and loveable personality. Boxer puppies are known to be very playful, making them great pets for families with children. Brown Boxer puppies are a beautiful breed that will bring joy to any home they enter. Brown Boxer Full Grown Brown Boxer Full Grown A full-grown brown Boxer typically stands between 21 and 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 50 and 70 pounds. They are known for their powerful, muscular build and their characteristic square-shaped head. The coat of the brown Boxer is short, smooth, and glossy. A full grown Brown Boxer is a massive, beautiful animal. They are very strong, and have an impressive protective instinct. Boxers are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and strength, and the dark brown variety is no exception. Dark brown Boxers are often thought of as being more gentle and easygoing than their lighter-colored cousins. The main difference is in the shade of brown. A light brown Boxer will have a coat that is closer to tan or cream, while a dark brown Boxer will have a coat that is darker, more like chocolate. Brown and White Boxer Brown and White Boxer When you search for photos of Boxers on Google, you will find that one of the most common colors of the breed is brown and white. They often have a sleek, solid brown coat with black mask and white markings. But even if you find this color combination common, brown and white Boxers still look regal, alert, and curious. Their differences depend on the originating country, coat colors, and mixed breeds. Although considered medium- to large-sized dogs at .Their legs are thinner and shorter. Their snout is also thinner that their German counterpart. Like their English Boxer brothers, they are medium- to large-sized dogs with short hair. The difference between English and American Boxers are easily recognizable because of their lack of wrinkles when fully grown. Moreover, their ankles, paws, and knuckles are shaped differently. This makes them stand in a distinct manner. They are known to be friendly, energetic, and intelligent dogs. Brown Boxadors make great family pets and are good with children. They need plenty of exercise and socialization. This hybrid dog is muscular and stocky, with a short coat that is brown in color. The Brown Pitbull Boxer mix is an intelligent and loyal companion, who is also good with children. This breed does require daily exercise, so they are not suited for a sedentary lifestyle. What is the rarest color for Boxers? White may be most controversial color when it comes to Boxers, but seal brindle is considered the rarest. With tight tiger stripes, seal brindle Boxers look almost black. As such, they tend to be more expensive than Boxers of other colors. Are brown Boxer dogs rare? While brown Boxers are not the most common color for the breed, they are not rare. The Boxer breed is thought to have originated in Germany, and the first recorded boxer was born in .Boxers come in a variety of colors including fawn, brindle, and reverse brindle. Fawn is the most common color, followed by brindle. Brown boxers typically have a white chest and markings on their face. Can brown Boxers change color? Do brown Boxers have any health problems? There are no known health problems specifically associated with brown boxers. However, as with all dog breeds, they are susceptible to certain health conditions that can be prevented through regular vet check-ups and vaccinations. These include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and cancer. Some brown boxers may also suffer from allergies or skin problems. How much does a brown Boxer puppy cost? Boxer puppies are one of the most popular breeds and they come in a variety of colors. When considering purchasing a brown boxer puppy, be sure to do your research on reputable breeders. Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human: Popular Posts. Laboxer Description The Boxador is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Boxer and the Labrador Retriever. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. He is absolutely the most intelligent dog I have ever had. He weighs about pounds 52 kg. His dad is Boxer and his mom is a small Lab. We met him for the first time when he was 5 days old. He is 4 years old in this picture. Nible is doing well in her training. She is clever and pretty. Her daddy is a yellow Boxer and her mommy is a Chocolate Lab. Now 1 year and 5 months old weighing about 27 kg. Her fur looks like a Boxer fur but is a bit thicker and longer. Very friendly towards children and people. She makes everybody feel special so we don't tell them that she like that with everybody. A very energetic, playfull, strong and happy dog. She has some issues with insecure dogs but good with all others. Fairly obedient when she wants te be. Still working on that. He is a pound lap dog and is at my feet wherever I go. You definitely know he's part Boxer because of the way he uses his front paws for everything! He is also very clownish, making him very entertaining to watch. Everyone comments on how handsome Duke is and they always want to know what kind of dog he is. Here is a picture of me when my Mommy and Daddy first got me when I was 6 weeks old and a picture of me at 6 months old and weighing 65 lbs. I love to play fetch and ride in the car. I learned that I shouldn't go potty in the house in only two weeks, though I did have a few accidents, but now I remember to tell my parents that I have to go outside when I feel the urge. I am very affectionate and play well with other dogs and grownups. Mommy and Daddy think I will do well around children, once I realize my size. I do have a bad habit of shredding newspaper when given the chance, but come on what puppy doesn't? My daddy says I have a great personality and show it with the funny faces I make, and my mommy is always calling me a character and a ham. My parents say that they can't believe how lucky they were to get such a smart, easy to train puppy. We love the mix of breeds, she is so lovable and too friendly at times, everyone comments about Buffee, with her puppy face and expressive eyes! She is a lb. She was the only puppy in the litter that had a chocolate brown nose and hazel eyes, so I just had to pick her. How could anyone not love that cute face?! She is a bundle of energy, always up to something. She loves to swim in the local pond, go for long walks in the woods, play with her toys and run around the yard with our little mini Dachshund. She is turning out to be one of the best dogs we have ever had, and I am looking forward to her company for years to come. Boxador is a cross between the Boxer and the Labrador Retriever. Also known as the Boxerdor, Boxerlab, and Laboxer, Boxadors have inherited many good qualities from both of their parent breeds. Intelligent and very devoted, Boxadors are great companion dogs for active single people and for energetic families that enjoy long daily walks with a family dog. These medium to large-sized dogs are in tune with their owners' mood and most of all they love to get is loads of attention. Baxadors are easy to train and get along with everyone in the household, including children and other pets. Boxer Lab mix dogs want to be a part of everything that their family does. Due to their playful nature, Baxadors thrive well in homes with large yards where they can play. Boxadors should not be left alone for long hours and may start various bad behavior such as barking, chewing and digging when bored or lonely. Boxadors live on average from 12 to 13 years. Factors such as lifestyle, diet, overall health of Lab and Boxer mix dog will affect the dog's life expectancy. Boxador Size How big do Boxador dogs get? Labrador Retriever and the Boxer dog are medium to large size and Boxador dogs can either be larger or smaller depending on the sizes of the parent dogs. Boxer Lab mix dogs typically weigh between 50 and 90 pounds while their height ranges between 23 and 25 inches at the shoulder. Boxer and Lab Mix Temperament Boxadors are intelligent and have high energy levels. Some Boxador dogs may be easy to train while others, especially those Boxadors that take after the Boxer's stubbornness will need some convincing. Although with early training the stubborn streak can be managed easier. Boxadors do well in families that have large yards since they love to play. To keep the Boxer mix dog stimulated you will need to lavish loads of attention and activities. A dog owner who is not always home should consider assigning someone to keep the Boxerlab dog active. Boxador dogs are most suitable for people who have lots of time and attention to dedicate to a family pet. Leaving the Boxador dog bored and alone for hours may result in destructive behaviors such as barking, chewing and digging. Start socialization classes early during Boxador's first months of life. Socialization will introduce the dog to other pets in the homestead as well as new surroundings, sounds, and experiences. Boxadors will generally get along well with other pets since they don't have any strong prey instincts. Although with other dogs, Boxador dogs may be somewhat aloof, which is a trait that can be easily curbed through early socialization to other friendly canines. From one to two hours of daily exercise should be ideal to ensure that your dog stays strong and healthy and burns some of that abundant energy. Lab Boxer mix dogs also require lots of mental stimulation such as training or playing interactive games that keep your pet's brain active. Boxadors also find games such as frisbee and fetch very interesting. However, avoid high-impact exercises that could predispose your pet to joint-related diseases down the road and especially when they are puppies and their joints are still growing. High-impact are exercises that involve lots of jumping or jumping and running, jumping up or down the stairs and so on. Low-impact exercises such as walking and swimming are great for dogs such as Boxador. Keep off activities that include high jumping and those that put the dog's joints under pressure. Avoid exhausting the Boxer Lab mix dog to a point that will leave them walking awkwardly or damage the immature joint areas. Invest in dog toys that keep the dog mentally stimulated such as puzzle toys and treat dispenser toys. Having a spacious fenced yard is a big plus for any high-energy dog owner because Boxadors love to explore and get some exercise in a yard in addition to daily walks. If the Boxador is still acting hyper, it usually means the dog could use more stimulation and still has plenty of energy. Are Boxadors suitable for families with children? Boxadors do well with children of all ages and make great playmates as well. Dog owners should teach children how to interact with dogs safely and properly. Tail pulling or taking the dog's food away while still feeding are not behaviors that dogs should be subjected to by the kids. Teach the children not to interfere with the dog while the pet is either sleeping, resting or eating. Do not leave the dog with the children unsupervised. The dog will do perfectly well with other pets in the homestead including cats when socialized early in life. Potential Boxador owners who intend to purchase their puppies should do so from knowledgeable breeders. This is because they can provide information about the puppy's appearance, personality, and even size once they grow up. They should also be able to provide medical records of the puppy's parents to rule out the possibilities of hereditary diseases. Many people choose to adopt a Boxador from a local shelter, which is a wonderful way to save a Boxador and give the dog a happy life. Learn as much as you can about the dog that you are adopting and don't forget to ask many questions in regards to dog's temperament, how the dog is around other dogs and people, health history if available, training level and so on. The more you know about the Boxador you are planning to adopt, the better prepared you will be when the dog arrives home. Socialize your Boxador puppy as early as possible with other pets and different kinds of people. Expose him to various environments, sounds, and places. This will improve the puppy's social skills while stimulating their minds at the same time. Remember to keep socialization experiences short and positive to ensure that your puppy gets the most benefit from these important life lessons. What do Boxadors look like? Boxadors are large dogs with robust and athletic bodies. With slightly tucked up waists, these pups are well proportioned with deep chests and long legs. Unlike their Labrador parents, Lab mix dogs have broader and heavier skulls, while their snouts are slightly more elongated than those of the Boxers. Boxadors have drop ears that vary in size ranging from small folds to long folds which resembles those of the Labradors. Boxadors have dark brown eyes and exhibit short coats that come in an array of colors. With mixed dogs such as Boxadors it may be next to impossible to predict how a Boxador dog will look like once full-grown. Unlike purebred dogs, Boxador dogs inherit various traits from their parent dogs which makes each Boxador dog so unique in appearance and in temperament. How to groom a Boxador dog? Boxadors dogs feature a short coat that comes in a variety of colors which include black, brindle, brown, white and tan. In other instances, the Labrador Boxer mix dog may have a combination of colors and may exhibit a mix of black and white, tan and brown or white and brown. The overall maintenance, however, depends on which parents' genes dominate in the Boxador. Boxadors with longer coat will require more grooming compared to those with less fur. Expect increased shedding during the spring and fall seasons, which will require the coat to be brushed more often. Generally, grooming a Boxador is quite easy, since most of them have short coats that need an occasional brushing. Boxadors are not suited for extreme weather conditions due to their short coat. Dog owners will need to have the dog dressed in a warm coat during the cold season. Caring for a Boxador Keep up with the veterinarian's checkups to ensure that your dog is always healthy. Your vet can as well help you with a care routine schedule. Watch out your dog's diet, let it be well balanced and with the required nutrients. Feed your full-grown Boxador twice a day to help prevent Bloat. Use slow feeding plates for dogs. Cleanliness should also be highly upheld by ensuring that you check your dogs' ears regularly for pests and debris. The Boxadors ears are often folded and may be prone to pest infestation and bacteria which can lead to ear infections if not well cleaned. Boxador's nails should also be trimmed when they grow out. Dog's nails should not be heard clicking on the floor. If you can hear the dog's nails making a clicking sound when the dog walks on a hardwood floor, it's time to trim the dog's nails. Be careful to only trim the very tip of the nail to avoid accidentally hurting the blood vessels located in your pet's nails. Boxador's oral health is another factor to look out for, they require that their teeth be brushed daily with a canine toothpaste only. Taking good care of your pet's teeth ensures that your dog is free of plague build up on the teeth as well as bad breath. Good dental care helps to keep your dog healthy. Boxer Lab Mix potty training Take advantage of the fact that he loves eating, while still using small treats as rewards to any milestone achieved. Do not forget to stay calm and focused while incorporating positive reinforcement techniques. Being harsh with the dog will not bear any positive results. Keep the training sessions short and fun. Young puppies may not have a long attention span and longer training sessions may be counter productive. Five minute long training sessions that happen 3 to 4 times during the day can be very effective, especially with positive reinforcement. How to potty train a Boxador puppy? Boxadors are highly intelligent pups but they can be a bit stubborn when they do not want to do something. Early training is a good start. Start potty training immediately upon the puppy's arrival to your home to start forming good habits right away. Here are steps to follow while potty training your Boxador pup As soon as the Boxador puppy gets to about seven weeks, they are capable of walking and learning. Start the potty training at this stage. Do not wait until when the puppy gets to 12 weeks and above. This will be too late for the puppy will have already began developing bad habits that will not be easy to curb. Choose a permanent location in your yard where your puppy will be going every time he needs to poop. Avoid confusing the Boxer Lab mix puppy by taking him to a different location for poop. Attach the leash to the Boxador puppy's collar as you lead him to the potty area. You can decide to use words such as let's go potty or go pee. Stay in the area until the dog does his business. Praise your Boxador puppy every time he goes properly. Words such as "Good Job! One can as well choose to also reward the puppy with some treats a nice walk or with a favorite toy. Maintain a schedule by taking your puppy out to poop at the same time every day. Maintaining a regular feeding schedule will help predict when the puppy needs to pee. Although many puppies are ready to pee after a play session, after eating or drinking, after sleeping and every time before going to sleep at night to help prevent accidents. These steps should be repeated several times and will do better for owners with fenced yards. The dog will soon go to the bathroom by himself without any leash. It may take several weeks but it will soon pay off. All that is required is your attention to the dog's potty readiness behavior, some patience and consistency. In case of an accident happening in the house, clean the area thoroughly. Do not ever punish your dog for accidents - that will only confuse your pet further. Such behavior will reduce the bond between you and your puppy or worse still the puppy might start fearing you, which is not what you want to happen. The Boxer Lab mix is playful, energetic, loyal and loving. Boxador puppies are known for being intelligent and enthusiastic dogs. But their spirited temperament is not right for every family setup. Watch these cute Boxer Lab mix puppies playing! The boxer lab mix, also known as the Boxador, is a hybrid of the Boxer and the Labrador Retriever breeds. Compared to its parent breeds, the Boxador mix itself is very new. But, its parents have long histories living and working alongside humans. Labs originated as working dogs, retrieving game for fishermen in Newfoundland, Canada. When they were first bred in 19th century Germany, Boxers were used as fighting dogs. Boxer Lab Mix Characteristics With cross breeds it is often hard to predict which parent a puppy will resemble. Boxers can weigh up to 80lbs and reach 25 inches tall. Labradors are similarly large. Boxador full grown tend to be between 23 and 25 inches tall and weigh up to 80lbs. Although females are smaller than males. Regardless of the mix of your genes your pup ends up with, your Boxer Lab Mix dog is likely to be a medium to large dog, active, loyal, easy to train and very fond of challenges — of both the physical and mental kind! Boxers are fawn or brindle. Often with white