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German Shepherd Puppies are lovingly home raised and socialized at our modern 5 acre park like Kennel Facility in Florida Jacksonville. These are just a few words that describe our German shepherds. Life with a German Shepherd is a joy that one must experience to appreciate and understand, and the intelligence of these great dogs must be seen to be believed. AKC Registered Puppies In Sarasota Our dogs have provided countless individuals and families with a loyal pet that has a high aptitude, as well as the ability to provide protection. Each of the German shepherd puppies we have for sale are AKC registered and come from a superior lineage. Notably, our German Shepherds go through rigorous testing to qualify for breeding, as our dogs are bred with top sires that have at least a V or VA show rating. German Shepherds are well known for their character and temperament. Poised and confident, our pups are faithful and intelligent companions. They are also great protection dogs, as many safeguard homes, property or livestock. Our breeding program has earned the the highest level of accomplishments that a kennel in the United States can achieve. All of our German Shepherds come with a written guarantee and have been vet-checked, socialized, vaccinated to date, temperament-tested by a professional dog trainer, and above all, have been very much loved. Our German Shepherds are gorgeous Black and Red color, big boned, and correct structure. This price is determined by the size of the puppy, and includes the flight ticket, pre-flight vet exam, a crate the perfect size for your puppy, and travel to the airport. Every year we hand select dogs to add to our breeding program to improve the breed. Breeding top producing west German Sieger show Line German Shepherds is number one in producing quality German Shepherd puppies for sale. Being a German Shepherd dog breeder requires breeding high quality German Shepherds from some of the top rated German Shepherds in Germany They are superior in health with parents being x-rayed with clear hips and elbows by the OFA or the SV. These German shepherd litters of puppies for sale will make great companion dogs as well as excellent conformation, show and working dogs. Their inclination towards making their masters happy, their mental soundness and their high degree of intelligence have made this dog a successful working dog and masterpiece companion for their owners. Our breeding male shepherds are from top pedigrees. You can also visit us on our Facebook page to see recent news. Visit our website, at any moment you may feel you need more information than what we supply here feel free to Contact Us. Our main goal is to produce dogs that will become very special to you. Contact Us with any questions you have about our puppies or anything else. Exercise Grooming In the 19th century, Shepherds bred all kinds of dogs mainly to herd and guard flocks. Thus, the dogs needed to display a high level of intelligence, extra normal strength, resilience, courage and bravery, a keen sense of smell, and trainability qualities, etc. These mongrel combinations provided dog breeds that could efficiently guard and herd flocks but differed in appearance and ability, from one locality to another. German Shepherd dogs are well known to be highly inquisitive which makes them excellent for rescue mission training. The German Shepherd has a noble character and shows very high levels of loyalty to its owners. The dog is also described as extremely territorial and has displayed characteristics of overprotectiveness in some cases. The German shepherd can survive in all types of environment; their thick furriness makes them better prepared for cold climates. German Shepherds are considered extremely playful and active. These breeds spend half of their daily routine with activities. The German Shepherd is popularly known as an athletic natured dog and requires a good dose of daily exercise to keep up muscle tone, build and development. If improperly exercised the German Shepherd has been known to become frustrated and exhibit undesirable behaviors. The German Shepherd requires an occasional brushing, as this helps with removing loose hair from its fur. The German Shepherd sheds fur once or twice a year and in this time the breed requires a lot of soft brushing. This can be done using a soft to medium bristle brush. The German Shepherd occasionally requires that its nails are trimmed off when they grow too long, however, some breeds instinctually file their nails against any hard surface that can be fine. Excessive nail growth can cause much pain and even lead to structural concerns. In choosing a German Shepherd breed you must ask yourself what it is you want in a dog and what kind of person are you? Our German Shepherd puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Healthy German Shepherds live for as long as between nine to thirteen years, however, some german shepherd has lived much longer than Thirteen years. How fast can German Shepherds run? An adult German Shepherd can run approximately 30miles per hour. Originally the German Shepherd was bred for guarding and herding of flocks. The German Shepherd dog is highly intelligent and a fairly quick learner and that is why Police and Military institutions use them in operations. How do I care for a German Shepherd dog? The German Shepherd sheds lightly all through the year so be sure to brush it at least twice weekly. Bathe it after each shedding season. Brush its teeth at least once a month. Feed with healthy meals. Routine exercise of at least 45 minutes each day is crucial to the existence of a German Shepherd. Do they shed a lot? Yes, German Shepherds sheds heavily all year round and blows the thick, dense fur under its harsh topcoat twice a year. Are German Shepherds good with kids? German Shepherds are good with kids, however, they can become very protective because of this adult supervisor is highly recommended. At what age are German Shepherds fully grown? In moderation German Shepherds, reach full maturity between months i. There have been known cases of some Eastern European lines taking up to 3years i. Why do German shepherd ears stand up? During the early puppy age weeks German shepherds have floppy ears but this usually becomes pointed ears, standing up due to the cartilage in the ear becoming hard and strong thereby making the ears stand permanently. Are male or female German shepherd more affectionate? The female may also be less tolerable than the male when it comes to playing with children. Are you interested in purchasing a German Shepherd? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Australian Boxherd Highlights The Australian Boxherd is an energetic pup that loves going for a jog or trying out harder exercise like dog agility. While both parent breeds are intelligent and have been used as working dogs, they can easily fall upon reactive tendencies without consistent training and mental stimulation. Daily training sessions that last minutes any longer can cause disinterest and backfire as far as creating progress are key to helping this breed retain good manners and stay on track. It may be a wise idea to also enroll this breed in puppy classes or general obedience training with a professional. Even if there are no outstanding behavior problems, classes can keep your dog feeling accomplished and stay sharp on their skills. The Australian Boxherd can be a good fit for some well-informed beginner dog parents, but experience with high-energy breeds, particularly other herding breeds like the Australian Shepherd for example, a previous Border Collie in the family , is ideal. They can be strong-willed and need stimulation and routine exercise. Without proper stimulation, the Australian Boxherd will grow bored and frustrated — regardless of how much love there is for them. This breed easily develops separation anxiety. Dog parents who are frequently home or able to bring pups to work are a good match for this breed. This breed should receive walks for at least 45 minutes a day. A fenced in backyard to burn off extra energy is a near necessity; without space to play, they can quickly grow discontent. These breeds can be prone to behaviors humans find frustrating, like digging, chewing, and barking when understimulated. They will make it endlessly clear they are bored. Both parent breeds, however, are well known and loved. The Australian Shepherd was originally developed to herd livestock for ranchers and farmers in the western U. Today, many Aussies are still used for herding. However, they can find many other purposes: service dogs, agility dogs, or just dedicated companions. The Boxer originated from two older breeds, the German Bullenbeisser — a dog descended from Mastiffs — and the Bulldog. The Bullenbeisser was used as a hunting dog for centuries to hunt bear, wild boar, and deer; their strong build and powerful jaws were passed along to the Boxer. The breed became known in other parts of Europe in the late s. Around , the first Boxers were imported into the U. Lehman of New York. Boxers grew in popularity in the U. Through them, the breed was introduced to more people and soon became known as the favorite companion animal, show dog, and guardian that the breed is today. They have no breed standard, so their coats may be found in a variation of colors from either parent. This mixed breed will frequently inherit Merle or Tricolor patterning from their Aussie parentage, along with a fairly thick coat. They may naturally be born with a short tail. Australian Boxherd Personality The Australian Boxherd is often good-natured and loving with those they know well, but they also can be overprotective or easily startled. Training them consistently when young will ultimately improve their quality of life and yours as an adult. Australian Boxherd Health While Australian Boxherds originating from responsible breeders are often healthy, there are some genetic predispositions towards health issues to be aware of with this crossbreed. Hip Dysplasia. This leads to pain, stiffness and restricted movement. Elbow dysplasia ED Elbow joint dysplasia is a chronic disease complex of the elbow joint of fast growing dog breeds. This results in the deficient or absent synthesis of a certain protein which is an important component of the blood-brain barrier, leading to hypersensitivity to some drugs. Numbness Often occurs in old age. Epilepsy Definition: Dog has epilepsy if, for example, at least two epileptic seizures occur more than 24 hours apart. Kidney disease Symptoms of kidney disease in dogs: increased urination polyuria increased water intake. Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth. Loss of appetite Wobbler syndrome In veterinary medicine, this is the name given to a complex of symptoms caused by nerve damage in the area of the spinal cord or spinal cord nerves in the area of the cervical spine. Cardiomyopathy In large breeds of dogs, dilated cardiomyopathy DCM is by far the most common cardiomyopathy. What does an Australian Shepherd and Boxer mix look like? An Australian Shepherd and Boxer mix usually inherits the physical characteristics of both parent breeds. They are usually medium to large in size and have a short to medium length coat. Their coat can be any color or combination of colors found in both parent breeds. What is the temperament of an Australian Shepherd and Boxer mix? An Australian Shepherd and Boxer mix can inherit the best and sometimes the worst temperament traits of both parent breeds. They are usually intelligent, active and playful dogs. They can also be protective of their family and home. How do I care for an Australian Shepherd and Boxer mix? An Australian Shepherd and Boxer mix needs daily exercise and plenty of mental stimulation. They also need a quality diet to maintain their health and vitality. Are Australian Shepherd and Boxer mixes good with children? An Australian Shepherd and Boxer mix can be a great family pet if properly socialized and trained. They can inherit the herding instinct of the Australian Shepherd, which could make them overly enthusiastic when it comes to small children. Author Sissi Author Sissi is a blogger since , came on the dog .Since then she struts daily her steps with Loki through the world. The Beagdor Labrador-Beagle mix is a therapy dog for children and also accompanies her to schools. Secretly she fancies a French Bulldog as a second dog. Sissi is a blogger since , came on the dog .Useful Articles. Defining physical characteristics of this designer dog include a strong, muscular body, a short but dense coat, and a short or medium length tail. However, little is known about the history of the Aussie Boxer Mix. Despite its name, this breed did not originate in Australia. The Australian Shepherd hails from somewhere between Spain and France. The Basque shepherds who owned these dogs moved to Australia and then later moved to western America sometime in the 19th century. Aussies were originally used as herding dogs. They are agile and rugged dogs with alert eyes with a penetrating look. Although the Australian Shepherd is incredibly smart and is known to be hard working, they are not the right breed for everyone, especially first time dog owners. As herding dogs, Aussies may try to herd children and other animals, including dogs, cats and birds. The ancestors were capable of hunting big game, including wild boar, bison and bears. Over time, the Boxer has been reduced in size, but they are just as imposing. Like the Australian Shepherd, the Boxer is also a hard working dog. Known for their ability to herd and protect cattle, Boxers have also been used for police and military work around the world. While no one knows exactly when the Boxer Aussie Mix was first developed, we can confidently say that this mixed breed dog is here to stay. The General Appearance of the Boxherd Since both parent dogs are quite different in physical appearance, it can be difficult to predict exactly how your Australian Shepherd Boxer Mix puppy will look like. However, they are usually large and muscular dogs. Here are some important physical characteristics of the Boxer Aussie Mix. Well, you can expect the Boxherd to almost always be a large-sized dog. Both parent dogs the Boxer and the Australian Shepherd are large sized dogs. But how tall does a Boxherd get? These dogs typically grow to reach a height of around 18 to 25 inches. For a more accurate estimate of how heavy or tall your Boxer Aussie Mix puppy will get, ask your breeder about the weight and height of both parent dogs. Other features of the Australian Shepherd Boxer Mix will vary, depending on which parent breed they take after most. A Boxer Aussie Mix has a short and smooth coat just like the Boxer or he may inherit the medium-length straight and wavy coat of his Australian Shepherd parent. The Boxherd comes in many different colors, including black and white, spotted, speckled, merle, golden, brindle, brown and chocolate. This means that the Boxer Aussie Mix can be trained easily. However, due to their high intelligence levels, they will also need to be trained and socialized regularly. Loyalty Boxherds are very loyal and protective of their family. They will always act to protect their owners if they perceive danger. While they are naturally wary of strangers, they can be socialized and trained early to become friendly to unfamiliar people while still maintaining their guardian instincts. This personality trait makes them an excellent choice for a guard dog. They also have strong herding instincts. Therefore, they need to learn appropriate and acceptable behavior from an early stage. Otherwise, they will try to herd family members, including small kids. The Aussie also has a strong prey drive. Although this means playing fetch can be a great activity for them, they may also try to chase small kids or other household pets. They are also skilled escape artists. Therefore, they need a secure, fenced-in yard to help keep them out of trouble. Lifespan Sociability Australian Boxherds are descended from ranch dogs and are naturally protective. Pups need to be socialized at a young age to avoid any antisocial or aggressive behavior. Make sure that you establish authority early on, and make it clear that you are their master, not the other way round. The Boxherd scores well on energy, trainability, lifespan, and sociability. However, some pups have flat faces, making them more susceptible to brachycephalic airway syndrome. They are also known as the Boxer Aussie mix. One of their parents, the Australian Shepherd, is renowned for herding sheep and was bred in America. The Boxer, their other parent, has roots dating back to 2, B. If you are not much of an outgoing person, this Boxer Aussie mix may not be for you. Like many other dog breeds, when Boxherds get bored, they may turn destructive, chewing on your shoes and generally making a nuisance of themselves. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Their high intelligence means they will understand commands easily, and their obedience makes them easy to live with. Their protective nature endears them to many families. However, these dogs have a strong herding background , which may lead to negative behaviors, such as chasing moving objects. Some may even grow antisocial and aggressive. Such behavior may prove problematic when the dog grows bigger. It is, therefore, important to train and socialize the Australian Shepherd and Boxer Mix early in life. If you have children, train them on how to interact with dogs. For example, they should know how and where to touch the dog and where not to to avoid any aggressive behavior. They can get along well with other pets, especially when well-trained. Things to Know When Owning an Australian Boxherd Food and diet requirements for this breed are similar to other breeds. Exercise, training, and grooming are just as important, as they affect the health of your pet. Do not let the food sit for more than half an hour. Puppies older than 3 months should be fed twice a day with hard foods. Always ensure that your dog has a healthy weight. If they start to look obese, cut back on the amount of food. Pregnant and nursing dogs should be fed extra food. Start cutting back on the food after weaning the puppies. On average, every dog requires at least an hour of exercise daily to keep them healthy. Playing fetch, running, and swimming are good exercise options. Some Boxherds have flat faces, making too much exercise a health risk. A dog with a flat face has a shortened skull with a compressed nasal cavity, which makes it harder to breathe. This is called brachycephalic airway syndrome , or congenital obstructive airway disease. During exercise, this syndrome causes: Difficulty in taking in sufficient oxygen Overheating, since the dog cannot effectively control their core temperature by panting You should avoid overexerting your dog in hot conditions, and if you have not yet bought the dog, avoid any puppies with flat faces. Go for pups with a pronounced muzzle. In doing so, you discourage the propagation of the flat face and obstructive airway disease. They understand commands easily, and due to their natural inclination to obey, training them is a cinch. As with other dogs, training is most effective when the dog is young. If you find it challenging to train your dog, try signing them up for puppy training classes. When you adopt a Boxherd, make sure you know their background. This includes asking the shelter worker or breeder certain questions: Ask whether the dog has exhibited any health issues in the past or during its stay in the rescue center. Ask whether the dog has been trained before or whether they show any signs of behavior training. Avoid bathing the dog too many times; only do it if you deem it necessary. Use mild soaps to avoid irritating their skin. Hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, and degenerative myelopathy are the more serious ones. Cataracts, bloat, and epilepsy are minor conditions that crop up from time to time. Male vs. Female Females are slightly smaller and lighter than males. Some females have been observed to be more laidback, but do not expect this. The character of each individual is unique, and they do not have to inherit characteristics in a ratio from their parents. The choice of gender is up to you, but if you want to raise pups of your own, you might want to get a female. If you do not, however, the genders do not exhibit wildly different characteristics, and no gender-specific behavior has been observed. Conclusion The Australian Boxherd possesses an unrivaled work ethic, can be easily trained, and is protective of their family. These dogs are perfect for everyone but the most inactive dog lovers. They have a long lifespan of up to 15 years, provided you feed and treat them right. See also:. The Australian Shepherd has a very strong herding background and instinct and the Boxer has a background in hunting, working, and protection. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Australian Shepherd or the Boxer? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Australian Shepherd Mix. While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue , we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Boxer Australian Shepherd Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Boxer Australian Shepherd Mix puppies for sale. If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. Please sign our petition to stop puppy mills. There are a lot of folks who think that the breed originated from the Basque region in Spain where they were used by shepherds. The thought is that those shepherds emigrated to the West Coast of the United States via Australia and brought their dogs with them. One theory as to where they got their name is that they were named for the imported sheep that they herded. The original breeders were Ranchers in Boulder, Colorado, who then began to sell and distribute the dogs all over the West. Back when dogs such as this were used primarily as working stock, shepherds were much more interested in dogs' working abilities than their appearance. As a result, over time, shepherds interbred dogs that they believed would produce better workers for the given climate and landscape. The landscape played a large role in how the dogs looked, In the eastern U. Europe is where most of those breeds came from, so the existing breeds and their offspring worked well there. However, different dogs were needed In the American West, as the conditions were much different from the East. Spanish flocks of sheep, known as the Churra were introduced for food. The shepherds brought over Spanish dogs that proved capable for their job in the wild and dangerous territory. These dogs were highly valued for their ability to herd and protect from predators on the open range. Selective breeding for many generations focused on aspects of the dog that enabled it to function as an effective stockdog in the American West. It had to handle severe weather; have plenty of speed, athleticism, energy, and endurance; and be intelligent, flexible, and independent; while remaining obedient. Boxer History: The Boxer is a relatively new breed from the late 19th century. It hails from Germany. He hails from the Bulldog and some German Mastiffs. As most dogs he is a mix of many breeds. He was bred to be a working dog and has hunting and fighting in his past. He was a voracious worker in both World Wars. He is a very playful dog and really not very aggressive, but is extremely loyal. He is extremely alert and will be good with your kids. If he or his family feels threatened, he will show his protective side. Australian Shepherd and Boxer: History of the breed Designer dogs are purposefully bred to be appealing pets, with the best traits of their two parent breeds. But the parent breeds, like most dogs, will have been originally bred for a specific purpose. Specifically, a herding dog. This specific breed was developed from other herding dogs, imported from Australia and New Zealand, hence the name. Although the Australian Shepherd first appeared in California! As herding dogs, Australian Shepherds are renowned for being highly intelligent and capable of performing tasks and activities. They learn really quickly and are ideal for being trained. They are also friendly and very high-energy, which means they are suited to an outdoor lifestyle, and to plenty of fun and games! History of the Boxer breed: Boxer dogs were first developed in Germany, by crossbreeding the Bullenbeisser a dog breed now extinct , and the Old English Bulldog. Originally, boxers were bred as working dogs. Specifically, as hunting dogs. Their job was to chase down the prey and to hold it in place until the hunters could arrive. This is why boxers are renowned for their incredibly strong bite, and how they will not let go until told otherwise. Boxers were also used in wars, as guard dogs, attack dogs, and even to carry messages or packages. After World War II, many soldiers took their boxer dogs back home with them, and the breed started to become incredibly popular, as a guard dog but also as a family and house companion. What we do know is that it is now considered to be a designer dog, sought after by many, as it combines two very popular and well-loved breeds of dogs. Personality and Temperament of an Australian Shepherd and Boxer Mix: The personality and temperament of a dog is always one of the most important things to check. It can be tricky to guess an exact personality, as each dog develops its own individual quirks and temperament, and the lifestyle and owners have a lot of influence over this. However, the breed of the dog has a big effect on temperament tendencies, so this is definitely something to look into! With crossbreeds, they can take after one parent, the other, or become a combination of both. Most often breeders will have it so that they get the best traits of both parent breeds. So essentially, you need to understand the temperament of both parent breeds, in order to better guess at the temperament of the crossbreed. Personality and temperament of an Australian Shepherd: Australian Shepherds are known for having one of the best temperaments a dog can have. They are friendly and outgoing, and they love interacting with their own owners, as well as with other dogs and even strangers. They love making friends and playing games and having fun. They are also great with families and with children, as they are very loyal and protective, and known to be gentle. They are also very obedient and easy to train, as they are an exceptionally intelligent breed of dog, eager to perform tasks and be of use. However, Australian Shepherds are very high-energy, and they require a lot of physical and mental exercise and stimulation. They also need a lot of attention, as they can easily become bored if left by themselves. And a bored Australian Shepherd can quickly become a hyperactive dog that might start chewing on things and causing some damage. Personality and temperament of a Boxer: As guard dogs, Boxers are extremely loyal to their owners. They are protective and will always jump in between danger and their humans. They are also incredibly loving and affectionate with their families and are also great with children. With strangers and other dogs, however, Boxers can very quickly become distrustful and might see them as a potential threat. They are also very intelligent and are therefore great to train for specific tasks or commands. The only problem is that they can be pretty headstrong, so training might require some patience. Within their families, Boxers are loving and gentle, and one of the best dogs you could have with small children. They are protective and patient and will let the children do just about anything, without snapping in the slightest. These dogs are very intelligent and active, willing to learn and perform tasks for their owners. The obedience of the Australian Shepherd also neutralizes the head-strong attitude of the Boxer, so they are usually incredibly easy to train and teach. Australian Boxherds are friendly and amazing with children, protective, and loyal to their families. With the right socialization, they can also be great with other dogs and with strangers. They are cheerful and energetic, full of love and the eagerness to play. Overall, they are an excellent combination of amazing personality traits which makes them ideal for all families. They are also often used in the police and in search and rescue missions! Physical traits of an Australian Shepherd and Boxer Mix: The Australian Boxherd is a combination of Australian Shepherd and Boxer, and as such it has inherited physical traits from both. The crossbreed can take after one parent, the other, or become an equal mixture of both. On average, this crossbreed will be between 53 to 60 inches tall and will weigh between 55 and 66 pounds. Australian Shepherds are medium-sized, and Boxers are large, and the crossbreed has a tendency to be large rather than medium-sized. They can come in any coloring that either parent breed can, and they can end up with Australian Shepherd markings, or with a solid color. They have a soft and dense coating of hair, medium in length, that is also pretty waterproof. Training and Exercise Needs of an Australian Shepherd and Boxer Mix: Both the Australian Shepherd and the Boxer are incredibly active and high-energy dogs, suited to outdoor lifestyles and plenty of exercising. As working dogs, they need to feel engaged with tasks and need to be properly mentally stimulating, in order to avoid boredom. Australian Shepherds are athletic and agile, and Boxers are strong and powerful. Combined, you get a dog that is physically impressive and in need of performing daily tasks and activities. They require a lot of daily exercises and physical activity. They also thrive with focused tasks and jobs, as it is not only physically demanding but also mentally stimulating. As for training, the Australian Boxherd has inherited amazing traits and intelligence, so they are very easy to train and they are eager to learn and perform well. The result is an easy-to-brush coating of hair that does not shed much, and that is pretty waterproof and easy to maintain clean. As such, this crossbreed will not need to be groomed and bathed too often. When you do, make sure to use gentle products, as they can be prone to skin irritation and allergies. However, it also depends on which parent it takes after the most. So if it has a bit more Australian Shepherd in it, you will have to groom more regularly, and the shedding season will be slightly worse. Other things to worry about are dental hygiene and making sure the teeth are well-maintained. Longevity and Health of an Australian Shepherd and Boxer Mix: The longevity of a dog can depend on the breed, but there are also other factors such as the quality of life, the food, overall health, and similar. Nevertheless, knowing the average lifespan of the parent breeds can give you a good idea of how long the crossbreed is expected to live. Australian Shepherds, on average, will live between 13 and 15 years. Boxers, on the other hand, will usually live between 10 to 12 years. The crossbreed, the Australian Boxherd, will on average live up to between 12 to 15 years, so pretty much the combination of both lifespans from the parent breeds. As for health, one of the best things about crossbreeds is that they get reduced risk when it comes to the main health issues of both parent breeds. This essentially means that they are overall healthier, and less problem with developing issues with old age. But if they do, the most common health issues come from the parent breeds, which in this case would be hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, and degenerative myelopathy. Australian Shepherd and Boxer Mix: is this the right dog for you? The mix between the Australian Shepherd and the Boxer results in a beautiful-looking dog that is full of amazing traits. High-energy, intelligent, loyal, and absolutely great with families and children. But is this dog really the right one for you? After all, you need to make sure that you have what it takes to ensure the dog lives a good life with all of its needs covered. These dogs require a lot of daily exercises, not only physical but also mental. They need to be engaged through tasks and focused activities, or else they will quickly become bored. This means that you need to have time to give them the required attention, and you need to put in the effort to ensure they are getting enough of their energy out and about.

