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If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More Are you looking for adorable Labradoodle puppies in Indiana? All of them follow ethical breeding practices and make sure that their puppies come from healthy, carefully screened parents. For this, ethical Labradoodle breeders in Indiana conduct rigorous health and genetic testing on their breeding dogs. Only dogs who have passed with flying colors are used for breeding purposes, which greatly reduces the risk of the puppies inheriting any genetic conditions or hereditary illnesses. Some breeders even offer a three-year health warranty! All of these organizations require that their member breeders follow their strict health testing standards, ethical breeding practices, and provide the pups a nurturing, loving, and safe environment to grow up in. Additionally, some breeders also post their customer testimonials on their websites. Chestnut Hill Labradoodles is a Puppy Culture breeder and also utilizes important puppy rearing techniques from Avidog. They make sure that all of their pups are properly socialized with children, adults, elderly, and other dogs before adoption. They also implement various enrichment methods, such as potty training, crate training, Early Neurological Stimulation ENS , regular grooming, household desensitization, and more. What Makes This Breeder Unique? Puppies receive their age appropriate vaccinations, dewormings, a microchip, free pet insurance for 30 days through Trupanion, and early spaying or neutering. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Deer Creek Comfort Dogs Shaping future companions for families and those in need of comfort Our family has been raising puppies for over 20 years. Our children have always had a passion for dogs which began our journey and now our grandchildren enjoy growing up with our wonderful dogs by their side. Deer Creek provides emotional support dogs, therapy dogs, service and therapy prospects, canine good citizen dogs as well as family pets. Deer Creek assists our families with puppy selection to help ensure the families get the puppy that will work well with their needs. Someone once said, "Acquiring a dog may be the only opportunity a human ever has to choose a relative" and we hope you choose one of ours. If you are interested in finding your new family member, fill out our puppy application and we will be thrilled to work with you. We recognize that our dogs have the capability of changing peoples' lives on a therapeutic level. Many of our Doodles have become therapy dogs at funeral homes, children's advocacy centers, hospitals and nursing homes, and others have found homes as anxiety, PTSD and emotional support dogs. Learn more about our nonprofit organization Deer Creek Paw Prints at www. Learn More Molly, Rhys, and Beau! Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Sheepadoodle Comparison Two dog breeds, one purpose: to make your life a joy-filled journey powered by strong bonds, friendship, and unconditional love. Meet the Mini Labradoodle and the Mini Sheepadoodle. Two very adorable and friendly dogs with upbeat personalities, the Mini Labradoodle and Mini Sheepadoodle make the perfect addition to any lucky family. Your way of life, hobbies, and work schedule are all important factors that can help determine which of the two dog breeds is a good fit for your lifestyle.Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? They are fun, easygoing, and gentle. Mini Labradoodles enjoy canine games like chase, fetch, and Frisbee, and thrive on cuddles and love. Energetic, friendly, and full of life, the Mini Labradoodles make wonderful jogging and hiking companions. They are known to enjoy a good swim, a long stroll, and are very fond of adventures. The Mini Labradoodle puppies are happy, energetic, and bright bundles of joy. They are loving and eager to please, love to play and cuddle, and are excellent training students. A cross between Labrador Retrievers and Mini or Toy Poodles, the Mini Labradoodle may take after one parent breed or the other in appearance or they may have their own unique look with an added bonus of a hypoallergenic coat. She is not shy and loves being the center of attention. Mimi chases her furry brother and pulls his tail like the quintessential younger sister. She also lives for belly rubs. She needs all that yummy food to keep up her energy! She loves to play with toys all the toys and catch. Mackey loves to go on walks and sniff everything that crosses her path. From the first day she cam home she wanted to keep up with her big sister Breeze. She loves to be the center of all that is happening, but will always slow down for a cuddle. Mackey has always liked to talk and she still does. She has quite a personality! She has been able to open doors since she was tall enough to reach the handle. She has even mastered opening baby gates to get to where the action is happening. She barks at people to get their attention, she loves to be with people. She is always ready for snuggle time! She loves play time and snuggle time equally. Cici is quite enamored with her toys and loves to play fetch with her ball. Fond of the outdoors, she will make you smile and laugh with her playfulness — high fives are her specialty. She lives with her guardian in Francisville. Chenille is a beautiful caramel color. She is a miniature in size from Cutie and Brantley litter. Chenille is a social butterfly; she loves meeting new people and snuggling with her parents! She is gentle with her new baby sister, but also plays well with toddlers and adults. Gets is her favorite game! She loves to explore outside on walks, plays well with other dogs, and even goofs around her her outdoor cat! She always gets compliments on her beautiful red coloring and how her fur feels like velvet. She has the biggest heart and is so intuitive. Kona can sense when her Autistic human brother is upset and struggling and will quickly jump to his rescue to love on him to calm him down. She craves human interaction and especially enjoys having her belly rubbed. She loves to go on long walks and will confidently chase birds, bunnies and even leaves as if they were going to be one of her new best friends. She has quite the vertical jump. Kona is the happiest when she is surrounded by her family. Gracie loves to play, snuggle, give kisses, go for rides, play with furry friends, and be outdoors. A big personality in a small package. Gracis is also a very athletic dog. She lives with her guardian family in Lafayette, Indiana. From the moment I turn on the hose to water plants, she is chasing the water trying to catch it. We make quite a game of it. I fill the baby pool every afternoon and she plays in there until she is wet and exhausted. Charlotte also loves treats of all kinds and adores mealtime. She is happy and energetic but also sweet and cuddly.

Pros Unique Health Support Why we choose this as the best food for the German Shepherd puppy is because of its exceptional health support. Many puppies find it challenging to digest foods during the first couple of days. It has a blend of probiotics and enzymes that make it easy for your puppy to digest. These are obtained from the whole grains and lean meat of lamb instead of chicken fat. Chicken fat is not unhealthy per se, but lamb is way more nutritious. Cons Considering how big or quickly your German Shepherd puppy grows, a single bag of food may run out rather fast. If you have a small budget, this could pose a challenge given the high price of the Holistic Select Puppy Health Food. A majority of people are beginning to embrace a holistic lifestyle and this includes the food they eat. Precise believes that dogs should not be left behind in this movement. Our rating We rated this dog food product 4. This blend of features guarantees a smooth digestion for your pet. Boosts the Immune System Each bag of Precise has a wealth of fruit and vegetables such as peas and blueberries. This way, your German Shepherd has all the critical vitamins and minerals to stave off diseases. Cons Sadly, the Precise Holistic Complete is not sold in some local stores. As such, you should manage your inventory well and place new orders before your current bag runs out. While it is a relatively new recipe in the market, it has already received raving reviews from pet owners. Our rating Our rating for Purina dog food is 4. Fortunately, Purina canned dog food is totally grain-free. Instead, it is loaded with high-quality protein, which your pet needs to maintain his healthy muscles. Crafted by In-House Nutritionists Purina offers a variety of recipe and flavors, all of which contain no preservatives or artificial additives. Purina has in-house nutritionists, who run each formula through a test panel of animals before launching the product. Cons Some clients have reported that their older dogs ended up having loose stool. To combat this, try mixing the Purina Beyond Grain-Free with a dry food. Royal Canin is a far cry from the conventional dog food companies, which only aim at making extra profits. Instead, this firm competes on formulas and excellent taste. Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects lots of large breed dogs. The Royal Canin Giant Junior is designed to combat this. Promotes Healthy Aging Another perk of relying on this dog food is the fact that it has a complex combination of antioxidants and vitamins C and E. Along with taurine, these nutrients not only help your dog to age healthily but also boost its immune system. A Healthy Heart Thanks to the added L-carnitine, your dog will never suffer from heart problems. This compound is also excellent for his nervous system. Cons Compared to other dog foods in our review, the Royal Canin is pricey. Check out a complete review of Royal Canin from Chewy. It has the perfect ingredients for large dog breeds like the German Shepherd, particularly for those with food allergies. Our rating We gave the Wilderness Blue Buffalo dog food a rating of 4. This combination can keep your German Shepherd lively and active all day long. Also, we like that it comes in an array of flavors. These are meaty bits, which contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Ideally, LifeSource Bits are cold pressed; hence, the integrity of the ingredients is preserved. The nutrients boost longevity and the joints. Helps to combat food allergies Every bag of the Wilderness Blue Buffalo has organically whole grains, veggies, and fruit. These products contain nutrients, useful in treating food allergies and digestive problems. Conclusion German Shepherds make cool pets—ask any owner. Subsequently, the least we humans can do is to hook them up with nutrient-rich and delicious dog foods. 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. We are compensated for referring customers to our affiliate partners. German Shepherds are the second most popular breed of dog in America and for good reason. They are one of the smartest breeds making them easy to train. They also have a good temperament and are very friendly and known for having a sense of humor. Plus, with their wolf-like appearance, silky fur, and unique coloring they are a gorgeous breed. These wonderful dogs have very specific needs to help them happy and healthy, so finding the best dog food for German Shepherds can be a bit of a challenge, especially for new German Shepherd dog owners. Obviously, you want to make sure you are feeding them the best dog food for their specific breed. This guide will not only give you our own product recommendations, but it will help educate you on making the best decision for your dog on your own. Introducing: The German Shepherd! German Shepherd Nutritional Needs German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs, so the best dog food for German Shepherds is generally formulated around those breed specific energy levels. Since they are so intelligent and a large breed with a lot of muscle mass, they are often used as police and military rescue dogs, farm and ranch helpers, therapy and seeing eye dogs, and guard dogs. So they require a lot of energy from their food. A food that is rich in protein and amino acids is required to help them maintain a healthy weight and keep their muscles strong. A good dog food for German Shepherds should also have a balance of complex carbohydrates and healthy fats to provide them the sustained, long-term energy they need to work long hours. German Shepherds also need more calories per day than other breeds. An adult German Shepherd at a healthy weight requires between calories a day so you need a food that has a high kcal amount. German Shepherd Health Risks German Shepherds are prone to specific illnesses that can sometimes be prevented with the right diet. When choosing the best dog food for German Shepherds, you must take into account their susceptibility to certain medical conditions. A proper diet can substantially reduce the likelihood of these medical issues occurring or becoming worse. Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia and arthritis, so a diet containing omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine and chondroitin is recommended. Digestive issues and pancreatic failure are also common among German Shepherds, so they need an easy to digest food that is high in fiber and contains probiotics. Another health concern for German Shepherds are neurological diseases, specifically degenerative myelopathy, so the best dog food for German Shepherds should have a vitamin-rich diet of unprocessed foods that are loaded with fruits and vegetables to support brain health. Finally, German Shepherds are likely to develop ear infections so they need a lot of antioxidants to keep their immune system strong to ward off any bacteria. Breed-specific formulas are designed to meet all the key nutritional needs of a specific breed. It is specifically formulated to address the health issues of German Shepherds. Royal Canin is made with highly digestible ingredients including LIP proteins and soluble fibers. It also contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and key omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA to support healthy joints and coat. The food is lower in protein and fats than is generally recommended for German Shepherds but is fortified with key amino acids to provide muscle strength. Eukanuba Breed-Specific German Shepherd Eukanuba German Shepherd is a highly-fortified dog food to provide all the essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids your German Shepherd needs to stay strong and healthy. It also contains high levels of omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin to prevent joint issues. Eukanuba German Shepherd is also easy to digest, containing high fiber, probiotics, and natural preservatives. It contains deboned beef, sweet potatoes, and blueberries, and is fortified with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. The only downside is that it is low in fiber at only 3. However, since it is not made with any heavily processed carbohydrate ingredients and contains both pre- and probiotics, it is still highly digestible. Merrick Grain-Free also comes in a variety of other flavors, wet food, and treats, and is highly rated as a great tasting dog food. It also contains omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin for joint support. As a grain-free food, all of its carbohydrates come from vitamin-rich vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and blueberries. Blue Buffalo Wilderness is also fortified with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for a complete nutritional profile. Blue Buffalo Wilderness comes in a variety of flavors and uses novel proteins for easy digestion. With the targeted nutrition of these foods, you will ensure that your German Shepherd has all the nutrition and energy they need for a happy, healthy life with you. This is a question that many German Shepherd owners ask, as they want to make sure their beloved furry friend is getting all the nutrients they need. The good news is that there are plenty of healthy dog food options out there for German Shepherds. You should eat foods that include high-quality animal-based protein sources like lamb, beef, pork, chicken, fish, eggs, and legumes. In addition, the meal should be plentiful in fats, vitamins, and minerals. Are eggs good for German Shepherds? Yes, eggs are a great source of protein for German Shepherds. In fact, they are one of the healthiest foods you can feed your dog. Eggs are packed with nutrients that are essential for a German Shepherd's diet, including vitamins A, D, and E. They also contain omega-three fatty acids, which are important for a dog's coat and skin health. What is the best food for German Shepherds with allergies? If your German Shepherd has allergies, it's important to find a hypoallergenic best dog food for German Shepherds that will not trigger their symptoms. There are many brands of hypoallergenic dog food on the market that use alternative protein sources, such as duck or venison. These foods are often grain-free as well, which is ideal for German Shepherds with allergies. What is the best food for German Shepherds with sensitive stomachs? If your German Shepherd has a sensitive stomach, you'll want to find a dog food that is easy on their digestive system. There are many brands of dog food that offer formulas specifically for dogs with sensitive stomachs. These foods often have limited ingredient lists and use easily digestible ingredients, such as chicken or potato. What is the best food for German Shepherds with joint problems? If your German Shepherd has joint problems, you'll want to find a dog food that is rich in omega-three fatty acids. These essential nutrients help to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints. There are many brands of dog food that offer formulas specifically for dogs with joint problems. These foods often contain ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin, which are known to help relieve joint pain. Now let's chat in more detail about the best dog foods for your furry friend. It is made with all natural ingredients and has no fillers or preservatives. The kibble is also enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for dogs' skin and coat health. The addition of zinc proteinate and other chelated minerals to the formula is a plus, as it leads to better absorption and nutrition. We also note the inclusion of various probiotics for better digestion and salmon oil, which is beneficial to both skin and coat. Highly suggested! All of their recipes are made with whole ingredients and cooked in small batches. The meals are portioned according to your dog's weight and activity level. Wilderness is a grain-free and protein-rich product with over a dozen options and recipes, which makes it ideal for people who want to rotate their diets. It's reasonably priced, and it gets high marks from consumers. Probiotics, high-quality fiber, and digestive enzymes are included in this formula to aid your dog's digestive health. These components create mouth-watering, healthy food that will sustain your canine companion throughout the day. The foods in this recipe include multiple probiotics for improved digestion, chelated minerals for maximized absorption, and nutrient-dense food. It's inexpensive to buy as well as simple to suggest. Eagle Pack Power Adult Dog Food