lab and german shepherd mix puppy
His soft puppy hair makes you want to pet him for hours, but it seems less cute as it comes off on your clothes at the barest touch. They Grow Up So Fast The soft downy feel of your Lab puppy's coat only lasts for so long, and before you know it that petable hair is suddenly all over your house. As your pup nears his first birthday, he'll start losing his puppy coat to make way for the courser, double-layered adult coat he'll have for the rest of his life. Various factors play a role in when your pup actually begins this transition, including genetics and season, but most Lab puppies start losing this baby coat somewhere between 7 and 9 months of age. Hair, Hair Everywhere When your puppy starts losing his coat, you'll think some internal shedding switch was flicked. Once the transition from the puppy to adult coat begins, loose dog hair will be a fact of life for you. Labs shed on a daily basis, and completely blow out their coats twice a year in the spring and fall. Between these major shedding episodes, the hair may simply be an annoying nuisance. But during a seasonal coat change, you may find clumps of hair throughout your home. Stock up on sticky rollers and lint brushes and stash them at various locations to keep your clothes hair free. Grab Your Brush Although there's no way to completely stop a Lab from shedding, you can get ahead of it by regularly brushing your pup. The earlier you start this routine the better, as your pooch will simply expect it and consider it a part of life. Brush your puppy daily with a slicker brush, pin brush or shedding rake to remove as much dead hair as possible before it ends up coating your couch. Go with the grain of his hair and empty the brush regularly. During his heavy shedding periods, you may need to brush him twice a day to keep ahead of the hair loss. Bath Time Giving your pup a bath may seem like a good way to remove as much of his shedding coat as possible, and technically it will work to scrub his dead hairs loose. But bathing him too frequently could dry and irritate his skin, and damage the waterproof quality of his coat. Wash your pup only as necessary, such as when he's really dirty or smelly. Use a gentle dog shampoo and rinse thoroughly to remove all trace of it, otherwise it will irritate his skin when it dries. After he's dry, brush him through again to remove any stubborn hairs that didn't end up in your drain. More Articles. Hmm very interesting! Maisie is definitely not as super soft as she was when she was very little, and I think I noticed the softness difference maybe around 3 months. She used to be soft as a cloud, and then only her head was that soft, and I think now only her ears will stay that way for good. But she is definitely getting some sort of hair growth going on, as before it would be sleek and now has sticky out hair. She's pretty shiny but she seems to be taking after the working line in her pedigree parents weren't strictly show or working line, which I liked, but rather each were fairly moderate examples of the breed , so perhaps that's it? I'm interested to see what it will end up like because I have seen labradors with quite different coats. The sad thing about shedding where I live is that it is a "temperate" climate… so dogs like labs don't shed big twice a year and then somewhat the rest of the year… it's like they're in a constant state of losing hair, not quite as much as a moult, but not down to the level other labs might go to. You might notice that your Labrador puppy is starting to lose a lot of hair. However, there is a good chance you do not have to worry. Labrador puppies usually lose their baby coats when they are months old. They start shedding a lot by this time, but some puppies can start shedding a bit by 3 months old, so it can vary. That is because their fur is falling out faster than it can be replaced. However, that is completely normal. As long as the Labrador puppy is healthy and not stressed, you have nothing to worry about. Additionally, you may notice that your Labrador has subtle changes of color in their coat as their fur falls out and grows, but it varies from each pup. They often lose all of their baby coats a month after they start to shed. By that time, they will have a new adult coat of fur. When puppies are born, they have a puppy coat that is soft and thin. It helps them regulate their own body temperature and protects them from any outside elements. Puppy coats are usually shorter than adult fur. However, their puppy coats are not enough to protect their bodies when they are older. Their adult coats are usually rougher than their baby coats. That is because they grow double coats, which is an essential and helpful trait your Lab has. Labradors have two coats of fur when they are adults. The first coat is coarse and is called the topcoat. The second coat is softer and is called the undercoat. The undercoat can be thick or fine. Labradors have double coats because of their breeding. They are working dogs who hunt and swim. Therefore, they need double coats to protect them from the water and from possible injuries. Dogs cannot sweat. Therefore, they need other ways to keep them warm and cool, which is why some breeds like Labrador Retrievers have double coats. Humans have skin layers, but dogs only have .Therefore, they burn easily, and the guard hairs are their natural sunscreen. As mentioned earlier, double coats help repel water, which keeps their skin dry when they swim. Plus, double coats help your Labrador swim because it does not weigh them down. The fur is practically water repellant, so they will be able to swim without exerting too much effort. As stated earlier, your Labrador will start shedding a lot when they are months old to shed their puppy coat. However, Labradors are notorious for shedding a lot. However, most Labradors will heavily shed at least times a year when they are adults. Since dogs have double coats, their undercoat sheds when it is warm. So, you can expect your Labrador to start shedding a lot when it is spring and summer. They shed their undercoat to prepare their bodies for the warmer months. Can I Shave My Labrador? Absolutely not. First, shaving your Labrador is actually not going to help you deal with the shedding. Your Labrador will grow new hairs, which will be more prickly and painful for both you and them. Those new hairs will fall out, too, so it is not worth the effort. Secondly, you can potentially damage their skin. They do not have any way they can shield their skin from the sun, so they may burn easily. Shaving your Labrador also messes up their temperature regulation. Without their undercoat, they cannot keep hot and cold air away from their skin. Therefore, they may feel extreme temperatures and feel very uncomfortable. Plus, it will be itchy and uncomfortable for your dog to grow new fur after you shave it. Most undercoats will not be the same after you shave it. It will feel prickly when you touch it, and your Labrador will feel very itchy as it grows. Instead of shaving your Labrador , you can use special brushes like a slicker brush to remove their loose undercoat hairs. You can also vacuum your home more regularly to keep it clean. You can brush your Lab a few times a week. However, you may need to brush them times a day during the spring and summer to deal with heavy shedding. To Conclude When you own a Labrador Retriever, a big part of it will be dealing with the fur. While it may be a nuisance, regular grooming and vacuuming can help you deal with the shedding. Post navigation. Tweet on Twitter A fluffy Labrador might not look quite how you think! Labs have a wonderful, thick, double-layered coat. In fact, their coat is one of their most distinctive features. The standard Labrador coat is pretty fluffy in its own right — especially as puppies! But, they will have the same lovable temperament, making a great family pet nonetheless. Do Fluffy Labradors Exist? In the eyes of many people, a standard Labrador Retriever is pretty fluffy. Labs have a lot of fur! Especially during those shedding periods, when owners will find that fur everywhere. Labradors have a double layered, dense, water-resistant coat. This coat type was vital for keeping them at the best temperature in their original roles. Originally, Labs retrieved game for owners on hunts in all conditions, both on land and in water. Nowadays, their roles have changed to include work as police dogs, guide dogs, and companion animals! But, that coat type has stayed the same. As puppies, Labs will have a wonderfully soft and fluffy coat. But, over their early months, this will shed to reveal their adult coat. A standard adult Labrador coat is less fluffy, more dense and practical. The Labrador Retriever breed standard describes a short, dense coat made up of straight fur. This fur will feel firm to the touch. Only the top layer is made of this harder fur. This underlayer is water-resistant, but also provides some much needed insulation against the cold weather that Labradors would traditionally work in. But, it disqualifies any Labs with woolly, silky, or sparse and slick coats. Long Haired Labrador Retriever Although the breed standard states that Labs have short, straight fur, it is possible to find Labradors with a longer, wavier coat. This fur type is caused by the fibroblast growth factor 5 gene, also known as the FGF5 gene, or the L gene. In its recessive form, this gene produces long fur. But, Labradors must receive two copies of the recessive gene to have that longer fur. And, recessive genes can go unnoticed for generations. So it can be quite hard to find long-haired Labs, and is often a complete surprise when they appear in a litter, showing their longer fur at around 6 weeks. Since a long haired Labrador has longer, wavier fur than the standard type, they may fit your vision of a fluffy Labrador. But, many breeders will test dogs for the L gene, to avoid breeding two Labs with recessive copies. So, it can be quite hard to find long haired Labrador puppies. Instead, it will be very soft to the touch, and often a single layer rather than double-layered and water resistant. Over the next few weeks and months, fluffy Labrador puppies shed their baby coat and grow in their new adult coat! Are Fluffy Labradors Purebred? Labradors with fluffy long fur can look quite different to the traditional Labrador image. But, it is entirely possible for purebred Labs to pass it on, even over the span of generations, before anyone notices it! Fluffy, long haired Labradors might look a little different to the standard version. But, they are still purebred Labs, and so will have the same personality as any other Lab. The major care differences between these two types of Lab will lie in their grooming needs. Longer fur is naturally prone to tangles and knots. So, a long haired, fluffy Labrador will likely need more regular grooming than a short haired one. This can be as often as once a day if you have a particularly active Lab, or one that loves running through muddy puddles. Regular bathing and grooming will be a must. But, a fluffy Lab will shed just as much as a shorter haired version. So, be aware of this before committing to the fluffiest Labrador you can find! Do You Have a Fluffy Labrador? A fluffy Labrador can make a great pet, whether they have two copies of the uncommon FDF5 gene, or whether they just have particularly fluffy short fur! Do you have a fluffy Lab puppy at home? Or did you just want to find out exactly how hair Labs can be? Readers Also Liked.
Chews 1. Sweet-natured and big fans of human affection, these puppies can suffer from separation anxiety if left on their own for too long. Before your Frenchie arrives home, it's a good idea to puppy proof your house to make sure your furry friend stays safe and comfortable. From puppy gates to preparing for toilet training, our downloadable guide tells you everything you need to know about bringing a puppy home. Find out more about Frenchie puppy accessories. As many French Bulldog owners will also tell you, Frenchies are some of the quickest eaters out there - which can result in issues like bloating, painful stomach cramps, burping and gas. With all of this in mind, purchasing the correct type of dog bowl is essential! As you research the best feeding bowls for Frenchies, consider shopping around for: Slanted dog bowls: As mentioned, these dogs have a flattened face and short neck structure, which can make it difficult for them to reach their food particularly as they get older. Slanted bowls are designed to help dogs access their food with ease. Slow feeding bowls: These bowls feature a raised obstruction in the middle of the bowl, preventing fast eaters from wolfing down their dinner too quickly. Elevated dog bowls: Providing your Frenchie with a raised bowl can benefit their digestion and prevent regurgitation and vomiting. There are lots of elevated dog bowls on the market, and a popular choice are bowls that get elevated when positioned on a four-legged wooden stand. Dog Collars for Frenchies French Bulldogs are a type of brachycephalic dog breed , which means that they are more prone to trachea damage and suffocation. Because of this, you should ensure that the dog collar you choose is suitable for their neck shape, and correctly fitted to prevent breathing problems from occurring. Flat buckle dog collars tend to be the most popular option for Frenchies. These dog collars feature a simple, comfortable design, with D Rings that allow for identification tags and lead attachments. French Bulldog harnesses are the safest way to ensure control on dog walks, while decreasing the risk of neck injuries from occurring. When it comes to choosing French Bulldog leads, remember that these dogs are smaller in build and closer to the ground, which means that short dog leads tend to be the best product for walkies. Always make sure that the lead you buy can be attached to the harness you use for walks. At Barc London, we offer harnesses for French Bulldogs with matching leads that are 1 - 1. Just like us humans, these dogs are affectionate creatures which enjoy cuddling in cosy spaces. The ideal shape of dog bed for French Bulldogs tends to be an enclosed style with higher walls. These beds provide an area for dogs to retreat and curl up in to get a good night's sleep. Older French Bulldogs in particular can suffer from problems with their joints and conditions like arthritis. Memory foam cushions can help to provide relief at night and promote healthy joints for better mobility. French Bulldogs enjoy the warmth and comfort blankets can provide. For these dogs, burrowing is a natural instinct, so a warm blanket is a French Bulldog accessory that will help them feel protected and comfortable in their nested environment. For the team at Barc, this was by far one of the most enjoyable aspects of crafting the Play collection, and it was important that each toy we created communicated the importance of playtime for dogs and their human owners. Remember that this breed of dog thrives on companionship. Playing with your French Bulldog is a great way to build a bond, and you can do so with games of fetch and rope toys for tug of war! Tried and tested by our founding Frenchie, our collection of designer dog toys offer the best products to enhance play. French Bulldog Clothes French Bulldogs have a unique body structure, with a small and compact build. Their muscular bodies and shorter legs can make it difficult to find suitable apparel - which is why you should always focus on comfort and fit when shopping for French Bulldog clothes. Dog coats: Frenchies are short-haired and more prone to feeling the cold compared to other breeds. This is true for most brachycephalic dogs, as their bodies tend to lose heat faster than able to be replaced. Knowing that these dogs struggle to regulate their body temperature, our Wear range offers dog coats that come in a padded gilet style. The lightweight material is breathable enough for these dogs to exercise comfortably, and warm enough to provide protection from the cold. French Bulldog Gifts Frenchies enjoy feeling the love, and showering them with dog gifts is a great way to display care and attention! Gifts for French Bulldog Lovers Anyone who has owned a French Bulldog before will be able to relate to the special bond these dogs form with their human partners. These affectionate pups were in fact bred to be companion dogs , and their friendly and good-natured disposition is unparalleled. Described as a 'must read for any dog parent', this book shares Archie's life, and gives deeper insights into the heart behind the Barc London brand. A Truly Beautiful Read What a beautiful and heartfelt story of a man and his dog, which in turn was also the inspiration to create Barc London. Wonderfully presented on a smooth papered book with stunning photos to accompany the story. These beautiful products are no longer just images on the website, but now part of a story with so much more meaning. The shape gives it a good irregular bounce too so he loves to chase it. He holds it in his paws and chews and chews the top which still shows no sign of teeth marks. Super stylish toy looks great and is fantastic quality. Only problem is my pup loves it too much and I'm almost deaf from the squeaking! Safe Bulldog Treats Choose Safe and Healthy Treats for Your Bulldog Bulldog owners like to give their dogs treats, to encourage them during training for good behavior and for no reason, in fact. The right choice of dog treats will help to keep your Bully healthy and to make it happy. You can choose a flavor, a shape and a size of treats at your choice and your Bulldog's taste. Remember that treats you buy for the dog should comply with the quality standards. Soft Dog Treats Soft dog chew treats are also produced in a variety of sizes, shapes and flavors. They are perfect for Bulldog training. It's very convenient to use small pieces during education as an immediate reward. Jerky and Freeze-Dried Dog Treats These treats are similar to human food, especially when they are made for dogs. Meat, liver, poultry, seafood and other flavors are usually available for such dog treats. Many Bulldog owners choose them to increase the effectiveness of dog training because of their tasty smell. Natural Dog Chew Treats Natural dog chew treats are made of organic ingredients only and are vitamin- and mineral-enriched. The majority of experts consider them to be good for Bulldog's oral care. But they can cause digestive blocking if gulped. Indestructible Dog Toy to Hold the Treats Use special dog treat holders and dog feeding toys to prevent such occasions. Choose also an appropriate size of the dog chewing treat according to the size and age of your Bulldog. Animal Bones You shouldn't give your Bully animal bones because they can lead to teeth spoiling and chipping, digestive injuries and blocking. Any kinds of animal bones are harmful for Bulldogs, but the most dangerous are poultry bones even if they are cooked. Give your Bulldog special dog chew bones, dog chewing treats or dental dog treats instead of animal bones or hooves. Pig Ears Bulldogs like to chew pig ears, but they are too hard for them, furthermore, they can also be processed with chemicals that can be unsafe for dogs. It's better to avoid giving pig ears to Bulldogs because this can lead to obesity. Rawhide Dog Treats Rawhide is also not recommended for Bulldogs. It is made of animal hides, which are chemically modified as usual. As a result - gastrointestinal distresses and other health issues. It's better to treat Bulldog with dog dental chews. Yes, there are special rawhide dog treats developed by vets, which are good for dogs' digestion and health, but ask your veterinarian before give them to your dog. Human Food Not all human food is good for Bulldogs and other dogs at all. It is better to avoid treating your Bully with cheese, sausages, biscuits and other similar food. Carrot, apple, lean meat, poultry, seafood can be wholesome for the dog. Pay attention, these treats shouldn't contain spices and sauces. Grape, raisins and onion are absolutely forbidden to give because these products are poisonous for them. Garlic can also be dangerous, so give it to your dog carefully directed by the vet. Diet Dog Treats Special diet dog treats are perfect for Bulldogs, which are prone to obesity. It's better to consult with your vet about the right way of giving such treats to the dog. Keep a close eye on your Bulldog's nutrition and it will always be healthy, cheerful and full of energy. All-Natural Interactive Treats for Healthy Nutrition This dry dog food for supplemental feeding is healthy and wholesome. It contains natural ingredients and has no artificial additives. These treats are safe for Bulldog digestive organs. They are perfectly suitable for treat dispensers to make Bulldog feeding gradual and measured. Insert the kibble into a treat dispensing dog toy and give it to a dog. Your Bully will play with the toy and get tasty delicacies piece by piece. The dog will feel happy and won't overeat. Develop your Bulldog mentally and physically with the memory of its health! See also special treat toys and interactive feeders for Bulldogs, click on the pictures! Published testimonials are genuine and are not edited or altered by English-Bulldog-dog-breed-store. My dog has a lot of fun with it. From: Ann, UK Choose top quality dog toys for interactive feeding of your Bulldog in our online store. My wheaten terrier absolutely loved these. It is such a shame they are so expensive J JAK Pwllheli, GB Pups seem to like them I've got 2 small terriers, and these are a good size for a bit of a chew, rather than swallow whole the smaller ones. Will definitely buy again. A Angela L. Mac had no tartar on aunt of his teeth now. Cheltenham, GB What a great find! Glad to have found BounceandBella! I love the family ethos and how much thought goes into everything you do. Eco friendly too! Huntingdon, GB Great poo bags Very good product that eventually breaks down and causes few problems. We should do all we can to safeguard the planet! C Clare U. Farnborough, GB So far, so good! No fingers through the bags! I have a lurcher and he does quite big poops and the size can just about cope with his deposits. I like these bags, I haven't had any problems with them and will be buying them again!! J Janet M. Wisbech, GB Plaque Buster Our dog loves it ,he is usually very fussy with additives and I think it has made a difference after only a few weeks Thankyou L. Bully Sticks, ears, compressed bones and dental sticks are an excellent choice if you are searching for the best dog chew treats that will keep your Frenchie busy. Perfectly sized and delicious, these sticks will keep your Frenchie busy when you need some time to relax and unwind. Made without additives, chemicals, or preservatives, these chew treats are an excellent alternative to rawhide and are completely safe. Please note that all chew treats can potentially be a choking hazard, so supervise your Frenchie while he is munching them. Frenchies are especially known to much faster than they can chew, and sometimes, the angle of the stick can potentially choke them. Although treats are essential in reward-based training, they contain calories. For example, if your Frenchie needs calories per day, he should get 55 calories from treats with the rest coming from his regular food. At this point, you might be thinking, but how will my Frenchie learn anything if I can give him only a few treats per day? This way you will be able to do more repetitions and prolong the training session without causing your dog to gain weight. Alternatively, you can also measure a specific amount of treats before training and calculate how many calories they have. Conclusion: Best treats for dog training?