Located just 7 miles north of Covington, LA. For over 40 years, we have been providing the people of Louisiana with some of the finest Golden Retrievers. Fifteen years ago, we integrated Golden Doodles into our breeding program. If you are looking to add a member to your family, contact Hunnington Farms today. We have puppies for sale that are looking for that perfect home. Hunnington Farms is a breeding facility that believes in breeding the finest animals. We are a family-owned farm that started breeding dogs purely out of love for the animals. The way our dogs have always enriched our lives and assisted in running our farm made us want to breed the same dogs. We firmly believe the best possible dog breed for a single owner or a family with children are Golden Doodles and Golden Retrievers. No matter what trait you are looking for in your next pet, Hunnington Farms breeds the perfect dog for you. If a loyal, fun loving, ultra obedient and a true lifelong friend is what you want, we have the finest Golden Retriever puppies in Louisiana. If you? Thank you for visiting our website. Here you will find valuable information on the breeds we provide and the puppies we have for sale. We are a full service farm that has transformed a small portion into our breeding haven. We follow all AKC breeding requirements and go the extra mile to provide every home with the highest quality pet. All of our breeding dogs are OFA certified for hips, patellas, elbows, dental, and heart. We look forward to hearing from you. Learn About The Breeds. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Louisiana Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Louisiana? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Louisiana? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Questions about Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Louisiana? We have answers. Give me an overview of Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Louisiana. The price you will pay for Louisiana Golden Retriever puppies for sale can be affected by several factors. Your best option is to start searching for Louisiana Golden Retriever breeders, and find a puppy that fits your budget. Can breeders make travel arrangements if I find my perfect puppy in another state? Breeders and businesses of Golden Retriever puppies for sale Louisiana in our network can easily arrange transport for your puppy. So while you may begin by looking for Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Louisiana, if you find your perfect pup elsewhere, you can arrange to meet it at your nearest major US airport. How can I be sure the breeders I find here are ethical? We only want the best, most ethical Golden Retriever Louisiana breeders here, so you can search with full confidence. Find out more in our Breeder Pledge. Is using Uptown Puppies different from searching online? It can be difficult these days to find ethical Golden Retriever breeders Louisiana with all the scammers and mills out there. We put the fun back into finding a puppy! These are terrible places where the only concern is profits, so steer clear in your search for a Golden Retriever for sale in Louisiana. That means ethical standards are often very low, and puppies from mills often develop health problems and die younger. I have a specific Golden Retriever in mind, can I find it here? How can Uptown Puppies help me find my puppy? We have put the fun back into finding a new puppy. Not only do you know that all the breeders and businesses here have incredibly high standards, but we also make it easy. Just search here for a Golden Retriever for sale Louisiana, find the puppy of your dreams, and connect with the breeder. How can I be confident that I can trust you? Bad breeders are hard to avoid because there are so many of them! When you start looking for a Louisiana Golden Retriever for sale, you can trust us because we have a very strict vetting process in place so only the top breeders and businesses get in. Want to see what other customers are saying? Then check out our reviews! Can I keep a Golden Retriever in a small apartment? There is no problem having a Golden Retriever if you live in a small home. When it comes to Louisiana Golden Retrievers for sale, they are kind, loving, and friendly dogs who love to be near to their owners. But they do need a lot of exercise, so make sure they get to go out and run around for a few hours every day to keep them happy. Are Golden Retrievers good with young kids? Obviously, every dog is an individual, and you should ensure correct supervision when your dog is around children. But in general, they are a great breed for families with kids.

Email: colmarfrenchies comcast. However, they will be available in NH only in the summer. Their Frenchies are healthy and have good temperaments. They raise all their puppies at home. They are well-bred Frenchies. If you are looking to get a puppy from them your budget shall be at least dollars. Muzzeys has standard color breeds. These are brindle, fawn, cream, and pied. They do not have any website. You can learn about the upcoming litters and other information from the Facebook page. The owner Wendy is very friendly. She will answer your queries politely and help you to understand the adoption process. Her puppies are so playful and friendly even at an early age. Wendy surely nurtures the doggos with love and affection. You may see photos and videos of your desired puppy before adopting. Their Facebook page is filled with pictures of all the charming dogs. These adorable pictures will definitely melt your heart and make you want to adopt one, even if you are not planning to. French bulldogs are very adaptive. They do not require a lot of grooming. They do not have to do much exercise. Rather they are mostly couch potatoes. A French Bulldog raised at home with other pets becomes social and friendly. Frenchies love to cuddle with their humans too. Considering these facts, French Bulldogs can be good for first-time owners. But there is another side of the coin too. Frenchies have many health issues, even if you get a healthy one. If you are an active kind of person, Frenchie is not the one for you. If you are always busy you should not get a French Bulldog. Frenchies need constant companionship. Moreover, they are pretty expensive doggos to maintain. French Bulldogs genuinely come in small sizes. It takes approximately two years for a Frenchie to become fully grown. The growth level of a French Bulldog Puppy includes seven stages. The first stage starts at 2 to 3 weeks and the last stage ends at 6 to 18 months. At 3 to 4 weeks their sensory development happens. By 4 to 6 months puppies start teething and they need to chew something to relieve. Adulthood of French Bulldogs starts at about 6 months of age. Puppies start to socialize between 4 to 7 weeks. At 6 weeks they are usually ready to adopt. So we can say that the puppy stage of French Bulldogs lasts between 6 to 18 months. A fully grown French Bulldog weighs about 22 to 28 pounds and height will be 11 to 13 inches. Puppy mills are commercial breeding places for producing a huge number of dogs. They produce puppies for profits. Most of the pet stores take their puppy services from these mills. Backyard breeders also breed for profit at their houses. The problem with both of these is that they do not actually take proper care of the dogs. Their dogs do not get sufficient veterinary care, quality foods, and proper medications. They are raised in congested places and kept in cages for almost the entire time. These doggos do not get the scope to learn socializing and are deprived of affection. If you are looking for a healthy puppy, avoid the ads for puppy sale and buy from authentic breeders only. Yes, you can get your French Bulldog from a rescue center too. You may have a low budget and are looking for a more grown-up puppy. You can find a good rescue center for that. Most of the dogs end up in rescue centers for family or financial issues of their previous owners. Frenchies are quite expensive and hard to maintain. So people often give up on them. The good thing is most of these dogs are already vaccinated and dewormed. So you can save up some money. Some dogs in the rescue centers may have serious health issues. But a good-quality rescue center will always listen to your choices. However, some of these dogs may have gone through traumatized situations. Therefore, adopt from a rescue center only if you are ready to provide it love and affection. French Bulldogs are one of the most expensive dogs nowadays. The average cost to buy a French Bulldog is dollars. The maintenance cost is also very high. The main reason behind it is that French Bulldogs need artificial breeding. Because of their critical boy structure, it is necessary for them to get a c-section. This may cost about to dollars. The puppies need regular vet checks, vaccinations, and other medications. The parent dogs also need regular checkups and vaccinations. Moreover, a breeder has to get a license and registration for each dog too. Not to mention the food and other pamperings. A breeder has to invest a handsome amount of money behind his dogs till they go to new owners. This is why pure French Bulldogs are so expensive. Maintaining a French Bulldog Puppy is expensive. You have to get pet insurance for your pup which may cost around 45 to 75 dollars per dog. To get a license you may have to pay 20 dollars per dog. Regular vet check costs about to dollars. Lab tests can charge from around 35 to dollars. For neuter or spaying, you may have to pay dollars or higher. Premium dog food charges 45 dollars for a pound bag, premium dog treats cost 25 dollars per bag. Prescription medications for routine issues expenses are about 30 to dollars, and supplements cost about 50 to dollars. Even though Frenchies do not need much grooming, you still have to keep aside a monthly budget for that too. The cost depends on where you live. What is the most popular French Bulldog color in New Hampshire? French Bulldogs come in unique and beautiful colors. There are white, cream, tan, brindle, piebald, variations of fawn, and other color combinations. The Frenchies also come in some rare colors such as lilac, blue, merle, chocolate, and pure black. However, AKC does not support breeding rare colors. Rare color breeds are likely to have more health issues. Brindle is the most common and popular color everywhere. So it is also popular in New Hampshire. The Blue Frenchies are the rarest breeds in New Hampshire. You can get your desired color of the puppy from any of the breeders I have listed above. What size if French Bulldog Breeder do you prefer? If so, let me know in the comment section. I would love to know about your preferences. Share your thoughts in the comment section below. Related Topics:. Here is a list of excellent French Bulldog breeders in New Hampshire who regularly have gorgeous, healthy Frenchie pups. This list was created to aid you in your search and help you locate the ideal French bulldog breeder for you. They screen their dogs for color and hereditary disorders. Blue, lilac, merle, pied, and fawn Frenchies are among their color options of French Bulldogs. The Hoppers, who run a French Bulldog breeder business, adore breeding Bulldogs. They have owned their own Frenchies for 15 years and have been breeding them since then. To acquire a dog from their list, you must be on it before the deadline. At 6 weeks old, the pups are ready to be chosen. If you make it to the top of the list, you may see which puppy is available. Their dogs are all registered with the AKC. The objective of Colmar Frenchies is to produce high-quality puppies from reputable lineages. Each year, they only breed one female. As a result, the moms are given plenty of rest and health care. Lily, Ruby, and Sadie are three of the mother dogs. The pups are raised at home. They will be dewormed and microchipped, as well as up to date on their vaccinations. The parent Frenchies have OFA certificates for eyes, elbows, and hips. Karen, the owner, is an angel. She treats all of the puppies as if they were her own children. Karen and her spouse care for newborns together. They make sure puppies receive the best possible care and breed-specific high-quality food right from birth. Karen has acquired expertise from a friend of hers who has been breeding dogs for over thirty years. Play Video On Hold A place known for its stunning natural landscapes, New Hampshire has a rich history of industrialism as well as arts and culture. Throughout those nearly 20 years, we have taken pride in the quality of our pups and our dedication to ensuring they are paired with the perfect family or individual. They have a loveable disposition and a larger-than-life personality that is the perfect fit for just about any lifestyle. In addition to this, our puppies come backed with a one-year health guarantee, giving you peace of mind that the puppy you purchase is of sound health and up to date on all vaccinations. To ensure your new French Bulldog puppy has the best chance of quickly acclimating to your household, we also make every effort to socialize them before leaving us. This means providing them with plenty of exposure to both children and other dogs. Convenient Pick-Up and Delivery Options We provide pick-up and ground delivery options for nearby states for your convenience. If you are unable to visit us at our farm in the countryside of Ohio, please contact us for more information and we will work with you to come up with a solution. Contact Shady Grove French Bulldogs to learn more about our puppies and to reserve your Frenchie today. We are excited to introduce you to your new best friend!

The breed is well proportioned and strong with a sturdy, muscular, slightly elongated body that has a light but solid bone structure. The head should be in proportion to its body and have a little bit of a rounded forehead. The nose is most often black, but blue or liver colors still do sometimes occur. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. Its eyes are dark and almond-shaped but never protruding. The ears are wide at its base, pointed, upright, and turned forward. However, it is natural for German Shepherd puppies under about six months to have ears that droop slightly. It also has a bushy tail that reaches below the hocks and hangs down when resting. There are three varieties of the German Shepherd: double coat, plush coat, and longhaired coat. It has a double coat made-up of a thick undercoat and dense, slightly wavy or straight outer coat. Most German Shepherd dogs have tan and black or red and black hair, medium in length and tend to shed all year round. There are some other, more rare color variations such as solid black, solid white, liver and blue. The white coat version is recognized as a separate breed by some breed clubs and is called the American White Shepherd. A piebald color has also occurred and is now being called a Panda Shepherd. Discover more about our German Shepherd puppies for sale below! Disposition The German Shepherd is an intelligent and versatile breed. The breed requires an active lifestyle and makes for an ideal companion, protector, and guard dog. Very devoted to its family and home and usually maintains a suspicious demeanor around strangers. German Shepherds can be dominating and assertive towards other dogs, though normally friendly with other pets in the home. Therefore, it is important to begin training your dog beginning as a puppy in order to avoid negative behaviors later. Exercise This breed is very active and athletic. It requires a lot of physical and mental exercise. Without the proper amount of exercise, it can become frustrated and develop negative behaviors. Participating in canine activities such as agility, herding, tracking, and diving is great exercise and fun for the dog. Training Puppy socialization and training are critical, as well as continuing obedience training to ensure the puppy will become a well-mannered adult. The German Shepherd is a highly intelligent companion and extraordinary worker. Use consistent and positive reward-based training for best results. Grooming The German Shepherd sheds regularly and is a heavy seasonal shedder. As a result, it is best to brush them daily. You only need to bathe them when necessary, however, as over bathing can cause skin irritation from removal of oil on their skin. Check their ears and trim their claws regularly. Origin The German Shepherd Dog originated in Karlsruhe, Germany from longhaired, shorthaired, and wire-haired local herding and farm dogs in the mids. Its now famous qualities of intelligence, agility, speed, stealth, and courage were developed not in a police or military academy but in the sheep pastures of s Germany. The breed gained popularity in the United States during the early s due to the canine movie stars Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart. Unfortunately, because it is among the German breeds including the Dachshund it suffered a decline in popularity due to anti-German sentiment during and after both world wars. However, due to the rise of modern livestock management and the decline of herding as a dog occupation, von Stephanitz promoted his breed as an ideal K-9 worker and today is therefore the preferred breed for police and military units all over the world. See store for details on this particular puppy. American Canine Association. Questions about German Shepherd puppies for sale in Arizona? We have answers. How much do your German Shepherd puppies for sale in Arizona cost? Our goal is to match you with ethical German Shepherd businesses and breeders based on your favorite puppy preferences like breed, size, etc. How can I be sure German Shepherd puppies Arizona are ethically raised? We know that choosing the right German Shepherd breeder is a huge headache, especially with so many options out there. Have a look at our Breeder Pledge for more info. Uptown Puppies does not breed dogs. Rather, we act as MatchMakers for great families looking for awesome dogs from ethical breeders. When you work with Uptown, that means skipping past all of the unethical breeders online and getting straight to the fun part—bringing home your ultimate puppy. Can I meet my dog first? Our partners are proud of their puppies, and love introducing them to their new families. As our partner network continues to grow and expand, odds are pretty good that your dream German Shepherd is already out there waiting for you. MatchMaker is really simple. Next, will use your answers to connect you with matching German Shepherd breeders Phoenix AZ, businesses and litters based on size, temperament, etc. From there, bringing home your new friend is easy—and MatchMaker is totally free. If you want to see the difference that humane breeding practices can make, just take a look at some of our puppy alumni!

