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How about cute dog pictures all year around? She has always been passionate about healthy dog care-taking, training, and helping fellow dog parents through the ups and downs of pet parenting. In a world of busyness and miscommunication, Victoria desires to bring clarity and meaningful conversation. The Daily Dog does not provide veterinary advice. All information is general in nature and for informational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian. Here are some of the cutest dog calendars, so you can enjoy the cuteness overload all year round. It celebrates the love and joy that dogs bring to our lives. From Aussies to Bassets, and Labradoodles to Shih Tzus… this calendar even celebrates the beautiful variety of mixed breed dogs out there. But the best part is… they are all puppies! Can you believe how popular this dog is? He is small in body but BIG in character, known for his eccentric, adventurous, and cheeky personality. All of the pictures are of Bulldogs. But not just any bulldogs… Bulldog Bad Boys. They are dressed up in baggy t-shirts with sideways baseball caps. Looking rough and tough as always. These pictures are adorable and will have you cracking up every month. But in every picture, this dog is dressed up in different outfits from various decades. If you love dogs, and you love other animals… this might be your favorite too. Most of them are pictures of a dog with another animal. These pictures are pretty incredible! July 4: Independence Day. This US holiday is no holiday for dogs; the sounds of fireworks causes many dogs to panic and run, resulting in many lost dogs every year. July 5: Pet Remembrance Day. This Saluda, North Carolina festival is the perfect excuse to celebrate coonhounds everywhere. This is always held on the Saturday following July 4th. July National Kitten Day. Always held on July 10, this day celebrates the joy of kittens. July Dog on a Lead Day. July Feline Leukemia Day. July World Collie Day. Regardless of your crafting skills, you can create items that will be joy and comfort to pets waiting for their forever homes in animal shelters. A day that celebrates facilities accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association. July National Dog Photography Day. UK holiday. July National Mutt Day. Also see Dec. The annual Clear the Shelters event also draws national attention this month. Month-Long Observances Clear the Shelters. Itchy Pet Awareness Month. Founded by Zoetis, this awareness month brings awareness to allergic skin disease. National Dog Month. Launched in , this observation held during the dog days of summer celebrates all the special joy of dogs. Celebration of raw feeding for pets for the month of August. World Mutt-i-grees Rescue Month. Created by North Shore Animal League America, this awareness month focuses on the importance of adopting shelter pets. Week-Long Observances Aug. This annual event honors the many specially-trained service dogs who perform a wide variety of tasks. Hosted by Pets of the Homeless, the event features more than Pets of the Homeless donation sites nationwide asking their community to bring donations of pet food and supplies to assist the pets of the homeless. One-Day Holidays Aug. Happy DOGust!! Part of International Assistance Dog Week, this observation, always on August 4, honors the many types of assistance dogs. Patron saint of dogs.

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. Looking for the best brushes for your golden retriever? This is an important question since not all brushes are created equal. Some brushes are great for golden retriever coats, some are ineffective on their coats, and some are potentially damaging to their coats. This is because why you need to brush your golden determines what type of brush to get them. There are three reasons you need to brush your golden: Brushing prevents and removes mats Brushing gets rid of loose fur and debris Brushing elps you have less loose fur around the house Preventing and removing mats is the most important reason for brushing your golden. Mats are clumps of tangled fur that can be painful and lead to skin problems. It would be like trying to brush out a piece of gum stuck in your hair. Sounds pretty awful, right? Well, the good news is that regular and proper brushing can prevent mats, or at least remove them before they get too bad. The next reason you need to brush your golden retriever is to get rid of loose fur and debris. My golden, Oliver, loves to roll around outside, but when he comes in he brings all sorts of things with him. Leaves, sticks, dirt, and sticky plant seeds cling to him and either get buried in his undercoat which can lead to mats or get deposited on the floor. Brushing gets this stuff out of his fur. And finally, brushing your golden retriever will get loose fur off of them and onto the brush, rather than off of them and onto your floors. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! If you only brush the top coat, then you could be missing out on harmful mats in the undercoat. Slicker brushes are made up of fine wire angled teeth that get out tangles, mats, and dead fur. Our favorite slicker brush is this self-cleaning slicker brush because it does a good job at brushing your golden, has gentle teeth, and cleans itself by getting all the fur out of the brush with the push of a button. You can get this slicker brush from Amazon here. Undercoat rakes are a little tougher on mats and tangles than slicker brushes, and are great at getting out dead fur from the undercoat. You can get this undercoat rake from Amazon here. Other Brushes For Golden Retrievers Although most people will be fine with just a slicker brush and an undercoat rake, there are other types of brushes for your golden. Many brushes are 2-in-1 combos of both pin brushes and bristle brushes like this Wahl dog brush. Combs are another option for brushing your dog. They do a similar job as undercoat rakes and are useful for getting mats out. This Andis Pet steel comb is good because it has teeth that are spaced out for when you first start working on a mat, as well as teeth that are closer together to help you finish it off. Remember the gum analogy earlier? Most people opt to just use a slicker brush and an undercoat rake since those do a good enough job. However, some people do love their deshedding tools and use them on their golden retrievers. What are your thoughts on deshedders? Let me know down in the comments! How Often To Brush Your Golden Retriever Since goldens have long, thick coats and shed like maniacs, you need to brush them times per week. Some goldens have longer, thicker coats than others, and need to be brushed everyday, while others like field golden retrievers have shorter coats and need to be brushed just a few times per week. Another factor that goes into how often to brush your golden retriever is the season. Of course, with all the extra dead fur, you may have to brush them more often then. And here are two pro tips if you want a clean house: Tip 1: Brush them outside When you brush your golden hair is going to be flying everywhere. Unless you want it to fall on your floors, brush them outside. Tip 2: Rub them down after you brush them Once you brush them, there will be a lot of leftover fur still laying on them. Rub them down with your hands in the same direction the fur lies to get it all off before you go inside. This will spare your vacuum from having to suck up a little extra fur later. The answer: as soon as you get them! However, you do want to brush them early and often to get them used to being brushed. Give them a lot of treats and keep the brushing sessions short and fun so that they learn to like being brushed. Conclusion The best brush for golden retrievers is a slicker brush. Some goldens will also need an undercoat rake if they have thick coats or get mats often. Have any questions about golden retriever brushes? Related articles:. Other Key Features to Consider in Brushes for Golden Retrievers Ergonomic design for easy handling and reduced strain on hands and wrists during grooming. Retractable buttons or self-cleaning features to make hair removal quick and convenient. High-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting for regular use. Specialized brushes for specific grooming needs, such as deshedding, massaging, or removing loose hair. Gentle bristles or teeth to prevent discomfort or skin irritation during grooming sessions. Non-slip grips for better control while brushing your active Golden Retriever. Versatility to use the brush on both wet and dry fur. Recommended and approved by professional groomers or veterinarians for reliable performance. A healthy coat will feel soft to the touch and not excessively oily or have an unpleasant smell, which might indicate yeast build-up or bacterial issues. A dusty appearance or frequent balls of undercoat fur shedding may signal allergies, hormonal imbalances, infections, or other concerns. For heavy shedders, a slicker brush is effective in tackling matting and removing loose, dead hairs. Alternatively, a gentle pin brush works well for regular coat maintenance, but it may struggle with severe matting. Dogs with long coats, like Golden Retrievers, often require more frequent brushing to manage tangling and matting. Many Golden Retriever owners prefer combining a slicker brush with a metal comb to achieve comprehensive grooming results. If you prefer simplicity and efficiency, opting for a slicker brush could be the best choice, as it efficiently removes matting and loose undercoat hair, streamlining your grooming routine. Every other day brushing for moderate shedders and regular coat maintenance. Weekly brushing for light shedders and short-haired Golden Retrievers. Wrapping Up Finding the best brush for your Golden Retriever is a crucial step towards maintaining their luscious coat and overall well-being. With their unique double coat, Golden Retrievers require specialized grooming tools that effectively address their shedding and matting needs. Embrace the tips and recommendations shared here to make grooming sessions a positive and rewarding experience for both you and your furry companion. Invest in the best brush for your Golden Retriever and witness the remarkable transformation in their health, beauty, and happiness. Happy grooming! How often should I shampoo my Golden Retriever? Shampooing a Golden Retriever should generally be done once a month, or as needed if the dog gets particularly dirty. Over-shampooing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Can you wash a Golden Retriever every week? Washing a Golden Retriever every week can be excessive and might dry out their skin and coat. Can I use baby wipes on my dog? Baby wipes can be used on a dog for a quick clean-up, but make sure they are fragrance-free and alcohol-free. How do you clean Golden Retriever ears? Gently wipe the inside of the ear, but avoid inserting anything into the ear canal, as this could cause injury. Regular check-ups with a vet can ensure proper ear health. Can I shave my Golden Retriever to prevent shedding? No, shaving a Golden Retriever is generally not advised as it can actually cause more problems. Their double coat provides insulation and protects their skin from sun and environmental damage. Regular brushing and grooming are the best ways to manage shedding. 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. Brushing any dog is important , as it helps to keep their skin and coat healthy by removing and preventing mats, circulating natural oils, and getting rid of dirt and debris. However, regular grooming of a golden retriever is even more important than it is for dogs with shorter coats, and pet parents should ideally aim to brush their dog for at least a few minutes every day with the best dog brush for a golden retriever. This can result in their coats getting tangled and muddy after walks, as well as occasionally seeming to bring back half the outside foliage embedded in their coats. Therefore, a regular grooming routine is essential to keep them clean and comfy. Regular Handling Helps To Socialize Your Dog Getting into a good routine of grooming can also make your life much easier when taking your pup to the vet or even to a professional groomer, as they will be used to staying still to be handled. Pin Brush These brushes have long, wide-spaced wire pins. They can come with rubber-tipped pins for added comfort. Bristle Brush Bristle brushes do a similar job to pin brushes, but they are more multipurpose, suiting short-coated dogs as well as longer-coated breeds. They come with different bristle lengths and spacings for different types of coats — longer, wider spaced varieties are best for goldens. They also help to stimulate the skin and remove stubborn dirt. These can be a good everyday kind of tool for a quick brush in between more thorough grooming sessions. Slicker Brush Slicker brushes are great for removing loose hair and dirt. They consist of rows of fine wire pins, which are perfect for detangling longer hair. Each pin has a slightly angled end which helps to remove any loose fur. They come in a range of different sizes, so you can pick one that suits your dog. They should be used with caution, as they can cause discomfort if too much pressure is used. Undercoat Rake The purpose of an undercoat rake is to help remove the undercoat during shedding and also generally detangle the undercoat. They come in different lengths, so be sure to pick one suitable for a golden retriever. A Guide To Buying The Best Brush For Golden Retrievers By now, you already know which brush type to go for, but there are still lots of factors you do not want to ignore when shopping for the best dog brush for your golden retriever. Some come with shorter handles, and others have bigger handles. A handle that does not fit well in your hands will strain your wrist and arm and generally be uncomfortable to use. For golden retrievers specifically, the ideal brush has to be suitable for double-coated breeds. You will also run into some that are versatile enough to cater to different coats. Pin Design Top-grade dog brushes mostly feature either flexible, soft, rounded, or bendable pins. Stay away from extremely cheap brushes, as most of them have stiff, sharp pins that are more likely to harm your dog than properly groom them. As a rule, most golden retriever owners will find they need the following brushes to various degrees: a wire pin brush, a bristle brush, a slicker brush, and an undercoat rake. Most golden retriever owners will use at least one of the following brushes to various degrees: a wire pin brush, a bristle brush, a slicker brush, and an undercoat rake. All of the brushes on our list are ideal to use on a golden retriever. You only have to figure out the purpose for which you need the brush for. This will help you narrow your selection to the best brush for your golden retriever in the four categories we looked at above. How much brushing does a golden retriever need? Golden retrievers should be groomed once to twice a week to avoid instances such as painful matting and excess shedding. Remember to use either a pin or bristle brush for regular shedding for regular brushing. But when their hair is too tangled, it would be better to first spray it with water or an appropriate conditioner before brushing it. A slicker brush is the perfect option for this purpose. How do you use a slicker brush on a golden retriever? Earlier on, I briefly mentioned that slicker brushes should be used with caution because they tend to cause a bit of discomfort, especially when you use excess pressure. Instead, use short, gentle strokes to avoid causing irritation. When should I start brushing my golden retriever? Most vets recommend that you start brushing golden retrievers while they are still puppies or around months old. Take it slow at first to allow your pup to become familiar with the grooming process. Remember to use the appropriate brush for the appropriate purpose. Most manufacturers have various options designed for grooming puppies and adult dogs. Last Word On The Best Brushes For Golden Retrievers For first-time owners of golden retrievers, it can seem like a minefield picking out the best brush for your golden retriever. But even long-time lovers of goldens can find themselves confused, too! You May Also Like. The bristles are sharp and could hurt some dogs with delicate hair. It also has a good grip. However, its bristles are slightly sharp, and its price is a bit higher compared to similar products. It has gained popularity among pet owners for its exceptional shedding control capabilities. This removes the most shed hair. They effectively detangle and smooth the fur without pulling. FURminator also has anti-microbial plastic surfaces that keep germs to a minimum. Pros Innovative design for superior shedding control Detangles without pulling the hair Crafted with high-quality, long-lasting materials Comfortable grip Suitable for different coat types Cons Very hard to clean and could hurt your fingers. Use the 9-teeth side of this dog and cat brush for smooth dematting, and the teeth side for quick coat thinning and deshedding. Skin Safe: Pamper your pet - pain-free! The teeth on this dog brush for shedding are rounded to make sure your furry friend's skin is protected. This deshedding brush is perfect for cats and dogs with thick, long fur - but it's great for coats of all kinds! Long lasting and durable pet comb that works great even on horses. Easy Grip Handle: Get even the nastiest knots out with ease! Our dog and cat brush for shedding has a non-slip handle to give you a firm and comfortable grip. The tool has nine teeth on one side and 17 teeth on the other. Next, use the side with 17 teeth to thin the fur and remove the shed hair. Pros Dual-sided rake allows faster grooming Versatile and multipurpose grooming tool No-slip handle The bristles are sharp and tend to pull the hair out of heavily matted dogs. Its double-sided functionality, wide head, and comfortable design make it a go-to brush for faster grooming. Its price is reasonable as well. Built to last through multiple grooming sessions. It also promotes blood circulation and massages the skin for better pet health. It's suitable for all short- and long-haired dogs, cats, and other pets. Constructed with durable stainless-steel teeth, this comb effortlessly glides through thick double coats, gently removing tangles and mats without causing any discomfort. The high-quality stainless-steel material is corrosion-resistant and also prevents static buildup. It prevents hand fatigue during longer grooming sessions and also provides a comfortable grip, ensuring precise control and ease of use.