Image courtesy Eagle Pack The majority of the animal protein in Adult takes the form of fresh chicken and pork meal, as confirmed by the nutritional label. The all-time classic, fully grain-inclusive design that is free of legume concentrates. Antioxidant preservatives are used in a safe and natural manner. There's no BHT or ethoxyquin. It has high animal protein levels, as well as vitamins and minerals that have been boosted through the use of freeze-dried raw pieces. It's designed to unleash your dog's potential to thrive and put the advantages of raw nutrition into every bowl, using cage-free duck as the first ingredient for powerful, lean muscles. It also contains a probiotic boost for digestive health, greater amounts of omegas for healthy skin and coat, and more antioxidants for immune health—all from the highest-quality ingredients from all over the world. This high-protein, low-carb diet is designed for sporting dogs and plush animals with rigorous exercise requirements. It's also perfect for growing pups and pregnant or nursing females. This formula has DHA to support cognitive development, as well as calcium for strong bones and teeth. Iams ProActive Health also has 22 essential vitamins and minerals to keep your puppy healthy and strong. It's nice to discover a Southwest Canyon recipe that includes natural preservatives, which implies the food does not contain any BHA, BHT, or other harmful chemicals. A major brand and a healthy all-age option for any German Shepherd. Champion Petfoods, the well-known maker of Orijen, has long promoted a meat-based "biologically appropriate" diet. This is a tried and true design that makes this particular dish an excellent choice for developing Shepherd pups. This natural dry food is developed to give complete-body nutritional support for puppies of all sizes. It's made with high-quality proteins and whole grains, all of which are complemented by omega fatty acids—such as DHA—necessary vitamins, antioxidants, glucosamine, and probiotics. This balanced, nutritious dry dog food is intended to promote teeth and bone strength, healthy brain growth, general health, energy and vitality, optimal nutrient absorption, and healthy muscle development. It's free of GMOs, by-products from processing animals into pet food ingredients meat meal , fillers, or artificial preservatives to ensure that your dog gets the healthiest food possible. This is a tried-and-true approach that has been developed and studied for decades. It includes controlled calcium and phosphorus ratios, making it ideal for German Shepherd puppies. This large-breed dry food is made with high-quality proteins and whole grains. It's free of chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives. This recipe is designed to support the health of large breed puppies with an optimal balance of calcium and phosphorus for bone growth. It also includes DHA from fish oil for healthy brain development. This recipe includes DHA for brain development, calcium and phosphorus for bone growth, and antioxidants to support the immune system. It's also free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. You can feed your dog either dry or wet food, and he may sample two distinct flavor profiles: rice and oatmeal for salmon. Because it contains no allergens like wheat, corn, or soy, there's less of a chance that your dog will suffer an upset stomach. It also includes omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, which help to promote skin, coat, and joint health. Image courtesy Blue Buffalo If you're searching for high-quality, all-natural wet dog food, Blue Buffalo Wilderness is a wonderful alternative. This dog food is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for an entourage diet. It's made with real beef and chicken, can be served as a delicious treat, or blended into your dog's regular dry food. The Blue Buffalo puppy food contains no chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors or preservatives; making it a healthy choice for your dog. All dishes are prepared in collaboration with veterinarians and come in a variety of delicious flavors, including beef, lamb, and turkey. All of the meats are imported from the United States, although only lamb comes from Australia. It's also gluten-free, so if you're allergic to grains, you'll be safe. There is a large selection of carbohydrates, which are mostly in the form of potatoes, and there are numerous healthy vegetables and superfoods including lentils, peas, salmon oil, and flaxseed. It's made with real meat, vegetables, and fruit. This recipe is grain-free and free of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It's also high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It's made with real beef, vegetables, and fruit. It also contains sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes, canola oil, and flaxseed. This formula provides your German Shepherd puppy with the high protein diet they need for proper development and growth. Taste of the Wild is one of the most popular brands among dog food reviewers. It's included as our last on this list but has ranked high among some of the best dog foods for German Shepherds because it's high in protein and free of grains. What foods are German Shepherds allergic to? German Shepherds are known to be allergic to a variety of things, including wheat, corn, soy, and even some meats. If you're not sure what your German Shepherd is allergic to, it's always best to consult with your veterinarian. They will be able to recommend the best food for your dog based on their specific allergies. If your German Shepherd is having any sort of adverse reaction to their food, such as scratching, biting, or licking themselves excessively, then they may be allergic to something in their food. Consult with your veterinarian if you're not sure what's causing the reaction. What is the best dog food for German Shephard puppies? Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, so it's important to find a food that's specifically designed for puppies. Look for a food that has high levels of protein and fat, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Puppies also need more calories than adult dogs, so make sure the food you choose has a high calorie content. As your puppy grows, they will need less calories and protein, so you'll need to switch to a food that's designed for adult dogs. Consult with your veterinarian to find the best food for your German Shepherd puppy. What is the best food for an adult German Shepherd? The best food for an adult German Shepherd is a diet that is high in protein and fat. This breed of dog is known for its high energy levels and need for exercise, so a food that can help them maintain their energy levels is important. A diet that is too low in calories can cause your German Shepherd to become overweight or obese, which can lead to health problems. When choosing a food for your German Shepherd, it is important to read the label carefully and choose a food that is right for their age, weight, and activity level. Can a German Shepherd drink milk? Yes, German Shepherds can drink milk. Milk is a good source of calcium and other nutrients that are important for this breed of dog. However, it is important to choose a low-fat or skim milk to avoid adding unnecessary calories to their diet. What is the best way to feed a German Shepherd puppy? The best way to feed a German Shepherd puppy is to start them on a diet that is high in protein and fat. Puppies need more calories than adult dogs, so it is important to choose a food that will give them the nutrition they need without making them overweight. As your German Shepherd puppy grows, you can slowly transition them to an adult dog food. It is important to make sure that they are getting the right amount of calories and nutrients for their age, weight, and activity level. What are some common health problems German Shepherds face? Some common health problems German Shepherds face include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and allergies. This breed of dog is also susceptible to obesity, so it is important to choose a food that will help them maintain a healthy weight. German Shepherds are also prone to joint problems, so a food that is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin is important for this breed of dog. What is the life expectancy of a German Shepherd? The life expectancy of a German Shepherd is between nine and thirteen years. This breed of dog is known for being a healthy and hardy breed, but there are some health problems that can shorten their lifespan. It is important to feed your German Shepherd a diet that will help them maintain their health and keep them at a healthy weight to help ensure a long and happy life. Is it OK to put a raw egg in dog food? The answer is complicated. While some experts believe that raw eggs are perfectly safe for dogs, others believe that they can be dangerous. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. If you decide to feed your dog raw eggs, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure the eggs are fresh. Second, only feed your dog eggs that have been properly refrigerated. Finally, don't forget to wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw eggs. If you're still not sure whether or not to feed your dog raw eggs, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you make the best decision for your pet. What are the benefits of raw eggs for dogs? There are a few potential benefits of feeding raw eggs to dogs. Some people believe that raw eggs can help increase a dog's energy levels, improve their coat, and even help with joint pain. While there is some anecdotal evidence to support these claims, there is no scientific evidence that raw eggs offer any health benefits for dogs. Our Criteria for Ranking the Best Dog Food Choosing the right dog food is essential for your pet's health and well-being. With the plethora of options available in the market, it can be challenging to determine which dog food is best for your furry friend. To simplify this process and help you make an informed decision, we have established a set of criteria for ranking the best dog food products. These criteria are based on scientific research, expert opinions, and the specific nutritional needs of dogs. Ingredients Quality: High-Quality Protein: The primary ingredient should be a high-quality animal protein source, such as chicken, beef, or fish, to support your dog's muscle development and overall health. Whole Grains and Vegetables: Whole grains and vegetables should be included to provide essential carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Absence of Fillers and Artificial Additives: No Fillers: The best dog food should not contain fillers like corn, soy, or wheat, which offer limited nutritional value and may cause allergies. No Artificial Additives: It should be free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which can harm your dog's health over time. Meat Meal vs. Whole Meat: Preference for Whole Meat: Whole meat sources are preferred over meat meals or by-products, as they are less processed and retain more nutritional value. Digestibility and Allergen Consideration: Hypoallergenic Options: For dogs with allergies or sensitivities, hypoallergenic options that avoid common allergens like poultry or grains should be available. High Digestibility: The dog food should be highly digestible to ensure your pet absorbs the maximum nutrients from each meal. Life Stage Appropriateness: Age and Size-Specific Formulations: The best dog food should offer formulations tailored to your dog's life stage puppy, adult, senior and size small, medium, large. Transparency and Sourcing: Transparent Labeling: Brands should provide transparent information about ingredient sourcing and processing methods. Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing: A commitment to sustainable and ethical sourcing of ingredients reflects a brand's responsibility toward animal welfare and the environment. Health Benefits and Special Considerations: Support for Special Health Needs: The best dog food may offer formulations to address specific health concerns, such as joint health, dental care, or weight management. Customer Feedback and Reviews: Positive User Experiences: Customer feedback and reviews are valuable indicators of a product's performance, safety, and palatability. Price and Value: Affordability: The cost of the dog food should be reasonable and commensurate with its quality and ingredients, offering good value for pet owners. Recall History and Safety: Safety Record: Brands with a history of recalls or safety issues should be viewed with caution, as the safety of your pet is paramount. But with our list of the 25 best dog foods for German Shepherds in , you can rest assured that you're giving your furry friend the best possible chance at a long and healthy life. When choosing dog food, consider factors such as your dog's age, size, activity level, any allergies or sensitivities, and consult your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations. What is the difference between dry and wet dog food? Dry dog food kibble is convenient, has a longer shelf life, and can help with dental health. Wet dog food contains more moisture and can be more palatable for picky eaters. Some owners choose to feed a combination for variety. Is homemade dog food a good option? Homemade dog food can be an option but requires careful research and balance to ensure your dog gets all the necessary nutrients. Consulting with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist is recommended. How can I tell if a dog food is of high quality? Look for high-quality protein sources, whole grains and vegetables, minimal fillers and additives, and adherence to AAFCO guidelines for complete and balanced nutrition. Checking customer reviews and consulting experts can also help. Should I choose a dog food based on my dog's breed? While some breed-specific formulas exist, it's more important to consider your dog's individual needs, age, and size when selecting dog food. What should I do if my dog has food allergies or sensitivities? If your dog has allergies or sensitivities, consult your veterinarian for advice. They may recommend hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient dog foods. Is grain-free dog food a better choice? Grain-free dog food isn't necessarily better. While some dogs may benefit from grain-free options, it's essential to ensure the food still provides balanced nutrition, as some grain-free diets have been associated with certain health issues. How often should I feed my dog, and in what portion sizes? Feeding frequency and portion sizes depend on your dog's age, size, and activity level. Puppies typically require more frequent meals. Follow the feeding guidelines provided on the dog food packaging and adjust based on your dog's needs. Can I mix different brands or types of dog food? Mixing different brands or types of dog food can be done, but it should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on the best way to transition your dog to a new diet. Should I be concerned about recalls when choosing dog food? Yes, it's important to stay informed about recalls. Check the FDA and manufacturer websites regularly for recall information. Brands with a history of recalls may be worth avoiding. What is the role of my veterinarian in selecting dog food? Your veterinarian can provide valuable guidance on selecting the right dog food based on your pet's specific needs, health conditions, and dietary requirements. How can I ensure my dog stays hydrated when feeding dry dog food? Always provide access to clean, fresh water. Wetting the dry food or incorporating wet food into the diet can also increase moisture intake. Can I give my dog human food as part of their diet? While some human foods are safe for dogs, it's essential to know which ones are and to avoid potentially toxic foods. Always consult with your veterinarian before adding human food to your dog's diet. Remember that each dog is unique, and their dietary needs may vary. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian and open communication about your dog's diet are key to ensuring their health and well-being. Related Content. Check out how the ingredients in your current pet food stack up against our wholesome formulas. We not only vowed to make the best pet food we can, we promised we would work our hardest to help dogs and cats in need. Buddy, the very first Seeing Eye dog. K9 Apollo, a notable search-and-rescue dog. The German Shepherd is one of the most iconic and popular large breeds for good reason! This member of the herding group has it all: keen intelligence; good looks; an athletic, muscular build; an innate desire to serve, and an unswerving loyalty to his people. Here are some important tips for any Pet Parent considering making the regal German Shepherd part of the crew. German Shepherds are totally trainable. Your German Shepherd loves to learn. In fact, he thrives on it. Since this breed is very eager to please you, use a positive reinforcement style to keep training enjoyable and strengthen your bond. Be consistent and make the most of opportunities to work his amazing brain! Socialization is beyond important. German Shepherds adore their families. They can even be great with kids. But many are also born with a natural aloofness and guarding instincts that can turn into aggressive or undesirable behaviour without diligent training and lots of socialization. Important tip: Your German Shepherd may never be the friendliest with unfamiliar dogs of the same sex, so be cautious about dog parks or other uncontrolled greetings. Give him something to do — a daily workout counts! Few dogs have a work ethic like the German Shepherd. If your pup will be a family companion, give him plenty of exercise to keep him active and occupied. A large, fenced-in yard with room to run is a great idea. Daily walks and fun activities like dock diving, agility training, and tracking are also good outlets for energy. Because of his exercise needs, a German Shepherd is best suited to more active families. The fur will be flying. That gorgeous double coat dense outercoat and soft undercoat is going to need some attention. German Shepherds definitely shed, so be prepared for dog hair on your clothes — that sweet face more than makes up for it! Brushing every other day along with the occasional bath will help keep the worst of the shedding at bay. Be sure to keep his nails trimmed and teeth brushed, too. Keep an eye on his health and tummy. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but it is prone to a few hereditary health issues. Watch out for hip and elbow dysplasia, elbow hygroma a fluid-filled growth on the elbow joint , osteoarthritis, and degenerative myelopathy progressive hind limb weakness. Regular visits with your veterinarian will help you stay on top of any potential health issues that may crop up. German Shepherds are also susceptible to bloat, a dangerous condition in which the stomach over-expands with food, gas, or fluids. You can prevent this by feeding your pup smaller meals multiple times a day and not letting him eat too quickly. Stick to a nutritious dog food formula with a balance of vitamins, minerals, and protein so your pal stays in tip-top shape. Regular vet visits are the best way to keep this steadfast dog happy and healthy.