Following the Labrador feeding chart by age will give you a rough idea of how much to feed your puppy. Labradors are known for their playfulness, and sweet disposition, and are good at fetch which is why you should provide them with the best nutrition to support their growth. Ensure that the food contains the right amounts of protein, carbs, fat, and vitamins. You should avoid feeding your Labrador puppy too much food as they are prone to joint issues, but also avoid feeding them less food as they will be malnourished and not reach their growth milestones. Continue reading to understand how much to feed a Labrador puppy. The amount of food that your Labrador puppy should eat depends on a combination of certain factors such as activity level, weight, type, and brand of food. Heavier and bigger puppies need to eat more food than smaller puppies, and dogs that have active lives will need more calories than those living sedentary life. Fortunately, all dog food contains a feeding guideline on the packaging to get you started. It is important that you create and maintain a feeding schedule for your puppy so that they can maintain a healthy weight and develop good habits. Consult your pet nutritionist or vet, to learn more about how much food you should give your specific Labrador. Labrador Feeding Chart By Age A Labrador can be fed between one and six cups of food depending on their level of activity, age, and type of food. The amount will differ from one puppy to the other as every puppy has there own requirements. Therefore, you should follow a feeding guideline that is indicated in the dog food brands or the one designed by your vet. As a Labrador owner, it is important to understand that the nutritional requirements of your puppy are different at each stage as they grow. Therefore, adult and puppy dogs should be trained to eat the correct amount at the right schedule. Ensure that you keep a Labrador puppy feeding chart with you. Calculating the Resting Energy Requirement RER of your puppy and doubling it can help you get the right number of calories to feed them. Feed your puppy a little amount, in the beginning, to ensure that they are ready to eat. If they are not ready, do not force the food on them. Be patient with your puppy and they will be on puppy food soon. The puppy will be relying less on the milk. When your puppy starts eating all the food you offer them, you can reduce the amount of water and increase the food amount. The puppy will start becoming active and start exploring away from the mother as they no longer rely on the mother. By the end of the week into week seven, the puppy will be able to eat just puppy food. Ensure that you feed them dry food that is full of healthy protein. They should be eating three to four times per day and need about 2 cups of food. Avoid free feeding the puppy as it may be hard to know exactly how much they are eating. Create a feeding schedule as early as possible and this will help them develop good habits in the future. Put the food out for only 10 to 15 minutes and take the bowl away if they do not finish. This can be tricky if you are working but it is important that you maintain their feeding schedule as this is a developmental stage. Three meals per day will help your growing puppy develop their digestive system and ensure that they are getting their nutrition. This is also the beginning of the teething stage and they will be biting a lot of things including hard dog food and chew toys. They should eat about two cups of food distributed over three meals. But you should still maintain feeding them two cups of food but can reduce the mealtimes to twice per day. Watch out for the amount of food your puppy eats to avoid them gaining weight. Also, ensure that they are getting enough exercise to burn off the food. So, you should transition them to adult food. Ensure that the switching process is done slowly to avoid causing vomiting and diarrhea to your puppy. Your Labrador can be fed once per day now and the amount reduced to about two cups of food. Understanding Labrador Puppy Nutritional Needs If you stick to feeding your Labrador high-quality food, be assured that they are getting all the necessary nutrients. However, it is useful to know the types of nutrients that they need and the ingredients to watch out for. Carbohydrates — healthy carbs are necessary for providing energy for your puppy. Sources like barley, rice, and oatmeal are great. Healthy carbs can also be found in veggies such as sweet potatoes, peas, and lentils. Fiber — it helps regulate the digestive system of your puppy and helps the stool become healthier and firm. Sources include spinach, chicory root, and beet pulp. Sources include fish oils, fish, canola oils, and fish. Vitamins and Minerals — are needed for improving the immune system which helps in protecting your puppy from diseases. Veggies and real fruits like cranberries and blueberries are great sources. The frequency of feeding your Labrador depends mostly on their age. Puppies need to eat three to four times per day while senior and adult Labradors can eat one to two times per day. Labrador is a breed that is motivated by food, meaning that the chance of them turning down food is low. Given their nature, it can be difficult to figure out whether they are really hungry or just food obsessed. Since they cannot regulate their eating habits, it is important that you develop a feeding schedule to prevent them from gaining weight. Both types of food provide your dog with the best nutrition they need to grow and develop. Also, check the label on the packaging and make sure that it contains the perfect balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Kibble is cheaper than wet foods and stores easily as it does not require refrigeration. It also helps clean the teeth by removing tartar and buildup when your puppy chews it. Wet food also provides balanced and complete nutrition for your Labrador. It provides more hydration to your puppy as it contains high moisture content. However, wet food needs to be put in the fridge once opened otherwise it will go bad. Some dog owners mix wet food and kibble to give their dogs the best of both worlds. Therefore, most premium dog food brands have different specially formulated puppy food. Puppies can be fed with puppy food until they are about 12 to 15 months old then transition to adult dog food. When transitioning your dog from puppy food to adult dog food remember to introduce the feed gradually for about seven to ten days by mixing small amounts of the adult dog food with the puppy food. Decrease the puppy food gradually every day with a simultaneous increase in adult dog food. This will helps the pup o adjust to the new meal easily. Experienced Labrador Retriever owners will tell you that not all puppies eat a lot. Studies also have indicated that puppies eat more when fed with other puppies or in a group. When the puppy gets to a new home, they might go off the food for the first few days. They might eat a few kibbles and then leave it. Your puppy may also prefer to eat from your hand and not the bowl. However, call your vet if your puppy refuses to eat for more than four hours. Call immediately if your puppy looks unwell. There are a few reasons you need to keep an eye on because they indicate serious problems: Your pup neither drink nor eat Diarrhea. Remember, Labs do not have a natural food intake regulator so you will need to monitor them with portion control. Using a cheaper brand is a poor option at half the price. You will use twice as much and you will have to clean up larger amounts of waste in your yard. To allow for an accurate control of body weight and growth rate, this amount of food can be dispensed over 3 meals per day. After 5 months of age, the feeding regularity can be reduced to two meals per day with the commensurate increase in food quantity. The amount of food a Labrador puppy requires will increase then level out during first 14 months of their life. At months, their bone density is increasing and their growth plates are set. We do not recommend desexing you pup until at least 3 years of age. This allows for an appropriate development and supply of hormone which in turn produces proper bone, muscle and vital organ development. Table foods dispensed randomly to dogs are not nutritionally balanced. We do not offer our dogs table food at all. There will be no problems if you are feeding a puppy with a homemade diet but it should be prepared from prescribed recipes that are nutritionally complete and balanced. Diets consisting of an unplanned and indiscriminate mixture of human foods particularly including carbohydrates will likely result in obesity and even dietary-induced disease. When you Lab reaches 14months of age, it should be given an adult food that contains less energy and calcium. This will decrease the risk of obesity and orthopaedic conditions. And do not feed them coffee or tea as they can contain caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. These toxic substances can dangerously affect the heart and nervous system. Onions, garlic, raisins and grapes can be severely toxic in labradors. Raw meat is potential source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria for your puppy. Eggs yokes are an excellent source of protein. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin a B vitamin. This can, in extreme cease, lead to skin and coat problems. Liver contains higher levels of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Raw liver can be a source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria. Excessive amounts of liver can cause Vitamin A toxicity. Raw bone chewing will control tartar buildup on a pups teeth. However, bone chewing can cause intestinal blockages and perforations. Never use cooked bones. Commercial Puppy Foods Most commercial puppy foods are designated for small, medium, large and giant breeds. This designation can be found on the label. Puppies of medium sized breeds are less than '25 kg fully grown adult body weight'. A full grown and lean Labrador will usually weigh between 25kg and 45kg. We feed our dogs at the 'lower' level of the recommended range. The 'Hills Body Fat Index' is a very helpful body shape indicator. The same food as the bitch You should feed your new puppy with the same brand of food as the bitch received during lactation. From 2 weeks into pregnancy, our expectant mothers are fed 'Royal Canin Labrador Puppy' food. Introducing a new brand of food If you are wanting to introduce a new brand of food to your puppy, then blend it gradually with the existing brand in increasing amounts over 3 days. This should prevent food rejection and any kind of gastric upset. It is best to choose a diet designed for large breed puppies. Selected commercial feeds should contain a limited percentage of filler compounds. Pawlinglabs uses Royal Canin Labrador as our preferred option. Growing labradors Labrador pups have a very steep growth curve, and their total daily energy needs do increase as they grow. Calculate the amount of puppy food that will satisfy that need. The feeding guidelines on the commercial pet food label provides an estimated quantity of feed for several different ranges in body size. These instructions will give you an estimated starting point for the particular brand. Medium or large? Medium breeds should be transitioned to an adult diet by 12 months of age, while large breeds between 14 — 18 months of age. Mature female labradors are medium and weight approx kg. Mature males are large and weight approx kg. Their calcium and energy content should not exceed that level recommended by a registered nutritionalist. Sound skeletal development Sound skeletal development in labradors is produced by the interaction of genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. The phase prior to weaning and the growth phase, up to 14 months are integral to sound skeletal structure. Don't take your young pup on extended distance walks and certainly not 'running' until at least 18mths of age. You must avoid stairs and slippery floors for the same reasons. Their growth plates are set at about mths of age. Feeding and Overfeeding Large breeds like Labradors are the most susceptible to skeletal disease. Feed consumption, nutrients balance and feeding methods influence our ability to produce sound skeletal development and eliminate skeletal disease. Appropriate food consumption and nutrition plays a critical role in bone development. Overfeeding will not increase or benefit the growth rate of young and growing labrador puppies. And it does not correlate with optimal adult size. However, it does increase the risk of skeletal abnormalities. The vast majority of skeletal disorders occur in large breeds including labradors and they are associated with consumption of table food and an excessive intake of a commercial food and supplementation. The large breeds like labradors are limited in their ability to cope with an excess of minerals such as calcium. The result of this over consumption is abnormal bone development and skeletal disorders. Nutritional management will be critical in the to prevention of bone and joint diseases. In most cases, skeletal disease can prevented by appropriate quantities of feed in a regulated diet with optimal nutrient levels. A complete and balanced commercial diet is essential. Dietary deficiencies will be of little concern if your labrador pup is fed with a complete and balanced commercial diet. Brands like Eukanuba and Royal Canin are specifically formulated for young, growing labradors. There is real potential for harm by over feeding and giving additional supplementation. Housing safety and activity levels Housing safety and activity levels are under the your influence. Nutrition is also under your control and it is the single most important factor affecting the development of the musculoskeletal system. Energy, protein, and calcium are the critical nutritional components affecting skeletal development. However, if they are given in excess, they will be detrimental to normal bone and joint growth. Most pet owners feed commercial dog food. These prepared diets are balanced and complete. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. Made with real meat and no artificial colors or flavors how much should a lab eat? Allergies Labs can also have allergies. Some dogs may be allergic to wheat, macadamia nuts, etc. It can manifest as a runny nose, high volumes of shedding, rashes on the skin, and so on. Different dietary needs are crucial, especially if they display allergy symptoms. Avoid all types of human foods. You can give your lab puppy supplements You can get great quality adult dog food and puppy kibble from companies like Royal Canin Labrador Retriever, Blue Buffalo, Canidae Grain-Free, etc. Only adult food must be given to labrador retrievers who have crossed 1. Your puppy needs 4 small meals consisting of half a cup of food per meal till he is 2 months old. From 2 to 6 months, he needs 3 meals daily consisting of 1 cup of food per meal. From 6 months onwards , you can give your puppy 2 meals daily of 2 cups of dog food per meal. Is This A Problem? Yes, this is a major problem! Fat dogs are adorable but also extremely unhealthy. An adult labrador retriever should weigh at most pounds. Labs that are fatter than this stand at the risk of obesity, arthritis , and other lifelong diseases. Refrain from feeding your labrador too many dog treats. Onions and garlic: surprisingly, anything in the onion and garlic family is incredibly toxic to dogs. Meat with bones: if not chewed properly, sharp edges can rupture the throat, stomach lining, intestines, and other parts of the digestive tract. Other human foods and beverages to avoid giving your dog are alcohol, sugar, citric fruits, and anything with caffeine. Your labrador retriever should weigh between 55 to 70 pounds at full adulthood. Male labs are heavier than female labs, so they can fall on either side of the optimal weight spectrum. Some healthy treats for your labrador retriever are cut fruits and vegetables. Carrots, celery, cucumber, beetroot, apples, bananas, and berries strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, etc. Dogs also love peanut butter! Veggies dipped in peanut butter also make a great snack for your dog. This is entirely up to you as dog owners. If you have the time and patience to cook meals for your dog, go for it. Store-bought food is easier and is filled with the right nutritional requirements for your lab puppy. On the other hand, with the right recipe, home-cooked food works, too. What Should I Do? A dog growling at you when you go near his food bowl is most commonly a trauma response or a way to protect his food. We often see this with rescues. House training your lab puppy is equally important to avoid food aggression. Labrador Retrievers get piddly after their meals. Dog owners must take out their lab puppy as frequently as they eat sometimes even more often to let their energy out and adult labradors less frequently. A lab puppy needs a ton of exercise. The amount of kibble you should feed your Labrador puppy will vary depending on their age, weight, and activity level. A good rule of thumb is to start with cups of kibble daily and adjust as needed. Best Dog Food For Lab Puppies: The best dog foods for lab puppies include those that are high in protein and low in fillers. The food you should feed a black lab puppy is the same as for any other Labrador puppy. A chocolate lab puppy should be fed the same food as for any other Labrador puppy. A 2-year-old chocolate lab should eat about cups of kibble daily. You should stop feeding puppy food to your Labrador at around months of age. At this point, their growth plates will have closed, and they will no longer need the extra nutrients found in puppy food. Labradors live for years. They start to slow down around 7 and may develop some health problems in their senior years. You should also increase their exercise level. Lab breeders feed their dogs high-quality dog food specifically formulated for large-breed puppies. A lab puppy should drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. This amount may increase as they get older and more active. A labrador needs at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This can be a combination of walking, running, and playing. Golden labs live for years. Chocolate labs live for years same like labs of any color. Labradors lose their baby teeth between 3 and 6 months of age. You can start to transition your puppy to eating twice a day at around 6 months of age. By the time they are 1 year old, they should eat only once daily. You should stop feeding your large breed puppy food at around 18 months of age. Why Are Labs So Hungry? Labradors are a very active breed of dog, and they need a lot of calories to fuel their energy levels. They are also prone to gaining weight, so keep a close eye on their food intake About The Author Shradha Kabra Shradha is a seasoned writer at Labradorandyou. Her experience as a pet owner and dog enthusiast drives her to create meticulously researched and fact-checked content, offering valuable insights on Labrador training, grooming, and health. Each article reflects Shradha's passion and dedication, enriched by personal experiences with her beloved Labradors, Tom, and Kurt. Whether exploring breed-specific training techniques or providing product reviews, Shradha ensures Labrador owners receive the most accurate, up-to-date, and trustworthy information, aimed at enhancing their companions' health and happiness. Before adopting a Labrador Retriever puppy, many owners go to great lengths to deduce the optimal food for their pup. From raw feed to canned food from a local pet store, there are plenty of dog food options for owners to consider, but which is the best dog food? Whether you feed your puppy a raw food diet or commercial dog foods, there are lots of ways for your pup to consume a balanced diet. There are plenty of sources that will describe the benefits of one diet over another, but remember that no one knows your puppy better than you. The decision to feed your dog a diet that you think is best is yours to make. There really is no right or wrong answer when it comes to selecting a food for your puppy. Your pooch will likely enjoy eating wet food just as much as they enjoy commercial dog food. So long as you feed your pup an adequate amount of food, they are likely to live a long and healthy life. If you would like specific advice about feeding your individual puppy, you may wish to consult with your veterinarian or other dog food expert. When you first bring your puppy home, it can be alarming if your dog does not touch its puppy food during the first few days at home. Is this cause for concern? Noticing that your precious pup is not eating can be a frightening realization. Prior to being welcomed to its forever home, your Lab puppy was accustomed to living with its mother and siblings. Therefore, being uprooted from this life can initially be a startling experience for a dog. Fortunately, puppies should develop an appetite within a day or two of entering their forever home-they just need a short time to adjust to their new life. If, after a few days, your puppy is still not eating their dog food, it may be a wise idea to have your puppy evaluated by a vet. Feeding A Two-Month-Old Labrador Retriever Two months old is about the earliest point at which a Labrador puppy can be brought home by their new family. When a Labrador puppy begins to eat solid food, it will not be eating a ton of food. So, owners can start their Lab puppy off with somewhere around 0. As your puppy grows older and gets bigger, owners should look to increase the amount of food for their Labrador pup. By the time a puppy is nearing three months old, it should be eating well over 1 cup of food every day. Some puppies may be consuming close to two cups of dog food at this time. This increase in size means that their appetite has also surely grown since bringing them home. By the time a Labrador puppy is around 3 months old, it should be eating close to 1. Large three-month-old Labrador puppies can be away a substantial amount of food as they are near four months old. Some puppies will be able to consume around 3 cups of food daily at this point in their lives, but most will be eating closer to 2 cups of dog food every day. If your pup seems hungry and looks to be a healthy weight, there is no need for owners to be concerned about how much food their three-month-old Lab is consuming. Your precious pooch will start to look more like an adult with each passing day. Therefore, it is essential to feed your dog enough food to promote the weight gain that makes dogs thrive. Four-month-old Labrador Retrievers should be given at least two cups of food daily. The biggest, most ravenous Labs will eat close to 3. However, only dogs on the large end of the puppy spectrum will need to eat this much at this time. Average four to five-month-old Labs should eat anywhere from 2 to 3 cups of food daily. Labrador Retriever teenagers are characterized by disproportionate body parts, distracted behavior, and dispositions that range from silly to ornery. Therefore, getting enough food to support such development is imperative. A six-month-old Labrador will surely be able to eat at least 2. This will ensure proper growth for your pooch. As your puppy reaches the point in which it is 7 to 8 months old, continue to increase the amount of food that your puppy receives. Labrador Retriever puppies that are close to 9 months old can eat more than 4 cups of food daily. However, your furry friend is more likely to consume 2. Instead, your pup is likely nearing its adult size. So, how much food should ten to twelve-month-old Labs be eating? Puppies that consume quantities of food on the low end of the spectrum should be consuming at least 3 cups of food every day during this time. On the other hand, large Lab pups that are between 10 to 12 months old could be eating 4. If your puppy is on the brink of adulthood, it would be wise to consider weaning it off of its puppy food in favor of adult dog food. All Lab puppies should be offered adult dog food when they reach maturity, as such food replaces nutrients that are essential for puppies with ingredients that benefit adults. Whereas puppies should eat food that increases their body weight, adult Labs should eat food that maintains their weight. So, if you think it may be time to switch your Labrador Retriever to an adult dog food diet, consult with your vet and find a food that is best for your adult Lab. Of course, the mature size of your pooch will dictate how much food it can and should be consuming every day. Generally, it is advisable to feed an adult Labrador anywhere from 3 to just over 4 cups of food every day. Gauge the weight and appetite of your pet to determine the perfect amount for your furry friend. Though the above recommendation will be perfect for most adult Labs, there are some instances in which mature Labradors will require more adult food. Pregnant Or Lactating Labs A Labrador who is pregnant or lactating will require substantial amounts of food to nourish herself and her litter of pups. Therefore, owners should be prepared to offer vast quantities of food to their Labrador mothers. While a typical adult Labrador will consume 3 to 4 cups of food every day, Labrador mothers should be offered around 6 cups of food at least to keep up with their enormous energy requirements. If your mother Labrador snarfs this food down and still seems hungry afterward, be prepared to offer her additional food. Especially Active Labs If your Labrador is an athletic specimen, it may need to consume more than a typical adult Lab to fuel the exercise regime that such a dog is accustomed to. Dogs that receive more than one hour of daily exercise could be considered especially active dogs. Owners can begin by offering these pooches 4. If they still seem hungry, owners can increase the amount of food given to these dogs. Once a dog reaches the golden years of its life, it is once again time to switch up its diet. Senior dogs should consume food that caters to the needs of their aging bodies. These pooches can get away with eating a low-protein diet whereas such food would not be appropriate for puppies or adults. Given that senior dogs are usually not especially active dogs, they do not require as much food compared to adult and large puppies. Therefore, supplying a senior Lab with anywhere from 2 to just over 3 cups of food daily should be plenty for your pooch. Now that you know how much to feed your Labrador, you are likely curious about the number of times that your dog should be fed every day. Some may be looking for a quick answer about how often to feed a Labrador every day, but the truth is nuanced. When it comes to feeding your Lab, it turns out that Labs of different ages should be fed different amounts of food every day. Read on to discover the perfect number of meals for your Lab. An infant Labrador Retriever should have its daily food allotment broken up into at least 4 meals every day. This will help supply these petite pups with the energy that they need to get through the day. Lab puppies that are four to twelve months old do not require as many meals as their younger counterparts. However, these dogs should still receive three meals per day to support their rapid metabolism. Feeding one meal in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the evening is optimal. Adult Labs do not need to eat as many meals are puppies due to their slower metabolisms. Supplying an adult Labrador Retriever with two meals every day would be perfect for these dogs. Ideally, adult dogs will be fed one meal in the morning and one in the evening. When your furry friend reaches the point in their life where they are considered to be a senior dog, your pooch will have the slowest metabolism in their life. The slow metabolism for senior Labs means that these dogs do not need to eat as frequently as they did when they were younger. In fact, senior Labrador Retrievers can get by with eating a single meal every day. One to two meals per day is ideal for a senior Labrador Retriever. Owners can see if their senior Lab prefers one or two meals each day by allowing them to try each option. Is this because these dogs are prone to obesity or simply because there are so many Labs out and about? It turns out that Labrador Retrievers are more prone to obesity than many other dog breeds. Labs have evolved to be very active dogs. If owners fail to provide their dogs with proper exercise and feed their furry friends excessive amounts of food, there is a good chance that owners will end up with overweight dogs. Why Is My Labrador Overweight? If you are someone who owns an overweight Labrador, you are not alone. Overweight Labs are still lovable pooches, but they could stand to lose some pounds for their own good. Obviously, feeding your dog less food is likely to be one of the keys to helping your canine companion to lose weight. However, you may be wondering what else you can do to help your Labrador lose weight. Well, if you do not frequently exercise your dog, then this is a good place to start. Try feeding your dog its typical amount of food but increasing its exercise to see if it starts to lose weight. For those that are still struggling to get your pooch to lose weight, be sure to cut out table scraps and dog treats from the diet of your dog. Moreover, be sure that you are not free feeding your Labrador Retriever. Free feeding is acceptable for puppies when they are infants, but Labradors that are any other age should not be free fed, for this can also result in a chunky pooch. If you fear that your dog is consuming its food too quickly, there are plenty of feeding methods to help your pooch slow down. Obesity in dogs is a serious issue. We briefly touched on this subject when discussing the best foods for Lab puppies, and the same advice will apply here. Some owners feed raw to their Labs, while others may feed kibble. Does this mean that those who practice raw feeding are likely to own healthier dogs compared to those feeding kibble to their dogs? Of course not! High-quality dog food may take many different forms. A raw diet could provide your dog with all of the nutrients that it needs, but it is not inherently better for your dog than dry food or homemade food. Ultimately, owners know their Lab better than anyone else, so they should have the final say regarding what to feed their dog. Deciding what to feed your Labrador can be an overwhelming prospect. Consult A Veterinarian Inquiring with a trusted veterinarian about the diet of your Labrador Retriever will help an owner determine the optimal food intake for their precious pooch. They may also recommend certain dog foods that can be purchased to feed a Labrador. A feeding chart will provide information related to how much food to provide a Lab based on its age. A feeding guide may even break down how much food to feed a Labrador based on its weight. There are plenty of Labrador Puppy feeding chart options and feeding guides for adults. Finding a feeding chart that was created by a trusted source like the American Kennel Club can help you make an informed decision about how much to feed your furry friend. Ultimately, a feeding guide is a good place to turn if you find yourself in need of a quick answer about the topic of how much to feed your Lab. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, you can reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.