patches. Their offspring can be any mixture of these! The Boxador is usually brindle, and these dogs often have white markings. If you want a black Lab Boxer mix, your puppy will likely still have some white on them. Your best bet is to mix a black Lab with a dark Boxer. But, even a black Lab Boxer mix can have unpredictable coloring, despite the dominant genes for black fur. Do Boxer Lab Mixes Shed? When it comes to coat, the Boxer Lab mix usually takes after its Boxer parent. These pups typically have short, smooth hair that sheds very little and is easy to care for. However if your Boxador dog has more Labrador in its genes you might have to deal with some shedding. Thankfully this is usually seasonal and can be kept in check with regular grooming. Are Boxadors Hypoallergenic? The Boxer Lab mix might have a short coat, but it is likely to be a high shedder at least part of the time. They produce allergens in their dander and saliva, and are not suitable for dog allergy suffering owners. Boxador Temperament The Boxer Lab mix will fall somewhere between its parents. But, luckily, the Labrador and Boxer breeds have quite similar temperaments. Both Boxers and Labradors are very loving and loyal. They think nothing of climbing on their people for a cuddle, despite their large size! Both Boxers and Labradors are usually great with older children. They are considered gentle giants and will eagerly run after little ones. Although they have been known to accidentally bowl over smaller family members in their excitement. Labradors also love playing with canine companions, but Boxers are less reliable in this area. Poorly socialized Boxers can be prone to aggression towards strangers and other dogs. Boxers are instinctive guardians and proud to play the role of family protector. But you can reduce this through thorough socialization during the puppy stages and by meeting the Boxer parent and ensuring that they seem happy and confident around strangers. Even the most friendly breed, like the Labrador, will benefit. Finding them puppy friends to play with will encourage them to be calm and docile with other dogs when fully grown. Attending puppy classes is a great way to do this. But, make sure you also socialize them to unfamiliar people, children, cats, other animals, and more. This will ensure your Boxador dog is as friendly outside the home as he is inside. They require a lot of exercise and enjoy running around with the family or playing a game of fetch. This can result in unwanted behaviors like barking, digging, or chewing. But, be wary of a shorter snout in the Boxador. Boxers suffer from a conformity issue called brachycephaly, which can cause trouble breathing and overheating when exercising. Use positive reward techniques for best results. You could even take your mix to a puppy training class, or attend an online dog training class. Boxador Health and Care Genetic diversity is improved in a cross breed compared with the parent breeds and the coefficient of inbreeding COI is much lower. Put simply, the COI of any mating describes how closely related the parent dogs are. Higher COIs are associated with an increase in health problems. The risk of this happening is lower if the puppies parents are not closely related. There are however, some health issues that are not recessive and can be passed on from just one parent. And there are common ancestors in some of our dog breeds that mean some diseases are present in both breeds. For that reason it is still possible that a cross bred dog could inherit genetic health problems. Labrador Health Labradors are not without their issues. This breed can suffer from hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. It can cause lameness and severe arthritic pain. Another issue to be aware of in Labs is eye disease. Retinal dysplasia was first noted in the breed in .Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a degenerative eye disease that is common in Labs. Only buy your puppy from a breeder who health tests the parents for all the potential problems their respective breeds could suffer from. Boxer Health A study found that Boxers are one of the most likely breeds to get cancer. According to Petplan, mast cell tumors are the 5th most common illness in Boxers. This breed is unfortunately also associated with heart disease. Aortic Stenosis is the most common major problem in the breed. The causes are not known but it is genetic and passed along certain bloodlines. ARVC affects males more than females and is most common in dogs older than .Symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing and weight loss. Boxers can also suffer from Canine Degenerative Myelopathy. This is a neurodegenerative disease that can cause paralysis. Unfortunately more is not necessarily better and brachycephaly causes breathing difficulties and overheating It may be that being the Boxador rather than a purebred Boxer offers some protection against these diseases. It certainly reduces the skull shortening we see in brachycephalic breeds. This is a bit of a two edged coin because while the Boxer physique may benefit from a longer muzzle, the Labrador physique is unlikely to be improved with a shorter one. Reputable breeders will only breed from dogs that have been tested and cleared of these serious hereditary health problems. To give your pup a long and healthy life, make sure he gets plenty of exercise, a balanced diet and regular vet check-ups. Boxador Life Expectancy Labrador Retrievers have a lifespan of years. And, on average, Boxers live around years So in theory you can expect Boxer Labrador mix puppies to reach anywhere between 9 and 12 years old. In practice studies tend to find that crossbred dogs in general, live longer on average than most purebred dogs. But we currently have no evidence that this is the case for the Boxador in particular. Only you can decide if the Boxer Lab mix is the right fit for your home. These are large dogs with big hearts that will give as much as they take. Boxadors love being part of a family. They are great with children and enthusiastic playmates for families with school age children and up. But this cross breed needs lots of exercise. They are fiercely attached to their people and dislike being left for long periods of time. This is a dog that suits a family with an active lifestyle and lots of love to give. Boxer Lab Mix Rescue Adopting a shelter dog always comes with risk. But Boxadors in shelters need homes and rescuing puppies or older dogs can be very rewarding. Labrador and Boxer breed rescues also sometimes have crossbreeds available. Dogs from adoption centers are usually much cheaper than puppies. But, remember you may need to spend lots of time helping them work through behavioral issues from past experiences. Finding Your Boxador Puppy Never buy a dog from a puppy mill or pet store. Or from the back of a vehicle. Always visit the puppy in his own home in the presence of his mother, who should be relaxed, healthy and friendly. Sadly with any very fashionable breed, or breed mix, there are many out there who are just looking to make a quick buck. Socialize your Boxador very thoroughly, exposing him to all kinds of fun experiences and making sure that he meets many different types of people, places, machinery etc. Given Boxadors intelligent nature and working history, get started on training your dog right away. Boxador Breeders It can be challenging to find a responsible breeder of cross breeds as there is currently quite a stigma against mixed breeding in the dog world. You must ask to see those certificates — they are very important. The parent dogs must have been screened for any genetic diseases and the breeder should be very forthcoming with any questions.

Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Well, you get the German Shepherd Lab mix, a lovable crossbreed with all the great personality traits you could ever want in a family dog. Also known as Lab Shepherd mixes or Shepradors, these mixed breed canines are highly sought after. The parent breeds are some of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Like all crossbreeds, Shepradors combine the physical and personality traits of their parents, resulting in a one-of-a-kind companion. Because they are a designer dog , there are no established breeding guidelines or standards. Oftentimes, pedigree information is scarce as well, creating a lot of unknowns. Canines are fully capable of crossbreeding on their own. In fact, many of the purebred dogs we know today are a result of centuries of careful breeding. As we mentioned earlier, this crossbreed is a direct result of breeding purebred German Shepherds with Labrador Retrievers. Labrador Retrievers have a very long history that dates back all the way to the s. Back then, they were working dogs that often helped out fishermen. Eventually, these dogs made their way to England where they became companions for European royalty. German Shepherds were working dogs, too. However, their main job was to herd sheep and other livestock for farmers. Today, Labradors and German Shepherds are very popular the world over. .Though, they are popular for very different reasons. Typically, Labs are known for their companionship. They make great family pets and are often used as guide dogs for those with disabilities. Meanwhile, German Shepherds are revered for their athleticism and intelligence. German Shepherd Lab Mix Temperament The beauty of mixed breed dogs is that they take on traits from both of their parents. German Shepradors are a perfect example of this. These dogs are a joy to be around. Whether that required physical work or simply good behavior, these pups are up for the task! Like all dogs, German Shepherds and their subsequent crossbreed are products of their environment. Shepradors make great family dogs. The combination of intelligent thinking and loyalty can prove to be useful in a home setting. Your watchdog will do all they can to protect your home while still being down for cuddles. However, helping your pup grow up to be obedient and well-behaved is manageable. You see, these dogs are very intelligent. In fact, some might say that they are too intelligent for their own good. This mainly comes from the German Shepherd side of the dog. German Shepherds are notorious for being stubborn. Shepradors can take on that personality trait, making the training process a bit more challenging. They may require more time and patience to truly understand things. Another issue you might encounter with German Shepherd mixes is the need for regular mental stimulation. Because they are so intelligent, you must constantly challenge their minds to keep them happy. Like all dogs, Shepradors do best when positive reinforcement is the training method of choice. While dominance-based training used to be the go-to, several studies have shown that punishments do more harm than good. German Shepherd mixes thrive when you use a reward system. Showering your dog with praise and providing plenty of treats is the best way to instill the training techniques. Despite all of this, you may see pups with vastly different characteristics. Genetics is not an exact science. Dominant genes from one parent dog may take over, causing the puppy to look more like one breed than the other. As a result, the crossbreed is going to fall into that same category. You can use information about their parents for reference, but several factors will contribute to their true adult size. Generally, males can weigh upwards of 88 pounds when fully grown. They will stand between 22 and 26 inches at the withers. This is the point between the shoulder blades of the dog. Females are typically smaller than males. You may come across females as small as 35 pounds. Though, most will be around 70 to 80 pounds. As for height, females tend to be between 20 and 24 inches at the withers. Both of the parent breeds are pretty athletic, so most mixed pups will be as well. They fall somewhere in the middle. Depending on their activity levels, you might notice strong muscle development on their hind legs. These dogs usually have wide snouts and dark noses. Their eyes are large and brown. Some pups may have light eyes, but this is quite rare. Genetic variations in the parent breeds can lead to lighter eyes, but a vast majority are going to have big brown eyes. One characteristic where you will see a lot of variation among these dogs is the ears. Most Labs have large ears that flop down over the sides of the head Meanwhile, perky triangular ears are one of the most defining traits of the German Shepherds. The interesting thing about the ears is that you will have to wait and see whether they stand tall or flop down. Puppies are born with soft and fluffy ears. As they grow older, the cartilage in their ears may or may not strengthen to help them stand up. Some pups even have a combination of the two ear styles! Colors Coat colors can vary across the board with these pups. German Shepherds have an iconic tri-color coat. Distinct patterns of gold, black, and white cover the body. The most common is gold. However, black and pure-white Labs exist as well. They may have multi-colored coats or solid ones. Lifespan The average lifespan for a German Shepherd Lab mix is between 10 and 12 years. This falls in line with the life expectancy of the parent breeds. Generally, larger dogs tend to have a shorter lifespan than smaller ones. Many factors will affect how much time these dogs have. Health issues and a poor lifestyle can cut that lifespan short. On the same token, extremely healthy pups are fully capable of living past 12 years of age. Possible Health Issues Like all dogs, Shepradors are not immune to disease and health problems. In fact, they may be susceptible to more issues. The problem with mixing breeds is that it opens up the possibilities of health complications in the future. Hereditary problems from both parents can be passed to the puppy. Unfortunately, German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are known to suffer from a few different ailments. Here are the most common health concerns to be wary of. Dysplasia is a musculoskeletal condition that often affects dogs later in life. However, it takes years to develop and can be triggered by issues as a young pup. Take hip dysplasia for example. Hip dysplasia can cause debilitating pain. Many dogs who suffer from it have a hard time standing up. They may exhibit signs of extreme weakness in the hind legs, resulting in a noticeably different posture. The hip sockets become malformed, causing mobility issues with the hip joint. While some dogs are born with it, poor development as a puppy can exacerbate the problem. There are treatment options for hip and elbow dysplasia. Veterinarians can perform surgery early on to correct the problem and provide relief. If your dog is already suffering from it, physical therapy and joint supplements can provide relief from pain. Bloat Contrary to popular belief, bloat is not an innocent gas problem with dogs. It occurs when dogs eat too fast or exert physical exercise too soon after eating. Excess air is swallowed, filling the stomach. Eventually, the stomach can twist on itself. This restricts blood flow throughout the body. Provide small meals and prevent your dog from playing for at least 30 minutes. To control fast eating, you can utilize slow-feeding bowls or puzzle toys. They create an obstacle that forces the dog to eat slower than normal, which can do a lot to prevent GDV. Ocular Issues Eye diseases, such as progressive retinal atrophy, are pretty common with both parent breeds. The tissue within the eye can degenerate over time. This causes vision loss. From there, you can provide supplements or foods rich in beta carotene to slow its progression. Diet and Exercise Requirements Shepherd Labrador mixes are incredibly active dogs. They love nothing more than playing and getting tons of exercise. To make matters worse, a lack of exercise can turn into a lasting problem. You need to start your pup on the right foot and establish a healthy lifestyle right off the bat. Go for runs and toss chew toys around the yard. You can break up exercise time in manageable chunks throughout the day to make things easier. As long as you get those 90 minutes in, your dog should have no problem staying healthy. When it comes to diet, you must be just as vigilant! These dogs have insatiable appetites. However, you need to ensure that their food is meeting all of their nutritional needs. It should use wholesome proteins like chicken, beef, or fish. The dog food should also have complex carbs and healthy fats like fish oil. Steer clear of anything that has artificial ingredients or unnecessary fillers. Those foods will do more harm than good. The goal is to provide your dog with muscle-building protein that will keep their body in good shape. As a good rule of thumb, dogs will need about 30 calories of food for each pound of body weight. This usually amounts to about 4 cups of dry kibble a day. That said, foods can vary dramatically when it comes to nutritional density. We recommend splitting their caloric requirements into two small meals a day. One meal in the morning and one in the evening will keep their energy levels stable as they go about their active lifestyles. Plus, splitting the meals will help to avoid issues like bloat. However, thick coats need a bit of extra work. GSDs have double costs. The outer layer of hair is thinner and easier to manage. Meanwhile, the inner coat is thick and dense. It provides insulation in those cold winter months. German Shepherd Lab mixes can inherit that thick coat. They will go through shedding cycles a couple of times a year, resulting in a mess of fur throughout your home! With regular brushings, you can keep the fallout to manageable levels while keeping your pup clean. These pups make great family dogs. They get along just fine with kids as long as you socialize them early on. As always, you should never leave your dog alone with young kids. These crossbred dogs are fully capable of attacking people, so you should exercise caution and always keep a watchful eye. They should know not to pull their tail or agitate the dog in any way. Are German Shepherd Lab mixes good guard dogs? Shepradors make great guard dogs. Plus, they tend to be a bit suspicious of strangers. Are these dogs aggressive? This all depends on their upbringing. If you take the time to properly train and socialize these dogs, they will be gentle and loving. However, if the dogs are abused or trained with punishment, they could exhibit aggressive behavior. How big to German Shepherd Lab mixes get? Males can weigh as much as 88 pounds and grow to 26 inches tall at the withers. Do Shepradors get along with other dogs? German Shepherd Labrador mixes do just fine with other dogs. However, they must be properly socialized first. Exposure to other animals is key during their development. They should be introduced to new family dogs slowly to prevent any aggressive behavior. Do Shepradors make good working dogs? Thanks to their intelligence and high trainability, Labrashepherds make fine working dogs. They do particularly well herding livestock. Conclusion German Shepherd Lab mixes are a joy to raise. If you have an active lifestyle to keep them fit, they will be a great addition to your family. Treat them well and these pups will spend their lives being a loving canine companion. Search Dog Breeds. German Shepherd Lab mix puppies German Shepherd Lab mix dogs are a combination of energetic friendliness and natural protection. As well trained adults they have the potential to make great herding, hunting, retrieving, therapy, service or pet dogs. German Shepherd Lab mixes are affectionate with their family, but need plenty of exercise, shed heavily, and can be destructive if left alone for long periods. That is, they have one parent of each pedigree. So there is huge variation in how they look, and no standard appearance. Some have the telltale muzzle and tall ears of the German Shepherd, others more resemble a Labrador. The color of their coat will depend on the coloring of their parents. For example, a black Lab German Shepherd mix is likely to have a dark coat, and a German Shepherd yellow Lab mix is likely to have a mid-toned coat. There are even arresting-looking white German Shepherd Lab crosses. An ultra-warm undercoat and a coarse outer coat to protect them from the elements as they work outdoors. This is because the gene for long coats is recessive and very unusual among Labs. Gathering up their lost hair will be a never-ending task! A good vacuum cleaner is essential. This might be reason enough to choose a different crossbreed if you have a busy family or someone with allergies in the home. German Shepherds are large dogs. They stand 22 — 26 inches tall at their shoulder blades, and weigh 49 — 88 pounds. Meanwhile, Labs are a medium sized breed, 22 — 25 inches tall at their shoulders, and 55 — 80 pounds on the scales. A Labrador German shepherd mix could be as petite as their smallest parent or as big as their largest parent. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could weigh anything from 55 pounds to 80 pounds. As usual, the lower end of the range is typically made up of female dogs, and the top end is dominated by the boys. They love to interact with people, show their affection, and get on well with children. Also, the German Shepherd is confident, courageous and smart. They are loyal and full of life. Furthermore, Labradors and German Shepherds are both fast learners and eager to please. German Shepherds in particular need productive ways to channel their intelligence, or they will get into mischief to stave off boredom. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could inherit any combination of the traits of their parents, which is why meeting both parents before committing to bringing home a puppy is so important. Socialization Socialization is the process of making a dog comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities. Even for breeds that are known to be friendly and easy-going, like Labradors, socialization is very important. German Shepherd Lab mixes are likely to inherit a love of people and company from both sides of their family tree. But socializing them properly as puppies will be vital to give them the confidence they need in meeting new people. German Shepherds, despite their great loyalty to their family, can be wary of strangers. So thorough socialization from puppyhood is essential, even for a mix. For instance, Socialization can involve having new people call over to the house regularly so your pup gets used to new faces and voices. It can also involve introducing your puppy to new dogs, cats, children and other animals so that they do not become fearful or territorial. A young dog in good health could require even more. They will also need human company for much of the day, and training to keep those big brains from getting bored. They are working dogs at heart. Highly motivated to learn and impress you with their ability to follow instructions. Like with any dog, training them is an ongoing commitment that lasts a lifetime. But with your ultra smart dog it should be a satisfying and rewarding one. German Shepherd and Labrador Health Magnification of health problems in pedigree dog breeds has become a well-documented problem. Labrador Health One of the biggest health problems facing Labradors today is hip and elbow dysplasia — looseness in the joints that eventually leads to painful arthritis. Another is progressive retinal atrophy, a gradual failure of the retina at the back of their eyes that can ultimately leave them blind. Also, Labs are also notoriously greedy, and prone to obesity if their penchant for snacking is indulged too often. Another less serious but common issue in Labs is ear infections. These are easily treated but may require veterinary care and frequent inspections. In addition, they are more than usually prone to: Gastrointestinal diseases. There is no way to find out if your puppy will develop any of these conditions. All you can do is to take care of your dog properly to prevent some of these severe medical conditions. Your growing dog should maintain a healthy weight because extra weight can be an additional weight on its spine. The ideal dog nutrition will also depend on any nutritional needs of your dog. If you are training your dog, never give treats as a reward. This encourages obesity and will only cause more problems for your dog. Here are top dog food brands that your German Shepherd Lab will surely love. Its core ingredients include ground brown rice, lamb meal, white rice, and chicken. It is all natural and contains no preservatives. Even a picky puppy will surely love this dog food. Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula Precise Holistic contains chicken, brown rice, chicken fat, and oatmeal and is considered the best organic dog food for large dogs. This comes with extra calcium and phosphorus needed by dogs to achieve its full, large size. This is a portion of irresistible dog food for large breed dogs such as your Lab German Shepherd mix. Just like any other dog, never give your German Shepherd Lab the following human food. Not all human food is safe for dogs. Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Salty foods and junk food Chocolate, coffee, or tea Onions, chives, and garlic If you want your dog to grow strong and healthy, you need to give them the best care in the world. So, start with their nutrition! That means you need to stay away from the worst dry dog food, and try out the best dry dog food instead. Your hairy friend comes from different parents and therefore you can experiment with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Our puppy friends need nutrition that is full of proteins and easy to digest. You can look for some ideas in the best puppy food brands. Senior dogs, in their grandpa style, need food which contains moderate protein levels as in the best senior dry dog food. Because of this, you need to spend ample time in a day to exercise and to walk this dog otherwise; it can develop destructive behavior. Play with your dog regularly to develop a strong bond with your pet. Remember that this dog will love to swim because of its Labrador Retriever lineage. A local dog pool or a pond would work great with your dog. If you have a large yard, an old, large vat will work great just for him to play and cool off. All dogs love to fetch and play Frisbee. Use other kinds of toys like large ropes so you can play pulling games. Use a giant ball for fetches like an old football or a tennis ball. Here are a few ideas 1. This is available in six sizes so you will surely find the best size for your medium to large-sized Lab German Shepherd mix. It is indestructible so your dog will undoubtedly spend hours playing with it. It is made from durable materials that will never break or chip. This is indestructible, and your dog will surely love to play with this over and over again. It is soft but is made to be indestructible. Your pet will surely love to chew on this soft bone. This will be his favorite toy in no time. Lab German Shepherd Mix Training The Lab crossed with a German Shepherd is a brilliant dog, but it may need more than simple traditional training techniques to train this dog. The following tricks will help you make your dog obey you in no time. The Clicker Technique Learn how to train your dog using a clicker. Press this, and you will hear an audible click, a sound that dog loves very much. The clicker may be used in all kinds of tricks, but the most common is for positive reinforcement. Just click the clicker when your dog can follow the trick and then click again if you want to repeat the behavior. Invest in a good clicker which is available in most pet stores online. This can contribute to obesity and other health problems related to being overweight. Reward good behavior by patting your dog, playing with him or giving him a good scratch. Tell your dog what a good dog he is and combines this with a lot of pats as reinforcement. Every dog takes his time so you must be patient. His bed should at the same place where he found it the first time while his food bowls should also be in the same area. Consistency is the key to training dogs important stuff. Also, consider talking to everyone at home regarding your rules and commands to reinforce consistency in training your dog. Train Your Dog In A Familiar Environment Dogs like the Lab are easily distracted; therefore you must train your pup in a quiet and familiar environment first before you take him out for further training. Start inside a quiet room with only you and him. You can train him outdoors once he is less distracted to noise and the presence of other pets and people. You may also opt for professional training for your Lab German Shepherd mix dog if you want your pup to grow up and become a service dog or police dog. German Shepherd Lab Mix and Families Lab German Shepherds can be great family dogs because these dogs love to be with their masters and to please them every way they can. These are patient with children and will never roughhouse or bite. They can even tolerate toddlers and very intense games like dress up and role play games. Lab German Shepherd mix dogs will love to be with other pets and even other dogs. They are not domineering and will never cause a fight. The Lab German Shepherd mix may become anti-social and may become aggressive with people or other dogs when they are not introduced to people and other pets early on. Your dog should be trained first and exposed to other dogs and people to prevent this untoward behavior. Blue Gray Some hybrids might be a solid color, or others can have a pattern like their German Shepherd parent. If they do have a pattern they will generally have a darker shade over their back and sides and the tips of their tail, ears, and muzzle, with a lighter shade everywhere else. Size The German Shepherd Lab mix does not have a breed standard for their full grown size. This means that although they are on average 60 to 90 pounds and 20 to 25 inches tall, they can fall either side of this range as well. When these pups are born they will weigh around 5 pounds, but will quickly grow to around 15 pounds by the time you bring them home at two months of age. Both parent breeds show a difference in sizes between males and females. You can expect a male German Shepherd Lab mix to weigh about 10 pounds more and be up to 5 inches taller than a female. By the age of 10 weeks there is usually already a noticeable size difference between pups from the same litter. Temperament and Personality The German Shepherd Lab mix is about as loving, protective and family-friendly as any dog. This sprightly, goofy and loving protector thrives when all the attention is on them! They love to play and enjoy being in the company of their family. Although goofy and energetic, they are gentle and loving with children. They are just as happy with cuddle and fuss as they are with a game of chase or frisbee. German Shepherd Lab mixes are friendly and gentle dogs who want to be friends with everyone. They are great with other dogs and people and fit well into most households with other pets. If the German Sheprador is bought up with cats or rabbits from puppyhood they tend to become good friends. However, their Labrador Retriever parent may give them a slight prey drive. This instinct means some pups want to chase animals smaller than them. This is especially true if these animals run away from them as they see it as a game. The German Shepherd Lab mix is an active dog who likes to have a job to do. Remember both parents are working breeds. Whatever it may be, they need something to keep their minds and bodies busy. This is especially true if they are left alone. They get easily bored and may turn to destructive behaviors such as chewing furniture if left without company for too long. Some German Shepherd Lab mixes can be talkative. This might be especially apparent when they get carried away when playing. They might also have a deeper, more intimidating German Shepherd bark when alerting to danger or strangers. These dogs are protective and have a guarding instinct, just like the German Shepherd Rottweiler mix. The Lab German Shepherd mix is likely to be cautious of new people and tends to err towards protectiveness. This dog is just about as goofy, loving, and protective as any dog could be! They vie for your attention in all sorts of wacky and energetic ways like throwing their toys around, bounding around, or pushing their heads onto your lap. German Shepherd Lab mixes are not just a blur of energy, they are affectionate and cuddly. Their ideal Sunday morning is lying in bed with you while lapping up snuggles and belly rubs, followed by a long walk in the sunshine with plenty of treats. They are gentle and kind-hearted, making them perfect to have with children of any age. The Lab Shepherd mix is tolerant of tail pulls and ear tugs so they get on well with young children. Who They Suit Best A German Shepherd Lab mix will fit well into a family household where they are going to get plenty of that attention that they crave! They are gentle and kind dogs who get on with children of all ages. They are friendly with other dogs and small pets so will easily fit into a multi-pet household too. These dogs are better suited to those families who are very active and have a big house and garden. They need plenty of playtime, exercise and space to burn off energy. All reliable breeders will offer this. A simple google search for German Shepradors in your state should bring up a whole list of potential breeders. In fact, one in four are prone to obesity as they have a gene that is strongly associated with weight gain, obesity and a strong appetite. There is a chance that your German Shepherd Lab mix might inherit this gene and have a veracious appetite. They will need to have a well-monitored and controlled diet. This includes not just their daily kibble, but treats and titbits as well. This mix needs a large breed kibble from when they are a young puppy. This will ensure they are getting enough nutrients to support their quick growth rate into the big dogs they will become. Once fully grown they should be getting around three cups of kibble a day, spaced out across two meals. Some of this kibble can also be used as treats throughout the day and on walks. It is better to use kibble as treats, rather than using high calorie treats, as this will help keep the weight off. Training These dogs are very intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement dog training. They are easily trained as they love to please and enjoy training as it means they are the center of attention. Their Lab genes means they will do almost anything for a treat. Training this mixed breed is something even the novice dog-owner can do. Exercise The German Shepherd Lab mix is full of energy as it has working-breed parents. These hybrids need at least one hour of exercise a day. Make sure their walks involve a strenuous activity such as hiking, running or swimming. These dogs are known to love agility, although their large size and goofy nature can make them clumsy. Health German Shepherd Lab mixes live for between 10 and 12 years, however they are prone to two serious health issues. Both parents are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, so this Lab Shepherd mix is at risk too. This means they are assessed for their risk of hip and elbow dysplasia. Choose a breeder that uses this technique to be sure the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia in your puppy is reduced. These dogs are also at risk of bloat gastric dilatation volvulus which is an illness inherited from both parents. Finally, they are prone to weight gain and obesity like their Labrador parent. This coat is designed to keep them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It is equally perfect for playing in the snow or in the sand. However, this type of coat sheds heavily all year round. The German Shepherd Lab mix needs weekly grooming for up to an hour. It is best to use a slicker brush to help them shed and prevent any matting or knots. When brushing, focus especially on the armpits and under-belly, as these are the places mats most commonly form. These pups only need grooming for 30 minutes once a week with a soft bristled brush. This will help to keep their coat shiny and in tip-top condition. German Shepherd Lab mixes tend to be larger than a Labrador. They are more similar to the size of their German Shepherd parent. Fully grown they can weigh as much as 90 pounds and be 26 inches tall. The average is 75 pounds and 23 inches. Males will be larger than females by as much as 10 pounds and 5 inches. German Shepherds and Labradors are highly intelligent working dogs. They are known for their varied jobs, from guard dogs, herding dogs and police dogs to guide dogs and therapy dogs. It should be no surprise that the German Shepherd Lab mix is a clever dog! They know exactly what you want and can solve puzzles and games easily. However, sometimes you might find yourself questioning their smarts… in their desperate attempts for attention they can be extremely goofy and clumsy! In their home a German Shepherd Lab mix is goofy, playful, cuddly and affectionate. However they are protective of their families and have a strong guarding instinct. If their human is wary of a stranger you can expect a few barks. If their human greets a stranger with ease they will make friends. Although most commonly known as the German Shepherd Lab mix, they are also sometimes called Labrashepherds or Alsatian Lab mixes. German Shepherd Lab mixes weigh up to 90 pounds and grow to 26 inches tall, but the average is 75 pounds and 23 inches. These hybrids live for attention and will do a wide range of goofy and wacky thing to earn the approval of their owners. They are loving, protective, gentle and kind-natured. These traits make them the perfect family pet for households with children of any age and other pets. They are also eager to please and intelligent, so are very responsive to positive reinforcement dog training, especially if they are going to earn a treat. It is perfect for keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer. However, you might just find it all over the house as they shed all year round. They will need weekly grooming to keep their coat under control. The German Shepherd Lab mix is about as loving, protective and family-friendly as any dog. Do you think this mix would fit right into your family? More Labrador Mixes.