Heart disease, hip dysplasia, epilepsy Poodle Bichon Frise Pneumonia, hip dysplasia, heart disease In addition, Cavapoochons are more prone to ear infections as a result of their long ears and thick curly coat. How to groom a Cavapoochon: Frequent grooming is important, and owners are recommended to brush their pup's curly coat regularly to prevent the fur from becoming matted or knotted. Gentle daily brushing can help to ensure a shiny dog coat free from dead hair, which also works to keep their skin healthy and comfortable. After wet and muddy walks, they should be given a good rinse with warm water. Bathing doesn't need to be as frequent, and overdoing so can strip the natural oils from their skin. Whenever you bathe these dogs, be sure to use a gentle-formula dog shampoo , and check their ears for dirt or potential infection. Another important consideration for Cavapoochon grooming is keeping their nails trimmed and well maintained. Most Cavapoochon owners recommend taking pups to a professional groomer on a fortnightly basis to maintain a clean and healthy coat. How much exercise should a Cavapoochon have? As a small dog breed, Cavapoochons tend to require around 30 - 60 minutes of exercise per day. Despite Poodles having bundles of energy, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Bichon Frises tend to require less exercise, which means Cavapoochons are well suited to living in apartments. Dog nutrition charts help to show owners the nutrients dogs require for a balanced diet - made up of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. When your Cavapoochon arrives home, it's a good idea to seek feeding advice from your local vet. Always make sure to check for dog safe fruit and vegetables, and contact your vet before feeding your pup anything new or unfamiliar. Is a Cavapoochon right for me? Cavapoochons are a good dog for first time owners. Friendly and well-natured, these dogs are adaptable and easy to care for. Offering all of the best qualities of Cavaliers, Bichons and Poodles, these pups are playful and get along well with children, making them great family dogs too! Related Articles:. Updated on 16 August Fact Checked Cavapoochons are a cross breed becoming increasingly popular around the world. These dogs are popular for their low-shedding coats,We pay a similar amount to most other dog owners we know. We get Ramsey groomed around every months that can make them a potential solution for pet lovers with allergies. The breed is known for being extremely sociable with people and dogs. This is a trait that can be displayed in Cavapoochons. Having said that, some Bichon Frise can be a little shy. Ramsey the Cavapoochon can shed more light on their friendly personalities: She instantly loves everyone she meets and wants to be friends with everyone. She even gets excited to go to the vet and groomers because she loves all the people and attention she gets there. Easy to train You may be surprised to learn that Poodles are the second smartest dogs in the world, second to the Border Collie. She is very trainable and learns tricks incredibly fast. So they should have no problem adapting to families of all sizes. Cavapoochons tend to be well-balanced dogs embodying traits from Cavaliers, Bichon Frises and Poodles. While the American Kennel Club state that no dog is per cent hypoallergenic, some breeds are considered more hypoallergenic thanks to their low-shedding coats. Bichon Frises and Poodles are both breeds that are considered hypoallergenic and low shedders. Cavapoochons, as a result, are likely to be minimal shedders. Ramsey the Cavapoochon had this to say about their hypoallergenic coats: Yes, they are hypoallergenic. Companions Cavapoochons can make great companion pets. Cavaliers are known for becoming quite attached to their pet parents, something which Cavapoochons can inherit. It usually occurs when their dog owner has left the home and the canine is in isolation. However, it can start as soon as you reach for your keys or put on your shoes. Symptoms of separation anxiety include relentless barking, howling, chewing or digging. Some Cavapoochons can suffer from this condition. This is the case with Ramsey: Ramsey definitely has separation anxiety that we are working on. As long as we stick to a routine she has no issues with us leaving, but whenever we leave unexpectedly she gets very anxious. Regular grooming Cavapoochons will require a regular grooming programme. This can lead to skin irritation or infections if allowed to grow out of control. This is important to maintain the quality of their trademark curly coats. We get Ramsey groomed around every months. Expensive Cavapoochons are a relatively expensive dog breed. Rare Cavapoochon Photo: Adobe Stock Cavapoochons are a relatively rare dog breed so meeting another owner of this mix will be an infrequent occurrence. This may or may not bother you. If you own a Cavapoochon, you should be prepared to get asked a lot of questions about your mixed dog. Their unique appearance will attract attention wherever you go. To learn more about Cavapoochons, you can follow some examples of the breed on Instagram. The mixed breed are usually companion-sized dogs that enjoy being around their pet parents. Indeed, their adorable appearance is matched by their personalities. These dogs have a sweet temperament. Of course, irrespective of breed or mix, we never recommend leaving a dog alone with young children unsupervised. Another common feature of these designer dogs appears to be their sociable nature. They usually get along easily with new people and new dogs. Are Cavapoochon good apartment dogs? Cavapoochons can make great apartment dogs due to their small size. Their rise in popularity over the past couple of decades can be attributed to dog lovers living in urban areas. Their size, easy-going nature and moderate exercise requirements makes them ideal for pet parents living in an apartment, studio or small home. Cavapoochons will benefit from a couple of short walks a day. Alternatively, you could engage in some mental stimulation with training or agility. She loves to go on walks and play at the dog park, but also has no problems relaxing and snuggling on the couch for hours. Are Cavapoochon smart? Cavapoochon Photo: Adobe Stock Cavapoochons have good intelligence levels given their Poodle parent is considered one of the smartest dogs in the world. The Poodle is ranked at number two in terms of the dogs with the highest IQ behind the Border Collie. You could start with puppy training classes. The more consistent and more practice, the greater the chance your Cavapoochon will be a well behaved dog! Cavapoochons can be relatively easy and quick to train, especially if they take after their Poodle parent. It manifests itself when pet parents get ready to leave or leave the home without their dog. Their pooch could resort to relentless barking, howling or whining, destructive chewing or digging, pacing, or in some extreme cases, defecating or urinating inside the home. Cavapoochons can suffer from separation anxiety, especially given Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Bichon Frises are known to suffer from the issue. For instance, Ramsey the Cavapoochon has struggled with this chronic canine disorder: Ramsey definitely has separation anxiety that we are working on. As long as we stick to a routine she has no issues with us leaving, but whenever we leave unexpectedly she gets very anxious. Read our interview with separation anxiety expert Malena DeMartini here. Are Cavapoochon hypoallergenic? Cavapoochons are considered a hypoallergenic dog breed. However, the organization do list some breeds with more hypoallergenic qualities. Therefore, Cavapoochon could inherit hypoallergenic qualities. Do Cavapoochon shed? Cavapoochons are considered low-shedding dogs for the reasons set out above. Bichon Frises and Poodles are considered low-shedding breeds. While you can have a daily grooming routine for your Cavapoochon, most owners will bring their cute pup to a professional groomer every four to six weeks. They can get their hair trimmed to keep hairs out of their eyes, which could potentially cause infection unless groomed. By regularly brushing your Cavapoochon, you can keep their coat silky and soft. Here at helloBARK! RELATED: The eight best dog food delivery companies Ramsey teddygramsey shed some light on Cavapoochons being potentially picky eaters: When we first brought Ramsey home she was definitely a picky eater! Cavapoochon health problems Cavapoochon Photo: Adobe Stock Cavapoochons are considered a healthy mixed breed, with some of the ailments associated with Cavalier King Charles Spaniels bred out of the dogs. However, they can still suffer from some potential health problems. These include:. When I mature from a puppy into a adult, expect a coat change that can be easily maintained with brushing and bathing with a quality Conditioner. Conditioner is a must and keeps my hair silky and soft, just like yours. Brushing daily helps keep my hair tangle free. Momma Liz loves the teddy bear cut! Expect to get compliments from my groomer because of my beautiful Cavapoochon coat. He is so cute and lovable!! He is perfect!! I can not tell you how many compliments we get about him, how good he is, and how much we all love him!! I love to sit, stay, lay down, go fishing, play with kids, fetch and take bike rides. Thanks for raising me to be such a healthy happy puppy. Sophie gets spayed next week and so both got haircuts this morning. They have so much fun romping in the yard together. He is always happy and loves to play. Sophie is more delicate and is my snuggle-bunny. They both turn heads wherever we go! He has adjusted well to all the kids as well as our two Goldens. We have all fallen completely head over heels. They are not high barkers, but if encouraged they will be a "guard dog" to alert you when someone is at the door. Be reminded that young puppies easily mirror the actions and behaviors of other dogs around them. Be sure to be vigilant in giving your young puppy the right dog mentors to look up to and learn good habits from. Are Cavapoochons good with other dogs? Many of our past puppies have dog siblings that are of different breeds and sizes. We do recommend that dogs are paired in male and female, male and male. Two females sometimes do get along well if one decides to be territorial as they had the run of the home first. Sometimes though a gentle natured female does not mind another female joining the home. Are underbites considered a health problem? Underbites are common in Cavalier breeds and are not considered a health problem. If a puppy has an underbite, it will be minimal and not intrusive. Is my lifestyle important to consider when brining home a Cavapoochon puppy? Yes, Cavapoochons do very well in homes where they will have interaction with other dogs and humans. Especially in the puppy stage, they do not do well if left alone all day long. If you are gone from home for work, be sure to set up a puppy support system around you for dog walks, potty breaks and socialization. Your puppy will need you or someone home those first few weeks to help them continue and excel at crate and house training. November 29, Choosing between the Cavachon vs Cavapoo can often feel like trying to choose between cuteness and more cuteness! How will you ever make up your mind? Trying to pick the cuter dog is not a good strategy — they are both just too precious! A better approach is to learn everything you can about each breed, from size and temperament to trainability and health issues. This side-by-side comparison can be much more helpful in identifying which hybrid dog is the best pet dog for you. The Cavapoo and Cavachon are both hybrid dogs, which means they receive genetic influence from two different purebred parent dogs. The Cavachon will also have traits from theBichon Frise. The Cavapoo is part Poodle — usually Miniature Poodle. This side-by-side focused look at the Cavachon vs Cavapoo identifies important similarities and differences between these two popular hybrid dog breeds. The term hybrid or designer dog is very confusing to many people. But this term simply means that a breeder has intentionally crossbred dogs from two different purebred lineages. The most common reason a breeder will do this is to produce healthier puppies with strengths from each breed line. The theory behind this is called hybrid vigor. F1 Generation The F1 generation will have the most variability between puppies, even within a single litter. This is because both parent dogs are full purebred dogs. That makes it impossible to know in advance how much either purebred parent will influence a given puppy. F1b Generation An F1b generation has one parent dog is a purebred dog and the other is a hybrid dog. As a result, the F1b generation will show slightly less variation between puppies. F2 Generation In an F2 generation, both parent dogs are hybrid dogs. This will reduce the variability between puppies within a litter and between litters. If you have your heart set on a specific set of characteristics for Cavachons or Cavapoos, whether it be appearance, temperament, coat type, health, or something else, you may fare best by choosing a breeder that breeds F2 generation or later hybrid puppies. Meanwhile, the toy Cavachon typically weighs between 10 and 14 pounds, with typical heights ranging from 10 to 13 inches. Typical height ranges from 9 to 13 inches. Cavachon vs Cavapoo Shedding and Grooming Both the Cavachon and Cavapoo are commonly described as being hypoallergenic dogs. A more accurate description would be low- to no-shedding dogs. However, just like all dogs, both of these dogs actually do shed. If it is very important to you to have a non-shedding dog, look for an F2 or later generation hybrid dog breeder. Cavachon vs Cavapoo Temperament and Personality The Cavachon tends to be a more laid-back dog with a lower energy level. On the other hand, the Cavapoo can be more high-spirited and active. But both Cavachons and Cavapoos are small even as adults, so you should only bring these dogs into a home where you can supervise interactions with children to ensure safety for all. Cavachon vs Cavapoo Intelligence Both the Cavachon and the Cavapoo are very smart and can easily learn tricks! Cavachon vs Cavapoo Training and Socialization Both the Cavachon and Cavapoo are bred to be companion pet dogs to people and are typically enthusiastic participants in training. Health Problems: Cavachon vs Cavapoo Breeding for hybrid vigor aims to improve the health of the puppies while preserving strengths from two purebred breed lines. Part of this process involves health testing purebred parent dogs to ensure known genetic health issues are not being bred into future generations! Health Testing: Cavachon vs Cavapoo The Canine Health Information Center CHIC is the best reference aspiring dog owners have for discovering information about genetic health issues so you can ask your breeder the right questions. CHIC currently recommends that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels be tested for hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and also eye and cardiac issues. Cavapoo CHIC says that miniature Poodles have the same needs as the Cavalier, except they do not need cardiac testing. A responsible breeder needs to cover the costs of health testing parent dogs, stud fees, veterinary care for mom and her puppies, worming, flea treatment and vaccinations. Look at prices from several breeders in your area to find out a realistic benchmark price. We hope reading through this comparative article about the Cavachon vs Cavapoo has helped you determine which dog will be the best fit for your lifestyle and family life! Have you already made the choice between Cavapoo or Cavachon? Which dog did you bring home? Tell us which, and why, in the comments section! Take a look at some of them below:. A Cavapoo is a mix of 2 dog breeds while a Cavapoochon is a mix of 3 dog breeds. On the other hand, Cavapoos are usually created by breeding a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Poodle or by back-cross breeding where a Cavapoo is bred back to a Poodle. Appearance wise, Cavapoos and Cavapoochons are very similar. This is understandable as they share many of the same genes. Cavapoochons are generally smaller than Cavapoos however they can be the same size. This depends on what size of Poodle was bred with the other breeds. Cavachons are the result of first generation breeding while Cavapoochons are the result of multi-generational breeding. Cavachons are a double-cross breed while Cavapoochons are a triple-cross breed. Cavapoochon Cavachon Appearance wise, Cavachons and Cavapoochons look very similar so it can be hard to differentiate between the two breeds. Generally, Cavapoochons have curlier fur than Cavachons due to their Poodle genes. As for their temperament, Cavachons are usually described as being calmer than Cavapoochons that are much more lively and energetic. As they are a triple cross-breed it can be difficult to determine which personality traits they will inherit from each parent breed however they are generally described as being playful, friendly, cheerful and gentle. Cavapoochons are a companion dog, inheriting this trait from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise, which means that they love to spend quality time with their family members. They get along very well with children as they love cuddling and have an easy-going nature. Yes, Cavapoochons are a good family dog as they are affectionate, playful and also very gentle around children. They are also very friendly to strangers so they do well in settings where lots of visitors are coming in and out of the house. Their small size also makes Cavapoochons a very manageable dog size for families as they are easy to transport around in the car or take on holidays. Cavapoochon White Are Cavapoochons Needy? Are Cavapoochons Smart? Cavapoochons are a relatively smart dog breed. When it comes to obedience and working intelligence that ranks purebreeds, Poodles rank 2nd, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels rank 44th and Bichon Frises rank 75th. Considering the intelligence of the Cavapoochon parents, it is evident that they would rank above average for intelligence. Do Cavapoochons Bark A Lot? Cavapoochons bark a moderate amount. They usually only bark if there is a reason to, for example if a visitor comes to the door or if there is a small animal outside such as a squirrel. They may also bark if they are feeling hungry around feeding times. No, Cavapoochons are not considered to be an aggressive dog breed however they can display signs of aggression in situations where they feel threatened or fearful such as in the park around larger dogs however this is a rare occurrence. Are Cavapoochons Good With Cats? Cavapoochons can be good with cats if they have been introduced to them from a young age. As a puppy Cavapoochons need to be gradually introduced to your cat through controlled physical interaction such as through a crate or on a lead. You also have to consider that fact that not all cats are good with dogs and may be aggressive towards them rather than the other way around. When Do Cavapoochons Calm Down? Cavapoochons can be hyperactive as puppies however they generally calm down between 1 and 2 years of age. There are many ways that you can get your Cavapoochon to calm down including making them partake in high intensity exercise such as running around the dog park or through mental stimulation such as dog puzzle games and treat dispensing dog toys. Another popular way to get a Cavapoochon to calm down is to give them a Kong toy with peanut butter or treats inside it. This will keep them busy for hours and tire them out. Cavapoochon Cavapoochon Size As a multigenerational cross-breed there is a lot of variation in Cavapoochon size between dogs. How Big Is A Cavapoochon? On average, Cavapoochons get to a height of 9 to 14 inches .Nevertheless, some dogs can be larger than this, especially Cavapoochons that have been bred with a Standard Poodle. This is relatively rare as most Cavapoochon breeders use Toy or Miniature Poodles. The best way to predict how large your Cavapoochon will get is by looking at the sizes of the parents and averaging their heights and weights. A Cavapoochon is classified as a small size dog. A small dog is defined as one that weighs under 30 pounds .Nevertheless, Cavapoochons that have been bred with Standard Poodles are sometimes classified as medium sized dogs depending on their adult height and weight. When Do Cavapoochons Stop Growing? On average, Cavapoochons stop growing between 11 and 12 months of age. They may reach their full adult height by 9 or 10 months and for the remaining months of growth will gain muscle to increase their weight. A Cavapoochon should use a small sized dog crate. The best way to measure an Cavapoochon for a crate is to measure the length from their nose to the base of their tail, then add 2 or 3 inches for the crate measurements. Additionally, it is travel friendly as it is collapsible with a carrying handle and wheels and perfect for puppies as it includes a puppy divider and multiple door options! As a triple cross breed they have less hereditary health issues in comparison to purebred dogs which lengthens their lifespan. If a Cavapoochon is given adequate exercise daily and is given a balanced healthy diet they will have a very good chance of living a long life. Cavapoochon Puppy Cavapoochon Exercise Needs Cavapoochons have a moderate energy level and require 30 minutes to 60 minutes of exercise daily. They enjoy going walks with their owners or playing with other similar sized dogs at the dog park. Other exercise options for Cavapoochons include playing a game of tug-o-war or playing fetch which can be done at home or outside. See Also.

