parti labradoodle puppies for sale california

By Chris Labradoodles are amazing dogs, and Labradoodle colors are just as interesting! Labradoodles come in many different shapes, sizes, and coat shades. Labradoodle Images — our favorite Labradoodle photographs Some Labradoodles have black coats with white spots on their chest or paws. Others have brown coats with golden highlights around their eyes. But no matter what color labradoodle you have, they all make great companions for all! A chocolate medium Labradoodle enjoying a park visit Labradoodles with chocolate coats are such pretty dogs! There is a Labradoodle with a chocolate coat that lives in my neighborhood pictured above on a walk with my Labradoodle Max that I see every day walking all over the place. When he sees me, he actually jumps up on me and starts licking my face! He is a medium-sized Labradoodle dog. There are three sizes of Labradoodles, standard, medium, and miniature. Occasionally you will find a LAbradoodle that does not take to the water — but they are few and far between. The golden-brown coat of a tan Labradoodle enjoying the beach Labradoodles are more than just pets, they become part of our family. Labradoodles are friendly, social animals that love to play and run around with their human friends. Some Labradoodles like to be outdoors, and you will find them rolling in the grass, chasing butterflies, or just plain relaxing. This wavy coat white Labradoodle has very long hair. White coat Labradoodles can get pretty stained and dirty. White Labradoodles are especially prone to this. My labradoodle gets dirt all over his coat after she plays outside! Luckily basic grooming and shampoo do the trick. This rich black coat is a fairly common Labradoodle shade. Black Labradoodle puppies normally have black eyes too see the photo above. This actually makes it quite difficult to capture photographs of them. Labradoodles are loyal and bond closely with their primary family members Labradoodles are amazing friends! Australian Labradoodles are a different breed the Labradoodles although similar! Labradoodles come in all shapes and sizes. Some Labradoodles are thin while others are more stocky. A Red Miniature Labradoodle looks happy in the studio. Friendly, energetic, playful, social, cuddly, smart. AKA — the Labradoodle. Two Labradoodles sniff each other out at a dog park. Labradoodles get on well with other dogs. It is important to introduce your puppy to other dogs as soon as possible. If you live in a city, this will be easy because there will be lots of dogs everywhere. You can find out about off-leash dog parks and dog walking groups in your area and try going along to meet the Labradoodle owners and their Labradoodle friends. This can be done in a professional setting, but many owners prefer to take the job on themselves at home. You will need a Labradoodle-specific brush, labradoodle shampoo, scissors, and nail trimmers. Before you start brushing your Labradoodle put, it in a comfortable position in front of you on the floor or sitting on your lap. Brush their fur from head to tail with a Labradoodle-specific brush picking up any tangles as you go. Labradoodle playing in a water fountain. What a way to cool off on a warm day! Even though they have long coats, Labradoodles can still get sunburn or suffer from sun damage. Give them plenty of opportunities to cool off away from the sun. A Parti Labradoodle in this cause black and white Some Labradoodle will have two shades in their coats. Black and white two-shade Labradoodles are common. A Labradoodle dog running in the snow. Labradoodles love running through the snow, playing with their family, rolling around in the white stuff, barking at the sound of someone nearby, or just relaxing. Labradoodles are also found in many climates. The Labradoodles can be found living on islands such as Hawaii or Australia or on the cold mountainsides of Europe. It will help make bath time easier for life. It can even save money because some Labradoodles shed a lot of hair and need to be groomed more often and DIY grooming saves a bunch. A Labradoodle sits on a couch next to a Pomeranian. Non-shedding small dogs are popular. So are shedding small dogs like Boxers, Bulldogs, Pomeranians, and more A rich Apricot coat Labradoodle at the groomer. Miniature Labradoodles Images This Apricot Mini Labradoodle is looking up at the camera, because he thinks he might get a treat he did. My Labradoodle Max wearing his party hat. POV: You are walking my Labradoodle Max wearing his usual harness Labradoodle Max looks at a toilet paper wall obstacle Labradoodle Max enjoys a cuddle in a towel after a shower and bath Giving a labradoodle puppy a bath can be challenging. Bath time is much easier if Labradoodles are groomed early on. Labradoodles, like other dogs, need to be brushed often. A non-shedding dog coat still needs regular brushing, even when it is cut short like the photo above we shaved our Labradoodle Max before a beach holiday to help prevent coat knotting with daily swims. Before taking a puppy to the beach be sure you have a plan, and safety in mind. My Miniature Labradoodle Max wearing a stylish raincoat Dogs rarely need raincoats. We got one just because it looks great. It does help during walks in cold rain or when there is wind and I am worried that Max will get a chill. An Apricot Mini Labradoodle my puppy Max! Labradoodles will often hang out with their tongues out. A Red Labradoodle enjoying time in the snow. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. He does not have the gene to make a rose-nosed puppy. They display slightly smaller curls than some pups, but it is still not a tight curly fleece. As adults, they will have a coat similar to Tilly, their mom. This coat is easy to care for, does not mat easily, and is easy to brush out regularly. The first two pups pictured have a different dad, they are out of Riley, and the other four are from Sam. Also, note that Riley's pups have a rose nose, and the others have a black nose. These two display tight fleece. Keep short for easy management, or brush regularly to avoid mattes. The first pup had a slightly curlier coat than the others and was fluffier as an adult. You can also see the rose nose on the caramel pup 3 versus the black nose on the apricot pup 6. The black pups range in colors; the first black Australian labradoodle puppy is solid but already showing signs of silver showing through around his nose and will likely silver out as he matures. The other two black pups are phantom or sable, with adorable brown eyebrows—two caramel pups with rose noses and one apricot pup with a black nose. You can see three of each type in this litter. The pups in positions 1, 3, and 6 are tight curls, and the other three are loose. An equal distribution of rose noses, 3 rose and three black. Gypsy makes a wide range of sizes in her litter. In this litter, the Australian labradoodle puppies range in weight, at age 1, from lbs. Typically a Black Poodle is bred with a Black Lab, but since black is a dominant color, sometimes another color of poodle red, chocolate, etc , can still have black puppies. Black Labradoodles have become wildly popular for their sweet, lovable nature, familiar black color, low-shedding and hypoallergenic coat characteristics. Labradoodles come in other colors, such as chocolate, yellow, cream, parti-colors, and occasionally red, but some people love the sweet nature of a Black Labradoodle. Many first generation Black Labradoodles f1 will shed. We recommend getting an F1b Black Labradoodle if you're worried about shedding or have dog allergies. Friendly Black Labradoodles One of the most desirable characteristics of the Black Labradoodle is their deep love of people. A Black Labradoodle is the happiest when they are surrounded by people that they love. They are highly intelligent and trainable, Black Labradoodles enjoy the stimulation of training and are eager to please their loved ones so they pick up on the cues very quickly. Some Black Labradoodle puppies receive many of the Poodle characteristics of being reserved, having a coat that is very fine and needs regular trimming. While other Black Labradoodles receive the excitable and almost immature nature of the Labrador Retrievers. As the Black Labradoodle becomes more common and breeders are crossing them with more consistency the discrepancies are becoming less of an issue and the breed is becoming more consistent. It is important to realize that the AKC does not yet recognize Black Labradoodles as an official breed, though most other registrations recognize them. The AKC actually does not yet recognize any of the doodles. Most families that want a wonderful dog, and are not concerned about show events do not care that the AKC does not officially recognize the Black Labradoodle currently. Black Labradoodle Best Breeders The best way to avoid the inconsistencies of the Black Labradoodle breed is to adopt from a reputable breeder. Avoid puppy mills at all cost and make sure that the breeder you buy from is caring for the health and wellness of your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy from before conception until you take your Black Labradoodle home with you. A Black Labradoodle should have a sleek, black coat with no sprinklings of any other color and have a black nose. Talk to your breeder about silver and blue Labradoodles as they often appear black as puppies. Some people prefer the looks of a silver or blue Labradoodle to a Black Labradoodle. A Blue Labradoodle, for instance, will start out looking like a Black Labradoodle, but as it grows its coat will come in a beautiful "blue" color. Although the color is called "blue" in the dog world it is almost a gun metal gray. Silver Labradoodles are a lighter silver color than a Blue Labradoodle.

Active individuals, families History of Boxer Border Collie Mix There is not a lot of evidence that accurately explains where the Boxollie breed originates from. It is speculated that this crossbreed was designed to eliminate the likelihood of health issues that were commonly present in its parent breeds. Border Collie: Brief History Border Collies are acknowledged to be among the most capable and diligent breeds. Their intelligence, and enthusiasm to fulfill your wishes will make you love them even more. This specific type of dog originated in Scotland. Eventually, it became popular along the English-Scottish border. These canines were often employed to guard and herd flocks of sheep. Their capability in this job was outstanding as they were robust, intelligent and had a strong sense of dedication. C when their predecessors, the Assyrian war dogs, existed. But the modern-day Boxer was developed in Germany during the latter part of the 19th century. Through the years, Boxers have shown amazing capabilities when it comes to a variety of tasks, such as being used as a herding dog, a guard dog, an alarm dog, and even as a guide dog. The Boxollie takes after the Boxer in terms of its overall look. Generally, it has a dense coat that can be either short or medium-length, and it is water-resistant. Its size will depend on which dominant genes it has obtained and can range from medium to large. This breed of dog is exceptionally athletic and intelligent and has an air of cleverness in its bearing. It has a muscular figure that is symmetrically proportionate, and its tail is usually left natural. It has an estimated height of 18 to 22 inches, and a weight of 30 to 45 pounds. This type of canine is of medium size and generally has a solid build. The Boxer on the other hand is a medium-sized breed with a muscular build, measuring between 21 to 25 inches tall, and weighing between 55 and 75 pounds. Based from this information, a Boxollie will typically have a size of medium to big build. This can be accompanied, with a height of around 18 to 25 inches and a weight between 45 and 80 pounds. These may include white, black, black and white, and even gold. If they are properly trained, they can live peacefully with other pets and children in the same household. They are incredibly intelligent. This makes training relatively easily. Intelligence Likewise its Border Collie parent, the Boxollie is an intelligent breed too. They easily understand new commands and even memorize it after 15 to 25 repetitions. This makes a Boxollie as one of the smartest dogs you could have. Energy of Border Collie And Boxer Mix Boxollie canines are a great fit for households that have older kids because of their tendencies to herd and their high energy. These canines have a friendly and gentle nature and rarely display signs of aggressiveness. They are great with children, although they can be a bit too energetic for younger ones and may accidentally knock them over. Thus, constant supervision is still a must from parents. Other Animals The Border Collie Boxer Mix is usually not an aggressive breed and typically gets along well with cats and other animals. Because Boxollies are not originally intended for hunting and generally does not possess a strong drive to chase prey. The heritage of a Border Collie may cause them to display some hunting traits, meaning Boxollies that are not socialized might view smaller pets as animals to herd. This can be avoided by teaching and familiarizing them with socializing from the very start. Strangers These animals take great pleasure in being around their owners and are incredibly steadfast companions. They also have strong sense of protection for their family and abode when it comes to outsiders. Do They Bark A Lot? It is not common for Boxers to bark a lot; if they do, then it is likely due to a legitimate reason. Even though some are not very vocal, they usually have a type of low grumbling sound that is just their way of communicating. Border Collies are a breed that have a tendency to make a lot of noise with their barking. They can be quickly roused by visual stimuli, which is why they bark a lot when they see something that moves rapidly, such as bicycles or skateboards. This particular trait of their parents can be transferred to a Boxollie. Dogs barking can be their way of communication. These particular dogs have a tendency to be extremely devoted to their families and children, making them ideal companions. In addition, they usually get along with other animals well. They can be independent from time to time when the house is loud or there are a lot of people around. Socializing them from a young age can help prevent any unwanted behaviors from forming. They react positively to encouragement and reward, just like all canines. They are usually quite loving and enjoy spending quality time with their owners. It is essential to initiate training of your dog immediately to obey commands such as sit, stay, come, go to their kennel, and to eliminate outdoors. Surprisingly, it is something that you can do yourself even if you are a novice. Initiate a dog obedience routine — find out how you can establish basic foundation before beginning the training. Use games for training — training must be fun for the two of you. Thus, make an effort to integrate games into your training. Learn the value of positive reinforcement — there are countless methods of dog training. But experienced dog trainers would agree that positive reinforcement is the best approach. Compared to other breeds, its shedding is moderate. It is recommended to brush their coat daily using rubber curry brush if the fur is short. If the coat is of medium length, then use a firm bristle brush and a comb. These two work perfectly in removing tangled fur. This helps in maintaining appearance too. If the legs of the dog are feathered, it is best to get them trimmed by a professional groomer. This type of animal is not known for drooling or having any offensive smells. However, their ears, nails, and teeth should still receive proper care. The ears should be examined every week for dirt and wax accumulation. Brushing their teeth daily is recommended and their nails should be trimmed every other week. Unless, they grind down on their own, in which case trimming them monthly should be sufficient. Feeding them a balanced diet, exercising them, and getting them groomed regularly along with regular vet check-ups are all necessary for them to be in optimal condition. All these things are how you can ensure that your Border Collie Boxer mix is healthy and far from any illness. Particularly, the ones that are high in calories and protein. On the safe side, add chondroitin and glucosamine supplements. These are perfect for their joint health which serves as great support for their activeness. However, this figure could be more or less, depending on how you would treat your dog. Of course, attending to their needs and giving their daily requirements add to their vitality. Do the opposite and your dog may not be able to meet their life expectancy. Health Issues Sadly, dogs are not immune to genetic health problems. This includes the Boxer Collie. In fact, these breeds are typically affected by health issues common to its parents. Some of these are elbow and hip dysplasia, eye disorders, hypothyroidism, as well as cardiovascular disease. Fortunately, you can help your dog to avoid from any suffering by taking them to your vet on regular intervals. A pet groomer has the equipment and know-how that you probably lack. Short-haired breeds rarely need a professional groomer as often as long-haired breeds, but it is a great chance to have your dog checked out thoroughly. They can provide you with advice on how to groom your pup in your own home. Professional groomers can provide information on which products work best, how to keep your pooch relaxed, and which tools are ideal for their kind of fur. Does It Shed A Lot? In comparison with other types of canines, Boxers have a tendency to shed moderately. You will be able to observe the amount of shedding based on the season. To help their fur come off quickly, you can brush them more often. Getting them spayed or neutered will eliminate any distinctions and prevent potential pregnancies, as well as avoid males from straying. When picking either a male or a female pup, you may want to take into account other pets that you already have. Even amongst the congenial and easy-going Boxollie breed, two animals of the same gender might become competitive with one another. Nevertheless, with training and proper socialization, this should not be a major problem. Puppies of Border Collie And Boxer Mix A lot of new dog owners would have thought that the price of buying a new puppy is the only thing that they would have to spend their money on. Truth is, there are underlying costs the moment you brought a new puppy to your home. For instance, you would have to buy them toys, dog accessories like collars and leashes, doing frequent visit to the vet, sourcing quality foods and treats, bringing to a professional groomer to keep them in immaculate shape and so forth. If you are not ready for these expenses, then you may want to reserve the idea of getting a Border Collie Boxer mix for the meantime. Do not work with someone who breeds multiple types of dogs. Someone who claim to be specializing in extraordinary colors, sizes, etc. Take out of your selection any breeders who only allows for cash or credit cards. Also, if they are interviewing interested fur parents regarding their capability to care and raise the dog. On the other hand, if you are someone who has an active lifestyle and loves to have a companion that you can take with your outdoor trips, the Boxollie can make the most of your trip. These dogs are highly energetic and smart. They require time from their owner to give them their daily needs from exercising them, training and socialization. These are all essential elements in ensuring that you can raise a well-mannered dog. Lawrence Lawrence is a genuine dog enthusiast. His personal favorite is the Border Collie. He has vast knowledge about these dogs. Throughout his lifetime, he spent raising and training countless dogs. Eventually, he has come to a unique and deeper understanding of human-dog connection that puts him in a position where he is today. Lifespan Sociability While hybrid breeds can inherit various traits from their parent breeds, one thing you can be sure of when bringing home a Border Collie Boxer Mix is energy, a ton of it. Both the Boxer and Border Collie are infamous for their almost endless energy reserves, and your Boxollie is unlikely to be much different. This means you need to prepare for daily walks and exercise sessions of at least a couple of hours, and this will take a large chunk of time, commitment, and dedication. They are ideally suited to a home with a large fenced yard where they have a large amount of space to run and play. These dogs are not suited for apartments or small homes without large yards unless they can be taken for vigorous exercise for several hours a day, and even then, they will present a challenge. They are incredibly intelligent. Border Collies are widely agreed upon to be the most intelligent dog on the planet, capable of learning hundreds of unique words and commands. Chaser, a Border Collie belonging to classical musician John Pilley, knows upward of 1, words and can remember the names of thousands of different objects, even years after learning them. Boxers were used in both World Wars. During the First World War, Boxers were one of seven breeds chosen to aid German soldiers as messengers and to carry heavy packs. Boxers are late bloomers. Boxers retain their puppyhood for quite some time, and this can cause difficulty in training them. They only fully mature at around 3 or 4 years old, making them one of the breeds with the longest puppyhood. These dogs need to be kept busy; otherwise, they are prone to a host of misbehavior, including excessive barking, chewing, and attempting to herd whatever they can, including your children! They are quick learners and will excel in training and agility sports, as well as be affectionate and gentle with children. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are kind and gentle dogs that are rarely aggressive and are great with children. While they are generally well-behaved pooches, they may be a bit boisterous for younger children and can easily accidentally knock them over. They are incredibly loyal and make great guard dogs too. That being said, the Border Collie heritage may result in some herding characteristics, and any small pets may be seen as animals to be rounded up. Of course, with early socialization and proper training, this can be avoided. Life Span Did You Know? The Border Collie is a very athletic, medium-sized dog that is part of the Herding Group. They were developed for herding sheep along the border between England and Scotland. Their ancestry can be traced back to crosses between the larger, heavier Roman herding dogs and the lighter, smaller, and spitz-type Viking herding dogs. It is from these agile and compact herding dogs that the modern Border Collie was developed. Border Collies are still used as herding and working dogs on farms and ranches today. They are even considered one of the best dog breeds for farms. In addition to making a great companion for an active family, they excel at dog sports like agility, tracking, obedience, and more. They are highly intelligent, loyal, affectionate, and responsive. However, they are not cuddly couch potatoes. They get along well with children and other dogs, and are considered one of the great dog breeds for large families. Although they are a friendly dog breed when well-socialized, they can still be reserved or slightly suspicious of strangers at first. Early socialization is key with any dog breed. It can go a long way in directing the seemingly endless energy and herding tendencies of the Border Collie into more positive activities. Border Collies are sensitive, but also relatively adaptable. As one of the most active dog breeds , they thrive in homes with fenced yards where they can run freely. Although they are high energy, they can adapt to apartment living provided plenty of time is dedicated to getting them the daily exercise and mental stimulation they need. Although they can handle some chill, they are not fans of very cold or hot climates. They will be happiest in a moderate climate and in a space where they get to run. They can be okay with some alone time, but they thrive on affection from their families and get bored easily, so they should not be left alone for long periods of time. If left to their own devices, a Border Collie will start to invent their own games. All of these are health issues for which the parents can be tested and cleared. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to prevent passing avoidable 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. The National Breed Club recommends a hip evaluation and an ophthalmologist evaluation at a minimum. Border Collies are one of the smartest dog breeds. They pick up on things quickly, can learn complicated commands, and are highly trainable dogs. Although they are quick and eager to learn, they tend to be very difficult for the average person to train, so may not be a good fit for novice dog owners. Even an experienced dog owner may benefit from some puppy training classes. The classic Border Collie coat comes in two variations — rough and smooth. A rough coat is medium length and is flat or slightly wavy or feathered while a smooth coat is coarser and smoother. Common coat colors can vary from bicolor and tricolor to solid, merle, or sable. Since Border Collies have a weather-resistant double coat that will shed a little year-round and heavier as seasons change, brushing a few times a week with a pin brush is recommended to remove tangles and prevent mats. During seasonal shedding, daily brushing is recommended. Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. Nail trims once or twice a month keep nails from growing too long. Weekly ear checks along with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Daily dental care in addition to cleanings at the vet when needed can help prevent dental diseases. One of the well-known facts about Border Collies is that they are high-energy dogs. They are known for their seemingly endless energy. These dogs need daily walks, playtime, time to run, and more, plus a job to do, to be happy and healthy. And, you will probably run out of energy before they do. The good news is that they are athletic and versatile dogs, so once puppies finish growing and can do higher-impact activities, you can try a lot of different things with your Border Collie. They are one of the dog breeds that make good running partners and are likely to enjoy plenty of other activities. Your Border will be more than happy to have something active to do, especially if they get to spend time with you while doing it. Fully-grown Border Collies usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Border Collies generally live for years on average. This dog breed also shows up in several dog movies and held a feature role in the movie Babe. Featured Border Collie Article.

They love spending time with their owners and letting their playful and fun characters shine through. They are eager to please and very loyal dogs. Originally Boxers were bred to be working dogs, which is why they have such high exercise needs and energy to spare! Common health problems in Boxers Boxers are intelligent dogs who are very loyal to their families. Sadly, like many other purebred dogs, they are prone to certain conditions. If you are thinking of buying a Boxer puppy , make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by certain conditions. Some of the conditions Boxers may develop include: Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS — this can cause severe breathing problems in some Boxers with shorter faces. Epilepsy — a brain disorder causing seizures. Eye problems — such as corneal ulcers due to the shape of their skulls and prominence of the eyes. Heart problems — such as cardiomyopathy or aortic stenosis. Before breeding, parents should be screened. Skin problems - such as warts, skin tags, skin allergies and soreness in skin folds around the face skin fold dermatitis. Certain cancers. If you want to minimise the risk of your dog getting problems, you can read our advice on choosing a pedigree dog. Caring for your boxer Boxers are fun and active dogs who can be high maintenance due to their exercise needs. If you love getting out and about walking, they could be a good breed for you! A large secure garden is a must if you have a Boxer so they have plenty of space to blow off steam. Boxers can be very boisterous so do better with an experienced and patient! Boxers and barking Your Boxer is likely to make noise and how much they do make will be down to their training and personality. Boxers are naturally very good guard dogs and so are more likely to bark to make their owners aware of any comings and goings around the home. Training and socialisation Boxers are clever dogs but can be boisterous, so positive, reward-based training from a young age is really important. Boxers mature a lot slower than other breeds, so having a large amount of puppy energy in such a big dog can be challenging for some owners. You need to handle your Boxer with a firm but fair attitude and make sure you are patient and consistent. They can be boisterous so make sure you train them not to jump up at people from a young age. Boxers love human company so can develop separation anxiety if left alone. If they are alone or bored, they like to chew which means your furniture and belongings will be at risk! Exercise Boxers are very high energy, active dogs who love playing and being involved in everything going on. They keep their puppy attitude longer than most dogs so you might find your Boxer rarely has a calm moment at home! Your Boxer will need a minimum of two hours exercise every day. This should be split into a few walks with plenty of opportunities for sniffing around and exploring. You should also give your Boxer plenty of time to exercise off lead somewhere secure so they can have a good run around. On top of this, your Boxer will also need regular, short training sessions. They will also need lots of playtime and free time in the garden to do what they want. Grooming Boxers are fairly low maintenance when it comes to grooming. They have short fur which only needs a weekly brush to keep it in good condition. As with any dog, you should expect your Boxer to shed throughout the year, more so in spring and autumn. A regular hoover should be enough to keep on top of it. Due to the excess skin around their faces, Boxers are at risk of developing a condition called skin fold dermatitis. Boxers and children Generally speaking, Boxers are good around children of all ages given the right training. An adult only home or one with teenagers is better for a Boxer. Always supervise your dog with children and vulnerable adults. Puppy socialisation classes are a great way to get your pup used to new dogs. Early socialisation will help your dog get along well other dogs as an adult. They may get along OK with a cat they have grown up with, but you should always supervise your Boxer with smaller pets. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your Boxer should be eating. You should feed them a good quality, commercially available, complete dog food. We usually recommend splitting their daily allowance into two meals. If you give your dog the occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily allowance. Try to feed your dog at similar times every day as they like routine. Remember to leave a gap between eating and exercising. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. These breeders must do extra health tests and meet higher standards. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. Get ready with the ear plugs, because Boxers are known for loud snoring! Boxers originated in Germany in the s so are considered a fairly new breed. Getting a Boxer Do plenty of research before getting a Boxer. These playful and lively dogs keep their puppy ways well into their adult years so need an understanding owner with plenty of time and patience! Boxers can be really loving in the right household and will love spending time with you. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a Boxer. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in Boxers are also out there. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary screening tests, health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. Each year, Boxer puppies are among the most popular dogs in the United Kingdom. And we totally get it — Boxers are incredible dogs. Unfortunately, increased Boxer dog breed popularity has led to the increase of irresponsible breeding. Nowadays, there are many adverts on pet market sites and most of them do not promise healthy Boxer pups. I mean, they do promise a high-quality Boxer puppy , but most do not have adequate documentation. This breed is very specific in terms of its heart problems. Irresponsible breeding can only produce Boxers that are prone to serious health conditions such as Cardiomyopathy and Aortic Stenosis. It took many years of careful selective breeding to achieve these incredible results. Thoughtful selection along with regular health tests is what makes a pedigree dog that is suitable to compete in championship shows. Many reliable Boxer breeders do not have their own website. Instead, they are listed on trustworthy sites like Champdogs and reputable Boxer clubs. Who They Are Christine Beardsell and her late husband have been into Boxer breeding and judging for most of their lives. They participated in championship shows and their Boxers have been winning one award after the other. Christine has been in dog show judging since .However, once her husband Patrick passed away, it was her daughter Vikki Van-Beck that continued the legacy. Today, this mother and daughter duo are on a championship show winning spree! On their website, you can see how much they have accomplished from up until today. They are focused on eradicating congenital health issues that most Boxers suffer from. What They Offer Purebred Boxer puppies with excellent genetic profile. Newlaithe does not offer bobtail Boxers as they are mixed with Corgi genes. They only produce Boxer pups with a clear genetic profile. That being said, Newlaithe Boxers are the healthiest puppies around. They are also the prettiest — you have got to check out their brindle Boxer pups! They also offer high-quality Boxer stud dog service. Newlaithe Boxers details. Aug 18, Share Boxers were originally bred in Germany as guard dogs in the 18th century. This medium to large-sized dog was bred as a cross between the Bullenbeisser dog now extinct and the Bulldog. The Boxers we know and love today for their silliness and energy have emerged from a Molosser-type dog that was used in hunting. It is important to note that officially there is only one type of Boxer breed that has different bloodlines. Sometimes, these bloodlines are mixed, while other times they are absolutely pure. There are no variant types or official sub-categories in the official sense. However, there are plenty of morphological differences among Boxer breeds to consider. Below are the different types of Boxer dog breeds and their differences. The 3 Types of Boxer Dogs 1. The dog is preferred for its slightly larger frame as compared to the UK and American Boxer. The bones are dense and large, which helps give the musculature a slightly more pronounced definition. The width of the thigh in this breed is slightly wider as compared to others. A feature typical to German Boxers is the length between their skull and snout. The length is exactly in the ratio of in German Boxers with a pure bloodline. The snout, in comparison to other types, is smaller than the American Boxer and wider than the UK Boxer type. United Kingdom Boxer Dog A post shared by Boxergone boxergone Defining characteristic: Considered the most elegant among all Boxers, owing to its high knuckles atop small feet This breed is also called the English Boxer or British Boxer. The UK Boxer stands out for being more lithe, sleek, and athletic as compared to other Boxer breeds. It has a slender musculature and a stylized body that allows for further agility and precise movements. English Boxers have the highest knuckles of all other variants. They are also thought to be the smallest with thinner and shorter legs. However, this does not mean that they lack strength or speed. However, it was the first one to be given official recognition in by American Kennel Club. The breed is the easiest to recognize among all other variants, thanks to the lack of wrinkles in adult dogs. Their coat is also denser, brighter, and stronger than English and German Boxers. The American Boxer stands differently from the English Boxer. This is because of the shape of its ankles, paws, and knuckles. However, it is easy to confuse American Boxers with German Boxers since both of them have the same stance. How about a UK Boxer? The answer is very little. All are considered to be 1 breed: The Boxer. However, each of these 3 Boxers have very slight differences. Dogs of these countries are bred to perfect these slight variances. With German Boxers, the nose is generally smaller; however only by a very small degree. The width of the thigh is slightly wider than the other types. As you can see, the skin other than the head has no wrinkles. Most, but not all, will have a tighter coat. The American Boxer, as well as the German Boxer stands differently than the UK Boxer due to the shape of the paws, knuckles and ankles. FAQ Are there different breeds of Boxers? The answer is no; there is only 1 Boxer breed. There are even dogs with all 3 types in the bloodline. How do I know which type of Boxer I have? If you obtain your Boxer from a professional Boxer breeder they will most certainly tell you which bloodlines they are breeding. Some do focus on just one certain style and will obtain dam and sires of that bloodline.What type of Boxer conforms to dog show standards? It depends which country you are in. In America, the judges tend to base their opinions on not only the American breed standard, but how the dog compares to others most commonly seen at shows. The written breed standards for many clubs can be applied to all 3 styles of Boxers. Some will say that U. Do breeders ever mix bloodlines? Some breeders who live by the rule that a Boxer is a Boxer, will mix bloodlines. Others hold a strict standard to never mix at all and work to preserve a strong line without any other types being mixed in. Many dogs have both American and European bloodlines.And with all of the breeding that has occurred over all of the past generations, one would be hard pressed to locate a dog that does not hold a trace of 2 or even 3 of the different bloodlines somewhere, even if it is very far back in the pedigree. Which type is the best? Generally, temperament is the same across the board. There are some that will say one type has more energy than the other, or one bloodline has more aggressive tendencies, however this has nothing to do with UK vs US or anything of the sort, it only has to do with the particular dog. There is no one to judge which Boxer breed type is the best; it is all a matter of personal taste. Someone living in America may have a gorgeous German Boxer and visa-versa. You may also like: Oldest Boxer Dogs - Boxers that have lived past the expected 9 to 12 years. This means there is often excess skin around their face which leads to skin folds. The skin inside these folds can become sore and infections are prone to develop. They are more common in brachycephalic breeds due to their conformation, as their eyes tend to be more bulbous. The breed is also predisposed to: - Hip dysplasia - Aortic stenosis which is a narrowing of one of the blood vessels lead from the heart and can result in heart failure. Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing: None but there are several recommended schemes that the Kennel Club recommends which can be found here. Craun et al, 'Genetic and environmental risk for lymphoma in boxer dogs. Lively, strong and loyal, they make great pets for all the family, adults and children alike, but can be boisterous so may not be suitable in a home with very young children - or where owners don't have time to give them the attention and exercise they need as they can get bored easily! Fearless and very self-assured, they are not quick to pick a fight, but more than able to defend themselves if they have to. They do not like being left home alone and can become distressed and destructive.