How to fill out akc puppy contract template How to fill out akc puppy contract template: 01 Start by entering the basic information of the buyer and seller, including names, addresses, and contact details. Who needs akc puppy contract template: 01 Anyone buying or selling a puppy and wanting a formal agreement to outline the terms and conditions of the sale. This is how it works Edit your akc puppy contract template form online Type text, complete fillable fields, insert images, highlight or blackout data for discretion, add comments, and more. Add your legally-binding signature Draw or type your signature, upload a signature image, or capture it with your digital camera. Share your form instantly Email, fax, or share your akc puppy contract template form via URL. You can also download, print, or export forms to your preferred cloud storage service. Start Free Trial and sign up a profile if you don't have one yet. Select Add New on your Dashboard and transfer a file into the system in one of the following ways: by uploading it from your device or importing from the cloud, web, or internal mail. Then, click Start editing. Add and replace text, insert new objects, rearrange pages, add watermarks and page numbers, and more. Click Done when you are finished editing and go to the Documents tab to merge, split, lock or unlock the file. Select your file from the documents list and pick your export method. You may save it as a PDF, email it, or upload it to the cloud. Create an account to find out! People Also Ask about akc puppy contract template What is a puppy contract for parents? What Is a Family Dog Contract? A family dog contract is a document that outlines all responsibilities, duties, and privileges relating to a family's future furry friend. For example, the contract may identify who's responsible for taking Fido on his evening walks or giving him baths. What is a healthy puppy contract? What does health guarantee mean for dogs? A health guarantee is a promise from the breeder that your puppy is free from any genetic defects or illness. Anyone worth their salt will provide a buyer with this contract. How do I write a puppy sale contract? Some would have a section asking for registrations, growth charts, whelping documents, and microchip data on the contract, or it can be attached. What is a puppy contract for a new owner? Essentially, this document is crucial in proving that a sale was made and that there is a new dog owner. What does a puppy contract look like? The contract should include information on the dog's health, vaccination history, and any microchip information. It should also specify what is included in the sale such as food, toys, and veterinary care. Most importantly, it should state what will happen if the dog is ever returned to the breeder. How do you write a contract for a dog? In general, a Pet Agreement should include the names and addresses of both parties including the city and state , information about the pet such as whether it is a cat or dog, and the breed , and any additional terms that you would like to include, such as a visitation schedule or who is responsible for any care German Shepherds For Adoption is not the form you're looking for? Search for another form here. The puppy will be replaced with a puppy of equal value from the next litter of listed Dam. The Seller will not agree to replace a puppy until they have received a copy of the x-rays accompanied by a letter from the veterinarian stating thee above listed circumstances for crippling hip dysplasia. This letter should also include proof of regular vet visits that documented a healthy maintained weight up to the diagnosis of hip dysplasia. Brave and Faithful K9 will only replace a puppy once. If the replacement of a puppy is provided due to the above-mentioned circumstance, the replacement puppy will not have any guarantees included. But, arrangements can be made for the puppy to be shipped at the Buyer's expense. This allows the puppy to reap the maximum benefit from its mother and ensures both the Buyer and Seller that the puppy is ready for its new home. A copy of the BH certificate or other certificates and score book must be submitted to the Seller. We work very hard to ensure we are breeding documented healthy, working-line German shepherds with excellent temperaments. We want all of our clients to be elated with their GSD for many years to come. The Buyer does not take lightly that caring for a new life in their possession that will depend solely on them. This commitment also includes the understanding that there will be much needed attention, bonding, and basic training that will require time and patience of this new life in their care. Because of this commitment, it is understood that just as one does not return a child to a hospital because of crying, lack of sleep, poopy diapers, sibling rivalry, etc. We believe in personal responsibility. The decision to choose First Option resides solely on BFK9 and is considered on a case-by-case basis. If such violation is committed by the Buyer, or the Buyer encourages a third party to commit such acts, all guarantees and responsibilities of Seller in this contract are null and void. No part of this contract or the guarantees within this contract will transfer to any additional owners. No exceptions. The Seller prefers to personally hand the puppy over to the Buyer in excellent, unquestionable health, but arrangements can be made for the puppy to be shipped. The Seller reserves the right to have a necropsy performed if deemed necessary. This Guarantee is not transferable. This allows the puppy to reap the maximum benefit from its mother and ensures both the Buyer and Seller that the puppy is ready for its new home. The Buyer is also financially responsible for any accumulated Veterinarian bills after the date of transfer. Should a problem arise, the Buyer agrees to contact the Seller in writing email preferred and allow the Seller at least 30 days to resolve any and all matters before providing or posting any negative or slanderous information on the internet, news media, social media or on any public or private forum or entity. No further guarantee is made by the Seller or Buyer. We request the Buyer stay in touch, give updates on their dog and share pictures to the Seller if possible. We love to keep up with our forever babies. We would like to thank you for your business and Welcome to the Heritage Hills German Shepherd family!

Tom Thorpe Blog Did you let out your dog to play only for it to go home with a limping front leg? A Golden Retriever limping front leg indicates a potential injury, health problem, and even congenital defects. Golden Retrievers are very energetic canines. Below, I discussed the possible reasons for the limping and what you should do. Gradual vs. With sudden limping, the problem occurred without previous underlying causes. On the other hand, gradual onset limping is brought by an underlying illness. The limping developed slowly, which is far more concerning than sudden limping. Nevertheless, both of these conditions require immediate treatment. This is to save your Goldie from suffering and to prevent the condition from worsening. Why is my Golden Retriever limping on its front leg? Injury and trauma Imagine your Golden Retriever as a child. If you let them out unsupervised, they can get bruised knees, a broken bone, and all sorts of possible injuries. Injury and trauma is the most common reason why Golden Retrievers will limp on their front legs. Your dog probably zoomed too fast and pulled a muscle on its front leg. Also, your Goldie can fall off elevated surfaces, which can cause trauma on its forelimbs. Aside from that, paw injuries due to sharp objects can occur. Lastly, you should rule out insect bites. My Golden Retriever is notorious for pawing bees, which always give him swollen paws and a limp that goes on for days. Elbow dysplasia Like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia can also affect Golden Retrievers. This time the affected legs are in front. This will cause limping, lameness, and other progressive symptoms. This can lead to various abnormalities on the affected joint, making it difficult or almost impossible to fix entirely. Moreover, elbow dysplasia is observed to be the most common cause of forelimb limping and lameness in young dogs. But unlike typical limping, Goldies with this condition will have a paddling gait as the dog tries to compensate for the lameness. Elbow dysplasia is easy to diagnose if the Golden Retriever puppy underwent rigorous testing. This is standard among legitimate breeders. By that time, the condition has worsened and can be expensive to manage. Panosteitis Panosteitis is a condition among young pups, specifically those that belong in the large and giant breeds. It can occur on one of the forelimbs or both. While rare, this condition can also affect the hind legs. Golden Retriever puppies with panosteitis will exhibit lameness, depression, unexplained weight loss, fever, and poor appetite. If not corrected early, panosteitis will lead to muscle atrophy on the affected legs. The good news is that this condition is self-limiting, which means it will resolve on its own most of the time. Generally, Golden Retriever puppies with panosteitis will outgrow the condition once they turn a year old. Still, some dogs will require corrective treatments and medications to assist with walking. Hypertrophic osteodystrophy HOD On a more serious note, a limping Golden Retriever might be suffering from a condition called hypertrophic osteodystrophy. Hypertrophic osteodystrophy is commonly observed in large breeds. According to experts, Golden Retrievers are about 5. Like panosteitis, Goldies with hypertrophic osteodystrophy will suffer from bone inflammation. The difference is that hypertrophic osteodystrophy affects the flared regions of the long bones metaphyses. On the other hand, panosteitis occurs on the bone shafts diaphyses. Moreover, HOD is a self-limiting condition that will usually go away on its own. Treatment for this condition is mostly centered on managing the pain. Overall, the medication for HOD will only last for a few weeks. But if your Golden Retriever still suffers from bone inflammation at an older age, there might be another underlying condition involved. Cranial cruciate ligament CCL tear Another condition Golden Retrievers may experience is the cranial cruciate ligament. This is quite a common knee injury among canines, which can affect both the front and rear legs. CCL tear causes sudden limping as the shin bone slides forward. Surgical correction is often necessary to prevent irreversible injuries and further joint damages. Almost all cases of CCL tear are due to overexertion. It can occur when your Golden Retriever runs too fast or jumps from an elevated surface. In general, the ligament tears because your dog planted its limbs on the ground even as the body is still in the forward movement momentum. The longer you put off treatment for your dog, the worse the condition gets. From limping, it will develop into full-on lameness, inflammation, and muscle atrophy. This condition occurs when the kneecap gets dislocated. As with CCL tears, the most common reason behind the luxation is injury or trauma. Dogs with this condition will bunny hop and limp on the affected leg. It can also affect both the front and back legs, depending on which limb received the trauma. Toy and small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, and Chihuahuas are at high risk of experiencing patellar luxation. Many cases of patellar luxation require surgical correction, especially if it occurs frequently. The veterinarian can also place implants to prevent the kneecap from luxating in the future. Arthritis Almost any dog can suffer from osteoarthritis later in life. If your senior Golden Retriever is limping its front leg, you should get it checked for arthritis. Moreover, arthritis occurs due to the deterioration of the joint cartilage. As the cartilage thins, the bones rub together, which forms bone spurs. These spurs will cause extreme pain and discomfort to the affected dog. As a progressive disease, the treatment for osteoarthritis in dogs is focused on managing the pain. Veterinarians can also prescribe medications and supplements to slow down cartilage degeneration. The vet will first rule out potential causes like luxation, dysplasia, trauma, arthritis, and so on. What should I do when my dog is limping? If you noticed that your Golden Retriever is limping, the first thing to do is check the affected leg. Look for obvious wounds, injuries, or dislocation. You should also bring your dog inside and observe its behavior. If the limping front leg becomes swollen, inflamed, or warm, you should bring it to the vet right away. You should do the same if you notice that your dog is licking the affected leg too much. This habit can cause bald spots on the leg and even increase the risk of infections. Human-grade pain relievers are no-nos for canines, regardless of breed. What can I give my dog for limping? To manage acute pain on the affected leg, you can put on an ice pack on it. Reduce physical activity. Putting the canine on a crate will help. You should also keep them on ground level and avoid forcing the canine to climb the stairs or the car. Control the bleeding. If your Goldie sustained open wounds, you should wash and bandage them right away. This will control the bleeding while you head to the vet. Carry the dog. When transporting a limping dog, you should carry it around. This is to prevent further stress on the affected forelimbs. Your dog probably stepped on sharp objects or very hot pavement. A: Minor injuries may cause your dog to limp but not substantial enough to trigger excruciating pain. Some Golden Retrievers are tolerant than others, so they may appear fine even if they are experiencing pain. Q: Should I take my Golden Retriever to the vet if he is limping? However, the longer you put off treatment, the longer your dog will suffer. Q: How long will a dog limp with a sprained leg? A: A Golden Retriever with a sprained leg will limp for 24 to 48 hours. Q: Can I give ibuprofen to my Golden Retriever for limping? A: You should never give human-grade ibuprofen to your dog. This medication has a very narrow margin of safety for canines. It can cause more harm than help if you decide to self-administer. Veterinarians have treated many cases of ibuprofen-induced conditions like intestinal inflammation and internal bleeding in dogs. Final words A Golden Retriever limping front leg should always be considered a serious condition. This way, you can prevent it from running too fast or getting exposed to various hazards. Do you have something to add to this discussion? Share it with us below! Basset Hounds. Treatment : This disease is self-limiting and it will randomly resolve, during this, treatment is supportive and can make a difference. Your vet will recommend using anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medication. Prevention : Feed your puppies with the adult dog food as it contains lower levels of protein and calcium while also giving them more energy. Rapidly growing puppies need higher levels of energy to meet their growth needs. If you want to keep them on puppy food, you will need to give them more of it. But the better option is to feed an affected dog a high-quality diet that has been specifically made for use in large breed puppies, to keep the dog in healthy body weight. If you want to save yourself a lot of hassle, check out my recommended dog foods for golden retrievers at every age here. Bone disease: Cause: This disease affects large breed puppies too, and it makes walking really hard for them. It could also develop into other conditions such as osteosarcoma which is a type of cancer and hypertrophic osteodystrophy which makes walking very painful. Treatment: This condition requires taking your dog to the vet. The vet is the only one that can help your dog in this case. Prevention: You can prevent it by giving your dog vitamins supplements that contain glucosamine and chondroitin helps preventing further bone diseases and joint damage. Glucosamine helps in repairing body tissues such as cartilage and it also helps in reducing the pain. I do recommend checking with your doctor for the right dosage. Hip Dysplasia: Cause: This condition appears at a young age. And it only affects the rear legs. Weight reduction to take stress off of the hips. Joint supplements. Exercise restriction especially on hard surfaces. Anti-inflammatory medications. Prevention: avoid exercising young and at-risk dogs and providing essential nutrient supplements and avoid neutering at risk puppies and last but not least ensuring the skeletal system grows properly, and follow the appropriate diet for your dog. When should I take them to the vet? If you notice any of the following signs, and especially if your dog displays more than one of those, it is highly recommended to grab the phone and make an appointment at your vet as soon as possible. Obvious break. Inability to put weight on the affected leg. Dangling limp. Other symptoms appear with the limping. Related questions What should I do if my dog is limping? What are the signs of my dog being in pain? Increased breathing rate. Limping in dogs is quite common and occurs when your dog cannot walk normally due to weakness or pain. Your dog may walk slowly or with difficulty and will usually favor one leg. There are two types of limps that Golden Retrievers have: The gradual limp and the sudden limp. The gradual limp can be noticed increasing across a long period, while the sudden limp is often seen immediately after an injury or accident. Such foreign bodies can cause lacerations. Burns caused by scorching sidewalks or frostbite can also cause your Golden Retriever to limp. Get your dog some booties or paw protectors in extremely hot or cold temperatures. Overexertion Too much of a good thing, such as fetch, intense running, or rough play with other dogs, can leave your Golden Retriever sore and hobbling with a muscle strain. However, most dogs will recover quickly after a couple of rest days. Injuries To Toenails Examine your Golden Retriever for ingrowing or overgrown toenails, as these can cause discomfort and pain when they dig into the skin. My dog once suffered a dewclaw injury, so make sure you also keep these trim. Insect Sting or Animal Bite Your dog might be limping because his paw has been stung. Aside from insect bites, animal bites can also cause a limp. Early detection is vital because bites can lead to infections. Sprain A stretched muscle or torn ligament can result in a sprain. Almost any active dog can sprain his leg because activities as simple as jumping can lead to awkward landings. If your Golden Retriever sprains his foot, he will hesitate to put weight on it for a while. Fracture A broken leg should be suspected if the limping occurred suddenly. Broken bones may not always be visible. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Dysplasia is a common hereditary condition causing hip and elbow joints to become loose and move out of position. Although the disease is progressive and irreversible, around three-quarters of Golden Retrievers with hip dysplasia can live a comfortable life with ongoing management, such as exercise modification and anti-inflammatory and painkilling medication. Osteoarthritis Older and larger dogs are more at risk of this chronic painful disease. It results in joint inflammation caused by cartilage deterioration. Signs include lameness, stiffness, or difficulty in getting up. My dog Willow has osteoarthritis of her lower spine. Her initial symptoms were lameness of the rear leg and difficulty getting up. However, it is managed pretty well along with her hip dysplasia with prescribed medication, and exercise adjustments. My vet recommended these, they get good reviews online, and they seem to be working for her. She has the Big Barker , which is the only dog bed clinically proven to reduce pain and joint stiffness. You can read my comprehensive review here. It is one of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs. Many small breeds are prone. However, many larger breeds, including the Golden Retriever, are now affected. Cruciate Ligament Injury or Disease A cruciate ligament injury damages the ligaments that hold the knee together. It is similar to a sprain but is more serious. If the ligaments weaken due to a disease, the limp is gradual. If they are torn because of a sudden twist or jump, the limp is sudden. Degenerative Myelopathy Older dogs are at risk of this inherited neurologic disorder that affects the spinal cord causing a gradual paralysis of the back end. Symptoms are weakness, lameness in the hind legs, difficulty rising, loss of muscle in the rear legs, and incontinence. This can make it harder for him to walk straight and he may develop a limp. If you notice inflammation and find your dog licking or chewing the site, he may need a course of antibiotics. Use a pet cone to prevent further chewing and consequent worsening of the infection. Lyme Disease This bacterial illness transmitted by certain ticks can cause intermittent lameness. Panosteitis Growing Pains This condition affects the long bones of the legs due to painful inflammation. Panosteitis in dogs tends to affect growing large breed pups aged months, including the Golden Retriever. A shifting lameness from one bone to another is caused and can occur over several weeks or months. Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy HOD This is a bone disease occurring in fast-growing large dogs, usually between 3 and 5 months old. Similar to panosteitis, signs will be a slight limp and pain in the affected bone. The shoulder is most commonly affected, but it can also appear in the elbow, hip, and knee. It occurs when large puppies grow too quickly. Limping, lameness, and pain are symptoms. Golden Retrievers are predisposed to Osteochondritis Dissecans , but the genes involved have not been identified by scientists. Hind limb weakness, paralysis, or urinary incontinence are symptoms of this spinal disease. The signs vary depending on the severity of the spinal cord damage and which disc along the spine is impacted. Diabetic Neuropathy If diabetes is untreated, excessive glucose can cause progressive weakness or paralysis due to nerve damage. However, this condition is rare in dogs. Immune Mediated Polyarthritis This immune system disorder causes inflamed, swollen, and painful joints. Your dog will be reluctant to walk — or he will hobble on one or more legs due to the pain. Congenital Limb Deformities Abnormally developed limbs can cause limping in your dog. Osteosarcoma Bone Cancer Bone cancer is more common in canines than in any other species. Bone tumors can rapidly grow, causing limping and pain, particularly in leg bones. Limping can vary from mild to severe. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. Articles Sit. What should I do? Limping is a very common dog injury symptom and as caretakers, we are often left wondering what to do. Is it serious? Should we go to the vet? Will limping go away on its own? Sometimes limping will go away on its own, especially if you provide some at-home support like a brace. Other times limping may be a sign of a more serious injury or condition that will require veterinary intervention. Recognizing a Limp A limp is caused by a dog favoring one leg over another. The injured leg, or the leg experiencing pain, is the leg the dog will avoid putting pressure on. Gradual limps — Gradual onset limps develop more slowly over time and are usually a symptom of an underlying chronic condition or disease such as arthritis or hip dysplasia. Sudden limps — Sudden onset limps are typically an immediate result of an injury. For example, a sudden limp may occur after a tumble while hiking or rambunctious play. Determining whether the limp is gradual or sudden and which leg your dog is limping on can help a veterinarian diagnose the cause and potential solutions or support options. Dog Limping on Back Leg A hind leg or rear leg limp can be caused by several conditions or injuries. Limping is a common symptom for arthritis and hip dysplasia. Limping on the back leg can also be a result of arthritis in the knee joint or a tear of a CCL, the dog equivalent of an ACL. CCL tears are one of the most common dog injuries, and Ortho Dog offers a Cruciate Care Knee Brace to support dogs recovering from a mild tear or as a post-surgery support aid. Additional Resources:. Cut or wound to part of the leg Burn i. If your dog shows any outward signs of pain, discomfort, restlessness, or swelling, he should be taken to a veterinarian. Sometimes, however, a dog will show pain and it is up to the pet parent to know the signs and symptoms. Never wait when it comes to helping a dog in dire need of medical care. Any sort of sudden movement caused her pain, which she displayed by squealing aloud. Here are a few ways to move a dog with a front leg injury or pain: Blanket Stretcher Use a blanket as a makeshift sling: If you have another person to help, this is the method that I used and recommend. Position your dog on the blanket so his entire body is supported lengthwise. Stand on opposite sides of the blanket with the dog in the middle. Prevent the dog from moving or bending as much as you can, With one person on each side of the blanket, lift the corners and pull the blanket away from one another so it is taut and supportive for the dog. If you have a harder surface, use a stretcher, but if not a blanket comes in handy. If you are alone, you may have to drag the dog on the blanket gently as far as you can. Do not drag a dog down steps. It talks about spinal injuries, but the techniques are good for front leg issues, too: Carry The Dog In Your Arms If you are able to lift the dog to get him into your arms and then a vehicle, use this method. Use A Pet Carrier If your dog can be transported in a kennel, he is likely a smaller breed. A pet carrier can be used to move the dog, but ensure a blanket or soft material is placed inside the kennel first. Canine Shoulder Injuries Dogs have shoulder blades just as humans do, but they are not connected to the skeleton. How amazing is that?! The shoulder joint is called a ball and socket joint. In a dog with four legs, the shoulder joint is composed of the scapula shoulder blade bones and the humerus, or the upper bone of the front leg. Now think of all the ligaments and tendons that connect all the different parts in that shoulder joint and the shoulder as a whole. Ligaments connect bone to bone. BLB bone-ligament-bone. Tendons connect muscle to bone. Ligament and tendon injuries can happen in the front legs of a dog. Shoulder injuries can cause a dog to exhibit front leg limping or lameness, as in our situation. Dexter sustained soft tissue damage to the shoulder and neck area. Any number of activities can cause a shoulder injury in a dog, from jumping to overuse, running to swimming. If you have a chubby pooch, those extra pounds can also make him more prone to injury. For us, the dog was startled awake, jumped up, and had an awkward landing. See that scapula area and its relationship to the front legs? Dogs with a shoulder issue will often be hesitant to put pressure on one or both front legs. Sometimes, the symptoms are intermittent. The area can also swell and his neck range of motion may be limited. Only once the emergency veterinarian pointed it out did we notice our dog was not fond of moving his neck a certain way to look at us. Ah, the dreaded shoulder injury. There are a whole host of other shoulder injuries that can cause front paw limping. Biceps brachii tenosynovitis is often seen in older and athletic dogs. The biceps brachii muscle and its tendons get inflamed. In supraspinatus tendinopathy, the tendon in this muscle tears. It sounds painful because it is. Your vet may talk about calcium deposits in this area. Finally, the infraspinatus muscle is common in athletic dogs. Think about a dog who goes from zero to mach speed without warning. This injury is more disabling than it is painful. When the muscles that support the shoulder bones are overused or injured, you may see front leg limping in your dog. He was given pain medication, Tramadol, and a muscle spasm medication, methocarbamol. By the end of the first day, he was putting pressure on his leg. By day two, he showed more improvement, and this is when I decided to try a pet-friendly CBD oil. Since quality hemp oil is a strong anti-inflammatory, I went that route. I kid you not: by day three, Dexter was no longer limping. A proper diagnosis from a veterinarian is crucial followed by rest and meds as required. The little whimper sounds are normal for Dexter — he is vocal on our walks since puppyhood. Lyme Disease and Leg Lameness Does this one surprise you? The limp can change from one leg to another and dog parents are often floored when a diagnosis of Lyme disease is made. Dogs that develop Lyme disease will do so between one and five months after being bit by the infected tick. The lameness or limping is usually sudden and long after the bite, which is why it is often not associated with the tick. You may not even know a tick infected your dog, which is what happened to us. Here are some signs of Lyme disease in a dog: Limping or lameness, sometimes changing from leg to leg Warmth of the leg joints Pain in the leg joints when the vet examines your dog Pain or reluctance to rise from a laying or seated position Stiff gait. There are many reasons why your Golden Retriever may develop a limp. Common causes for going lame are foot, nail, leg injuries, underlying chronic or genetic conditions, Hip or Elbow Dysplasia, and illness. If your Golden is unable to distribute its weight evenly on all four legs, it means that they are experiencing some degree of pain, and you must identify the source of the problem. HOD Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy This bone disease affects young puppies, typically first appearing when the dog is around months old. Larger breed dogs are more likely to be affected. Limping is accompanied by swelling, pain on touching the affected limbs, loss of appetite, and depression. Symptoms are managed with pain relief and supportive care, but steroids and IV fluids may be required in more severe cases. Injury Sprain Or Strain If your gregarious Golden suddenly develops a limp out of the blue, the likelihood is that they have overexerted themselves while exercising, causing a strain or a sprain, according to Fetch by Web MD. Strains harm the tendons connecting muscle to the bone, while sprains harm the ligaments that connect bones. These are common injuries for active dogs and may put your Golden Retriever out of action for a day or two. Foot and Nail Injuries Other injuries include lacerations to the paw pad, ripped or broken nails. Both injuries will cause your dog to avoid putting its weight on the injured site. You can bathe sore paws in warm water and Epsom salts. Apply antiseptic and bandage any wounds. These can get lodged in their paws and cause pain, making your Golden Retriever limp. When you see your dog develop a sudden limp, the first thing to do is to check its paws and remove any foreign objects. Ensure any salt is washed from their paws when you come back from your walk in the winter. Your vet may be able to recommend a topical cream to soothe cracked paw pads. Lameness will come on suddenly and can affect different limbs at different times. Your vet will help you manage pano with pain relief and anti-inflammatories. It will spontaneously resolve itself by the time your dog reaches its second birthday. Ligament Injury If your Golden Retriever goes lame in the back legs, it may have torn or ruptured its crucial cranial ligament. A torn CCL is more often seen in medium to large active dogs. Depending on the severity of the injury, your Golden Retriever may require surgery to fix the problem. Cancer Lameness may be the symptom of some bone cancers. Broken Leg If your Golden Retriever is in an accident and sustains an injury or trauma, they may have broken bones. This is an emergency, and you should take your dog directly to the vet. Hip And Elbow Dysplasia Elbow and hip dysplasia are more common in larger dogs. This causes the ball and socket hip joint to be malformed, creating mobility, pain, and lameness problems. You might notice your dog has an abnormal gait, stiffness getting up, and pain around the hip area. Elbow dysplasia affects the forelimbs in the same way. Your vet will be able to give you a diagnosis, and the condition is usually managed through maintaining healthy body weight, physiotherapy, and medication such as pain relief and anti-inflammatories. Osteoarthritis This chronic condition will gradually come on, and in addition to a limp, other signs may be stiffness, difficulty getting up, weight gain, and irritability. Your vet will probably provide a joint supplement to help with this. When You Should Call A Vet About Your Limping Golden Retriever In mild cases like an insect bite, foreign object, minor injury, or even a mild strain or sprain, some simple first aid and supporting your dog to rest can be enough to ensure they bounce back in a day or two. If the dog is in obvious pain in emergencies such as acute injuries, your vet is the first person to call. For limps with no apparent cause, it is also best to contact your vet because it could result from an underlying or chronic disease. Prevention is always better than dealing with an injured doggie. A healthy dog is much less prone to injury or chronic disease. Give your dog a healthy balanced diet as obesity can lead to joint problems. A well trained Golden Retriever who is responsive to your commands is also much more likely to avoid injury. Remember, your dog should get regular exercise. Manage their fitness levels with a consistent daily routine so that they can run, play and hike with you safely for longer. It depends on the context: the age of your Golden Retriever and what happened before the limp. For example, a very young pup from 2 months old may have developed pano or HOD if there was no inciting event. Injury to the leg or paws will cause a sudden limp, as will stuck foreign objects. Identifying the reason for the limp and dealing with it promptly is important. Acute conditions require rest until the limp heals. In chronic conditions such as hip dysplasia, your vet will advise you on how best to modify their exercise routine. Perhaps not significant pain, but there is an issue there, and you need to find out what it is. Conclusion Golden Retrievers limp for all kinds of reasons. It is always worth getting to the bottom of the issue as it is not normal for your Golden Retriever to go lame. The best course of action is to check limbs, paws, and toenails for any injury or issue. Some of the reasons why your Golden Retriever is limping are more serious than others but the sooner you deal with the problem, the sooner you and your best pal will be able to enjoy life to the full together again. Recommended Read.