Labradoodles can come in a wide variety of coat colors and textures each adorable and unique in their own way. One of these varieties is the straight hair Labradoodle. A Labradoodle with straight hair, also known as a flat coat Labradoodle, is the subject of much confusion and many misconceptions. Can Labradoodles Have Straight Hair? Since the Labradoodle is a mixed breed between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle, some puppies will naturally take on more traits from each of their parent breeds. Some will have straight, flat coats like the Lab, some will have curly coats like the Poodle, and some will have wavy coats that fall somewhere in between. Russ is a flat coat black Labradoodle. Photo courtesy of adventurussdoodle on Instagram. Are Labradoodles Always Curly? In fact, it can come in a variety of textures ranging from straight, to wavy, to curly. Many breeders strive for Labradoodle puppies that have curly hair, as many prospective owners prefer them due to their likelihood of being non-shedding and allergy-friendly. This is why you may notice more curly Labradoodles rather than straight haired ones. Photo courtesy of nednoodlethelabradoodle on Instagram. As a Labrador Retriever and Poodle cross , Labradoodles inherit traits from both of their parent breeds. Coat texture is just one of the many traits that can differ not only from litter to litter but from puppy to puppy. Since this gene is inherited from the Poodle side, a Labradoodle puppy with Cu Locus will have a coat that is more wavy or curly in texture. Reputable breeders perform genetic testing on the parents in an attempt to produce healthier and more desirable puppies. More often than not, breeders strive for curly coated Labradoodle puppies since they are more likely to be low-shedding and allergy-friendly than flat coated puppies. This is why breeders will sometimes refer to straight coat Labradoodles as having improper coats. Genetics are tricky to predict and no breeder can guarantee a certain coat type. However, which generation your Labradoodle is will drastically influence the odds of them having a flat coat. You can also look for a breeder that backcrosses Labradoodles to Labrador Retrievers. However, those parings are extremely rare. Keep in mind that many prospective owners are looking exclusively for curly haired Labradoodles. Are Straight Hair Labradoodles Hypoallergenic? While no Labradoodles can be considered completely hypoallergenic, straight haired Labradoodles have a greater risk of triggering allergy reactions than curly haired Labradoodles. On average, a Labradoodle with a flat coat will still be more allergy-friendly than a purebred Labrador Retriever. Straight Hair Labradoodle Shedding Straight hair Labradoodles will likely shed a moderate amount, but usually not as much as a purebred Lab. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Usually, when we think of a Labradoodle, we think of a dog with the friendly temperament and work ethic of a Labrador retriever with the low-shedding curly coat of a poodle. However, it is not always possible to predict what characteristics a hybrid dog will inherit from their two parent breeds. First generation Labradoodles are just as likely to have the coat of a Lab as a Poodle. A straight hair Labradoodle is a mixed Lab-poodle dog that has inherited the straight coat of their Lab parent. They are also called a flat coat Labradoodle. This means they have a high-shedding coat rather than the hypoallergenic coat of Labradoodles with curly hair. But aside from their coat, they have the same overall personality and temperament profile as other Labradoodles. Read on for our complete profile and what exactly to expect from a straight hair Labradoodle. Vital Statistics Breed: Mixed breed of Labrador retriever and poodle Size: 21 to 24 inches for a standard Labradoodle smaller variations also exist Weight: 50 to 70 pounds Coat: Medium to long scruffy coat that is high-shedding Color: Chocolate, cafe, parchment, cream, gold, apricot, red, black, silver, chalk, lavender, blue Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years Potential Health Issues: Hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, eye issues Temperament: Intelligent and friendly Energy Levels: High; at least one hour of exercise a day Attachment: High; does not thrive when left alone History Of The Breed Labrador retrievers were bred in England in the 19th century from dogs imported from Canada. The result is a breed with a soft mouth and strong work ethic that loves the water. Meanwhile, the poodle is an older dog breed that originates from either France or Germany their exact origin is in dispute. The breed seems to have been around from the 15th and 16th centuries and was a popular lap dog pet by the 18th century. The poodle is highly intelligent and sensitive, making it an excellent companion. The Labradoodle was created in the s by bringing the two dogs together to try and reduce the shedding of Labradors while maintaining their characteristic intelligence and friendly personality. They became popular in the late s when breeder Wally Conron introduced them to the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia as a new working dog. Labradoodle Breeding Genetics There are a variety of different classes within a mixed breed dog family. The first is a F1 mix, which is a mix of the two parent breeds. In this case, it means a Labrador retriever parent and a poodle parent, though they could be standard or smaller in size. An F2 Labradoodle comes from breeding two F1 Labradoodles. As you head further down the breeding line, you are less likely to encounter Labradoodles with straight coats because this is one of the traits breeders usually control for. One of the purposes of mixing Labs and poodles was to try and control the high-shedding coats of Labradors, so breeders will usually favor the low-shedding poodle coat. Size And Weight The size and weight of a Labradoodle depends principally on whether the poodle parentage is that of a standard poodle, or of one of the smaller types of poodle. Labradors will measure between .Poodles come in standard, medium, miniature, and toy sizes. Standard poodles are quite large. They measure 18 to 24 inches in height and weigh 44 to 70 pounds. Mixing a Lab with a standard poodle will get you a standard Labradoodle, which measures 21 to 24 inches and can weigh 50 to 70 pounds. Medium poodles measure 14 to 18 inches tall and weigh 33 to 42 pounds. Miniature poodles are 11 to 14 inches tall and weigh 26 to 31 pounds. Toy poodles are 9. Introducing one of these poodles into the Labradoodle mix results in smaller dogs. The smaller poodle will always be the mother to ensure a safe birth. Read our full guide to the different sizes of Labradoodles here. Coat And Color In theory, a Labradoodle can inherit the tightly curled and low-shedding coat of their poodle parent or the straight double coat of their high-shedding Labrador parent. Most of the Labradoodles you come across will have the poodle coat because this is a trait breeders specifically control for. But in some rare cases, the coat may show up as an anomaly further down the line, or a breeder may favor this characteristic. Labradoodles with straight hair will more or less look like they have a medium-length scruffy coat, which makes them look a little like a teddy bear. What exactly the coat will look like can vary. It may look a consistent length over their face and body, or it may sprout in longer tufts in some areas or feather along the tail, legs, and face. The coat might be slick and glossy or have a more matte and flat finish to their coat. It is worth noting that while their coat is straight, they will probably not have the double coat of a Labrador. This means less seasonal change and less shedding than a Labrador. But straight hair Labradoodles will still shed a lot and need to be brushed regularly to remove excess hair and stop them from leaving it everywhere they go! But even with regular brushing, dog hair will be a part of life. On the positive side, they do not need to be taken for a professional cut as often as their curly-haired cousins. Additionally, they can be a variety of different colors. While black, chocolate, and yellow are most common, they might also be cafe, parchment, apricot, red, silver, chalk, or blue. Intelligence Labradoodles are known for their intelligence, since both Labrador retrievers and poodles are considered among the most intelligent dog breeds. Labradors are also eager to please and thrive when they have work to do and receive reward. This makes them highly trainable. Poodles can be a little more independent in their thinking and therefore less cooperative, but they are still sensitive to humans. But despite this, Labradoodles tend to be about as easy to train and control as Labradors. This makes Labradoodles great working dogs for disability assistance and search and rescue. It also means they are excellent and obedient pets, even for first-time owners. Temperament Both Labradors and poodles have a friendly temperament and never tend to be aggressive. They bond quickly with their people. For poodles, this bond can be quite exclusive, and they may be a little bit wary of strangers. Labs, on the other hand, tend to like everyone. This means Labs and their Labradoodle offspring make terrible guard dogs, even if they inherit a little poodle wariness. This means if a Labradoodle is barking, it is usually for a good reason, and you should pay attention. Labradoodles are friendly with children, and they also get on well with other animals. They are more likely to form a close bond with the house cat than chase them around the yard. Socializing your Labradoodle from a young age can foster this behavior. Just like their parent breeds, Labradoodles bond with their humans intensely. They can develop destructive behaviors if left at home for eight hours a day while the rest of the family is at school or at work. They do better in homes where there is usually someone around or if they can go to work with someone. So, while they benefit from outdoor space, they will need to be inside the house. This is something to bear in mind with a straight-hair Labradoodle, since they will shed. Diet And Exercise Labradoodles are high-energy dogs that need lots of exercise, usually a minimum of 60 minutes a day. Also, this should involve running, jumping, pulling, and searching, and not just a casual walk. Labradoodles are adventurous and will enjoy accompanying the family of hikes and day trips. They also love to swim! Their straight coats are actually made to repel water. This means it is easy for them to overeat and put on excess weight. This is not good for their heart and other organs and can also put unnecessary strain on their joints, leading to mobility issues. Remember that all the treats you give them during training or just because you love them also contain calories! Want to know more? Read our guide to the Labradoodle lifespan and what to expect from each life stage. FAQs What is a flat coat Labradoodle? A flat coat Labradoodle is a Lab-poodle mixed breed dog that has inherited the straight hair coat of their Labrador parent rather than the curly coat of their poodle parent. Is an F1 or an F2 Labradoodle better? F1 Labradoodles often tend to be healthier than F2 variations of the dog. But breeders are better able to control for certain characteristics with F2 dogs, so their appearance and temperament can be more predictable. Straight Hair Labradoodles It is very difficult to tell whether a Labradoodle puppy will grow up to have the curly coat of a poodle or a straight coat of a Labrador. So, you may be expecting one and end up with the other. Alternatively, if you are just a fan of the teddy bear look of a straight hair Labradoodle, you can seek one out. Regardless of their coat, Labradoodles have the same wonderful personalities. They are friendly and will want to spend as much time as possible at your side. They are easy to train and will very quickly feel like members of the family. Just remember, if your Labradoodle has straight hair they will shed. Brush them regularly to keep their shedding under control. Read our guide to how much Labradoodles cost. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Learn how your comment data is processed. Keep in touch. Flat-coat Labradoodles, or straight-haired Labradoodles, are a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. They are gentle, playful, and extremely loving dogs that make great family pets. They have easygoing personalities and are easy to train. The first generation Labradoodles tend to have a higher chance of having straight hair than later generations because they have less Poodle DNA in them. The higher percentage of Labrador Retriever genes often results in flat coat Labradoodles. A flat-coat Labradoodle is a dog with a straight and even coat of fur. One of the best ways to tell whether your dog has a flat or wavy coat is to look at the fur around their face and muzzle. Puppies with wavy or curly coats will have crimps and waves in these areas that show the curl of their fur. His goal was to create an allergy-friendly guide dog with a coat that could be trained well to keep dander and hair away from the eyes of vision-impaired people. This mix of a Standard Poodle and Labrador Retriever produced dogs with low dander count, which were able to be successfully trained as guide dogs. In addition, their smart and sociable natures made them suitable companions and therapy dogs. Today, these dogs can be found in service and therapy work all around the world as well as being much-loved family pets. They have many variations in their appearance, including colors and coat types, as well as facial shape. They are a highly intelligent breed that is great with children as long as obedience training has toned down their natural exuberance. They are also excellent family companions, and if properly socialized, they can get along with other pets and people. Their high energy levels make them good candidates for active families who enjoy outdoor activities. They love being outside, swimming, or playing fetch games, but they need daily walks and exercise to keep their energy levels up. Poodle Poodles can trace their roots back to the s in lands around Germany. They were developed to be water retriever dogs and are still used for this purpose today. They have a coat of dense, lustrous hair that comes with tight curls that make them water-resistant. These dogs are known for their high energy level and need daily exercise and mental stimulation to be happy. Everything You Need to Know About Flat Coat Labradoodles Often, when people hear the term Labradoodle, they immediately think of a cute little dog with a fluffy, curly coat that resembles that of a teddy bear. Wide different varieties of Labradoodle coats exist, each with its own unique characteristics and adorable looks. One of these special breeds is the flat hair Labradoodle that has straight hair like its parent, the Labrador Retriever. If you want to know more about a flat-coat Labradoodle, continue reading. Size Flat coat Labradoodles come in many different sizes, and their size depends on the Poodle parent. Typically, male Labradoodles tend to weigh more than females. Standard flat-coat Labradoodles can range in height between 22 and 24 inches for a male and 21 and 23 inches for a female, while their weight can vary between 50 and 65 pounds. Miniature flat-coat Labradoodles are the smallest variation of this breed, standing between 14 and 16 inches and weighing between 15 and 25 pounds. Coat Type and Color A Labradoodle with a flat hair coat will have a double layer of fur, which is similar to their purebred Labrador Retriever parent. Their coat will usually have an undercoat and an upper layer that is long and soft to the touch. Labradoodles with flat coats will have silky straight hair and will need frequent grooming to keep their coat looking and feeling healthy. To reduce the risk of a flat-coated Labradoodle becoming matted, brush them regularly. If you are looking for a Labradoodle that has straight hair, there are several different color variations. The most common is the chocolate Labradoodle , but you can also find them in black, cream, apricot, and white. They have medium-length straight hair that makes them look like scruffy teddy bears. Personality and Temperament Flat-coat Labradoodles are intelligent , friendly, and devoted dogs who are loyal to their families. Their temperaments are typically calm and easygoing, but they can be playful and energetic if they are well-socialized. They are a highly intelligent breed that gets along well with other dogs and people. They have a playful and energetic temperament and thrive on interaction with their owners. They also enjoy training activities that stimulate their minds and bodies. These friendly pups are also a great match for first-time owners. Training Training your flat coat Labradoodle is an essential part of raising them as a loving, well-adjusted family dog. They are a smart breed and will learn from you quickly. The only way to ensure that they grow up with the proper skills and manners is by starting their training as early as possible. Flat-coat Labradoodles are highly intelligent dogs, and they will be able to pick up on your commands quickly if you train them properly. They are also very social, and they love people. Early socialization is crucial to their development, so start taking them to new places and meeting different people and dogs while they are puppies. Exercise Requirements Flat coat Labradoodles need to be exercised regularly in order to stay happy and healthy. In general, you should aim to provide your Labradoodle with minutes of exercise per day. In addition, you should provide them with mental stimulation, as well. This will help to prevent them from becoming bored and destructive. Diet Requirements A high-quality diet is key for flat-coat Labradoodles to ensure that they are healthy and happy. They need a balanced diet that is tailored to their age, size, and lifestyle. It should include real animal proteins, fatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. The best foods for Labradoodles will also include iron-rich meats to combat common health problems like hip and elbow dysplasia. Dry kibble is the most common type of dog food for Labradoodles. It provides a variety of flavors, and it is easy to mix with water in a bowl to make meals more interesting for your dog. Grooming Needs Grooming your flat coat Labradoodle is an important part of caring for them, and it can help you bond with them. Labradoodles with long coats will need regular brushing to keep their fur tangle-free and reduce shedding. They will also need to be trimmed frequently so that they do not develop mats which can be painful. A good groomer will be able to provide you with an expert haircut for your dog. You also need to brush their coat to prevent mats and tangles. Health Issues Like all breeds, flat coat Labradoodles can develop a range of health problems. Some of the more common ones include eye diseases, heart defects, and digestive issues. Glaucoma is a serious condition that can affect the vision of your Labradoodle and requires immediate vet attention. Other health issues commonly seen in Labradoodles are autoimmune diseases, allergies, and epilepsy. Larger Labradoodles are more at risk of developing joint problems than smaller ones. The most common joint disorders that Labradoodles are prone to are hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, and cruciate ligament damage. A Labradoodle needs regular veterinary check-ups to ensure they are healthy. Avoid purchasing a Labradoodle from puppy mills or irresponsible breeders. These types of establishments often produce sickly or ill-tempered dogs. Lifespan The lifespan of a flat-coat Labradoodle can vary from dog to dog depending on size, generation, gender, and genetics. However, they generally live between 12 to 15 years. Predicting the coat type of a Labradoodle can be challenging, as their coat type can vary widely depending on their genetics. However, there are a few factors that can help give you an idea of what kind of coat your Labradoodle may have: Generation: The generation of your Labradoodle can give you some idea of what their coat type might be. First-generation Labradoodles, which are the offspring of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, are more likely to have a flat or straight coat. Second-generation Labradoodles, which are the offspring of two Labradoodles, are more likely to have a curly or wavy coat. Puppy coat: Labradoodles typically have a puppy coat that is different from their adult coat. Grooming: How you groom your Labradoodle can also affect their coat type. Regular grooming can help keep their coat healthy and prevent matting or tangling, which can make their coat appear curlier or wavier. Grooming a Flat Coat Labradoodle is similar to grooming other types of Labradoodles, but there are a few key differences to keep in mind. Here are some tips for grooming a Flat Coat Labradoodle: Brush regularly: Flat Coat Labradoodles have a dense, flat coat that can mat and tangle easily. Use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo and conditioner, and make sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid any residue. Use scissors or clippers to trim any long or overgrown hair around the face, ears, and paws, and to tidy up any uneven spots. Clean the ears: Labradoodles, like many dogs, are prone to ear infections. Use a dog-specific ear cleaner and a cotton ball to gently wipe out any dirt or debris from the ears. Use a dog-specific nail clipper and be careful not to cut the quick the pink part of the nail. By following these tips, you can help keep your Flat Coat Labradoodle looking and feeling their best. Regular grooming can also help strengthen the bond between you and your dog and provide a relaxing and enjoyable experience for both of you. If you are looking for a Labradoodle with a flat coat, you will likely want to look for a first-generation Labradoodle. First-generation Labradoodles, F1 Labradoodles, are typically the result of breeding a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, which can result in a flat coat. However, it is important to note that Labradoodles can vary widely in their coat type, even within the same litter. Some Labradoodles may have a flat coat, while others may have a wavy or curly coat. Are Flat Coat Labradoodles Hypoallergenic? Flat Coat Labradoodles can be particularly good for people with allergies because their flat coats tend to shed less than wavy or curly coats. Shedding can contribute to allergies by releasing dander and other allergens into the air, so a flat coat may be a good option for people with more severe allergies. This breed is extremely loyal and enjoys the company of people. They are also great with children and have lots of energy. They are very friendly and love to play. They are also very energetic and need daily walks to keep them exercised. A flat-coat Labradoodle is an excellent family pet and will make a wonderful addition to your home. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. What is a Straight Hair Labradoodle? Some may have a scruffy look where tufts of hair sprout out of their body, while also having a short wavy or curly fur undercoat covering their body. Other straight hairs are completely covered in medium-long fur, that grows consistently all over their face and body. Their coats can range from straight to wavy hair, similar to a labrador. They can also be slick and glossy, or flat and matte, with feathering along the tails, and around the legs and face. Typically a straight coat will vary in length and thickness, with no two dogs from the same litter being guaranteed to have the same type of fur growth. As puppies, straight hair coats will not begin to grow out their hair until they are eight weeks old. By the time they are 12 weeks old, it will be clear as to what sort of coat the puppies will have. No, not all labradoodles have curly fur. They have both fur and hair actually. You may have noticed that I have been freely switching between the two during my explanations. This is because hair and fur are the same thing. Can Straight Hair Coats be Shaved? Typically the answer will be no. If you live in a hot country, then during the summer times, it might be worth considering to give them a trim. Not a shave! Just a light trim to help stop their bodies from over heating. The fur coat, actually protects their skin from sun burn, and helps to prevent it from drying out, which can cause skin conditions. Clean up the hair around the dogs face, in particular around the eyes, if it has bushy eyebrows, and around the muzzle. It is best to look at reducing the length of the fur in areas that can could cause health problems or discomfort, if the fur was to become clumped up and mattered. How to Best Control Shedding? Straight haired labradoodles shed a lot more than any other labradoodles. As tempting as it may be to shave your furry companion to help counter shedding. It nonetheless remains inadvisable and should be avoided. It can be lessened however. Just as we humans shed hair, so will a healthy and happy dog. Throughout the year, your pooch will continue to shed hair, more so as the weather warms up and their winter coat falls out. To counter this, get in the habit of giving your dog regular grooming. A little bit of brushing can go a long way. It removes loose hair, and helps to re-affirm the bond between you and your dog, as they enjoy the attention and can even find the grooming to be relaxing. Bathing your dog should be kept to a minimum as the shampoos and warm water can lead to dry skin and other skin conditions. Instead take your dog for swims or use lukewarm water to rinse off their coats. The most important thing to remember is to keep your dog in a comfortable environment, as stress can cause a dog to shed even more. A good diet helps to promote stronger hair follicles and a shinny coat, that can help reduce shedding. Some owners later discover that they are allergic to straight haired labradoodles. While it may be tempting to shave off their fur, in an attempt to eliminate the allergic reactions. This should never be done! Allergies are not triggered by dog fur. They are caused by pet dander — skin particles that are shed by the dog all year long. By shaving the fur off, the owner is actually making things worse for themselves. It drys the skin out, removing moisture and causes rashes to develop. As a result more skin is shed, exposing the pet owner to more dander. As more skin conditions develop or worsen, the dog will start scratching releasing even more dander into the air. How Often Should a Dog be Bathed? Bathing your dog can be effected by many different factors and can be very situational. You may need to bath them more frequently for medical reasons, or because of what they have decided to roll in. Generally speaking, bathing your labradoodle should be more infrequent. Over bathing your dog can strip its fur of natural oils that help to protect their skin and strengthen their hair. Ideally, you should limit proper bathes to when they start to smell a little, or if you need to remove matter from their fur. If they are just dirty with dust and mud, use lukewarm water or a running hose to wash away the dirt. Alternatively encourage them to swim in a body of water such as a river or at the beach while under your supervision. As a precautionary measure you can get a life jacket for your labradoodle. When you do need to give them a proper bath, use a mild oatmeal or coconut based dog shampoo. It will strip away some of the oils from their coat, but these types of shampoos will help to keep the skin moisturized. Over bathing can lead to skin irritations that can be itchy and uncomfortable. Dogs do not need to have baths as much as humans need to. How to Watch Out for Skin Conditions If your Labradoodle has any skin conditions, this could cause them to shed more fur, or even release more dander into the air. They may show signs of a skin condition by excessive scratching or nipping and licking at the same area. Remember mites and parasites can cause just as much damage to the skin as over-bathing. If you are wondering if the straight hair coats are the sort of labradoodles for you, please consider the following points: Their coats require the lowest level of maintenance. They do shed a lot more then other coats. They look more like labradors, than poodles. They may not be suitable for people with dog allergies. No two straight hairs will have the same coat. Related posts:. Finding flat coat Labradoodle puppies A flat coated Labradoodle will look the most like a purebred Labrador. Other names for this coat type include straight coated and hair type Labradoodle. Labradoodles with flat coats will shed more than those with wavy and curly fur, but they will have much lower grooming requirements. They can come in any of the typical Labradoodle colors, and will most often be friendly, intelligent, and energetic dogs. What is a Flat Coated Labradoodle? Flat coated Labradoodles can look quite different to other Doodle mixes, because their fur tends to be straight and flat against their bodies. Like other Labradoodles, this mix will be a combination of the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. Some breeders may use Miniature Poodles to create a flat coat mini Labradoodle, but others will use the Standard Poodle to produce a large dog. And, Labradoodles with this coat type may also go by other names. Some breeders may call them hair type Doodles, or straight coat Labradoodles. But, no matter what description is used, they will have fur that resembles a Lab more than a Poodle. Can Labradoodles Have Straight Hair? It might come as a surprise to find out that Labradoodles with straight hair exist! When most people picture a Labradoodle, they imagine a dog with curly or wavy, low shedding fur. After all, the original Labradoodle was created to be good for people with allergies! And Labrador coats are known for their high shedding qualities. A first generation Labradoodle has one purebred Poodle parent, and one purebred Labrador parent. To achieve puppies with wavy or curly fur, most breeders will mix two f1 Labradoodles with similar fur, or will mix a Labradoodle with a Poodle. The traits of f1 Labradoodles can be quite varied, since puppies can inherit any combination of genes from its parents. So, later generations are more predictable, and breeders can harness popular traits, like a curly coat. But, flat coated Labradoodles are absolutely possible, and for some people these Doodles make a better pet! Flat coated Labradoodles will often have a double layered coat, just like their Labrador parent. Hair coat Labradoodles may have some wavy patches of fur, but in general their hair will be straight. Other than this, they will be similar to other Labradoodles. They will grow to be large dogs, with a healthy shaped muzzle, floppy ears, and a long, curved tail. Their coloring will depend on that of their parents. Flat coated Labradoodles might come in one of the three standard Labrador shades black, yellow, and chocolate , or one of the many Poodle colors! Do Flat Coated Labradoodles Shed? Labradoodles with straight fur are the most likely to shed out of all the Labradoodle coat types. In the hotter months, Labradoodles will shed heavily to lose their dense undercoat. And, if they take after their Lab parent, they will likely shed moderately all year round. All of them will contain allergens in their dander and saliva. Grooming is less necessary in flat coated Labradoodles, since their fur is less likely to tangle than wavy or curly fur. There is no particular Labradoodle generation that will have flat hair. But, this trait is most likely in first generation mixes, who have an equal influence of Poodle and Labrador DNA. In subsequent generations, most breeders will increase the amount of Poodle influence to increase the chance of traits like a curly coat. Hair coat Labradoodle fur can still grow quite long, so grooming will also help to prevent any painful knots and tangles. As a general rule, you will want to brush them a couple of times a week, but this might increase in high shedding seasons. You should groom your Labradoodle from a young age, so they are familiar with the process, and comfortable with being brushed and bathed. A slicker brush can be great for giving your Labradoodle a quick once over and removing any dead fur. But, in those heavy shedding periods, you may need to use a deshedding tool as well. When bathing your Labradoodle, make sure to use dog-safe products. And, make sure you dry them thoroughly. Dog hair dryers can be perfect at getting into that dense undercoat! Floppy Labradoodle ears are prone to ear infections, so pay attention to them, too! All Labradoodle puppies will have similar coats. Over the first year of their life, they will shed their puppy coat to reveal their adult coat. But, experienced Labradoodle breeders can be skilled at predicting adult coat types even in those early weeks. To increase your chances of getting a Labradoodle with straight fur, choose a first generation mix. But, be aware of bad breeders who may be looking to profit on this popular mix. Choose the most reputable breeders you can find. The best breeders will be happy to answer all of your questions, will have evidence of health testing, and will be happy to show you where their dogs and puppies live. Make sure the mom is friendly and healthy, and that all puppies look healthy. Avoid backyard breeders and puppy mills. Puppies and dogs from these breeders are often mistreated and more likely to have health and behavioral issues. But, they can make a wonderful companion for someone that loves the Doodle breed, and wants a lower-maintenance dog! They need less frequent grooming, but have the same high energy levels and mental stimulation needs as any other Doodle! Do you have a straight hair Labradoodle at home? We would love to hear about them in the comments! Readers Also Liked. Finding a hair coat Labradoodle puppy A flat coated Labradoodle is more often called a hair type Labradoodle. These dogs will have straight hair, similar to the Labrador parent. Their coat is most often double-layered. Some hair type Doodle fur may have a very slight wave, but not as much as the fleece coat variety. Instead, flat coated Labradoodle is just another term that some people use to describe the Labradoodle mix with straight fur Labrador Retriever crossed with a Poodle. More commonly, this fur type is referred to as a hair coat. A flat coated Labradoodle can come in any of the traditional Labradoodle colors. Size and general traits can vary depending on the genes that an individual puppy inherits. So, even two hair coat Doodles can look quite different from one another. Many breeders will prioritise a fleece or wool coat to achieve these curls. This means that hair coats are most common in first generation Labradoodles — Labradoodles with two purebred parents. However, first generation mixes are often quite unpredictable, because their parents usually offer the biggest variety of genes. Labradoodles with hair type or flat coats, will generally look more like a Labrador than a Poodle. Their fur can be single or double layered, but a double layer is common. Their outer layer of fur will be straight, or may have a very slight wave. The best way to predict what a specific Labradoodle could look like is to take a closer look at their parents. Can Labradoodles Have Straight Fur? There are three commonly accepted types of Labradoodle fur. These are: Hair type Fleece type Wool type The wool variety is the curliest of the three. This hair type is single layered, coarse, and will be very tightly curled, like a purebred Poodle. The fleece type is wavy, or has loose curls. It will be very soft to the touch and is usually single layered. The hair type is the straightest of the three. So, if your Labradoodle has a flat, straight coat, they are a hair type Labradoodle. First generation Labradoodles are usually the most likely to have straight, flat fur. In later generations, many breeders will seek to achieve curly or wavy fur. Some will even backcross their Labradoodles with purebred Poodles. Fleece coats are the most popular variety. Do Flat Coat Labradoodles Shed? One of the major selling points of Labradoodles is a low shedding, hypoallergenic coat. However, if your Labradoodle takes after the Labrador, they will usually be moderate shedders. Curly fur, like the Poodle, will catch any shedding hairs. But, if your Labradoodle has straight, flat hair, shedding fur will fall straight out. But, regular grooming is still important to prevent any tangles, and can be a great way to control shedding. Some owners like taking their Labradoodle to a professional groomer. Unlike Labradors, Labradoodles with straight hair can have very long coats, like Poodles. So, as well as brushing, they will need regular haircuts. Keep their nails well trimmed, to avoid painful snaps and breakages. Their puppy coat will be a single layer of fur, that usually is either straight or very slightly wavy. It will be very soft to the touch. But, straight hair coats are most common in f1 mixes, since later generations tend to be bred for wavy, low shedding coats. So, to find a flat coated Labradoodle, you might start your search looking at f1 mixes. Some will specialize in certain coat types. But, they may shed more around your home. Standard Labradoodles are medium to large dogs that require plenty of daily exercise, training, and mental stimulation. They are very people-oriented, so are happiest in homes where they are rarely left on their own. If they are left alone for too long, they can become stressed and unhappy. This can result in unwanted behaviors like chewing, digging, barking, and so on. So, owners must be prepared to dedicate at least an hour to exercise every day, as well as time for training, grooming, and playing with your Labradoodle. A Labradoodle with this fur type can make a wonderful companion in the right home. They require slightly less grooming than curly coated Labradoodles, but may shed more around your home. Do you have a straight haired Labradoodle at home? We would love to hear about them in the comments! Readers Also Liked. A flat coat Labradoodle is another name for a straight haired Labradoodle. They take more after the Labrador side of the breed with a scruffy medium length coat rather than a curly or wavy coat that people usually associate with the breed. Standard sized Straight Hair Labradoodles grow to 51 to 66cm and weigh 23 to 45kg. On the other hand, Miniature Straight Hair Labradoodles get to 40 to 51cm in height and weigh 12 to 23kg. Yes, Straight Haired Labradoodles need basic grooming like all dogs, requiring a weekly brush to remove shedded hair and the occasional bath to keep them clean. Nevertheless, they do not need to be taken to the groomer for a trim every weeks like their curly coat relatives which can save owners quite a bit of money yearly. Do Straight Haired Labradoodles Shed? Yes, Straight Haired Labradoodles shed quite considerably like their Labrador parents. They are the opposite of Curly or Wavy Haired Labradoodles who hardly shed at all. No, Straight Haired Labradoodles are not hypoallergenic as they shed due to the dominance of Labrador genes over Poodle genes. They are unlike Wavy or Curly Haired Labradoodles which are hypoallergenic due to their long, curly coat that needs to be cut. That being said, straight haired Labradoodles are more hypoallergenic than a purebred Labrador. You can read our full Labradoodle shedding guide here. This is most likely to occur in a first generation Labradoodle F1 Labradoodle when a Labrador and Poodle are bred together rather than two Labradoodles. Whilst most people believe that all Labradoodles have a wavy or curly coat, it is actually very common for Labradoodles to have straight haired coat, taking after their Labrador parent more than the Poodle. Some Labradoodles look more like Labradors then Poodles, especially when they have a straight coat instead of a wavy or curly one. This occurs when Labradoodles do not inherit the curly coat gene called the Cu Locus gene and most commonly occurs for F1 Labradooodles. F2 Labradoodle is when an F1 Labradoodle is bred with another F1 Labradoodle resulting in a fifty-fifty chance of Straight Hair Labradoodles occurring in the litter. If you are looking for a Straight Hair Labradoodle you will want to get an F1 or F2 litter as they have the highest change of the straight hair gene of the Labrador coming through. No, not all F1 Labradoodles will have straight hair however a significant percentage of the litter will. F1 Labradoodles can have any coat type from wavy to curly to straight as it is a first generation breed of a Labrador Retriever and Poodle. No, Straight Hair Labradoodles do not have a double coat like their Labrador parent. Instead they have a single coat. As the weather gets hotter, Straight Hair Labradoodles will start shedding a little more than usual. Nevertheless, colour changes as expected for maturing Labradoodles. The colour of their coats often change colour or fade several shades lighter as they become an adult. Check out the adorable Labradoodle puppies that are currently available here! PuppySpot is a dog adoption website that connects breeders with prospective pet owners. They have a zero tolerance policy for puppy mills which is why they screen every breeder annually! They have placed over , puppies in homes and offer various trusted, USDA-certified transportation options to deliver your puppy to your home safely!

Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan 2. Golden Acres The Golden Acres is one of the most trusted breeders in the state. They have over 20 years of experience working with Golden Retrievers and raising show-stealing puppies. Golden Retriever puppy eats kibbles. All the puppies are hand raised and socialized with children, adults, and other puppies. They also spend a lot of time outdoors, running and playing in the fresh air. Happy and Healthy Dogs Golden Acres is committed to raising happy and healthy puppies. All of their dogs are tested for genetic diseases like hip and elbow dysplasia. They also vaccinate their puppies. They also have a nutrition and exercise program to ensure the puppies are well taken care of. Unmatched Experience The team at Golden Acres is made up of experienced and knowledgeable breeders who have a passion for Golden Retrievers. They have years of experience in caring for, training, and breeding dogs. They are committed to learn and grow their knowledge of the breed to make improvements to the breeding process. They also have a strict breeding program to make sure they produce healthy and beautiful pups. They also have a temperament test to make sure their dogs are good-natured. Positive Training Golden Acres also puts a big emphasis on socializing their puppies. From the time the puppies are born, they start the socialization process. The puppies are introduced to different environments, sounds , and people. This helps ensure the puppies are well-adjusted and comfortable in new situations. They are dedicated to providing support to their customers and are available to answer questions anytime. The team also provides valuable advice throughout the lifetime of the puppy. They also offer a health guarantee so you can rest assured your puppy is healthy and well taken care of. The couple has two children and runs an at-home business boarding dogs and breeding exceptional Golden Retrievers. Contact Details:. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Michigan Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Michigan? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Michigan? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved.

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

This small farm puts its focus on high-quality, intelligent Labradors. They offer yellow, white, chocolate, and black Labrador puppies. Puppies from Big Thunder Kennels will come with their first shots and deworming as well as a microchip. The contract and health guarantee are included in the purchase and copies provided upon pick of the puppy or by email. All puppies are sold with limited registration unless breeding rights are granted by the kennel. This kennel has been in the breeding business for over 30 years and has earned a great reputation along the way. They advise that their puppies are members of the family that also participate in duck, quail, dove, and pheasant hunting. They have been breeding since and emphasized field performance, health, and longevity. Not only are they breeders of Labrador Retrievers but Golden Retrievers as well. All puppies come warranted against hip and elbow growth disorders and homozygous genetic defects such as centronuclear myopathy and exercise-induced collapse. RockErin Kennels advise they only breed a few select litters each year. This facility also participates heavily in dog training as well. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. 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: Dogs are better than popping pills or drinking elixers. Children with dogs for pets have been found to have lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and fewer overall physical complaints than those without dogs. In fact, there are several diseases where dogs have been used to help those who have the disease. Two of these are: rheumatoid arthritis and emotional disturbance stemming from cases of severe abuse. Samuel B. 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 .Some 10, homesteaders settled the area that would become the capital of Oklahoma. The city added a new baseball park; central library; renovations to the civic center, convention center and fairgrounds; and a water canal in the Bricktown entertainment district. MAPS has become one of the most successful public-private partnerships undertaken in the U. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! Abbott Labradors has always worked hard to find and breed Labrador Retrievers that have great temperaments, love to retrieve, reflect breed standards, and are intelligent, with easy to train puppies. Many of ours puppies are used in duck, quail, dove and pheasant hunting as well as being loving family members and companions. Many of our dams have Kellogg Kennel breeding and carry the pointing gene. Many of the dams are daughters or granddaughters of Mayo Kellogg males we have owned. We have sires and dams with field champions, pointing champions and Master Hunters in their pedigrees. You can check out the pedigrees of our females and look for Rocky and Dakota as sires for the Kellogg lineage of our females Daisy, Cy and Lin. Dakota is the sire of Win and Bree and is one of the last dogs bred by Mayo Kellogg of Kellogg kennels. Colt, Gold and Ty are our current sires and they have AKC hunt test and field champions, Pointing champions and Master Hunters on both sides of their pedigree. We raise chocolate, black and yellow Labradors puppies. Come on in and take a look at what we have to offer.

During this time, they have learned that good breeding is not seldom. This is why they conduct DNA genetic testing on the mating Labs, research pedigrees, and perform x-rays. At other times, they fly in semen from other states to guarantee the best quality future Labs. They have produced family dogs, show dogs, hunting dogs, and service dogs. If you want to reserve a puppy from Humehill, they will send you a questionnaire and a deposit contract. The puppies leave the facility after they are eight weeks old. Prior to this, the puppies are taken to the vet for a checkup, dewormed, microchipped, and receive their first vaccine. They consider themselves knowledgeable breeders because they have degrees in Animal Science and Agricultural Engineering. They focus on producing and raising genetically quality dogs, a reason why the parents undergo Embark tests. In addition, they raise the puppies in an acre home with fenced-in yards instead of kennels. The dogs also have a large pond to swim or play in. All Hidden Pond puppies have veterinarian health certification, a one-year written health guarantee, have their first shots, and are microchipped. They also give a lifetime placement warranty and offer stud service. They aim to breed championship Labs that can go to the show program. The pups that do not qualify for show programs are trained for companionship, hunting, therapy, or response dogs. The breeder is dedicated to guaranteeing that future Labs have the best genetics to live a long, happy life. They also receive year-long preventative health care. Stoneleigh Labrador puppies are hand-raised with abundant affection then socialized before they leave the facility. Even though the breeder does not always have available puppies all year round, they will be happy to have you on a waiting list. Legacy puppies receive the same socialization programs as service and guide dogs. They are paper trained, crate trained, taken for car rides, and receive daily playtime. They are also microchipped and AKC registered. Unlike other Labrador breeders, Legacy accepts applications only when there is a litter available. This means you must be on the lookout since they do not keep a waiting list for potential buyers. Occasionally, they have older dogs available after they have finished their show careers. These dogs are suitable for children of all ages because they are socialized at a young age. All pups receive their first shots and worming before they leave. To purchase one, contact the breeder via email or the website. She has a passion for Labradors and loves their sweet temperament. This is proof that not only are the Labs well-bred, but they are healthy and with easy to live temperaments. To find and purchase a pup , visit the website, or contact the breeder via email. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. Our Commitment: Welcome to Bailiwick Retrievers web site. We concentrate on Sporting Dogs, Hunting Dogs, Puppy training and of course, family companion puppies. We take a great deal of time researching just the right breeding combination, resulting in puppies very strong in intelligence, health and genetics. All of which allows you to take your new hunting companion and family member to the next level. We are licensed and inspected yearly by Georgia Department Of Agriculture We are not a boarding facility……. .Our Labrador retriever puppies carry the intelligence, trainability and instincts found in only the very best. Hunting Lab Breeders, like Bailiwick Retrievers, produce top hunting companions and of course, first class family members. We have placed our lab puppies for Search and Rescue, Narcotic Dogs, to the government and individual trainers, and Agility Dogs. We at Bailiwick Retrievers believe in socializing, starting on the first day they arrive. Our Pups are born in our house, in the Florida Room next to the Pool…. They are socialized from day one, introduced to loud noises, different sounds and different spaces. This is very important in helping them adjust to their new world without fear. It is all in the training, our dogs even sleep in the bed BUT they know the house rules as well as learning the rules and requirements of a Hunt Test. Teaching what is acceptable from the beginning is very important. Getting a Hunting Labrador Retriever puppy that has the best of both worlds is very easy with great breeding. The intelligence this strong breeding brings makes training easy. Our new lab puppy owners are very important to us. We encourage you to keep us posted on your new labs progress and development. We take great pride in our pups and love progress reports. We are always here for you with suggestions and to answer all questions. Labs are naturally born to hunt and make wonderful companion dogs with a natural family oriented temperament. The Labrador Retriever is unusually adaptable, obedient and kind-hearted. They are sociable, affectionate and loyal with a keen sense of smell. No wonder they are so popular!!! When we began looking for a puppy, we knew we wanted her to have a strong bloodline and come from a reputable breeder. We did a lot of research and finally landed on the Kennels of Baliwick based on their breeding standards and credentialed dam and sire. We are so happy with our decision and feel our Sweet Reese Lee is truly a great-looking dog! She is very affectionate and has demonstrated her ability to be a fabulous hunter time and time again. Loud noises, not a problem; gun shy, not this pup; curious, you betcha! Crate training was no problem with Reese and she had the basic obedience commands down in weeks. On top of that, her keen sense of smell and alertness is unmatched. She is high energy, super playful, and brings so much joy to our lives! We are very grateful to Barbara and Tyler for the love and safekeeping of Reese after she was born and could not have asked for a greater first puppy buying experience! Thanks again! Thank you David for all the joy you have given us. We love our beautiful dogs! He is just perfect! My vet said he has never seen a better put together Lab. He is the hit of our community and has to say hello to everyone he meets. Hidden Ponds is just the best place to purchase a Lab. David is so kind and informative. His dogs are gorgeous and well mannered. They treat their dogs with kindness and it shows. They are smart, their costs are beautiful! He has a great personality and is wonderful with the kids! He is lbs and thinks he is a lap dog. We would definitely buy from Dave again!! Lindie is an incredible athlete, as you can see by the photo. Lindie also volunteers at our local hospital in Glens Falls, NY comforting anyone that needs fur therapy! She is an amazing ambassador for the Labrador breed! Thank you! He hiked his first mountains this weekend in the Adirondacks. He is such a wonderful addition to our family and we will be back for a companion for him next year. Read more testimonials Bentley Bentley is almost 4 years old and is absolutely amazing! She is the happiest, cuddliest, wiggliest ball of fur, and I love her more than I can say. She is super smart, very curious, and a little mischievous. She has already learned to walk very well with my wheelchair. Thank you, Hidden Pond! At 9weeks she has accomplished stairs,swimming learned to sit and give paw. Play time and eating remain 1 LOL but,she is full of kisses and love all the time too. My sweet service dog, Rhett, came home in October of and has been the biggest blessing in my life. This breeder not only breeds for confirmation and health but for perfect personality and temperament. They are perfect in every sense of the term responsible breeder. I cannot imagine life without my Labs. And not to mention how welcoming everyone was when we went to pick Rhett up. They care about each puppy they welcome into their home. And they strongly support several forms of care to keep the puppies happy and healthy in their new homes like food and supplements! I cannot thank them enough or recommend them enough!! Savannah Stevens Read more testimonials Chip Chip is a crazy, funny, lovable gem. He is the most gorgeous dog. He has the most regal head. Everyone who sees him stops to tell us what a handsome dog he is. Thank you to Hidden Pond for letting him be ours. We picked her up in early July , and she made our family complete! She is such an amazing dog: sweet, gentle, loving, and playful. It is wonderful to see how much she loves our three young boys. We love how much she loves being outside — especially swimming and playing in the snow. Thank you Dave and your family for bringing her into our lives. She was exactly what our family needed to be complete. She is the sweetest, spunkiest and most wonderful dog we could have asked for. We picked him up this past September. He is a joy, fully housebroken, and so very funny. Everyone who meets him always comment on how handsome he is. He is really beginning to look like his dad, Thunder. He loves walking and meeting all his dog friends in our community. Thanks, David, for this wonderful dog! He has made our house a home again!! She brings so much joy to our home. She is loyal, smart and a lot of fun. She loves going on walks or long hikes in the woods and is a big snuggler in the house. Scout has a very sweet disposition and people comment on what a beautiful girl she is. She enjoys people and dogs of all ages. Thank you Dave, we are enjoying every day with one of your Hidden Pond pups! Courtney Hundley Read more testimonials Raemo This Lab is truly a best friend to everyone that comes his way. Very kind and affectionate. Raemo is now 6 months old and is great with the family, friends and the neighborhood. He is great with other dogs too! David and his Labs are simply the best and worth the wait! Rob Amurao Read more testimonials Daisy We got Daisy in June , but Dave introduced us to her the day she was born; it was love at first sight!!! Dave kept us updated with pictures and short videos as we anxiously awaited the day we could pick her up. She has been an absolute joy in our lives! She is incredibly smart, a sweetheart along with being an active puppy. She was swimming at 10 weeks with our other dogs. She is now 10 months old; everyone she meets loves her. Thank you, Dave, for such an awesome new family member!!! Marilyn Morey Read more testimonials Mabel Mabel is 6 months and we thank you for this blessing. She is a wonderful addition to our family. We love going on adventures with our little girl. Highly recommend and reasonable pricing! He has an amazing temperament, his favorite activities are long walks and swimming! Marlana Broderick Read more testimonials Chip Chip is the best dog we have ever had. He is funny, silly, smart and so handsome. We get stopped on the street every 5 feet. Everyone asks where he is from and tells us how gorgeous he is. Thank you Dave. This photo is with his sister Cocoa. Chip on the left Cocoa on the right. She has such a great personality. Gets along so well with the grandkids ,and so adaptable she took to the crate and house breaking so easily. Accepts new experiences so calmly. Dave has been great to work with a fountain of info. We also went with the dog food he recommended an love the results that we switched our cat to it as well. She is the most beautiful, sweet tempered, smart lab. We could not be happier having her as part of our family. Romy Ziegler.