Also, check out our Goldendoodle puppy weight calculator — a tool that gives you an idea of how big your puppy may get based on a few factors. About the F1 Goldendoodle The Goldendoodle is a crossbreed that only recently captured the hearts of dog lovers. Both the Golden Retriever and the Standard Poodle are a medium- to large-size breed, thereby creating a medium- to large-size breed in the Standard Goldendoodle. In comparison, F2 Goldendoodles have two F1 parents. Either way, this designer breed is active, a good companion, intelligent, social, easily trainable, and can also make a good guide or therapy dog. Our veterinarian, Dr. Jennifer Coates, emphasizes the importance of keeping puppies lean. The abdomen and waist should show a noticeable tuck when viewed from the side and top of the dog. Work with your veterinarian to figure out the best size for your Goldendoodle as she grows into adulthood. Using roughly 50, healthy dogs as a reference, the Waltham puppy charts show the target range for a healthy growing puppy. Moving lower on the chart could be associated with unhealthy weight loss. What Age do Goldendoodles Stop Growing? A Goldendoodle puppy goes through a typical puppyhood, consisting of multiple developmental stages. Those stages make up the first to second year of life. For instance, a Standard Goldendoodle puppy will, on average, grow at about the same rate as other medium to large dogs like the German Shepherd and Collie. A Medium Goldendoodle may take a couple of more months to reach most of his adult size. A Standard Goldendoodle is a large-size dog and typically takes just over a year to become fully grown. But this is an average and some dogs can take up to 2 years to become full-grown adult dogs. The AKC estimates a large dog who weighs anywhere from 51 to pounds reaches full size at around 18 months old. How big your puppy gets depends on which type of Goldendoodle you have or are going to get — mini, medium, or standard. Across the three types, adult dogs can weigh anywhere from 15 to 90 pounds. Even then, knowing how big your Goldendoodle will get is not exact. For a guide, check out our Goldendoodle weight chart, which breaks down the weight range for each type of Goldendoodle puppy, from 8 weeks old to fully grown. The Miniature Goldendoodle weighs approximately 15 to 30 pounds in adulthood. He stands about 13 to 15 inches high at the shoulders. The Medium Goldendoodle weighs around 30 to 45 pounds in adulthood and stands roughly 15 to 20 inches at the shoulder. The Standard Goldendoodle weighs approximately 45 to 90 pounds in adulthood, and measures about 20 to 24 inches at the shoulders. Coates, advises the numbers are a general gauge. Goldendoodle Puppy Size and Weight Calculator Goldendoodle puppies sport a variety of coat types and colors, never mind sizes. If you want to keep your furniture dog-hair free, check special pet hair removal tools to keep your home tidy. No matter which Goldendoodle graces your life, or might soon, your new puppy is sure to bring you lots of smiles. Take care of your puppy, monitor her growth, and keep close tabs on her health. Refer to our Goldendoodle puppy growth chart to see the average growth rate for puppies 8 weeks old and up. Beginning with the Mini Goldendoodle growth chart and ending with the Standard Goldendoodle growth chart, we provide you with the average weight ranges per month across the three different-size Goldendoodles, for males and females. For instance, a 3-month-old Miniature Goldendoodle puppy typically weighs between 6 and 12 pounds, while a 3-month-old Medium Goldendoodle puppy weighs between 12 and 18 pounds. Also included in the chart is the average height for the full-size Miniature, Medium, and Standard Goldendoodle. You can also use our puppy size predictor to find out how big your Goldendoodle might get as an adult. And, of course, their genetics. When it comes to F1b Goldendoodles, we can expect the size of the Poodle used in the mix to affect the outcome the most, as they have been bred back to a Poodle. Although reputable Doodle breeders cannot guarantee the full grown F1b Goldendoodle size, they can take certain steps throughout the breeding process, such as the one we just mentioned, and also inform you about their breeding practices, past litters, and potential outcomes. Nonetheless, they follow the same growth patterns as most other dogs, depending on their estimated adult size. Overall, this correlates to the first six months of their life. Once your F1b Goldendoodle puppy reaches half its full weight, their growth will start to gradually slow down and plateau some time around their first birthday, give or take. Again, this will depend on their estimated adult size. Interestingly enough, puppies tend to reach their full adult height a bit sooner than their full grown weight, making them look a bit funny with their long legs and slim bodies. The largest of them all, Standard F1b Goldendoodles, usually weigh anywhere from 50 to 90 pounds once adults. They tend to reach half their adult weight some time between 4. Larger Standard Goldendoodles may take even up to two whole years! These pups will also reach half their adult weight a bit sooner than standard-sized pups, around 3. They will then continue to grow at a slower pace, plateauing at their full adult weight somewhere between 7. Hopefully this article managed to answer all of your questions on this topic, so you can be well prepared for many years to come with a wonderful Dood by your side! From Pup to Full Grown Goldendoodle! If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More Got a new Goldendoodle puppy? How big will they get? What are they supposed to weigh at checkups? This is especially true if a puppy is still under 4 months old. Goldendoodle Age Chart Just like humans, every puppy grows at a different rate. However, there is an observed general growth curve. And between Mini, Medium, and Standard Goldendoodles, that growth curve varies slightly, as well. The visual graph in our Goldendoodle Sizes article shows the average weight by age in weeks per size of Goldendoodle. From the chart data we can verify a couple of things. Be sure to check out the aforementioned article to view our most recent Goldendoodle growth data. Also, if you want a prediction on how big your Goldendoodle will get, grab their weight and age in weeks and check out our Doodle growth calculator! A full grown Goldendoodle is one that has reached maturity in both height and weight. Generally speaking, Mini and Medium Goldendoodles are fully grown between months of age. A full grown Standard Goldendoodle reaches maturity between .How Big is a Full Grown Goldendoodle? Miniature Goldendoodles top out between pounds at maturity. Medium Goldendoodles weigh between pounds at full grown. Standard Goldendoodles can weigh anywhere from pounds once fully grown. Ace is a Standard Goldendoodle. How freaking cute is Ace? Be sure to give Ace and his Aussiedoodle sister Pepper a follow on Instagram! Hopefully this post helps you to envision what your full grown Goldendoodle will look like! Let us know in the comments below! Predicting the mature size of a puppy is by no means an exact science, especially with a hybrid breed like the goldendoodle. How big will my goldendoodle puppy be? From birth until the gotchya day, puppies have fluctuated back and forth in terms of who weighs the most. Even though adult weight is a bit of a guess for a young puppy, expect mini goldendoodles to weigh 4lbs-9lbs at 8 weeks of age. A medium puppy and standard puppy may both weigh 9lbs at 8 weeks old, but the standard puppy with gain weight at a quicker rate than the medium. Like most dog breeds, goldendoodles generally do the majority of their growing in the first six months of life. In fact, many mini goldendoodle puppies reach half of their adult weight by four months. Standard goldendoodles may take a month or so longer to reach that halfway mark. The larger the dog, the longer growing takes. For mini goldendoodles, expect the weight to start leveling off between months of age. Standard goldendoodles, like other large dog breeds, will grow for a longer period of time. While this rule may work for many standards, it is not accurate with smaller-sized goldendoodles who finish growing at a younger age. When will my goldendoodle stop growing? Dogs can finish growing anywhere between years of age, but generally reach their maximum height by a year of age and spend the remaining months filling out. This means your dog might hit a growth spurt right after her first birthday — she might not get any taller but she could thicken up. Golden retrievers grow at a slower rate in terms of height than standard poodles, but fill out more quickly. Golden retrievers tend to finish growing and filling out between months while standard poodles can take up to 2 years to accomplish the same. Established breeds generally reproduce naturally, whereas first-generation mini goldendoodles require artificial insemination. Subsequent generations of hybrid breeds i. F1b, F2b, etc. F1b goldendoodles can potentially have a slightly more predictable size range if the parents are similar sizes. Our 19lb F1 goldendoodle and 24lb poodle produce F1b mini goldendoodle puppies ranging in weight from lbs as adults. Embark is a canine genetic testing company that offers a variety of canine disease and trait tests in their panel. Order an Embark testing kit off Amazon , send in that quick cheek swab, and Embark will happily send you the results. Check out our goldendoodle puppy time lapses to watch various goldendoodles grow up right before your eyes! If you would like to submit data, please complete our quick survey or email goldendoodles timberidgefarms. Growth patterns vary from dog to dog but there are some generalities you may find helpful. Remember, this is a guide only, not a guarantee! Thank you for your support! We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share this:. F1 Goldendoodles are classified as light to non-shedders. They only drop a little bit of hair here and there throughout the year and do not go through heavy seasonal shedding like other breeds. The best way to reduce the amount that your dog sheds is to regularly brush them. Slicker brushes are great for dogs with single coats and deshedding tools are great for dogs with double coats. It is important to realise that there is no such thing as a totally non-shedding dog and that Goldendoodles along with other Poodle mixes are the closest to this definition. Are F1 Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic? F1 Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic as they are a low shedding breed and therefore do not release much allergy inducing dander into their surroundings. That being said, there are other generations of Goldendoodle that are more hypoallergenic than F1 Goldendoodles. For example, F1b Goldendoodles are usually more hypoallergenic as they have a higher percentage of Poodle genes than F1 Goldendoodles. The same goes with F1bb and F2b Goldendoodles. This is because Poodles are hypoallergenic while Golden Retrievers are not. F1 Goldendoodle Lifespan On average, F1 Goldendoodles live for 10 to 15 years however this depends on the size of the breed. Generally, the F1 generation is the healthiest as it is the first cross — the result of breeding a purebred Golden Retriever with a Poodle. They love spending time around people and other animals alike and are so affectionate and gentle. F1 Goldendoodles are keen to please which makes them pretty easy to train. They are also relatively easy to care for. The only real complaint of owners is the constant grooming requirements of Goldendoodles. F1 Goldendoodle Coat Colors There are many coat colors that first generation Goldendoodle can come in however some are much rarer than others. Black, chocolate and pure-white coats are possible in first generation Goldendoodles however they are much rarer than common coat colors like red, apricot and english cream. They may have small white patches over their body like on their chest or paws however these as technically Black and White Goldendoodles. F1 Goldendoodles can only be this color if they inherit it from the Poodle as purebred Golden Retrievers are never black. They are therefore more commonly found in back-cross generations such as an F1b, F1bb or F2b Goldendoodle. Some English Cream Goldendoodles have black noses while others have light brown or beige noses. English Cream F1 Goldendoodles are often mistaken for Labradoodles because they are so light in color. It is not a rare coat color as they can inherit it from either the Poodle or the Golden Retriever. Their coats can be anywhere from a reddish cream to a rusty brown color. F1 Goldendoodles with lighter red coats are usually called Apricot Goldendoodles. Red F1 Goldendoodles are quite common. Wavy coats are the most common for F1 Goldendoodles and curly coats are the next most common. Very curly coats are generally seen in cross back generations such as F1b or F1bb Goldendoodles as they have a higher percentage of Poodle genes. Straight coats are pretty rare for F1 Goldendoodles as they are usually seen in reverse Goldendoodle generations where the Goldendoodle has been bred back to a Golden Retriever instead of a Poodle. Some popular ones include: Teddy Bear Cut.