Place your dog on a regular feeding schedule so you can predict when they'll need to go outside, and praise them, pat them, and give them a small treat every time they demonstrate good behaviour. Wee Away is great and smells great. It is an enzyme based product that sanitizes your dog Toilet area, remove smells, and breaks down the acid in your dogs wee that can cause carpet stains. With regular use Wee Care creates an odor free, living area for your pet We recommend frequent tooth brushing with pet-safe enzymatic toothpaste. Teaching your puppy to accept toothbrushing early makes it easier and more enjoyable for them as adults. We like Virbac C. Enzymatic Toothpaste in Vanilla Mint. The Quantum LeashTM is an award-winning, versatile dog lead that converts into 6 different styles. With a simple carabiner adjustment, this leash easily switches styles depending on your activity. With a quick change, it can become a double dog walker. A floating padded handle provides you with the utmost comfort and support in every configuration. Available in regular nylon and reflective nylon. Grooming An Exercise Pen is another great option for house-breaking. Helping to keep your pup safe and contained, exercise pens can be used in conjunction with a crate so pup can go in and out as they please. This can help alleviate some of the whining and crying that can occur as they adjust to the crate. A collar may be used for control, identification, fashion, or other purposes. Collars are often used in conjunction with a leash, and a common alternative to a dog collar is a dogharness. Book an appointment before your puppy goes home. This could happen, but most likely, your pup will prefer the feel of cool tile or hardwood floor beneath them. We love the raised hammock dog beds. There are many to chose from. You can see a few options here. How often will I need to groom my Bernedoodle? A thorough brushing 2 x a week until you puppy is 6 months old will be enough. You will want to bath your puppy every 6 weeks. Before bathing brush out all matts. This will prevent matting. Between baths you can use a leave in shampoo. We use the slicker brush if there are no matts. If they are matted we use the rake style brush first than the slicker brush. You will not need to shave your bernedoodle all the way down until they are around 12 months unless you let them get matted. Pictures below are an example of one of our Mini Bernedoodles. We gave her the doodle groom and to show what a shaved Bernedoodle looks like we shaved her all the way down. Are you planning for the arrival of your new puppy from Utahberneoodles. We consider the following items as proactive investments to tackle some challenges inherent with a new puppy. We understand the abundance of "stuff" that one can accumulate with a new puppy, and we hope this list will give you a head start on getting organized and identifying helpful tools to create a solid foundation for adulthood. Airline Approved Puppy carrier Walking harnesses make walks more enjoyable. A dog harness is piece of equipment for dogs, generally similar to harness tack for horses. There are various designs depending on the type of use, whether it be for assistance to a person with a disability, hauling a cart or sled, or pulling a human being, such as in skijoring or pulka. Will you be flying in to pick up your puppy? If you plan to fly in and meet us at the airport, you will need an airline approved puppy carrier that can fit in cabin with you. You can get my favorite carrier at amazon using the link below. Your pets deserve the best start in life. Short bursts of energy on a grassy surface is optimal. We recommend having several different chew toys for your puppy. You can see a few different options here. Pet Insurance Most puppies have sensitive stomachs. When bringing a new puppy home is is a good idea to have a few things on hand. We like to have dia gel and a good probiotic. Toys Puppy Books We believe nutrition is the number one way to maintain a healthy dog. We have tried a variety of foods and there are many great dog foods to choose from. Do your homework and feed your beloved family member a quality diet. We will let you know what we are feeding your puppy so you can be prepared for your new family members arrival. If you plan to feed something different that is fine. But please do so after your puppy is home for at least 1 month. Nutrition Dog Bed Exercise Pen We list Pet Insurance as a top "shopping" item because sometimes it goes by the wayside until an incident occurs. Many plans do not activate until the following month of purchase, please plan accordingly. We're advocates of crate training. When integrated properly, crate-training is extremely effective for house-training and transitioning a puppy to their new home. We like the Midwest iCrate because of its quality, affordability, and the fact that it folds down easily for transport. The included divider panel allows you to use the same crate from puppy to adult. Air freshener Where to Find an Adorable Bernedoodle? Looking for a Bernedoodle puppy? PuppySpot is the perfect place to start your search! Each puppy comes with a comprehensive health guarantee, so you can be sure that your new furry friend is healthy and happy. They give back to the pet community by supporting various animal-related charities and initiatives. PuppySpot really is a convenient and ethical way to find your adorable Bernedoodle puppy. So why not check them out and add a new furry family member to your home? Getting Your Home Ready Thinking about the logistics of having this new member of the family living in your home is essential. Do not leave it until the Bernedoodle puppy arrives. Potty Place Think about where your new puppy is going to go potty. Your new Bernedoodle puppy must learn from the very beginning that this one place is OK to go potty, and that other places it is not OK. Postponing this training will lead to the puppy adopting bad habits. I had a friend once who brought their puppy home in a wire cat box. They placed it down in the corner of the living room on a hard floor, and the puppy decided that this wire cage was the place to go pee and poo. They laughed about it at first and allowed this to continue thinking that the puppy would soon move on to somewhere more suitable. Recently they have managed to convince it to go outside next to the wire cage, which has been placed in the yard, but it is slow progress. Sleeping Arrangements Now just like when you bring a new baby home, you are likely to have some disturbed nights at first. Your puppy is used to sleeping with the rest of the litter and not used to being alone. Leaving its parents and brother and sisters is a huge hurdle to overcome. You and the puppy will get better sleep at night if at first, you let the puppy sleep in a cage at the side of the bed. They will be reassured by being close to you the substitute parent. Inside the cage place a simple waterproof mat and a comforter an old teeshirt or something that has your smell or that of the breeder. Internal Gates Your new puppy is going to be curious and wanting to look around the whole house. We were fortunate when we brought our puppy home as we had open plan stairs and looking through the steps at the floor below scared him. He had a real fear of heights; even if we held him close to an upstairs window, he would turn away rather than looking down. So climbing the stairs was an issue and he never built up the courage to climb past the first couple of steps until he was about ten months, when suddenly he bounded up the stairs at speed. Placing child gates around the house will make life so much easier and allow you to confine the puppy to designated rooms. It will enable them less chance of creating mischief and ensures they remain safe. Potential Hazards Your house is full of potential hazards. Log trailing cables running across the floor will be something that your puppy will take great delight in trying to chew. A bottle of bleach standing beside the toilet will be a challenge. Your puppy will see just about anything as something he can play with and chew. Keep hazards out of his reach. Garbage Bins Indoor rubbish bins, especially in the kitchen, are a source of great wonder for your puppy. All those interesting food smells coming from inside, and all that stuff to play with. If your puppy gets the opportunity, he will find a way of tipping it over so he can access the goodies inside. Similarly, when he gets access to the yard, he will also take great delight in the challenge of accessing your garbage. Playtime aids You will find it much easier if you use the baby gates to seal off one room or a playpen to seal off a small area of the house. In that living space, you can place his water and food bowls, some toys, and somewhere to lay. The absolute worst thing you can do when these situations occur is to shout and scare the dog or smack it. All that will achieve is to make the dog scared of you, which will slow down future training. The dog is not doing it to annoy you; he genuinely has not worked out what your master plan is and where the potty area is. Bernedoodles are clever dogs, and he should learn this faster than some other breeds. Choosing the Correct Diet When you first bring your Berndoodle back from the breeders, hopefully, you will have supplies of the same food that he is already used to eating. When you first get the puppy, his stomach is only just adjusting to solid foods, so make sure that you are feeding him puppy food specially designed for sensitive stomachs. Do not just buy and dog food. House arrest Keeping your dog confined to a designated part of the house or in a playpen is in his own interest. You are protecting his safety. The area within the playpen or designated area should be free of things that your puppy can choke on, or harm himself with. The confinement is also very much in your interest because you know that when you are out of sight, he is not doing any damage around the house, or finding ways to break out. Choose somewhere that has hard floors, so that if there are ay accidents, it is easier to clean up. Now whether you think so or not, there will be times when your Bernedoodle is going to have to be left alone. It happens. In this case, it is essential to confine your dog to his designated area — the puppy haven, for his safety. He will be familiar with this area and less frightened than less familiar parts of the house. Puppy Haven Let your dog feel good about the designated area. Do not make your Bernedoodle think it is a punishment. Instead, make him believe that it is a playground that contains his favorite toys and foods—a place where he likes to go. Comforters Comforters will contain your scent on an old unwashed shirt or something along those lines. They feel calm when they have the comforter; These should be in the puppy-haven if you have to go out and leave them. They should also be in the cage when they are put there to sleep. The presence of the comforter should make these places feel safe. Taken away from their parents and siblings, they are suddenly all alone and unsure of what is happening. By making the right preparations, you can make this transition easier for your Bernedoodle. Do it right, and they will switch that famous Bernese Mountain Dog loyalty to you and form a lifelong relationship. You have made an excellent choice in selecting a Bernedoodle. A little patience and thought for the first few weeks will be an investment that is repaid for many years by your dog as he grows. We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. Not a huge deal, but good to avoid if possible. FYI we have Nationwide and are pretty happy with it so far. Socialization classes: Socialization classes with other dogs the same age and same vaccine level were a huge win for us. Knowing she will confidently run up to and play with any dog makes us so happy and is the result of just a few of these classes. Sign up for these early as spots are limited, especially during Covid times. Vet appointment: Similar to socialization classes, vet appointments are hard to come by with all these new puppies. Once we knew what date we were getting Moose, we made her first vet check up for the next day. Training plan: Start figuring out how you want to approach training. We did all of our training at home from Zak George videos on YouTube. Here are the essential items for the first few weeks. Crate : You likely hear about crate training a lot. We can post more about crates if people are interested! The two worked really well together. We also adjusted her playpen from a small circle around her crate to blocking off part of the living room and eventually blocking off half of the apartment. Bed optional : I would wait on this one, honestly! So many things to buy and set up at once. Food, snacks, etc. Kibble: Find out what food your dog has been having with the breeder or shelter. We chose to keep Moose on the recommended kibble. Treats : Again, you have years to buy more treats. We did a lot of dehydrated chicken before expanding to other meats. We used ice cream bowls the first few months because her bowls were way too large for her servings. Many people swear by potty pads, but we mostly stuck with grass and tanbark patches. These made it easy for her to transition to pottying outside once vaccinated. Lots more to say here so let us know if you have questions. Potty spray : Accidents are going to happen. Poop bags : These are a good one to get a subscription on because you know.We used them a ton before Moose was fully vaccinated if she went anywhere public to help reduce the risk of a disease etc. Brush : Start brushing your puppy in the first few days so they get used to it. Lightweight ones are great while your pup is small. We got a rope one we loved, but it was too heavy for Moose until she was 6 months old. We ended up getting a few of the same one but you can mix and match. Start with smaller, lighter toys. Learn which toys your dog is having the most fun with, then buy more. Rotate them around so they still feel new and exciting. We got a simple soft one for carrying her around before she had her vaccines. It also gave us more peace of mind and confidence leaving her alone for short periods of time without worrying that she was disturbing our neighbors. Have questions or topics you want to hear more about? Let us know in comments below! Choose small or large breed depending on the full grown size your puppy will be. You can buy this online at Chewy. You can also find it at Tractor Supply Stores. Feed your puppy by hand fun task for kids! Grain free has been linked to heart problems in multiple clinical studies. An Adjustable Crate: Extra large, large, medium or small depending on the full grown size your puppy will grow to. When the divider is incerted correctly, your pup should be able to stand up, turn around and lay down comfortably. If your puppy is attending Foundations training, for the smoothest transition, purchase a hard shell travel crate fitted snugly to your puppy based on measurements. This is the type of crate they will have become accustomed to at Foundations Training. The collar will be for the puppy ID information. Front lead harnesses are best for teaching your puppy not to pull and for having kids walk the dog but only after they have learned how to walk on a leash with either a collar or back lead harness. Schedule a Vet Visit for their 10 week Distemper Shot: This should be given when the puppy is 10 weeks old along with the kennel cough vaccination. At 14 weeks old, the final distemper shot and at 16 weeks old, the rabies vaccination can be given. We will go over this in detail on gotcha day as well. A thin blanket or towel works well. Recently I discovered amazon sells machine washable area rugs in all sizes! This is a critical time for socialization as the window for introducing new people, places, things and animals closes at 16 weeks. If you have kids, this makes for a fun scavenger hunt! Any neighborhood dogs? Schedule play dates! Supervise closely if there is a big difference in size and do make sure the other dogs are up to date on vaccinations. Some trainers are great patient, understands puppy development, love their job vs. Be selective! And, be present unless you have vetted your trainer very well and they have excellent, recent reviews. Private sessions for basic obedience if you prefer should only be in addition to group puppy training, not instead of. Half days are also great! Dog Walkers: There are two kids of dog walker; A. I recommend having the puppy sleep in your room for at least weeks until they have adjusted to life as an independent puppy, without their siblings around them. This visit should be short and full of praise and rewards for being good. Blow dry C. Ears cleaned E. Nails trimmed. Establish with the groomer before you leave your puppy and agree that your puppy is not matted. Groomers shave doodles down for 4 reasons: 1. The boss requires X number of dogs to be groomed per day 4. Your pup is actually matted. If you love certain features ie; brown eyebrows or long eye lashes tell them to keep them! If your puppy is squealing when you brush them, double check that you bought the correct type of brush slicker. Rounded end scissors for trimming around the eyes in between grooming appointments, Nail Trimmers and Kwik Stop: Incase