As stated by the Australian Labradoodle Association, there are fourteen recognized color coats for Labradoodles, with the chocolate color included. The Chocolate Labradoodle is one of the most common and sought-after out of the different coat variations. To get a chocolate Labradoodle, it needs to be bred between a Labrador Retriever and a standard or toy Poodle, with the correct coloring genetics. They are very friendly, easily trainable, and make the perfect family pet. The coat type can vary between shaggy, straight, and curly. This also means not every chocolate Labradoodle is hypoallergenic. Those who are looking for a hypoallergenic Labradoodle need to make sure their future dog has a shaggy or curly coat, depending on the severity of their allergies. Breeders are still trying to work on creating the perfect chocolate Labradoodle, as there is also an issue of the chocolate color fading from the coat as the dog gets older. For example, a chocolate Labradoodle puppy can be born with a rich chocolate or brown color, but the color has a possibility of fading into a light brown as it grows up. This means there is no perfect chocolate Labradoodle, but purchasing from professional Labradoodle breeders will increase your chances of finding one with the traits, coloring, size, and coat type that you are looking for. The Australian Labradoodle Association works closely together with Labradoodle breeders, where they collaborate ideas in finding the right mixture of genetics needed to create the perfect chocolate Labradoodle. People tend to confuse a chocolate Labradoodle and a chocolate Poodle because of their similarities. You will notice that chocolate Labradoodles have their own distinct characteristics upon closer inspection. Also, depending on the parents, a full-grown chocolate Labradoodle on average can be between 25 to 45 inches tall and weighing about 35 to 75 pounds. This can vary since breeders often mixed Labradors with toy Poodles, creating a mini chocolate Labradoodle, which can be between 14 to 16 inches and weighing 15 to 25 lbs. This makes it hard for breeders to determine a standard size for this hybrid. Labradoodles will still show characteristics like drooped ears, long snout, and an elongated tail. A chocolate Labradoodle can also come in three different types of coats that include curly, straight, and shaggy. Curly Coat Photo from mali. A chocolate Labradoodle with a curly coat appears when the Poodle parent gene is most dominant. Maintenance can be difficult, as the coat is dense and thick. Owners whose dog has a curly coat must stay on top of weekly brushing to keep it healthy. This coat can cause more shedding and looks nothing resembling a chocolate Labradoodle. You will find that dogs with this coat are F1 Labradoodles with a chocolate coat, meaning they are the first generation. Unfortunately, they are less desired and can be hard to home. This coat is most common with the breed and is the most preferred among Labradoodle owners. A shaggy coat is low maintenance and has low shedding, making it great for those with allergies. It is soft to the touch and gives the breed a classic look. Does Labradoodle Color Really Matter? The color of your dog should only matter if it is important to you. You can adopt a Labradoodle in many different colors, but if you want a chocolate one, it is best to go with a breeder who specializes in breeding the chocolate coat. Genes play a major role in determining the color of the litter. This is when breeders need to look closely at the genetics and lineage of the parents to make sure they have a high chance of producing chocolate puppies. Their coat can turn out to be a mix of two different colors when the recessive dark genes are intermingled with light genes. This also causes a chocolate Labradoodle to come in different shades of brown, varying from light to dark. When you have a chocolate Labradoodle puppy, you can notice that they will start with darker or richer colors but then see the colors become lighter as they get older. Be aware of this when searching for your puppy, especially if you are determined to purchase one with a specific brown or chocolate shade. Typically the success of creating a chocolate Labradoodle can be determined based on the specific gene combinations bbEe and bbEE. Chocolate Labradoodles stand out amongst other Labradoodles because of their coloring! This is due to their liver pigment genetics, and they will always have a brown or pinkish nose color. The chocolate or brown color variations are what make them more popular than other Labradoodles. They even come in the same three fur types as other Labradoodles, meaning someone with allergies can get a hypoallergenic brown Labradoodle. You will find that all other aspects like health, size, personality, features, and fur types will vary from each Labradoodle litter. Only the lineage of each parent will determine the chances of having a well behaved, healthy, and chocolate-colored Labradoodle. In any case, they will make great pets just like a Labradoodle of any other color. Are Chocolate Labradoodles Rare? Luckily, chocolate Labradoodles are not hard to come by! They typically come in different variations of brown too, since that is also the most common color in a Labrador Retriever. Depending on how determined you are in finding the perfect chocolate Labradoodle, you can expect to search through a good amount of dogs before finding the one with the color you want. This is because breeding Poodles with Labrador Retrievers can create an almost unlimited amount of coat color combinations, including different variations of chocolate color. Some will be brown mixed with different colors creating rarer dogs like Chocolate Merle Labradoodle or even a Chocolate Phantom Labradoodle. The chocolate color actually comes from the Chocolate Australian Labradoodle, originating from the first Labradoodle named Sultan, as mentioned earlier. To get an authentic chocolate Australian Labradoodle, you will find a majority of them from breeders located in Australia. However, if you are in the United States, there is still a chance for you to find a chocolate Labradoodle from specialty breeders! The dogs themselves and their lineage may not be from Australia, but breeders in the U. They have coined themselves as chocolate Labradoodle breeders and have dedicated themselves to creating a reusable lineage for future generations. Chocolate Labradoodle Genetics As discussed previously, there are unique genetics that make a chocolate Labradoodle different from the others. As of right now, there are two genetic combinations that will most likely produce a chocolate Labradoodle — bbEe and bbEE. Other gene pairings will not create a chocolate Labradoodle and a breeder will end up having dogs that are mixed in color or completely opposite solid colors. Successful chocolate Labradoodles that are bred together still run a risk of having puppies that are different in color due to the recessive genes already within them. This is why it is important for breeders to be sure about each genetic pairing before breeding. Breeding a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle will create a relatively friendly dog. Chocolate Labradoodles will often be energetic, gentle, and playful. There are exceptions, as every dog has its own personality. If your dog has mostly Labrador Retriever dominant traits, it will likely be easy going. It is possible for them to carry aloof traits from the Poodle parent, but it can be fixed if addressed early on in training. With all of the energy they have, keeping up with their spirit will make them the best companion. They will always be ready to play and run around, so having an active lifestyle to meet those needs is important for a happy dog. If they get bored, just like any dog, they can be led to unwanted chewing on items in your home or other bad behaviors. All in all, they have a temperament making them perfect for families, even those with small children. Other than being mostly hypoallergenic, their family-friendliness is why people choose to own Labradoodles over other breeds. As noted earlier, this dog was specifically bred to be a seeing eye dog for those with handicapped disabilities. Their combined traits from Poodle and Labrador Retriever make them great companions for their owners and easy for first-time dog owners to handle! This is a video about a day in the life of a dog owner raising a cute chocolate Labradoodle puppy. Watch the video below to find out what is it like owning a chocolate Labradoodle. Interbreeding with closely related chocolate Labradoodles used to be an issue when breeders were still figuring out how to correctly breed this dog. However, this is no longer an issue with reputable breeders that have successfully created chocolate Labradoodle bloodlines. Most chocolate Labradoodles will live until they are about 15 years of age! This is fully determined by the parents which you can find by simply asking the breeder you are purchasing from. Various health concerns can be associated with the Labrador and Poodles breeds, and of course, the severity can be different depending on the individual dog. A few common health issues that can be associated with the chocolate Labradoodle involve: Various Eye Conditions: The eye concerns related to chocolate Labradoodles can be where they are epileptic and cause seizures. Your dog can get injuries from seizures if it happens in an unsafe area. In worse cases, the dog can have multiple seizures that occur one after the other, taking a toll on its brain activity. A vet should always be involved in the regular care of any dog that experiences seizures. This means the elbow, hip, or both can be disjointed from the socket. It can make the movement for your dog especially hard in severe cases. In some cases, it can be linked with cancer, but a vet will have to provide a thorough inspection and formulate a plan to fix it. Fortunately, there is medication to help regulate this issue, as there is no cure. Some dogs need to be groomed weekly, while others may need to be groomed every few weeks. Coats that are the curly type are denser and less likely to shed. But because it is so thick, weekly brushing is recommended to prevent any build-up or matting. Be aware that matting can occur when brushing is neglected for a long period of time and is exposed to dirt, debris, and wet substances. On the other hand, dogs with straight coats can shed more and may require more maintenance. Brushing regularly, either weekly or every few days can reduce the overall shed amount produced by your dog. Lastly, chocolate Labradoodles that have a shaggy coat are the best for those with allergies, as they are not prone to shedding as often as dogs with straight coats. You can get away with brushing your canine friend once every few weeks or as needed depending on the outdoor activities they participate in. If you are unsure about the type of coat that your dog has, you can always check in with the breeder that you purchased your dog from or take them to a groomer. With any specialty breed, you can expect to pay a great cost for your new companion. This also applies when you are shopping for a puppy or a full-grown chocolate Labradoodle. Places to Find Chocolate Labradoodle Puppies for Sale These are reputable Labradoodle breeders within the United States that make getting your new best friend that much easier! View fullsize Both our chocolate Labradoodle and our Poodle are beautiful dogs with excellent temperaments. They are our family pets. Because we begin with a Labradoodle and a Poodle, rather than a Lab and a Poodle, our puppies are much more likely to have the non-shedding Poodle coat. A F1b Labradoodle has been back-crossed to a poodle in an effort to insure a non-shedding coat. Even though most f1b Labradoodles shed very little or not all, it is impossible to guarantee that any dog even doodles or purebred poodles will not shed at all. Hypo- means less hypothermia is having a lower than normal body temperature. No dog can be said to be completely non-allergenic. Studies have shown that doodles are less likely to cause allergies, particularly f1b doodles. The ideal is to keep as much of the Lab head shape and super-friendly personality as possible while getting the non-shedding Poodle coat as well as the dignified, less vocal characteristics of the Poodle. Our Labradoodle methodology is quite simple. First, we get quality dogs. This is why we wanted to have pick of the litter for our Labradoodle and our Poodle and why we only obtained puppies from reputable breeders that we knew we could trust. Second, we try to treat our dogs Labradoodle and Poodle well. We feed our Labradoodle and Poodle high quality food with plenty of protein, and give them wonderful socialization and opportunities for exercise. We have 12 acres along the Enoree River with trails, additional property next to a Greenville state park, and property on Lake Hartwell giving us the opportunity to take the dogs kayaking. We recognize the importance of socializing young Labradoodle puppies so they will not be fearful as they mature. Our Labradoodle puppies have lots of opportunities to play with our children, and water games are definitely on top of the list. Labradoodles love the water and so do my kids, as you can see below. Third, we try to find appropriate families for our Chocolate Labradoodle puppies. To learn more about our process, check out this resource that gives a step-by-step guide between the application to receiving your puppy! A Chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle is not for everyone, and a puppy is not for everyone. If your family is not prepared for a Labradoodle puppy financially, time investment, etc. When can you get your puppy? Because we have only one Labradoodle mother and a couple guardian homes , puppies are available only occasionally. Contact us nathan crockettdoodles. We have a flexible waiting list and offer your deposit back if we do not have the ideal Labradoodle puppy for you within a certain window of time. Sometimes with mini Labradoodles we prefer to wait until they are a little older than 8 weeks because accidents tend to happen more easily with really small puppies. We will take several pictures of you with your Labradoodle puppy. We will send you the pictures for free place them on a USB thumb drive for you , and you will have full copyright privileges to all of the pictures to use at your discretion. You have the option of whether or not the photos appear here on the ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Although we never ship puppies, we will sometimes personally deliver puppies for a reasonable fee. Why should you consider getting a Chocolate Labradoodle from us? If a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy is right for your family, and if you are within driving distance of Greenville, SC, you may want to consider getting a chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle from us. If you read our Labradoodle puppy methodology and like what you read, you should consider adopting one of our puppies. We have a three-year health guarantee on each of our puppies if the forever home continues to feed TLC one year health guarantee on all others. How can you get a Chocolate Labradoodle or Labradoodle mini from us? If you think your family would be a good match for one of our Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppies, then start the conversation by emailing us at nathan crockettdoodles. You will have full access to all pictures and hold the copyright to make as many pictures as you desire. You keep all the pictures. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality collar. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality leash. We give you a bag of high quality dog food. We believe that you should give your new Labradoodle puppy or mini Labradoodle puppy the best food. Instructional materials about crate training and house training. Our goal is to do everything we can to assist in the house training and crate training process. A Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy or any puppy cannot be completely reliable in the house until the puppy is about 6 months old. The simple point is that no matter what some breeders tell you you will be partially involved in the house training process unless you buy an older Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle , but we want to help you with that process. A one-year health guarantee; extended to three years for all who continue to feed TLC. We are concerned with finding really good homes for our Labradoodle and mini Labradoodle puppies. Labradoodle Color To see a list of available colors, check out this page. At ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Ultimately we cannot completely control the color of puppies. Even though chocolate is the most desirable color, we sometimes have puppies of other colors even occasional merles. These puppies, will of course, also make excellent pets. These non-chocolate Labradoodle puppies are also available to great families, but we know that Chocolate Labradoodles are the most desirable. The Labrador Retriever has a short coat that sheds. By breeding the F1 Labradoodle back to an unrelated Poodle, the chances of getting the highly desirable non-shedding Poodle coat increase exponentially. Some F1B Labradoodles are bred back another time to a Poodle in an effort to guarantee a Poodle coat. If high quality dogs are chosen to breed that have the head shape of a Labrador Retriever it is possible to get a puppy that is very similar in many ways to a Labrador, but has the beautiful non-shedding Poodle coat. Both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are highly intelligent dogs, helping Labradoodles excel in smarts, train-ability, and a general desire to always please their owner. If you desire a family-friendly, kid loving, medium energy dog that is comfortable inside or outside, that loves the water and the land, you should definitely consider a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle. For more info about Labradoodle puppies or mini Labradoodle puppies, please email nathan crockettdoodles. Check out our sister site miniLabradoodlePuppies. We specialize in Chocolate Labradoodles and mini Labradoodles, but often we have other colors as well. Occasionally someone travels from Atlanta, Columbia, Raleigh-Durham or Knoxville, but our proximity to North Carolina and the popularity of Labradoodles in North Carolina make Charlotte and Asheville our most serviced locations. We also have some who are interested from distant states, but we primarily serve the Southeast U. They usually combine a Standard Poodle with a Lab, and have a dark wavy coat. Most chocolate Labradoodles weigh around 50 — 65 lbs. You can expect them to have the same temperament as other colors of Labradoodle. Could a chocolate Labradoodle dog be the right choice for your family? Keep reading. What is a Chocolate Labradoodle? Chocolate Labradoodles are just