Stress Or Trauma Factors that can also influence if and when your German Shepherd puppy starts to have erect ears include stress or trauma. An injury can also cause their ears to suddenly drop if they were erect before. German Shepherd puppies can get hurt while playing, can get bitten by another dog, or simply get a twig or splinter caught in their ear. In other cases, the issue may simply be that they scratched their ears too much. Broken ear cartilage is a common issue affecting German Shepherd dogs. It can be caused by an injury or even genetics. This condition is not usually painful and the cartilage will repair itself with proper care over time. They can help rule out issues like injury, ear infections, developmental problems, or stress as the culprits and provide appropriate solutions. Teething German Shepherd puppies need calcium to grow healthy bones and teeth. They also need calcium to develop strong ear cartilage that will help their ears stand upright. Therefore, you should not worry if you only see erect ears in your German Shepherd puppy once they are done teething. In other cases, their ears may start to perk up and drop back down during the teething period, only to perk back up again once the adult teeth are fully developed. In certain cases, muscles and ligaments do not develop properly because of genetic or breeding issues. Poor genetics may be caused by improper diet during puppyhood and improper breeding practices and can lead to floppy ears. It is completely normal for young puppies to have floppy ears. However, if your puppy is above that age and still not showing signs that their ears are perking up, there may be other reasons for this, including genetics, poor breeding, ear infections, diet, or injuries. You should investigate the underlying cause and talk to your veterinarian about your options. While your puppy is growing and their features are still developing, the ears may go up and down. This typically happens when the dog is around three months old and they start teething. Since most of the calcium resources are directed to the teeth during the teething period, the lack of calcium to their ear cartilage sometimes causes the ears to flop. However, this is only temporary and the ears should stand up again once the teething is over. Pricked-up ears are a staple of the German Shepherd breed and surely a feature you want your GSD to have. If they are not there yet on their own, there are a few ways to help your German Shepherd puppy get their ears straight and standing up strong. Taping While it may sound like something that may cause them discomfort at first, you should know that taping German Shepherd ears is a common technique. It will not cause any harm to your puppy as it simply guides their ears into the correct upright position. Your GSD puppy will most likely paw at the insert at first but they will eventually get used to it. Leave it on for a week and you should see a change in the ear position by that time. If the ears are not standing up on their own after a week, re-tape the insert and keep it on for another week until you check their position and strength again. This is important not only as they grow and develop but also into their adult life, as German Shepherds are prone to certain health issues. They help the ears heal while also guiding them to stand up straight. For extra safety, you can place a headband on the puppy while they engage in activities with other dogs. You should also ensure their ear hygiene and keep water out of their ears to reduce the risk of infections and head shaking. German Shepherds use their ears to communicate and different ear positions mean different things. For instance: If the dog is alert, their ears will perk up. If they are submissive, they will tilt back. If they are fearful or anxious, their ears will drop back. If they are focused on more than one sound, they may tilt in different directions. If their ears are back and they have an open mouth or are yawning, this may mean your dog is stressed or anxious. If they are all the way back and your dog is whimpering, they may be showing signs of sickness. Your GSD puppy will most likely have droopy ears until they are five to six months old and beautifully straight and strong upright ears for the rest of their life. Yes, German Shepherds keep their ears perked and upright given their strong but flexible cartilage. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are majestic creatures and their perked ears are among the most notable physical features of this popular breed. Bright eyes, strong profiles, and of course, those perky, attentive ears! When you first bring your German Shepherd puppy home, its ears will probably be floppy and droopy — at times, those ears may try to make a stand, only to fall back down again. What gives!? As your German Shepherd grows and gets the right nutrition among other things , the cartilage gets stronger and stronger. And voila — straight, pointy German Shepherd ears! But is it really that simple? Sometimes, yes. Sometimes, no. German Shepherd puppy ears can be unpredictable! The key is to be patient and give those ears time to develop on their own before stepping in. Those ears should perk back up after teething is over. If you want to learn more about the timing of teething and what to look for, check out this article on German Shepherd puppy teething. When went to visit my German Shepherd, Allie pictured above at 7 weeks old , her ears were floppy and undeniably precious. I brought Allie home at 8 weeks, and those ears still had their ups and downs, but by 10 weeks old, her ears were up permanently. So, the key is to catch it in time. This flip-floppy stage is completely normal. Genetics can also come into play when some breeders try to breed specifically for German Shepherds with larger ears. As a result, those big, oversized, heavy ears may be too much to stand up. If pointy, perky ears are important to you, then choose your breeder and puppy carefully. Make sure to check out the parents — how do their ears look? Any significant trauma to the ears during this time can cause permanent damage — which may also cause droopy ears. Try to have everyone keep their hands off those adorable ears as much as possible. Parasites: Yuck. Puppies need chew toys, as it exercises their jaw and their head and neck muscles. Those muscles are important for perky puppy ears. So, let your puppy chew, chew, and chew on the right things of course. If you need some ideas for durable dog toys that can withstand those chomping jaws, then check out this article for my picks of the best tough German Shepherd chew toys. Stick to a high-quality, natural diet instead. Cottage cheese and yogurt both have plenty of calcium without overdoing it , and chicken feet are a natural source of glucosamine, which helps strengthen cartilage. Give those ears time to develop on their own before you resort to taping. At the end of the article are some sources that go over common methods of taping. Note: There are several options that you can use for this — there are even foam dog ear forms. Thin, white surgical tape that tears easily. A 2-inch wide tape works well, and you can also get this at Walmart, CVS, or somewhere similar. Note: Do NOT use duct tape or electrical tape — these will do way more harm than good! An unsharpened pencil or popsicle stick. Adhesive — either skin bond adhesive or eyelash glue are good choices. Give those ears plenty of time to develop and get stronger before taking action. How old was your German Shepherd puppy when its ears finally stood up? Let me know below! I get a lot of emails about taping German Shepherd puppy ears. The majority of these emails come from people who are jumping the gun and worrying too much. By that, I mean their pups are 3 or 4 months old and they are starting to panic because their puppy's ears are not standing. I tell these people that they need patience, they need to wait until their pup has finished teething. I caution these people not to jump the gun and tape the dog's ears too early or in the wrong way. I know people who have screwed their dog's ears up for life by doing this. I have had puppy customers who go ballistic on me and panic. So I issue a word of caution here. With that said, the other side of the spectrum of taping ears is something that many people do not take seriously until it's too late. When ears are taped at 7 and 8 months, there is very little chance of it working. This is an unfortunate fact of life. German Shepherd puppy ears can come up between 8 weeks and 6 months. If they are not up when the dog is through teething this varies from dog to dog but in general between 16 weeks and 20 weeks of age , I tell my puppy customers to get very interested in their ears. While it's not time to panic, it is time to sit up and take notice. The first thing to do is make sure that your puppy is in good health. This means no intestinal parasites. Take a stool sample to your vet to have it analyzed. It's also important to make sure the pup is getting good quality food. We feed and recommend a raw diet but if you do feed a commercial diet, I strongly recommend researching all the options available and feeding the highest-quality food you can afford. View our list of all-natural kibble alternatives. In fact, a lot of times, a pup will have both ears up and all of a sudden, they will come back down when the pup starts to teeth. Many owners panic when this happens. But not to worry, I have never seen a pup whose ears did not go back up when this happens. If a pup does not have his ears up by 5 months, I strongly recommend that you get involved with taping your dog's ears. Use the thin white surgical tape the kind that's paper-thin and tears easily. The 3M Micropore tape, 2" wide, works well. I like to use women's hair rollers. Take the plastic out of them and just use the foam. Wrap the ear around the foam and tape them into a tight roll. In a vertical position. Take a popsicle stick and attach it to the top part of both ears. In a horizontal position. The pup is going to tear the tape or stick off the ears several times. The key is to continue to re-tape the ears. Sooner or later, the pup will forget the tape and ignore it. About once a week, take the tape off and see if the ears will stand on their own. Continue to re-tape until the ears stand. If the ears are not up by 7 or 8 months, they are not going to come up. The ears should look like this once taped. The same dog with ears now up. I have seen ears that did not stand, which in my opinion would have stood had they been taped. So this process is not something to take lightly. I also need to say that many ears will be a little weak right after taping but with time, they will strengthen. So when an ear does not stand perfectly after taping don't panic. Just have patience and see what happens. You will really not have an idea exactly what you have until the pup is 12 months old. When ears do not stand, there are ear implants that can be surgically added. I have no experience with this and do not know anything about them. If you are unlucky enough to have a dog whose ears will not stand, I would point you toward a vet that has some experience in this area. I don't think it's something that normal small animal vets know how to do well. In my opinion, too young to tape. The material to use to tape German Shepherd Ears The pup with its ears taped I prefer taping German Shepherd Dogs ears after the dog has finished teething. This usually means the dog is older than 4 - 6 months. Maybe waiting another month would have been a better idea for this puppy.

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

Final Thoughts Labradoodles and The Great Hypoallergenic Debate Chances are you already know that Doodles, as a type of so-called designer dog, came about as a solution to the issue of pet allergies. Basically, many of the very best service animals are high shedders, which is a problem for those sensitive to the proteins found in dog saliva and carried by loose hair. While experts agree that no dog is ever completely hypoallergenic — all dogs shed to some extent, after all. The Poodle with its trademark curly hair coat is just about as close as you can come. Breeders have been modifying dogs for certain purposes in this way for generations. By finding just the right combination of working dog genes and low-shed ones, it was possible to develop the perfect service animals for those with allergies. Well, that all depends on the kind of coat they inherit… The Three Types of Labradoodle Coats The thing about Labradoodles is not only do they have two very distinct parent pups, but these parent pups also have widely varying coats. In fact, they are about as different as you can get. Doodle with a curly wool coat. Hair Coat Right at the other end of the canine spectrum, you have the Labrador Retriever straight-haired double coat. Naturally, this one is the highest shedding of the three although it has to be said that it is nowhere near as bad as the regular old Labrador Retriever type. Doodle with straight hair Fleece Coat Finally, your pal could end up with a coat that sits somewhere in between the two extremes. Wavy and single-layered, the fleece coat is likely the one that most people think of if they picture the Doodle. Rather than resembling one parent over the other, the dogs are distinctively Doodle, looking like gorgeous little teddy bear dogs. Doodle with wavy coat. The reason? As per the title of this article… Labradoodle coat change. The shedding of the puppy coat is a natural process that occurs in all dogs somewhere between the ages of six months and one year. This might come as a shock to newbie pet owners that are expecting to have adopted a low-shedding dog. However, the shedding of the puppy coat is pretty standard and in no way indicates that you will be dealing with a high-shedding Labradoodle for the rest of their days. At the end of the day, though, you should be prepared for your wool, hair, or fleece-coated Doodle to look quite different at the end of this transition. That being said, there are a few signs to look for in your puppy that could tell you what you might expect from their adult coat. So, here are the big two switch-ups you might expect to see in a Labradoodle coat change and how to anticipate the outcome of them: Labradoodle Coat Change: Type One possible way you might know ahead of time what kind of coat a Labradoodle puppy might have is to pay close attention to their generation. So, for instance, with Labradoodles, the breeder might combine a pedigree Labrador Retriever with a pedigree Poodle, and the resultant litter will be categorized as first-generation F1 Labradoodles. Determining the kind of coat each puppy in this litter might end with will be just about impossible. However, the breeder may also choose to pair a first-generation Labradoodle with a pedigree Poodle in the hopes of introducing more Poodle genes and making it more likely that the offspring will have a low shed coat. This is referred to as backcrossing, and the puppies are labeled F1B. Backcrossing one of these dogs with another Poodle creates an F1BB litter, and so on. So your first step in finding out about coat type is to chat to the breeder about the heritage of the puppies. Once the puppies are born, you might also start to see some further clues in the ways their original coat starts to develop. Furnishings the expert term for hair around the face, ears, tail, and legs are great for this. However, dogs destined for a curly or even just wavy mane will usually have quite pronounced hair at these locations, especially around their beard area and around their eyes. Labradoodle Coat Change: Color Up until now, the focus of this article has been heavily on Labradoodle coat change as per type. This seems to be a key consideration for most looking to potentially pick up a Doodle pup. However, a further way Labradoodle coat change may be seen is with regards to color. Oh no. Yet, it is this first change that will likely have the most significant impact here too. In that way, you can be sure to collect up most of the loose coat before it drops or gets tangled around the rest of the curls left forming tight, tricky knots that you may well need to end up cutting out. A decent slicker brush, such as the Chris Christensen Brush , which is designed to penetrate the coat fully, lifting and trapping loose hairs as it goes, will make your life easier. Find the Best Deal:. This coat is preferred by many. It should be wavy and forming light loose spirals. The Fleece coat has a distinctly soft, loopy spirals it feels like no other dog coat. This is a thicker tight curl coat. A Wool Fleece blend is a distinctly nice unusual coat as well. Has a cute fluffy longer coat look. Regular brushing is recommended. Minimal to non-shedding. The Multi-gene Australian Labradoodle always has the ultimate coat. Due to many years of breeding and the uniqueness of the Australian doodle produces a usually textured coat. It should be silky-soft waves and or light loopy spirals very nice Fleece coat and Fleece wool blend. As your Labradoodle puppy develops their adult coat and out of their puppy coat at about 6 to 12 months. Doodle coat will start to thicken and mat, this is the time to start grooming. When the pup coat is changing to their adult coat Puppy may lose a little hair and the coat may become lighten or darken. A change in curl or wavy will happen as the coat matures. Do NOT shave puppy coat off! In addition, we have our GorgeousDoodle preferences and tips as well : When your Doodle is about 14 months old they will have their adult coat and then body and legs can be shaved with clippers if needed. We usually only try to use the shavers on the tummy and sanitary areas but scissors cut everywhere else. It is important is to know your groomer or have a groomer that is recommended. Ask to see photos of other Doodles they have groomed, etc. The best shampoos and conditioners are super important…Doodles have sensitive skin. It is always important to leave their coat longer on the head, face, and tail. It looks good if the tail is full and top of the head is full and ears are trimmed up. I always talk with the groomer and give them firm instructions. No shaving the face or ears or paws or tail. We groom our dogs ourselves. We sometimes leave the legs a little longer with poodles it is called leaving the pants on and or leave their paws and ankles with a bit longer coat. It can be fun to give them a whole new look with a little different cut. Buy wide-tooth combs and open wirer brush and the scissors with a round tip. It is a fun coat, that you can leave long and just carefully trim around faces. Take to a groomer and you can have a full groom cut down to an inch or two or whatever you want. It is a good idea in Summer season hot weather to give them a full short body and legs cut. We would love to see photos of before and after the grooming of your Doodle. Another good soap is Dr. And some mild cream rinse. Bath 3 to 5 weeks or only when needed. Here are some pictures of our favorite high moisture great smelling shampoos and conditioners, very mild!! Most Labradoodles love water and are pretty easy to bathe or take swimming. Bath and cream rinse after swimming. The coat is one of the unique features of this Breed and sets it apart from any other breeds. Australian Labradoodles have no body odor, they do not require constant bathing and brushing, which is great for all types of owners. Is highly possible that the non- fur fleece and wool textures coat of the Australian Labradoodle is less likely to cause any pet allergic reactions. Labradoodles will have some very low hair breakage loss. Just like humans can have low hair loss. But that is not shedding. See lots of fun photos