Prosecutors dropped the charges against Smith on Sept. In May , the year-old former owner of Hideaway Kennels in Lake Wales and three of her workers were charged with 38 felony counts of animal cruelty. Each carries a maximum of five years in prison. The case dragged on without any resolution. Then, earlier this year, the three workers accepted plea deals in exchange for two years' probation. Scott Wilder, a Sheriff's Office spokesman, said the Polk County Sheriff's Office stands behind its investigation and is happy to have three people convicted for animal cruelty. Wilder said there would be no apology for Smith. Wilder said the dogs were living in "vile" conditions, with some having open wounds and missing jaws. In a Thursday telephone interview, Smith, a breeder since the early s, insisted that she isn't guilty of animal cruelty to her dogs. Petersburg-based rescue group, to take 38 dogs. The dogs were old or had some genetic problems, she said. Florida Poodle Rescue alerted authorities about the condition of the dogs. After an investigation, Polk County sheriff's deputies arrested Smith and her three workers. She estimated that she sold about 20 puppies a year. Even with the case lasting for more than three years, Smith refused to take lenient plea deal offers, Levine said. But Chip Thullbery, a spokesman with the State Attorney's Office in Bartow, noted that by accepting plea deals, Smith's three workers had accepted some responsibility for the abuse. The Clearwater resident, who is not related to Paula Smith, denied allegations that the nonprofit organization rescued the ailing dogs to get more donations. Some of the dogs were euthanized and others were eventually adopted, she said. Corinn Smith said she was upset that the charges against Paula Smith were dropped and her workers only got probation for misdemeanor charges of cruelty to animals. Jason Geary can be reached at .Press Release May 9, New report reveals licensed dog breeders still in business despite filthy conditions, dying dogs and cruel practices The Humane Society of the United States releases 10th annual Horrible Hundred report, providing a sampling of problem puppy mills and sellers in the U. SHARE The Humane Society of the United States released its 10th annual Horrible Hundred report today, revealing thousands of dogs suffering across the country at commercial dog breeding operations known as puppy mills —many of which are still in business despite years of documented animal welfare violations. The report describes violations such as failing to provide proper care to injured and emaciated dogs, dogs and puppies exposed to extreme weather and dogs living in cramped, filthy and unsafe conditions. The report provides a sampling of problem puppy mills and puppy sellers operating in the United States, based on state and federal inspection reports. For the 10th year in a row, Missouri has the largest number of problem puppy sellers on the list 26 , followed by Iowa 17 , New York 12 and Kansas and Wisconsin seven each. Some states, like Ohio and Oklahoma, have few entries in the report this year, because they failed to respond to our public records requests in a timely manner. Department of Agriculture inspector that he killed some of his unwanted dogs by injecting them in the stomach and then leaving them to die in their cages. His veterinarian denied providing the drug or giving approval for this method, but the USDA did not fine Sommers or suspend or revoke his license. The HSUS has reached out to the agency to urge them to work with local authorities on potential animal cruelty charges. Iowa breeder Menno Gingerich Skyline Puppies admitted to performing a do-it-yourself procedure on a badly injured puppy with a neck wound. A self-described American Kennel Club dog breeder in Missouri, Cory Mincey Puppy Love Kennel , was found to be operating and accumulating severe violations even though the Missouri Attorney General sued the operation in for failing to provide proper care for numerous filthy, emaciated and dying dogs. Missouri breeder Mary Ann Smith, who once unsuccessfully sued the HSUS for referring to her as a puppy mill owner, was once again found keeping dogs in poor conditions during at least three recent state inspections between May and December .In the decade of publishing the Horrible Hundred report , many breeders have appeared five, six or seven times due to recurring appalling violations yet they remain in business. However, some progress has been made during the last 10 years: More than dealers who have appeared in our past reports appear to have shut down , and a few dozen have been criminally charged, fined or jailed. More than 1, dogs have been rescued over the past 10 years from breeders listed in the Horrible Hundred report who were later shut down by law enforcement agencies. At least 11 states and hundreds of localities have upgraded their dog breeder or pet store laws since we published the first Horrible Hundred report in .Petland has fought laws across the country that would end the sale of puppy mill puppies in pet stores, claiming they only purchase from high quality breeders. The public can do their part by choosing shelter adoption when getting a dog, and by asking their lawmakers to support the federal Puppy Protection Act , which will increase standards of care at federally licensed puppy breeding operations. January 11, at a. But she presses ahead — the dogs need her. She pulls into the driveway of Scarlet-Maple Farm Kennel. A necessary one, Anderson thinks, but a lie nonetheless. Will the boy swallow her story? Will he discover her ruse and chase her away? She hopes not. If all goes well, Anderson will leave with at least one dog, maybe more — and perhaps with evidence that could help put this kennel out of business for good. Smith and other animal welfare activists pushed for a new state law — regarded as the toughest in the nation — designed to end the inhumane treatment of breeding dogs in the large commercial kennels popularly known as puppy mills. Kennel owners say the law is unnecessary and too expensive to comply with, and that it is eliminating many good breeders along with the few bad apples. She knows the drill. Large operations like Scarlet-Maple rarely allow prospective buyers inside. State regulators say the smell of a high-volume puppy mill is unforgettable, an overwhelming stench of urine and feces. Ammonia fumes burn the nose and eyes. The simultaneous barking of hundreds of dogs creates a wall of sound that makes it hard to think, let alone converse. Puppy mill dogs spend most of their working lives inside cramped wire cages, stacked one atop the other. They get little grooming, veterinary care or attention of any kind. Lacking a bone or toy to occupy their time, some dogs go into a frenzy every time they see a human. Other dogs circle endlessly. The lack of medical training can have disastrous results. Main Line recently took in a critically ill boxer with a mummified puppy in her belly, the apparent result of a botched Caesarean. She was rushed to the hospital with bleeding and a severe infection. The physical wounds, horrific as they may be, are treatable. Tougher to heal are the psychological ones. Bill Smith says the volunteers at Main Line spend weeks or even months working with rescued dogs so they can be adopted. Ed Rendell, the owner of two rescued golden retrievers — including one from Main Line — are working to shed. Three years ago, Rendell hired Jessie Smith — then a deputy state attorney general — to revamp the state Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, an agency within the agriculture department that had come under fire for lax enforcement of kennel regulations. He also appointed a special dog law prosecutor and hired new kennel inspectors. Most significantly, Rendell signed off on strict health and safety standards for large breeding operations. Key provisions that went into effect in October required large-scale breeders to double cage sizes, eliminate wire flooring and provide unfettered access to exercise. The new law also banned cage stacking, instituted twice-a-year vet checks, and mandated new ventilation and cleanliness standards. James Casorio. No longer would kennel owners be able to operate on their own dogs. Rendell called the mass shooting an atrocity. Between the new legislation, the bad economy, and heightened public awareness — the state has established a tip line, and Bill Smith persuaded Oprah Winfrey to do a show on puppy mills — pressure is building on multiple fronts against people like Daniel Esh, the owner of Scarlet-Maple. The boy returns with three dogs. The boy goes back to the kennel. He tells Anderson they would make a good breeding pair. Deal, she says. Main Line almost never buys animals from puppy mills. But it will purchase a dog as part of a cruelty investigation. So, if these dogs show signs they have been mistreated, Main Line will take them to the PSPCA to determine whether charges can be filed. As Anderson and the boy talk, a middle-aged man guides his horse-drawn buggy into the driveway. Esh climbs off his rig and strides toward them. His business is already on the verge of collapse. Esh pleaded guilty in January to three summary violations of the dog law and subsequently lost his state kennel license. That means he can no longer breed dogs — though he can continue selling the ones in his kennel — and must reduce his kennel population to 25 dogs or less, down from more than as recently as two years ago. Inspectors planned to visit Esh in January to make sure he has complied. Esh denies ever mistreating his dogs, telling The Associated Press in a later interview that he has fallen victim to a radical political agenda that seeks the end of commercial dog breeding in Pennsylvania and across the nation. They were helping me keep my farm. With milk prices in freefall, dairy farmers have increasingly relied on dog breeding to help pay the bills, selling to pet stores or directly to the public via the Internet. Like Esh and many other breeders, Edwin Zeiset, 34, blames the new regulations for ruining his livelihood. Zeiset says he operated a clean kennel and had many repeat customers. But he recently shut down his EZ Puppies kennel rather than spend tens of thousands of dollars on a big new building. Zeiset was particularly irked by costly new ventilation requirements and by the banning of wire floors. Vets say dogs forced to stand on wire commonly suffer from interdigital cysts — painful sores between the toes. But Zeiset says the wire is there to allow waste to pass through the floor and into a collection system. He says none of his dogs suffered from sore feet. If there are breeders who mistreat dogs, he says, target them. Bill Smith has heard such talk before. He just wants to improve the lives of their dogs. Anderson holds back tears as she plants a kiss on the head of a black-and-white, poodle-bichon mix. Daniel Esh believed her story. They are filthy and fetid. She squeezes some Purell into her hands. At a breeding kennel near the tiny village of Georgetown, the rescuers trade two bags of Rachael Ray dog food for two poodles, a cockapoo and a cocker spaniel. At a third farm — a small, unlicensed kennel in Strasburg — they talk the Amish proprietors into giving up five puppies. By nightfall, Main Line has visited five kennels and retrieved 12 dogs. Back at the shelter, Anderson tests the pooches for parvo, a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease. Exams reveal the puppies from Scarlet-Maple have ear infections and intestinal parasites; the Georgetown poodles likewise need deworming. Their fur is dirty and matted, their nails long, their ears filled with muck. But these, in fact, are lucky dogs. The new state regulations have teeth, but only if they are enforced. In that vein, the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement has been forced to turn a critical eye on itself, says Sue West, who became its director in January .There was a widespread perception among animal welfare groups that dog wardens had become too cozy with the breeders, too willing to overlook infractions. Prior administrations focused on compliance, not enforcement, she says. In , the bureau revoked only three kennel licenses. And now, it has started enforcing the revamped dog law. By the end of December, all large commercial kennels those selling more than 60 dogs per year or selling to pet stores seeking a license were examined for compliance. Yet few breeders improved their kennels in the run-up to Oct. State veterinarian Danielle Ward and kennel compliance specialist Kristen Donmoyer, teaming up to inspect two kennels that first day, were dismayed by what they saw. The dogs remained in cramped quarters and on wire flooring, with no access to the outdoors. Both of the kennel owners expressed frustration with the new law, and one said that it might be easier to close than to comply. Pennsylvania began with .In early October, Pennsylvania kennels shipped hundreds of dogs to an auction house in Baltic, Ohio, to be sold to out-of-state breeders. Smith, who has long complained about state inaction on puppy mills, still doubts that government regulators will do right by kennel dogs. Hundreds of smaller kennels are exempt from the toughest provisions of the new law. And breeders who do have to comply with them were permitted to ask for more time to improve their facilities — up to three years. The state granted 81 of those requests — denying — giving some of the waivers to kennels that Smith considers puppy mills. But West says the dog law bureau has made great strides. Compared to dogs previously taken from Scarlet-Maple, these pooches — both designer mixes — are in good shape. No evidence of animal cruelty. The poodles from Georgetown, rescued the same day, will require a lot more work to prepare them for life outside the mill. Nearly two weeks after their rescue, the poodles — dubbed Mr. White and Mrs. But volunteer Deb Hankins has built up enough trust to coax them out of their crates. Main Line volunteers gently massage the poodles, trying to calm their frayed nerves. At first, Mr. White is frozen and unblinking; Mrs. White shakes violently. Neither poodle will take the treats being offered to them — small pieces of poached organic chicken that any family dog would drool over. Volunteer Faye Donovan tries to put Mrs. White on the wooden floor and the dog flips out, hopping around like a rabbit. None of this odd behavior fazes class leader Mary Remer, a renowned trainer and behaviorist with 28 years of experience and more than 15 Westminster dog show titles to her credit. It just takes time and patience, she says. And plenty of love. The other dogs in class — all further along in their socialization than the poodles — are busy performing small tasks for treats. The same will hold true for Mr. White, the trainer says. Indeed, by the end of the minute session, Mrs. White is walking, not hopping. But he is blinking normally and taking stock of his surroundings; his nose twitches, a sign his olfactory senses are awakening. Link copied to clipboard At 76, she has a nose for troubled kennels She doesn't look like a dedicated undercover operative, this year-old animal lover with arthritic knees. But she is. Now Helen Smith is expected to provide key testimony against a veterinarian who serves some of Pennsylvania's big dog-breeding kennels and who has been charged with animal cruelty on allegations that he mutilated a puppy's tail. ET She doesn't look like a dedicated undercover operative, this year-old animal lover with arthritic knees. In fact, "I'm not harmless at all. There, accompanied by an undercover officer from the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, she unexpectedly witnessed the act that led to the first-degree misdemeanor charge against Thomas F. Advertisement A Lancaster County police criminal complaint states that Stevenson treated a 9-week-old mixed poodle's already injured and bleeding tail by "soaking it in scalding water" and then cutting it off with shears "without sedation or prior numbing of the tail. If he is convicted of animal cruelty, his license could be suspended or revoked. You could see the exposed bone. As Bill Smith began to be more recognized, making it hard for him to get into kennels, his mother started taking his place. Helen Smith has been infiltrating kennels for close to a decade, scoping out conditions, rescuing animals, and informing authorities of what she finds. Many places she visits are feces-laden warehouses where dogs are confined in small pens. But long experience did not prepare her for what she said she saw March .King, to check on a dog she had often noticed tied up outside. The dog was a brown-and-white mixed bulldog, dirty, with an injury that had claimed an eye. Smith and the undercover SPCA officer were walking through the kennel, she said, when "I heard this screaming. I can't tell you - I almost passed out. She wrapped the dog in a towel and took the bleeding animal to another vet's office, where surgery was performed on its tail, she said. The affidavit states that King said he had cut the puppy's tail while grooming it the previous day. However, the officer wrote that she had seen no evidence that the puppy had been groomed. Its hair was long and matted with feces, and the bleeding wound was covered with feces and hair, the officer wrote. King, like Stevenson, was charged with cruelty to animals. He also could not be reached for comment yesterday. His home phone number is unlisted, and a message left at Country Lane Kennels was not returned. Volunteers from Main Line Animal Rescue returned days later and bought the one-eyed dog. Stevenson is the vet of record for most of the largest kennels in Pennsylvania, responsible for thousands of dogs, according to state records. He is also the vet of record for some of New Jersey's largest pet stores. Libby Williams, founder of New Jersey Consumers Against Pet Shop Abuse, said she had received dozens of complaints in recent years from people who bought sick dogs allegedly examined by Stevenson. The veterinarian also was named in a New Jersey consumer-fraud lawsuit against Joyce and Raymond Stoltzfus of CC Pets, one of the largest puppy brokers in Pennsylvania. Lancaster veterinarian Tom Gemmill filed a complaint against Stevenson with Pennsylvania's veterinary medical board after serving as an expert witness for the Ostranders. He said Stevenson failed to keep records on the dogs he examined, a violation of the veterinary practice act. That complaint is pending. Helen Smith said yesterday that, given the publicity surrounding this case, her undercover career was probably over. Smith complimented the work of the SPCA, but said other regulatory agencies should be doing more to end deplorable conditions at puppy mills. That's why volunteers have to get involved. If the inspectors won't do their jobs, then somebody has to help these dogs. Our breeding goals include health, intelligence, temperament, conformation, uniformity, and beauty. Our breeding facility is located in a nice secluded, wooded area about 15 minutes from Little Rock, Arkansas airport where Smith Standard Poodles have plenty of room for exercise, and ample time for socializing with each other. We socialize them also with adults and children. Standard Poodle Breeder Every single one of our pups for sale come with a two-year guarantee. All our pups are birthed from quality, health certified Standard mothers and fathers. We strategically breed our dogs to enhance genetic strengths and subvert undesirable traits including common health problems within the breed. Our puppies come to you well socialize and absolutely doggie door trained. Our Standard Poodles have now found homes in every state in the US, and in fifteen other countries. These colors and patterns include Parti, Brindle, and Phantom Standard Poodles along with most of the solid colors available. Let us know if we can help you with your Poodle pondering, or with any questions, you may have about our beautiful dogs. We have years of experience, and the willingness to share. God Bless, All of the pet store connections below were done by our research team and must be cited or quoted as such. If you would like to support our efforts, you can find ways to do that here. Every year in May, the Humane Society of the United States publishes a list of examples of problematic breeders and brokers in the country. You can view the full details of their list here. Many of the facilities appeared on our Quarter 1 USDA violation report, which can be viewed here , along with the copies of the inspection reports. We highly suggest reading their report! We have listed all of the Horrible Hundred offenders in a short list, whether or not they sell to stores. Fayetteville, Arkansas. Bill Nored, Dry Fork Kennel. Dry Fork Kennels has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: , , , , , , and .Kathryn Barber, K-Bar Kennels. Patterson, Georgia. K-Bar Kennels has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: , , , and .Wray, Georgia. East Dublin, Georgia. This brokering facility owns their own pet store in Indiana , which relocated from Illinois. Mervin Ramer. Argos, Indiana. Patty Talcott. Hardinsburg, Indiana. Anita Wikstrom, Unforgettable Schnauzers. Ames, Iowa. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: , , and .Brian Felton. Centerville, Iowa. We have record of this facility selling to puppy broker Levi Graber of Blue Ribbon Puppies since .Sioux Center, Iowa. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: , , , and .Mason City, Iowa. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred List during the following years: and .Atlantic, Iowa. New Sharon, Iowa. Helene Hamrick, Wolf Point Kennel. Ackworth, Iowa. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: , , , , and .Henry Sommers, Happy Puppys. Cincinnati, Iowa. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: , , , , , and .Salem, Iowa. Hull, Iowa. Larry Albrecht, Coldwater Kennel. Greene, Iowa. Lavern Nolt, Twin Birch. Charles City, Iowa. Lloyd Yoder, Valleyview Premium Puppies. Riverside, Iowa. This facility is located on the same property as Loren Yoder, another Horrible Hundred Offender. Loren Yoder. Riverside Iowa. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: and .This facility is located on the same property as Lloyd Yoder, another Horrible Hundred Offender. Loren Yoder likely sells to the same pet stores that Lloyd Yoder does. Menno Gingerich. Albia, Iowa. Steve Kruse, Stonehenge Kennel. West Point, Iowa. Kruse used to sell to many stores directly, but has likely transitioned to selling through brokering companies to keep the facility names off of CVIs. Woody Wiley. Cantril, Iowa. Beth Johnson. Baxter Springs, Kansas. Chapman, Kansas. Bluff City, Kansas. Joyce Cairns, Unicorn Kennels. Glasco, Kansas. Uniontown, Kansas. Douglass, Kansas. Samuel Roman and Summer Roman. Conway Springs, Kansas. Fremont, Michigan. We have record of this brokering facility receiving many shipments of puppies from Indiana breeders. Annette Eccles Down Home Dachshunds. McNeille or Carriere, Mississippi. Hallsville, Missouri- This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: , and .Brian Letsinger, Arrowhead Springs Kennel. Ava, Missouri. Urbana, Missouri. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: , and .We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since Puppies of Westport Connecticut 4. Elkland, Missouri. Dawn Boyles, Atbay Kennels. Chula, Missouri. We have record of this facility selling puppies in to Iowa puppy broker Select Puppies. Madison, Missouri. Donna Taber, Jet Kennels. Wasola, Missouri. Rocky Comfort, Missouri. Clark, Missouri. Ellen Roberts, Rocky Top K9s. West Plains, Missouri- This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: , , , , , and .Mooresville, Missouri. West Plains, Missouri. John Bontrager and Lizzie Bontrager. Jonas A. Miller, Country Lane Kennel. Milan, Missouri. Lebanon, Missouri. We have record of this facility selling to Petland Wichita Kansas since .Marceline, Missouri. Jamesport, Missouri. Magdalena McGowan, Orchard Kennel. Cabool, Missouri. Salem, Missouri. Mervin W. Yoder and Lizzie Yoder. Noah Miller. Keytesville, Missouri. Seymour, Missouri. Sandra Kozlowski, Sho-Me Labradors. James, Missouri. Rogersville, Missouri. Spencer, Nebraska. Pender, Nebraska. We have record of this store selling to CT Breeder Connecticut in .Megan Mahlin, Flying High Aussies. Madison, Nebraska. Wilcox, Nebraska. Silver City, New Mexico. Classy Creations. Lyons, New York. Crestwood Acres. Seneca Falls, New York. Livonia, New York. Rochester, New York. Manorville, New York. Martville, New York. John David Shirk. Penn Yan, New York. Rainbow Creek South. Butler, New York. Samuel Brubacker, Hilltop Country Kennels. Dundee, New York. Twilight Valley Toys. Lois Baker. Anders, North Carolina. Andy Nisley, Nunda Valley Kennels. Howard, Ohio. Reuben M. Millersburg, Ohio. Stringtown, Oklahoma. Blanche S Plute. McDonald, Pennsylvania. Bobbie Yoder, Little Mountain Doodles. Myerstown, Pennsylvania. Narvon, Pennsylvania. Newville, Pennsylvania. Jonestown, Pennsylvania. Vickie Hines, Lar-Kie Kennel. Woonsocket, South Dakota. Danya Bueno, Buenos Little Bulldogs. Andrews, Texas. Killeen, Texas. Daingerfield, Texas. Quinlan, Texas. Tiffany Harvey, Ace Deuce Ranch. Avery, Texas. Amos Allgyer, Pawfect Paws. Platteville, Wisconsin. Tomah, Wisconsin. Daniel A. Hillsboro, Wisconsin. This facility has appeared on the Horrible Hundred list during the following years: and although the report was heavily redacted due to the USDA Blackout. We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since Puppy Paws New York. Joseph Hochstetler, Sideline Kennel. Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin. We have record of this facility selling to the following pet stores since Pups Unlimited New York and they also sell puppies through Southpaw Pets, a Missouri puppy broker. Moses Lee. Wilton, Wisconsin. Vernon Bontrager, Grand Valley Kennels. Markesan, Wisconsin. All of the pet store connections listed in this report were done by our research team and must be cited or quoted as such. In fact, she's been one of the greatest reasons for me to be a kinder, gentler person. Just before Sophie passed away, Oprah—and thousands of drivers—saw a billboard just off the Kennedy Expressway in Chicago that read, "Oprah: Do a show on puppy mills. The dogs need you. Every year, Bill and several volunteers rescue hundreds of abused, unwanted or abandoned animals, rehabilitate them and adopt them out to families. Many of the animals Bill rescues come from puppy mills, which he describes as places where bad breeders care more about the profit they make from puppies than the health or welfare of the animals. He says the dogs in puppy mills face deplorable conditions including inbreeding, minimal or no vet care, limited shelter and overcrowded cages. I just thought that you would be able to spread the word and educate a lot of people. Lisa and Bill also visit two pet stores. Many of the dogs born in puppy mills end up in pet stores or sold on the Internet. Lisa and Bill want to trace puppies' paperwork back to specific puppy mills. At the first store, they find a cockapoo puppy, and at the second, Labrador retriever puppies. While the owner of a store they visit denies his dogs come from puppy mills, Bill says most at pet stores do. People go into the pet stores, and they see these cute little puppies not knowing where they come from and what they go through. Bill has fostered relationships with hundreds of breeders across Pennsylvania. He asks them to give him the dogs they no longer want or, worse, the ones they're planning to kill. Bill says these breeders most often want to get rid of older females and younger males. Breeders only need one or two male dogs to breed with every 20 fertile females, so young female dogs are valuable in puppy mills. Lisa and Bill head to the breeder where the black cockapoo was born. The breeder tells them its mother is one of the dogs in cages outside. Lisa and Bill then followed the breeder into a building full of cramped wooden crates stuffed with dogs. Bill says he thinks many of these dogs have never walked in the grass though they live on a acre property. Visiting the home of the Labrador retriever puppies, Lisa and Bill find the lab puppies' mother in a small, mud-filled pen. Her teats are swollen—Bill says this is evidence she's had many litters of puppies. Lisa and Bill continue on to see other nearby puppy mills. In one, they find 30 to 40 dogs in wire-floored rabbit cages stacked to the ceiling in a room that reeks of urine and feces. Before they go to one breeder's property, Bill warns Lisa about what she may see. He has dogs running on wheels in fan casings," Bill says. The contraptions look like big gerbil wheels. That breeder wouldn't let them see his dogs, but Lisa and Bill saw two dead animals on the property. At a third breeder's facility, Lisa and Bill see outdoor cages that house scores of Pomeranians. Bill tells Lisa that not only have those dogs probably never been out of those small cages, it's likely that they remain outside even in bad weather and could die from exposure. All in all, Bill rescues dozens of dogs as he and Lisa visit puppy mill after puppy mill. Lisa says seeing the way the animals live was haunting. Bill says many breeders call him to see if he wants to pick up unwanted dogs. It's always amazing to me when I go out to pick up a dog, they've had the dog eight or nine years and it doesn't have a name. It's never been out of the hutch. It doesn't know how to walk. I have to carry it to the car. It's heartbreaking. They believe man is to dominate animals," she says. And the fact is, there is a market for puppies in America. And I said, 'Well, she's fine. She's walking around the house and everything. It's a different mentality. They're like an ear of corn. We encourage your viewers to find a responsible breeder. Each rescued dog has an appointment with a veterinarian, which is often the first medical care they've gotten in their lives. They also experience two more firsts—their first bath and first grooming. For some dogs, the medical care is urgent. Some have mammary tumors caused by years of nursing and overbreeding. Bill estimates that one cocker spaniel could have given birth to as many as puppies. Before they were rescued, many of these dogs spent their entire lives in wire cages and had trouble walking on the ground once they were out. Some had their vocal chords damaged by a pipe in order to keep them from barking. Others were completely filthy, with their coats overgrown and soaked in urine. Despite the inhumane conditions the dogs lived in before their rescue, Bill says they usually start to show signs of rehabilitation in about two weeks. The first indication they're coming around is when their tails start wagging, he says. Bill says Main Line Animal Rescue has rescued approximately 7, to 8, animals—about 5, of those from puppy mills. Their mission is to ultimately place each rescued animal in a loving family, and they are remarkably successful. We actually have something called a 'shy dog' class where we do massage therapy on them and everything else. It's great. Weeks later, the rescued dogs are steadily making progress. Even if they've been living in one place for years, most of the dogs that come from puppy mills have never been named. Bill says several of the dogs he and Lisa rescued were named in honor of their appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Over the years, Bill says he's definitely taken some of his work home with him—he has 10 dogs! At one point, Bill says he had 12, a bunch he affectionately called the "dirty dozen. In January , Bill rescued a Maltese-poodle mix from a breeder. The emaciated puppy had little hair and was close to death. Bill couldn't leave him behind and adopted the little guy, naming him Shrimp. Today, Shrimp is a happy and healthy member of Bill's pack—and even wears a red bow in his full mane of hair. If you are thinking about adopting a new pet, make your first stop the local shelter or animal rescue office. Consider these facts when adopting a dog. Sometimes, what you see isn't always what you get when it comes to that doggie in the window of a pet shop. If you are looking for a specific breed of dog, Bill says you're likely to find one at a rescue. What you need to know about animal shelters and finding responsible breeders. For people who would still like to use a breeder, Bill urges you to find one that is responsible. Quality breeders care about the quality of life their dogs will have when they go to their new homes and will often interview you about your home. One of Oprah's favorite Christmas gifts last year came from a neighbor who made a donation in Oprah's name to a no-kill shelter called The Lange Foundation. Oprah says she wasn't aware of the gift until she opened a very special Christmas card—"written" by the dog saved by that specific donation. That dog was Salina, a blind cocker spaniel who was close to being put down at an overcrowded animal shelter in Los Angeles. Here is an excerpt of Salina's letter: "One morning last week there was great excitement. One of the dogs had heard an officer say that someone from Lange Foundation was coming to choose a dog in your honor. I shared in the excitement, even though I knew the dog chosen would not be me. I was old and I was blind. I'd lived for many years in the yard of my owner's home. They never paid much attention to me. I did have my own doghouse, and that is where I spent most of my life, especially when I could no longer see. The lady slowly walked up and down the aisles. I could sense that she was sad, and I heard her say to the kennel man, 'I wish I could take all of them. I'll take the blind one. At least twice a week, Jillian visits Los Angeles's animal shelters to rescue dogs and cats that are unlikely to be adopted. Her mission is to save as many animals as possible before their time runs out. During a typical day Jillian drives out to shelters and picks animals as she can—including dogs who have been disfigured or have expensive medical needs. After rescuing the animals, Jillian brings them to her no-kill shelter, which has placed 17,, animals in loving homes over the years. When Jillian received a donation in Oprah's name, she says the decision to rescue Salina was easy. I went down to South Los Angeles Shelter the following day. I saw Salina sitting in the back of a cage, and on her cage card it said 'blind. They're not looking for old and blind. I went online, and one of them that popped up was Salina. She just seemed so helpless. Sadly, five weeks after Jack adopted Salina, she died of a stroke. Jack still wanted to help another animal and has recently adopted another cocker spaniel named Juno. Animal shelters across the country are at or above capacity, leaving little room for new arrivals. Unfortunately, dogs who are not adopted are often euthanized. Tough decisions such as these are made in every city in the country everyday, and the Fort Worth Animal Shelter goes through this difficult procedure nearly 17, times a year. Fort Worth Animal Shelter manager Keane Menefee says they took in 23, dogs and cats in —that's about 50 dogs each day. Sadly, only four of those 50 dogs found each day were adopted. When an animal is chosen, a red E is marked on their cage, and they only have one more day to be adopted. Keane says putting an animal to sleep never gets easier for him. I feel when I'm putting a dog down that I try to use the same compassion that I have as if I was putting my own animal down," he says. When it comes time, dogs are individually taken into the euthanasia lab. After the dog is muzzled for safety reasons, Keane injects them with a dosage of Fatal Plus or sodium Phenobarbital, based on their weight. In all, the process takes three to five minutes. The dog's body is put in a body bag and placed inside a freezer until the next morning, when a service will take it to a landfill. On the day Oprah Show cameras shadowed Keane, 18 dogs were on the list to be euthanized. But three dogs were saved—they were adopted by Harpo staff members working on the show. Fort Worth is also working on reducing the number of animals being euthanized. Starting in the summer of , Fort Worth shelter will offer free spaying and neutering to all animals adopted from their facility. It's better for the animals, and it prevents the needless killing of millions of animals," he says. It doesn't make sense. Shelly Rubin—who treats Oprah's dogs—says spaying or neutering is one of the best things you can do for your pet's health. For males, Dr. Rubin says neutering can change the dog's behavior for the better. One, you'll reduce prostate cancer and testicular cancer," he says. It listens to you when you speak to it, and it won't be marking urine all over the neighborhood—and your house—in many cases. Rubin says it's best to spay them before first heat. Rubin says spaying and neutering are very simple procedures. After a quick exam to make sure the animal is healthy enough for surgery, it's given a sedative and anesthesia. The procedure take about 10 to 15 minutes, and the animal can go home that day. They are helpless before us, and they rely on our good conscience," Wayne says. It's awful. It's contributing to the larger pet overpopulation crisis, which is resulting in over 4 million dogs and cats being killed every year. Go to a shelter. That's got to be your first stop," Wayne says. And if you insist on going to a breeder, go visit the breeder, talk to them. See the condition of the animals, especially the breeding females.