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Some final words Before we talk about the frequency of those baths, it is important to understand why you bathe your Frenchie. There are some very legitimate reasons why they need infrequent but regular baths throughout their lifetimes. You want to keep skin infections away- these infections make your dog smell bad, so you want to keep them away for as long as possible. A good bath from time to time helps cut down on loose hairs falling all over your house. Control the shedding is a perfectly good reason to bathe your Frenchie. Helps your allergy sufferer- If you have one in the house, bathing your dog and controlling their loose hair will help him or her make it through the day better. Avoids other ailments- yeast infections, fungus, and other skin issues are kept at bay when you give your Frenchie a good bath from time to time. How often should I bathe my Frenchie? For those pet owners with a busy schedule, the Frenchie bath schedule should fit right in. They only require a bath about once a month. This is under ideal conditions. If your Frenchie is an indoor dog only, then this is the schedule you should keep. However, if you have children and they take the dog out to play on a rainy day, then this is another story. You can bathe your french Bulldog when they get muddy or dirty from playing outside. But a full bath is not needed at these times. Just rinse them off with warm water, so they do not catch a cold, and they should be good to go. You do not want to wash those natural oils away. If you can wait, then after that extra bath, you should wait a month before bathing him or her again. How do you wash a Frenchie face? The French Bulldog has a unique face. Not many dog breeds share that style of face so you must be careful when it comes time to wash it. Washing the face of a Frenchie is not going to be the same as washing the face of other dogs. This dog breed does have natural oils that keep it protected in between baths. That is why you do not bathe your Frenchie more than once a month. But the face is a different story. There may be dirt, tear stains, food particles, saliva, and so on stuck to that face. The rule of thumb is to wash the face of a Frenchie once a week to keep it nice and clean. The way to clean their face is to use some non-soap towelettes or use some gauze with water. Just wipe their faces clean and let them go and play. Before you wipe, you can comb out their fur to get rid of any items stuck in between those hairs. How to keep your Frenchie nice and clean Here are a few tips to help delay that bath time. Brush your dog in between bath times. This will get rid of the loose hair and some of the dirt. Use pet wipes to help keep their face and bodies nice and clean. If you want your dog to smell nice, use some spray perfume made for dogs. Limit his or her contact with water, dirt, mud, and so on. Cut down on feeding him or her moist dog food. Dry dog food is better for him anyways. Some final words Bathing your Frenchie is not a mandatory weekly chore. The once-a-month schedule should fit into your busy schedule just fine. You will want to keep your dog clean but you do not want to remove any of those protective natural oils. Play it by ear, your Frenchie may be an inside-only pet so they may not get that dirty in a month anyways. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This is a good question because the answer depends on many factors: the breed of the dog, size, medical conditions, and how active the dog is. If you have a French Bulldog , the2nd most popular dog in the US, the answer becomes much more interesting. French Bulldogs have a single short coat of hair. They get cold quickly. During summer, they are prone to heatstroke because it is hard for them to regulate their temperature efficiently. Also, their skin is too thin, and bathing them regularly can strip their skin of its natural oil. Therefore, it is crucial to have all the necessary information you need to determine how often to bathe your Frenchie. You also need to know how to wash your Frenchie properly and keep them clean between baths. Follow this article for a comprehensive guide. A general rule of thumb Frenchies should be bathed once every 1 to 2 months. Although many French Bulldog owners say they wash them about 5 or 6 times a year, or as needed, most owners find the as needed comes more often than 5 or 6 times a year. If you have a Frenchie that loves rolling in the dirt, you may find that more frequent bathing is necessary; each Frenchie is different. Does it act as messy as a piglet? If you need to clean not only his paws but also his fur when you get back from the outside, then you have full hands of works. As a replacement, you can use a dry cleaning foam and wet towel that will help you remove all the dirt from their fur. Use products suitable for sensitive skin and rich in herbs that provide essential and healthy moisture. Check the section on keeping Frenchies clean between baths for more. Does your dog have dry and flaky skin? Is the skin sensitive? If your dog developed any of the previously mentioned issues, it would be best if you consult with your vet before determining the frequency of baths. If your dog does not have any serious issues, you can bathe them with shampoo and water once per month. Frenchies have numerous folds that require to be cleaned in the meanwhile. They can collect dirt, moisture, and food leftovers that may trigger severe irritations. The flip side is that Frenchies have oils in their skins, just like all dogs do. It keeps their coat healthy and their skin healthy too. What about a French bulldog with allergies? If your Frenchie has pre-existing skin allergies, it would be best to defer you to your veterinarian. They would determine the cause and treatment and what works best for your particular dog. Here are some tips for making bath time a success. Use a dog shampoo for sensitive skin. Clean the ears, and wash any gunk from around the eyes. Make sure you thoroughly dry the wrinkle area. If your Frenchie has tear stains, you can remove them with an appropriate cream. How to keep Frenchies clean between baths Fun fact: your Frenchie dreads bathing just as much as you dread bathing it. Here are some methods to keep him clean and keep the need for bathing down to a minimum. Clean Their Ears — This will prevent odors and painful infections. Clean Their Tail Pocket — Clean the area around the tail, especially if it smells. Doggie Sprays — Doggies sprays are like human perfumes but specially crafted for dog hair. They work great for keeping your Frenchie smelling good. Dry Shampoo — Apply dog-friendly dry shampoo on the dog and brush it out. This is great for keeping them smelling great. A homemade combination of cornstarch and baking soda works just as well. Pet Wipes — Pet wipes are an excellent touch-up cleaning option for French Bulldogs. Watch out for wrinkles and paws - Wrinkles can be a prime area for infections when they are moist, so you should dry them off with wipes or tissue. Also, make sure to dry the gaps between their toes. Takeaway To conclude, how often you bathe your Frenchie is all down to an as and when basis. If your French Bulldog is covered in mud and stinks, he needs a bath — no argument. However, with lighter dirt, just brush it off and possibly use a good dry shampoo product. The less often you bathe your French Bulldog with water and cleaning products, the less their natural oils, skin, and coat will suffer. Frenchies are trainable. Starting them off at a young age can make all the difference in how they accept the bathing process. If you love learning more about French bulldogs, go ahead and sign up for our Frenchie Blog. I believe we need to ask ourselves what is in the best interest of our Frenchies not what is in the best interest of our mindset. My Frenchies do not have allergies and I contribute that partially to the fact that we do not overbathe them. There are other factors in play as well. Have you ever seen a dog rolling in the dirt? This is a an evolutionary adaptive behavior for its overall health and wellness. There are microrganisms, bacteria, and fulvic and humic acids in the soil that have evolved over time alongside our four legged friends. Dirt is necessary. Just think about going to a spa for a mud bath for yourself. When should you bathe your Frenchie? First, the first bath your Frenchie will receive is before he joins you. At you pick up, your Frenchie will have experienced his first bath. We recommend bathing your Frenchies no more than once every two weeks. That being said, I prefer one bath monthly for my Frenchies. In between baths I use the Aroma Paws essential oils sprays. When they need it I apply the nose butter and use the in between cleaner to clean their folds and wrinkles around the nose and tail pocket and under their eyes. When should you bathe your Frenchie more than once every two weeks? There are always exceptions to the rules. You may need to wash your Frenchie more often than once every two weeks if they: Potty or poo on themselves during potty training. Think they are little piglets and take a dip in the mud. Have fleas, follow the treatments instructions. Develop little bumps that need to be treated with a special shampoo. Follow the bottle or vet instructions. Rolled in something gross. How often should I bathe my French Bulldog? No more than every two weeks or if you meet one of the exceptions. Next week we will discuss what to look for in ingredients that are safe for your Frenchie. We love Aroma Paws products as they are safe, effective, and smell great. You can see the complete grooming package here or can order individual products here. French Bulldog Grooming Package. Pin1 1 Shares Washing and bathing are one of the biggest concerns new Frenchie owners have. How often should you bathe a French Bulldog? Ideally you should bathe a French Bulldog no more than 5 times a year to avoid drying out their natural skin oils. However, this is very impractical in most cases, so the rule of thumb is to bathe them when they are smelly and very dirty but using the right cleaning products. Well, let me give you a personal example. We take Claude for his walks every day, and for half of the year that means a lot of mud. He loves to cool down in muddy waters as you can see in this photo and will always get mud caked up his legs and under his belly. We need to bathe our French Bulldog more often than we would like due to his playing habits! Now, do we then want that muddy Frenchie in our living space and on our bed? No, of course not, so we do have to bathe our French Bulldog more often than we would ideally like. And I am sure that will be the same for you. So, how often do we bathe our French Bulldog in reality? Well, for us, probably a couple of times a month. You spray it on their coat, then wipe them down with a towel — meaning no bath or shower needed. You can see the dry shampoo we use on Amazon. But what does this mean exactly? Well, Frenchies have oils in their skins, just like all dogs do. It keeps their coat healthy, and their skin healthy too. We need to bathe as French Bulldog Claude as often as twice a month — not ideal, but needs necessitate regular washing. What products are best for bathing your Frenchie? With that in mind, we know that the reality is you will be bathing your Frenchie more often than 5 times a year. So, what cleaning products should you use that will help to not just keep their natural oils in check, but also alleviate any itchiness or allergies? It needs to be something that ticks these boxes: PH balanced. Unlike many other dogs that have an undercoat and an overcoat, French Bulldogs only have one coat of hair, and this coat might show the dirt if the dog spends a lot of time outdoors. Bathing is the best way to keep your Frenchie looking and smelling his best. How often should I bathe my Frenchie? Frenchies should be bathed once every 1 to 2 months. Although many French Bulldog owners say they bathe them about 5 or 6 times a year, or as needed, most owners find the as needed comes more often than 5 or 6 times a year. If you have a Frenchie that loves rolling in the dirt, you may find that more frequent bathing is necessary; each Frenchie is different. Here are some methods to keep him clean and keep the need for bathing down to a minimum. Pet Wipes — Most pet owners are amazed at how well these work for wiping off surface dirt and debris. Scent-free baby wipes are just as effective. Dry Shampoo — Simply apply dog-friendly dry shampoo on the dog and brush it out. This is great for keeping them smelling great. A homemade combination of cornstarch and baking soda works just as well. Clean Their Ears — Keeping their ears clean will prevent odors and painful infection. Clean Their Tail Pocket — Clean the area around the tail, especially if it smells more on tail pockets here. Doggie Sprays — These work great for keeping your Frenchie smelling good. Avoid the frustration, lost time, and wasted money that comes with not knowing how to properly and easily care for your Frenchie. Get Your Copy Today! Keeping Their Ears Dry And Clean Few things can sour a Frenchie, or any dog for that matter, on baths quicker than getting water in their ears or eyes. One good way to prevent water from getting in his ears is by putting cotton balls in his ears. Another way to prevent water in the ear is by washing the entire face with a damp washcloth rather than pouring water over his face. Here are some tips for making bath time a success. Use a dog shampoo for sensitive skin. Clean the ears, and wash any gunk from around the eyes. Make sure you thoroughly dry the wrinkle area. If your Frenchie has tear stains, you can remove them with Desitin or a similar cream. Getting your Frenchie used to water at a young age can make a big difference in how the dog responds to water. If you want to keep them calm, talk to them, pet them, and take your time. Your dog will pick up on any anxiety you have. If there is a certain time of day when your Frenchie seems more relaxed, trying giving the bath during that time. Some dogs are startled by the slippery surface of the tub bottom. A quick and inexpensive remedy for this is to place a small towel on the bottom of the tub. When the towel gets wet, it will stick to the bottom of the tub and give your pup a nice non-slip place to stand. Regardless of whether the Frenchie is a pup or an older dog, the introduction process is relatively similar. Start with just an inch or two of water and let the dog just sit in it for a bit. Give him some treats and pet him. You want the dog to remember this as a pleasant experience. Let the dog just sit there and get used to this new experience. As the dog becomes more accustomed to this, you can increase the amount of water in the tub and wash more of his body. What About Shampoo? When it comes to shampoos, you can choose from a large variety on the market today. You can purchase them at veterinarian offices, pet stores, Walmart, or any retail store that sells pet supplies. Some owners use baby shampoo on their Frenchies because it allows them to clean around the eyes and in the facial wrinkles without the worry of getting