and videos of our GorgeousDoodles families on our Pics and Vids page , and on our YouTube and Facebook accounts! One of the biggest pros of having a Labradoodle is that they are non or low shedding and generally more hypoallergenic than other breeds. That being said, a determining factor of this is coat type. As a trusted breeder of Labradoodles and other poodle mixes for the past eight years and having raised multiple litters of Labradoodles myself, I can tell you about some ways you can try to predict the kind of coat that your Labradoodle puppy will have. To determine the coat type of a Labradoodle puppy, one must look at a few aspects of the puppy. First, the puppy's muzzle or face should be looked at to see if there are curls, crimps, or waves. Another indicator of coat type is the texture of both the puppy and its parents' coats. Before we get further into discussing how to tell what coat type your puppy will have, let's talk about the different coat types. We will also talk about how genetics influence coat type and how you can choose a generation of Labradoodle to get the coat type that you are looking for. Types of Labradoodle Coats There are three main types of Labradoodle coats, ranging from curly to flat. These coats all have different pros and cons as well as different grooming needs. Let's talk about each coat type and what it means for your puppy. Wool The wool or curly coat is the coat that most closely resembles a poodle. It is called the wool coat because it looks like the curly, dense coat of a sheep. Wool coats require the most extensive grooming regimen. Wool-coated puppies will need to get haircuts every six weeks in addition to their daily brushing. Fleece A fleece coat is an in-between type of coat, making it the middle ground between a curly and a flat coat. This kind of coat is probably the most common in Labradoodles, across all generations. If you have a puppy with a fleece coat, you will need to pay close attention to the hair around its ears and collar when brushing them because it can easily get matted. Hair The hair coat most resembles the coat of a Labrador retriever. Labradoodles that have this kind of coat will probably shed the most, but that doesn't mean that they are any less hypoallergenic than the others. Recent studies have shown that it is not actually the dog hair, but dandruff that is the cause of most dog allergies. Flat-coated puppies will have fewer grooming needs than their wool or fleece counterparts, but will still need to be brushed out regularly. Although flat-coated doodles have the same temperament and characteristics as their siblings, they are oftentimes less desirable as a result of the texture of their coats. This area is usually where the hair starts to show the most curl. Often, puppies that grow to have curly or wavy coats have crimps or waves in these areas. If your Labradoodle puppy is flat coated, they may have a slight mustache or beard, but the hair will be straight, not curled or crimped. Another way to tell the type of coat of your Labradoodle puppy is to look at and feel the texture of their coat. Puppies are born with a softer and fluffier puppy coat that helps protect them and help them regulate their body temperature while they grow and mature. Although they will eventually lose this puppy coat and be left with a coarser coat, puppies that are flat-coated generally start out with a coarser and shorter puppy coat. Flat-coated puppy coats will also appear different in the fact that their coat looks like it has an undercoat with a longer more wispy top coat that resembles a wire coat. If you cannot tell what kind of coat your puppy will have from these indicators, you may want to take a look at its parents. This tactic won't work well if your puppy is an F1 Labradoodle that is a mix between a Poodle and Labrador Retriever because you won't have a good base of reference, so is probably best used if you have a different generation of Labradoodle. If your puppy's Labradoodle parent has a tighter, curlier coat, the chances are higher that your puppy will have a curly coat as well. All of these tactics are good ways to get an idea of what your puppy's coat may look like but can only be labeled as educated guesses as puppy coats may change after they lose their puppy coat. Why Does the Generation Matter? The generation of a Labradoodle puppy is a huge factor in the kind of coat they will have. If a puppy has a higher percentage of poodle DNA, it will have a curlier coat. If you can't get a look at your puppy or are looking for a certain type of coat before buying a Labradoodle puppy, the generation and genetics of the dog can help you get a good idea of what type of fur they will have. Labradoodle Generations Chart. There are three types of coats that Labradoodles can have. A hair-coated Labradoodle is the least popular among people with allergies owing to the fact that it sheds the most out of the three types. This makes them the least hypoallergenic. The straight coat can vary in length and thickness, so you may have to take your dog to the grooming salon more often than you had anticipated. The muzzle area is usually hair coated and will be a good indicator of their coat type. Fleece or Wavy Coated Labradoodles Fleece-coated Labradoodles are the easiest to maintain compared to the other two types, making them the most preferable. Labradoodles with this type of coat experience minimal shedding, thus helping keep allergies at bay. This coat also requires the least maintenance. The fleece coat comes in three varieties — straight, loose curls, and very curly. However, just because this type of coat sheds the least does not mean you can skip the groomers. Whatever type of coat your Labradoodle may have, a visit to the groomers at least once every six weeks along with regular grooming at home is necessary for maintaining its healthy coat. This rich black coat is a fairly common Labradoodle shade. Labradoodles are a hypoallergenic breed of dog. As they grow, they also begin losing the coats that they are born with. This transition usually starts as early as 6 months of age but can even take until they are 12 months of age. Ideally, you should brush your pup slowly and carefully, reaching down to its skin to ensure that the old puppy coat is coming off. This will help the puppy coat to shed faster, remove any tangles from its fur, prevent matting, and help the adult coat grow healthier. The Labradoodle ranks 1 for being a hypoallergenic dog and specifically bred for it. A hypoallergenic dog poses a significantly lower risk of causing an allergic reaction. This is because dogs that are labeled as hypoallergenic shed little to no fur at all. The first Labradoodle was created for a blind Hawaiian lady whose husband had an allergy to dogs. Since then, the popularity of this breed has grown rapidly. Labradoodles shed less fur, resulting in much less dander, as they have coats that are easy to maintain. As previously stated, the process of a puppy coat shedding varies from pup to pup but typically begins when they are 6 months of age. While Labradoodles are a hypoallergenic breed, it does not mean a Labradoodle pup will never lose its puppy coat. Most furry dog breeds shed in the sense that they lose their fur regularly. This is not the case with Labradoodles. This Apricot Mini Labradoodle is looking up at the camera, because he thinks he might get a treat he did. A Labradoodle puppy does not shed its puppy coat overnight or within a few days. Losing the puppy coat is a gradual process that can take up to a year and a half until the new coat grows. To allow the adult coat to grow properly, the puppy coat needs to be shed entirely. This is also why brushing your Labradoodle puppy is so important. When brushing your pup, you will notice strands of hair falling out at first. Eventually, tufts of puppy hair will come out. The more you brush your dog, the more you will be pulling out the old hair to make way for new growth. If you do notice any signs or symptoms, make sure to visit the vet and take appropriate measures for treatment. How To Manage A Shedding Labradoodle Puppy Coat Once your Labradoodle puppy starts shedding its puppy coat, it is advisable that you brush your dog regularly and at least groom it a couple of times every week or during daily periods of excessive shedding. Different dog breeds shed differently, so if you think something is amiss, you can always consult your vet to get your pup checked out. However, to avoid such dire situations, you need to make sure that you groom and brush your puppy regularly to avoid any matting. Depending on the type of Labradoodle coat your pup will develop, you should ideally be brushing your dog at least once a week to prevent any matting or tangled fur. Comb When you brush the coat, make sure you brush in the opposite direction of the hair growth. This will allow you to remove the old hair better. Then, you can move on to brushing in the direction of hair growth. You can do this with a fine-tooth comb. Ideally, a wooden or stainless steel comb would be a good choice. Make sure you pick a comb with wide teeth on one end and fine on the other. Detangler As your pet grows into a new coat, the old hair can knot up. This is when a detangler is needed. A detangler will help you effectively de-knot the coat without causing any distress to your pet. This tool is designed to help loosen the tangles and mats while being super gentle on your pup. If you keep putting off brushing your pooch, the old puppy coat will not shed but the new coat will start growing in, which will result in matting. A de-matting comb will be your knight in shining armor in such cases. Over-shedding is one example of why your pup may require a full body checkup as complete hair loss is unhealthy. Labradoodle playing in a water fountain. What a way to cool off on a warm day! While some people may be genuinely allergic to certain dog breeds, allergic reactions are typically caused by the dander or allergens present in dog fur. Without any exception, all dog breeds produce allergens that are responsible for allergies. These allergens are usually found in the dander, hair, urine, and saliva of a dog. If your dog is cooped up indoors for too long, it is prone to producing more allergens. This is why it is essential to take your dog out regularly. While there is no fool-proof way of deducing the type of coat your Labradoodle will have, there are still ways you can perhaps make an educated guess. For example, an F1B Labradoodle typically has fleece fur. Tracing genetics will give you a clearer picture of the outcome you can expect. Another way is to inspect the fur around the muzzle and the face of your Labradoodle pup. In the case of a fleece-haired coat, however, you will be able to determine the type of hair it will have by the time your pup is almost five weeks old by checking the fur around its eyes. Remember, Labradoodles are closest to the hypoallergenic dogs. Changing coat is when a puppy loses its baby fur to allow the adult coats to grow. The process of shedding is natural in many dog breeds. In the case of Labradoodles, the shedding happens when you brush them. On the other hand, shedding is losing fur that happens quite regularly with many furry dog breeds. Labradoodles shed fur but to a minimal extent, unlike other dog breeds. It is not the typical shedding where you will find clumps of hair everywhere. This was when it was observed that the cross-breed is useful, and the trend caught on. What are Hypoallergenic dogs? Hypoallergenic dogs are a breed with a relatively less thick coat that does not shed excessively and thereby limits the chances of causing allergies to humans. It is important to note that no dogs are percent hypoallergenic. When do Labradoodle puppies lose their puppy coat? Labradoodles do not keep the coats they are born with into adulthood. The average life span of a Labradoodle is 11 to 14 years. The coat they are born with are baby coats, and they will eventually shed them at some stage. This usually happens between 6 to 12 months. While it can be earlier for some, it may be later for others. When changing coats happen, both the color and texture of the coat of the Labradoodle will vary. The coat of a Labradoodle puppy appears thicker can come in varying shades depending on the cross-breeding. Some misunderstand this for normal shedding. It is, however, just a process of the Labradoodle growing into its new coat. When the process of changing the coat is completed, you would be surprised to find that your puppy has put on a coat of an entirely different color and texture. Take special care while brushing It is essential to take extra care when the process of shedding of coat happens. In the case of the Labradoodle pup, when you brush its coat, you are not only taking out the old fur but giving space for new ones to make it look clean, healthy and prevent further mess. It is important to use the right kind of brush and brush it down right to the skin. This will take off the old fur and prevent it from tangling with the new fur. Brushing right down to the skin also removes the old or dead skin. If they are allowed to remain on the puppy, the dead skin can accumulate to form a mat and create an ugly mess. What kind of allergies do dog furs cause? The sight of a dog with a thick coat makes you want to hug it and play with it. They are, however, known to cause allergies. More than the fur, the skin is attached to the end of the fur called dander that causes allergies. The urine and saliva of dogs are also known to cause allergies. The fur of dogs can cause the following kind of allergies: sneezing, running nose, cough, nasal congestion, itching, and red eyes, itching nose, and roof of mouth or throat, etc. Different generations of Labradoodles? The amount of hair your Labradoodle will lose can vary from puppy to puppy, and it depends on the generation of the puppy. The first generational Labradoodle F1 will shed a little more hair than the second generation F1b , third-generation F3b , and multigenerational Labradoodles. If you want to buy a Labradoodle but have allergies to hair, you should consider the second and third generational Labradoodles. Types of Labradoodle coats? There are three types of Labradoodle coats: Hair: This coat resembles the coat of a Labrador and sheds the most. The texture can range from feathery, wavy, or scruffy. You would need to brush it at least once a week and may occasionally need trimming. Fleece: There are two types of fleece: normal and microfine. Normal fleece is wavy and has a loose spiral. Microfine is supple and superfine and tends to get matted very easily. The fleece texture of fur should be brushed and combed at least once a week and trimmed at least thrice a year. They are also asthma and allergy-friendly. Wool: There are three types of wool: original, cotton, and new style. Cotton is the softest of the three types of wool. It is incredibly dense and can be straight or curly. It needs high maintenance as it needs to be brushed and combed at least once a week. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. Labradoodle Puppy -Will a Labradoodle be easy to look after? Karen has been grooming Labradoodles since she introduced the first litter of doodle puppies in BC Australian Labradoodle with a fine wool coat, Lexi The Labradoodle Wool Coat The coats are identified by their feel rather than their look. The wool coat is one that I love because I live with severe allergies and asthma. This coat is most like a poodle coat and although the wool coats of our dogs are very soft they feel like poodle coats and are very curly. These coats absolutely do not shed. Even during the change from puppy coat to adult coat they shed very little. Our Aussi has a curly wool coat. He is clipped so that he can lead his very active life style. Lilyanna has an unusually soft curly wool coat that waves when it is long. The Labradoodle Wool Coat The coats are identified by their feel rather than their look. The Labradoodle Fleece Coat The fleece coat is wavy rather than tightly curled. It is a very desirable coat because it is slightly easier to look after than the wool coat and it has a lovely silken feel. Although we have not had a shedding fleece dog there is the possibility of some light shedding when they change from a puppy to adult coat. The fleece coat does need to be brushed but it is much more easily kept long than a wool coat. The puppy and adult dog will need regular grooming because the face will need trimming as will the bum and beneath the ears to prevent matting. Somewhere between nine and fourteen months of age the adult coat will grow in. At this transition time the coat will need lots of attention in order to keep the length. Brush right to the skin with a stiff brush or rake. If the dog mats at this point she will have to clipped short by your groomer. Hair Coat The hair coat feels very similar to the hair on your head. It is unlike the feel of wool or fleece. The hair coat will shed. It requires little attention. Puppies will often look like they are going to have a fleece coat until the hair comes through the puppy coat at about eight or nine weeks of age. The doodle with a hair coat has the same wonderful temperament and personality as the doodle with the non shedding coat but is not good for a person with allergies or for a family that has chosen the doodle because of his non-shedding qualities. It is hard to get a brush through the curls if you leave it too long. Without this regular brushing right down to the skin mats will form next to the skin. Mats make it very uncomfortable for the dog to walk and run and play. We keep our wool coated dogs clipped short because we live with fields of weeds and burrs. It is quite possible to keep a wool coated dog with a long coat, it simply is a matter of keeping up with the brushing and keeping feet, faces and bums clipped. This would be a trip to the groomer at least every second month. Every six weeks keeps dogs in both long and short coats looking and feeling like movie stars. Grooming For Every Doodle No matter what the doodle coat there is grooming required. This can either be done by an interested family member or your groomer. Ears Fur grows out of the ears of a labradoodle. It begins its journey deep in the ear canal. If ears are not keep clean and dry dirt and wax can lead to severe ear infections. You can tell when the doggie has hot ears that there is a problem and a trip to the vet will be in order. Some doodles love to dig and have very thick fur in their ears. This means it could be a good idea to pluck the fur from deep in the ear. It is not difficult to take tweezers or better still a hemostat and pluck out the fur on a regular basis. I must say I almost swooned the first time I did it myself but it does get easier. Unless you are an expert it is a two person job, one to hold the dog and promise treats, the other to pluck. Your vet can recommend an ear drying powder which will keep the ears in good health. Of course, your groomer will do the ear plucking for you. If you take your dog every six weeks she should be fine. Nails Unless dogs travel on a stone river bed a couple of kilometers every single day they need their nails trimmed. Our Labradoodles have dew claws and they will always need attention. Nail trimming should be done every few weeks. It is however another wonderful thing your professional groomer will do. Our doodle girls have fuzzy feet and so have to be content with a simple nail trim. Little Bottoms All long coated dogs need a trim around their little bottoms for ease of toilette. He is enjoying his new summer doo as he loves water sports. This boy always stops to smell the roses or dandelions. Contact Us. As you might have guessed, this dog is a cross between poodle