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Hennie Fourie or M-J Fourie email info carlzipca. Some of our dogs are imported Hennie and M-j have been involved with GSD's and other animals for over 20 years. We treasure the German Shepherd's loyalty, intelligence and devotion. They are extremely courageous, versatile, with strong protective instincts, and excel at almost anything that they are trained to do. They are highly driven, athletic, energetic, and exceedingly eager to learn. They crave a good challenge. One of the most capable and trainable breeds in all of the dog kingdom, an ideal German Shepherd when well trained by a confident owner, is a magnificent companion. Our dogs are true quality, bred, showed and worked with dedication and love. Our aim is to breed beautiful dogs with sound temperaments, suitable for protection, and devoted family companions. Delivery can be arranged at buyer's cost. Puppies can be flown to major airports. The legal stuff We are members of the German Shepherd Federation and adhere to their breeding restrictions. We are also members of KUSA. Puppies may be registered with either registry. Our puppies are tattooed with their registration number. Contact Kinneret German Shepherds: Breeders with heart! At Kinneret, we are deeply passionate about animals — dogs especially! We breed three very different types of dog, namely gorgeous German Shepherds, fancy French Bulldogs and lovable American Akitas. As an established and accomplished breeder, we ensure that all of our dogs, from our stately German Shepherds, to our French Bulldogs and American Akitas, are bred responsibly. It is this commitment to breeding excellence that has Kinneret as an established importer of stud dogs from Germany, serving to promote outstanding bloodlines and pedigrees. Our German Shepherds are renowned for their outstanding achievements in various dog shows, as well as for their impressive pedigree and lineage. As a potential Kinneret customer, we offer helpful information and background information on our breeds to assist you in choosing the breed most suited to your home and requirements. Feel free to click on any one of our award-winning breeds to find out more about each one. We highly recommend pet health insurance to all clients wishing to make one of our dogs part of their families. We also have several puppies for sale! Please view our current and upcoming litters for availability of puppies. Please note that photographs used on this website are of dogs that we have bred or owned. Because each litter differs, the images contained on our website are not a guarantee that your puppy will have the same colour or features as those previously bred by Kinneret. German Shepherds For more information please contact Kosike at .German Shepherds make excellent companions for children. Our healthy small German Shepherd pups are all vaccinated and dewormed. He is a working dog and one of our breeding males. Orry Another breeding male currently used in our kennels. This great German Shepherd is the proud farther of many pups in South Africa. Breeding Females Alexi Alexi is one of our breeding females. She is the daughter of Gambol of Vita Sinor. Both legend German Shepherds in South Africa! Maxi Maxi is an outstanding German Shepherd. She is the daughter of Gorbi von Maventelina and breeds world class German Shepherd puppies. She is also one of our German Shepherd breeding females. Abby Abby comes from a legendary German Shepherd bloodine. She is the daughter of Gambol of Vita Sinor and also full sister to Alexi. Furthermore Burnie and Dennis are involved in farming activities in Mozambique and Botswana. Contact us for more information about our ranches in Mozambique and Botswana. Contact Kosike at

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Our puppies are raised inside our home in Sorrento, British Columbia, where they are loved and socialized from day one. We're dedicated to improving this already outstanding breed and bringing excellent quality dogs into the world. Labradoodles were originally bred for therapy and service work, which makes them ideal family companions. They are gentle and non-aggressive with a keen sense of human emotion. They come in a variety of beautiful colors, including chocolate, cream, red, black, and apricot. Part of a multi-generational Australian Labradoodle Breeding Program, Notch Hill is proud to be contributing to the development of this wonderful breed. As members of the Worldwide Australian Labradoodle Association, we meet and exceed the highest ethical standards. Our breeding stock is tested for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, genetic eye disorders, and heart disease. We plan a small number of litters every year with the goal of producing healthy Labradoodle puppies with exceptional temperaments and non-shedding, allergy-friendly fleece coats. Each puppy is sent home with age-appropriate veterinary care, a 2-year health guarantee, and a lifetime of support. There are many reputable Labradoodle breeders available in British Columbia who can help you find the perfect pup for your family. By asking these questions, you can be sure that you are getting a healthy, well-socialized puppy from a reputable breeder. The cost will vary depending on the quality of the parent breeds that the Labradoodle puppies come from, as well as if you want a specific generations or a specific color might increase the cost substantially! The pricing also depending on what region or state you live in. What is the rarest color for a Labradoodle? Their coat needs to be completely red, and their hair should be pure from root to tip. If you know any great Labradoodle breeder who lives in British Columbia, please let us know in the comments below. So we can add it to our list. What is the Breeder Name? Where are they located in British Columbia? It really helps others who are looking for a Labradoodle puppies in BC. If your friend and relative looking for a Labradoodle Puppies in British Columbia, you can share this post with them. If you are looking for the best Labradoodle Breeders in BC, you can consider one of these breeders. Labradoodle Breeders. Finding a network to support you through the puppy years can make all the difference. Our private Facebook Owners Group can help you! Learn from and support other labradoodle families. Connection Wondering about feeding, crate training or house training? Maybe you are looking for the best way to train or socialize your dog, we have created a library of content for you and your new puppy. We know it can be confusing, and we are here to help. Check us out on social and learn about more than just labradoodles You Tube Our You Tube channel follows each litter from birth for eight weeks. We provide weekly updates on the litter and in depth information on topics specific to labradoodles and puppies in general. Facebook Facebook is the heart of our online community. We have a public page that has topical information on labradoodles and dogs in general. We also have a private group that acts as our extended family. Instagram Instagram is where we let loose and try to fill your day with cuteness overloads! It is a good place to stop by if you are having a rough day or just need some cute puppies to put a smile on your face. Who is Van Isle Doodles? Labradoodle Puppies B. Your faithful puppy to love is waiting B. Australian Labradoodle breeders with High Quality Health tested puppies since From our family to yours. They will go to the bathroom either in a potty box or outside, they will have been introduced to a crate, be able to come and sit for a kibble and will have met new people every day for their socialization. They will be ready for homes in early .We are so excited. If you would like to welcome a puppy like Lulu into your family Shelby is planning a family for spring. She is taking a well deserved rest and will be bred again in early .We are taking family names for our lovely Larger Medium puppy Shelby list. She sent this more than a week ago and happily things are now looking better for Over The Moon Woofy and her family. Fire tripled in size last night and is much closer to Sorrento this morning. We did have a rain shower which will help. Kelpie has flown to Ottawa and is happily living with two children to play with and an extended family full of love. Kelpie had a wonderful fan club rooting for him and he is thankful to each one of you. It was through his wonderful friends that he found is forever family. Labradoodles thrive with the training methods of Dr. Ian Dunbar. Lick on Dr. Dunbar's photo to learn more about it. Judith Moench, therapist with her therapy dog. The Australian Labradoodle and Allergies We strive to breed puppies that are non-shedding and allergy friendly. If you have concerns about allergies in your house please find more information about the labradoodle and allergies on our Labradoodles and Allergies Information page. They can do this easily because we make sure before they set out on their journey they are crate trained and are old enough to travel. Our puppies stay with us until they are 11 weeks of age. They are spayed or neutered and have had two out of the three sets of vaccinations. They receive Bordatella kennel cough vaccine if they are older and go to play group. International travelers receive a rabies vaccine. Usually puppies travel more easily than many humans, Jean included. Our Australian Labradoodle Puppies who become therapy Dogs Our Labradoodles are trained and temperament tested to be placed as therapy dogs. This is Dr. Contact Us. Copper Canyon Australian Labradoodles Australian Labradoodles for Sale We raise exceptional quality non-shedding Australian Labradoodle puppies … from our home to yours! Our labradoodle puppies are loved and cared for, raised in our home with our children and make wonderful family pets. We welcome you to our website! We are not listed with them but are on amicable terms with the Goldendoodle Website and recommend their services for any puppy family interested in a Goldendoodle puppy from health tested parents. We are now accepting applications for medium and miniature Australian Labradoodle puppies for our current and upcoming litters. We do also have the occasional litter of standard sized AustralianLabradoodles as well. Since then, our labradoodle family has grown! Our labradoodles are family members and live in the house with us or in carefully chosen guardian homes. We do not believe in the long term kenneling of our AustalianLabradoodles as they are a breed that thrive with contact with people. In fact, all our Australian Labradoodle puppies are born and raised in our home, where they are introduced to household noises and lots of attention! All our breeding dogs are health tested before being accepted into our breeding program. It is not enough that a labradoodle look cute, they must also be a delight to have around, be sound, easily trained and social. We have never met a breed of dog more personable than the Australian Labradoodle and we invite you to welcome a labradoodle into your heart and home! Copper Canyon Australian Labradoodles is a premium rated labradoodle breeder. All our labradoodles are fully health tested and our labradoodle puppies come with a 2 year genetic guarantee against genetic health issues. Come fall in love with a labradoodle! Showing 1 - 32 of 32 resultsPage 1 - 32 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. What a beautiful litter! Visit us on our website.The puppies will be pounds full grown. Mom Callie- is cream.Ready to go home now. Vet check, first vaccines, and several rounds of deworming complete! Both Mom and stud have completed genetic testing. Males and.Our Babies are.We have a variety of beautiful colors to choose from, with three males males are the.One of their other names, the Shichon Teddy Bear refers to their.Victoria This fabulous tri phantom F2b Labradoodle needs a guardian home. He is 8 weeks old as of September 4th. His expected weight is around 30 pounds. Also featured in the photos are his parents. He will.I am Vet checked, first shots and dewormed. They call me Chunky Monkey for now, because I was the.Please Contact Gorgeous F1b medium labradoodle puppies Mission Waitlist opportunity for gorgeous F1b labradoodle puppies. Date of birth November and available to rehome early January perfect Christmas presents! Mom is a 50lb F1 labradoodle. She is very.There are more pups than we took reservations for, so we have some extra spots on the list. Fill in an application on our website. Mom Oakklie 45 pounds is a parchment multi gen labradoodle and father Buddy 38 pounds is a multi gen double.There are 2 girls and 5 boys! We are accepting reservations for these stunning.Parents are family dogs with prefect demeanors and are great with children and chickens : even cats Pick up is an option in.Please Contact Waitlist! Join our waitlist for future litters Ready October by completing a puppy application! Previous litters have.ONLY 5 Left. They are vet checked and shots done. As of today, Sept. I have been waiting for many many years for this litter. I imagined up for myself the perfect retriever dog. My perfect companion dog, family.She wants to play with my old dog but the difference in size makes my old dog scared and refuses.She is a sweet gentle puppy, raised around other pets and animals, children and cats. Has first two vaccine, been dewormed, comes with one year health guarantee.

They are full of personality and make great companion animals. Here are a few things to know about these fun-loving dogs: Brown French Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds. They are known for their loving and loyal personalities. These dogs make great companions and love to play. They are also very intelligent and can be trained to do tricks. Brown French Bulldogs are medium-sized dogs weighing between 16 and 28 pounds. They have short, smooth coats that come in a variety of colors, including brown, fawn, brindle, white, and black. These dogs have long tails that curl over their backs. Brown French Bulldogs have large ears that flop down. Brown French Bulldogs are active dogs that need plenty of exercise. They enjoy walks, runs, and playing fetch. They have big ears, and a short snout that is absolutely irresistible. These pups are also known for being very playful and loving, which makes them great family pets. These dogs are not often seen in the United States, but they are becoming more popular in other parts of the world. France is the home of the French bulldog, and these dogs were originally bred to be companion animals for the French nobility. The dark brown coloration of these dogs is thought to be caused by a mutation in the genes that control coat color. This mutation is thought to have occurred in the late s or early s. Dark brown French bulldogs are very rare, and they are considered to be a valuable commodity by many dog breeders. These dogs have a loyal and loving nature, and they make wonderful pets for families with children. They are known for their small size, bat-like ears, and wrinkled faces. These dogs are loyal companions and make great family pets. They do require some special care, however, due to their short noses. Light brown French Bulldogs are not as common as their brown-colored cousins. Prices for these dogs can also be higher since they are in demand. These dogs are just as loving and playful as any other French Bulldog. They make great companions and will quickly become a member of your family. With their chocolate brown coat and big, soulful eyes, they are sure to turn heads wherever they go. Brown French Bulldogs are known for being gentle, loving and affectionate dogs. They love spending time with their families and are always up for a cuddle or a game of fetch. They are also intelligent dogs and can be trained to do tricks or perform tasks. Ordinarily, French Bulldogs have short, sleek hair. They are known for their unique two-tone coat, which can be brown and white, black and white, or any other combination of colors. Pied French Bulldogs are friendly, playful, and make great companion animals. Despite their name, the pied French Bulldog is not actually from France. They were originally bred in England in the 19th century as a cross between the English Bulldog and the French Terrier. The pied coloration is caused by a genetic mutation that results in patches of color on an otherwise solid-colored coat. Pied French Bulldogs are just as healthy as any other color variety of French Bulldog. They do not require any special care or attention and have the same lifespan as their non-pied counterparts about years. This can vary depending on factors such as the breeder, where you live, and whether the dog is purebred. Some breeders may charge more for a brown Frenchie due to their rarity, but this is not always the case. Ultimately, it is important to do your research before purchasing a French Bulldog to ensure that you are getting a healthy dog from a reputable source. Brown and Tan French Bulldog Brown and tan French Bulldogs are one of the most popular color combinations for this breed. Though they may look similar to their brindle cousins, brown and tan Frenchies have a few key differences. For one, their coat is typically a bit lighter in color, with more pronounced tan markings. They may also have a slightly different build, as brown and tan Frenchies tend to be on the smaller side. But no matter their size or coloring, all brown and tan French Bulldogs share the same friendly, fun-loving personality that has made them so popular around the world. They are a relatively new color variation of the breed, and as such, they are not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club AKC. However, they are rapidly gaining popularity in the United States and abroad. They are known for their friendly dispositions and loving nature. Black French Bulldogs make great companion dogs and do well in families with children. They are not as common as the other colors of French Bulldogs, but they are just as loving and friendly. These dogs make great pets for families with children, as they are patient and good natured. However, they do need some daily activity to stay healthy and happy. Black French Bulldogs are the more common of the two, but brown ones are just as adorable. Brown French Bulldogs are unique in that they can come in a variety of shades, from light tan to almost black. They also have a distinct merle pattern that sets them apart from other Frenchies. Despite their different appearances, brown and black Frenchies are equally friendly and loving dogs. They make great companions for people of all ages and make wonderful family pets. As with all French Bulldogs, they are intelligent, playful and affectionate companions. They make great family pets and do well with children. Brown and blue French Bulldogs can have either a light blue or dark blue coat. Some may also have a brindle coat, which is a mix of brown and black hairs. Like all French Bulldogs, the brown and blue variety requires minimal grooming. They are an overall healthy breed, but like all dogs, they are susceptible to certain health conditions. Frenchies are known for their friendly dispositions and loyal nature, making them great family pets. These two colors are often seen together in French Bulldogs, as they compliment each other well. Brown French Bulldogs have a wide range of coat colors, from light brown to almost black. Beige French Bulldogs typically have a cream or white base color with brown patches. Both of these colors are relatively common in the breed, and many people choose them for their dog because they are so eye-catching. Brown French Bulldog with Blue Eyes Almost all Frenchies are born with blue eyes but the color changes when they become adults. Adult French Bulldogs with this eye color are prone to health issues like deafness, blindness and cataracts. Most Frenchies with blue eyes are albinos, merles, or those born with genetic anomalies. This hybrid dog has the best of both worlds, the playful and friendly personality of a French Bulldog with the strength and energy of a Pitbull. This mix is an excellent family pet that is great with children and other pets. They are intelligent and easily trained, making them a perfect choice for first time dog owners. With proper care and exercise, the brown French Bulldog Pitbull mix will be a loyal and loving companion for years to come. This mixed breed has many characteristics of both parent breeds, including their small size, wrinkled forehead, and short snout. The brown French Bulldog-Pug mix typically weighs between 15 and 25 pounds and stands at about 12 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder. This hybrid dog breed can come in a variety of colors, including brown, fawn, brindle, black, and white. The brown French Bulldog-Pug mix is a friendly and affectionate dog that makes a great companion for families with children. They are also relatively easy to train and make good watchdogs. This pup is a great companion for someone who wants an active, friendly, and affectionate dog. The French Bulldog Chihuahua mix has all the best qualities of both breeds. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. They are also playful and full of energy, yet they can be calm and relaxed when they need to be. This pup is the perfect size for city living or for someone who likes to travel with their furry friend. As the name suggests, this hybrid combines the best of two worlds — the playful and affectionate French bulldog with the intelligent and loyal poodle. This crossbreed inherits many of the best qualities from each parent breed, making them an ideal family pet. They are typically good-natured, loving, and patient with children. They are also relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming, as they only need to be brushed a few times a week. They have a short, dense coat that can be either straight or wavy, and comes in a variety of colors including brown, black, white, and cream. But did you know that there are actually several different types of French Bulldogs? One of them is the Brown French Bulldog. This coat color is relatively rare in the Frenchie world. Whether you want to go with a traditional name like Brownie or something more unique like Cocoa, there are tons of great options out there. Here are just a few of our favorites: Brownie: This is a classic name for a brown French Bulldog. Teddy: Teddy is another great option for those who want something both traditional and cute. Yes, a brown French Bulldog can change color. This is because they are born with a gene that allows them to change color. The most common colors for a brown French Bulldog to change into are black, brindle, or fawn. Are brown French Bulldogs rare? Brown French Bulldogs are not rare. In fact, they are the most common color of French Bulldog. This is because the gene for brown is dominant over the gene for black. This means that if a brown and a black French Bulldog are bred together, the puppies will all be brown. How much is a brown French Bulldog? The price of a dog depends on many factors such as the breeder, the coat color, and whether or not the dog is AKC registered. Brown is not a very common coat color for French Bulldogs, so they may be more expensive than other colors. French Bulldogs are one of the most popular breeds in the United States, so their popularity also contributes to their high price tag. What is the rarest color for a French bulldog? There are many different colors of French Bulldogs, but the rarest color is blue merle. Blue merle French bulldogs are a unique and beautiful variety of the popular breed. Though they are not as common as the brown and brindle Frenchies, they are gaining in popularity due to their striking blue and silver coat. Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human: Popular Posts. Keep on reading to learn everything about French Bulldog puppies! French bulldogs All you need to know about Frenchies: a short summary History in a nutshell French Bulldogs were first bred as a smaller version of the English Bulldog in the 19th-century England. They were particularly popular among lacemakers in Nottinghamshire, who initially kept them to chase rats but soon fell in love with their small size and calm, friendly nature. After the Industrial Revolution, they had to move to southern France where lacemaking was still done by hand and took their dogs with them. Frenchies soon got popular in the circles of French artists, actors, writers in Paris as well as rich Americans visiting the city. In fact, they loved Frenchies so much that they took them to the US, where they finally got recognized by the AKC in .Frenchie Characteristics French Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds thanks to their fun, adaptable, friendly nature and distinctive look. You can easily recognize them by their flat, heavily wrinkled faces and large, erect bat ears, which make them absolutely adorable. Despite having the strong, muscular body of a bulldog Frenchies are small in size: adult males usually weigh 20 to 28 pounds while females are 16 to 24 pounds. Frenchie Colors Frenchies come in a wide variety of different colors and patterns. There are standard French Bulldog colors like black, fawn, cream and patterns like pied and brindle, which are considered common for the breed. Rare and unique colors like blue and lilac, as well as patterns like tan and merle have gained more popularity in recent years. Frenchie Personality French Bulldogs probably have the biggest personality among all the dog breeds. They are funny, friendly and insanely affectionate, making them the perfect companions for anyone. They are also highly intelligent and need a fair amount of mental stimulation. Frenchies are like small children: simply irresistible! Giving only high- quality food, ensuring regular training and exercise, finding a good vet and not exposing them to too much heat is also essential to provide a long and happy life for your French Bulldog. They are little clowns who always do something silly to make you laugh! They are amazing companions who get along with everyone in the family from small kids to older people, other dog breeds and even cats. Shall we go on?! The exact amount usually depends on various factors like the color, gender and age of a puppy as well as the breeder you get your puppy from. Breeding Frenchies requires a lot of time, effort, care and money, so those who are dedicated to only having high-quality and healthy French Bulldog puppies will ask a larger sum starting from 4, USD. Colors and patterns considered common for the breed like black brindle and fawn have the lowest prices ranging from 4, to 5, USD, while blue, lilac and merle which are more unique and harder to produce come at a higher price as well ranging from 6, to 8, USD. Isabella and fluffy Frenchies are the rarest, most valuable and most expensive from 8, to 30, USD. When it comes to age and gender, younger female Frenchies usually cost a couple of hundreds more than older male puppies. What's included in the price? Life Span Did You Know? While the name of this breed is the French Bulldog, their origins cannot be credited to only France. One of the facts about French Bulldogs is that the idea and reason for the creation of the breed originated in England. This adorable dog breed, which has always been meant to be a companion, started as a miniature version of the English Bulldog. This mini-version accompanied lace workers across the English Channel and into France during the Industrial Revolution. Once the dog breed became prominent in France, the subsequent successful crossbreeding of the English Bulldog, Pug, and Terrier led to the creation of the modern-day Frenchie. The French Bulldog we know today originally came to the United States with groups of wealthy Americans who came across them and fell in love while touring Europe in the late s. The French Bulldog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in and is a member of the non-sporting group. The French Bulldog is an easygoing, affectionate, and playful dog that loves their family and gets along well with children. They also love to make new friends, which means they get along well with other dogs, animals, and people. Intelligent and affectionate, this small dog breed certainly wins over hearts and earns its status as a popular companion dog. Frenchies are not known to bark much, unless you train them into it, but they are naturally alert and make excellent watchdogs. As long as they are well-socialized and trained, they tend to have an open and friendly nature. The Frenchie is a highly adaptable dog that pretty much adapts to any living situation that includes plenty of love and attention. Being a short-snouted, snub-nosed dog breed, they do not tolerate heat very well and are also sensitive to cold. This tends to make them one of the dog breeds that hate winter and you will want to make sure to bundle them up to stay warm while out on cold winter walks. Because Frenchies bond closely with their families and thrive on attention from them, they do not tolerate long periods of time alone. They can also be prone to developing separation anxiety if they are poorly socialized or you do not work with them on this when they are young. Potential health concerns to be aware of in French Bulldogs can include cataracts, cherry eye, and entropion. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances. Heart and joint certifications are recommended for this breed. Playful and happy, the French Bulldog is a great fit for a novice dog owner. They are sweet-tempered, eager to please, and eager to train. Occasionally, Frenchies can be stubborn and they do tend to have big personalities. Although this can sometimes be a challenge for first-time dog owners, it can usually be overcome with consistent and patient training. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training. Standard coat colors for Frenchies are Brindle, Cream, Fawn, and combinations of these. They have a short coat that will shed a little year-round. Nail trims once or twice a month keep nails from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks, along with careful cleanings as needed, can help prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, the Frenchie is more prone to developing gum disease. Daily dental care plus cleanings at the vet as needed can help prevent this and other painful dental diseases later in life. You will also need to take care of the wrinkles. Frenchies have hereditary face wrinkles and it is important to keep them clean and dry to prevent skin irritation or possible infection. The French Bulldog is an easygoing companion breed. They can be one of the laziest dog breeds that are couch potatoes. Frenchies will often be energetic when they play and will try to match their activity to yours. So, if you live a more active lifestyle, you need to be careful that your French Bulldog is not overexerting themselves trying to keep up with you. As a Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dog, they cannot cool themselves as easily and are extra sensitive to heat. They can also get winded easily, so be aware of this when playing with your dog or puppy and watch for signs of overexertion. There are safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs and you can work with your vet on specifics for your Frenchie if needed. French Bulldogs usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Frenchies generally live for years on average. With this dog breed being so popular, there are plenty of celebrities who have chosen the French Bulldog as their companion, which also means there are plenty of famous Frenchies out there. Also, French Bulldogs cannot swim, at least without a life vest. They can be taught to swim while wearing one, but they should never be left unattended around bodies of water or swimming pools and require constant supervision while in the water. Featured French Bulldog Article.