Hunting dog names Yes Poodles are traditionally retriever hunting dogs! Simplicity ensures the dog will not confuse their name for another command. This is why it is recommended that you name your dog something with two syllables. Two syllable names allow for intonation and inflection changes in your voice. These changes signal to the dog that the word you are saying is not a short and clipped command but rather an identifying word that they should respond to. There is debate in the scientific community about whether or not dogs have a sense of self and can therefore determine which words you say are meant for them. Using a name with two syllables is a good way to help your dog learn to respond to this word. You should also choose a name that is not too long so you can say it quickly. Additionally, be sure that the name is not offensive to anyone you may know. Many common poodle names are also human names. Get input from other family members. It is a good idea to decide on a name together since everyone in the household will interact with the dog. If you decide on a name and want to change it, do so quickly so that the dog can learn its name without any confusion. Many dog owners have tons of nicknames for their dogs other than their formal names. Do not be discouraged if naming your poodle takes a long time. It takes time to reach the perfect name! Are Poodles hyper? They sure love to run and exercise! Final Thoughts Naming a dog is an important job. Many factors about a dog can help you choose a name. Personality is especially useful to determine a name if you do not already have one in mind. Remember, consider our tips when naming your new poodle! Naming a dog is not an exact science, so just have fun with it. We hope you are inspired by our list of best poodle names. Good luck on your naming journey! My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Whether your Poodle is a standard, miniature or an itty bitty teacup pup, you want to choose a cute name for them that really fits their personality! Here are some great male and female names for your poodle. Top 10 Precious Poodle Dog Names Here are our top 10 favorites divided up between male and female ideas! This is a cute name for a poodle that is charming, funny and pleasant. Caesar is an imperial title given to an emperor during Roman Times, most notably Julius Caesar. Charley— The name Charley is from French origin, meaning free man. Charley was the faithful companion, a black standard Poodle, of famed author, John Steinbeck. Claude— The name Claude is from French origin, meaning lame, enclosure. Claude was the cream-colored pet poodle of Milburn and Margaret Drysdale on the television series- The Beverly Hillbillies. Frederic— The name Frederic is from French origin, meaning peaceful ruler. This is a great name for a poodle that has a presence about him, because there have been a few notable men in the arts field in history. Frederic Edwin Church was a landscape painter, Frederic Remington was an Old West painter, sculptor and writer and Frederic Tuten was an essayist, novelist and short story writer. Rusty— The name Rusty is from French origin, meaning fox-colored. Ginger— The name Ginger is from English origin, meaning chaste, pure. Ginger is a flowering plant that is used in cooking and traditional medicine. Throughout history, some notable females have been named Ginger. Mirabella— The name Mirabella is from Latin origin, meaning wonderful. Molly— The name Molly is from Hebrew origin, meaning wished-for child. Vicky— The name Vicky is from Latin origin, meaning triumphant, victory. Vicky seems to be a popular name for soap opera characters. I found inspiration in those wonderful traits to help you find the perfect name for your new puppy! Check out my favorites for girls!

I am so thankful and blessed to have met so many wonderful people and get to share a part of my heart with each and every one of them as they choose to make one of my babies a part of their family. I have been a bulldog enthusiast for many years and have been breeding since .My husband and my daughter are actively involved in caring for and loving all our fur babies. Our dogs are our family. All our dogs are AKC registered and they are raised in a healthy, loving environment. As a breeder I focus on health, structure, temperament, socialization and pedigree in order to achieve my goal of providing to you a top quality baby that will not only capture your heart but will be a perfect fit for you and your family. I am also state licensed. For more information please contact Lori or Alan Celmer at or .Orwigsburg PA .As a family, we raise our babies here in our home as a part of our family so that they can learn the social skills that they need to one day be a part of your family. You are always welcome to come to our home and meet our babies and the rest of our fur family. There is nothing I love more then sharing my dogs with wonderful and caring people that share the same love in their hearts that we do for our sweet bulldogs. Site Content We are so proud of each and every one of our Productions We would like to take a moment and share our past babies that are now in their forever homes but were produced, loved and raised right here in our home. Domino can give you both! Personalized Training We try to teach every puppy the basic education form the very first days of its life Exotic English Bulldog Breeding Farm The Exotic Bulldog House breeding farm was born after getting to know this wonderful breed, the Exotic English Bulldog, and thanks to decades of canine experience of three guys: Lorenzo, Alberto and Nicola, who have an extraordinary passion for the canine world and professional dog training. Our structure is located inside a country homestead submerged by nature. More than 10 hectares of the ground are available for breeding, growing and education of the puppies and their parents. A characteristic that denotes us is the dedication towards post-adoption canine education that guarantees continuous assistance and support to the new custodial. The adoption of a puppy is always supported even after entrusting it; its new owners will receive the correct and necessary information about the diet and the daily exercise every puppy needs to complete in the best way possible its formation, both physical and psychological. Moreover, we will also try to give you the correct instructions on which behavior the owner has to take towards the new arrival at home, how to handle the first days in the new environment and all the following steps. If you want to have information on the puppies available or are willing to adopt one: call us , contect us by email or write us using whatsapp. Our Exotic English Bulldog Exemplars We take care of our exemplars with the maximum attention, to the point that we define ourselves as their companions and not their owners. We dedicate a good amount of our formative activities to make them socialize at best with their akin and with people, thus obtaining very well — balanced individuals with a wonderful temper that can live with other animals and with humans of every age in total harmony and safety, also especially with kids of every age. Our Breeding Farm: What denotes us? Our Exotic Bulldog exemplars are the result of accurate selections, from generation to generation, to obtain wonderful individuals as for their morphology, health and temper. We are talking about dogs that are used to the familiar environment, to people and other dogs, easy to manage both in urban and extra-urban scenarios. We are sure about our results because we give the maximum attention to the subjects we breed and include in our breeding farm. Professional and Authorized Breeding Farm We are the only professional and authorized breeders in Italy who select this wonderful English Bulldog typology. See for Yourself! Through a webcam, you can follow the growth of your puppy step by step. Athletic Dogs All our dogs are selected for their great physical health, they are athletic and in shape. Ample open spaces In our parks, there are structures created for collective exercise, authorized delivery rooms, rooms for socializing and interacting with other animals, people and things. Diet care We only use high-quality fresh food. Selected exemplars We perform genetic tests on all our exemplars for an unmatched selection. Maximum protection Every puppy is given with a cession and guarantee contract. Moreover, we periodically invite to our structures some individuals from other breeds who share the same areas with our Bulldogs, allowing us to socialize all our dogs at best, both puppies and adults. For those who reserve a puppy, we commit from the first days of its life to teach it its future name together with the first basic knowledge offering, among the other activities, the possibility to deliver the puppy you adopted with a first training we attend personally and with the help of an expert canine trainer. Our Structure We are always open to your visits, both pre-adoption, to see how the puppies are bred and where they live, and both post-adoption, to be able to share our reciprocal experiences or simply to give you the possibility to let your Exotic Bulldog run free in a familiar environment. You can count on us ad on our help for sure! Most important is the time the puppy spends with its mother and the minimum age at which you can separate them. Even in the case of the Exotic English Bulldog, this aspect must be respected! After that, always in order of importance for correct growth, there is the chance to socialize and communicate with other puppies and with people. It is always the mother who takes care of it in the beginning when she teaches her puppies to relate to the environment they live in. News and updates on the Exotic Bulldog House World If you want to be updated about events, fair participations, new litters, or other information about the canine world, follow us on our Facebook and Instagram pages and come back to our website for all the future updates. About Us. English bulldogs for sale in texas "We pride our selves on making exceptional quality bulldogs" Health Guarantee We provide a limited 1 year health guarantee on your bulldog purchased from us. This helps guarantee the health of the bulldog. We want to make sure that our customers feel comfortable and trusted, when buying their English bulldog with us. The blueeyes Bloodline We have built up our English bulldog bloodline from scratch when we just started breeding 10 years ago. We have got colors such as Merle, blue, lilac, double chocolate, and features like Blue Eyes or exotic markings. One of the top canine color testers! This will assure you that what you see in the photo will be what you see when you meet us. We will guide you through every step from vet visits, to grooming, and feeding. If you are using your bulldogs to breed, we will also be their to help you with the process. As seen on.English bulldog puppies for sale As you can tell from our website, we mostly specialize in AKC English bulldogs for sale Texas and French Bulldogs for sale. Since we are a very small hobby breeder owning more than the breeds we already have will just overwhelm us and lower the quality of our dogs. Our main goals are to: 1. Make the breed have better health 2. Give a better quality of life to these amazing dogs 3. Give people the gift of owning a bulldog Some of the colors we offer are Lavender French bulldogs, Merle French bulldogs, Lilac French bulldogs , etc for our French Bulldogs. The Best Bulldog blog! Follow us on our bulldog blog where we frequently post tips, tricks, and new information about French and English bulldogs for sale. Additionally you can subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on new Bulldog blog posts, and new French and new English bulldogs for sale on our website. We are trusted breeders for over 10 years, and have a lot of experience with English and French Bulldogs. So if you need some help go check out our bulldog blog and grow your knowledge of french and english bulldogs.

How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. Shares German Shepherds are graceful, obedient, and loyal dogs with specific nutritional needs. Following a German Shepherd puppy feeding chart will enable you to track the amount of food your puppy is eating as they grow. There are varieties of foods available in the market and most of them come with guidelines at the back of the packaging showing you how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy. This article will cover different types of diets available and the specific nutritional needs of your German shepherd. It will also help you know what to do to ensure that your GSD gets nutritious and balanced food for every stage of their life. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart There are three aspects of this German Shepherd puppy feeding chart, namely the German shepherd feeding amount, feeding frequency, and mealtime lengths. It is important to find out the appropriate feeding amount, frequency, and length for your German shepherd without leaving out one of them. That way, you can accurately find out the best way to feed your dog. Overall, there are four ranges that you need to keep in mind. An active dog may require a bit more than the numbers in this list, and an inactive dog will need a slightly less amount. But this guide can act as a solid benchmark. A puppy will need to eat more because they are growing very quickly. Talk to your vet about how much exactly so you keep them healthy and happy. Make sure your German Shepherd has access to fresh, clean water all day. When you take your dog for a walk make sure to bring along some extra water in a collapsible bowl. If they get tired on the way or it gets very hot, this can save their life. So for example, if your dog is 60lbs they should eat between lbs of food in one day. If you notice your dog is losing weight, add more calories to its meal size. However, there are other considerations on how much to feed a German shepherd puppy per day. You might want to consider avoiding meals right before bedtime. Let them digest their food first before they go to sleep. Understanding German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional Needs All dogs require nutritious, satisfying, and healthy food and every breed have their special diet. For maximum energy and health, there are factors to consider when deciding what to feed your German Shepherd: Size considerations- the AKC breed standard says that a German Shepherd can go to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Females can be around 49 to 71 pounds while Males can be around 66 to 88 pounds. This means that they have a big appetite hence it is good to find quality food for them. They grow pretty fast hence they need specific nutrients for specific stages. Activity level- German shepherds are muscular, active, and agile which contributes to higher caloric needs to be complemented by feeding them a high-quality diet. Health consideration- GSDs are prone to many diseases hence a healthy diet will prevent problems. For example, arthritis that is caused by hip and elbow dysplasia can be mitigated through an excellent diet. Ensure that your GSD diet contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. How long does it take for your dog to be full? Is your dog still hungry after eating his portion? German shepherds normally take anywhere from 10 minutes to 15 minutes to finish the meal, given that you followed the proper feeding guidelines properly. If your dog shows signs of slow eating, we recommend sending them to your vet. If you think your dog is already full before finishing his portion, there is no problem. However, if your dog is still hungry after finishing the meal, consider sending him to your vet. This is because this can be a sign of a serious health issue involving their digestive system. They encourage the puppy to chew hence preventing periodontal diseases or tartar. Kibble is less expensive to buy and can stay fresh for longer. See also German Shepherd Gestation Period And Pregnancy Wet food is also essential for puppies because they allow puppies to feel fuller with less food. If your GSD need to shed a few pounds, wet food is a good way to reduce their caloric intake. Wet food is easier to digest, hence they are good for German shepherds with sensitive stomachs. Wet food is appetizing and keeps the puppy hydrated. You need to understand why your puppy cannot eat because it will help you determine the way to deal with the issue. There is no need to worry if the puppy lost appetite shortly and goes back to normal eating without any sign of illness. If the puppy loses appetite and takes a few days without improvement, take your puppy to the vet to find the problem because your dog might be sick. If the vet finds that the puppy is sick, they may suggest a special diet that will boost their immunity and give them extra nutrients to better their recovery. The puppy may have stopped eating because of behavioral issues; therefore, you may need to feed them same time to get a routine. Treats and human food that is given to the puppy may need to be reduced and also you can try different kinds of food. The German shepherd is a medium dog breed according to the AKC. Therefore, free-feeding is not a good idea. For the German shepherds, feeding schedules work better. If the puppies are free-fed the puppy may eat the leftover at any time even when they are not hungry. Sticking to a feeding routine help the puppy to stay healthy and prevent obesity. When you have a schedule, managing their weight and house training will improve. The puppy usually relieves themselves around 15 minutes after eating or drinking, therefore, when they feed at the same time every day and are taken outside after a while, accidents will be minimized. A raw diet is good for German shepherds. A raw diet help improves vitality and energy. The puppy gets healthy white teeth with an increased lifespan and reduced shedding as well as a stronger immune system. Raw meat is a great source of protein and an optimal diet. It is like keto to humans because it allows the puppy to reach their total capacity and good health. Dogs are naturally carnivorous, hence raw diet aligns with their natural needs. However, you should speak to your vet before putting your puppy on a raw food diet. The majority of commercially available kibble food is balanced and complete, and of high quality for your German shepherd puppy. Human supplements often contain harmful substances to animals and are unregulated or minimally effective. Therefore, never give human supplements to your German shepherd puppy. But they can eat small amounts of cooked chicken or turkey, plain cooked sweet potatoes or carrots, plain yogurt, and small amounts of fruits like apples or bananas without getting sick. Talk to a vet for advice on how to feed your German Shepherd puppy a healthy and balanced diet. These include chocolate, fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chives, avocado, onions, nuts, grapes and raisins, garlic, raw or undercooked meat, and bones. These foods can cause a wide range of health problems, from stomachaches to more serious problems like pancreatitis or kidney failure. Some foods that people eat may have a lot of sodium or sugar, which can also be bad for dogs. How much food to give an older German Shepherd will depend on their needs and how much they move around. But as dogs get older, they tend to slow down and may need less food to stay at a healthy weight. As a general rule, an older German Shepherd needs about 2 to 3 cups of food per day, which should be divided between two meals. A German Shepherd that is getting older should eat high-quality senior dog food that is made for their age and size. Senior dogs might also benefit from getting smaller meals more often. If your German Shepherd puppy seems to always be hungry, you should look at what they eat and how often they eat. Make sure they eat enough for their age, weight, and level of activity. Puppies grow quickly and need more calories than adult dogs, so it is possible that they are not getting enough food. Also, make sure you feed them high-quality puppy food that is right for their age and size. If you are worried about how hungry they are or how much they weigh, you should talk to a vet to rule out any health problems and make a plan for feeding them. The amount of dry food you should feed your German Shepherd will depend on several factors, including their age, weight, and activity level. Puppies: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Adult dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Active dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Senior dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. If the dog is obviously overweight or underweight, adjust accordingly. If you can feel most of the ribs without squeezing your fingers in between them — try 1 cup per day. This is a decent starting point for a growing large breed puppy that needs the extra calories to grow big and strong. If you can feel most of the ribs AND see its waist — try 3 cups per day. This is perfect for an adult German Shepherd which needs extra calories due to being very active. With this amount, it will be able to maintain its weight, but not gain any extra fat. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 3. This is a good amount for a very active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain a healthy weight. This should be sufficient for an adult German Shepherd which is quite active. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 5 cups per day. This is a good amount for an extremely active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain lean muscle mass. For example, when my dog was a puppy, he would feel all ribs and see his waist when eating 2 cups of food per day. However, as he got older and larger, I had to increase the amount — even though I could still feel most of the ribs! He maintained around .Although there are lots of opinions on how much food your shepherds needs, these guidelines work for me and my German Shepherds. Everyone is different though, so you will have to adjust accordingly if necessary — this guide should help you until you find the ideal amount. If your dog is a very active one it may need more food depending on its activity level. Always be sure to give plenty of water since dry kibble can dehydrate the animal over time. However, this amount will vary depending on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. Puppies and young dogs, for example, generally need more water than adult German Shepherds. And working dogs or those who exercise frequently may require even more. This is because they can easily hydrate themselves if given free access to water. However, you still need to remember some things. For example, take note that your dog will need to drink 6 ounces of water per day for every 3. Depending on the temperature and activeness, this amount can increase. Lastly, make sure you take extra care in providing water access to your German shepherd. The most preferable way is to fill a bowl with a moderate amount of water, not too much. The feeding amount, frequency, length, and water requirements can always be changed. If you have no time to visit your vet, the following topic may help you. How Much Should A 1-year-old German Shepherd Eat A 1-year-old German Shepherd should eat about two and a half to three cups of food each day, broken up into two or three meals. Pointers for Feeding German Shepherds Improper feeding practices can lead to serious health problems for German shepherds. An owner is responsible for taking into consideration the age and weight of a German shepherd before feeding them. When feeding a german shepherd puppy that is four to six months old, you must give them two meals a day that comprises around eight ounces and five ounces. When feeding a German shepherd puppy that is between seven and twelve months old, the meal amounts should be increased to ten ounces for each meal. This amount should be split into three smaller meals. This is regardless of whether they are active or not. Yep, German shepherds can gain weight regardless of whether they exercise or not. If you think your dog is gaining too much weight, you can split their daily calories into four or five smaller meals. Some people prefer using dry dog food, while others would choose canned dog food. Whatever you choose for your German shepherd is usually okay, but canned food tends to contain more moisture than dry food which may lead to bladder stones in certain dogs. However, when it comes to the amount of dog food you feed your German shepherd, canned food leads to more obesity than dry food. If your German shepherds are over five years old, you must give them an extra meal. This additional meal should comprise around four ounces of food so they can easily digest it during their older age. When feeding a German shepherd puppy, you must know how to correctly measure their food amount. Be accurate when following the proper measurements; otherwise, it could lead to your dog gaining too much weight. Use measuring cups that are specifically made for dry food. If you use any other type of measuring device, it might lead to your dog eating too much or too little food. You must not feed your German shepherd until they are full, but allow them to eat until they are slightly satiated. Do not serve unlimited food; give them about two to three cups of food per day. If you are unsure whether or not your German shepherd is obese, check its waistline. If they have a thick waist and their stomach looks like a sphere, then that is a clear sign that your German shepherd is obese. Never let them finish their meal if they are still hungry; otherwise, you will encourage them to gorge on their food. Your German shepherd must always have access to fresh clean water, so you should ensure they can drink it whenever necessary. Feeding Guidelines by Age Before proceeding with the following points, remember that age is not the only determining factor in a German shepherd feeding chart. Make sure to consider all the content in this blog post as well. It is recommended that you slowly let them adapt first. This can be their regular food from now on. This includes fruits, bones, and more. You should also avoid giving them your leftovers. However, they will need time to adapt. You should also consider feeding your German shepherd foods that can be gnawed and chewed. This is so they can develop their jaws, teeth, and gums. This will result in less feeding amount and frequency. Feeding Guidelines by Weight German shepherds can be of different weight ranges. An average weighted German shepherd 35 kilograms will then need calories per day. This only applies to German shepherds that do not exercise or are inactive. Active German Shepherds: In the case of active German shepherds that exercise regularly, every 1 kilogram equals 55 calories per day. So an average weighted German shepherd will require calories per day to be able to function properly. Take note, however, that this calculation may be affected if the German shepherd has a health disorder concerned with metabolism or digestion. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Guidelines Our last topic involves the difference between a puppy and an adult. The following are some of the facts that recent studies have proven: Puppies have higher energy levels than adults. This means they need to eat more than adult German shepherds. German shepherds will need higher protein and fat content at an early age. The amount of fat and protein will decrease as they grow older. Puppies cannot tolerate too many nutrients. Ingesting extra minerals and vitamins may lead to serious health disorders. Meanwhile, adults are only risking being overweight when taking in more than intended. German Shepherds usually have a good appetite and can eat a lot, especially when they are young and growing. But their food intake should be balanced and right for their age, weight, and level of activity to keep them from getting too much food and getting fat. As they age, they should usually eat less quickly. Most of the time, bones that have been cooked and ground up completely may be safe to eat. Instead, give them dog-made chew toys or treats. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Since German Shepherds consume meat, it follows that they must consume a significant amount of animal protein in order to get all of the necessary nutrients. Although while it is feasible to offer a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet, owners of German Shepherds should avoid doing so since it increases the likelihood that their dogs will not get all of the nutrients that they need. After talking about the feeding amount, frequency, and lengths of a German shepherd, you can now easily plan how much, how many times, and how long you feed your dog. You even learned how to hydrate your German shepherd the proper way. Lastly, we talked about the difference between a puppy and an adult in terms of feeding. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Since puppies have a lot of growing to do, they require plenty of calories. You can reduce the amount of food per pound of body weight until they reach standard adult measurements. The specific amount of food to feed a German Shepherd can vary because different dogs are sized differently and have various needs and levels of athleticism. To learn more about specific foods and ingredients, check out this article on the best diet for German Shepherds. Three to four meals of puppy food a day is ideal for a month-old German Shepherd, as the food will be easily digestible and keep the energy high throughout the day. Feeding a puppy 1—2 large meals might make them feel sick, or they may be unable to finish it all at once. When it comes to how much food to give a 1—4 month-old German Shepherd, the recommended amount is approximately one cup g or a little more, depending on activity levels per meal. Be sure to spread meals evenly throughout the day, and avoid feeding your puppy before bedtime. The West Greenwich Animal Hospital recommends not feeding a dog three hours before bedtime because they may need to go out for a toilet break at night. Since their stomachs and bodies are getting bigger, they can generally handle fewer large meals than more small ones. So, you can reduce the number of puppy food meals to 2 or 3. Since the number of meals is reduced, increase the amount of food per serving to approximately 1. The meals should be spread evenly throughout the day to ensure your German Shepherd has consistent energy levels. My German Shepherd Willow at 4 months old 10 to 12 Months At 10—12 months, a German Shepherd begins to mature as its body continues growing. Split approximately 4—5 cups —1, g of food between two meals. However, this is just a recommendation — as mentioned previously, your dog may require more or less than this depending on their activity levels. Keeping the amount of food at cups , g per day may be sufficient, or it may be best to start feeding your dog more or less than this. For example, many active or working German Shepherds may benefit from 6 cups 1. Again, the specific amount is circumstantial. However, some dog owners make the switch earlier. Honestly, this is the issue with every new pet parent. Below is a German Shepherd feeding chart to help you learn more about giving your pooch the right amount of food at the right time. Remember, the below are simply recommendations, so specific amounts can vary by dog and activity level. Age Amount of food per day Amount of servings per day months 3—4 cups — g spread across multiple servings 3—4 3—4. Always check the packaging of the food you buy for a more detailed analysis. There are endless dog food options, so making the right choice can be challenging and stressful. The main protein source is chicken, and it promotes immune system health and digestive performance. Suitable for puppies up to 15 months, this dog food is the perfect solution for young German Shepherds with lots of growing to do! One of the main benefits of this food is that it comes in different sizes, including a pound 6. This dog food contains all the nutrients a German Shepherd puppy needs to grow and thrive. Blue Buffalo dog food has real chicken, fruits, and vegetables, so your pooch will surely enjoy the delicious taste! It comes in two flavors — a chicken meal with oats and a lamb meal with brown rice. Either contains enough high-quality protein to ensure your pup can grow as healthily as possible. Medium-sized dog breeds can continue eating puppy food until 18 months. Like with puppy food, there are many adult German Shepherd dog food options, so choosing the right one can be challenging. Check out some of my below recommendations to make your search a little easier. Best Breed Dr. Best Breed Dog Food aids digestion as it contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber. According to a study, musculoskeletal disorders and the inability to stand are the two most common causes of death in German Shepherds. Since puppies need specific nutrients to grow, their food differs greatly from adult dog food. Puppies especially need protein because it aids with the growth and development of cells. Without adequate protein in the diet , puppies are more susceptible to serious health issues, including: Weight and muscle loss General weakness Chest and abdomen issues German Shepherds can continue eating puppy food for the first year of life and beyond. Usually, 16—18 months is a good time for a dog to start eating adult food. The most important thing to remember is that adult food is never the right choice for a German Shepherd puppy that still has much growing to do. However, there are many other factors to consider when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd, like their general weight and activity levels. Weight and Size The weight of your German Shepherd will determine how much to feed it. The general rule of thumb is that the heavier your dog is, the more food it needs to stay fueled. The average adult German Shepherd is around .Pay attention to the general height and size of your German Shepherd to determine exactly how much food to feed them. For example, an underweight German Shepherd will need extra food to get back to a healthy weight, whereas an overweight one will need less food. As you can imagine, a highly energetic dog will need more food than a German Shepherd that lies around all day. If your German Shepherd is still relatively young, i. Health Health issues can affect the way a dog eats. For example, a dog with stomach issues might avoid food altogether. Other health conditions that affect how much a dog can eat include: Pancreatitis Infections Cancer Consider whether your dog is experiencing health issues when feeding them. For instance, if your dog is shedding too much, you need to change a diet that minimizes shedding. Age The age of a German Shepherd helps determine how much food should be eaten and how often. For example as mentioned earlier , younger dogs must eat smaller meals spread evenly throughout the day, while older dogs can have 2 larger meals. A vet can weigh your German Shepherd, ask questions, and listen to the heartbeat to determine a healthy diet plan. As Willow is now a senior dog, I like to take her for vet checkups every 6 months. In many cases, giving puppies homemade food over long periods can cause health issues down the line. A study by the National Library of Medicine concluded that a homemade diet given by the owner caused a puppy to experience various health issues, including vitamin D deficiency and NSH nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. You can give a small treat here and there, but human food should never make up the entire diet of a puppy. Below are some tasty examples! Eggs Not only are eggs beneficial for humans, but they can also be good for dogs if given in moderation. German Shepherds puppies and adults will receive plenty of nutrients from eggs, including protein and fats. The best and easiest way to give a German Shepherd an egg is to hard boil it. Avoid feeding a German Shepherd or any dog fried eggs too often due to the excessive oil. Hard-boiled eggs are usually the easiest for dogs to eat, but you can also try poached or scrambled eggs. Examples of dog-friendly fruits include: Bananas. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. Recommended reading. Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day. While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula. You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture. Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow. Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food. So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog. Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does. Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences. That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons. The blend is designed specifically with German Shepherds in mind, as it uses high-quality, animal-based nutrients to counter the extra stress put on the joints of GSDs and to help the development strong lean muscle to keep your dog in peak physical condition. You really can see the difference. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds. When your GSD moves from the adult life stage to senior, you need to adjust her diet. Large breeds reach the older stage not quite senior, but close around half of their assumed life expectancy. Inevitably, your GSD will need to switch over to a senior diet. Older large breed dogs have lower energy needs. Older dogs also tend to slow down their digestion, so an increase in fiber might be a good choice for your senior GSD. Do be sure to confirm this with your vet, however. Not all foods are created equal. For treats, senior dogs should avoid calorie-dense milk bones and high-salt or fatty treats. Opt for healthy, whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots. Some senior dogs begin to develop health conditions that will require special care. This is often a result of poor nutrition early in life, but can sometimes simply be genetics and old age catching up with them. But for GSDs with health issues such as kidney disease and joint pain, diet can play an even bigger role in the quality of their lives. Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. These charts can seem pretty straightforward at first glance. Instead, use them as a starting point. Observe your dog, see how he looks and feels, and note any changes in his bathroom habits, weight, or energy level. Adjust his meals accordingly. Generally speaking, they talk about daily intake, not per meal. It means to split that 3 cups total over the entire day. If your dog eats 3 times per day, that would be 1 cup at each meal for a total daily intake of 3 cups. To further confuse dog parents, some manufacturers do list per-meal serving sizes, not the total daily intake! In these cases, if you read it incorrectly, you would end up underfeeding your dog. To help mitigate some of this confusion, it may be helpful to ask your vet how many calories your dog should be consuming each day. Then you can check the calorie content in the dog food and measure things from there. Raw Diets, Cooking for Dogs, and Other Alternative Feeding This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs. However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs. There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too. As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. Pay special attention to the first 4 or 5 ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. Choose high-quality, safety-tested foods with clear ingredient and nutrition labels. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More The transition from a puppy coat to an adult one can come as a bit of a shock to novice owners and newbie pet parents. Some breeders choose not to mention it for fear of putting off prospective buyers. However, here we will let you know exactly what to expect when your Goldendoodle puppy coat transition happens. Types of Goldendoodle Coats All dogs are born with a soft, single-layer puppy coat, whether they later go on to develop a double-layered one or not. Goldendoodles are no exception. This smooth, silky hair then gives way to something that can be altogether trickier to manage. Knots, tangles, mats, and shedding can become real problems with some dogs. As you probably know by now, with a mixed breed, there are no certainties. Especially when the parent animals are so different. One half of the Goldendoodle equation, the Golden Retriever, has a dense, straight, water-resistant double coat. In contrast, the other half, the Poodle, has a curly, coarse, low-shedding single one. Depending on which parent they favor, Goldendoodles can inherit either of these coats or a wavy, fleecy, long one that sits somewhere in between the two. This is generally the most common and the most popular of the three. For more on Goldendoodle coats and the right tools for caring for them, take a look at The Absolute Best Brushes for Goldendoodles. Nature can be a bit of a lottery. We can, however, make a few best guesses based on the parents and what usually happens. One thing we do know for sure is that whichever adult coat your pup is destined to have, it will be altogether stiffer and denser than their puppy one. It could even be a different color, thanks to the Poodle Fading Gene. Breeders, however, do highlight a few telltale traits that could give you an early idea of what to expect: Check The Snout An excess of hair at the top of the snout known as a mustache indicates that your pup is likely to end up with a coat on the curlier end of the spectrum. Straighter, shaggier, beard-like hair suggests a wavier coat. If your dog has short hair here and an overall neat and tidy-looking muzzle, they will probably inherit a straight coat. Pay Attention to the Generation The generation of the dog can also provide a strong indication of what to expect. See Also: Click the image Goldendoodle Puppy Coat Transition Phases When it comes to changing from the puppy to the adult coat, there are no clear-cut transition phases. When and how pups blow their puppy coat varies from dog to dog. With most dogs, it tends to happen at around six months, and it can be either sudden or gradual. Some owners barely even notice — it all depends on the final hair type. However, you may start to notice a little more hair in the brush or a few more tangles around the armpits, tail, and ears. If your Goldie is getting more of a curly coat, you will need to be extra vigilant at this time. Shedding puppy hair can all too easily get caught up in tight curls leading on to painful knots and mats that are all but impossible to remove with a brush. A good rule of thumb with dogs is that with a low-shedding coat, you have to spend more time on brushing; with a high shedding one that time will be spent cleaning hair up off the floor or your clothes. Which Goldendoodles Get Puppy Coats? Pretty much every variety of Goldendoodle from Standard to Mini experiences some sort of coat change as they transition from puppy to adult. The switch from puppy to adult coat is also less noticeable with active dogs and particularly ones that spend a lot of time swimming. The water washes away the old hair as it is replaced with the new. It is not left about the house as it otherwise would be. This change could be pretty dramatic or quite subtle depending on the type of adult coat your pup has inherited. They will shed their puppy coat somewhere between four and eight months, and their stiffer, denser adult one will start to come in at this time. Do Goldendoodle puppies change color? While your pup is unlikely to completely change color on you, many Goldies get lighter as their adult coat comes in. This is known as fading. How do you tell if a Goldendoodle puppy will have furnishings? Furnishings refer to the hair features about the face. The best way to know if your Goldie will have furnishings is to pay attention to their generation. F1 Goldendoodles are most likely to be missing them. F1B dogs are the most likely to have them. If a puppy lacks furnishings, they are unlikely to develop them in adulthood. With or without, though, all Doodles are still undeniably cute. When adopting a puppy, there are many things you need to be prepared for. Many people choose to adopt one of these darling dogs for their hypoallergenic properties. The best way to anticipate precisely what kind of hair your Goldendoodle will have when they are done blowing their coat is to speak to the breeder. Checking out the parent dogs is also recommended for later generations. However, this is no exact science, and you should really be prepared for anything. We are sure, though, that no matter how your Goldie ends up looking as they develop, you will love them just the same. How could you not? Just look at that face! Learn How to Upkeep Your Doodle! Above: Mini F1b, Curly. Above: Mini F1, Wavy. Coats can vary in color. A good way to predict adult color is to look at the ears of the puppy. In addition, consider the pedigree when expecting a litter. It is hard to understand the complexity of the gene pool when mating. From my experience, red is considered a dilute gene of black. When red is bred with white, black or brown, black is dominate and pups are black. Two red parents, will make red or apricot. However, to carry the true red gene is very rare. Red can often fade with maturity. Many breeders boast about having red as it is highly sought after, but it can and may fade with time. I make a good effort at trying to produce red, but it is more rare. Brown and black also produce black. Two browns will make brown. Red can be so dark red that it is considered mahogany or rust. My Sangria, F1 mini-goldendoodle female is an example of this beautiful color. I do not claim to be an expert in the study, nor do I make any guarantees on future adult color. In breeds like the cocker spaniel, the red will be apricot as a pup, but can become dark red with maturity. Spots can also widen with maturity or appear to have moved around as they broadened out. In designer breeds, the puppy can look completely different as an adult then how it did as a puppy. You may notice this at the very first haircut. As much as we love color, we need to pay more attention to the temperament of the puppy and make sure the puppy is very socialized and loved, especially during the critical stage of development up to 5 months. See my temperament testing page for more information on this. Loose and wavy: This is the most common type of coat found in a goldendoodle such as an F1. They are considered low to non-shed. They are easy to maintain. You may want to brush in the common friction areas such as behind the ears, hind quarters, and underarms. Bodily brushing about once a week. Straight: These coats are considered flat or sporty like the golden retriever. They are the easiest to maintain and need minimal brushing. They will have some shed. Curly: These coats can be easily identified with the crimping on the forehead as a pup. They are most common in F1bs. Their coats can have "loose curl" or "tight curl. Examples: Above: "Loose and wavy" as a puppy at 5 weeks old. This is an example of an F1. Left: "Curly" as a puppy. Puppy at 5 weeks old. F1b, crimping on forhead visible. Right: "Straight" at 5 months. This coat type typically can be found in F1 litters. No crimping on forehead or ears. Left: tight curl as an adult. Right: "Curly" at 10 weeks old. More squiggles on forehead than "loose and wavy" type. Notice the difference. This is an example of an F1b. This coat type is best for those that have allergies and desire lots of curl. An excellent example of a loose and wavy coat. This dog is an F1 miniature goldendoodle from Ginger and Tamale. Some of Ginger's puppies do throw the sport coat. It can be difficult to predict how the coats will turn out as adults, but we do our best to look for wavy features in the early stages. In the end, unless you have allergies, please understand they are so much more than just how they look. You get what you get and don't throw a fit! I do my best to help you pick out what you desire, but please note, I do not guarantee coat quality. Puppies are not an item I can stock on the shelf. Mother nature is in control. Many F1s will develop their wave after they go through their coat change at 5 months of age. It can take even up to 8 months to see the true coat quality. But, not all Goldendoodle coats are the same. Goldendoodle lying on the grass Goldendoodles have three main coat types called curly, wavy, and straight. Rarely, Goldendoodles may also present with an improper coat. Curly coats are the most hypoallergenic but require frequent brushing, while straight coats are the opposite. The curls may be thick and tight or slightly looser. Curly coats are the most common in backcrossed generations, especially F1b. They are quite popular because they are the most hypoallergenic of all Goldendoodle coats. However, they require the most care. Caring for Goldendoodles with Curly Coats Goldendoodle with Curly Coat Goldendoodles with curly coats need to be brushed about once a day. Depending on how tight the curls are, sometimes every second day may be fine too. You also need to make sure that you wash a Goldendoodle with a curly coat quite often. Once a month is ideal for some, while others can push it to about six weeks. It depends largely on how much time the Goldendoodle spends outside. When washing your Goldendoodle, make sure that you get all the way down to the skin. This can sometimes be very difficult if the curly coat is very thick. Wavy-coated Goldendoodles resemble Teddy-bears the most, drawing attention to the breed. They do not take after the Poodle or the Golden Retriever more but are instead a good balance of the two. Goldendoodles with wavy coats occur the most often in F1 generations. They are not as hypoallergenic as the curly-coated Goldendoodle because they shed a little bit more. They are easier to groom, though. Caring for Goldendoodles with Wavy Coats Wavy Coat Goldendoodle Outdoors Goldendoodles with wavy coats can be brushed about twice a week as long as it is done thoroughly. Bathing can be done roughly every month and a half to two months, depending on their activity level. If you struggle with the shedding of the wavy-coated Goldendoodle, trimming it will help. Alternatively, brushing it daily will also make a difference. Their coats are relatively straight, although there may still be large, loose waves present. They do not look like Golden Retrievers, though. This is largely due to the fur around their snout, which looks like a goatee and mustache. This hair is sometimes referred to as furnishings. The Goldendoodles with straight coats shed a lot, making them the worst option if you have allergies. They are also the easiest coats to maintain. Caring for Goldendoodles with Straight Coats Goldendoodles with straight coats can be brushed about once a week. Bathing them is a little bit more difficult to determine, but it can be done as necessary. If they do not roll around in dirt outside, roughly every two months should be more than enough for your Goldendoodle. One way to figure out if it is time to bathe your Goldendoodle with a straight coat is to run your hands as close to the skin as possible. It may be time for a bath if you notice a brown residue on your fingers. Otherwise, if your Goldendoodle loves water, you may be able to smell mildew. This is particularly common in the chest region. Improper Coat An improper coat is the rarest of all Goldendoodle coats. You will find it in F2 Goldendoodles more than any other generation. An improper coat is similar to a straight coat. These Goldendoodles take after their Golden Retriever parents a great deal. The difference between straight and improper coats is in the furnishings. Without it, the Goldendoodle looks nothing like the teddy bear that it is famous for, and instead just looks like a thinner Golden Retriever. The care of an improper coat is identical to that of a straight coat. Helpful Tools for Goldendoodle Coat Care The Right Shampoo Goldendoodles can be prone to skin sensitivities, so make sure that you are using the correct shampoo. Something with Oatmeal in it is more gentle on the skin, which means that you will be able to wash your Goldendoodle more often without worrying. Detangler Like most other Poodle hybrids, the Goldendoodles can be prone to matting. This should not be a problem if you brush them daily. However, sometimes you may still find yourself in need of a little bit of help. A good detangling spray can be used after a bath to make sure that getting any mats out is a relatively pain-free process for your Goldendoodle. High-Quality Brush Goldendoodles have very thick hair. This is true regardless of their coat type. A high—quality brush does not guarantee a thorough brush. But, it makes it a lot easier. It is sometimes all that you need. Related Reading:. It occurs in all Goldendoodle generations, including the F1's, F1b's and mulitgens, and is fairly easy to maintain. It requires brushing at least once or twice a week, with more frequent brushing in high friction areas like under the collar or around the ears. Shedding and heavy shedding is common among the F1 and F2 Goldendoodle generations. Note: we do not offer the F1 or the F2 generations. We offer the F1b and the multigen generations, the most non-shedding generations. So if your looking for a specific coat type and minimal to non shedding coats are important to you, be sure that you choose a breeder like us that does the proper DNA coat testing. Curly Goldendoodle Coats: The second most common Goldendoodle coat type is the curly coat, which is more common among F1b or some mulitgen goldendoodles and because of their poodle lineage. The coat can be anything from a relaxed loose curl to a more curly wool coat. Most do not get as curly as a poodle. This Goldendoodle coat type requires more frequent brushing, although it can be shaved down to create a maintenance free coat if the owner prefers. The curly Goldendoodle coat type is minimal to non-shedding and hypoallergenic, when the Goldendoodle is an F1b or in a mulitgen, but to know more the breeder must genetically DNA test their parents. Examples: Goldendoodles with curly coats. Flat, Improper Goldendoodle Coats: The least sought after Goldendoodle coat type is the flat coat, this is also called or known as having an Improper Coat , it is fairly common in F2 Goldendoodle breeding's. Often referred to as the Golden Retriever type coat, it's easy to maintain and requires minimal brushing. However, this Goldendoodle coat type does not produce the desired "teddybear" look that we strive for and that Goldendoodles are renowned for displaying, nor will it produce a "beard" and facial around the muzzle. This Goldendoodle flat coat or Improper Coat type can produce moderate to high shedding coats and are not recommended for those families with allergies. How To Tell The Difference: It is especially difficult to distinguish Goldendoodle coat types especially at the puppy stage, when all coat types can look fairly similar. A reputable, experienced breeder will be able to tell you the each puppies coat type as well as their propensity to shed. However, the face and muzzle area can provide some indication of what the puppy's coat will look like as an adult. Generally, the more crimps or waves a puppy has in it's face and muzzle hair, the curlier his or her coat will likely be. A puppy with a smooth face with no beard that doesn't have any waves or crimps will probably have a flat or Improper Coat. Always ask your breeder for clarification on puppy coat types to assure you get the coat type and the degree of shedding you want with your puppy. Related Content You May Find Interesting Mother Nature always has the final say Nature work can work in mysterious ways, and there are really no guarantees when it comes to predicting what coat types your dog will have. Even understanding whether Goldendoodles have hair or fur or whether they are hypoallergenic can be challenging. There are some subtle hints that you can follow to help guess the coat type of your new Goldendoodle. So, you cannot always go by what you see when your Goldendoodle is a puppy, as this may change as your dog ages. There are 3 different steps you can do to help you determine what coat type your Goldendoodle will have. Look at the fur around its mouth. When trying to determine the different hair coats that your Goldendoodle puppy may have, first start by looking at the hair around the muzzle and face. This will help tell you what kind of hair your dog may have. Curly coated dogs will often have lots of curls on their mustache and beard. Shaggy and wavy hair coats will have straight hair on the muzzle and have what you would think of as a beard on a dog. Goldendoodles who have straight hair will have short hair on their muzzle and no beard. Sarah Ochoa, DVM When your puppy is firstborn, and as they are growing, it can be very hard to tell what coat type your puppy may have. At first, they may all be very similar. Usually, the facial hair can clue you into what type of coat your puppy will have. Consider How your dog was Bred. Genetics plays a big factor in the hair type and hair color of all dogs. When trying to get a certain coat type for your Goldendoodle, look at their parents, and even grandparents coat types. The genes that are expressed their will help indicate what type of coat yours will have. Their offspring are Goldendoodles. These Goldendoodles can then be bred to make more Goldendoodles. Also, a Goldendoodle can be mixed with another poodle or Golden Retriever. Depending on what mix you use will cause varying differences in their hair coats. No matter what mix you can usually make three different coat types. Coat length, furnishings, and non-curl gene that results in a flat coat all depend on the poodle parent and golden retriever parent and what kind of coat genes they had. How to Breed a Goldendoodle to Get the Hair coat you want When looking for a specific coat type, you can look at how your Goldendoodle was bred. When trying to understand the breeding of a Goldendoodle, you may think that you will need to take a little lesson in genetics to help you. This is very easily explained below. By understanding these different ways of breeding, can help you understand what will cause your Goldendoodles to have a certain hair type. These are the common crosses used to make Goldendoodles. This makes an F1. These dogs tend to have wavy or curly hair. After you complete this first cross, there are many different options for producing more Goldendoodles. This may be the most popular type of Goldendoodle. This means that your dog will have a split between the traits of these two dogs. These different crosses are known as F2 or second-generation crosses. These are considered second-generation Goldendoodles or F2. These are called F1B. This is done to bring out more of the poodle traits in the Goldendoodle. If you want a Goldendoodle with a coat very similar to a poodle, this is a great breeding that you will want to look for. These dogs are also very low to non-shedding and usually allergy-free. This dog will be more like a Golden Retriever with less curly hair. Since this dog will have more of the traits of a Golden Retriever, they will also shed more. This cross is not ideal if you have pet-related allergies. This is not a very popular cross as the reasons most people buy a Goldendoodle is for the non-shedding and low allergen dog. Get An Older Goldendoodle While most people want to get their Goldendoodle when they are younger, there are many older Goldendoodles that also need a great loving home. Many breeders will offer older dogs at a discount too. This is the easiest way to get the coat type that you want since they have already lost their puppy coats and have developed the adult coat. Your Goldendoodle can be up to 8 months old before their true coat type is shown. Most Goldendoodles, you can get a good guess at around 4 months, but these pups are growing and changing that even their hair type can change. Most of these dogs will have their adult hair coat between 6 to 8 months, and then you can for sure be able to tell what type of adult coat your dog will have. Most people get their dogs around 8 to 12 weeks, sometimes before then. While the coat type that they have then will be very close to what their hair will look like as an adult, it can always change as they grow. What are the different types of Coats that My Goldendoodle may have? Your Golden doodle can have 3 different coat type or any mixture of the three. Some dogs can actually have all 3 coat types. These are a description of the 3 common coat types seen in Goldendoodles: Shaggy or wavy hair Shaggy or Wavy coat is the most common hair type, and most popular hair type wanted in Goldendoodles. This coat is a mixture of the two parents. The curly Poodle mixed with a straight Golden Retriever makes a soft wavy or shaggy appearance in Goldendoodle puppies. This hair type is known as a teddy bear coat since they resemble a teddy bear. This hair type will require regular brushing to keep them clean and tangle-free. The great thing about this hair coat is that it is usually little to no shedding making it great for people who have pet allergies. These dogs are usually groomed, so they always resemble a teddy bear. This can take some time and patients for your dog to learn to tolerate their grooming. Curly Hair Tight curly hair is very similar to the curly coats of Poodles. Multigenerational goldendoodles are more likely to have this coat. It is closest to non shedding. Some poodles will have curls that are very tight and close to the skin, but some will have loose barrel ringlets. If your Goldendoodle puppy has curls they will need regular grooming to keep them from becoming matted and their hair from taking over. Some pet owners will have their Goldendoodle trimmed short to help avoid matting. This hair type is the second most popular but is very popular with people who have pet allergies. This hair sheds the least and is the most hypoallergenic of the three coat types. Many people who never could have a dog because of their allergies have found it possible to have Goldendoodles with curly coats. Curly Goldendoodles are the most sought after, but they take multiple goldendoodle generations to achieve. If shedding matters to you, choose a reputable breeder. Hypoallergenic Goldendoodles are developed with extensive commitment to breeding dogs, including DNA testing, monitoring what genes each litter is liekly to inherit, and looking for just the right curly coats to breed to produce the curl people want without sacrificing temperament. This hair type is probably the easiest coat to maintain and is a great choice for people who have very little time for the daily brushing the other two types require. The downside to the straight coat is that they will shed. They are also not able to achieve the famous teddy bear look. The teddy bear look is the reason that most of the dogs are sought after. Although many people consider it an improper coat, the short coat with eyebrows can be very cute, and while there may be more dander, there will also be fewer knots. The one thing that makes these dogs look very different than the other two hair types is that these coats usually do not grow a beard around their muzzle. They will have a muzzle very similar to Goldens. Mixed Hair Types Some Goldendoodles can even have a mixed hair type. They may have tight curls around their face and long feathered hair on their legs. Their bodies or ears may have wavy hair. They often have a wavy or shaggy coat overall. These types can require lots of upkeep, as each section will need a different type of grooming to keep them looking great. On the other hand, these three coat types and the variations can create wavy or shaggy coats that are very cute. The smooth face paired with a curly coat collar is a lot of fun. Most people think that this is very easy to determine that their dog will be the same color that they are when they are born. As your puppy is growing and hair type possibly changing, so can their coat color. Your chocolate Goldendoodle puppy may fade to a Parchment color as they get older. There are many different colors that your Goldendoodle may come in. These are the 10 different colors seen in Goldendoodles: Chalk white. Coat Comparisons Post updated I have had many inquires from families wondering what coat type the puppies will have as they mature. When dealing with a Hybrid it is very difficult to predict with certainty what their Adult coat will eventuality end up like. Puppies go through multiple coat changes before their adult coat finally comes in. All newborn goldendoodle puppies look like Golden Retrievers. It is not until around 6 — 7 weeks when we can determine if it will be a Flat Coat goldendoodle — no facial furnishings. We have produced flat coats with both straight hair and with some curls. Below are some of our previous puppies. There are three pictures of each puppy. Notice the progression of the puppy: the first picture is newborn, the next picture is puppy at eight weeks old and the last picture the puppy as an adult. My puppies are lucky to have joined such wonderful, loving families. It makes my day when I get an email from one of our previous puppy families giving me an update and sharing pics of their dog. Thank you! They are fluffy all over including the face. They come in three types — Straight, Wavy, and Curly. Grooming requirements are brushing daily to prevent matting and a trip to the groomers every eight weeks or so.