soap in their eyes. If you want to stick with a dog shampoo, choose a mild shampoo designed for sensitive skin, like this hypoallergenic, soap-free option. How often should I bathe my French Bulldog puppy and what are their grooming needs? French Bulldogs sport a short and smooth coat that should be relatively fine to the touch. You do not want to over wash your Frenchie and dry out natural skin oils. We bathe our Frenchies on an as needed basis which is generally once a month , but we regularly spot clean them with wet washcloths or wet wipes unscented and for sensitive skin. Their behinds occasional need to be wiped clean as well, as does any other breed. The bottom line is that they should be washed as needed, and if your acceptance level of what is appropriate cleanliness is different than ours, it should not be a problem. There is quite a range of latitude in bathing frequency. There are many good dog shampoos on the market and it is really just a matter of personal preference. They can be purchased at any pet store, Walmart, etc. Years ago, when we owned a Yorkie, our vet recommended using baby shampoo because Yorkies tend to frequently get goop around the eyes; and, the baby shampoo allowed us to clean the area around their eyes without irritating them. We still use baby shampoo with our Frenchies since they have lots of folds on their faces that require regular cleaning. If you decide to go with a dog shampoo, choose a mild formulated shampoo for sensitive skin; your vet may have some good recommendations. French Bulldogs are short-haired and have a single coat; so, fortunately, they do not shed as much as most breeds. Brushing their coat regularly with a rubber brush will remove any dead or loose hair — which in turn, will reduce the amount of shedding. The are prone to becoming damp and this is where infection can result. They also can collect dirt and food causing infections also. Utah has a very dry climate, so for us it is sufficient to regularly clean their folds with baby shampoo and then thoroughly dry them with a dry cloth. The frequency of maintenance varies from Frenchie to Frenchie, as well as climatic conditions. Frenchies with large, ropey wrinkling in a hot, humid environment would require the most attention; whereas, a lightly wrinkled Frenchie in a cool, dry environment would require the least. It is recommended that you clean the wrinkles out at least once a week initially and then vary your schedule based on the requirements of each Frenchie. Tear stains appear more prevalent on the lighter color Frenchies. There are many products on the market which claim to remove and or prevent tear stain removal, but the most commonly referred to method is the use of Desitin yes, the same ointment used for the treatment of baby rash. The ointment is spread along the length of the stain and after two or three weeks of application the stains should have disappeared. Care must be taken in both cases to assure that neither gets into the dogs eyes. The nose can be susceptible to drying out. The best way to remedy this is to regularly apply a smear of petroleum jelly Vaseline to the nose. This keeps the nose dark and moist. Our vet also recommended vitamin E just squeeze a little of the capsule , which we have found to work very well. Some people do not feel comfortable clipping their dogs nails and will take them to a groomer or vet. However, if you want to save time and money, it is a fairly simple task that takes only a few minutes. There are two types of of clippers: a guillotine or a scissor type. The guillotine is the easiest to use. The instructions that come with the clippers will guide you on how to use the instrument. Light claws are easier to cut than dark claws as the blood vessels and nerves that supply the toenail, called the quick, is easier to see. Cut the toenail to within approximately 2 mm of the quick. If you cut into the quick, the toenail will bleed and the dog will experience pain — nothing serious, but they might not sit too still the next time you undertake this task. When cutting dark toenails, it is better to cut just a little off at a time. Some Frenchie owners, who have dogs with dark toenails, cut them once every week or two so that they only have to cut off a little at a time, avoiding any fear of cutting into the quick. If you do accidentally cut into the quick, no harm done. Bleeding generally stops within a few minutes it helps to apply pressure with a paper towel. Have More Questions? Baths are a part of life for furry friends, just like for humans. How often you wash your Frenchie depends primarily on the coat type. You do not have to wash your French Bulldog regularly if it has healthy skin and coat. But daily activity also plays a major role. Why Wash Your French Bulldog? The purpose of a wash is to prevent grease and dirt from building up in the fur and to prevent skin pores from becoming clogged. Of course, regular baths with also give your Frenchie a fresh and shiny coat to keep them looking nice. While brushing your French bulldog can remove some dirt from the coat, a thorough wash from time to time is necessary for proper coat care. It is important to choose the right shampoo tailored to the type of coat and skin that your dog has. When brushing, you remove loose hair, dirt, and parasites. Brushing also stimulates proper blood flow. This will help maintain a healthy, shiny coat for your Frenchie. And, of course, the dreaded shedding — Frenchies are fabulous, but they do shed some. Regular brushing can help decrease this. Make sure you use a brush for short hair dogs since French bulldogs have short, thick, or silky hair. Then, you could use anti-tangling spray during the brushing session. Special tip: brush against the direction of hair growth while spraying some anti-tangling spray over the fur for optimum results. Regardless of which breed or type of dog, brushing should be done much more often than washing. Both short-haired and long-haired dogs must be brushed from time to time. Really, the more you do it, the better. Too much washing is not good because the skin can become dry and irritated, but a wash every three months is a good number never less than this. Bath frequencies also depend on daily activity. Does your Frenchie play outside regularly? If so, you should wash your pup more often. It is not harmful to wash your dog as much as every few weeks if they need it, but be sure to use a gentle shampoo. French bulldogs with white or light-colored coats will probably need to be washed more often than darker-colored coats. The choice below is another excellent natural, gentle shampoo. Okay, just kidding! After your dog is brushed, set up the bathing area to keep it as comfortable and clean as possible. A bathtub is typically a good place to bathe your Frenchie. Wear comfy and casual clothes, of course. Have a cup for pouring water onto your dog, shampoo, and a couple of absorbent towels Fill your bath with lukewarm not too hot or cold water just a bit. Maybe give them a treat to feel a little happier about bathtime. Put your dog into lukewarm bathwater. Ensure that the water is not too high, of course. Put some shampoo into your hand and gently rub his fur, massaging shampoo well into the coat, just like your stylist does at the salon. Let the shampoo work in for a couple of minutes, and then rinse everything thoroughly. Make sure that all remains of the shampoo are washed out and that nothing is left behind. Shampoo residue can cause skin irritation. Let him shake his coat well. Most dogs will gladly do this. Good thing you have your casual clothes on! Thoroughly dry your freshly washed baby with an absorbent towel or two if needed. Comb while using a hairdryer. Drying your dog off well is very important. Comb your dog using the anti-tangling spray if needed. Burt's Bees dog spray conditioner helps loosen tangles and is an excellent leave-in curly coat dog hair conditioner that is as easy as spraying down your pooch daily No. We aim to be your favorite natural dog company We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. You may notice your Frenchie quickly starts zooming around full of energy after bathtime. Well, this is completely normal and actually has a scientific name. FRAPs is frenetic random activity periods. After being contained to a bath, your pup has built up energy to get out, so they may act a little crazy for a bit after bathtime. Puppy Bathtime To get your Frenchie used to bathtime and to ensure healthy skin and coat from the start, begin by bathing your puppy soon after bringing them home. Again, this should be done at least 4 times a year and more if needed. Use a special puppy shampoo as they are more gentle and tear-free, ensuring that their eyes will not be irritated. It can be tricky to wash a dog if your dog hates bathtime. A few tricks can help make bathtime a little less dreadful for your Frenchie. Bath grip: Put a bath grip down in the tub to prevent them from sliding and to make it more comfortable. Tire them out: Take your dog on a walk before bath time, so that they have less energy to put up a fight. More on walks here. Be efficient: If you use the steps above to prepare for bathtime, then the process should be quicker. Treats: Treats make everything better! Life is busy, and bathing a dog is very time-consuming. No rinse is needed. This can be done between baths. A bath with shampoo and water is still needed 4 times a year at a minimum. Fresh and Clean There you have it- the scoop on maintaining clean and healthy skin and fur for your Frenchie. When you wash a dog, it very well may feel like a chore. But remember, your furry family member deserves to feel fresh and clean just like you do. Disclosure HappyFrenchBulldog. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Always seek advice from a certified veterinarian in a case of emergency. Contact Have questions about our content? Contact us at info [at] happyfrenchbulldog. Footer Nav.

Alapahas are alert, outgoing and self-assured. In the home of an experienced owner, they are an excellent family dog. The Alapaha is a large dog, weighing 60 to 95 pounds, and has a big square head, a solid and muscular body, and a short coat in white or other colors, including brindle, trimmed with white. The Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog is maybe not the best choice for an inexperienced dog owner. An Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog needs a leader who can guide him with firmness and consistency and without using force or cruelty. Early, frequent socialization is essential. Purchase an Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog puppy from a breeder who raises the pups in the home and ensures that they are exposed to many different household sights and sounds, as well as people, before they go off to their new homes. Continue socializing your Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog throughout his life by taking him to puppy kindergarten class, visits to friends and neighbors, and outings to local shops and businesses. This is the only way he can learn to be discriminating, recognizing what is normal and what is truly a threat. Begin training as soon as you bring your Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog puppy home, while he is still at a manageable size. He is smart and trainable but has a mind of his own. He also responds well to any type of positive reinforcement training using rewards such as praise, play and treats. A well-socialized and trained Alapaha can get along well with other pets and should not be aggressive toward other dogs unless they are threatening. The Alapaha has a moderate activity level and needs a job to do, which can be anything from being your on-leash jogging companion to daily training activities. Expect to walk or jog him at least a mile daily in addition to 20 minutes or so of training practice. The Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog has a high prey drive and a territorial nature, so he needs a strong, solid fence at least six feet high to keep him on his own property. An underground electronic fence is never appropriate for this breed. Like any dog, Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog puppies are inveterate chewers and because of their size, they can do a whole lot of damage. And keep your Alapaha puppy busy with training, play and socialization experiences. A bored Alapaha is a destructive Alapaha, taking up digging, chewing and other undesirable behaviors. The Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog should spend plenty of time indoors and outdoors with his family. Chaining an Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog out in the yard and giving him little or no attention is not only cruel, it can also lead to aggression and destructive behavior. The Alapaha is white with varying amounts of black, brown, red and occasionally blue-merle. Some have a patch over one or both eyes or ears, a patch on the base of the tail, a large saddle patch, or various other marks. The History of Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldogs The Alapaha is thought to have existed in the southern United States for approximately years, but there is no documentation of the breed before .He probably descends from the various types and crosses of Bulldogs brought by early settlers to this country. Those dogs were taller and more athletic than the Bulldog we know today. They were never shown but were strictly working dogs, used to drive recalcitrant cattle and pigs, hunt varmints, and guard homesteads. In , a group of Southern dog lovers set out to preserve the rapidly disappearing dogs. Alapaha Temperament and Personality The breed standard says the Alapaha is dutiful, possessive and attentive, protective of his property and territorial from a young age. He is a devoted and loyal family dog who demands attention. The Alapaha takes his family membership seriously. He is suspicious of strangers and makes an excellent watchdog. He loves their company, especially when he is raised with them. The confident Alapaha is best suited to a working home with an experienced dog owner. He is intelligent and highly trainable if he has an effective leader he can respect. Start training your puppy the day you bring him home. Even at eight weeks old, he is capable of soaking up everything you can teach him. If possible, get him into puppy kindergarten class by the time he is 10 to 12 weeks old, and socialize, socialize, socialize. However, be aware that many puppy training classes require certain vaccines like kennel cough to be up to date, and many veterinarians recommend limited exposure to other dogs and public places until puppy vaccines including rabies, distemper and parvovirus have been completed. In lieu of formal training, you can begin training your puppy at home and socializing him among family and friends until puppy vaccines are completed. Breeders see the puppies daily and can make uncannily accurate recommendations once they know something about your lifestyle and personality. Whatever you want from an Alapaha, look for one whose parents have nice personalities and who has been well socialized from early puppyhood. What You Need to Know About Alapaha Health All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur in her lines. In Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldogs, potential health problems can include hip dysplasia, congenital deafness, entropion—an eye problem in which the eyelid rolls inward—and skin problems. Not all of these conditions are detectable in a growing puppy, and it is impossible to predict whether an animal will be free of these maladies, which is why you must find a reputable breeder who is committed to breeding the healthiest animals possible. They should be able to produce independent certification that the parents of the dog and grandparents, etc. Do not purchase a puppy from a breeder who cannot provide you with written documentation that the parents were cleared of health problems that affect the breed. Having the dogs "vet checked" is not a substitute for genetic health testing. Don't fall for a dishonest breeder's assurances. If the breeder tells you she doesn't need to do those tests because she's never had problems in her lines, her dogs have been "vet checked," or any of the other excuses bad breeders have for skimping on the genetic testing of their dogs, walk away immediately. Careful breeders screen their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens, but sometimes Mother Nature has other ideas and a puppy develops one of these diseases despite good breeding practices. Advances in veterinary medicine mean that in most cases the dogs can still live a good life. Keeping an Alapaha at an appropriate weight is one of the easiest ways to extend his life. Make the most of your preventive abilities to help ensure a healthier dog for life. Brush him at least once a week to remove dead hair and keep the skin and coat healthy. Finding a Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog Whether you want to go with a breeder or get your dog from a shelter or rescue, here are some things to keep in mind. Choosing an Alapaha Breeder Finding a good breeder is the key to finding the right puppy. A good breeder will match you with the right puppy, and will without question have done all the health certifications necessary to screen out health problems as much as possible. He or she is more interested in placing pups in the right homes than making big bucks. A good breeder can tell you about the history of the breed, explain why one puppy is considered pet quality while another is not, and discuss what health problems affect the breed and the steps she takes take to avoid those problems. Look for more information about the Alapaha and start your search for a good breeder at the website of the Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog Association. Also avoid breeders who only seem interested in how quickly they can unload a puppy on you and whether your credit card will go through. Put at least as much effort into researching your puppy as you would into choosing a new car or expensive appliance. It will save you money in the long run. Red flags include puppies always being available, multiple litters on the premises, having your choice of any puppy, and the ability to pay online with a credit card. Those things are convenient, but they are almost never associated with reputable breeders. Disreputable breeders and facilities that deal with puppy mills can be hard to distinguish from reliable operations. The puppy you buy should have been raised in a clean home environment, from parents with health clearances and conformation show and, ideally, working titles to prove that they are good specimens of the breed. Puppies should be temperament tested, vetted, dewormed, and socialized to give them a healthy, confident start in life. Before you decide to buy a puppy, consider whether an adult Alapaha might better suit your needs and lifestyle. Puppies are loads of fun, but they require a lot of time and effort before they grow up to become the dog of your dreams. An adult may already have some training and will probably be less active, destructive and demanding than a puppy. If you are interested in acquiring an older dog through breeders, ask them about purchasing a retired show dog or if they know of an adult dog who needs a new home. If you want to adopt a dog, read the advice below on how to do that. Adopting a Dog from an Alapaha Rescue or Shelter There are many great options available if you want to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or breed rescue organization. Here is how to get started. Use the Web Sites like Petfinder. The site allows you to be very specific in your requests housetraining status, for example or very general all the Alapahas available on Petfinder across the country. AnimalShelter can help you find animal rescue groups in your area. Social media is another great way to find a dog. Post on your Facebook page that you are looking for a specific breed so that your entire community can be your eyes and ears. Reach Out to Local Experts Start talking with all the pet pros in your area about your desire for an Alapaha. That includes vets, dog walkers, and groomers. When someone has to make the tough decision to give up a dog, that person will often ask her own trusted network for recommendations. The Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog Association can help you find a dog that may be the perfect companion for your family. You can also search online for other Alapaha rescues in your area. The great thing about breed rescue groups is that they tend to be very upfront about any health conditions the dogs may have and are a valuable resource for advice. They also often offer fostering opportunities so, with training, you could bring an Alapaha home with you to see what the experience is like. Key Questions to Ask You now know the things to discuss with a breeder, but there are also questions you should discuss with shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers before you bring home a pup. These include: What is his energy level? How is he around other animals? How does he respond to shelter workers, visitors and children? What is his personality like? What is his age? Has he ever bitten or hurt anyone that they know of? Are there any known health issues? Wherever you acquire your Alapaha, make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter, or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides. Petfinder offers an Adopters Bill of Rights that helps you understand what you can consider normal and appropriate when you get a dog from a shelter. Puppy or adult, a breeder purchase or a rescue, take your Alapaha Blue-Blood Bulldog to your veterinarian soon after adoption. Your veterinarian will be able to spot problems and will work with you to set up a preventive regimen that will help you avoid many health issues. We chose to breed Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs because of the temperament or nature thay were known for. I say were because unfortunately most of the "Alapahas" you will find today do not maintain the nature they were known for; stable temperament, loyal companions, hard working all around farm utility dogs, fearless, and great with children. All of our dogs are raised as part of our family around our children, and worked on our farm. We strive to raise healthy, stable, and capable bulldogs true to the original old bulldogs of the south. Alapahas are highly inteligent and ready to work as a guardian of family and property or a catch dog. They are very loving companions. We love our alapahas and hope you will take a closer look at this amazing breed. Learn what makes Southern Alapaha Bulldogs different! Puppy Socialization All our pups get socialized with dogs and kids from very early on. We whelp our puppies in our living room so they get early exposure to a busy house with 5 kids. ENS has multiple proven health benefits and is used by the U. Military for their Service Dogs because it is also proven to help dogs cope with stress and stressful situations better. Learn more.Temperament Testing We have various temperament testing processes the pups go through to ensure your dog has the correct temperament and drive for what you want them to do, like be a family pet, a catch dog, a protection dog, protect livestock, etc. Meet Roscoe our Brown Merle Stud at 18 months old! Luna one of our Alapaha Bulldog dams at 2 years old! Excellent roy leedeman We had an Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog named Cube that we had to lay to rest when he was just four years old because of cancer. It was a heartbreaking experience for my wife and I. When we were both ready to add another member to our family, I scoured the web looking for Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog breeders. I cannot express how truly grateful my wife and I are that we found Cy and Southern Alapaha Bulldogs. Cy answered all of our questions and by the end of our conversation we committed to getting our pup from Southern Alapaha Bulldogs and sent our deposit. Cy kept us updated throughout the whole process and also helped us secure our pups transport from Tennessee to California. I will definitely recommend Cy and Southern Alapaha Bulldogs to anyone that asks. He is now 16 weeks old and is 40 pounds of love. RIP is confident, smart, and athletic; A testament to all of the care and work that Cy puts into his dogs. Tim and Nicole Bass We are so excited about our puppy, he has an excellent temperament. We were very impressed with the ease of the whole process. Cy was so helpful and knowledgeable about the breed and always willing to answer questions. We would highly recommend this breeder. Aleyna Enriquez I love this breed, I am so happy with my puppy from Southern Alapaha bulldogs. Cy responses to any calls and messages within a timely manner. I will definitely come back for another puppy. Thank you so much Cy and family! Bernard Kurecki Cy, Just to give you a little feedback. Zeb is the most amazing dog that I have ever owned! He is incredibly intelligent and has an awesome disposition. Even Sam likes him, which is tough because he is so energetic. Keep up the good work. This is a breed worth keeping around. I have owned dogs all my life and Zeb is exceptional. I thought I would never have a dog better than Buford, but I was wrong. Thanks again. One day I would definitely consider breeding him and getting one of his offspring. Marlee can't keep up with him but they get along great. Victoria Young This is a great kennel in the country side! I have been onsite and it is always clean and well maintained. The dogs get time working livestock in addition to a full range of ages with kids and other family exposure. Highly recommend this breeder! Otto Bulldog Description The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is a well-developed, exaggerated bulldog with a broad head and natural drop ears. The prominent muzzle is covered by loose upper lips. The prominent eyes are set well apart. The Alapaha's coat is relatively short and fairly stiff. Preferred colors are blue merle, brown merle, or red merle all trimmed in white or chocolate and white. Also preferred are the glass eyes blue or marble eyes brown and blue mixed in a single eye. The ears and tail are never trimmed or docked. The body is sturdy and very muscular. The well-muscled hips are narrower than the chest. The straight back is as long as the dog is high at the shoulders. The dewclaws are never removed and the feet are cat-like. This breed is named as such for its streak of "royalty. They will fight to the death to defend their owners and make excellent companion dogs. Excellent with and protective of children. These are active, athletic and mindful dogs with a lot of heart. The objective in training this dog is to achieve a pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in their pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader; lines are clearly defined. You and all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. That is the only way your relationship can be a complete success. Height, Weight Height: 24 inches 61 cm Weight: Males up to pounds 47 kg Females about 78 pounds 34 kg There is a considerable difference between the males and females. Males can be almost twice as heavy as the smallest females. Health Problems With such a small genetic pool, health problems such as inversion of the eyelids entropion can develop. Living Conditions Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldogs will do okay in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. They are very inactive indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. Exercise These athletic, active dogs have an average demand for exercise. They need long daily walks and will enjoy a romp in a safe enclosed area. Life Expectancy. Less - The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is a well-developed, exaggerated bulldog with a broad head and natural drop ears. The prominent muzzle is covered by loose upper lips. The prominent eyes are set well apart. The Alapaha's coat is relatively short and fairly stiff. Preferred colors are blue merle, brown merle, or red merle all trimmed in white or chocolate and white. Also preferred are the glass eyes blue or marble eyes brown and blue mixed in a single eye. The ears and tail are never trimmed or docked. The body is sturdy and very muscular. The well-muscled hips are narrower than the chest. The straight back is as long as the dog is high at the shoulders. The dewclaws are never removed and the feet are cat-like. The Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is dutiful and quickly trainable. This breed is named as such for its streak of "royalty. They will fight to the death to defend their owners and make excellent companion dogs. Excellent with and protective of children. These are active, athletic and mindful dogs with a lot of heart. The objective in training this dog is to achieve a pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in their pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader; lines are clearly defined. You and all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. That is the only way your relationship can be a complete success. The program started back in the s and was intended to rescue the "plantation dog" of southern Georgia that was nearly extinct. This rare, bulldog-type guard dog descends form Buck Lane's dog named Otto. Lana Lou spoke of her granddaddy as always having had an "Otto" about the estate. One Otto was all one needed since these Bulldogs were capable of guard work and woods work. When PaPa Buck was killed by a train in , his Otto proved his undying devotion by constant visitation and guard duty over the grave. Buck Lane's granddaughter, Lana Lou Lane continued the breeding program until she passed away in her sleep on July 20, .Like the Plott Hound , this muscular breed is the creation of one American family, and its survival depends upon the nurturing it receives. Originating from English Bulldog stock, this dog's ancestors functioned as cattle and pig herders, but the Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog is bred solely for security and companionship. Vivian Lane, took over her business affairs. Later, Mrs. Vivian Lane sold her daughter's kennel.

Her love for dogs prompted a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, where she concentrated on behavior and genetics. Ann has attained many performance and breed titles with her Labradors. Over the years, she began to import classic English bloodlines which improved and strengthened her foundation blood. Our Mission To breed and maintain the classic Labrador temperament for whatever your goals may be. We are a small ethical breeding facility. We are stewards of the breed, not just puppy breeders. We breed an average of litters per year of quality black, yellow, and chocolate Labradors. Consequently, a waiting list is generally on hand for upcoming litters. Our small specialized size ensures lots of hands on for every dog, every puppy, every day. We are as dedicated to them as they are to us! Our Facility Dove Hill Labradors is located 1. We are situated on 12 acres surrounded by pastures, creeks, ponds, and woods. Our Dogs We maintain approximately 15 labs, where each one is a member of the family. Some are show dogs, some are performance oriented, and some do both. ALL of our Labradors excel in temperament. Check out our sister website DoveHillsEnglishLabradors. It's part of being a dog.Onyx is a week old black pup now under the care of Najla West. What a handsome character he is. The entire staff fell in love with that face. Your policies on worming, vaccination, feeding, and training dovetail with our policies nicely. We wish all new pet owners received such good advice from their breeders. Lastly, it was delightful to learn that this owner plans to neuter this pup and pursue professional training. I feel confident this pup will have a good life! We bought Jake from you 11 years ago when we lived in Virginia. We loved him so much and he was a central part of our family. He was extremely smart, almost like a person at times, and unbelievably kind. He was so gentle with our children and such a loyal companion for us. More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Whether for show, hunting, or pure companionship, our labs are sure to please! Labs are one of the top most breeds registered with the American Kennel Club. We are lovers and breeders of both the English and American Labrador Retrievers. We have been raising Labrador Retrievers on our farm since .Our labs have the genetics to produce chocolate, yellow, and black coats. Reaching anywhere from lbs. They are pet quality pups and representatives of the American Kennel Club. For information about our breeding program i. All puppies are de-wormed and receive their first vaccination prior to adoption - dewclaws are not removed. To secure a pup from one of our litters, please fill out a Puppy Request Form found on our Contact page. This will ensure we are able to pair your family with a pup that best suits your needs. We take the health and safety of our labs very seriously, therefore, families that have visited other kennels or breeding facilities must wait 48 hours before visiting our farm. We welcome all visitors and hope you enjoy our family companions as much as we do. Please call for an appointment and directions if you are interested in visiting us in person. Be sure to check out the Upcoming Litter page for more information! Make a reservation today! Share 0 Shares The Labrador Retriever has long been the most popular breed in the United States of America, it is loved for its loyalty, its temperament, its energetic and playful nature and it makes a very good companion for the family. Virginia State, which is also known as the Mother of States, is a lover of the Labrador Retriever breed and is home to numerous breeding facilities dedicated to producing Labrador Retriever puppies for numerous families in the country. In this article, we list some of the very best Labrador Retriever breeders Virginia has to offer. They are reputable breeders that produce top-quality Labrador Retriever pups for numerous families in the country. I recommend you get a glass of something chill and read on to the end. Although they are new, They produce high-quality, AKC-registered Labrador Retriever puppies of various colors, that make great family pets and are bred according to the breed standards. Their Labrador Retrievers make great family dogs, service and work dogs. All dogs in their robust breeding programs hail from championed bloodlines with impressive pedigrees to match. They are carefully selected based on their health and temperament and are well tested for genetic health defects that could prove harmful to the Labrador Retriever litter. Each breeding parent is certified free of elbow dysplasia by the OFA, they also have their hearts and eyes checked by a licensed vet. Every Labrador Retriever pup from Mountain View champions is raised on 80 acres of property that is a loving, homely environment. It is large enough for each pup to run and play to their satisfaction. They are allowed to socialize with people of different age groups as well as with other pets and are also introduced to a wide variety of sounds, textures, and sights to help them adjust to new environments. Each pup from Mountain View Champion is sold on limited AKC registration, they undergo regular health visits to a licensed vet where they receive their regular deworming and vaccinations. They each have their dew claws clipped and are fed with Kirkland Signature dog food. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Take a look at the three best Labrador Retriever breeders you can find in the state of Virginia. The 3 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Virginia 1. Located on rural acreage, the breeder has an expansive facility for breeding and offers boarding services with climate control, radiant heat flooring, and central air conditioning. All parent dogs are vetted for genetic conditions common in Labrador Retrievers, and only the top performers with natural hunting abilities, trainability, and temperament are bred. All puppies are born and raised at home, provided with handling and socialization, and released at 7 weeks. Puppies come with dew claws removed, veterinary records for vaccinations and deworming, and a 5-year health guarantee on hips, elbows, and eyes. Weather permitting, all puppies are introduced to birds, water, and loud noises. This breeder offers English and American Labs in chocolate, yellow, and black varieties. All puppies come with a genetic health clearance and veterinary records for exams, deworming, and vaccinations. Potential owners must fill out a puppy request form and may make an appointment to visit the breeding facility and meet the dogs. The property is fenced, allowing the dogs to enjoy the woods, open fields, and creek. Parent dogs are both English and American Labs and produce black, yellow, and chocolate puppies. All puppies are registered with the American Kennel Club and come with a month guarantee against hip dysplasia. Puppies are vet checked and come with records for first vaccinations and deworming. Tips for Choosing Reputable Breeders Breeding dogs , as well as other animals commonly kept as pets, can be profitable, leading to a rise in inhumane puppy mills. These high-volume dog breeding facilities churn out litters for profit, often ignoring the needs of the parents and puppies. In many cases, the puppies that come from puppy mills are unsocialized and suffer behavioral and emotional problems and health conditions. The facilities are poor, leaving puppies in extreme conditions in wire cages. The mother dogs are often found covered in filth with sagging nipples, crusted eyes, and parasites. When you research breeders, look for small operations with limited litters. Puppies should come with genetic health clearances, veterinary records, and vaccinations. Most puppies from breeders will be registered with limited breeding rights, meaning that your puppy will not be registered as a suitable breeding dog with the governing organization. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Welcome Brookhaven Labradors is not a business, we are a small preservation breeder of English Labrador Retrievers in Virginia. We are situated in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area, where we breed for quality over quantity. Our focus is to breed the multipurpose Labrador, whether it be future champion, hunting companion, performance competitor or a loving companion. All puppies are raised in the house as they are expected to live like humans. BrookHaven offers English bloodlines, broad and stocky individuals, bred for excellent temperament. Additionally Brookhaven Labradors are tested for a myriad of genetic diseases too numerous to list here, but, can be found on each dog's individual page. We believe that healthy pups come from healthy parents, grandparents and great-great grandparents! We are members of the Labrador Retriever Club Inc. We are members of Good Dog. The name "Brookhaven" has been registered with the AKC for exclusive use by our breeding program when registering Labrador Retrievers. Please do not reproduce without permission.

Read more about the pups that are currently up for adoption. Read More… Foster Dogs FBRN is being faced with an increasing number of dogs who are ill, handicapped, or need expensive veterinary care before being placed. Meet our Foster Frenchies and please consider sponsoring one of them to ensure that they receive the care that they need. Read More… Surrender a Dog Life has thrown you a curve ball and you must surrender your French Bulldog… we are here to help! Read More… Volunteer We welcome you to join us in our efforts to rehabilitate and rehome needy French Bulldogs. We have many options for you to choose from, depending on your circumstances, time and resources. Our organization is composed solely of volunteers who nurture and foster these dogs as well as provide education and training. Our goal is to place healthy and happy French Bulldogs into forever homes. Read More… Contact Us Learn about the many ways that you can get in touch with us. He has a Staffie sister, Lettie, who he adores and who has taught him so much with her gentle patience. He has doggie friends at daycamp he sees once a week. He is the best snuggler ever! He used to be a resource guarder, but will now bring you his toys for a treat! He loves our daily walks and meeting people. Thank you FBRN for picking us to be his family- we love him so much! Despite being mostly blind and deaf, Ham is thriving in his golden years, especially with his folks now working from home. Thank you FBRN for our goodest good boy! We are so grateful for every day with him. She had cherry eye surgery in March right before Covid quarantine and the surgery was a success. A gigantic thank you to FBRN for allowing me to adopt this perfect little nugget. All Rights Reserved. A c 3 Non-Profit Organization. Tax ID: .Powered by Geeks4Rent. I have two boys and three girls. They are 3months old. Grand rapids, MI. Red fawn male and sable female. Will be ready for there new homes on June .They are AKC registered, first set of shots , And health certificate from the vet. Health , happy and quality puppies. Both parents dna and health tested. Serious inquiries only. Both parents are health , color and DNA tested. Beautiful Fawn, dark red fawn and sables. Taking deposits balance of due at pick up around the middle of June. Grand Rapids, MI area. Email to xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxx. White and blue. Fully vaccinated. Males and females, 10 weeks old, vet checked and vaccinated with shots and dewormed, all in good health and come with papers. They are raised in a pet loving family with children and other dogs, sociable, playful, loyal and familiar with house noises. Call or text:…. He gave him to me as a gift. I can not take care of him,I recently lost my job. He is such an awesome dog loves to play and he will cuddle up with you. He has had no issues with anyone he has been around. He hasn't been around small children but I believe he would do great with them. He is fixed I was not going to breed him and my mom has a dog she didn't want to get pregnant. They need to be in a home of time and care. All vet checked, current on shots ,d wormed. They are all vet checked, d wormed and reg. We will love you email us directly at our email provided. .We have French Bulldog puppies available for great homes with great pets. .Very interested inquiries or these French Bulldog puppies. .Please read well below to contact or text easily. She is 10 weeks old and is looking for her FURever home. She will be ready for hier new home in April 17th. She is up to date on her shots. He weights 1. Contact for more details and pictures. French Bulldog Puppies come with two sets of puppy shots, health certificates from my vet verifying excellent health, as well as their AKC paperwork. Puppies have been on a regular worming schedule since birth. Puppies are well-socialized with young children and other pets. His spunky personality and his beautiful eyes definitely make him stand out. He has a solid black coat with little to no brindle on it. He's a very playful puppy with an attitude, so if you're looking for an active puppy then he's the one for you! He's a very chunky and wrinkly little boy. Little bear will come with his AKC registration papers, Vaccinations up to date, and a Health certificate. She was born on Feb. She has been given her first set of shots and 3 dewormings. She has also been given flea prevention as of today that last up to 30 days. I want her to go into a pet home only! She is very small and I would not consider that to be of breeding quality. She will come with limited AKC papers, a purchase agreement signed by both seller and purchaser. This little girl is a blue brindle, shes compact, and absolutely stunning. I'm very impressed with her quality. She's cute, funny, precious and perfect in everyway. She will make a great addition to any family looking for that wonderful companion. Contact me anytime at xxx-xxx-xxxx to schedule a meeting. Thank you for your time View Detail French bulldog puppy Female French bulldog puppy is now ready for her forever home. Thank you for your time View Detail Frenchton puppy I have a stunning reverse brindle and black brindle female frenchton now available, they have been raised in our home and are well socialized with children. Potty pad trained and up to date on shots and dewormings. Born Dec. And ready now. Puppy does not come with papers. Last two available from a litter of five. Located in cedar springs and can meet if necessary. If you would like more information feel free to Text me at xxx-xxx-xxxx. Thank you. There are male and female available at this time. These puppies make excellent companions, are well socialized in family, friendly environment, and have a lot of love to give.

The golden mountain doodle is made up of a golden retriever, Bernese mountain dog and poodle. This cross blends the clever, yet amusing side of the poodle with the placid, loyal, loving nature of the golden retriever and Bernese mountain dog. Most golden mountain doodles are low- to non-shedding and are a safe bet for most people with allergies. I wanted to breed the golden retriever back into the bernedoodle because, while there are so many amazing traits within the bernedoodle, I have found that they can be stubborn. By mixing some golden retriever back into the bernedoodle, my hope was that it would reduce this stubborn streak. Golden mountain doodles are very affectionate and easy to train with a playful nature. They are people pleasers, wanting to be by your side and to learn new things. They are social and spirited dogs and have a gentle and patient disposition that makes them great with children. Because they are so easygoing, they are great for first-time dog owners and experienced ones alike. They are the perfect all-around companion. A golden mountain doodle is not a purebred and thus is not a registered breed. The Golden Retriever Golden retrievers are intelligent, large-breed dogs, oftentimes used as gun dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and detection dogs. They are also trained as disability assistance dogs because of their gentle and loving nature and their desire to be with people. Golden retrievers love the water! Golden retrievers have a beautiful dense coat and are known to shed quite heavily. The Bernese Mountain Dog Bernese mountain dogs Berners are completely devoted to their families, with a special fondness for children. In fact, they are so loyal that it can be difficult to re-home an adult Berner. They are exceptionally beautiful dogs and have a distinctive tri-coloured coat. Bred in the Swiss Alps as farm dogs that pulled carts or drove cattle to market, the Bernese thrive in cold weather and have a double coat that sheds quite heavily. They are intelligent, strong dogs who have a moderate need for exercise. A significant number of Bernese are afflicted with hip and elbow dysplasia, or succumb to inherited cancer, heart disease, or epilepsy in middle age. While cancer is the leading cause of death for dogs in general, Bernese have a much higher rate of fatal cancer than other breeds. Overall, the Berner is one of the shorter-lived dog breeds, with a life expectancy of only seven years. This is particularly sad when the Berner is known to be slow in maturing and somewhat challenging to train. Without proper socialization, these naturally cautious and reserved dogs can become skittish and suspicious, and may develop separation anxiety. They can also be decidedly stubborn. Yet, the Bernese also has a deep need to please their humans and are surprisingly sensitive. As a result, training a Berner requires a great deal of patience and a gentle hand. Berners are affectionately known for leaning on people to soak up all the possible attention they can! The Poodle Poodles rank high on the canine intelligence scale and excel in obedience. Most people are aware that this lovely breed has a low- to non-shedding coat, making them a great choice for people with allergies. But the poodle is more than a clever show dog. They originated in Germany as hunting dogs, especially good at water retrieving. A typical poodle thrives in a busy household where there is plenty of attention to go around. If bored, poodles may find their way into mischief. They are also quick to sound an alert, and have earned a reputation for barking. Poodles can be nervous and sensitive to stress and are typically affected by eye, skin, and digestive diseases, as well as immune system diseases. Poodles come in three sizes and a wide variety of colouers. Where most dogs have double coats, poodles have a single-layer coat of dense, curly fur that sheds minimally, but will mat without proper care. If a breeder does their due diligence in selecting the right parents, crossing purebred dogs of different breeds results in puppies that are healthier than either of their parents. This is because breeds are generally prone to different genetic problems. Hybrids such as golden mountain doodles are only likely to inherit a health problem that is common to the poodle, Bernese mountain dog, and golden retriever — three breeds that share few common diseases. A hybrid dog combines the traits and characteristics of its purebred parents; with careful, conscientious breeding, the resulting pups may end up with the best attributes of each. In the case of the golden mountain doodle, the blend of the golden retriever, Bernese, and poodle produces a smart, friendly, loving, social, and playful dog. They tend to have the gentle, loving, and desire-to-please nature of the golden retriever, the laid-back, loving, and loyal nature of the Bernese, and the goofy liveliness and intelligence of the poodle. Most golden mountain doodles have a moderate activity level. Appearance and Coat Golden mountain doodles can often be confused with goldendoodles. Breeders tend to develop their own style and look of dogs. The appearance of a SwissRidge golden mountain doodle is usually stocky with a well-built frame, beautiful head, and silky and wavy coat, although the coats can vary. This breed can have a unique combination of two or three different colours within their coat, but can also be a solid colour. Every golden mountain doodle is different. Within an average litter, we will see that the majority of puppies have wavy coats, and a few have straight or curly coats. Most puppies within the litter shed minimally, if at all. Most people with allergies to dog dander are fine with a wavy or curly-coated dog. Golden mountain doodles with a curly coat are like the poodle and will not shed. While there are no guarantees, even if you have serious allergies to dander, you will do well with a curly-coated golden mountain doodle. Puppies that have a straight coat are very silky and soft, almost like velvet. This is a unique trait that I have only seen in the golden mountain doodle. If you are allergic to dog saliva and your skin breaks out in hives when licked by a dog, you will most likely be allergic to all golden mountain doodles regardless of coat type. If you still want a dog and you are allergic to saliva, I would suggest a tiny dog, as they produce less saliva. Since there are no guarantees with coat type, a responsible breeder will give you time to interact with your puppy and see if you are allergic, allowing you time to return the pup if it is not working out. It is best if you meet some doodles ahead of time, before committing to your own puppy. Since most golden mountain doodles shed little, if at all, they need to be brushed regularly to prevent matting, and must be clipped every few months. Size Golden mountain doodles come in a variety of sizes. At SwissRidge, we breed standard and mini golden mountain doodles. The standard golden mountain doodle results from crossing a goldendoodle with a bernedoodle, or any combination that would create a mixture of golden retriever, poodle, and Bernese. They will generally be 50 lbs or larger and around 23 to 29 inches at the shoulder. Most standards are in the 70 to 90 lb range. A mini golden mountain doodle results from crossing a mini goldendoodle with a mini bernedoodle. They generally range from 25 to 50 lbs and between 18 and 22 inches at the shoulder. Please keep in mind that these sizes are an average, and sometimes a puppy will fall outside the expected height and weight. Mini golden mountain doodles may have a slightly higher energy level than the standards. Since we use calm poodles in our breeding program, we tend to produce docile golden mountain doodles, regardless of size. This breed has the stamina to keep up with an athlete, but is just as happy to lay on the couch all day and chill. They are affectionate, loving family dogs and are good for first-time dog owners. Generations Golden mountain doodles are the F2 generation as two doodles are being crossed to make a golden mountain doodle. F2 is referred to as a second-generation cross, in which an F1 doodle is crossed with another F1 doodle. Health and Lifespan The first SwissRidge golden mountain doodle was bred in , so they are still a young breed. Since I can only estimate on their long-term health, I use their lineage as my guide. They are very healthy and vibrant dogs, and I estimate the average life expectancy to be around 13 years. While golden mountain doodles tend to be healthier than their parent breeds, they can still be prone to conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia and certain eye problems. Skin conditions, such as hot spots and allergies, are also seen in this mix, and like many other breeds, they may get cancer. Genetic testing can reduce the risk of many diseases. A reputable breeder will perform various tests and provide evidence of the successful results. This investment is usually reflected in the higher cost of the puppy for the buyer. A higher upfront cost will most likely reduce vet bills down the road. Is This Dog for Me? Golden mountain doodles make wonderful family dogs and are suitable for most people. If you want an affectionate, loyal, non-shedding dog that is the light of your world and if you have the time and enthusiasm to raise a puppy, I predict you will be very happy with a golden mountain doodle! The Golden Retriever is well known for their mellow, happy go lucky personality and their intelligence. The Poodle is known as a very intelligent dog with a very loving personality. At Doodle Creek we select the best possible temperaments in both breeds to create a wonderful combination of the two breeds. We are committed to producing healthy English Goldendoodles with loving, happy, playful, fun personalities. The English Goldendoodles tend to be very alert, eager to please and intelligent. They have a goofy, playful personality and they thrive on being with people. Their love for people has won them over as one of the most popular breeds on the planet! When careful breeding practices are implemented, the English Goldendoodle makes the perfect companion. They are typically a mild mannered dog with a moderate energy level. Their exercise requirements are not excessive so two minute walks a day works well. The tend to be inquisitive dogs and love to explore making them great dogs for hiking, camping or going on family outings. If they are introduced to water at a young age, most will acquire a love for the water. They are very adaptable and will adjust to most any new environment. They do well in either urban or rural settings. Appearance The English Goldendoodle to me is the most stunning dog ever known to man! They are known to look like Teddy Bears with a beautiful round face and sturdy structured body. They have a much prettier face and sweet, kind eyes. Their ears are well placed as well which gives the English Goldendoodles a rounder look in their face. This is a large part of why we have chosen to go with the English Golden Retrievers in our breeding program. Every breeder creates their own look and we focus on bringing you the prettiest English Goldendoodles possible. Every puppy has a unique and different look but in general, they have that round face, stocky body and beautiful stance with the tail set similar to that of an English Golden Retriever. They typically have a fluffy, to wavy coat that is low to non shedding. We have been breeding English Goldendoodles for many years now and we know the combinations of parents that work well to produce stunning puppies. Breeding is an art and creating that great look without compromising on temperament and health is key to bringing you a beautiful puppy with a great personality. Finding a breeder who produces the look you are wanting in your Doodle is critical. Sizes We breed a variety of different Doodle sizes. The estimated size of your Doodle is determined by the size of both parents. Standard Doodles pounds and inches tall - This is the result of breeding a full sized Standard Poodle with an English Golden Retriever or an English Goldendoodle. Medium Doodles pounds and inches tall - We have Moyen Medium Poodles here that we breed to full sized Doodles or Retrievers. This results in a nice medium sized companion. They come in either F1, F1b or Multigen generations. Mini Doodles pounds and inches tall - This is the result of any number of combinations depending on the size of the parents. It is not possible to have an F1 Tiny Doodle because breeding the smallest Poodle possible to a full sized Golden Retriever will still give no guarantees that the puppy will be in the pound range. Tiny Doodles only come in the F1b generation at Doodle Creek. These dogs typically have low to non shedding coats. Some will have the straighter coats with a loose wave to it. These coats will sometimes be low shedding. Others will have the fleecy coats and will shed very little to nothing at all. If you are wanting strong Retriever characteristics and you are okay with possibly some shedding, this would be a great option. If you have allergies, you may want to consider the F1b or Multigen breedings. These dogs will quite often look very similar to the F1 English Goldendoodles in that many still keep that nice, fleecy coat type. The litters normally have a few with the fleecy coat types and a few with the curly coat types. The fleecy coat typed F1b puppies are typically extremely low to non shedding. The F1b is an excellent choice for those who suffer from allergies. Multigen English Goldendoodles - Through our years of experience, we have now come to the point where we use our trusted genetics and we will breed two totally unrelated Goldendoodles together. We do all the proper DNA testing to ensure that we are getting the low to non shedding offspring from these matings. We have found that the Mulitgens are just as good as the F1b for those with allergies as they are also low to non shedding. The advantage of breeding Mulitgen English Goldendoodles here at Doodle Creek is that we are able to get more of the colours we are looking for in our puppies such as the tri colour, black and white, brown and white, or the merle. Coat types Our English Goldendoodles have several different coat types. Most are very low to non shedding. They turn into a loose curled coat as an adult and have a very soft feel. They are low to non shedding. The curly coat is similar to that of a poodle. They are typically non shedding and are wonderful for allergies. They get that beautiful, messy look to them and are very attractive looking as adults. They will often be low shedding but shed much less than a Golden Retriever. In the photos below we have posted the puppy photo on the left and one as they became adults on the right. This will give you an idea of what to expect when you get a puppy from either coat type listed here. Breed Title Goldendoodle Puppy Temperament One of the most characteristic traits of our Goldendoodle puppies for sale is their friendliness. Like their Golden Retriever forebearers, these sweet pups love everybody! Thanks to its Poodle ancestors, our Goldendoodle puppies for sale are one of the smartest breeds available for adoption. Eager to please, your pup will respond exceptionally well to reinforcement training and pick up new commands quickly and easily. However, due to their separation anxiety, this dog can display destructive tendencies if left alone for too long. Goldendoodle Puppies Health Considerations Though generally a healthy and long-lived dog breed — with a lifespan of up to 15 years due to its robust poodle genes — Goldendoodle puppies are not without a few health considerations to keep in mind. This will vary depending on the type of Goldendoodle — e. The best way to ensure that your pup lives a long and healthy life is to adopt form an experienced and reputable breeder. At Keystone Puppies , we make it our mission to stamp out puppy mills for good by promoting healthy puppies from knowledgeable breeders. Because they are bred to have the coat qualities of a Poodle, these pups are often hypoallergenic and shed very little. The curly coat should be soft to the touch. Like all doodle mixes, your Goldendoodle is likely to have a coat of short, curly hair. However, some dogs — particularly those who take after their Golden Retriever ancestors — will have longer, straight coat varieties. Others will have coats that are somewhere in between — including wavy and flat coat varieties. All our Goldendoodle puppies are born with a soft, single-layer puppy coat that will mature into a double-layer adult coat at around six months. After this, your Goldendoodle should be trimmed every six to eight weeks to prevent tangling and matting. All our Goldendoodles for sale will need to be brushed at least once a week to ensure their coat stays healthy and free of dirt, oil and other debris. Meet Goldendoodle Puppies for Sale. Standard Goldendoodles can weigh anywhere between 50 and 90 pounds. Personality The place where the Goldendoodle puppy really excels is its personality. Its breed is known for being simultaneously intelligent and adoring. A Goldendoodle puppy is very sociable, which makes them perfect animals for households with children and other animals or pets, even cats. Just like the Labradoodle, this breed requires correct socialization to ensure they get used to different sights, sounds and smells during puppyhood. This means taking your Goldendoodle to plenty of doggy-friendly parks so they can meet canine friends and introducing them to other people. Our Goldendoodle puppies for sale are fully trained Doodles, so you can focus on the fun bits, like bonding, eating food and playing. These dogs prefer to live in a house with a gated backyard where they can get regular exercise breaks. Do They Like to Play? Goldendoodle Puppy Training These clever dogs are perfect for first-time dog owners because Goldendoodles love to please and take great pride in learning new skills. Are Goldendoodles Intelligent? Both of its poodle and golden retriever parent breeds are known for their intelligence and trainability, and Goldendoodles have inherited this breed trait. This means the person training a Goldendoodle needs to be strong-willed, firm and consistent — but never harsh or aggressive. Much like a poodle, Doodles are sensitive dogs, and positive reinforcement is a must to bring out the best in them. How Obedient Are They? Goldendoodle pups adore human company, and making their pet parents happy brings them genuine satisfaction. As such, correct puppy training produces a highly obedient and loyal adult Goldendoodle. Older adults, people with disabilities and individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders can benefit significantly from the warmth and sweetness of these adorable Goldendoodle pups. Are They Easy to Train? Doodle puppies can be mischievous and cheeky, but aggression is practically unheard of. So as long as you treat them with the same gentle respect they offer, a Goldendoodle is one of the easiest dog breeds to train. Goldendoodles have loads of energy and require regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and calm temperament. A Goldendoodle need a moderately high level of outdoor activity — usually a minimum of 30 minutes, but ideally one hour, of moderate to vigorous exercise per day will keep Goldendoodle puppies at their best. Unlike puppy mills, all good puppy and dog breeders provide a certificate that shows health clearances. At Pride and Prejudoodles, our tests cover common health conditions. As such, you have peace of mind when purchasing your new puppy from us. How Long Do Goldendoodles Live? Goldendoodles live for between 10 and 15 years. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Goldendoodle puppies for adoption. Life Span Did You Know? Although this breed is very popular, it is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club. As long as they are well-socialized, Miniature Goldendoodles tend to make excellent family companions. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they will alert you of strangers at the door, they tend to warm up quickly as they are more interested in making friends and receiving attention. Mini Goldendoodles are highly adaptable dogs. Their smaller size makes them a great fit for apartment living or for bigger homes with yards where they can run. As long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention, they can adapt well. These little dogs tend to do well in just about any climate. However, like any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Due to their smaller size, you may need to gear up with some dog-friendly winter gear when temperatures start falling. Because this dog breed is loyal and people-oriented, they love to be in your company and do not like being left alone for long periods of time. This means they can be prone to developing separation anxiety if you do not work with them on it early on. Instead, make sure your new Mini Goldendoodle puppy has an active role in your life. If you do need to leave them alone for a bit, make sure they have some comforting toys or challenging puzzles to keep them from getting bored. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests and clearances that have been done. The Mini Goldendoodles is a highly intelligent dog that picks up on things quickly and is eager to please. They tend to be sensitive to tone of voice as well. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive praise and reward, a Mini Goldendoodle will strive to be obedient and impress you and tends to excel at almost any task. These traits make the Mini Goldendoodle one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Daily brushing is recommended to remove tangles and prevent mats. Bathing is occasional and can often be relegated to the dog groomer that is recommended you visit every weeks. The groomer can help handle some of this during visits, but you will still need to do some maintenance at home between visits. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed help prevent ear infections. Daily brushing, plus cleanings at the vet as needed, is good dental care for dogs and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Although the parents of this breed have a lot of energy, a Mini Goldendoodle tends to sit in a more moderate activity range. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are usually enough for them. But, they are also likely to match their energy level to yours, so be prepared for some bursts of energy as well as plenty of cuddling on the couch. Fully-grown Mini Goldendoodles usually stand inches tall at the shoulder. A Miniature Goldendoodle puppy can vary in size based on the generation of the dog. The result is generally a dog that will range from pounds. Looking at the size of the parents for an F1 or F1-B puppy can be a good indication of what size to expect in a fully-grown Miniature Goldendoodle. Mini Goldendoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Goldendoodle Article. About Goldendoodles About Goldendoodles Goldendoodles are a cross between two of the top five smartest dogs in the world — a golden retriever and a poodle. Goldendoodles are the ideal family dog, combining the clever, yet silly side of the poodle with the placid, loyal, and loving nature of the golden retriever. Goldendoodles are low — to non-shedding, making them a popular choice for people with allergies. Since I began breeding Goldendoodles in , I have seen the breed go from almost non-existent, to one of the most popular family dogs in North America. They are affectionate, playful, fun-loving, and intelligent dogs. Because they are so smart, they are easier to train than most breeds. They follow commands quickly and always want to please their owners. Whether this is your first dog, or you simply want an easygoing, playful dog, a goldendoodle would be an ideal choice. Goldendoodles are not a purebred dog, so they are not a registered breed. The Golden Retriever Golden retrievers are intelligent large-breed dogs, often used as gun dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and detection dogs. They are often trained as disability assistance dogs because of their gentle and loving nature and their desire to be with people. Golden retrievers love the water! Golden retrievers have a beautiful dense coat and are known to shed quite heavily. The Poodle Poodles rank high on the canine intelligence scale and excel in obedience. Most people are aware that this lovely breed has a low — to non-shedding coat, making them a great choice for people with allergies. But the poodle is more than a clever show dog. They originated in Germany as hunting dogs, especially good at water retrieving. Poodles are lively and playful, and have an assertive prance to their walk. They thrive in a busy household where there is plenty of attention to go around. If bored, poodles may find their way into mischief. They are also quick to sound an alert, and have earned a reputation for barking. Poodles can be nervous and sensitive to stress, and are typically affected by eye, skin, and digestive diseases, as well as immune system diseases. Poodles come in three sizes and a wide variety of colours. They have a single layer of dense, curly fur that sheds minimally, but will mat without proper care. Golden Retriever Meets Poodle…The Perfect Canine Companion If a breeder does their due diligence in selecting the right parents, crossing purebred dogs of different breeds results in puppies that are healthier than either of their parents. This is because the two breeds are generally prone to different genetic problems. Hybrids such as goldendoodles are only likely to inherit a health problem that is common to both the poodle and the golden retriever — two breeds that share few common diseases. A hybrid dog combines the traits and characteristics of its purebred parents; with careful, conscientious breeding, the resulting pups may end up with the best attributes of each. In the case of the goldendoodle, the blend of the golden retriever and the poodle produces a smart, friendly, loving, social, playful dog. They tend to have the gentle, loving, and desire-to-please nature of the golden retriever, and the goofy liveliness and intelligence of the poodle. Like the golden retriever, they are gentle around children and the elderly, and because they love to work, they often make excellent therapy dogs. The goldendoodle is the go-to breed of choice when we select a dog to donate to a charitable organization. Most goldendoodles have a moderate activity level. They love toys and are always carrying around something in their mouths. Most of them have little need for personal space and are often described as happy, goofy, smart, charming, curious, friendly, social, enthusiastic, cuddly, willing to please, and loving. Goldendoodles vs. English Goldendoodles English goldendoodles have a lighter coat, stockier build and are more laid-back. The retriever part of the English goldendoodle is an English golden retriever, which originates from Europe. English golden retrievers contain the stockier and more laid-back traits, and have a lighter coat in comparison to their North American counterpart, whom are typically darker in colour and more slender, with a more active personality. We favour English golden retrievers within our breeding program, and have traveled across Europe acquiring some of the finest European breeding stock to incorporate into our lines. Many breeders in the United States use field retrievers to produce their goldendoodles. These retrievers are bred for field work and tend to be very lanky and hyper. As a result they tend to produce hyper, lanky goldendoodles. This is a good example of why research is essential to finding a conscientious breeder. Appearance and Coat Most people think of goldendoodles as being golden in colour, but they can come in a variety of different colours. Their overall appearance combines a beautiful balance of the golden retriever and the poodle. Well-chosen parents tend to blend the traits of the poodle and the golden in a consistent way. In short, goldendoodles tend to look like shaggy teddy bears! Breeders tend to develop their own style and look of dogs. A SwissRidge goldendoodle can easily be picked out of a crowd as there is a very distinct look and temperament to our dogs. The appearance of a SwissRidge goldendoodle is usually stocky with a well-built frame, beautiful head, and silky, soft, wavy coat. Although every goldendoodle has a different coat, the majority have a wavy coat that sheds minimally, if at all. Breeders will evaluate the puppy at a few weeks old and can often tell the type of coat the dog will have, and can help match you to the best coat type for your situation. Most people with allergies to dog dander are fine with a wavy-coated dog. However, the straighter the coat, the more it sheds, making the dog less suitable for people with allergies. Goldendoodles with a curly coat are similar to the poodle and will not shed. Even people with severe allergies to dander typically do well with a curly-coated goldendoodle. Since there are no guarantees with coat type, a responsible breeder will give you time to interact with your puppy and see if you are allergic, allowing you time to return the pup if it is not working out. If you are allergic to dog saliva, and your skin breaks out in hives when licked by a dog, you will most likely be allergic to all goldendoodles regardless of coat type. If you still want a dog, I would suggest a tiny goldendoodle as they produce less saliva. Since most goldendoodles shed very little, if at all, they need to be brushed regularly to prevent matting, and must be clipped every few months. Size Depending on the parents and their genetics, you can find goldendoodles in a wide range of sizes. Females are usually smaller than males. A Standard Goldendoodle results from crossing a standard poodle with a golden retriever. They will generally be 50 lbs. Most standards are in the 70 to 90 lb. A Mini Goldendoodle results from crossing a miniature poodle with a golden retriever. They generally range from 25 to 49 lbs. A Tiny Goldendoodle results from crossing a toy poodle with a mini goldendoodle. They range from 10 to 24 lbs and are about 12 to 17 inches at the shoulder. In terms of temperament, mini and tiny goldendoodles may have a slightly higher energy level than the standard. Since we use calm poodles in our breeding program, we tend to produce docile goldendoodles, regardless of size. Generations F1 is a first generation cross in which the puppy is 50 percent golden retriever and 50 percent poodle. The F1 cross is considered the healthiest, as the parents are unlikely to contribute genes for common inheritable diseases. F1b is a backcross in which a goldendoodle is bred with a poodle. The puppy is 25 percent golden and 75 percent poodle. F1b puppies are the most likely to be non-shedding and allergy-friendly. Some breeders have backcrossed a goldendoodle with a golden, which results in a dog with more of the golden retriever traits. I prefer not to breed this backcross as there is a greater likelihood of shedding. F2 is a second generation cross in which an F1 goldendoodle is crossed with another F1 goldendoodle. If this is done for seven generations, a breeder could apply to register this dog as a purebred. The closer the generations come together, the more consistency there will be in the lines, but the genetic problems of the purebreds are more likely to reappear, and hybrid vigor diminishes. Some F2 puppies may have an improper coat instead of the fleecy softness we love in the doodles. While goldendoodles vary in appearance and coat type, an experienced breeder will be able to give you an idea of what the pup will look like as an adult, based on what the parents have produced in the past and what traits they see in the pup. Health and Lifespan I have been breeding goldendoodles since and have found them to be healthy dogs with few health concerns. My dogs live an average of 10 to 16 years — a standard will typically have a shorter lifespan than a tiny. While goldendoodles tend to be healthier than their parent breeds, they can still be prone to conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia and certain eye problems. Skin conditions, such as hot spots and allergies, are also seen in this mix, and like many other breeds, they may get cancer. Genetic testing can reduce the risk of many diseases. A reputable breeder will perform various tests and provide evidence of the successful results. This investment is usually reflected in the higher cost of the puppy for the buyer. A higher upfront cost will most likely reduce vet bills down the road. Goldendoodle Mismatch I believe the goldendoodle is a suitable dog for most people, with a few caveats: A low- to non-shedding coat means more time, effort, and money spent on grooming. Make sure you have plenty of time in your schedule to raise and train a new puppy. The hard work pays off in the end. Practically anyone could raise a goldendoodle, and they are a very good choice for first-time dog owners and people with small children.

So Many Options! Where To Get a Labrador? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Except, you remember hearing you should only buy from professional breeders?! But that puppy in the pet store was so achingly cute! This article discusses the things you should consider before making that life changing decision. From dedicated experts who breed pedigree dogs to work or for show, to those who breed too many puppies, litter after litter purely for sale without love nor care for the health of the mother or quality of the litter. For how to recognize who the good breeders are, read our article: Labrador breeders — How to find the good ones! Buying from a good, responsible breeder is without doubt the best source for a quality, healthy Labrador puppy. They care about the overall welfare of the breed, as well as the health of the mother, quality of the litter and giving the puppies the best start in life. Responsible breeders: Guarantee a purebred and pedigree Labrador. Screen the parents for health problems before breeding , so puppies will be as free as possible from inherited diseases. Selectively breed aiming for conformance to the breed standard, so your lab has the most chance of looking like the perfect lab. Carefully socialize puppies from birth so they are well-adjusted and confident before sending them to a new home. Help buyers to select the right puppy from the litter to suit their personality, hopes and expectations. Helping you to get the puppy of your dreams. Provide expert help and advice on caring for the dog from puppyhood right through to adulthood. When you go to a good breeder you should expect lots of questions. They will also help to match you to the perfect puppy that suits your personality, preventing you from getting the wrong dog on impulse. You know the cute but feisty one that got your attention by barging through his litter mates to run up to you and be the first to say hello? Well, he may very likely become a dominant and strong-willed dog! You May Need Patience You should note that many breeders will have a long waiting list for their Labrador puppies. Then this may not be the right way for you. But this is a good thing! And nobody should buy a puppy on impulse, it must be a well thought out and reasoned decision. Maybe you would like to give a lucky Labrador a second chance at life and happiness? Adopting an Older Labrador From a Rescue Kennel Can Have Many Benefits: They will have been house trained already — No getting up in the middle of the night to relieve your puppy…or cleaning your floor after the inevitable mishaps. An adult Labrador will already show signs of any underlying problems so you can avoid this. Many will have received a decent amount of training already — Saving you lots of time and work. Having said all that… There are Some Obvious Risks! Or perhaps due to health problems that developed. Some may have faced abuse and neglect leaving them with psychological scars. Behavioral problems are sometimes well hidden, and aggression may only surface in very particular situations only. But if you are patient, understanding and can inject some routine and love into one of these dogs lives, they can become absolutely wonderful pets. There are also different types of rescue center and animal shelters. You will be able to get a feel for the level of the center when you visit and how professional they are and the staff to dog ratios. The Process When rescuing a lab, a good, well staffed shelter will ask you to visit and spend time with your potential pet. They will have assessed the dog and will tell you all they know about the dogs history and temperament. They will ask you lots of questions to find out whether you and your lifestyle are a good fit for a Labrador. They will want to meet you and your whole family. They will want to see how the people the Labrador is to live with interact with it and how the lab interacts with them. And that your choice of dog is well suited to you and interacts well with you on visits will they eventually allow you to adopt. Rescuing a Labrador can be a very good choice as long as due care is taken to pick the right one. And you will earn many karma points for doing a very good deed. It is a massive risk to take a puppy from a litter like this. These dogs have more than the average number of inherited diseases and behavioral problems. So although you will be saving a bit of money compared to paying out to a professional Labrador breeder. Or you might even be saving a dog from being given to a rescue center and possibly eventually being put down. You just might be letting yourself in for some expensive surprises in the way of vets bills or behavioral specialists later. But having said that, of course many of these puppies do become very good pets indeed. In fact a few places in the world have now banned the sale of puppies from pet stores. In these places, dogs are often bred in poor conditions, sometimes kept in small wire cages and given very little chance to socialize and little if any personal contact with humans. Have you had any good or bad experiences of getting a Labrador from any of the places listed above? Is there anything you would like to add about the pros and cons of the various places you can get yourself a Lab? Please let us know in the comments section below and you just might help people reading this article to make the right decision! Related Article:. Print Looking for a new gun dog or duck dog? Many people start their search with good intentions. They want to find a good quality pup that will serve as a hunting companion as well as a family dog. However, somewhere along the way they end up just picking up a cute puppy that the family could not resist. Maybe, but it is a needle-in-the-haystack approach. While there is no guarantee that any puppy you bring home is going to grow into a well-mannered hunting partner, there are ways to stack the odds in your favor. Today, we are going to discuss the process I go through when looking for a new puppy. These are my opinions, so take it for what it is worth, but I do have extensive experience buying Labrador puppies. I have been doing this for over 30 years and I rarely have a puppy that does not work out. Research puppy litters I buy my puppies based on pedigree. I want proven working parents. This means that I want to see that either the mom or dad, preferably both, have AKC retriever field trial titles , AKC retriever hunting test titles or UKC retriever hunting test titles behind their names on an official pedigree. Be sure you see field trial or hunt test titles. Sometimes you will see AKC show titles or other titles like agility. These are NOT the same as field trial or hunt test titles and are generally not something you want to see on the pedigree of a hunting or competition dog. There are many places to search for litters on the internet. And many sites offer the ability to limit your search by state. However, do not be afraid to look for puppies further away from you. If the litter has a great pedigree and is exactly what you are looking for, you can always have the puppy flown or shipped to you. Some of the sites that are good for looking for litters are: retrievertraining. Again, I am not saying that great dogs cannot come out of these places but rather that the odds are not in your favor. Why are hunting titles important? Hunting titles tell you that the dog has proven its ability to perform at a certain level. It also tells you that the genetics are there. If the parents can perform at a Field Champion or Master Hunter level, there is a good chance the puppies will also have that ability. Do all your research prior to going to look at the puppies Everybody loves puppies. They are cute, cuddly and so lovable. That is why I recommend that you do not ever go look at a litter that does not already meet your standards regarding pedigree. It is just too easy to end up bringing one home. And if you have kids or a spouse involved, I guarantee that any litter you go look at you are most certainly going to end up bringing home a puppy. Does color make a difference? Well-bred puppies are available in each of these colors, and we have trained excellent hunting dogs in each color. However, you may now see litters advertised as fox red or white. These colors are not recognized by the AKC and you should beware of purchasing a dog based solely on color. In addition, there are now Labs being sold as silver, charcoal and champaign. These litters are technically not pure Labrador Retrievers. They are often referred to as dilutes because the genetics have been diluted to produce these colors. Many trainers will not train dilutes because of the many health problems and genetic issues that go along with these breeds. There are, unfortunately, people breeding pups specifically to produce a specific color without regard for temperament and the betterment of the breed. We prefer to stay away from litters that do not have a proven pedigree and have been breed specifically for color. In addition, our experience training dogs from these types of litters has proven to be a struggle. How much does a good puppy cost? For many people this is a defining question. So, a new hunting partner can be a significant investment. But for us it is worth it to stack the odds in our favor. Find a great retriever breeder Unfortunately, not all breeders are equal. Over the years, some breeders have stood out to us as exceptional. They go over and beyond just taking good care of the puppies. You can tell they really want their puppies to turn out great and they take steps, while the pups are very young, to help ensure their puppies have a good strong foundation that will help them succeed in the future. Beyond the breeding of quality dogs, the difference is in the socialization of the puppies. As I talk extensively about in Raising a Lab puppy to be a duck or gun dog , socialization is an essential key component in training a retriever puppy. Breeders that go out of their way to socialize young pups are worth their weight in gold. The truth is that raising puppies, done the right way, takes a lot of time and commitment. We specialize in training and prefer to let others specialize in doing a great job raising litters. Ask prospective breeder the right questions When you call and talk to a breeder about an upcoming litter, it is important to get answers to some important questions. If the pedigrees are not available online, be sure and request one from the breeder. How often do you breed? How often has this mother been bred? When looking for a great hunting dog puppy, you want to avoid puppy mills. Puppy mills are breeders that are just pumping out puppies for money and without concern to the overall health and betterment of the breed. Responsible breeders have a plan for the litters they are producing and will be able to talk to you about why the litter is worth the money they are asking. What breeds do you breed? Look for a breeder that specializes in Labrador Retrievers or whatever breed you are looking to purchase. What does your health guarantee cover? Responsible breeders will offer you a health guarantee for the puppy. While what this guarantee covers may vary, with Labrador Retrievers some of the things you want to make sure the health guarantee covers includes: Hip dysplasia Eye issues In addition, you may want to make sure that the parents have been genetically tested for other genetic diseases such as Exercise Induced Collapse EIC and Centronuclear Myopathy CNM. What do you do to socialize the puppies? Asking this open-ended question can give breeders a chance to tell you about the work they do socializing the young pups before they are ready to go home. Or, you may want to follow up with more specific questions such as: Are the pups exposed to children at all? Do you take the pups to different locations during the day? Do the puppies get outside time, what does that look like? The goal is to find out if the puppies are getting socialization and exposure to new and different things on a regular basis. Pups that get this exposure tend to adjust more quickly to their new homes and new situations later in life. Have you done this specific breeding before? How did those puppies turn out? Breeders that are working for the betterment of the breed, may breed a set of parents more than once. If this is a repeat breeding, it is likely that the breeder will know how previous litters performed in the field or in competition. Serious Labrador Retriever breeders often keep track of how their puppies perform as they age. Alternatively, you could ask for references and talk to previous buyers to find out what they think of the breeder and the puppy they bought. Should I meet the prospective dog parents? While some people might tell you that you should meet the prospective parents of the puppies, I do not see a lot of value in this. Some good breeders do not own both the parents. Often, they work with other breeders so both the Dam and Sire may not be onsite. And if you are basing your pup purchase off pedigree first, as I would recommend, you already know the most important things about the parents. If looks are important to you, then photos of the parents will show you what you need to know. Choose a retriever puppy from the litter Once you decide on a litter, the waiting begins. Ask the breeder to provide videos and photos of puppies as the grow. This is a great way to see the puppies progress and you can see some personality traits in the different pups. If you did all the work in researching pedigree and breeders, you already have stacked the odds in your favor. You know that the litter is a good one and that the puppies have a good chance of turning out to be great hunting partners. This is important because it takes a lot of pressure off when it is time to pick the puppy from the litter. When you do go to the breeder to pick your puppy, take a few minutes to observe the puppies. This will allow you to see some personality traits. Understand though that this is only one snapshot in time. The puppy that is active at this time, might have been sleeping right before you showed up. Or, the one that is sleepy may have been running around like crazy just minutes before. At Otter Tail Kennels, we often look for a puppy that likes people. A puppy that chases a child around the yard or runs to the owner when they walk away is attractive to us because we want a people-centered dog instead of a dog that prefers to spend its time with litter mates. But this is not an exact science by any means. That is why we rely on the fact that we have done our homework and know the entire litter has promise. Final thoughts on how to find a good Labrador puppy Any time you set out to buy a puppy, you do not know how the journey will end. There are a lot of unknowns. You cannot tell for sure what the puppy will look like as an adult, and you cannot tell if they will be a great hunter or a great family dog. What you can do is stack the odds in your favor. Find a great litter from a great breeder and select a puppy from that litter. Once you do that, you are on your way to having a great duck or gun dog. Then the next important step is to socialize, expose and train the puppy. Read how to do that here. Have questions about finding a great retriever for your hunting and family needs? I am here to help! You can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs and services I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. How to find a good Labrador puppy. They are also very high energy. Labs are intelligent and well-tempered for becoming service dogs. You may have seen a Lab working as a guide dog or alongside a police officer. Labradors come in three distinct colors: black, yellow, and chocolate. There is no real difference between these sub-breeds aside from color. However, chocolate Labs and yellow Labs do tend to be favored as show dogs, while a black Lab is more likely to be raised as a hunting dog than a chocolate or yellow one. Labrador Retrievers are famous for being friendly and companionable to both humans and other dogs. This makes the Labrador an ideal breed to keep as a family dog. There are factors, however, which need to be considered before choosing a Labrador puppy. Bringing home a beautiful black Lab puppy? Check out hundreds of great black dog names here! The amount of maternal care a pup receives prior to adoption influences the adult temperament of your Labrador. A responsible breeder will not remove your puppy from its mother before it is ready. In the study, Labs belonging to extroverted owners had better social skills than those belonging to introverted owners. You may also look through your local classifieds for unregistered litters, although we do not recommend it. Even though Labradors are a generally healthy breed, it is important that both parents get screened for any health issues prior to breeding. Adopting from unregistered litters will also significantly increase your chances of encountering a puppy mill. No matter where you adopt from, it is essential that you meet both parents and access a history of good health for each parent before adopting a puppy from the facility. In other parts of the world, use the puppy search tool on the website of your regional kennel club or equivalent authority. You may also ask a local veterinarian for a reference to a quality breeder. Another option is to keep an eye out for someone with a purebred Labrador and request information on where they adopted from. Registered breeders use only top-of-the-line animals as parents. Puppies from responsible and registered breeders are given the appropriate amount of maternal care and not released to a new home until they are physically and mentally mature enough to do so. This lays the foundation for an affectionate and even temperament in adulthood. The cons of adopting from a breeder are higher costs and often longer wait times. Responsible breeders require a pre-adoption home check to ensure that their puppies are appropriately homed. You may also need to travel some distance to find the right breeder. Registered breeders usually breed a maximum of only twice per year. This maintains parental health and allows sufficient time for the puppies to progress. These breeders often have waitlists for upcoming litters before they are born, sometimes before the parents are even bred. While these practices maintain value, they also mean the puppies will cost a little more and take longer to bring home. Private Ads Private ads for puppies can be found in online classifieds or in your local newspaper. You may also spot them on the bulletin boards of various local businesses. The benefits of sourcing a puppy from a private ad is that the breeder is likely be located nearby, and the puppies will be available relatively quickly, if not immediately. The cons of taking this route is that you do not have pedigree parents to your puppy, and the risk of health complications down the road is much higher. Puppy farms will often advertise through private ads. For these reasons, we do not recommend sourcing a puppy through a private ad. Pet Shops We do not endorse purchasing puppies from pet shops, because the credentials of both parents and breeder cannot be provided. Parents of pet shop puppies may have been overbred, mistreated, or in less than optimal health. It is impossible to know without verified records. The puppies themselves could have experienced conditions and trauma that will negatively impact their behavior in adulthood, such as being separated from their mothers too soon or physical abuse. Avoiding Puppy Farms Puppy farms are unregistered breeding establishments that mass produce puppies in order to generate the highest amount of revenue. These farms, or mills, severely mistreat their animals and often produce puppies with little socialization skills and significantly increased health risks. To steer clear of these facilities, avoid pet stores, which often source stock from puppy farms because of the low cost. Also avoid any online advertisements for puppies at a low cost. If you do source a puppy from an online ad, call the breeder in advance and ask questions about the puppies, parents, and establishment to screen for any inconsistencies with industry standards. When you visit the breeder, if it comes to that, ask to have a look around and meet both parents in person. Is the space open? Do the parents look healthy? How many other dogs and puppies are there on the premises? Health Tests While Labs are generally healthy overall, it is important to confirm the parental health prior to breeding. If the breeder cannot show you certificates of health for both parents, adopting a puppy from those parents poses a risk for complications later on. The American Kennel Club recommends Labrador Retrievers get screened for: any hip and elbow defects that could indicate dysplasia heart disorders out of ordinary muscle weakness degenerative eye conditions. Make sure that the breeder can demonstrate certified health in each of these areas for each parent. The initial cost of requiring this level of screening for your puppy may be higher, but it will save you on veterinary bills down the road. Choosing Your Puppy Labrador Retrievers are friendly by nature and tend to get along well with other dogs. This breed very rarely shows aggression and must be provoked to do so. When it comes to children and other pets, a Labrador puppy would be a valuable family addition. Labs are companionable and socialize well. The Labrador Retriever is a high-energy breed and will need enough time and space each day to receive sufficient exercise. These exercise needs will continue to grow as your puppy matures. A Labrador is not designed to be an inside-only dog. This breed needs lots of activity to stay mentally and physically fit. Consider that your fully grown Lab will be between .We recommend that you take your Lab out for daily outdoor activities such as swimming and fetch. A Labrador that does not receive enough exercise time may rebel by engaging in destructive behaviors within the household. However, remember that the best-quality Labradors come from responsible breeders that produce only one or two litters per year. These breeders often have waiting lists due to high quality puppies and infrequent production. If you want the best which you should! Labradors are wonderful family dogs with lots of love for humans and other dogs. They are one of the lowest risk for health complications when properly screened, making them ideal as a long-term energy-filled companion. Considerations before jumping into the adoption of a Labrador puppy are how big your puppy will be when it reaches adulthood and the daily rigorous outdoor exercise it will require to keep it in peak physical and mental condition. Read more about Labradors here in our guide to Labrador lifespan! References and Resources Bray, E. University of Pennsylvania .Graham, L. Temperament and Personality in Working Dogs. CRC Press .Kuroshima, H. Kyoto University