you cut the nail too short by accident and it bleeds. The quick will grow into their nails as their nails get longer. Flea and Tick Preventative: Ticks those nasty little buggers are active anytime the ground thaws, even if there is a one day thaw in February. They work for months! The only exception to this recommendation is if you have children who have hands in their mouth a lot. Tip: leave the collar long enough to allow 7 months of growth! This is a prescription only and you can get it through your vet. Heartguard is not optional! The treatment for heart worms is a series of injections directly into the spine- very painful. Never mind the consequences of having heart worms…which can include death. Foundations Training. .Please see the video below and click this here for more information. This one is magical. .Welcoming a Bernedoodle Puppy: How to Prepare with Proper Supplies February 13, Bernedoodles are lovable, playful dogs that like spending time outside as much as they enjoy curling up on the couch. They are excellent family dogs and have a special affection for children. Because they are the offspring of poodles, they also inherit a nearly hypoallergenic coat. The Bernedoodle, a hybrid between a Bernese Mountain dog and a poodle, was first bred in .They were raised primarily to be family pets, and thrive when showered with affection and cuddles. When it comes to Bernedoodles, they are equally at home on the sofa or trekking with their owners. They might be stubborn and uncooperative at first, but quickly learn to control their behavior. Preparation These preparatory tasks will help you and your house to welcome a new dog. Before bringing home a new puppy, certain considerations should be taken into account. These include where the puppy will spend its first night, who will be responsible for its care, and whether you have the necessary materials on hand. Keep your cool and avoid bringing home a Bernedoodle when it is not the right moment. Make sure you do your homework beforehand. Learn how to care for and nurture a puppy before you bring one home. Many adjustments will be necessary for your house to accommodate this new family member. And if finding the right items seems hard, Doodle websites like WeLoveDoodles can help you with the required information. It is common practice to teach dogs to sleep in crates to give them a sense of security. Pick a spot for your dog to eat. Keep their food where they can reach it. Baby gates can be used to keep your puppy out of particular areas of your house. Ensure your house is safe for your puppy by performing proper inspections, such as toxic plants, cleaning chemicals, and wires. Buy the Right Supplies Your new puppy will need a place to sleep, such as a kennel or a bed. Bowls for food and drink are a necessity. You cannot take them on a stroll without a leash, tag, harness, or any other type of leash attachment. When training your puppy, you should use a harness. If you are a frequent traveler, a vehicle restraint is a must for the protection of your dog. There are poo bags and puppy pads for both indoor and outdoor usage. Food Check with the shelter or breeder on food the Bernedoodle has been used to. Purchase the same bag and keep it on hand at your home. When it comes to welcoming your puppy to their new home, nothing beats a delicious dinner and some playtime! Having their food brand on hand will save you the stress of running to the store to find the brand they need. Choose a vet-recommended brand specifically designed for young puppies and ease them into it with a bit of new food mixed in and gradually increase over time. Bed If you are house training your Bernedoodle, we suggest that you choose a bed that takes up the majority of the available space in your cage. Collar You should start training your puppy to wear a collar as soon as possible. Treats After using the potty, your dog probably wants a big snuggle and some playfulness. Grooming Tools Every weeks, you should take your Bernedoodle to a professional groomer to get their hair trimmed. The sooner you start brushing your dog, the easier it will be for them to adapt to it. Brushing can be done as frequently or as little as you choose. Also, you will need to get bath supplies for your dog. Dogs should be bathed correctly and with the right items. Here is a list of supplies you should get before welcoming a Bernedoodle puppy. Puppy food. Preparing for Your New Puppy -Schedule an appointment with your vet I ask that you have your puppy seen by your veterinarian within 3 days of bringing them home. It is important to keep them up to date on their vaccinations. Please send me a copy of the vet report within 30 days of taking your puppy home. You can text it to me at or you can email it to me at backroadsminibernedoodles gmail. I offer a 1-year congenital health guarantee and will refund the price of your puppy if a congenital health condition arises within the 1st year, however, you will be responsible for fees beyond that amount. Having Pet Insurance can give you peace of mind in knowing that your pet is covered if the unexpected were to occur. I recommend feeding the puppy starter food for days after bringing your puppy home. I will be sending a gallon sized bag of it home with you so there is no need for you to purchase any starter food. I will be sending a pint-sized bag of it home with you as well. Please follow the chart on the back of the dog food bag for instructions on how often and how much to feed your puppy. There are many wonderful brands of dog food available for your puppy. If you choose to feed something other than Royal Canin, please remember to do a gradual transition when switching it up. Changing their food, without a gradual transition period, can cause unwanted stomach and bowel issues for your puppy. Simply put, it is the best nutritional supplement available today. Hundreds of thousands of dogs and cats are using NuVet Plus to provide optimal health and a strong immune system. A strong immune system will protect them from environmental and food toxins such as back yard pesticides, hormones, toxic formaldehyde in furniture and carpeting. NuVet Plus also supports proper development as well as a beautiful skin and coat. This is not just a vitamin. For puppies — Fills the immunity gap all puppies experience. Shortly after birth maternal antibody effectiveness is greatly reduced. Once in their new home, the immune system is weakened by the stress of adoption and exposure to novel bacteria and viruses in their environment. This is also when the vaccine series is started. Vaccines are most effective if the immune system can respond properly. Starting NuVet Plus now is important to helping your puppy grow into a healthy adult. For dogs in their prime — Provides the necessary antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to sustain peak performance during the prime of their lives. For older dogs — Helps provide the nutritional needs to live long, happy, and productive lives in their senior years. I highly recommend NuVet Plus to keep your puppy on the path to perfect health! For your convenience, you may order directly from the manufacturer by calling and using Order Code: or ordering online at www. Please order prior to picking up your pup! They will be eager to please you so use lots of positive reinforcement. Set clear boundaries and limits and again, be consistent. For potty training, I would recommend taking them outside every hour during the day for the first couple of weeks. Take them to the same spot every time. Be sure to affirm them with a positive response when they complete the task! Your puppy will also need to go outside right after waking up and a few minutes after eating or drinking. Bell training your puppy from the start is also helpful. Simply hang a bell next to the door and have them touch it with their paw each time you take them outside to potty. You might have to help them at first, but they catch on quickly. Crate training is highly encouraged! Visit the link below for a short, helpful video on how to crate train your puppy: -Exercise Bernedoodles require a moderate amount of exercise. It is recommended that they be groomed every weeks. I would recommend a medium sized crate that has a divider in it so you can adjust it as your puppy grows. Made of ecoFLEX, a non-toxic recycled plastic-wood polymer composite material that won't warp, crack or split. Spindles made of stainless steel tubing and a stainless latch; double latches on large and X-Large Crates. Easy, no-tools assembly. Make sure to check the size before purchasing. Buy Now These are our absolutely favorite beds for our dogs! They give your dog a lift with the orthopedic support and comfort of a patented chew proof design. Dogs are kept cool in summer months because of air circulation underneath the bed and are lifted up off cold hard floors in the winter! Buy Now This exercise pen works great as a puppy playpen. This pen comes in multiple sizes, so make sure to check the size before ordering! Installs in seconds with quick-release clips and sturdy seat anchors. Hose it down, wipe down with a moist towel, or toss it in the washer to keep it looking fresh and clean. The recipe is formulated with no corn, no wheat, no soy, no added sugars, an no poultry. The XL bag is triple the amount for double price of the small bag. Our pups are loving the real white fish and brown rice. Buy Now Unlike most pet treats on the market that are made up of empty calories and fillers, and are high in carbohydrates, pawTreats are made with real meat and complementary fruits and vegetables. No fillers whatsoever! They're all natural and completely grain free. Available in freeze-dried or dry-roasted varieties to preserve the goodness of our ingredients. Buy Now GI Issues are one of the most common reasons people see their vets. Supporting proper digestion and bowel health, Gastro Pro Plus is a natural and complete combination of probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes and soothing herbs that help your dogs and cats maintain a healthy, active lifestyle with good gastrointestinal health. It provides essential fatty acids that are critically important to your dog's overall health. This contains 15 heart-healthy Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids. This helps ensure you're giving the correct amount.

She graduated from the University of Glasgow in with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed , times. Labrador retrievers are an adorable and popular dog breed that can make a great addition to your household. Aside from a physical examination, you can do a professional DNA test on the dog to check its genetic makeup. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Does the fur appear short, and have a thick texture? The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Did you know? There are silver labs, but silver is not an acceptable color in the breed standard as this color is believed to have come from a cross with the Weimaraner. However, dogs with this coat color may still be registered with certain kennel clubs. If the dog is a yellow or black lab, check that the puppy has brown eyes. In the case of chocolate labs, check for brown or hazel eyes. Check to see how long its legs are; while a Labrador should have longer legs than a Dachshund, its legs should be shorter than a Husky. Purchase a dog genetics test, which will give you a specialized testing kit. Some DNA tests will look for genetic markers, while cheaper tests focus more on the different breeds. Tip: Try to keep the puppy from sharing food or playing rough with the other dogs, as this might hurt the integrity of the saliva sample. Package the saliva sample according to the instructions given by the company. Seal the envelope or package carefully, so the sample is completely secure while it travels to the lab. Generally, you can find the test results listed by breed, followed by a percentage; however, this might differ, depending on the company. If this is possible, use a cotton swab to collect saliva samples from 1 or both parents. Store these samples carefully, so you can send them to a professional company. Seal the envelope or package carefully to secure the sample, and keep it safe in transit. Go to source Seeing a CH or confirmation champion title on the pedigree certificate means that the dog is close to the ideals in the breed standard and is related to a dog that was able to win over other dogs at a show with at least 15 conformation points. Go to source A dog with this lineage can make a great candidate for showing. If your dog has documented parentage with the American Kennel Club, you can search their database and purchase a certificate that affirms this. You can also register your dog through the American Kennel Club once you have proof of their pedigree. Go to source Fees for pedigrees very depending on the type. From puppyhood to old age care The black Lab is up to 24 inches tall and weighs up to 80lbs. Depending on on their ancestors, your black Labrador puppy may be a little smaller than this when they are fully grown. And the hunting or American Lab may have a lighter frame and a strong drive for retrieving. The lifespan of a black Labrador is 12 years, and some purebred black lab puppies can live even longer given the right diet, exercise and a healthy dose of luck. He was my constant companion almost into adulthood. He came on countless runs through the woods, spent hours playing ball in the backyard, but also sat with his head gently rested in my lap whenever I was sad. It has always amazed me that despite the black Labrador being the most common color, it is in some ways the least appreciated. With an amazing history of working alongside human companions, and a fabulous temperament, this pup really is one to watch. This black retriever has been favored by the hunting community for generations. But they were bred from a fishing companion that has been extinct now for nearly fifty years. This breed was also most likely the route of the rather different, and bigger, Newfoundland. Albeit often with white markings. Do you ever feel like you see more black Labs around than any other color? The first chocolate Labradors that we know of were born in the s, but colors other than black were not at all popular until the mid 90s. Horribly, for many generations most puppies born with chocolate or yellow coats were routinely euthanized at birth! If a puppy has inherited the gene for black coat color from either of her parents, this is the color that her coat will be. These both come from a pigment called eumelanin. More eumelanin leads to a black Lab, less leads to a chocolate. Genes come in pairs. Here we are dealing with B genes at the B locus. B is dominant over b. So a pairing of BB or Bb will give a black coat. Only bb will give a brown coat. A puppy gets one gene from each parent. With me so far? This is because these genes are also effected by another set of genes, at the E locus. E is dominant, and does not get in the way of the B genes. But e is recessive, and this does. It has the potential to stop the B genes giving a black or brown dog, and gives us yellow Labrador pups. And these all interact with each other differently to give different coat colors. This diagram explains them nicely: You can see from these combinations alone that the most common result is a black Lab puppy. But also how chocolate and yellow Labs were hidden for a time through careful matings and selective culling. But there is another twist to the black coat color tale. Occasionally a Lab is born with the dilute gene. This genetic twist essentially tones down the shade of the dark coat color. In the same way that the chocolate Lab looks silver when this gene is activated, the black Lab looks charcoal. In genetic terms, this dilute gene lives at the D locus. Popularity of Black Labs Black Labs have always been the most prevalent color, but their popularity has changed over the years. In the sporting dog community owners of hunting dogs still often prefer the black coat, but pet and show owners often show a preference these days for the paler colors. Chocolate and yellow Labs can even fetch higher prices from some breeders, not to mention the less common fox red and silver tones. Black Dogs Are Harder To Rehome There is a sad phenomenon in pet shelters, which impacts the rehoming rate of black dogs. Prospective owners often pass them by, regardless of temperament, in favor of the brighter colored pups on offer. But these adopters are missing a trick, because black dogs have so much to offer beyond their coat. And what they do offer differs slightly between the Labrador types. English Black Labs — bred for show There are two strains of Labrador. One was bred for the show ring, and the other was bred for the field. Although they are both Labs in the true sense, these separate strains can be quite different and are easy to pick apart if you know what you are looking for. English black Labradors are often preferred by pet homes as well as owners interested in the ring. The English black Lab has a reputation for being a little slower to mature, and a lot more playful. American Black Labs — bred to work American black Labs are slimmer, less excitable but more driven. They stand around the same height, but their heads are less broad and their tails often have less of the