Things to do with your English Bulldog Pennsylvania is a great place to live with an English bulldog. The state has a diverse landscape, plenty of outdoor activities, and dog-friendly businesses. Hike the Trails Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking trails in Pennsylvania that are perfect for English bulldogs. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, and take breaks often. Visit a Campground Camping is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many campgrounds in Pennsylvania that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in Pennsylvania, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to get a fishing license and follow all the rules and regulations. Go Boating Boating is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many places to boat in Pennsylvania, both on rivers and lakes. Be sure to bring a life jacket for your dog and follow all the safety rules. There are many places to swim in Pennsylvania, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to supervise your dog at all times and follow all the safety rules. Visit a Dog Park Dog parks are a great place for English bulldogs to run and play off-leash. There are many dog parks in Pennsylvania, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Pet-Friendly Businesses Pennsylvania has a number of pet-friendly businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and stores. These are just a few of the many things you can do with your English bulldog in Pennsylvania. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Pennsylvania is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in Pennsylvania? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. They are situated in the Appalachians of South Western PA and are run by a highly experienced and motivated team of volunteers. Contact: admin keystonebulldogrescue. All dogs that come to ECBR are fully vetted, fixed, and cared for to ensure they are healthy before their adoption day. Contact: sara. Volunteers provide foster care, veterinary care, and rehabilitation for these dogs before they are made available for adoption. Contact: HSrescue aol. They are based in eastern Pennsylvania and work with adopters and shelters in the mid-Atlantic region. American Bulldog Rescue is not a shelter, but an all-volunteer group where the dogs receive loving care in a network of dedicated foster homes until the time when their forever family is found. Contact: Jodi AmericanBulldogRescue. They are the main, most reputable ones. They may or may not have this breed available for adoption at the time of your search. So do bear that in mind. Generally, these rescues should be the basis of your search. And while I spent a lot of time researching to find these rescues, if you were to find others that are not listed that you believe should be, do contact me. Or looking for other breed rescues in PA? Check out my followings guides below:. Since he was attacked by other dogs, he is a bit timid at first. He will be spending more time with her now that he is recovered from his wound and neuter. Good with cats? Good with children? He loves walks to smell around the neighborhood and is always down for a car ride. He had many wounds and a giant wound on his leg. After a few months, he has finally healed! Louie loves meeting people and is very curious to everything and everyone. Louie loves toys, bones, and walks. He is not a fan of the sweeper, and absolutely hates motorcycles. He is not a fan of tubby time, and will fight you the entire time. He his a little timid at first when meeting larger dogs, so slower introductions will be a must for him. He would do best with another relaxed, low key female or would do fine as a single dog. We have been working on listening skills, but still needs finishing touches. He loves to jump so we have been working on getting that stopped. Louie is FULL of energy and loves life. Louie loves a fenced in back yard so he can run around and watch the activity of the neighborhood. Please visit www. Remember - Adoption is always the best option! We cannot place dogs in homes with children under 10 unless that dog has lived with kids or is in a foster home with kids. Thank you. To be considered for adoption, you must apply using our free, online application. Only approved applicants are put into contact with the foster family to setup a meeting with the foster dog. September 11, , pm.

Temperament: Energetic, affectionate, and intelligent. Australian Retriever Appearance Depending on which genes they inherit these pups can look more like either the Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd. This will impact their size with those with more Golden Retriever being larger. Most of the time these dogs will be well-muscled with a bushy tail and friendly alert eyes. These dogs are one of the most popular breeds for a reason — they are not only friendly but stunning dogs. They have powerful and athletic builds that make them good for hunting, obedience, and guide dogs. Height and Weight These dogs are a medium to large breed that can weigh anywhere from 30 to 60 pounds. They should stand between 19 to 23 inches — which is the perfect height to pet them! Colors and Coat You can expect these dogs to come in a variety of colors including black, brown, white, and golden. They can also come in merle, speckled, and spotted variations of many different colors. Your pup will have a waterproof double coat that is flowing and wavy. Many Australian Shepherd and Golden Retrievers are used as guide dogs to help the visually impaired. These dogs make great watchdogs since they are protective over their people. These dogs would be great as farmhands and herding dogs because of their high herding and protective drive. Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix Personality and Temperament Since these are mixed breed dogs they tend to have personality traits from both parents. They are very even-tempered and loving dogs that truly want to please their owners. These dogs are best known for their gentle disposition — they are outgoing, confident, and trustworthy dogs that make a great addition to the family. The Australian Shepherd is known for their intelligence, determination, and energy. They are dogs that need a job and have a high impulse to herd and a strong work drive that will need attention. Australian Retrievers have personality traits from both of these breeds which means they should be loyal, affectionate, eager to please, and energetic. Since these are an intelligent breed they are going to need a lot of exercise and training to keep them motivated. They have high energy levels and remain puppy-like throughout their lives. If their energy is not directed in the correct ways or they are not stimulated enough they will find a way to keep themselves entertained. This means that they can have some destructive behavior if not properly trained. They can be protective over certain items in the house so they will need to be properly socialized. Overall they will want to be with their owner every part of the day and love to be loved. They are amazing dogs that are ready to do whatever you want especially if that means outdoor activities. Australian Retriever make great family dogs — they love children and form close bonds with their human family. These dogs need exercise, mental stimulation, and some grooming to keep them happy. Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mixes need to be socialized from a young age and like to be with their owners most of the day. They are an amazing addition to an adventurous and outgoing family that have the right amount of time and energy that these dogs need. Exercise Requirements This breed needs a lot of exercise. They are always ready and waiting for the next fun adventure to go on. Golden Retriever Australian Shepherd mixes need at least an hour of exercise a day whether that is through long walks, a game of fetch, or running around outside. A great way to help these dogs get exercise would be a game of fetch or as a running partner. While running with your dog you could also have them heal next to you for some extra obedience training — this would be a good way to keep them mentally stimulated as well. They enjoy being outside as much as possible, so weekly hikes with your dog will help. Number of Walks Per Day: .During the seasonal changes they will need to be brushed daily. As these dogs love to be outside they will most likely come back in dirtier than they left. Giving baths once a month and brushing them to get excess dirt out of their fur will help to keep them clean. Checking their ears for dirt is a must as well. Make sure to also check their paws for damage that could have happened while playing outdoors. Feeding and Diet Looking for food that is specific for their size, stage in life, and exercise level is a must for these dogs. Their energy needs will change throughout their lives so finding food perfect for these different stages is important. Sticking to food that avoids fillers and concentrates more on high protein since these dogs can be prone to overeating and gaining some unwanted pounds. The high protein diet also helps to keep up their caloric intake for their high energy needs. They should be fed 2 times a day with equally weighted meals. Getting your dog from a reputable breeder that has checked their dogs for these traits is a good idea. The Golden Retriever is known for certain health issues such as cancer. This can also be a problem for the Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever mix. The most common health problems include: Eye cataracts. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Australian Retriever Highlights Australian Retrievers are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever parents. The main colors that the coat of the Australian Retriever comes in are black, brown, and white. Some can be more golden like their Retriever parent. The Australian Retriever is a highly energetic and active dog and will require around an hour of exercise every day. Ideally, this will be split up into two separate sessions. The Australian Retriever is a great fit with kids. You should still supervise all play time between kids and dogs. In general, Australian Retrievers are also fine around other household pets, although they can show herding instincts. Breeders continued to produce these mixed breed dogs as demand climbed. Turning attention to the parent breeds, the Golden Retriever was originally developed in Scotland, where they very quickly became in-demand pups due to their very high intelligence and impressive ability to carry out agility and obedience-based tasks. When it comes to the Australian Shepherd, this is a breed that was actually developed in the United States. Despite their unfortunate start as a designer breed, some Australian Retrievers end up in rescues and shelters. Look out for them and adopt if you decide this is the right dog for you. As is always the case with newer mixed dog breeds, exact size standards might vary. Most weigh in at 25 to 60 pounds and range in height from 19 to 23 inches. Female Australian Retrievers are sometimes smaller than their male counterparts. The dog will bond strongly and quickly with you and your children and will desire to be part of your daily life. This mixed breed requires a lot of energetic exercise and playtime, and will also benefit from regular training sessions to help stimulate their natural smarts. Australian Retriever Health Australian Retrievers are generally considered to be healthy dogs, although the breed can be predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever face. Some of the more common health problems Australian Retrievers suffer from include: Bloat Hip Dysplasia Australian Retriever Care The Australian Retriever is a highly energetic and active dog and will require around an hour of exercise every day. When out and about, your Australian Retriever will flourish in safe off-leash conditions, especially if they can break out into long runs or take a swim. Ideally, the dog will live in a situation that features a fenced-in yard. Also, adding fetch and retrieve games to the daily exercise routine is imperative with this mixed breed. Australian Retriever Feeding An ideal Australian Retriever diet should be formulated for a large dog with high energy. In terms of climate, the Australian Retriever is quite an adaptable dog that can live happily in most weather conditions. But remember to dress your pooch 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. So be sure the boundaries between the dog and existing household pets are laid down properly. Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this mixed breed. Make sure to reward your Australian Retriever for good behavior and adhere to a proper training regimen when you bring them home to your family. Australian Retriever Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Australian Retrievers because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. This dog is naturally healthy, and thus free from genetic-based illnesses. However, there are also reports of this kind of breed getting cancer, hyperthyroid, allergies, and many more. The best way to avoid these scenarios is by getting a breeder. With that, we recommend brushing it on a daily basis if you want to maintain its luscious and shiny coat. Otherwise, cleaning the coat at least once or twice a week will do. It is known to have moderate shedding periods as well, but there are two seasons where they drop more hair than usual. With that, you might also want to invest in a vacuum. Not only will this make your dog cleaner, but it will also save you the trouble of doubling your cleaning chore from time to time. In line with that, you need to create hygienic routines for the dog. As much as possible, give it a bath once a day. Not only that, but you also need to trim the nails, clean the ears, and brush its teeth on a daily basis. Ears that are in this position are more prone to acquiring infection due to the absorption of moisture. If not cleaned and treated properly your dog might be prone to ear mites and other infections. You can also rent grooming services. If you do this, you will only have to take your Golden Retriever with Australian Shepherd breed for a bath when it is visibly dirty. For more information regarding this, it would be best to discuss it with your dog breeder. This is due to the flexibility and genetic variety of this particular breed. Reports have shown that the Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix is also capable of acquiring diseases such as cancer, hyperthyroidism, deafness, allergies, and epilepsy. Aside from that, some dogs of this kind are also known to be sensitive to drugs. But among all the illnesses this dog is prone to having, the ones you need to watch out for are pigmentary uveitis, heart diseases, eye conditions, and hip dysplasia. Overall, however, you can expect your Golden Retriever crossbreed with Australian Shepherd to be a healthy and athletic dog. A Golden Retriever can live from years. An Australian Shepherd, on the other hand, has an average lifespan of years. With these numbers in mind, you can expect your Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever to live for about years. A dog nutritionist will tell you to engage your dog in routine meals on a daily basis. This will provide it with the standard amount of energy and nutrients to rejuvenate the ones that it lost running around and playing in your house. Meanwhile, here are our top suggestions for dog food. Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken and Sweet Potato Recipe Seventy percent of this dog food is made out of meant nutrients, which can help build lean muscles. With this dog food, you can also be sure that your pup eats corn, soy, and wheat free. You might also be thrilled to know that the company is known to be a manufacturer of locally produced dog food, which crosses out the possibility of some ingredients coming from China. One of the best features of this dog food is its 34 percent crude protein paired with 16 percent crude fat. Its top ingredients are deboned turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, potatoes, and peas. Earthborn Holistic Puppy Vantage This is probably the best dog food for your Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever crossbreed while he is still in his puppy stage. Earthborn has been known to produce one of the best dog foods for adult dogs, but the company recently released one variety that was specially made for Golden Retriever with Australian Shepherd race puppies. This dog food aims to give your pup a healthy brain and good eye development. Your doggo deserves to have the best care and nutrition you can give them. If you come across some of the worst dry dog food in the market, just keep going. Puppies should get food that will give them enough proteins, which you can find among best puppy food brands. Dog-grandpas should get only the best senior dry dog food to make them feel young and strong. Also, if you stumble upon best dry dog food brands for Pugs give it a go these pups have refined taste buds and your doggo might, too. Your cutie carries the genes of super-unique and distinctive parents, so you can always opt for best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Golden Retriever Australian Shepherd Mix Exercise Requirements Many dog owners are disappointed with having dogs contribute to mischief around the house. Little do they know that this mischievousness is just a result of high energy levels. Such is the case with the Golden Retriever with Australian Shepherd race. The dog is quite energetic. In line with that, if they do not get sufficient amount of exercise, it will try to release their energy through other means. This is why some owners find their Mix of Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd chewing and biting their shirt, slippers, or socks. You can schedule a session where the dogs can socialize with each other. Despite being a crossbreed, this dog also needs to socialize with its kind because it has a natural desire to be part of a herd. Socializing with other dogs of its kind will teach your puppy how to play nice with other animals. Still, these two things are done separately. The first thing you need to do is let the dog become acquainted with the environment since these types of dogs have hunting instincts. If you have other pets at home, it would be best to let your Golden Retriever crossbreed with Australian Shepherd mingle with them. Let them play with each other. This will give the animals sufficient time to get to know each other. You might even want to walk your dog around the neighborhood. The reason for this is to familiarize your dog not only with the surroundings but also your neighbors so that when someone visits your home, your puppy will not think of them as trespassers. Once you have done that, you should invest your time in teaching these simple training tricks: Walk. By this age his freckles were starting to show more and his dark fur is just starting to lighten up a bit. Also, the pink on his nose started to become blacker. He liked to lie there because it was cooler than all the carpet everywhere, plus there was wood to chew on! He was always lying on brick, or linoleum, or any surface that was slightly cooler than others. He had just been digging, as you can probably tell. He is about 13 weeks here. I had about 4 or 5 random people stop me and ask if they could take a picture of my dog. Of course, I said yes. He weighs about 75 pounds, and the top of his head stands about 28 - 30 inches from the ground give or take an inch His mom was the Golden and his father was Aussie. He is such a wonderful dog! He's very smart and loyal. He definitely has the herding instinct, but isn't too annoying with it. He also loves to swim, run and play with other dogs, but doesn't mind lying at my side while I read. He is quite a joy to have. He is extremely social. I've met a few other of the same mixes, and they all look so different, but all very good looking. Absolutely great combo and I would love to have more of them. His coat is a bit wavy on his back, and a bit crimped looking behind his ears. In fact, someone once asked me if I crimped his hair? I just looked at them like they were crazy. But, for all I know that is normal in some dogs. More freckles seem to pop up here and there still, and he has almost no pink on his nose anymore, just a spot right on the top in the middle, and a spot on the left side too. Also, he got huge! What happened to my little puppy? He loves sticks. I've bred Golden Retrievers since and in recent years decided to get an Australian Shepherd to help out with my cattle. What I discovered was the black tricolored male Australian Shepherd was a wonderful and very intelligent companion. In late December , I got the first litter: 2 black and white or black bicolored and 2 black tricolored. The other two litters came in January .They were wonderful! I've never had puppies learn so easily! At 4 weeks old the puppies were using a spring loaded doggie door by themselves. I couldn't believe it and thought the mother was helping them through the door so I sat and observed and found out that they didn't need assistance from mom! Word got around that I had designed a new hybrid and completed all the paperwork to register them with ACHC and soon I was sending the puppies to new homes. The response on this new hybrid was astonishing! Some of the comments were "super easy to housetrain," "very obedient," "pleasant," "calm," etc. I've found the Australian Retrievers are not super demanding of one's attention and are comfortable just being close by. Also they are very attentive of what their "people" are doing and seem to notice any changes or anything different on the property. Like the Goldens, the Australian Retrievers love everyone! The breed listed as a mix between two purebreds. One Golden Retriever , the other Australian Shepherd. I'd previously had a purebred Aussie who was a GREAT companion, but was very high strung, nipped at heels and had a bad case of separation anxiety. Because I needed a calmer dog as a service dog I purposefully looked for a mix. Cheyenne was mostly black with white and a small amount of brown didn't look like a blue, however , with brown eyes a mostly black nose mostly pink as a pup with a heart-shaped pink area near it's base. With careful training, enlisting my kids as helpers, Cheyenne was a HUGE help, learned fast and very easygoing. Even during illness he still performed light duties flipping lights, retrieving items without fail. So glad I found him! He holds my heart with wonderful memories. Spotted Golden Retriever Aussie Mix Temperament There is no exact way of predicting the personality and temperament of any mixed-breed dog, and the same is true for Australian shepherds. Intelligent As soon as you bring an Australian shepherd and golden retriever mix home, you will notice they are an exceptionally intelligent dog. Needless to say, this mix is very easy to train and will pass potty training and obedience training with flying colors. Keep in mind that, as such an intelligent canine, your Australian shepherd golden retriever mix will probably outsmart you more than once. Highly Energetic The Golden Aussie is a highly energetic dog that needs a lot of exercise , playtime, and training sessions to stay on top of his game both mentally and physically. If you have a more active lifestyle, this mix will fit right in with your schedule and be a great jogging, hiking, or swimming companion. However, if you are more of a couch potato, your Golden Aussie will behave a bit like a drill sergeant with a goal to get you in shape! Your Aussie retriever mix will need at least an hour of exercise every day ideally spread out over several play sessions to stay physically and mentally stimulated. If not provided with an appropriate outlet for their energy, your golden retriever Aussie mix will use destructive chewing, barking, and digging to prevent boredom. The Australian shepherd and golden retriever mix bonds strongly with its family and seeks out human companionship at all hours of the day and night. This mixed breed loves to be close to its people and is always in the mood for cuddles or petting sessions. Your Golden Aussie will have a strong desire to be close by and involved in everything you are doing and might feel unwanted if ignored or left alone. Thus, consider how much time you have to spend cuddling and interacting with your dog before you bring your Golden Aussie home. Hard-Working Since both Australian shepherds and golden retrievers are working dogs, their offspring tend to inherit a strong work ethic and be the happiest when they have a job to do. Depending on how much your mix takes after its Aussie parent, they might try to herd and nip at your family members, children, and smaller pets. This sort of behavior will work in your favor if you live on a farm; otherwise, you should discourage it with training. You can use these working skills while training and exercising your mix, like having him or her fetch and retrieve balls and freebies. This way, your pooch will feel like they are doing important work and get a workout at the same time. However, this mix is prone to certain health problems that are often seen in Australian shepherds and golden retrievers. The most common health problems seen in this mix are: Hip dysplasia Cancer Bloat The best way to avoid these issues from arising is to get your Australian shepherd golden retriever mix from a reputable dog breeder. You should also meet both parents and ask the breeder to show you their hip, elbow, and eye scores, as well as any other tests that he has had done. Compared to other dogs of their size, Aussie retrievers have a fairly long life span and on average live from 12 to 15 years. Be prepared for a long-term commitment and at least a few vet bills down the road before you ultimately decide to bring this mix into your home. Feeding An Aussie Golden Mix The ideal diet for the Australian retriever is one that consists of a lot of protein, fat, healthy carbs, and all other essential vitamins and minerals. Your mix should primarily eat dog food formulated especially for large dogs with high energy. Since they are prone to bloat , you should feed your Australian retriever two equally spaced smaller meals, once at the beginning of the day and another in the evening, and avoid free-feeding your dog. As a puppy, your mix will need calorie-dense puppy food suitable for large breed dogs and have to eat four small, evenly spaced out meals per day. To start, you should continue using the same dog food the breeder was feeding them and wait a month to slowly transition your pup to a different formula. To stay on top of all of that loose hair, you should brush your mix two to three times a week. The coat will shed to some extent all year round, and your mix will go through a heavy shed every spring, at which time you might need to brush your dog every day, using a dog brush that fits its coat best. Bathing once every other month will suffice unless your mix likes to roll in the mud and has to be bathed more often. After reading through our complete description of the Aussie retriever, you might still be unsure whether this wonderful crossbreed is right for you and your lifestyle. We suggest that you ask the following questions to help you decide. These dogs are both large and energetic, which means they thrive when they have a bit of extra space to exercise. An apartment will feel both feel small and confining to them and be inconvenient for you when such a big dog is wandering around in it. Even a small outdoor area that they can play around in will make a big difference to their overall health and happiness. Aussie retrievers love companionship and always want to be in the thick of things. If they are left at home on their own for several hours a day, perhaps when everyone is at work, they are likely to develop anxiety and depression. Not only is this bad for them, but it also often manifests in destructive behaviors like chewing, scratching, and digging. These dogs do best in households when there is generally someone around most of the time. How Energetic Are You? These dogs need lots of exercise. As well as at least an hour a day, they thrive when taken on regular weekend adventures like hiking, camping, or swimming. In addition, their daily exercise needs to be more than just a casual walk. Australian shepherd golden retriever mixes have lots of energy that they will need to burn off daily to stay happy and healthy. Will this suit your lifestyle? Are you going to be able to keep up with this dog? If not, this particular breed might not be the right choice for you. Are You Experienced With Dogs? These lovely crossbreeds are highly trainable and very personable, so even first-time owners should be able to teach them the necessary commands. However, bear in mind that they are also large dogs, and they respond best to a strong alpha. How Old Are Your Children? If you have young children at home, you might want to wait until they are a bit older to bring home one of these dogs. Not only do Australian shepherd golden retriever mixes have a tendency to herd younger children, but their size and energy can also be overwhelming for smaller kids. They will want to play quite energetically and confidently with your kids, who might be too small to control the situation. Also, these dogs are quite a lot of work, and you might not want to be running around after one of them while also running around after a toddler. Older kids, however, will find it rewarding to help you care for this personable pup. As with most designer pups, their cost varies greatly depending on where you are in the country and the subsequent supply and demand. You may also find some of these desirable pups looking for homes in a local shelter, so be sure to call around these shelters as your first option. Can Australian retrievers be golden? Australian retrievers can inherit the gold coats of their golden retriever parent, but a pure golden coat is relatively rare, as they usually have a mix of color markings like their Australian shepherd parent. Wrapping Up… It should be no surprise that golden retriever Aussie mixes are quickly becoming very desirable dogs, as they combine two of the most popular breeds in the United States. They are a stable crossbreed, as their parents have similar temperaments. They are both friendly and intelligent, which means their offspring are sure to be the same, no matter how their characteristics mix. Overall, these dogs are: Best suited to having constant company around the house Highly intelligent and need plenty of mental stimulation The Golden Aussie is ideal for active families who have lots of time to spend with their pup and enjoy getting active with them. While they need lots of love and attention, the unconditional loyalty and affection that they offer in return make them well worth the investment. Do you have experience with Golden Aussie mixes? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. You May Also Like.

