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Springador Highlights Springadors are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Labrador Retriever and Springer Spaniel parents. The main colors that the coat of the Springador comes in are black, brown, and gold. In general, the Springador does not shed much. The Springador is an energetic and active dog who will require around an hour of exercise every day. The Springador can work well with kids, although this is a mixed breed that definitely does better with older adults. If you have children and are considering adding a Springador to your family, make sure that both parties are socialized properly right from the start. In general, Springadors are fine around other household pets, though they can view smaller animals as prey. Set boundaries and supervise play. The Springador is definitely not a dog who does well being left alone all day. In fact, if the mixed breed does not receive enough attention and human contact, negative personality traits and behaviors might arise. The Labrador Retriever hails from Canada, where they were originally employed by fishermen to help bring back fish that might have escaped. These days, the Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dogs in the United States. When it comes to the Springer Spaniel, this is a breed that comes from Spain and was introduced to other European countries by the Romans. Springer Spaniels have a history of being used as a game dog charged with retrieving tasks. Even though the Springador got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you! Springador Size The Springador is a large dog. As is always the case with newer dog breeds, exact size standards might vary. Most weigh in at 50 to 90 pounds and range in height from 18 to 24 inches. Female Springadors are sometimes smaller than their male counterparts. This mixed breed is super friendly and will happily form loving bonds with the humans in their life. This is a dog who craves companionship and will want to become a focal part of your day-to-day life. The downside to this is that the Springador is definitely not a dog who does well being left alone all day. If you have an active family that also likes to spend a lot of time outside, the Springador will be a great fit for your lifestyle. Consider agility training, especially if you have a safe outdoors space to offer to the dog. Springador Health Springadors are generally considered to be healthy dogs, although the breed can be predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Springer Spaniel and Labrador Retriever face. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Consider adding agility training and fetch-and-retrieve tasks to the daily outdoor routine. The Springador is definitely a mixed breed that loves a visit to the dog park—being around other canines helps add variety to their day. Wash them weekly with a damp cloth and look out for any signs of infection or a build up of dirt. Springador Feeding An ideal Springador diet should be formulated for a large dog with high energy. Springador Coat Color And Grooming The main colors that the coat of the Springador comes in are black, brown, and gold. When it comes to climate, the Springador is an adaptable dog who can live happily in most climates. But remember to dress the mixed breed up in a dog coat if it gets very cold outside, and always make sure adequate shade and fresh water is provided when the temperature spikes. Springador Children And Other Pets The Springador can work well with kids, although this is a mixed breed that definitely does better with older adults. So ensure that the boundaries between the dog and any existing household pets are laid down properly, and supervise interactions. Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this mixed breed. Make sure to reward your Springador for good behavior and adhere to a proper training regimen when you bring them home to your family. Springador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Springadors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Springer Spaniel or Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Colors — Black and tan Eye Color — Brown Exercise — Springador need plenty of exercise very long walks and runs and playtime in the yard several times a day. Training — The Springador is a very easy to train dog! Socialization — Positive exposure to other people and dogs daily for best socialization. The Spanador is a perfect apartment dog! The Springador is renowned as one of the best family dog breeds to own! They have medium to long hair and are small to medium-sized dog breeds. The Springer Spaniel Lab mix is also a great dog for beginners, but also beware that they can suffer from separation anxiety. If you are a hunter, then this breed is great for bird hunting retrieval services. Other than hunting, this breed is, all in all, a great family pet that wants nothing more than to follow you about wherever the family goes. Common Names for Springer Spaniel Lab Mix Springador Springer Spaniel Labrador mix Exercise Requirements of the Springador Both parent breed are working dogs; they need a medium amount of brisk walking, jogging, and or running, along with playtime in the backyard during the day. When walking, releasing the dog off the leash is inadvisable. These agile hunters could quickly take off into the underbrush to chase a bird here, a chipmunk there, a squirrel here and pretty soon, they are lost. In her youthful days, we had a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, who fancied herself a hunter. She would go tearing off after something that caught her attention. She could be gone in and instant, dashing into the woods with her little bark leading us here and there. Back to the Springador, proper exercise is the key to a great life with the Springador! To teach your dog good manners will make your life with your dog much more enjoyable. So take your Springador for puppy training, which is a great way to begin socializing them. Then regular outings to town will help to acclimate them to different sounds, smells, people and animals. Avoid Dog Parks!! 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. Plus puppy training time can be a fun bonding time for you and your fur baby. When training the puppy, do not give up on the commands, but rather keep repeating the same command for the same action. There are differing opinions on the different training styles. Some use clickers but never treats. Others use treats, but not clickers, and other variations. So read up on different approaches to see what fits you and your dog best. We prefer to use a combination of several simple methods, and alternate between them. For more on dog training , this might help. Breed Profiles By Kate Brunotts 8 min read May 25, 1 Comment K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. Looking for a loyal, loving canine companion? Hopefully, this will help you determine whether or not a springador would be a good fit for your lifestyle. The Springador Breed Profile: Key Takeaways Springadors are mixed-breed dogs made by crossing a springer spaniel with a Labrador retriever. Like most other mixed-breed pups, springadors frequently exhibit a combination of traits inherited from each parent breed. It is difficult to predict how any mixed-breed pup will turn out. However, there are a few traits and characteristics that seem to describe most springadors, such as a high energy level and super-friendly nature. There are also a few other breeds and breed combinations that springador fans may want to consider. This includes purebred pups like flat-coated retrievers and lovable mixes like boradors. What Is A Springador? Springadors sometimes called Labradingers are mixed breed pups, created by crossing a springer spaniel and Labrador retriever. Lizzy the Springador, Honey and Poppy the Bassets. Labradors are generally known for being energetic, smart, and loving dogs who do well with families or single owners, as long as their needs are met. Labradors make great pets, but they are also known for being adept therapy and hunting dogs due to their trainability, intelligence, work ethic, and good-natured personality. As a matter of fact, Labs were originally bird hunting dogs bred to hunt and retrieve waterfowl. These medium-sized dogs usually weigh somewhere between 50 and 80 pounds and come in golden, chocolate, or black coat variants. Labs are known for being excellent canine companions, but they need a good amount of daily exercise and playtime to stay mentally and physically fit. This breed is generally characterized as happy-go-lucky and gentle, making them pretty easy to train. These dogs have a beautiful double coat that comes in a variety of colors, usually white accompanied by black or liver a deep brown color markings. Springer spaniels usually weigh anywhere from 40 to 60 pounds. The springer spaniel is athletic and requires lots of regular exercise to keep his tail wagging. This friendly breed is happy to hang out at home with his owners, as long as he gets plenty of chances to go outside and romp around. Skylar the 8 month Springador That being said, here are some general guidelines of what to expect from a springador so that you can determine whether or not the breed is a good fit for your home. Size and Shape: Springadors are medium to large dogs weighing anywhere from 50 to 90 pounds. Springadors typically have a lab-like build. Temperament: Most springadors are devoted family companions who love being around their owners and exploring new places. This playful breed is pretty lively and needs lots of time outdoors exercising to feel their best. Springadors are friendly, loving, and loyal to their family members and want nothing more than to play fetch and spend time with loved ones. Coat and Colors: The springador tends to take on the solid black, gold, or brown coat like his Labrador parent. Occasionally, some of the white markings from the Springer Spaniel parent may come through. The most common place to see white on these dogs is the chest. Since both parent breeds have a double-coat the springador has one too. The springador is well-suited for hot weather as well as cooler climates with his medium-length coat. Intelligence: Luckily, the springador is naturally intelligent so these pups are pretty easy to train, and they make great working dogs. These people-pleasing pooches are happy to learn just about any trick or skill if it means winning you over. Your springador will also appreciate having a variety of puzzle toys on hand to keep him mentally stimulated throughout the day. Training Challenges: While springadors are generally very teachable, they face their own set of training challenges just like any other dog. The high-strung springador may, for example, be prone to developing separation anxiety. The mixed-breed has a medium-length coat that sheds year-round. The springador also has large, floppy ears that should be cleaned regularly especially after swimming to prevent ear infections. Springador dogs are generally healthy and live anywhere from 10 to 14 years. That being said, they are more susceptible to the ailments faced by Labrador retrievers and springer spaniels, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. Springadors are family-friendly pups who are usually great with kids. Here is a quick check to make sure the springador is the right dog for your home. You love exercising or getting out and about. Springadors are naturally lively and need regular exercise to feel their best. You have a lively household. Springadors thrive in homes where someone is always around to interact with. This mixed breed likes spending time around his owners as much as possible. Springadors have an innate thirst for knowledge and do well in homes where they have the opportunity to learn lots of tricks. In addition, focused training is critical if you have small animals at home as the springador has a high prey drive. These beautiful mutts are eternally devoted to their families and will make sure you know it. Time to Meet the Parents! Similar Breeds and Mutts to Consider Not sure if the springador is the dog of your dreams? Here are some other similar breeds and mixed breeds to consider. Spanador: Spanadors are crosses between Labradors and the cocker spaniel, a relative of the springer spaniel. These canine cuties are loving and intelligent companions. Borador: The borer-collie-Lab-Mix is exceptionally smart, sweet, and always ready for a long run or hike. Goldador: This cross between a Labrador and golden retriever gives you a caring canine companion that will always brighten your day. Curly-Coated Retriever: This pure-bred pooch is just as sweet and lively as a springador, but a little more on the independent side. These tireless dogs love intense, regular exercise. Flat-Coated Retriever: These playful pooches retain a puppy-like spirit well throughout their lives. Flat-coated retrievers are happy go lucky dogs that are sure to keep you entertained. Spangold Retriever: The spangold retriever is the adorable cross between a springer spaniel and golden retriever. These good-natured dogs are great family companions. Springerdoodle: This cross between a springer spaniel and poodle is highly intelligent and an active companion. These sporty dogs are super versatile and love being around family members and other dogs. These sweet, playful pups are bound to make life a whole lot of fun! Do you have one of these cute canines at home? Does he show more of his Labrador or springer spaniel side? Like it? Share it! Also called Labradingers or Labradinger Retrievers, Springador pups often take on the colors of a Labrador — yellow, black, and chocolate — and become fairly large. They may also develop the curly hair and white markings that typify Springer Spaniels, though! Sporting Dog Roots Your Springador will definitely live up to their roots as sporting type dogs, being a workhorse Lab combined with a hard headed Springer Spaniel. But purebred dogs are your best bet if you are looking for a working dog to do a specific job. Labs were originally bred to retrieve fish from hooks or traps for their owners. Over the generations they became known for being the best dog to have with you if you were doing any kind of shooting. They are skilled at running, swimming, fighting, and following their sense of smell. Springer Spaniels are an old breed; the Romans are said to be responsible for their original European distribution. Springers are sporting dogs, bred to retrieve and flush out game. They are known for being elegant, active, and friendly — and for causing lots of trouble! Their determination to reach their prey can override their interest in listening to your commands. Sporting dog breeds have been combined for generations by game keepers and farmers. Dog handlers keen to have a dog that can do it all. The classic Lab temperament is sweet, friendly, active, easy to train, and easy to socialize, and tends to shine through in Sprinador mixes. Appearances, Size and Weight Springador dogs have even leg to back ratios, long muzzles and wide happy expressions. Their tails are long and broad, and their ears hang low around their faces. Springer puppies can weigh from lbs. They range from about .Springer spaniels are slightly smaller than Labs, at inches. They weigh around lbs. A Springador full grown, being a mix, can take on the smaller size of Springer Spaniels, or grow to be as big as Labs. You just never know with cross breed dogs! They may have white markings. They tend to have medium-to-long coats that are somewhat dense. This makes their fur more waterproof. The hair can range from straight to wiry and curly. They are high-shed dogs in-season, so if you are allergic these are not the dogs for you! Springador dogs should also be groomed frequently. They will need the long hairs on their legs and ears clipping to keep them free of undergrowth! The Springador Temperament Labradors are friendly and outgoing, and mix well with others. They do bark to sound the alert, but are even tempered on the whole. English Springer Spaniels are friendly and playful. They are also known for being hardworking, steady, and obedient to a point. Springador dogs are incredibly driven when it comes to prey, due to their working roots. Novice handlers find it hard to control them outdoors or under distracting conditions. You should avoid casual walks off leash unless you have taught them to come when called in every scenario. Recall is everything and takes a long time to proof with a dog this driven. Your Springador will have lots of energy, be prone to noise and sadly nervous aggression too in some working lines. Stamina is a key part of their personality. Springador Training All dogs can benefit from basic obedience training and socialization at an early age. They are easy to train, and react well to positive reinforcement. Springer Spaniels especially are very energetic and have a high prey drive, which means they should get recall training from a young age. Springadors can be headstrong! These dogs, because of their Labrador blood, will pull on the leash if possible, so training them not to do that will help save your arm! Also, Labradors stay puppy-like for a long time. This is another good reason to train your Springadors. You may wish to consider advanced training — agility, or therapy, for your Springador. They like to work, and their high activity levels make this good enrichment for them. Springador Exercise A small apartment may not be the best place for your Springador. With so much energy to spare, they really need space to roam. Their minds must also be exercised, so we do recommend agility training or retriever training to keep them stimulated. Springer Spaniels especially are not happy when left alone much, so you should take that into account as well. Springador Parent Health Tests Because Labs and Springer Spaniels are prone to similar inherited diseases, you might not see the health advantages as much in the Labrador x Springer cross as with others. The pups of any mixed breed dog will have similar concerns to their parents, so keep that in mind as you shop for Springadors. But it is impossible to know exactly how those health problems will manifest in a cross-bred puppy. It is important, always, to have a health screening for your dog, and to know its family health history whenever possible. Make sure that both parents have good hip scores, clear eye tests and are PRA clear. The Lab parent should also have good elbow scores. However, in general, both dogs are robust and healthy breeds. Also, purebred dogs may not live as long as mixed breeds. But the longevity of your English Springer Spaniel Lab mix depends on a number of factors, including diet, environment, and quality of life. It also depends on genetics, so when you choose your Springador, consider the health of both parents and their families. Your dog may live anywhere from years. By keeping your Springadors healthy and happy, you can ensure they live as long as possible! As with all interactions with breeders, do your research. If you can, visit the home where your potential pup is growing up. That way, you can meet the parents, see the conditions where she was raised, and view for yourself how the breeder interacts with the dogs. Remember to ask the breeder for health certification for the dogs. A breeder with integrity will have no problems with this. Always meet the mother when buying a puppy. Springador Puppies Remember that if you want to buy cross-bred puppies, they are at risk for the same health problems as their parents of either breed. You could get more Lab, or you could get more Springer Spaniel qualities. This goes for their health issues, their temperament, and their physiology. Springador Rescue If you are willing and able to rescue a Springador, rescues do exist. You may also be able to fix a mix inside a shelter, too. You will also have less choice when it comes to age, gender, and other aspects of your new dog. Training or re-training may be required. If you want to rescue a Springador, you may have to be patient to find the right animal for you and your family. The dog you want might not be waiting in a shelter yet. Read on to find out more about this playful breed and to find out whether it is a good choice of family pet for your home. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. If you have dogs or children, try to have them meet the puppy before you bring it home. Ensure that they are respectful of the puppy and its mum, but also that they all get along well. This is a first meeting, so it might not be perfect, but look for signs of aggression and dominance. Give your Springador puppy a nice welcome home by having a comfy dog bed, treats and toys ready! Although it is a hybrid, we can determine a lot of likely characteristics of the resulting cross from the attitudes of the parent breeds. As such, here is what you can expect from your puppy if you buy or adopt one of this mixed breed. Are These Dogs Good for Families? With that said, it is an active breed and can be prone to moments of running around. As such, it may be too boisterous for some small children and will prefer the company of older children that know how to play well. There are usually no problems with regards to aggressiveness, however, and it should not be protective of children if they have friends around. Although this breed is very active and does require plenty of exercise, it will happily shadow its owners around the house, play in the yard, and will curl up in front of the fire or on your lap, of an evening. The Springador is a cross between two hunting dogs and may retain some prey drive. As such, there might be some issues introducing one of this breed to cats, and any smaller animal should not be left unsupervised around any dog. In most cases, though, the Springador will get along with other dogs and can become good friends with cats, especially if they are introduced at a very young age so they have time to get to know one another and bond as a family. Things to Know When Owning a Springador: Friendly, loyal, loving, and playful, the Springador will fit in well with most families and makes a great companion pet for individual owners, too. However, the breed has a strong desire to be around its family at all times and this, combined with its high intelligence and energy levels, means that it can suffer separation anxiety if left alone too long. Separation anxiety is not only distressing for your dog, but it can lead to unwanted and destructive behavior like chewing and destroying items around the house. It can also cause problems with nearby neighbors, so it may not be a suitable breed for families that are all out at work or school every day. Similarly, the high energy levels mean that the Springador usually fares better in a home with a yard or garden, rather than in an apartment. Although a potentially good family companion, it is not the most appropriate breed for all potential owners. Below, we look at some of the other requirements and needs of the breed, so that you can determine whether it is the right choice for you. The Springador is usually smaller than a Labrador but is still considered a large dog. It has a large appetite, and you will need to feed between two and three cups of a good quality kibble each day. Weight problems can be very problematic for dogs, and the Labrador is especially prone to them. They have a seemingly endless appetite that means they will hoover up any food you put in front of them, so be sure to carefully weigh the food you give. You can also feed wet food or canned food, and every food is different, so accurately weigh your dog and then follow the manufacturer guidelines on the volume to feed. If combining both wet and dry food, be careful not to overfeed. You can feed half the recommended dry food and half the recommended wet food. This will give your pet a good mixture of the two foods, ensure that they get all of their nutritional requirements, and provide some variety and excitement in feeding. You also need to take into account any treats that you give your dog. High-value food treats are commonly used in training, especially when teaching new commands and behaviors. Use low-calorie treats and reduce the amount of food you give your dog if you do use food treats. Raw food diets have become increasingly popular because they give owners total control over the ingredients and amounts that are fed. It ensures food is fresh and, if your dog has sensitivities or allergies, it also means that you can create a specialized diet. It does require more work on your part, although you can prepare and properly store the food a few days in advance. The resulting cross is no slouch, is as happy in water as it is on dry land and will benefit from a minimum of one hour of exercise each day. This can include walks and you can take the breed hiking: it will likely outlast you on most treks. It is also very intelligent, so it is beneficial to include some form of mental stimulation to prevent them from getting bored. Consider puppy classes when your dog is young because this will help lay the groundwork for future training at home. It will also allow you to socialize the dog in a positive environment where other owners are in the same boat as you. Springer Spaniels are used as sniffer dogs and tracker dogs, so if you can find some form of exercise or canine sport class that involves scent tracking, then this will fit in well with the breed. Similarly, both parent breeds enjoy time in the water and are highly skilled in their aquatic adventures. Canine sports offer a good opportunity for intense exercise, allow socialization, allow you to train your dog, and they also make a great bonding experience for the two of you. You may need to offer additional warmth in sub-zero temperatures, however, and you should always ensure that any dog has plenty of water and shade when the weather gets really hot. As a mixture of a Labrador and Springer Spaniel, the hybrid breed has medium-length hair that is usually curly and thick. It will need brushing weekly to avoid knots. The breed is a light shedder, although it does shed once or twice a year, depending on the climate. These assist in breaking down tartar and preventing plaque from building up. Poor dental health is a real problem for pet dogs, and only through regular brushing and care can you hope to avoid it. If you do see signs of the following problems, though, you should consult a vet to have checks and scans done. The quicker a problem is diagnosed, the better the outlook. Minor Conditions. Clearly, there is something special about this Springer Lab crossbreed dog. These new hybrid dogs have their fans and their critics. But then again, so do certain purebred dog breeds. For people who love dogs and are seeking a unique dog with a specific set of strengths and attributes, find out if perhaps the Springer Lab is the perfect dog for you! What is a Springador? Setting aside more complex issues of crossbred versus purebred for now, a Springador is the official nickname for the Labrador Springer mix breed dog. This means that all Springadors will have Labrador x Springer characteristics and traits. However, there is no way to predict in advance which of these characteristics and traits from either parent dog might manifest in a given puppy! For some dog lovers, this is a source of great adventure and anticipation. For others, it may be a less desirable aspect of bringing home a Springer Lab puppy. If you are one who needs a dog with a very specific set of attributes, another good option is to adopt a Springador fully grown! Springer Spaniel and Lab history While there have been crossbred dog breeds since the early 21st century and occasionally before — after all, dogs will be dogs sometimes! Since there can be a certain element of the unknown in every litter of hybrid puppies, one of the hands-down best ways to try to figure out what a puppy might grow up to be like is to learn as much as you possibly can about both parent dog breeds. We will start here with a brief overview of the Springer Spaniel and Labrador Retriever breed history. However, with a history that stretches back to A. Since there are two different Springer Spaniel breeds English Springer Spaniel, Welsh Springer Spaniel and 10 total Spaniel breeds, figuring out exactly what Spaniel breed has co-parented your Springador puppy can be very important! Springer Spaniels were bred to be flushing dogs. Their job originally was to jump and bark and flush spring small game birds and furry mammals out of the underbrush to be hunted with hounds, hawks, or guns. These dogs are tireless and very, very good at their jobs! These dogs were originally bred in Newfoundland and called the lesser Newfoundland dog, or alternately, the St. The original St. Originally, Labradors were no surprise here retrievers in the field. They were working dogs who excelled at wading or swimming to retrieve downed water birds and other prey. Their thick, waterproof coat continues forward as evidence of these early beginnings. Today, there are two distinct Labrador Retriever lines , the English show and American pet lines. There are some distinct temperament and appearance differences between the two lines. So here again, it will be important to find out precisely which line the co-parent dog your Springador puppy hails from. Springador origins No one is certain exactly when the hybrid dog breed named the Springador first arose in earnest. Since both Springer Spaniels and Labradors can be, well, determined when they want to make puppies, it is generally agreed that the earliest of these crossbred dogs was likely created purely by accident! But today, the Springador hybrid dog breed is a recognized crossbreed dog — officially in the UK and less officially in the United States. Part of the continuing resistance to the Springador, and to crossbred dogs in general, comes from a perspective in some circles that crossbred dogs dilute purebred dog lines that breeders have worked so hard to build. However, in certain cases, there can be an argument even among dedicated purebred breeders to introduce crossbreeding to strengthen very limited and fragile genetic lines. When done with care and planning, this can sometimes be beneficial for the healthy future of certain purebred dog breeds. While it is unlikely percent of dog lovers, breeders, or club leaders will ever find agreement in the ongoing debate over purebred dogs versus mutts , or mixed breed dogs, today it is at least clear that both are here to stay. Springador size Like all other aspects of a Springador pup, Springador size can take after either parent dog in the Springer Spaniel and Lab mix. So for planning purposes, it can be helpful to look at size extremes — both small and large. In both purebred parent dog breeds, the males tend to be taller and heavier than the females. Springer Spaniel size The Springer Spaniel can weigh anywhere from 40 to 50 pounds in adulthood. In terms of height shoulder to paw pads , the Springer Spaniel is a tall dog, standing between 19 to 20 inches high. Labrador Retriever size The Labrador Retriever can weigh anywhere from 55 to 80 pounds in adulthood. In terms of height, a Lab can stand anywhere from .Springador size A Springador puppy can weigh from 40 to 80 pounds — that is quite a range to plan for! But generally speaking, the majority of Springador pups are likely to fall into the middle weight range: 45 to 65 pounds. Heightwise, a Springador dog may not vary too much from either parent, since both are tall by nature. Springador temperament In most cases, your Springador puppy will be inheriting some lovely temperament genes from each parent dog. These dogs are beloved in the sporting world for their incredible work ethic and intelligence. Springer Spaniels are known to have a strong drive to please their people and an equally strong need to be with people at all times. They are not going to fare well if left alone on a regular basis! They also need lots of activity to stay healthy and happy — this is not a dog breed that will sit happily on the couch for long. Springer Spaniels are not just great hunting dogs, but also make loving family pets. They are known to be good with kids and adults. However, if you have other vulnerable pets in the family, you might want to think twice about choosing a Springador dog, since they are bred to flush and hunt small, quick game prey! So it is no surprise that so many new hybrid dog breeds choose one parent to be a Lab, and of course the Springer x Lab mix is no exception. The Lab is known to be a very friendly family dog with a great enthusiasm for being part of your life in every way. They really love running, playing, and swimming and have a high drive to please their people. Labs are also hunting dogs, so care must be taken when socializing a Lab to accept other vulnerable family pets. However, Labs make excellent family pet dogs and are known to be great with kids. Springador temperament Here, you can see that your Springador puppy is likely to have high energy, a high prey drive, and a high need to be an ongoing part of an active family life. Springadors will not fare well if left to their own devices — they really need to be with people regardless of which parent dog a given puppy takes after most. Springador training As we just learned, both Labrador Retrievers and Springer Spaniels are high energy with a need to please. What does this mean in terms of training? It means there is good news in store for you in most cases! Springador puppies are set to inherit their parents drive, which bodes well for success with daily interactive training sessions! Although the Lab in particular can grow more sedentary in middle to late life. These dogs were born and bred to work tirelessly. Labs in particular depending on the line: English or American can be late to mature. So that adds puppy immaturity to a natural high energy level, curiosity, and intelligence. Both parent dogs enjoy:.