like any other type of Labradoodle. Except for the fact that they sport a luxurious dark brown coat. These dogs can be the standard or miniature in size. Standard Labradoodles weighs up to 65 lbs. Whereas the miniature version usually only weighs around 20 lbs. Chocolate Labradoodles are popular dogs for families. Particularly those with older children. Best Environment for Them This breed prefers an active environment so they can run about and socialize with others often. But they can also be quite boisterous. So, they may not be suitable for families with pets or very small children. The main difference is indeed the coat color of the coat. But, some evidence suggests the chocolate color might be linked to specific personality traits too. But otherwise, chocolate Labradoodles are just like any other Labradoodle. For example, the Goldendoodle is a Golden Retriever-Poodle mix with similar traits to the Labradoodle. With obvious differences in appearance, of course. Typical characteristics of the Labrador Retriever Labrador Retrievers are are water dogs native to Newfoundland, Canada. They stand up to .Labradors are prized for their companionship and outgoing nature. They love to swim and run, and make excellent service dogs, too. These agile natural athletes have a waterproof coat that helps them excel at hunting and retrieving waterfowl. Labrador Retriever Coat Colors Although there are many types of Labrador Retrievers, people generally break them down into types by color. The three main coat colors for Labrador Retrievers are black and, of course, chocolate. Poodle Characteristics Poodles, on the other hand, have fluffy coats that can be multicolored, solid, or bi-colored. Chocolate brown is a popular coat color in Poodles, too. Genetics Behind the Labradoodle Two pairs of genes that determine the basic coat colors in dogs like Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, and of course, Labradoodles. While chocolate is not as genetically common as black, dogs of many colors can carry the genetic instructions for chocolate fur. And you might be surprised to hear that even two black dogs, can create chocolate Labradoodle puppies! Or a black dog and a yellow dog. Chocolate Labradoodle Temperament Chocolate Labradoodles behave just like any other kind of Labradoodles. But with one small exception. Does Color Matter? The chocolate coat color in Labs might be correlated to higher excitability. At least, one study published in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science seems to provide some evidence of this. Scientists discovered a greater tendency to become agitated when ignored. And in addition, lower trainability but also lower fear of noise. These trends are based on owner-observed differences between Labrador colors. Labradoodle Temperament Of course, the temperament of the individual Labrador parent will be a large influence. Chocolate Labradoodles are usually also quite friendly, playful, and energetic. Although they can be somewhat reserved around strangers. This particular trait is common in Poodles. But it can be dampened down by regular socialization. Labradoodles are strong and active. They are often chosen for hunting and farm work as well as for public service. In addition, Labradoodles make excellent seeing-eye dogs, guide dogs, and other types of service dogs. Training Requirements of the Labradoodle Labradoodles are easy to train and they respond best to positive reinforcement training. Plus, Labradoodles require frequent interaction and positive reinforcement training. This is something recommended for all breeds. They also benefit from lots of activity. This can help reduce behaviors like jumping around small children and other guests. Chocolate Labradoodle Health There is little detailed evidence to suggest the chocolate color has any link to overall health. But, a limited amount of research shows that chocolate Labrador Retrievers are becoming less healthy as a breed. And therefore, dying much younger sooner than black or yellow Labradors. Genes The gene that creates a chocolate coat is recessive. So, breeders that want to guarantee a high proportion of chocolate-colored puppies in their litters must mate two chocolate-colored Labs. As a result, the gene pool is much narrower and the risk of inheriting health conditions is higher. This includes problems like obesity, ear infections, and skin problems As a result, it is possible that your chocolate Labradoodle may suffer from the same health conditions as its Labrador parent. Inherited Health Conditions Ultimately, any health issues your dog inherits will depend on the genetics of the parents. And how purebred the parents are. If your dog was bred from a purebred Labrador and a purebred Poodle, it can be tough to determine what kind of health problems your dog might have. After breeding further generations of chocolate Labradoodles together, it may be easier to determine which health conditions are genetic. Health Testing Always select a breeder who has tested the chocolate Labradoodles for known genetic health problems. According to the Canine Health Information Center, you may want to test your chocolate Labradoodle for problems such as: hip and elbow dysplasia. Their adorable curly fur and expressive faces make you want to cuddle them — and these little guys love nothing more than a good squish. All this and more makes our labradoodle puppies for sale one the most in-demand in our center. Activity-loving families adore these dogs for their propensity towards sports, and anyone who prefers low-shedding pooch benefits from their wooly or fleecy fur. Labradoodle puppies for sale are so cute and come in such a wide range of colors that it makes choosing your new best friend super-hard! While spearheading the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia breeding program, he conducted the crossbreeding of a standard poodle and Labrador retriever in view of it being a hypoallergenic guide dog for blind people. The first example of this type of dog, called Sultan, went to live with a lady in Hawaii, where other breeders saw him as an inspiration and this is how Australian Labradoodle puppies started. Both the International Australian Labradoodles Association and the Australian Labradoodles Association of America are working hard to incorporate more intergenerational breeding so these dog breeders can register this type of dog as a purebred dog. Its gentle, obedient and intelligent personality combined with a hypoallergenic coat make it ideal for family members with allergies, but it also makes an excellent service or therapy dog. Labradoodle Puppies Lifespan When properly taken care of, healthy dogs tend to live anywhere from 10 to 13 years. The lifespan of our Labradoodle puppies for sale is slightly above average at 12 to 14 years. Here are the life stages of multigenerational Australian Labradoodles: Puppyhood: First five months Adolescence: Between five months and two years Adulthood: Between two and three years Middle age: Between seven years and 10 years Senior: Over 10 years Labradoodles need the most attention and care in the first and last stages of their life. During puppyhood, their minds are highly impressionable, which is ideal for training. During their senior years, Labradoodles are more susceptible to health problems, which means owners need to keep a watchful eye. Labradoodle Size The size of labradoodle puppies for sale directly relates to the size of their parents and which generation of breed Labradoodle breeders chose. The larger the puppies, the larger the adult dog will be, and the faster their growth will be coming out of the puppy stage. A standard labradoodle puppy will weigh from pounds by the time it reaches two months of age. By a year old, it will have grown dramatically to up to 80 pounds, depending on the size of its parents. Medium Labradoodles occupy a spectrum of sizes between standard and mini Labradoodles, with the specifics depending heavily on the details of the breeding pair that birthed them and the breeding program they come from. Labradoodle Puppies Temperament While Labradoodle breeders originally bred the Australian Labradoodles as therapy dogs, their fun, friendly personalities made them popular pets. Now you can find these sociable dogs in homes across the globe. Here are some of the top personality traits of our Labradoodle puppies for sale. They tend to do best in active households where they can work off all that pent-up energy. You can fulfill their needs through the following activities: Walks or jogs: Labradoodles make great walking companions and can even keep up with you during a jog. Playing in the yard: Enjoy a game of fetch with your furry friend in the yard or just let it loose on its own. Dog sports: If you stay active through sports, consider making your labradoodle a part of your routine. Bring it on bike rides, go for a run together or kick a ball around in the yard. Obstacle courses: Set up an obstacle course for your dog using household items. Scavenger hunt: Creating a scavenger hunt for your canine is a great way to exercise its body and brain. In general, Labradoodles need anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. You can also enroll them later at a Labradoodle puppy alumni school for proper training. Friendliness What makes Labradoodles the perfect puppy compare to other dog breeds is their ability to get along with just about anyone. They inherit this trait from their Labrador retriever parent, a breed also known for its outgoing nature. You can trust your labradoodle to form friendships with everyone, from children and older adults to strangers and other puppies. Thanks to their affectionate, sociable personalities, Labradoodles make great pets for first-time owners, families, or anyone looking for a companion. Intelligence Thanks to their poodle parent breeds, Labradoodles are incredibly intelligent dogs. Because Labradoodles are intelligent, they often crave mental stimulation. Labradoodle Puppies Grooming Our Labradoodle puppies for sale have a variety of coat textures that dog owners enjoy, but in general, their low shedding coat needs brushing at least twice a week. Not only does this keep them tangle-free but it also removes excess debris from their coat, keeping them fresh and hygienic. Regularly trim the hair around their eyes and in between their paws to prevent these problem areas from causing irritation. Pooches with fleece coats tend to have longer fur and benefit the most from going to a professional groomer — although every dog loves getting pampered once in a while. At Pride and Prejudoodles, we send a can and a bag of the foods we use for free with your hand-delivered bundle of joy. If you need to change it for any reason, it must be done gradually to avoid stomach upsets. Just bear in mind that a diet is such a crucial aspect of wellness that feeding them good quality food will add years to their lives compared to opting for low-quality feed. Pride and Prejudoodles is here to help. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Labradoodle puppies for adoption. Silver beige White The Poodle breed also includes 18 potential color combinations! On top of this, the genes necessary for brown coats are recessive. So, a more dominant gene, like the one for a black coat, will often overpower it if it is present. With such a wide range of possible coat color combinations and patterns in the Poodle breed line, breeders often find it hard to breed for a true chocolate Labradoodle coat color that remains consistent throughout life. Chocolate Puppies Can Change Color Unique among the other possible Labradoodle coat colors, the chocolate coat color has a tendency to fade over time. Sometimes the coat color will stay a deep, rich, dark chocolate tone. But more often than not, the dark chocolate will start to fade. Even the most color-knowledgeable Labradoodle breeders are generally hard-pressed to determine what the chocolate coat will do over time. This is the reason the chocolate coat color is considered to be rare in doodles. Later in life you might find your gorgeous brown doodle starts to change color again. Breeding a true chocolate Labradoodle that stays a true chocolate all through life can be as much of a surprise to the breeder as to the dog owners. Does Labradoodle Coat Color Matter? It is true the Labrador Retriever dog parent contributes simpler coat color genetics to the Labradoodle breed. But Labrador Retriever enthusiasts are known to have their own opinions about the three classic coat colors and which one is best for what roles. For example, yellow Labradors are the top pick for service dogs and guide dogs. Black Labradors are prized for hunting, retrieving and hunting roles. Chocolate Labradors are considered ideally suited for show dog competitions and family pets. Is this factual? Or is it just so much personal opinion codified into fact? Here, the answer really depends on what types of activities you want to pursue with your pup. For most owners, as long as their Labradoodle puppy is sound and healthy, coat color is incidental. There is nothing wrong with wanting a Labradoodle dog with a specific coat color. We all have our preferences, which is what makes our world so colorful and fascinating. Often, this is just a method that less reputable breeders will use to try to inflate puppy prices. And, remember that Labradoodle puppies are just as likely to inherit one of the many Poodle colors, rather than the three standard Labrador shades. Their temperament will be very similar. However, there will still be variations between puppies, as mixed breeds can inherit any traits from either parent, and how they are raised plays a large part. As long as you train and socialize your chocolate doodle dog well from a young age, they will most likely be very friendly, energetic, and intelligent. Most Labradoodles, chocolate ones included, are eager to please and love spending time with people, particularly their closest family members. These large dogs are energetic, too. They do best in active families that have plenty of time to spend with them. Chocolate Doodle Health A few year ago, a research study made waves by announcing that chocolate Labrador Retrievers might be less healthy. They reported that they are more likely to become obese, suffer from ear infections and joint disorders and die earlier than yellow or black Labrador Retrievers. But is this a concern for Labradoodle dogs, who have one Labrador Retriever parent dog and one Poodle parent dog? It is hard to say. So if you want a brown Labradoodle, just be sure you work with a responsible, health-focused breeder. One who has deep knowledge of the canine genome and keeps careful health records for her breeding dogs and their puppies. When the breeder invests the time and expense to pre-screen parent dogs for all known heritable genetically transmissible health conditions before allowing a mating, there will always be less risk that the puppies will grow up to develop serious health issues. Health Issues to Watch Out For There are some health problems that all Labradoodles, including chocolate ones, are prone to. These are just a few of the major problems that can affect Labradoodles. This will decrease the risk of an unhealthy puppy. They may be willing to contact you if they get a chocolate colored puppy in their future litters. Always avoid puppy mills, pet stores, and backyard breeders, even if their chocolate Labradoodles are cheaper. These places usually give their puppies worse care and are less interested in their health. Some dogs are given up to rescue centers because of behavioral issues, but there are lots of reasons for dogs to end up there. Many go on to make wonderful, loving family pets. Work closely with rescue center staff to make sure you find a dog that will suit your family. Let them know your situation, including if you have other pets and children. As the Labradoodle breed gains popularity, breed-specific rescue centers are becoming more common. But, if there are still none near you, check rescue centers dedicated to the parent breeds. They may accept mixed breeds, too. Rescue Labradoodles will often be cheaper than puppies from breeders, and they may have some basic training. Do You Love the Chocolate Labradoodle? Chocolate Labradoodles can make great canine companions. These high-energy dogs love to run and romp and play — and their favorite playmate will always be you! If you love the idea of making your new dog the center of your family and world, a dark brown Labradoodle might be your perfect new family pet. References and Resources Lewis .Labradoodle Coat Colors. Australian Labradoodle Association. Coopshaw .Two Different Types of Pigment. Dog Coat Color Genetics. Mattinson .Which Labrador Color is Best? The Labrador Site. Attaway .McGreevy et al. Canine Genetics and Epidemiology. Post navigation. Dark Chocolate Labradoodle Dark Chocolate Labradoodle via pearlygirl Dark Chocolate Labradoodles feature a rich, dark brown coat that sometimes so dark that appears to be black unless under sunlight. Dark Chocolate Labradoodles have dark brown noses and dark brown or black eyes. These locations include the chin, throat, chest, legs, beneath their tail, above their eyes or on the sides of their muzzle. Phantom Chocolate Labradoodles are different from Chocolate Parti Labradoodle as Parti Labradoodles can have patches anywhere on their body and their base color is white instead of brown. Specifically, Chocolate Merle Labradoodles feature a chocolate, copper, beige and white coat in a mottled pattern. Most of their coat is a beige-grey and they feature chocolate, white and copper patches throughout it. Chocolate Merle Labradoodles have light or dark brown noses. In most cases they have light brown eyes however they can sometimes have blue or greenish eyes. Chocolate Labradoodle via lizzee. Wavy and curly coats are the most common while straight or flat coats are seen in Labradoodle generations that have a higher percentage of Labrador Retriever genes than Poodle genes. Wavy Coat Wavy coats are very common for Chocolate Labradoodles. Their coats are quite light, loose and shaggy looking and usually ripple when they move. Wavy hair is classified as a fleece type coat. Curly Coat Another common coat type for Chocolate Labradoodles is a curly coat. These coats are much denser and thicker than wavy coats and more closely resemble the coat of a Poodle. Curly hair Chocolate Labradoodles are usually more hypoallergenic than other coat types as they shed less and therefore release less dander into their immediate environment. Curly hair is classified as a wool type coat. There can be variation in what straight coats look like for Labradoodles. Chocolate Labradoodles with straight hair can feature: Medium long fur that grows consistently over the face and body Scruffy fur with tufts of hair sprouting out randomly over the body Straight tufts of hair with a short wavy undercoat Feathering along the tail, legs and face Slick and glossy coat.