otter quality that their show companions sport. Although still friendly, they are perhaps less inclined to play than their show bred cousins. And in contrast to this have a stronger drive to retrieve and hunt. The English black Lab was bred for looks over purpose. Their broad head and barrel chest is matched with a straight, thick furred tail and a heavier weight on the scales. Black Labradors bred for show or as pets tend to be slower to mature, with a more playful personality, and are arguably less likely to run off after wildlife! Which Type Suits You? American black Labs may need more exercise and mental stimulation than English black Labs. They will benefit from gun dog style training involving retrieving exercises. Black Lab Characteristics Although there is no denying that the different Labrador strains have separated to a fair dramatic degree, these are still all fundamentally black Labs. And they do have some features in common that makes them who they are. The Lab has a double coat, excellent for keeping them warm in and out of the water. Their thick straight tail is described as having an otter-like appearance. And they are almost all one single color with no other markings. Mismarked Labs rear their heads from time to time, but this is generally just a case of white toes or a splash of white on their chests. Grooming and Coat Care Your black Lab needs no special grooming due to his coat color. In fact, the grooming requirements of your Labrador Retriever are some of the simplest among dog breeds. Their coats are designed to take care of themselves. Though your furniture and floors may benefit if your dog has a twice daily brush when shedding heavily. Other than that Labs have a wonderful coat that requires only occasional washing. The eventual size of your black Lab puppy will depend a little upon their upbringing, and a lot upon whether they are from American or English lines. An adult black Lab will weigh anywhere from 55 to 80 lbs, and be from 21 to .The English black Lab will tend to be closer to the heavier end of the spectrum, and the American nearer to the lower. Black Lab Temperament Labradors are well known for being friendly. Perhaps sometimes a little too friendly! This bouncy breed is more likely to leap up and lick a burglar than to stop him in the act. The downside of this is that they can be easily distracted at the dog park by wanting to greet everyone they come across. Their jolly, lively nature can also lead them into trouble with people who are unsteady on their feet. Although lovably clumsy, this dog also has a brilliant brain. Intelligence Black Labradors have been bred for generations as hunting companions. Deliberately bred from dogs that were attentive to their handlers and relatively easy to teach commands to, they are absolutely an intelligent breed. Because to get that black coat expressed is just a matter of mating two dogs, whereas to get the recessive genes you need to at least partially make your breeding choices based upon the colors of the parents as well as factors to do with temperament and trainability. But the most important factor when bringing together two Lab lines should always be one of health. Training and Exercising Your Black Lab Black Labs are intelligent dogs and training is an absolute essential for them and their owners. RUnning, swimming, cycling, hiking and even dock diving are popular pass times. Although American Labs tend to be more driven to fetch, English Labradors are often still keen too. Both types need a good workout every day to keep them fit and healthy. And to help them relax at home. You can exercise your dog with a traditional walk, by going for a run together or through play. Retrieving games are a great way to give your Lab a lot of exercise without you having to travel quite such a long distance yourself. You can find some great ideas for games you and your Labrador can play together in this article. Black Lab Health The best way to avoid health problems is by purchasing a puppy from health tested parents. The main areas to be aware of are joint problems and eye problems. Hip and elbow dysplasia are common Lab complaints. This condition ranges in severity and an adult dog can have x rays to assess their joint health, and be given a score to let you know how well their joints have developed. To avoid your puppy suffering from this either both parents need to be Clear or one Clear one Carrier. If one is a carrier, your puppy might carry the gene too. A general eye exam once a year will make sure that there are no other vision problems manifesting over time. Most breeders advertise online now, so you will need to be careful to have a good chat with them before committing to buying a puppy. Do not put down a deposit before meeting the mother and the litter at their home. The mum should be relaxed and happy to meet you, and for you to handle her pups. If you are looking for a pet you will need to decide whether you think a show or working temperament is better suited to your lifestyle and family needs. Make sure the breeder willingly shows you copies of health certificates from both parents. As a minimum they should be PRA clear, have a recent clear eye check from a vet, have good hip scores and an elbow score of 0. If one parent has been shown as a carrier for dwarfism or PRA, be sure to check that the other has been tested clear. Good breeders ask lots of questions because they care about what happens to their pups, and will be open and willing to answer all of your questions too. You might find it helpful to check out our article on Labrador breeders before you start searching for a pup. You might also want to read this article: Choosing the Right Dog. The information in these articles will help you avoid some of the common mistakes people make when looking for their new best friend. Rescuing a Black Lab Rescuing a dog is a great thing to do if your circumstances are right. And rescuing a black Lab is even better, as this color can be hard to home. Reputable rescues will work hard to match you to the right dog, and help you to make a choice that fits in well with your family. Rescuing such a dog can be very rewarding. We hope you will find our article Should you adopt a Labrador helpful. You can view a list of rehoming societies on our rescue page. They will also offer plenty of support and help once you bring your dog home. Especially when it comes to behavioral and training problems. White or grey hairs may start forming around their muzzle, giving them a bearded or grizzled look. This pale hair is nothing to worry about and happens to most black Labs sooner or later. As your black Lab reaches old age, you might find that he slows down a bit. His typical energetic black Lab personality may mellow. He will be less boisterous, and more inclined to spend the day in bed than bouncing up and down by your side. The average lifespan of a black Lab is around 12, but if you are lucky your pup might be with you for 14 or more years. A more comfortable bed, ideally with memory foam, can help support those ageing joints. Ramps for accessing the car can really help them out too. Depending upon advice from your vet you might also want to switch them to a senior dog food , which is easier to digest and has additives that some believe can help slow the pace of arthritis. Life Span Did You Know? Black Labrador Retrievers, or just Black Labs, are a common coat color variation of one of the most popular dog breeds. The Black Labrador Retriever is not necessarily a separate dog breed. Black Labs are still Labrador Retrievers; they just have a distinct coat color that is a specifically-bred characteristic. Like other Labrador Retrievers, Black Labs are energetic, playful, and affectionate dogs that make great family companions. Although they are active and energetic dogs, Labs are also known for their gentleness and patience with other family members. Well-socialized Black Labs tend to get along well with just about everyone including children, other dogs, pets, and even strangers. They are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , Black Labs thrive on attention, especially from their favorite humans. They are happiest when they are spending time with their families and receiving affection and attention from them. Despite their high energy, Labs are highly adaptable dogs. They do tend to be better suited to homes with fenced yards where they can run, but they also adapt well to apartments provided they get enough daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. They do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat and extreme cold like many dog breeds. As such, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Black Labrador Retriever can include elbow dysplasia , hip dysplasia, heart disease, hereditary myopathy, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Another potential health concern is EIC exercise-induced collapse , which can occur in young adult Labs and has a genetic link. Because carriers can be identified by DNA tests, it is recommended that breeders test for them. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you talk to the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Labrador Retrievers are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Although their high energy and puppylike exuberance can sometimes be a challenge, they are intelligent dogs that are eager to please. As long as training is kept consistent and focused on positive rewards and praise, novice owners still tend to do well with Black Labs. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training too. Black Labs have a short, water-resistant double coat that sheds year-round and sheds heavier as seasons change. Depending on how active your Black Lab is and what they get into, they may need a bath more often, especially if they are swimming a lot. Weekly ear checks and careful cleanings when needed help prevent ear infections. Good dental care for dogs , like daily brushing and cleanings at the vet when needed, can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. As one of the most active dog breeds , a Black Labrador Retriever will need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are a minimum. Your Black Lab will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood. They tend to maintain a puppylike exuberance until they are years old. Although they do tend to mellow out as they get older, they are still active, energetic, and playful dogs. Once they are fully grown, you can try other things like hiking, running, dock diving, and more to find other activities you and your Black Lab can enjoy together. Fully-grown Black Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Black Labs generally live for years on average. Black Labrador Retrievers came before the also-popular Chocolate Lab. All modern Chocolate Labs can be traced back to three Black Labs in the s. It was the December issue of .Featured Black Labrador Retriever Article.

The reasons for chewing can vary , says dog trainer and author Victoria Schade, but the solution is often the same. And for Schade, a seasoned expert with over a decade of experience training dogs for clients like Animal Planet, KONG toys are a favorite, whether for large dogs, small dogs or anything in between. For Schade, it comes down to two advantages. The second perk? But for pet parents, that selection can be overwhelming. So, how do you know which toy is right for your dog? Finding the right toy for your pet often involves some trial-and-error to determine what your dog prefers. It also depends on the situation. For example, plush toys are ideal for team-play, and more durable rubber treat-dispensing toys are better for alone-time enrichment, Schade says. When in doubt, KONG recommends sizing up. They come in sizes small for dogs up to 20 pounds through XX-large for dogs 85 pounds and up. Its rubber is uniquely designed to withstand sharp puppy teeth, soothing the discomfort of and rewarding your pup for chewing an appropriate object rather than your new shoes. Mugford says, pet parents can stuff and freeze the toy, offering an edible treat as well as cooling relief. It comes in sizes small, medium and large. The KONG Stuff-a-Ball , a treat dispensing toy with plenty of space for goodies inside and average chew strength, is appropriate for a wide range of dogs—and it could be just the enticement to play that seniors need, she says. Their unique natural rubber formula also provides an outlet for natural chewing instincts while rewarding appropriate behavior. Dogs, on the other hand, might need some guidance to understand how to use their KONG toy, Schade says. Pet parents might have to help their pup figure out how to use their stuffed KONG by starting with an easy win. Stuff the toy and place it in the freezer for hours, then give it to your dog for an extended mentally rewarding challenge. Get the full recipe here. The only question is, which one will your dog love best? By: Ciara LaVelle Ciara LaVelle is a writer, editor and mama to two tiny humans, rescue pup Zeno, cat brothers Manny and Papi, too many fish to name, and a garden full of succulents. She lives and writes in South Florida. This is a sponsored placement, in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Start by letting your pooch sniff and investigate the toy at his own pace. But, if your pooch seems uninterested, try shaking or tossing it to help your furry friend better understand the situation. Using a high-pitched voice while introducing the Kong can also help add interest. One of the easiest ways to get your pooch quickly engaged is to fill the Kong with a couple of high-value treats and present it to your pooch. This will work in most cases, although you may still need to be a bit patient — especially with skittish doggos. Once your furry friend starts to get the hang of it, you can try out any of several different games and activities. Some of the most popular ways to use Kongs include: Play a game of fetch. Just be sure to clear your play area since the thicker rubber may be able to knock over household items. Use it as a chew toy. Kong toys are perfect for pups who love to chew. If your furry friend is a power chewer, be sure to pick up an Extreme Kong. Dogs adore the way Kongs work as treat-dispensing toys. It also challenges our canine companions by doubling as a puzzle toy. Freeze the Kong to cool off your canine. Kong toys can be filled and frozen to give your canine a cool treat. Use the Kong as a slow feeder. You can use your Kong as a slow feeder for your furry friend. Fill with Easy Treat. Make a veggie Kong. You can use dog-safe peanut butter, chopped carrots, and celery to give your dog a nutritious and delicious treat. Check out the video for the full recipe and 4 others to choose from! Use Kong Marathon treats. Kong marathon treats give your pooch a tasty treat both on the outside and inside of the Kong toy. These peanut butter toys will keep your pooch occupied and can also be frozen for a longer-lasting treat. Use a bully stick. Kongs can also be stuffed with bully sticks or other long chews so long as there is something soft in the Kong to keep the chew in place. For example, you could put dog-safe peanut butter or pumpkin puree into a Kong first, and then place a bully stick into the center of the Kong. Utilize dog-friendly peanut butter. Dog-safe peanut butter acts as a great sealant for filling Kongs with just about anything. Hopefully, this guide makes it easier for you to find the perfect fit for your furry family member. Does your dog love Kong toys? Like it? Share it! Chewing soft rubber helps alleviate teething pain. Chewing Without an acceptable outlet for natural chewing instincts, many dogs turn to destructive chewing. Prevention is key. Teach your dog acceptable chewing behavior with a treat stuffed KONG for a mentally stimulating, long-lasting challenge. Freeze to extend the chew session. Separation Anxiety Separation anxiety peaks during the first 20 minutes after a dog is alone. A treat stuffed KONG helps your dog associate being left alone with good things, alleviating those anxiety peaks. Boredom A dog will always find something to do to beat boredom— this often leads to problem behavior. Stuffed and frozen KONGs keep dogs engaged, extending playtime with a healthy, long-lasting, mentally stimulating challenge. Creating good behaviors starts with productive play that allows dogs to expend excess energy. A frozen, treat-stuffed KONG, offers a mentally occupying challenge that burns excess energy. Crate Training Crates provide a sense of security for dogs and can aid in housetraining. To help dogs build a positive association with their crates from the start, give them a KONG as a mind occupying challenge. Repeating this routine helps your dog feel safe turning their crate into their den. KONG helps dogs and puppies! Feeding Feeding meals from a KONG helps manage weight by slowing eating while providing a satisfying mental and physical challenge. Always size up for safety! You can stuff anything that is safe for your dog to eat in healthy amounts into their KONG. Soak in warm water with dish soap to loosen leftovers. Use bottle brush, an old toothbrush, or a KONG brush to remove stubborn bits inside and rinse. Or, wash in top rack of dishwasher. Make sure to skip the drying cycle as excess heat can damage the toy.