What is the Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles? Guest Contributor .Along with the joy of having a Goldendoodle as part of your family comes the responsibility of providing for their nutritional needs. Like every dog breed, Goldendoodles need a diet of high quality, nutrient-rich food to ensure they grow healthily, live vibrantly and maintain their energetic lifestyle. With the right wet or dry food for dogs , you can help them maintain their well-being and longevity. Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Goldendoodles As an active and intelligent crossbreed that is fairly energetic, Goldendoodles require a balanced diet to support their health and vitality. Understanding their dietary requirements, such as the type of protein they need, the role of carbohydrates in their diet and the importance of essential fatty acids, is the first step towards choosing the right dog food. Additionally, considering the potential health issues common to the breed can guide you toward more targeted nutritional choices. All dogs, including senior canines need a moderate to high amount of protein. To choose the best food for your Goldendoodle, look for options with the following ingredients. These sustainable ingredients can help your dog stay healthy and happy at any stage of life: High-Quality Protein Sources Goldendoodles thrive on high-quality proteins. These can be derived from various sources such as chicken, beef, lamb, fish or plant-based proteins like lentils and peas. Protein should be a priority when considering the best ingredients in dog food , as it supports muscle growth and development. Our dog food products contain ethically sourced protein for your pet. Balanced Carbohydrates for Energy Given their energetic nature, Goldendoodles need a balanced amount of carbohydrates for sustained energy. Opt for dog foods with wholesome carbohydrate sources like sweet potatoes, brown rice and vegetables rather than those with simple sugars and fillers. To keep their skin healthy and their coat shiny, look for foods like Rawmix dog food that include essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega.These products contain ingredients like fish oil, flaxseed and certain animal fats high in omegas. Look for dog foods that include a variety of fruits and vegetables, which are natural sources of these essential nutrients. Your pet can also get these nutrients from bone broth. There are many benefits of bone broth for dogs , including stronger bones and joints and a healthier coat. Avoid Artificial Additives, Fillers and By-Products Choose dog foods free from artificial additives, fillers and by-products to provide your Goldendoodle with the most nutritious meals. These ingredients can be harmful over time and offer little to no nutritional value. Always opt for natural, wholesome ingredients when possible. All our dog food at Open Farm contains natural, sustainable ingredients. We never use artificial fillers or by-products; instead, we help you provide your pet with high-quality proteins, carbohydrates and fats to promote an improved quality of life. How much should I feed my Goldendoodle? To know how much I should feed my dog , consider their age, size, activity level and health. Should I choose grain-free or grain-inclusive dog food? If your dog has grain allergies or sensitivities, stick to a grain-free option. If not, consider dog food with healthy grains, like brown rice or millet, for the best nutrition. Can my Goldendoodle eat freeze dried food? When thinking about is freeze dried food good for dogs , it depends on the quality of the food. If your Goldendoodle is thriving on its current diet, there may be no need to change. However, if you notice signs of food intolerance or your dog seems unenthusiastic about their food, it might be time to try something new. Share this post. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Feeding your puppy meat meal is by no means an inherently bad thing. The owner pouring dog food in a bowl. Acana Regionals Grassland The main ingredients in Acana Regionals Grassland are deboned lamb, deboned duck, eggs, lamb meal, and goat meal. Most dog foods use one type of protein, which is perfectly fine, but your Goldendoodle can benefit from eating multiple types of protein. In that case, I strongly recommend considering Acana Regionals Grassland. When to stop soaking puppy food? This brand is among my highest recommended dog foods because of its well-roundedness. The Pomeranian puppy stands in front of a bowl. Unfortunately, some foods are difficult to digest, and in some cases, that can lead to digestion-related health issues, which no owner wants for their growing Goldendoodle. Also, even though this is for bigger breed puppies, there are multiple kibble sizes, so you can get the best size for your puppy to eat. Golden Retriever puppy eats kibbles. Some people mention how small the size of the kibble bag is, as the largest bag you can get is .However, depending on how much you feed your Goldendoodle a day, this amount of food can go relatively quickly, so you can spend quite a bit of money on buying new bags frequently. Giving a Jack Russell Terrier a dog food. Due to the sheer number of dog foods you can find, deciding on one is difficult because it might not offer your puppy all the things you desire. 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. Not all dog foods are created equal, nor is it a one-size-fits-all situation. Always talk to your vet about the best food choice for your goldendoodle. The protein content in your dog's food should not only be high, it should also be high-quality protein. There are many options available for high quality dog food. Congratulations on your new family member! Your adorable, teddy bear-like bundle of energy and cuddles known as a goldendoodle puppy, who has inherited intelligence , friendliness, and sociability from both of its parent breeds golden retriever and poodle. Obviously, you want a high-quality dog food, so you're probably wondering, "What is the best puppy food? Best Puppy Food for Your Goldendoodle There are a lot of requirements and factors to consider when you're selecting a pet food for your goldendoodle puppy. However, most high-quality puppy foods should be formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of your goldendoodle at any life stage. You should think about: Your puppy's weight and size Your puppy's nutritional needs. It should promote good health and prolong life. When determining what to feed dogs, you should consider their breed, age, size, and activity levels. Since a miniature Goldendoodle is slightly active, it should eat more proteins than grains. We will disclose seventeen of the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles below. Moreover, we will answer frequently asked questions. As a first-time parent to a miniature Goldendoodle, you should read food labels. Check the ingredient list to see if a dog food product can nourish your mini Goldendoodle. The best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles will provide a protein-rich ingredient as the first thing on the label. If the dog food has grains, they should be the lowest quantity on the label. A miniature Goldendoodle has a higher metabolic rate. Hence, dry dog food for Mini Goldendoodles alone is inadequate. Consider buying food with meat additives. It will keep your puppy more energetic and healthier. You will locate the most appropriate item for a puppy or a senior pet in our list of the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles. Also, you will discover the products that most veterinarians prefer and the items that can give you the best value for your money. It contains USDA-approved chicken liver, chicken, and brussels sprouts. Every cup of this fresh food provides up to calories. We picked it as our first choice because the highest ingredient on the list is chicken, a rich protein food. This is the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles as it contains forty-nine percent protein, thirty-seven percent fat, seven-point-five percent moisture, and one percent fiber. They also provide omega-3 fatty acids that could promote brain health. We like this dog food because it has no synthetic additives or preservatives. Above all, dog parents can choose from three other proteins: pork, beef, and turkey. The way you select food for your pet is easy. Wait for the company to send you a list of the best recipes for your dog. Lastly, this is the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles with a subscription plan. Once you choose a subscription, the company will send you dog food consistently. Pros The dog food is hypoallergenic. You can receive a dog-specific recipe. Cons 2. Ollie Fresh Dog Food Here is another choice of fresh dog food for your pet. Ollie produces the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles. This product is subscription only. As its top ingredients are protein-based, Ollie Fresh Dog Food is safe to buy. The protein content in this product consists of beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb. You can make fresh or wet food using beef, lamb, chicken, and turkey recipes. As for dry or baked food, Ollie gives you two recipes with beef or chicken. Its food is nutritious since it has antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries and chia seeds. It also has sweet potatoes, which contain a lot of vitamin A and other nutrients. Ollie Fresh Dog Food provides a quiz to help customers pick the correct pet recipes. Pros Can offer recipes for dry and wet food for Mini Goldendoodle puppy. Ollie uses fresh and natural ingredients. Slow-cooking and freezing retain all nutrients. You can serve your dog almost the same type of food you have at home. Cons Only dog owners from the continental U. S can buy this dog. You can only buy it by subscription. This dog food looks like a messy powder. You can make food recipes with deboned beef and salmon. We love this miniature Goldendoodle food for its high convenience and safety. Unlike other dog food products, we have described, this has no chicken recipe. If your Mini Goldendoodle dislikes chicken flavors, this food type fits it best. You can serve it as an only meal or use it as another meal topper. When going out with your pet, you can bring Merrick Backcountry Raw Meal as a snack. Pros Dog food is easy to serve. Your pet can digest it easily. Ideal for dogs that dislike chicken. It has deboned beef. Some customers dislike freeze-dried food. Storage of unused food can be challenging. This dog food is expensive. Cesar Classic Cesar has the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles. One of its top-selling products is the Cesar Classic. It is a wet option with many flavors. It provides ninety-one to one hundred and five calories. We highly recommend this loaf to any person with a small budget as it is affordable. You can choose beef, fillet mignon, grilled chicken, or porterhouse steak flavors. All flavors are delicious and soft enough for your miniature dog to chew and digest. If you have a senior dog with teeth problems, you might want to get it this meal. Pros This dog food is soft and easy to chew. A high-quality food product without grains. All ingredients are available in the USA. It is an affordable high-protein diet. Cons 5. It is dry dog food with a high protein content of twenty-five percent. Each cup will give your pet up to calories. Fourteen percent fat is a safe concentration for your dog. Other protein sources are soybean meal, sorghum, and dried beans. We would recommend this diet to owners of adult Mini Goldendoodles. The small puppies might not chew this kibble as it is too big for them. In terms of nutrition, this diet contains omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. These omega nutrients can improve coat and brain health. It is among dog foods with healthy levels of protein. An affordable dog food product. This dog food has energetic whole foods. Cons Small dogs might not handle the kibble size. This food is so oily. This dry dog food has fewer calories. If your adult dog needs to cut some weight or maintain a fit body, the Blue Buffalo food can help it. As you can guess, this adult dog food has the highest protein concentration. As a result, it can help your dog build some lean muscles. Pros Blue Buffalo is a low-fat dog food. Contains no fillers, additives, or by-products of grains, poultry, or dog meal. Ideal for weight loss and maintenance. This food is high in protein. Cons Some dogs disliked this product. It may not fit dogs with sensitive guts. Nutro gives you two flavor choices: brown rice and chicken. The dry kibble provides up to calories per cup. Protein content makes up twenty-eight percent of this dog meal. This product is a balanced diet for your puppy because it has nutrients for promoting body and brain development. Your Mini Goldendoodle will have strong bones, healthy skin, and a glossy coat. Instead, the Nutro Nature Choice diet has kale, spinach, bran, brown rice, pumpkin, and rice bran. All these are healthy foods. Pros A high-quality non-GMO dog food. Boasts high protein levels. An exclusive kibble for puppies. Cons The brand is hard to locate in stores. Slightly expensive for some puppy lovers. One dog food product that could give you exactly that is Sold Gold Wee Bit. It has whole foods like brown rice, pearled barley, and real bison. It is a holistic dog food without any potatoes. The ingredients label shows that this dog meal has a balanced amount of protein, fat, and fiber. Consult about the suitability of this as the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles with sensitive stomach. A high-fiber diet can prevent constipation and can also cause an upset stomach. Pros A nutritious dog food item with adequate nutrients. Sold Gold dog food has an ideal bite size for miniature pets. This is a high fiber diet. Cons 9. This dog food is fit for miniature Goldendoodle puppies as it has more protein. Its four recipes include water buffalo, lamb, egg product, and sweet potatoes. The fat content is seventeen percent. You can purchase bags weighing five, fourteen, or twenty-eight pounds. The protein content comes from water buffalo, venison, and bison. The Taste of the Wild has also added fruits and vegetables like blueberries, raspberries, and peas to this product. These are high in antioxidants. Your little pet can also get adequate omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from this dog food for Mini Goldendoodles. We have not found another dog food with probiotics and prebiotics. Hence, this puppy food can help dogs with stomach problems. Pros An adequate level of proteins. Has fruits and vegetables for healthier skin. Antioxidants reduce inflammation in the body. The product has nutrients that improve gut health. It has zero artificial fillers, additives, or preservatives. Cons Some puppies might excrete loose stools. Costly dog food. Solution Sensitivities. This is dry dog food with a salmon flavor. Each cup of this dog food provides calories. The fat and fiber portions are twelve and four-point-five percent respectively. This kibble has ten percent moisture content. Solutions Sensitivities is an affordable dog food for Mini Goldendoodles with sensitive bellies. Its nutrients are easy to digest. The product has no allergens or unsafe artificial additives. Instead, it contains a high-fiber food called chicory root plus coconut oil, chickpeas, and peas. Due to salmon, this best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles from Go! Solutions have high omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Hence, it will give your pet a healthy coat and skin. Pros Go! Solutions Sensitivities Dog Food has salmon protein. Dogs can digest nutrients fast. This dog food has no synthetic chemicals. You can buy it for puppies with digestive difficulties. Ideal for underweight puppies. This is a high-calorie diet unsuitable for obese dogs. Healthy puppies could get overweight. We have picked it as the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles because of this simple fact. Adult dogs weighing nine to twenty-two pounds can eat this high-quality dog food. Another good thing about this best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles is that it can potentially boost brain development. However, we dislike that this dog food provides low protein content and more grains. Pros Appropriate kibble size for small pets. Can give your pet more energy. It can boost skin and brain health. Cons .Protein comes from pork meat, chicken fat, and beef. Victor Classic Hi-Pro is also a grain-based dog diet without gluten. Eighty-eight percent of that protein comes from meat. This dog food can boost immunity through nutrients like selenium and omega fatty acids. Again, the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles by Victor Classic can assist dogs with poor gut health via healthy prebiotics and probiotics. Pros Contains nutrients fit for the immune system. This dog food can boost gut health. Dogs in all life stages can eat Victor Classic Hi-Pro dog food. It has a super high level of protein. Cons It might make some pets have an upset stomach. Some dogs dislike the flavor. The dry kibble has up to thirty-four percent protein, the highest we have seen. One cup of kibble contains calories, making this a high-energy diet. The fat content is half the amount of protein, fiber is three-point-five percent, and moisture is ten percent. If your miniature Goldendoodle loves non-stop play, it can replenish its energy levels with the Crave High Protein Dry Food. As this dog food formula has no grains, it will work for dogs that dislike cereals. Additionally, dogs that require nourishment from grains might not benefit from this item. It contains a high amount of protein. Provides a healthy level of fat content. Cons Can cause obesity in dormant pets. This dog food has no grains. Hence, it could be a perfect choice for an obese miniature Goldendoodle. Offering up to forty-six percent protein from rabbit meat and thirty-two percent fats, this dog food is super healthy. Additional nutrients are five percent fiber and an equal amount of moisture. Finding a high-quality raw dog food product like this is difficult. Thus, you are lucky to read this article on the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles today. It also contains organ meat, bone, fruits, and vegetables. Offering up to 50,, CFU live prebiotics, this raw dog food can boost gut health. Pros Raw rabbit is not an allergen. This dog food has live prebiotics. You can serve raw rabbit food as the main meal or as a topper. High protein dog food. Stella and Chewy is expensive dog food. Some dogs might dislike the food texture. It is in the form of delicious treats for your small dog. Including four different flavors, these treats offer flexibility when selecting the most appropriate taste for your pet. We made this product among the best choices because it is high in protein. It also has other pure ingredients. You can serve it to your pet as it has no gluten or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This dog food is in the form of jerky sticks. Pros This dog food is high in protein from venison and beef. Treats have no grains as the main ingredient. The only flavor of this dry kibble is chicken. If your senior dog loves chicken meat, the Iams Proactive Dog Food could be ideal for it. It has calories per cup and is up to twenty-four percent protein. This dog food has a lower fat content of .It is the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles who seven years are and above. Pros A recipe with nutritious free-range chicken meat. Chicken fat can enhance skin health. Ideal for older dogs. This kibble can cause bloating. Some small dogs might not like this kibble size. However, it might only work best for you if you have another high-protein dog meal. However, its fat content of 1. For healthy miniature Goldendoodles, this food alone might not provide adequate protein. Pros Perfect for dogs with indigestion symptoms. Proteins that take a short time to digest. Cons A prescription is a must to get this Mini Goldendoodle puppy food. An expensive food product. FAQs 1. The best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles puppies is the one you will select from our long list. Mini Goldendoodles do not necessarily need a grain-free diet. The best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles should have a low number of whole grains for fiber, antioxidants, etc. Ensure a product that has grains also has protein as the highest ingredient. Grains should be gluten-free to prevent stomach issues. Choosing the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles is not enough. You should feed the dog adequate food for its body size and weight. Older dogs should eat four to five cups twice a day. After finding thebest dog food for Mini Goldendoodles, feed your puppy according to its age. Small dogs should eat more often but in small portions. Larger dogs should eat big portions twice daily. We highly recommend Iams Proactive food for Mini Goldendoodles puppy. This dog food is a specific product for senior dogs. Related Posts. Here, is what you need to know about the best dog food to feed your Goldendoodle. Here in this blog, we have covered all the information about the best food for Goldendoodles. What are the nutritional needs of your Goldendoodle dog? According to pet nutrition experts, dogs are different from true carnivores like cats. It means they are meat-eaters primarily but they can also survive on plants. An appropriate diet for a dog is a meal with a high concentration of protein with moderate fat content and limited carbohydrates. Protein is the main component for puppies to grow and develop properly. For adult dogs, it helps in building muscles and healthy body weight. Fat provides a good source of energy for your dog. The best dog food for your Goldendoodle must contain as much protein and essential nutrients. List of the best food for Goldendoodle Goldendoodle deserves the best and healthy diet for proper and healthy growth. Here are some of the best options to feed your Goldendoodle. It consists of chicken as the main ingredient with real fruits and veggies in a meaty broth. Merrick Limited Diet Its major ingredients are chicken and brown rice and are free from soy, dairy, artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. Taste Of The Wild Ancient Prairie This dog food is a roasted bison and roasted venison recipe made with ancient whole grains. It consists of ingredients like ancient grains which are higher in fiber. This food consists of proteins like chicken, lamb, and salmon for a boost of nutrition. American Journey This dog food consists of large-breed salmon, menhaden fish, and brown rice as a source of carbohydrates protein to provide a high protein diet to your Goldendoodle. Nulo Senior Grain-Free Recipe Dry Food High nutritious food including glucosamine and chondroitin to give joint support this Goldendoodle food is the best-categorized food for your dog. This trout and sweet potato recipe provides a complete and healthy balanced meal for your senior Goldendoodle. Nom Fresh Dog Food This dog food acquired the first rank in best dog food for Goldendoodles according to scientific research. It is a cleaner and healthier food which makes your dog hungry to eat this because of its great look and taste. Purina Pro Plan The food consists of a good amount of fiber to give a healthy and strong immune to your Goldendoodle. Also, it holds the second position among the best dog foods. American Journey Puppy The best and idle food for puppies of Goldendoodles. It consists of tons of crude proteins, and plenty of omega 3s, and is a good source of protein. Here we provide some information about dry, wet, and raw dog food so that you can understand the difference and pick up the best type for your Goldendoodle. Dry Dog Food Dry dog food is the most popular and preferred choice among dog food varieties. They consist of tons of nutrients and a very good taste due to a freeze-dried coating. Wet Dog Food The next option dog owners go for is wet dog food. It consists of dog food with added perks that your dog loves to eat. Raw Dog Food Now, it comes to the last option, raw dog food. It is approximately equivalent to human food and thus it provides the highest quality. Also, it is the favorite and the first choice of picky eaters. All the best foods illustrated here have a more than sufficient amount of protein. Foods made for senior dogs will not be suitable for puppies. The exception to this is when the label clearly states that the food is suitable for all life stages. Goldendoodles come in three sizes, depending on the size of the Poodle parent. Mini Goldendoodles are 15—30 pounds as adults. Medium Goldendoodles are 30—45 pounds as adults. Standard Goldendoodles can reach 45— pounds when fully grown. The type of Goldendoodle that you have will determine what type of food you need. That said, many of the foods on this list support healthy digestion and are gentle on sensitive stomachs. If your pup is sensitive or prone to food allergies , choose foods with the fewest ingredients possible and a novel protein source such as duck. Picky Eaters Most dogs love to eat anything and everything, but some can be picky eaters. If you notice that your Goldendoodle puppy is not eating with enthusiasm, they may prefer a different flavor. Lamb, bison, fish, turkey, and chicken are used as protein sources in many dog foods, and your puppy may just want to try something different. If your puppy is not regularly eating no matter which foods you try, talk to your vet to rule out any potential health problems that could be the cause. Growth Rate Goldendoodle puppies grow quickly. Since they grow and change so rapidly, high-protein food is best for them. A balanced diet filled with vitamins, minerals, healthy carbs, and protein will give your puppy the energy that they need to stay active and happy while growing. Dog foods should contain one to three main protein sources and be the first ingredients on the label. The protein content should always be higher than the fat content of the food. Fiber Fiber helps promote healthy digestion. In dog food, this is usually provided with fruits and vegetables. Rice and oats are also added for fiber. Fat Fat provides energy. Healthy sources of fat in dog food are flaxseed, canola oil, and omega fatty acids. Vitamins and Minerals Dog food with a balance of vitamins and minerals will keep your puppy healthy as they grow. If you notice that your puppy is having diarrhea, scratching themselves incessantly, chewing their paws, or vomiting, they may have an intolerance to something in their food. This could be an allergy or sensitivity, but switching foods may help. Try a different brand with a different protein source to see if the issue clears up. If your puppy is still showing signs of illness without an explanation, speak to your vet about possible food allergies. Then, different foods will gradually be reintroduced to try to identify what is making them sick. This food is ideal for dogs of all life stages and is minimally processed and gentle on puppies with sensitive stomachs. The nutritional value makes it ideal for promoting healthy growth in puppies. This food is high in protein and helps puppies stay energized and active. We hope that our reviews have helped you find the best food for your Goldendoodle puppy. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement.