Exercise, Growth, and Joints Exercise Labradors not only love exercise, they need exercise. We all look forward to taking our puppy for a walk, however it is important not to over-exercise your puppy. In natural play, puppies will romp until they are tired and then stop to lay down for rest. When walking a puppy on a leash, they cannot stop when they normally would for rest. Too much exercise or walking can severely damage their bone and joint structures irreversibly. This should be taken seriously. THE RULE is: No more than 5 minutes of exercise for every month of age So that means, at 2 months old 8 weeks , your puppy only needs to exercise or walk for 10 minutes per day. At 3 months of age 15 minutes of exercise and so on. If you walk your puppy too far too soon, your puppy may develop hip and elbow dysplasia as they get older. Labradors have been known to develop dysplasia younger than other breeds of dogs. In many of these cases, it is often due to environmental factors such as over-exercise, running on hard or strenuous surfaces such as concrete or sand , continual jumping or agility work. Things to avoid with your puppy: No jumping in or out of car, especially larger cars. Lift the dog or use a ramp. No throwing balls or frisbee great distances for your puppy to chase. The sudden stopping and over reaching with the front legs is dangerous. No agility, jumping or flyball before years old Do not let other dogs knock or push the puppy over continually, includes body-slamming Avoid much stair climbing which can increase the risk of dysplasia No fast turns or roll-overs Good exercise: Swimming is great, since there is no weight-bearing impact on their joints. Remember, labradors love water! Walking on leash, for no longer than the recommended length of time for their age Self-directed play is an overriding rule for any puppy under 18 months old. The majority of exercise should be free play, exploring, and noodling around Hide and seek games are fantastic, as the dog can move at its own pace looking for its toy or treat or you. Size is a factor as large dogs, especially ones that like to play with paw whacks, can inadvertently injury a young puppy. Supervised play is critical. You need to teach the puppy a release command. All these games are forms of exercise for puppies and are a great way to help your puppy learn useful lifelong skills and qualities. Growth plates and bones: Development and injury Growth Plates Growth plates are soft areas that sit at the ends of the long bones in puppies and young dogs. They contain rapidly dividing cells that allow bones to grow longer until the end of puberty. Growth plates gradually thin as the hormonal changes approaching puberty signal the growth plates to close. In puppies, this closure normally completes between 18 to 24 months old in labradors. After sexual maturity, the growth plates calcify and the rapid cell division ends. The growth plates become a stable, inactive part of the bone, now known as an epiphyseal line. Dogs bones are held together with muscles, tendons and ligaments soft tissue. In an adult dog, if a joint experiences a stress such as bending the wrong way or rotating too much, the bones will hold firm and soft tissue will be pulled, resulting in a sprain or tear. Why this matters so much, is that unlike a sprain, injuries to the growth plate may not heal properly or not heal in time for the puppy to grow up straight and strong. Injury to a growth plate can result in a misshapen or shortened limb, which creates an incorrect angle to a joint resulting in yet more future injuries when he grows up, including dysplasia. These xray images show open and closed growth plates in a puppy and adult dog. Bone Strength In addition to having soft growth plates at the end of long bones, puppies bones in general are softer. Spiral fractures of the tibia lower leg bone are very common in puppies. A spiral fracture is where the bottom half of the bone twists in the opposite direction of the top half. Any exercise that puts torque twist on a bone puts the puppy at risk of a fracture. For an example, movements such as twisting and turning suddenly can cause these type of fractures. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This is where we recommend you read our Health and Genetic Testing page, where we talk about hip and elbow dysplasia. It is critical that you, as a puppy owner, understand as much as you can about hip and elbow dysplasia, how you can help prevent it, and what your breeder should be testing for. On the other hand, an underfed or malnourished puppy or dog is also at higher risk of injury. Muscles mass directly influences strength, likewise inadequate calcium and nutrients affect bone density. A body condition score of about is healthy for a young puppy. Once an adult, the ideal body condition score would be about 5 for a healthy, fit labrador. Sterilisation Desexing In larger breeds, sterilising young puppies at a young age has shown to increase the risk of joint disorders and injury. We recommend sterilisation occurs between 24 months old for this reason. This recommendation is outlined in our Health Guarantee. We discuss this more under Desexing or Sterilisation. Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors are amongst the most popular family pets in the UK thanks to their loyalty, gentle nature, and intelligence. Like most dogs, they thrive with regular exercise, keeping them healthy and happy. How much exercise does an adult Labrador need? A healthy adult Labrador generally needs at least 80 minutes of high-quality exercise per day. Of course, when setting exercise goals for dogs with existing health issues including obesity , you should consult your vet first. What types of exercise are best for Labradors? When we say high quality, we mean just that. Try and incorporate off-lead time into their exercise routine and take a ball or toy to play fetch with — running will help to raise their heart rate and burn off more calories. How much exercise does a Labrador puppy need? For their first three months, your puppy will get enough exercise from tearing around the house, playing and causing chaos. How much exercise does an old Labrador need? At an advanced age, your dog will have less energy in general and be more likely to suffer from health issues that may limit their mobility. Be observant — being the loyal companions they are, Labradors will push through a lot of pain to keep up with you. Watch for excessive panting, changes in their movement, and exhaustion as signals that they have overstretched themselves and adjust their activity accordingly. Can you over-exercise a Labrador? Labradors have the capacity to build up incredible fitness that will see them on the go all day long, but for most, there is a limit on how much they can do. Gradually increase their activity levels, using a PitPat to check in on their progress. How far can a Labrador walk? A working Labrador could be expected to cover many miles every day through the undergrowth and even water. However, your pet Labrador will have slightly different stamina, depending on how much exercise they are used to. Getting out and about with your Labrador keeps them happy and healthy and can be a highly rewarding experience for you both. Download our app for free to see if PitPat is for you. You might also like Single page Single page Top 10 most active dog breeds Got energy to burn? Single page Single page 10 ways to exercise your dog indoors Whether you find yourself stuck indoors because of the weather or for any other reason, your dog still needs plenty of exercise. Here are our top tips for exercising your dog indoors. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Whether young or old, big or small, yellow, black, chocolate, from field lines or show lines, your Labrador needs exercise. It will keep their heart and muscles strong, their mind stimulated and their weight under control. But how much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors Are a High Energy Breed The Labrador Retriever is a high energy working breed, initially bred for very physically demanding work retrieving game for hunters. This would involve all day hiking, running and swimming in sometimes difficult conditions. So Labrador Retrievers were bred to have lots of energy and be very active. And though their main role in life today is as a family pet, they still have those same genetics that made them suited to their original role. Dog Ball Thrower. Yes, you can throw a tennis ball extra far with the Chuckit, but two reasons why I love it: 1. In this state they will often resort to destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing…and will often be very restless, may bark excessively and try to escape your home and garden at every opportunity. Insufficient exercise can also lead to weight problems with Labradors. Excess weight is a problem because it can lead to all sorts of problems such as damage to their joints hips and elbows , heart disease, increased blood pressure and increases the risk of diabetes. So a lack of exercise leads to behavioral problems, hyperactivity and possibly an assortment of health problems. However, as a general rule of thumb, a normally healthy adult Labrador Retriever will need 1 hour of exercise every day. The more relaxed Labs just 45 minutes per day, the more energetic 1. This can be made up of running, swimming, playing fetch , jogging alongside you…anything that goes beyond a gentle walk. But if the first consideration is your Labradors age, how much do puppies and the elderly need? Nice for long runs with your Lab. If you have older dogs or children, the puppy may well try to keep up with them and over-exert themselves, playing to exhaustion and damage their developing joints. So keep an eye on them and interrupt play if need be, to give them plenty of rest. Once they are fully grown, they can go out for much longer. The 5 minute rule should be sufficient to keep your lab puppy fit, burn off excess energy yet not over-exert them and cause possible developmental issues. Continue the 5 minute rule until your puppy is at least one year of age where you can then begin to exercise them more vigorously. This is highly dependent on your labs overall health and can vary wildly from one Labrador to another. Some labs may need to slow down from the 7th year onwards, while others remain extremely active beyond their 10th year. As Labradors get older, many develop arthritis, dysplasia and other health issues that can prevent a Labrador from enjoying or needing exercise as much as they used to when young and healthy. They will likely still try to chase a tennis ball all day and hike mountains just to please you, even if it may be doing them more harm than good. Try not to put them in this position. As your Labrador ages, you need to be more observant , looking for changes in their movement, excessive panting, slowing down, feeling tired. And during grooming sessions and massage, check for any painful spots indicative of sore joints or other problems. We noticed Linus was stiff getting up in the morning and decided to try adding glucosamine to his diet. We saw a noticeable difference a few days later and an added spring in his step. If your Labrador tears around your home like a tornado. If your Lab displays any of the restless and destructive symptoms described above, try increasing their levels of exercise for a few days and see if their behavior problems improve. However, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket you might want to check out PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher. Over-exercising very young and elderly Labradors can do more harm than good. For your adolescent and adult Labrador, exercise them well. As a general rule of thumb, aim for 1hr per day and scale this up or down depending on your Labradors individual needs. This could mean 45 mins for the more sedate and elderly, or 1. And at the end of the day, think of it like this: You have the best exercise machine to rival that of any gym to keep you fit and healthy yourself. And hey, what fun!!! What better motivation and need is there to keep yourself in shape? Do you mostly agree with the above? Please let us know in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Just like us, Labradors need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Whether you have a young or old dog, they all need to get the blood flowing to stay healthy and live long happy doggie lives. Regular exercise with your Labrador is very beneficial for you both. Exercise stimulates neuron growth in the brain, encourages the production of endorphins with a known mood-boosting effect , helps strengthen your bones and muscles, improves blood pressure, and can significantly help with depression. Are you having a hard time figuring out how much exercise your lab needs? Answers vary drastically from one dog to another. The amount of exercise to give your Labrador depends mostly on the age of the dog. The key to taking your Labrador puppy out for exercise is to be patient. Some labs are athletic, and thus need more exercise than others. Also, certain Labradors are genetically programmed to be energetic and have high metabolism rates, whereas others are more laid-back. Here are some exercise guidelines a new lab owner can follow to make sure their dog gets the right workout. With older dogs or children, a lab puppy may well try to keep up with them and exhaust themselves before they reach their adult size and stamina. Hold off on structured games and other forms of heavy physical activity for the first three months. This will set the stage for long-term, healthy exercise habits. This rule states that you should take your Labrador puppy out for at least five minutes of exercise per month of age up to twice a day until he or she is fully grown. This can be anything from a walk around the block to a run in the dog park. How old your dog is will make a difference in their stamina. To determine how much exercise your dog needs, first take their age into consideration. Labs that are four years old and above need between one and two hours of exercise per day. The truth is Labradors can lead a perfectly healthy life with just an hour of daily active playtime. The Labrador Retriever was bred to retrieve game for hunters. That means they naturally love to play fetch. All you need is a toy for playtime and room for running around. Tug-of-War is less cardio-oriented but helps with muscle mass and body structure in growing dogs. Plus, they love it! It requires that you prepare your puppy with a proper agility training course. Agility training is great for completing a total-body, structured workout, while also providing mental stimulation for your labrador. This involves activities such as going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. You will need to train your lab to engage in the activity and this involves proper instruction. Find one that fits his size and abilities, as well as your own personal comfort level. Either due to space or having a small yard, it may be difficult to get their puppies out every day. The good news is that, with a little creativity, indoor exercise can be just as viable and fun! Here are a few ideas you can try at home. Try Treadmill Training Sessions With Dogs A dog can be trained to use a treadmill and enjoy it, but the experience will take time. Build an Obstacle Course for Your Labrador Use everyday things found around the home or office to create an obstacle course. It also boosts their energy levels and problem-solving skills. For example, you might use old boxes and trash bags to make a tunnel, chairs or stools to jump across, and other furniture for your puppy to climb. At first your puppy may not catch on, but with effective use of the treat and lots of encouragement, you can help it learn as it goes. Hide-and-Seek With a Treat! Hide a treat around the house, and let your puppy work to find it. As you hide treats around the room, remember to make sure they are not hiding somewhere that is unreachable. Tip 2. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. All dog breeds respond positively to lots of physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will flow. Tip 3. Make an Exercise Routine and Schedule for Your Dog Lab owners, take note: maintaining the health of an adult Lab is all about consistency. And this starts with walks at a young age. Take regular walks with your dog, no matter the weather conditions. Walk at the same time each day in order to create an exercise pattern that both you and your dog can stick to. Maybe you can get the puppy used to a leash and casually walk through your neighborhood with it. That way, you can vary the activity occasionally. In six months, increase the amount of time your dogs are running to 15 minutes. This keeps their energy high and stops weight gain as they mature. Conclusion As a dog owner, your foremost responsibility is protecting the health and safety of your pet. Insufficient exercise causes health problems in dogs , like hip dysplasia especially those already prone to hip or joint problems. Share on. Tweet on Twitter Puppy exercise requirements vary between different types of dog, and as a puppy grows the exercise they need will increase. It is possible to give a puppy too much exercise so I will give you a puppy exercise chart, as a guide to how far a puppy can walk at different ages. Taking your new puppy for a walk We all look forward to the day we can take our new puppy for a walk. For many people, daily dog walks is a huge part of why they bought a Labrador in the first place. Others already take quite small puppies for quite long walks and are surprised to discover that many experts believe this to be a bad thing. So just how much exercise does a puppy really need? How much exercise does a puppy need? This rule of thumb says that a puppy should have no more than five minutes of walking for every month of his age. So that would be fifteen minutes a day maximum for a three month old puppy, twenty minutes for a four month old and so on. This concern about excessive exercise has arisen because it is widely believed that exercise is a factor in the development of serious joint disorders. Especially in larger breed puppies such as Labradors Breeders are particularly concerned about hip dysplasia, a serious and complex disorder of the hip joints, that is believed to be influenced both by inherited factors passed from dogs to their puppies and by environmental factors In addition to factors influencing growth rates, the stresses and strains placed on the vulnerable growing joint by excessive exercise are believed to be a contributory environmental factor in the development of inadequate hip joints. It seems likely, that a puppy that had inherited a tendency for poor hips, could have its soft and still forming hip joints made a good deal worse through prolonged or hard exercise. It is also possible that a puppy that has inherited excellent hips, will come to no harm whatsoever through hard exercise. On the contrary, a certain amount of free running exercise is a good thing Running off-leash A Norwegian study published and which included labradors, showed that puppies given the opportunity to exercise off leash in a park before the age of three months were less likely to develop hip dysplasia HD , not more. Stair climbing The same study showed that puppies that had to climb stairs on a regular basis during the same period were at increased risk of HD You can read about this study in Science Daily. So what does this study tell us? Well, it is only one study, but it suggests that playing in a natural way, with other pups or simply running about at their own speed is probably going to benefit a small puppy Strenuous exercise Whereas more strenuous activity such as climbing hills and stairs, may not be such a good thing at a very young age. Another study has suggested that running hard for a retrieve, may not be great for joint health either. And some breeders also prevent dogs from jumping for the first twelve months to reduce impact on the shoulder and elbow joints. This may be especially important for some of the heavier breeds of dog, and those that are slow to mature. How far should my puppy walk? But how does that translate to distances walked? If you like to think in distances rather than time, a mile is around steps for an adult human and takes about twenty minutes at a moderate walking speed. So a maximum walk for a four month old Labrador might be about a mile. And of course if you are walking out and back again, that means not taking the dog more than half a mile from your home or car, whichever is your starting point. With young puppies, you need to keep a balance. Think about the overall energy your puppy is expending rather than focusing on walking alone. Walking is only one form of exercise and is no more valuable or important than games or training exercises. If you have been to visit a friend with your five month old pup and their dog has played for half an hour in the garden with yours, your dog does not need a walk as well. It is the total exercise that counts. How much exercise is too much? And you are bound to know of someone whose puppy had far more exercise than this and came to no harm. However taking a puppy for long walks or asking him to negotiate very steep or uneven surfaces when he is little, is probably a bad idea. Beware of letting a puppy play for too long with an older dog that does not want to stop. And keep an eye on children who may inadvertently exhaust a puppy by encouraging him to play when he needs to sleep. Crating your puppy when he is tired or overexcited, will enable you to make sure that your puppy gets some well deserved down time. Summary Young puppies need the time and space to run about freely, and free running exercise is beneficial. You do not need to attempt to prevent puppies playing in the garden, trotting about the house or playing with another young puppy for a while. Provided that the puppy is free to stop and rest whenever he wants. As far as we know at the moment, formal exercise — walking on a lead — for example, is probably best restricted using the five minute rule as an approximate guide. And strenuous exercise such as stair climbing, and chasing balls should be limited or avoided altogether in puppies under three months of age. Remember, an adult dog can become an amazing athlete, but like all athletes, fitness and stamina are best built up in gentle stages if injury is to be avoided. Do talk to your vet about exercise at your first appointment with your puppy. We are still learning about hip dysplasia. Research is ongoing, knowledge increases all the time. Your vet should be up to date with the latest information regarding the optimum amount of exercise for your new puppy. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was originally published in and has been extensively revised and updated for References Slater et al. Diet and exercise as potential risk factors for osteochondritis dissecans in dogs. Am J Vet Res. Sallander et al. American Society for Nutrition. Krontveit et al. Risk factors for hip-related clinical signs in a prospective cohort study of four large dog breeds in Norway. Learn more » While Labrador Retrievers are a popular companion dog worldwide, they were initially bred as sporting dogs and have retained a lot of their working prowess even after the shift to companionship. AKC compliant breeder Ruffwood Labs emphasizes that exercise is not a value of time exercised but exertion. Puppies According to Ruffwood Labs, Labrador puppies need to be walked for around 5 minutes for every month of life. So, a minute walk would be appropriate for a four-month-old puppy. However, not all walks are equal. Take into account the terrain that you will be walking on eg. The most important part is not the length of the exercise but the quality of it. Puppies are being walked to help with socialization and lead skills rather than a need for exercise per se. Let them guide the activity- sniffing and investigating or running around madly for a few minutes. They will usually stop and sit or lie down if they need a rest, let them do this. Additionally, Ruffwood Labs warns against overexercising your puppies. Hip dysplasia is multifactorial and genetics, diet and exercise all play a part. Ruffwood Labs recommends that Labrador puppies not be vigorously exercised and kept away from stairs to avoid causing damage to their delicate, growing joints. Once they are mature, by 18 months, they will be able to engage in more vigorous exercise and start to go jogging with you if you wish. Your average labrador would enjoy around 1 to 2 hours of exercise a day but this can be divided into manageable time slots. Exercise also includes brain stimulation such as training and scent work. So your morning and evening walks can be supplemented with training sessions at home too. Labradors love to swim and this can be a great form of exercise for them. Get creative, play games, use puzzle feeders and have fun together building your bond. If you see any of the following signs while exercising your Labrador, stop the activity and let your dog rest. Damage to the Paw Pads Some dogs get so absorbed in their play that they accidentally put excessive strain on the paw pads. Even though paw pad injuries are typically painful, some dogs will ignore the very clear sign that they need to stop to continue playing. Soreness or stiffness will typically become visible once your dog has rested up following their play session. Image By: SeventyFour, Shutterstock Behavioral Changes If your dog is not quite themselves or behaving oddly, especially around the time you would typically exercise, this is a good sign that something is wrong. Your dog may be feeling under the weather, or maybe you went a little too hard the day before. If the problem persists, contact your veterinarian to rule out any medical diagnoses. Injury or Heat Intolerance If your dog is injured during play or starts showing signs of heat sickness , you should halt play immediately and bring them to a veterinarian. Prompt treatment is of the essence with these kinds of situations. Final Thoughts Exercising your dog is a critical component of being a dog owner. So, it makes sense to learn as much as you can about how to properly keep your dog healthy before you get one. So, keep that in mind before bringing your new dog home. May 9, Aug 12, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. You want to show off your new labrador retriever puppy. Is it safe to walk your puppy outside? How far can you walk a puppy? Or is it time for a puppy stroller? Puppies usually receive a series of vaccinations starting at six to eight weeks old. Some say wait another two weeks until the vaccinations are fully effective before taking him to places where other unknown dogs may have been. As far as getting our puppies out and about we follow the guidelines set forth by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. The Primary and Most Important time for puppy socialization is the first three months of life. During this time puppies should be exposed to as many new people, animals, stimuli and environments as can be achieved safely and without causing overstimulation manifested as excessive fear, withdrawal or avoidance behavior. For this reason, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior believes that it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated. They grow more quickly than their smaller counterparts but mature more slowly. Exercising a larger breed puppy too much can lead to orthopedic problems and arthritis. Also, brachycephalic dogs with short muzzles like pugs and shih tzus have a lower tolerance for exercise because they can overheat more easily and have more difficulty breathing. And some breeds, like working, herding, and sporting dogs have a higher exercise need even as a puppy. So your border collie, golden retriever , labrador retriever etc. A rule of thumb is a puppy can walk five minutes for every month of age starting at eight weeks. So a two-month-old puppy can walk about 10 minutes. And a three-month-old can walk for 15 minutes; and a four-month-old for 20 minutes. And so forth. Of course these are general guidelines. Important Considerations When Walking Your Puppy In addition to how far your puppy should walk, there are many things to take into account regarding his excursions. Over weeks, build his endurance. He may have to potty or be thirsty. Avoid the hottest or coldest parts of the day Young puppies can be susceptible to temperature extremes. They may overheat and suffer from heat exhaustion, which can be deadly. In cold weather, puppies may require a coat or sweater to help keep them warm. Breeds with short muzzles such as shihs tzus or Lhasa apsos are especially susceptible to extremes of weather. And salt to melt snow can be dangerous to our dogs too. Places that are slippery can be dangerous for you and your dog to explore. Also, areas with sharp surfaces are hazardous. This can especially occur with blacktop. Also try not to walk him on surfaces that have any chemicals, such as salt to melt snow or weed control, as some are toxic to dogs. Get him used to grass, pavement, and dirt trails. Note From Colby: This is uber important for service dog puppies in training. If a service dog cannot walk across sand, grass, pavement, metal grates, etc without any kind of reaction, then the dog is not suitable as a working service dog. A walk or two a day as well as other play should be enough. Remember not to go so far on other walks, as you have to take into account the portion of the walk returning home. If at any point your puppy seems to be lame, limping or otherwise showing discomfort, end the walk. If your puppy shows any lameness, a vet visit is in order. Give your puppy a few exercise sessions a day You can break up his walk and give him two or three short walks a day. A little fetching his favorite toys can help meet his needs. Some free running in the house or safely enclosed yard can be fun for him. Stuffed Kongs and puzzle toys can help exercise his mind. Remember: He needs physical exercise as well as mental stimulation. Remember to bring the essentials Poop bags and water are important on your walks. You can bring a collapsible bowl or a water bottle with a built-in bowl so your puppy can drink. Be visible! There are reflective and lighted vests , leashes , collars , and harnesses you can purchase. Why Walk Your Puppy on a Leash? He can get exercise other ways such as playing fetch or playing with another friendly pup. But to be able to properly socialize your puppy, he needs to be taken to places on a leash. And socialization involves not only having him meet friendly people and dogs but also exposing him in a positive manner to new sights, sounds, experiences, and footings. There are many benefits to walking your dog, in addition to socialization, including: Physical and mental exercise Your new puppy wants to explore the world with you. In order to grow up to be a healthy adult, your pup requires both. New sights and sounds will stimulate him and help him grow into a well-rounded adult. Weight control Regular short walks will help keep your puppy fit and at the correct weight for his age and breed or mix. Bonding time Regular walks also provide a time for you and your puppy to bond. You puppy will learn that fun, enjoyable things happen when you both interact. And the walks will help provide a basis for a life-long bond with your pup. Reduces unwanted behaviors Exercise helps lessen destructive behaviors. A well-exercised puppy is less likely to engage in destructive chewing, jumping, digging, and other undesirable behaviors. Have him perform a sit. Work with attention. Practicing training exercises he already knows while on his walk will help him learn to do them in everyday life, with distractions. Lessens anxiety and stress The socialization and real-life experiences help a dog cope better with everyday life. There can be too much of a good thing. Even though we want our pups to get a sufficient amount of exercise, we can overdo it. Following the above guidelines should lead to a safe amount of exercise. Too much walking and exercise can also lead to arthritis developing early in life. Too much exercise can lead to severe exhaustion and limping A puppy can get over-tired and even over-heat. Just like when we overdo it, he may have sore muscles and may limp. A vet visit is in order if you see him limp. Over-exercising even can lead your puppy to being more vulnerable to injuries. Too much exercise can cause injuries to heal incorrectly If you exercise a puppy with injuries, he may not heal correctly. Final Thoughts Walking your puppy has many health and socialization benefits. But a walk with your new puppy can be a bonding experience. As a plus, you can show him off to your friends. What about you guys? How much do your walk your puppy? Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below. Related Articles:. But you should be safe walking your 10 week old Lab puppy for 30 minutes at least once a day, for example. A half-hour is a safe distance for most puppies at 8 weeks, 10 weeks, 16 weeks, etc. It comes down to common sense. A Jack Russell terrier puppy might be more energetic than a cocker spaniel puppy, for example. Benefits of walking your puppy, even at 8 weeks old 1. Slow, steady walking helps puppies build strong muscles. See my post: Why is my puppy so wild at night? Many of the young dogs in shelters are there for behavioral problems related to poor socialization and too much energy. Click Here. How much exercise is too much for a 10 week old puppy? That will get you the amount of time, in minutes, that you should walk your puppy per day. For example, an 8-week-old puppy can walk for 10 minutes a day. A week-old puppy can walk for 15 minutes per day. And a 4-month-old puppy can walk for 20 minutes a day. I do not believe in following this equation. It highly underestimates the amount of walking a healthy puppy can safely do. If you were to follow the above equation, then a 6 month old puppy would only be walking 30 minutes per day. Puppy walking schedule I strongly do NOT believe in following the above puppy walking schedule. Instead, use common sense based on the puppy in front of you. They are all so different depending on breed, size and personality. My puppy on a walk I have a Weimaraner puppy, and this dog would be at the humane society by now if I had to follow that silly puppy walking equation. Instead, I believe in using common sense and taking your puppy for short walks 20 to 30 minutes or so, twice per day if he seems comfortable. Read it when you have time. What kind of exercise is safe for a puppy? Walks will naturally be slow with puppies. Visiting the park or going on a slow stroll are both great ideas for exercising a puppy. Using a long leash is also a great idea in an open area because you can let the puppy sniff and explore at his own pace. For more ideas: see our post on exercise ideas for puppies. How far can I walk my puppy at 16 weeks? Each puppy is unique! I was comfortable walking my week-old puppy Remy for about 35 minutes at least once a day. Ideally twice. In addition to that, Remy ideally got the opportunity to run and play at his own pace off leash for 20 minutes or so each day. Weimaraners are fit and lean. They run all day in the field. They are designed for endurance! How far should you walk your puppy? When can your puppy go for a walk? A slow, minute stroll should be safe for most puppies 8 weeks or older. They are the experts and can give you the best advice. No one really knows. There are no studies that say walking a puppy will damage his joints. I will update this post if that ever changes. What it comes down to is you know your puppy better than anyone else. Dog owners mean well and sometimes people feel the need to share their very strong opinions about not to walk a puppy too far. I would say, trust your gut and be reasonable. If you are concerned, then back off a bit. I personally lean on the side of providing as much exercise as possible, within reason. For me, that meant about two min walks a day for my puppy. But as with everything else in the dog world we all have to make our own decisions. Factors to consider when exercising your puppy Walking my 4 month old weimaraner puppy 1. Puppy shots before walking your puppy. If your puppy is not fully vaccinated, he has a greater risk of catching parvo or other diseases on walks. Another post all together. For example, my puppy grew up in a nice neighborhood near San Diego and our vet said there was very little risk of our puppy getting sick as nearly all dogs in our area were vaccinated and leashed. So I was comfortable taking my dog for neighborhood walks but I waited on the dog park and dog beach until he was fully vaccinated. Some breeds are more prone to joint issues than others. For example, we got a Lab puppy in , and our breeder recommended we do not run with our Lab until he is fully matured. Walks, however, would be OK. Sophie the springer spaniel puppy at 8 weeks My plan is to take it a little more cautious with our Lab vs. My Lab is also waaaaay less energetic than my weimaraner. My Lab pup is about 5 months old now and we head out for two 1-mile walks per day. Genetics affect how far a puppy can walk. Other factors include weight, overall health and diet. Overweight dogs and puppies will struggle more. There are many studies now that say puppies that are spayed or neutered that young are much more likely to tear their ACLs down the road and develop all sorts of health problems. For this reason, I did not have my weimaraner puppy neutered until he was 10 months old. I do not plan to neuter our Lab, but if I do I will try to wait until he is at least 18 months old and close to being physically mature. However, if your puppy is already spayed or neutered, do not worry. Rescues and shelters typically spay or neuter puppies as young as 8 weeks old, for example. This is what it is. My puppy Remy Can you walk a puppy too much? Your puppy will most likely be just fine! Just use common sense from here on out. How old should puppies be to hike? If you take your puppy hiking, you should follow the same approach as you would with walking. Carry your puppy if he gets tired! Even 45 minutes to an hour is great for older puppies. Each puppy is different, though! Each area is different depending on dog traffic, wildlife, etc. Most likely, if you start walking, your puppy will follow you. Reward her with treats and praise. If your puppy is already starting to pull you, here are my tips for loose-leash walking. When can I walk my puppy around the neighborhood? I took both my 8-week-old puppies for minute walks through our neighborhood right away. The only reason you might want to wait on walking your puppy in the neighborhood is if your puppy still needs some vaccinations. This is only the case if there is a higher risk of parvo or distemper in your area. When can puppies be around other dogs? This is a good question for your vet. This is a great way to work on training and socialization at the same time. My puppy with my adult dog When can my puppy visit the dog park? As far as dog parks go, I personally prefer to keep my puppies away from dog parks for at least the first 6 months. I do not want to scare my puppy during this important socialization window. However, you might think about taking your puppy to a dog park during the middle of the day during the week or late in the morning when it is quieter. Socializing with one or two friendly dogs might be a positive experience for your puppy. Leave if your puppy is scared or overwhelmed. OK, enough from me! What is your approach on how far to walk a puppy? How do you find the right balance for puppy exercise? Let me know in the comments! Best Products for Walking Puppies 1. Treat Pouch: A treat pouch allows you to easily carry treats so you can help your puppy focus. This is helpful on walks as well as for short training sessions. Other resources:.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Are you a fan of giant dogs? The Mastador, or Mastiff Lab mix, might be exactly the dog that you are looking for. These are intelligent dogs that are extremely friendly and will love to be a member of your family. But they are big! You can expect them to be between 28 and 36 inches tall and weigh 86 to pounds! Still, with proper socialization and positive reinforcement training rather than punishment, these gentle giants can be loving family pets that can also act as protectors of the home and family without getting aggressive. Read on for my complete guide on what to expect from a Mastiff Lab mix. Vital Statistics Breed: Labrador retriever and Mastiff mix Height: 28 to 36 inches tall Weight: 85 to pounds Lifespan: 10 to 12 years Coat: Short, thick, medium shedding Color: Black, brown, yellow, or brindle, solid or mixed Intelligence: Highly intelligent but becomes bored easily, very sensitive Temperament: Friendly and affectionate Exercise Needs: Moderate to high History Of The Breed Labrador retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world both as family pets and as working dogs, especially in disability care. They were originally bred in England from stock imported from Canada. They were bred to retrieve shot game from both the land and the water. But when most people talk about Mastiffs, they mean English Mastiffs. These are very large dogs that were used for guarding and hunting. In more recent times, they have become popular in blood sports due to their size, and even pitted against large wild animals. However, they do not have a naturally aggressive nature. Mastadors are one of the many designer dog breeds that emerged in the United States in the s with the aim of minimizing some of the health problems associated with pure breeds. Labrador retrievers are one of the most popular purebred dogs for cross breeding. Appearance The most noticeable thing about a Mastador is they are very big dogs. Labradors are already medium to large in size, but Mastiffs are very big dogs that produce big offspring. You can expect the mother to be a Mastiff and the father to be the smaller Lab for safety while breeding. Labrador retrievers measure between 21 and 23 inches in height and weigh 55 to 80 pounds. English Mastiffs are much taller and heavier. The females start from .You can expect their mixed-breed offspring to measure between 28 and 36 inches in height and weigh between 85 and pounds! Mastadors also have stocky bodies and broad heads, as these characteristics are common to both breeds. They could have the flat nose of a Mastiff or the longer nose of a Lab, but they will definitely have ears that flop down on either side of their face. Labradors are known for their short double coats that protect them in the water but also shed a lot. For many people, this is the only complaint they have about Labradors: how much they shed. It can be a bit of a gamble which of these coats your Mastador will inherit, but a shorter, denser coat is more common. They need to be brushed twice a week to remove loose hair and minimize the issues and irritations associated with shedding. The variety of colors that exist among the two parent breeds mean Mastadors can look quite different. They can be black, brown, yellow, or brindle, and they may present with a solid color or a mixed coat. It is fair to say that the size and heads of these dogs make them look pretty imposing and dangerous, but this is not reflected in their personalities. This is why many breeders and pet owners regard them as gentle giants. They are also known for being affectionate and friendly, even with smaller animals. Mastiffs are also intelligent, but they can be a bit lazy and get bored easily. This means they can be difficult to train using traditional methods. They are also highly sensitive. They are extremely skilled at reading facial expressions and body language and figuring out what is expected of them. But this sensitivity means they are also more prone to adverse effects when treated badly, for example, trained using punishment. Mastiffs, like Labradors, are affectionate and love being around people. They get along with other dogs, but they were bred for hunting, so smaller animals around the house can be at risk. They love kids, but their large size can present potential for accidents. Mastiffs can be aloof and wary around strangers, which is part of the reason why they make good guard dogs. It is not possible to predict the personalities of mixed breed dogs with great accuracy, unlike the case with purebred dogs, but experience can still indicate what to expect. In general, you can expect a Mastador to be friendly and to love their families. They will want to be part of the family, which means in the house and part of the action, rather than relegated to an outdoor space. They can easily develop separation anxiety issues. Mastadors are highly intelligent, but they can easily become bored with long traditional training sessions. After the fifth go, they might just flop down in the ground and give up. They do best with short training sessions several times a day. They should never be trained using punishment. This is not a good approach for most dogs, as it tends to lead to confusion rather than teach what is wanted. But it can be particularly harmful with Mastadors because they are very sensitive. They can become shy, fearful, or aggressive if they are mishandled. Still, a Mastador will typically be very good at learning from positive reinforcement. So, as long as you spend lots of time with them in different situations and socialize them extensively with other people and animals, they will figure out what is wanted from them. They will have a natural desire to protect their people, but this will rarely go beyond posturing. Exercise Needs Labrador retrievers are high-energy dogs that need lots of exercise. As adult dogs, they need at least an hour of formal exercise a day, as well as enough space to roam around when at home. And this is a minimum! They are generally happy with a two-mile walk per day. They need a lot of space at home, but this is mainly due to their bulk. They need big spaces that they can just flop down in. Your Mastador pup will be somewhere between the two, but exactly where depends on your individual dog. Monitor them from puppyhood to see what their energy levels are. Breaking their daily exercise into two shorter sessions is usually the best approach. Remember that because Mastadors are large dogs, it is easy to over-exercise them as puppies. Pet parents assume that they need to stretch their long legs a lot. But too much exercise while they are developing can lead to deformities. While they are puppies, take the approach of five minutes of exercise per day maximum per month of age. A four-month-old puppy needs about 20 minutes, while at six months they will need 30 minutes a day. Mastadors are still considered puppies until the age of two. Dietary Needs Because of their large size, Mastadors need a diet that is specially formulated for larger dogs. This means something that is high in animal-based proteins and fats. Mastadors can also be prone to skeletal disorders,which means they need the right calcium to phosphorus ratio to develop and maintain their bones. Look for a ratio of approximately 1. But it is also important to watch how much your dog eats and control their calories, as a Mastador lacks the gene to let them know that they are full. This means that it is easy for them to overeat. There is no precise science to know exactly how much to feed your dog, and you should always be observing your dog to determine if they are getting what they need to maintain their weight and energy levels. But, as a general rule, you can determine how much an adult dog should be eating based on their weight. Puppies need to eat quite a bit more to fuel their growth, so read our full guide to how much to feed a puppy. As they enter their senior years and their metabolism drops, they will need less. Health Concerns One of the reasons for creating designer mixed breed dogs is to minimize the hereditary health conditions that are common among purebred dogs due to their limited gene pool. There are also a few health conditions that are common to both parent breeds and therefore represent a relatively high risk for your dog. With a Mastador, the main things you should be looking for are skeletal issues, common to many larger breeds. Elbow and hip dysplasia are both common. Eye issues, including retinal dysplasia and cataracts, are also a common problem. As well as weight gain, Mastadors can develop gastric dilation volvulus, commonly called bloat. Dogs are creatures of habit, and you will notice they usually go at around the same time each day with the same frequency and the same quantity. If this changes, this is often a sign that there is something wrong. Adopting A Mastador Puppy Mastadors are actually one of the rarer dogs among the designer breeds that emerged in the s. This means you can expect it to be relatively difficult to track down a reputable breeder with available puppies. If they are much cheaper than that, you may be dealing with an irresponsible breeder. Also, it is worth looking around for Mastadors in shelters. Consequently, many end up in rescues and shelters. Mastiff Lab mix dogs are great because they strike a good balance between friendly and loving and protective without being aggressive. Since Mastiffs are such big dogs, you can expect their offspring to be large as well. When mixed with a Labrador retriever, expect them to be 28 to 36 inches tall and weigh 85 to pounds. Are Mastadors Smart? Mastadors are extremely intelligent dogs. But unlike their Lab parents who are eager to learn and please and enjoy work, Mastiffs get bored quickly with traditional training, so it might take a bit longer to teach their Mastador offspring the essential commands. But Mastadors and their offspring are very sensitive and good at reading body language, facial expressions, and situations. This gives them a good level of independent problem solving skills. Are Mastiffs Good Inside Dogs? Despite their large size, Mastiffs are good inside dogs because they are quite lazy and will prefer to spend most of the day hanging about and keeping an eye on what you are up to. However, it might be more challenging for you to adapt to having such a large presence around if you have a small home. Ask yourself the following questions to help make your final decision. Am I Experienced With Dogs? Not only do they get bored with traditional training easily, but they are sensitive, and therefore can easily become traumatized. If you get upset with them because they are not cooperating, they will sense this, and this can undermine their development. Mastadors can also be very sensitive to your body language and facial expressions, so it is best that you know how to behave around dogs to control a Mastador and raise them well. While Mastadors love children, they are big dogs, so they can be overwhelming for small children. Also, their large size means even an accidental whip of the tail could hurt your child. While Mastadors get on well with other dogs, one of their parents was bred to hunt, so other small household animals, such as cats, can be at risk when a Mastador is around. If you are looking for a more cat-friendly dog, consider a purebred Labrador retriever. Even though Mastadors do like to spend quite a bit of time sitting around doing nothing, their big size means that they can quickly make a small apartment feel claustrophobic. Also, more energetic Mastadors will want to wander around the house monitoring what you are up to. Mastadors will need quite a bit of exercise, maybe as much as an hour a day. This is something you will need to commit to. Is this compatible with your energy levels and lifestyle? Mastadors are companion dogs that like to be around their people most of the time. They can develop separation anxiety. They do best in homes where there is usually someone around, or if they can accompany someone to work. Take Home Your Matador If you decide to adopt a Mastador into your family, you are going to have a loving and loyal member of the family for the next 10 to 12 years. Make the most of your relationship by spending time with your dog. They are sensitive and will learn a lot from just being around you; plus, there is no place they would rather be. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Learn how your comment data is processed. Keep in touch. The Lab crossed with Mastiff has a natural smooth coat that is low maintenance and will only need moderate brushing. Brushing helps spread natural oil to their coat and removes loose hairs to promote new hair growth. However, they are not hypoallergenic which is why vacuuming your home once in a while is a must. Bathing them can also be challenging due to their large size. Imagine, having to wash a to a pound dog! The shower should be done in your backyard using a water hose. If possible, you may take them to a professional groomer instead that has a designated facility for bathing larger breeds. Their oily skin coat makes it easier for them to remove dirt and water. You may take your dog out for a swim instead or splash in the water. Ideally, a monthly bath is good enough for this hybrid. Make sure to clean their ears regularly to avoid infections. They love playing in the water, and their long droopy ears make them more vulnerable to wax build-up and infections in the auditory canal. Their ears must be checked and cleaned through at regular times to avoid major issues. Brush their teeth at least twice per week to improve oral hygiene. Due to their active personality, their paws should also be cleaned regularly. Their nails must be trimmed if needed. Generally, this hybrid is vulnerable to ear infections due to their ear structure. Gum infections may also kick in and can also impact their oral health. Both of these can be prevented by regular cleaning. Remember that all breeds are prone to developing more severe and specific health problems. Thus, results in the rubbing of the joint and prevents it from sliding naturally. Progressive Retinal Atrophy: This is an eye disease that happens when the retina malfunctions and fails to reflect, absorb, and perceive light which can, later on, cause blindness. Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus Bloating : This is a life-threatening condition that affects large dogs. The stomach then puts pressure on other organs may cause dangerous problems such as a tear in the wall of his stomach, difficulty in breathing or reduced blood flow in the heart. It is essential to split their total food intake into multiple smaller meals throughout the day rather than letting them eat it at once. Other common diseases are: Osteoporosis Heart Disease It is advisable to have your mixed breed undergo regular check-ups to rule out any condition the soonest time possible. Offer them either the best puppy food brands or the best dry dog food for small dogs to meet their calorie requirements. Once full-grown, you may need to provide them up to 3. Try to avoid feeding them with the worst dry dog food at all cost, as it can trigger allergies or severe digestive issues, including poisoning! Be sure to control the servings to prevent overfeeding. This hybrid also has an appetite for raw food. You can provide them fresh food rich with calcium and phosphates to strengthen their bones. Avoid feeding them food with high calorie or fat as this can make them sloppy and unhealthy. Make sure to provide this mixed breed only the best dry dog food that can help them reach their daily protein needs. Its fat and protein content has been well-calculated to maintain mass and lean muscle. Flaxseed, barley and brown rice are used as a carbohydrate source. It contains MOs and L-carnitine that helps in the building of antibodies. It is made from deboned turkey, turkey meal, and chicken meat. It is also rich in antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and probiotics. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food: This dog food gets all its protein content from fish, making it rich in omega acids that help skin and fur healthy. Your dog will surely enjoy its distinct flavors from salmon, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. Mastiff crossed with Lab Exercise Requirements This hybrid is large and robust. Regular exercise is needed to use up their excess energy and for keeping them in the right health. The lack of exercise would not make them aggressive and make them go back to their docile status. Their big body structure must be adequately maintained to keep it healthy. However, strenuous activities, like jumping or leaping, should be moderated to avoid issues like bone stress or worst, fractures. This mixed breed is also not demanding when it comes to finding the right place for playing. Your Mastiff crossed with Lab will enjoy different activities both indoors and outdoors. Should you decide to go outside when weather is favorable, might as well challenge this hybrid by using equipment or toys. Here a list of durable toys that will surely make your dog have a fun time playing: Jolly Romp and Roll Ball: This very durable dog toy is ideal if you want to play fetch. It is easy to grip and throw, and easy to retrieve or carry for your hybrid. This ball will not deflate and is firm to withstand strong bite pressure from bigger breeds like the Lab Mastiff mix. KONG Extreme Dog Toy: Coming from one of the most trusted brands when it comes to dogs toys, your dog will surely love this sturdy rubber contraption. You can use this to play fetch or fill it with a treat and make your dog busy munching it down for hours. It is made of natural black rubber and intended for use only by the strongest of power chewers. Perfect for your Lab Mastiff mixed breed. Labrador Mastiff Mix Training This mixed breed is generally smart and training them should a piece of cake if you know how to execute it properly. At an early age, the training should be easy and fun for both of you. This is the time where you should focus on socializing your dog with your kids, environment, other dogs, pets or animals you want your dog to be familiarized with. This mixed breed always wants to please their owners, and their smartness allows them to learn tricks faster. They respond significantly with obedience training and can absorb all house rules in no time. However, be reminded that this mixed breed possesses great physical and mental strength coming from its Mastiff lineage. You should be cautious and be firm. Through proper training and socialization, you develop this mixed breed into an affectionate, friendly and well-behaved dog. Mastiff Labrador Mix and Families If you have the energy, time and space, then, you should consider having a Mastiff Lab Mix in your family. They may be large, but through proper training and socialization, they tend to go well with kids, pets or other animals. They can also be a great family pet for you. Contact Us Meet the Mastador The Mastador is the hybrid or cross-breed of the English Mastiff and the Labrador Retriever, bred specifically for its family-friendly nature. The Evolution of the Mastador The Labrador Labrador Retrievers have an enduring reputation for gentle temperment, ease of handling and training, high intelligence and loyalty. They are truly the perfect family pet. The English Mastiff English Mastiffs are a wonderful, stately breed that combines large size and strength with strong loyalty, gentleness and affection, all wrapped up in a beautiful, calm demeanor. They love close physical companionship, and want to be touching you, always staying close. The History of the Mastador Mastador breeders only use the English Mastiff as the foundation for the Mastador, as opposed to other Mastiff breeds such as Cane Corso, Neopolitan, Bullmastiff, Bordeaux, Boerboels, or any other variation. This is because the English Mastiff has the proven temperament of a Mastiff that is less aggressive and more companion-oriented than other Mastiff breeds. The Mastador as a hybrid has been around for many decades, though it has only been in the last decade that professional, responsible breeding programs have emerged to reproduce them. The star of the Disney movie "Old Yeller" was said to be a Mastador. He was rescued from a shelter in Los Angeles by a Hollywood dog trainer and appeared in several other movies as well. The goal of professional Mastador breeders is to stabilize the breed in terms of temperament, size, and other traits. The Mastador is only in its third generation of responsible breeding. There are first, second, and third-generation Mastadors to be found out there, and several variations based on "back-crossing". This is done to bring out certain traits, such as color or size. Unique Characteristics Size First generation F1 Mastadors tend to be the largest, with males often in the lb. Females can be as small as 75 lbs, or as large as lbs. In any litter of Mastadors, you can find pups that favor one side of their genetics over another. This is because most color genes are recessive, and require the color to exist in both parents in order to show up in offspring. The result is that most F1 Mastadors revert to Lab-dominant black color. There are exceptions, however, which cannot be readily explained by color genetics. Chocolate and yellow Mastadors will appear when the chocolate or the yellow both recessive genes show up on both Lab sides of both parents. But if one parent carries Lab yellow, and one parent carries Lab chocolate, they will cancel each other out and produce black. However, most F2 2nd generation Mastadors will produce the common Mastiff colors of fawn light yellow or off-white and apricot various shades of red. When breeding in the 2nd and third generations, you may find a wide variety of colors, some which are Lab colors, and some which are Mastiff colors. Most Mastadors of color have black masks, but not all. Many that favor the Lab colors do not have the black mask. There is a look and a color for everybody in Mastadors! Tempermant English Mastiffs are a guardian breed, and therefore Mastadors are as well. It is very important especially during the first 18 months life that they are well-socialized with people and animals outside of your own household. Failure to do that could result in overly-protective behaviors starting to show up between months of age essentially puberty. This is more common in males than females, but can show up in both. This is correctable with professional training, but as the old saying goes, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". As both breeds are known to be diggers and chewers, there is a strong likelihood that you will need to train that behavior out of your puppy in the early going. Some pups are worse than others. Sometimes it is just cute. Sometimes, it can be expensive and destructive if not trained away early in life. Aggression: If you see first signs of aggressive behavior, do not wait, hoping that it will disappear! It likely will not, until you deal with it. There are three methods of behavioral modification that we have found to be generally effective at the early signs of aggression. Get a spray bottle with an adjustable nozzle and fill it with water. When your dog starts to show a sign they will act out, spray the water directly in their face with a medium spray not a stream , along with your stern verbal correction. After a short time, he will likely stop right away when he hears your verbal command, and sees you reach for the bottle. This method will work for most other unwanted behaviors as well. If the above does not deter your dog, use a ratio of water to distilled white vinegar. It will be an astringent to the eyes, but it is totally harmless. It will sting, and it will get his attention. If the spray bottle techniques don't work, you may need to try an electronic collar. These have a wide range of training modes, from various levels of sound, to various level of electronic "buzz". There are several brands, and all of them offer training videos online. In fact, there are many training videos for e-collar training, that are not associated with any product, but were produced by professional trainers. If you continue to need assistance with this problem, we will offer referrals to trainers experienced with aggression issues. Just like in the case of people, quality of diet and healthcare are major factors. Obviously, things show up, just like they do in us, that cannot be predicted, but as a general rule this should be true. This lifespan is dependant on two major factors. The first is diet. You must feed your dog a diet that is free of corn, wheat and soy, as the three biggest culprits. Raw feeding is by far the best alternative, but can be expensive and time-consuming to prepare. Raw food can be obtained on-line and shipped to your door. The second important factor is that you should never get your dog spayed or neutered before they reach full maturity. For Mastadors, this is on average 24 months. The sex hormones are responsible for bone density and sound joint development, and robbing your pup of that before his or her growth plates close dramatically increases the risk of early hip dysplasia, joint failures, and three different types of cancer. Generations Explained F1: First Generation. English Mastiff bred to Labrador Retriever. F2: Second Generation. F2B: Second Generation. F3: Third Generation. Meet the McCullough Mastadors. Mastodor or the Mastador Labmaraner mix dog. The appearance of this crossbreed dog depends on how much it inherits from each parent breed. The Mastador will normally have a solid and muscular body like the Mastiff, a broad head like the Labrador Retriever, and a short-length, shiny double coat. The Mastador dog is energetic and muscular therefore early behavioral and socialization training is strongly recommended, for this Mastiff mix, to enable it to show its protective nature, in a positive way. A Mastador puppy is a stunning example of a crossbreed dog. A brief history of this mixed-breed dog A Mastiff Lab mix is a cross between a purebred mastiff dog and a purebred Labrador Retriever dog. There are at least 18 different types of mastiff dogs. Did you know that the Great Dane dog is actually a German mastiff? While in England he was so impressed with the strength and protective ability of the English Mastiff that he took some back to Rome and began breeding them as guard dogs and fighting dogs for blood sports. They were even used to fight Gladiators. After several generations, the Bullmastiff was officially recognized as a purebred in the s, in the UK, as a dog breed in its own right, and then in , by the American Kennel Club AKC in the United States. It is gaining in popularity as a purebred and currently is ranked the 51st most popular dog in the United States by the AKC. These two different Mastiffs are similar but with a few noticeable differences: The Bullmastiff is slightly smaller than the English Mastiff, although both are still huge dogs. The Bullmastiff is more independent, not as needy as and more stubborn than the English Mastiff. This Mastiff purebred dog is a massive, heavy-boned dog with a symmetrical build and a short, double coat. It is patient and loyal and will make a great companion or family dog, but it will be wary of strangers. With its big sad-looking eyes and wrinkled face you will just want to give it a big hug, and probably get a big lick in return! Mastiffs typically have a coat color of apricot, fawn, or brindle with a black mask, and big feet! It has a solid double coat in one of 3 colors; pure black, chocolate brown, or yellow. The Lab is a loveable dog breed for any experience of dog owners. The Labrador Retriever dog breed is from Newfoundland, Canada, and was used by fishermen to retrieve their fish from nets and catch any that escaped back into the sea. They are good swimmers and have a gentle mouth grip that will not further destroy any prey they are ordered to retrieve. This dog breed came to Great Britain around , to be used as gun dogs for retrieving waterfowl from land and water, in Scotland and England. The lab is a gentle, fun-loving, and loyal family dog with an easy-going temperament. A Labrador Retriever Puppy is just adorable, and when trained and socialized it can be trusted around anyone. Meet the offspring: The Mastiff Lab mix The designer dog offspring of these two purebred dogs is a Mastiff Labrador mix — the Mastador puppy. Designer breeds gained popularity in the United States during the s and this increased demand and popularity for cross-breed dogs such as the Mastiff Lab mix. The Mastador puppy is a hybrid, and as a mixed-breed dog it is not recognized as a breed in its own right, by the American Kennel Club; nor can it be awarded pedigree papers. The Mastiff Lab mix — Colors and pattern As the Mastadoris a cross-breed dog, its appearance will be more difficult to predict than a purebred dog. However, considering the parent breeds there are only a few likely coat colors including Brown, Black, Yellow from the Labrador and Fawn, Red, or Brindle from the Mastiff mix. Occasionally, but rare the coat color can be Silver or Charcoal Gray. The coat of the Mastador breed is likely to have one solid coat color, but if light-colored or brindle it may have the classic black mask and it can have a white chest and white paws. The Mastador dog is not hypoallergenic and will shed moderately. What are the main characteristics of a Mastador? Any crossbreed dog, like the Mastiff Lab mix, could inherit the characteristics and the health problems and health concerns of either parent breed; or perhaps the best of both and be stronger and inherit fewer health problems than their parent breeds. With any mixed-breed dog, you just have to wait and see how it turns out, however you know that this pooch will be a big one! Mastador puppies are likely to inherit the kind Labrador face and the solid body of the Mastiff, and big floppy ears. This large dog is courageous, confident, and smart, and also loving and affectionate. It will show great loyalty to their dog owner and family member. It will be a physically active dog and just want to play or hang out with you. Reputation: Any Mastiff mix dog has an image of a fierce guard dog, but proper behavior training and socialization will control its protective nature. The Mastador will act as a family watchdog. Trainability: Mastiff mix puppies need to be trained and socialized early. Mastiff Lab mix puppies will be strong and protective so they must learn control and discipline. The Mastador Breed is smart and tolerant so training should be fairly easy, providing you keep it interesting. They can be stubborn so training needs to be varied and fun. Positive reinforcement and reward-based training are recommended for this large dog breed as is very confident, and strong-willed. Mastiff breed mix puppies should be trained slowly and never negatively punished, challenged directly, hit, or locked up for misbehavior. Always reinforce change gradually and praise good behavior and learning. The Mastador is an active dog, so the puppy will need one hour of daily exercise and playtime, building up hours a day in adulthood. Remember, this is likely to grow into a very large dog, so they should not be over-exercised as a puppy while their bones are still growing, as this can damage their developing bones and joints. Power and intelligence: Labrador Retriever mixes are intelligent, curious, and energetic. The Mastador will be a fast learner but could be stubborn and aloof, so they will need to be trained and handled properly to be able to socialize and behave to command in public places. Mastadors love activity and challenging playtime with their family; Fetch the ball or Frisbee, puzzles, or interactive chewable toys. This pooch will grow into a powerful and heavy dog so its exercise needs and strength should not be underestimated by any potential dog owner. Socialization: Early socialization dog training and discipline are strongly recommended for Mastiff mix dogs. The Mastador has two high energy parents and one is a powerful guard dog. Labradors have a soft delicate bite but the Mastiff has a powerful jaw and less delicate, so the Mastador will need to learn to control its protective nature and muscular strength. Gently discipline and obedience training should start early to help this huge puppy to become well—behaved and gentle with other dogs and children. Purpose: Mastadors are sensitive and can be quite shy. Behavior: A Mastiff Lab mix generally inherits the best of both. Young children should be careful when playing with this big dog, and not allowed to treat it roughly. It could turn aggressive if mishandled so play must be supervised and respect shown to the dog. A Mastador is quite docile and not a barker but it will be wary of strangers and therefore makes a good guard-dog. Physical Characteristics of the Mastador The Mastador has a deep chest, strong legs big brown expressive eyes, a medium muzzle, with a long tail. A Mastador will live on average, between years, and a litter size is usually between puppies. Coat: A short, dense but silky, double coat, moderate shedder; not hypoallergenic. Temperament: Mastadors learn easily and try to please. They are generally friendly with a gentle nature but bore easily and may refuse to cooperate. They are born protectors and will guard their territory, so they must be trained and socialized early. How should you train a Mastiff Labrador Retriever mix? This breed should be trained gently, slowly, and with consistency. The boundaries need to be set early for this powerful mixed-breed dog. Fun and positive reinforcement and reward-based training, especially small food treats work best. Never hit or raise your voice to this breed during training as it may challenge or rebel and refuse to cooperate further. Types of training required: obedience, discipline, agility, and socialization. So, if you are not going to use a professional dog trainer: 1 Develop basic command words: Stop, Sit, Down, etc. This huge dog will try to dominate and this must be controlled early in training. This will eventually become its nest and it will sleep there. Eventually, the puppy with your help will learn where and where not to go. They will eventually become creatures of habit and regulate their need and place to use. Health problems and health issues What health problems can a Mastiff Lab mix suffer from? Hip Dysplasia and elbow dysplasia — common in many large breeds. Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint, where the ball at the top of the leg does not fit properly into the socket and the ligaments attaching it are weak. This allows excess movement of the fitting which can eventually lead to stiffness and pain for the dog. Bloat — any large dog that eats quickly or drinks a lot before exercising can suffer from bloat. This dangerous excessive gas build-up can cause the stomach to twist and damage other organs. Cataract eye disease — is a clouding over of the vision. Brachycephalic syndrome — breathing difficulties, due to the shape of its nose and restricted airways; Pugs and Boxer dogs have similar problems. Other health issues include ear infections, bone cancer, and heart problems How do you care for a Mastador dog? Exercise needs A Mastador is outgoing, but not overly energetic so its exercise needs are low. They will enjoy walks and freedom to play. One hour a day of exercise is enough for an adult. Feeding Feed as a large-sized dog, around 3 cups of Kibble dry formulated food per day, fed twice a day and slowly to prevent bloat. Grooming needs The Mastador has a short but dense double coat and only sheds moderately, so you can be the groomer and brush every days. Bathing This large dog does not need regular bathing, only when required. Certain dog formulated shampoos have a double effect of cleaning the coat and protecting it against fleas and insect bites. Cleaning teeth, nails, and ears As with all dogs, their teeth need to be cleaned regularly to prevent a build-up of plaque. Chewing breaks down plaque, so use doggie chew-toys, bare-bones and soft toothbrushes, and toothpaste. Nails grow quickly and need trimming regularly, say monthly, and their floppy ears need to be checked for debris that could cause infection. Lifestyle This breed is affectionate and loves company. It is a great family dog and will be happy living in an apartment or house with a big yard as long as it is with you They can be stubborn and aggressive until trained. They will chew things if bored or left alone for long periods of time, so keep stimulated and busy. Chew toys can help with boredom. This breed is a natural watchdog that will act on instinct to be very protective of its family. Positives and Negatives of ownership Positives. Health and lifespan The Mastador dog hopes to bring together aspects of the brave, affectionate and loyal Bullmastiff, and the active, friendly and outgoing Labrador. And it must be said, those large, doleful eyes and floppy jowls are hard to resist. These dogs helped the local fishermen, pulling in nets and carts laden with fish. They soon gained popularity in England for their hunting ability. The Bullmastiff was originally developed in England, around the year .The breed is the result of a cross between the Bulldog and the old English Mastiff. The purpose of this cross was to produce a breed that would act as a guard dog for gamekeepers against poachers. The impressive size and courage displayed by this cross breed made them perfect for their role as guard dogs. The Mastador mix will often use a Bullmastiff parent. Typical Appearances A Bull Mastiff will typically weigh anywhere between 90 and pounds, depending on gender. They can be anywhere between 24 and 27 inches at the shoulder in height. They are also a heavy set dog. A Labrador is a somewhat smaller dog than the bullmastiff and will typically be around 22 inches at the withers. They usually weigh somewhere between 55 and 90 pounds. Whichever side of the family your Lab Mastiff pup takes after, the fact remains that both parents are large dogs. A Bull Mastiff Labrador mix is going to be a big dog. Bullmastiffs also have a distinctive droopy face and floppy jowls. Some Mastadors will inherit this trait. Colors and Coat Type Bullmastiffs have six colors, including fawn, brindle, red and combinations of the three. They all have a dark face mask. The Labrador comes in three recognized colors; yellow , black and chocolate. They are also known for their kind, friendly eyes. Some Mastadors look decidedly like a Bullmastiff, and others like a Labrador with slightly looser jowls. Often, a Lab Mastiff cross results in a rather distinguished and stately looking pooch. Grooming and Shedding The Bullmastiff has a short coat and does not require heavy grooming. Labradors have a double coat, so they will shed. They need regular grooming and baths to keep them looking their best. But, as such a large breed, even a small amount of shedding can result in a lot of loose fur around your home. Neither of these parent breeds have a very long coat. But, the Mastador mix is a very large dog, so grooming can be quite time consuming. And, if your puppy takes after the Labrador parent, you may need to spend a little time keeping their coat groomed. Particularly in the case of black Lab Mastiff, the short, shiny mastiff coat teamed with the jet black color of the Labrador makes for an impressive shiny black coat. Keep an eye on the nails of your dog and trim them when necessary. Labrador nails grow quickly, so they could become excessively long if not kept in check. Teeth should be brushed regularly. Mastiff Lab Mix Temperament Bullmastiffs are not overly active dogs, so spending time lazing around inside is not a big issue for them. But, like all dogs, they still need regular exercise. They are also known to be loyal dogs, protective of their family. The Labrador is known for its friendly, outgoing personality and laid back personality. They are very active dogs and will thrive if they get lots of opportunities to play. A Bullmastiff Lab mix could take after either side of the family or fall somewhere in between. Whichever parent your lab mastiff cross takes after, they are likely to have a relaxed and friendly temperament. As long as they are socialized well. Are Mastadors Aggressive? Mastiff breeds and Labs are known for their friendly and relaxed natures. But, the Bullmastiff is a natural guard dog and is an independent thinker. As such, they need thorough socialization from a young age. You must meet the Mastiff parent and feel confident that their guarding nature is not to the detriment of their friendliness around strangers. Socialization Make sure your Mastador feels comfortable around other dogs, small animals like cats, young and older children, elderly people, and strangers. Even when bringing home a Mastiff Lab mix, socialization is still essential. Make sure you have visitors to the home every day from 8 to 14 weeks old, then regularly from that point. Take them somewhere new and busy every day, where they will meet lots of friendly faces of various ages. These are very big dogs, so they can easily hurt someone without meaning to. Especially elderly people or very young children. You must be prepared to properly socialize and train a Mastador dog to avoid this. Training Your Dog Training, leadership and regular time spent playing with your Mastiff cross Labrador puppy will mean it grows up to be a happy and well-adjusted companion. Keep in mind that despite their size, Bullmastiffs are quite sensitive deep down. Positive reinforcement training is essential with potentially aggressive breeds, and those prone to stubbornness. It makes training motivating, rewarding, and an enjoyable experience for you both. On the other hand, Labradors are sociable, outgoing dogs that are eager to please. They have high energy levels and love to be kept busy. Whether your lab mastiff puppy takes after the bullmastiff or the Labrador, training and strong leadership is going to be highly beneficial for your puppy. Particularly given the size this dog will grow to be. Exercise Needs While Bullmastiffs are known to be happy spending time indoors relaxing, Labradors crave a little more action. After you bring your lab mastiff puppy home, it will take some time before you know which side of the family he or she will take after. It is important that you have somewhere outside you can take your Lab Mastiff cross for some playtime. But, be wary of overexercising this breed, or exercising them strenuously whilst they are young. This can lead to joint damage. Both parent breeds are prone to hip dysplasia, so watch out for signs of this whilst exercising your Mastiff Lab mix. Mastiff and Labrador Health Just because Mastiff Lab mix pups are a cross breed, this does not mean they are immune to the health issues that the parent dogs may experience. It is still vitally important to check that the parents of your Labrador x Mastiff puppy enjoyed good health. Labrador Health. So, to really understand his background, we need to look at their two separate histories. It is likely that Mastiffs were originally bred to fight lions and other large animals in the gladiatorial arenas. But, they were later used as both war dogs and hunting dogs. The modern mastiff was not systematically bred until the 19th century when J. Thompson began producing them. He purchased some Mastiff-type dogs from various sources and eventually created the breed we know today. The Lab got its start quite differently. This breed originated on an island in Newfoundland, which is now part of Canada. Labrador Retriever ancestors worked alongside fishermen to retrieve in the water. But, today, these dogs have a more general working ability, and are most popular as a family pet and companion. But, if the Mastiff parent is smaller, they will likely be smaller as well. The range spans from 50 pounds, to as big as pounds. Coat and Colors Mastadors all have double coats, but the colors can vary a lot. To get a better idea of how your puppy will look, examine the specific parents. Or, you can try to find an older Mastiff Lab mix. However, Labradors come in three colors — black , yellow, and chocolate. Including diluted versions of these shades. Mastiffs come in apricot, fawn, or brindle , with black face markings. So, there is a risk that your black Lab Mastiff mix could inherit any combination of the parents markings, including patches of brindle or lighter coloring. They are known for their friendly, unassuming nature. Neither canine has a particularly strong prey drive. The Labrador does like to chase things, but their soft bite prevents this from becoming a massive problem in most cases. Because the Mastiff Lab mix is a mixed breed, they can inherit their demeanor from either of their parents. Your mixed breed puppy will likely be affectionate and loyal. They are usually great with other pets and small children. But, despite this gentle nature, their large size can be problematic with small children and pets. Obedience Training It is imperative that you begin training your Mastiff Lab mix as soon as you get them home. Even though they might not mean to, it is very easy for them to injure someone by pulling on the lease suddenly or jumping up in greeting. Luckily, both parent breeds are eager to please and often easy to train. We recommend keeping training sessions short and sweet, especially if your dog appears to take after the Mastiff. Due to their large size, they can tire from excessive training easily. We also do not recommend encouraging your Mastiff Lab mix to run excessively, go on long walks, or jump until they are about three or so. Socialization Socialization is vital to get the best personality from your Mastador mix. And, making sure all of their experiences are happy ones. Mastiffs are prone to bone cancer and are also likely to damage their growth plates. Labradors also potentially inherit the eye disease PRA, along with hip and elbow dysplasia. They are also more the averagely likely to be overweight and suffer from bloat. However despite these problems, both of these dog breeds are generally healthy. Especially if you go to a breeder that health screens their potential puppy parents for conditions common to their breed. Mastiff Lab Mix Puppies Mixed breeds have picked up in popularity over the years. But it can still be somewhat challenging to find a breeder that specializes in a particular mixed breed puppy. While it might be tempting to purchase your puppy from a pet store or breeder, these dogs are almost never ethically bred and are prone to health problems. We recommend taking the extra time to search for a breeder instead. Choose one that socializes their puppies, and only uses parents which are PRA clear, and have good hip and elbow scores.

Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Chug Highlights Chugs can be prone to excessive weight gain if overfed. Make sure to stick to an appropriate diet and feeding schedule. With early training, you can curb unwanted barking, however. Most owners say their Chugs have goofball personalities and like to act silly. A Chug will be great at making you smile. As a mostly brachycephalic short-snouted dog, Chugs can be prone to heat stroke. Take extra care of them in hot weather. Chugs also have shorter fur, so they may need the added protection of a jacket in cold weather. The main colors of Chugs are brown, black, fawn, cream, and white. Their coats can be solid colors or a mix of colors. Chug History The Chug dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Chihuahuas and Pugs in the early s , likely in the United States. Although there is no specific breeder created with the creation of the Chug, like other mixed breeds, it can be assumed that the Chihuahua and Pug were crossbred in hopes of attaining the positive attributes of each breed. Even though the Chug breed got its 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. Check your local shelters, look up Chug rescues, or check with breed-specific Pug or Chihuahua rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed breed dogs and find homes for them. Chug Size As the Chug is a relatively new breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between Chihuahua and Pug parents, you can expect Chugs to be on the small side. Most Chugs weigh in around ten to 20 pounds, and they can be between ten to 14 inches tall. Chug Personality The Chihuahua is known for its feisty but loyal attitude. The Pug is known for being a goofy and playful pup. Some people report that their Chugs are extra cuddly and playful, while others say their Chug has a comedic Napoleon Complex and can sometimes get territorial. With proper training, your Chug can learn how to curb their yappy tendencies. Like their Chihuahua parent, the Chug can sometimes get attached to one particular human member of the family. They may become territorial and guard this person if they feel threatened. Fortunately, there are ways to curb resource guarding and this type of behavior in general. Chugs can also be incredibly silly dogs. Many Chug owners refer to their pups as goofballs who love to play, run around, and get lots of cuddles. Chug Health The Chug breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Chihuahua and Pug also face. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Chugs are prone to weight gain , and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as small breeds—especially the Pug and the Chihuahua—are prone to dental issues. Chug Feeding An ideal Chug diet should be formulated for a small breed with high energy. Like their parents, a Chug can be prone to excessive weight gain if overfed. Stick to a regular feeding schedule and do not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. Their coats can be short and coarse, like short-haired Chihuahua and Pugs, or it can be softer, like long-haired Chihuahuas. Chugs are not recommended for those who suffer from dog allergies. Regular weekly brushing and grooming can help keep shedding to a minimum. No matter the type of coat, Chugs are not made for extreme weather. If you live in a colder area, they will need coats or sweaters when going outside. Likewise, they should not be kept outside in extreme heat, especially if they have a short snout. Chugs prefer to be mostly around adults or older kids who know how to play gently. That said, for children who learn early how to properly approach and play with a small dog, the Chug can make a great, active companion. When it comes to other pets, Chugs can get along with other animals if they are introduced slowly and calmly, and early socialization will help this go smoothly. That said, Chugs, like their Chihuahua parent, might not be naturally fond of other animals and may prefer to be the sole animal of the house. Chug Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Chugs because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Chihuahua or Pug breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Sadly, the Chug has a few medical issues to keep in mind, so the cost of vet visits and dental care might be higher than average. How much is a Chug puppy? There is a lot of demand for Chihuahua mixes which drives up the price of Chug puppies. However, many families get Chugs and quickly realize they are not good for small children, so keep your eyes open for Chugs to adopt. Pretty cheap! Medical Expenses for a Chug can average per year. Insurance: We recommend every dog have health insurance. If you find you can not afford pet health insurance, please try to get your Chug puppy insured for the first year or two. We recommend TruPanion, because they are easy to communicate with. However the only thing a short haired chug will need is a few baths and having their nails clipped. Check out our pug grooming guide for DIY at home tips! There are usually only puppies in a Chug litter, and the puppies are known for playfulness, jealousy, and being extremely attached to a single owner. Pug Chihuahua Mix puppies will grow extremely loyal and bond with their owner very quickly. They are fairly smart but have a stubborn streak and will figure out a way to get what they want. Please visit the breeder and poke around first! Find a responsible breeder. A good Chug breeder will have a spacious clean home. They should be transparent and open. Good Pug Mix breeders will want to meet you in person. They will also specialize in only one or two mix breeds. FaceTime is usually a good way to check the Chug puppies living conditions if they are far away. Tracheal Collapse - please make sure they are wearing a harness and not a dog collar! Brachycephalic syndrome - trouble breathing. They are known for having a big personality in a small package. These little dogs can also be surprisingly energetic and have been known to compete in agility competitions. The Chihuahua is a people dog and bonds closely to its owner. They are also known for being a little nervous and snippy with strangers. Chihuahua Pug Mix Origins The Chihuahua Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, and they are also one of the most popular. These pint-sized pups originated in Mexico, and they get their name from the Mexican state of Chihuahua. Chihuahuas are known for their big personalities, and they are also very loyal companions. In addition to being great pets, Chihuahuas also make excellent watchdog. They are always alert and ready to protect their families. The Pug Pugs were brought from China to Holland in the 16th century. Some think the phrase "multum in parvo" was created because of the pug's small size and big personality. In , pugs were brought to England and became very popular there. Pugs were a symbol of royalty and were kept as indoor dogs. The Chug The Chug was first developed in the United States during the early s as a result of selectively bred hybrids of the two floppy-eared breeds. While there's no specific breeder associated with creating the hybrid, it's believe that it was created in order to help improve the less-than-stellar breathing problems associated with the Pug. The Chug is not recognized by the A. C Chug Appearance The Chihuahua and the Pug are different in many ways, but their are both classified as toy breeds. The Chihuahua Pug mix is a small dog that is generally sturdy and very muscular. Chihuahua Pugs mix' face is round, featuring brown colored almond-shaped eyes. The Chihuahua Pug mix' nose is rather short and darder in color, just like what a miniature boxer would look like. Their head is big in comparison to their body. They have erect ears which can be either floppy or pointy. The Chihuahua Pug mix' neck is thick, and their chest is broad. Its tail can be either long or short, and it usually curls over their back. The Chihuahua Pug Mix typically weighs between 10 and 20 pounds and stands 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder. Pug Chihuahua mixes can be black, white, fawn, brown and cream. There are many different coat patterns for Pug Chihuahua mixes including, solid colors or sometimes a blend of different colors. Chug Temperament If you're looking for a dog who is equal parts adorable and annoying, the Chihuahua Pug mix is the perfect breed for you! Combining the best and worst attributes of the Pug and the Chihuahua, the Chug is a small dog with a big personality. Like both of its parent breeds, the Chihuahua Pug mix is prone to barking and is very alert, making it an excellent watch dog. However, this also means that your Chihuahua Pug mix will bark at any time, whether someone is actually at the door or not. In addition, Chugs are notoriously clingy and crave attention, which can be frustrating for owners who prefer a calmer pet. But despite their occasional yapping and neediness, Chugs are intelligent, affectionate dogs who make loyal companions. A post shared by Dexter and the Divas dexterandthedivas Chug and other pets Chihuahua Pug mixes generally get along well with other dogs and animals, although they may be a bit possessive of their toys and food. As long as you introduce your Chihuahua Pug mix to other pets at a young age, there should be no problem in having a multi-pet household. Just be sure to keep an eye on your Pug Chihuahua mix around larger animals, as their small size makes them more susceptible to injury. Regardless of their hair lenght, they do shed. They will likely shed as much as their Pug parent, which has very dense fur. Chugs's coat can be single coated or double coated. If they have a second coat, they'll be shedding all year. Double coated Pug Chihuahua mixes shed more in the summer and winter. We recommend grooming your Pug Chihuahua mix twice a week during the spring and autumn seasons, as well as deshedding when needed. Their coats will generally be thinner in length. Chug Health Chihuahua Pug Mixes typically have a lifespan of between 10 and 13 years. While Chugs may inherit some of their physical and behavioral traits from their parent breeds, they also inherit the same health issues. Brachycephaly Unfortunately, the Chihuahua Pug mixes inherits many of the health problems of its parents, the Chihuahua and the Pug. One of the most common problems is brachycephaly, a condition that results in a short, flat skull. This can cause a host of issues, including difficulty breathing, eye problems, and neurological issues. Heat sensitivity The Chihuahua Pug Mix is a brachycephalic breed of dog, meaning it has a shortened snout. This can cause a number of respiratory issues, including difficulty breathing in cold temperatures and extreme heat. As a result, Pug Chihuahua mixes are best suited for homes in moderate climates. However, if you live in an area with extreme temperatures, there are a few things you can do to help your Chihuahua Pug mix stay comfortable. In the winter, invest in a high-quality coat or sweater to help your Chug dog retain body heat. And in the summer, make sure to provide plenty of cool, fresh water and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours of the day. How to find a Chug Puppy? You can get a Pug Chihuahua Mix through a breeder or a rescue. Breeder Chugs, also known as designer breeds, may be bred for specific colors or qualities due to the absence of a breed standard. When searching for a Chug, it's important to be cautious of profit-driven breeders or unsanitary conditions. A responsible breeder will allow you to see the parents of the dog and selectively breed to avoid passing on health issues to the offspring. Rescue Looking for a Pug Chihuahua mix can be tough since they're not common. But you can try looking at Chihuahua rescues or search specifically for this mix. These rescues may provide care and help for deer head Chihuahua owners. It's not guaranteed, but it's worth a shot! With some luck and effort, you might find the right rescue organization to bring your furry friend home. White Brindle Generally, as mentioned above you can expect your Chihuahua Pug Mix to be 10 to 14 inches 22 cm — 35 cm when full-grown; with the average being 12 inches 30 cm. Your long-term companion will have 10 — 13 years lifespan and will weigh between 10 to 20 pounds 4. The temperament of your Chug can be much like flipping a coin. Being a mixed breed, there is a chance he will have traits from either parent. He may take after his somewhat suspicious, and imperious Chihuahua parent. Or he may be like his sweetly comic Pug parent. The perfect Chug combines the loving personality of the Pug with the obedience of the Chihuahua. Bad personalities to look out for include the snippy, yappy side of the Chihuahua and the stubbornness of the Pug. Commonly Chihuahua Pugs are affectionate, social, fun-loving, playful, energetic, outgoing, loyal dogs. A well-behaved Chug can make a great therapy dog visiting nursing homes, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. Though not aggressive, they can be wary of strangers until they get to know the visitor. So make sure your mix is trained and socialized to avoid unwanted confrontation which could be with a large dog. Chugs are companion dogs who love their humans, as well as other pets. Families with children, singles, and seniors should be prepared to give them lots of attention. Children should know how to handle them carefully. The Chug is good for all homes, apartments, and suitable for limited spaces. They prefer warm weather. If it is cold when going out for a walk, be sure to bundle up your Pugwawa. If your little one has a long coat, you will see more. At a minimum, you should do this once a week. Keep a pin brush and slicker brush handy. Cleaning Their Face The folds in your Chugs wrinkly face must be kept clean and dry. This will eliminate bacteria build up, odor, and irritation. Check these areas daily for moisture. If present, gently pat with a soft, moist towel. Then dry it with a fresh rag. Brush Those Teeth Teeth should be cleaned several times a week to help prevent decay and gum disease. Check them every other week and cut as needed. But as with any dog, there are certain conditions you should be aware of. These include:. As the popularity of mix-breed dogs increases, so does the potential for puppy mills and backyard breeders. You can find a good breeder by asking for referrals from pet care professionals, such as vets or trainers, friends or family members, or by attending a local dog show in your area. Be Sure to Bundle Up! Since they are short-haired dogs, Chugs do not like cold, wintery weather and love being dressed in a coat or sweater for wintertime walks. Small but Mighty Your Chug could come with a muscular face that strongly resembles that of a Boxer. They were actually named after the Pugyal Kingdom. He can be a sweet comedian, like the Pug, or a little imperious, like the Chihuahua. Your Chug will most likely be feisty yet loyal. As with Chihuahuas, the Chug can sometimes become fiercely attached to one particular member of the household and even become territorial over that person. Fortunately, the right training techniques will curb this unwanted behavior. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Chugs thrive with couples and active families with older children. If you have tiny tots running around your house, you may want to consider getting a different breed. The Chihuahua side can sometimes get snippy around young kids. Take him to the dog park or walks throughout your neighborhood to get him acclimated to other dogs and people. When properly socialized, Chugs can make fantastic housemates to the other four-legged members of your family. So, try not to overdo it on the treats, even when he is tempting you with his adorable, wrinkled face. Also, keep his daily caloric consumption to under every day. This roughly equates to one cup of dry, high-quality kibble per day. Excess weight can exacerbate some health issues, including joint problems and breathing difficulties. Luckily, they can burn it off very quickly and tire themselves out within 45 minutes. Ideally, your Chug should be enjoying a minute walk followed by 15 minutes of playtime every day. Due to their short snout, you should never overexert your Chug because he may have trouble breathing. But, thanks to their Chihuahua parent breed, they can also be extremely stubborn. You will need to be patient and consistent when training your Chug, and always use positive reinforcement as your training method. Punishment methods have been known to promote anxiety and problematic behaviors in Chugs. Yapping is a common issue in Chugs. Instead of using punishment, give them a tasty treat when they stop barking or when they do not yap in a situation in which they normally would. However, brush him once a week to remove dander and dead fur. Be sure to also gently clean their adorable face wrinkles daily with a baby wipe or damp cloth. Minor Conditions Like cherry eye or cataracts Obesity. Patellar luxation Portosystemic shunt PSS The Pug is also brachycephalic, a condition that gives it a flat face and makes it vulnerable to breathing issues, the problem with regulating body temperature through panting, and reverse sneezing. The Chihuahua side of your hybrid puppy is also rife with medical problems, like hydrocephalus. Pugs have a tendency to overeat and giving them chow that is rich in fiber may be the best solution to make them eat less and let them think they are eating more! Unlike best dry dog food , these worst dry dog food brands are not likely to give you pooch anything except a few extra pounds! Puppies, adults, and seniors all have different dietary needs. Explore the importance of age-appropriate nutrition by browsing these handy best puppy food brands and best senior dry dog food guides to make sure the pup is getting all the nutrients they need. The Chihuahua Pug mix should be given a diet created specifically for small breeds such as best dry dog food for small dogs. The size of your furball does matter when it comes to food and, by opting for best large breed dry dog food for a tiny pooch, you risk giving them an inadequate amount of nutrients. High-energy meals with meat as the main ingredient are best. A cup of the premiere, dry dog food is ideal. Imbalance of protein and fat, as well as vitamins and minerals, can in the long run trigger all sorts of health conditions. Here are some of the best brands out in the market today: Wellness Core Dog Food : This premier dog food has a remarkably high protein content that comes from deboned chicken. This dry dog food has been designed by holistic veterinarians and nutritionists who wanted to create the best mean for small breeds. Dog For Dog Food : This dog food for small dogs is also great for puppies. The kibble is a mix of soft and crunchy pieces that even the pickiest eater will enjoy. Daily exercise lasting for 30 to 45 minutes is enough to keep your dog healthy. So is a weekly walk of five to six miles since this little dog gets tired easily. The brachycephalic genes it inherited from the Pug also makes it vulnerable to breathing issues due to strenuous activities. You should also play with your dog for at least half an hour, one to three times a day. Here are some of the best toys for this breed out in the market today: Air Kong Squeaky X-Small Tennis Balls: These bright balls are durable and perfectly fits even the small mouth of a Pug Chihuahua cross. Made from corduroy fabric with a little squeaker inside, its size is ideal for Chug puppies. Mini Sqwuggie Dog Toy: The best tug toy for toy breeds, the Sqwuggie is colorful, durable, and can even float in water, allowing your pet to play with it anywhere. Chihuahua Pug Training A lot of small dog owners tend to forego training and socializing their pet. Owners tend to dismiss them as a threat due to their size and lets them exhibit dominant behavior. With a Chihuahua Pug already prone to aggressive tendencies, thanks to its Chihuahua side, owners should take steps to ensure their hybrid pet does not become some diva. In short, behavior that is not acceptable from adult large dogs should not be tolerated in small dogs either. It will do well with someone who can provide a Your Pug Chihuahua mix should undergo obedience training and socialization while its still a puppy. Owners should also continue with the training and socialization programs even when their dog becomes an adult to prevent the development of the syndrome. Thanks to their propensity to please their owners, Chugs are easy to train. Here are some interesting tips to consider when training a small dog like the Chug: Think and stay positive. Always remember that small breeds tend to get scared or startled easily. Give your dog small treats and give belly rubs and praise freely. Keep it short and sweet. Stay low. Looming over your small dog while you shout commands will just frighten it. It will make you less intimidating and make your dog feel more comfortable and secure. Once your dog has learned some commands and tricks, you can stand and begin training from a higher level. Stand your ground. Small dogs get away with a lot of things because of their size. Stand your ground and stay true to the training. Housetraining small dogs is different. Crate training is one of the best ways to housetrain your puppy. It loves its human and will try its best to please its owner. However, you should be ready to provide your pet with lots of love and attention. Children should also be taught how to handle this dog properly. This means families with very young children might not be a good match for this dog. A Chihuahua Pug cross is an ideal pet for apartment dwellers, although it will thrive in all types of homes. It has to live indoors as its small stature means it can easily wiggle out of a fence. This dog also prefers warm weather, which is why it loves to snuggle so much. Chihuahuas have big, expressive eyes with a saucy expression. Combine the two and you've got an animated-looking pupper named Chug with adorable cartoon-like features and a playful personality to match. While both of the Chug's parents are popular dogs that originated centuries ago, this mixed breed is relatively new and rare. But these fun-loving and smart dogs are quickly gaining fans. The Chug dog doesn't need much grooming or a rigorous exercise routine, but they do need a lot of quality time with their families and like to be regarded as "top dog. Typically, they stand 6—12 inches tall and weigh between 10—20 pounds. Will they have the Chihuahua parent's perky ears and apple-shaped head? Or will the hybrid pup look more like the pug, with a big head, lots of deep wrinkles, and globular eyes that hint at the dog's sweet disposition? Full-grown Chug dogs can have a mix of all these adorable traits. Pug and Chihuahua mix dogs can have coat colors that run the gamut—Chugs can be brown, cream, fawn, black, blue, gray, or white. The patterns are also quite diverse, with coats that could be tricolor, bicolor, sable, brindle, black and tan, and more. Whether or not this hybrid breed will shed a lot is a toss up. Chihuahuas have two main coat types: smooth and long. The smooth coats are shiny and short , and these dogs have a ruff of thick, longer hair at the neck. Chihuahuas with longer coats have soft, sometimes wavy hair. Regardless of coat types, these dogs aren't big shedders. However, pugs can have a fine, smooth, soft coat that does shed quite a bit. Meanwhile, Chihuahuas are little dogs with big personalities with an err of self-importance. Often, when you blend the two breeds, you get dogs that are exceptionally playful, love to curl up with their humans for affection, and are incredibly loyal , Burgess says. Half pug, half chihuahua, the Chug makes for a great lap dog. Plus, both parents are intelligent, so Chugs make for top-of-the-class training students. But, one thing to be aware of: Chugs can be prone to barking , and Burgess says they aren't shy about letting you know they're feeling ignored. They also prefer to be the top dog in your household and, preferably, the only dog. Living Needs These small dogs can happily live in apartments and small homes and do not necessarily need access to a yard. Chugs also like to feel like an important part of the family and don't enjoy being left home alone, especially for extended periods of time, Simon says. Because of this, they'd do best in a home with retirees or work-from-home humans. While Chugs are playful pups, they're not the most athletic of dogs. Their short, wide head the technical term is brachycephalic makes heart-pumping exercise difficult. Positive reinforcement training sessions are super important, especially if your Chug has the take-charge attitude from his Chihuahua side of the family. Most dogs love food and treats, and Chugs are no exception, Burgess says. Plus, their fun-loving nature makes training entertaining—as long as you keep your sessions short and exciting. If he has the Chihuahua's smooth coat, occasional brushing and regular baths will keep him looking stylish and clean. But if your Chug's coat leans more toward the longhaired Chihuahua coat, he'll need a good brushing weekly to prevent any tangles or mats. Or, if he has the smooth shiny coat that's closer to that of the pug parent, weekly brushing with a medium-bristle brush or a rubber grooming mitt will help remove loose hairs. To help ward off dental disease , include daily tooth brushing in your dog's care routine. Other grooming rituals to keep your Chug in tip-top shape include trimming his nails every couple of weeks and cleaning your dog's ears on a weekly basis to help prevent any ear infections. As far as exercise goes, Chugs aren't endurance athletes , Simon points out. But they do love exercising in small bursts and need about 45 minutes of exercise a day, she says. They enjoy being brought to new places, so mix up those walking routes and take them to a dog park where they can socialize with other four-legged friends of their size. The Chug's idea of activity, Burgess says, can also simply be following you as you do chores around the house. They like to keep close tabs on their humans! Some inside playtime, either with interactive toys or playing fetch with a favorite plush, will keep him happy, too. Health The Chug's lifespan is 10—13 years. While both parents are prone to their own unique set of health problems, the Institute of Canine Biology says mixed breed dogs are typically less likely than their purebred parents to inherit genetic disorders. That said, a Chug can inherit some health conditions. Pugs can be prone to several health issues, including epilepsy , allergies , hemivertebrae misshapen vertebrae , hip dysplasia , and nerve degeneration later in life. They can also be subject to a variety of skin infections. Chugs with shorter noses and excess skin may struggle with their breathing, especially in warmer weather, Simon says. And, like many small breeds, they can develop dental disease. Pet parents who are looking to bring a hybrid puppy home need to do some important research. The Chug is a relatively new "designer" hybrid breed—and these adorable dogs with pug and Chihuahua traits are in high demand. This can mean some Chug breeders might operate without the dogs' health as a top priority. To make sure you're working with an ethical Chug breeder and that you're bringing home a healthy dog, be aware of these common puppy mill red flags : A breeder offers to ship a puppy. A kennel produces multiple breeds of dogs. It's difficult to find contact information on a breeder's website. The breeder will not let you meet the puppy's parents or siblings. History Chugs are a fairly new mixed breed, and their origin isn't well-documented. However, both of the dogs' parents have long histories. The emperors of China once considered pugs prized possessions, and the dogs lived in luxury guarded by soldiers, according to the Pug Dog Club of America. These happy, sweet dogs were also beloved by monarchs of Europe. The history of Chihuahuas is not as straightforward. Some say small hairless dogs from China were brought to Mexico by Spanish traders, who then bred them with small native dogs. Yet another theory is that Chihuahuas descended from a Central or South American dog known as the techichi , which would have been a larger version of the Chi that can be traced back to the 9th century and the Toltec civilization. Fun Facts The most common way to refer to the pug-chihuahua mix is Chug. But they also go by some fun names, like "pughuahua" and "pugwawa. But the Chug's parents are fairly popular dogs in the United States. Chihuahuas are No. Was this page helpful? Pughuahua Description The Chug is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Chihuahua and the Pug. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. We just adopted her and she is so precious and stubborn. Loves everybody. He has a very definite Puggish personality. We joke that he has recently mastered the force. He can stare at the floor and food mysteriously leaps off of the counter to the spot he is looking at. She loves to snuggle and is friendly and affectionate. She is great with young kids and is never aggressive towards them. But at the dog park she is independent and prances around like she owns the place. Her fur is soft and doesn't shed much and she does not yap, but she does have jumbled teeth. She is 10 lbs of love and we're so happy to have her in our family. His father is a fawn Pug and his mom, a cream Chihuahua. He is really playful and loves to sit on the couch with you and watch TV!! We gave him a teddy bear when we first brought him home and he still sleeps with it every night in his crate. Cletus loves the beach. He absolutely loves to run and play and dig in the sand. He is the size of a Pug, about 20 lbs. He is really friendly and loves children. We have both cats and dogs in our house and he gets along with everybody. Cletus is really smart—we have taught him some tricks and he loves to perform them for anyone who will watch and give him a treat, of course! We are really blessed to have Cletus in our family!! Mugzie the Chug at 1 year old—"His mother was a black Pug and his father was a black and white longhaired Chihuahua.

German Shepherds of all ages are typically heavy year-round shedders. The reason for their noticeable increase in shedding is that this is when they start to grow in a new adult coat. For this to happen, their baby fur has to go. Yet, unlike other breeds where they shed their hair all at once. It happens gradually over the course of a week or two. It then gets replaced with a new, coarser, denser coat. Keep reading to learn more about when these adorable puppies and their coats. Losing the Puppy Coat At Birth German Shepherd puppies are born with a dense, fluffy coat that keeps them warm and snug. It was also thick enough to keep him protected from bumps and falls. That soft, but highly dense, coat helps reduce their risk of injury. You probably know by now that German Shepherds are big shedders anyway. Although, during that time, there will be a distinct increase in shedding. GSDs have a medium-length coat that consists of two layers: an undercoat and an outer coat. The undercoat is the one closest to their skin. This fuzzy layer is thick with fluffy hairs that are relatively short, measuring less than two inches on average. It serves one primary purpose: to keep the dog comfy and cozy all winter long. Then, you have the outer top coat. It comes in three different lengths: short, medium, and long. Even though GSDs shed non-stop all year long, there are two times during the year when their shedding becomes excessive. They do this again in the fall to make room for a new, thicker coat to grow in preparation for winter. This ability to adapt is one of the reasons why GSDs are great at functioning in all kinds of various weather conditions. His online resource contains Hundreds of Excellent Dog Training Videos that will take you step-by-step through the process of developing a healthy, happy well-behaved dog. That said, they still do a lot of shedding, and their fur is just as susceptible to getting tangled and matted up. Thus, the best type of grooming brushes for this short-haired breed is pin brushes. It helps remove tangles and dirt. They also work to eliminate pests, such as fleas and ticks. Slicker brushes work best with dogs that have wiry hair. They have short, thin wires placed close together on a flat surface designed to effectively remove mats, dirt, and pests. Those with hair on the longish side will also benefit from an undercoat rake. Long-Haired To keep their coats slick, shiny, and tangle-free, long-haired GSDs do well with an undercoat rake. As the name suggests, this grooming tool has many tiny, curved, sharp blades placed close together. It also helps break up mats and remove loose hairs. Dogs with a long outer coat will also need a slicker brush to ensure their fur is clean, knot-free, and shinier than ever. It should be no different for your dog. But you need to help him. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health is the answer. This handy guide will help you recognize the symptoms of the health problems above. Get the knowledge to stay ahead of these terrible issues that can rob your lovely dog from vigor and life. This is especially important because GSDs are such people lovers. So, being the friendly, fun-loving dog that he is, grooming becomes a special way for the two of you to spend quality time together. Check out more emotional benefits grooming has on your German Shepherd: Increases the special bond you have with your furry four-legged friend It makes your pooch calmer and more relaxed The positive reinforcement dogs get during grooming makes them more confident Fosters positive behavior Paul S. Paul has been creating content for the dog niche for many years. The information he shares comes his first hand experience growing up in dog lovers household and then owning multiple dog breeds of his own as an adult. Paul enjoys doing the hard research to collect, analyze and present our dogtemperament. Currency Dogger Blog Learn tricks of the grooming trade and how to get the most out of grooming and deshedding your doggo pal. German Shepherds are active, courageous, and excel in almost all activities. If you already own one, you will already know how protective they are. You may also know how much they tend to shed. In this article, we will discuss how to deal with your German Shepherd shedding and how it should not be a big problem. Why do German Shepherds shed? The coats of German Shepherds can vary in length and color. There are German Shepherds with a short coat and an undercoat, medium coat with an undercoat, long coat with an undercoat, and a long coat without an undercoat. This dog breed has two layers of coat: a topcoat or guard coat and an undercoat. Its topcoat is usually thick, straight, flat, and coarse and lies close to the body. It can also be wavy and wiry in texture. On the other hand, the undercoat is soft and thicker than the topcoat. Just like many other dog breeds, German Shepherds also experience shedding. There are a number of reasons why their hair falls off but the most common reason is to protect them from the changing seasons. Their coat serves as protection from the harsh weather, be it the cold or the heat of the sun. It acts as a regulator for their body temperature. Another reason for their shedding is their overall health. There might be times when your German Shepherd can experience excessive shedding and this might be because of an underlying health reason such as stress, allergies, pain, hormonal changes, or fleas, parasites, or ticks. When do German Shepherds shed? German Shepherds tend to shed their coats all-year-round. You should get ready for a massive shedding during the fall. Similarly, you need to be also prepared when your German Shepherd blows its coat during spring since, during this time, days will become longer and it will have to get rid of its winter coat. How long do German Shepherds shed? German Shepherds shed their coats all year long but they blow their coats twice a year. During these times, it will take 10 days or more to shed their undercoat. How much do German Shepherds shed? If you do not look forward to dealing with shedding, getting a German Shepherd might not be a good choice. This breed sheds a lot of its fur so when shedding season comes, expect your home to be filled with dog hair. However, if you really want to have a German Shepherd, you can anticipate their shedding and take steps to prepare for it. While you cannot completely stop your dog from shedding, there are several ways you can reduce it. Some people might think that German Shepherds are high-maintenance when it comes to grooming but they actually are not. Shedding is inevitable and you cannot stop it from completely happening. But with proper and strategic planning, you can manage it when shedding season comes. In order to deal with the shedding of a German Shepherd especially during the shedding seasons, below are some tips that you can follow: Brush your dog regularly. Double-coated dogs such as the German Shepherd need to be brushed regularly. It is recommended to brush your German Shepherd at least twice a week during normal days. When shedding season comes, use an undercoat rake to remove all loose hair. Brushing is important to prevent the development of skin problems and remove any tangling of the coat which is also called matting. Do it gently so you will also not damage the topcoat. The coat serves as protection from harmful factors and, most importantly, it is the regulator of its body temperature. If you cut its topcoat, it will leave the undercoat exposed to the coldness of winter and the harsh rays of the sun during summer. Bathe your dog. Due to their dense coat, German Shepherds do not need to be bathed regularly. In fact, they only need to bathe once every 6 to 10 weeks. This is to remove all dead and loose hair from their undercoat and keep it smelling fresh and clean. When bathing your dog, use only natural, mild shampoos or deshedding shampoo and conditioner. After bathing and while the coat is damp, brushing it with an undercoat rake will further help in removing all dead and loose hair. Keep your dog in a hygienic environment. Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment for your German Shepherd is very important. This to make sure that your dog is free from parasites, ticks, and fleas. If your dog is infected, it might lead to health problems and excessive shedding. Give your dog a healthy diet. You can ask your vet for the right dog food for your German Shepherd and other supplements you can give. Remember, if a dog is healthy, it will be easier to groom it and prevent excessive shedding. Use only the best grooming tools. When it comes to grooming, you should only use the best quality tools for your dog. An undercoat rake is an essential tool to remove loose hair from the undercoat. If not removed, it can be uncomfortable for your dog and will be harder to remove the next time you brush your German Shepherd. Since undercoat rakes have wide gaps between the teeth, it will not create a harsh pulling sensation that can hurt your dog. When it comes to bathing, deshedding shampoo and conditioner is the perfect companion. There are also high-velocity dryers that professional groomers use to remove unwanted hair. This grooming tool is very effective in reducing shedding for 2 to 3 weeks. If you want to save money, you can just purchase your own high-velocity dryer instead of going to a groomer. These dryers lessen the amount of hair in your home and also cut the drying time of your wet dog in half. Just like any other dogs, German Shepherds do shed their coats. However, they might shed more than others so controlling it is important if you do not want to see fur all over your home. German Shepherds shed their topcoat all year long but they blow their undercoats twice a year. They shed massively during the summertime and the least during winter. How do you reduce shedding? You can reduce shedding by observing proper grooming, feeding your dog a healthy diet, and keeping your dog in a healthy environment. What are the best grooming tools for German Shepherds? Double-coated dogs like the German Shepherd will need an undercoat rake to remove unwanted and loose hair from its undercoat especially during shedding season. Deshedding shampoo and conditioner is also a good thing to have on hand. If you are looking for easier loose hair removal, high-velocity dryers such as those from K9 Dryers have become an essential grooming tool. What are K9 Dog Dryers? They offer a wide range of high-performance, high-velocity dryers that are essential in dog grooming. Their models range from small single-motor dryer to twin-motor dryer which is perfect for drying your dog and controlling its shedding. Thinking of getting a German Shepherd? German Shepherds are very loyal, brave, and easily trained dogs, however, they are also known to be prolific shedders. You may start worrying whether everything is OK with your pet and what you can do to diminish this shedding. If you are still looking for appropriate solutions, this article is right for you. The truth is that your doggy is a heavy shedder, and it is a natural process. You cannot stop it completely because these dogs shed all year round, especially in spring and autumn when they blow the fur. This process helps the animal to renew the coat, making it more sustainable to changing temperatures and weather conditions. It also helps avoid tangling and looking dull and unhealthy. However, you can control this process and even reduce it to some extent with proper grooming. In addition, you can ensure that your dog is healthy and properly cared for. If you notice excess shedding, and the skin gets dandruff or becomes immensely dry, it may be a sign of health problems. Changing the grooming schedule is only the first step. If the condition does not improve, you should talk to your vet. All animals shed seasonally, and all dogs do it. Most GSDs are double-coated. These two layers are different and serve different purposes. To function properly, they need to change in various intensities. The outer coat is a top layer. The hairs are thick here, and they protect your dog against dirt, ticks, and fleas. This layer sheds every day. The inner layer consists of soft fur of medium length. Its purpose is to keep the dog resistant to moisture and cold. This layer sheds in spring and autumn. The dog throws down the fur at once to get it ready for the change of seasons. It lasts for several days up to two weeks. Your worries may concern the excessive shedding and the overall state of your furniture and belongings that are difficult to clean off all this fur. Natural shedding is inherent to German Shepherds. Though, when it becomes excessive, you may start thinking about what is wrong with your pup. Poor diets, stress, allergies, and dehydration are the most common causes of excessive shedding. So, you need to be careful about the following signs that your dog is suffering from some disorders: wounds and hot spots on the skin; skin dryness; shedding in patches of fur or some patches are already missing; redness and inflammation; too much scratching and shaking; bumps and irritations on the skin surface. Is It Beneficial to Reduce Shedding? If your German Shepherd sheds a lot, it can become an entire disaster. Grooming can reduce the amount of hair scattered around your home. Moreover, spending time with your pet while brushing and grooming can help establish much closer bonds. You can also check the skin condition of your pup and make sure that it does not have bumps, parasites, scratches, sores, dandruff, hot spots, or dryness. The result is a happy dog and a clean home environment. So, taking care of shedding is pretty beneficial. Easy Shedding Solutions These solutions are natural and easy to employ, no matter a specific German Shepherd shedding schedule. Though, they can reduce the amount of dog hair around your house sufficiently. Picking Out a Proper Diet A healthy diet full of vitamins and minerals can reduce excessive shedding. GSDs can also suffer from allergies and dry skin. It is a result of a poorly balanced diet. Such a diet does not support the immune system, which is also responsible for skin health. Avoid food whose ingredient is a meat by-product. Meat should be the main ingredient because dogs digest and absorb it easily. Quality food should as well contain useful nutrients and minerals to keep the skin healthy. Good Hydration Dehydration can result in dry skin and excess German Shepherd shedding. Your dog needs continuous access to fresh drinking water. Ensure that your pet always drinks enough water. When the skin is well-hydrated, shedding reduces. If the water intake is inadequate, your animal may suffer from skin irritations, weakening of hair follicles, steady itching, and hair falling out. So, how much water does your German Shepherd need? However, this amount can differ if your dog has been playing in the backyard and is thirsty. Let it drink as much as it wants. You can give your pup either filtered or tap water. Both options are good as long as the water is clean and fresh. Add wet food to the kibble if you feel that the animal needs it. When you are on a walk, take a travel bottle with you to provide hydration when on the go. Frequent and Thorough Brushing Brushing is a great German Shepherd shedding solution when you need to remove loose hair. It also helps distribute skin oil all over the coat. The excess hair is collected on the brush, but not on your belongings. You can use a rake brush for a better effect. It is a tool that is meant to remove undercoats. There are some parts of the coat that need more thorough attention. They are around the neck, behind the ears , on the back of the legs, the tail, and the guard hairs on the underside. The fur is thicker there, so shedding is more intensive on these spots. You need to often brush your doggy. If it is a German Shepherd shedding season, you will have to do it every day. At other times, twice a week is enough. You can do it more often if you have time, of course. Your dog needs to enjoy grooming, so the hair removal sessions should be short and positive — not more than 10 minutes each time. It is better if you brush your dog outside while on a walk. You can save the time needed for brushing the carpets and sofas afterward when you try to do it inside. Anyway, daily brushing is more effective, but it always depends on the amount of hair your dog loses. Bathing and Washing You can decrease shedding by bathing your pet. Use de-shedding shampoos and conditioners. They include hydrating ingredients and moisturizers for strengthening hair follicles. These means also prevent scratching, hot spots, and skin irritation. De-shedding products also help remove excess and dead hair. There are also shampoos and conditioners that prevent hair loss. The formula is soap-free, effective for fleas and ticks, and does not include chemical dyes and parabens. It is crucial for dogs with sensitive skin. You need to thoroughly brush your pet after bathing when the coat has dried. Brushing before the bath is also very effective for removing dirt and loose hair and better results of anti-shedding products application. Wipe and dry the pup with the towel until its coat is entirely dry. Fleas and Ticks and Their Control If you have noticed that your doggy is continuously scratching, ensure that it does not have ticks, fleas, or other pests. Scratching can cause excess shedding. So, a dog that is free from parasites can avoid irritations, dandruff, and hair loss. Talk to your vet if you have detected fleas on your dog. They will recommend you a safe treatment to protect your pet from FAD flea allergy dermatitis. Flea bites can cause severe skin inflammation that is difficult to deal with. It can last for a very long time, causing skin problems and excess shedding. Contact your vet immediately if you spot scabs or balding areas. What Is a De-Shedding Spray? A de-shedding spray works perfectly in this case. Moisturized hair does not get loose. Such a spray will also prevent scratching that increases hair fall. When you combine a de-shedding spray and a rake brush, you will see the results very soon. Use the spray with effective natural skin oils, for example, coconut or jojoba, to enhance the effect and make the skin healthier. What Is a Stress-Reducing Massage? Anxious German Shepherds may lose much more hair than relaxed ones. So, a stress-reducing massage is a great option to reduce stress in your pet. Take your dog to a quiet place in your home and sit on the floor next to it. Stroke the animal lightly from head to tail. The procedure should not last more than 15 minutes every day. It is also a great chance to set close bonds with your pet. In addition, you will benefit from it too because massaging your dog can lower your blood pressure. You can also examine your German Shepherd for possible health concerns, such as bumps, sores, or unwanted odors. You can use grooming gloves for massaging your dog too. They have rubber stripes on the fingers and palms to increase the effect of the massage. They also work as efficient de-shedders because the excess hair will stick to them and get removed. Shed-Control Supplements Do not give your dog any supplements unless they are prescribed or recommended by your veterinarian. However, if German Shepherd shedding is a severe problem, your vet can offer your dog specially formulated anti-shedding add-ons. Their formula contains a lot of nutrients meant specifically for coat and skin health. Your pet needs to take such supplements for weeks, and you will see excellent results. Your pup will like their taste and be happy to get rid of itching and skin inflammations. Such add-ons also contain zinc, which is important for strengthening the immune system. They are fully natural because you should avoid giving chemicals of any kind to your animal. Is Fish Oil Helpful? It contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Some natural supplements can also contain these acids, for example, flaxseed oil. It can also be blended with hemp oil for a better effect. Yes, German Shepherd dogs are a breed that sheds a lot—shedding increases in spring and autumn when the animals blow their undercoat to comply with the change of seasons. Why do German Shepherds shed so much? German Shepherds shed because they need to renew their coats continuously and protect their skin against temperature and weather conditions changes, environmental factors, and parasites. Do German Shepherds shed all year? Yes, these dogs shed all year round with different intensities. They change their upper coat every day by some parts, and their undercoat needs seasonal changing in spring and autumn. At what age do German Shepherds start shedding? At the age of months, GSDs change their puppy coats into adult ones. You do not need to worry much. German Shepherd shedding at this age is natural, and your adult dog will continue with it throughout life. What months do German Shepherds shed the most? The most intense shedding occurs at the end of February — the beginning of March and at the end of August and at the beginning of September. This process is seasonal, and your dog prepares for summer and winter in this way. How long does German Shepherd shedding last? Shedding of the undercoat, which is also called blowing the coat, can last for several days, one, or even two weeks. The top layer of the coat sheds every day. Final Thoughts Thus, there are many factors that can influence your German Shepherd shedding. The well-established brushing and grooming routine can decrease shedding, of course. However, if you notice that your pet has become apathetic and demonstrates some signs of a disorder, talk to your vet immediately because it may be ill or may not receive a well-balanced diet. Your veterinarian can prescribe some medications that help regain the coat and skin health. Remember that it is impossible to eliminate shedding completely because it is a natural process for your doggy. Though, we hope that the tips provided in this article will help you reduce it and feel happy with easier cleaning of your home. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Some hair loss patterns suggest health problems that, in most cases, should be addressed by a veterinarian. Dog experts can distinguish between shedding, a natural cycle of hair development, and fur loss caused by health, dietary, and environmental factors. A variety of factors can cause atypical fur loss in German Shepherds. A healthy balanced diet provides a consistent supply of essential nutrients. As such, a poor diet lacking nutrients will cause hair loss. When your dog is losing more water than he is taking in, it compromises healthy blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues and organs, including the skin. The resulting loss of skin elasticity makes the fur easily fall out. Consider getting a dog water fountain, such as the Petsafe Drinkwell from Amazon, that encourages your dog to drink. I particularly like this one as it has two tiers and includes carbon filters to remove bad taste and odors from the water. Parasites, ticks, lice, and fleas. A benign tumor causes this in the pituitary, which prompts excessive production of the stress hormone cortisol, which causes hair loss in dogs. Some symptoms of hypothyroidism include increased shedding, hair loss, and thinning. Underdeveloped hair follicles. This can be congenital even though not necessarily hereditary. The hair follicles fail to develop as they should, causing patchy or general hair loss. Behavioral problems. High levels of stress and anxiety, such as separation anxiety or OCD, can cause your German Shepherd to chew its hair and skin, leaving patches. This condition is known as acral lick dermatitis. Parasites and other allergic conditions can also cause it. Skin trauma. Skin trauma such as bacterial and fungal infections, food and other allergies, some pet medications like steroids, inflammatory disease, and burns can cause excessive shedding. Temporary fur loss can also happen during pregnancy, lactation, or while convalescing. Whatever the cause of abnormal hair loss, it is important that your vet makes an accurate diagnosis. Nonetheless, remedies and preventive measures for unnatural hair loss are similar to controlling excessive seasonal shedding. Read about these measures later in the article. Welcome to the German Shepherd shedding season! German Shepherds shed the most in the fall and spring. They shed most of their undercoat during September, October, and November and replace it with a thicker, warmer winter coat. They will then shed their old winter undercoat during March, April, and May, making room for a lighter summer coat. This prepares them for the cold winter months ahead. Spring shedding is also within the norm among German Shepherds. This time, the breed sheds most of its thick undercoat to allow a lighter, thinner version to better cope with the summer heat. Having established that the German Shepherd sheds all year round and undergoes excessive shedding in the fall and spring, you may wonder how you can get your German Shepherd to stop shedding… To get your German Shepherd to stop shedding, brush him daily, use an undercoat de-shedding tool in shedding season, twice per week, bathe him times a year, switch to a healthy diet that promotes a healthy coat and skin, keep him hydrated, and keep parasites at bay. Good Hair Grooming Good fur grooming is your best bet when it comes to coping with excessive shedding in your German Shepherd. German Shepherds are categorized according to their outer coat as medium-length normal or long-haired. This variation in hair length also means a difference in hair grooming, especially when brushing and de-matting. I recommend a de-matting tool to remove any mats or tangles for longer-haired German Shepherds. Ideally, choose an adjustable tool to work on all coat lengths for the safe removal of matted fur. Three key aspects of hair grooming during the heavy shedding seasons for both varieties are important; hair brushing, de-shedding, and regular bathing. Hair Brushing and Deshedding Usually, two or three times a week is enough to brush your German Shepherd. For a thorough brushing, brush in the direction the coat grows to eradicate loose dead hair. You should de-shed your German Shepherd times per week to help remove the undercoat before it falls away, leaving clumps scattered all over your home! The brush has a non-slip handle and a self-clean button that retracts the bristles, so the removed fur easily falls off, and your brush is ready for the next grooming session. The tool has an ejector button that you press to release the fur magically, and the handle is ergonomic for easy grooming and comfortable handling. You can choose either a long hair tool or a short hair one. My German Shepherd with her FURminator undercoat de-shedding tool Like me, if you like the FURminator brand, they also have a grooming rake ideal for thick fur and dense double coats. You can check out my favorite three Furminator grooming tools here. Regular Baths With Dog Shampoo An occasional bath once in a while is good enough for the German Shepherd as they are naturally clean and tend to be odor-free. However, I suggest a couple of extra baths in the heavy shedding season to help reduce hair loss, as bathing your dog rids the coat of dead hair. Three or four times a year is a general opinion. Always use dog shampoo when bathing. But if your dog is not fed a healthy diet, the shedding will be worse. To keep shedding in the normal, always feed your GSD with high-quality food. This implies the right amounts of protein, fats, carbohydrates and fiber, vitamins, minerals, and of course, water. Healthy, nutritious dog food contains meat, grains, vegetables, and fruits. As large-sized high-energy dogs, German Shepherds require a protein-rich diet. Tail between legs Destructive Behavior Discovering and removing the source of stress may improve their overall mental health and reduce shedding. Stress can be related to many different events: loud noises, over-stimulation, unfamiliar places, introduction of new pets or people into your home. It could also be internal, such as pain or illness. Neutered or Pregnancy Testosterone and other hormones can be partly responsible for keeping hair follicles strong and healthy. Major changes in hormones can cause changes in skin elasticity and hair follicles, resulting in major shedding for several months. Being neutered or spayed will have a major effect on the coat for up to a year. Likewise, pregnancy or false pregnancy can have a similar effect. Coats generally return to their normal state over several months. Losing The Puppy Coat When your Shepherd was born they began life with a thick, fluffy coat to keep them warm and protected. At about 4 to 6 months of age they'll begin to grow in their new adult coat, and so all that puppy hair has to go. For several weeks you'll notice a sudden increase in shedding, but not to worry, it's a normal part of growing up. If you suspect your dog has fleas, then first do a proper inspection. Call your vet or groomer before visiting so they can properly prepare the facility, otherwise they may spread to other dogs. Treat fleas and ticks with specialized flea shampoos or insecticides from your vet or pet store. Your home will need to be treated as well, anywhere your dog sleeps bedding, furniture, blankets must be go through the laundry or properly cleaned. Well, as it turns out this is my specialty and what I do for a living. And while there is no way to completely stop shedding, there is ways to massively reduce it. Brush Everyday Seems simple enough, but it's a daily routine that will have the biggest impact. The problem is most owners aren't brushing deep enough to loosen up all that undercoat - for that we'll need some brushes or combs to get down deep. Here's a quick explanation and how to get the most hair out.Meaning there is two layers of coat: the surface coat or guard coat , and a thicker under-layer called the undercoat - and it's the undercoat that is responsible for most of the hair around your home or car. As a groomer I use a few different techniques for deshedding your dog: The best bang for your buck is the amazing Undercoat Rake - it's simply a soft-pinned comb that effectively loosens up all that undercoat hair hence the name. We'll also use deshedding shampoos and treatments. And finally, a high velocity dryer to literally blow the remaining coat off. This usually leaves your dog shed-free for at least a few weeks. Bathing with Deshedding Treatment Ideally, bathe your dog once every 6 - 10 weeks. Bathing will remove a lot of loose and dead hair, along with keeping their coat smelling great. But we can take it one step further by applying deshedding shampoos and conditioners that slick hair down and allow for easier removal. Simply bathe your dog like you normally would, but apply a deshedding treatment and allow it work it's magic for 5 minutes before rinsing. Blowing Out Their Coat with a High Velocity Dryer Many professional dog groomers have a secret weapon to completely deshed and dry your dog quickly. It's the high velocity dryer, and it's amazing. Think of a Leaf-blower designed to blow dog hair out. It's perfectly safe and extremely effective! And during peak shedding season it's absolutely worth it! Great example I found on YouTube, skip to to see how much hair this gets off! Please ensure you receive proper instruction on how to properly use a high velocity dryer on a dog to avoid any possible injuries. Do your homework and choose a high quality dog food which is best suited for your German Shepherd based on age, activity level, and any health concerns such as allergies. Talk to your vet about supplementing their food with omega fats or selecting the right dog food. Besides food, German Shepherds are active dogs that require daily exercise and mental stimulation, along with a stress-free environment. The Best Brush and Deshedding Tools For German Shepherds Running a grooming business I've dealt with my fair share of double-coated breeds, so here's a few of my favorite tools to deshed those fluffy dogs. It's a very simple tool that massively reduces shedding, and is much more effective than your typical brush. Also, dogs absolutely love the feeling! This particular one is amazing, and I have been using the same one for nearly 6 years. Cheap and super effective. PROS Soft blades for comfortable grooming. Very effective at getting out undercoat and reducing shedding. CONS Like most tools they'll rust if left wet, make sure to dry off if using on a wet dog. Puppies When choosing a companion dog, it is normal for coat color to be a major consideration. But how about the German Shepherd coat? Do German Shepherd puppies change color? This article will discuss German Shepherd puppy coat coloring and how that coloring changes over time. Yes, German Shepherd puppies change color as they develop into adulthood. Even after they completely shed their puppy coat and grow their permanent adult coat, you can still expect to see some subtle changes in color. Instead, it sheds and changes continuously from birth to around 6 months. Once your German Shepherd turns 7 months old, the changes to their coat color will be more subtle. Nevertheless, it will continue to transform until they become adults at around 2 years old. Puppies are single-coated and their fur is generally soft and fluffy. Over time, they will shed that coat and develop a double-coat composed of dense fur and coarse outer hairs. Thick, downy fur helps puppies regulate their temperature within their first few months of life. However, their needs will change as they develop into adults. In the spring, German Shepherds blow their undercoats in preparation for the warm summer months. They will again shed heavily in the fall to develop a thicker and possibly darker winter coat. However, their appearance will still change—possibly multiple times—until well into adulthood, which starts at around 2 years old. However, you may still notice some subtle changes in thickness as the seasons turn. The color might also change slightly due to various factors like diet and sun exposure. However, experienced breeders can often tell whether a puppy will be long-coated before they turn a month old. It is also common for some unique markings to appear or disappear at this time. Nevertheless, the change in appearance might still be significant between 7 and 18 months old. Their shade could become darker or lighter, and their coat pattern can show some slight changes as well. Changes could still occur as a result of diet, environmental exposure, or health issues. No matter what color you prefer, your German Shepherd will benefit from proper nutrition and supplements for dog coat growth.