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Some final words There is a little bit of leeway in their feeding schedule as all standard poodles are not the same. Each individual dog will require different amounts of food at different times of the day. The following information is a guideline as there is no set rule on when or how much to feed your pet each day. Before they are 6 months of age, you can feed your little pet up to 4 to 5 times. After they reach the age of 6 months, you can lower that total to 3 times every day. Just because you serve them multiple times throughout the day, it does not mean their serving size is huge. You are looking at feeding your puppy about 2 cups of dog food each day. This serving size can be equally measured out so that your little feller or gal gets enough food at each meal. It will take a little research to find the perfect food for your pet. If you are in doubt, you can always ask your vet what is the best type of dog food to use. The key to feeding your dog its food is that you cannot change it from week to week or day to day. You must pick one and stick with that brand. Changing the food often and without mixing it with their old dog food will upset their stomachs and cause accidents to happen. If you are worried about the number of calories your puppy is eating, those are listed on the side of the package under the heading kcal. Just look at the number next to that box to get the actual number of calories your dog is receiving. Also, the amount of food you feed your pet depends on how active they are. If they are not very active you can cut their portions down a little bit. This will help avoid your pet from becoming overweight. If he or she is very active, then you should feed them a little bit more food than the recommended amount. Puppy Food Tips There are some guidelines to help you find the right pet food for your puppy. Here are a few of those guidelines to direct your search: 1. Try to Avoid Fillers and Additives- Look for those options that contain more meat and vegetables 2. Grains are Good- Unless your vet recommends against it. Grains help your pet have more energy. Be Heavy on Glucosamine and Chondroitin- These ingredients will help your pet if it has a family history of dysplasia or joint problems. Make Sure the First Ingredient is Meat- The first ingredient tells you that it is the dominant ingredient and the more meat the better for your puppy. Look for Vegetables as Well- These ingredients provide needed nutrients your puppy needs to grow healthy. Provide a Mix- A little wet food on the dry dog food will help your picky eater build their teeth and get needed nutrients. Wet food alone will not do this but it does help with dry dog food consumption. What Foods Not to Feed Your Poodle There are some ingredients you should avoid so that your puppy gets the healthiest meal possible. MSG- It is not good for humans, and it is not good for pets. In fact, not only can it give you a UTI, it can do the same for your dog. Artificial Colors and Preservatives- These are hard to avoid but try if you can. Foods with Animal By-Products- The reason to avoid this ingredient is that you do not know where those by-products came from. Some final words Be careful when you feed your pet. There is always the danger of over-feeding them. If they act like they are always hungry, give them something else to do. They could have just arrived in your home, have a toothache, upset stomach , or they do not like the taste of the food. When you give your pet a bone, there is always a chance that bacteria may be on it. So be careful when raw feeding your pet any food item. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. However, you should keep the intervals between meals similar. Best Dog Foods for Poodles To keep your dog healthy and happy, choose the right food. A feeding guide should include the best food to feed your dog, whether raising a puppy or caring for an older companion. Poodle owners have several choices when it comes to feeding their pets. They can buy commercial dog food, prepare a homemade diet of raw food or raw meat, or opt for a combination of the two as the best food for their pup. Poodle Homemade Food: A homemade diet can provide your dog with all the nutrients it needs, as long as you know what to include in a balanced meal. You can consider giving ingredients like grain-free foods for those with a sensitive stomach. You may also feed a Poodle puppy sweet potato or add cooked meats to their diet. Biologically Appropriate Raw Food Diet BARF : BARF , also known as raw diet or raw feeding, is a type of diet that mainly consists of raw meats, eggs, crushed bones, fruits, vegetables, probiotics, and other natural ingredients. If feeding raw food is done correctly, it can be very healthy for your puppies and adult dogs since it is free from preservatives. Consulting an experienced vet is strongly recommended when looking for the best diet for your Poodle. Sometimes, they get curious too. If you love coffee, keep it out of reach of your Poodle. It contains caffeine , which may cause high blood pressure, stomach upset, and heart problems. Another human food that should not be a part of your puppy food is chocolate. Theobromine , found in chocolate, can cause abnormal heartbeats, seizures , and even death in your puppy or adult dog if consumed. Toy, Mini, and Standard Poodles can also be harmed by gum, peanut butter, and candy containing xylitol. This can cause disorientation , hypoglycemia , seizures, and collapse. Most kinds of toothpaste also contain xylitol, so make sure not to drop any on the floor when you brush your teeth. A small amount can be fatal to your Poodle. Moreover, it is not advised to feed your Poodle avocado or cherries. The pits, skins, and leaves of avocados contain a toxin called persin. It is essential to always check the food label on any treats or ingredients to avoid giving toxic foods to your pets. Additionally, do not feed your puppy too fast and too much as it can result in bloating. You should also consult a vet if you have questions about safe human and puppy foods to ensure they live a long life. Start by adding more of the new food and eliminating some old food at each meal until your pet eats only the new food. This also applies when you switch from puppy to adult food. Feeding a Poodle Overview Ensuring that your Poodle is on a well-balanced diet is one of the most important elements to keeping your canine family member healthy, both now and into the future. This section will cover all Poodle feeding guidelines including how often to feed a Poodle, serving sizes, dry vs wet, grain vs grain-free, and top recommended kibble. Don't need all of the details and just want to know which brands are recommended? New Puppies - The Importance of Gradually Switching Foods Before you even bring your Poodle home, it is very important to discuss with the breeder or shelter worker if you are adopting a rescue exactly which brand of food they have been feeding to your Poodle. A fast change in food can cause upset stomach and digestive problems. Breeders and shelters are buying food in bulk and have to feed many dogs which is a factor in which brand they choose; so there is a good chance that you will want to offer your Poodle something different. Have both the current food and the new food on hand and make a gradual switch over the course of 3 weeks. Though you will be leaving food out at all times, it is important that the food is fresh. Do not just top it off throughout the day, rinse and clean the bowl as necessary so that old food is not stuck at the bottom of the dish. Puppy: Starting at just about the 3 month mark, Poodles of all varieties should be eating 3 meals per day, plus snacks. Adult: When a pup matures into an adult, this does not necessarily mean that they should suddenly be given only one meal a day. Smaller dogs such as Toy Poodles and Miniatures often do best with 2 or even 3 meals per day. Standards have a bit more tolerance to a single dinnertime feeding, however many can also benefit from having food split up into two servings. Several snacks can be given in between meals and this is particularly helpful is a Poodle is a fast eater. How Much to Feed a Poodle Exact serving size varies quite a bit depending on the type of food. There is a big difference in calories between wet vs dry and low quality vs high quality. And, the amount of food that a Poodle should be eating depends on the dog's age, activity level, individual metabolism, and health status. Even the weather can play a role since dogs tend to eat a bit more in the winter and a bit less in the summer. In regard to calorie requirements, puppies need more calories per pound than their adult counterparts, approximately 40 to 55 calories per pound, daily, compared to adult dogs that need about 35 to 45 calories per pound, daily. S enior Poodles typically have slower metabolisms and reduced mobility and therefore usually require slightly fewer calories, in the 40 calorie per pound range. If you are feeding your Poodle a commercial food, follow the suggested feeding guidelines. These are usually pretty spot-on. Since these are based on both age and weight, do not estimate how much your Poodle weighs but rather know what this is within a pound or two. If you are feeding your Poodle homemade food, a rough guideline for serving size is 1 ounce of food for each 1 pound of body weight, daily. As you can imagine, this can vary quite a bit depending on the exact ingredients. Using the 1 to 1 rule as a starting point, what your Poodle consumes within 15 minutes is usually a good amount for each meal. Wet vs Dry If a Poodle had their way, most would opt for wet food. However, dry food is recommended since this is much better for the gums and teeth. In addition, dry kibble tends to be easier on the stomach and intestines and a diet of all wet canned food can lead to runny stools. Grain vs Grain-free Until relatively recently, there was not much debate on this subject; if a dog tended to have gastrointestinal or allergy issues when on a diet with grains, they were switched to a grain-free recipe. However, this changed when it was discovered that several dogs that were breeds not prone to dilated cardiomyopathy developed that particular heart disease and also happened to be fed grain-free kibble. Lots of pet parents immediately thought that they needed to change their dogs back to grains; however, many more studies need to be done. In fact, the most recent update from the Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University suggests that 'grain-free' alone may not be the issue at play. For now, it is theorized that a certain diet dubbed a BEG diet may be to blame. This stands for boutique small local brands with exotic meats non-traditional meats like alligator, bison, ostrich, venison, and kangaroo and grain-free along with peas, legumes, or potatoes as one of the top 5 ingredients. Currently there are no recalls of grain-free dog food brands and the FDA is still investigating any possible links including the BEG theory. If your Poodle does not do well with any grains at all, you may wish to stick to a brand that has traditional meats like chicken, turkey, or beef or a fish-based recipes. And, if you are not sure about which grains your Poodle may do okay with, you may wish to opt for wholesome non-wheat and non-gluten grains like rice brown or white , oatmeal, quinoa which is technically a seed. Exact recommendations for the best foods include both grain and grain-free options. Elements to Keep in Mind When Choosing Food for Your Poodle What to avoid: It's no wonder that pet parents have a difficult time navigating the many choices of dog foods in their quest to find the best brand to give their Poodle, there are a lot of ingredients to avoid: Artificial flavoring like MSG which can cause terrible allergic reactions. Artificial coloring. Some of the worst are Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 2, and Yellow 6 which are linked to very serious issues including neurological and behavioral issues like insomnia and hyperactivity and serious health issues including some cancers. Chemical preservatives. This can be tricky to avoid since these do not always need to be labeled; if these are added to protect 'protein meals' in low levels, you'll never see it listed as an ingredient. These are meats and animal parts deemed unfit for human consumption. Examples are lungs, spleen, spinal tissue, genitals, hooves, beaks, intestines, and more. Generic meats or oils. This can, by law, be any species of animal whatsoever and are usually 4-D animal parts: Sourced from dead, diseased, dying, or disabled zoo animals, farm animals, or even roadkill. These are very common in cheaper subpar brands and are inexpensive ingredients that are added only to plump up the food but offer little to no nutritional value. Examples of fillers include corn, soy, wheat middlings, peanut hulls, oat husks, and cereal grains. Ingestion of fillers is a contributing factor in coprophagia eating feces and is linked to malnutrition. High grain count. Though some wholesome grains may be desired next section , high levels of wheat or gluten can cause upset stomach issues and allergies. What to look for: Knowing what to avoid can help you identify some of the better brands though exact recommendations are below. This means zero artificial additives. Natural preservatives. Wholesome ingredients. For meats and proteins this includes chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, rabbit, beef, and many types of fish including whitefish, haddock, salmon, and cod. You'll also want your Poodle to have some vegetables and fruits which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Zero fillers. Every ingredient should serve the purpose of providing nutrients and never added simply to bulk up the recipe. The right balance of healthy grains. Though some Poodles will need to avoid all grains, most do very well with select non-wheat, non-gluten options including oatmeal, quinoa, and rice. Added extras. Next, we'll cover exact recommendations that fit all of the above criteria. Best Food for Poodles: Recommended Brands Please note that if you have not yet read ' Grain vs Grain-free ' section, you may wish to do so before continuing. Top recommend food with grains: 1. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry. For larger miniatures and standards, you'll want to opt for their regular Complete Health. There are also puppy, adult, and senior formulas. All of these have no wheat, corn or other fillers, artificial coloring or flavoring, soy, meat by-products, or chemical preservatives, so you can feel very confident that your filling your Poodle's bowl with truly wholesome, healthy food. These recipes also have excellent levels of omega-3 fatty acids. And, this is made in the USA. Halo Natural Holisitc Dog Food. This top brand has found its niche by offering a purely holistic, organic recipe with non-GMO veggies and fruits and meats with no antibiotics, no hormones, and no factory farming. The protein base is chicken and liver, the two grains in this are oats and barley, and vegetables and fruits include peas, blueberries, cranberries, carrots, and sweet potato. All other ingredients are to naturally preserve the kibble or are vitamins and minerals. This particular recipe is for small breeds, however there is also an original for larger dogs. Halo is made in the USA. Top recommended food without grains: 1. Merrick is a great brand which offers this recipe for small breeds, like toy Poodles and another option for larger dogs which would include miniatures and standards. Protein bases include Texas beef, lamb, chicken, and salmon. There is no corn or other fillers, wheat, gluten, artificial additives, or chemical preservatives. And, there are excellent levels of omega-3 and both pre and probiotics. Merrick is also made in the USA. The CORE formula from Wellness is, by far, one of the very best grain-free foods on the market today. It hits very single checkbox of what you are ideally looking for in a food for your Poodle and it has some superior extras. There are excellent levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants. There is both a small breed formula and an original formula for minis and standards as well as puppy recipes and a reduced fat option. Wellness is made in the USA. What to Feed Your Poodle if Home Cooking You will want to have a mix of protein, healthy grains, vegetables and fruits. Proteins can include beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, veal, and fish cod, flounder, salmon, whitefish. Vegetables can include sugar snap peas, green beans, lima beans, spinach, peas, zucchini, carrots, sweet potato, and regular potato. Fruits can include blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, apple, and pear. Extras can include eggs, salmon oil, extra virgin olive oil, certain cheese with low levels of lactose Colby, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, and cottage cheese and plain whole white yogurt. Note that if you home cook, you will want to include a daily vitamin and mineral since it is near impossible for any combination of foods to offer a dog every nutrient that they need. Snacks Snacks and treats are also an important part of a dog's diet. Dry treats often labeled as baked or crunchy are best to tide over the appetite in between meals. Moist or chewy treats are best when used as training rewards and to reinforce good behavior. Rapid ingestion of food can lead to gas, vomiting, or upset stomach and is linked to killer bloat. Types of Nuts that a Poodle Can Eat - If you are snacking away on some nuts and want to share them with your Poodle, see which ones are safe and which are not. Poodle Begging Behavior - Giving into begging for table scraps or extra snacks contributes to this bad habit. See how to react if your Poodle won't stop begging. Overly Picky Poodles - Read how to address finicky eaters to make mealtime less stressful for both of you. All rights reserved. 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 Us. Pups weaning from mom to her kibble that she drops Of course Pups don't learn proper Table manners until they are 6 weeks of age At three weeks of age they are introduced to softened Kibble , which is soaked and made into a warm gruel. What a sight, the first few feedings have the little pups "wearing" more food than eating it. They learn quickly though. Now, what do you do? This is, in part, due to the change from our home to yours. Do not worry, the puppy will begin eating normally. You may choose to continue with a bit of softened food for the first week, to aid puppy in adjusting to their new home Just remember what is not eaten will spoil within hours and will need to be thrown out. Of course our feeding schedule of 3x a day at certain times, is not cast in stone and you will come up with your own schedule. We do recommend the final feeding to be approximately hours before your bedtime allowing you to get puppy outside immediately after eating see "Housebreaking" and again well before your bedtime. The morning feeding should be after you've taken the pup outside, let it have it's pee and poo, and a little play session. Time the middle feeding at a halfway point between the morning and evening feedings or as closely to that as your schedule allows. After puppy is toilet trained.We have found that "free feeding" a well trained puppy one that knows who the leader is prevents bloating, prevents gorging of food, prevents fussy eaters well the list goes on and on on the benefits. No matter what your Vet says or believes, our Poodles do not and will not over eat! Chicken products from China causing intermittent vomiting and Diarrhea and killing dogs. Glycerin in dehydrated jerky type treats, dehydrated Chicken Breasts, dog treats, greenies. According to the FDA, they have found that dogs who consume varying amounts of Glycerin can exhibit the following symptoms: decreased appetite, decreased activity, vomiting, diarrhea, increased water consumption urination. With blood tests, the dog may have an increased BUN, Blood glucose which is evidence of glycerin's negative affects on the kidneys. In hundreds of dogs kidney failure and death has been reported. A puppy does not need treats. Praise and play work wonders to motivate. Keep in mind that treats are not a substitute for a meal… we use teeny tiny pieces… We don't give our pups or dogs treats routinely. If I wish to bribe my Poodle then I will resort to chicken wieners or sardines. Another odd phenomenon we see so many times, is that anxious owners, or owners with stomach or digestive issues themselves, have this same disorder manifest within their puppies. Do not make food or treat time an anxious time. Do not get them worked up over food or treats. NEVER keep switching foods for different flavors or brands, this creates a nightmare of a fussy eater A dog views food as a part of survival. Dogs do not use food to feed emotions the way us humans do. In summer when there is extreme heat and especially humidity, it is not uncommon to see dogs eat grass to settle their tummies and sometimes vomit as a result. Dogs can easily get overheated, so if you hear "humidity warnings" don't go outside to play with your puppy wait until it gets cooler in the day or evening, to venture outside for a game of play. Please always remember, that cool, fresh water should be available at all times except during crating times. If you restrict water puppy can develop a Bladder or Urinary Tract Infection. At first offer your puppy about 2 cups of food. Your puppy should always have kibble left over in their bowl at the end of your feeding time. Do not starve your puppy just because you are following the directions on the bag or your vet said to feed "x" amount… Let the pup have access to the food for about 20 minutes. What they have not eaten after this time, you take away until next meal time. Continue this through the scheduled feeding times. As poodle puppies grow, so too do their appetites. If your puppy consistently finishes all of the food offered during the feeding time, increase the amount of food, just removing the contents after 20 minutes. Growing puppies can eat what seems to be a phenomenal amount. We have seen so many of our adults basically starving with hips sticking out and just too thin because owners want to control their dog's food intake! The heart is a big muscle that will be adversely effected including but not limited to rhythm irregularities Starving your Poodle sorry I mean "controlling your poodle's diet will also cause GI upset and sensitivity. Your poodle should eat enough that it is leaving food behind in the dish. If it is not.This Poodle male was 50lbs and should have weighed 75 lbs The owner listened to the Vet and fed what they were told to do, ignoring common sense!! This is abuse! This Poodle's body would be eating muscle in order to survive. The heart is a muscle. There is no excuse for this. Free feeding also aids in avoiding bloat and or torsion like we do. At some point between weeks your puppy will no longer require three feedings a day. A lot of puppies will let you know when that is. They will begin to pick at one of the meals. If you find your puppy is consistently not interested in a meal often the mid feeding , take the same amount of food you have been feeding in a day and divide it into two feedings. Puppy is eating the same amount, just twice a day instead of three times a day. We feel this aids in preventing bloat and making fussy eaters. In we decided to try our dogs and puppies on this food as it is poultry and grain free and