For the complete list please see our Listings of Breeders page. The price of a Boxer puppy varies depending on the breeder and where you are located. Boxer puppies usually go fast because this is such a popular breed of dog, so make sure you act quickly once you find one that interests you. The price of Boxer puppies in Virginia might vary because of where you live and the reputation of the breeder. There are certain things you should consider when looking for a breeder like their location, reputation, and costs. The best way to research your breeder is by asking around for recommendations from other pet owners in the area. Word of mouth is often the most effective way to find a good breeder. Make sure you ask about costs and any guarantees or warranties that they offer. Visit Your Virginia Boxer Breeder in Person Whether you physically searched for a Boxer puppy in Virginia or found a breeder online, once you find one that interests you, the most important thing to do is visit them in person. It will also let you see their facilities first hand which can give you a better idea of what your puppy will be like. If possible, ask if they can let your future pup run around with other young boxers while you wait. This dog-to-dog interaction will help socialize him and make sure he grows up healthy and happy. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your Boxer Breeder in Virginia If you feel comfortable with your boxer breeder in Virginia, ask to see references from other people who have purchased their puppies. If they are reluctant to give you any names or contact details of other customers, this might be a sign that there is something fishy going on. If previous customers had any issues with the company or their puppies, you should probably find another breeder. These people could also give you lots of helpful advice about your specific dog and what kind of personality he might have based on his parents and genetics. Meeting past customers will also give you the chance to ask them questions about their experience with your breeder. If they had any problems, this is your chance to find out all about it. Remember, even one bad review should be enough for you to walk away from a breeder. Even if your Virginia Boxer Breeder has nothing to hide, they should still have a good veterinarian that they use regularly. The best way for you to find out is to ask them what type of veterinary care their dogs receive and who your puppy will be seeing. The general rule of thumb is that the longer the warranty period, the better the policy will be for you and your pet. The minimum amount of time usually given by breeders is 1 year but reputable breeders like those listed here at PuppySpot offer 2 to 3 years. Some lifetime warranties against certain genetic diseases. First of all, if the prices seem too good to be true…they probably are. Often times they just want your cash without caring about whether or not their breeding practices result in healthy, happy pets which could lead to expensive health problems down the road. Unethical breeders will also try to make you feel like they are doing you a favor by selling you their puppies, but this is just another tactic used to put pressure on the consumer. Finally, if the breeder says that only cash is accepted as payment…move on. Any refusal of credit cards should be an immediate red flag. Most reputable breeders will be honest with you and tell you if there are any issues or history of disease in either the parents or other relatives. The truth is that no one is perfect and every dog has some sort of health concern or another. Reputable breeders will know about these issues before they sell their puppies to you which means they will provide documentation for proof. How to Prepare Your Home for Your Boxer Puppy Before you actually bring your new boxer home, the first thing that you should do is make sure to set up a safe and comfortable area for them. First of all, you will need to find a way to confine your boxer while you are away at work or school. The good news is that there are many different options available for everyone whether they live in an apartment or have acres of land. You also want to make sure that the bathroom has been properly puppy-proofed before your boxer comes home. This will typically involve covering up anything sharp, electrical or poisonous items that could pose a problem for your new pet. Finally, if you have any valuable items on hand such as a TV or laptop, make sure to put them out of reach. In addition, whenever you bring them back inside from playing around in the backyard make sure to immediately put them on a leash so that you can quickly grab them if they need to go to the bathroom. Once again, this will be a lot easier if you have a fenced-in area for outdoor playtime but it can still be accomplished using an electronic fence if necessary. Boxers are incredibly intelligent dogs which means that most of them pick up on things very quickly. In fact, many boxer puppies learn how to properly eliminate outside all on their own within just a few days of being home with you. If they have any accidents inside, never scold them because this will only lead to confusion and mistrust. Instead, always use positive reinforcement by either praising them when they do something good or by giving them a treat whenever they go potty out in the yard. Continue doing this until they understand that going outside is the only acceptable place to have a bowel movement. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Contact Boxer The well-conditioned middleweight athlete of dogdom, the Boxer is a powerful dog with an intelligent and alert expression. While they are instinctive guardians, the Boxer loves to be with his people. This personality has allowed them to succeed as couriers during wartime and as seeing-eye dogs for the blind. Appearing in both fawn and brindle colors, the Boxer currently ranks as one of the most popular dogs in the United States according to AKC Registration Statistics. History Developed in Germany in the 19th century, Boxers were originally used for dog fighting and to run down and hold large game such as wild boar and bison until the hunter could arrive. The breed is known for standing up on its hind legs and batting at its opponent, appearing to box with its front paws. Imported to America after World War I, they began to grow in popularity in the late s. Temperament One of the breed's most notable characteristics is its desire for human affection, especially from children. The Boxer requires little grooming, but needs daily exercise. The Boxer gets along great with children, often protecting them from outside threats. They are also very intelligent, therefore easy to train and housebreak. Working Group; AKC recognized in .Ranging in size from 21 inches to 25 inches tall at the shoulder. Large game hunter, guard and companion dog.

I have a 4 month old puppy called Charlie. He is lovely. Seems very healthy and bright and approaches everything in life with great enthusiasm. I have had a black Labrador before, many, many years ago, when I was a kid — and my mum did all the work and worrying. That Labrador was from a big farm in North Yorkshire and I guess he was from "working lines". I feed Charlie on Royal Canin kibble which is what the breeder used and he gets loads and loads of treats — at puppy class clicker training, for walking without pulling, for peeing and pooing outside. Should it be about the same weight chicken for kibble? At 4 months, Charlie is the same weight 17kg now as the girl puppy that the breeder kept for herself. The breeder says that based on his mum and dad, she would guess Charlie will end up weighing, when he is grown, about 35kg. The vet says he is not too fat and is fine, and the vet nurse says the same. Is there anything else I can do to check that he is not overweight? Many thanks for reading what is probably too much information, and thank you in advance for any comments you are kind enough to give. JulieT I have tried to attach a picture… the one on the sofa shows the "puppy fat" along his back and his big tummy. Helping your dog to lose weight. Is My Labrador Fat? The best way to tell is by eye and touch. Have a look at your dog and compare him with the picture below of a healthy Labrador. Look at your dog from the side. Does his belly slope upwards towards his groin, or is it a level line from his front legs to his back, or even worse is it sagging down between his legs? Your Labrador should have an upward sloping line from the base of his chest, towards his back legs. Now look at the dog from above. You should be able to! Your dog should not be the same width all the way down his body. Look at your dog from the side again. Can you see any ribs? Run you hands along his rib cages firmly. Can you feel his ribs? If you can see ribs when he is standing still he is too thin. If you cannot feel his ribs at all with your hands he is too fat! As we have seen above, the best way to tell if you have a fat Labrador is by looking and feeling. The trouble with providing you with a number is that it can give a false impression. Depending upon whether your Lab is field or bench bred, short or tall, chunky or slight, male or female, will all make a big difference to their ideal weight for the individual. The average adult Labrador will weigh anywhere between 55 to 80 lbs! Male Labs usually being around 5 to 10 lbs heavier than their female counterparts. If you are still unsure whether your Lab is the right weight for his or her build having given her a thorough check yourself as described above, then the best thing to do is to pop down to your local veterinarian. They will be happy to let you know how much your individual Labrador should weigh. Why Is My Labrador Fat? So how did your slim little puppy end up as a fat adult Labrador? There are three common assumptions that people make when considering how their dogs came to be overweight. Does the dog need more exercise? Has he got some kind of medical problem? Or am I just feeding him too much at mealtimes or giving too many snacks? In general if your dog is overweight the real reason is simply that he has eaten too much. Or rather, been allowed to eat too much. Does my dog need more exercise? He may well need more exercise, but that is not why he is fat. He is overweight because when you take into account the amount he exercises along with a number of other factors, he has eaten too much. The exercise needs of your dog are an important but separate issue, which we look at in other articles. The important thing to remember is this: The less exercise you give the dog, the less you must feed him. Once put on, weight is hard to shift and it will simply go up and up over time. Medical causes of canine obesity Although most dogs who are overweight have simply had a few too many bites to eat, there are some medical causes for obesity which do crop up from time to time. Canine medical conditions that can affect your Labs weight include hypothyroidism, insulinoma and hyperadrenocorticism. If a medical condition is the reason then the weight gain will normally be sudden and unexpected. If you are concerned by sudden weight gain in your Lab when you have not been giving him more food, then a checkup at the vets is definitely in order. You may also find that your dog puts on weight after having been neutered. If this is the case you will need to adjust your feeding habits accordingly. However, for most dogs weight gain is a simple result of over feeding. My Labrador is always hungry People are often concerned because they worry that their dog is still hungry after eating his dinner. Here is an important truth: Most Labradors are always hungry. You cannot win this battle. These are greedy dogs and your Labrador will always want more food than you give him. No matter how much that may be. If your Labrador is overweight he really needs to eat less and he will get used to his new regime quite quickly. Are Fat Labs Less Healthy? If you have looked at your Labrador and decided he is overweight, you might be wondered whether that actually matters. Is it really worth the effort of ignoring those puppy dog eyes and whines for extra food? Slim dogs are healthier Being overweight predisposes you to an awful lot of unpleasant health problems. This is true regardless of whether you are a human or a dog. Carrying extra pounds can also make existing problems your dog may have worse. For example joint problems like arthritis and hip dysplasia can be exacerbated by having more weight to lug around. As well as joints and bones suffering from obesity related issues, increased body fat can also make your dog more likely to have problems with their organs including those needed for breathing and digestion. Just a bit of extra fat can have a host of unwanted consequences. Being a fat Lab puppy can potentially make your dog more likely to suffer from joint problems later in life. Slim dogs live longer Not only will a slim dog have a better level of fitness and a lower likelihood of becoming unwell, they will in all probability live longer too. Those Labs on the large food ration had a median lifespan of over 11 years old. Those on the smaller food ration lived to be over 13 years old. When you look at the difference which can be made in these terms, by helping your Lab to stay slim you could be giving him an incredible two more years with you! If he gets a lot of household scraps these may have to go too. If you use food as rewards in dog training, this should be deducted from his daily food allowance. It could also help to find healthier alternatives to your usual training treats. Bear in mind that if your dog is unwell, old or very young , it is sensible to consult your vet before tampering with his diet. It is also a good idea to have a chat with them beforehand if your dog is very overweight and has a lot to lose. Take a photo of him from above and from the side before you start. At the end of the three to four days, check the dog over as described above and ask yourself if he is still fat. If you think he has improved a little but needs to slim down a bit further, keep going for another three to four days then review the situation. Compare the photo you took a week ago and you should see some improvement. You may need to increase his food slightly in order to maintain his new slim figure and ensure he does not get thin. If the dog is not losing weight after a couple of weeks on two-thirds of his previous food allowance, you may need to cut his food down even further. Chicken coop and compost scrap bucket — bonus! Food throwing toddlers— double bonus for a fat labrador! And of course so too have we! Dog friendly — tick can you be too friendly? Chicken friendly— still deciding whether our pet chooks are food or friends! Good health — all appears good other than his obesity! We are off to a great start! The Fat Labrador Diet Begins! September 29th First things first- a fat labrador weight check. Today is the day……. So off to the veterinary clinic we traipse, in search of some specially designed dog scales. Once at the clinic and with a little encouragement, Maxo ambles onto the scales. We watch on with bated breath as the digital display escalates and finally settles on the magic number of 45… A reading of 45 kg or 99 pounds! It is official- this fat Labrador is so overweight he falls into the clinically obese category!! Maxo is not a particularly big framed lab. He stands at 57 cm at the shoulder which is similar to the height of the average female Labrador retriever. Based on his height we calculate his ideal dog weight to be in the range of kgs lbs. These calculations are engrossing, right? So much so, that I am oblivious to the fact that my 3 year old son has located a basket of pig ear chews. Lincoln has proceeded to run around the vet waiting room holding two chews to the sides of his head, pretending to be a pig! He has been drooling and watching intently and spies his opportunity as my son drops an ear to the floor. My arm is wrenched by the leash, as Maxo excitedly pounces upon the ear. With an excited snort and spittle flying, Maxo devours the pig ear in 4 seconds flat. Having just devoured unplanned calories in under 4 seconds! There's no mistaking, the fat Labrador weight challenge has definitely begun. I'll have to up my game with this lab! Maxo has taken to his new home, new diet and new activity plan like a duck to water! At his recent weigh-in Maxo had lost a total of 3. Averaging grams per week 2. So how have we achieved these Labrador weight loss results? Well the same applies for dogs. This involved a general health check and a blood profile. Excess dog weight also predisposes to conditions such as heart disease, joint disease and diabetes. Veterinary checks for conditions such as these will enable any underlying conditions to be effectively managed so that optimal weight can be achieved. Fortunately for us, Maxo receives a clean bill of health on his blood test results! Dog weight gain comes down to a simple equation; if calorie intake is greater than calorie output, weight is gained. This equation had obviously been in action for quite while with out fat labrador. So to limit Maxo's calorie intake, a calorie-restricted obesity management food was selected. Specialized diet food for dogs should be low in fat and calories, high in protein to help dogs to feel full longer and maintain muscle mass. This food must be portioned to meet the daily calorie needs and allowance for your dog's healthy weight. Due to our busy lifestyle our personal preference is to feed dry dog food or kibble. From a practical point of view I find that dry food is less messy, easier to measure and easier to store. Learn more about dog diet food here. And treats you ask? You may think this is a little harsh but I beg to differ. The fast fix of a treat is soon forgotten whereas engaged play and our attention has a longer lasting positive experience. With our fat Labrador arriving to a clean slate; a household where there are no pre-set treat feeding habits. If your dog depends on treats, there are several tactics you can employ to reduce the number of treats you feed. Learn how to avoid pleading looks from your overweight labrador. Step 3: Restricted exercise levels suitable for a fat Labrador Why restricted you ask? Well in addition to lacking stamina, overweight and obese dogs are prone to joint injuries and heat stress when exercising. Being a fat Labrador, Maxo is especially prone to heat stress and he tires very quickly. Because of our hot climate, we walk Maxo early in the morning and late in the evening and try to incorporate a cooling dip in the local creek whenever we get the chance. Heaven for an overweight Labrador living in a hot climate! Currently Maxo averages 2 x 20 minute sessions of lead walking or swimming per day. As his fitness improves and his weight drops these sessions will gradually increase in time and intensity. See more about exercising overweight dogs. So there you have it.Maxo is losing weight due to a lifestyle makeover! And the funny thing is, we are also reaping the rewards. I had forgotten just how good it feels to end the day taking your dog for a walk. Water play and swimming are ideal past times for a fat labrador! Maxo has passed the halfway mark in his Labrador weight loss journey! Well done Maxo! He has now lost 8. And what a difference this has has made! Gone is our lethargic bear of a Labrador and in his place is an alert, active and shapelier version! Maxo is a very willing participant. Swimming is a regular favorite, as are off-leash romps with his friends down at the local creek. Sure, we still get the doe eyed and pleading puppy eye looks whenever there is food around and yes we do need to keep an eye out for his opportunist food seeking behavior especially around the kids! But this is just part and parcel of having a Labrador in the family. And it is up to us as his owners to stand firm and do our best for him by not giving in! It turns out that a good old belly rub and a bit of fuss is ten times more rewarding than being fed a treat anyway! And seeing just how far Maxo has come further motivates us in helping him lose his final 7 kilos to attain his target weight of 30 kg. Maxo tries not to look too smug about his fat labrador weight loss achievement! And with his move to the tropics our fat Labrador has discovered that there is a very tasty pay-off to the heat and humidity of this time of year… the mango season! All that was required for this discovery was an afternoon amble with one of his canine companions where Maxo observed his friend sniff out and devour a fallen mango. Up until this point Maxo had paid no attention to mangoes at all, but now armed with this tacit piece of doggy knowledge, Maxo has realized his own backyard bounty of mangoes on offer. But as it turned out, we were not imagining things! Showing off the fruits of his labor, Maxo would carry his mangoes to us and quickly devour them skin and all leaving behind a well denuded seed. I mean, how fattening can the occasional mango be? Well it turns out, if you eat enough of them they can be very fattening indeed- especially for a fat Labrador trying to lose weight! Nought, zilch, not one single gram!! Each mango alone can weigh up to grams. So in effect each mango eaten by our Labrador equated to about kcal consumed. Which meant Maxo was more than doubling his daily calorie consumption through fruit alone! So remember, everything that passes our dogs lips, contributes to their daily calorie tally. Maxo has done so well with his fat Labrador weight loss program and is now honing in towards his target weight. But there may be trouble on the horizon as I have recently spied some ripening passion fruit and banana in the garden and wonder how long it will be before Maxo is ready to develop his tropical fruit palate further! Despite his mango setback, Maxo makes great progress in his fat labrador transformation. February 23rd No longer an overweight labrador. Maxo has officially done it! He has achieved his healthy target weight!! We can confidently say our fat Labrador has successfully morphed into a fit Labrador! Weighing in at .Maxo can run, jump, swim and play- with energy to spare! No longer satisfied with tagging along behind his doggy friends, Maxo keeps up with the best of them and can now outrun many! Who would have thought? Instead of lardy, he is lean! Instead of fatigued, he is fit! And instead of tubby, he is terrific! Maxo has completely transformed! So much so that visitors often think he is a different dog! Having lost .His energy levels have sky rocketed and finally he is living a life befitting of a three year old Labrador! A healthy life full of energy and play. Go Maxo! From fat labrador to fit labrador. Maxo is loving his new lease on life. Want to achieve fantastic weight loss results for your overweight Labrador? Almost two-thirds of dogs in developed countries are overweight, with Labradors having the highest rate of canine obesity. Now we know the secret to their insatiable appetite: mutations in a gene that has been linked to hunger in humans. They found that 23 per cent of the dogs carried at least one copy of a mutant form of a gene called POMC, which encodes proteins that help switch off hunger after a meal. For each copy of the mutant gene, a dog was on average 1. Babies with compromised POMC function are constantly hungry, and become obese at a very early age. The latest study shows that POMC in Labradors is more similar to ours, meaning these dogs may help us to better understand the importance of this gene in human weight gain. The team found that the mutant form is particularly common in Labradors that have been bred as assistance dogs, for example to guide people with sight problems. Because food is often used as a reward during training, we may have been inadvertently selecting and breeding Labradors that have this gene variant, which makes them especially interested in food.

Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Massachusetts Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Massachusetts? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Massachusetts? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Questions about Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Massachusetts? We have answers. Give me an overview of Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Massachusetts. Golden Retriever puppies in MA vary in price from breeder to breeder because prices are based on different factors, including breeder experience and coat color. For example, Golden Retriever puppies with white, red and cream coat color may be priced differently. If you are looking for Golden Retriever in Boston, our MatchMaker process allows us to connect you with MA Golden Retriever breeders and puppies taking into account multiple factors, including your budget. What if there are no Golden Retriever breeders in MA with current litters? Can you still help me find the perfect puppy? Breeders in our network who offer Golden Retriever puppies for sale in MA are able to arrange travel for puppies to any major airport all 48 states in the Continental US. But our network is huge, and you might live not far from one of our Golden Retriever breeders in MA — so you are welcome to pick your puppy in person if that suits you better! How do you screen breeders? We strictly vet prospective breeders, taking into account their skills, animal health and care, facilities, legal requirements and more. Find out more about our requirements at our Breeder Pledge page. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places? You can go to shelter to find Golden Retriever rescue puppies in MA but if you want to ensure that your puppy has no health or behavioral problem, you need to find a responsible breeder who loves dogs as you do. Uptown Puppies brings together the best breeders businesses in one place and helps you connect with them. What is a puppy mill? Puppy mills are dog breeding farms where dogs live in cruel conditions spending all their lives in hour confinement to cages and receive no veterinary care. Female dogs are bred every heat cycle and are usually killed when they can no longer produce. Puppies born on puppy mills often develop serious health or behavioral issues that result in expensive veterinary bills for their owners. Are there any Golden Retriever puppies for sale MA? What is the MatchMaker process? Our effective MatchMaker system was designed to make it fun and easy for dog lovers to find happy healthy puppies. We use our system to figure out exactly what kind of dog you are after, taking into account the information about your preferences concerning breed, gender, temperament, and more. We help you find the perfect dog for your lifestyle. How do I know I can trust you? Great families like yours deserve a chance to meet a happy and healthy puppy. We strive to build a lasting relationship between us and your family and will do our best to connect you with the perfect puppy for your lifestyle. Read some of our reviews and discover that we are in the business of creating families!

Rescuing a German shepherd is very rewarding. However, they are also very sensitive to change and may be stressed or traumatized by their recent experiences. Since they are so devoted to their people, it may take them some time to adjust to a new family after losing the only home they once knew. However, once settled into their new home, they will develop beautiful bonds with their new family. German shepherds need time to transition from the shelter to their new forever home. But once they do, they will soon get into the groove of a new routine as they get to know and trust their new family. Transitioning a German Shepherd into Your Home One of the most important things to know is that there will be a transition period. The dog you take home will need help to become a comfortable, happy, trusting dog again. This transition time is a period of decompression. Dogs leaving the shelter need time to decompress from the stress. Some may have even been neglected or abused and need extra time to recover. By providing a safe, quiet home, and a regular routine, you can help the dog transition. This transition time can take two weeks or longer, depending on the dog. Understanding that dogs need this time to adjust, helps new owners set their expectations. How to Prepare for your Rescue Preparing your home ahead of time will allow you more time to spend with the dog and also make it easier to establish a routine from the get go. Dog proof your home as you would for a new puppy. Buy some of their current food, if possible. In not, a sensitive stomach food can help the transition. Schedule a vet visit and if the dog takes medication or supplements, make sure you have it on hand. Buy collars, leash, harness, durable chew toys, dog bed, dishes, and high value training treats. Decide where you will feed the new dog, preferably a quiet place away from other pets, at least initially. Provide them with their own fresh water inside and outdoors. Provide a large dog crate to give the dog their own space and also contain the dog while you learn how they behave indoors. Decide where the dog will sleep. When the dog arrives: Set the dog up for success by establishing trust and boundaries as soon as the dog arrives. Go for a walk around the neighborhood to help the dog burn off excess energy and relax some shelter dogs are locked up for long periods and the dog may be super excited. This will also be your initial bonding time. Big praise if they do go-your first training session together. Initially keep the dog leashed indoors helps the dog to continue to feel safe and is an extension of the trust that started being built on your neighborhood walk until you see how they act. The leash helps them feel secure while you set the pace for their first exploration in your home. It will also help you identify any triggers or fears to household objects that they might have. Begin to potty train by leading the leashed dog to where you want it to relieve itself. When it does, give lots of praise and treats. Even if its housetrained, expect some accidents. Begin simple, low pressure training when the dog arrives such as waiting for meals to be set on the floor or having the dog sit before going outside. While the family is seated, allow the leashed dog to approach and greet people rather than people approaching the dog. The dog may be excited to see someone they met previously at the shelter and gravitate toward people more familiar. Allow the dog plenty of time to sniff everyone and go from person to person. When the dog is comfortable and relaxed, family members can begin petting the dog under the chin since over the head pets and reaches can startle under socialized dogs. When to Unleash the Dog Once the dog has been shown the home and potty area and has met and is comfortable with everyone in the family, try dropping the leash to allow the dog to explore. If the dog has fear or triggers, try to remove the triggers until the dog gets more comfortable and confident. Once you and the dog are comfortable with the pup walking around the house with people coming and going, the leash can come off. You may want to leave it on if still being used to potty training, especially puppies. Feeding Tips: Give the dog a quiet place to eat away from people and other pets. Gradually test how the dog tolerates people approaching during mealtimes. Reserve some food back to handfeed as treats. To prevent resource guarding after you are comfortable with the dog, hand feed from the dog bowl so they get used to you handling their food. Introducing the Dog to Other Pets: If possible, have the dog and cat tested. Some shelters or rescues will help introduce dogs at neutral locations so get help if you need it. When introducing new dogs, get someone to help walk them separately at a neutral location. Once you see the dogs are comfortable within eye sight of each other, walk them closer together. If the dogs seem unreactive walking past each other, walk them together. Once they can be walked together, initially keep them separate at home. Slowly while leashed, allow them to meet indoors and outdoors or with one behind a fence. Use caution when bringing a German shepherd into a home with cats that may run and trigger prey drive. Since crates can be comforting to anxious dogs, rescued dogs often enjoy them especially when there is a comfy bed and chew toy inside. Leaving the crate door open during the day so the dog can come and go helps provide the dog with a sense of security. When to Start Playing with the New Dog Wait a couple weeks before introducing balls and other exciting toys to prevent the dog from getting overly stimulated or becoming possessive during the decompression period. The goal here is to have the dog in a mental place where it listens to you and is comfortable before adding lots of stimulation that could encourage resource guarding or play biting and jumping. If the dog tries to engage you in play, gets the zoomies, bows to you, etc. The bottom line, once the dog is settled in and knows you are the pack leader, and that it has to share its toys, you can begin playing games. We hope these tips ease the transition from the shelter to your home. If you need help, most shelters and rescues have experienced people to offer lots of advice. Talking to other people that have rescued German Shepherds is also helpful. Please feel free to share. Final Thoughts 1. Deciding to Adopt a German Shepherd Dog Adoption comes second after purchasing among the methods of owning dogs. But why do dog owners seek to adopt rather than buy? The most obvious reason is that people seeking to adopt a dog are concerned about animal rights and their need for a caring and safe home. It is a fact that the number of dogs in rescue shelters and needing a home is decreasing. According to an article in Animals journal, this downward trend is linked to responsible dog ownership, spaying and neutering practices, the increased cases of adoption, and lost dogs being reunited with their owners. Despite this decrease, a substantial number of dogs in public and private rescue shelters still look out of their cage mesh every day, hoping that someone will turn up and decide to take them home. Another significant number is at risk of being euthanized because they are aged and sick and cannot find someone to adopt them. This is a decline from 3. Around 1. This is also a decline from 2. About 3. Dogs account for 1. Approximately , pets from shelters are reunited with their owners every year in the US. Six hundred twenty thousand of these are dogs. From more recent data, the March report by PetPoint , a cloud-based application that gauges the demand for dog and cat adoption among pet owners each month records a decline in both the number of dogs taken into shelters and those adopted from these shelters. A decline was also recorded in the number of dogs euthanized in the same month. See the details in the table below. Total dogs taken into shelters in March Total dogs adopted from shelters in March Total dogs euthanized in March Total dogs reunited with owner in March 65, .Wanting to give these dogs a safe and caring home is the primary reason why you may choose to adopt a German Shepherd as listed here in these three key reasons for adopting a GSD: Adopting a German Shepherd reduces the number of dogs waiting to find a safe and loving home. Like all other dogs, German Shepherds impounded in public shelters risk being euthanized in days, according to most state holding laws. Every German Shepherd that is adopted leaves room for another dog that needs shelter, and the adoption cost helps in the care of other dogs in the shelter. In fact, GSDs are often listed among the ten most common dog breeds in rescue shelters. This reason alone would be good enough to choose a German Shepherd for adoption. Nevertheless, there are also breed-related reasons upon which you can decide on adopting a German Shepherd. Consider these two: German Shepherds are intelligent dogs, and even though you usually adopt them as adults, they can still adapt and learn new skills. German Shepherds are loving and loyal. As soon as they realize that you are their new companion, they will bond and be devoted to you. When researching how to adopt a German Shepherd, and subsequently deciding to adopt, you should also assess your suitability for the same — onto step 2. Assessing Your Suitability for Adopting a German Shepherd A survey by the AKC rescue network indicated that the three top reasons people surrender their dogs are because they discover that the breed is not the right one for them, they lack time to dedicate to the dog or have changed their lifestyle. These reasons underscore why it is important to understand if you will be a good parent to your adoptive GSD before proceeding with the adoption process. One way to assess your suitability for a German Shepherd is to understand the key breed traits and needs and your readiness to adapt and meet these needs. For a quick overview, here are 5 GSD traits that can help you gauge if you are a good fit for the breed. High-Energy Dog As a high-energy dog, the German Shepherd needs an average of 2 hours of exercise daily. Lack of exercise can cause them to become destructive. Would you consider signing your GSD for agility classes? Leash walking alone will not be enough for your German Shepherd. You will need to vary his exercise needs with off-leash running and play, frisbee, fetch, flyball, or agility. Intelligent As a smart dog, the German Shepherd needs constant mental stimulation. Ask yourself: How much time and patience would you devote to teaching your adoptive dog new commands, games, and tricks daily, considering that the dog may already have learned different behaviors in the shelter or with a previous owner? Are you willing to hire a professional to help with training if you find yourself unable to accomplish the same? Would you enroll your adoptive GSD in dog sports or obedience classes? Costly to Own German Shepherds can be costly to own. If you have a medium energy, smaller sized GSD with a weight of around 66lb 30kg and you choose to give a top-quality food like Royal Canin German Shepherd Adult Dry Dog Food, the suggested daily amount is around 4 cups a day given in two servings. Each cup is 0. The key question to ask here is: How much are you willing to spend to own a German Shepherd? Food costs are only the start as you will need to consider veterinary fees, vaccination costs, deworming and flea treatments, toys, beds, pet insurance, and other equipment. For the full costs of owning a German Shepherd, I have an in-depth article here that will give you a far better idea of what you will be looking to pay. Health Conditions Even though German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, they can be prone to some health conditions such as hip dysplasia and Degenerative Myelopathy. For example, a study found that German Shepherds were 4. Ask yourself the following questions: Are you ready to offer the best health care for your German Shepherd dog by ensuring regular vet visits and the recommended nutrition for better health? Can you afford to take out a suitable dog insurance policy? This is highly recommended for both your budgeting and peace of mind. Would you still be dedicated to caring for your German Shepherd if he developed a health condition? Heavy Shedding The German Shepherd is a heavy shedder who molts all year round. Their level of shedding is also higher in spring and fall in preparation for the heat in summer and the cold in winter. The questions you should assess yourself on are: Do you have time for regular grooming your German Shepherd, especially in the spring and fall, when they shed more than in other months? I like this tool, as you can see from the photo of my GSD below! It reaches through her outer coat safely and removes all the loose fur underneath. You can now find a reliable rescue or shelter. You can also talk directly to GSD owners who have adopted pets. You can use this to judge if the German Shepherd you identify is the right one for you. I give you an overview of these options. You can contact all these rescue centers and seek information regarding the possibility and terms of adoption. Instead, volunteers house the German Shepherds in their homes or foster homes. They may also board them with kennels or dog sitters until someone can adopt and take them home. Greater California German Shepherd Rescue is a public charity non-profit and all-volunteer rescue that works to rescue dogs from risky situations and find them a loving and safe home. They are not a shelter but instead keep the GSDs in foster homes. This rescue initiative does not take in stray dogs and will only take GSDs surrendered by their legal owners. BrightStar German Shepherd Rescue is another all-volunteer non-profit organization working to save German Shepherd Dogs by caring for them or finding them foster care until they can be adopted. The rescue shelter is based in Rochester, New York. They receive dogs from shelters or owners who can no longer care for their dogs and place them in foster homes. They also study the GSDs for some time before making them available for adoption. They welcome stray dogs and receive those transferred from other organizations and those from shelters and owners who surrender their dogs. Search Pet Adoption Websites Apart from the rescue groups listed in breed club networks, you can also search adoption sites, filtering your search to focus on the German Shepherd breed. Here are three examples of adoption sites you can target: Petfinder is an online directory of adoption organizations and animal shelters across the US, Mexico, and Canada and a database of animals in need of a home. Adopt a Pet is a non-profit adoption advertising charity site with headquarters in Indian Hill Blvd. The site helps homeless pets in shelters to find a new owner and home. You can search the site by specifying the breed, location, and distance you are looking for the pet, sex, and age. Dogtime has its headquarters in Los Angeles and has a long history of rescuing pets, among other initiatives. Adopt Through Animal Welfare Societies Animal welfare societies are non-profit organizations working for the welfare of animals in the light of animal rights and ethics. With a shelter or rescue where you can adopt a German Shepherd identified, you can now proceed to step 4 — making contact by phone and visit. Contact and Visit the Chosen Shelter or Rescue Center Your search for the right place to find your adoptive German Shepherd will probably conclude with a phone call and a visit. This should be geared at determining if it is the right place to adopt from and if a German Shepherd you have identified through your search is the right dog for you. When you visit, you should be keen to notice signs of unreliable rescues or shelters. Here are a few indicators to look for when determining if a rescue or shelter is reliable. Legal Registration As entities interested in the welfare of homeless dogs, reliable and genuine dog rescues and shelters should be legally registered as a C 3 organization. This means that, by the US International Revenue Code, these organizations are exempt from federal tax. A Long History of German Shepherd Rescue Without implying that new shelters and rescue centers cannot be reliable and reputable, one with many years of existence has made valuable experiences about adoption and separated the best adoption practices from not too good ones. For example: A shelter with years of experience may want to visit your home and ensure the German Shepherd will have a safe and loving home before letting you complete the adoption process. These questions may cover issues such as: Whether the dog was a stray or surrendered by its legal owner and why. If the dog has undergone all the recommended vaccines and tests. If the dog has any health and behavioral issues. As such, they will require you to follow certain procedures and sign an adoption contract. Reliable shelters and rescue centers: Will not allow you to adopt a dog without any written contract. Giving you a German Shepherd without a written contract should be a clear red flag. Will not require you to commit to a certain dog before you have visited or expressed your willingness to commit to it. Instead, some may grant you a trial period and require you to return the GSD should you be unable to take care of it. Adoption Cost German Shepherds can be costly to buy , but not so with adopting. Usually, animal welfare societies, shelters, and rescues cover all the costs of caring for the dog, even though some will ask you for a minimum adoption fee. Any rescue or shelter asking you for an adoption fee equivalent to a buying price would be