This is a higher price as far as puppies are concerned, but the Spanador is becoming increasingly popular, and these prices will probably continue to rise. They Love Water Spanadors love everything and anything about water. It is not uncommon to see your Spanador attempt to swim in their water bowl. If you happen to have a pool or a beach that your Spanador can swim in, they will be thrilled. In addition to enjoying swimming, they will also burn off some of that endless energy. These dogs want to be with you at all times. Many Spanador owners have learned to look down before taking a step. Chances are your Spanador will be sitting at your feet. Although this dog is a bit smaller than a purebred Labrador, it can still reach up to 50 pounds. The Spanador will fully believe they are a lap dog regardless of their size. They Serve as Watchdogs Although the Spanador is not a very large dog, you will find that they are protective. If you want a dog that will keep a close eye on your children and your property, the Spanador is an excellent choice. When it comes to both character and intelligence, these dogs will sit at the top of any chart. The Spanador is a dog that has a lot of energy. If you are a person that wants a docile animal to sit at your feet all day, the Spanador may not be the best choice. Although they will eventually settle and love a great cuddle, they need their play first. The great thing about the Spanador is that even with the amount of energy they have, they can be taught how to control that energy and behave in a way that makes them excellent indoor pets. They are people pleasers and want you to be happy. This is a loyal dog that thinks of itself as another member of the family. The Spanador is a brilliant dog. Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Labrador are smart animals. None of that intelligence was lost when this breed was developed. Keep reading to find out more about how their intelligence affects training and family life. Are These Dogs Good for Families? A family is a perfect setup for a Spanador. These dogs are going to be continually seeking love and attention, and a family will fill that need for them. In addition to the need for love, the Spanador will want people to play. If you have kids that can learn to throw a ball or teach the dog some extra tricks, the Spanador will be in its glory. Of course, all dogs have their personalities, and you will always need to use caution with children around animals. However, the Spanador is a happy dog. You will see as they walk, run, and play that their head is up, and they are looking for smiles, friendly hellos, and a belly rub from anyone who may offer. Since the Spanador is so loyal to the family, they will likely try and keep an eye on their companions as well. If a stranger comes to the door, they are very likely to bark and alert the family members to a potential problem. Remember when your dog barks it is not to be loud and annoying, they want to help you. This is not an aggressive breed, they will not try and start a problem. You should, however, always keep your Spanador on a leash. Depending on the personality of the other dog, it could be a problem for your Spanador. Spanadors love to play, and although they are medium-size dogs, you may want to watch them around tiny dogs. They may not understand that the smaller size dog cannot play and rough house in the same way. Luckily the Spanador is not a high-maintenance dog. However, this dog will shed, and it will need your attention. We will give you all the information you should consider before purchasing your Spanador puppy. They love food so much that you will have to keep an eye on your Spanador and the amount of food they consume. If you put food out in a bowl, they will consume it at a very fast speed. This fast eating can lead to gastrointestinal issues. If your dog tends to eat quickly like this, you can give your Spanador a little bit at a time or get a bowl that helps release the food more slowly. You will have to watch that there are not too many people in the family giving your Spanador treats. With how much these dogs love the food, they may beg or look for ways to get food from you. Since the Spanador is so sweet and loving, it is hard not to give in to those puppy dog eyes. We reviewed the best low-calorie dog treats — see our top picks here! Your dog is going to need a lot of exercise. If you live in an apartment with no outside space for a dog to run, the Spanador may not thrive. Having a yard for the Spanador to run and play is very important. You will also need to take your dog on walks so that they get the correct amount of exercise every day. If you like to walk or run with your dog, the Spanador is quite capable of keeping up with you. Since they are so easy to train see next heading , you will easily be able to leash-train them. If both your kids and your dog need exercise, that would be even better. Letting your Spanador run in the yard and play with the kids is a great way to help them manage their high levels of energy. If you can help them burn off some of this steam early in the day, by the time evening comes around, they will be ready to snuggle and enjoy your company. Lastly, it is important to get your Spanador some swim time if you can. Spanadors love to swim. They enjoy spending time in the water with the ones they love, so if you can find a way to get your Spanador to the beach, the pool, or the lake—go for it! Although dog training will take time and patience, regardless of the breed, you will have very little trouble with the Spanador. These dogs want to make you happy. If sitting seems to make you happy, or when they come that makes you happy, your Spanador will want to repeat that behavior. Since they are dogs that want to please, you should use positive reinforcement for them. This is a dog that picks up on human behaviors and feelings. Even by changing the pitch of your voice, your dog will know that you are pleased with their response. With a high level of intelligence and the desire to ensure that you are their best friend, the Spanador is an enjoyable dog to train. You can start training a Spanador from the time they are a young puppy. Starting at this age and exposing them to other animals for socialization will make your life easier as they age. Keep in mind that the Spanador will have lots of energy for many years. You will not be able to control the energy your dog has. You will have to help them exercise and then help them learn to behave even with high energy levels. The Spanador is going to shed, and you will be vacuuming a lot. The amount your dog sheds will change depending on the season, but there will always be a good amount. One way to avoid having the house destroyed by hair is to brush your dog at least weekly. The brushing will remove much of the loose hair and help save your carpets just a little bit. Since this is a mixed breed between two dogs that have varying hair lengths, the amount of hair your Spanador has can vary. Sometimes a Spanador will have longer hair around the ears just like a Cocker Spaniel. If that is the case, you can trim that hair lightly just to keep things neat. If your dog does have long hair spots, make sure that they are brushed often to avoid knots. Spanadors do not need frequent baths. Once a month or every other month is more than fine. Indeed, if they get into a mess, they should be bathed more often. Make sure that you use a dog shampoo. Using any shampoo for the dog could result in their skin drying out. You will mostly need to watch out for the weight gain. As we mentioned earlier, this breed of dog loves its food. Minor Conditions. The first generation Cocker Spaniel Lab mixed breed is also affectionately referred to as the Spanador, Cockador, or Cockerdor In this article, we first discuss some general concerns about first generation cross breeds before diving into some of the specifics about Cocker Spaniel Labs. There is a lot of controversy surrounding designer dogs, with strong supporters both for and against them. Looking for a unique dog? One thing to note about designer dogs is that it is more difficult to predict the traits of offspring compared to purebreds. A common belief is that designer dogs are healthier than purebreds. Is this really the case? Are Designer Dogs Healthier? The health and welfare of your puppy are going to be your foremost concern, whether your dog is a pure breed, designer dog, or mutt. However, research has successfully demonstrated that inbreeding how you get purebreds results in a smaller genetic pool. When you shrink the gene pool, you increase the likelihood of passing on genetic traits that may cause health problems. And since some purebreds are not as common or popular as others, they will have a smaller gene pool and may be more likely to have health problems. However, when comparing an individual purebred puppy to a mixed breed puppy, either dog could end up being the healthier one. So what are some common traits of the first generation Cocker Spaniel Labrador mix and what should you know? Both dogs are extremely popular in the US. The Cocker Spaniel and the Labrador are energetic, highly active dogs that tend to be friendly and relatively easy to train. As sporting dogs, they are also known for excellent instincts in the woods and in water. However their roles were historically a little different. Working Labradors The Labrador Retriever has been bred to pick up game and bring it back to their owner. This involves working co-operatively, following hand, whistle and verbal cues. They are traditionally worked in a variety of terrains and are reliable working partners, with a real love of, well, just about everyone! Although he has some retrieving uses out in the field, his main job is to flush game. He does this by diving fearlessly into the bracken, thorns and gorse to find rabbits, birds and a variety of other wildlife. He has also needed to work co-operatively, changing direction on cue and fetching when required. But to do this hunting, an increased enthusiasm of finding prey has been bred into these little dogs. This can make it tricky for some novice owners, who find they are ignored entirely on walks in favor of the wildlife. Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix Personality Labrador Retrievers have a reputation for being more outgoing and social, and definitely, love to play. However, both breeds are capable of speed and endurance and have a calm, stable temperament. Also, given the broad similarities between the Lab and the Spaniel, the qualities to be expected in a Cocker Spaniel Lab mix puppy are more easily predicted than other mixes. Size, Weight, and Height of the Cockerdor Both the Cocker Spaniel and Labrador are considered medium sized dogs, however, at different ends of the spectrum. There is definitely a noticeable size difference between the two breeds. Male Labradors can weigh anywhere between 65 to 80 pounds, with a height of .Females are typically smaller, weighing 55 to 70 pounds and are .The Cocker Spaniel is technically still within the medium range, but is, in fact, the smallest sporting dog in this AKC group. Male Cocker Spaniels have heights ranging from .The Labrador Cocker Spaniel mix could end up anywhere within this range. This is an important point to be aware of there is a considerable difference between a dog that is 20 pounds and one that is 70 pounds! Cockerdor Dog Coats and Grooming Requirements The American Cocker Spaniel has two coats: a shorter undercoat, and a longer, silkier outer coat, which can be either straight or wavy. Spaniels have longer hair—termed feathering—around the ears, belly, chest, and legs. The amount and length of fur on a Cocker Spaniel requires regular grooming, to avoid tangling and matting. Labradors also have two coats, although their top coat is much coarser, sometimes called a Guard coat, to help repel water and protect the skin. While grooming is always important, Labradors do not need bathing as often as some other breeds due to their shorter, sturdier coat. As a mixed breed, a Cocker Spaniel Lab mix could end up with either coat or something in between. Thus, grooming regimens may vary. What we do know for sure is that Labs are a high shedding breed, so you need to be prepared for the possibility of dealing with a whole lot of hair. Even with a Cocker Spaniel Lab mix! Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix Temperament and Behavior Both Labradors and Cocker Spaniels are known for their stable and balanced temperament as well as a friendly, loving nature. Both breeds are outgoing dogs that love to play and are relatively easy to train. And to potentially avoid walks with lots of rabbits or squirrels to distract them! Since both of the parent breeds have very similar temperaments, this increases the likelihood that a Cockador dog will exhibit the same behavioral traits. Therefore, the Spanador temperament is generally stable, easy-going, and friendly. Spanador dogs are known for being loving towards people and eager to socialize with humans. However, it is still important to check the temperament of both parents, as well as the background and upbringing of the dog. And to ensure your pet is provided with proper socialization and training. Dysplasia occurs when a ball and socket joint does not form properly, which results in rubbing and grinding of the joint. Dysplasia causes pain and wear of the bone and can lead to a loss of mobility. Symptoms of this disease tend to show up in puppies between 4 and 6 months old. Treatments carried before your dog reaches two years old tend to be more successful. This will reduce the risk of your puppy having dysplasia. Weight Issues in Labradors Labradors are known to struggle with obesity. According to one study , this was linked to Labrador Retrievers being more food obsessed than other breeds. Another study suggested obesity may actually be linked to a genetic trait. Either way, Labradors increased the likelihood of obesity combined with being prone to hip dysplasia, can result in serious medical complications if your Cockerdor inherits both of these traits. In addition, obesity is commonly associated with shorter lifespans, mobility issues, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Other ailments specific to Labrador Retrievers are aortic stenosis, lumbosacral stenosis, and exercise-induced collapse. Cocker Spaniels have additional health concerns including epilepsy, seborrheic dermatitis, otitis externa, and cardiomyopathy. The best way to avoid them is to only pick a puppy from health tested parents. Good breeders health test, and are happy to provide you with evidence of these tests too. This means your Cocker Spaniel-Lab mix will likely have these traits. Both the parent breeds require regular, invigorating exercise , and by extension, a Cocker Spaniel-Lab mix will require regular physical activity. Since both of the parent breeds are in the Sports Group of dogs, they tend to excel at running, hunting, fetching, and swimming. Extended outdoor exercise will be preferred by your Cocker Lab mix. Labrador and Cocker Spaniel mixes are often eager to please, which should make training fairly easy, compared to more stubborn breeds. Start using positive reinforcement training techniques from an early age, and put a real focus on getting a great recall. Cocker Spaniel Labrador mix pups will enjoy prolonged periods of exercise outside. This means a home with a large open area or a family that will take their pup out to suitable natural environments is preferable. Both Labs and Cocker Spaniels are particularly well-known for craving human interaction and being friendly dogs. Labs are especially prone to becoming anxious and destructive if left unaccompanied for long periods of time. They and their crosses are therefore not suited to a home where the family is out for much of the day. So if you are at home often and love company, you may be able to provide the ideal home for a Cocker Spaniel Lab! Designer dog breeders of Labrador cross Cocker Spaniel puppies can be found online. Alternatively, you could contact animal sale and adoption websites. Pay attention to the living conditions your puppy is in, ask about both parents, and get as much information as you can to understand the background of your puppy. Even still, you could end up with a puppy that has the traits of either of the parent dog breed, or your dog could end up having a medical condition that was not seen in either parent. This is why health testing is so important, particularly for issues known to impact both parent breeds, such as hip and elbow dysplasia. This will help you to predict any potential issues or areas for concern. If you are home a lot, love long walks and visits to the park, and want a friendly outgoing dog that will give you plenty of attention, then a Cocker Spaniel Labrador mix may just be the dog for you. Do you have a Cocker Spaniel-Lab mix? Please share your experiences in the comment section below. References and Further Reading Beuchat, C. The Institute of Canine Biology. Burgess K et al. Treatment of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in dogs with cyclophosphamide. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Mukherjee M et al. Lumbosacral stenosis in Labrador retriever military working dogs — an exomic exploratory study. Canine Genetics and Epidemiology. Oberbauer, A et al. Ten inherited disorders in purebred dogs by functional breed groupings. Patterson EE et al. A canine DNM1 mutation is highly associated with the syndrome of exercise-induced collapse. Nature Genetics. Raffan E et al. Development, factor structure and application of the dog obesity risk and appetite DORA questionnaire. Cell Metabolism. Smith et al. Lifelong diet restriction and radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis of the hip joint in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The Cocker Lab Mix Lab Cocker mix This last part of the article will be split into five parts; all five pieces will be essential for a healthy, well-balanced Cocker Spaniel Lab. These agile hunters could quickly take off chasing an animal and may get lost. So always make sure to have your dog on a leash unless, of course, you are hunting and or are in an enclosed area. With adequate exercise given every day, the Cocker Spaniel Labrador will be an excellent family pet. If you are a couch potato, this breed is definitely not for you, so please get a dog like the Charles Spaniel. Charles Spaniel is a couch potato they are not one for running around the yard or going out on long walks. King Charles Spaniel mostly loves sleeping, whether that is on the bed or the couch. Socialization of the Spanador Socialization is a must for any dog, and whether he is big or small, it is essentially teaching them good dog manners. You can also take your puppy to puppy classes; this knocks out two birds with one stone. You are getting your puppy to meet with other puppies, and at the same time, you are getting expert training and advice. Avoid taking your puppy to the dog park. The dogs in the dog park can be rude and even aggressive. One bad experience can scare your puppy for life. The dog park can also be a carrier of disease and germs to your puppy. So training they will be easy if you consistently train the puppy from the beginning. A well-trained dog is easy to spot, in comparison, the untrained dog is all over the place, with the master holding on for dear life. Training starts whenever you get home with your puppy. Whenever you have free time, train the puppy. When training the puppy, do not give up on the give of commands! Then praise the puppy with a treat and or a few words of praise once they follow through. This adorable great dog comes from two of the most popular and beloved breeds in the dog world. The result is a physically versatile mix, perfect for active families or highly athletic owners. Cocker Spaniels The Cocker Spaniel is a charming and affectionate breed. It has a rich history dates back to its origins in the United Kingdom. It was initially bred there for hunting Eurasian woodcock. Cocker spaniel coats are wavy, silky coats. They also have immensely expressive eyes. American Cocker Spaniels are smaller than their English counterparts. It makes them an attractive choice for breeding purposes — especially when creating designer breeds. They have gained widespread popularity in America due to their lovable personalities. They form strong bonds with family members. Indeed, they were primarily bred as hunting dogs centuries ago due to their impressive agility skills and keen sense of smell. These adaptable dogs excel at obedience training or more lighthearted pursuits like therapy work. They are truly versatile canines eager to please those around them. Originating from Newfoundland, the Labrador retriever was originally bred to help fishermen haul nets and retrieve fish. Labrador retriever history can be traced back to Canada in the s. Labrador retrievers come in three standard colors — black , chocolate brown , and yellow. It leads to interesting variations when crossbred with other dogs. Labrador Retrievers weigh pounds kilograms. Males are slightly larger than females. This blend results in a friendly good dog with a moderate size and an endearing personality. The offspring of such pleasant parent breeds have loveable temperaments and loyalty towards family members. They can inherit an active nature from both parent breeds, especially Labrador Retrievers, who were originally bred as working dogs. The Cocker Spaniel Labrador mix requires regular exercise like long walks or structured playtime events at home like most dogs Are Designer Dogs Healthier? There is a common belief that designer dogs are healthier than purebred dogs. While hybrid breeds may have unique traits and temperaments, they can still inherit health issues. A recent study compared the expectations and realities of owning purebred pups, mixed-breed dogs, and designer dog breeds. The study found that owner experiences differed by type of dog breed. Owners of mixed-breed or designer-breed dogs report more behavioral problems than those with purebred puppies. Whether a purebred or mixed-breed dog is right for you depends on your lifestyle and personal preferences. Socialization Of The spanador puppies Early socialization is crucial for any dog breed, and the Labrador retriever Cocker spaniel mix is no exception. These dogs are known to be friendly and loving towards people. However, exposing them to different environments and situations from an early age is important. Daily exposure to other dogs, people, places, sounds, and smells will ensure your Lab cocker spaniel mix adjusts well to new situations. Proper socialization also prevents behavioral problems like aggression toward strangers or fear of loud noises. Positive interactions with other animals or humans during the formative years from 8 weeks old upward are vital. It increases the chances of a happy dog enjoying being around family members and unfamiliar faces! It is to protect your Spanador puppies from potential harm and negative experiences affecting their future behavior. Instead of taking your puppy to an overcrowded dog park, enroll them in a puppy class. You can also organize controlled play dates with other puppies around their age and size. You can also take them on walks in quiet areas where they can explore new sights, sounds, and smells. They are attentive dogs that thrive on human companionship, making them great family pets. It makes them easy to train. Hence, plenty of daily exercise to release excess energy is of the order. The Spanador is an intelligent, gentle-natured breed that loves family. The cocker spaniel and Labrador retriever are smart animals, which is reflected in the crossbreed. This hybrid dog is highly intelligent, playful, and eager to please. This breed has an even temperament and loves spending time with people. The Spanador is very sociable and enjoys interacting with both adults and children. They do not like being left alone for long periods. Spanadors are known for their intelligence and willingness to please, traits inherited from the Labrador, making them relatively easy to train. However, cocker spaniel mixes display a stubborn streak, likely influenced by their Cocker Spaniel lineage. Despite this, with consistent, positive reinforcement-based training methods, they respond well and enjoy the mental stimulation. Spanadors are usually great with children and can get along well with other pets, especially when socialized from a young age. They are quite energetic. Size, Weight, And Height Of The Cockerdor This labrador retriever mix can weigh between 20 and 47 pounds and have a years lifespan. It is a small, medium-sized dog with an athletic frame. Males are slightly larger than female Spanador. Male Cocker Spaniels can grow to about .No matter their gender or which parent they take after, these pups tend to adapt to living situations. From city apartments to a sprawling country farm that provides enough room, the breed reflects versatile physical accommodation. Even if the space is tight, the dog will do well till their exercise needs are met via long walks. Female lab cocker spaniel mix Both male and female Spanadors have loving and friendly natures. However, a male Spanador exhibits more dominant behavior and require extra training. Especially when interacting with other pets or children in the household. It must consist of high-quality dog food that meets their recommended daily calorie intake. Ensure it is based on their size, weight, and activity level. Avoid feeding them human food or table scraps. It can lead to obesity and other health issues. Control their portions and feed them small meals throughout the day instead of one or two large meals. Spanadors love eating and may overindulge if given a chance. Monitor their food intake and treat them with healthy snacks in moderation. They need plenty of fresh water available at all times to stay hydrated and support healthy digestion. Not sure what to feed your Spanador or how much they should eat? It is best to consult a veterinarian for professional advice. Exercise for cocker spaniel labrador mix The Cocker Spaniel Lab Mix is a high-energy dog needing plenty of exercises to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks, runs, and playtime in the yard are necessary for this active breed. For Spanadors, you can add a twist to this game by using items that float in water. Given their potential love for water inherited from the Labrador side, they will enjoy fetching a floating toy from a safe body of water. Scent Tracking Games: Labradors were originally bred for retrieving game, which makes them excellent at scent tracking. Hide treats or their favorite toy around the house or yard and let your Spanador find them using their nose. Bird Simulation Toys: Cocker Spaniels were historically bird dogs, so your Spanador may enjoy toys that mimic birds. There are specific dog toys on the market that simulate the fluttering of a bird.