limited ingredient and more dogs of all breeds, have been having sensitivity to poultry and or diets with grain. New as of - the public found out that a lot of dog foods were being filled with Whey acid by-product of the Greek Yogurt and that this is counted as Protein It could be coincidence however there are more and more puppies of all breeds and mutts having GI upset and bladder issues, so we tend to not believe in coincidences. Since starting on this food our pups have not had loose stools and their bladders have been healthier. We can't deny all the amazing reviews of this quality product. If puppy eats all their food in the alotted time then you should be feeding more. Unlike humans, or other less "refined" dog breeds, Poodles will not over eat. So make sure that puppy has enough food. Do not substitute food with giving treats all day long either. How much should your puppy weigh? My standard for my pups, which are over 8 wks. If a puppy is 8 weeks old it should weigh around 8 lbs. This formula is fairly accurate until the dog reaches the age of 3 months. Basically your puppy should have left over kibble in their bowl every meal time during the alloted time limit. If the kibble is all gone in the first few minutes, just add more kibble and know for next time the proper amount. The following amounts are for EACH feeding. Do not worry if there is food left over. Food and Weights for Puppy 7 weeks. Raw or cooked homemade meals When you bring home a new puppy, you might want to switch her food to a brand you prefer. Wait until your dog has been with you for at least a few weeks. This is a time of big changes for your puppy, and you should minimize the trauma coming all at once. Plan to make the dog food switch over the course of a week or so, and watch for signs of digestive upset. Poodle Puppy Diets Many diets today are age- or stage of life-specific, even breed-specific. But does this really matter, or is it marketing? The truth is, it actually does. Brands that make dog foods pay attention to research to formulate the best nutrition for different stages of life and for different sizes of dog. A good puppy formula will include extra nutrients, such as calcium, and extra calories per pound of body weight. It will also have the right number of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, carbohydrates, and fats for the right amount of growth. The right amount actually includes the restriction of certain nutrients. Having too much of a good thing can actually be bad for dogs. In large breeds like the Standard Poodle, the ingestion of excessive amounts of energy and calcium as puppies can lead to a higher likelihood of developmental orthopedic diseases such as hip dysplasia. Poodles are genetically prone to joint problems like this, so diet here is very important. For kibble, you can even dish up the daily meals at the start of the day. Personally, I always make one extra bowl to use as training treats. Allowing me to reward my pup for good behavior throughout the day without messing with my ratios. Over the first couple of months, I feed four meals so I make up five bowls first thing in the day. Spread the formal meals evenly throughout the day time, making sure the last one is at least two hours before you want to go to bed. This will save you getting back up again to let your puppy out to open their bowels! An adult dog food should have less protein, calcium, fat, and omega-3 acids than the puppy version. Once your Poodle gets to about 80 percent of his expected adult size, feel free to switch to the adult brand. Every dog is different in terms of metabolism and body type. In that case, it might be time to switch to the adult corollary. Look for meat-based protein sources in the first few ingredients listed on the package. Be sure to start off with apuppy formula if your dog is under 12 months old. Feeding a Poodle Puppy Wet Food Many canned dog food options are digestible and full of balanced nutrition. Not all wet foods offer a balanced diet, so make sure to read labels. If your dog needs better hydration or has problems with her teeth, wet food might be a good option. Canned food often has 75 percent moisture content compared with percent for dry. Canned food has more fat and protein and fewer carbs, along with more animal products. Also, do your research! Learn about safe handling and storage of meats. This works because some foods provide more nutrition and taste better! Others are better raw. So this diet can be more flexible and easier to deal with than the raw diet. And you can avoid some of the pitfalls of uncooked meat, too. However, some of the same nutritional issues must be addressed. Weigh your puppy frequently and use a Poodle growth chart, then adjust food amounts as needed. If you can see them without having to feel for them, your dog may need more food. Look for other symptoms of problematic weight, such as exhaustion and difficulty turning around, or bowel and gas issues. Poodles are prone to obesity, and obesity comes with plenty of health issues you do not want to deal with, such as metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, heart disease, and joint problems. Instead, find ways of helping your pup eat slower, or feel full faster. A slow-feeder bowl can help reduce the rate at which your dog scarfs down his meal, for example. A puzzle feeder or other toys may also help. Play with her to distract her, or take her out! If you really think you need to adjust food amounts, talk to your veterinarian and get professional advice. Poodles tend to be a slower-maturing breed. The different sizes of Poodle mature at different rates. Smaller dogs mature more quickly. Miniature poodles will be fully grown between months but may take a bit longer to fill out. Standard poodles may take up to 2 years to mature. You can start feeding Miniature and Toy Poodles adult foods at around months. Category : Puppies When you take your puppy home usually around weeks of age they will need to eat 3 or 4 times a day. At 8 weeks old we feed small meals 4 times a day at 7 am, 11 am, 2 pm and then at 5 pm. We allow them free access to water until 7 pm in the evening. An alternative is to feed 3 times a day at 7 am, 12 noon and at 5 pm. If your puppy is hungry split the meals to 4 times a day. By the time they are 10 weeks old they can go to 3 meals a day. If your puppy feels thin you can feel all the ribs and backbone easily increase the amount of food. If your puppy feels fat you should be able to feel some of the ribs reduce the amount of food. Some puppies are very active and burn up every calorie they eat, some are prone to being a little rounder and their food intake needs to be carefully monitored. Research has shown that dogs that are not overfeed have a much lower risk of developing hip dysplasia. Keep your puppy thin and healthy. We do not recommend free feeding of puppies as this makes it more difficult to housebreak your poodle and regulate their diet. Better to move to free feeding after housebreaking if you choose to. It is harder to monitor how much food they eat when free feeding and a glutunous puppy may quickly become fat. Remember a thin puppy is less likely to develop hip dysplasia. We strongly encourage you to keep your puppy on the same food we provide for the first month. Both coccidia and giardia may live in the gut of a healthy poodle and they never have an outbreak. When their bodies are stressed they are more likely to develop an unhealthy balance and the result may be a sick puppy. Moving to a new home, leaving their Mother and siblings and diet changes are all stressful. We encourage you to make as few changes as possible to your puppies diet the first month. Changing to a different dog food — go slowly. It may take a month or longer to switch foods. If at any point your puppy develops an upset stomach go back to the level of food mix that they were doing well on. Should your puppy develop bloody diarrhea take them to the veterinarian, they have most likely developed gastroenteritis and may need some medication or possibly fluids. Go slowly, new protein sources require time for the stomach to adjust. This is true not only in puppies but also adults. We continue to feed our puppies 3 meals a day until they are 6 months old. Our belief is that in keeping food moving through the puppy it allows for better consistent growth and health. At 6 months of age we start to feed 2 times a day with snacks throughout the day. We continue to feed our dogs 2 times a day throughout their life. We feed snacks several times a day to both puppies and adults which may be carrots, green beans, eggs or chicken or pieces of their kibble. We feed our poodles both kibble and home cooked food. Bully sticks are given occasionally for chewing. No Comments.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Medium to large in size and full of life, the boxer Lab mix is an increasingly popular designer dog with active people and families with children. Developed by crossing a purebred Labrador retriever and a purebred boxer, this mix has a lot to offer to the right home. If you are looking for a devoted, outgoing, and smart canine companion, the boxerlab is a great choice! Energetic and playful, these dogs prefer an active lifestyle and need regular exercise to stay happy and thrive. A spacious home with a fenced backyard is ideal for this mix, but not a requirement. If you are an outdoorsy person and can keep your pooch exercised, the boxerlab will make a great apartment dweller. When left alone a lot, this mix is prone to separation anxiety and might become bored and destructive. Whether you are looking for a canine playmate for your kids or an exercise partner, the laboxer might just be the perfect dog for you! Keep on reading to learn everything you need to know about this adorable crossbreed. Boxer Lab Mix Dog Overview Size — 23 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder, weighs between 50 and pounds Coat — Short shiny coat, color varies Shedding — Moderate shedding Lifespan — 12 to 15 years Temperament — Energetic, eager to please, friendly, devoted Trainable — Very trainable, but might be stubborn at times Activity — Very active needs at least 30 minutes of exercise every day Best For — Active people, families with children, homes with outdoor space What Is A Boxador? The boxador dog is a crossbreed developed by mixing a purebred boxer and a purebred Labrador retriever. Although both parent breeds are officially recognized by the AKC, the boxer Lab mix has the status of a designer breed. Boxadors have several different names and are also known as laboxers, boxerlabs, and boxerdors. While some boxerlabs take more after one parent than the other, others are a perfect blend of both parent breeds. Generally speaking, most inherit a boxer-like frame but are sizably built like their Labrador retriever parents. Although their appearance is unpredictable, there are a few traits you can expect to see when it comes to size, coat, and color. Size Being a cross between a Labrador retriever and a boxer, boxerlabs tend to be medium to large size dogs. Most are between 23 and 25 inches high at the shoulder and can weigh anywhere from 50 to pounds when fully grown. And males tend to be larger than females. Color The Labrador retriever comes in three colors — yellow, chocolate , and black. On the other hand, the boxer also comes in three different colors — white, fawn, and brindle. Keeping this in mind, it comes as no surprise that the Lab boxer mix can come in many different coat colors. The most commonly seen colors in this mix are brown, black, brindle, and white. Coat While a Lab has a short, double water-resistant coat, the boxer is a short-haired breed with a smooth and silky single coat. Most laboxers inherit the short, silky, and smooth coat of their boxer parents; however, some can have a denser coat of a Labrador. Since your boxerlab will inherit character traits from both its parent breeds, you should meet both the Lab and the boxer parents. Since both boxers and Labrador retrievers are friendly, playful, loving, and devoted companions, chances are that their mix will be too. Although boxer Labs can act as either of their parent breeds, they are generally extremely playful and energetic. Depending on how much your mix takes after its boxer parent, they might act goofy and cheerful most of the time. Boxerlabs form strong bonds with their people and do best in large families that have the time and energy to interact and play with them several times during the day. People-oriented and loving, this mix craves companionship and tends to develop separation anxiety when left alone a lot. If they are forced to stay home alone while you are at work, boxerlabs can easily become bored and destructive. Activity Level As an offspring of two very energetic working breeds, the laboxer is a very active dog with high exercise needs. Being such an active and athletic dog, your mix will need at least 30 minutes of exercise every day in addition to two walks. Activities such as running, hiking, swimming, or agility are all great ways to keep your pooch exercised and in excellent shape. Since boxerlabs love to play, games such as fetch, flyball, Frisbee, hide and seek, and tug-of-war are ideal ways to interact with your pooch and keep them entertained and exercised at the same time. Having a securely fenced backyard can be a big bonus when owning this mix. This way, you can keep your laboxer exercised and in great shape without leaving the comforts of your home. This mix craves companionship and is happiest when involved in all family activities. But, besides love and affection, you should also pay attention to: Exercise As mentioned previously, the lab boxer mix needs at least 30 minutes of vigorous activity every day. In addition to two regular daily walks, you should take your dog for a run, hike, or swim to burn excess energy and stay in good shape. Fun-loving, playful, and goofy, this mix loves games and will enjoy having a variety of interactive dog toys that will stimulate their curious mind. Games such as fetch or hide and seek are also a form of exercise that will also keep your pooch entertained and mentally stimulated. Intellectual Stimulation In addition to being highly energetic, laboxers are also intelligent dogs that can easily become bored without mental stimulation. If left to their own devices without interactive toys, your mix will chew and rifle through your belongings just to have some fun. And when you are at home, interact and play with your pooch as much as you can to stave off boredom and encourage good behavior. Companionship True to their parent breeds, boxadors are outgoing, people-loving, and easy-going dogs that form strong bonds with their owners and families. Bred to be loving companions, laboxers are delighted when they are involved in all family activities and are best suited for large families. This mix craves affection and company and can easily develop separation anxiety and other behavioral problems if left at home alone a lot. Ideally, a boxador dog should live in a large family where they will have company at all times. Grooming Most boxerlabs have short glossy coats that are easy to keep clean and are a fairly low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Brushing your pooch once or twice a week is enough to remove loose hair and dander and keep their coat clean. In addition to regular brushing, you will also need to bathe your dog once every two months or as needed. Diet An ideal diet for a Lab boxer mix should be formulated for medium to large-sized breeds with high energy. Make sure the food you are feeding to your pooch is rich in protein and reinforced with all essential vitamins and minerals. Like their Labrador retriever parents, this mix has a tendency to gain weight easily and can become obese in no time. To prevent weight gain and all health problems associated with it, feed your dog two times a day and stick to a regular feeding schedule. Known Health Problems The boxerlab is considered a healthy breed, but they are predisposed to some of the same health problems that boxers and Labrador retrievers face. The most common health issues seen in this designer breed are: Hip and elbow dysplasia: Both boxers and Labrador retrievers are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, so boxerlabs can develop it too. Allergies: Like people, dogs can develop food or environmental allergies. Itching is the most common symptom associated with allergies. However, some dogs also exhibit respiratory problems and might cough, sneeze, wheeze, or have a runny discharge from their eyes or nose. Hypothyroidism: This is a relatively common endocrine problem in dogs caused by an underactive thyroid gland. Dogs suffering from hypothyroidism usually experience symptoms of lethargy, weight gain, and changes to the skin and coat. Life Expectancy The Labrador boxer mix has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. But, when cared for properly and taken to regular veterinary check ups, this mix can live longer. Highly intelligent and eager to please, most laboxers are fairly easy to house train, and learn basic obedience. Boxerlabs, like all other dogs, react the best to positive reinforcement training techniques and reward-based training. The idea behind this approach is to reward good behavior using treats or praise and to ignore bad behavior. This type of training has been proven to give the best results and is highly effective even if you are dealing with an extremely willful dog. Besides training, laboxers can also benefit from early socialization and should be exposed to many different people, situations, sounds, and sights from a young age. Early socialization can help your laboxer puppy get used to other people and pets and grow into a friendly and well-rounded dog. Who Should Own A Boxador? Bred to be a loyal and devoted companion, the Lab boxer mix is best suited for active people and families with children. This friendly mix craves companionship and is best suited for large homes and families who can spend time and play with their dog every day. Buying A Boxer Lab Mix Puppy Spend some time researching reputable Lab boxer mix breeders before you decide to welcome a laboxer puppy into your home. Since this is a fairly new designer breed, be prepared to spend more time researching and tracking down a reputable breeder. Once you locate a breeder you like, schedule an appointment to meet the puppies and the mother and to inspect the facilities they are kept in. If by any chance the breeder refuses to show you the conditions the puppies are kept in, walk away and look for another breeder. A reputable breeder will be more than happy to answer all of your questions and will also be able to provide health certificates for both parents and all puppies. However, you may end up paying more, depending on the breeder, your location, lineage, and gender. History Of The Breeds Boxer Originating in Germany, the boxer is a medium to a large-size working dog breed that was used as a guard dog. Although they might seem intimidating, boxers are goofy and mischievous canines that make great family companions. Highly energetic, easy to groom, and loving, the boxer is a great choice if you are looking for a loyal family pet that can also double as a guard dog. Easy to train, friendly, gentle, and affectionate, Labs make great family pets and companions to people of all ages including children. Due to their amazing temperament and high trainability, Labrador retrievers are often used as service dogs for people with disabilities and make great guide dogs. Boxerlabs make amazing pets for active people or large families with children. This loyal, energetic, playful, and friendly mix forms strong bonds with its people and likes to be involved in all family activities. If you are active and have enough time to interact and play with your dog every day, the Lab boxer mix will be a great pet. Are Boxer Labs aggressive? However, they form strong bonds with their owners and are naturally suspicious of strangers. Therefore, early socialization is a must if you want your mix to grow into a friendly and well-behaved dog. Conclusion Medium to large in size and highly energetic, the boxer Lab mix is a fairly new designer breed on the block. Amiable and devoted to their people, this pooch forms strong bonds with its owners and prefers to be involved in all family activities. If so, tell us more about your pooch in the comment section below! Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. However, unlike its boxer parent that might not be too friendly with strangers, it has a calmer disposition and would not bark unnecessarily, enjoying human company with an eagerness to please its owner, and with a separation anxiety out of sheer loyalty. Care Exercise Boxadors would constantly try to eat, and thus gaining weight like the labrador, for which reason, brisk exercise for at least an hour is a must, that might be divided into schedules daily. Grooming Already famous for their glossy coat, they rarely need a bath, unless too untidy. Health Problems Although a generally healthy breed, but however, because of their specific allergy to grains they might end up developing syndromes like dermatological irritations, diarrhea loose motion , stomach-licking or foot-licking etc. If kept alone for long periods of time, they might suffer from boredom or loneliness, affecting their psychological health. Training The overly-happy boxadors must be trained to socialize with people and pets and learn dog manners as a puppy, so that they would remain within the limits of sweetness in the family, knowing the rules to remain calm and balanced. Feeding Meat should be the first ingredient, better whole meat like chicken or turkey or red meat. Grains like oats, wheat, rice, barley etc. A high-quality dry dog food divided into two equal halves during lunch and dinner is recommended. Eating is in the genes of this breed. Hence, their food habits need to be monitored, especially when they are full-grown. Interesting Facts The gloss in the coat of the boxador comes from the natural oils present in their body hair. This dog has a tail that is either coiled, or else they are docked. Chopped carrots or celery make great little healthy treats. Your vet can help you develop a care routine. Boxadors love to eat and will rapidly gain weight if they are allowed to free feed. Pick a high quality dog food and stick to a feeding schedule; two feedings per day could be ideal to keep this pooch happy. They also need an exercise schedule. A 30 minute hike, walk, or game of fetch, plus an hour of active running around a yard will help burn off pent up energy. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. Keeping them clean and dry is the best way to avoid doctor visits. If your dog develops a pungent aroma or is scratching their ears excessively, they may have an ear infection and will require a vet exam. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth a minimum of three times a week. Clean your dogs eyes as you would your own. You can use a cloth or your fingers to wipe away discharge or debris that collects in the corners. Boxador Feeding An ideal Boxador diet should be formulated for an active, medium- to large-sized breed. Limit their amount of treats, as well. The main colors of Boxadors are; black, brown, brindle, and white. Rarely solid, their coats typically have a blend of two or more colors. Luckily, their coats are very easy to groom. A good brushing per week will probably do. They may self groom and are considered a pretty clean dog. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any tail pulling or biting on the part of either party. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this pup by reading about their parent breeds, the Boxer and Labrador Retriever. Boxador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Boxadors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Boxer or Labrador Retriever breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Your Boxer mixed with a Lab will have very short hair that is very easy to groom and maintain. But if your dog has dominant Lab genes then expect a lot of shedding. Lab Boxer suffers from seasonal shedding, and its coat may be kept in check using regular grooming and the right kind of dog shampoo and grooming products. Since a Lab has black, chocolate or yellow coats and Boxers are either fawn or brindle with white markings; the mixed breed pup will be any of the two. A Brindle Boxer Lab dog is very common and these come with white patches. It contains lavender, sage, and mint plus many botanicals. It can treat hot spots; consequently, it is perfect for dogs that tend to over-groom. Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Dog Shampoo This dog shampoo comes with a soap-free formula using oatmeal, aloe and other natural ingredients. It is perfect for itchy and irritated skin. This dog needs regular bathing at least once every other week. Invest in a high-quality nail clipper. You may also take your dog to a groomer at least once a month. Therefore, you must have your puppy checked by a vet to rule out any health condition as soon as you take it home from a breeder or the shelter. The following are common health conditions of a Lab Boxer mix breed dog. We also warmly recommend these best dry dog food brands; but try to steer clear from the worst dry dog food that has high additive content. If you adopt a puppy, give them the healthiest possible start at life with the best puppy food brands and as they grow bigger and stronger, slowly switch them on adult food. Your pooch may even enjoy the taste of best dry dog food for small dogs, so keep an open mind, and offer them a serving of it to check. Old doggos should be fed with slightly different food, though. If you have a grandpa-dog at home, see how they like the best senior dry dog food. If your dog has allergies, then there are dog food varieties that are right for his needs. Food treats should be avoided especially when training your dog. Use positive reinforcement instead of giving food treats. The following dog food brands will work well with Boxer Lab mix breeds: Canine Formula Taste of the Wild This is considered one of the best dog foods in the market today. Wellness Complete Health Large Breed This is made with rich protein sources such as salmon meal, whitefish, and chicken. It comes with flaxseeds that contain high omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics to promote a healthy gut. It has a delicious flavor and smells that your Boxer Lab will love. Your dog will love this flavor and will be the best choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The Natural Grain-Free dog dry food is gluten-free and will never cause stomach upset. Never give the following human food. Do not feed the following Onion and chives. The boxador is an active dog who's affectionate and loyal to her entire family. As a mix of two highly intelligent breeds , she has earned a reputation for being easy to train and eager to join any family adventure. But she also comes from two high-energy breeds and needs to be kept busy. As a hybrid dog , the boxador can vary in size depending on which parent breed she takes after the most. She will likely stand about 2 feet tall and weigh between 50—80 pounds. At her best, every inch of the boxador is filled with exuberance and love. She will need an active owner who can match her endless stamina, and she will be happiest when kept close to her people. Appearance The boxador is perpetually ready to play. Her toned, muscular body is frequently in motion, often chasing a ball or trying to start a friendly game of tug-of-war. Even if she has the longer snout of the Labrador retriever, she will likely still have droopy jowls. Because of this, she might be prone to drooling —especially when she gets excited. Both of her parent breeds are large dogs , so your boxador will grow up into a big bundle of energy. The boxador is expressive with her eyes and ears, often looking at you with a longing glance and perked up ears to tell you she's ready to go for a long walk. If she takes after her boxer side, her coat will be short and won't shed much. However, because a Labrador's coat can range from short to medium in length, a boxador will likely experience seasonal shedding. The boxador can come in a mix of colors, with the dominant shades being fawn, brown, black, or brindle. And while it's not guaranteed, the boxador often has a white patch on her chest and a muzzle of black fur. This means the mixed breed is ideal for many on-the-go families, as long as you make sure you have time to play with your boxador every day. Bored dogs are not good dogs because they're going to chew on belongings. They need families that are going to be active and keep them busy. She gets along incredibly well with children and other dogs, especially if she is well-socialized as a puppy. Boxadors are motivated by praise and affection, so owners should train her using positive reinforcement training and give her plenty of attention when she does something correctly. She will be highly motivated to learn different games alongside you. Both parent dogs are known for their intelligence and ability to communicate exactly what they need with their owners. So pay attention when your boxador is whining or nudging you—that probably means she needs to go outside or just wants some more playtime. You need to get them all kinds of games and activities. Take them on a jog or play fetch, all of that good stuff. She's not going to want to entertain herself in a fenced-in yard ; she wants you to play with her. While she is a well-tempered dog, the boxador should not be left at home for hours alone. If left by herself, the boxador can be prone to make her own entertainment think: chewing decorative pillows or pulling over houseplants to keep herself entertained. Loretta Moraco, a director at Chelsea's Hope Boxer Rescue that works with boxers and boxer mixes in the Northeast, says many people don't understand the energy level these dogs bring to a household. By training your boxador that her crate is a safe, comfortable space, she will feel more secure there whenever her owners do need to leave her alone for a short period of time. Crate training can also limit undesirable behavior that can happen when boxadors get bored. The boxer side is mischievous and curious, and you don't want them eating something they shouldn't when left alone. As a general rule, boxador owners should be prepared for a dog that wants to run and play 99 percent of the time. While there are some exceptions, boxador owners need to be ready to take their new pet on long, daily walks. She is exceptionally friendly thanks to her Labrador side, and she will thrive when socializing with other humans and dogs. They need doggy daycare and activities and games outside. They're literally like a toddler for a really long time, that's the best I can describe it. Keep them busy, and don't let them get bored. It's a good idea to get her used to regular teeth brushing as a puppy because her boxer side can be prone to dental issues. If she has face folds particularly around her mouth , you'll want to keep them clean with regular bathing in order to avoid any bacteria buildup. Health A healthy boxador can live between 10—12 years, but they are likely to experience health issues in their lifetime. Owners should consider investing in pet insurance if they bring home a boxador because both breeds are prone to certain health conditions that can become expensive in their older years. A boxador's health largely depends on what genetics she inherits from her parents and grandparents. The Labrador side often experiences elbow and hip dysplasia , according to the Labrador Retriever Club. These issues can be addressed with joint supplements recommended by your veterinarian. They can also experience certain heart disorders, as well as a condition called exercise-induced collapse. The boxer parent's genes can make boxadors predisposed to cancers that often impact the brain, thyroid, or spleen, according to the American Boxer Club. They can also be at risk for hereditary heart diseases , including arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy or Aortic Stenosis. They could experience discomfort with her hindquarters later in life if they inherit the boxer's predisposition to degenerative myelopathy. The popularity of boxer hybrids including the boxer-Lab mix in recent years has actually been, in part, an effort to mitigate some of the more heartbreaking health conditions that impact the purebred dogs. They are great with kids, smart, and goofy. And a lot of people who love the boxer breed are now looking for a hybrid dog because they are hoping it eliminates some of the health issues. While many boxadors live long and healthy lives, being aware of the potential health issues is the best way to ensure she is kept comfortable and happy. History As a hybrid dog, the boxador's origin is murky. Mixed breeds are not registered by the American Kennel Club, so their history is undocumented unlike purebred dogs whose history goes back for centuries. The most likely explanation for the boxador is that breeders sought to combine the best traits of the two beloved, active breeds. Especially for owners who worry about the health issues surrounding the boxer breed, the Labrador retriever—as the nation's most popular dog—makes an optimal pairing to offset some of the boxer's health risks. While the boxador's history is largely speculation, she comes from very famous parents. The Labrador retriever originated in Canada as a loyal waterfowl dog before gaining a reputation as a loving family dog. The boxer is the product of breeders in Germany and Belgium who wanted a strong hunting dog. Eventually, the boxer became a farming dog who enjoyed spending time with her family. Because the boxador can be prone to certain health issues, it's especially important that potential owners get health records for the dog they are adopting. If you are bringing home a puppy from a boxador breeder, take steps to avoid a puppy mill scam by working with individuals who are transparent about health screenings and allow you to meet the puppy on-site so you can ensure she was raised in a good home. Fun Facts While the boxer-Labrador retriever mix is most commonly referred to as a boxador, the dogs can also be called a boxerlab or Laboxer. In , the Labrador retriever was named the most popular dog breed for the 30th year in a row. The same year, the boxer was named the 14th most popular dog breed in the United States. A rescued boxador named Wesson is the frequent star on the popular TikTok account willandwesson. Was this page helpful? Breed Profiles By Kate Brunotts 10 min read January 4, 4 Comments K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. Looking for an exuberant best buddy? The Boxador — a cross between a boxer and Labrador retriever — is a marvelous mutt that has plenty to offer to his family members. What Is A Boxador? These canine companions are sure to love accompanying you on any adventure with a wagging tail following behind them. Most people love life with these enthusiastic and intelligent pups. The Beautiful, Bouncing Boxer These loyal, loving dogs are known for their playful personality and adorable looks. Boxers and most boxer mixes are athletic yet patient pups, who do well with all members of the family, big and small. In fact, boxers are some of the best dogs for babies in the world. Boxers want nothing more than to be around their family members and do well in active households where there is always something to keep them busy. Reaching about 65 to 80 pounds, these muscular pups need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Boxers are also known for holding onto a puppy-like spirit well into adulthood. While this is undoubtedly charming, boxer owners must be ready to put in the work with training. These pups tend to drool and snore quite a bit, though they do not shed heavily. Despite their few shortcomings, these canine clowns are sure to make you laugh and leave a pawprint on your heart. These friendly, outgoing dogs are well-loved due to their people-pleasing attitudes and playful spirits. Labrador retrievers and Lab-mixes usually make amazing companions so long as they get the exercise and mental stimulation they need to keep their tails wagging. These sweet dogs love spending time with their family members and — like boxers — do well with kids and other pets. Labs are medium sized dogs weighing between 55 to 80 pounds. Luckily, these adaptable dogs are fairly intelligent and an easy-to-train dog breed , so long as they earn a treat or two for their efforts. Labrador retrievers were originally developed to help fishermen, and they were also used as bird-hunting dogs tasked with retrieving waterfowl. With that in mind, here are some general guidelines of what you can expect from a Boxador. This outline can help you determine whether or not these designer dogs are the right fit for your family and lifestyle. Size and Shape: Boxadors are medium to large dogs usually weighing between 60 and 90 pounds. These dogs often have a boxer-like frame, but with more bulk like their Labrador retriever parents. Temperament: The energetic Boxador is always ready to play and enjoys spending as much time as he can with his family. These pooches are likely to act like permanent puppies and do well around kids as long as they are taught to understand hoe yo interact gently with little ones. The Boxador is a loyal, happy-go-lucky dog that is always ready for his next adventure. That being said, these dogs may need access to a coat throughout the colder months to keep themselves cozy while out on walks. The main coat colors of the Boxador are black, white, brindle, and brown. Occasionally, these pups have white markings along the snout and chest like their boxer parents. Intelligence: The Boxador is wickedly smart though you may not have guessed it based on his sometimes clown-like personality. With the right incentive, these dogs are sure to learn a whole range of tricks as they are eager to please their families. Training Challenges: Luckily, these pups should be fairly easy to train. That being said, these pups will shed and need a brush at least once a week. Your Boxador will love going on regular runs, hikes, or playing an engaging game of fetch or frisbee whenever he can. Ideally, Boxador homes have a large, fenced-in yard where these sweet pooches can get out some of their endless energy. Health: These pups are pretty healthy, especially for larger dogs, and they have an average canine lifespan of 12 to 15 years. However, they are susceptible to health conditions shared by both parent breeds including hip dysplasia, cataracts, and diabetes. Here is a quick checklist to ensure these are the perfect pups for your family. You have a lively household. These sporty sweethearts want nothing more than to spend as much time as they can with their family members. These smart pups love staying mentally and physically engaged, so regular training sessions are a must. These pups are happy to curl up on the couch and offer lots of hugs and kisses, so long as they meet their exercise needs. You have enough time to entertain these active pups. Boxadors are not highly independent pups. These dogs thrive on action and will need owners who can fulfill that need with ample attention, exercise, and engaging activities like training sessions or using puzzle toys. These patient yet playful pups love spending time with children and adults. As long as their needs are met, these sweet pups are sure to make amazing canine companions. These dogs crave excitement and are happiest when they are with the people they love. The life-of-the-party Boxador needs an owner who understands that these intelligent, active, and social dogs need plenty of mental and physical stimulation on an everyday basis to feel their best. Tracking down a Boxador buddy can be difficult as it would be with any designer dog. That being said, you can always scour the internet for these furry friends. If you know any Boxador owners, you could ask them for their breeder or if they know of any upcoming litters. You could even message Boxador owners via social media for insight. Image from GreatDogSite. If you choose to adopt a Boxador from a rescue or shelter a great idea , make sure you spend adequate time getting to know your new furry buddy to get a sense of their personality. Similar Breeds and Breed Mixes to the Boxador Are you still deciding whether or not the Boxador is the best buddy of your dreams? Here are some other similar breeds and mutts to take into consideration. Dalmador: This Labrador retriever and Dalmation mix is known for his friendly, rambunctious personality. These spotted sweeties love spending time with other dogs, kids, and other family members though they can be protective around strangers. Briard: This ancient herding dog is loyal, hardworking, and fiercely intelligent. These confident canines are great with kids and staying active. Beagador: The comical beagador is a cross between a beagle and Labrador retriever. These playful pups are super sweet and intelligent, though they may have a stubborn streak that will require some patience. Golden Boxer: This boxer and golden retriever mix is sure to steal your heart with his adorable looks and eternal devotion to his family. These smart pups make excellent watch dogs and love spending time outdoors. These athletic dogs love to stay busy and need an owner who can provide firm and consistent training. The Catahoula leopard dog is fiercely loyal to his loved ones. Bullador: This Labrador and English bulldog mix creates an active, loving canine companion. The bullador loves meeting new people and playing whenever possible. Boweimar: The boweimar is a cross between a boxer and Weimaraner. These energetic, loving family dogs need plenty of exercise and attention to keep their tails wagging. These playful pups make amazing furry friends so long as their needs are properly met. Do you have one of these silly sweethearts at home? Does he show more of his boxer or Labrador retriever side? Like it? Share it! The Boxer Lab mix is playful, energetic, loyal and loving. Boxador puppies are known for being intelligent and enthusiastic dogs. But their spirited temperament is not right for every family setup. Watch these cute Boxer Lab mix puppies playing! The boxer lab mix, also known as the Boxador, is a hybrid of the Boxer and the Labrador Retriever breeds. Compared to its parent breeds, the Boxador mix itself is very new. But, its parents have long histories living and working alongside humans. Labs originated as working dogs, retrieving game for fishermen in Newfoundland, Canada. When they were first bred in 19th century Germany, Boxers were used as fighting dogs. Boxer Lab Mix Characteristics With cross breeds it is often hard to predict which parent a puppy will resemble. Boxers can weigh up to 80lbs and reach 25 inches tall. Labradors are similarly large. Boxador full grown tend to be between 23 and 25 inches tall and weigh up to 80lbs. Although females are smaller than males. Regardless of the mix of your genes your pup ends up with, your Boxer Lab Mix dog is likely to be a medium to large dog, active, loyal, easy to train and very fond of challenges — of both the physical and mental kind! Boxers are fawn or brindle. Often with white patches. Their offspring can be any mixture of these! The Boxador is usually brindle, and these dogs often have white markings. If you want a black Lab Boxer mix, your puppy will likely still have some white on them. Your best bet is to mix a black Lab with a dark Boxer. But, even a black Lab Boxer mix can have unpredictable coloring, despite the dominant genes for black fur. Do Boxer Lab Mixes Shed? When it comes to coat, the Boxer Lab mix usually takes after its Boxer parent. These pups typically have short, smooth hair that sheds very little and is easy to care for. However if your Boxador dog has more Labrador in its genes you might have to deal with some shedding. Thankfully this is usually seasonal and can be kept in check with regular grooming. Are Boxadors Hypoallergenic? The Boxer Lab mix might have a short coat, but it is likely to be a high shedder at least part of the time. They produce allergens in their dander and saliva, and are not suitable for dog allergy suffering owners. Boxador Temperament The Boxer Lab mix will fall somewhere between its parents. But, luckily, the Labrador and Boxer breeds have quite similar temperaments. Both Boxers and Labradors are very loving and loyal. They think nothing of climbing on their people for a cuddle, despite their large size! Both Boxers and Labradors are usually great with older children. They are considered gentle giants and will eagerly run after little ones. Although they have been known to accidentally bowl over smaller family members in their excitement. Labradors also love playing with canine companions, but Boxers are less reliable in this area. Poorly socialized Boxers can be prone to aggression towards strangers and other dogs. Boxers are instinctive guardians and proud to play the role of family protector. But you can reduce this through thorough socialization during the puppy stages and by meeting the Boxer parent and ensuring that they seem happy and confident around strangers. Even the most friendly breed, like the Labrador, will benefit. Finding them puppy friends to play with will encourage them to be calm and docile with other dogs when fully grown. Attending puppy classes is a great way to do this. But, make sure you also socialize them to unfamiliar people, children, cats, other animals, and more. This will ensure your Boxador dog is as friendly outside the home as he is inside. They require a lot of exercise and enjoy running around with the family or playing a game of fetch. This can result in unwanted behaviors like barking, digging, or chewing. But, be wary of a shorter snout in the Boxador. Boxers suffer from a conformity issue called brachycephaly, which can cause trouble breathing and overheating when exercising. Use positive reward techniques for best results. You could even take your mix to a puppy training class, or attend an online dog training class. Boxador Health and Care Genetic diversity is improved in a cross breed compared with the parent breeds and the coefficient of inbreeding COI is much lower. Put simply, the COI of any mating describes how closely related the parent dogs are. Higher COIs are associated with an increase in health problems. The risk of this happening is lower if the puppies parents are not closely related. There are however, some health issues that are not recessive and can be passed on from just one parent. And there are common ancestors in some of our dog breeds that mean some diseases are present in both breeds. For that reason it is still possible that a cross bred dog could inherit genetic health problems. Labrador Health Labradors are not without their issues. This breed can suffer from hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. It can cause lameness and severe arthritic pain. Another issue to be aware of in Labs is eye disease. Retinal dysplasia was first noted in the breed in .Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a degenerative eye disease that is common in Labs. Only buy your puppy from a breeder who health tests the parents for all the potential problems their respective breeds could suffer from. Boxer Health A study found that Boxers are one of the most likely breeds to get cancer. According to Petplan, mast cell tumors are the 5th most common illness in Boxers. This breed is unfortunately also associated with heart disease. Aortic Stenosis is the most common major problem in the breed. The causes are not known but it is genetic and passed along certain bloodlines. ARVC affects males more than females and is most common in dogs older than .Symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing and weight loss. Boxers can also suffer from Canine Degenerative Myelopathy. This is a neurodegenerative disease that can cause paralysis. Unfortunately more is not necessarily better and brachycephaly causes breathing difficulties and overheating It may be that being the Boxador rather than a purebred Boxer offers some protection against these diseases. It certainly reduces the skull shortening we see in brachycephalic breeds. This is a bit of a two edged coin because while the Boxer physique may benefit from a longer muzzle, the Labrador physique is unlikely to be improved with a shorter one. Reputable breeders will only breed from dogs that have been tested and cleared of these serious hereditary health problems. To give your pup a long and healthy life, make sure he gets plenty of exercise, a balanced diet and regular vet check-ups. Boxador Life Expectancy Labrador Retrievers have a lifespan of years. And, on average, Boxers live around years So in theory you can expect Boxer Labrador mix puppies to reach anywhere between 9 and 12 years old. In practice studies tend to find that crossbred dogs in general, live longer on average than most purebred dogs. But we currently have no evidence that this is the case for the Boxador in particular. Only you can decide if the Boxer Lab mix is the right fit for your home. These are large dogs with big hearts that will give as much as they take. Boxadors love being part of a family. They are great with children and enthusiastic playmates for families with school age children and up. But this cross breed needs lots of exercise. They are fiercely attached to their people and dislike being left for long periods of time. This is a dog that suits a family with an active lifestyle and lots of love to give. Boxer Lab Mix Rescue Adopting a shelter dog always comes with risk. But Boxadors in shelters need homes and rescuing puppies or older dogs can be very rewarding. Labrador and Boxer breed rescues also sometimes have crossbreeds available. Dogs from adoption centers are usually much cheaper than puppies. But, remember you may need to spend lots of time helping them work through behavioral issues from past experiences. Finding Your Boxador Puppy Never buy a dog from a puppy mill or pet store. Or from the back of a vehicle. Always visit the puppy in his own home in the presence of his mother, who should be relaxed, healthy and friendly. Sadly with any very fashionable breed, or breed mix, there are many out there who are just looking to make a quick buck. Socialize your Boxador very thoroughly, exposing him to all kinds of fun experiences and making sure that he meets many different types of people, places, machinery etc. Given Boxadors intelligent nature and working history, get started on training your dog right away. Boxador Breeders It can be challenging to find a responsible breeder of cross breeds as there is currently quite a stigma against mixed breeding in the dog world. You must ask to see those certificates — they are very important. The parent dogs must have been screened for any genetic diseases and the breeder should be very forthcoming with any questions. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxador is a designer mixed dog breed that is a cross between a Boxer and a Labrador Retriever. They are sometimes also called a Boxer Lab Mix, although Boxador tends to be a more popular term. Because this is not an established purebred dog, the Boxador is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but they are still recognized by other official organizations. With mixed breed puppies, you can get any combination of the physical characteristics and character traits of the parent breeds. A Boxador puppy could take completely after their Boxer parent or their Lab parent or could be some combination of both. In general, Boxadors tend to be intelligent, friendly, energetic, and loving. Overall, these dogs tend to make a great addition to a family. Both the Boxer and the Labrador are known for their happy-go-lucky, friendly temperament. They also have a playful spirit and are known for getting along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. In general, the Boxador tends to have a similar temperament. Playtime with small children should be supervised as these dogs will grow into large, energetic dogs and small children can be knocked over by their excitedly wagging tails and energetic play. They tend to be loyal, friendly, and playful and love spending time with their families. Due to the hunting instinct in the parent breeds, a Boxador may have a high prey drive and enjoy chasing things. Boxadors tend to be highly adaptable dogs. They do tend to be a better fit for larger homes with a fenced-in backyard where they can run. However, as long as they receive plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and attention, they can adapt well to apartment living. As with many dog breeds, they are sensitive to extreme heat and can be sensitive to cold. But, overall, this dog breed does well in just about any climate. They love to be around their families and have a high energy level, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Mixed dog breeds can inherit some, all, or none of the potential health issues present in their parent breeds. When it comes to the Boxador, they are a relatively healthy breed. Some of the potential health conditions to be aware of include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cataracts, and heart conditions. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parent breeds and to see any relevant health clearances can help allay potential concerns about health you may have. Both the Boxer and the Lab are highly intelligent dog breeds that are eager to please their owners, which makes them both highly trainable. You can expect your Boxador to be highly trainable as well. These dogs respond well to positive training techniques and are a good fit for owners of any experience level. Although it tends not to be necessary with this breed, enrolling in puppy training and obedience classes is an added bonus and can offer some extra opportunities for socialization. Boxadors usually have a short and dense coat. They will shed moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year as the seasons change. Generally, brushing their coat a few times a week is sufficient. This will help keep your dog more comfortable and will keep some of the loose fur contained to the brush instead of all of around your house. In terms of bathing, these dogs only require the occasional bath or more often as needed if they have gotten dirty or have been swimming. Dental care for dogs is especially important. Both of the parent breeds of this designer dog breed are high-energy, so you should expect your Boxador to have a high energy level as well. In addition to regular daily walks and playtime, your Boxador may enjoy running with you, going for a swim, going hiking with you, and taking trips to the dog park. They also are a good fit for several canine sports like dock diving, agility, and more. Their joints are still developing before this age and can be damaged by strenuous exercise. A fully-grown Boxador will usually stand 20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 55 to 80 pounds. A Boxador generally lives 10 to 14 years. Boxador Puppies for Sale.

Chopped carrots or celery make great little healthy treats. Your vet can help you develop a care routine. Boxadors love to eat and will rapidly gain weight if they are allowed to free feed. Pick a high quality dog food and stick to a feeding schedule; two feedings per day could be ideal to keep this pooch happy. They also need an exercise schedule. A 30 minute hike, walk, or game of fetch, plus an hour of active running around a yard will help burn off pent up energy. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. Keeping them clean and dry is the best way to avoid doctor visits. If your dog develops a pungent aroma or is scratching their ears excessively, they may have an ear infection and will require a vet exam. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth a minimum of three times a week. Clean your dogs eyes as you would your own. You can use a cloth or your fingers to wipe away discharge or debris that collects in the corners. Boxador Feeding An ideal Boxador diet should be formulated for an active, medium- to large-sized breed. Limit their amount of treats, as well. The main colors of Boxadors are; black, brown, brindle, and white. Rarely solid, their coats typically have a blend of two or more colors. Luckily, their coats are very easy to groom. A good brushing per week will probably do. They may self groom and are considered a pretty clean dog. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any tail pulling or biting on the part of either party. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this pup by reading about their parent breeds, the Boxer and Labrador Retriever. Boxador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Boxadors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Boxer or Labrador Retriever breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Lifespan Sociability Despite the popularity of both parent breeds, the Boxador remains relatively uncommon. This may be because the size of the dog means that they are not suitable for all families and may not settle into life in an apartment. Their size also means that the average litter size is between 4 and 7 puppies, which is far fewer than other breeds. Breeders may not consider them profitable enough to breed. Many owners are known to prefer smaller breeds, although the Labrador retains its spot as the most popular dog breed in the USA. When choosing a puppy, you should buy through a reputable breeder. They will be able to show health screening results for the puppy and his parents, and they should have no issue letting you meet the parents. Puppies get a lot of their habits and characteristics from their parents, giving you a clue of their likely temperament and even appearance. The Labrador has a loving nature and dotes on its owner or handler. It is also intelligent and considered easy to train, although you should start training early. This combination means that the breed is very popular as a service dog for people with disabilities. They are also used as police dogs, are enlisted in the Armed Forces, and they are used to sniff out survivors after natural disasters. This breed gets his popularity thanks to his playful nature, and he loves nothing more than to play with toys or to rough house with his owner. His name, Boxer, comes from the action of standing on his back legs and boxing with his front legs, which he will do whenever given the opportunity. Whether your Boxador puppy inherits any of these traits will depend on which of the parent breeds is dominant. He may get the flat-faced look of the Boxer and the mild-mannered loving nature of the Labrador. However, both parent breeds are chosen for their family-loving nature. They will usually get along with anybody, can mix with other dogs and family pets, and the Labrador is not only considered loving but has an innate gentle quality that makes him the perfect companion for children. However, families with very small children should always take care to ensure that dogs and children are supervised and not left alone together. Small children tend to grab ears and tails, and other parts, and this can hurt the dog, potentially even leading to nipping. The size of the Boxador means that they may cause injury by accident, especially if they are having a mad moment and playing with you. They love to have fun, so if you have older children, your Boxador is likely to shadow them, present them with toys, and encourage them to give some playtime. The Labrador is a gentle dog, but while the Boxer would not usually intentionally cause harm to their owners, they are big and can be a bit daft, which means that they might cause accident harm to you or your family. Both breeds are considered highly intelligent and are easy to train, hence their use as service and police dogs. Start training early and use positive reinforcement and you should be able to encourage any of the parent traits of the parent breeds. Although very friendly, the Boxador can make a good guard dog. They will not usually display aggression, but they are a large size and some dogs of this breed may bark at strangers that they believe are getting close to the house. They are not a naturally vocal dog, but their desire to protect will push them to bark if they feel that their owner needs warning of potential dangers. Are Boxadors Good for Families? They are playful and loving and do not usually display any aggressive tendencies. They will gladly bring their own ball to any playtime and they will tug on a rope or other toy for hours on end, given the opportunity. They will also play without the aid of toys, so be prepared for the occasional play fight. It is worth noting that the Boxador can suffer from separation anxiety , such is the level of love they have for their human owners. If left alone for too long, they can get bored, and when this happens, they will invent new ways to entertain themselves — for example, emptying bins, shredding sofas, and other unwanted displays. They will usually want to meet any dog or other animal that they see. They get on with other dogs of the same breeds, as well as other breeds. They can also be introduced to cats, but this is best done when both the dog and the cat are young. Boxadors can get on very well with cats, assuming a proper introduction. Things to Know When Owning a Boxador The Boxador is a good family pet, is ideal for active individuals looking for a walking or running companion, and they can make good guard dogs as well. They train easily, want to please their owners, and they also love attention and affection. However, potential owners should always ensure that they choose a breed that is right for their lifestyle. The Boxador is a big dog with a reasonable amount of energy, and this may mean that they are not the best option for all families and owners. Expect to feed your dog between four and five cups of good quality food every day. This can be given in two meals, and they will enjoy the routine of having set meal times. Labradors are famed for their appetite, and while this can be troublesome when you are eating your own meals or when your child has a chocolate bar whipped out from under their noses, it also gives you a great way to train your puppy. They will respond to tasty, healthy treats, and will look for ways in which to receive more. They are not lap dogs and will expect and appreciate regular exercise. Even a quick five-minute run around the yard will not be enough, so if you are looking for a dog with minimal exercise requirements, you should look elsewhere. Whether you enjoy long walks or even runs, you could have your new companion dog, although you should also expect to have to stop while he says hello to everybody you pass. Give your dog at least an hour of exercise a day, on top of the time you spend in the garden throwing and chasing a ball. Another reason that the Boxador makes a great family pet is that having multiple people to play and exercise them means that they are more likely to have their exercise requirements met. Both breeds are good at agility classes. They will pick up the moves and skills they need in order to get around an agility course, especially if you use healthy treats as an incentive. Agility classes are a very good way for your dog to burn off energy in a controlled environment, and they usually also appreciate the opportunity to meet and mingle with other people and other animals. Boxers can be easy to train, as well, but their attention is more likely to wander, which means that you will have to keep training sessions shorter and ensure that they are fun, if you want to enjoy the best training results. Puppy classes are a good idea. They teach you how to train your dog, while also teaching the basic commands that a dog will need. They are also a good opportunity to socialize your puppy in a safe environment where everybody is in the same boat. People in the park might be less excited about a Boxador jumping up at them, but other puppy owners will understand. Labradors are led by their stomach, but they are also very keen to please their owners. This makes for a convenient and relatively easy way to train a dog. Use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior. Use treats and lavish praise on your dog when they get it right, and they will soon learn what is expected of them. Also bear in mind that this breed will not respond well to being scolded. The hair is easy to care for, although this breed will normally shed twice a year and will need brushing for a few minutes every day during these periods. Brushing a dog when they are shedding helps to remove the stray hairs, keeps them cool, prevents matting, and has your dog looking their best. Only bathe your dog when it is absolutely necessary, which might be more often if yours likes to swim and run around in the water. Bathing a dog strips their coat of natural protective oils. Boxers and Labradors can have a problem with weepy eyes. Use a damp cloth or tissue to wipe away the gunk. This helps protect the teeth and gums, which is important throughout their life, but especially important when they age. Finally, as an active dog, your Boxador should do a reasonably good job of maintaining their own nails. They grind down on hard surfaces like concrete. But, with that said, if you tend to walk your dog on grass and you hear their nails scraping on the floor then you should trim them to keep them short. As with all hybrid breeds, we have to look at the parent breeds to determine any likely health problems. Boxers are prone to cancer, heart disease, and Boxer Cardiomyopathy, which is more common in males and in dogs over 10 years old. Labradors suffer from joint dysplasia, although this is a complaint that is common in a lot of dog breeds and not specific to Labradors. Hip dysplasia can lead to arthritic pain and even lameness and symptoms should be treated as soon as they are spotted. Minor Conditions. However, unlike its boxer parent that might not be too friendly with strangers, it has a calmer disposition and would not bark unnecessarily, enjoying human company with an eagerness to please its owner, and with a separation anxiety out of sheer loyalty. Care Exercise Boxadors would constantly try to eat, and thus gaining weight like the labrador, for which reason, brisk exercise for at least an hour is a must, that might be divided into schedules daily. Grooming Already famous for their glossy coat, they rarely need a bath, unless too untidy. Health Problems Although a generally healthy breed, but however, because of their specific allergy to grains they might end up developing syndromes like dermatological irritations, diarrhea loose motion , stomach-licking or foot-licking etc. If kept alone for long periods of time, they might suffer from boredom or loneliness, affecting their psychological health. Training The overly-happy boxadors must be trained to socialize with people and pets and learn dog manners as a puppy, so that they would remain within the limits of sweetness in the family, knowing the rules to remain calm and balanced. Feeding Meat should be the first ingredient, better whole meat like chicken or turkey or red meat. Grains like oats, wheat, rice, barley etc. A high-quality dry dog food divided into two equal halves during lunch and dinner is recommended. Eating is in the genes of this breed. Hence, their food habits need to be monitored, especially when they are full-grown. Interesting Facts The gloss in the coat of the boxador comes from the natural oils present in their body hair. This dog has a tail that is either coiled, or else they are docked. Laboxer Description The Boxador is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Boxer and the Labrador Retriever. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. He is absolutely the most intelligent dog I have ever had. He weighs about pounds 52 kg. His dad is Boxer and his mom is a small Lab. We met him for the first time when he was 5 days old. He is 4 years old in this picture. Nible is doing well in her training. She is clever and pretty. Her daddy is a yellow Boxer and her mommy is a Chocolate Lab. Now 1 year and 5 months old weighing about 27 kg. Her fur looks like a Boxer fur but is a bit thicker and longer. Very friendly towards children and people. She makes everybody feel special so we don't tell them that she like that with everybody. A very energetic, playfull, strong and happy dog. She has some issues with insecure dogs but good with all others. Fairly obedient when she wants te be. Still working on that. He is a pound lap dog and is at my feet wherever I go. You definitely know he's part Boxer because of the way he uses his front paws for everything! He is also very clownish, making him very entertaining to watch. Everyone comments on how handsome Duke is and they always want to know what kind of dog he is. Here is a picture of me when my Mommy and Daddy first got me when I was 6 weeks old and a picture of me at 6 months old and weighing 65 lbs. I love to play fetch and ride in the car. I learned that I shouldn't go potty in the house in only two weeks, though I did have a few accidents, but now I remember to tell my parents that I have to go outside when I feel the urge. I am very affectionate and play well with other dogs and grownups. Mommy and Daddy think I will do well around children, once I realize my size. I do have a bad habit of shredding newspaper when given the chance, but come on what puppy doesn't? My daddy says I have a great personality and show it with the funny faces I make, and my mommy is always calling me a character and a ham. My parents say that they can't believe how lucky they were to get such a smart, easy to train puppy. We love the mix of breeds, she is so lovable and too friendly at times, everyone comments about Buffee, with her puppy face and expressive eyes! She is a lb. She was the only puppy in the litter that had a chocolate brown nose and hazel eyes, so I just had to pick her. How could anyone not love that cute face?! She is a bundle of energy, always up to something. She loves to swim in the local pond, go for long walks in the woods, play with her toys and run around the yard with our little mini Dachshund. She is turning out to be one of the best dogs we have ever had, and I am looking forward to her company for years to come. Temperament: Active, Friendly, People-Pleasing Generally, these dogs make excellent but active family pets. They are best for families that like to go on adventures and partake in strenuous activities. They love to run, fetch, and participate in canine sports of all sorts. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. However, a few breeders breed these dogs, though it is usually on the side and not their primary breed. You may be able to find one in your area. Alternatively, you can sometimes find some puppies at rescues. These dogs tend to be happy accidents, which means they are often unwanted and turned over to the local shelter. You may be able to find this breed if you keep an eye on your local shelter and other rescues. However, statistically, the odds of this exact mixed breed showing up are slim. When you bring home a Boxer Lab, be ready to have a friendly and loving dog by your side. They are very energetic dogs, so make sure they have plenty of space to run around in. They are very people-oriented and love to be around their family and strangers alike. Most of them are pretty friendly towards strangers. They can be pretty good with children as long as they are socialized early. Due partially to their high activity level, they are pretty playful. They enjoy just about any game, including fetch, water retrieval, and disc catching. These dogs are well-known for getting along with other pets, as long as they are socialized correctly. Their high prey drive often means that they will chase just about everything that runs. This means cats, rabbits, and other small pets. The Boxer Lab mix is pretty happy and content most of the time. Generally, they are pretty well behaved inside and outside alike. They are pretty intelligent. This makes them pretty easy to train. However, it also means that this mixed breed needs regular mental stimulation. If they are not kept entertained, they are prone to destructive and problematic behavior. They will find ways to entertain themselves, which often causes them to get into trouble. The best ways to keep them entertained involve obedience training, dog sports, and puzzle toys. They need regular interaction to stay happy and healthy. They thrive the most in active, large families that will keep them entertained. Due to their high exercise and mental stimulation, they require quite a lot of care and attention. This is best accomplished in larger families, with multiple people to look after the dog. These canines are pretty good with children as long as they are entertained early. Most of the time, dogs are aggressive towards children due to their fear. Children can be pretty unpredictable, and some smaller dogs may be fearful. Because the Boxador is so large, they are generally not fearful of children. However, they still need regular socialization with children to get along with them. Puppies that grow up with children are typically just fine interacting with them. Families that adopt this dog need plenty of extra time and attention when compared to other dogs. For this reason, they are not best for families that are gone for much of the day. This breed is excellent with dogs in most cases. Their friendly, playful nature makes them a perfect match for similar dogs. However, older, laidback dogs may find their constant ask to play a bit annoying. The Boxer Lab mix does not have any territorial tendency, which allows them to get along with most dogs quickly. This is even true for dogs of the same gender. However, you still need to socialize these dogs from an early age to understand how to interact with other dogs. Otherwise, their social skills may not be up to par, which can cause problems when they do interact with other dogs. We recommend puppy classes, which should fulfill their need for socialization and mental stimulation. They have a decently high prey drive and will chase just about everything. This includes cats, bunnies, ferrets, and other small pets. They may act perfectly fine with a cat for years, only for their hunting instincts to kick in one day and lead to disaster. We do not recommend ever allowing these dogs to be alone with a cat or other small animal. They are large and active, so they may need more calories than you would initially expect. Instead, base their food amounts on their body condition. If they are a bit on the skinnier side, they may need some extra calories These dogs are typically very food-driven, so they tend to overeat. Obesity can cause serious problems, especially since they are already prone to joint issues. Instead, two or three carefully measured meals a day are often sufficient. You also need to be very careful when feeding your puppy. The ball and socket of the joint end up misaligning, causing extra wear. Often, this leads to arthritis at an early age. How you feed your puppy has a significant effect on how they grow. If they are fed too much, they will grow faster than they naturally should, which will lead to severe problems with their joints. For this reason, you should avoid overfeeding puppies. It is common for puppies to act hungry all the time, especially when they are as food-driven as this breed. These are one of the most active dogs around. They are very high-energy, so they should only be adopted by active families. They are not going to sit around and cuddle all day. This is especially true when they are puppies, as they are typically more hyperactive when younger. These dogs benefit from a backyard that they can run around in. They enjoy just about any canine game out there, including fetch, retrieval, coursing, and just about everything else. If you like to run or hike, this dog is highly suitable. However, you should aim to keep their exercise low-impact for the first two years while their hips are still forming. This will help prevent hip dysplasia later on. Never force your dog to exercise, especially as a puppy. Puppies are prone to growing pains and can often not perform as athletically as an adult. Short, frequent exercise sessions are often best for puppies. A quick game of fetch in the backyard a few times a day may be all the time they need to stay healthy and worn out. This makes them generally easy to train. They are not prone to any behavioral problems, except for occasional bouts of separation anxiety. You must teach your puppy how to be alone from an early age so that they are comfortable without anyone else around. Without the proper treatment early on, your puppy can quickly revert to nervous behaviors when left alone. This can cause destructive behaviors and barking, which many dogs find anxiety-relieving. Chewing is often a big problem among dogs with separation anxiety. These dogs are usually well-behaved, especially when they are adequately trained. You should ensure that your dog is adequately exercised and mentally stimulated. A bored and hyperactive dog will often look for things to do, including chewing, getting into cabinets, and similar problem behaviors. For this reason, you should plan on being incredibly patient and expect puppy behaviors from them for a while. Their coat is usually short and dense. They do shed moderately year-round, so we recommend a regular brushing session weekly. This will help keep them clean and remove loose hairs that would end up on your floor otherwise. They may shed more during season changes. Once their coat stops shedding quite as much, you can decrease the sessions back to once a week. They keep themselves cleaned quite easily, except when they roll in mud or swim in swampy water. We recommend keeping their bathing to a minimum, or you may end up stripping them of their natural oils. This can cause problems on their skin and coat, such as irritation. They will also need their ears and nails taken care of. Like all dogs, you should plan on trimming their nails as needed. You can do this yourself at home or visit a groomer. Many of them provide walk-in appointments for nail clippings that are very inexpensive. Their ears are typically not in need of regular care. However, they can get dirty, which can lead to ear infections. Keep your eye out for dirt and debris in the ear and clean them with a wet cotton ball when necessary. They inherit genes from a vast gene pool, which means that they are less likely to inherit genetic conditions. They are still prone to a few problems. The most severe problem that the Boxer Lab mix often develops is hip dysplasia. Typically, it is caused by excess wear and tear. This can be due to genetics alone, though it is often caused by improper feeding and exercising when they are puppies. Because this mixed breed is likely to be large, they may be at an increased risk of bloat. This is a life-threatening condition that comes on suddenly. Within only a few hours, the dog goes into shock and eventually dies. Male vs. Female There is no significant difference between males and females. Because this breed is so diverse, it is difficult to tell similarities and differences between genders. They are incredibly active. These are some of the most active dogs on the planet. Their parents were bred to work all day, so this mixed breed is often ready to do the same. For this reason, they are only recommended for active families that are willing to commit an hour or two a day to their exercise. Boxer Lab Mixes are pretty intelligent. Boxer Lab mixes are one of the more intelligent dogs out there. For this reason, they can quickly learn most commands. They also require quite a bit of mental stimulation, though. This is best accomplished through obedience training or canine sports. Often, dogs will outgrow regular obedience training at some point and then must continue to be stimulated through other means. These dogs vary quite a bit. Because they are a mixed breed, these dogs vary quite a bit. They can inherit any traits from either of their parents. Some may act like Boxers but look like Labs. Others may be somewhere in between. This mixed breed is highly active and requires a lot of exercise, making them inappropriate for families that would rather cuddle on the couch. You should expect to exercise this dog for hours each day. Due to their high intelligence and people-pleasing nature, these dogs are pretty trainable. However, they also require a lot of mental stimulation. Plan on meeting this need through obedience training, puzzle toys, and canine sports, or you may end up with a bored and destructive dog. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement.

You can use the information on dog f.Show more How much grooming does a French Bulldog need? Although French Bulldogs have short fur, they do shed so you'll need to brush them occasionally. To help your dog feel comfortable with handling and grooming, introduce it in a positive way, one step at a ti.Show more What size crate do you need for a French Bulldog? When inside their crate, your dog should have plenty of space to: sit and stand up at their full height turn around without touching the sides lie down fully stretched out.To find out more abo.Are French Bulldogs easy to train? You can teach any breed of dog new tricks! Find out what your dog loves so you can use this to reward them after a success. Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own personality and prior experiences. So every French Bulldog temperament is different. As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world. They develo.Show more Are French Bulldogs good with children? Every dog has their own unique personality that has been shaped by their own experiences of the world. However, there are som.Show more. Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Scottish Terrier vs French Bulldog? Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Scottish Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. Scottish Terrier vs French Bulldog energy level comparison: Scottish Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. French Bulldog dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Scottish Terrier or French Bulldog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? Scottish Terrier dogs have an average exercise need. French Bulldog dogs exercise need is minimal. Scottish Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. French Bulldog dogs sleep hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed. Does the Scottish Terrier breed eat more than the French Bulldog breed? Recommended daily amount: 1 to 1. Should a French Bulldog Mix take after their Frenchie parent, they will be a small companion breed that bonds closely with their families. They tend to have an energetic, playful personality and love nothing more than being with their favorite humans. French Bulldogs tend to be friendly, playful, and affectionate dogs that get along with just about everyone. They tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets. They will even warm up quickly to strangers as long as they have been properly socialized. If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you should be able to expect the same from a French Bulldog Mix. You can also meet the mother in person to see what her temperament is like and the behavior she is modeling for the puppies. The breeder should have started some training and socialization, but it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home. Frenchies are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in apartments as well as larger homes. However, as a brachycephalic breed, they are extra sensitive to heat and also sensitive to the cold. They also do not like being left alone for long periods of time. If the other parent breed is similar, then you can expect a Frenchie Mix to also be a highly adaptable dog. The other parent will introduce their own traits and some potential quirks, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. They could inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, or they could inherit some or all of them. They can also be prone to allergies, have sensitive skin, and also a sensitive stomach. Good breeding practices will make a huge difference. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. Although French Bulldogs can sometimes be stubborn, they are eager to please and tend to be easy to train. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive praise and reward, they can be a good fit for owners of all experience levels. If the other parent breed is also easy to train, then you can expect a French Bulldog Mix to be highly trainable as well. Regardless of owner experience, there are many benefits of puppy training classes. A mixed-breed dog can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is a mix of both. You will also need to clean their facial wrinkles. Weekly ear checks with cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, a Frenchie Mix is more prone to developing dental diseases later in life. This makes good, consistent dental care for dogs even more important for them. Daily brushing with a dog-friendly toothpaste or using an enzyme toothpaste paired with cleanings at the vet when needed is ideal. Frenchies are known couch potato dogs that are happy to lay back, relax, and cuddle with you. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for this affectionate little dog. Even though they like to relax, they also like to play and will be energetic when they do. They can also be athletic and compete in dog sports. As a brachycephalic breed, you do need to be careful of overexertion and overheating. But, there are plenty of ways to safely exercise flat-faced dogs to make sure your French Bulldog Mix gets enough exercise. If the other parent breed is also a low-energy breed, then you can expect something similar from a Frenchie Mix. If the other parent breed requires more activity, then you will need to be prepared for the potential of a higher energy dog. Fully-grown Frenchies usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother, so make sure you ask the breeder about them. This can give you some idea of what size to expect in a fully-grown French Bulldog Mix. French Bulldogs generally live for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span in a French Bulldog Mix. Featured French Bulldog Mix Article. Height: 10 - 11 inches at the shoulder Weight: 18 - 22 lb. They are also very loving dogs. This dog will require a very strong and firm owner who makes sure to assert that they are the alpha and not the dog. They are cautious, yet non-threatening with strangers, and are affectionate towards family and children. Early socialization helps take care of any bad habits that could develop. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. The French Bulldog mixed with the Scottish Terrier might be prone to joint dysplasia, breathing problems, skin problems, among others. Note that these are just common problems in both breeds. Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin. What are the exercise requirements? Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him. What are the training requirements? This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background. Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia. I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet.

German Shepherd Itching Constantly? None of us want to see our German Shepherd itching like crazy and constantly in discomfort. Or, worse—in pain from their own skin! But there are solutions for German Shepherd allergies and dry skin that you can use right now to help your dog from itching like crazy. And you can do them right now, too! Although food is rarely a cause of dry skin or allergies, in many dogs a change in diet dramatically decreases itchy skin. While there are plenty of sensitive diets on the market you should try Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Formula which has no soy, wheat, peas, or corn. German Shepherd itchy skin might also happen if your current feeding routine lacks proper nutrition. Choosing a sensitive or hypoallergic dog food is a quick way to help your German Shepherd from itching like crazy. If your dog has special medical conditions, check with your vet first to make sure a change in diet will help with their scratchy and itchy skin issues. Look for a shampoo that contains coal tar which moisturizes and calms the red, irritated skin. Beware… Over bathing can cause more irritation by stripping the skin of natural oils and removing the protective layer. This can increase itching and scratching. Only bathe your dog with the medicated shampoo as needed to control their symptoms. They are also convenient and easy to use throughout the day. Look for a spray that contains aloe vera and vitamin e, both of which moisturize the skin. I use this spray for my itching German Shepherd and her skin felt moisturized and looked healthier after only a few applications. For areas you think are infected or extremely irritated, try a thicker cream that also offers pain relief, like this Sulfodene ointment. My GSD immediately shows signs of relief upon application! Use soft strokes and a brush with rounded tips. Specifically, try a rake brush that removes the dead undercoat. My GSD loves the rake brush, and this helps her to have the excess dead hair removed so that her skin can breathe more. This reduces the efficiency of the oil glands and causes your GSD to itch constantly and like crazy. Add Anti-Inflammatory Supplements to their Diet Research shows that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help reduce skin inflammation and increase skin moisture in some dogs. You want o use a blended oil like this salmon oil with hemp oil blend because it produces outstanding coat and skin results that help your dog to itch less while giving them a shiny, healthy coat. It may take 4 to 6 weeks or even several months for your dog to feel the benefits of an omega supplement and for you to see the benefits. Begin before the cold seasons to avoid having a German Shepherd itching in winter or because of allergies. Most dogs enjoy the oil as a treat on top of their usual kibble. My German Shepherd itches and licks her paws a lot in spring because of grass and pollen allergies. Use a brand that has ingredients to help with scratching and itching. You need a wipe with soothing ingredients found in them, such as Tropiclean Oxy Med Allergy Relief Wipes that give your dog clean skin to lessen irritations. Use these dry skin tips! Deicing solutions and salt on the walkways increase skin dryness. Remember, in the winter your German Shepherd needs special attention to their skin: Be sure to keep paw cleaning and wiping products by your door. Upon returning from every walk use them to remove any debris. Brush them thoroughly to help distribute their natural oils after walking outdoors in winter and apply an anti-itch spray and ointments if necessary. Run a Humidifier Adding moisture back to the air helps some dogs decrease their scratching, especially during the winter months and in dry climates. Especially if they enjoy lying close to the heat! Humidifiers come in a variety of models and sizes and both in a cool mist and warm mist options. Avoid Using Room or Fragrance Sprays Some German Shepherd allergies are brought on or worsened by unnatural, chemical-laden room and fragrance or perfume sprays. Avoid using these items, including the plug-in room fragrance models, if you suspect your German Shepherd has allergies or is itching constantly. The chemicals can even cause allergies to become worse in German Shepherds or they can develop breathing problems when you use too many chemicals products around them. Switch to a more natural cleaning option when possible. Use the following helpful information to understand why your GSD may have allergies and what contributes to allergies and scratching. German Shepherds are prone to a variety of skin problems because of flea or insect allergies, food allergies, inhalant allergies, and skin contact allergies. Some GSDs are also itchy because of medicine allergies either over the counter or prescribed and even genetic allergies. This leads to a lower quality of life and possible serious medical and health complications. Itchy German Shepherd? Use this list to see if your dog might have an allergy to one or multiple items that causes them to itch like crazy: Food Allergy wheat, unusual proteins like bison, kangaroo, etc. Parasite Allergy fleas, ticks, etc. Environmental Factors cold weather, dry air, fragrance sprays, commercial cleansers, carpet powders, mold, etc. Always seek vet advice when in doubt. You can also provide temporary and sometimes long-term relief using the process of elimination and the home treatments for skin problems previously listed. How to help my German Shepherd from itching and scratching? Treating a German Shepherd with itchy skin at home can help decrease their itching and scratching so they are more comfortable and regain healthy skin. Your GSD might just need a change of diet or a quick spray of anti-itch solution. There are simple ways to help your German Shepherd from itching and scratching like crazy. Most of the treatments you can order from home and apply right away. Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Hormone imbalances, illness Shedding German shepherds shed year-round. They have a thick double coat that helps regulate their body temperature. As the weather changes, about twice a year, they blow their coat, which results in lots of shedding. When they are blowing their coat, or shedding more than usual, they may scratch more often as they try to remove the excess fur. You can help de-shed them by brushing them often with an undercoat rake. It can also help to give them a bath in a conditioning, Ph balanced, de-shedding shampoo. If you lack time, consider a professional groomer a few times a year to help keep them well-groomed and less itchy. If your dog suddenly starts to shed more than usual or their fur is getting thin and dull, you may need to visit the vet. Illness, stress, dermatitis, and infections can all contribute to excess shedding that requires medical care. A few times a year is usually enough for most dogs. However, if they get wet, dirty, exposed to allergens, or have irritated skin, it can trigger lots of itching. To remove the itchy triggers from their skin and fur, its best to give them a bath using a rubber bath brush , which will help loosen fur and debris and gently massage their skin. When bathing, consider using a conditioning shampoo made with oatmeal and aloe to relieve the skin from irritants. Be sure to follow with a conditioner to protect their skin and coat and dry them off, which will also help remove any dead fur. Parasites Parasites such as fleas, mites, and ticks can all cause excessive itching as well as a problem in your home and yard. Dogs infested with parasites experience intense itching and some even have allergic reactions all over their body but especially at their belly, rear, hocks, elbows, and ear flaps. Dry Skin Dry, flakey, itchy skin can be caused for many reasons, including allergies, illness, infection, heat or air conditioning, being exposed to a household cleaner or soap, change in diet, or even needing more omega oil in the diet. Infections Itchy dogs are more prone to bacterial and fungal infections due to their constant scratching and licking. These infections also cause dogs to itch, creating a painful cycle of itchiness. Infections can usually be identified by intense itching, redness, sores, and may even have a foul odor. One of the keys to helping a dog recover from a skin infection is to stop them from scratching. This can usually be done with a combination of antibiotics or antifungals from your vet as well as anti-itch shampoos and sprays. Nutrition German shepherds tend to do best on a high-quality food that is easy to digest and nourishes the skin and coat. However, not all dogs thrive on the same food. There are many opinions about which dog food is best but what works great for one dog is sometimes a disaster for another. When feeding your dog, looking for a high-quality food for large breed dogs usually over 50 pounds that is AAFCO labeled complete and balanced for the life stage of your dog. Many foods created for sensitive dogs are free of corn, wheat, and soy yet still contain some grains, while others are grain free. Environmental Allergens Controlling the itching in dogs with environmental or seasonal allergies can be difficult. Depending on the severity of the problem, you may want to consider allergy testing and immunotherapy. Food Allergies Food allergies are far less common in dogs than environmental allergies. According to Tufts University, "Food allergies occur when an animal's immune system misidentifies a protein from a food as an invader rather than a food item and mounts an immune response. The end result of this response can be itchy skin or ear and skin infections in some pets, while it may cause vomiting or diarrhea in others. Which means every time your dog eats the offending food, it triggers an immune response and may worsen every time your dog eats that particular ingredient. Dogs are also far more likely to be allergic to the protein in a food chicken, beef or eggs than grains. In fact, allergies to rice or oats are rare and allergies to other grains, uncommon. So, if you keep rotating foods but are feeding the same protein or beans and legumes, that could be the problem. We hope these tips help your dog live itch free. Please feel free to share them with your friends with itchy dogs. And for good reason! They are characterized by not only their smarts, loyalty and courage, but also the thick fur coat that protects them. However, their coat makes them very susceptible to developing skin issues. If you are a parent of a German Shepherd, stay informed by being knowledgeable about why they get skin allergies and what you can do for them. They are allergic to fleas, especially to their saliva. When bitten, they will constantly itch and their skin will be inflamed. You will most likely see red spots almost immediately. Flea control would greatly help. A few of the things you can do is give your dog a refreshing bath in either a pool or a bathtub. This way fleas are washed away. Do make sure you fully submerge the dog in the water. Controlling fleas can not only prevent German Shepherd skin allergies but they can also avoid serious health problems such as tapeworms, anemia, dermatitis and bacterial infections. Learn how Wild Earth can help your dog live longer and visit the vet less. Steps for properly eliminating fleas from your German Shepherd: Bathe your dog using a hypoallergenic shampoo. Use a loofa for scrubbing his body. Make sure you cover his eyes with a dry cloth. Scrub vigorously to make sure it penetrates through his skin. Scrub for up to 5 minutes and make sure you include the genital area, tail and belly. These are the places where fleas tend to gather. Rinse using a hose a dry him off with a towel. Food Allergy Do you know that the number one cause of allergy in German Shepherds is the meat in dog food? When they develop this allergy, the skin is most likely the place where the inflammations would appear. If remain untreated, it could progress to infections or secondary bacterial infections that may be accompanied by alopecia or crusting. Food with real ingredients containing antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals are a good choice. Skin allergies may not be completely avoided but your German Shepherd will not likely develop skin irritations related to food if he is consuming the right diet. Environmental Allergy German Shepherds, as a dog breed, are really prone to skin allergies. Pollen-related allergies are one of the most common. This happens usually in the summer or in the fall. Many dog owners will use Benadryl for dogs to help alleviate pollen allergies that are common during the spring season for many dogs. Pollen allergies could lead to Atomic Dermatitis. This is usually a genetic condition caused by dust, trees or pollen. The dog may also experience ear infections when the allergy is not treated. Claritin for dogs is commonly used to help alleviate this type of allergy but it is recommended that you speak to your veterinarian prior to giving anything to your dog. Eye drops for dogs are common for helping to remove environmental allergies from the eyes and face of your dog. When you notice these, your dog may have an allergy. Symptoms also include flaky skin, hot spots, hair loss, dandruff, sores and dry skin. You need to watch out for skin allergies affecting either the ears or the eyes. Smelly ears or teary eyes could lead to painful infections when not treated. It would be best to consult a veterinarian right away for the proper prescription. Other Treatment Options For German Shepherds Most environment-related allergies are treated with over the counter treatments. Buying hypoallergenic or sulfate-free shampoo would be best for your German Shepherd. You can also choose a shampoo with either aloe vera or tree tea oil as the ingredients. These will provide a calming and soothing effect on their skin. Consult your veterinarian for antihistamine prescriptions for your dog. You may also visit a nutritionist so they could devise a good diet plan for your canine. Learn about our healthy protein food excellent for your German Shepherd. Managing Skin Problems with German Shepherds Fatty acids, zinc and antioxidants may reduce the symptoms. You may also regularly vacuum or wash the dog in hot water to remove the allergens. Keep an eye on them! We love our pets like family and hate to see them uncomfortable. Fortunately, by keeping an eye on their activity, watching how they react to their diet, bathing them regularly, and giving them a supplement if you think they need extra support, you can go a long way toward helping them live a more comfortable life! In this article:. Bees, hornets, and wasps Environmental Hygiene Most environmental allergies also known as inhalant allergies in German Shepherds are seasonal, which means your dog may only be prone at certain times of the year. However, the exceptions to this are molds, mildew, and house dust mite allergies, as these can occur yearly. Here are the common environmental allergies in German Shepherds due to their genetic tendency to become sensitized to: Tree pollens oak, ash, cedar, etc. Grass and weed pollens ragweed House dust mites Mold spores and mildew Other pet dander, such as cat or human skin These allergies also cause atopic dermatitis atopy , which causes red, itchy skin, rashes, hot spots, hair loss, and infections. Likewise, you should also look at their environment. Although dogs can have similar symptoms, they mainly suffer from itchy skin pruritus , especially around the face, paws, tummy, and armpits. Your German Shepherd will continually scratch, lick, or bite his skin, making it red, sore, and prone to infection. He may also try to rub himself on furniture or the floor to help relieve symptoms. Wrong Diet German Shepherds are predisposed to gastrointestinal problems. One example is Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, which affects the normal digestion of food. They are also at risk of bloat GDV , a life-threatening condition. German Shepherds are also more prone to food allergies than other breeds, along with Labradors. Did you know that some GSDs have been lactose intolerant since their birth? As they begin experiencing digestive issues, you can confirm the level of lactose intolerance. There is nothing unusual about these foods other than they have been the most common ingredients in dog foods for years, so dogs have been repeatedly exposed to them. The skin condition can worsen and open the way for maggots to enter the body. In aged dogs, this can lower the appetite and also impact every organ of the body over time. Besides, some dog allergies, for example, seasonal pollen allergies, can temporarily go away. Some symptoms can also be a sign of a completely different condition. Here are a few questions to ask yourself if your GSD is itching too much due to environmental reasons: Did you recently change your floor cleaner? Is there another dog with a skin condition next to your GSD? Do you find red spots on the belly? In these cases, your German Shepherd might have a problem with the environment and needs immediate cleaning. When your German Shepherd passes watery stools, it can often be the case of a food allergy. Well, there are chances for your German Shepherd to itch so much due to multiple causes too. How to Treat An Itchy German Shepherd When a German Shepherd itches more than usual, it reddens the spot, and most importantly, it can lower the appetite and movement over time. The best way to treat an itchy German Shepherd is to identify the underlying cause and choose a suitable plan of action. GSDs with dermatitis need medicines and medicated baths, while those with environmental allergens need regular cleaning to eliminate allergens. Contrarily, those with food allergies need a change in diet. Here are some treatment options for your German Shepherd to control the itchiness: Medications. Antihistamines or corticosteroids anti-inflammatory can be prescribed to block the allergic reaction and help relieve symptoms. Immunosuppressive agents are also an option, but they must be used wisely due to possible side effects. Antibiotics can also be given for secondary bacterial infection. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, such as fish oil, have effectively treated skin allergies as they can improve the response to steroids and antihistamines. Medicated shampoo or cream. These can help with severe itching and inflamed skin. Some therapeutic shampoos also contain anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal agents to help your dog. Frequent bathing can help to remove allergens from the fur. Holistic medicines or natural treatments. Some dog owners opt for alternative therapies such as essential oils like chamomile or aloe vera. Always consult a vet familiar with their use if you wish to try these. Immunotherapy also known as hyposensitization. A series of weekly injections allergy shots is given to your German Shepherd to introduce the allergen to desensitize him to it, for example, pollen. Hypoallergenic diet. This contains a novel protein, such as kangaroo, duck, or venison. Feeding new foods will prevent a continuation of the over-response. Prevention Tips Even though German Shepherds are susceptible to allergies, here are some prevention tips. Some of these tips can also be used if your dog already has his diagnosis to help to relieve his symptoms: Flea prevention treatment. Regularly vacuum carpets. To help prevent fleas and dust mites, vacuum carpets daily. You should do this at least weekly with hypoallergenic, non-toxic detergents. Regularly grooming. For ease, I use the FURminator de-shedding tool from Amazon, which does a great job as it gets right through to the undercoat and safely removes loose hair. Check out my article on how to reduce GSD shedding for some cool tips! Avoid pollen. Walk your German Shepherd before dawn and late afternoon to early evening, as this is when pollen is at its lowest. Wipe his paws and body after his walk to help remove pollen and other allergens. Feed a nutritious, high-quality diet. Some of the preservatives and additives in commercial dog food may also cause allergies or intolerance. To prevent this, always make sure you feed your German Shepherd high-quality food. Opt for the most expensive you can afford. Feed dog food with only one or two protein sources. This can help give you more choices later on, should your German Shepherd develop an allergy. Use an air purifier. Air purifiers help create a cleaner, healthier environment by capturing tiny particles such as dust, pollen, and mold spores. The latest model also comes with Wi-Fi enabled. Use a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers take moisture out of the air in your home. Drying out the air keeps allergy triggers to a minimum, subsequently relieving symptoms. In other instances, environmental and food allergies can also provoke a dog to itch regularly. Sometimes, a medicated bath does the job. Most dog breeds, including German Shepherds, scratch with an aim to perform a self-cleaning of the body and ears. If your German Shepherd is prone to direct heat or extreme cold, he may scratch quite frequently, and this is only a reaction to the environmental allergen temporary. You can see bald patches on various parts of the body. Vets might recommend medicines along with medicated baths and changes in diet. German Shepherds are prone to allergies. They are a high-risk breed predisposed to skin allergy known as canine atopic dermatitis CAD. The most common allergies are caused by fleas, food, environmental triggers such as pollen, dust mites, or mold , or contact with other irritants. Final Thoughts I can only imagine how frustrating it must be to have a German Shepherd itch so much all of a sudden. The situation worsens when you have multiple dogs at home. Although the German Shepherd breed is predisposed to different forms of allergies, they can still live a long, healthy, and happy life with the right treatment to control the symptoms. Related Posts You May Like:. When determining why your German Shepherd may be itchy, there are three primary reasons behind it. Fleas and lice commonly attach themselves to dogs, and can cause extreme discomfort and even self-mutilation through efforts to relieve the discomfort. The same applies if your dog has recently visited the veterinarian, though this is not as common as after returning home from a kennel. While your GSD may be allergic to one particular thing that he may have ingested, chances are that if there is an allergy present from food that it has to do with a change in his regular diet. Itching due to a food allergy is usually due to something that your dog will have been consuming for a while versus just on one occasion. Environmental allergies Environment allergies, also called Atopic dermatitis , present when your dog is allergic to some type of an environmental substance. This could be an airborne substance like pollen, but it could also be from dust mites, which are found in literally every household. Environmental allergies are most often present in dogs at least 6 months old, but they are more common in dogs that are at least 1 year old. These allergies can begin as seasonal in nature. They may begin in the spring and then taper off as fall approaches. Dust mites can also be a cause of itching. They can be found gathering in places where dead skin cells accumulate most often — places like furniture, bedding, carpeting, throw rugs, and stuffed animals. Dust mites can be found in just about every household. They are most prevalent from August to November when houses are closed up because of cool evenings and increasing humidity. However, be aware that, while seasonal, dust mites can still show up in the winter when heaters are stirring up dust. Go through the following steps and you will be able to isolate the most common cause for your GSD being itchy. Has your German Shepherd had the same food throughout his life? If this is the case, speak with your veterinarian. Have the seasons recently changed? YES — If the dog is middle-aged, then not likely a seasonal allergy. Seasonal allergies begin to show up after 6 months to 1 year of age. YES — If the dog is 6 months to 1 year old, then his itching is likely due to a seasonal allergy. NO — A seasonal allergy is probably not the concern here. They will show up the vast majority of the time when spring has just arrived. The exception here are dust mites. If you suspect that dust mites are the culprits, then talk with your veterinarian, as you will not be able to see them. Dust mites are only visible under a microscope, and even then they still look very small. This often causes excessive paw licking, recurring ear infections, hair loss and redness in the groin area. You will also notice seasonal allergies recurring each year, and worsening as the years pass. You will need to check your dog and look for signs of skin irritation. Not a small task, but a necessary one. Evaluate whether it is very dry and brittle, or if there is excess dander present. Look closely underneath his lips and examine the gums. Check to see if there are any types of ulcerations or lesions anywhere. Look closely for any redness that could indicate an ear infection. Pay close attention to the spaces between his pads and see if they feel particularly rough or if there are any unusually hard areas on the surface. Flea eggs magnified Flea eggs can also be difficult to see, so clean the comb out over a white piece of paper. The eggs are dark in color, so they will be easier to see on a white background. If you do not come across any fleas or flea eggs, then there is a good chance that you will come across a louse. Louse, singular for lice, are about the size of a small sesame seed. You will need to purchase a good quality flea shampoo to treat your dog effectively. Regardless of whether your dog has fleas or lice, a flea shampoo will be effective to treat the issue. Most flea shampoos contain either pyrethrins or organophosphates, which are both effective at getting rid of both lice and fleas. Pyrethrins are pesticides that are found naturally occurring in some types of chrysanthemum flowers, while organophosphates are chemical compounds made from phosphoric acid and alcohol. This will greatly cut down on the number of flea eggs or lice present and will make sure that the shampooing will be as effective as possible. Also make sure to put the flea-infested hair into a sealed bag and throw it away outside in the garbage. Do not dispose of the hair in an indoor garbage can in the event that some of the fleas or lice manage to escape. If some do manage to get out, you will just have another problem waiting to happen. You may also choose to use a topical insecticide. Two popular and effective topical insecticides are: Frontline Plus : This will kill all of the fleas on your dog within 12 hours. It kills live fleas as well as any contained in unhatched eggs. Advantage II : This product will also kill the fleas on your dog within 12 hours, and it will also stop fleas from biting almost immediately. A few popular brands are: Capstar : An effective oral pill, it begins to kill fleas within 30 minutes of dosing and will kill them before they lay eggs for a full month. However, some dogs love the taste — others, not so much. Also, treats will never work as quickly as a topical or oral medication, so these are not recommended if your GSD has on ongoing severe case of fleas. Thankfully, you are in a position to be able to find the root of the problem and do something about it. Most GSD itching issues can be effectively managed as long as you are proactive in paying attention to what may be causing the issue. By following a few simple steps, you will be able to put an end to it sooner than later. While they sound like they are insects similar to fleas, they are actually more like spiders, just in parasite form. As well, the longer you wait to seek out diagnosis and treatment, the more likely a minor issue with mites will turn into sarcoptic mange, or scabies, a much more serious condition. As Veterinary Partner explains, because the mites feed on dead skin, they like the more hairless areas on your dog like the ears, belly, or joints. Unfortunately, sarcoptic mange is not easy to diagnose because the symptoms are quite a lot like other skin allergies and conditions that can affect a German Shepherd. Your veterinarian may need to rule out other issues and do several tests. Even after a firm diagnosis is made, your dog will probably need a range of treatments, including antibiotics, topical shampoos or solutions, oral treatments, dips, and topical itch-relief products. You can see how severe the mange issues can become and also how effective treatment can be once a proper diagnosis is made. The big difference between scabies and Demodex is that the scabies mite is a definite invader, while the Demodex mite is always present on the skin. Typically, as long as your German Shepherd stays healthy with a strong immune system, the mites will live peacefully inside the hair follicles. But if there is any disruption to the immune system function, the mites may start to cause itching. The most common warning sign besides intense itching is patchy hair loss. In fact, current estimates indicate as many as 10 percent of all dogs alive today may be suffering from some degree of food allergies. Interestingly, food allergies in people are also on the rise. While researchers are not completely sure what is causing this uptick in interspecies food allergies, there are several suspects, from GMOs genetically modified organisms to global toxins. Certain foods are known to be more prone to causing food allergies in German Shepherds and other dog breeds. Chicken, fish, beef, eggs, dairy, soy, wheat gluten , rabbit, pig pork , and lamb are some of the most frequently cited food-based allergens. However, a German Shepherd may also have sensitivities to additional foods. For example, peanuts are known to be more prone to fungus, which can cause intense allergies in some dogs. Veterinarians who specialize in allergies and immunology are not sure exactly why dogs have sensitivities to foods that might ordinarily be a big part of their diets such as chicken and lamb. Even if your dog previously was able to eat the food item, over time sensitivity can develop and it may be necessary to remove that food from the diet going forward. One theory is that commercial livestock operations often give breeding animals and young animals antibiotics to try to ward off illness and infection. Some breeds are also naturally more likely to have food allergies and German Shepherds are one of those breeds. Your veterinarian will likely do some allergy testing to narrow down the search. Another option many veterinarians prescribe is to adopt a limited ingredient diet to see if the symptoms clear up on their own. Rather, it is important to rule out both behavioral as well as environmental causes to see what causes the itching to clear up. Behavior reasons why your GSD might be scratching Some German Shepherds may actually just need more enrichment, exercise, activity, or playtime. Because the GSD is such a sensitive and intelligent dog breed, these dogs can start to self-harm by chewing at the skin if they get bored or lonely. Boredom can lead to other destructive behaviors like digging , chewing things around the house, and barking. Systemic reasons why your GSD might be scratching Problems with thyroid function, endocrine disruption or immune system malfunction can also cause skin that dries out and becomes itchy. Sometimes testing reveals a hidden metabolic or systemic disease or sensitivity that is the real cause of the itching. Environmental reasons why your GSD might be scratching German Shepherds can be very sensitive to environmental toxins, including exposure to herbicides or pesticides or insecticides, toxic house or lawn plants, air pollution, seasonal pollen, mold or mildew, and similar triggers for scratching. It can be worth taking a second look at your lawn care and gardening products as well as what may be growing in and around areas where you and your dog walk regularly. Regular brushing and grooming can help you spot developing problems before they get out of control. Going forward, when you brush your dog each week, take time to examine the skin, ears, paw pads, tail, and belly areas, joints, and face for any signs of skin redness, hot spots, irritation, or inflammation. As well, it often helps to keep a journal so you can record what happened just before your dog experienced a bout of scratching. Does your dog seem to itch more after meals or yard time? These are valuable clues that can help quickly diagnose and treat the scratching issue. German Shepherd Itching Constantly? There are many different types of hypoallergenic and sensitive dog foods. These have been specially formulated to reduce the risk of allergic reactions as far as possible. By reducing the number of issues that their system has to contend with, you are likely to alleviate their itchiness. Common allergens found in dog foods are dairy proteins, chicken, lamb, beef, eggs, gluten, and soy. As well as this any chicken meal, fat, eggs, cartilage, grains, lentils, peas, potatoes, flaxseeds, fish, and yeast. If your dog is allergic to any of these things then their bodies will produce antibodies and antigens as part of its immune response. If you suspect that this is one of the problems with your dog, your vet may ask you to do an elimination trial. This is where you feed your dog a carefully controlled hypoallergenic diet for between 8 and 12 weeks. This diet cannot contain any foods that your dog has consumed in the past and does not allow for your dog to be fed with treats or supplements. Your vet may also perform a serum IgE test, which is a type of blood test. This will give them an indication as to what foods your dog may be sensitive to. Alternatively, your dog may be itchy if they are not being fed appropriate nutrition. They may be deficient in vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins, or fats. The blood test will indicate this to your vet too. This can also cause itchiness. It is vital to feed your dog the correct diet to keep them healthy and well. This will also help to improve the quality of their coat, making it shiny and luxurious. We recommend using an oil blend, such as salmon and hemp. This is unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction and will work beautifully to produce a healthy coat and skin. To feed it to them, all you need to do is pour a little of the oil over the top of their kibble at mealtimes. You will not notice results immediately after you begin to feed the oil blend to your dog. It is likely to take somewhere between 4 and 6 weeks to notice the benefits. We strongly suggest that you begin to incorporate this fatty supplement into their diet before the cold season begins. This will help to reduce the chances of your German Shepherd becoming itchy and ill over the winter. These will help to boost their immune and digestive systems. Probiotics will also help to reduce the inflammatory response of their bodies to any allergens present in their environment. There is evidence to suggest that these supplements can also help to protect your dog from immunological attacks. Change their shampoo There are many different types of medicated shampoo that are ideal for treating itchy dogs. These will help to soothe their inflamed skin and reduce the itchy sensation. They are super simple to use and relatively inexpensive to purchase. Your shampoo should contain a compound known as coal tar. This is commonly used as a treatment for eczema and psoriasis as it is incredibly soothing on broken and irritated skin. It is also a highly effective treatment for overly oily fur and dandruff. You can purchase coal tar shampoos designed for both human and canine use. You should not wash your dog too often as this can also lead to problems. If you over wash your dog, you can strip the natural oils out of their coat and off their skin. This can actually lead to even more itchiness and further complications. It is a good idea to bathe them every months, or more often if recommended by your veterinarian. You should always rinse your dog twice thoroughly to ensure all of the shampoo residues have come off of their coat. Use moisturizer There are many different moisturizing skin sprays and ointments available to treat your German Shepherd. These help to keep their skin hydrated, therefore reducing irritation and itchiness. Sprays are highly convenient to apply throughout the day and will not cause you much inconvenience. You should look for sprays and ointments that contain Vitamin E and aloe vera. Both of these are very moisturizing and will massively help your dog. Apply liberally to areas that seem most affected. These sprays are clinically formulated to have veterinarian quality impacts from the comfort of your home. For really itchy and affected areas, it is wise to use an ointment or thicker cream for more of an impact. This can also be applied to small cuts and sores for instant relief. It will also help to eradicate any loose hairs that may be causing them irritation. We recommend grooming your German Shepherd with a rake brush with rounded tips, 2 to 3 times per week. During shedding season, in the spring and fall months, you will need to brush your dog every day. This is because they will be losing a huge quantity of fur and will need some assistance to ensure the dead hair does not just collect in their coat. If your dog lives indoors, they are likely to shed slightly less than outdoor dogs. Ideally, this brush will have a double row as these will remove the most hair with ease. Use soft but firm strokes in the direction of hair growth. We recommend using a rake brush. This is because German Shepherds have 2 coats of hair, and this type of brush will remove dead hairs from their undercoat. Neglecting to brush your dog will result in a thick blanket of hair growing over the skin and preventing adequate air circulation. This means that their oil glands can become clogged and can make your dog incredibly itchy. Wash them often This is a particularly important step during allergy seasons such as late spring and summer. If your dog is sensitive to pollen and goes outside, they will drag the pollen back in with them on their fur. This can cause them to have continuing allergic reactions, even when indoors. This will reduce the amount of grass and pollen that they come into contact with and can reduce allergic reactions. Invest in a humidifier If the air is particularly dry, this can cause your German Shepherd to itch too. This is particularly prevalent during the winter months when electric heaters and log fireplaces are running. Humidifiers work by introducing more moisture into the air. This can help to alleviate some skin conditions and improve the overall health of your dog. They can emit either a warm or a cool mist, and some are capable of both. You should place the humidifier close to where your dog spends most of its time. This will help to ensure they get as much benefit from the humidifier as possible. It is a good idea to place the humidifier out of reach of your dog to ensure they do not knock it over and hurt themselves. Do not point it directly at your dog as they may become wary and move if any mist or discharge from the humidifier is suddenly sent their way. Do not use fragrance sprays The respiratory and olfactory systems of dogs are far superior to that of humans. Their sense of smell is more than times stronger than a human, meaning that they are incredibly sensitive to odors. There are many smells, such as ylang-ylang, which can actually irritate and cause harm to your dog. If your German Shepherd is already itching, their symptoms may be worsened by the use of room fragrances or perfume sprays. We do not recommend burning scented candles or incense in the vicinity of your dog. In extreme cases, you may wish to consider stopping using aerosol deodorant and perfume sprays. Change your household cleaning products Commercially available cleaning products can cause your dog to itch. Many chemicals can trigger allergic reactions or respiratory issues in your dog. There are lots of naturally formulated cleaning products available that will reduce the reactions in your dog. Look for products that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. Allow all surfaces that have had chemicals applied to them to dry completely before you let your dog near them. Other home remedies for itching A completely natural way to treat your dog is through the use of apple cider vinegar. Use this as a rinse to alleviate symptoms of itching. Dilute it in a ratio with purified water and put it into a bottle. Wash your dog as normal with a mild castile soap and then rub the apple cider vinegar into their fur. Ensure all areas of their body are covered, paying close attention to their belly and legs. Take care not to get the vinegar into their eyes as this will hurt them. Do not use this on open wounds or raw skin as it will burn and hurt your German Shepherd. Do not rinse this off, instead allow it to air dry on their skin and fur. This can also be applied topically throughout the day to alleviate itchy hotspots. It can also be used to clean out their ears and can be ingested for digestive issues. Apple cider vinegar is an anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial agent. You may want to consider incorporating olive oil into their diet. Olive oil is high in vitamins K and E, as well as antioxidants. Do this 2 to 3 times per week to help alleviate itchiness and improve the quality of their fur. Another good incorporation into their diet is plain yogurt. Take care to ensure that this is one that has no additives or sugar, as these will be bad for your dog. The yogurt will contain probiotic cultures that will help to maintain a healthy bacterial balance in their gut. It can help to prevent yeast infections and skin issues. For small dogs, add in a teaspoon of yogurt 2 to 3 times per week. For large dogs, feed them 2 teaspoons. Coconut oil is another great and easy home remedy. Apply it topically to dry skin as a moisturizer or give it orally to your dog as an immune booster. It is also really useful as a human moisturizer and is delicious to boot. We have all heard of oatmeal baths for chickenpox, but did you know that this can be done for dogs too? Grab some oatmeal and place it into a high-powered blender and blend until a powder has formed. Fill your bathtub with warm water and pour in the oatmeal powder. Allow this to combine for a few minutes and then bring your dog in. If possible, allow your dog to soak in this bath for 15 minutes. Performing this bath regularly will help to reduce the overall itchiness of your dog and make their life more comfortable. You can also make herbal tea soaks for your dog. These can be done with chamomile, calendula, and green teas. All of these teas have soothing properties and will help to reduce itchiness. This is particularly useful for dogs with red raw skin that cannot stop itching. To make this soak, fill your tub with warm water and throw in around 5 tea bags. Leave them to steep here for minutes and then take the bags out of the water. Bring your dog into the bath and allow them to soak in the tea for around 5 minutes. If the itching is localized to smaller regions, steep a couple of tea bags in a jug of warm water. Allow it to cool and then pour over the affected patches and allow the tea to air dry. For more natural home remedies, take a look at this video. Learn About German Shepherd Scratching From a Canine Veterinarian In this YouTube video , you can watch a canine veterinarian examining a German Shepherd dog patient who is struggling with ongoing itching and scratching issues. Fleas Fleas are a common culprit for itching dogs. They cause your German Shepherd a lot of discomforts. Previously flea-free dogs can pick up these external parasites from other dogs or outdoors. Some dogs have strong reactions to fleas. These flea allergies can cause your dog to scratch until they break the skin. When a dog scratches so much that he breaks the skin, it can cause a secondary infection. If your dog is bleeding or has caused open wounds, he will need to be looked at. Dirt and bacteria can get inside these wounds. A vet might even need to prescribe antibiotics. Lice Dogs can also get lice. Lice are small, external parasites that look a lot like dandruff to the naked eye, but up close, they are white, grubby, wingless insects. Environmental allergies Similar to humans, dogs can have allergic reactions to elements in their environments. The most common environmental allergies are airborne pollen and dust mites, both of which can be seasonal allergies. Dust mites are at their worst in the Autumn months. German Shepherds also can be allergic to certain items in your house such as carpet fibers, air fresheners, and shampoos. The condition they develop is called contact dermatitis, which is essentially a skin allergy. Fungus Ringworm is a common fungal problem in dogs. Ringworm is characterized by a circle of scaly, red skin; fur loss; and dandruff. This fungus can be passed from pet to human as well as from pet to pet. So, caution is advised if you suspect your dog may have ringworm. German Shepherds are not particularly predisposed to ringworm, however, dogs who have open wounds may be more prone to get the fungus. How do vets treat skin allergies in German Shepherds? Your veterinarian might recommend immunomodulatory medications. These are available either as a daily pill Apoquel or a Cytopoint injection given every weeks. Source: PetMed Apoquel can significantly reduce itching, and also decreases the associated inflammation, redness or swelling of the skin. Along with these, antibiotics or antifungal medicines are often required to treat the skin infections that result from allergies. Home remedies for German Shepherd itchy skin The first thing you will want to do is to determine the cause of the allergy. This will take some time. You can begin by eliminating any new substances that your GSD came into contact with before he started having symptoms. Check price on Amazon Use a Humidifier Winter months are notoriously bad for dry skin in both humans and dogs. Fireplaces and heaters sap moisture from the air and from the skin. Check price on Amazon Vacuum daily In addition to these measures, if your dog has a dust mite allergy, you will want to vacuum regularly and clean fabric surfaces often. Remove the carpet Your carpeting is something that may trigger allergies in dogs. A dog carpet allergy can be caused by the material itself or by a substance either on or in the carpet In extreme circumstances, you may even need to replace the carpet with tile or hardwood flooring. Common hypoallergenic dog food recommended by GSD owners include:.

I've had her since she was 8 weeks old and she is now 2 and has been placed in her new home, where she will help her new owner. Aero the Standard Poodle as a puppy at five months old Abbey the black Standard Poodle at 13 months old Abbey the black Standard Poodle at 13 months old Abbey the black Standard Poodle at 13 months old Abbey the black Standard Poodle at 13 months old Abbey the black Standard Poodle at 13 months old Abbey the black Standard Poodle at 13 months old A litter of 7-week-old puppies , photo courtesy of K-Lar Standard Poodles Puppies, photo courtesy of Littlefield Kennels Photo courtesy of Littlefield Kennels Photo courtesy of Littlefield Kennels This is Sedona working in obedience, retrieving over the high jump, photo courtesy of Valentine Standard Poodles Taking time to "smell the roses," photo courtesy of Valentine Standard Poodles Baily the black Standard Poodle at 8 years old Baily the black Standard Poodle at 8 years old Baily the black Standard Poodle at 8 years old Baily the black Standard Poodle at 8 years old on the run. Maybe you have studied a lot about poodles, but we are sure that we will help you to know about some interesting facts about them that you have never heard before. But side by side, you will be getting some beautiful pictures of poodle puppies for your picture collection. Fun Fact 1: There are three main Poodle categories. Poodles are categorized according to their sizes. Next is the Miniature Poodle, which grows up to 15 inches tall. Fun Fact 2: They are also retrievers. Considering just how much hair covers their faces and bodies. Fur is shed once or twice each year, while hair continues to grow. Amazing Poodle Dog Puppies Pictures: So without wasting any more time, we should directly go to our motive and yes, it is that we will be discussing about something interesting about this dog breed. Actually, we all know that Poodle is the national dog of France but the breed has originated from Germany. But yes, all their reputation grew from France and so they do claim Poodle as their National dog. Fun Fact 4: They are fond of humans. Fun Fact 5: They are generally healthy. In general, they are considered one of the healthiest dog breeds in the world. Most Poodles live anywhere from 10 to 18 years. However, you should know why the Poodles were bred for the first time in Germany. Actually, they were bred as working dogs and not as pets. They were excellent swimmers and so they were used by the hunters to retrieve ducks and other birds from the water. Poodles have a very soft mouth, which helped them to bring the injured from the water. Interestingly, the furs all over their body were just used as a protection as they swam in the cold water. Therefore, if you just see the fur pattern of the poodle you will find that the furs were used to protect the vital areas from cold water. Fun Fact 6: The name has an interesting history. As mentioned, Poodles came from Germany instead of France. This makes sense because the name came from pudel. More often than not, they mix Poodles with other breeds that are also hypoallergenic. Overall, there are more than 40 different cross-breeds that came from Poodles. Fun Fact 8: Elvies Presley loved them. When Elvis was in the army, he had a Poodle named Champagne. One of which is Honey, whom he gave to his wife Priscilla. He also gave his mother a Poodle named Sweet Pea. Most of the dogs shed as a part of a biological process, but amazingly, poodle will never stop growing its fur. This is the main reason that they need regular grooming. If they are not groomed well, it will end up in matted and locking fur all over their body. This is the reason they are regarded as hypoallergenic and generally odorless. Fun Fact 9: An artist made them popular. However, a German artist looked at them from a different perspective. This is what made the breed very popular during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today, Poodles are one of the most common dogs to enter in dog shows. You should also know that poodles are one of the smartest dog breed in the world. They are though easy to train and they response to the training rapidly. To say in details, they are very intelligent and if you can train them in the right way, they will need just sometime to understand what you are up to. Going back to the s, poodles were dressed in human clothing and trained well to act out beautiful tricks in front of people in the dog shows. From then, the popularity of poodles in the dog show has started. And today it is one of the popular breed for the dog shows. Fun Fact American celebrities and icons love them, too! We already know that Elvis Presley was fond of Poodles. However, there are many other celebrities and icons who love this breed. Fun Fact Kids and the elderly love them, and Poodles love them back! Because they are hypoallergenic, Poodles are the go-to pet for young and old dog lovers. In return, they also enjoy being around them! In fact, Doug Dawson, a Poodle-owner who brings his dog to work in a nursing home, once found out that his Poodle named Nala knows how to work the elevator. Nala would ride the elevator and go around different rooms in the nursing home, visiting the elderly to bring joy and comfort. So whenever you are thinking of a poodle remember that you are looking for a dog with amazing haircut and you really have an interest for fancy dogs. Poodles are given silly haircuts just because they look good in that. If you see the matter in details, you will find that most of the owners of poodle prepare their dog for dog shows. So they give fancy cuts to make them look more attractive. Forget about that and just think about how you enjoyed the pictures of poodle puppies. I'm a blogger who loves to write about pets. I like to try new products, find cute pictures of them and share them with people. Related Posts. Many people associate the breed with the elegance of Paris. It comes naturally to identify them with Paris because part of their origins are from France. It is disputed whether they are from France or Germany. But there is no denying that their popularity stems from France. The word Poodle comes from the german word pudelhund. This does not come as a surprise because they are known to be very playful and love the water. They were originally bred for duck hunting and retrieving. There are so many unique characteristics that the breed carries. On top of their outgoing personalities they are one of the only breeds with their type of curly coat and body structure. Their coat is one of their best features as it can be combed and cut elegantly in many different styles. Poodles are one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They excel in many sports and are great in agility and obedience. Poodles are full of energy and are very sociable. They love being around people and are very loving and caring. They are great therapy dogs and their coat is considered hypoallergenic due to the minimal amount of shedding. Their curls trap the hairs that do shed and makes for a cleaner, healthier environment for you and your family. Poodles make the perfect pet because although they can be elegant and graceful in a competitive state, they can also be loving and playful at home.

The Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in America for the 21st straight year. More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: The ten reasons that I am giving for children to have a dog are not listed in order of importance. All of us have different characteristics which we find more important than others. Every reason I list, however, is important to the childhood of your son or daughter. Regular dog-walking increases social interaction for children—especially those who have just moved to a neighborhood and are feeling homesick for their former home. A child who might not want to go out into the neighborhood alone, feels that he or she has a purpose in walking the dog, and therefore can face unfamiliar faces or places more easily than when alone. Walking the dog could be the perfect way for a shy or awkward adolescent to meet new friends in the neighborhood. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Did you know… Norfolk is a year-old seaport. Because of its water-oriented location with the bay, lakes and rivers, Norfolk life revolves around the water. The popular logo is a young mermaid, chosen to symbolize years of maritime and naval heritage. The damage from the shells, and fires started by the British and spread by the patriots, destroyed over buildings, almost two-thirds of the city. The distance from Norfolk to Washington DC is miles. The distance to the Virginia state capital is 81 miles. Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! As one of the most energetic breeds, your Silver Lab puppy will always be down for exercise, play, swimming or any other outdoor activity. Playful and excitable, be prepared to remove any knick-knacks from coffee tables or end tables — this breed is notorious for knocking these over with an almost constantly wagging tail! Widely considered the sweetest tempered dog breed, your Silver Lab puppy will light up every time you walk in the room — greeting you with kisses and affection when you come home after a long day at work. Highly intelligent, these dogs can easily be trained to respond to a variety of commands — and their alert nature makes them natural guard dogs. As one of the most lovable dog breeds, your Silver Lab puppy is sure to get along with everyone — from other dogs to small children and the elderly — making the breed a perfect fit for almost anyone who has the stamina to keep up with it! Many of these conditions affect dogs in later life, though some can occur during adolescents and early adulthood. To learn more about our commitment to ethical breeding practices , read about the Keystone Puppies Health Guarantee! This hunting breed has a water-resistant or water-repellent coat that is slightly dry and oily. Unlike many short-haired breeds, Labs are outdoor dogs. They are usually able to keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Silver Labrador Retrievers have short, straight coats that shed seasonally. They have a double coat — with thick, dense hair — which helps keep them warm during winter months. Their heavy coats also offer additional insulation when swimming — a favorite pastime of Labradors, Silver Labs included. With a low-maintenance coat, the Silver Labrador Retriever only needs brushed once or twice a week. Meet Silver Lab Puppies for Sale. Welcome to the Virginia state page on TrustedPuppies. Situated on the east coast of the United States, Virginia is known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and a wide range of dog-friendly activities. Our goal is to connect you with the most exceptional Virginia Labrador Retriever — Chocolate breeders and puppies for sale in the area, ensuring you find the perfect companion for your family. Our site features a wide variety of reputable breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our VA breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new puppy. Delve into the diverse dog-friendly scene in Virginia, featuring inviting restaurants, spacious dog parks, and engaging dog shows. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the Virginia Memorial Day Cluster Dog Show provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of Labrador Retriever — Chocolate canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. Ranking 25th in dog ownership among the states, Virginia is home to an estimated 1. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable Labrador Retriever — Chocolate breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in Virginia. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your Labrador Retriever — Chocolate puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation.

Temperament: Alert, protective and reliable. However, you will certainly get a tall dog with a very muscular build. To see one standing on the front porch and guarding its home is quite a sight. They have a large, broad muzzle and very strong jawbones. Their eyes are dark and its floppy ears can stand erect or fold over at the tips. Height and Weight Both male and females stand between inches tall however, females are usually a bit shorter. Females will weigh between pounds, will males weighing up to 95 pounds. Breed Colors and Coat Brown is the typical base fur color for this breed — it can be anything from chocolate brown to a light tan. Black can appear in large patches or as a mask over their face and muzzle. In some cases, you may see white or light grey patches. If they inherit a coat from the German Shepherd parent it will be a short, fluffy double coat. Whereas a coat from a Boxer will be smooth and closely cropped to the skin. Mixes will a double coat will shed moderately and those with single coats even less. They will need to be brushed once a week and daily during shedding season. Both parent breeds are commonly employed in this type of work. What makes the Boxer Shepherd so unique is its mischievous, playful attitude in addition to being a hard worker. Both German Shepherds and Boxers have an unfair reputation for being aggressive. In reality, a well trained Shepherd, Boxer, or mix is extremely even tempered and friendly. The Boxer is the 11th most popular dog breed in the United States, as of .The German Shepherd is the 2nd most popular breed. You can expect them to be a bit of a goofball as well as a loyal guard dog. These dogs are not aggressive by nature, but they will bite if they are provoked. Your relationship with them should be one of mutual respect and understanding. You need to keep in mind that working dogs always want something to do and will have high energy levels — so you will need to keep them as active as possible throughout the day. A well trained dog will be very quiet and only bark when something is wrong. However it will take time to train a puppy out of their natural suspicion of strangers. Expect a bit of barking here and there as your puppy learns who they can and cannot trust. Since these pups are so suspicious of other people, early socialization is a must. Even socialized puppies will remain distant to people outside of their home. Finally, you should know that this dog does not like to be left alone — so you should find a good dog sitter if you are away from home often. A German Shepherd Boxer Mix makes a great family dog for the right type of family. Apartments and urban areas do not make the best home for one. Your dog will need their own outdoor space to let out all of their energy. If you have ever owned a German Shepherd or a Boxer, a mix will not be too much more difficult to manage. Keeping this pup active and entertained is the biggest challenge for the breed. They are not for owners with inactive lifestyles. Exercise Requirements This very active dog will want to be on its feet for most of the day. If you are a born outdoorsman, your furry friend will be eager to join you on all of your adventures. They need at least 90 minutes of exercise each day. This could be with a 30 minute walk and then an hour of play. Your dog will be up for just about anything, but running is their very favorite thing to do. Try a game of tag with your pooch, or a game of hide and seek. You can also cater to their love of agility with an exciting backyard hurdle course. If you live on a farm then they will help you tend your livestock just like their Shepherd ancestors would do. Number of Walks Per Day: .Grooming and Shedding Their short coat makes grooming fairly easy. Once a week brushing is fine for most of the year, but you will have to brush them daily during these shedding seasons. As tempting as it may be to stick a dirty dog right in the tub, you should only bathe them once every 3 months. Too much bathing will wash out the oils in their skin. Also, make sure to get between those big floppy ears. Feeding and Diet When you have an energetic dog it is important to fuel their day the right way. This breed will do well with a raw or whole meat diet. Protein should make up most of their diet. Carbs and fats should be derived from natural sources such as fruits and veggies. The fillers in many commercial dog foods are nothing but empty calories. It is very common for large dogs and causes pain and impaired mobility. Physical therapy and pain medication can treat mild to moderate cases of hip dysplasia, while surgery may be needed for more severe cases. EPI is a chronic condition that requires lifelong treatment and dogs with EPI must be given enzyme supplements. With little planning ahead you could get reimbursed for every vet bill from now on! Your dog should have a healthy weight. Extra weight or being overweight is bad for dogs because this places additional pressure on its spine. Obesity can also lead to some medical conditions that can be fatal for your dog. One of the most common causes of obesity is giving your dog treats. Therefore, you should never give your dog food treats when training your dog. The following dog food brands are perfect for German Shepherd Boxer mix breeds 1. Blue Buffalo There are reasons why more pet owners trust Blue Buffalo. It is made from whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal to keep your dog satiated and to help sustain its energy all day long. Blue Buffalo helps maintain regular digestion. It is available for large breed dogs and small breed dogs. Halo also has low-carb options with ingredients like salmon, turkey, and flaxseeds. Iams Iams is a well-known dog food with a fantastic nutrient profile. The ingredients are naturally made from real meat and whole grains. This brand will help your dog maintain its ideal weight and energy levels. Never give your German Shepherd Boxer the following food. Keep in mind that not all human food is safe. Some dogs may also have allergies so be careful in giving your pet just any kind of food. Salty foods and junk food Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Chocolate, coffee, or tea Apart from the unconditional love that your pooch gets from you, you should know how important their nutrition is for their happy life. Your hairy friend is a descendant of two gorgeous parents, who can sometimes differ a lot from one another. This means that your pooch can develop a propensity for various food types and you can experiment with best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food , too. If you want to see your puppy strong, happy, and healthy, consider some of the best puppy food brands , while senior dog owners have the best senior dry dog food on their menu. Just make sure to consult with your vet first! You need to spend enough time daily to exercise and play with your dog; otherwise, it can become bored and develop destructive behavior. A tired dog is a good dog, so they say, and the only way to tire this dog is to give it a good run and to play active games. Activities, like running, jogging, swimming, Frisbee and fetch, are perfect for this breed. Playing with your dog is not just a way to exercise your dog but will also help you develop a strong bond with your pet. As much as possible play with your dog daily. Invest in durable toys for your dog. And most of all, this dental chew toy will make his breath smell better and protect his teeth. Baily is soft and cuddly and is also washable. The Chuckit! These are easy to clean too if only you can take this toy away from your dog! Training this mixed breed is easy, but you need to do it right. Here are a few tricks that you can use to train your dog. Offer Positive ReinforcementAvoid food treats. Provide positive reinforcement to support proper behavior. The moment it arrives home, teach it simple house rules. Show your dog where this will sleep and where it will find its food and water bowl. Be patient, and your puppy will surely understand where everything is at. One way is to use the clicker method. The clicker is a small device that gives an audible click, something that your dog will love to hear. The point of the clicker is to give a click if your dog follows your command. You can use the clicker for any trick. Just click the clicker after your dog follows your command and then click this again when you want your pet to repeat the behavior. Clickers are available in most pet stores. Avoid Confusing Your Dog Dogs can be easily distracted. Just a loud noise or strangers can distract them from learning new tricks. So at an early age, train your pup in a quiet environment with no distractions. Avoid confusing your dog at this stage so he can learn tricks fast. Start training your dog indoors and gradually introduce him to the outdoors. You will know that he is ready for outdoor training once he is less distracted to noise and other pets and people. A Boxer German Shepherd dog can be trained to become service dogs and guard dogs. You can ask a professional to train your dog so he can learn obedience training, protection training, attack training and so on. One, this dog will love to be with their masters and will do everything they can to please them. Next, this dog will defend his territory and will guard his family with his life. This dog will also be patient with other dogs and other pets at home. The Boxer German Shepherd should be allowed to socialize with other dogs and people as early as possible. If this is not done, the dog can develop anti-social behaviors and may become aggressive with people or other dogs. Your German Shepherd Boxer pup will grow up to be a well-behaved, loving, happy and healthy dog when you train it early and expose it to people and other animals in your home or community. It is a cross between the Boxer and the German Shepherd. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. Full of life and always wanting attention, I never leave her behind. She is very sweet and a great cuddle buddy, but this goes without mentioning her evil side. She has a mind of her own but as long as you speak to her as an equal , she will never leave your side. Very friendly and plays great with other dogs big and small. He also plays great with our three cats. He loves rides in the car and truck. I found her over the internet and fell in love with her picture. I drove 30 miles to go get her. She's had her tail docked.But she still likes to chase her stub even though she can't reach it. I've seen her go after it for awhile though. And when she's excited her whole body shakes. She's a sweet puppy and her best friend is my one year old son. I noticed that Boxer-Shepherds aren't a popular hybrid, but I think I've come across one of the best breeds that will ever have existed. She's in great health. She's 4 years old in this picture. She loves to run around sometimes, but most of the time she lays around. She is .She has another dog friend named Biskit, which they get along okay but do fight lot. Nothing serious though.

Puppy food is high in protein and basic nutrients and as such will help your dog gain that much needed weight. You might choose to begin feeding your pregnant pooch puppy food when you discover her pregnancy or if you know that your dog is prone to weight fluctuations, you might decide to wait until weeks before its whelping the birth. Moreover, you should choose the puppy chow that you plan on feeding your puppies. This will make it easier for the puppies to transition to puppy food — in terms of their overall health and more specifically their GI balance. Begin when they turn 3 weeks old. Over the next 2 to 3 weeks, you'll feed them puppy food more and more and they'll nurse less and less. Do not rush weaning for any puppies that are slow to eat on their own. This can lead to malnourishment. It's better to let them continue to nurse from their mother and slow the puppy weaning process a bit. Most likely, if you place the puppy in front of its food, it will eat it. Some puppies, on rare occasions, may resist eating the puppy chow. Simply pick up the puppy and place it in front of its food. Do this once or twice. Eventually, your puppy will chow down on the food. Start by separating the puppies from their mother for 1 hour, 2 or 3 times a day. Take the mother to another part of the yard or house. Leave the puppies with their food bowls. During the weaning process, monitor their health. Make sure that they are gaining weight equally. Check for vomit and diarrhea. Consult your veterinarian if any problems or questions arise. As with all the other steps, the key is gradual change. This will help her digestive system cope with the change and it will continue to give her milk the nutrients of the puppy chow. Over the next couple of weeks, switch her entirely back to her normal adult dog food. At around 7 weeks old your puppy should be completely weaned. They should also be eating dry puppy food and drinking water. Weaning and Sale Weaning: At 3 to 4 weeks of age, a dish of water and dish of gruel should be introduced to the pups. Feed a high quality dry puppy food, softened with warm goat milk or water to make a gruel. This can be fed in a low heavy dish 4 times daily. Gradually decrease the amount of time the pups spend with their mother at this point. Beginning at 2 weeks of age, they should be wormed with NemexR for the first time, then weekly until 2 negative fecal samples results are obtained, unless the bitch was on the PanacurR protocol during pregnancy. By 5 to 6 weeks of age, they should be weaned and eating only puppy food. From this point on, the pups will become more fun and a lot more work. It can become difficult to keep the pups confined and they can be messy and destructive. An exercise pen or playpen can be helpful. The first 3 weeks with the puppies are relatively neat and clean. Mom will lick them frequently and ingest all of their urine and feces. However, upon starting on solid food, the mom will give up this quest and you will now have to deal with excrement. There are many ways to keep the pups clean. This, with some practice, will give the pups a place to eliminate thereby keeping their bedding clean. In addition to providing bedding to allow for good footing, the shavings tray, and food and water dishes, the pups should have a bed to sleep in and acceptable chew toys. Stuffed Kongs, soft toys, and rawhides should be changed regularly to provide environmental variety and developmental stimulation. By this time, they should have increased human social contact. At 8 weeks, your pups should be examined, vaccinated, checked for worms, and wormed. Boosters should be administered every 3 to 4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. By 6 weeks of age, they can go outdoors with supervision for brief periods, if the weather is acceptable. Leaving The Nest: Eight to ten weeks is an ideal age socially to place pups in their new homes. The pups should have a great deal of human contact. A great challenge comes in selecting which, if any, pups are to be kept. It can be difficult to let them go out into the big world. Potential puppy buyers should be carefully screened to assure they are the right home for your pup. We recommend you sign a contract with puppy buyers. Contracting For Puppy Sales: We recommend all puppies sold be sold with a written agreement defining the details of the the sale. For example, the health guarantee and conditions of sale are topics that need to defined prior to the sale to avoid any misunderstandings. Thanks to Dr. Before look for Golden Retriever puppies for sale, you need to first determine if this breed is the right fit for you. When you get yourself a dog, it is a lifetime commitment so it is best if you know a lot before you bring a furry friend in your life. This is because Golden Retrievers are extremely intelligent and quick learners. Feeding the Golden Retriever Puppies For growing puppies, food is extremely important. During Weaning When the mom starts weaning her Golden Retriever puppies, she gradually decreases the number of feeds she gives them. This is when you should start to supplement the missed feeds. So, you need to transition your puppy from cerelac to food slowly. You should start by feeding your puppies half a serving and work your way up to the recommended limit. Bathing, Shedding, and Grooming: Golden Retriever Puppies While Golden Retriever puppies are amazing little balls of fur, they can be a nightmare when you try to groom them. And, they shed a lot because they have a double coat which means double-trouble. So, you need to keep them active. Obesity brings with it some serious issues as well. So, it is the best to start earlymaybe even take your puppy to a puppy park for socialization! So, it is a good idea to invest in a good vacuum cleaner or arrange a cleaner. Golden Retriever puppies shed throughout the year, and this only gets worse as the season changes. Sometimes, it is hard to believe how so much hair can come out of one dog! However, keep in mind that you should never shave your doggy friend. The Nail Problem As you already know, Golden Retriever puppies turn into large dogs that have large paws and big nails. So, where am I going with this? Well, large nails split easily. This can be extremely painful for your puppy. Nails can split and can make your dog really uncomfortable while walking. As you already know Golden Retriever puppies are really playful and can get a little rough while playing and end up unintentionally hurting you with their nails, too. Calcium treats also help keep the nails strong. These active, playful, loving and loyal puppies turn into faithful companions who will be with you through thick and thin. From puppyhood, you need to take the right care of your pups to ensure that they turn into excellence adults. Have questions? More Training. A general consensus is to begin weaning a puppy to solid food at 3 to 4 weeks of age. We personally begin weaning our golden retrievers after they are 3 weeks of age, and their first set of teeth have broken their gum line. By six weeks of age a puppy should be receiving 4 meals a day and for the most part no longer nursing. I take a couple scoops of dry kibble and add water to it. I cover the food, and let it sit for 20 or so minutes to soften the kibble. Then I take a can of wet food that is similar to the ingredients of the kibble I am using and add a scoop of it to the food. Additionally I add a couple scoops of puppy milk replacement to the mix. The amount depends on how many puppies I have. The specific one I use is in the link provided. Then I offer the food to the puppies. The first day I offer them two meals. By week 4 I have them at 3 meals a day. By week 6 I have them feeding four times a day. The first couple feeding will be a mess. However, generally the puppies go insane over it. Over a weeks time I take out the wet food from the mix. After four weeks of age I then take out the water and milk replacement. At that time they are eating dry kibble 3 times a day. As mentioned before I add another feeding by the time they are 6 weeks of age. By then the mother is for the most part done nursing. Now a puppy will try and sneak a feeding in there here and there. The mother will also begin pushing the puppies away as well and generally only allowing them to nurse to release milk buildup in their breasts. Also after week 3 I place a bowl in the pen with water. They begin to learn how to drink water that way. I progressively add more water in it as they grow. I personally like using milk replacement because I feel the puppies need the calcium that they will be lacking via less feeding from their mother. The wet food I use just to attract the puppies sense of smell and interest more. After a week I use two of them. Recently I had someone personally make me a puppy feeder online that I use around 5 weeks of age. Each puppy has their own food bowl. I portion the amount of food they need a day into 4 equal meals. Depending on the food you feed, it will be a different amount. This is the bowl we had made.