breaching its non-profit status. The March Petpoint report also referenced earlier suggests that older dogs are adopted for less than younger ones. This implies that you may pay a little more if you adopt a puppy and less if you adopt an adult GSD. Some rescues may ask for a little more in adoption fees. Your move to contact or visit a shelter or rescue will presumably conclude with identifying a GSD for adoption. This means that you can now proceed to step 5 — completing your adoption application. Completing the Adoption Procedures In this adoption step, the animal welfare society, rescue, or shelter where you intend to adopt your German Shepherd Dog will require you to complete the following final adoption procedures. Make an Application An application is a written expression of your intention to adopt a German Shepherd. Most organizations will ask you to fill out an application form online or otherwise with details related to the following areas: Personal and contact details names, sex, age, address, home, work phone numbers, email, etc. Reasons for adoption Plans for training your German Shepherd Nature of family and lifestyle Previous pet ownership The declaration of having a certificate of good conduct Your occupation Your knowledge and involvement with dogs and dog clubs may be specific to the breed Your willingness to sign and be bound by an adoption contract See the BrightStar German Shepherd Rescue and the Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue application forms as examples. Visit the Center Visiting a center with dogs for adoption may already be done during the previous searching step. But some centers will only allow you to visit once the application has been made. This is the case with the Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue, where you first apply, wait for a response from the rescue, then proceed to identify a dog on their website before contacting the adoption counselor. Meeting with the prospective adoptive GSD is only arranged after that. In whichever step you visit the center, the expectation is that you will identify your future dog. Introducing the Dog to Your Family Introducing your adoptive German Shepherd to the family including other pets you may already have can be done in two ways. Some shelters will just proceed with a home visit. Once this is done and they are sure that the GSD and you are a good fit, then signing the adoption contract follows. Adoption contracts may have clauses requiring you to return the dog to the shelter if, for any reason, you are unable to take care of it. At last, you can now move to the final exciting step — bringing your dog home! Make sure you have purchased everything you will need, such as a comfy bed or crate, toys, leash, collar, harness, bowls, food, and treats. You can head over to this page for my personal recommendations on gear that I use. This will create a solid basis for a loving, loyal, and long-lasting bond between you and your new friend. However, if you have decided to adopt and you are suited to the breed, at least you now know how to go about it. If you still have doubts, you can also consider adopting a miniature German Shepherd. You can now proceed to find a shelter or rescue center with GSDs for adoption, visit the center, and eventually complete the adoption process by making an application and signing the contract. I hope this article has helped you understand exactly how to adopt a German Shepherd step by step. Before you know it, your new gorgeous companion will be ready to come home. Good luck! Related Posts You May Like:. Myth Myth 1: I have small children, so I want a puppy. Without a doubt, this is the most common reason people want a puppy. A sweet, small puppy just seems like the best choice for sweet, small children. You know that cute Kodak commercial with the puppies climbing all over the giggling little boy? Have you ever noticed how short it is? Puppies have needle-teeth that they happily sink into anyone who walks by. They also have sharp nails that scratch when they jump up -- and on little Ryan, those front feet land right around his face. Puppies leave "presents" that your toddler always seems to find before you do. Puppies wake your children during the night. And suppose you get a puppy when little Morgan is 2. In six months, Morgan will be about 1 inch taller and 3 pounds heavier. However, the 8 month old puppy will now be as tall as Morgan and outweigh her by 30 pounds. And those baby teeth will have been replaced by big snappers that need to chew. Of course, puppies and small children do successfully cohabitate. Seems to make sense, except the exact opposite is true. All puppies are cute; all puppies love everyone. Purebred is not the same as well-bred, and sometimes it feels like the disreputable breeders grossly outnumber the responsible ones. We insist on a fence or leash walks. I know you believed he was perfect, but you also believed in Santa and honest government then, too. He died in my freshman year of college, and has since, in family lore, gone on to be canonized as "Saint Max". Bow your head when you say it. Everyone in my family seems to forget the time St. Max was hit by a car he was chasing. Or the time he bit the kid biking by. Or how he used to sneak in and sleep on the furniture when no one was home. Or the time he had diarrhea all over the hardwood floors. Or how he used to eat the Christmas ornaments off the bottom half of the tree. Myth 5: German Shepherds stop being puppies around a year old. Try 2 or 3. And you know that wonderful mental image you have of the stoic and noble shepherd sitting on the hill surveying his domain? Myth 6: I want a dog without dominance issues, so I want a female. Myth 7: White GSDs are mutants. Well, if they are, more breeds should mutate. Myth 8: My 8 month old German Shepherd is biting people. The secret here is to look at the last 4 letters in the breed name: herd. German Shepherds herd. This is called this mouthing. Fortunately, it is relatively easy to fix in most dogs. If the problem is really out of hand, you may need to call in a trainer for a few sessions. That sound you hear is all the people with rescued dogs falling over laughing. At some point during the day, someone may remember to bring him food and water. The only attention he gets is when they yell at him for barking - or worse. Finally, they take him for a car-ride--dumping him in a wooded area where he can have a "fighting chance. He finds water somewhere. He raids trash cans and gets sick. Then he sits in the loud, scary shelter run, starting to lose faith that his family will ever find him. The kennel people are nice, but he is one of a hundred needy dogs they have to care for so he gets no real attention. Finally, the shelter calls us. And you take him home. You not only bring him into your house, you give him his own bed and bowl, and maybe a crate where he feels safe. You speak quietly to him. You feed him regularly AND give him toys and treats and nylabones. He sleeps in your room. He may even have a big brother or sister to play with. He gets kisses and hugs all the time for "no reason". And when he goes out in the car, he always comes back. GSDs are particularly sensitive about the connections with their people so once they have the attention they so desperately crave and need, they do whatever they can to ensure they never, ever lose it. People with rescue dogs learn to function with a 70 pound shadow following us everywhere. That said, there are some dogs who just never learned to connect with people, but that becomes apparent very quickly--long before we place him with you. If everyone prevented irresponsible breeding, we'd be happily out of business. Do not humanize your dog--no one's asking you to neuter yourself. Neutered male dogs roam less, mark less territory, and are generally less aggressive. Spayed female dogs avoid the messy and annoying heat cycles, and are not at risk for unwanted pregnancy. And both males and females are less likely to get certain illnesses. It happens every day at your local animal shelter. But most parents are not as eager for their children to see that. Reprints and modifications for breeds permitted as long as you give us credit! History Where are German Shepherd Dogs from? Perhaps never in the history of any breed has such concerted effort been put into improving a dog, mostly due to the formation in of the Verein fur Deutsche Scharferhunde SV, an organization in Germany devoted to overseeing the breeding of the German Shepherd. Breeders sought to develop not only a herding dog but also one that could excel at jobs requiring courage, athleticism, and intelligence. During World War I, they were the obvious choice for a war sentry. The Wolfdog was later dropped as it caused many people to fear the dogs. How big do German Shepherd Dogs get? The double-coat, with a thick undercoat that sheds twice annually, loses hair continuously but can be maintained with regular brushing one or two times weekly. What are the German Shepherd Dog colors? Black, tan, solid black and solid sable. How long do German Shepherd Dogs live? Lifespan: 10—12 years What are some German Shepherd Dogs facts and information? The German Shepherd held the number one spot in American popularity for many years. Although presently it has dropped from the top spot, the German Shepherd remains as one of the most versatile dogs ever created, serving as a police dog, war dog, guide dog, search-and-rescue dog, narcotics- or explosives-detecting dog, show dog, pet—and even shepherd. Related Content.

They are not the only dog breed capable of displaying such furry finery, however. Known to be prim and polished, the posh poodle is also capable of coming in a variety of coat colors. Beyond the accepted tans, browns, blues, and cream coats, merle poodles have been known to exist. Merle is more than just a coat color, though. A merle poodle is a dog who looks like a poodle, acts like a poodle, but has a cacophony of colors on its coat. Merle tends to express itself in patches, dots, spots, and dashes. This is different from parti-poodles who usually have a white base paired with one shade of either only black, red, or brown. Usually known to have black skin, the dog could end up with a mottled black and pink discoloration. They look like a run-of-the-mill though still beautiful! What makes them merle is their genetics. Phantom merles are important to look out for when it comes to breeding. While some breeds have spontaneously developed the merle gene, merle poodles are not natural. This means that the gene has been introduced into the poodle pool by another breed of dog, making merle poodles not purebred even if they look and act like it. In order to get a merle poodle puppy, you must have a merle parent to breed with a regular poodle. It will never occur naturally. While there are several breeds which are known and accepted as merle such as the Australian shepherd and corgi , merles are not accepted by the AKC in the poodle category. This is especially because it is not a naturally occurring trait in poodles, whereas it is in the other breeds. The AKC sees merle poodles as a corruption of the purebred and any merle poodles presented will be automatically disqualified. Dogs carrying the merle gene would show as Mm. Then there are double merles, who show as MM. A double merle dog is a poodle who got double the dose of genetic mutation, meaning that both of its parents carried the merle gene. They are more than likely to have the tell-tale coat markings of a merle dog — or sometimes come out as completely white, but never phantom — along with several unsavory side effects. It is common for double merles to have birth defects: malformed ears or eyes, even missing ears or eyes is possible. Less extreme but still severe for any dog, double merles could be born blind or deaf. Breeding merle poodles is risky especially if a phantom merle has not been discovered for what it is. Breeding two confirmed merle dogs together is almost guaranteed to produce a double merle. As you can see, the odds of the offspring being MM are very high and the effects of a double merle disastrous. Breeding merle dogs of any breed is a tricky business. It needs to be carefully regulated due to some serious side effects. While not all mutations are bad, the merle one can be. Basically, breeders need to have their poodles genetically tested if they suspect that a dog carries the merle gene. Remember, it can be hidden like in phantom merles. If the dog carries a merle gene, it should not be bred with another merle visible or phantom. On its own, if a merle is matched with a dog who has been proven to have no merle gene whatsoever not even phantom! Because merle is a rather dominant gene, it is more than likely that the litter will have several merle puppies. As we mentioned, doubling the gene can cause double the problems. Without genetic testing, blind breeding should not be done. Poodles as a pure breed are at risk from several health problems. Most of which can be treated or avoided with proper breeding and owner care. Other orthopedic problems can occur more in toy and miniature poodles. They can also suffer from epilepsy and hair regrow issues like sebaceous adenitis. As long as breeders are responsible, poodles should lead long, healthy lives. Merle dogs of any breed are almost guaranteed to face health problems. Across all breeds, merles face auditory and ophthalmologic problems — both visual and internal. They can also have problems with their cardiac, skeletal, and reproductive systems. Many of these diseases are not ones that can be treated easily. Because merle poodles are exactly the same breed as regular poodles, all the health problems they can face are compounded. Start with the ones common for regular poodles, then add on the health problems faced by merles specifically. That makes a merle poodle at risk for more health problems than its plain-coated contemporaries. Some breeds very rarely carry and display merle genes, some breeds almost never do. The merle poodle is rare because it is not naturally occurring. Interestingly, the merle poodle kind of breaks this mold. Merle Poodles are expensive. A rather average price for a purebred dog. This is pretty standard for type of poodle standard, toy, or miniature and age range puppy or adult. The breeding and ownership of a merle poodles is much more contested than with other breeds. The poodle poses a greater problem, though, as many are vocally against the introduction of this non-naturally occurring mutation in these plush pups. Poodles are known for their smooth-colored coats. It seems like adding merle into the gene pool is a waste. If an addition to the family is on the horizon, think merle for other breeds and try to keep poodles pure. Poodles are intelligent, energetic, and devoted companions. Poodles are also relatively low-maintenance dogs regarding grooming, as their coat only needs to be brushed weekly. Overall, Poodles make lovely pets for active families who are looking for a loving, furry friend. History Of The Poodle Fancy haircuts and snooty dog shows aside; the Poodle has a surprising history. The Poodle originates in Germany , not France, as many believe. The breed was initially developed to help hunters retrieve waterfowl from rivers and lakes. Over time, the Poodle became a popular companion animal in Europe and eventually made its way to France. It was here that the breed gained its reputation as a fancy dog for the wealthy. Poodles were commonly seen in paintings of 18th-century French nobility, often alongside their owners in fashionable clothing. Today, the Poodle remains a popular choice for people who want a stylish and sophisticated companion. What Are Merle Poodles? Merle Poodles are a variation of the well-known, famous Poodle. Merle dogs have a distinctive coat that features a base solid color with splashes of different colors on top of this base coat in a mottled pattern. A merle Poodle bred from a single merle parent is no different health-wise than a Standard Poodle. However, two merle dogs should never be bred. A double merle dog can have significant health problems and risk being born completely blind, deaf, or both. They are also at increased risk for skin cancer and other diseases. However, many people find the merle coat pattern gorgeous, so the demand for merle dogs remains high. Some unethical breeders have even begun to purposefully create dogs with this coat pattern, despite the health risks. The merle gene is a coat pattern found in many different dog breeds. Some merle dogs have heterochromatic eyes, e. The merle coat pattern is caused by a mutation in the melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptor gene. It is a dominant gene, which means it can override recessive genes. The only thing different would be the coloring of the coat. However, the merle coat is a very desired, rare color, and prices will skyrocket, sometimes even doubling, if you want a merle dog. A few factors will significantly impact the price of a merle Poodle, like the breeder location. If you are in a state with five Poodle breeders, chances are, puppies will cost less than, say, a state with only one breeder for several hundred miles. The coat color and type of the Poodle also matter. Certain coat colors that are rare but more popular, like apricot and red, can also cost more. If you intend to buy a merle dog, make sure your breeder knows what they are doing, and under no circumstances should two merle dogs be bred. Verify that neither parent has a genetic health condition by examining their medical history. Are Merle Poodles Rare? Yes, merle Poodles are exceedingly rare. Breeding merle dogs is tricky, and few breeders want to partake in this undertaking. The merle gene is present in many dogs, more commonly in herding breeds like the Australian Shepherd and Border Collie, but also can be present in Poodles, no matter how uncommon. Merle Poodles have the same probability of living healthy lives as other Poodles without the merle gene as long as they are not double merles. However, a merle Poodle with two merle parents is more likely to face serious health issues. The problem happens when it is a double merle dog or MM. Double merles are dogs with a merle coat color phenotype and are homozygous for the merle allele. They are often stunning but can also face serious health problems. One of the most common health problems seen in double merles is deafness. This is caused by the merle gene causing a loss of pigment in the inner ear, which can lead to hearing loss. Double merles are also at an increased risk for blindness, obesity, and joint problems. Some of these health problems can be alleviated by proper care and nutrition, but others may be more difficult to manage. For example, deafness cannot be cured, but blind dogs can often learn to navigate their surroundings with the help of their human companions. In addition to the dangers of being born double merle, merle Poodles also share the potential health problems of Standard non-merle Poodles. Is Merle A Defect? Merle is not a genetic flaw; in fact, merle is a recognized color and is included in several breed standards. A merle dog that is the offspring of only one merle parent has no more genetic flaws than its solid-colored littermates. However, for a litter of puppies to contain potential merle offspring, careful genetic testing and breeding are required. This is because two merle dogs being bred, whether accidental or not, often has disastrous consequences. In such circumstances, the pup will bear significant health issues, including hearing or vision loss. The main deterrent for some Poodle breeders not to produce merle puppies is undoubtedly this. Poodles come in all colors, the most common being white, black, cream, red, apricot, and brown. Some of the rarest colors of Poodles include blue and silver, while the rarest types of coats with markings are sable and phantom. Add the merle gene to that, and you have one rare Poodle! Like most merle dogs, the eyes of the blue merle Poodle can be blue rather than the more common black or dark brown. Various hues of this color are possible. They may also have eyes that are heterochromatic, which means one eye may be a different color than the other. Black Merle Poodle These pups have a coat that is primarily black with hints of blue and grey. Silver Merle Poodle In terms of overall appearance, silver is comparable to blue merle. Dark grey, which is the darkest shade on their coat, occasionally fades to silver and white. Chocolate Merle Poodle One of the more common solid colors, chocolate merles can range from a deep brown to almost white in a speckled pattern. Phantom Merle Poodle Phantom dogs have two colors; a solid base that can be any of the standard colors and a secondary color that presents itself around the muzzle, throat, chest, paws, legs, and