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Also, they are non-shedding. During the past few decades, breeders have begun to experiment with cross-breeding poodles with other breeds for various reasons. No specific description is offered here for each of the Poodle dog mixes featured. Some of the more popular Poodle dog mixes are featured on their own breeder pages on this site. These include Cockapoos, Labradoodles, Goldendoodles and Schnoodles. If you don't see what you are looking for here, try an advanced search in our classifieds. When looking for a new puppy, be sure to tell the breeder about your lifestyle. Then, it can be determined if that particular breed is a good fit for you. About the Breeders Club. Once you purchase your new found friend, you will want to provide it the best in pet health care. The discount catalog also features collars, leashes, carriers, general pet care products and much more. We require all advertisers to agree to our advertising terms. You should ask the Poodle Mix breeders you talk with for references from past buyers and veterinarians. They are also popular choices for families with allergies, as they do not shed as much as other breeds. Poodle Mixes come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, making them one of the most popular hybrid dog breeds. While all Poodle Mixes share some common features, their individual personalities can vary widely. Some Poodle Mixes are confident and outgoing, while others are more reserved and shy. Some breeds tend to be independent thinkers, while others are more eager to please. The best way to determine what personality type is right for you is to meet with a local breeder or rescue organization that specializes in Poodle Mixes. Poodle Mix Puppy Health Considerations Though generally very happy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around years — our Poodle Mixes for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Poodle Mix puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. Of course, not all Poodle Mixes will develop these conditions, but it is important to be aware of them. Finding a Poodle Mix puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can also dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. Regardless of the type of Poodle Mix you have, there are a few things you need to know about coat care. First, regular brushing is essential to prevent mats and tangles. Finally, Poodle Mixes need to be groomed every weeks by a professional groomer. This includes a bath, brush out, trimming of the coat, and nail clipping. By following these simple coat care tips, you can help your Poodle Mix look and feel his best. Meet Poodle Mix Puppies for Sale. If a Mini Poodle Mix takes after their Mini Poodle parent, they will be a small dog that is affectionate, loving, and playful. Miniature Poodles are intelligent, sensitive dogs with cheerful dispositions. They tend to get along well with children, other pets, and other dogs. They even tend to be good with strangers as long as they have been properly socialized. They do tend to alert you of things, which can make them prone to barking. Working to train your dog to stop barking early on can keep this from becoming a nuisance behavior. If the other parent breed has similar traits, then you can expect a similar temperament from a Miniature Poodle Mix. You can also meet the mother in person to see what temperament she has and the behavior she is modeling for her puppies. The breeder should have started socialization and training. However, it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home to ensure they grow into a well-rounded dog. A Miniature Poodle is a highly adaptable dog that does well in apartments as well as larger homes and in most climates. Because they are so people-oriented, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. If the other parent breed is similar, then you can also expect a high adaptable Miniature Poodle Mix. The other breed in the mix is likely to have their own quirks, so you do still want to ask the breeder about them. Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? Just as a mix can inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, they could also inherit some combination of them or all of them. Make sure you ask about the health history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Miniature Poodles tend to be intelligent dogs that are eager to please and easy to train. They tend to be a good fit for owners of all experience levels. As long as the other parent breed is also a good fit for all experience levels, then you can expect a Mini Poodle Mix to be highly trainable as well. If the other parent breed is more difficult to train, then you will want to prepare for that possibility in a Miniature Poodle Mix. A mixed-breed can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is some combination of them both. If a Miniature Poodle Mix inherits the Poodle coat, it will be low-shedding, require daily brushing, and require professional grooming every weeks. Once or twice monthly nail trims keeps them from growing too long. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Brushing teeth daily or using an enzyme toothpaste every day in addition to cleanings at the vet as needed are ideal dental care for dogs. Although they are small, Miniature Poodles are high-energy dogs that require daily walks plus playtime and extra activity to be happy and healthy. If the other parent breed is also a high-energy breed, then you can expect a Mini Poodle Mix to also be a high-energy dog. If the other parent breed has a lower energy level, a Mini Poodle Mix could take after them, but you still want to be prepared for the potential of a high-energy dog. A Miniature Poodle is usually inches tall and weighs pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother, so you want to ask the breeder about them. Miniature Poodles generally live for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar life span in a Mini Poodle Mix. Featured Miniature Poodle Mix Article.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. What to Feed German Shepherd Puppies: A Healthy Feeding Guide One of the first things you need to know about what to feed German Shepherd puppies is, right from the start, to choose a high-quality puppy-specific food for large breed puppies. What to feed German Shepherd puppies—feed German Shepherd puppies a diet that is: Specifically created for large-breed puppies. What do German Shepherd puppies eat? New owners are given a host of choices when bringing home their new pups. You can choose to offer one or the other, or even opt for mixed feeding. Dry Kibble Kibble is the most popular and economical choice for German Shepherd puppies. Plus, the major manufacturers offer a complete and balanced diet in many different flavors, with or without grains, and even limited ingredient diets. Kibble can be moistened either with water or broth. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of kibble when it comes to feeding German Shepherd puppies: Advantages Easy to purchase at most stores and online. Keeps for longer than other food options. Quick and simple to serve with little clean up. Disadvantages Can be difficult for some puppies to chew, causing them to not eat enough. Wet Food Here are some advantages and disadvantages of feeding German Shepherd puppies wet food : Advantages Softer and potentially more palatable for picky eaters. Contains more water content than dry food, which can help keep your puppy hydrated. Can leave dogs feeling fuller for longer due to the water content. Can be more expensive than kibble in the long run. Requires more preparation time. Mixing Dry Kibble and Wet Foods Feeding our German Shepherd puppies is no easy task, and deciding between wet and dry puppy food can leave us scratching our heads. But what if we told you there was a middle ground? Mixing wet and dry puppy foods can be an option worth considering, but it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Wet food contributes to increased water intake, ensuring your furry friend stays well-hydrated. Allows you to provide a diverse array of nutrients, contributing to a balanced diet for your growing German Shepherd. Disadvantages Might make it trickier to regulate portion sizes accurately, potentially leading to overfeeding and weight issues. These diets exclude foods that have been cooked or processed in any way. There are also some advantages and disadvantages to feeding a German Shepherd puppy a raw food diet: Advantages Raw diets consist of uncooked, fresh ingredients that retain their natural nutrients, potentially promoting better health for your puppy. Some puppies with food sensitivities might find relief on a raw diet as it eliminates common allergens found in processed foods. Disadvantages Preparing a balanced raw diet requires careful planning to ensure your pup gets all the necessary nutrients in the right proportions. Raw diets carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination, potentially affecting both your pup and you. Sourcing high-quality ingredients and properly storing them can be costly and time-consuming. Homemade Diets For large breed puppies, like German Shepherds, homemade diets must be carefully formulated, just like commercial foods. To create a homemade diet recipe specifically for your dog, it is preferable to consult a veterinarian who holds a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Unfortunately, research has shown that many well-intentioned dog owners still overfeed or give their dogs an unbalanced diet, which can be harmful. By cooking at home, you can skip additives and preservatives often found in commercial dog food. Disadvantages Without proper knowledge and planning, homemade meals may lack essential nutrients, leading to nutritional imbalances. Preparing homemade food demands time and effort, which might be challenging for busy pet parents. Mishandling raw ingredients can lead to contamination, causing health issues for your puppy. Remember, these charts help provide a guideline, but each dog is an individual. For example, if your dog has had a busy day of training and playing, they may need a few extra calories for dinner. This helps ensure they are growing as expected, and if not, you may need to alter the recommended feeding amount. As a rule of thumb, most German Shepherd puppies will eat as follows in this chart: Age. How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppy diet: newborn For a German Shepherd puppy to develop and grow properly, it is imperative that they first nurse on their mother's milk. The first milk they receive is a protein and antibody-rich type of milk known as colostrum. This gives the puppy's immune and central nervous systems a boost. They then progress on to regular breast milk. Puppies will nurse for at least 6 to 8 weeks, gradually being weaned on to solid food at about 4 weeks. If, for any reason, the puppy cannot suckle its mother, don't give them cow or goat milk. These milks are very poor quality in comparison to a puppy's mother's milk. If your German shepherd puppy has to be prematurely weaned, a veterinarian will be able to prescribe specific infant formula and establish the appropriate dosage for your puppy. For example, a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd should not be fed the same food. This is because hese breeds have different nutritional needs. Take a look here to find out more about the diet for a prematurely weaned puppy. German Shepherd puppy diet: 1 month old From 3 to 4 weeks old, when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd puppy, we should start by letting them taste new foods and flavors. At this stage, the German Shepherd puppy's diet plan requires them to eat a special wet food for puppies. At around 6 to 8 weeks old, a German Shepherd puppy should be given a little dry dog food with water, or unseasoned chicken stock between nursing sessions. From their eighth week onward, a German Shepherd should be weaned and start feeding on solid food with a special puppy feed. The best dog food for a German Shepherd puppy is breed specific, but this may not be available everywhere. In these cases, your veterinarian can create a proper food plan for your German Shepherd puppy. At this stage, milk must be removed from the puppy's diet as it could cause diarrhea. If by any chance your dog or puppy is suffering from a bad stomach, we recommend taking a look at our article on what to do if yourt dog has diarrhea. In addition, it is vital that puppies have constant access to clean fresh water. German Shepherd puppy diet: 2 months old At two months of age, you can start to slowly decrease the moistening of your German Shepherd's dry food. Eventually, the puppy will be used to eating the food completely dry. Following the German Shepherd puppy food chart, from 2 until 4 months old, a puppy will eat 4 or 5 times a day. This has to be carried out with one very important addition: discipline. A puppy needs to learn that it will not be fed constantly throughout the day, but at specific times. We start of by placing a bowl of food down for 10 minutes, this should give the puppy enough time to finish its meal. After 10 minutes, we suggest taking the bowl of food away, even if your puppy hasn't finished eating. A puppy's food bowl must only be available to the dog for 10 minutes. This 10 minutes should be enough time for the puppy to eat all of its provided food. As already mentioned, after 10 minutes, you should take the food bowl away, even if the puppy hasn't finished eating. This pattern will introduce the puppy's food schedule and allow it an opportunity to become accustomed to particular feeding times. Accepting and adapting to a diet plan is very important for a puppy's intellectual development. It also facilitates more complex and demanding training sessions. Food for German shepherd puppies should be higher in calories, fats, proteins and calcium than adult German Shepherd dog food. This is because puppies are still growing and developing and therefore need better nutrition. German Shepherd puppy diet: food plan after 4 months Between 4 and 6 months of age, the number of meals which we have detailed in our German Shepherd puppy food chart should be reduced to 3 a day. The food quantity should be increased and an extra margin of 2 minutes to eat should be provided. The packaging of quality commercial dog food will detail the appropriate suggested amount of food for the puppy, depending on its age and weight. If you have any doubts, consult your veterinarian. You should eventually start mixing fresh food, such as meat, fish or vegetables, with the commercial dry feed. Beware of forbidden foods for dogs. Some people ask about a raw diet for a German shepherd puppy, but we recommend these such foods should always be cooked and never given to a dog raw. Meanwhile, treats for dogs should only be used as positive reinforcement during their training and learning period, never as a food supplement. Under no circumstances should you give your German Shepherd, or any dog, human food leftovers. Human food contains salt, sugar and seasoning contents which are very harmful to a dog's health. In addition, if you do offer your dog your food, it will pester you during meals [1]. For more, take a look at some of the harmful effects of treating a dog like a human. German Shepherd puppy diet: after 6 months When your German Shepherd puppy reaches 6 months of age, its daily food intake should be reduced to twice a day. When we do this we can increase the food portions and eating time accordingly. Our German Shepherd diet chart below should be taken into account depending on the age, lifestyle and size of your German Shepherd puppy. After 6 months, you should give your German Shepherd puppy shatterproof bones, such as beef, to gnaw on. For more, take a look here for more about; Bones For Puppies. German shepherd puppy: Dog food and water bowl hygiene Your puppy's food and drink containers should always be clean. Hygiene is very important in order to prevent the appearance of insects. If you notice that your puppy has not eaten for three consecutive meals, consult your veterinarian immediately. This lack of appetite in a puppy could be caused by bowel obstruction and stomach pain; due to the ingestion of toxic food etc. Don't forget that puppies are very sensitive and fragile and if you ignoring any symptoms of disease, it can result in severe issues or even puppy fatality. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppies should be socialized and trained to live with you from day one. These dogs are incredibly capable and have the ability, if trained properly, to learn tricks and perform activities [2]. In addition to the diet of a German Shepherd, don't forget the importance of preventative medicines, following the appropriate vaccination schedules and general German Shepherd dog care. For more information about your German shepherd, take a look at.The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.