and Labrador parents — and the result is an adorable bundle of joy with a sweet, gentle personality. Labradoodle puppy coats come in a range of colors and textures, so labradoodle owners are spoiled for choice when choosing their fur baby. Read on to discover more about Labradoodles and labradoodle coat types. What Are Hypoallergenic Dog Coats? Hypoallergenic dogs have less of a thick coat than many other breeds. A highly shedding coat presents a higher risk to allergy sufferers than non-shedding dogs like a labradoodle puppy. As a dog with one of the most allergy-friendly coats , there are a few practicalities to keep in mind when it comes to your labradoodle pooch and its coat. Pretty much every labradoodle puppy goes through a coat change, which is separate from a shedding coat. The puppy coat is eventually replaced by an adult coat, which comes with more grooming requirements. Types of Labradoodle Puppy Coats One of the best things about labradoodle dogs is the wide range of choices with regard to appearance. Wool Coat You can determine if your Labradoodle puppy has a fleece coat. You can identify fleece coats by the way the fur sits between the eyes, as this area starts to get curly first. This is the curliest coat type, but it still comes in a variety of types. Some dogs with a curly coat have a cotton-type coat, which is the softest but also incredibly high maintenance. Labradoodle puppies with wool Labradoodle puppy coats are mainly non-shedding and can make great companions for pet owners with allergies. Fleece Coat Doodles with a fleece coat require a little less maintenance than the other types of doodles, but they still need weekly brushing and plenty of TLC. A fleece-coated labradoodle is the result of combining a curly wool coat gene with the gene for a straight coat. Areas such as the ears and collar are particularly prone to getting matted, so be sure to pay close attention to these areas when you brush your fleece-coated labradoodle once or twice per week. Hair Coat A labradoodle with a straight coat has inherited most of its fur genes from its Labrador retriever parent. Something interesting about Labradoodles is that their Labradoodle puppy coats change as they get older, so your hair-coated labradoodle might get a wave to its fur as it gets older. While you can also take it to a professional groomer on a weekly basis, this can incur hefty grooming costs. Most labradoodle owners opt to take their dog to a groomer once a month or two and do regular adult coat maintenance themselves. Use the correct type of dog brush and be sure to get all the way down to the skin. Give your dog a brush before and after bath time. All puppies eventually lose their puppy coat to make way for their adult coat, this goes the same with Labradoodle puppy coats. You might find the new type of coat is totally different from the old coat. Coats and Generational Differences The amount of hair your dog sheds varies between puppies, but generational differences can also play a role. First-generation doodles shed slightly more than second-generation doodles, with multigenerational Labradoodles shedding even less. We genetically test each breeding parent to make sure the shedding genes are not passed on to the puppies in our training program. We adore the breed and have a wide range of Labradoodle puppies for sale to choose from, with different color and type of Labradoodle puppy coats. We can even deliver a fully trained doodle puppy direct to your door if you like! What to expect in the early days. Crate training, housebreaking, and reward-based training. Exercise guidelines and mental stimulation. The importance of correct socialization. General health and nutrition. Shedding and grooming. And so much more. You will save you time, money, and loads of frustration…take my word for it! Get Your Copy Today! We use this stainless steel Poodle comb. One side is narrow and the other wide. It works great! We use this Safari De-Matting Comb. Detangler — This can be used along with the comb or de-matting comb to help loosen problem tangles and mats. You can find some of our favorite grooming tools and supplies here. Do Labradoodle Puppies Shed? For instance, a German shepherd will shed its coat twice a year. Shepherds are amazing dogs, very different from Labradoodles in many ways, not just shedding. Learn more about them in these articles. Matting is a clump of tangled hair that is difficult to comb through. If they get too serious, a groomer will have to cut out patches of hair. Genetics plays a part in determining how much hair a Labradoodle will shed or lose. Second F1b generation, third-generation F3b and multigenerational Labradoodles are going to shed less than a first-generation Labradoodle F1. Some owners will actually look for a second, third, or multigenerational Labradoodle dog just for the non-shedding or low-shedding attributes. Read this for a more detailed look at multi-generational Labradoodles. Australian Labradoodles are usually a good choice for people looking for asthma and allergy-friendly dogs. Of the various types of Labradoodles, the wool-coated Labradoodle has had the highest success rate for people suffering from asthma or dog-related allergies. They go through a coat change where their puppy coat changes to an adult coat. When this shedding process begins, the coat will begin to fill out and will get thicker. If the puppy is not brushed daily, the coat will become very matted and tangled. The more hair you see coming out in the brush, the better the puppy will look. Other owners use this opportunity as a way to bond with the dog and become familiar with the brushing process, which should become a regular part of their lives. The age at which Labradoodles stop shedding their puppy coat depends on the age it began the shedding process. It can take from a week to several weeks, and every dog does it at a different age. One puppy may be shedding its puppy coat between the ages of months while another may be from months of age. If you suddenly realize your Labradoodle puppy is in need of a good haircut, the pup has probably begun the shedding process. Changing from a puppy coat to an adult coat can bring an entirely different color texture and overall appearance. All dogs create allergens or proteins, which are what usually cause allergies. What are the Different Types of Labradoodle Coats? Labradoodles have three types of coat: hair, fleece, and wool. There are two reasons for this. One reason is that Labradoodles come in many, many different colors. Secondly, while there are only three types of coats, there is some variation within the different coat types. Depending on the length and density of the hair, Labradoodles with a hair coat should be brushed at least once a month. Due to its resemblance to the Labrador Retriever, the hair coat is the one that sheds the most and will be the least hypoallergenic. Fleece The fleece coat may be normal fleece or microfine fleece. Normal fleece has the texture of soft angora and may be wavy or have loose spirals. In addition to being brushed every couple of weeks, this coat requires trimming once or twice a year. Also wavy or spirally, the microfine fleece is very fine and super soft. Because of the texture, it tends to get matted easily. It will need a good brushing or combing at least once a week. The coat should also be trimmed a couple of times a year to prevent it from growing past three inches. Both types of fleece coats are said to be asthma- and allergy-friendly coats. Wool The wool coat comes in three types: original wool, cotton wool, and loose or new style wool. Cotton wool is super dense, may be straight or curly and is the softest of the three wool coats. When groomed, it stands up and often has the appearance of a big cotton ball. Each of these wool types are asthma- and allergy-friendly coats with the original wool having the most success in this area. All three require regular trimming. You can find even more information on Labradoodle coat types in this article. Still have questions about your puppy? Be sure to grab your copy of our Labradoodle Guidebook to find the answers and get your puppy on his way to becoming a well-adjusted, affectionate, happy adult. Related Questions: What is an Australian Labradoodle? How many years do Labradoodles live? Labradoodles are a relatively healthy breed of dog. While they are susceptible to some canine diseases , a healthy Labradoodle will generally live to be 11 to 14 years old. Related Posts:. Also, your fleece coats, while, overall, are softer than your wool coats in texture, still have some texture variation within the fleece coat type. The Australian Labradoodle requires varying degrees of grooming depending on their coat type. A light trimming might be required with scissors but usually not. However, we do not have any hair coat in Sunset Hills, because our puppies are all multi-gen. This coat usually requires trimming once or twice a year. This coat also requires trimming about three-four times a year. All allergy and asthma friendly labradoodles have a coat change from puppy to adult usually between months of age. During their coat change, it is recommended that you groom them daily. The coat change can last anywhere from a week to several weeks. This is usually the time when owners decide that their beautiful furry doodle needs a shorter look. Note: Not all Labradoodles are Allergy and Asthma friendly. We do recommend that if you have the opportunity to meet one of these wonderful dogs in person that you should check to see if you have any reactions before you make your decision in purchasing your new puppy. We recommend that any family or person who suffers from dog related severe allergies or asthma should look into a Wool coated labradoodle as they have the highest success rate. For labradoodle sizes, please go to our Size link. For pictures and definitions of the colours of the Australian Labradoodle, please go to our Colours link. For the information on grooming, please go to our Resource link.

Your puppy may refuse to eat if: The food has gone stale. There is a recent switch in puppy food that tastes or smells differently than the old food. There is food sensitivity to one or more ingredients. Your Frenchie puppy is a picky eater. You are overfeeding your puppy. Your puppy is bored with the food because they are eating the same thing every day. Your Frenchie puppy is stressed Puppies who suffer from stress or separation anxiety may not eat when left home alone. An anxious puppy waits for its owner to be there to eat. Underlying health problem An important step you should take as a puppy owner is to rule out any medical issue that can be an underlying reason your puppy may not be eating. If your puppy suddenly stopped eating without any changes in its routine, you should take your puppy to the vet for a check-up. Your Frenchie puppy is on medication Often treatment of a disease can give nausea and make your puppy not eat. Certain drugs are upsetting for puppies ' stomachs. Antibiotics and Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs cause loss of appetite. Your Frenchie puppy has dental problems Any mouth, gum, or teeth problems of your puppy may cause them to refuse to eat. They may not be eating because something in their mouth is causing pain and stopping them from swallowing properly. New surroundings, discoveries, new everything distracts from the desire to eat. Solving food-related loss of appetite in French Bulldog puppies When it comes to food-related reasons for a loss of appetite in French Bulldog puppy, here are some simple solutions to implement. When introducing new food to your French Bulldog puppy, don't be hasty and switch gradually to new food. Try to get high-quality food for your French Bulldog puppy. Find out which taste and smell your French Bulldog puppy likes and offer those foods. When switching food, choose an option with similar nutritional value. Slowly make the transition from one puppy food to another. You may also add a bit of warm water to your French Bulldog puppy's kibble to make it more appealing. Don't offer spoiled food and always check the expiration date before giving it to your French Bulldog puppy. If your French Bulldog puppy is sensitive to food ingredients, choose food without the ingredient your Frenchie puppy is sensitive to. If your French Bulldog puppy is bored with the same food for a longer time, add variety and mix things up every once in a while. Make sure the food is at the right temperature for your French Bulldog puppy. Treating environmental and behavioral loss of appetite in Frenchie puppies When it comes to behavioral and environmental reasons for a loss of appetite in Frenchie puppies, the process can be a little more time-consuming. Here are some useful tips for getting your French Bulldog puppy to eat regularly: Give your French Bulldog puppy enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. You should be patient and supportive. Cut back on treats and only give them as a reward. Take your French Bulldog puppy for a walk before mealtime or allow free play in the yard. Avoid giving table scraps to your French Bulldog puppy. Keep trash cans locked and away from your curious Frienchie fur baby. Keep dangerous things out of the reach of your French Bulldog puppy. Try to use products in your home that are known to be safe for the French Bulldog puppy. Keep all medicines in cabinets. If you accidentally drop a tablet on the floor, you should look for it immediately. Choose pet-safe household plants and flowers for your home and yard. Structured Feeding Schedule The structured feeding schedule is when you have a set time scheduled to feed your Frenchie puppy. However, this time you only allow your Frenchie puppy to eat for a certain amount of time. It often signals a serious underlying medical problem and must be examined by a vet. Finding and treating the underlying cause of loss of appetite in French Bulldog puppies is the best way to approach this problem. Your Frenchie puppy gets its energy from the food it eats. Unlike adult French Bulldogs, puppies need to eat food three times a day. Stick to a routine and give your Frenchie puppy regular potty breaks. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. Back to blog 1 comment My frenchie is active but not eating enough according to the chart. Is your Frenchie refusing to eat? Whereas in this post I will be looking in lots of detail about the reasons why a French Bulldog might not be eating. When you notice that your Frenchie refuses to eat all of a sudden, it could be really distressing and worrisome. More so if it is accompanied by other symptoms like throwing up, shaking, or having a fever. Find out more about appetite stimulants for dogs. For most pet owners, the first action is to call the vet. But really, in order for you to come up with the right treatment plan, it is important that you determine the cause. So in this article, we have highlighted the possible reasons and what you can do about it. Read on. Maybe he is just full. The following are the possible reasons why your pet does not want to eat: 1. Anxiety and Stress If your French Bulldog is avoiding his food and keeps on pacing, whining, barking, yawning, or shedding, these could be signs that he is experiencing stress and anxiety. Yes, just like humans, dogs can be anxious or stressed out about something too. That causes loss of appetite. Frenchies may experience stress and anxiety due to aging, fear, and separation. Depending on what is causing these mental disorders in your dog, the vet can provide treatment, which may include medications, training, preventative strategies or a combination. It is possible that he has loose or decaying teeth, gum infections, or probably cuts in his mouth. Bad breath can also be a sign that can tell you if something is wrong with his teeth and gums. He might not even want to eat at all, especially if he is experiencing pain. The best thing that you can do at this point is to take your pooch to a veterinary dentist. Upset Stomach A French Bulldog not eating and throwing up can be caused by an upset stomach too. Maybe he ate something that irritated his tummy. He may have diarrhea as well. In this case, it would help a lot if you give him bland foods, such as steamed or boiled chicken with rice. Otherwise, your Frenchie may get dehydrated and that could cause more health issues. Medications Have you taken your French Bulldog to the vet lately to get his shots? Or perhaps he was given some medications to take. This right here can affect his appetite as well. Take note that some drugs are appetite suppressant, but the effects should not last very long. Once they have passed through his system, your dog should be able to eat well again. Appetite Changes With Age People tend to eat less as they age, and this applies to dogs as well. Furthermore, older Frenchies are more susceptible to developing health and dental problems. This is why they tend to eat less than the younger ones do. Changes to Food Trust me, Frenchies can be very stubborn! He will just sniff at the bowl without actually eating the food, and this could go on for days. So how do you address this? First, you need to have him transition from his old food to the new one. Gradually decrease the previous food and increase the amount of the new food. This should help your dog to adjust. Also, you have to avoid giving your Frenchie snacks or treats in between meals. This will encourage him to want his new food. This works the same way with the so-called starvation method. So when you give him some treats, make sure that it is not too much. Someone Else Is Feeding Them Does it look like your Frenchie is full and you know for a fact that you did not give him any treat? Well, it is possible that someone else is feeding him. It could be anybody in your home, or perhaps your neighbor. If he goes out a lot, then somebody from your neighborhood may be giving him food. Your dog may have allergies with some foods. Serious Health Issues Some of the reasons that we have listed above are temporary causes of loss of appetite. If your dog does not eat and exhibits signs of lethargy, take him to the vet as soon as possible so he can be checked and provided with the appropriate treatment. As long as it is not due to a health problem, you can try modifying his food. You can completely change his diet or add something more exciting to his current diet. Another thing that you can do is to serve soft foods. You may also opt to utilize a feeding tube or syringe. He can also administer intravenous fluids, which are very much needed if your French Bulldog has stopped eating for two days. Furthermore, the vet can prescribe antibiotics and appetite boosting drugs. This is because, if it is too hot, it will be harder for dogs and humans alike to digest their food. They could also be less active and that affects their metabolic rate. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you serve light food to your dog during the summer time. To avoid French Bulldog choking on food, do not serve huge chunks of meat or vegetables. Cut them into pieces so it will be easier for your pet to bite and chew them. It is also advisable to feed your Frenchie in a room with lower temperature. Taking your dog out for a walk on a regular basis will help too as this will allow him to burn more calories. Maybe you rebranded his food overnight without following the correct way of transitioning from one food to another. You should avoid doing all of these. Additionally, you must find out more about what human food can French bulldogs eat. Always keep in mind that not all food items that you eat can be shared with your pet no matter how he begs for it. Closing Thoughts At some point in time, French Bulldogs may lose their appetite just like you. And in this case, you must determine the reason why so you would know how to properly address it. If it is something serious, you need to take your dog to the vet without any delay. It is very usual for a healthy dog to reject his meals or deliberately refuse to eat. A healthy French bulldog puppy will heartily attack his meals and clear up his plate in just a few minutes. And if your healthy Frenchie pup suddenly refuses to eat or has shown no interest in his food, even after you tried to get him to eat, it can be distressing. Read on to find out what might be the cause. Since puppies are still going through different stages of development and growth, skipping meals needlessly becomes very distressing as it could expose the young lad to some serious health condition or even affect its growth rate. And in rare cases, skipping meals and refusing to eat can be lethal. So why would a healthy puppy refuse to eat and rather go hungry? Here are possible reasons why your Frenchie pup is rejecting his meals. If you just brought your puppy home, his refusal to eat may be due to the stress of being in an unfamiliar environment. He may be anxious and uncomfortable in his new home and will need some time to settle and relax. Your little cutie may be suffering on the inside. There is a small chance that his loss of appetite may be due some serious medical condition, an upset stomach or anorexia. Refusal to eat can also be caused by pain or discomfort in the mouth due to some dental disease. If your puppy is on some medication or just got vaccinated, this may be the cause. It could also be that your pup is getting too many treats between meals and has no space left in his tiny stomach for his food. But with puppies, this is much different. They do not have enough glucose stored up in the body, therefore any form of starvation can be very dangerous. If your Frenchie puppy starts to reject his meals, here are a few remedies to try; If your pup is eating dry kibble or canned food, add a little warm chicken broth to make it tastier. These spices are bad for puppies as they can break down their red blood cells. If you feed your pup only dry kibble, try mixing it with canned food. Prepare a dish of plain boiled rice and garnish it with shredded boneless chicken breast. You may add a little chicken broth without any of the offending spices. You may also add plain cottage cheese or plain yoghurt to his regular meal. Make sure the yoghurt does not contain xylitol as this is very dangerous for dogs. You can use an interactive meal toy for this. Make sure your pup is not getting too many treats before mealtime and reduce the amount of treats you give your pup. If your puppy continues to refuse whatever you prepare for him, then he needs to be taken to a vet with no further delay. Let the vet examine the situation and come up with an alternative meal plan. And if your pup has a medical condition, a vet will find out the exact problem and handle it properly. Is a loss of appetite accompanied by other symptoms? Also, if your French bulldog puppy goes a day without eating but had lots of treats, then you also have nothing to worry about. Some dogs can also go without food for up to 5 days or even a week , this is for only adult dogs of certain breed types. Puppies can go for up to two days without food but this is absolutely not healthy and should never be allowed. Food is very important for a growing dog, and puppies should be fed at least 3 times every day. This way their bodies will be able to get all the calories and nutrients it needs for the proper function and development of your pup. Therefore, regular small meals ensure that your pup gets all his body needs from his food. Skipping meals is very dangerous for small dogs as they are at a higher risk of suffering from hypoglycemia compared to adult dogs. Never let your puppy go for more a day without food, and if he refuses to eat for an entire day despite all your efforts, take him to the vet. When your dog has no appetite either due to an upset stomach, an illness or anything else, getting him to eat can be a challenge. Here are a few food suggestions for a sick Frenchie or one with no appetite. Try giving your pup stage II baby food containing turkey, chicken, lamb etc. Bone Broth: prepare this for your pup by boiling lots of bones with marrow like chicken or turkey legs. Fill a medium-sized pot with these bones and cover the bones with water, boil on low heat for about 20 to 24 hours. Cool the broth in the refrigerator before giving it to your puppy. You can also make the broth into ice cubes for your puppy to enjoy. They are easy to digest and work great for dogs with no appetite or an upset stomach. Just plain boiled chicken cut into small bits or shredded and white rice. Sweet potatoes and pumpkin: sweet potatoes and pumpkin are high in fibre and contain a number of vitamins and minerals which are essential for your little dog. And they are also great for the digestive system of dogs, cook them unsalted and unseasoned before serving your pup. Wrapping Up Puppies go through different stages of development and sometimes they may not eat as much as they do other times. But they ordinarily never go for too long without at least getting some amount of food into their system. Therefore, skipping a meal is not good, skipping two is much worse and going a full day with no food, is certainly wrong and something is amiss. Medical Conditions When a French Bulldog stops eating, it could be due to a medical condition like kidney or liver disease, dental or oral discomfort, or gastro-intestinal issues. All of these issues can be a serious health concern and should not be taken lightly. They may have had an upset stomach, the food may not be to their liking, or they may be feeling unwell and not feeling up to eating. Make sure to feed them nutrient-packed food that is designed for their particular breed and size. You may even need to switch up the type of food you are giving them, such as from dry to canned or from wet to dry. You may also want to feed them smaller portions a few times throughout the day as opposed to one large meal. This can also be helpful in stimulating their appetite. If it turns out that they are simply feeling unwell and need to boost their appetite then try introducing a new food or supplement to stimulate them. However, if the issue persists and you suspect that it is due to an underlying medical condition, then it is imperative that you take your French Bulldog to the vet for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. If it turns out that your Frenchie is simply feeling unwell and their appetite needs to be stimulated, then you may need to try switching up their diet or introducing supplements. If the issue persists, however, then it could be due to an underlying medical condition, in which case it is important that you take them to the vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Related Info And Products:. Home » Blog » What to do if your dog refuses to eat? What to do if your dog refuses to eat? It can happen to anyone of us that our Frenchie is refusing to eat. This behavior can either indicate that your dog is being picky or a more serious, health-related issue. Why does my Frenchie refuse to eat? To do that, answer the following questions: Is your babe in a constant bad mood? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, you should take your doggy to the vet. But there also might be some other reasons your dog refuses to eat. If any of this is possible, go see your vet. But if your dog is happy and playful like normally, it might be a behavior issue. If you just moved to a new location or you were on a trip, the unfamiliar surroundings of the new place might make your dog nervous or uncomfortable. Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! Because a decreased appetite in dogs may be caused by illness, never assume that your dog is picky without investigating other possibilities first. These include: Cutting back on treats. Feeding your pet on a regular schedule, usually at least twice a day. Making mealtime a fun time for your pet, such as by playing with a toy that dispenses food or rewarding your dog with food for doing a trick. Taking your dog for a walk before mealtime. If you normally feed your pet with other animals, try feeding them alone. Or try using different bowls or plates at different heights to see what your dog prefers. You might even put a few pieces of food on the floor next to the feeding dish. Trying a different kind of food, such as canned food if you normally feed your dog dry food. If you need more information on this topic, join our closed Facebook Frenchie Family group, where you can read a lot of tips and experiences of other owners. If you are already a member, click HERE to jump to food-related posts. Food Quality can affect French Bulldogs appetite. Your Frenchie not eating could be due to food quality, such as the following things: french bulldog not eating and throwing up Food That Has Gone Rotten can affect French Bulldogs appetite Several dogs keep refusing rotten food, which usually occurs when fats inside have broken down due to poor storage or age. High-fat foods are much more susceptible to rancidity than low fatty foods. Little French Dog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Fresh Food Your French Bulldog may stop eating food after they have appreciated fresh, tinned, or raw food — undoubtedly due to the additional moisture and aroma that dogs love. These diets mainly raw are very often high in protein, which dogs enjoy. If you were using dog food, try something else with similar ingredients and tastes. Dog Snacks and Treats can affect French Bulldogs appetite Overuse of dog treats is almost sure to make your Frenchie fussier. When French Bulldog gets a lot of treats and experiences all the different types and tastes, they will expect the same thing from their food. Experimentation is probably the only way to see if treats are impacting their appetite. Try limiting the number of treats, switching to reduced-calorie alternatives, or providing treats on a rigid schedule. As you French Bulldog matures, they will tend to become more likely to avoid eating the food for no apparent reason. When your Frenchie seems to be getting bored with their food, change to a new flavor in the very same food or type. For example, switching from a beef-fresh diet to a lamb or chicken food may work. Feeling Stressed can affect French Bulldogs appetite New people and animals introduced into the house can be stressful for your Frenchie, mainly those who are elderly or timid. Evaluate if your Frenchie shows excitement for its food based on its natural environment. French Bulldogs with new, ongoing household shifts usually return to their old eating habits after a week or so. Illness can affect French Bulldogs appetite Reduced appetite in your French is often a symptom of illness, particularly if your French Bulldog has other ailments around the same period. Even though the loss of appetite in dogs may not automatically imply serious illness, timely medical care is essential as it may signify cancer, multiple systemic infections, discomfort, liver disease, and renal failure. Dental Issues can affect French Bulldogs appetite Your Frenchie may not want to eat because something is causing pain in their mouth. They may have a fractured or missing tooth, severe gum disease, and perhaps an oral tumor. Vaccinations can affect French Bulldogs appetite Luckily, vaccines are available for many severe and contagious diseases of dogs. Even though these treatments have saved the lives of millions of animals throughout the years, they often have adverse effects. Most of these are mild and fleeting, like occasional loss of appetite in dogs. Traveling can affect French Bulldogs appetite When your French Bulldogs appetite is okay before you took a trip with them or moved to a different destination, it might be that your Frenchie will not eat due to travel or an unfamiliar environment. Several animals can experience travel sickness, and some may become anxious or uncomfortable in new locations. You can, however, attempt to heat the food a little and then soften the dried food by adding fresh water to see if it makes it much easier to consume and ingest. Within hours, if neither of those things succeeded, you should pay a visit to your vet. These diets are not that tasty for you, Frenchie, mainly if your dog is used to frequent treatments. Alternatively, speak to your vet regarding alternatives. In more extreme cases, your vet may recommend hunger-stimulating medicine, suggest medicine dropper-feeding a liquid diet, or use a feeding tube. Mouth cancers and disease. Splinters or foreign objects in the mouth. The easiest way to tell is using a visual check. To find out what the different bad breath smells can mean, read this guide to Frenchie halitosis. Upset stomach and short illnesses If your French Bulldog is not eating and throwing up then this loss of appetite is inevitably due to a gastrointestinal problem, hopefully short term. Aside from not eating combined with vomiting, the lack of interest in eating food can also include diarrhoea. In cases like this, vets recommend you feed your Frenchie some bland foods to stop upsetting their stomachs further. The go to food for this method is a small amount of boiled chicken with plain rice. Handy Hint: Some Frenchies can reaction badly to chicken and other poultry meats. Medications and vaccinations You might find that your French Bulldog is not eating or drinking after a vet visit or a dose of medication. Many drugs can act as an appetite suppressant and will mean your dog loses appetite and weight during the period the drugs are taken. There can be similar results after puppy vaccinations. Thankfully, medicines and vaccinations only lead to a temporary loss of appetite, and your Frenchie should start eating again once the drugs have passed through their system. Their appetite changes with age We all know of old people who age and start eating considerably less food. Dogs are just the same; as they get older their appetite decreases. They can also develop health and dental problems which make eating harder than it used to be. As Frenchies get older, they can also start to lose the senses that helped make them such ferocious eaters in the first place. For example, if they start to lose their sense of smell, this will make them desire food less. We had to order a different brand and flavour altogether. It had great reviews and feedback and ticked all the boxes for what a nutritious dry food should be. However, Claude the Frenchie refused to eat it for 2 days straight. He was sniffing at the bowl, eating one or two small mouthfuls and leaving the rest. Yep, Frenchies are a very stubborn breed indeed! My wife was really worried about our French Bulldog not eating properly and wanted to start buying him chicken breasts. On the morning of the day 3, he wolfed his breakfast down and since then has eaten this new brand with his usual appetite. My conclusion on this; dogs can be fussy about what they eat. If you are experiencing the same thing with your Frenchie, you can try some of the following hacks to get them to eat properly again with a new food brand. Mix other foods in with the new: This could be some leftovers from the previous foods, or something you know they love to taste like chicken or a broth. Stop feeding them treats and scraps between meals: Frenchies are like kids. Cut the snacks out, and they might stop being so spoiled when mealtime comes around. If they have stopped eating the food, pick the bowl back up and hide it away. Do this at each mealtime, and eventually they will figure out that the food is here to stay once they get hungry. Before you know it, you might have given them so many that they physically cannot eat their main meal. Keep track on what you are feeding them between meals. As a guideline, an average sized adult Frenchie should eat calories each day. Getting food elsewhere A friend of mine lives on a farm that backs onto a large housing estate. Unknown to her, the dog was slipping under a fence twice a day and visiting a dear old lady who lived next to the farm. The morale of the story is this; do you know who is feeding your French Bulldog or whether they have an alternative food source? I am sure you do, but it needs to be discounted if your Frenchie has stopped eating and drinking completely. Serious health issues and pain A more prolonged loss of appetite in your Frenchie is a sign that something more serious is wrong. There are multiple health reasons that lead to a loss of appetite in Frenchies. However, there are signs of a health problem you can look out for in addition to the lack of interest in food, including: Lethargy and lack of energy. Aggressive behaviour. Rapid weight loss. The most important sign here is probably a French Bulldog not eating and lethargic. Vets report that lethargy and a reluctance to move and eat is a reason to get an appointment as soon as you can. Hot weather has a unique effect on dogs and how much they can and want to eat. They are very similar to us in this way. Think about how you are in the summer and winter months; do you eat more in the cold winter, and less in the summer? Let me explain in a little more detail why your French Bulldog is not eating in hot weather, followed by some feeding tips for hotter summer months. Why hot weather leads to a loss in appetite The reasons why we tend to eat lighter foods in the summer season is because we find it a lot harder to digest heavy and fatty foods. Dogs are very much the same as us in this way. This means they will not have as a large an appetite as they would in the winter months. Providing your Frenchie is not ill, and just wants to eat less, then let them guide you with their appetite portions. Try boiling chicken and cutting this into small pieces to add to a smaller portion of dry food or kibble. Feed your Frenchie in a cooler room. If they are still stubborn and refuse to eat in the heat, here are some raw foods you can try feeding to a French Bulldog who has stopped eating in the summer: Veggies that your Frenchie can eat in hot weather I only recommend the advice on the above links as a supplement to their diet, not a complete replacement. Hot summer months can lead to a loss of appetite. We will often give Claude portions of fruit cut up to cool him down. There is guidance in there about using ice cubes and frozen fruits. Our own dog Claude does this a lot. They could be missing breakfast due to: Perhaps not hungry first thing in the morning. If you walk your Frenchie in the morning, the advice is actually to feed them two hours after a walk. You can find out why in this guide I wrote. How do I get my French Bulldog to eat? Try warming up or softening the food with water to make digestion easier. If nothing else works after 48 hours and your Frenchie has still stopped eating, talk with your vet. They could do some of the following treatments: Could run health checks and blood tests to understand why the lack of appetite. Could administer intravenous fluids with electrolytes, particular if they stopped eating and drinking too. Could try feeding them with a syringe or feeding tube. Could treat an illness with antibiotics. Could prescribe appetite boosting drugs. Conclusion Every French Bulldog will go through a period of not eating at some point in their lives. However, time to worry is when the lack of eating is combined with shaking, lethargy, lots of vomiting, and continues past the 2 day mark. This is when you should contact your vet. You might also like… If you enjoyed my insights into why Frenchies lose their appetites, you might also find the following guides interesting: Goes here.