NYLON 3. These unique collars are designed to be compatible with the Fi Smart Dog Collar, making them an excellent choice for pet parents who want to enhance their dog's appearance while maintaining the benefits of smart tracking technology. In this article, we will explore what sets Rope Hounds Fi Compatible Collars apart, their features and benefits, how to choose the right collar, and tips for caring for these accessories. Rope Hounds Fi Compatible Collars offer a range of features and benefits that make them a preferred choice among dog owners: Durable Material: These collars are crafted from high-quality rope materials, known for their strength and longevity. The sturdy construction ensures that the collar can withstand rigorous activities and daily wear. Trendy Designs: Rope Hounds Fi Compatible Collars come in a variety of fashionable designs, allowing dog owners to choose a collar that suits their pet's personality and style. From vibrant patterns to solid colors, there is a design for every fashion-forward pup. Compatibility with Fi Smart Collar: Rope Hounds collars are specially designed to securely hold the Fi Smart Collar module, ensuring a reliable connection between the collar and the tracker. In conclusion, when selecting the best collar for your Goldendoodle dog, consider their specific needs in terms of tracking, control, comfort, and visibility. The Mimi Green Dog Collar provides an adjustable fit, a reflective strip, and a quick-release buckle. The Rope Hounds Collar combines elegance, durability, and comfort. Choose the collar that best suits your hunting dog's requirements and enjoy a safe and successful hunting experience. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Collar for a Goldendoodle Comfort: Opt for a collar made from soft and non-irritating materials to ensure your Goldendoodle's comfort throughout the day. Size and Adjustability: Goldendoodles come in various sizes, so it's crucial to measure your dog's neck accurately and choose a collar that can be adjusted accordingly. Safety: Look for collars with safety features such as reflective strips or a breakaway mechanism, which allows the collar to release under pressure to prevent choking. Durability: Select a collar that is sturdy and can withstand the active lifestyle of a Goldendoodle. Training and Behavioral Needs: Consider your Goldendoodle's training requirements. Certain collars, like martingale collars, are effective for training purposes. Types of Collars for Goldendoodles Martingale Collars Martingale collars are excellent choices for Goldendoodles, especially during training. They provide gentle control without putting excessive pressure on the neck. The adjustable loop prevents the collar from slipping off, making it ideal for dogs with narrow heads. Breakaway Collars Breakaway collars are designed with a safety buckle that releases under pressure, reducing the risk of strangulation. This type of collar is particularly beneficial for Goldendoodles who love to explore and may get caught on objects during their adventures. Rolled Leather Collars Rolled leather collars are not only stylish but also gentle on your Goldendoodle's delicate fur and skin. The rounded design prevents matting and tangling, making it a comfortable option for daily wear. Harnesses If your Goldendoodle tends to pull on the leash or has any neck or trachea issues, a harness may be the best choice. Harnesses distribute the pulling force evenly across the chest, reducing strain on the neck and throat. Sizing and Adjusting the Collar To ensure a proper fit, measure your Goldendoodle's neck circumference using a flexible tape measure. Allow a two-finger gap between the collar and your dog's neck to ensure comfort and prevent choking. Remember to check and readjust the collar as your Goldendoodle grows. Material and Durability When it comes to materials, nylon, and leather are popular choices for Goldendoodle collars. Nylon is lightweight, durable, and easy to clean, while leather offers a classic and long-lasting option. Consider your dog's activities and lifestyle when selecting the material. Style and Design Collars come in a wide range of styles and designs, allowing you to showcase your Goldendoodle's personality. From vibrant patterns to sleek and minimalistic options, choose a collar that matches your dog's unique style. Safety Features When selecting a collar for your Goldendoodle, prioritize safety features such as: Reflective Stitching: Collars with reflective stitching enhance visibility during nighttime walks , improving safety. Breakaway Mechanism: A breakaway collar features a quick-release buckle that opens under pressure, reducing the risk of choking or accidents if your dog gets caught on something. ID Tags: Ensure your Goldendoodle's collar has an ID tag with your contact information to facilitate their safe return if they ever go missing. Training and Behavioral Considerations Consider the specific training needs and behaviors of your Goldendoodle when choosing a collar. If you're working on leash training, a harness might provide better control and reduce pulling. For behavioral issues, consult with a professional dog trainer to determine the most suitable collar and training methods for your Goldendoodle. Cleaning and Maintenance Proper cleaning and maintenance of your Goldendoodle's collar are essential for hygiene and longevity. Follow these tips: Read the Manufacturer's Instructions: Each collar may have specific cleaning instructions based on the material. Follow the guidelines provided to ensure proper care. Regular Cleaning: Depending on the collar material, clean it regularly using appropriate methods. Some collars may be machine-washable, while others require hand cleaning. Remove Odors: If the collar develops odors, soak it in a mixture of mild detergent and water, then rinse thoroughly. Allow it to air dry completely before reattaching it to your Goldendoodle. Ensure that the collar is not too tight or too loose by checking the fit regularly. You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between the collar and your Goldendoodle's neck. Avoid Continuous Wear: While your Goldendoodle needs to wear a collar for identification purposes, it's recommended to remove the collar during unsupervised play or when they are indoors. This allows their skin to breathe and prevents any potential discomfort or accidents. Keep the Collar Clean: Regularly clean your Goldendoodle's collar to maintain hygiene and prevent odors. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific cleaning method based on the collar material. Personalize the Collar: Consider adding personalization to your Goldendoodle's collar, such as an engraved ID tag with their name and your contact information. This helps in identifying your dog if they ever get lost. Monitor for Signs of Discomfort: Pay attention to your Goldendoodle's behavior while wearing the collar. If you notice any signs of discomfort, such as excessive scratching or agitation, it may indicate an issue with the collar's fit or material. Adjust or replace the collar as necessary. Replace Worn-Out Collars: Over time, collars can become worn out or damaged. Replace the collar if you notice any fraying, weakening of the material, or broken hardware. This ensures the safety and effectiveness of the collar. By following these tips, you can ensure that your Goldendoodle's collar fits properly and is used safely. Remember that the collar should be a comfortable and functional accessory that enhances your dog's well-being and style. While regular collars can be used, it's recommended to choose a collar specifically designed for Goldendoodles, considering their unique needs and characteristics. What is the recommended width for a Goldendoodle collar? The recommended width for a Goldendoodle collar is typically between 1 to 1. Should I choose a collar with a buckle or a quick-release feature? Both options are safe, but a quick-release buckle allows for easy removal in case of emergencies or when your Goldendoodle is being groomed. Can a Goldendoodle wear a collar and a harness at the same time? Yes, a Goldendoodle can wear both a collar and a harness simultaneously. The collar can hold identification tags, while the harness provides better control during walks. How often should I check the fit of my Goldendoodle's collar? It's important to regularly check the fit of your Goldendoodle's collar, especially during their growth stages. Ensure that there is enough room for comfort and adjust as needed to prevent any discomfort or choking hazards. Conclusion Choosing the best collar for your Goldendoodle is a vital decision that combines style, comfort, and safety. Consider your dog's specific needs, such as size, behavior, and lifestyle, when making your selection. By following this guide and considering the outlined factors, you can find the perfect collar that enhances your Goldendoodle's well-being and keeps them looking stylish on their daily adventures. The link has been copied! When it comes to puppies, particularly short-haired breeds, you should look for a soft collar made of a non-abrasive material. Fabric collars are a good option, and collars made from a breathable fabric that is also machine washable are even better. When should a puppy wear a collar? Even if your puppy is still too young to go outside for walks, getting them used to wearing a collar is a good idea and will prevent any tiny tantrums further down the road! Collars should be worn most of the time, even around the house, but taking it off every so often to let the skin breathe is recommended. Try leaving the collar off for a couple of hours every time you brush or bathe them. Can an 8-week-old puppy wear a collar? Responsible breeders recommend puppies should not be brought home until 8 weeks old, and you can start getting them used to their collar shortly after this. It may be a good idea to let them settle into their new environment before introducing something new, but getting them used to their collar in their second week at home is a good idea. Should puppies wear collars at night? Most dog collars are designed to be non-abrasive, and perfectly safe for pups and older dogs to sleep in. This can also help puppies get adjusted to wearing a collar for the majority of the time. However, many vets also recommend including a contact telephone number, in the event your dog goes missing. Although microchipping has been mandatory for pet dogs since , tags are still a legal requirement and provide a quicker way to get in contact with you if your dog is found, without their microchip needing to be scanned first. We hope our puppy collar size guide has been helpful, as well as our dog collar FAQs! If you enjoyed our puppy collar size guide, you might like our other article, What do I need for a New Puppy? Cart Puppy Shopping Checklist Below are some of the items you should consider when preparing for your new Moss Creek Goldendoodle puppy. You will not need everything listed before your puppy arrives - this list is intended to help you consider all your puppy's basic needs. You can print this and take it with you when you are shopping for your new puppy. General Paper towels - a lot of paper towels. Then use old towels. Once puppy is reliably crate trained, a "real" crate bed can be used. Old Blanket or Towel s to cover wire Crate. Acrylic Fake Nail file, cardboard with sandpaper type, for smoothing nails, if desired. Hydrogen Peroxide - to induce vomiting, if necessary. Baby Gate s - Try baby supply stores and Target - generally more choices and cheaper than pet stores Beware that horizontal bars provide a foot-hold for climbing puppies. Also consider spacing between bars, as some times it is large enough for little puppies to get caught. Storage bin for dry food - air tight. Poop Scooper I. Tag - See boomerangtags. They also sell collars with tags included for the smaller sized dogs. You can also make them yourself at PetSmart or PetCo. Wire Crate for crate training - Double door folding crate with divider. Check out the Crate Shopping page for the crate we use and recommend. Medium - Standard sized Goldendoodles need at least a 42 inch crate - If you have room, get the 48 inch. Doodles sleep stretched out like frogs. They like a lot of room to be comfortable. Small Doodles can use a 36 inch crate. This will work for them for several months. Smaller for mini-small Goldendoodle puppies. Food and water bowls stainless steel or ceramic, no plastic. Waste Bags Poochie-Bells to hang by back door. Helps with house training - they learn to ring the bell to alert you that they need to go out. I highly recommend them for house training your new puppy. Nutrition is incredibly important for our puppies, and we want to make sure that we are in compliance with current, science-based recommendations. Read more about this Food on our Puppy Food page. Your puppy will start them at 6 weeks old. You cannot purchase these at the pet store, you will need to order them online. Visit our NuVet Vitamin page to order online or call order code - .Shop NuVet Vitamins Chews, Treats and Toys Puppies don't need a lot of treats for the first month until they are about 12 weeks old - treats can upset their stomachs and cause diarrhea. It's best to treat them with pieces of their dog food and lots of praise. Once they are fully grown into adulthood , this collar can be discarded in favor of a more appropriate adult collar. If it has extra sparkle or pizazz to mark their initiation into adulthood, all the better! We have an assortment of collars and leashes that provide our beloved Lexie with the extra something and sparkle for special occasions. We used the wider width collars on Lexie because we believed them to be more comfortable for her as she grew. When selecting a collar for a mini Goldendoodle puppy , the fabric is essential. Puppies have delicate skin, which can easily be irritated. Harsh fabrics, hard buckles, or snaps should be avoided in favor of simplicity and comfort. Another option for new mini Goldendoodle puppy owners is to choose a harness instead of a collar. Puppies are growing every day from head to toe. This growth includes their neck area, with the trachea being located there. As stated above, adjustable collars are best. Please set it to the appropriate size and work one way or the other to see what gives the best fit. If it is too big, the collar can quickly come off or, worse yet, get caught on something while they are running around. When should a Goldendoodle puppy start wearing a collar? This answer depends on the family, and when the mini Goldendoodle puppy will begin training and socializing. Ten weeks is a good time to start using a collar. Wearing a collar and leash training can be started as early as the family wishes, from eight weeks on, but sometimes it is just nice to give a new puppy time to adjust to their new home. A mini Goldendoodle puppy will move to a new home in the beginning weeks, with new smells and people, and there can be some apprehension combined with curiosity. While new puppy owners may be anxious to welcome the new family member, they may need time to adjust. The mini Goldendoodle puppy will have plenty of time to adjust to a collar and leash and learn what is expected of them, but sooner is better rather than later. During the early months of their life, they will be spending most of their time indoors as they are being house trained and getting acquainted with their new family. For training purposes, this is to start the puppy off on the right foot. If a puppy of this age wears a collar , it is best to have the collar on for short intervals as mini-training sessions. In the beginning, perhaps 15 minutes, and gradually increasing as they get used to the collar being around their neck. Some puppies will not like this while others will be okay with earing it. It is essential to keep a close eye on the mini Goldendoodle puppy when wearing the collar. Strangulation can accidentally occur if they manage to get caught on something while unsupervised. Whether they rest and sleep in a crate , soft bed, or the couch, they can accidentally get injured if they move around and get it caught on something. It is also a good idea to give their neck, skin, and fur a break from wearing the collar collar is like us removing our jewelry and necktie. Imagine wearing that to bed, uncomfortable, right? It also allows the fur rest and go back to its natural position, which, of course, keeps them looking adorably perfect! Final Thoughts. One thing you can do to prepare for your new bundle of fur is to go shopping! A picture is worth a thousand words, so the pictures and product links are there simply to serve as examples to assist you in preparing for your new goldendoodle puppy. Be sure to browse through the myriad of gorgeous and unique handmade collars on Etsy! Flexi leads are not the best choice for young puppies. We have leashes made by Kakadu and DexDog that we use regularly, and we have been happy with them both. Dog Crate with Divider Metal is preferable over plastic, as it is easier to clean and allows your puppy to watch everything going on around her. You may prefer to use a smaller crate can be used while your puppy is little rather than using the divider. Dog Treats Treats should be soft, small, and easy to chew quickly. Purebites dog treats are a good option. They are made with just one ingredient i. Metal Comb or Grooming Rake A metal comb is a great tool for curly coated Goldendoodles and a grooming rake works well for wavy coated Goldendoodles. These will help keep in undercoat free from tangles. For more information on grooming, check out our goldendoodle haircuts post. Slicker Brush A slicker brush is handy for fluffing the outer coat on your goldendoodle. Styptic powder is located next to the nail clippers in the pet store. Doggie Toothbrush You may find that the finger toothbrush is easiest to use when your goldendoodle is a puppy. Toys When your goldendoodle puppy is young, she will enjoy soft toys , but keep in mind that her sharp teeth will eventually allow her to chew through stuffed toys quickly. As she gets older, Jolly Balls, chew ropes, etc. Food dispensing toys are a fun way to encourage your puppy to channel her energy into something productive. Avoid raw hides, as they are not healthy option for your puppy, and never give your dog poultry bones, as they can splinter easily. Curious what your puppy will look like as an adult? View our goldendoodle puppy time lapses to see goldendoodle puppies with different hair types grow up before your eyes! Also learn about how big your puppy might grow up to be. Share this:. Guide John January 27, This article aims to help dog parents by answering the question regarding what size collar for Goldendoodle puppy is suitable. It is very important to know about a suitable collar size for a Goldendoodle puppy and then buy a collar. The Goldendoodle puppies are not only fluffy and cute but also super smart and energetic. It can be very difficult to train and control them without having a properly sized collar. Collars help to train the dogs and keep them safe, so it is very important to choose the right size of the collar. Choosing a collar for your Goldendoodle puppy is not as easy as it seems. What I Will Learn? The perfect size of collar for a Goldendoodle puppy is simply the one that can be put on and taken off easily. The most common sizes in inches are 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, .It is very important because it can be very dangerous to leave your pup with an oversized or tight collar on. If the collar is too loose, the pup can escape from it. If the size of the collar is perfect then the puppy will be calm, comfortable, and quiet. A Goldendoodle puppy is very playful and full of energy. If the size of the collar is too big your pup will be able to pull and wiggle out of it which will be very dangerous for your pup. Also, do not put on a collar that is too small as it can be very uncomfortable for your pup. Martingale Collar It is suitable for those dogs that like to wiggle and escape from their collars. It has a special loop that you can tighten or loosen as necessary. This type of collar is perfect for any smaller breed because it helps to control them better on the leash. Neoprene Collar These collars are great for water dogs. Breakaway Collar It is made of nylon and has a safety buckle that will break open if your pup gets caught on something. It can be easily adjusted to the neck size of any breed dog because you can attach or detach lead without any problems. This type of collar is perfect for small breeds. No, Pull Collar This collar is great for those dogs who like to pull and wiggle on their leash. It has a loop that you can put your hand into to avoid pressure when the dog pulls. Conclusions To conclude we can say that the Goldendoodle breed is one of the most favorite dog breeds in many countries. To keep your Goldendoodle pup safe there is one important thing that you need to do — get a good collar that is not too tight, not too loose, not too big or small. So, we hope that now you are well aware of what collar size for a Goldendoodle puppy is suitable and that perfectly fit on their neck. FAQs 1. How big is the neck of a Goldendoodle puppy? The neck of a Goldendoodle puppy is around 12 inches. However, the size may vary from one dog to another. What kind of collar should I get for my Goldendoodle puppy? There are many types of collars for dogs available in pet stores. You need to get a collar that is not too loose and not too tight, just perfect. How big is an 8-week-old Goldendoodle? An 8-week-old Goldendoodle is between 3 and 5 pounds. The size of a puppy depends on his parents as well.
We only breed from dogs with no known health issues and with exceptional temperaments and we have bred many show champions, and loyal and much loved family companions. You can view our valued adopter's Testimonial's here or on our Facebook Page where our Buyer's regularly update us on our puppies. We are delighted to still receive updates about dogs that we bred a decade ago. Our puppies are born and raised in our home literally in our lounge room with our young children and other pets not in kennels or runs! We have a trusted courier and I can organise to safely ship our puppies across Australia or internationally, at reasonable rates. We are hearing every week of people that have been scammed out of thousands and thousands of dollars with nothing to show for their money. The scammers use stolen photos and their false adverts, Facebook pages and Websites can look very professional and convincing and their low prices are attractive to people desperate to purchase a cheaper Frenchie. I have been contacted by many people have been fooled into depositing large sums of money into bank accounts Western Union and the like with no puppy ever arriving and never hearing from the seller again. One lady told me she received a stuffed toy dog in the mail for the thousands she paid. If it sounds to good to be true then it generally is! These fraudsters use stolen photos, pedigrees and health records and are continuing to steal thousands of dollars from their victims, so please be careful! Breeding pedigree healthy French Bulldogs is an expensive hobby, and you get what you pay for. Make sure both parents have pedigree papers and have undergone health checcheck to see the breeder is registered with one of the State Canine Association's affiliated with the Australian National Kennel Council not as a breeder with the local municipal council - do not be fooled when they say "registered breeder". You can check their contact details and that they are registered with their State Canine Association by phone or email. The French Bulldog is a cross between the bulldog ancestors from England and the local ratters in France. Behaviour-wise, this dog is adaptable, playful and smart. Can we meet in person? Have they been socialised? Lovely Frenchies ready for a new home, super lively, fun and energetic. All six puppies are adored. They are all vet-check, microchipped and wormed. Now just ready to join a family. Have been toilet trained on astro puppy pee mats and are doing great with it. Our babies are raised in our home as part of our family. Each puppy comes with; Registered papers - are from 5 panel DNA clear families - a puppy pack - are Vaccinated - microchipped - wormed - health checked. These puppies are a beautiful representation of the breed and won't be seen at these prices again. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have about these little wonders. Registration number .He has an absolutely beautiful nature, loves people, very devoted. She is so sweet , loves everyone, especially kids. The puppies are raised in a loving family home. They have their own lounge room and access outside to the garden and massive yard. They have had structured play time with the children which they love. Toilet training is going well. Puppies available this weekend or can be viewed prior. Will be have their first vaccination and are wormed regularly. Melissa French bulldog puppies for sale Born 18th August .Two boys and two girls. Taking deposits NOW. We are thrilled to announce the confirmation of our highly anticipated litter of French bulldog puppies, to be born to a magnificent blue Merle father and an enchanting blue dam. Both parents exude elegance and grace with their athletic build, turning heads wherever they go. The father's striking blue Merle coat is adorned with mesmerizing patterns, while the mother's luxurious blue color is simply captivating. Beyond their captivating appearances, both parents possess exceptional temperaments, exhibiting intelligence, loyalty, and affection towards their human companions. They have been lovingly raised in a nurturing environment, ensuring that they pass on their wonderful traits to their offspring. Our commitment to responsible breeding extends to maintaining the utmost care for the health and well-being of our dogs. Both the father and mother have undergone thorough health screenings, with no history of health issues. As a result, we are confident that their offspring will inherit their robust health and vitality. For those truly seeking a lifelong companion of exceptional quality, we warmly invite you to view both parents in person. Witnessing their captivating personalities and impeccable manners will leave no doubt that their progeny will be nothing short of extraordinary. These highly coveted puppies are sure to attract a lot of attention, and thus we respectfully request only serious and committed individuals or families to inquire. The puppies are expected to be ready to go to their loving homes around mid October , so the journey of unconditional love and joy can begin. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any further information or to arrange a viewing. We eagerly await the opportunity to introduce you to these precious little ones and ensure they find the most loving and responsible forever homes. The puppies have - [ ] Worming schedules completed to current age. Vet checked, wormed, vaccinated and microchipped. Puppies have been hand reared and love cuddles and attention. They will be microchipped, vaccinated and wormed regularly before leaving. Parents are healthy, clear of hereditary disease and have good breathing. Parents are fed a high quality diet including raw food. Each puppy will go to their new home with a puppy pack and registration papers from the ANKC. They are raised on premium nutrition and kept in optimal health. Puppies come with comprehensive health contract, LIFETIME breeder support and impressive puppy pack including food, treats, toys, owner gifts, supplies and so much more. Puppies are hand raised in a kennel free, indoor family friendly environment with THE most care. All our animals are owned by our own family and they are family pets and loved ones first and foremost. We can provide real customer feedback of our healthy animals and impeccable service. We are registered breeders and provide pure breed registration papers with our pooches from Master Dog Breeders and Associates. Our member number is .We start toilet training and placing babies on strict routines as soon as possible to ensure take home is simple and dogs are top quality. We also spread breed education, responsible breeding practices awareness and support local shelters and animal fundraising. Please enquire about mains options. Prices are as a pet only. They are very friendly and playful. Bred in our home in a family environment. Our puppies come vet checked, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed fortnightly and pedigree registered with MDBA. We will also send our puppies to their new homes with a comprehensive puppy pack with all the essentials to get you started. We are looking for a family to love her as much as we do. She is currently the only dog and I have 2 primary aged children who she is great with. We have had her since a puppy and she is very easy going. She is used to being home alone while we are at work and school during the week and mixes with other dogs well once a week at doggy day care. She is toilet trained. Microchipped and registered Pure bred with papers from a registered breeder Healthy and Happy with no health issues. Born 13th September Nicole Maddison is a sweet and beautiful 2 year old frenchie. We find her very affectionate and loyal. She is toilet trained, desexed, walks well and up to date on all shots and treatments. Justin Sadly due to my partners allergies to dogs we cannot have her anymore. She is roughly 2 years old. She is in good condition and has been well taken care of. Anne French Bulldog French Bulldog, male ,Blue pied, DOB Geoffery is a very well bred boy with a loving nature, His genetic testing shows he has no health concerns, I would like him to placed into a loving home with a single or older couple. They are vet checked, wormed and vaccinated. They're full of quirky and playful energy. The litter includes 4 pure bred Females and 1 pure bred Male. They are fully microchipped and vaccinated If you wants the pups DNA papers that will be at an extra cost But if your just happy seeing mum an dad DNA papers we have that already Pm me for price an can be negotiated Ruby girl Dialga girl Zippy boy Bluey girl this one has the blue eyes Spotty Evan French bulldog Selling my frenchie as I'm now doing night shift work and don't have the time for her that she needs she's good with kids and other dogs and cats pls msg me for more info she's 11 months old and toilet trained she's an inside dog Donna French Bulldogs Pedigree with Papers DNA and pedigree papers of parents available to see. All pups will come Wormed Vaccinated Microchipped Vet checked With a puppy pack containing puppy food and toy bedding and more. I am happy for Personal meetings to see mum and dad and puppies. I am MDBA registered SnuggleMeadows Exclusive puppies for sale Two adorable boys,with an unusual and rare color, are looking for a new loving home! Boys from purebred parents with excellent DNA. No breathing problems and excellent health. Grown with love and care. Wormed treated - 2, 4, 6 weeks. Please message for Main papers welcome for extra. Alla This is George. Selling due to overseas relocation Greg Fluffy French Bulldog Puppy — Jumanji We have a beautiful frenchie named Jumanji looking for her forever loving home. He has been brought up in a loving home and socialized with our kids and now hes ready to join his new family for many cuddles and lots of kisses. French Bulldogs, Pugs and British Bulldogs have particularly small and narrow stenotic nostrils… Read more View all breed additional tests Vanderglam French Bulldogs conducts 7 additional tests available for the French Bulldog. It does not always cause impaired vision or blindness but can in severe cases. There are three types of CMR affecting different breeds. A DNA test is available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition. Degenerative Myelopathy DM Genetic Test This is a disease affecting the spinal cord of older dogs, initially causing wobbliness and eventually hindlimb paralysis. It can affect a wide range of breeds. There is now a DNA test that can indicated if a breeding dog is carrying this disease. Elbow Dysplasia Physical Test These breeders have had x-rays taken on their breeding dogs to assess the quality of their elbow joints. There is a DNA test available in some breeds to indicated whether a breeding dog is carrying this disease. HUU Genetic Test Hyperuricosuria HUU is a genetic disease that causes a build-up of uric acid in the urine, predisposing to painful bladder and kidney stones. It can occur in a range of breeds. There is a DNA test available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this disease. There are a variety of sub-types of PRA, which can occur in various breeds. There are various DNA tests available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition. Tracheal Hypoplasia Physical Test British Bulldogs are known to be high risk for tracheal hypoplasia, where the trachea windpipe is very narrow. Some breeders have xrays taken of their breeding dogs to ensure the diameter of their trachea at the level of the thoracic inlet where the windpipe enters the lungs is not extremely narrow. Research is still being conducted to determine the significance of these results for puppies. Ground transport service Supportive of on-the-road pet transport by car or van RightPaw Achievements About the Breeder A little about us Dogs have always been apart of my life and bought so much happiness to me and my family! I want to be able give others the opportunity to enjoy a dog as family member that has been breed with focus on health and temperament. Why we got involved in breeding Puppies have always been apart of my life! Our special touch My focus is on a well rounded dog staying true to type whilst focusing on health! Connect with us.
Exercise Grooming The Golden Retriever is believed to have originated from the Russian tracker dog which has now gone into extinction. It has its origin from Scotland, United Kingdom and originally bred in Scotland in the midth century. As of then, wildfowl hunting was a quite popular sport amongst the Scottish elite. The retriever breeds as of then were inadequate in retrieving the games from both land and water and as a result, the best water spaniels as at then were crossed with existing retrievers which is how the Golden Retriever came to being. The Golden Retriever is best described as a kind, friendly and confident which is why it makes a really good family pet. It also has an eagerness to always please its family. In addition, it is a very active and fun-loving animal with a well-mannered temperament. This breed is well suited to rural environments and homes that have yards, it can also easily adapt to a cold environment because it possesses a lot of hair. Although it loves the outdoor life, it still remains a family dog that requires regular family interaction. The Golden Retriever can do well both indoor and outdoor if it is properly trained and stimulated. A Golden Retriever requires exercise at least twice a day in order to avoid boredom and hence destructiveness. Golden Retrievers in a working field will require more exercise than non-working Retrievers but on average, the Golden Retriever should be exercised for at least one hour twice a day. This breed requires regular baths and grooming, in order to prevent ear infection, it needs its ears cleaned regularly. With frequent grooming, the amount of hair shed by the Golden Retriever is minimized. However, excess shedding in the Golden Retriever is an indication of an underlying health issue. Our Golden Retriever 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. A healthy male Golden Retriever weighs between 65 to 75 pounds while growing up to 23 to 24 inches tall. A female weighs between 55 to 65pounds and can grow up to .How long does it take a Golden Retriever to reach its full size? For Golden Retrievers, full physical maturity takes one to two years. Once this is attained, its bones become fully grown and can perform the same amount of physical exercise as an adult dog. Do Golden Retrievers smell? Golden Retrievers often smell bad because of its thick water-resistant coat. You can, however, maintain its cleanliness to control its bad odor. How can you keep a Golden Retriever healthy? There are several ways to keep this dog healthy few of which are high-quality food, providing it with plenty of clean and freshwater, developing a good feeding schedule, etc. How many times a day should a Golden Retriever be fed? The required food for a Golden Retriever is dependent on its age, activity level, size and built. Vets recommend about 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food per day for two meals. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? This dog is a sporting breed and therefore requires a whole lot of exercise when fully grown, high-intensity exercise is very beneficial to it. Is it alright to get a Golden Retriever in a hot climate? The Golden Retriever can thrive well in hot climates; all it requires is a shaded and aerated area with lots of water. However, it should not be allowed to exercise too much in the heat. What age can a Golden Retriever Puppy be brought home? A puppy Retriever should not be taken from its mother earlier than when it is 8 weeks old. This is because up until that age, it gets important socialization and learns important skills from its mother and siblings. Should a Golden Retriever be left indoors or outdoors? A Golden Retriever naturally wants to be with its family, if its family is indoor, you will find it right there with them. Does a Golden Retriever bark a lot? The Golden Retriever is not one to bark a lot except in cases of boredom or mental stimulation. Are you interested in purchasing a Golden Retriever? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. I am such a loving, playful and goofy boy. I was brought to my rescue after being neglected by my previous owner and I am now learning how to be a dog! I love to play out in the yard and go for long walks. I am good with other dogs after a slow and proper introduction, and I especially love young and playful dogs! I have lots of energy and am looking for someone to exert my energy with! I would be a great addition to a home with someone that is an experienced dog owner, has a backyard and lives an active lifestyle. I would do best with humans that will continue my training and with older kids in the home. I am fully vetted, and crate trained! Im currently in a foster home and my foster mom is teaching me boundaries and the good life. I've learnt to love cuddling in bed and chilling on the couch. I am working on channeling my excitement and being an overall good boy! If youre interested in Lucas, please submit an adoption application on our website or email adopt mercyfullprojects. Today you are doing an adoption application. This application does not guarantee adoption. Once we receive the application an adoption coordinator will reach out to you within the next 72 hrs to set up a meet and greet at our facility. The animal you are applying for most likely will be in a foster home NOT at our facility. Please read the bio before sending an application - we answer all we know about the animal here. If the question is not answered in the bio please send emails to adopt mercyfullprojects. If you are meeting a puppy or kitten that is not ready for adoption there is a waiting period until they are fully ready to go home. Adoption fee -Along with daily care costs, the adoption fees help Mercy Full Project cover vet bills, maintain their facility and cover the cost of their operations to rescue more animals in need Thank you for completing the application. Below are our newest added Golden Retrievers available for adoption in Sarasota, Florida. To see more adoptable Golden Retrievers in Sarasota, Florida, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria!
Since the Labrador could grow to a hefty size, its yearly upkeep still falls within the expected price range of other big dogs. Always take your puppy to regular vet checkups, even if it looks like the very picture of health. Though these things are not high on the priority list, consider them nice-to-haves once the budget allows. Besides, we all want the best for our four-legged friends, and that alone is reason enough for most of us! Boarding Kennels: This service is a lifesaver for owners who have to travel for days or weeks at a time and cannot bring their dog along with them. Professional Grooming: As we said earlier, Labrador Retrievers shed a lot, so an afternoon at the groomer will help keep your pooch looking clean and tidy. You can put off spending on these things until the budget allows. However, give some serious thought to investing in an emergency fund, as this would take a big worry off your mind in case of any unexpected trips to the vet. Though it is tempting to buy a dog from pet stores or backyard breeders because of their low puppy prices, getting Lab puppies from a reputable source is still a more responsible and ethical choice. Here is a list of responsible breeders where you can find Labrador puppies for sale: Rhumbline Retrievers — This New York-based kennel has been breeding quality Labrador Retriever puppies since , and a good number of their dogs have participated in agility, obedience, and hunting tests at the national level. Due to their commitment to only breed dogs of the highest quality, they have limited puppies for sale at a time; thus, expect a long waitlist. All their puppies are tested for genetic disorders such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They raise show-quality Labs and have championship bloodline puppies as well. For a more comprehensive list of reputable Labrador Retriever breeders, take a peek at our 10 best Labrador breeders article. All their dogs are fostered and given medical care before being turned over to their new family. Based in Colorado and licensed by the Pet Animal Care Facilities, they foster and provide medical care to Labs until they can get adopted. American Lab Rescue — This organization makes use of foster homes to rehabilitate and care for their rescued dogs. For your adoption application to be approved, they will require a fenced-in yard and will also do a home visit to your place before releasing a dog. Alternatively, you can also check out our top 10 picks of Labrador Retriever Rescues and our dog adoption guide. The Labrador Retriever is popular for its great temperament and personality. Unfortunately, most people fail to expect its high energy level as well, which is why some Labs find themselves in animal shelters. That said, doing your research about the Labrador Retriever before buying or adopting a puppy is necessary to make sure that the Lab is the best dog for you. Money-Saving Tips for Labrador Retriever Owners We all want to give our dog the best life possible, and if we can do that without breaking the bank, then even better! The trick is finding the right balance on which expenses to let go of and which ones to keep. To help you achieve this, here are some money-saving tips for Labrador Retriever owners: DIY dog food and treats. Not only is this a more practical option, but this is also healthier for your dog. Practice your grooming skills. Watch a good tutorial and practice your skills on your pooch. Invest in high-quality supplies. You may want to scrimp on supplies such as food and water bowls, but investing in high-quality and durable essentials will save you more money in the long run. Training Labrador Retrievers is a fairly easy task, even for novice dog owners. A lot of great tutorials can be found on the internet, and being the intelligent dogs that they are, they will learn all their tricks in no time! Like pet insurance, regular vet visits will save you from procedures and medications that could cost thousands of dollars later. Pet quality pups are affordable and budget-friendly to most people who are looking for an intelligent and well-tempered canine companion. However, like most dogs, their lifetime cost would still require you to spend considerable money. As such, think long and hard about the commitment and financial implications of taking in a dog. These canines make great family pets, even for those looking for their first dog. So, if your budget is enough to shoulder the price and long-term costs of the Labrador Retriever, then it might just be the pooch for you! Tell us in the comment box below! My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Are Labrador Retrievers Good Pets? What is the purchase price of a Lab? Labradors pricing can vary depending on the age, their bloodline, and whether they are male or female. How do I find labrador breeders? How much should I expect to spend on vet bills for my Labrador? How much does a puppy cost from a local breeder? This is something that you will need to discuss with your preferred Labrador breeder before bringing home your new pet. Labrador dog price can be dictated by age, colour and sex. Black labradors tend to be the most expensive as they are rarer than their chocolate counterparts. How much is a Labrador? How long do Labradors live? For this reason, you need to make sure that you are fully committed to caring for your Labrador throughout their entire life before bringing one home as they will have many more costs associated with them once they reach an age where health conditions can affect them more readily. The first year is very important in terms of training, socialization, and also vaccinations that your dog needs during this time period which includes boosters throughout his entire lifetime and potentially even more. Puppies are typically vaccinated at eight and ten weeks, a second dose is often given 4 — 6 weeks later. Labradors Vaccinations are essential before you can actively walk your dog After a Labrador retriever gets vaccinates you should wait about two weeks before you can take them outside. Labradors are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United Kingdom, so it comes as no surprise that there is an abundance of puppy breeders out there trying to make a quick buck by selling their pups off at high prices. Before you run off and buy yourself a dog check how old it is and when it will require a vaccination. A Lab Puppy will also require booster vaccinations this will be an ongoing cost as you may need to get multiple booster shots. It is advisable to take your dog for yearly health checks. Pet insurance for Labrador puppies If you are buying a Labrador puppy you should consider getting pet insurance, in case your puppy gets sick or injured. To lower the cost of your insurance you should buy health-tested pups. Labrador Retriever insurance could potentially save you a lot of money in the long run. To spot a puppy farm is not always easy, however, there are signs to look out for that might indicate your Labradors parents were kept in puppy farm conditions. They can live up to 12 years old so they require you to be financially ready when getting them! Exercising your Labrador Another thing to consider is how much exercise will your labrador do? To exercise your labrador you will need to walk them for at least 30 minutes every day, but this changes from when they are a small dog to when they become a more large breed. Labradors are very active and love playing, so they will also require a big yard in which you can play with your puppy in! If you cant exercise your Labrador enough you may want to consider getting them training classes or leave them at a kennel club. Labrador feeding guide Feeding a Labrador is essential for your puppy to grow and develop. Labradors require a high-quality diet consisting of protein, vitamins, and minerals. When feeding my labrador puppy I would recommend buying puppy kibble from the pet store because it has been made specifically for young puppies under 12 months old. You should feed your puppy three You should take your dog to get regular checkups where you can check if you are feeding it the right food. What colour is most popular? Labrador pups come in three colours — black the most common , yellow which includes chocolate and silver. Black labradors are in high demand due to their especially gentle nature around children, they are less commonly used as a show lab. When choosing a colour you should consider what you want your dog to do. If allergy sufferers were thinking about owning a labrador retriever then a golden one could be the best option as there would only ever be minimal amounts of allergens around the home compared to other options out there. Living costs of Labaradors Labrador living costs can vary from place to place and also from one breeder to the next. One of the most important cost that needs considering is what you might need in order for your dog to be kept healthy and well. The cost of getting a Labrador vaccinated on time after it has been born can vary depending on where you are based as well as how much experience they have with labradors — so always ask around, do some research online or even phone up local vets! You will also be expected to pay vet fees and feed your lab good quality food. For leads and toys, anything from anywhere! Labradors live to be about 11 years old so the cost of raising one will go up over time as they get older. This is where the joints in their hips or elbows do not develop properly during puppyhood, which can cause pain later on. Labrador retrievers are also prone to eye problems including cataracts nuclear sclerosis of the lens , progressive retinal atrophy degeneration of retina cells. How to purchase a Labrador There are multiple options to consider when buying Labrador puppies. Puppies cost a lot of money, but you can avoid this cost by adopting an adult Labrador from your local shelter or rescue. If you do buy a puppy, make sure to choose the right breeder and location! This will save you future heartache when purchasing a labrador. Labradors are medium-sized dogs that have been ranked as the number one most popular dog in America for over 20 years straight. They are very friendly large dogs. Labradors are known to be a great breed of dogs, they are a large and lively breed and make a great family pet. They are very friendly and make good pets for families with children or even other animals in the house. However, there is one drawback to owning a labrador — their high maintenance costs! They are known as a very active breed and require lots of exercise daily, taking them out on long walks or runs every day will become an essential part of life! If you can not get this type of physical activity into your everyday routine it might be best to choose a more relaxed dog like a beagle. Do labradors bark a lot? Labradors do bark a lot, they are known as a very vocal breed of dogs and will become more so when they reach puppyhood! If you have neighbors who can hear them barking from your property this may not be the best breed for you. Can Labradors live outside? Labradors are not the best breed of dog to live outside, they are very active and need lots of exercise daily. If you do not have time every day to take them out on long walks or runs then it might be better for your puppy if they lived inside with you! A Lab dog should still spend time in a home environment but if you leave your dog outside alot make sure he gets regular vaccinations What is a similar breed to a Labrador Retriever? If you are looking for a similar dog to a Lab Retriever then there are many similar breeds to consider! Golden Retrievers, Flat-Coated Retrievers and Cocker Spaniels are all puppy breeds that can be found in many different colours like black, chocolate or yellow. All of these dogs should have a similar temperament too so could make great family pets for you. When will my Labrador become an adult Labs become an adult dog when they are between 12 months and 18 months old. This is the time when they will start to be more independent but they still need your guidance! Training your lab Puppy When deciding to train a lab puppy you should consider puppy classes. Lab puppies should be taught how to interact with humans and dogs to assure they are well behaved. In Conclusion A Labrador dog is a very popular breed of dog. They make excellent pets and loyal companions for humans, but they do come with some costs that you should be aware of before purchasing one as your next canine companion. You may want to consider pet insurance just in case the unthinkable happens and your labrador needs veterinary care or has an accident while playing outside. We break down everything you need to know before signing up for coverage in our blog post on the subject. To summarize, here are the key points we found: The most important thing to consider when looking at rates is whether or not your dog requires any specific breed-specific treatments such as hip dysplasia treatment; if so, make sure that this condition is covered by the plan you choose. Another major factor affecting pricing is where you live — some regions have higher costs of living than others which means prices may be more expensive there too. The costs will be a bit higher at first while you get your dog the shots it requires and pay for the frequent visits to the vet. We also recommend getting your dog spayed or neutered unless you are a professional breeder, and it might even be required as part of your contract if you purchase from a breeder. Once your dog is an adult, it will not require as many vet visits and will only need booster shots every few years, so the average monthly costs will be much lower. Experts recommend getting all of the shots, but your dog is only legally required to get the rabies shot. We recommend purchasing a high-quality brand with real meat like chicken, turkey, or salmon listed as the first ingredient. The protein in meat will help build muscle and provide the energy your dog needs to stay healthy. High protein diets will also help your dog stay full longer, and it will be less likely to come looking for food. Foods with corn as the top ingredient are mostly empty calories that will leave your pet feeling hungry and looking for more food, potentially causing it to become obese. During the shedding seasons of spring and fall, you will likely need to increase the brushing to several times a week to help keep the fur off your furniture and floor. Professional grooming can also help with teeth brushing and nail clipping. This medication can also help prevent heartworm. Spot Pet Insurance offers customizable plans that you can adapt to your breed's specific needs. Many people forgo pet insurance, but it can be a great way to protect yourself from a huge expense while making sure your Labrador Retriever has the best healthcare possible. Accidents and serious illnesses can occur at any time, and many procedures can cost thousands of dollars which makes the price of insurance more than worth it, especially if you get it while your dog is still a puppy. It can chew up stuffed animals quickly, so they can get expensive, but there are plenty of options for a chewing dog, like the Lab. Another option is to purchase a subscription to a monthly service like the Bark Box that sends your dog new toys and activities for as long as you keep up your subscription. A full-grown dog only requires food and flea and tick medication to stay healthy, a few toys to play with, and treats here and there. Additional Costs to Factor In If you like to go on long vacations, you might need to factor in the additional costs of traveling with a dog. Many rental cars do not allow pets or will charge you extra, and the same is true for hotels. Owning a Labrador Retriever on a Budget Your Labrador Retriever will be relatively inexpensive once you get the medical things out of the way. A high-quality food may seem more expensive, but it will help keep your dog full so that it will eat less. Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock Saving Money on Labrador Retriever Care The best way to save money on healthcare when raising your Labrador Retriever is to keep it a healthy weight by following portion recommendations on the food you serve and by helping them get enough exercise. Obesity can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues that can shorten the lifespan of your pet. After the initial cost of the puppy , you will need to pay a few hundred dollars to get it spayed or neutered and get the shots it needs. After that, you will only need to provide food and shelter with the occasional booster shot. We hope you have enjoyed reading over this guide, and that it has helped answer your questions. If we have helped you create a budget that allows you to get one of these amazing pets, please share this guide on how much it costs to own a Labrador Retriever on social media. Featured Image Credit: scott, Pixabay Contents. Are they good family dogs? Labrador Dog Price — The Costs Involved Buying a Labrador is not just a question of the purchase price of a Lab puppy, though of course that is important. There are other costs involved, both financial, emotional and in terms of time and effort. So we need to look at those too. You may be wondering whether you will have the time for a dog, and if you have the space and energy for a large and lively breed? But this page will take you back to the fundamental considerations, to help you to make the right choice for you and your family. Do you have time for a dog? Can you afford a dog? What about your lifestyle? Will a dog fit in with your family? Is a Labrador the right dog for you? These questions all apply regardless of the type of Labrador you are looking for. The needs of a black Lab, yellow Lab or chocolate Lab are all the same in these respects. The same goes for an English or American Labrador too. Dogs need space, both indoors and outside. Even small breeds need room to stretch their legs and run about. And Labradors as fairly large and lively dogs need quite a lot of space. This means you need a decent sized backyard if you plan on buying a Labrador puppy. Somewhere that your Lab dog can run around, play and enjoy training sessions with you. Labradors can be quite silly during adolescence, bouncing and cavorting in the home. Their tails are long and thick, easily knocking any fragile decorations you might have from shelves. If you have lots of ornaments then you will need to move them to higher shelves to avoid them getting damaged. You will also need to move anything that could be easily damaged by chewing. With small puppies this will be very often indeed. Perhaps every 15 to 20 minutes during their first few days with you. If you live in a flat, or do not have a garden, this will be difficult for you. These are helpful but do take up a lot of space. Although this will take up a lot of space indoors, it can work very well for larger apartments with no easy outside access. Ideally however you do need to have a garden, and a part of the garden which your dog can use as a bathroom, along with a good system for clearing up after him hygienically. Space is key for a Lab dog! The right space for a Labrador includes large clear rooms in the house, with no breakable or fragile objects within his grasp. And ideally access to a garden where they can easily be let out to the bathroom and have room to play. Keeping a single Labrador permanently outside however is not usually a good idea, even with adequate shelter and security. Labs are very sociable dogs and prone to separation anxiety if they lack company. This means your dog may be both sad and noisy. It is always sad to hear from new puppy owners that are struggling to juggle the needs of a puppy with their need to work. These articles will help you to deal with this common issue. Even with a visit at lunch time. An older dog may cope with being left for up to four hours in row on a regular basis, but puppies need more attention than this. Contented Labradors are fairly quiet dogs and unlikely to disturb your neighbors. Nor are they very good guard dogs. However, lonely dogs bark and wreck things. If you work all day, can you afford to pay someone to come in and let him out to stretch his legs and empty himself? Or do you have a relative or friend that would be prepared to do this on a regular basis. Bear in mind that this is quite a lot to ask of anyone in the long term. The biggest long term time commitment in owning a dog is in the form of training and exercise. Training Takes Time All dogs need training in order that they can rub along in human society without being a complete nuisance. This means a regular daily commitment of ten to twenty minutes from you, in addition to your regular interaction with the dog. Training cannot be saved up for the weekend, your dog will have forgotten most of what he learnt the weekend before, and he does not have the attention span to concentrate on you for an hour and a half. You can find out more about training your Labrador puppy here. Staying Fit Exercise is required on a regular basis, for some breeds of dog this means at least an hour a day of walking or jogging to keep your dog fit and healthy. You can find out more about the exercise requirements of a Labrador puppy here. Whilst your dog will not come to any harm if you miss a day occasionally, a daily routine is often the best way to ensure that you build this important habit. Can You Afford A Dog? Dogs can be quite expensive to run. You need to consider not only how much a Labrador will cost you to buy, but also how much it will cost you to keep. How much do Labradors cost from breeders? The price of a Labrador puppy will vary from breeder to breeder, and from place to place. Perhaps you know a friend that has a litter of puppies and they are going to let you have one for free. However, the purchase price of a dog is almost irrelevant. It is such a small part of the final cost. The cost of keeping a Labrador The reality is, you are also going to need to fork out a chunk of your wages each week on keeping your pooch happy and healthy. Obviously you will have taken the cost of a good brand of Labrador puppy food into consideration. It is a good idea to budget for veterinary insurance too. Not because it is unreasonably priced, but simply because it is now so advanced. You can fix a lot of problems these days. We can do open heart surgery, mend complex fractures, treat cancer with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Pretty much anything you can treat in a human, you can now treat in a dog. And the catch? It costs. The more comprehensive your insurance package the more it will cost. Watch out for very cheap deals, as they may not provide continuing cover for long term ailments. You will also need to vaccinate your dog against common canine illness , and this will probably need to be done each year too. Especially if you are wanting to occasionally leave them in boarding kennels when you go away, as they require up to date vaccination certificates. Labrador Puppy Costs There will be a few other one-off costs such as a puppy crate and puppy play pen for your home for when your dog is young, another for your car if you have one. Then there are bowls, bedding, collar, leash etc. But you may be able to borrow a crate or get one second hand. Here are some of the items you will need for your new Labrador puppy, and reviews on the best options for Labradors:. This can be anything from buying them a new toy, replenishing their treat stash, or replacing the bed they destroyed. It can be dependent on how often you replace toys and food, if they have required medications and vet visits, or if you get pet insurance. Many times, there are factors that pop up over time. You might notice your lab needs more regular nail trimming or they really enjoy ripping toys apart that need consistent replacing. Of course, replenishing dog food will occur at least a couple of times every month which can add up. This can be on the higher end if your pup has monthly medications. Additional Costs to Factor In There are additional costs that you might not think of when you are looking to get a Labrador Retriever puppy. The costs can include your dog getting sick can be expensive depending on the severity of the illness. If your dog swallows a toy or eats something that makes them sick, they might need emergency care. You should also factor things in like an increased need for training in your dog, as it can be an additional regular cost. Owning a Labrador Retriever on a Budget There are certain things you can do to keep costs at a minimum when you own a Labrador Retriever. For example, when you are looking to purchase pet insurance, go for the basic plan rather than adding on unnecessary coverage. You can buy long-lasting toys that are meant to stand up to dog chewing and try spoiling them a little less than you might want to. In terms of dog food, you might be inclined to reach for the fancy food, but sometimes the generic brands work just as well! There are different cost cuts you can take without compromising the care of your furry friend. Image Credit: Caftor, Shutterstock Saving Money on Labrador Retriever Care When it comes to lab care, having pet insurance in place right away can be very beneficial to saving money on any possible accidents or illnesses your dog may encounter. Pet insurance is meant to cover part of the expenses that can come up when your dog gets sick and needs additional care or medications. Make sure you research high-quality toys , beds, and food that is great for dog owners on a budget. Conclusion When it comes to owning a Labrador Retriever there are many factors to consider in terms of one-time and average monthly costs. When you first get your puppy, you will need the basics like puppy dog food, a crate, a doggy bed, some toys, and some basic first aid essentials nearby. Remember there are regular grooming costs like nail clipping, a good dog wash, and more. Little things will add up over time that need to be carefully considered. How Much Does a Labrador Cost? And, this is just the upfront cost of the puppy. This includes the cost of food, veterinary bills, grooming, bedding, and so on. Labrador puppy costs depend on a few factors. Quality of the breeder Quality of the parent dogs Type of Labrador eg. For instance, puppy prices tend to be higher before Christmas, so buy a puppy in the spring, instead. Originally, black Labs were favored above other colors. Brown and yellow Labs were extremely uncommon, and were not at all desirable. Over time, this opinion changed and brown and yellow Labs became more accepted. Shooting communities still tend to prefer the black Lab, but yellow Labs are very common in other working roles, like as therapy dogs and guide dogs. On the whole, each official Labrador color will cost a similar amount. But, yellow and brown Labs may cost slightly more than black Labs, since the genes that cause their coloring are recessive and therefore are less common. Non-Standard Colors Labrador costs can be hugely increased or reduced by non standard colors or patterns. For instance, dilute shades or mismarks. Dilute coloring is recessive and highly controversial in the Labrador community. The genes that cause these shades will dilute pigmentation, turning black Labs into charcoal Labs, chocolate Labs into silver Labs, and yellow Labs into champagne Labs. Some believe this color results from cross-breeding. But, others believe the recessive genes simply remained hidden over generations, like original yellow and chocolate coloring. Dilute colors are not accepted in the official breed standard. So, many breeders will not adjust their price, and may even lower it for unexpected dilute puppies. The same is the case with mismarks. Mismarks can include white patches and spots, brindling, and even tan markings. Extensive mismarks will disqualify a Lab from show. Show type Labs are bred to fit the Labrador breed standard. They are usually slightly stockier and less active than field types. Field types are more often bred for their working ability than for any specific appearance. Labradors cost more when they are bred to show standards. Field Labs tend to be cheaper than Labradors bred for show. But, you should consider which type is best for you, rather than just going for the cheapest Labrador you can find. Field type Labs can be much more energetic and active than show types. First time owners may find the English Lab slightly easier to raise and train! Conversely, Labrador costs can be highest with field trial champion bred dogs that are likely to win awards. Labrador Costs From Breeders vs Shelters Labrador puppies from reputable breeders will cost more than dogs from a rescue center. Whilst Labs from breeders can cost thousands of dollars, Labradors from rescue centers can only be a few hundred dollars. A major difference between Labs from a breeder and Labs from a rescue center is the history of the dogs. Puppies from a breeder will stay with their mom and siblings until 8 weeks old. At 8 weeks, puppies can go to their new home. Rescue center dogs can have unknown histories, or even histories that involve abuse. Labs from rescue centers are usually older, and have often lived with other families. However, many Labs are given up for non-behavioral reasons. They can be just as wonderful pets as puppies from a breeder. And, many dogs from rescue centers will have basic training, including house training, obedience, and potentially recall. Why Are Breeders So Expensive? Reputable breeders tend to cost more than any other puppy source. Breeders have to spend a lot when breeding a litter, and all of this will lower their profit margins. Labrador breeding costs include: Health testing and certificates. Your Labrador puppy will need a bed, collar, leash, poop bags, food bowls, food, treats, toys, grooming supplies, and a dog crate. It is important to get any dog licensed to avoid legal issues. Training Labrador Retrievers are easy to train and do not require professional training. But, some keepers choose to take their Lab to puppy school. Because they are highly motivated, Labradors also do great in agility training. This is also a great way for them to use up their energy. Owners can either build their own agility course or pay to put their dog in agility classes. Vet Fees and Insurance One of the most expensive parts of owning a dog is all the vet visits. This includes all of their shots and monthly checkups. A way to help reduce the cost of veterinary bills is through buying pet insurance. It is best to start paying for a pet insurance policy when your Labrador is a puppy. Senior dogs are more expensive to cover since they are more likely to develop health problems. Food When it comes to feeding a Labrador, they are not cheap. Labradors eat a lot of food. They are medium to large-sized dogs and weigh around 70 pounds. These prices are based on feeding a high quality kibble. Wet food can easily cost several hundred dollars more. Backyard Breeders One important thing every potential owner should remember is to avoid backyard breeders and pet shops. It is true that these places sell dogs for a much lower price. But, that does not mean they will be cheaper over their lifespan. Backyard breeders do not screen their dogs to determine if they have inheritable health problems. This results in Lab puppies being born that are more likely to develop health issues such as hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. These breeders also do not provide proper veterinary care for their puppies. Many are sold while having worms or fleas and having received no socialization. Ethical Labrador breeders ensure their breeding stock is screened and their puppies are healthy and socialized before placing them into their new homes. Labrador Retrievers can develop diseases of the eye. The form of this disease that is very common is Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration. Caused by an inheritable genetic mutation, it ultimately leads to blindness. Screening will help to prevent you from buying a puppy that may become blind later on in life. Dogs with this disease will lose their sight between one and eight years of age. Hip and Elbow Scores Another health problem that Labradors are prone to is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a genetic skeletal disease that causes the hip joint to not form properly. This results in the femur grinding against the hip causing deterioration and loss of function. Many Labradors with this condition end up having to undergo surgery to reduce pain and regain function in their hips. The average hip score for a Labrador retriever is 12, so any score below that is considered good. Ideally, good breeders will only breed dogs with hip scores under .This will prevent you from purchasing a Labrador puppy that will require expensive surgery later on in its life. Purpose American Labradors are best suited for active families. Families that enjoy activities such as swimming, running, and hiking. They are great for families with older children who can engage and play with them more. American Labs would also do best with owners who can dedicate more time to them because they require a lot of exercise every day. People who work from home or part time would be ideal. English Labradors would make great pets for quieter families because they have a calmer personality. They are also gentler and would do well with a family that has young children. Since they are less active, they are suitable for a busier family who has less time to exercise them. Their docile, patient attitude also makes them excellent candidates to be service dogs so they would be a great dog for people who need one in their life. Summary The price of a Labrador can vary depending on if you get one from a breeder or rescue. Its color, pedigree and health will also influence the price. All Labradors are prone to health conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy and hip or elbow dysplasia. Make sure the breeder screens for these health conditions before breeding. This will help to ensure your puppy is healthy. The cost to keep a Labrador healthy, exercised and happy can get pricey. But, if an owner has done their research and prepared themselves, then Labradors make an excellent addition. What Lab do you prefer? American, English, or mixed? Let us know! He has spent decades training working dogs and spends most of his spare time studying, reading and learning about their behavior and welfare. Outside of Marvelous Dogs, he enjoys trail running and agility work with his working Labrador Retriever. You May Also Like.
Dawson Creek According to this small and family-owned breeder, good puppies come in small packages. Brenda Dawson lives in the ancient town of Luka, Mississippi, with her husband, son, and eight Labradoodle parents, which is known for its healing mineral springs. Their Labradoodle breeding program prioritizes health, happiness, and a peaceful disposition. Inside their houses and the homes of guardian friends, the adult dogs and Labradoodle puppies all live as family members. They are treated with the same respect and adhere to the same rules as their human counterparts. When you visit Dawson Creek, you will see red in a good manner! These Labradoodles have a lot of character. Each labradoodle has a distinct personality that distinguishes it from the rest. These dogs have undergone extensive health testing to ensure that we provide you with top-notch service. They have a show-quality line of Australian Labradoodle puppies in mini, standard and medium sizes: black, chocolate, red, apricot, and other beautiful colors. Their pets are non-shedding, hypoallergenic dogs that live about 15 to 18 years. Their puppies have a pleasant demeanor, enjoy being around people, and have the unique ability to empathize with humans. Their pups are healthy and have a maximum lifespan of 15 to 18 years. They have beautiful, well-bred puppies available at their Kennel. Barksdale Labradoodles offers a health guarantee on their puppies and requires that all dogs pass genetic testing before breeding. They also make sure that their puppies are dewormed, vaccinated, and socialized with other animals and people. Moreover, they offer a lifetime warranty against genetic defects. If something does happen, they will take the dog back and replace it with a new puppy of equal value. They offer you excellent service and support, as their goal is to provide you with years of happiness and memories. Their adult dogs are healthy, happy, well-tempered family members that can be taken anywhere. All of their Labradoodle parents are OFA certified. They are one of the most trustworthy, reputable, and caring breeders in Mississippi. Their puppies are friendly, docile, gentle with kids and visitors alike. Health, temperament, intellect, conformation, and low to non-shedding coats are all important. All of our dogs are genetically tested and have their joints certified. They only produce one or two litters per year and give them proper attention and care. Starting at one day, they employ Early Neurological Stimulation on our puppies. They keep puppies until they are eight weeks old, which is the optimal period for them to adjust to their new surroundings. Puppies have had their dew claws removed and provided their vaccines by a professional veterinarian. They have also been dewormed and given a heartworm prophylactic. At six weeks of age, they receive a complete health examination and their first series of vaccines from a registered veterinarian, as well as a health certificate. They also provide a health assurance against genetic disorders and deformities for the rest of your life. We conducted our investigation to ensure that the breeders we found were not puppy mills or backyard breeders. In general, if you want to locate a happy and healthy Labradoodle puppy in Mississippi, you should also be aware of the different coat colors and sizes available. The Labradoodle breed has three sizes: mini, standard, and medium. The price for a dog will depend on its size, age, lineage, coat color, temperament features, etc. The three breeders we have listed above are among the best Labradoodle breeders in Mississippi. If you are looking for a healthy, low-shedding, and friendly Labradoodle puppy, be sure to contact one of these breeders. They will be more than happy to help you find the perfect Labradoodle pup for your family. To ensure that your Labradoodle is healthy, you must confirm all health and genetic testing results to ensure that they do not inherit a condition. Finally, visit their breeding facility and develop a rapport with the Labradoodle breeder if at all possible. We hope you choose a puppy and connect with a reliable breeder! 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. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Biloxi Mississippi and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. These Labradoodles are bursting with personality. They are lovable, playful, and very intelligent. Each labradoodle having its own unique personality makes it very special. These unique personalities develop from the Australian Labradoodles wonderful temperament. Labradoodles love their humans and make extraordinary family companions and excellent Emotional Support Animals. Our girls and boys have been extensively health tested in-order to assure that we provide you with premium quality. Click here to view our current litters or click here to view our upcoming litters. Guardian Program Dawson Creek Labradoodles has a firm belief in the one-family concept. We ensure our breeding boys and girls have a loving home and live life to the fullest. Therefore, we offer a guardian program to well-deserved families at no cost. Nothing pleases them more than participating in family activities and family fun. About Our Family We are blessed to live on a small farm and enjoy the outdoor living. We enjoy taking care of our animals and having family togetherness. Our breeding girls are a big part of our family. They live in our home as family members. Our girls enjoy our country lifestyle. Whether they are taking a walk to the creek or a run to the barn the girls love being a part of the family. Our country lifestyle provides our girls and their puppies with a relaxed environment that allows plenty of socialization with adults, children, and other animals. At Dawson Creek our Australian Labradoodles are an important part of our family. We hope when you find your Australian Labradoodle, your doodle will be an important part of your family too! Our doods enjoy roaming around our sprawling homestead in picturesque Iuka, Mississippi. Purchasing a Dawson Creek Australian Labradoodle If you feel that a Dawson Creek Australian Labradoodle is a good fit for your family, please begin the adoption process by filling out our puppy application. We would love to make you a part of the Dawson Creek Family. We enjoy making families happy and putting smiles on faces. Please browse our Puppy Culture Protocol website for more information about our facility.
Rest assured when purchasing a dog from us that years of breeding and training experience have gone into the development and selection of your German shepherd dog or puppy. Black, Dark Sables, as well as Red and Black German shepherd male and female puppies are available by reservation. Martin Z. Riverside is over an hour drive from me in the valley, but; the puppies that come from the breeder are worth the drive and more! My all black German Shepard "Sirius" is an absolute dream! The breeder and his family truly care for the dogs and their upbringing. Arsalaan constantly checks in to see how me and Sirius are doing and is there to answer any questions you may have. Whether it's your first dog or not give him a call! He'll walk you through the steps and be there with you for guidance. Gavin U. Arsalaan and his family are very kind, caring breeders! When I first reached out to him, he was very quick with a response and easy to communicate with. He truly takes great pride in his pups and is very helpful to answer any questions that may arise. I brought Bear home with me on Dec 16 and he was nice, clean, and healthy upon pick up. Arsalaan provided Bear's list of shots as well as his pedigree and some other additional documents. You will not be disappointed working with him, highly recommend him and his family to help you bring home your newest family member! Mitchell K. Very responsible breeder, I came from Arizona and couldn't be happier. Very helpful before and after receiving my puppy. I highly recommended. Jimmy M. I call Arsalaan whenever I have questions and he is always very helpful with training tips and advice. I get a lot compliments on her looks. Elvia B. I am so grateful for all of the help I got from Arsalaan, and we also appreciate him following up on our puppy "Rexie". He's given us great advice even before we decided to get Rexie. Although he's up north about a 90 minute drive from us, it was definitely worth it. He kept our puppy even after her 8 weeks we couldn't bring her home because it was a Christmas gift. When I took Rexie to her first vet visit the vet said " this breeder definitely knows what he's doing ". Rexie came with up to date vaccinations and AKC forms paid for just have to finish writing them up. Our new family member is a happy and healthy puppy! Plus she sleeps through the night quietly from day one. Amazing Thank you Arsalaan. Located in beautiful Southern California, we strive to breed superior quality family dogs that will not only make great companions and protectors for your family but that also represent the German Shepherd breed well with the exceptional temperament the breed is known and loved for worldwide. We breed only top German V and VA bloodlines that possess superior health and temperament through generations of hip and elbow certified and temperament tested dogs. Additionally all of our dogs are tested for Degenerative Myelopathy to be sure we are producing puppies safe from this disease. Additionally all of our dogs are DNA tested Clear for the MDR1 gene that can cause mild to severe reactions to a variety of medications. Please visit our testimonials page to read review from many of our clients through the years. Also be sure to visit our Dogs For Sale page to see retired females and males we currently have available to the right homes. Check back often as we are always updating photos of our available puppies. With keeping a small number of dogs we have time to give plenty of love and individual attention to them and the puppies when we have them. Our dogs are not kept in kennels, they live with us as part of our family, with room to roam outside on our one acre property and a warm spot inside to sleep. All puppies are raised inside our home in a clean and healthy environment. All whelpings are supervised by us and assisted as needed to ensure the best start and to protect the health of the mother and her puppies. All puppies are well socialized with small children, cats and our other dogs. Temperament is very important to us, our breeding dogs have wonderful temperaments that they pass on to their puppies. Puppies are temperament tested so that we can help you to find the perfect fit for your family and your needs. We actively show our dogs on the local, national and international level thereby striving to breed dogs of quality bloodlines and structure that adhere to the German SV standard for the German Shepherd dog. We make every effort to continue to learn and to improve our bloodlines by importing dogs of superior quality with top German VA bloodlines to bring you the highest and best quality puppy for you and your family to enjoy. Our hope as breeders is that we can provide the best quality German Shepherd puppy with an outstanding temperament that will in turn make a lasting impression on you and your family like they have in ours. I have so many customers that have been lifelong fans of the German Shepherd, that have grown up with German Shepherds and long for that companionship again with the dog of their childhood. I look forward to providing the dog of your dreams to you and your family! Call today to begin your future with a great German Shepherd Dog of your own. Call or email for an appointment to visit us and to meet our dogs and puppies. Join and learn directly from Nadelhaus founder Traci Needles, who has over 25 years of experience breeding and training German Shepherds. Over 50 videos on the following topics covering German Shepherd puppies, housebreaking, crate training, obedience, feeding, grooming, wellness, and much more. New videos to be added every month. Our customers come from all over including Sacramento, the Central Valley, the Bay Area, Southern California, and even from out of state. Not only do we breed German Shepherd puppies, we offer puppy and dog training , dog boarding , and can import fully-trained German Shepherds. What makes Nadelhaus German Shepherds different from other dog breeders? This is the breed club founded in by Max von Stephanitz, who set the standards of the German Shepherd dog breed. The quality of dogs bred to the rules of the SV is second to none. A West German dog is regulated for its sound mind and body. We focus on breeding our dogs for structure, movement, workability, trainability, hips, elbows, pigment, and coat. Our goal is to to produce the best quality German Shepherd again and again, aiming to better the breed every time we breed our dogs. What is the price to buy a Nadelhaus German Shepherd puppy? Our Puppy Application page will provide you with more information on the application, deposit, and matching process. Once you have read through these steps, you can click through to the application form and view the prices for both Nadelhaus German Shepherd puppies as well as import German Shepherd puppies. If I buy a German Shepherd puppy, can you ship it to me? If you are not able to pick your puppy up from our facility in Northern California, we can ship a puppy to you. Shipping rates vary by location and include a health certificate vet visit, transportation costs, and an airline approved crate. Contact us for shipping details. Do you sell long-haired German Shepherd puppies? Nadelhaus breeds German Shepherds puppies all year round and while the majority of puppies we sell are short coat aka short hair , we do have occasionally have long coat long hair puppies. Learn more about long-haired German Shepherds. Can I have a German Shepherd puppy or dog imported from Europe? Puppies bred at Nadelhaus sell quick and even with a deposit, there is generally a wait list for our puppies. If you are interested in skipping the wait list, consider having a puppy imported from Germany. Importing a German Shepherd puppy is a special opportunity to acquire a very beautiful dog with special bloodlines. Both the female mother and male stud are often top V and VA dogs in Germany and come from very popular and highly sought after bloodlines. If you are interested in importing a puppy, simply fill out the same puppy application and click the checkbox that you would like to import a puppy. Will my German Shepherd puppy have its shots and vaccines? All of our puppies receive their vaccinations and are de-wormed to date. They are vet checked at six weeks old. Visit akcreunite. Owners must complete their portion of the paperwork and mail in the registration to the AKC along with the proper fee. We have some puppies born to German imports, so we must mail the paperwork to owners post-purchase. How much should I feed my 8 week old German Shepherd puppy? Our article covers care from the moment you pick up your puppy at the Nadelhaus kennels, to feeding, common issues, introduction to other dogs in the home and more. Our trained driver can transport your German Shepherd to our kennels for puppy purchases, dog training or dog boarding. Trust that your German Shepherd will be transported with care: our driver is knowledgeable about the breed, trained in dog handling and transport, and our transporting service is bonded and insured. This service is exclusive to Nadelhaus purchased German Shepherds. We do not transport dogs that were not purchased or imported through Nadelhaus. Pricing below are estimates only. Our transportation services are generally limited to Northern California, but we encourage you to contact us with any inquiries for your location or for a price quote. Our home is located in Southern California on 3 acres nestled in the hills just north of the Temecula Wine Country. Our family has spent more than 20 years with the German Shepherd breed and the last decade showing and breeding. Our AKC registered German Shepherds and German Shepherd puppies are from German import, show line working dogs, which possess the fundamental intelligence, beauty and grace we all know and love. The focus of So Cal German Shepherds is to produce quality puppies from multiple generations of healthy parents that have the necessary certifications for breeding. Producing healthy, beautiful and intelligent German Shepherd puppies, with strong nerves and courageous temperaments. The result of this breeding is a puppy which is wonderful with the children, confident and stable when in public, and ready to protect its family when at home. However, they remain as participating members of our family and enjoy trail riding with the horses, taking trips to the beach, going camping and lounging in the living room. From working with the live stock to standing out in the show ring, our German Shepherds are truly a versatile breed. We Hope you enjoy your visit to our web site and look forward to you becoming part of the " So Cal Extended Family ". If you are interested in making a So Cal German Shepherd puppy part of your family, please visit our " Puppies " page to see our available German Shepherd puppies and our planned litters. Retaining the calm and gentle nature that has made them the most popular dog in the world! Not hyper-active like so many plaguing the breed today! Our dogs are intelligent, loyal, protective, large and beautiful. We breed champion lines with a 20 year history of excellent health and are guaranteed for health and hips. My dogs are personal pets and are NOT kenneled. They run free with family and children on our 10 acres in the beautiful foothills of the Sierra Nevada. From a distance, you may think that all German Shepherds are the same. However, experts will confirm that the bloodlines of these masterful dogs along with the environment they are raised in makes all the difference. That is why the Perfect German shepherd dogs and puppies we have for sale are simply superior. The German shepherd is a caretaker; they lie down and watch the perimeter. They are one of the most intelligent dogs in the world with an I. Hyperactivity only confuses the poor animal, causing them anxiety and stress. This could bring about severe health issues from cancer to torsion and many more. It also diminishes every quality that the German Shepard has. Their calm and gentle nature is critical, not only to keep them healthy, but to allow them to distinguish between a perpetrator and a child. If live anywhere near Nevada City or Sacramento, California, and are interested in our German shepherd puppies , please call anytime, we prefer to speak with you in person.
They Are Naturally Mouthy Golden Retrievers are a mouthy breed, to begin with, they are naturally inclined to pick up and hold anything and everything in their mouths. While it may seem like there is something wrong with your puppy to cause him or her to bite so much, rest assured, all puppies bite, not just Golden Retriever puppies. Play Behaviour When you see a litter of pups play together, they often nip and bite at one another. It is their way of socializing and initiating play. Your puppy will bite and nip at you during playtime with you because it is a natural behaviour to them. They Are Teething Many people associate puppy biting with teething, however when a puppy is teething they will resort to chewing and mouthing in order to relieve their pain. They may chew or mouth on your hands and fingers, but teething is not the cause of biting that every puppy owner experiences. Puppy biting is most often just play. To summarize, puppy biting is normal and should be expected as a puppy owner. In general, biting will naturally subside in Golden Retriever puppies around the age of months. This is around the time that their adult teeth have come in. Puppies at this age usually already know how to moderate their bite, and will not bite or nip at you as much as they did when they were younger. While biting anything and everything is normal behaviour to your puppy, it is not something that you want your puppy to continue to do. It is up to you to teach your puppy not to bite humans, especially children. Take a look at the common mistakes puppy owners often make, and learn to avoid them. Puppies who are excited bite more. Children often fall victim to the most puppy bites because they get very excited around puppies and this just gets the puppy going which results in biting. Any attention that you give your puppy after they bite you will seem like a reward to your puppy, and the biting will just continue. Yelling at your puppy, pushing them away, talking to your puppy, or even looking at them is giving them the attention that they want. Bite inhibition is when your puppy learns how to control the strength of his bite. Puppies learn this skill when they are with their littermates, which is why they need to stay with them and their mother until they are 8 weeks old. Playing with their littermates teaches puppies that biting too hard hurts and will end playtime. The puppy then learns to bite softer. When your puppy comes home with you, it is up to you to teach your puppy how to control the force of their bite. Biting down on the thick fur coat of his mother or littermates is a lot different than biting down on human skin. By not teaching your puppy bite inhibition, you will risk your puppy turning into a dangerous adult. Puppy bites are a lot different than adult dog bites. Once your puppy learns how to control the strength of his bite, eventually the bites become gentler, and in time, your puppy will learn to stop biting altogether. This is part of teaching your puppy bite inhibition. This is a way to mimic how puppies play together, when one puppy bites another puppy too hard, that puppy yelps in pain, and will walk away. In some cases, puppies could get even more worked up by the noise and keep on biting. This is when you need to walk away. When your puppy has calmed down, you can resume playing with your puppy. When your puppy bites you again, repeat the steps of yelping and walking away. Eventually, your puppy will learn to soften his bite, because biting too hard ends playtime. The following video discusses why puppies bite, how to teach bite inhibition and how to survive puppy biting. It is a good idea to have a few chew toys on hand to offer up as a distraction from your skin. Check out this list of the best teething toys for puppies. This will get your puppy to stop and focus on being obedient. A great way to solve boredom is by going for a walk with your puppy. How much exercise should you give your Golden Retriever puppy? A good rule of thumb is 5 minutes of exercise for every month that your puppy is alive. So a 3-month-old puppy should get 15 minutes of exercise a day, a 5-month-old puppy should get 25 minutes per day, and so on. This is in addition to and not instead of playtime. Bitter Apple Spray can also be used to prevent your puppy from nipping and biting at you. Before you interact with your puppy, spray it on your arms, legs, pant legs, or sleeves, anywhere that your puppy likes to nip at you. Once your puppy bites at you, he will get a bad taste in his mouth and will stop. Bitter Apple Spray may not work on all puppies, some may actually develop a taste for it. I know that when my Golden Retriever Ellie was a pup this stuff worked amazingly well, but as she got older she developed a taste for bitter things such as crab apples which are extremely sour and she once sucked on a vinegar packet that was lying on the ground! Reward Good Behaviour Every time your puppy stops biting and nipping at you, you need to see this as positive behaviour. Good behaviour should be rewarded so that your puppy learns that he did something good. Rewarding good behaviour with affection and praise is great, you can also use treats, or toys, sometimes the best reward for your puppy is just spending time with them. Be Patient and Consistent Owning a puppy requires a lot of patience! It is so easy to lose your patience at times, but you need to know that your puppy is learning what is right and wrong, and that takes time. It might not happen overnight, but as long as you remain consistent and patient, your pup will learn good behaviour. If your puppy is nipping at your pant legs or sleeves, chances are he is loving the tugging feeling and is actually already playing tug-of-war. Instead of using your clothing, redirect his attention to a rope toy. One thing to be careful of is being too rough with tug-of-war, especially when your puppy is going through his teething phase. A game of fetch offers your pup a distraction from biting, and Golden Retriever puppies naturally love to retrieve things. This is a great way to also teach your puppy to drop it, by offering a treat when your puppy drops the ball or rope toy. A well-socialized puppy will be less likely to exhibit any unwanted behaviours later on. Enrolling your pup in puppy kindergarten or arranging some play dates with other dogs who are friendly and vaccinated is a great way for your pup to learn social skills. Other dogs are sometimes the best teachers for a puppy because they will let your puppy know what is okay for play and what is not okay, in terms of biting and nipping. Always supervise your puppy while playing with other dogs. Yelling at your puppy will only make your puppy scared and confused as well as lose trust and respect for you. Common mistakes people make when their puppy is biting are pushing them away, clamping down on their mouths or spraying them in the face with water. All of these are a bad idea! Your puppy could see this behaviour as a form of play and continue biting and nipping at you even harder. If you remain calm and use a firm voice not yelling , your pup will see you as in charge. Puppies and dogs often exhibit the same behaviour as we do, if you get upset and start yelling, your puppy will just get even more excited. As unpleasant as puppy biting is, it is normal behaviour. Your puppy biting and nipping at you with a mouth full of shark teeth may seem aggressive, but it is most often just out of curiosity and play behaviour. Golden Retrievers are known for their calm and gentle demeanour, but there are rare instances where you may have an aggressive puppy on your hands. Puppies who have been taken away from their litter earlier than weeks, bad breeding, being abused, a chemical imbalance, and not being socialized are all reasons for aggression in puppies. Signs of an aggressive puppy include barking, growling, lunging at you or another dog, a stiff posture, and showing teeth. If you think your puppy is aggressive, it is important to work with a professional dog trainer or behaviourist in order to find out the reasons for aggression and work on correcting the behaviour before it gets worse. It is important to keep your calm and work with your puppy to teach him the important skill of bite inhibition, and to redirect his biting to more appropriate behaviour. Socializing your puppy, as well as rewarding good behaviour will all help to turn your puppy into a well-behaved dog. Have you tried any of the tips mentioned above? Do you have any other tips to stop Golden Retriever puppy biting? Share your thoughts and comments below, as well as any questions you may have. I would love to hear from you. Jenny I am the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ellie. She keeps me busy, and when she is resting, you can find me working on my blog. She is always close by though. I live in Stirling, ON Canada with my husband, and we both enjoy the never a dull moment life with our Ellie. Spread the love. But much like other puppies, a Golden Retriever puppy has a tendency to chew and bite. So, how can you train your Golden Retriever puppy not to bite? Consistency is the key to teaching your Golden Retriever puppy not to bite. However, you have to train your dog to behave, and that includes keeping them from biting. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! Get up and walk away from the dog. Leave the room if you can. Focus on something else for a bit. And believe me, a Golden Retriever puppy or not always wants your attention! Now, you may not see immediate results with this method, but it will work over time if you remain consistent. Sending your new puppy mixed signals will only confuse him or her. You can pet your dog to reward them for not getting mouthy with your hand or fingers while playing. It can take a while to get to this stage, so be patient. When, your dog gets through an entire play session without biting, that deserves some extra love. Now, you have to be careful not to give too much attention when your dog does bite. If your Golden Retriever reverts to biting out of excitement or nervousness, immediately stop giving them attention. Turn away and ignore your dog like what you did before. Hopefully, they will get the message more quickly, so you can go back to playing without them biting. Use a firm tone rather than a cute tone you might use when praising your dog. When you say no, use physical signals to get your Golden Retriever to stop. Take your hand out of their mouth and move it out of reach. Make sure anyone who trains the dog uses the same firm tone. Tips to stop golden retriever pups from biting. Watch for Patterns Another way you can train your Golden Retriever puppy to stop biting is to watch for patterns. See if your dog tends to bite more at certain times of day, in the same room, or while playing with a particular toy. When your dog does bite, you can use other methods to get them to stop immediately. But after the fact, write down the date, time, and situation. If multiple people are training your dog, you should also log who your dog tends to bite. That way, you can see if there are patterns. Use Bitter Spray When you start training your Golden Retriever puppy, you may want to try using a bitter spray on your hands. Try this bitter spray Amazon , it works on your hands to stop chewing and biting and it also works on other things around the house that a new puppy might want to chew on like houseplants, furniture, etc. This can be an easy way to get your dog not to bite you. Now, this can be difficult if your dog bites other areas of your body, but it can help. You might get quicker results than if you only stuck to ignoring your dog. Have Lots of Toys Another excellent way to train your Golden Retriever to stop biting you is to use toys. You should be careful and use toys when your dog exhibits good behavior. But you can give your dog chew toys so that they have something they can bite. There is even a teething ring for dogs Amazon that you keep in the freezer and it provides something cool to chew on to help ease the pain during this period of your puppies life. Then, your dog will want to behave well when they play with you. Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! You can have a bag of small treats in your pocket that you use when playing with your dog. Whenever they go a long time without biting, you can give them a treat. You can also use the treats to distract your dog. If you know their patterns and when they usually bite, you can preempt that with a treat. Then, your dog can chew on the food rather than your hand. There are tons of treats out there, so go with something small. Try to avoid using treats as a bribe, and focus on making them a reward. That way, your dog can look forward to a treat for their good habits. Start As Soon as Possible Training your Golden Retriever puppy not to bite should start as soon as you bring your puppy home. If you wait until your dog gets into the habit of biting, it will be hard to break. You may still need to use various ways to train your dog, but it should be easier. Starting when your puppy is super young can also help them with other areas of their life. If you can train them not to bite, you will know how they learn best, which will help you train them for other things. It will also be harder if you use one method while your spouse uses another method. Everyone in your household should decide on how and when to train your Golden Retriever puppy. Use the same toys or treats, train your dog simultaneously, or use the same speaking tone. That way, your dog can learn from everyone rather than a single trainer. Then, you all can enjoy your Golden Retriever, and they can develop good habits. Final Thoughts Training a Golden Retriever to stop biting can take some time. You have to figure out when your dog bites and what triggers the biting. Then, you have to determine how your dog learns best and use that method to train your puppy. But once you find the perfect tool, your dog will learn to stop biting. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. Wish your golden retriever puppy would stop biting so much? Puppy nipping is one of the most frustrating things about raising a new puppy—their teeth are razor-sharp, it hurts when they bite, and they can ruin your clothes! But why do puppies bite so much? Puppies bite to learn acquired bite inhibition, or ABI. What exactly is ABI? He might leap up and bite you because you hurt him and scared him. But the important thing is this: how hard will they bite? This is where ABI comes in. So ABI is really important. Now the question is, how do they learn it? The only way for puppies to learn ABI is to bite, and bite often. The best teachers are other dogs. Next time they bite a little less hard and playtime continues. This is how they learn ABI. Obviously, it takes a lot of repetition of this scenario to happen for a puppy to learn not to bite so hard, but this is essentially how it works out. Yes, you will need to help teach your puppy ABI. You can do this two ways: Set up puppy playdates and take them to puppy kindergarten so other puppies can teach them ABI. You actually want them to bite a little bit and learn to control how hard they bite. That being said, letting them go on a biting rampage is not helping the situation, so here are five tips to help you stop your puppy from biting so much: 1. Socialize your puppy Other dogs are the best teachers of ABI so make sure to get your puppy in kindergarten and set up playdates with dogs that you know are vaccinated. Remove yourself from the situation Puppies can often be over-stimulated or over-tired. One thing we did with our puppy, Oliver, when he got in these moods was to go sit at our high-top table in the kitchen and ignore him until he calmed down or distracted himself with a chew toy. Exercise your puppy A tired puppy is a good puppy. Young puppies have weak jaws, so if they had dull teeth, a bite from them would be no big deal. Most adult golden retrievers bite out of fear and a professional can help you properly handle it. Puppy Biting vs. Chewing Puppy biting or nipping is when a dog purposefully bites you. As we already talked about, they need to do this to learn ABI. Puppy chewing, on the other hand, is when puppies chew on things to relieve the pressure in their mouths from their adult teeth coming in. Since puppies bite and chew for different reasons, you need to handle these problems differently. Mentally wear them by out by training them, going for long walks and letting them sniff around, and giving them puzzle toys or frozen kongs. Remember that a tired puppy is a good puppy. A: It can take up to six weeks or more for your puppy to learn ABI and what is appropriate to bite or not. If it takes longer than six weeks, just remember to be consistent with the steps to stop it and have faith that it will slow down soon. Q: Is puppy biting an act of aggression? A: Most puppy biting is a form of play. It helps them learn ABI. If you think your puppy is biting out of aggression, then you should talk to a professional. Q: Why are puppy teeth so sharp? Q: What is ABI? A: ABI is acquired bite inhibition, or the natural ability for a dog to not bite so hard. Q: Do all puppies bite? A: Yes! Instead, they need to learn to control their bite force, then learn to bite less. Have any questions about puppy biting? Let me know in the comments below! Related articles:. You are bound to want to know when your biting puppy will grow out of this phase and how you can speed that process up. Biting, as you will have discovered is usually accompanied by lots of noise! Why do puppies bite? So why do puppies bite? My puppy is biting hard Puppies do bite hard and it does hurt. But I want to reassure you that even at 8 weeks old, your puppy has learned to moderate his bite in play. Puppies have powerful jaws designed to tear through flesh and crush bones. Those of you who feed your puppy a raw diet will know that even an 8 week old puppy from a medium sized breed can crush bones the size of your little finger. He is deliberately attempting to be gentle. Puppy Biting — Bite inhibition This ability, that your puppy has, to moderate the power of his jaws in play, is called bite inhibition. It is something that his mother started to teach him when he was just a few weeks old. And now it is your turn to take over and complete the training process. Growling and Puppy biting One thing that often worries people who have a new puppy in the family, is the growling that accompanies puppy biting. It sounds horrific. Great snarls and snaps accompany the biting and the puppy can appear quite demonic as he grabs onto your skin, or clothes. Tugging away with all the strength he can muster. Ninety nine times out of a hundred this is completely normal play biting. Is my puppy biting aggressive? You cannot determine whether or not a puppy is biting aggressively by how hard he bites or by the volume of the noise he makes. Play biting puppies bite hard and growl fiercely. Some puppies do occasionally draw blood. But these are not normally savage or crushing bites and the puppy is clearly enjoying himself. Fierce but fun! The play biting puppy will launch himself at the target of his bite. Whether it is your slippers or your fingers, with equal tail-wagging enthusiasm, hanging on grimly and grabbing repeatedly when the item is removed from him. All this, shocking though it may seem, is normal, and is not a sign that your puppy is going to be an aggressive dog! In fact some of the gentlest and most amiable breeds the labrador for example are the worst and fiercest play biters. The puppy that is a cause for concern is the puppy that is frightened. Because although puppies rarely bite through aggression, the nervous puppy may become aggressive as he matures Is my puppy afraid? A scared puppy may bite and scared puppies can grow into scared adult dogs so this is something you need to address quickly. You will know that your puppy is scared because he will try to avoid whatever it is he is scared of. A really frightened puppy will sometimes give off a distinctive musky smell. This hiding, and retreating, and the scared smell are warning signs that you have scared your puppy badly, or purchased a poorly socialised puppy. In this situation you need to get specialist help right away. Your vet should be able to advise you. For the vast majority of puppy owners then, biting is normal puppy behavior. Will my puppy biting stop naturally? To some extent biting is a phase caused by natural puppy playfulness and teething. Some puppies do stop biting with very little input from their family. Which is great. You may feel he should have grown out of it by now. We can physically prevent puppies from biting and we can train puppies not to bite. Both of these are good strategies. Or when children are getting upset, or visitors are winding your puppy up. Prevention usually involves interrupting the biting behavior, then redirecting the puppy into an alternative and more acceptable behavior, such as chewing on a toy. Or, it may involve temporarily separating him from his playmates. Interrupting the puppy biting In mild cases you may simply be able to put a toy in your biting puppy's mouth and get him tugging on that instead of on your fingers. If you are on the floor with the puppy stand up. And if you are standing up, turn and walk away from the puppy. This is where dog gates come in very handy with small puppies. A standard baby gate works fine for most breeds of dog. Managing the puppy You may have to pick up your biting puppy to remove him from the scene if he is biting your children for example, rather than you If he bites your hands and clothes as you try to restrain him, put him on the other side of a barrier or in his crate or puppy playpen for a short while. Although the puppy does learn from them, these are useful management techniques to enable you to control the situation. They help you to keep your puppy calm, and prevent the biting escalating through over excitement. Over-excited puppies Puppy play biting is directly linked to excitement. The more excited your puppy gets, the more and the harder he will bite. And the harder it will be to interrupt and distract him. Rough play excites puppies and noisy play does too. Children tend to squeal when they play and get very physical with puppies. One of the first rules they need to learn when playing with dogs, especially big dogs, is to stand up and stand still when the game gets too much. Limit such play and call a halt to it if your puppy is biting. With medium to large breed dogs, physical rough and tumble play is not a great idea. It can lead to dogs bowling people over or humping them, neither of which is very pleasant. Stopping play when it gets rough is a good management strategy and it is a form of training too. Over time, your puppy learns that biting and rough play loses him his playmates and that people simply leave if he is being mean. When do puppies stop biting? Many puppies have stopped biting completely by six months of age and biting is usually subsiding by the time that the puppy is heading towards five months old. This is if the puppy has been managed appropriately If people have been exciting him, or rewarding him for attention seeking behavior then biting can persist And it can be much more of a problem in bigger stronger puppies than in little ones. Training Puppies Not To Bite The idea of this exercise is to teach a puppy to accept being stroked and handled in any way, without touching us with his teeth. The event marker is a distinctive sound. Even around his mouth, without him making any attempt to bite you. You can also make it easier for him by starting this training when he is calm and not distracted. But for now, keep things simple. It can be a good way of getting the training started so that you have chance to say YES and give the puppy the opportunity to learn what you want him to do. Over the next few sessions, you can work on getting your hand closer and closer to the puppy. Until you are brushing the sides of his face without him making any attempt to mouth or bite at you Progress to touching and holding his collar, stroking his ears, grooming him, examining his paws and so on, all the time rewarding him for the correct behavior. Anytime the mouthing returns, back up to a point where he can succeed and move forward more slowly again Bite Inhibition Training Some experts feel that puppies should be allowed to mouth and even bite gently for a week or two before being prevented from biting altogether. Simply follow the instructions for managing your puppy above when he bites hard. But allow him to mouth you when he bites gently without much pressure. This is a great way to teach a dog excellent control over his mouth. After a couple of weeks of this, you can progress to the training exercise I outlined in the previous section. Older puppies that bite in play have often learned that this gets them a lot of attention. They have discovered that people squeal and shout and get quite cross. Sometimes these people push and shove the dog around which young dogs quite enjoy when they are playing. For these dogs it is important that you stop all physical play, with all family members If a puppy is biting hard at your hands when you try to interrupt his game. Or an older puppy is getting out of hand biting at clothing, you need to put your puppy on a harness and house-line a short trailing leash. This will enable you to control your puppy, and take him to a calming place, without handling him. You can just pick up the end of the line and lead him away. Older biting puppies are often bright and bored. And the best approach to avoiding future episodes of bad behavior is a structured programme of training and interesting activities. A professional dog trainer using modern positive training methods will be able to help you with these. Summary So now you know some tips on how to stop your puppy from biting. The first few weeks can be tough with a determined biter in the house, but you will get through this and come out the other side. A few months from now, this difficult period will be a distant memory In the meantime, focus on keeping your biting puppy calm, avoiding too much rough play, and redirecting his biting onto appropriate toys and activities. Spend some time on the training exercise set out above. Are you a proud new golden retriever puppy parent or considering getting a furry friend? While puppies are adorable and full of energy, they can also be a handful, especially when it comes to biting. This article will cover practical strategies to manage puppy biting and help you and your pup develop a solid and loving relationship. Thus biting is natural. Their bites will become softer as they practice and learn to manage their bite strength. They will eventually stop biting entirely. While biting is a natural part of the learning process, it is essential to train your puppy not to bite excessively. Here are a few tips to get you started: Providing Chew Toys for Redirecting Biting Behavior Providing chew toys is an excellent approach to help your puppy stop biting. When your puppy begins to bite you, remove your hand or foot and replace it with a chew toy. This teaches them that biting is acceptable, but only when done with toys, not people. It is essential to keep an eye on your puppy when they play with chew toys to ensure they do not consume anything toxic. By exposing your puppy to a variety of people, animals, and environments in a controlled and positive manner, you can help them develop proper social skills and reduce biting tendencies. Socialization helps puppies learn appropriate bite inhibition and establishes boundaries for acceptable behavior during interactions. Through well-planned socialization experiences, you can guide your puppy towards becoming a well-behaved and gentle companion. Employing the Time-Out Strategy for Persistent Biting Use the time-out strategy when other methods fail to stop your puppy from biting. If your puppy continues to bite, place him on a time-out for 30 seconds before allowing him to return to play. This teaches your puppy that biting is unacceptable and will result in a loss of playtime or attention. Again, use a gentle tone and avoid shouting or scolding your puppy. When your puppy plays gently with their toys instead of biting you, shower them with praise and perhaps even a tasty gift! This teaches your puppy that good behavior leads to beautiful things. Instead, concentrate on encouraging appropriate behavior and redirecting any inappropriate biting. Your puppy will learn to control their biting and play in a friendly and safe manner with time, patience, and positive reinforcement. This entails repeating the same commands, techniques, and rewards each time you train. When you do this, your puppy learns what is expected of them and how to get rewarded. On the other hand, if you are inconsistent, your puppy may get confused and unsure of what they need to do to please you. This can make training more difficult and frustrating for you and your puppy. So, strive to be consistent in your training. However, they can get nippy during their fun exploration of the world around them. The good news is that this is a natural habit for pups, and there are ways to deal with it. Puppies prefer to bite to initiate play, learn more about their surroundings, and adjust their bite pressure, especially when they are teething. These actions are part of how they play, interact, and learn about their environment. First, however, puppies must be taught how to control their biting pressure and redirect their biting to appropriate toys and chew objects, which we will discuss later. Puppy bites, for example, can become more painful and even harmful as they increase in size. Additionally, it might lead to destructive chewing if you do not divert their biting habit to appropriate chew items. As a result, it is critical to address this habit early on through regular teaching and positive reinforcement. Understand what motivates them and what makes them more likely to engage in biting. Adjust your training methods: Not all puppies respond to the same training techniques. Some may respond better to positive reinforcement, while others may require more redirection and distraction. Consider their energy levels: Golden Retrievers are known for their energy and enthusiasm. Be patient and consistent: Training takes time, and each puppy learns at their own pace. Be patient with your puppy and provide consistent guidance. Remember, every Golden Retriever puppy is an individual, and what works for one may not work for another. With a customized approach, you can effectively address biting behavior and set your unique puppy on the path to becoming a well-behaved and happy companion. So, most puppies begin to bite and mouth less frequently when they are 8 to 10 months old. However, this varies greatly depending on the individual pup. Some may stop sooner, while others may take a little longer. Golden retrievers, for example, love using their tongues. At the same time, herding dogs such as border collies or corgis may continue to nip at ankles as they age. Just keep working with your pet and providing the guidance they require to create positive habits! Conclusion As you begin the joyful road of raising your Golden Retriever puppy, keep in mind that training and socialization are essential for producing a happy and well-behaved dog. You can teach your puppy what is expected of them and create healthy behaviors that will last a lifetime using consistent and positive reinforcement techniques. Remember that each puppy is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. You will be rewarded with a devoted and well-behaved companion if you are patient and committed to the training process. Remember to give your puppy enough exercise and mental stimulation and to continuously reward positive behavior. You can help your puppy grow into a happy and healthy adult dog who will provide you happiness for many years by doing so. By the time your puppy reaches around three months of age, they should start to develop bite inhibition and learn to control the force of their bites during play. As you continue to interact and train with your puppy, you can gradually increase your sensitivity to the level of bites you find acceptable. By the age of four or five months, their play bites should no longer exert any force. Can I use physical punishment to stop my puppy from biting? Certainly not! To stop a puppy from biting, never use physical punishment. It is not only ineffective, but it can also be harmful and cause long-term behavioral issues. Instead, train your puppy using positive reinforcement techniques, including redirection, time-outs, and excellent rewarding behavior. What can I do? Puppies frequently nip and bite while playing with other dogs, but teaching them to control their bite force is essential. My puppy is teething. What can I do to stop them from biting? Teething is a normal developmental stage for puppies , and they naturally want to chew and bite things. Similar to what we discussed earlier. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Read the full disclosure here. Tasty finger! Your golden retriever puppy is as friendly as can be — great with kids, respectful of other dogs, and not overly attentive to your cat. Yes, golden retrievers are known for their good-natured demeanor, but they are still dogs — not so very far removed from their wild cousins, and they can be unpredictable when faced with stressful, disturbing, or frightening situations. One of our jobs as responsible dog owners, of course, is to keep our dogs safe, but we may not always be able to protect them, and we may not always be able to prevent them from biting through fear or when in pain. What is Bite Inhibition? Puppies begin learning this from their mother and siblings as soon as they start to tumble around with each other in play. If they bite too hard, they are scolded by their mother or alerted with a yelp from their siblings. Eventually, they learn how hard is too hard, and they use their teeth more gently in play. Human Sensitive or Advanced Bite Inhibition By the time your puppy moves into your home, they will have been using their bite inhibition skills for weeks. Your puppy needs to learn that human beings are fragile and should be treated with care. There are many professional trainers who recommend that you simply train your puppy not to bite. This seems like a practical course of action, and it does work — in the short term. Teaching a puppy not to bite will give you quick results, but it may mean they never learn how much force is safe to use on people when they are forced to bite in an emergency. So if they do eventually bite, they will know to hold back the pressure safely and will not cause anywhere near as much pain or damage as they otherwise might. Why is Bite Inhibition Important? Believe it or not, even the most gentle dog that has been trained from a young age never to bite, can react to certain triggers. Those triggers are fear and pain. Consider these situations: Your dog has been suffering from chronic ear infections and hates to have his ears handled. The neighbor stops by with her toddler, who immediately runs to your dog and fondles his sensitive ears roughly. What will he do? You and your dog are walking down the road like you do every morning when out of nowhere comes a huge dog who attacks your dog without thinking twice. You manage to pull your dog away, but in the process, your frightened dog bites your arm. Your sweet golden retriever has gotten themself tangled in some barbed wire while hiking. As you loosen the wire from her skin and fur, she snaps at you, biting your hand. You may never experience any of these situations. By teaching bite inhibition while your puppy is young, you will be far safer and ready for any of these situations should they occur. Teaching Advanced Bite Inhibition Following is a general guide to the bite inhibition skills your puppy learns and when, as well as where you should aim for their skills to be at certain ages. She will start the puppies off by teaching them how rough is too rough during nursing and play. These lessons begin when the puppies start nursing day 1 and continue until the day you pick your puppy up from the breeder. This works for some puppies, but for others, it just seems to arouse the pup and make matters worse. You will have to experiment to find out what works for you and your pup. You should withdraw all of your attention from your puppy for very hard bites. Do not over-correct your puppy so they become afraid of biting. After your puppy has calmed down, use a chew toy as a reward and let them chew it in your lap or lying by your side. This teaches you puppy that there are other ways to keep their mouths and teeth busy. By four or five months, all force behind play bites should be eliminated. Kids tend to play rough with puppies, and puppies will get rough right back. Your puppy needs to know that every human being is sensitive to their bites, not just you. It is a process that sometimes lasts months, depending on your puppy. Be prepared for this, and remember that long-term results in your adult dog are more important than curtailing puppy bites as painful as they may be. Supervise your puppy around children — If you have young children at home, you will have to think carefully about how you will protect them and your puppy. Little puppy teeth can cause a lot of pain, especially when your pup is still learning to control those urges. Young children can also cause a lot of pain to small puppies. Always supervise very carefully when your pup and children are together. A tired puppy is a happy puppy — It will be much easier to teach bite inhibition if your puppy is not bouncing off the walls. Make sure they get enough exercise every day. Not only will this help with training, but it will also help prevent all kinds of other destructive behavior. Conclusion Teaching bite inhibition to your golden retriever puppy is a gift you give to your pup that will last forever.
lab and german shepherd mix puppy - Breeds The link has been copied! Get ready to be blown away by the blue hue beauty of the Blue German Shepherd, a rare and captivating canine breed that's bound to steal your heart! Imagine the iconic strength and intelligence of a traditional German Shepherd, but with a mesmerizing twist: a shimmering, silvery-blue coat that makes them stand out like a sapphire gem in a sea of pebbles. But wait, there's more to this extraordinary pup than meets the eye! These blue bombshells are fiercely loyal, intelligent, and hardworking, just like their classic counterparts. So, if you're eager to learn more about this wondrous woofer, buckle up and join us on a fun and enthralling journey as we explore the magical world of Blue German Shepherds. Trust us, you'll be howling with excitement before you know it! This unique variation of the beloved German Shepherd breed boasts a distinctive silvery-blue coat, which is the result of a recessive gene. Their striking appearance still maintains the classic features of a standard German Shepherd, including their athletic build, almond-shaped eyes, and perky ears. Though they share the same breed lineage, the Blue German Shepherd's fur color sets them apart from their traditional counterparts. However, it's important to note that their temperament, intelligence, and working abilities remain on par with those of their more commonly recognized relatives. In fact, these blue beauties are just as capable of excelling in various roles such as police work, search and rescue, and service dog positions. Decoding the Genetics of the Blue German Shepherd's Coat To truly appreciate the Blue German Shepherd, one must delve into the fascinating world of canine coat color genetics. The blue hue in these dogs results from a recessive gene that dilutes the black pigment, causing it to appear silvery-blue. Both parents must carry this recessive gene for their offspring to inherit the blue coat. In German Shepherds, two pigments determine the coat color: eumelanin black and phaeomelanin red. Various genes control the distribution and intensity of these pigments, which ultimately defines the final coat color. In the case of Blue German Shepherds, a dilution gene d impacts the eumelanin, creating their signature blue sheen. It's essential to note that although blue is a non-standard color for the breed, it doesn't negatively affect the dog's health, temperament, or abilities. Since the blue coat is a result of a recessive gene, it is much less common than the standard coat colors typically seen, such as the black and tan, sable, or solid black German Shepherd. The infrequency of blue coat inheritance means that breeders who specialize in this color variation often have fewer puppies available, making them highly sought after by enthusiasts. Despite their scarcity, it's important to remember that these striking dogs still require the same training, socialization, and care as any other German Shepherd. Their rarity should never be a reason to overlook their fundamental needs as intelligent, active, and loyal companions. Exploring Blue Color Variations While the Blue German Shepherd is already a rare and captivating variation, it's important to note that their blue hue can manifest in different shades and patterns. Some Blue German Shepherds may have a lighter, almost silver-blue coat, while others may exhibit a darker, steel-blue shade. This breathtaking array of blue tones is part of what makes this breed so enchanting. Additionally, the blue color may appear in various patterns, including blue and tan, solid blue, or even blue sable. Each of these patterns further highlights the uniqueness and diversity of the Blue German Shepherd, making them truly remarkable in the world of canine coat colors. The Blue German Shepherd Temperament A Blue German Shepherd's captivating coat color doesn't change the breed's inherent temperament, which is characterized by loyalty, intelligence, and a strong work ethic. These dogs are known for their versatility in performing tasks, be it as police dogs, search and rescue workers, or service animals. However, it is essential to note that this coat color does not change the breed's inherent temperament, which is what makes them such a remarkable and sought-after dog. One of the most prominent characteristics of a Blue German Shepherd is their loyalty. These dogs are incredibly devoted to their owners and will do anything to protect them. This trait makes them an ideal choice for families looking for a loyal and affectionate pet that will provide a sense of security. In addition to their loyalty, Blue German Shepherds are also highly intelligent. They are quick learners and respond well to training. This trait makes them a popular choice for police and military work, where their ability to learn and follow commands is essential. Another defining trait of this breed is their strong work ethic. Blue German Shepherds are known for their versatility in performing various tasks, such as search and rescue, service animals, and police work. They are incredibly diligent and take their work seriously, making them a dependable and valuable asset in any working environment. When it comes to raising a Blue German Shepherd, socialization and training from a young age are crucial. Proper socialization helps to ensure that your dog is comfortable in various situations and environments. This, combined with consistent training, will help your Blue German Shepherd develop into a well-rounded, confident, and friendly dog that is eager to please and protect its loved ones. Exercise and Training for Blue German Shepherds As with any German Shepherd, the blue variation requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to maintain their health and happiness. These dogs are highly active and need daily walks, playtime, and training sessions to keep them physically fit and mentally sharp. Activities such as hiking, fetch, and agility training, or a flirt pole can be excellent ways to engage your Blue German Shepherd and channel their energy. Training should begin early and be consistent, as these intelligent dogs thrive on structure and guidance. Positive reinforcement methods, such as praise, treats, and toys, are most effective for training a Blue German Shepherd. Keep in mind that this breed is known for its high intelligence, so challenging them with new commands or advanced training is an excellent way to keep them engaged and eager to learn. Remember, a well-exercised and well-trained Blue German Shepherd is a happy and content companion that will bond closely with their family, showcasing their loyalty and affection. High-quality dog food, formulated for their size, age, and activity level, is essential to support their overall well-being. Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations and monitor your dog's weight to prevent obesity, which can lead to various health issues. Blue German Shepherds are susceptible to the same health concerns as their standard counterparts, including hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and bloat. Regular veterinary check-ups, a healthy diet, and proper exercise can all help minimize the risk of these conditions and ensure your dog enjoys a long, happy life. Balanced Diet A balanced diet is essential to ensure your Blue German Shepherd gets all the necessary nutrients for optimal health. High-quality dog food, formulated for their size, age, and activity level, is recommended to support their specific needs. Avoid giving them table scraps or human food, which can be harmful to their health. Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations, as some dogs may require a special diet due to health conditions or allergies. Weight Management Obesity is a common issue among dogs and can lead to various health problems, including joint issues, diabetes, and heart disease. Monitor your Blue German Shepherd's weight and adjust their diet and exercise routine accordingly to prevent obesity. Follow the recommended portion sizes on the dog food label, and avoid overfeeding or giving too many treats. Regular Veterinary Check-ups Blue German Shepherds are prone to certain health conditions, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and bloat. Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to detect any health issues early and get prompt treatment. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations on preventive care, such as vaccinations, parasite control, and dental cleanings. These dogs have a double coat, which consists of a dense, insulating undercoat and a protective outer coat. Regular brushing, at least two to three times per week, is necessary to remove loose hair and minimize shedding. During shedding seasons , daily brushing may be needed to keep your home hair-free and your dog comfortable. In addition to brushing, routine grooming should include regular teeth cleaning, nail trimming, and ear cleaning to prevent infections and maintain overall hygiene. By establishing a consistent grooming routine, you can keep your Blue German Shepherd looking and feeling their best. To groom a Blue German Shepherd, follow these simple steps: Brush their coat two to three times per week with a slicker brush or pin brush to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Clean their teeth two to three times per week with a soft-bristled toothbrush and dog toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene. Trim their nails regularly to prevent discomfort and joint problems. Clean their ears with a cotton ball or soft cloth and a dog ear cleaning solution to prevent infections. The Impact of Blue Color on Health The blue coat color in German Shepherds is a result of a recessive gene, and it does not inherently affect the dog's overall health. Blue German Shepherds are just as healthy and capable as their traditionally colored counterparts when it comes to their physical abilities and temperament. However, it's essential to choose a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health of their dogs over coat color. Reputable breeders will ensure that their breeding dogs undergo necessary health tests and screenings to minimize the risk of genetic health issues in their puppies. As long as you choose a responsible breeder, the blue color should not impact the health or well-being of your Blue German Shepherd. Interpreting the Significance of Blue in Various Dog Breeds The blue coat color is not exclusive to German Shepherds; several other dog breeds also exhibit this captivating hue. In most cases, the blue color results from the same genetic factors: a dilution of the black pigment eumelanin. Some dog breeds where blue coats can be seen include: Australian Cattle Dogs. The blue coloration in Blue German Shepherds refers to a faded gray color. This gene is also responsible for other breeds like the Blue Frenchie and Pittie. The dilution gene is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning both parents must carry the gene for it to show in their offspring. It is important to note that while the blue coloration is unique and eye-catching, health must take priority during breeding. Help Dogs In Need Our blog posts aim to provide comprehensive, accurate, and objective information on all types of dogs, helping our readers make informed choices that fit their lifestyle. We don't endorse any specific breeding practices, but advocate for ethical breeding and dog welfare. We encourage exploring adoption first. Countless wonderful dogs, from all breeds, await their forever homes in shelters. Remember, with AdoptDontShop, you can give a deserving rescue a second chance at happiness. Blue German Shepherds are a large dog breed, and they can grow quite tall. Males typically stand between 22 and 26 inches tall at the shoulder, while females are usually between 22 and 24 inches tall. In terms of weight, they typically weigh between 50 and 90 pounds. Coat and Color The coat of a Blue German Shepherd is typically thick and dense, with a medium length. The fur is usually straight and lies close to the body, which helps to protect the dog from the elements. The color of a Blue German Shepherd is, as the name suggests, blue faded gray. This is actually a dilution of the traditional black coloration of a German Shepherd. There are several Blue GSD varieties, including: Blue and tan GSDs — They have a blue-gray coat with tan markings; Blue merle — These blue dogs have dark gray spots on a lighter background; Blue brindle, combining blue and brindle patterns; Blue fawn — They have a light gray shade on the face and a lighter, fawn-like hue on the body; Long-haired Blue GSDs; and Blue pied — They have a white base with patches of blue-gray. While the blue-gray coat color sets them apart, Blue German Shepherds have the same physical characteristics as traditional German Shepherds, including their distinctive pointed ears, muscular build, and intelligent expression. They have a strong, well-muscled, and balanced build. Their body is neither too heavy nor too light, designed for agility and endurance. German Shepherds have a deep chest that provides space for their strong lungs. Their body is moderately long and well-proportioned. They have a wedge-shaped head and a long, proportional muzzle. Their ears are erect, and the eyes can vary in color, but they are usually light blue or gray. German Shepherds are known for their efficient and smooth gait, allowing them to cover ground gracefully. Temperament and Behavior Blue German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature. They are confident dogs who are eager to please their owners. They are also highly trainable and excel in obedience and agility competitions. Their intelligent but obedient nature is what makes GSDs the superior police dog. Blue German Shepherds are typically calm and composed when it comes to behavior. They are not known to be aggressive unless they feel threatened or their family is in danger. They are excellent guard dogs and will protect their family and home at all costs. Blue German Shepherds are also very social animals. They enjoy being around people and other dogs. They are great with children and make excellent family pets. They are also very adaptable and can adjust to different living situations, whether a large house or a small apartment. Suitability for Families and Other Pets Blue German Shepherds are great with children and other pets when socialized properly from a young age. However, adults must always supervise interactions between dogs and small kids to prevent accidents. Socializing guardian breeds like German Shepherds means teaching them to be neutral toward other dogs and strangers by plenty of exposure and obedience training. When it comes to other pets, Blue German Shepherds can coexist if introduced and socialized early on. Overall, Blue German Shepherds can make great family pets and are well-suited for households with children and other pets as long as they receive proper socialization. They are said to be as bright as a 3-year-old, and that is based on our definition of human intelligence. They are also calmer than intelligent dogs like Malinois and Border Collies, making them ideal pets and working dogs. Obedience, socialization, and crate training are essential for a Blue German Shepherd. Use positive reinforcement like treats, praise, and toys to encourage good behavior. Consistency is key, so make sure everyone in the family uses the same commands and rewards. This means that GSDs are often badly bred, or bred to extremes such as overly sloping backs and angulated hind legs, leading to many health issues. A study of German Shepherds in the UK showed that the leading causes of death were musculoskeletal disorder .This condition is caused by a recessive gene that affects the hair follicles, leading to hair loss and skin irritation. CDA is more common in blue-coated dogs than in other colors. The symptoms of CDA usually appear between 6 months to 3 years of age and can include patchy hair loss, dry and flaky skin, and a dull coat. It is a genetic condition that affects the hip joints, causing pain, inflammation, and mobility issues. Hip dysplasia can range from mild to severe, leading to arthritis and other joint problems. Eye Conditions Blue German Shepherds are also prone to certain eye conditions, including cataracts, Pink eye, progressive retinal atrophy PRA , and glaucoma. These conditions can cause vision loss and discomfort for the dog. Stomach Issues Blue German Shepherds have very sensitive tummies and are known to suffer from bouts of diarrhea. Their deep chests also increase their susceptibility to GDV or bloat, which is the twisting of the stomach. Issues that contribute to these GI problems include Pancreatic acinar atrophy pancreatic cell death , Megaesophagus enlarged esophagus , inflammatory bowel disease IBD , and Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency causing indigestion and yellow poop. Other Health Issues Spinal issues like canine degenerative myelopathy causes progressive disease of the spinal cord. Thyroid issues like hypothyroidism. Neurological issues like epilepsy. Mild to moderate issues like skin infections, obesity, allergies, and dental issues. It is essential to avoid overfeeding, as Blue German Shepherds are prone to obesity. German Shepherds are highly susceptible to bloat , so break down their food into smaller portions. Exercise Requirements Blue German Shepherds are an active breed and require plenty of exercise. They should exercise at least 60 minutes per day, including walks, runs, and playtime in a fenced yard. It is important to note that Blue German Shepherds are prone to joint problems, so it is important to avoid activities that put excessive strain on their joints, such as jumping or running on hard surfaces. Swimming is a great, low-impact exercise that can help keep them active and healthy. Grooming Needs Blue German Shepherds have a double coat that requires regular grooming. Brush their coats twice a week. They shed heavily twice a year, so brushing them daily during these periods is essential to prevent matting and tangling. It is also essential to clean their ears biweekly with canine wipes to prevent infections and dental problems. Brush their teeth at least twice a week and give them dental chews and rinses in between. Clip their nails every month with a canine clipper. Wash them monthly with a gentle dog shampoo. Finding a Blue German Shepherd Breeder When looking for a Blue German Shepherd breeder, it is essential to do your research and find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs. Here are a few tips to help you find a responsible breeder: Research online Research for Blue German Shepherd breeders in your area. Check out their websites and social media pages to get an idea of their breeding practices, the quality of their dogs, and their overall reputation. Attend dog shows and events Attend dog shows and events in your area to meet breeders in person and see their dogs up close. This can give you a better idea of the temperament and physical characteristics of the breed. Ask for referrals Ask for referrals from other Blue German Shepherd owners or breeders. They can recommend a reputable breeder with whom they have had a positive experience. Check for health certifications Ensure the breeder you choose has health certifications for their dogs, such as hip and elbow dysplasia clearances and eye certifications. This can help ensure the puppies are healthy and free from genetic health issues. Visit the breeder Before buying, visit the breeder in person to see their facility and meet their dogs. This can give you a better idea of their breeding practices and the care they provide for their dogs. Remember, a responsible breeder will prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs over profit. Take your time and research to find a breeder dedicated to producing healthy, well-tempered Blue German Shepherds. The price range for Blue German Shepherds can vary greatly depending on the breeder, location, and pedigree. Where can I find Blue German Shepherd puppies for sale? You can find Blue German Shepherd puppies for sale through reputable breeders, online marketplaces, and pet stores. It is vital to do research and only purchase from a reputable breeder to ensure the health and well-being of the puppy. What are some health problems that Blue German Shepherds may face? Blue German Shepherds may face health problems like hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and skin allergies. It is essential to have regular check-ups with a veterinarian and to purchase from a breeder who conducts health screenings on their breeding dogs. What is the rarity of Blue German Shepherds? Blue German Shepherds are considered a rare color variation of the traditional black and tan German Shepherd. While they are not as common, the American Kennel Club still recognizes them, and you can find them through reputable breeders. Blue German Shepherds have a blue or gray coat, while White Blue German Shepherds have a white coat with blue or gray markings. They are similar to the Panda GSD. Are there any reputable Blue German Shepherd breeders? Yes, there are reputable Blue German Shepherd breeders who conduct health screenings on their breeding dogs and prioritize the well-being of their puppies. It is essential to do research and only purchase from a reputable breeder to ensure the health and temperament of the puppy. They are known for their beautiful blue coat that sets them apart from the traditional black and tan coloration of other German Shepherds. Tamsin De La Harpe Author Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs. Got Questions? Final Thoughts German Shepherds can be of different colors — tan, red, sable, liver, black, white, gray, or a mix of them. This article is devoted to one more very interesting and rare variety of this breed — a blue German Shepherd dog. You will learn about the origins of this color in dogs caused by genetics, their appearance and behavior, popular myth and misconceptions related to them, and the possible differences of these animals from other Shepherd dogs. If you are interested in getting a loyal friend of magnificently unusual color and look, this information will be very helpful for you. The dogs are not really blue. It is a diluted black color that looks quite specific. Despite many myths and wrong beliefs, there are not any sufficient differences in the overall look and behavior of such doggies. Moreover, it is not a separate breed as some people may believe. That is why the history of a blue GSD started simultaneously with the history of a German Shepherd as a breed. Sometime in the middle of the 19th century, a retired German Cavalry officer, Max von Stephanitz by name, decided to breed the most perfect canines for his sheep farms. It took him about forty years to complete the process and obtain a working dog that could deal with herding and guarding. Of course, a blue coat German Shepherd is not navy-blue or sky-blue. It looks like its immediate predecessor — a wolf — but only a bit darker. Such a color is also called diluted black. Though, the latter combination can sometimes result in this if both parents do have it. Geneticists argue that it stands for blue or diluted black. This gene can completely block black, resulting in an ultimate blue. They are medium-to-large canines with a lifespan of years. These animals look beautiful and quite aesthetic. They are not allowed for shows, though, in the USA because the American Kennel Club considers the diluted color a big fault. Apart from such an unusual color, they have a different pigmentation of noses, eye rims, and paw-pads. There are some minor variations of this shading, such as bicolor, sable , saddle, or solid blue. You can also come across dark-steel blue or light-powder blue, and other variants. These colors look magnificent, indeed. So, if you are a German Shepherd enthusiast, this dog is right for you. Not all blue Shepherds have blue eyes. Even if a puppy was born with this eye color, it may change to light brown or amber over time. The coat can be either long or medium. It is doubled with a dense protective upper layer and a soft undercoat that helps withstand weather conditions. The blue GSD can shed a lot , so it needs frequent brushing and grooming all the time. Males grow to inches or cm tall, and their weight varies between pounds or kg. Females are smaller and more gracious. They are inches or cm tall and pounds or kg heavy. The color cannot determine the size of the dog, either. A blue coat German Shepherd does not make a good apartment dog because it is too big and needs a lot of activity and exercise. However, if you can provide your pet with enough room and regular movement, you can enjoy it as your house dog. A lot of energy requires good amounts of exercise. These dogs are intelligent, brave, faithful, and protective. They are quite independent and aloof to strangers if trained properly. That said, private homes and landed properties are the best space if you consider acquiring this animal. These dogs need a lot of socializing and dedicated training. If they do not receive that, they may express aggressiveness and separation anxiety. You cannot even think about chaining them up. Their temperament does not differ much, either. They are incredibly loving and owner-pleasing. That is why you should not leave them alone for a long time. They say that the diluted genes can cause color dilution alopecia. However, this characteristic is true for Dobermans but not Shepherds. They include elbow and hip dysplasia. Dysplasia is a condition when the joints are formed in the wrong way, so they become painful over time. It may even result in lameness. This condition is a characteristic of all big dogs, not only German Shepherds, and it does not relate to their color. Like all other dogs bred from a single bloodline, Shepherds can suffer from specific genetic mutations. They include degradation of the spinal cord which is called degenerative myelopathy. It is a slowly developing and non-painful condition that becomes more obvious when the animal gets older. They are also prone to congenital heart defects, for example, patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonic stenosis, and aortic stenosis. Receiving health certificates from the breeder , including X-ray test certificates, will spare you from the need to spend a lot of money on veterinary care. It is highly appreciated by dog lovers for its stunning color, though breeders are not interested in raising these dogs because such animals cannot participate in shows and competitions. All these factors cause higher prices of such animals. The champion pedigree dogs will cost much more. Those Shepherds who have the show line or protection traits may even cost more. Such dogs do not look intimidating or scary. It goes without saying that their unusual color does not add much to their overall look as an aggressive and dangerous beast. True enthusiasts of this color know well that such animals look very attractive, and their magnificent wolf-like look adds a lot to the overall appreciation and love. Blue Shepherds are not useless just because they are not allowed for shows in America. They can still participate in IPO, nose work, and agility events. Moreover, they can be effective family protectors and companions because they are very loyal and intelligent. This is not a separate breed but just a color variation of a German Shepherd caused by a specific gene combination. The gene affects eumelanin the dark pigment , so no signs of black can be preserved. The diluting gene does not influence the temperament of such dogs. They are not more aggressive or disobedient than any other color of German Shepherds if raised and trained properly. The color of the coat caused by this specific gene combination does not influence health. A blue German Shepherd dog can suffer from the same health issues as other Shepherds of different colors, but there are no additional gene-related health issues. No, it is not. This is just a variation of a GSD caused by a specific combination of genes. The black color is diluted, resulting in a blue-and-gray tint. All the other characteristic features of the breed are the same as for all the rest colors of German Shepherds. Is a blue GSD a rare dog? Yes, it is. Moreover, most breeders are not interested in raising blue-coated dogs because they are not allowed for shows. What color variations can a blue German Shepherd dog have? However, they can have such pattern variations as solid blue, blue and tan, blue bicolor with minor tan spots , and blue sable. Are blue Shepherds purebred? Yes, they are pedigree dogs, but not a mixed breed. They appear in purebred litters among other puppies due to the gene combination but they are as genetically pure as all others. A recessive gene that causes this unusual color has been already recognized by the American Kennel Club as pure, though they are still forbidden or disqualified from shows and appearance competitions. Are there any specific health issues in blue Shepherds? The blue color of the coat does not result in any specific health issues. These dogs are as healthy, strong, and energetic as their counterparts of another color. They may be prone to the same hip and elbow dysplasia and heart and joint problems as other dogs if bred or cared for improperly. Final Thoughts When you want to acquire a blue GSD, you should understand the overall needs and requirements of German Shepherds but not only of those whose coat is blue. You should know how to manage, take care of , and control it. Consider whether you have enough time and patience for everyday reinforcement, training, and exercise. These dogs need a lot of living space because they are full of energy. Keeping them in a small apartment is not the best idea. You should also keep in mind that a blue coat German Shepherd is a heavy shedder, so it has quite specific grooming requirements. Remember that adopting such an animal is not just a fashion statement but a serious responsibility. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. This recessive gene dilutes any black pigment on the dog including coat color, nose leather, foot pads, toe nails, lips, etc. It also affects their eye color. Blue pups have a beautiful light gray coat as babies, as they age however is usually darkens up quite a bit, the ones that darken up are called "steel" blues. To the untrained eye, they can be mistaken for regular blacks. There is also "Powder" blues, they tend to lighten up in color and always stay a very noticeable gray color. Powder blues are not seen very often. A blue pup with sable markings We have a couple blues and a few dogs who carry the blue gene. We choose these dogs first and foremost because their temperament, structure and health aligns with the goals of our breeding program. A beautiful unique color is just icing on the cake of an already exceptional dog. Our non-traditional color lines have some of the highest hip ratings in the US! We have produced non-traditional colored GSDs that compete in obedience, agility, nose work, etc. I personally love the non-traditional colored German Shepherds. These colors are been in the breed since the beginning and our foundation girl Rose just happened to be a blue! In fact, the German Shepherd comes in quite a few different colors, but one of the rarest in the Blue German Shepherd. With the same temperament and characteristics of the standard German Shepherd, this breed is a relatively new addition to the GSD family. History Of The Blue German Shepherd The German Shepherd was originally bred to be a herding dog, but over the years they have shown themselves to be wonderful working dogs and have taken on roles such as guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, watchdogs, guard dogs, police and military dogs and even just companion dogs! There are a number of different color variations of the German Shepherd. The Blue German Shepherd is one of the rarest variations and it is difficult to know when they first appeared. This is also the same for the liver colored German Shepherd. However, others say that the blue is caused by a gene mutation and it should have been bred out over time. They were first discovered by Von Stephanitz who spotted the German Shepherd at a dog show and decided that this breed was the perfect standard for a working dog. Horand was the first breed standard for the German Shepherd breed and was bred alongside dogs with a similar appearance to give German Shepherd litters. They are thought to have first appeared in the United States in and were recognized by the AKC in .Therefore, these dogs carry the same characteristics and temperament. However, they are much more rare and are therefore a lot more expensive. You should always make sure you are buying from a reputable breeder. Blue German Shepherd puppies are normally born in litter sizes of between 1 and 15 puppies. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find a breeder as many breeders choose to breed the more standard and more popular black and tan GSD. These dogs have a domed shape head with a long, square muzzle. They have erect ears and long necks, which sit low when running or prowling. They are a very strong breed and often are said to resemble their wolf ancestors. Coat German Shepherds will have one of two coats — a medium coat or long coat. They are both double coats, having a more dense guard layer with a softer undercoat which helps to keep them warm when they are out as working dogs. These dogs are known to shed so they may not be the pup for those with allergies. However, a proper grooming routine, which we will go into more detail about below, will help to reduce the amount that these dogs shed. That being said, the appearance of these coats actually makes them look more gray or black than blue. Remember, the coat color of the GSD does not change their temperament or personality, which we will look at next. Temperament The German Shepherd is extremely loyal and very family orientated. Because they are a working dog, they will believe that their job is to protect you as a family and are known for being alert and watchful, sometimes barking if they feel like they are in danger. Although socialization is important for a dog at any age, proper socialization for a German Shepherd will ensure they can interact with the family properly. Socialization is also important around young people. These dogs are very playful and active and love to be outside getting physical exercise. They also need a lot of mental stimulation as they are very intelligent and do not like to be left alone. If they are left alone for long periods of time they can become bored and begin to exhibit destructive behaviors as a result from separation anxiety. Therefore, they are not the dog for you if you are out for hours everyday! Lifespan The average life expectancy of a Blue German Shepherd is between 9 and 13 years. Many of the problems they are more likely to develop are the same problems that other breeds of German Shepherd deal with. The most common health concern for the German Shepherd dog breed is elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. Dysplasia is a condition that is seen in many large dogs and is a disease of a malformation of the joints. The joints can become very painful and may worsen over time causing lameness. Blue German Shepherds can also be prone to other health problems, due to the fact they are bred from a single bloodline and there may have been genetic mutations along the way. These health concerns are degenerative myelopathy, a slow, non-painful degradation of the spinal cord, and congenital heart defects such as aortic stenosis, pulmonic stenosis and patent ductus arteriosus. The best way to ensure your pup is less prone to any of these conditions is to buy from a reputable breeder and to ensure you get health clearances from both parents. You should also check your dog often for any signs of these issues and take them to the vet regularly for checkups. Insurance is always available for your dog, too. This is often a good idea as the German Shepherd breed can be known to develop health issues regularly. Daily Life Now we know all about the traits of the Blue German Shepherd, it is time to take a look at what every day life with of these dogs is like. Like all German Shepherds, these dogs make an excellent companion to many but they do have somewhat high care needs thanks to their size, build and athletic nature. Below we will cover their food and diet, their exercise requirements and their grooming needs. Experts recommend that this dog should be eating 20 calories per lb of body weight a day, which may come to around calories. This is around 3 cups of food. Of course, you should always check the back of the dog food packet to see how much food you should be feeding your pup based on their weight. As a puppy, they should be fed three to four times a day. This is particularly important in the larger breeds as they are most predisposed to bloat, where the stomach becomes bloated and twisted and is usually fatal. These three to four meals can then be decreased to two meals a day as an adult. However, if you have a busy lifestyle then this can just be one meal a day. Their food should be healthy and nutritious. It should cover all the nutrients that a dog of this size needs, including proteins, fats and carbohydrates. High-quality dry kibble is a great option, although some dog owners opt to feed their pup raw food. If you do go for a kibble, it is recommended that you feed them a diet specially formulated for large dog breeds. Take a look at the food we recommend below. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. It's true - there are German Shepherds that are blue. In fact, German Shepherd Dogs come in various colors and also in a lot of different color patterns too. Others say that the blue colour is simply a gene mutation, and as such the blue German Shepherds should never be bred from, and overtime the gene should be bread out of the species completely. The blue German Shepherd, technically, a diluted Black Shepherd with 2 recessive genes. The Dd dilution gene affects coat colour in the main, but can also change the colour of eyes and noses. All coat colours and patterns are controlled by a set or group of genes that work together. In standard German Shepherds you will see descriptions and breakdowns that speak of the A genes, which control the black and red colouring in the dog through the release of melanin, and this affects the generic base colour and variations. However, the colouring of the blue German Shepherd is controlled by a different gene, the D gene spoken of earlier. All genes come in pairs, and it takes the presence of the big D and little d pair to produce the blue German Shepherd. The big D produces full strength coat colour and is the dominant gene, and the little d produces a dilute colour, which is the recessive gene. For the Blue Shepherd to be created he needs two copies of the diluted recessive gene, one from each parent, in order to have the diluted blue fur. If both parents have blue fur color their offspring will have it also however it is also possible for the color to appear in regular black and tan German Shepherd Dogs if both parents have the recessive genes. In addition to the above, the Blue German Shepherd takes three variations in blue colour, they come in blue and black, blue and sable and blue and tan, and again it is all dependent on the mix of different genes. Additionally, the blue German Shepherd can also be a variety of lighter and darker blues. Steel blue is the darker shade, and powder blue is the lighter of the two. It can be difficult to identify a steel blue on his own, but when you stand him next to a black German Shepherd, you can easily tell the difference in colour. How do they look? If you've never seen one of these dogs just imagine that everywhere there is black on the GSD normally, that you now see kind of a dusty grey colour. In some cases the blue might look kind of dusty, like someone spilled flour on the dog's coat but then in other cases it might be more of a darker gunmetal colour. Although it is rare and frowned upon by the AKC don't let the blue colour scare you away. A healthy blue German Shepherd is a very handsome animal and has all the same loyal and intelligent traits as regular colored German Shepherds. Many owners who have an unfavourably coloured German Shepherd have suggested that their pups face colour discrimination in events even in competitions where color should not be judged. The males will weigh between 65 and 90 pounds, and they will measure 24 to 26 inches in height from paw to shoulder, also known as the withers. The females will weigh between 50 and 70 pounds and will measure 22 to 24 inches at the withers. Additionally, it is common for the blue German Shepherd to have lighter coloured eyes, such as light blue, golden brown or yellow compared to the darker eyes of normal colored German Shepherds. Again, this is controlled by the recessive genes explained above. Because of their appearance, the blue German Shepherd is often mistaken for a blue Malinois, or with yellow eyes can often look similar to a dark grey wolf. They are super affectionate with their immediate family and enjoy a cuddle on the sofa and lounging around home. The blue German Shepherd is known for their confident and courageous personality. If properly trained and socialized their natural guarding tendencies work great in a home environment. Blue German Shepherds can also be aloof with strangers, or outsiders of the pack if improperly socialized but if raised correctly they are lovely, loyal dogs. The blue German Shepherd, like any other German Shepherd, is a medium energy dog and requires up to 60 minutes of exercise a day. High intensity exercise that tests their mental abilities as well as their physical are their favorite. Your dog would also require mental stimulation throughout the day, such as playing interactive games with his you, patrolling the yard, or taking part in training sessions. Because of their guarding tendencies early socialization is key to a happy hound and household! They are working dogs, and they like to pull if they are not trained properly. We also recommend crate training from a young age. Unlike other breeds, such as the French Bulldog, the colour blue is not indicative of health issues or problematic personality traits. The diluted gene is often linked to health issues in other breeds, such as Colour Dilution Alopecia in Weimaraner, but the blue German Shepherd is not known to suffer any diluted colour related health issues. Simply put, the blue German Shepherd is simply a colour variation, and their health is exactly the same as a traditional coloured German Shepherd. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia is an abnormal formation in the elbow and hip joints which is prevalent in larger breeds of dogs. Over time this formation can cause pain in their joints and can often lead to crippling arthritis in older dogs. Because German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat, it is advised to spread food across several sittings during the day. The exact amount of food will vary on the size of your dog and their activity levels throughout the day. Grooming The blue GSD often has a medium length outercoat with a dense undercoat. Due to the thick undercoat, they are heavy shedders. To keep their coat nice throughout the year you will need to brush them 2 or 3 times a week. During shedding season you will need to brush them every day. You should wash your GSD every 6 to 8 weeks to keep the coat clean and help with shedding. Specialist dog shampoos and shedding products help make managing the coat easier. It is possible for blue German Shepherds to have a long coat but it is very rare. Because their colour is more on the rare side, you may end up paying a slightly higher premium for this colour of the breed. These dogs are rarer than their tan and black saddle siblings i. This can make it difficult to find one to buy. German Shepherds are larger dogs, and can have large litter sizes. With an average of eight puppies in a litter; a blue German Shepherd puppy may show up unexpectantly. If you would prefer to adopt, the German Shepherd Club of America has a list of available rescues and rescue centres all over the country. Adopting A Blue German Shepherd On the other hand, if you are considering rescuing a German Shepherd, then the American German Shepherd Rescue Association has listed rescue centres dedicated to this breed and you may find some blues that need a home. Finishing Up Blue German Shepherds make great family pets. They are fun, intelligent, trainable, affectionate, loyal and protective. If they are socialized from a young age, they are great with children and other pets and will be a lovely member of the family for years. Naturally, all dogs have their own quirks that make them unique, just like all humans, and a blue GSD will be no different. Generally, however, German Shepherds are intelligent and fun to be around and love to spend hours playing in the garden with their family. If you do adopt one of these beautiful pups then it might be wise to let your neighbours know so that they think you have a stray wolf in your yard! For more information about the blue German shepherds, you can consult different social networks of groups responsible for the upbringing and care of the GSD, like the American Blue Bay Shepherd Association. Sign up for promotions, news, discounts, and the chance to win prizes for you and your German Shepherd E-mail Address. Blue, as a color, occurs in just about every breed, and especially in the herding breeds. Blue is considered to be a dilution gene, actually named an "allele", that is found naturally. Both parents have to have this allele in their genes to be able to produce a blue puppy. The blue pup will be blue, or gun metal gray, where another pup would be black. In my German Shepherds, I've had blue "black and tans", blue sables, and blue blacks. Blue puppies are very attractive. .However, when adult, it can be very hard to tell the difference between a blue and another colored dog in the German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois breed. The blue Dutch Shepherd is much more noticable. These dogs are as healthy and long lived as any of my dogs. The two photos immediately below show two German Shepherd littermates. Both are female. The blue puppy is a blue sable, while the other pup is a traditional black and tan. The Dutch Shepherd blue brindle coat coloring can be just as striking as the gold brindle. The UKC breed standard the Dutch Shepherd is not an AKC breed calls for coat colorings of "Brindle, on either brown or gray ground", so the blue which is really gray is acceptable in conformation showing. Gold brindle Dutch Shepherd and a blue brindle Dutch Shepherd Another coat comparision between gold and blue brindle with slightly older Dutch Shepherd pups This photo is of three month old Dutch Shepherd litter mates. Blues do indeed pop up in certain lines, and determining color in a Dutch Shepherd is like guessing what color eggs will be in your Easter Basket… it is near impossible - especially since their colors continue to develop even after 2 years of age. Notice the gun metal blue color on their lips, nose and muzzles. A mix of blue dogs with their tradionally colored counterparts. 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lab and german shepherd mix puppy - The scent does not last long. Some dogs needed extra conditioner shampooing. How it Compares Many French Bulldogs with yeast infections or itchy, irritated, dry, and flaky skin had immediate relief after being bathed with the Pets Are Kids Too dog shampoo. The baking soda in the shampoo also removes stinky odors. The price is slightly on the higher side. This popular shampoo has been widely used and trusted by millions of dog owners. The shampoo also contains beeswax and honey, which nourish the skin and promote a healthy, glossy coat. This makes it suitable for both puppies and adult French Bulldogs. This shampoo not only boosts shine but also moisturizes the coat, leaving it looking healthy and well-maintained. Pros No fragrance, sulfates, or parabens Gentle for sensitive skin Soothes and softens skin and coat Cons Shampoo is watery, so you need to use a lot. This dog shampoo is all-natural and free from harsh ingredients- making it suitable for sensitive French bulldogs. Its price is affordable; however, you might need to use a lot of this sulfate-free shampoo to work up a lather. Wash and soak on skin and coat for minutes. Repeat times weekly. Oatmeal and Allantoin add hydration and nourish the skin. This specialized shampoo contains a powerful combination of ingredients, including coal tar, salicylic acid, and micronized sulfur, which work synergistically to combat these skin problems. The active ingredients in this shampoo effectively eliminate itching, flaking, and scaling, providing much-needed relief for dogs suffering from skin irritations. The shampoo also has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe inflammation and control parasitic infections, offering comprehensive care for a range of skin issues. This combination of medicated and natural ingredients makes it a potent and well-rounded solution for addressing various skin problems in French Bulldogs. Veterinarians highly recommend this shampoo for French Bulldogs with specific skin issues like inflamed skin, waxy skin, red, crusty skin, as well as problems caused by parasites, yeast, and mites. Moreover, being paraben-free and dye-free ensures a safer and gentler bathing experience for your pet. Pros Effectively treats a host of canine skin issues Vet-recommended. Puppies have fresh, delicate skin, and it can take a while before they develop all of their adult coat. The best puppy shampoos use little to no fragrance, relying instead on natural scents over artificial fragrances. Of course, the best shampoo for Frenchies puppies may still have many of the same ingredients as an adult shampoo. After all, adult Frenchies also require the same soothing, gentle features. How often should I bathe my French Bulldog? Most experts recommend bathing a French Bulldog no more than five times per year due to their sensitive skin. Overwashing can lead to dried-out, itchy skin. If your Frenchie rolls around in the mud, you will need to bathe them regardless of his bath count for the year. If you have a highly active Frenchie who plays outside a lot, you may find it necessary to bathe them more often, about once per month. Is it safe to let my Frenchie air dry? However, we have one product that stood out among the rest: the Pets Are Kids Too. Our Top Pick The shampoo has enhanced ingredients for relieving itching from allergies or dry skin, including oatmeal, aloe vera, and baking soda. This pet shampoo impressed us with its anti-itch formula, which includes important ingredients like aloe vera, oatmeal, and coconut. This chemical-free shampoo is ideal for breeds like Frenchies who can struggle with skin allergies and sensitivity. The plant-based ingredients are awesome, and we love the addition of baking soda, which helps eliminate odor. Evelina Roos Dog Gear Enthusiast Our lovely team member Evelina is passionate about the power of the written word and communications. She is a professional writer, translator, and marketer. Born in Sweden, she has lived in five countries, as many as her Italian rescue dog Ossi. Wherever she goes he follows, whether into the kitchen or for a hike in the Pyrenees. The shampoo is made with all-natural ingredients and is packaged in recycled materials, making it an eco-friendly choice for pet owners. This shampoo is made with organic ingredients that are safe and non-toxic for your puppy. This means that the shampoo has been rigorously tested and meets the highest standards for organic products. These ingredients help to calm irritated skin and promote a healthy, shiny coat. This hypoallergenic shampoo is specially formulated for dogs with sensitive skin, making it a great option for dog breeds and puppies with allergies or skin irritations. This shampoo is also free from harsh chemicals, dyes, and fragrances, making it a safe and non-irritating choice for puppies with sensitive skin. This shampoo is specially formulated to help soothe and heal a variety of skin conditions, including hot spots, rashes, and insect bites. This shampoo is also free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, making it a safe and non-irritating choice for puppies with sensitive skin. One of the standout features of Wahl Gentle Puppy Shampoo is its gentle formula. Another great feature of Wahl Gentle Puppy Shampoo is its tear-free formula. One of the standout features of Furminator deShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo is its effective formula. This may seem like an obvious question but for breeds prone to skin problems , it can be more complicated. If your Frenchie just needs routine baths because they like to roll in the mud or because you dislike the general scent of dog, your shampoo options are essentially wide open. Some skin conditions may require an actual medicated shampoo, prescribed by a veterinarian. Managing some skin conditions requires medications by mouth, diet changes, and yes, bathing. If not treated appropriately, skin problems can worsen and lead to secondary complications. Several of the shampoos on our list are suitable for puppies , but not all of them. In general, you should reach for a gentle, natural product to bathe your puppy, ideally a tearless formula. Many topical flea and tick products are negatively impacted by bathing. Several of the shampoos on our list specifically mention that they are safe to use with these preventatives. However, every topical product works differently. To be safe, consult the directions on the flea product itself before bathing your dog. You may need to avoid bathing for several days before and after treating your Frenchie. Another option is to switch to pill parasite prevention which should not be affected by bathing. Final Thoughts Our best shampoo for French Bulldogs overall, Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo , is an all-natural formula safe for frequent use thanks to its moisturizing properties. Our budget buy pick, Hartz 6 in 1 Grooming Shampoo is a cost-effective, multi-functional shampoo and conditioner. We hope our reviews of these eight products were a helpful overview of your choices and provided useful information to help you make your final decision.