Building a trustworthy, capable, vigorous, and beastly Olde English Bulldogge is my lifestyle. My breeding program permeates my entire life and gives me purpose. Take a look around my site to see the Evolution Bulldogge difference. This is my story. The giant bulldog in the cartoons had a magnificent head, colossal chest, low, broad, heavy, and muscular body! Immediately Bulldogs became a massive fascination for me. The cartoons with bulldogs were by far my favorite. I would become a very excited kiddo each time a bulldog made a television appearance. This fascination grew into an obsession. Unfortunately, my first introduction to a real bulldog was a disappointment mixed with a strange sense of enthusiasm. My friend Mikey had a female English Bulldog at his house. She was tiny, chunky, super cute, and snorty. He showed me that when he nudged her chest with his shoe, she would grip it and snarl in rough play. Her bully mind was incredible, but her body was lacking. I really thought bulldogs were going to be how television portrayed them to children. There had to be something better. I was fifteen years old when I met Mr. Jack, an over-sized English Bulldog stud. I spent hours playing and wrestling around with him. He was a great bulldog, and he was reasonably similar to my giant cartoon bulldog dream. Unfortunately, he was not quite the icon of health or vigor I had hoped for, but I was completely hooked. I made a clear decision. I would become the greatest bulldog breeder in the world. My parents, however, put my dream as a bulldog breeder on hold. Over the next decade and a half, I spent countless hours and days researching genetics, anatomy, physiology, and biology. I was learning how to breed healthy versions of my beloved cartoon image bulldog. In my studies, I realized the English Bulldog is structurally limited in regards to health. I began looking at other bully breeds in an attempt to find a healthy bulldog that matched my vision. For many years my search came up lacking. By the time I reached this earth, bulldogs had become a gross mutation of their former selves. The bulldog of old- the courageous, capable, athletic, powerful bulldogs had long since become extinct. I become less enamored with the English Bulldog breed and more so interested in my image of what I felt a bulldog should be. But I did not Stop Searching. They were local, and the name in the olde tyme spelling piqued my Bulldog curiosity. I called and made an appointment to see what these Olde English Bulldogges were all about. I rushed right over to see this new promise of a better Bulldog. When I arrived, I saw the most superb Bulldog bitch that I had ever seen in my life! Bulldogs only moved that powerfully and quickly in the cartoons! I knew I was onto something with my brand new introduction to the Olde English Bulldogge. The sales pitch that the Olde English Bulldogge was healthy and capable sold me. Traveling around the country, I visited breeders of this amazing new breed and I bought up puppy after puppy. Dog after dog failed health and temperament tests. It quickly became evident that the Olde English Bulldogge breed also suffers from several of the same health issues which plague the English Bulldog. Compelled by obsession, I started all over, In spite of my losses. The lessons were expensive, in addition to well-received. Nevertheless, I searched tirelessly for Olde Bulldogges that would put me within reach of my ultimate goal of a bigger, better bulldog. Taking some significant losses, I realized getting what I wanted would mean creating it myself. Still obsessed with my dream, I kept searching and searching. With a few tastes here and there of what could be, I eventually stumbled upon a few exceptional dogs. As dogs finally started passing health testing, I could move forward. This small handful of quality dogs would lay the foundation for a solid breeding program. I began linebreeding my productions to make great family companion bulldogs that excel at protection. Evolution Bulldogges was born! Fast Forward a Bit… With multiple generations of tested and proven dogs, my main focus is to advance my Bulldogge breeding program consistently. My secondary focus is to help you get just the right Olde English Bulldogge puppy for you. Occasionally I have other puppies available who are not yet listed. When you purchase an Olde Bulldogge puppy from Evolution Bulldogges, you can be sure you are getting the highest quality Bulldogge puppy money can buy. If you are interested in learning about my Olde English Bulldogge kennel and breeding program or purchasing bulldog puppies from me, please feel free to contact me. I would love to hear from you and will help you in any way I can. Born April 14th, available to go to their forever home late June-early July, For the health and safety of our puppies, no onsite visits are allowed until puppies have had their vet check and first immunizations at weeks. Past litter Little nappers! Past litter, 3 weeks We deliver within a 1-hour radius of Dallas, Oregon at no additional cost. We raise every one of our bulldogges with great care. Our dogs are a beloved part of our family, but also cared for knowing we are caring for your new family member as well! All puppies are whelped in our home in a specially designed whelping room with access to an automatic watering system and private yard for the dam and pups as they grow. As they grow, they become well socialized with children as they are integrated into daily life in our home with our large family. They play and explore around our home. When you buy one of our puppies, you have the confidence of: Puppies are raised with the best veterinary care available Current immunizations and up to date on deworming regiment and tails docked Five generation pedigree from International Olde English Bulldogge Association IOEBA Nutrition programs designed for optimal health of dam, sire, and pups Puppies well-socialized with other animals and children Steps to getting your new puppy! Pick of the litter is offered as an option on every litter. Your place in the waitlist is determined by when your deposit is placed. Puppies are not held without a deposit. The balance is due at pick up or 8 weeks of age. Our pups are highly sought after and It is not likely a client will be able to get a puppy if they wait for the pups in any upcoming litter to reach 2 or 3 weeks of age. Most all our pups are spoken for before birth by clients who have put down a pick of the litter deposit. Pictures are taken of each litter of pups at 4 and 6 weeks of age. We do not honor any other photo requests for pups that are sold and waiting for their release day. Delilah is bred to Oscar pups due October 10th. Accepting pick of litter deposits. Finding Your Perfect Olde English Bulldogge Puppy As the premier breeder of Olde English Bulldogges in the Southeast, we love providing families and individuals of all ages with healthy, happy puppies from this amazing breed. Our puppies turn into healthy, well-tempered and athletic dogs that will make a loving addition to your home — whether you have young children, lead an active lifestyle, or want a couch companion. They can keep up with an active lifestyle of jogging, hiking and camping or a more relaxed one sitting at home and watching TV. Our bulldogges have gone on to live with people from all walks of life, including single adults, couples, families with children, active retirees, and the elderly. Loving They become very attached and love spending time with their families, including young children. Athletic Compared to other bulldog breeds, Olde English Bulldogges are athletic dogs with strength and stamina. They love getting outdoors, playing, jogging, and being part of the fun. Trainable Olde English Bulldogges are eager to please and responsive to commands. Healthy Our bulldogges have fewer of the genetic issues that commonly impact bulldogs, such as airway issues, breeding difficulties and climate sensitivity. As a result, our puppies are healthy, well-adjusted, IOEBA registered, and have a documented blood line with five-generation pedigrees. With the scientific expertise of our owner, we provide dogs with common, rare and tri-color combinations. In addition to our high breeding standards, we pride ourselves on having superior customer service. We love our little Stella. She is so playful and sweet. Was super easy to potty train. Thank you Robyn for all you do! Lee W Davenport, Iowa.

How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. Since puppies have a lot of growing to do, they require plenty of calories. You can reduce the amount of food per pound of body weight until they reach standard adult measurements. The specific amount of food to feed a German Shepherd can vary because different dogs are sized differently and have various needs and levels of athleticism. To learn more about specific foods and ingredients, check out this article on the best diet for German Shepherds. Three to four meals of puppy food a day is ideal for a month-old German Shepherd, as the food will be easily digestible and keep the energy high throughout the day. Feeding a puppy 1—2 large meals might make them feel sick, or they may be unable to finish it all at once. When it comes to how much food to give a 1—4 month-old German Shepherd, the recommended amount is approximately one cup g or a little more, depending on activity levels per meal. Be sure to spread meals evenly throughout the day, and avoid feeding your puppy before bedtime. The West Greenwich Animal Hospital recommends not feeding a dog three hours before bedtime because they may need to go out for a toilet break at night. Since their stomachs and bodies are getting bigger, they can generally handle fewer large meals than more small ones. So, you can reduce the number of puppy food meals to 2 or 3. Since the number of meals is reduced, increase the amount of food per serving to approximately 1. The meals should be spread evenly throughout the day to ensure your German Shepherd has consistent energy levels. My German Shepherd Willow at 4 months old 10 to 12 Months At 10—12 months, a German Shepherd begins to mature as its body continues growing. Split approximately 4—5 cups —1, g of food between two meals. However, this is just a recommendation — as mentioned previously, your dog may require more or less than this depending on their activity levels. Keeping the amount of food at cups , g per day may be sufficient, or it may be best to start feeding your dog more or less than this. For example, many active or working German Shepherds may benefit from 6 cups 1. Again, the specific amount is circumstantial. However, some dog owners make the switch earlier. Honestly, this is the issue with every new pet parent. Below is a German Shepherd feeding chart to help you learn more about giving your pooch the right amount of food at the right time. Remember, the below are simply recommendations, so specific amounts can vary by dog and activity level. Age Amount of food per day Amount of servings per day months 3—4 cups — g spread across multiple servings 3—4 3—4. Always check the packaging of the food you buy for a more detailed analysis. There are endless dog food options, so making the right choice can be challenging and stressful. The main protein source is chicken, and it promotes immune system health and digestive performance. Suitable for puppies up to 15 months, this dog food is the perfect solution for young German Shepherds with lots of growing to do! One of the main benefits of this food is that it comes in different sizes, including a pound 6. This dog food contains all the nutrients a German Shepherd puppy needs to grow and thrive. Blue Buffalo dog food has real chicken, fruits, and vegetables, so your pooch will surely enjoy the delicious taste! It comes in two flavors — a chicken meal with oats and a lamb meal with brown rice. Either contains enough high-quality protein to ensure your pup can grow as healthily as possible. Medium-sized dog breeds can continue eating puppy food until 18 months. Like with puppy food, there are many adult German Shepherd dog food options, so choosing the right one can be challenging. Check out some of my below recommendations to make your search a little easier. Best Breed Dr. Best Breed Dog Food aids digestion as it contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber. According to a study, musculoskeletal disorders and the inability to stand are the two most common causes of death in German Shepherds. Since puppies need specific nutrients to grow, their food differs greatly from adult dog food. Puppies especially need protein because it aids with the growth and development of cells. Without adequate protein in the diet , puppies are more susceptible to serious health issues, including: Weight and muscle loss General weakness Chest and abdomen issues German Shepherds can continue eating puppy food for the first year of life and beyond. Usually, 16—18 months is a good time for a dog to start eating adult food. The most important thing to remember is that adult food is never the right choice for a German Shepherd puppy that still has much growing to do. However, there are many other factors to consider when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd, like their general weight and activity levels. Weight and Size The weight of your German Shepherd will determine how much to feed it. The general rule of thumb is that the heavier your dog is, the more food it needs to stay fueled. The average adult German Shepherd is around .Pay attention to the general height and size of your German Shepherd to determine exactly how much food to feed them. For example, an underweight German Shepherd will need extra food to get back to a healthy weight, whereas an overweight one will need less food. As you can imagine, a highly energetic dog will need more food than a German Shepherd that lies around all day. If your German Shepherd is still relatively young, i. Health Health issues can affect the way a dog eats. For example, a dog with stomach issues might avoid food altogether. Other health conditions that affect how much a dog can eat include: Pancreatitis Infections Cancer Consider whether your dog is experiencing health issues when feeding them. For instance, if your dog is shedding too much, you need to change a diet that minimizes shedding. Age The age of a German Shepherd helps determine how much food should be eaten and how often. For example as mentioned earlier , younger dogs must eat smaller meals spread evenly throughout the day, while older dogs can have 2 larger meals. A vet can weigh your German Shepherd, ask questions, and listen to the heartbeat to determine a healthy diet plan. As Willow is now a senior dog, I like to take her for vet checkups every 6 months. In many cases, giving puppies homemade food over long periods can cause health issues down the line. A study by the National Library of Medicine concluded that a homemade diet given by the owner caused a puppy to experience various health issues, including vitamin D deficiency and NSH nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. You can give a small treat here and there, but human food should never make up the entire diet of a puppy. Below are some tasty examples! Eggs Not only are eggs beneficial for humans, but they can also be good for dogs if given in moderation. German Shepherds puppies and adults will receive plenty of nutrients from eggs, including protein and fats. The best and easiest way to give a German Shepherd an egg is to hard boil it. Avoid feeding a German Shepherd or any dog fried eggs too often due to the excessive oil. Hard-boiled eggs are usually the easiest for dogs to eat, but you can also try poached or scrambled eggs. Examples of dog-friendly fruits include: Bananas. Optimal feeding amounts may vary according to your pet's temperament, activity level and environment. If you have any questions regarding your pet's health, please contact your veterinarian. Transition Instructions We recommend at least a 7 day transition before you begin feeding the new food exclusively. On the 7th day, you can feed the new food exclusively. All of our dry diets are preserved naturally with mixed tocopherols, citric acid, and rosemary extract. Our canned diets are naturally preserved and sterilized during the cooking and canning process. Where do the ingredients in Royal Canin diets come from? Royal Canin is making strides towards sustainability by attempting to obtain sources of raw materials as close to each manufacturing facility as possible. In some cases, we use international suppliers, because only those suppliers can offer raw materials that comply with our quality and food safety standards. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain by-products? Royal Canin chooses ingredients because they deliver high-quality nutrients that support our customized pet food formulas. Using chicken by-product meal instead of chicken meal for example will allow Royal Canin to maintain its highly customized nutrient standards while achieving a more secure and sustainable supply. Why do some Royal Canin diets contain grains? As always, we focus on the nutrients each ingredient provides and grains can provide many important nutrients. How do you ensure Royal Canin diets are safe for my pet? Our Quality and Food Safety systems are state-of-the-art and we continue to invest heavily in new technology to make sure they remain that way. We monitor every load delivered to our plants to verify the safety and quality of the ingredients we use to make pet food. We perform tests on finished pet foods before they are shipped to our customers. How do I know which Royal Canin diet is right for my pet? Based on size, age, lifestyle, and breed, each cat or dog has unique nutritional needs. For healthy pets, use our Product Selector to find the right diet for your cat or dog. If your pet is experiencing health issues, please refer to your veterinarian for more information. Your veterinarian will consider multiple factors when recommending an appropriate diet.