tail. Some of these markings resemble the black and tan markings most characteristic of Dobermans and Rottweilers. Red Merle Poodle Red is another common color in Poodles. First, check with your rescue groups and shelters. You never know; you might get lucky! Many breeders today are irresponsible, particularly when cross-breeding popular dog breeds. Merle Poodles are a well-liked and in-demand breed. If you choose to purchase from a breeder, be sure to select one who is trustworthy and get your information from a reliable source. Check with animal groups, veterinarians, and other dog professionals on where to find responsible breeders. Merle breeding is a tricky business, and some highly unscrupulous breeders go all out to get merle puppies, even going as far as breeding two merle dogs and destroying the puppies that are born with genetic faults, which is up to half the litter. Be careful! Do Merle Poodles Shed? Are They Hypoallergenic? Like their solid-colored counterparts, Merle Poodles are hypoallergenic dogs that shed very little, making them excellent for people with allergies. However, they still need a brush every once in a while to rid their coats of fur and dander and an occasional bath to keep that curly coat looking its best. Use a high-quality, soft-tipped bristle brush and brush your Poodle every few days. Merle Poodles have been a subject of heated debate. Many think the merle gene was unnaturally added to the Poodle bloodline, and Poodles did not develop the merle trait naturally. The AKC does not register merle Poodles because the merle gene means another dog breed with the gene was added to the bloodline somewhere earlier in the ancestry. Final Thoughts Merle Poodles are just as loving, affectionate, and intelligent as their solid counterparts, but be sure that your merle dog is not a double merle. Gifts for Dog Lovers Do you know someone who loves their dog more than anything? Our selection of gifts for dog lovers is sure to have something perfect for the special person in your life. Share this post:. To start off here is a little about the Merle Gene. The Merle Gene is an incomplete dominant gene, which means that it only requires one copy to reproduce it, so only one parent must carry for Merle. This does not apply to certain sine lengths, but to keep this simple I will never breed two Merle parents together. As well, there are other color genes that can cover the Merle gene, so you will not visibly see it, but it is still present genetically and can be passed down to offspring. As well, many that are not trained to Merles, can mistake a brindle with the Merle gene as not carrying Merle. If are breeding a Merle to any of these colors, you should genetically test them to ensure they do not carry for Merle and therefore, you will not have double Merle. There are many people out there that insist that Merle is not a naturally existing color in Poodles. Many of these people will claim that it is naturally occurring in many other breeds though, such as Australian Shepherd, Great Danes, and Dachshunds. There are several AKC Breeders that register them regularly. What I must note for all those people is the fact that there is also is no specific color for Parti, Sable, Brindle, or Phantom. So now the controversy is where did this gene come from and since nobody knows for sure we must look at our options. The Merle gene was introduced using another breed, many, many generations ago. If for instance, we go with this option, we would assume that it was introduced with either Great Danes, Australian Shepherds, or Dachshunds. There are some other breeds with Merles, but they are just as different as these breeds in coat type, size, structure, and temperament, so we will just work with these breeds for now. If these breeds were used to introduce the Merle gene, we can all visibly see the obvious difference in coat type, structure, size, temperament among other things. Poodles have two curly genes, do not carry for improper coat, and have too long hair genes, for a dog to get curly hair it needs one copy of the curl gene, but with only one copy you will not get as much curl as a dog with two copies, actually, it takes many generations to get that amount of curl back as there is natural variation within the gene and if you talk to Poodle breeders that show, they breed only dogs with thick full coats and it takes a long time to get these coats. You need two improper coat genes to get not facial furnishings and you need two copies of the long hair gene to get long hair. So, if you took any of the three breeds we are using as examples to infuse Merle into the poodle. Two of the breeds have short, straight hair with no furnishings Great Dane and Dachshund and one has long hair, but it is straight with no furnishings Australian Shepherd. So, if you crossed with the Great Dane or Dachshund you would end up with wire haired, short-haired dogs with some furnishings, these dogs would look nothing like a poodle at all, even crossed back to the poodle again, you still would have F1 Goldendoodle looking coats on the curlier sided puppies. You would need to cross them back at least generations to get an even remotely looking Poodle coat. Now, with the Aussie, they at least have a long coat, so their first-generation puppies coats would be a bit closer in resemblance to a poodle than the other crosses, but would still only be wavy coats and would need to be crossed back to the poodle at least generations to get Poodle looking coats. This is assuming that the Breeder that chose to infuse this other breed genetically tested the puppies to ensure the puppies with the right coat genetics were bred back to the poodle. The next thing to assess is structure, we can all agree that the poodle is built very differently from the Dachshund, Great Dane, and Australian Shepherd. It takes decades to change the entire structure of a dog, but with careful breeding, you can do it. But the dachshund and the Australian Shepherd are completely different in structure body-wise to the poodle, and, likewise, the Great Dane is also completely different in structure, particularly in the head structure. It would take many generations to change this structure when bred back to the poodle. Okay, so keeping all this in mind, it is possible that some AKC Breeder did infuse one of these breeds and genetically tested each generation, breeding them back to the poodle over generations to achieve a dog that looks like a poodle. They would have had to not only register each generation while hiding the offspring that would obviously not pass as a poodle because if they did not, but they would also be reported to AKC. They would need to keep careful consideration to the structure of each puppy and genetic tests and temperament so that these dogs would eventually show no sign of another breed in them, as the AKC registered Poodles that are out there now breed true to type. While I admit that this is possible, I also think it is highly unlikely and I would go as far as saying that if they did infuse another breed and it was that many generations back that it is unrecognizable in the current Poodles, as the current ones breed true to type in every way.Does it really matter? Also, before you say that someone just lied on their papers, I know of several breeders that have DNA's done many generations back too. The second option is that it has always occurred in the breed. There was a phase in which all multicolored poodles were thought to be flawed, due to a vast lack of knowledge and many misconceptions on people parts. During this time multi-colored poodles were not bred, and many were culled almost getting rid of those colors altogether. With merle being a gene that can easily be hidden by other genes such as White, Cream, Apricot, and Red, it could have stayed hidden by these genes for many generations, especially due to the fact that these colors were often only bred together, so Merle would have never shown up until people realized that there was nothing wrong genetically with multicolored poodles and started breeding them again, once these poodles were crossed with other colors the merle gene could have emerged then. The last option is that the Merle gene was a natural mutation in the Poodle, which is how it is believed to have occurred in other breeds that it is present in. They are beautiful and breed to the breed standard. I really feel when there are so many health and temperament issues in so many breeds, we should be focused on breeding healthier, better temperament, more structurally sound Poodles and not cause so much drama and conflict over a color that we cannot prove one way or another how it came to be in Poodles. Looking for a merle poodle puppy? Check out our planned litter between Luna and Alastor or Bellatrix and Magic , for your next opportunity to own your very own Merle Poodle Photos from our Instagram Page. Mini Merle Poodles are 10 to 15 inches tall and weigh around 10 to 20 pounds. These pups weigh over 40 pounds and fall in the medium to large dog category. Merle toy Poodle A toy Poodle merle is the smallest official Poodle breed. These furballs stand a mere 9 to 11 inches and weigh under 10 pounds. Some breeders also provide Merle toy Poodle stud service if you want your female Poodle to have toy-sized Merle puppies. Merle teacup Poodle A Merle teacup Poodle is miniaturization taken to the extreme. These pups grow no bigger than 9 inches. Save Big On Dog Essentials! Welcome to our pack! Merle Poodle temperament and personality Merle Poodles are pretty much the same as any other Poodle. They are friendly, intelligent, and make great family pets. Merle Poodles are a bit sensitive about being left alone. These pups love human company and interacting with people or other canines. They can also be quite talkative. Does Merle Poodle get along with other pets? Yes, Merle Poodles do get along with other pets. If Merle Poodles get early socialization training, they get along well with other pets. Just be careful leaving them with bigger or unfamiliar dogs. Merle Poodles can be talkative, which may annoy certain other canines. Does Merle Poodle make great family pets? Yes, Merle Poodles do make great family pets. Merle Poodles love being with their family and make great companions for kids. These pups can adapt well to many living conditions, including smaller homes or apartments. However, Merle Poodles with vision or hearing issues need special care. Merle Poodle training Training your Merle Poodle is the same as training any other dog. Thanks to their intelligence and cooperative nature, they are relatively easy to train. Merle Poodles with hearing or vision disabilities would need a different training approach. They can get moderate activity indoors and are happy playing in the house. Merle Poodle grooming and cleaning The coat of your Merle Poodle requires daily brushing at the very least. Merle Poodles preparing for beauty shows need more frequent baths; otherwise, you should bathe your Merle Poodle only when she is dirty or stinky. Doggy shampoo cleanses our dogs without stripping the natural oil and moisture from their skin and coat. Is the Merle Poodle hypoallergenic? Yes, Merle Poodles are hypoallergenic dogs. Merle Poodles have curly hair that catches loose fur before they fall. Merle Poodle food and diet As with all canines, Merle Poodles need a balanced and healthy diet. They need a good amount of protein, carbohydrates, and micronutrients in their meals to keep them at their best. Merle Poodles are prone to obesity if they eat table scraps or human snacks. Merle Poodle health issues Like other dogs, Merle Poodles are prone to some health problems. If you have a double Merle Poodle, the odds are even worse. Some health risks associated with Merle Poodles are: 1. Congenital blindness and deafness Merle canines, especially those with the double Merle gene, are prone to congenital blindness and deafness. Double Merles can also be born with missing or malformed eyes or ears. Merle pups are highly sensitive to Ivermectin, a substance present in common animal deworming medicines. Ingesting any substance including animal feces containing Ivermectin can harm your Merle Poodle. This can lead to weakness, dehydration, and changes in appetite and body weight. It typically starts with night blindness and eventually progresses to total blindness. Merle Poodles are more prone to it because their eyes lack the melanin protection. Bloat Bloat is a life-threatening swelling of the belly due to gas. It can sometimes lead to gastric torsion in which the stomach twists, cutting off its blood supply. This condition can be fatal. Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland produces thyroid hormone excessively. This can lead to weight loss, increased heart rate, loss of appetite, panting, and a host of other problems. Merle Poodle lifespan Merle Poodles have a pretty good lifespan of 10 to 18 years. However, that can vary depending on their genetic health and the presence of any hearing or eyesight issues. However, this can be difficult, considering most legitimate breeders avoid breeding Merle pups. Although breeding Merle Poodles is not strictly illegal, breeding double Merles is highly unethical. No reputable breeder would do that because it puts the pups at risk of health issues. Tips to know when buying a Merle Poodle Here are some tips to follow before bringing a Merle Poodle home. Ensure the pup is not a double Merle. Make sure the breeder tests their pups for health conditions that affect Merles. If possible, ask for genetic screening. It will reveal whether or not the pup is a double Merle. Merle Poodle puppies After getting a Merle Poodle puppy, the first thing to do is get a medical check-up. Make sure to verify their health and have a vet test them for any congenital issues. This is crucial because Merle standard Poodle puppies have a different dietary need than Merle toy Poodle puppies. If this is your first time owning a Merle Poodle puppy, you may not know for sure how big your pup will grow. Unfortunately, the high price is often why breeders adopt unethical breeding practices to produce more pups in that color. Merle Poodle for sale Due to their high price, finding a Merle Poodle for sale can be difficult. Just follow the tips we mentioned above before making any purchase. Merle Poodle puppies for sale The price of Merle Poodle puppies depends on their size, color, parentage, and health. Your priority should be to purchase a healthy pup, so you need to find an ethical breeder that screens their puppies for diseases and genetic defects. You can find Merle standard Poodle puppies for sale online, but make sure to follow the tips mentioned above before buying one. However, their rarity justifies the premium rates. Is the Merle Poodle right for me? If you can handle the high price, then make sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder. However, this breed comes with several health concerns that potential owners should know before making the purchase. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. F1b have one purebred parent and one cavapoo parent. All our F1b have a poodle parent and a cavapoo parent. If it were a cavalier parent and a cavapoo parent the puppies would shed and may look like mix breed spaniels. Same for cavapoo to cavapoo. I like silly hair cuts! I try to get a photo of each new way I trim their coats. The unique! My affinity for unique color prompted me to look for my favorite color of all time which is blue merle. Chocolate is even more popular and dilute so Cappuccino will produce blue merle cava-poo puppies, and maybe chocolate if the genes are there for the dilute in the Cavalier. Cavapoos are proving to be one of the favorite crosses families are looking for. Cavaliers are super sweet and snuggly so adding a bit more brains, and eliminating shedding makes for a terrific companion! The Maltese are full of themselves and so tiny. Perfect for those who want a really small dog that has some spunk, so crossed with poodle they are very easy to train! We wont have any Maltipoo until when Angelica, Angels daughter, is old enough to have puppies. Bubba is our red AKC miniature poodle from terrific health tested bloodlines. He is very smart and just a cuddle bug. Everyone who visits loves Bubba. They are shocked to learn he is a poodle. He has changed many peoples impressions of poodles, raised with lots of socializing and children like most poodles in that situation a friendly outgoing dog, super smart, and looks like a teddy bear, or lion, or whatever strange thing I have turned him into with silly hair cuts! Also pictures of him as a tiny 13 ounce puppy. He is another dog that proves you cant go by the poodle chart to know how big a puppy will actually get, he should have stayed about 6 pounds if the chart was accurate. I like to trim him like a teddy bear, and experiment with different ways to trim his coat. Some hair cuts are so goofy looking I didn't take any photos of them, but lately I decided to add the whole range to the slide show, even Bubba still wet form a bath! I like the lion cut the most, although the big eyebrow cut is much easier to keep groomed! Bubba has been health tested. He has OFA hips, eyes, and had a DNA test which checks things, which showed he was clear for everything tested, but a carrier for one thing. Carriers can't have the problem. My ex-mother-in-law turned 90 in March .Her dog had passed away a few months earlier. She was set on a dog who did not need to have hair cuts. Kim, my daughter, now goes every week to take her shopping, and on outings. I had done my bossy thing and told her to convince her to get a non-shedding, hypoallergenic dog. She isn't able to clean house well anymore, she has allergies, even though she denies it. Plus there was talk about going into a senior residential community, which I know she would love. Shes a social person. She tried getting 2 cats who needed a home. It didnt work, rubbing on her legs the one was going to knock her down, and they were getting into her many houseplants. I dont even want to think about the litter box situation, older home and plumbing and she was convinced you can just scoop it into the commode.In the outings with Kim she kept pointing at cute little dogs. Kim kept pointing out, Granda those dogs have cute hair cuts, it doesn't grow that way. Kim wisely suggested bringing over a different dog of the varieties she could borrow from us. Then she could meet them see what they are like and maybe keep one. Kim took Bubba first. He hopped in her lap. Before you know it shes asking if he would sleep with her. She never had a dog sleep in the bed due to the fur issue. Bubba slept with us. Kim said she wasn't planning to leave him, she will bring him back and bring the next dog. Edna asked to keep him. So Bubba was her 90th birthday present from us. He is not formally retired but will be as soon as our new red male is old enough and passes his health testing. Bubba adores her. Nothing better then to have a furry best friend. We of course also care for Edna and why I suggested Bubba. I knew she needed a best friend and Bubba is such a great dog. Bubba Bubba and his black poodle son. Bubba, as a puppy. Teddy red Cavapoo, and Bubba when a little baby. Bubba 3 months old, at a dirt bike race. He didn't mind the noise at all. Hunter, super smart 2 year old boy who just loved baby Bubba! Bubba with his fro. Teacup poodles grow to be approximately 3 to 4. Tiny Toy Poodles are between 4. Toy poodles are the largest of the small breed at 6 - 10 lbs at adulthood. Toy Poodles are extremely intelligent and active. This combination of brains and beauty has made them a European favorite. Toy Poodles are easy to train and thrive on pleasing their families when learning new tricks or participating in dog sports. Poodles are a hypoallergenic breed perfect for all family types. Teacup and Tiny toy poodle puppies are for sale in a range of colors including Black Toy Poodles, white, cream, phantom silver, red, and Chocolate Toy Poodle puppies. We also Have the gorgeous and exotic Merle patterns! Merle Toy Poodles for sale. We want our Teacup or Tiny toy Poodle puppies to help your family feel whole! For questions about, don't hesitate to call Collett's at or email us at garygcollett gmail. Projected Adult Weight is 5 - 6 lbs. AKC Registered. Projected Adult Weight is 6 - 7 lbs. Projected Adult Weight 6 - 8 Lbs. Projected Adult Weight is 5 to 7 lbs. Projected Adult Weight 3 Lbs 5 oz. Don't let distance stop you from falling in love with one of Collett's Toy Poodle puppies. We are AKC inspected and approved. You can trust in our healthy, happy puppies! We want our loves to help your family feel whole! Nationwide shipping varies by location. For questions about international shipping, don't hesitate to call Collett's at or email us at garygcollett gmail. Message Us Today!