This thoughtfully crafted dog food is formulated to meet the unique nutritional requirements of Labrador Retriever puppies up to 15 months old. It contains premium proteins and prebiotics for optimal digestion and energy. With vitamin E and minerals, it supports the immune system and overall health. The kibble size and texture promote dental health. This puppy food provides a tasty and balanced diet to support healthy growth and development, making it an excellent choice for Labrador Retriever puppy owners. This nutritious dog food is made with real chicken and eggs and provides essential vitamins and minerals for healthy digestion, immune function, and overall well-being. It also supports strong bones and healthy skin and coat. Its balanced nutrition and delicious taste make it a satisfying choice for adult Labrador dogs. This high-quality dog food offers a complete nutritional profile at a reasonable price, making it an excellent value-for-money option for pet parents seeking to provide their dogs with a nutritious diet. How to find the best Labrador dog food? Selecting the optimal dog food for your Labrador necessitates the meticulous evaluation of various factors. Look for high-quality ingredients: Choose dog foods that contain high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, and fats and are free from artificial preservatives and fillers. Choose a formula for Labrador Retrievers: Some dog food brands offer recipes designed explicitly for Labrador Retrievers, considering their unique nutritional needs. Suitability with age: Age factors matter a lot when choosing Labrador dog food. Puppies, adult dogs, and seniors have different dietary requirements, so select a formula appropriate for your dog's age. Read the online reviews to get an idea of how other dog owners feel about a particular dog food brand. You may be interested in Product. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. Once they reach eight weeks, changing to dry kibble food is best. We recommend feeding a Labrador puppy dry kibble for the first months before changing to an adult food type. But to remain healthy, owners should know what to feed them. Dog owners should feed a Labrador puppy dry food kibble , wet food, or fresh human food, depending on their budget and lifestyle. There are many options for food for dogs, and it can become challenging to determine which one is the best option for the dog. We have found the best options and listed them below. They help us with our daily tasks, are always there when we need them, and bring great joy to our lives. But, it is essential to ensure that our dog gets the best nutrition possible. They have a lot of energy and need to be fed accordingly. This includes the number of calories, food type, and the number of meals per day. We will explain all of these factors to help understand what to feed these precious animals. A Labrador puppy needs high-quality protein in their diet, so they should not be fed just any type of food. This is why we recommend three food options: dry food or kibble, fresh food or human food, or wet food. We prefer using dry food or kibble in most cases, but it is beneficial to start with wet food for young puppies and transition to dry food after a few weeks. Feeding a puppy human food is possible, but it can be more expensive and requires extra work to stick to a cleaner diet at this age. We have found it to be a healthier and more convenient option for our pets. It is also a good alternative to wet food which can be difficult to store and prepare. The benefits of dry dog food are that it offers the pup a balanced diet that doesn't need refrigeration. It also offers convenience because we can buy it in bulk and store it in the pantry or freezer until needed. Dry dog food is also less expensive than wet food, which is another benefit for pet owners. Fresh Food Human Food Feeding a Labrador puppy a diet of fresh, real human food is one of the best things to do for their health and well-being. It will not only make them happy and content, but it will also keep them healthy. This eliminates the guessing game; they are only fed real, natural foods with no unknown ingredients. However, it will become expensive and require regular cooking and preparation. Wet Food Wet food is recommended for Labrador puppies when they are first born and for the first weeks while they grow. It can be either raw or cooked. Wet food is a good source of water and minerals, which are important in the early days of their life to help them grow strong bones and teeth. It should be given to a puppy as soon as it comes out of its mother's womb, but it must not be given before it starts eating solid foods because it will cause diarrhea. Once they get more mature, moving to kibbles is best. It is known for its low level of grain and carbohydrate content and high protein content. Once they reach the week mark, there are better options to help the puppy continue to develop and grow. This food also helps with digestion and weight management. It also promotes proper bone growth with antioxidants and necessary nutrients like vitamin E. The kibble is also shaped strategically to help puppies who chew fast while helping with jaw growth. Overall, this is the best food option for a Labrador puppy. It is designed for all life stages, from puppies to seniors, and we love the benefits it provides to younger labs. The product features a blend of highly digestible proteins, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, taurine, and glucosamine. This ensures the dog gets the nutrition they need while also reducing the risk of digestive tract problems such as bloat or pancreatitis. It also has a low glycemic index and no corn, wheat, or soy in the recipe. Dog owners can also expect an excellent protein ratio when using this food. Both veterinarians and nutritionists have recognized it for its high-quality ingredients for young puppies. The Acana High Protein formula is made with a blend of chicken, turkey, and fish meals, whole eggs, and natural beef or lamb meal. The product has a limited ingredient list with no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. It also has no added sugar and a low glycemic index. This food also contains probiotics and prebiotics to help the pet maintain a healthy immune system. This is the perfect dry dog food for puppies after eight weeks old. This brand is also very affordable for those who want to feed their dog a healthy diet without breaking the bank. It features a patented recipe that helps to promote healthy digestion, strong teeth and gums, healthy skin and shiny coat, a strong immune system, healthy joints and muscles, and a healthy heart. This is a high-protein food option for Labradors too. It promotes lean muscle growth and improved body health with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics 5. It is made with high-quality ingredients and has a great taste and texture for labs to enjoy. This food is to help with puppy development and is suitable for all Labradors under one-year-old. This wet food provides the perfect balance of healthy proteins to support a dog's growth while providing the energy they need to maintain its fitness levels. This can be fed as a meal or as an occasional snack between meals. It has no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or added sugar. It also contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are important for healthy skin and the dog's coat. They are large, strong, intelligent dogs that need a lot of attention, exercise, and food. These dogs can be picky eaters and usually need a lot of calories because of their size. This is especially true for puppies so they can grow properly and remain healthy due to their increased risk of health issues. Food Type Labrador puppies' most popular dog foods are kibbles and canned wet food. Kibbles are the best option for a puppy because they are easy to chew and digest. Canned food is a good option for pups who have difficulty chewing or digesting dry food and would benefit from a little moisture in their diet. The food type also depends on the owner. Dry food or kibbles are faster to prepare, while serving human food to a lab puppy requires extensive prep time. Nutritional Value When it comes to nutritional value, we want dog food that has high-quality protein and carbohydrates. This will help the puppy grow strong and healthy. This is why we need to take into account the nutritional value, quality of ingredients, and taste. It should be made with all-natural ingredients that are sourced from human-grade materials such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. A brand should have all the essential nutrients for a pup but still, be low in toxic elements and preservatives too. Dietary Restrictions Lastly, consider the dietary restrictions of the Labrador puppy before choosing a dog food option. This includes any allergies or health concerns for the dog and shopping for something that suits them best. For example, lab puppies must reach a certain carbohydrate and protein number daily. Labradors are also known to have allergies, especially young ones, so planning around this is crucial. A puppy should be fed at least three times a day, with a meal size that is appropriate for its body weight. They should also be given small daily snacks to keep them satisfied and happy, including treats to help with training. We feed our puppies the best that we can. We want to give them all the nutrients and vitamins they need. We also want to make sure that they are getting a balanced diet. The most important thing when feeding a Labrador puppy is that they get enough calories from their food every day. In the first weeks, the puppy should eat four smaller daily meals. Once the lab reaches three months, this can be changed to three meals per day. And after months, we recommend two meals per day. The key is not to change the calories much when the meals change but to simply modify the size of each meal to fit the total daily food amount. Feeding a Labrador puppy is not rocket science, but there are some things everybody should know about what to feed them and when to feed them. We have covered this basis, but changes need to be made as they age. This leads to a common question about changing food to fit the needs of a grown adult Labrador. The dog's age will determine how quickly they grow and how much energy they need. Lab puppies can stick with kibbles for up to 12 months. Increase portions as your puppy grows. Be sure to follow the rule of dog treats. This is about changes over time. Nutritional deficiency or excess can lead to disease and ultimately death. You may have noticed that your dog has dandruff after changing food, but the food is really good — try adding levels of zinc and vitamin A. Your main task as a pet owner is to monitor the health of a small family member and be responsible for this life. Image credit: canva. The first one is a protein that can be found in meat, poultry, fish, yogurt, and cooked eggs. Protein is responsible for the structure of muscles and tissues, as well as the formation and growth of new cells. In the diet for a Labrador puppy, it is imperative to include carbohydrates that are found in brown rice, potatoes, and wheat. Carbohydrates supply the body with glucose, which is responsible for the functioning of the brain and nervous system. An obligatory component of dog food is fats. It is a source of energy, development, and functioning of the cells and muscles of the body. Fats are included in oil and even fish oil. Puppy food for Labs or any other dog includes a certain amount of minerals such as calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and others. Minerals in dog food form bones and cartilage and balance the nerves. It promotes the production of hormones in the Lab puppies, regulates the balance of fluids in the body, and transports oxygen into the blood. Like people, dog and puppy foods should include plenty of water. Water is life! Once in the body, they strengthen bones, and teeth and fill the Labrador puppy with energy. Cost point Every time you buy pet food, you think about the issue of price. Of course, cost is important when making a purchasing decision. You should be aware that higher-quality puppy food can cost more than the average price. Your dog is an irreplaceable member of your family, which must be protected and loved with all your heart. Risks and diseases Lab owners should know well about all risks and diseases that their dogs may face. Numerous studies confirm that the Labrador Retriever breed is prone to digestive sensitivities and skin allergies due to irritating foods. This leads to pruritic diseases. Skin allergies and problems with the gastrointestinal tract are severe. Labs are prone to obesity. Maintaining a healthy weight and body is considered an important point of caring for a dog. In general, Labrador Retrievers should have a taut, hourglass-shaped figure. Obesity puts additional stress on bones and joints and makes it difficult to stay healthy. To combat weight gain, you need to exercise your dog with certain physical exercises, follow a proper diet, control portion sizes, and receive treats. Another disease caused by malnutrition is Gastric dilatation-volvulus. In short, this is boating. Indigestion is a severe problem that should not be ignored. The worst risk is death from the musculoskeletal disorder of muscles, nerves, joints, arthritis, and spinal discs. Also, you should be aware that feed processing of dog foods affects the occurrence and development of cancer. Dry food is cooked at a very high temperature, which leads to the formation of harmful chemical elements in the body of the dog. Such food also contains carbohydrates, which break down into cancer-causing glucose. You can combine dog food with homemade recipe food for your pet yourself. Moreover, it is a good way of feeding your dog if the dog food at home is over or there is very little left, but you need to extend the time until the next purchase. Dogs fed solely on home-cooked or combined diets lived for about 13 years, while those fed only processed food lived for about 10 years. Like human food, it can be chewed easily. Food is broken down in the body so that key nutrients are absorbed more quickly. Such food facilitates digestion and relaxes the stomach. Reducing stress on the digestive system reduces the likelihood of bloating. If you still decide to cook homemade food, follow the rules. Study each ingredient. Cook all animal products for the exact finish to kill harmful bacteria. Risks of homemade dog food Most of the problems are caused by a misunderstanding of the nutritional needs of the Labrador. If you do not understand the effect of food on the body of your pet, which reaction is correct and which can lead to negative consequences and different stages of life, contact a professional veterinarian who can tell you in detail about the effect of food on the body of a dog and how to properly form a pet diet. What food is best for a Labrador puppy? We made for you the list of the best puppy food for Labrador puppies. We can highlight the most noteworthy products from this list. Should I feed my Lab puppy dry or wet food? Mix dry and wet food. What is better to choose — opinions are different. But if you are in doubt about which puppy food to choose, consult your veterinarian. What is the recommended amount of water for a puppy? Older pups that have been nursed require one-half ounce to one ounce of water per pound of body weight. What do you feed an 8-week-old Lab puppy? An 8-week-old puppy should be fed several small meals a day. After 14 weeks, the Lab puppy can switch to two meals a day. Food for a Labrador puppy should be full of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals for healthy development. Giving treats is fine, but remember that Labradors are prone to overeating and gaining weight quickly. Also, try to give treats for obedience. You can choose canned food and dry food for your dog as you wish but you should always think about the effect of this dog food on your dog. Hope this article was helpful for you and that your pet will grow healthy and strong. This post may contain affiliate links. We are compensated for referring customers to our affiliate partners. Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog in America. With their sweet natures, high intelligence, and adorable good looks, there is a reason why everyone loves this dog. Labrador Retrievers have very specific nutritional needs to keep them active and healthy. Their breed also develops some common health issues that possibly can be prevented with the right diet. So if you are one of the millions of people who share your home with a Labrador Retriever here is a guide to the healthiest dog food for labradore retrievers. Introducing: The Labrador Retriever! They are often sporting and hunting companions, therapy dogs, and farm helpers. Even though they have calm temperaments they need a food that provides a lot of energy, especially if they are outdoor or working dogs. A dog food rich in protein and complex carbohydrates that are high in soluble fiber would make for a great dog food for Labrador Retrievers. Labs are prone to obesity though. You should also be very careful to make sure any dog food for Labrador Retrievers never contains added sugars. A dog food that contains glutamine and chondroitin helps lubricate the joints and fits against hip dysplasia. Eye illnesses like cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and retinal dysplasia are also incredibly common about Labrador Retrievers. A diet rich in vitamin A, beta-carotene, and lutein can help prevent these issues. They are also very prone to heart disease, so you should choose a food low in sodium, high in omega-3 fatty acids the amino acid taurine and l-carnitine, magnesium, and B vitamins. Finally, Labrador Retrievers are very prone to skin allergies so you should avoid foods that contain processed grains and look for foods with novel protein sources to avoid any allergic reactions. Ingredients To Look For In A Healthy Dog Food For Labrador Retrievers When shoppping for the healthiest and best dog food for Labrador Retrievers, you should look at the ingredients panel for the following: Fish and flaxseed oil for omega fatty acids Carrots, blueberries, eggs, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and broccoli for eye health Beans, peas, eggs, liver, and meat for B vitamins Either grain-free or whole grain Novel proteins like fish and game meats for hypoallergenic protein and amino acids You should also check the guaranteed analysis panel for low sodium. Breed-Specific Dog Food For Labrador Retrievers To select the healthiest dog food for Labrador Retrievers, one of your options is to choose a breed-specific formula designed to meet the full nutritional needs of labs. It is specifically made to address the skin, joint, and eye issues that Labrador Retrievers are prone to developing. Royal Canin Labrador Retriever contains supplemental vitamins A and B, glucosamine and chondroitin, and lots of omega-fatty acids. Though not grain-free or made with a novel protein, Royal Canin is high in the powerful carbohydrates and fats your Labrador Retriever needs and is easily digestible to avoid an allergic reaction. It also has omega fatty acids and glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints, heart, and skin. Easy-to-digest with high fiber and probiotics, Eukanuba Breed-Specific Labrador Retriever also provides the perfect carbohydrate and fat balance for energy. Made with novel protein sources, grain-free, and omega fatty acids, it is the perfect food for Labrador Retrievers allergy sensitivities. It also contains nutrient-dense carbohydrates like carrots, blueberries, sweet potatoes, and broccoli and eggs, peas, and beans for to support eye health and energy. Wellness CORE comes in three other flavors including Original, Ocean, and Low-Fat, as well as a range of wet food options, so your Labrador Retriever will get all their nutritional needs met without ever getting bored. All the nutrients provide by Orijen come from whole food sources so it is easy to digest. One of the biggest benefits of Orijen is that it contains the perfect balance of proteins, fats, and low-glycemic carbohydrates so your Labrador Retriever will have plenty of energy without the risk of obesity. If you have a Labrador Retriever, consider feeding them one of these great dog foods. You Decide! How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies.