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From a very young age we train our puppies in a few things that aid them in being successful adults as family members, companions, service dogs, agility dogs. The Coltriever is a mid sized dog, they weigh between pounds and are built similar to a Golden Retriever. Available Puppies Our next litter will be in September ready for their new home in early November. Usually we have… Early Learning Each of my litters is born inside my home, rather than a kennel setting. This allows them to hear the sounds and smell the scents associated with a household from the very start. They are continually exposed to the everyday sights and sounds of a family home. This includes potentially scary sounds such as vacuum… About Our Puppies I have been raising Coltrievers in Lacey, Washington since .They are a designer dog, which is a mix of Golden Retriever and Border Collie breeds. They are a mid- sized dog, weighing between 40 and 80 pounds. The conformation of a Coltriever is similar to a Golden Retriever. Their colors vary with some black… She has turned out to be the sweetest, most fun dog ever. We love her so very much!! So thankful that I found that photo of her on your website last summer — one of our greatest blessings. Shelly Tigard Or. Our dog, Scout, was an instant playmate to my kids, aged 2 and 5. I fell in love with her, Queenie. I had to know what she was, where she was from, and how I could get one. I was told she was a Crooked Rooster Coltriever. Then, I remembered Crooked Rooster! I looked it up, contacted Holly and heard back within a couple hours. We talked on the phone for over an hour and a half. I fell in love with what Coltriever stood for and where they came from instantly. We set up a time to come tour the farm, and meet the puppies. We were placed in a pen with all the little all black Coltriever angels, and immediately saw Baloo. We knew he was the one. Baloo was the most perfect little squishy guy I had ever met. We chose him and have never looked back. He has changed our life for the better and has been the most amazing buddy we could have asked for. He loves other dogs so much, and so we contacted Holly to see if she had any litters available. She did! We went to meet them, and fell in love instantly with Tibbs, just like Baloo. Holly talked us through our meet and greet with the boys and what we should look for in how they interact. Holly is always very knowledgeable about her puppies and it makes you feel very safe about making this big of a life decision. I am now obsessed with our two Coltrievers, and am excited to have them apart of our life forever! This means they are not considered a purebred dog or a designer dog breed. Border Collies are athletic, loyal dogs with a high energy level. They love to move and work with their families. You can also meet the mother dog in-person for an idea about what to expect regarding general size and temperament. On the Border Collie side, you have a highly intelligent, affectionate, and loyal dog that loves to be active and loves to work. Border Collies get along well with other dogs and children, but can be reserved or slightly suspicious towards strangers. Otherwise, they will find their own entertainment, which might result in them herding your children or a flock of sheep into your kitchen. The Border Collie Mix could take all of its characteristics from the Border Collie, from the other parent dog breed in the mix, or be any combination of characteristics from both. Before bringing a Border Collie Mix home, make sure you take some time to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed of the litter. This will give you a good idea of what possibilities to prepare for in your Border Collie Mix puppy. The Border Collie is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They may be a high-energy dog breed that prefers wide open spaces, but they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get plenty of mental stimulation and exercise. A well-exercised, mentally engaged Border Collie is also okay with being alone. In terms of climate, this dog breed does best in a moderate climate as they do not do well in hot or cold climates. With a Border Collie Mix, you could end up with a dog that is moderately adaptable like the Border Collie. Or, you could end up with a dog more similar to the other parent breed. This could result in a more adaptable or less adaptable dog depending on the cross. Having a conversation with the breeder about the other parent breed can clear up some of the confusion and give you a better idea of what to expect. Border Collies are generally healthy, but can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. You can also ask about the genetic history of the parents and check out health screenings and health clearances to rule out some conditions. On the Border Collie side, you have a dog that is highly intelligent and eager to learn. They are generally difficult for the average person to train, so you will want to enroll in obedience and training classes with your Border Collie Mix puppy regardless of the other parent breed. Even if the dog breed in the cross is highly trainable for novice dog owners, there is the possibility the puppy will pick up Border Collie characteristics and be more difficult to train. A well-trained and properly socialized puppy is more likely to grow into a well-rounded dog, so make sure you start training and socialization early. Border Collies have a weather-resistant double coat that requires weekly brushing. They also have heavier shedding sessions as the seasons change and need to be brushed more frequently during this time. Depending on the other parent breed in your Border Collie Mix, their coat could require more or less grooming. Finding out about the other parent breed from the breeder will give you an idea of what you could expect when it comes to coat. Regardless of the coat, all dogs need to have their nails trimmed, teeth brushed, and ears checked regularly. For most dogs, trimming nails once a month is sufficient. When it comes to dental care for your dog , brushing their teeth daily is recommended. This will help prevent the tartar and plaque buildup that leads to dental disease. If your Border Collie Mix has ears that drop down, they are more prone to moisture and developing an infection. Regularly checking them and cleaning as needed helps reduce the risk of ear infections in your dog. Border Collies have a lot of energy and never seem to get tired. They love to be moving and working. Plus, they were originally bred to run several miles a day and they still have the energy to do so. It is important that you are prepared to handle a high energy working dog when you choose a Border Collie Mix puppy. If the other parent breed is a couch potato, your puppy could end up having a lower energy level. A Border Collie tends to weigh between 30 and 50 pounds and usually stands 18 to 22 inches tall. The other parent breed could cause this to vary. So, be sure to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in your Border Collie Mix. Also, make sure you stop by to meet the mother dog. There are always exceptions, but the size of the mother will at least give you something to work with. A Border Collie typically lives 12 to 15 years. You could expect a similar range in your Border Collie Mix with the understanding that the other parent breed could affect the range one way or the other. Featured Border Collie Mix Article. You are welcome to join our waiting list. We were blessed with 8 little ones — wonderfully healthy and happy. Their days are full of eating and sleeping and eating and sleeping and did I say eating… Mama Betty is eating up a storm too — which is easily expected when you are feeding 8 babies. The puppies will be ready for their forever homes the last week of June, .To contact us about purchasing a puppy from our Spring litter, or more information about our Fall just in time for Christmas litter, please fill out the form under the Your Information tab or contact us at CapitalColtrievers. We will respond to you the next business day. Please note Washington residents will be charged sales tax according to their county. We are committed to your success as a pet owner. If you purchase a puppy from Capital Coltrievers, you will receive regular facetime or zoom calls so you can participate first-hand as the puppies grow. Also, we do have a weekly newsletter that we send out with helpful insights and useful information. You can view a short video clip of our litter everyday on Instagram CapitalColtrievers. We ensure the health of our puppies by providing health checks with our Veterinarian and our dame Betty, throughout her pregnancy. The puppies will receive deworming at weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8. Your puppy will have a complete physical by our Veterinarian and receive their first shots at 8 weeks. Your puppy will practice walking on a lead, experience crate training at feeding times, enjoy problem-solving training, toys and games, and agility training through outdoor activities. At the time you receive your new puppy, you will also receive a Goodie Bag with food, toys, literature from Puppy Culture and other helpful information. If you live outside Washington State, delivery services are available. They are a very healthy, smart dog that is active, engaging and well socialized.

Depending on the laws where you live, you may need to apply for a license from your local government. To find out if you need a license, inquire with your local law enforcement or animal control office. In many places, breeders of hunting dogs are exempt from licensing. A whelping box is a large box where your female dog will birth and nurse its puppies. Your whelping box should be 2 feet 0. Your female lab and her puppies will spend the first three weeks after birth in the box. Afterwards, the puppies and mother dog will be able to move into a cage or similar enclosure. In addition to a whelping box, you'll need cages to house your grown dogs, juveniles, and any other dogs you plan to keep as breeding stock. Grown dogs will need cages that are 42 inches cm long and 30 inches 76 cm high. Juveniles and younger dogs will fit in smaller cages, but make sure to move them into large cages when they are mature. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source The dogs should be able to easily stand up, turn around, and lay stretched out in their cages. If they can't, the cages are too small. Collect towels and sheets from friends or family. If you can't get enough, you can purchase new towels or sheets to use as bedding. Then, spread them out in your whelping box and cages. This will turn the whelping box and cage into a comfortable place for your dogs. In addition to cages, your dogs -- mature and juvenile -- will need access to open space. As a result, you should create two or three at least 20 by 40 foot 6 by 12 m fenced areas in your yard. This way, you'll be able to have dogs of different sexes and ages outside at one time. When your puppies are weeks old, you need to take them to the vet for an examination and their first set of puppy shots. If you don't take them to the vet for vaccination, you could put them at risk of contracting dangerous illnesses. Ultimately, a responsible breeder will stay in touch with their vet throughout the breeding process. Go to source Advertisement. Male Labradors A male Labrador becomes fertile after six months of age and reaches his full sexual maturity once he's 12 to 15 months old. An adult male Labrador can mate at any time. If the Labrador is healthy, he may be able to keep his fertility and be sexually active until old age. It's pretty straightforward with male dogs. However, several other factors come into play when we try to breed a female Labrador. So let's talk about breeding female Labradors in detail. Female Labradors A female Labrador will have her first heat cycle after she's six months old. This is the phase in which she can get pregnant. It reoccurs around every six months until late in life. We'll talk more about the heat cycles of Labradors in the next section. You should never breed a female Labrador during her first heat cycle. She is quite young at this point, and you don't want to impose the stress of pregnancy and lactation on her as she's still growing. Even though she may be sexually active, she isn't completely mature physically. Mating during the first heat cycle increases the chance of pregnancy and other health-related complications. We shouldn't breed the female Labrador until she's physically mature. Since Labradors fall into the category of large breeds, they mature around the age of 18 to 24 months, so it's best to avoid breeding until the third heat cycle or until she's around two years old. Litter Sizes Explained Understanding Female Heat Cycles Understanding the heat cycles of your female Labrador is essential to avoid failed breeding attempts or unplanned litter of pups. When we say that a female Labrador goes into heat, we mean that her body is preparing itself for possible conception. It's your dog's reproductive cycle. Phrases such as heat cycle, breeding cycle, and periods, all refer to the same thing. A Labrador stays in the heat for around three to four weeks; there's no exact number of days, though. Although your pet may stay in the heat for up to four weeks, the days when she's most fertile begin after days into the heat cycle. This high-fertility period lasts for around five days, so you should mate the Labradors between the 10th and 14th day of the female Labrador's heat cycle. This heat cycle is divided into four stages: proestrus, estrus, diestrus, anestrus. Let's briefly discuss each of them. Proestrus: The female dog is getting ready for pregnancy. Male dogs will start getting attracted to her, but she won't allow breeding as of yet. This stage typically lasts for nine days. You'll see physical signs such as the swollen vulva and bloody vaginal discharge. Estrus: At the beginning of this stage, the ovary releases eggs. The estrogen levels in your dog's body decline, while the progesterone levels go up. The female dog is fertile in this stage, ready to mate, and she will follow her bodily instincts and accept a male. This stage also lasts for around nine days. Diestrus: This stage lasts for two to three months or until the female Labrador gives birth if she's pregnant. She will no longer be accepting males. A bloody discharge may still be present, but it gradually stops. By the end of this stage, the hormonal levels in your dog become normal. Anestrus: This is the final stage of the heat cycle of your female dog. There's no sexual activity during this phase. Most female Labradors go into heat twice a year. The ovarian activity of a female dog starts to decline in the sixth year of her life. Most of them stop conceiving after they're seven years old. We've discussed that we should wait till the third heat cycle of a female Labrador before breeding. But what are the health concerns if a Labrador gets pregnant too early? You need to allow your Labrador's body to grow up. If the female Labrador gets pregnant before maturing physically, it'll put extra strain on her. The physical strain of carrying extra weight is a burden on the growing joints. Apart from that, pregnancy will suck out nutrients from your dog. Since the female Labrador is young, her immune system isn't fully developed. This means that she's more vulnerable to diseases and infections than an adult dog would be. Various bacteria can infect her reproductive tract, causing abortions, stillbirths, miscarriages, and even the death of the newborn puppies. Your dog may even end up dying while giving birth to the puppies. Because she hasn't fully grown, her pelvic canal may not be large enough for the puppies to fit through without endangering their own lives and the life of the mother. Here, she must go through surgery, which increases the chances of health complications for her. Since she is also not mature biologically, she is more likely to abandon her puppies than an adult mother. She may fail to care for them, which lowers their chances of survival. Performing Health Checks Before Breeding Both parent Labradors require long-term care to produce beautiful, strong puppies. They need to be physically and mentally healthy. The female Labrador should have decent muscle tone and a balanced weight before breeding. Apart from physical health, they also need to be in good mental condition. A mentally stable female Labrador will make a better mother than one that's insecure or has an unstable temperament. A month before breeding, the female Labrador should go through pre-breeding physical examinations by a vet. You need to get her checked for common health problems, such as elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and eye disorders. The vaccinations of both parent Labradors should be current, and the female Labrador should be tested for parasites as well. DNA Testing Another health check that I would highly recommend for any dog owner, but especially for one that is considering breeding, is to have DNA testing done. In recent years human DNA testing has become extremely popular with companies like 23andme emerging. People are interested in understanding their background, health sensitivities, etc. This is no different for dogs! This kit tests for over health conditions and uses over , markers to identify and build a complete genetic profile. It is simple and non-invasive. All you have to do is perform a quick oral swab and mail it in! Conclusion We've just talked about a lot of different things. Here are the important points from this article: Male Labradors reach full sexual maturity after 12 to 15 months of age. Female Labradors have their first heat cycle after six months of age. We should wait until the third heat cycle before breeding, which happens after 18 to 24 months of age. The mating should take place between the 10th and 14th day of the female Labrador's heat cycle, as she's most fertile during this period. Conception before physical maturity can cause health complications. We also need to perform pre-breeding health checks to ensure that the female Labrador is healthy and ready to conceive. What happens if you breed a female Lab at a young age? As a responsible breeder, you should be patient and wait for the natural breeding age of both male and female Labradors. When you plan to breed your dogs to get Labrador puppies, you will need to have a complete understanding of the heating cycles. A brief discussion on breeding age. Male Labradors can mate within 12 months of their age. While on the other hand, you should wait for the third heat cycle of your female lab before putting her into mating. It will be good to wait for two years to let the female lab mature enough to carry a large litter. At what age can a male Labrador mate? Soon after 6 months of age, a male Labrador is mature enough to breed and start the mating phase of its life. There is the recommendation to wait until two years because, in the 12th month, Labradors are sexually mature adult dogs. What is the best age to breed a male labrador? However, several factors play a role when you are about to allow a Labrador to breed. Male dogs of the medium to large breed need to be full size, so breeders should not put them into the stud services before two years. Some heart problems, along with hip and elbow dysplasia, may take place in them. Also, for the owner of the female Labrador, there is advice to confirm the age of the male lab before allowing any breeding. At what age can a female Labrador mate? The heat cycle phase comes after the completion of six months each year until late in life. Now again, here is a tip for you to never allow breeding during the very first heat cycle of the lab; otherwise, she may suffer from complications. At this age, she is quite young, and you should not impose the pressure of lactation and pregnancy because she is still going through her growing age. Even though female Labradors may be sexually active, she is not mature physically enough to carry multiple puppies in the womb. When is a female labrador ready to mate? Since Labradors are a large dog breed they hit their proper maturity level between 18 to 24 months. This is why you need to wait until after the third heat cycle for the female lab for them to have a large and healthy litter. Critically, not all dogs and breeds are similar in their cycle; some go into the cycle once every year. Some dogs may have their cycle multiple times each year. Abrupt changes may prompt a trip to the vet to guarantee that all is going great and in excellent condition. Female labrador heat cycle The cycle itself lasts 3 to 54 weeks. When is it too late to breed Labrador? But, with their growing age, some health issues and a reduction in litter size make it too late for the lab to breed. There is a possibility that female Labradors may suffer from genetic problems. If you are allowing the female to breed later in life, there are chances of getting serious uterus infections. However, there are some different opinions; if your female lab is healthy, you can safely let her breed over her lifetime. According to the research, Labradors usually have six puppies in each litter which reduces to four with her growing age. According to the American Kennel Club, there should be no breeding or mating when the lab is more than 8 years old. Moreover, the professionals never register the older females at the time of mating. In older age, male labs may face some difficulty in mounting, and age arthritis makes the overall mating painful. Therefore, the rule of thumb for the females is to pause breeding soon after noticing a decrease in the litter size. While on the other hand, male Labradors freeze the quality semen rather than allow breeding at the 13th year of age. As discussed above breeders should wait till the third heat cycle of the bitch Labrador before putting her into the mating phase. A 6-month-old Labrador with a healthy body can feed 4 to 12 puppies. Her immune system is not fully developed to tolerate this sudden reduction of minerals and nutrients. Furthermore, your darling lab may end up dying if you are careless to allow her to breed within the first heat cycle. One fine day you have an adorable Labrador puppy in your hand, and then the very next year, you have a fully grown muscular Labra who is nearly ready to fill your living room with more of his cute canines. But when truly is your Labrador prepared to breed? Is waiting for a specific time necessary? Or Breeding before Sexual Maturity can lead the Labrador into trouble? Well, no matter what question you have, we present answers to all of them. A Male Labrador becomes fertile as they reach the age of 1 year 12 months. Whereas a Female Labrador is fertile slightly later, around the age of 2 years 18 to 14 months. For breeding a Labrador pair, dog owners and breeders must wait until the female experiences her third heat cycle. It is when a female Labrador develops fully, especially with her reproductive organs. She, by then, has gained enough physical powers and abilities to mate, conceive and birth her little canines. What to expect as your Labrador dog sexually matures? When your Labrador starts maturing sexually, you may be able to notice several signs. When they reach their sexual maturity, male Labradors will start marking their territory. Some of them even start forgetting the basics of their behavioral training. Even the simplest things, including toilet training, potty training, or walking on a lead, may appear as heavily confusing. Male Labradors even start looking eye to eye with their owner or every human in general. They will stop enjoying the puppy privileges and will begin following female dogs from the same or even different breeds around. Female Labradors reach their sexual maturity slightly later and become reproductive not more than twice a year. It is when she is the most fertile and will probably conceive if mate. She does not bleed precisely like humans but has a red vaginal discharge for a week or 10 days. Following the smell of her vulva, male dogs often approach or even land them upon the female. Yes, even though the maximum work of reproduction is dependent on a female dog, the age ad physical health of a male dog too matters when breeding. Only male dogs who have reached their sexual maturity age and can produce sperm can breed. And unless they suffer from a very major illness, male dogs remain fertile for their entire life. They may have low quality and lower sperm count, but given the right circumstances, the male dog can impregnate a female dog regardless of their age. However, old male dogs may not have the same sexual drive as young male dogs due to their age. Male Labradors become fertile near the age of 8 to 10 months. Female Labradors reach their sexual maturity around the age of 2 years. Some might experience it near 16 to 18 months of age; however, for breeding, wait until the female dog turns at least 24 months. For many dogs, the first heat cycle usually arises at the age of 6 months. However, large dogs like Labradors may experience their first heat between the period of 9 to 12 months. Given their breed size, there have been instances when a female Labrador got her first heat at 18 months or even as late as 24 months. This delay may be a result of several factors, including environmental and, more specifically, dog genetics. Labrador Heat Cycle Chart. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. But why is this? Many studies performed have shown a resulting increase in aggression, over-reactivity, learning problems, fearfulness and anxiety in puppies removed too early. The puppy may throw a tantrum and feel hard done by, but the mother will be stern…although they always follow the discipline with a little nuzzling and some love :- This early and regular dishing out of discipline teaches the puppy about right and wrong, that actions have consequences and bad behavior is punished. If this learning is taken away, the puppy may develop behavioral issues and not accept direction and commands from its owner later in life. This can making training harder and ultimately lead to a less controllable dog. Also, the puppy will itself be the victim of too hard biting, so it gets some first hand experience of how painful it can be. This teaches the puppy that biting too hard hurts and results in bad consequences, so they slowly learn to control their bite. If taken away before these lessons are learnt, the puppy will bite too hard not knowing any better and this can be very dangerous as the puppy matures into a larger and stronger dog. You would have to go through the process of teaching bite inhibition yourself and this can be difficult and even painful work! They learn about hierarchy, canine body language, posturing and vocalizations barking, growling etc. They also learn about things like chasing and how to play correctly with other dogs, also how to interact fairly and safely with other dogs. By removing a puppy too soon, it will miss out on this vital education, will be under-socialized to other dogs and this can easily result in the puppy being fearful of other dogs or just plain not liking other dogs later in life. They Learn Tolerance To Touch A dog needs to be tolerant to touch for health and hygiene reasons and the safety of those around it. And a vet will need to touch a dog all over during a medical examination. So you really need your Labrador to be tolerant of humans touching it all over. A puppy will constantly be bumped, nudged, pawed and climbed all over during its time spent with its litter-mates. This teaches the puppy not to be afraid of touch, to get used to it and be more tolerant. But if a puppy is taken too young it misses out on all this touch and could grow up disliking touch in certain areas of its body. This can result in behavioral issues and even aggression when being touched which for obvious reasons is very undesirable. The things a puppy is socialized to during its first 12 weeks have a profound effect on its level of confidence and levels of fear later in its life. From about 7 weeks onwards, the puppy is very inquisitive and its willingness to approach unknown things and people is at its peak. This period declines at about 12 weeks of age and almost completely ends at 14 weeks where fear begins to creep in as a natural trait essential to survival if it lived in the wild. This is also the time when a Labrador puppy will form their strongest bonds with the humans they spends their time with. Bringing a puppy home at 8 weeks gives you just 4 weeks to do this, bringing one home at 10 weeks gives you only 2! A lack of decent socialization can result in the puppy being fearful of things, places and of human contact. This will put the puppy at greatest ease with the people and places where it will spend its future life. You may wish to bring your puppy home earlier than 8 weeks, but for all the reasons above, you should avoid this entirely. So be very suspicious of the breeder if this is their wish. This is so they themselves can provide a further week of socialization during this critical time and for the puppy to spend more time with their mother and littermates. So for the benefit of you and your Labrador, leave them with their mother and litter-mates until 8 weeks of age. Most dogs will happily bond with and love a new family if given the chance and can be valuable and loving companions. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Healthy female Labradors can have puppies between eight months and eight years old. When a female is around eight months old, she will experience her first heat cycle — a fertility cycle during which a dog can get pregnant. Most vets recommend waiting until your female is at least on her second heat cycle before you start breeding — this is somewhere between 18 to 24 months. Labradors experience heat cycles twice a year, and they last between two to three weeks. You will know your female Lab is entering the heat cycle when she has bloody vaginal discharge and a swollen vulva. A female will ovulate between the 10th and 14th day of the heat cycle. To ensure successful breeding, let your dogs mate after the tenth day every other day, for up to six days. Healthy male Labradors are ready to mate after 12 months of age. Males are fertile after six months old but reach full maturity between 12 to 15 months of age and are ideal for stud between those ages. However, the AKC specifies that dogs must meet certain conditions for optimum pairing and breeding. Labradors must look and behave a certain way. Breeders must strive for health, longevity, even temperament, and breed improvement. A Labrador judge or experienced breeder can help you make such an evaluation if you feel unqualified or uncomfortable. Once you can make this determination, you must take the following steps to meet the right breeding conditions: Step 1 — Whether you own the sire, dam, or both, you must evaluate the compatibility of the two mates. Both dogs could be excellent breed specimens but a terrible pairing if bred together. The objective is to improve and not weaken the bloodline. Keep in mind that genetic diversity has its advantages and disadvantages. Labrador retrievers are usually healthy but are prone to specific health issues. Health problems include elbow and hip dysplasia and retinal atrophy, so genetic testing is necessary. Though the sire and the dam may not display any symptoms of chronic diseases, they may still carry the gene, which could afflict the litter. Both owners must sign the contract to clear up any complications or ambiguity. Step 4 — Mate both dogs in a private location. No more than two people must be present. This is to ensure that the dogs are safe without being overwhelmed. If either dog is uncomfortable or the male is disinterested, wait and try another day. Step 5 — Take the dam to the veterinarian for pregnancy confirmation and develop a nutrition plan for optimal prenatal care. Step 6 — Get a decent whelping box for your female Lab; ensure the box is draft-free, clean, and large enough to accommodate puppies for several weeks of their infancy. You will require supplies such as replacement bedding, water, scissors, and floss to cut the umbilical cord. Step 7 — When the time comes to deliver the puppies, you will know the dam is entering labor because her temperature will drop below 99 degrees Fahrenheit. She will also lose her appetite, and she will begin nesting. How Often Should Labradors Breed? Reproductive experts suggest that continual breedings are better for your female dog. Skipping cycles can increase the likelihood of reproductive issues, cancer, and pyometra. With that said, the health and well-being of your dog must be at the forefront, and you must consider when is the best time to stop breeding your female. Legally, female Labs cannot have more than four litters in their lifetime. If she has produced healthy litters in the past, it can be tempting to keep breeding her, but even an incredible Labrador cannot sustain so many pregnancies. Most experts advise against breeding Labradors beyond the age of seven. Complications can arise, such as organ failure, calcified pubic region, and fewer pups. Seven may be the general cut-off point, but some female labs need to retire breeding earlier. Consider the following health problems older dogs experience: Old Age Pains And Aches As humans age, our bodies ache from wear and tear over the years, which can hurt. Pain can make dogs aggressive, and this can happen to the most mild-mannered dogs. Pregnancy is exhausting, and it can push your girl to her limits. If she is too old, one of her major organs could begin failing. Calcified Pubic Girdle The pelvic girdle is designed to help younger dogs give birth by expanding and extracting to make room for puppies. Dementia And Blindness Labradors are at high risk of having eye problems that can limit their eyesight or leave them completely blind. Miscellaneous Health Issues Aside from the issues mentioned above, there are other possible risks for your Labrador as she ages. These include miscarriage and failure to lactate. Labradors from the age of seven are considered seniors — this may seem young for many owners. You must consider that Labrador Retrievers have an average lifespan of around ten to twelve years. You may have retired your female Labrador, but she will need continued care and support to the end of her life. Consider the following ways you can support your female Lab to enjoy her life and be healthy in her senior years: Nutrition For Senior Labradors Dog foods for older dogs are formulated with fewer calories. If your dog enjoys strenuous exercise and work, there is no need to change his current diet. The best way to ensure your Labrador is on a low-calorie diet is by giving him his usual food in smaller portions. Supplements For Senior Dogs Chrondroitin and Glucosamine are supplements that show evidence of delaying joint problems, especially arthritis. You can try breaking up his exercise into two or three shorter walks. Pain Relief Pain relief is something to give your older Lab if he is in chronic pain. Final Thoughts So, what is the oldest age a female Labrador can have puppies? Labradors age quickly and become seniors almost in the blink of an eye; however, aging is unavoidable. Table Of Content. What is the best age gap between dogs? Have you loved raising your Labrador, and now started considering the best age gap between Labradors if you get another? You might be worried that he will be lonely, or that he needs a playmate as he grows. But what is the right age gap between Labradors in the same family? Should I get two dogs close together in age? Last week I received a question from the owner of a four month old puppy. The lady in question was thrilled with her beautiful dog and considering getting a new puppy as a friend. And wanted to hear my thoughts on the subject. Every family is different Before we go any further, I think we need to acknowledge that every family is unique. The dynamics are different and the dogs are different, from those in any other family. I can only tell you about probabilities. And point out that there are certain problems that commonly arise when two puppies are the same age, or quite close in age. Should I get two puppies from the same litter? Some people think it is a great idea to get two puppies at once. After all, they will be company for one another. If you are a very experienced dog owner, or very lucky. This may work out just fine. But, and it is a big but, the probability is, you will struggle. Not especially at the beginning, when two puppies are company for one another, but later, as they need training and guidance. What about staggered puppies? The lady who wrote to me last week is proposing a slightly different approach. Her current puppy has settled in and is progressing nicely. These two puppies would be staggered in age. So one puppy will be half grown, whilst the other is very small. In this situation, there are a number of areas for concern, and the dynamics of this two dog family are potentially even more challenging than with litter brothers. And here is why. Size and strength of puppies Two same age puppies are similar size and weight. They have similar reserves of energy, and like to play in a similar way. A five or six month old puppy plays in different way from a two month old puppy. Size difference alone can be an issue when puppies of the same age but different breeds, play together. But when there is an age gap too, the problems are exacerbated. Emotional maturity of puppies Adult dogs unless poorly socialised are usually very tolerant of puppies. There is an unwritten rule amongst them, that puppies under four months old can do pretty much what they please. He will allow the puppy to bite him and swing on his ears without retaliating A five or six month old puppy does not usually have the maturity to do this. He plays rough, and you can like it or leave it. In short, many pups, are bullies. Of course, there are exceptions. Some pups are quite gentle. In any case, an experienced owner will cope. Largely by supervising and separating to ensure that the smaller pup makes it through the next couple of months without too many bruises or too much damage to his confidence. But coping is not really the aim. This should be a time of pleasure and enjoyment. Bonding with two puppies If the two dogs are the same breed, the size difference will become less of an issue as the weeks go past, and the younger puppy grows. Unfortunately, there are other problems that now arise. In many cases a small puppy will bond fiercely to his bigger, rougher, older brother. So fiercely that he may have little time for his human friend. This is always a risk in a two dog household, but is more so when the older dog is still a pup and so willing to engage the younger dog in long bouts of play. The only way to combat this, is to ensure that the new puppy spends more time interacting with you, than he does with the other puppy. But this is not generally what people have in mind when they bring a second puppy home. House-training two puppies If you get a new puppy before your older puppy is six months old, there is a chance that he will regress in his house training. But it is something to consider, especially if you have just begun to allow your older puppy onto your carpets Two puppies will need two crates Most Labradors have not grown out of the chewing stage until they are well over a year old. This means that your older puppy will probably need crating at night, and when you leave the house. New puppies need small crates. This means you will need two crates in your home. Unless you have plenty of floor space, this could be a problem for you Obedience training two puppies Early training has to be done in a one-to-one situation until the youngest puppy is able to begin coping with distractions. You cannot train a six month old puppy with a two month old hanging onto his ears and biting his tail. You cannot train important behaviours like walking nicely on a lead, with two dogs at once. If you have a great deal of spare time and are happy to spend much of it on separate dog training sessions, then this may not be an issue for you. But in some families, it can mean that neither dog gets properly trained. And being dragged along the street by two unruly Labradors is more than twice as miserable and dangerous, as being dragged along by one. So what is the right age gap between dogs? By the time your dog is two, you should have him pretty well trained. A two year gap also gives the older dog a chance to reach maturity, and to develop the patience and tolerance for young puppies that so many well-socialised adult dogs have. At the other end of the scale, if you aim to get your next dog before your older dog is six, provided he is adequately socialized with puppies the older dog may still be willing to play with your new arrival. Watching an adult dog gently play with and become fond of, a new puppy is a real pleasure. And one that is worth waiting for. Bear in mind that elderly dogs can become irritable with young puppies, so it is best not to wait too long. So the ideal age gap between Labradors strike a balance between too small, and too big. People worry that their only dog will be lonely, or find it difficult to make friends later on. But raising a dog is not like raising kids in this respect. Dogs have to adapt to living with another species, and to crossing the communication barrier between us. This is definitely easier to achieve, when a dog is the only dog, at least for the first year of his life. Try not to worry that he is missing out, or needs a playmate. What he needs, is your attention, which will be halved if you get another puppy. He needs to form a deep and unshakeable bond with his human family. Short periods of play with tolerant friendly older dogs from time to time, will ensure that he grows up knowing how to be a dog. When he is older, and trained, he will be a much better mentor and friend for you next pup. And it will be far easier to manage the two of them. The best breeding age for Labradors, to be short and to the point, is the third heat cycle. I will explain why below. If your female gets pregnant too early, there are some health complications that you may run into. See below for health concerns in an early pregnancy. Lady was just over 2-years-old when she had her first litter. That will be somewhere between 18 and 24 months old. But I think your dog should be at least 2 years old before breeding. So the best breeding age for Labradors might not be until the third heat cycle. Let me explain why. If your Labrador is old enough to start breeding, you should also know how often to breed her and when to stop breeding her. Wait for Health Checks Before Breeding I would suggest, that to be fair to the families where you will be placing your puppies, you should wait until at least two years old. When a Labrador is 2 years old you can have them checked for the common health issues. If you find out that your female or male has bad hips, it is not fair to pass that gene onto another generation of puppies. It is also unfair to the family that will have to go through the trauma associated with a dog experiencing hip or knee dysplasia. Notice the malformed socket and ball in the dysplastic hip. Check out the specific health clearances you should get when your dog is 2-years-old below. Not getting these clearances can bring some pretty serious consequences. The families that buy your puppies will go through unexplainable grief when they have to deal with the reality of putting their best friend down years too early. It was devastating. In some circumstances, you might even leave yourself open to legal action if a family feels you did not do everything possible to ensure that their dog would not get hereditary diseases that can be tested for. It is just not worth the risk. That is why I say the best breeding age for Labradors or Golden Retrievers is after two-years-old. Things you need to consider before breeding your Lab or Golden Retriever There are so many questions that swirl around being ready to have a litter of puppies. I wish I had found this article before I bred my Labrador the first time. Of course, I am writing this largely because of the things I learned. Looking back, I would have still decided to breed her, but I would have done some things differently. Let me share what I learned from that experience. Should I breed my dog? Not all dogs should be bred. Let me say that again. So, the first thing for you to do is consider the following questions honestly. Why am I considering a litter of puppies? Am I aware of what having a litter of puppies entails? Am I willing to pay for the necessary health examinations to see if my dog is healthy enough to have a strong litter of puppies? What would I do if something went wrong while my dog is delivering her puppies? If you love your dog so much, or you are so bent on the fact that you want to have a litter of puppies, or even worse you think this is your way to pay for Christmas in Cancun, then you need to get a third opinion. If you fit one of those descriptions, you will not be able to answer them honestly. Below I will tell you the worst reasons to have a litter of puppies, but for now, just keep your mind open to the possibility that the best age for breeding Labradors in your case may be NEVER. Maybe you should leave that to someone that knows how to handle an emergency. You are turning your dog into a money machine. You are so greedy. That is why we have breeders. They have gone to school and stuff to learn these things. People on those social media sites and other forums are trolls and they can be downright nasty. You may leave one of those sites doubting whether you want to remain a part of the human race. Below are some bad reasons to breed your Lab or Golden Retriever. There is nothing that I can find in veterinary science that suggests any benefit to a female from having a litter of puppies before she is fixed. There are pros and cons to fixing your dog, but there is absolutely no advantage to having a litter of puppies first. As dogs get older, they typically calm down with age. That has certainly been the case with Lady my 5-year-old Labrador. She had a litter of puppies three years ago, and now after the litter she is calmer than before the litter. The problem, however, is attributing the cause of her calming down to the litter of puppies. It is not the litter that calmed her down, but her older age. I Want to Make Some Money There seems to be an idea that breeding dogs will make the breeder an enormous amount of money. This is because you must wait until your dog is 2-years-old before you can get some very important health examinations. You will need to get your Labrador checked for hip and elbow dysplasia as well as eye disorders. There are other tests that you can have done as well such as the Optigen test. These experts will assess the hip from nine different angles such as shape, angles, clearness, etc. If any feature deviates from the ideal, it is given a mark for the degree of deviation. The ideal hip will score a 0 and the worst score possible is 53 Think golf—lower scores are better. Each hip is given a score and the panel of will return the results on a certificate showing a pair of numbers one score for each hip. You should be looking for a score of 10 or lower if you hope to breed your dog. Eye Test for Labrador Retrievers There are five hereditary eye diseases that Labradors can pass onto their puppies. The tests for these diseases are simple. You take your dog to specialized ophthalmologists and they can perform the necessary tests in about 20 minutes. They will administer some eye drops and then check the simple mechanics of the eye. They can almost always tell you the results immediately. This site has an example of the eye certificate that you will need to get following the exam. This is basically arthritis in the joint that keeps the ball joint from rolling smoothly causing your dog mild to serious pain. In serious cases, the joint can actually catch and momentarily stick in place. Elbow Dysplasia in Labradors is almost always a heredity issue. So, if your dog has it, it is likely that she will pass it on to her pups. The same goes for males. Unlike the hip scores, the elbow scores only range from 0 to 3. Like the hip score and golf the lower the score the better. You want to shoot for a perfect score in the elbows because there is not much room to play with. Health Concerns If Your Labrador Gets Pregnant Too Young It is not unheard of for puppies to have puppies, but if your female gets pregnant too early there are some steps you should take to make it go as smoothly as possible. You will probably hear some people talk about young dogs requiring C-sections if they are too young. In other breeds, however, C-sections are more common and may become necessary if the female is too small when she gets pregnant too young. Not just the physical strain of extra weight, which is a concern for growing joints, but also the nutrients that a pregnancy will suck out of your dog. To accommodate for this extra nutritional burden, some vets suggest that you stick with the puppy dog food for an extra 6 months until the dog is two years old. Make sure you are using a high-quality food that will give your dog the nutrients and other building blocks she and her puppies will need. It is also a good idea to include a supplement that will provide extra glucosamine and other nutrients that will fortify the joints. Some people will recommend calcium to make up for any bone density, however, there are vets that believe calcium will cause metabolic issues more serious than any deficiency it might alleviate. As always, check with your vet regarding any specific supplement or brand and get a professional opinion. You do not want to use a vitamin that will help momma, but, at the same time, hurt the baby. It is important that you are familiar with what should happen following the birth of a puppy. And, if you are considering a litter of puppies, just know that when the time comes, you must be there with your dog to help her if necessary. If, for some reason, your female does not respond to her puppies, help her by gently rubbing the puppy with a warm, damp cloth. Then, when the puppy is starting to move around and is cleaned off, place it near mom so it can begin to nurse. Because your dog is so young, however, you will need to watch her and make sure she is taking care of the puppies. It will take several days before your puppies can manage their own body temperatures. They will rely on mom for heat and if she scoots one away in the middle of the night, the puppy could die. I strongly suggest that you sleep in the same room with mom and her pups for the first couple nights. This saved one of my puppies on the second night. Somehow, this little girl got away from mom. Lady was too tired to go get her. I heard the whimpering and got the little one back to momma before she got too cold. That is a fair question, and you should know that answer before you decide to breed. In addition to knowing the best breeding age for Labradors, there are other things to find out. Like: How long will my Labrador be pregnant? How should I feed my Labrador during pregnancy? How will I know my Labrador is about to deliver? What should I have on hand when the delivery day arrives? What should I expect when my Lab has the puppies? How can I best help my Labrador after the puppies are born? Resting in the middle of delivery. The gestation period of a Labrador Retriever is roughly 63 days. This can be a day or two shorter or longer, but that is a good average. You should already be feeding your dog a good quality brand and for the first few weeks, after your dog is bred, you will continue feeding her the normal amounts. After 5 weeks, you should begin increasing the amount of food. She will require at least twice the normal amount. After the puppies come and your girl is nursing, she will need to eat around three times as much food as normal. Get a rectal thermometer and margarine or KY jelly. Insert the lubricated thermometer about one inch and leave it there for three minutes. You may want to have another member of the family help by distracting your dog by petting and talking to her while you do this necessary task. When the temperature drops below F, labor will start within the next 24 hours. It is really important that you pay attention to her temperature every day. You do not want her trying to deliver the puppies on her own. Although many litters have come into the world without supervision, it would be tragic if something happened and you were not there to intervene. There are several things that you need to have before your dog goes into labor. There will not be time to run to the store if you do not already have them on hand. Some of them will already be lying around your house. You may need to make a quick trip to the store to get the others. Warm, Damp Cloth There are some things that you should just have ready. She will eat this and then vigorously lick the puppy. If your female gets too tired she may not have the energy for the later pups to get this job done. In that situation, you will need to be ready to step in and fill that role. Notice how Lady is cleaning her puppy from top to bottom in the video. That is what you will need to replicate. Dental Floss This was an interesting suggestion that I got from a nurse about three weeks before our dog delivered her first litter. The floss will create the seal and the puppy will be fine. I was so grateful for the tip when that exact thing happened to puppy number 7. My son held the puppy while I tied a square knot in the cord and all was well for one of the healthiest pups of the whole litter. Heating Pad Your new litter of puppies will not be able to moderate their temperature for the first couple of days. Momma will provide the necessary heat, but in the case that a puppy gets away from mom in the night, some people like to use a whelping heating pad. A Whelping Heat Pad will help keep your puppies safe and warm in the early days. This is a pad that will go in the whelping box and will provide a safe, direct heat to protect a puppy that might wander in the night. The first stage of delivery is the longest. The contractions will not be as easy to identify as in human, but your dog may appear restless, uncomfortable, and thirsty. She may pace or shiver. It can last six to eighteen hours. Your job is to keep her as calm as possible. When the cervix is completely dilated, the placental water sack will break and you should see fluid pass from the birth canal. This is an important bonding moment for mom and pup. A placental sack will follow each puppy. It is not uncommon for mom to eat that—yeah, gross and I am so glad that is not a trait common among human deliveries. According to my vet, there is no benefit from eating the sac, so feel free to remove it before she gets a chance. You can expect between 30 minutes and an hour between puppies. It is possible, however, for up to 4 hours to pass between puppies. You should have had your dog examined by a vet around day 45 of the pregnancy. With an ultrasound, the vet should have told you how many puppies to expect. If more than 4 hours pass without a puppy and you know there are more to come or if your female pushes for more than an hour you need to get her to a vet immediately. Your Labrador will expel the remaining placental material, blood, and other fluids in the final stage of delivery. Now it is time to praise and let your Lab rest with her little ones. Dogs can pass diseases by sniffing and licking each other. While many of these diseases will not do anything to an adult dog, they can kill puppies. When you puppies start biting and chewing, you can introduce them to solid food. You may need to water it down, soften it to a mush, and then smear a little on their mouths. By 4 or 5 weeks, they should be eating solid food regularly. Normally, mom will clean up the puppies pooping issues. The puppy stool should not be watery. So, watch for diarrhea. It might be loose, but not watery. If you notice that a puppy might be constipated, you can lubricate a clean rectal thermometer and slightly insert it as needed. This will usually get things going. Check out this page to create the perfect whelping area for birth and raising the puppies. Whatever you decide to use, make sure that momma can come and go as she pleases while keeping the puppies contained in a specific area.

Since the Labrador could grow to a hefty size, its yearly upkeep still falls within the expected price range of other big dogs. Always take your puppy to regular vet checkups, even if it looks like the very picture of health. Though these things are not high on the priority list, consider them nice-to-haves once the budget allows. Besides, we all want the best for our four-legged friends, and that alone is reason enough for most of us! Boarding Kennels: This service is a lifesaver for owners who have to travel for days or weeks at a time and cannot bring their dog along with them. Professional Grooming: As we said earlier, Labrador Retrievers shed a lot, so an afternoon at the groomer will help keep your pooch looking clean and tidy. You can put off spending on these things until the budget allows. However, give some serious thought to investing in an emergency fund, as this would take a big worry off your mind in case of any unexpected trips to the vet. Though it is tempting to buy a dog from pet stores or backyard breeders because of their low puppy prices, getting Lab puppies from a reputable source is still a more responsible and ethical choice. Here is a list of responsible breeders where you can find Labrador puppies for sale: Rhumbline Retrievers — This New York-based kennel has been breeding quality Labrador Retriever puppies since , and a good number of their dogs have participated in agility, obedience, and hunting tests at the national level. Due to their commitment to only breed dogs of the highest quality, they have limited puppies for sale at a time; thus, expect a long waitlist. All their puppies are tested for genetic disorders such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They raise show-quality Labs and have championship bloodline puppies as well. For a more comprehensive list of reputable Labrador Retriever breeders, take a peek at our 10 best Labrador breeders article. All their dogs are fostered and given medical care before being turned over to their new family. Based in Colorado and licensed by the Pet Animal Care Facilities, they foster and provide medical care to Labs until they can get adopted. American Lab Rescue — This organization makes use of foster homes to rehabilitate and care for their rescued dogs. For your adoption application to be approved, they will require a fenced-in yard and will also do a home visit to your place before releasing a dog. Alternatively, you can also check out our top 10 picks of Labrador Retriever Rescues and our dog adoption guide. The Labrador Retriever is popular for its great temperament and personality. Unfortunately, most people fail to expect its high energy level as well, which is why some Labs find themselves in animal shelters. That said, doing your research about the Labrador Retriever before buying or adopting a puppy is necessary to make sure that the Lab is the best dog for you. Money-Saving Tips for Labrador Retriever Owners We all want to give our dog the best life possible, and if we can do that without breaking the bank, then even better! The trick is finding the right balance on which expenses to let go of and which ones to keep. To help you achieve this, here are some money-saving tips for Labrador Retriever owners: DIY dog food and treats. Not only is this a more practical option, but this is also healthier for your dog. Practice your grooming skills. Watch a good tutorial and practice your skills on your pooch. Invest in high-quality supplies. You may want to scrimp on supplies such as food and water bowls, but investing in high-quality and durable essentials will save you more money in the long run. Training Labrador Retrievers is a fairly easy task, even for novice dog owners. A lot of great tutorials can be found on the internet, and being the intelligent dogs that they are, they will learn all their tricks in no time! Like pet insurance, regular vet visits will save you from procedures and medications that could cost thousands of dollars later. Pet quality pups are affordable and budget-friendly to most people who are looking for an intelligent and well-tempered canine companion. However, like most dogs, their lifetime cost would still require you to spend considerable money. As such, think long and hard about the commitment and financial implications of taking in a dog. These canines make great family pets, even for those looking for their first dog. So, if your budget is enough to shoulder the price and long-term costs of the Labrador Retriever, then it might just be the pooch for you! Tell us in the comment box below! My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Your Labrador puppy will need a bed, collar, leash, poop bags, food bowls, food, treats, toys, grooming supplies, and a dog crate. It is important to get any dog licensed to avoid legal issues. Training Labrador Retrievers are easy to train and do not require professional training. But, some keepers choose to take their Lab to puppy school. Because they are highly motivated, Labradors also do great in agility training. This is also a great way for them to use up their energy. Owners can either build their own agility course or pay to put their dog in agility classes. Vet Fees and Insurance One of the most expensive parts of owning a dog is all the vet visits. This includes all of their shots and monthly checkups. A way to help reduce the cost of veterinary bills is through buying pet insurance. It is best to start paying for a pet insurance policy when your Labrador is a puppy. Senior dogs are more expensive to cover since they are more likely to develop health problems. Food When it comes to feeding a Labrador, they are not cheap. Labradors eat a lot of food. They are medium to large-sized dogs and weigh around 70 pounds. These prices are based on feeding a high quality kibble. Wet food can easily cost several hundred dollars more. Backyard Breeders One important thing every potential owner should remember is to avoid backyard breeders and pet shops. It is true that these places sell dogs for a much lower price. But, that does not mean they will be cheaper over their lifespan. Backyard breeders do not screen their dogs to determine if they have inheritable health problems. This results in Lab puppies being born that are more likely to develop health issues such as hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. These breeders also do not provide proper veterinary care for their puppies. Many are sold while having worms or fleas and having received no socialization. Ethical Labrador breeders ensure their breeding stock is screened and their puppies are healthy and socialized before placing them into their new homes. Labrador Retrievers can develop diseases of the eye. The form of this disease that is very common is Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration. Caused by an inheritable genetic mutation, it ultimately leads to blindness. Screening will help to prevent you from buying a puppy that may become blind later on in life. Dogs with this disease will lose their sight between one and eight years of age. Hip and Elbow Scores Another health problem that Labradors are prone to is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a genetic skeletal disease that causes the hip joint to not form properly. This results in the femur grinding against the hip causing deterioration and loss of function. Many Labradors with this condition end up having to undergo surgery to reduce pain and regain function in their hips. The average hip score for a Labrador retriever is 12, so any score below that is considered good. Ideally, good breeders will only breed dogs with hip scores under .This will prevent you from purchasing a Labrador puppy that will require expensive surgery later on in its life. Purpose American Labradors are best suited for active families. Families that enjoy activities such as swimming, running, and hiking. They are great for families with older children who can engage and play with them more. American Labs would also do best with owners who can dedicate more time to them because they require a lot of exercise every day. People who work from home or part time would be ideal. English Labradors would make great pets for quieter families because they have a calmer personality. They are also gentler and would do well with a family that has young children. Since they are less active, they are suitable for a busier family who has less time to exercise them. Their docile, patient attitude also makes them excellent candidates to be service dogs so they would be a great dog for people who need one in their life. Summary The price of a Labrador can vary depending on if you get one from a breeder or rescue. Its color, pedigree and health will also influence the price. All Labradors are prone to health conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy and hip or elbow dysplasia. Make sure the breeder screens for these health conditions before breeding. This will help to ensure your puppy is healthy. The cost to keep a Labrador healthy, exercised and happy can get pricey. But, if an owner has done their research and prepared themselves, then Labradors make an excellent addition. What Lab do you prefer? American, English, or mixed? Let us know! He has spent decades training working dogs and spends most of his spare time studying, reading and learning about their behavior and welfare. Outside of Marvelous Dogs, he enjoys trail running and agility work with his working Labrador Retriever. You May Also Like. How Much Does a Labrador Cost? And, this is just the upfront cost of the puppy. This includes the cost of food, veterinary bills, grooming, bedding, and so on. Labrador puppy costs depend on a few factors. Quality of the breeder Quality of the parent dogs Type of Labrador eg. For instance, puppy prices tend to be higher before Christmas, so buy a puppy in the spring, instead. Originally, black Labs were favored above other colors. Brown and yellow Labs were extremely uncommon, and were not at all desirable. Over time, this opinion changed and brown and yellow Labs became more accepted. Shooting communities still tend to prefer the black Lab, but yellow Labs are very common in other working roles, like as therapy dogs and guide dogs. On the whole, each official Labrador color will cost a similar amount. But, yellow and brown Labs may cost slightly more than black Labs, since the genes that cause their coloring are recessive and therefore are less common. Non-Standard Colors Labrador costs can be hugely increased or reduced by non standard colors or patterns. For instance, dilute shades or mismarks. Dilute coloring is recessive and highly controversial in the Labrador community. The genes that cause these shades will dilute pigmentation, turning black Labs into charcoal Labs, chocolate Labs into silver Labs, and yellow Labs into champagne Labs. Some believe this color results from cross-breeding. But, others believe the recessive genes simply remained hidden over generations, like original yellow and chocolate coloring. Dilute colors are not accepted in the official breed standard. So, many breeders will not adjust their price, and may even lower it for unexpected dilute puppies. The same is the case with mismarks. Mismarks can include white patches and spots, brindling, and even tan markings. Extensive mismarks will disqualify a Lab from show. Show type Labs are bred to fit the Labrador breed standard. They are usually slightly stockier and less active than field types. Field types are more often bred for their working ability than for any specific appearance. Labradors cost more when they are bred to show standards. Field Labs tend to be cheaper than Labradors bred for show. But, you should consider which type is best for you, rather than just going for the cheapest Labrador you can find. Field type Labs can be much more energetic and active than show types. First time owners may find the English Lab slightly easier to raise and train! Conversely, Labrador costs can be highest with field trial champion bred dogs that are likely to win awards. Labrador Costs From Breeders vs Shelters Labrador puppies from reputable breeders will cost more than dogs from a rescue center. Whilst Labs from breeders can cost thousands of dollars, Labradors from rescue centers can only be a few hundred dollars. A major difference between Labs from a breeder and Labs from a rescue center is the history of the dogs. Puppies from a breeder will stay with their mom and siblings until 8 weeks old. At 8 weeks, puppies can go to their new home. Rescue center dogs can have unknown histories, or even histories that involve abuse. Labs from rescue centers are usually older, and have often lived with other families. However, many Labs are given up for non-behavioral reasons. They can be just as wonderful pets as puppies from a breeder. And, many dogs from rescue centers will have basic training, including house training, obedience, and potentially recall. Why Are Breeders So Expensive? Reputable breeders tend to cost more than any other puppy source. Breeders have to spend a lot when breeding a litter, and all of this will lower their profit margins. Labrador breeding costs include: Health testing and certificates. Less - The Labrador Retriever is a medium to large-sized , short-coupled, powerfully-built dog with a short, dense, water-resistant coat; small, drop ears; and a short, thick otter-like tail carried level with the back or with a slight upward curve. The length of body is equal to or only slightly longer than the height at the withers, and the distance from the elbows to the ground is equal to one-half the height at the withers. Balance, outline, intelligence, temperament and movement are of overriding importance. The Labrador Retriever is a breed of moderation, thoroughly sound, and willing and able to do its work. The Labrador Retriever is a dog without exaggeration, so light, weedy dogs; long, low-stationed dogs; and cloddy, lumbering dogs are to be equally penalized. The Labrador Retriever is an enthusiastic hunter with a good nose and a soft mouth. They excel in all performance activities. Another essential characteristic of the Labrador Retriever is the short, dense, double coat that protects the dog when retrieving from water. Labrador Retrievers are noted for their excellent temperaments. This breed is friendly, outgoing and eager to please. They are extremely intelligent and easily trained to perform a variety of complex tasks. These dogs were brought to England, probably on fishing boats. Originally black in color, the first recorded yellow Labrador appeared in a litter born in .Chocolates were also recorded at about the same time, but never achieved the same level of popularity as the blacks and yellows. Originally bred to retrieve from water, the modern Labrador Retriever has proven to be one of the most versatile breeds, excelling in hunt tests and field trials, in obedience and agility events, and also as service dogs.

What makes a good Frenchie bed? Size: The bed should be large enough for your French Bulldog to comfortably stretch out in all directions, but not so large that they feel insecure. French Bulldogs are medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 16 to 28 pounds, so a medium-sized bed usually works well. Heating or Cooling Features: French Bulldogs are sensitive to extreme temperatures. If you live in a very cold or hot climate, consider a bed with self-warming or cooling properties. Bolsters or Raised Edges: Many dogs, including French Bulldogs, like to curl up or rest their head on a raised surface. Beds with bolsters or raised edges can provide this comfort. Durability: French Bulldogs can be quite playful and energetic. Therefore, their bed should be able to withstand their energy levels and remain sturdy and intact even after some rough play. Comfort: French Bulldogs, like many breeds, enjoy a soft, comfortable place to rest. Look for a bed with good padding or stuffing that can provide adequate support for your pet. Jump to section. Elevated design and powder-coated steel frame Pros Super easy to clean—just hose it down or clean with soap and water Great for indoor or outdoor use Off-the-ground design reduces strain on joints Cons Not chew-proof but replacement covers are available The mesh can sag over time Doesn't cushion joints as well as orthopedic foam beds Best Calming Dog Bed for French Bulldogs: Best Friends by Sheri Size To Order for French Bulldogs: Jumbo Buy on Amazon Why We Love It If your French Bulldog gets nervous or just loves to nest, a regular dog bed might not make the cut. The high bolsters on this bed help your Frenchie feel safe and secure, though. Plus, its ultra-soft sherpa fabric reminds pups of their mother's fur, adding another element of comfort. Because of its shape, this bed might close around your dog like a giant oyster. Which is as comfortable as it is funny! This flexibility lets the Best Friends by Sheri dog bed adjust to whatever position your dog likes to sleep in. Star Rating: 4. The Bedsure orthopedic bed is a great example. This bed is designed with older and arthritic dogs in mind. The orthopedic egg crate is gentle on their bones, cushioned bolsters add neck support, and the zippered cover is machine washable. Plus, it has a waterproof liner which we love to see. High-quality craftsmanship with top-of-the-line materials. The non-slip rubber bottom stops the bed from moving on tiles and hardwood floors. Removable and machine washable cover. This option will probably come as a blessing to your wallet as it is priced at almost half the amount of some of the other options in its category. Spacious, comfortable, and durable, this bed will also look after pups with arthritis and other joint issues due to its solid orthopedic foam base and ultra-soft polyester cover. On top of that, the extra comfy cotton-padded rim bolster makes the entire bed an excellent choice for your French Bulldog. The craftsmanship is remarkably beautiful, and the bottom is covered with non-slip rubber, preventing the bed from slipping around the room. And, of course, a pampered pup needs a bed of its own to match! Moreover, this type of bed features memory foam, which can help with arthritis, hip dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy. Older dogs tend to sleep for longer during the day, and they will greatly appreciate a bed that will keep them comfortable while relieving joint pain at the same time. Imagine sleeping on a cold, hard floor all night; no one should want that for their pup. Furthermore, these beds are easy to move around the house because they are essentially lightweight pieces of furniture. On the contrary, in fact, elevated beds will provide your Frenchie with a consistent level of support for their precious limbs and joints, keeping them healthier for longer! Donut Bed This type of bed can be an excellent choice for a pooch who likes to curl up and snuggle into its safe space. The round shape of a donut bed means that your dog will not only feel safe but that its body will get optimal support while resting as well. Dogs love spending plenty of time getting the bed squished just the way they like it, and a donut bed allows just that! Tent Bed If your Frenchie is anxious or suffers from separation anxiety, a tent bed might be just the thing you are looking for. It only makes sense that a dog breed that loves being around humans may struggle with having its own space at bedtime. However, dogs do need a space of their own, and Frenchies are no exception. The perfect solution would be to get a tent bed so that your pooch will feel safe throughout the night. This type of bed gives your Frenchie the feeling of sitting on its owner, making it feel far more secure and willing to sleep. The cherry on top is that tent beds come in all sorts of shapes and multiple sizes, so you will never get bored of them! Soft Pillow Bed You might also consider getting a pillow bed that will allow your furry friend the pleasure of sprawling out and being cozy and comfy at the same time! If your Frenchie is nursing a litter or has trouble with joint or muscle pain, then this might be the perfect bed for them. A soft pillow bed will allow them to be supported by a large stuffed pillow while they sleep! Another great thing about this type of bed is that it is easy to put next to you so you can give your Frenchie all the hugs and pets you want while they are relaxing. Cooling Pad Bed Some French Bulldogs tend to suffer in the heat, and if your pooch is one of them, you can consider getting a cooling pad bed that will help them stay cool during hot winter days. This is a great way to ensure that your canine companion maintains a healthy condition even in the highest temperatures. Cooling pad beds are usually filled with cooling gel or water, which provides instant relief and helps your dog keep its body temperature at an optimal level. So, you should pick out a bed that is large enough to accommodate your Frenchies body, even when it is fully sprawled out. This allows them to hop on and off the cushion easily. This can cause breathing difficulties and contribute to less serious issues such as snoring and those more serious such as sleep apnea. A pet bed with an elevated cushion or side bolsters can help your furry bestie sleep easier. Because of this, you should look to invest in a hypoallergenic bed with fabrics like hemp, microfiber, or cotton. Also, if you have a teething puppy or a dedicated chewer by your side, you might want to invest in a durable, chew-proof dog bed. If your Frenchie likes to lay on its side while napping, you may want to get a bolster bed for neck and head support. On the other hand, if your pup is more of a curl-up, snuggling kind of dog, then a donut bed might be a better option. Does your Frenchie suffer from separation anxiety? Placing a donut bed in your bedroom might be calming for your furry friend. Firm surfaces can cause more harm than good, especially in dogs with arthritis or other joint issues. It can also be a problem if the mattress is loosely woven or not dense enough because mites and dust can build up in the mattress, leading to more severe allergic reactions. Cold conditions restrict their already small airways and can make their body temperature drop significantly. We would advise placing a warm bed on a cold floor so that your furry friend can control its temperature. This is something that may require effort and time on your part, but if you are encouraging and patient enough, your pooch will enjoy its new sleeping accommodation in no time. The main thing you should avoid is letting your Frenchie sleep in your bed. If you make this mistake, you will spend a lot of time trying to undo it before even moving on to teaching your dog to sleep in its own bed. A good choice is the living room so your pup can still smell you and feel close to you. Make sure you have some treats at hand to reward your pup when it remains in the bed. Also, try to increase the amount of time your pup stays on the bed before giving it a treat. With patience and perseverance, your Frenchie will be a pro when it comes to going and staying in bed in no time! You need to take into account how you are going to maintain that amazing dog bed you purchased. Just make sure to follow the advice on the label and apply stain remover if possible so that the parts come out fresh and ready to be put back on. Final Thoughts Having a pup by our side brings so much joy and happiness, but we must think about how we can return the favor. French Bulldogs are loving, caring, and giving dogs that wiggle their way into our families and leave us wanting the best for them. By providing your pup with the right dog bed, you are not only making them happy and relieving muscle and joint pains, but you are also giving them a safe, cozy, and comfortable place they can relax. Post navigation. The most important reason, of course, is that you want your dog to have the best sleep experience possible. And then there are other reasons as well: Relieving Pressure Off The Joints: A high-quality bed will help relieve pressure off the joints, helping with aches. Also, a quality bed may help with possible future issues with arthritis. Orthopedic dog beds are available that feature orthopedic memory foam for older dogs. For joint concerns, this sort of bed provides extra support and comfort. Easing Anxiety: Days can be stressful even for your French Bulldog. A comfortable sleeping position and environment for your French Bulldog will help him relax more swiftly, and it will decrease his anxiety. A comfortable place to get away from it all with alone time and some peace is needed. For example, a 9-month-old French Bulldog may need something quite soft while a ten-year-old senior might do much better with something more durable such as an orthopedic dog bed mattress. Bed Size A quality bed for your Frenchie should allow plenty of room. Material and Durability: Chomping on the edges may lead to your dog swallowing some of the stuffing. Depending on your bulldog, you might want chew-proof material made to last. Styles In the market, there are several kinds of beds to choose from. You have the option of getting a cave-like, dog tent house, bed where your bulldog is enclosed in comfort or a flat-like bed where your french can sprawl out to relax, those with pillows and borders, donut dog beds for curling up, and orthopedic beds suited for dogs with joint pain issues and arthritis. Washability and Removable Cover For those messy bulldogs, you might want to get a bed with a removable cover that you can wash. Many are machine washable for easy care.

Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Memphis Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Memphis? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Memphis? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. We have answers. Surely not! Like tattoos and discount sushi, beware of bargains when looking for a puppy. The "cheap" pups likely come from unqualified breeders and could be prone to developing health problems. That may mean big vet bills later! Best to stick with our network's Memphis Golden Retriever breeders and businesses and the fair prices they offer. What's the difference between a purebred and a mixed-breed dog? Purebred dogs, like the Memphis Golden Retrievers for sale through Uptown, descend from a traceable ancestry and are bred to specific standards across litters. The behavioral and physical characteristics of purebreds are predictable. Mixed-breed dogs, commonly known as "mutts," have two or more breeds in their genetic makeup. Are there Golden Retriever puppies in Memphis available right now? It's possible. But that's an ever-changing answer. Any of the Golden Retrievers for sale in Memphis you see today might not be there tomorrow. That's especially true of popular pups such as Golden Retrievers. So while you should never feel rushed, a new puppy is a big decision, understand that most pups don't hang around long. Can I pick up my puppy in person? You can speak to the breeder or business about that, as most of the individual Golden Retriever breeders in Memphis have their own transportation policies. While you're chatting, they'll be happy to give you lots of other information, such as details about your puppy's health history, current diet, and milestones. How do I know for sure that the Golden Retriever puppies for sale Memphis breeders have are healthy? Because we make it a priority to ensure that they are! Each of the Golden Retriever breeders Memphis and elsewhere have can offer full comprehensive health checks. They can examine everything from your dog's ears, nose, eyes, and teeth to diagnostics of circulatory, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems. You get documented proof of a healthy pup! What's a "designer dog? For example, if one were to take a Memphis Golden Retriever for sale and cross it with an Alaskan Malamute you would get an Alaskan Goldenmute. Designer dogs are increasingly popular for their uniqueness and variety. Are the Golden Retriever puppies Memphis breeders have easy to train? They're one of the easiest breeds to train! Any Golden Retriever for sale Memphis breeders may tempt you to bring home will be highly intelligent and eager to please. They often grasp commands on the first try! Training sessions work best if you keep their keen minds engaged -- so games are a good way to go. How does Uptown Puppies work? All you need to do is begin by browsing through the adorable pups on the site. Perhaps one of the Memphis Golden Retriever puppies for sale will get your attention. If so, contact its breeder, who will be happy to answer your questions and talk about transportation options. Before long, that pup will be off the site and in your loving arms! How big do Golden Retrievers get? Considered a medium-large breed, Golden Retrievers range in weight from 55 to 75 pounds. Males usually weigh from 65 to 75 pounds and stand 23 or 24 inches tall. Females weigh from 55 to 65 pounds, with heights of 21 or 22 inches. Both sexes usually reach their full sizes within a year or two. Shouldn't I first check for a Golden Retriever Memphis shelters have? We wouldn't dissuade you from that, as we applaud reputable shelters. And we offer a very different service and experience, especially when it comes to information, which is usually lacking with shelter dogs. But any Golden Retrievers for sale Memphis breeders and businesses list with us comes with a wealth of important information.

They are a loving and sensitive breed. One of the most common questions asked by new French Bulldog owners is how much food they require, and how often should they be fed. French Bulldogs typically will eat as much food as you give them. The amount of food required depends on their age, weight, and activity level. Source Feeding French Bulldog puppies When puppies are born they get all of their nutritional needs by drinking milk produced by their mothers. Breeders typically start to wean the puppies off their mother's milk by weeks and by six weeks they are eating kibble 1. When your puppy is home with you at 8 weeks old they will typically require 1. I recommend splitting this up between meals over the day. When our puppy was at a very young age we would mix the kibble with a little bit of water to soften the food for them. As your puppy is at a stage of rapid growth over the following year we recommend feeding your dog the best nutritional food you can afford. Active Frenchbuilldogs based on a weight of 15kg 33lb requires caloiuries a day. This can be split over several meals and would be approximately 3cups of kibble. How much should I feed my elderly French Bulldog? As your French Bulldog ages and activity levels decrease they will require less food. Typically they will require calories per g 1lb of body weight. However, if your dog is showing they are still hungry and underweight feed them. How much should I feed my underweight Frenchie? Increase the amount of food you are feeding your dog up to between calouries per g 1lb of body weight until they are at their ideal weight. What can you feed your dog? Kibble Dry food is very accessible and can be purchased at most supermarkets. Nutritional values provided by kibble differ by product sold. We recommend doing some research to provide good quality kibble to your dog. Some of the benefits listed for kibble are: Increased dental health Reduced risk of bacteria Raw diet Raw food can be homemade, and or store-bought. Meticulous care and planning need to be done to ensure your dog does not get sick. Some studies have found many benefits of raw diets: Healthier coat and fur Increased longevity Fresh diet Cooking for your dog at home allows you to provide nutritionally valuable ingredients of your own choice. The downside is that it does take up time and requires planning to make. If you decide to feed your dog fresh food we highly recommend that you consult an animal nutritionist. Some of the benefits of feeding your dog fresh food are below. Avoids fillers Allows a variety of food Food quality To learn more about your dogs microbiomme and gut health visit our blog post here. If you are after dog shirts, or cooling shirts for your French Bulldog visit our shop here. How often should I feed my French Bulldog puppy? Home » How often should I feed my French Bulldog puppy? Your puppy has been on unlimited food all of the time. If on the smaller side 5lbs , we recommend four times per day. If a little bit stouter, you can start with three times a day. We recommend giving them as much as they want at each setting while they are growing babies. As they age and grow you can take it down to times per day. Two feedings per day seems to be the amount of times most people end up feeding their Frenchies. When you place your puppy on a feeding schedule it helps with the potty training as well. After eating, take them outside to potty. Make sure to tell your little one how good he is for doing his duty outside. Basically you just fill the water up to the level of the dogfood. If they continue to turn their nose up at the kibble, try adding a bit of canned dogfood to the kibble. Puppies are like humans. Some overeat when stressed and some undereat. Changing to a new home is an environmental stressor even though we are sure your Frenchie is enjoying being the center of your world. Each Frenchie is different and each human family is different. Do your best at scheduling for you and your Frenchie to live your best lives. In this section, we are going to discuss in detail how much to feed a French bulldog puppy. Like every dog, the French bulldog also needs a balanced diet since it was born to seniors. These figures we are giving here are average numbers because every dog is different and these numbers can different as well. You can follow these details as a general guideline to feed your puppy. Newborn puppies are just helpless. They cannot see because of their sealed eyelids. They are completely dependent on mummy French bulldogs. At this age, they just drink mummy milk, so you have nothing to do for the puppies. Their mother should take care of their puppies. You should simply ensure that their mother is caring for the puppies and that the mother dog is getting adequate rest and nutrition. From this age, Frenchie is able to see and hear as well, and even now they will be able to make noise too, but they still spend most of the time sleeping and feeding on mummy milk, which is good for them at this age. By this time, she would be ready to drink water from the bowl as well. If they are showing interest in drinking water from the bowl, then you should introduce them to a mushy mixture of puppy food and water. This food should contain mainly water. This mixture should be 3 parts of water and 1 part of dog food. This kind of food can be served to your Frenchies twice a day. And if you have already introduced them to puppy food with a mixture of water, then they should show interest in that as well. They eventually become independent of their mother. At the age of 6 weeks, they start to understand their surroundings. They should be eating mixed puppy food with water multiple times a day. They need regular replenishment because they exert a lot of energy. They are ready to go to their new home by the age of eight or nine weeks. At the age of 8 weeks, they should eat 4 meals a day, and throughout the meal, they eat approximately one and a half cups of puppy food. You should make sure that they are not overfed because obesity is a big problem with French bulldogs. According to their appetite, you should divide their meal portions for the whole day, but by the age of 9 months, 3 meals a day should be fine. They are growing rapidly, so you should make sure they are getting high-quality dog food with balanced nutrition. At the age of 10 weeks, they should have a well-established feeding routine, which is very important to monitor if they are getting proper nutrition during the day. They are very playful by the time At the age of 11 weeks, they should still eat one and a half cups of puppy food and they should follow the routine for a healthy lifestyle. Do not overfeed them. Try to avoid sharing your meal with them. Overfeeding is absolutely not good for their growth and development. By this time, they should be very familiar with their feeding routine and be ready to eat at mealtime. You should continue feeding them a balanced diet per the schedule. After 3 months now, you should start slowly increasing their meal size. The exact amount of meal size depends on their size, so you should make sure they are not overfed because they are known as lazy dogs, so if they get overfed they get overweight, which is not good for them. And they should not be underfed as well because they are still growing, so they should have a balanced diet. A piece or two of adult kibble is fine a couple of times a day. To avoid digestive issues, begin with a mix of half the adult dog food and half of the puppy dog food. As per the French bulldog growth chart, you should increase or decrease the small amount of food as per requirement. At about the age of 12 months, they are fully grown, and at their senior age, they need a change in their diet. Compared to growing French bulldogs, senior French bulldogs eat less and need fewer calories. About 3 to 4 weeks is a good age for weaned French bulldog puppies. When should I stop feeding my French Bulldog puppy food? For your French Bulldog, 9 to 12 months is a good time to slightly change from puppy food to adult food. How much dry food should I feed my French Bulldog? It depends on the age of the French bulldog puppies. For a 6-week-old puppy, you can feed 1 cup of dry food mixed with water about 3 times a day. In this article, I will cover some key information about feeding your French Bulldog puppy, including how much you should feed them and a suggested outline for a feeding schedule that you can adapt as they grow. Keep reading to find out more. Typically speaking, the breeder that you have bought your French Bulldog puppy from should provide you with all of the information that you need on feeding your puppy. This includes what food your new puppy has been eating as well as how often your puppy has been fed throughout the day. French Bulldog puppies have high caloric and nutrient needs. Generally speaking, French Bulldog puppies aged anywhere from weeks of age need a total of 1. That being said, you will need to bear in mind that the quantity your dog eats depends on a number of factors, including their size, metabolism, and activity levels. Spreading out the meals is the key to a healthy, happy puppy, as it minimizes the peaks of energy your French Bulldog will experience due to dramatic rises and decreases in blood sugar levels between meals. Ensuring you feed them in these intervals will allow your puppy to maintain a healthy amount of energy and nutrients throughout their day. Once your French bulldog puppy reaches 6 months, you can reduce the number of times that you feed them down to 2 meals a day. Puppies can have sensitive stomachs. You will need to feed a puppy the same type of food, the same amount of food, and feed them at the same times of the day to ensure that their stomach can cope. To come up with a feeding plan for your specific puppy, you should consult with your veterinarian and come up with a suitable feeding schedule in conjunction with their advice. Age You will need to consider when feeding your French Bulldog puppy is their age. As a result, your puppy may initially be a little stubborn about eating dry and wet food if they were only just recently weaned. In this circumstance, you will need to ensure that you remain patient and consistent when it comes to meal times. Alternatively, you could try adding a dash of water to the dry kibble to make a type of gravy. Not only will the meaty aromas tempt them to the bowl and encourage them to eat their food, but it will also soften the dry kibble slightly and make it easier for them to chew. French Bulldog puppies are allowed to be separated from their mothers at 8 weeks, at which point they will weigh somewhere between 7 to 12lbs. How much your French Bulldog puppy weighs will depend on their gender, as male French Bulldogs typically weigh more than their female counterparts. They are considered fully grown around 12 to 14 months old, but may continue to put on muscle until they are two years old. They are a greedy breed by nature, and you need to be wary of overfeeding your French Bulldog as this can lead to a variety of health conditions if they become overweight. When assessing whether your Frenchie puppy is overweight, you should be able to see a little rib and they should have a defined waistline. When it comes to choosing to give your dog treats, fewer high quality treats on special occasions are much better than feeding them many lower quality ones more often to train them. When it comes to training your puppy, positive reinforcement in the form of praise also works. Calories As your French Bulldog puppy gets older, the number of calories they are eating should increase according to their weight. You should feed your puppy 12 to 30 calories per pound of their body weight. However, if you are not sure how much to feed your French Bulldog puppy, consult your vet. Nutrition One of the most important factors to consider when feeding your French Bulldog puppy is nutrition, as a healthy, well-balanced diet is essential for their growth and development. This simply comes down to the fact that puppies have higher energy requirements and are actively developing muscle and other tissues. Energy comes from the breakdown of protein fats and carbohydrates. Health Conditions When feeding your French Bulldog puppy, you will also need to bear in mind any health conditions that your Frenchie could be prone to developing. Diarrhea Stomach upsets are very common in Frenchies, so monitoring their diet is absolutely essential. Signs of a digestion problem include wet, runny, and loose stools. If a food allergy is suspected, the only treatment is an elimination diet. As a result, you will need to watch out for any food sensitivities your dog has. Reflux Flat-faced breeds such as Frenchies can suffer from reflux or struggle to swallow their food. You will need to monitor this when it comes to giving them their food. Dental Problems Flat-faced dogs often have crowded teeth which, in turn, can cause dental problems when it comes to chewing. While some French Bulldogs are hyperactive, others are lazy and love nothing more than lying on the couch all day. As your French Bulldog edges closer to adolescence, the amount of exercise they need will increase. Around 60 minutes of daily exercise split into two walks is plenty for your fully grown French Bulldog. As a result, too much exercise can even be bad for French Bulldogs. As a flat-faced breed, French Bulldogs can overheat and struggle to breathe and pant, especially in warmer weather. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome BOAS is a condition that can cause severe breathing problems and is caused by their shorter faces. As a result, you should make sure that you take precautions to keep your dog cool and make sure that you understand the signs of heatstroke in dogs. Consult With Your Vet Above all else, consulting with your vet should be your first port of call when bringing home your new puppy. Invest In A Slow Feed Dog Bowl A slow feeding bowl is a useful dog bowl to have as they are designed with ridges or grooves which are designed to slow your dog down when they are eating. However, some treats contain high amounts of sugar, colourings, milk products and fat. As a result, you will need to make sure that you choose your treats carefully and use them wisely, as failure to do so can quickly result in your puppy becoming overweight. The moisture in wet food reduces the risk of urinary infections and other related issues while your puppy is still getting used to drinking water. As a result, it costs more to feed your dog, even if you are buying the product in bulk for a cheaper price. Wet dog food cannot be left in a bowl for hours on end, and it can be messier. As a result, people often consider wet dog food less convenient to feed their dog and store. Dry Dog Food Benefits Cheaper Dry dog foods are affordable and are incredibly easy to store for longer periods of time, meaning that they have a longer shelf life than wet foods. Dry kibble is excellent for getting rid of plaque build-up in the process of your dog chewing crunchy, dry kibble. However, despite the lack of hydration this dog food provides. Your French Bulldog puppy requires high-quality dog food that provides everything it needs to meet its requirements and ensure healthy development. In Summary Generally speaking, you should be feeding your French Bulldog puppy 1. Before coming up with a consistent feeding schedule for your French Bulldog puppy, you should consult with your veterinarian. Following their advice, you will be able to make a feeding schedule that suits your dog and you. Good luck and enjoy welcoming your new French Bulldog puppy into your family! Post navigation. We do not claim to be veterinarians. French Bulldogs can easily become overweight or underweight , especially the lazy ones. Some french bulldogs are hyperactive while others are couch potatoes. It is also critical that you maintain a consistent feeding schedule and never slack off on feeding your French Bulldog. Even more important than that is feeding your Frenchie the proper amount of food daily. Young Frenchies have high caloric and nutrient needs. French Bulldogs aged anywhere from weeks of age need a total of 1. Spreading out the meals minimizes the peaks of energy your French Bulldog will experience due to dramatic rises and decreases in blood sugar levels between meals. Feeding only twice daily can sometimes lead to gastric dilatation volvulus. By this stage, your French Bulldog is ready to get into an eating routine that they will continue on for the rest of their happy, little chubby lives, barring no serious medical ailments later on in life. From around 6 months to 1 year of age, you can start feeding your French Bulldog a very high quality adult doggy food. It is important to maintain a strict routine for your French Bulldog. You can always supplement a few treats in between. Wink wink. A half a cup at a time will make sure your Frenchie is pleasantly tubby and happy. Some days, it seems like a French Bulldog can never get enough food. This seemingly natural hunger is relative to the breed and you should be weary of overfeeding your French Bulldog. Monitor your Frenchie as she eats and make sure she only eats her own food, especially if you feed your French Bulldog near other pets. Note that non-neutered males may grow into the low 30lb range. Always consult a vet. Ideally, 2. This sort of consult is always quick and cheap sometimes free and you owe it to your companion to get the opinion of an expert veterinarian. Overweight Frenchies can suffer from some very severe health problems, including heart disease just like humans , labored breathing, and lack of physical exercise. Never take a French Bulldog out to play in sweltering heat, they can die. Generally, older French Bulldogs will require slightly less food than their young counterparts. However, do not restrict food from your French Bulldog if they appear to be underweight or hungry. A reader pointed out in the comments below that these calculations would put french bulldogs in the 40lbs range somewhere around calories per day. This is obviously an outlier situation and no french bulldog needs that many calories. This means feeding your french bulldog less food as they age. If they look thinner than usual, you can move up by 5 calories per pound of weight until you find a magic number. No french bulldog is identical and our suggestions are based on average weights computed to a mean average calorie intake suggestion. Read: I use this calculator and a pad of paper. See this guide in order to determine the appropriate weight for your Frenchie. Subject: How much should I feed my French Bulldog? Pin64 71 Shares When we first brought Claude home, we had no idea on how much food we should be giving him. We spoke to our vet, and this is what he told us about how much you should feed a French bulldog puppy. A French bulldog puppy should be fed 3 times a day whilst there are still 2 to 6 months old. Once the French bulldog puppy reaches 6 months, you can reduce the feeding schedule down to 2 meals a day. But now having been a French bulldog owner for 3 years, I can now look back and give you some more detail on exactly what our French bulldog puppy feeding schedule was like and how it worked for us and him. French bulldog puppy feeding chart Below you can see a French bulldog puppy feeding guide I put together. It contains some rough guidance on how you should schedule and plan his feeds, and what other factors you might need to take into account. Please do print it out and put on your fridge. How many cups of food should I feed my French Bulldog? Before you look at the French Bulldog feeding chart below, you might want the quick answer to how many cups of food to feed your French Bulldog. As a general rule of thumb, you should feed a French Bulldog puppy aged 8 to 12 weeks around 1 and a half cups of food a day, in 3 separate meals. As your Frenchie gets older, the number of cups of food you should feed them will change. You can see the cup amounts and frequencies in the French Bulldog feeding chart graphic below. This French bulldog puppy feeding chart tells you how much you should feed them Source: Canin The French bulldog puppy feeding chart shown above is taken from the Royal Canin dog food range. This is exactly what we fed Claude as he was growing up. They range a specific French bulldog puppy food, and on the packaging you will see a version of the chart above, including how best to feed your own puppy. Handy Hint: To stop your Frenchie from bloating and possibly choking you should use a suitable feeding bowl. Here are the best French Bulldog food bowls that vets recommend. When you take your puppy to his new home, he should already be used to eating puppy food. As I mentioned earlier, you should be feeding your French bulldog puppy 3 times a day. They need that regularity as they are growing and burning a lot of calories. You know how energetic they are! How much you feed them at each mealtime will typically be half a cup of their dry puppy food. Across the day, that will equate 1. However, their weight and health will then determine how much you feed them as they get older. Calories matter, but are hard to count As French bulldogs get older, you should try to feed them according to their weight. For every pound, they should be fed between 25 and 30 calories. However, for the rest of this French bulldog puppy feeding guide, I am just going to talk in cups. Puppy weight How can weigh your puppy at the vets or, and this is can be a more interesting and fun way if your puppy already knows how to sit, have them sit on a scale at home. It will not be as accurate as a scale at the vet, but it could be a cheap and fun experience for you and your pet. Because of this, your puppy may be a little stubborn about eating dry and wet food if they were only just recently weaned. Here is where the math gets a little more detailed, but not too complicated. When they are between 8 to 12 weeks old, the puppy should be fed about 1. This food should be high in calories since they need extra nutrients that they are no longer getting from their mother. This kind of follows the main rule when it comes to spreading out the meals to 3 times a day. But for younger pups, many owners will split the 1. Because feeding them 0. Once they are between 6 and 9 months old, they should be used to their eating routine. That is when the main rule is applied because by then, the pup will be maturing into its adult size and should weigh between 20 and 25 pounds. What about older dogs? Also, if you are wondering how much they should be fed once they start hitting their senior years, they should be fed a little less as long only if they are not as active. Make sure you still stretch out the meals to 3 to 4 times like when they were puppies because it is not uncommon for their stomachs to weaken with old age. Overweight or underweight? French bulldog puppies usually weight between 8. Once they reach 6 to 9 months, they are just at or are closer to reaching their adult weight, .If the puppy is underweight, then add very small increments to each meal every day until they are no longer underweight. It is important to not add too much food because of the possibility of them getting a twisted stomach. If the puppy is overweight, you can either slightly reduce the size of their meal until they lose weight, or you can give them more exercise. Many people prefer the later since it helps the pup to get stronger and adds more bonding time. The same methods apply to grown French bulldogs as well. Handy Hint: Read this guide which explains how to check if you have a fat French Bulldog who needs to lose weight, with tips on how to get the pounds down. If the dog does not appear to be gaining weight when they are underweight or vice versa if they are overweight, you might want to take them to the vet since it could be a sign that something is affecting their health. Health conditions Since not every animal is the same, ask your vet the next time your pup has a check-up what a French bulldog of their size and age should weigh. Health factors like diabetes yes, dogs can have diabetes , can make your pup need a more strict diet or feeding routine. Here are some different diets and feeding routines. Raw food vs. Many dog lovers say that there are too many preservatives, fillers, wheat, corn, and protein in dry and wet food. While the raw food diet can be more natural, especially if it is organic, you also have to make sure your pup would be getting more foods with vitamins and minerals mixed in with the raw food that your pup would need. Raw food diets can be more expensive, require more storage room for the meats and veggies, and take longer to prepare. However, you would be personally ensuring that your little French bulldog pup is getting their full daily nutrition without harmful by-products and additives. Is there a good dry food diet? Possibly the biggest questions out of all of them: is there any good dry dog food out there and how do I find them? The answer is yes, there can be some healthy dry dog food products, but it takes some time to look for. The key is to look for dog food that does not contain any preservatives, fillers, wheat, corn, and too much protein. Fillers basically do not provide any nutritional value and can even harm your dog since most of the ingredients they use as fillers are common allergies for dogs that can cause skin conditions, bowel issues, and more. Wheat and corn are included since they are also a popular allergen for dogs. Too much protein is even more dangerous for them since it can put more pressure on the organs, throw off nutritional balance, increase the likelihood of diabetes, and can harm dogs that already have diabetes. To see the safe and dangerous fruits list, click here. Another two meat choices would be duck and turkey, but these are a little less common to find, especially if you are looking for a French bulldog specific dog food. Your dog eats his food too quickly Another common problem is how do you control how fast your French bulldog puppy eats. French bulldogs love to eat their food and eat it fast, which is one of the primary causes of GDV. Frenchies will stop eating for a number of reasons, some more serious that others. Conclusion So there you have it, your guide to how much you should feed your French bulldog puppy. Everything in this feeding schedule and the French bulldog feeding chart you see is based on personal experience. Once in the morning, and once in the early evening. Keep a regular feeding routine, and your Frenchies will stay as healthy as ours has!

My name is Lisa and we are a small, in-home breeder that is conveniently located within the Lower Mainland - one hour east of downtown Vancouver, BC. We raise our puppies as a family - the kids name them, help with socialization, snuggles, cuddles and love - my husband and I do the rest with the help of my very active mom too. Happy Tails and Smiling Faces: Testimonials from Loving Dog Parents "What a gift it's been to our family that we "discovered" Red Maple Doodles online and so found the perfect place for us to get our new family member. We feel so lucky to have a puppy who was born of two beautiful gentle dogs into a household of love and nurturing care. I've enjoyed every chance I've had to observe your generous spirit and your loving kindness towards your family, your dogs and the families who come to you for their puppy. I realize what a privilege it's been to get to know you all over the last eight weeks, and to spend time relaxing with the puppies and learning from you how to handle them so they grow and learn happily. It's been wonderful! Why we love our mini goldendoodles, and we think you will too! As full time members of our family, our dogs have become a central part of our lives! We have found them a perfect dog for all types of lifestyles. They are loyal, lovable, trainable — and very cute! Our Mini Goldendoodles are non-shedding, not incessant barkers — and odor free! We have customers from a wide range of lifestyles who find our dogs perfect for them. Perfect Size Just right, at an average of lbs full-size, our Mini Goldendoodles puppies make the perfect family pet for those looking for smaller doodles. This makes them ideal for condos and townhomes. Our dogs love unconditionally and express their love in the most adorable ways. They are great with kids and adults alike - intelligent and gentle but still playful. Hypoallergenic Thanks to the poodle genetics, Mini Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic with their non-shedding hair not fur. Because of this, our customers with dog allergies have found them to be a wonderful pet. Easy to Train Mini Goldendoodles are incredibly intelligent, which makes them highly trainable. They love catching balls or sticks but sometimes need a bit of persuasion to surrender them once caught. Even more affectionate than Labradoodles! Whereas Labradoodles are more reserved and less enthusiastic, Mini Goldendoodles have an unbounded enthusiasm for life expressed in immediate, unreserved friendliness. So today is my new favourite day. You want the perfect dog. May we introduce the Goldendoodle? Smart, trainable, and great with kids. This breed is notorious for being friendly, obedient, playful, adorable little teddy bears. Not to mention a great companion for people who love dogs, but are allergic to most breeds. Are you looking for a top-quality, non-shedding, allergy-friendly multi-generation doodle? You've come to the right place! We are a small, in-home breeder of multi-gen, small to medium sized Goldendoodles, with nine years experience. Here on our family acreage nestled beneath the Golden Ears mountains in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, we raise the best Goldendoodle puppies you have ever met! Why adopt a Red Ridge Goldendoodle? Highly intelligent, easy to train and eager to please -the ultimate family pet! Well socialized puppies raised only one litter at a time, in our home with young children. Excellent therapy dogs, special needs placement About Red Ridge Doodles Our Doodles are cherished members of our family, and they are raised underfoot in our home - not kennels. They have the run of our home and acreage. Our dogs and puppies receive meticulous care and live in immaculate facilities. All our dogs are first and foremost our family pets - we want to share these wonderful dogs with others, and we pride ourselves on breeding healthy, temperamentally-sound family companions. Please take the time to learn more about Red Ridge Doodles, and our commitment to you, because we feel the more you know about us, the more you will be certain that we are the breeder with whom you can trust the responsibility of birthing and raising your new furry family member. Got A Question? We'd love to help you with our FAQ page or by speaking to you personally. We would love to speak with you personally. FAQ Page Email Us "At the time Ginger became a part of our family my sons were young and both had allergies that made a Golden-doodle the perfect breed for us. She has proven to be incredibly smart, easy to train and extremely loyal. When we picked Ginger up from Red Ridge Doodles it was evident that she had been well socialized with children, which was important to our young family. Ginger had already learned a few tricks and was comfortable in her kennel before we took her home. Kris was extremely professional helping us with the international adoption process. Ginger has had a clean bill of health at every check up. I have and will continue to recommended Red Ridge Doodles to family and friends. We looked at many breeders, rescues, spoke with contacts that had Goldendoodles and emailed numerous folks. Out of all the inquiries that we sent, only one response made us feel comfortable and that response was from Kris at Red Ridge Doodles. Right off the bat, without even speaking to us, she wrote back with a personal and helpful response that you could tell she put some effort into, versus just "Yes, we have a puppy for you. Want it? As the puppies were growing up, Kris sent us with at least updates per week with photos and videos. She included information specific to our puppy, his personality and development. She shared milestones and also some great tips and tricks on puppy rearing, training, etc. We are several provinces away and her emails made us seem so much closer. Harley is the smartest, most laid back, and loving pup and we know we owe it to the way he was raised. We can't even imagine our lives without Harley in it, and couldn't have asked for a better addition to our family. Thank you SO much, Kris - we're so glad we found you! What was not so magical was losing Kahlua last August, and then Monty, so unexpectedly in January. I could not have predicted how much it would affect me! What a gift you have given us! Thank you! It has gotten worse as time progresses and I rarely can leave the house. My husband and daughters are away most of the time and my extended family all live hours away, leaving me alone and without company and support. After smoking for 10 years, I decided to quit cold turkey. I believe it was destiny when I found Kris right at this time. My reward for quitting was a puppy. Kris was absolutely amazing to work with, answering texts, phone calls and emails at any time of the day with knowledge and patience. We live 3 provinces apart so Kris needed to match our needs and choose for us. I needed a dog who could stay with me all day when I couldn't get up, who would be a watchdog yet accept when people come in the house unannounced, and be able to live with cats and other dogs. She sent personalized videos of Huey's milestones and training achievements. Her training and socialization program is beyond what I ever expected. When we picked Huey up at the airport, our lives changed forever. He has become my company and therapy he has been recommended for a certified therapy dog and is exactly what we needed. Huey is smart, can sense when I'm having a flare and stay quiet right beside me, is so friendly yet watchful, and gets along with every person and animal he meets. I can't recommend Kris highly enough for the quality of her puppies as well as her immense knowledge and dedication to breeding and training a well-rounded dog. Kris, thank you so much for choosing Huey to be the sunshine in our home. From time to time we also accept applications for Guardian homes. If being a Guardian home interests you please read our Guardian Program page and then please send us an inquiry. Testimonials, My puppy came home to me on July 14th, and I am absolutely thrilled with him! When we went to my vet for his initial assessment, and my training on my vet's expectations of me his momma, she told me he was absolutely perfect!! He is absolutely the cutest puppy.Thanks Danielle for starting the potty training! Thank you Danielle for all your kindness. You are a wonderful credit to your profession! Everything about the experience has been wonderful. The breeders were professional and very pleasant to deal with. The puppy we brought home was and still is, healthy well- adjusted and happy. We had previously owned Labradors and wanted a dog with some of the Lab temperament who wouldn't shed. We got what we wanted and more-Pepper has a wonderful temperament-she is so very sweet and happy. She makes friends with everyone she meets human or canine and is far more intelligent than any of our labs. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend DeeCor! Family I was not wanting to get a puppy, knowing all the work and responsibility it takes to care for them. But my family voted and I was over ruled. Finding Danielle eased my concern. I'm beyond pleased with Danielle, the breeder, with her knowledge and how comfortable my family and I felt with her. Not knowing much about the Goldendoodle breed Danielle answered all our questions. Danielle was welcoming and you knew instantly how she cared for and truly loved all her puppy litter. It was obvious how well the puppies were well taken care of by the cleanliness of her home and where the puppies were kept. Looking back to be voted out, I feel blessed to have our furry addition to our family. Hank, our Goldendoodle was very easy to potty train and was also easy to train. This breed is too friendly, extremely intelligent and has a calm temperament. I am truly grateful to Danielle and would highly recommend her to anyone who's looking for a well loved and taken care of puppy to enhance your family. It's been a wonderful experience adopting Chance from DeeCor Goldendoodles. He has clearly been very well cared for and socialized, and is such an energetic and intelligent puppy already at 8 weeks old. He's quickly learned in just a few days where to go potty and to sit when he wants some attention. I cannot wait to see him grow up, and I'd highly recommend a DeeCor Goldendoodle to anyone looking for a puppy! Our family is busy and loud and she has taken it all in stride. If you ask my husband, we have the smartest and cutest dog around. My husband stopped by unannounced and met Lucy before the pups were born and was very happy with what he saw. Showing 1 - 39 of 39 resultsPage 1 - 39 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. These multi-generation golden doodles F2B were born on September 7th and will be ready to go to their forever on November 2nd. These puppies are raised with.Our Babies are.The puppies will be pounds full grown. Mom Callie- is cream.What a beautiful litter! Visit us on our website.Location in Maple Ridge. They were born on June 24th and ready to go now. They are.Mama Polkadot is a 35 lb purebred poodle and papa Sunny is a 40 lb very small Golden Retriever. Parents are happy.Cranbrook We have 2 puppies looking for their Furever homes! They have their 1st set of shots ,dewormer, vet check and vet booklet. Super gentle, friendly, smart, easy going and playful! They are non shedding.Multi-generational non shedding. Very playful and loving. Would make a great addition to the family. Come vet checked, with.Prince George We have 2 puppies looking for their Furever homes! One of their other names, the Shichon Teddy Bear refers to their.Please Contact Gorgeous F1b medium labradoodle puppies Mission Waitlist opportunity for gorgeous F1b labradoodle puppies. Date of birth November and available to rehome early January perfect Christmas presents! Mom is a 50lb F1 labradoodle. She is very.There are more pups than we took reservations for, so we have some extra spots on the list. Fill in an application on our website. Kamloops We have 2 puppies looking for their Furever homes! Super gentle, friendly, Chilliwack We have 2 puppies looking for their Furever homes! There are 2 girls and 5 boys! We are accepting reservations for these stunning.Parents are family dogs with prefect demeanors and are great with children and chickens : even cats Pick up is an option in.Parksville Goldendoodles want to go home! First generation! Our super pups are ready for their very own people! Raised and trained with lots of children,teens adults on our little hobby farm the puppies are.We have two other Shitzu dogs.Please contact me to be put on our wait list. Our puppies are family raised in our living room with our family. They experience.I have been waiting for many many years for this litter. I imagined up for myself the perfect retriever dog. My perfect companion dog, family.She wants to play with my old dog but the difference in size makes my old dog scared and refuses.Richmond Are you ready to welcome an adorable and loving furry companion into your life? Look no further! We are excited to introduce our precious litter of puppies. Breed: Golden Doodle Mother is a double.We are excited at Goonhilly Kennels please check out our Facebook page to announce we have Golden Doodle puppies available for.F1b Goldendoodles are non-shedding and are recommended for families with moderate to severe allergies. Our F1b Goldendoodles.These Golden doodles will weigh lbs fully grown. Peaches the mom is.If you are interested in being on a wait list for our next litter - please let me know. Follow along on our Instagram page.He spent 18 months with what was supposed to be his forever family but due to a change in circumstances Remy doodle needs a new home. Full grown about 20 lbs 4 - 6 months old puos. Potty trained. Browse other categories in All Categories in British Columbia. Our puppies are born in our home and handled lovingly. They are proactively conditioned to new people, children, other dogs, loud noises, and Early Neurological Stimulation ENS to reduce fear and aggression. Ultimately, we raise healthy, happy, furry family-members ready to be adopted into your home. Meet Penny Penny is a 38lb apricot multigenerational Goldendoodle and daughter of Tallulah. Penny is a super cuddler who will plop herself down on us and lean in for snuggles. Penny has now passed all of her health testing and can have cream-apricot, red and chocolate colored pups. Penny is a member of our family and lives with us full-time. Taffee is 55lbs and lives in a guardian home. She loves to greet the kids at school every day. Meet Bella Bella is an absolute delight to be around. Always has a wagging tail for everyone she meets. Kind, gentle and always ready to play. Enjoys hikes and being able to run like the wind. Bella will be of age to breed in Meet Tallulah Tallulah is now retired. We would like to thank Tallulah for the amazing puppies she has produced and the many families who have had the privilege of adding a furry family member into thier homes because of her. Tallulah is now officially retired, being spoiled and will remain in our home as part of our family for the rest of her days. We carefully review applications to ensure we are doing all we can to select a good placement for our puppies. Each puppy is very special to us and a forever family is our top priority.

All breeds of Labrador Retrievers are known for being kind and gentle — and this trait runs especially strong with the chocolate-colored sweeties. While these dogs are very friendly to strangers, they have even more affection to give to their beloved families. Your Chocolate Lab puppy or adult will be happiest spending time with their favorite people. If you have young children, a lab is a great fit, as this breed is usually quite tolerant of the horseplay of small children who are still learning how to interact with pets. Just like many people, Chocolate Labs enjoy both downtime — especially if it involves being pampered by their family — and active high-energy fun. We recommend daily exercise, which can include anything from fetch, to tag, or even frisbee games. The average Chocolate Lab lifespan is between 9 and 11 years. The most common Chocolate Lab health problem is hip dysplasia, which occurs more commonly in older and overweight dogs. This is just one of the reasons to make exercise a common part of your time with a Chocolate Lab puppy or fully grown adult. Another problem that occurs in overweight labs is joint and movement issues. The other most common Chocolate Lab health problems are: Progressive Retinal Atrophy Cataracts Elbow Dysplasia As is the case with any dog, when you bring home a Chocolate Labrador, make sure that you have a good vet to handle routing vaccinations and check-ups as well as emergency health problems. Learn more about the Keystone Puppies Health Guarantee! Chocolate Lab Coat Care In general, Chocolate Lab coat care is easy compared to many other dog breeds which require weekly or daily work. Labrador Retrievers all have double coats, which includes an under layer of short hairs and a slightly longer top layer. This coat is useful for repelling water and keeping them cool in warmer temperatures — and warm in cooler ones. Their coat is also noted to be slightly dry and oily. Chocolate Lab coat care is fairly minimal and considered low maintenance. The coat should be brushed with a firm bristle brush 2 — 3 times per month to minimize shedding. In addition to that, baths are needed fairly infrequently. What is more crucial is ensuring that their toenails are well cared for throughout the year. Meet Chocolate Lab Puppies for Sale. Life Span Did You Know? Black Labrador Retrievers, or just Black Labs, are a common coat color variation of one of the most popular dog breeds. The Black Labrador Retriever is not necessarily a separate dog breed. Black Labs are still Labrador Retrievers; they just have a distinct coat color that is a specifically-bred characteristic. Like other Labrador Retrievers, Black Labs are energetic, playful, and affectionate dogs that make great family companions. Although they are active and energetic dogs, Labs are also known for their gentleness and patience with other family members. Well-socialized Black Labs tend to get along well with just about everyone including children, other dogs, pets, and even strangers. They are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , Black Labs thrive on attention, especially from their favorite humans. They are happiest when they are spending time with their families and receiving affection and attention from them. Despite their high energy, Labs are highly adaptable dogs. They do tend to be better suited to homes with fenced yards where they can run, but they also adapt well to apartments provided they get enough daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. They do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat and extreme cold like many dog breeds. As such, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Black Labrador Retriever can include elbow dysplasia , hip dysplasia, heart disease, hereditary myopathy, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Another potential health concern is EIC exercise-induced collapse , which can occur in young adult Labs and has a genetic link. Because carriers can be identified by DNA tests, it is recommended that breeders test for them. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you talk to the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Labrador Retrievers are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Although their high energy and puppylike exuberance can sometimes be a challenge, they are intelligent dogs that are eager to please. As long as training is kept consistent and focused on positive rewards and praise, novice owners still tend to do well with Black Labs. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training too. Black Labs have a short, water-resistant double coat that sheds year-round and sheds heavier as seasons change. Depending on how active your Black Lab is and what they get into, they may need a bath more often, especially if they are swimming a lot. Weekly ear checks and careful cleanings when needed help prevent ear infections. Good dental care for dogs , like daily brushing and cleanings at the vet when needed, can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. As one of the most active dog breeds , a Black Labrador Retriever will need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are a minimum. Your Black Lab will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood. They tend to maintain a puppylike exuberance until they are years old. Although they do tend to mellow out as they get older, they are still active, energetic, and playful dogs. Once they are fully grown, you can try other things like hiking, running, dock diving, and more to find other activities you and your Black Lab can enjoy together. Fully-grown Black Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Black Labs generally live for years on average. Black Labrador Retrievers came before the also-popular Chocolate Lab. All modern Chocolate Labs can be traced back to three Black Labs in the s. It was the December issue of .Featured Black Labrador Retriever Article. As my website states, I am not like other breeders in many ways. First, I want to explain how the average Labrador breeder raises their pups the first few weeks of their life. They expect these tiny pups without their senses fully developed to find their way to a nipple without being smothered. I understand that this is what dogs do in the wild, but this is also why many puppies die in the wild. .Then, on top of that they hope that each of the pups will get enough milk on it's own to make it through the 1st week of life. They expect the Lab mom to do all the work, so they don't have to lose a wink of sleep. This is all very sad to say but it's true. I, on the other hand, care about each individual pup's life, I care that each and every one of them survive so that they can live a full and happy life. So, I make sure that each individual pup is given outstanding care. How do I do this? I began with hand raising each one of my pups the first 3 weeks of its life. What do I mean by hand raise my pup? It means I personally make sure each individual pup is fed every 2 hours- 24 hours a day, the first 2 weeks of its life. At feeding time, I make sure each puppy gets on a nipple so they don't have to struggle to find one. I make sure that each puppy gets an adequate amount of milk. Then, once I see that they have been well fed. I pick up one pup at a time and have the mom lick it to go potty. And then I put them in their little crib to ensure they are safe and not smooth by the mother until the next feeding 2 hours later. At three weeks, we feed the pups every 4 hours. But at this point, even though the pups eyes and ears are open. I still supervise the feeding to ensure that each pup is adequately fed and again not smothered by it's mother. I believe in giving these pups outstanding care. Even if that means that I lose a lot of sleep, and even if it ends up just saving one pups life. That one pup could be the next Labrador that I get a testimony about how it brought so much joy into one person's life! So, in the end, all the work and lack of sleep is worth it. I am up now about to give my pups their 3 am feeding. Hope this helps you all understand what is put into each litter. She is from our breeding between Cash and Bella, both parents are health certified. Sugar is overnight crate trained and has some other training. She has the sweetest disposition; we absolutely love her! However, we have had a family emergency that has come up that may cause us to have to put Sugar up for sale. If you would be interested in Sugar, please email us and let us know about yourself, and the lifestyle that you would be able to give Sugar. We will be reviewing potential families who would be interested in Sugar and pick the best family for her, and make a decision later this month. They are given constant positive attention their whole time with us. We have a big game room that we call the "Labby Room" This room is designated for our labs and their lab puppies. The puppies get a lot of interaction with all our kids in this room. They also become well adjusted to all the sounds of the home life, like the sound of a vacuum. When the pups are born, I will contact you and inform you on how many pups were born. We will post up pictures of each litter soon after they are born. And try to post weekly picture updates so you can watch the puppies grow. We will also post video on our face book page. When the pups are 6 to 7 weeks of age, I will contact you to set up an appointment for you choose and pick up your pup at 8 weeks of age. If you had first deposit in for a male pup you will have first choice of all the males available. If you have second deposit in, you will have the next appointment to choose from the males that are left and so forth. This order of reserving pups would also apply to the females as well. We honor all reservations on a puppy by not selling the puppy to anyone else. So if you are interested in a litter and don't want to make a reservation until "you see the litter". An appointment can be made to view the left-over puppies when they are 10 weeks old, and no sooner. No appointments will be allowed at a younger age, except for the families that made a prior reservation. We will not allow our baby puppies to be exposed to potential life threatening viruses from people that are just "shopping". We wait until all puppies that have been reserved are safely home, before we show any left-over puppies. Any left-over pups will be at least 10 weeks of age before any viewings are allowed, to insure they have at least had 2 sets of shots in. The only other accommodation that we can offer is a zoom call, so you can see the pups before you make a reservation. Most of our sweet puppies are sold before they are even born. Reserve your puppy today!