Aug 28, Share Golden retrievers are a popular companion because of their big hearts and loyal nature. Their enduring personalities have also brought them to the screen, and you can find several movies that include the popular dog as a character. If you are looking forward to a movie night, there are several movies to choose from that a golden retriever lover can relate to. From heartwarming to heart-tugging, you can find yourself in fits of laughter, then suddenly reaching for the tissues when you view these films. They are mostly child and family-friendly pictures, with lighthearted options too. Turn down the lights and salt up your popcorn to enjoy some brilliant golden Retriever movies! Heartwarming and sometimes jaw clenching, you will be captivated the entire film while you watch the story of three pets embark on an adventure to find their owners. Their owners set off to California on holiday, and these courageous and determined pets, thinking they have been abandoned, set off to find them. They meet new friends along the way and find themselves in some sticky situations that they navigate and overcome together. Shadow is the brave and wise golden retriever voiced by Don Ameche. Homeward Bound — Lost in San Francisco They do it again in this sequel to the favorite, only this time they get lost in the city. Packed with comedy and adventure as they navigate their way back home, you will love this sequel as much as the original. The original cast reunites, but Ralph White takes over the voice of the beloved golden retriever Shadow. Buddy is the character played by the golden retriever and is a real-life sport-loving dog! This movie will keep you enthralled and is a captivating and entertaining tale for children. In the first movie, Josh meets Buddy and learns he can play basketball, and since then, four more films have been made, turning Air Bud into an exciting franchise. Air Bud is the proud owner of five lovable and mischievous pups. These talking pups learn some valuable lessons while facing obstacles and band together through teamwork and adventure. The franchise includes: Snow Buddies : The puppies are transported to Alaska, where they compete with a boy in a dog-sled competition. Space Buddies : The pups accidentally get stranded on a crewless space shuttle and head off to space for an intergalactic adventure. Spooky Buddies : There are mysterious things going on at a mansion rumored to be haunted by the Halloween Hound, and the pups go off to investigate. Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups : When the spirit of Christmas begins to disappear, the mischievous stowaways must help save Christmas. Super Buddies : Each dog earns a superpower when they discover mysterious rings at Fernfield Farm. The Parent Trap Sammy, the golden retriever, is not the main attraction in this heartwarming film but is the beloved companion to Hallie. Hallie has a twin she discovers after many years at a camp, and they decide to switch places. The storyline sends a message of deep love as the golden retriever Bailey finds his purpose while living through four different lifetimes with humans and in different time periods. He journeys through wild adventures, where he gains additional insights, ultimately bringing him to realize that his purpose is to love and support his human. The Retrievers Pilot, a stray golden retriever, is adopted by a loving family who soon learns she is pregnant. The kids grow close to the growing pups knowing that they will need to be rehomed. Pilot is determined to get her puppies back and leads a quest with Lowry to retrieve them. The adventure is action-packed and comical and portrays lessons about life and what is truly important. Marley is a mischievous pup that always manages to win the heart of his family, beautifully capturing the companionship of unconditional love. This true story will have you in hysterics and pull at your heartstrings as you learn to appreciate your furry friend a little bit more. The Art of Racing in the Rain Through the eyes of a golden retriever named Enzo, you get a glimpse into his life and the valuable lessons he learns from his owner and the other humans around him. He gains insights into how life on the racetrack can be adapted and used to navigate life. You will find yourself laughing and crying through this uplifting and heartfelt story of companionship and love. This is a fascinating story of devotion and bravery that will attract the interests of all dog owners. There are some heart-tugging moments that will likely induce tears, but a happy ending will make it worthwhile. Napoleon Napoleon is an adventurous and adorable story about a golden retriever that wants to explore the world. When he accidentally flies off in a basket attached to helium balloons, he goes through some adventures to find his way home. He meets friends along the way and learns a valuable lesson that there is no place like home. Unfortunately, his new fortune gets him caught up in a dog-napping scheme , but his street smarts and loyal friends set off on an adventure to keep him safe. This movie is lighthearted and silly and will have the whole family laughing. A Golden Christmas Even though the cover showcases a golden retriever, it is not the star of the show. This movie is a Christmas romance story where two childhood friends fall in love. A Golden Christmas 2: The Second Tail When Lisa goes walking with her neighbor and his pups, they interrupt a wedding proposal where she learns it is her ex-boyfriend. Everyone knows they belong together, so with the help of the dogs, they try to get them back together. This is another lighthearted romance story involving retrievers, and the characters all share the same love for the dogs. It involves a golden retriever that gets sick with cancer, and the community comes together to raise money for its expensive surgery. This is a wonderful and endearing family movie that shows how family and friends can pull together in hard times. The Gold Retrievers In the Gold Retrievers, a year-old boy and his mischievous golden retriever attempt to save their family home. Together they dig up a gold medallion that leads to a fortune, and with their neighbor Ana, they try to reclaim the treasure. On their quest through the woods with an ancient curse, they encounter booby traps and are tracked by two thieves trying to get their hands on the treasure. This fun movie is cute and comical, and kids will enjoy the cheesy sense of humor. Conclusion Golden retrievers make great Hollywood dogs! Even if they are not the stars of the show, their roles in movies clearly portray their loving, loyal, intelligent, and sweetly mischievous natures. In these tales of bravery and adventure, love, and devotion, you will find yourself inspired to find a golden companion of your own. Language English Snow Buddies is a American adventure comedy film and the second installment in the Air Buddies series. It was released on DVD on February 5, .The film takes place in the fictional town of Ferntiuktuk, Alaska. It is the final installment in the series to feature Buddy himself as well as any characters from the Air Bud films. Plot[ edit ] Air Bud's five quintuplet Golden Retriever puppies known as the Buddies from the town of Fernfield, Washington are having fun with their new owners before they go to school. The puppies meet up in the park and decide to play hide and seek. Budderball sees an ice cream truck and decides to go in, forcing the others to try and rescue him. However, the Buddies become trapped in a truck heading to Ferntiuktuk, Alaska. Upon arrival, the Buddies meet Shasta, a Siberian Husky puppy whose year-old owner, Adam Bilson, is determined to win the Alaskan sled dog race because of what had happened to his father, due to a tragic accident a year prior. The puppies decide to help Shasta pursue his dreams as well as get to the airport, located at the finish line. Unfortunately, as Shasta's parents are both dead, this puts the puppies in a predicament as there is nobody to teach them how to become snow dogs. Fortunately, Shasta manages to persuade a legendary Alaskan Malamute named Talon, who had taught Shasta's deceased father, into teaching the puppies. When Shasta introduces Adam to his new sleigh team, the child is delighted at the prospect of his dreams finally coming true and the team pursue vigorous training routines. Adam begins building a new sleigh with his team of hard-working puppies. Talon proudly watches as the team's efforts come to fruition and it seems as though they are cooperating as a team. The older town huskies, however, are not impressed and begin to plan their downfall. Two of the huskies Francois and Philippe, reveal to the Buddies that Shasta's parents were killed during a dog sled race sitka last year when the ice beneath them shattered to dishearten them. Talon calls the puppies to the mountain lake one night to view the Northern Lights juno before he goes of telling Shasta that he knows all he needs to know and that he can become the great leader that his father once was; once all the puppies say their goodbyes to him, Talon disappears into the lights. The following morning, the puppies enter the race with Adam. But everyone else laughs at the thought of a little boy and puppies entering a race. The sheriff goes over the rules and sees Adam wrote his own name in the entry list. After being reminded how treacherous the race is by the sheriff, the puppies begin their track while Jean George III, an unscrupulous and arrogant French musher- who is hated by nearly everyone in town and last year's champion, cheats his way through every race by sabotaging the other mushers' sleds or pushing them off their sleds. Soon only young Adam and Jean George are left but news of a terrible blizzard arrives and it's too late to call off the race as the racers have already gotten past the midway checkpoint. Meanwhile, the puppies' parents, Buddy and Molly follow the puppies to Alaska, after being tipped by Himalayan cat Miss Mittens, where the Saint Bernard dog Bernie informs them of their participation in the race. Sheriff Ryan gets a message sent by Fernfield's Deputy Dan asking for any information on the Buddies. The Sheriff immediately phones Deputy Dan to inform him that the Buddies are in Alaska, who then goes to inform their owners at their treehouse about the good news, much to their delight. A dangerous blizzard forces Adam and the team to take shelter in an igloo provided by an Inuit until the storm subsides. They come head to head with Jean George, and Adam gets injured. Adam then recovers while Francois and Philippe, the lead dogs of Jean George's team, get into trouble when the ice beneath them shatters. Jean George continues and abandons his dogs while Adam and the puppies begin a rescue operation despite Shasta's fears of his parents death, revealing that they had died from drowning. The puppies pull Francois and Philippe out of the icy waters and Jean George continues the race without any gratitude and abandons their rescuers. Francois and Philippe realize they owe nothing to their owner for leaving them to die, and everything to Shasta and the Buddies for rescuing them, and so, decide to "go on strike". They stop and refuse to run any further, causing Jean George to lose the race. Adam is victorious and the Buddies reunite with Buddy and Molly. Jean George scolds his dogs for embarrassing him, and they respond by chasing him around the Arctic. The Buddies sadly say goodbye to their new best friend, Shasta, as well as Adam, and both groups promise that they will stay in touch with each other. All seven Buddies return home via airplane and are greeted by their owners Sam, Bartleby, Billy, Alice, Pete, Henry and Noah; who were waiting for them. Budderball and his owner, Bartleby, are watching the news the next day and Bartleby is completely dumbstruck when he watches the part about the Buddies, Adam, and Shasta winning the race. That night, Buddy and Molly sit on the roof of their house and discuss their puppies' accomplishments, while wondering if they will ever outgrow exploring. The film ends with Adam and a now nearly full-grown Shasta hiking through Alaska on a cold, winter night with five new adult huskies, while Talon narrates a reminder for the audience that "life may lead you where you least expect, but have faith, and you'll know exactly where you were meant to be". The thief, shows up in the form of a sweet natured Golden Retriever who the kids, Liz and Widdy, appropriately name Pilot. Of course Dad and Mom want the dog to be returned to the home from which it has wandered and the kids want Pilot to stay. Since no owner comes forth, Pilot becomes part of the Lowry clan. Who has adopted whom? Just when Tom and his wife Karen appear to have adjusted to one dog, Pilot delivers six adorable puppies. Dumas, Geogia, Wanderer, and Milkshake. The little darlings begin by clinging to mom but soon commence their puppy destruction of slippers, plants, furniture, etc. Pilot is depressed and runs off to find her puppies, frantically followed by Widdy. When the two are found, Tom relinquishes and decides they can adopt back one of the pups. The family begins their detective work determined to find at least one to bring home. Their task is particularly difficult in that it also becomes a real lesson in appropriate adoption and responsible pet ownership. As they set out to find the pups, they discover how unfortunate some of the homes are for the little dogs and learn a great lesson in pet guardian responsibility. Retrieving the Retrievers: One of the pups is adopted by a farmer who brings the little retriever home to his farm. The mischievous pup jumps out of the box and is accidentally run over by the heavy machinery. For this scene, the puppy was nowhere near the tractor when it was moving and was never in any real danger. This however, becomes a lesson in loss and the family learns how much each of the little pups has meant to them. When the family becomes aware that the puppies may have run off into a lumber mill, they are desperate to locate the pups before one comes to any harm. For this scene, the trainers released and called the dogs from point A to point B and rewarded them with treats for following their cues. When the lumber mill equipment is seen in motion, no dogs were on the set. In post-production the scenes of the active mill and the dogs running were edited together to create the sequence. Profiling the Pups: The trainer was aware that the production needed six puppies and purchased several from different litters. Knowing the schedule for filming enabled the trainers to select puppies that were at least 8 weeks old and naturally weaned from the mothers. At the time filming began, the pups were eight to nine weeks old. Since they would be going to new homes at the end of production, the trainers did not give them names. Instead they distinguished each puppy by collar colors so that the new guardians could name the new addition to their own family. The new owners were mostly relatives and employees of trainers: one went to the owners of a private boarding school where the pup is quite happy frolicking in the country surroundings with his new large family of children; two went to employees of the trainer; one to the father-in-law of one employee; and one to the line producer of picture. That left one last puppy. After having the veterinarian check out all the pups, the trainers found that one puppy had a heart murmur. While the pup was quite healthy, the vet advised that this condition could cause the dog to have a shorter life than the others and that the life expectancy was very difficult to determine. The trainers believed it was their responsibility to candidly inform any perspective guardian that there was this risk. However, the people from the school who had already passed the test as guardians wanted a second puppy. After discussing it with their vet, they adopted the dog and gave it a caring home to share with its puppy companion, lots of attention from adoring children and a spacious country environment. Chewy was actually given a slipper to chew on and play with in pre-production so it became very natural for him to chew the prop while being filmed. The pup most into carrying things was encouraged to carry the paper. One was encouraged to play retrieve and another to bark on cue. Two were naturally quiet and mellow, so were chosen to be the laid back characters. The smallest pup did a scene where he was placed in a sack mainly because he was the one that fit. All of the puppies were given lots of breaks and play periods and were monitored by the trainers at all times. Particular precautions were in place because the animals were young. No other animals were allowed on the set when the puppies were working. All the puppies were given their shots and tested by a veterinarian prior to being able to join the cast and a local veterinarian was always on 24 hour call while they were on location. All the puppies were of the age where they could be taken from their mother, but production and the trainers were careful to have safe, clean areas provided for them throughout the shoot. Two adult dogs named Ajax and Solar, who particularly liked the puppies, played the part of Pilot. Both were males and are used for filming because the male Retrievers tend to have a larger body structure, lush coat and can be prettier than the females. Both were used interchangeably to play the female, Pilot. When the mother, Pilot, appears in a box to be whelping the newborn puppies it was neither Ajax nor Solar. The dog seen nursing was owned by a member of the community who allowed the production company to come to the house and film the whelping pups without having to move them. This documentary shot is very tight on just the box and the dogs which made it easier to edit into the film and create the illusion that the dogs and the whelping box were in the Lowry home. Luckily the real dog matched the canine actors well enough to make the scene believable. Later in the film there is a litter of kittens that appears near the Lowry home. These kittens were from a local rescue group and used just for one scene. We have compiled a list of some of the best movies about these lovable dogs. There is something for everyone on this list, from new releases to classics. So grab some popcorn and get comfortable on the couch — here are our favorite golden retriever movies! Famous for their loyalty, intelligence, and trainability golden retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds in the United States. Did you know that there are also several movies about these wonderful golden retriever dogs? Through the ups and downs of life, Marley remains a loyal and faithful friend to his family. This movie will make you laugh, cry, and appreciate the furry members of your own family a little bit more. Each life brings new experiences and lessons, but his ultimate goal remains the same — to find his purpose in life. His journey as Bailey, a golden, is sure to touch your heart and leave you feeling inspired. Through his observations of the humans around him, Enzo comes to understand the importance of family, friends, and living life to the fullest. When Old Drum, a golden retriever, is wrongly accused of killing another dog, his owner takes him to court to prove his innocence. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey This heartwarming classic follows the story of three pets who are lost in the wilderness and must find their way back home. Along the way, they meet new friends and face challenges that test their courage and determination. Featuring an all-star cast, this film is a must-see for any animal lover. Homeward Bound 2: Lost in San Francisco The sequel to the beloved classic, this film follows the three pets as they get lost in the city and must find their way back home. With humor and adventure, this film is sure to please any fan of the original. Air Bud Franchise This feel-good movie is about a basketball-playing dog who helps his human friend, Josh, win the state championship game. Air Bud is a true underdog story that will have you cheering for the good guys and pooches all the way to the end. As of now, the franchise has a total of 5 movies released in all. These lovable pups get into all sorts of mischief, but they always manage to learn valuable lessons along the way. The Franchise includes: Air Buddies

All they care about is having fun. If you ever seen two puppies play then you already know how rough, mean and aggressive those games can look while being super adorable at the same time. One pup will chase the other one growling, one will be barking his little head off in his very non-threatening voice while the other will chase his siblings around biting him and tugging him by his ears. At their very core they still have those predatory instincts that come out to the surface. However the instincts to chase down prey, growl in the face of danger and attack their enemies is deeply ingrained in him. Just like little kids like to play games where they pretend to be adults, your little guy is doing exactly the same thing. I bet when your little guy was even younger, you would have had no problem with him biting you with his little teeth because you could barely feel it. However as he got older, those little teeth got bigger, the biting started to hurt more and outrunning your Pug puppy took a bit more effort. Puppies teach each other when to stop biting If left amongst his peers, your puppy would have outgrown his behavior as he got older at the very least he would have learned to take it easy with the aggression. His siblings and his parents would be the ones teaching him when enough is enough. The pup will either yelp out or just stop playing with the aggressive one. At first the biter might not even realize why his pal suddenly changed his mind, but when more of his siblings stop playing with him after he nips too hard he will realize that something is up. He will have to learn that if he wants to keep playing games with his buddies, he will have to play much nicer. All you have to do is show him that if he wants to continue playing with you, he has to keep his sharp teeth off you and your clothes. Otherwise he will have to play all by himself, and we all know that there is no fun in that. Puppies biting their owners while playing have been a problem ever since people kept dogs as housepets. Stop the games whenever your puppy bites you — Just simply stop everything, turn away from him and go about your business while ignoring him. As soon as he realizes that using his teeth during playtime will lose your attention, he will find other ways to keep you interested. Yelp or shout to alarm him whenever things get too rough — You know how I talked about puppies yelping when things get too rough? The only problem though is that you have to teach him those games first. Your little guy only knows how to play with dogs, so teach him games that he can play with humans. If you apply all three of the tips listed above, you will be on the right path to finally stopping your puppies biting. If everyone around him changes how they play games with him, he will have no choice but to change along with them. Watch out for aggressive behavior Sometimes puppies bite for other reasons than just playing. The suggestions above apply mostly to just play biting. Although most of the time when a puppy bites he is doing it playfully, there are exceptions to everything. Other reasons for your puppy to bite you might include: Feeling threatened — if your Pug feels threatened by you or someone around him after growling or barking at the person, he will have no choice but to bite them. Possessive behavior — Some dogs are very possessive and will do anything to defend whatever they feel like is theirs. A lot can go wrong if you approach a dog that has shown warning signs for you to back off. Related Articles. Pug Dog Biting Biting Vs Nipping It's common to use the word biting, however most puppies nip and there is a big difference. A nip is a quick snapping of the jaws.It is done in reaction to one of several triggers: Fear- Sometimes if a pup is startled he may nip in automated reaction. Play - Young puppies and older Pug pups, if not taught nip as they play. This how newborns interacted with litter-mates. Once at their new home, new rules must be taught that this is not an accepted form of behavior. Ruby Photo courtesy of owner Alf Dixon Ruby Photo courtesy of owner Alf Dixon Irritation - If a favorite toy is taken away, if a puppy is too possessive of his "belongings", if a pup has not yet learned his place in the family "pack" and other triggers can cause a young Pug to bite or nip. Before we dive into training for this, let us make note that the above is a nipping problem and not an actual biting issue. Biting is reserved for when a dog aggressively bites, there is a locking of the jaw.There is skin contact and often broken skin. It is a dominant, aggressive action that warrants much different training. The Pug dog is an even tempered, good natured dog breed and very rarely will a Pug actually bite as opposed to nipping. Training for This All dogs find comfort and security in knowing that they are living in a pack. Today's modern dog's pack is his human family. By taking proper care of a Pug , an owner shows him that it is the human who is the leader Alpha. Proper feeding giving the sit command first and training for commands are the 2 main ways that a dog truly understands who is in charge. When a dog of any age is ignored by his leader, this sends a very strong message. Canines do not take this lightly and any action that seemingly lead to the brief social isolation is quickly put into the "do not do" category. This does not mean that an owner should ignore the behavior.What an owner should do, is to immediately take action by purposefully ignoring the puppy to such as extent that he worries that his action damaged his place in the pack.If both owner and dog are sitting down when the bite occurs, the owner should raise. If both were on the floor, the owner should stand or sit on the sofa. The idea is to physically separate from the pup and maintain an authoritative physical position. The next step is to completely ignore the Pug, this means zero talking and no eye contact. It will be a brief banishing in which the puppy is essentially invisible. Everyone in the house should follow this training no matter who was the "victim" of the nipping. And it is important that everyone is on the same page, since it does little good for a biting puppy to be ignored by one of his humans, but able to move on to the next to play and to possibly nip again. This training should last just about 10 minutes, but it should extend even longer if the pup has gone about his own business and is not focused on his owners. One key element the 10 minutes must be a time in which the Pug is very aware that he is no longer receiving attention. Once that time is up, allow interaction, and any time that the Pug nips or bite, immediately begin again. It is important to be very consistent with this.When done each and every time, training can be successful in as little as 2 weeks. Is Teething an Issue? Your Pug may be biting due to teething. While most owners do refer to this as biting, this is actually a gnawing in an attempt to sooth the pain and discomfort that a pup will experience when his teeth are growing in and gums are very sensitive and sore. At this stage in life, a Pug will chew on just about anything that he can get his mouth on. He or she will not care if it is your fingers, your new shoes or electrical cords! There are several ways to help your Pug dog get through this time without damaging your home and belongings. One element that separates this from the above biting issues is that a puppy should be given an option. When chewing on an un-approved object, that object should be taken away and replaced with a chew toy. If the dog seems to be having a really hard time, ice cubes plain or flavored can offer great relief. In addition, toys chilled in the freezer can take the edge off. Always praise good chewing habits while discouraging bad ones. And if the Pug pup nips at hands or feet, immediately follow the training previously explained for biting. In regard to any household items that you absolutely do not need on floor level: remove them or place them high enough so that your dog cannot reach them. Be sure to cover electrical wires with plastic shielding. Allowing a your Pug dog to have an ice cube will be very helpful. Placing dog toys in the freezer for an hour or two, and then offering them will help. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. However, whilst Pugs tend to have good temperaments, as puppies they use their mouths to learn and will bite anything in sight. In this guide I will explain how you can overcome Pug puppy biting problems, despite the challenges involved. He has never been an aggressive biter, but he would nip a lot as a puppy. Unfortunately, a lot of the biting was down to me, as I would do rough play with him and almost encourage the nipping. But, as my puppy got older, those playful nips started to hurt. Please do take all my tips in, as I believe it to be the most detailed solution you will find for stopping a Pug biting that you see anywhere on the Internet. But first, why do Pugs bite you? Most will let you know they are scared with a little bark, letting you know to keep away. If you continue to advance and upset them, the growl can then become a snap and possible bite. But, with an older and more aggressive Pug, that bite could be very painful, particularly to young children. Do Pugs bite a lot? When Pugs are puppies, they do tend to do a lot of biting. Why Pug puppies bite? The teething phase is when you will notice your Pug puppy biting the most. Some Pugs will also bite a bit too enthusiastically when they are playing with you. This is a hangover from their days with their siblings where mouth play would have been used. You can stop a Pug biting you when they teethe by giving them things to chew on. As mentioned earlier, I would play with my own puppy and he would go for my hands with his teeth. I turned this into a game, which then became an issue as I had to train him out of it as he got older. Pug puppies can also bite as a way of showing their dominance over you. Whatever the reason is for your Pug puppy biting, it needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. If not, you will have problems with your adult Pug thinking that biting is acceptable. Also, if your Pug suddenly starts biting for no obvious reason please go to the vet immediately — it could be the sign of a new illness or injury. How to stop your Pug puppy from biting Here are different ways that really work if you need to know how you can stop a Pug from biting as a puppy. Squeal like a puppy bite inhibition When you see puppies playing together in their litter, they will let out a tiny squealing sound when bitten by sibling. The puppy that bit will hear the squeal and then tends to back off. As Pug owners we can imitate this behavior! If your Pug puppy bites you and gives you a nip, make a high-pitched squeal sound. You might find your puppy seeks re-assurance and comfort, but the key is to not give it. Instead, ignore them for a few moments, for example; turn your back to them. This might sound mean but if you want your Pug to stop biting it can work very well. The quicker you begin using this technique the sooner your Pug will biting you and your family. All it will do is make your dog scared and could lead to more biting out of fear. I made this mistake with my own puppy, as would push him away playfully, but that just encouraged the biting more. They will want more of the play, so will bite back again. But you are training them into thinking your hands are fair game. Instead you should use chew toys for this type of play. If you can focus their attention onto a toy and not your hands, they will learn that fingers and hands are not there to be bitten. You can also see the prices by clicking the photo below. Puppies will often eat things they should not do, so you will need to hook stuff out of their mouth. You will also need to check the health of their teeth and gums. One of the best ways you can train a Pug puppy to not bite your fingers in their mouth is to use a treat or snack. Let them see it, and then use your fingers to pop it into their mouth and out again. Over time, they should get comfortable letting you put fingers in their mouth without biting back. Train your Pug puppy to not bite over food One of the most common times a Pug puppy will bite is when food is in the equation. Puppies tend to be very overprotective of food, which they learned when in the litter as they had to fight for nutrition. Unfortunately, it will be behavior that can extend to occur over their food bowl. If your Pug is showing food aggression, then you need to train the puppy to learn you are in charge and can pick their bowl up and put it back down at any time — with no aggression from the dog. What you do is put a bowl in front of your Pug then quickly remove it again. Dog trainers tell you to do the loud squeal when the Pug puppy bites you then quickly place your thumb in their mouth, pressing it underneath their tongue. You can then put a finger under the chin. Hold this position for 10 seconds if you can, but not hard enough to hurt the puppy. The Pug will not like it, and it could mean they stop biting you and will learn for next time. Let your Pug know you are in charge Older Pugs that bite will often do it to try to exert dominance over their owner. They can also bite due to jealousy, or when you tell them to do something like get off your chair or bed. You need to train your Pug to realize you are the pack leader and the dominant one. Alphas like us owners, should not be bitten by pack members lower down the chain. Being assertive will help, but often simply rewarding good behavior is enough to get a dog to bend to your will. Socialise your Pug puppy with other dogs Puppies will learn from each other and older dogs. We often look after puppies for our friends. Our friends will often say what a positive impact they see in their young pups after spending a day in the company of our now older dog. And that can include not as much biting. The sooner they can get used to things like this, the sooner they should learn not to bite out of fear. Keep your Pug on a leash when exposing them to new things and noises. Always supervise your puppy when young children are present A Pug that bites a child is a massive problem. There are also specialist animal behaviourists who can help with biting and fear aggression in Pugs. Something to consider though is how long your Pug could be teething for. It can last up until they are 8 months of age, so biting and chewing things is to be expected during this phase. The dangers of a dog bite Adult Pugs that start biting can be dangerous. Whilst they are a small breed, people can get ill from infections. For example, around half of all dog bites will infect the person with bacteria, possibly leading to illness. The result is an open, jagged wound. If the wound becomes infected, it is often severe. The No. You may need hospitalization and require intravenous antibiotics. What do so when bitten by a Pug If you get bitten by a Pug and it leaves a bleeding wound rather than just an abrasion, take the following steps: Press down on the bite wound. This might mean that blood comes out, but that is good as it might help bacteria to come away from the wound. Use clean water and a mild soup to clean the bite wound. Use a clean cloth to press down on the bite wound again as this will help to slow and stop any bleeding. If you have it, apply antibiotic cream to the dog bite wound and then dress it with a new or sterile bandage. If serious, contact a health professional for advice. Conclusion To conclude, some of the quickest ways you can stop a Pug from biting is to make sure you use positive and negative affirmations. In other words, you praise the good, and discourage the bad. Whichever method you try to use, and can be a combination, just make sure that you are consistent when training your Pug puppy to not bite. Tell your friends and family to use the same methods too if they have contact with the puppy. Ultimately, unless you a clear and obvious to your Pug, the puppy will not understand that his biting behavior is a bad thing. You need to take the role of the pack leader. You might also like…. Proven Ways to End The Nipping! February 24, by Susan Puppy biting is a part of the process of dog ownership, but it can also be frustrating and excruciatingly painful. If you have a pug puppy, you have most likely wondered how I get my Pug Puppy to stop biting? This breed is known to be stubborn. However, you can stop the painful nipping problems with the proper training knowledge without using any painful training collar like choke, prong, and electric collars. You want to address the symptom, not the cause. As mentioned above, puppies bite for several reasons, but the most common reasons are teething and interaction with the world. Other reasons your puppy keeps biting you could be: Fear: If you happen upon a puppy that is startled, their first reaction may be to bite or nip at you. During the exploration process, they learn how hard they can bite while interacting with humans and other dogs. Playtime: Young puppies and older Pugs if not appropriately trained will nip as they play. Both puppies and dogs use their mouths to interact with people and dogs. Puppy Biting vs. Puppy Nipping vs. The bite may break the skin and lead to infections that a medical doctor may need to treat. Biting Biting is when a puppy or full-grown dog bit down hard on someone or something. Instead, it is a sharp pinch. It is still painful and can cause injury to people who have thinner skin than dogs do. Nipping can also cause holes and tears in your expensive clothing. Small breed dogs are known to be ankle biters. If ignored, your dog will do this behavior to the mailman, neighbors, and other people, which will cause significant problems for you. Mouthing Mouthing is when a dog or puppy gnaws or puts its mouth around your hand, arm, or another part of your body. Both puppies and dogs will use their mouths to pull at your shoe, clothing, etc. When Do Pugs Stop Teething? Puppy nipping and biting can last until your puppy is five months old or until they have their full set of grown-up teeth. Do Pugs Bite? Instead, they use their teeth, barking, and body language to let us know their feelings. At some point in their life, your Pug will show signs of aggression or fear by barking as a way to let you know to stay away. The final stage will be your dog snapping and possibly even biting you. Unlike other breeds, Pugs are a gentle breed that loves being around people, even children. Is Pug Dog Bite Dangerous? Puppies are prone to biting, and while not life-threatening, it is still excruciating. You may need a bandaid or ice to soothe the cut. There are several humane ways to train your puppy to stop biting. With the proper training, time, and patience, you can train your Pug to stop sinking their teeth into you. How to train a Pug Puppy Not to Bite? Here are several steps you can use to stop your Pug puppy from biting. Make Sure Your Puppy Has Access to Chew Toys If your puppy is teething, make sure she has access to several types of chew toys with lots of different textures. Teething puppies will bite and chew on anything they can find, even your hands and fingers. A great way to keep your puppy occupied is to give them a chew toy instead. It puts their attention on the toy and teaches them what they can chew on. Say goodbye to painful bites.We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Get them used to you touching their face, paws, ears, tail, etc. While Pugs love to be pet especially belly rubs , not all dogs enjoy you touching certain parts of their body. Some dogs are sensitive to people touching their paws and will nip when touched. It could be because their feet hurt or are ticklish when they are touched? The more you get them used to let you touch them as a puppy, the easier it will be to cut their nails as they get older. A tired puppy means less biting! Just remember not to overdo it. Also, make sure not to exercise them in the heat of the day. For instance, if you know your pups about to bite, you can move your hand away and put a toy in its mouth. If your puppy bites all the time when you bend down to greet them, have their favorite toy in your hand. Your excited puppy will bite the toy instead of your flesh, which is what you want. Most people make the mistake of correcting unwanted behavior after they occur. After doing it hundreds of times, your Pug would sit before they greeted you, and the unwanted behavior would be gone. If this is your puppy, give them the treat with an open palm. When your puppy becomes overly excited, grab their favorite snack, and ask them to sit. It teaches your puppy to want to interact with you and helps you raise a well-behaved dog at the same time. Giving them the treat too early will only reinforce the biting and unwanted behavior. The treat training method teaches your dog to respond to you rather than merely behaving impulsively. The puppy backs away, even for a second before the fierce playing resumes. As a Pug owner, you can mimic this behavior! When your puppy bites too hard, make a high-pitched yelp or squeal sound. The key to this type of training is to ignore your puppy for a while. The training sounds harsh but does work very well, especially for this breed. Pugs are companion dogs, and they want to please you. Some people make the mistake of biting the puppy back to show them how it feels. One jumps and bites on the other dog, and eventually, the other dog gives and starts biting them. Before you know it, the two dogs are fighting, and the people have to break it up before it escalates and someone gets hurt. Teach Them Not to Bite Over Food Pugs love to eat, and one of the most common reasons a puppy will bite is when they feel you or other pets threaten their food. Start by petting your puppy while they are eating. Keep repeating the process every time at mealtime. Quitting too early will cause your puppy to revert to its old habits of biting. Puppy biting can take anywhere from a couple of days, weeks, or even months with extreme biters. Instead of losing your cool, take them for a walk to tire them up. Puppies enjoy being around people and will quickly learn to behave correctly. After all, the goal is to get them chewing and biting on toys, not your flesh. Check out some of the best crates for Pugs that are perfect for sleeping and training. When they calm down, you can let them out of the kennel. Your Pug will fear you and cringe or run away when you approach her. She may respond defensively and attempt to bite you because she sees you as someone who will hurt her. Your puppy may see your gentle tap or slap as an invitation to pay, which will set your training back. Training time will become playtime and will be more likely to bite or nip at you. Never play tug-of-war or wrestling games with your puppy. These types of games encourage biting, jumping, grabbing, chewing, etc. Also, avoid using choking, electric, and prong collars as they will be painful to your pup. Final Word? This guide will help you properly train your puppy, whether dealing with teething or nipping issues. It takes time to train your Pug puppy not to bite. Implementing proper training can help strengthen your bond, which will help your dog become a well-behaved adult. However, when they realize how much work goes into training them, many are surrendered to shelters. You now have the tools you need to teach your Pug puppy to stop biting. Good Luck! But when Pugs are puppies, biting and nipping is just part and parcel of growing up. Pups explore their new world with their mouths. And a few nips here and there is just part of the experience. Here are some of the most common reasons why your Pug puppy might be biting. They are afraid If your pup is afraid, startled, or stressed for any reason they might react by nipping or biting in defense. When your Pug is still very young, this is not a worrying act of aggression. Nipping is a perfectly normal reflex reaction when your pup is feeling anxious or vulnerable. They are asserting dominance Sometimes pups bite as a way to show dominance over you. Even though Pug puppies are tiny, they still have a big ego. They are exploring Pups explore their new surroundings with their mouths and noses. Mouthing behavior is part and parcel of being a pup. When your Pug is still a puppy, they will not understand that a nip or a bite is a bad thing. That way the nipping phase will be just that. A phase. They are teething Last but not least, just like human babies, Pug pups go through a teething stage. And, just like human babies, your pup will want to chew on everything in sight. What they are actually doing is trying to soothe the pain that they are feeling during the teething process. To help them out, offer your pup a teething toy to chew on or some cold ice cubes to soothe those sore gums. Canines use their mouths for a lot of activities and functions. But not all oral behavior constitutes biting. Biting, nipping, and mouthing are all slightly different. Biting describes when a dog clamps down hard on an object or person. Nipping is not an act of aggression but a play response, or a reaction to a moment of fear or anxiety. Mouthing is a natural explorative behavior — especially for puppies during the teething phase. When Should I Be Worried? As your pooch gets older, play biting can turn into real biting. But biting behavior is still not to be encouraged. DO squeal and yelp This might sound a bit odd, but letting out a squeal or yelp when your pup nips or bites is a bit like speaking puppy language. When puppies play together in the litter this is how they tell their brothers and sisters to back off. So we can do this too. DO use chew toys As your pup starts to mature, stop letting their mouth on your hands and introduce a chew toy instead. Plus you can incorporate the chew into tons of fun and games around the house and garden. Around this time we want to be teaching our pups to feel relaxed when we place our hands in or around their mouth area — without biting. Encourage your pup to stop biting by diverting their attention with a delicious treat and plenty of praise. Some pups will develop food aggression. They may become super protective of their dinner and nip or bite when anybody tries to come near. Only let your Pug eat when the biting behavior ceases. If your pup is a persistent biter try placing your thumb under their tongue and finger under the chin and hold for ten seconds. DO assert your dominance You are in charge. Not your Pug. Pugs can be stubborn and prone to jealousy. Be assertive and reward good behavior with any kind of positive reinforcement — love, cuddles, and treats are usually best. Providing plenty of contact opportunities with other dogs and people is really important. Expose your pup to a variety of situations — even those that might be stressful the first time around e. Just remember to always supervise when your puppy is playing with Children. Your Pug will think that you are dangerous and will most likely continue biting out of fear, as a way of protecting themselves from you. If you do then your Pug will think that nipping and biting are totally fun. So resist temptation and give them some cuddles once they have calmed down. Do not let your Pug bite in perpetuity. Eventually, they must learn that this is not okay. So start training and stop your Pug puppy biting as soon as possible. Email There is nothing more gregarious than pug puppies. Seemingly born and breed with boundless enthusiasm, these little fellas are sure to bring in more sweet cuddles your way. However, along with the fun and the attention, some pug puppies tend to bite. Some may end up hurting others without even trying when they get carried away during play or when fear for something sets in. It is important to cut this rambunctious behavior before it gets out of control. Take Charge—Consistently! Pug puppies belong to a naturally good-natured dog breed. While it is very rare for them to bite in an aggressive manner, training them how not to bite will also curve their nipping or chewing. Here are ways how: While training is important, it is also vital that such be done consistently. You can engage in social isolation or time outs by walking away and ignoring the pup. It also helps to cry out when your pug bit too hard. This somehow gives the pug puppy the idea what is not acceptable. Young tots, for instance, tend to be very playful. They run and shriek engaging pugs to be hyperactive thereby, adding to the problem at hand. It is also wise to use some anti-bite or anti-chew deterrent. It can be easily washed off your hands, too. Consider the idea that your pug puppy may be teething. Thus, a teething toy can come handy during training. Try to calm the pup by talking in a gentle voice while stroking it. But remember to keep your hand away from easy preying of its mouth. Make sure to stop the game when not in play. It is important to keep safe during training. A biting pug pup must be handled with utmost gentleness and care consistently. Rough play will not only encourage it to bite, it also ascertains such behavior as it grows. Keep them in a fenced surrounding when you have young children in tow. Never go to the point of threatening a young pug with rods or sticks. Preying on their fear will not help in the long run. Like a small child, a reward is essential when learning how to train pug puppy not to bite. Pug pups naturally crave for attention. Preventive Measure Is Best Becoming a new pug parent is an enjoyable task. There is so much to enjoy ahead of you! Knowing how to train pug puppy not to bite is but a small pebble in your shoe. It requires patience and persistence but most importantly, consistency. The key is to realize that teaching your pet not to bite is your responsibility. You would not want it to grow with behavioral issues, would you? Puppies often explore their surroundings with their mouths, and teething can lead to increased biting. Providing appropriate chew toys and consistent training can help redirect this behavior and encourage positive interactions. Teething Troubles Puppies, including Pugs, go through a natural teething phase, usually between the ages of 3 to 7 months. During this period, their baby teeth fall out to make way for their adult teeth, and their gums can become sore and itchy. To alleviate the discomfort, your Pug may instinctively chew on things, including your hands and fingers. How to Fix: Provide a variety of safe and appropriate chew toys specifically designed for teething puppies. Look for toys made of durable rubber or nylon that can withstand their sharp puppy teeth. Play aggression Pugs are renowned for their playful nature and boundless energy. While they may not intend to harm you, their exuberance during playtime can lead to accidental nips or bites. Pugs often use their mouths to interact and communicate, which can escalate into unwanted biting during excitement. When playing with them, avoid using your hands as toys to prevent confusion. Instead, opt for toys that encourage interactive play, such as tug-of-war ropes or soft plushies. Whenever your Pug gets too rough or mouths you, cease the play session and withhold attention temporarily. This communicates to them that play stops when they bite too hard, encouraging them to be more gentle to continue having fun. Attention-Seeking Behavior Pugs love attention, and they may resort to biting or nipping to get noticed. Even negative attention, like scolding, can inadvertently reinforce this behavior. How to Fix: When your Pug bites or nips for attention, avoid reacting or giving any response. Instead, completely ignore the behavior. Only interact and provide attention when they are calm and well-behaved. Positive reinforcement works wonders — reward your Pug with treats or praise when they approach you calmly without any biting tendencies. How to Fix: Enroll your Pug in obedience classes or work with a professional trainer who uses positive reinforcement techniques. Consistency is key — practice training regularly and reward your Pug with treats, praise, or petting when they respond correctly to commands. Pain or Medical Issues If your Pug suddenly starts biting or nipping, it might be an indication of pain or an undiagnosed medical issue. How to Fix: Observe your Pug closely for any signs of discomfort , such as limping, whimpering, or changes in appetite. If you suspect they might be in pain, take them to the veterinarian for a thorough examination. Addressing the underlying medical issue will help eliminate any pain-related aggression. Fear or Anxiety Fear or anxiety can manifest in Pugs due to various triggers, such as new environments, unfamiliar people, loud noises, or other dogs. When feeling threatened, biting may become a defensive reaction. For instance, if your Pug is nervous around strangers, invite friends over and ask them to offer treats calmly and quietly. Over time, your Pug will learn to associate these situations with positive experiences, reducing their fearful reactions. Protective Instincts Pugs are loyal and protective of their owners, which can sometimes lead to territorial aggression. They might perceive certain areas or belongings as theirs and bite when they feel these are being threatened. How to Fix: Socialize your Pug from an early age, exposing them to various people, pets, and environments. Work on establishing yourself as the pack leader through consistent training, and teach them that resource guarding is unnecessary. Boredom and Excess Energy When Pugs get bored or have excess energy, they may resort to biting as a way to release pent-up frustration. How to Fix: Ensure your Pug receives enough physical and mental stimulation through regular exercise, interactive play, and puzzle toys. Take them for walks, play fetch, or engage in interactive games that challenge their minds. A tired and mentally stimulated Pug is less likely to indulge in destructive behaviors like biting. Reinforcing Mouthing Behavior When your Pug was a puppy, they might have playfully mouthed or nipped without causing harm. However, as they grow older, this behavior can become more painful. How to Fix: Avoid encouraging mouthing as a form of play, even when they are young. Provide appropriate toys for them to chew on, and avoid using your hands or feet as play objects. Whenever they mouth or nip, redirect their attention to a toy, and praise them when they engage with it instead. Hormonal Changes in intact dogs Unneutered male Pugs or females in heat may exhibit biting tendencies due to hormonal changes. How to Fix: Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate time for spaying or neutering your Pug. This procedure can reduce hormonal-driven aggression and help prevent unwanted behaviors associated with mating instincts. How to stop pugs from biting The following are some common ways to prevent pugs from biting; 1. Socialization When a Pug puppy is socialized properly , it can learn how to interact with humans, dogs, and other animals without biting. Exposing them to new environments, people, and animals will help them become less fearful and aggressive. Bite Inhibition Teaching Pug puppies how to control the force of their bites can prevent them from causing serious harm. This can be done by discouraging hard bites and rewarding soft ones. Positive Reinforcement Training Positive reinforcement training can teach Pugs that good behavior is rewarded. Redirecting the Bite Redirecting Pugs from biting to chewing appropriate toys can help them develop healthy chewing habits. Consistent Training Consistency is key when training a Pug. Everyone who interacts with the Pug should follow the same training techniques to avoid confusion. Time Out A brief time-out in a quiet, isolated area can help the Pug understand that biting is not acceptable behavior. Use Bitter Taste Sprays Bitter-taste sprays that are safe for dogs can be used to discourage biting and chewing on inappropriate objects. Use Muzzles Muzzles can help prevent bites in situations where the Pug may feel anxious or threatened. This can help determine which method will be most effective. Signs a Pug Wants to Bite Pugs are adorable and friendly dogs, but they can exhibit behavior that may lead to biting if not properly addressed. Some signs to watch out for include: Growling or snarling. Your precious little pup has turned into a vampire. How do you stop it? What are the best tactics to prevent Pug biting, chewing, and gnawing on people and property? Why do Pugs bite in the first place, anyway? Do Pugs bite their owners? Pugs have been known to bite their owners. Here are some signs that you might have a biter: They nip at you during playtime. They try to lunge and bite people or animals. You come home to destroyed objects such as chewed-up shoes or remotes. Another sign of a biter or potential biter is if they use their mouth a lot in general. However, if you notice that your Pug puts everything in its mouth, it might have become a habit that you need to break. Why is my Pug biting? For example, do they bite things when they get angry or stressed? This is the equivalent of a toddler having a temper tantrum. It can also be compounded by things like separation anxiety where your Pug self-soothes by gnawing on objects with your scent. Do they have any medical issues? Last but not least, your Pug might simply have a habit of chewing on things. How do I get my Pug to stop biting? There are many tips and tricks to stop a Pug biting, and you can employ a little trial and error to figure out which ones work for you. Ignore them whenever they bite. If your Pug is biting to get attention, take the attention away. Buy them toys or teething objects. Get them used to your hands being around their mouth. Some dogs respond instinctively to the perceived threat of a hand near their face and mouth. You can re-condition this response by slowly and incrementally petting them closer to their snouts. You can also deliver more treats by hand or palm! Another option is enrolling in obedience courses such as the ones available at the Pupford Academy. They have a multitude of training modules that can help with biting, leash walking, crate training, and more. With patience, dedication, and a lot of love, you can de-fang your vampire and turn them back into a sweet and snuggly pup. Good luck!