Check with the breeder for up-to-date information on puppy availability. Let Us Help You Find Your Poodle Puppy Buying the wrong puppy will cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars in veterinary bills and incalculable emotional stress. But it could be time-consuming to find breeders of healthy, well-behaved Poodle puppies from good lines. However, we can save you time and from the trouble of finding a reputable Poodle breeder. Leverage our experience and expertise for your peace of mind. She will discuss with you what to expect when expecting a Poodle and prep you for Poodle parenthood. To get started, email your name and zip code to FindMeAPuppy bestpoodle. However, when looking for a puppy from a breeder, we recommend that you do your due diligence. Do not just jump into buying a puppy from a breeder. Take your time to research the breeder. Note that in addition to the price you pay for a poodle puppy, owning a poodle comes with the cost of taking care of a poodle. And owning a poodle can be expensive because poodles require frequent grooming because of the nature of their coats. Learn about how much it costs to own and keep a poodle here. We wish you the best of luck as you are about to embark on the beautiful journey of owning a Poodle! Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.Top 30 Smartest Dog Breeds In The World If you're a dog lover, you've probably heard the age-old debate: which dog breeds are the smartest? While all dogs have their own unique intelligence and personality, some breeds have proven to be consistently brilliant over time. In this guide, we'll explore the top 30 smartest dog breeds ranked, from problem-solving whizzes to trainable and intuitive pups. We've done our research to provide you with an updated and informative.These pooches are joyful, lively, eager to please dogs. They are adventurous, kind, family-oriented pups who love hiking, swimming, canine games, sports and any, and all, family activities. These puppies are merry and bouncy little marshmallows. They are cuddly and sweet pups who love running around, playing, making friends and are very enthusiastic learners. The breed is divided into 3 recognized categories: Toy Poodle; Mini; Standard. Although they differ in size, one thing is for sure: they are glamorous companion pets. Questions about Poodle puppies for sale in Arkansas? We have answers. Give me an overview of Poodle puppies for sale in Arkansas. 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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas? 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 Arkansas? 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 Arkansas? 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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas? 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 Arkansas? 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!

Licking or smacking lips. Getting restless, or anxious. Be on the lookout for any of these symptoms, as they may be a warning sign that your Golden is about to throw up! Sooner or later you will have to take your pup to the vet, or on family outings, or want to drive to the park. Car rides with your Golden Retriever are inevitable. The good news is that by following these helpful tips, you can get your Golden used to car rides and prevent car sickness. This short video gives a brief overview of the helpful tips that I have listed below as well. Just Sit In The Car Start by getting your pup used to the car by just sitting in it without going anywhere. This allows your pup to become familiar with the confined space. You can offer your pup some of his favourite treats so that he learns to associate the car with a good experience. Just sit in the car with your pup for a few minutes a day, before you move on to the next step. Take Frequent Short Trips Once your pup is successful with sitting in the car without issue, you can take a short drive. Let your pup get used to riding in a car by doing frequent short trips. Start out by driving down the street, or to the park. Eventually, you will be able to increase the length of your trip, as your dog will learn to associate car rides with being safe and fun. For some dogs though, a little bit of food before travelling helps with nausea and vomiting. Many dog owners prefer to use a crate to contain their pup inside a vehicle. Be sure to secure the crate in place, less movement will decrease the likelihood of your Golden becoming sick. Having your pup face forward inside a vehicle helps to decrease motion sickness. Watching vehicles speed by while looking out the side windows can make anyone feel sick. Using a doggie seatbelt or safety harness, you can make sure your pup is strapped in securely and facing forward. The best spot for your dog is the middle seat in the back. Some owners prefer to put their dog in the passenger seat because there is less movement as compared to the back. If they happen to deploy, they can cause serious harm to your dog! Be sure to open the window to allow fresh air to come in. Opening a window is preferred, rather than turning the air conditioning on. Rolling the windows down even just a little will equalize the air pressure and help reduce nausea. Even in the wintertime, your Golden will want to have the windows open. Keep the noise level down as well. Turn the radio down or off, to keep the car ride nice and peaceful for your pup. Your pup will feel more secure in the car with something familiar from home. Toys are also a good distraction to keep him happy and occupied while inside the car. Make Frequent Stops If you plan on doing a long car ride of a few hours or more, be sure to make frequent stops. This allows your dog to get out and stretch, as well as take bathroom breaks if needed. It also gives your pup a break from all the motion. Not only can you distract your dog, but you can comfort them. A word of warning though, if your pup happens to throw up, it could end up all over you. I speak from experience!! The good news is that there are many natural remedies to help your dog with car sickness. Ginger is well known for its anti-nausea effects. It is safe to give your dog in small doses. Consult your vet for the proper dosage for your dog, based on age, weight and health status. Many owners feed gingersnap cookies to their dog prior to travelling. Be sure to check out this recipe for homemade Gingersnap Cookies For Dogs. Lavender can be used as a safe aromatherapy option. It helps calm your dog and ease stress and anxiety symptoms associated with motion sickness. Spray it on a cotton ball and place it in the car 30 minutes before travelling. CBD supplements are a safe and holistic option to treat anxiety and nausea related to car travel. CBD for dogs is available in treats, chews and oil. Whatever form you choose, you can offer it to your dog before travel. Medication There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat motion sickness in dogs. Common over-the-counter medications include Benadryl and Dramamine. Both are antihistamines that help reduce symptoms of motion sickness and offer sedation. Cerenia is an anti-nausea medication that can only be prescribed by your vet. If your Golden Retriever is experiencing anxiety due to car travel, your vet may be able to prescribe anti-anxiety medications. These medications should only be used for extremely stressed dogs. A drug-free option that works well for many dogs experiencing anxiety, is the Thundershirt. Commonly used for noise-related anxiety, the Thundershirt is also successful for treating travel anxiety. Final Thoughts As you can see, there are several reasons why your Golden Retriever gets car sick. If your Golden is still a puppy, there is a good chance he or she will outgrow motion sickness once their ears fully develop. For adult Golden Retrievers who never outgrew car sickness, it could be related to stress, fear or anxiety. Preventing car sickness in your Golden takes time, whether it is waiting for your puppy to grow out of it, or conditioning your adult Golden to get used to the car. Regardless of the reason, taking some preventative steps before you embark on a car ride, will ensure that your Golden will feel less sick. Does your Golden Retriever get car sick? Do you have any helpful tips or advice to prevent car sickness in Golden Retrievers? Please share your thoughts and comments below. I would love to hear from you! Jenny I am the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ellie. She keeps me busy, and when she is resting, you can find me working on my blog. She is always close by though. I live in Stirling, ON Canada with my husband, and we both enjoy the never a dull moment life with our Ellie. Spread the love. Any noticeable changes in temperament aggression, becoming intolerant etc. Any lumps found in their skin or bodies. Loud breathing, coughing or wheezing. Any skin complaints such as bald spots appearing, rashes or sore spots. Constant chewing, biting or scratching of any areas of their body. Any crustiness or discharge in their ears. Mild pain or discomfort — Due to dogs being so hardy and trying to hide it, mild pain may not be as mild as first thought! Many of these things can be classed as every day and passing problems that do not need any medical intervention. For instance, every dog, and I mean every dog, will have sickness and diarrhea many, many times in their lives. They will eat grass, poop and all sorts of things that will upset their tummies for a few hours. Likewise, all dogs will sometimes be off their food for 24 hours, normally also due to a small stomach upset. And sometimes, perhaps due to over exertion or tiredness, a dog may sleep more than usual or appear lethargic. It is even worse to then decide upon and administer your own treatment. The reasons for this are that anybody can write anything on the internet so the information you find may not be correct. Very similar symptoms can be due to very different causes. So a person offering you advice on how to best care for your dog may be giving the wrong advice. It may have been right for their dog and the medical condition they had, but even though the symptoms are similar it could be completely wrong for your dog and the different cause of their symptoms. This scenario…which happens frighteningly more often than you might like to think…can seriously put your dogs long-term health and maybe even their life at risk. By all means research symptoms for informational purposes, but if your dog really is ill, there is and cannot be any substitute for professional veterinary advice. So please always seek it. For that reason I would like to give two very good resources that can help you to recognize various symptoms in your dog and tell you how to react to your findings. First of all and my personal favorite is a massive list of symptoms from medicinenet. This is the sort of information I feel comfortable in promoting! Also of very good quality are the following two pages from PetMD: An interactive dog symptom checker from PetMD PetMD is a very good and widely trusted resource on the internet for pet health so you can be sure the information is good. With the resources I have listed here, please take heed of my warning and advice: There is no substitute for professional help. Your Goldens health and life is in your hands! They will never belittle you and be angry at false alarms. Time wasted trying to find the right number to call could be precious. That would be immoral, highly dangerous and, quite rightly, in some countries even illegal! But I also recognize that everybody is a first time owner at one stage in their life and they need to seek knowledge and learn how to care for their dogs properly. And one such thing that every owner really must learn is when they need to call a vet. And to be on the safe side, it will be a plus to have pet first aid kit ready. I hope it can be of some help. You May Also Like. Your dog is special! Chances are that you chose her because you like Goldens and you expected her to have certain traits that would fit your lifestyle: Even-tempered, affectionate, and happy-go-lucky Good with kids and other pets Large, strong, and athletic Above average intelligence and trainability when positive reinforcement training methods are used Loves to play games, especially fetch People-oriented and eager to please However, no dog is perfect! Of course! Although they are still used for hunting, Goldens excel at many other activities including search and rescue and guide work. They do require ample exercise and swimming can be a great outlet for their endless energy. Her beautiful coat requires brushing and in some climates, a summer trim may be in order. She is intelligent, understanding, and eager to please her family. The Golden Retriever is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Golden. By knowing about health concerns specific to Golden Retrievers, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Golden Retrievers to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Golden Retrievers. At the end of the booklet, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Golden looking and feeling her best. And unfortunately, your Golden is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections Golden Retrievers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Golden Retrievers. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Roundworm egg as seen under the microscope. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Golden is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time. This is convenient for you and easy for your friend. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Genetic Predispositions for Golden Retrievers Cancer Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. Your Golden will likely live longer than many other breeds and therefore is more prone to get cancer in his golden years. Many cancers are cured by surgically removing them, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. Early detection is critical! Hemangiosarcoma is a type of bleeding tumor that affects Golden Retrievers at greater than average incidence. These tumors commonly form in the spleen, but can form in other organs as well. Unbeknownst to a pet owner, the tumor breaks open and internal bleeding occurs. Some tumors can be volleyball-sized or larger before signs of sickness show. We often find clues that one of these tumors is present during senior wellness testing, so have his blood tested and an ultrasound performed at least yearly. Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that afflicts Golden Retrievers more than other breeds. This disease makes the body form abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Because white blood cells can be found throughout the body, this cancer can show up almost anywhere. Lymphoma is a very treatable form of cancer, with an excellent success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy. Treatment can be costly, however, and is a lifelong commitment. Luckily, lymphoma is one of the few types of cancer that can often be found with a blood test, so we may recommend a complete blood count twice yearly. Mast cell tumors can look like anything. Be sure to have all lumps and bumps checked out. Mast cell tumors are a particularly nasty type of skin cancer found more often in Golden Retrievers, and the sooner they are surgically removed the better. Trouble is, they often look just like other kinds of skin lumps and lesions, some of which are harmful, and others not. All suspicious lumps should be tested and any questionable lump should be surgically removed as soon as possible. Many cancers are cured by surgically removing them, so early detection and removal is critical. This means your Golden is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off blood supply to the stomach, and sometimes the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as 30 minutes. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes out , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Normal hip x-rays X-rays taken of a dog with hip dysplasia. Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Golden Retrievers. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia , an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. Keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Cataract Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Goldens. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. Glaucoma, an eye condition that affects Golden Retrievers and people too, is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated. Symptoms include squinting, watery eyes, bluing of the cornea the clear front part of the eye , and redness in the whites of the eyes. Pain is rarely noticed by pet owners though it is frequently there and can be severe. People who have certain types of glaucoma often report it feels like being stabbed in the eye with an ice pick! Glaucoma is a medical emergency. Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye. This is one of the most commonly inherited diseases in dogs, and your Golden is more likely than other dogs to develop this painful condition. If untreated, these abnormal hairs can cause corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain. Several treatment options are available, and the prognosis is good once the hairs have been permanently removed. Allergies In humans, an allergy to pollen, mold, or dust makes people sneeze and their eyes itch. In dogs, rather than sneeze, allergies make their skin itchy. Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for this condition. Allergies, swimming, overgrowth of hair in the ear canals, or an accumulation of earwax can all predispose your dog to ear infections, which are painful and annoying. Goldens are very often afflicted by allergies, which cause itching and inflammation in the ears and elsewhere. The earlier we diagnose this disease, the less discomfort and pain he will suffer. Be sure to call us if you notice him scratching or shaking his head, a foul odor from the ears, or if his ears seem painful to the touch. By monitoring for ear infections and treating them early, we also reduce the likelihood of eardrum damage that can lead to deafness. Most ear infections tend to recur until we work together to control the underlying cause. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary, or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, with Golden Retrievers commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, they will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control, with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and effectiveness. Note the length of the seizure, and call us or an emergency hospital. Heart Disease Some Golden Retrievers inherit a heart condition known as aortic stenosis. This disease causes a partial obstruction of blood flow as it leaves the heart, which means the heart must work harder to pump enough blood. If the condition is severe enough, your dog may faint or just seem to run out of energy during exercise. He may also have difficulty breathing, cough, or not grow as much as he should. Golden Retrievers are also especially prone to a life-threatening heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, in which the heart becomes so large, thin, and weak that it can no longer effectively pump blood to the body. As this problem advances, he may act weak or tired, faint or collapse, breathe in a labored way, or cough. Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in dogs. Any breed can be affected, but Goldens have an above average incidence. Dogs with diabetes are unable to regulate the metabolism of sugars and require daily insulin injections. It is a serious condition and one that is important to diagnose and treat as early as possible. Symptoms include increased eating, drinking, and urination, along with weight loss. If he shows signs, we will conduct lab tests to determine if he has this condition and discuss treatment options with you. Treatment requires a serious commitment of time and resources. Well regulated diabetic dogs today have the same life expectancy as other canines. Some of the blood supply that should go to the liver goes around it instead, depriving the liver of the blood flow it needs to grow and function properly. If your friend has PSS, his liver cannot remove toxins from his bloodstream effectively. Surgery may be needed, but in some cases, we can treat with a special diet and medication. Bleeding Disorders Your Golden Retriever is prone to a bleeding disorder called hemophilia. This is an important test, as we may not know your pet has this disorder until severe bleeding occurs during surgery or after a serious injury. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes. Treatment is usually simple: replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. Taking Care of Your Golden Retriever at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Golden live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She needs a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Twice a year she blows her coat and loses crazy amounts of hair; daily brushing is recommended during this time. Golden Retrievers generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. She excels at dog sports like flyball, agility, dock diving, and obedience. She has a passion for water and swimming is a perfect form of exercise for this water retriever. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Golden Retriever needs help. For the most up-to-date information on DNA and other screening tests available for your pal, visit www. Your Golden counts on you to take good care of her, and we look forward to working with you to ensure that she lives a long and healthy life. Please contact us when you have questions or concerns. References: Ackerman L. Second edition. AAHA Press; .Veterinary medical guide to dog and cat breeds. Jackson, Wyoming. Teton New Media; .Gough A, Thomas A. Breed Predispositions to Disease in Dogs and Cats. Wiley-Blackwell; .Canine Inherited Disorders Database [Internet]. University of Prince Edward Island.