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Life Span Did You Know? The Pug, or Pug Dog, is famous for its flat-faced appearance and large, soulful eyes. They are an ancient dog breed that originated in China over 2, years ago. They were originally developed as a refined pet of Chinese royalty along with the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu. During this time, the Pug was considered a national treasure that outsiders could only access if one was gifted to them. Dutch traders from the s can be credited with bringing the Pug onto the world stage when they brought some back to Europe with them. The Pug made its way to the United States in the s. Now, the Pug is a popular dog breed worldwide. They are a popular companion that provides their owners with plenty of love and laughter from their comedic and playful antics. The Pug is a playful and outgoing dog breed with a charming personality. They tend to be very loving towards children and also get along well with other pets and dogs. They are a companion breed at heart known for their gentle nature and sociable personality. They love to give love and receive it in return. Their sensitive nature makes them intuitive as well and Pugs will often sense the moods of their owners and react accordingly. They crave attention and affection from their owners and are big fans of napping. This dog breed is often described as an ideal house dog and they are moderately adaptable. They will do well in homes of any size, including apartments. The Pug also adapts well to city or country life and are a good fit for singles or families of any size. Although they are highly adaptable to various living situations, they are less adaptable to climates. Pugs are very sensitive to the heat and overexertion, so they are best-suited to moderate climates. They also love to be with their families and will not be happy if left alone for a long time. As with any dog breed, the Pug has some health conditions to be aware of. In particular, corneal ulcers and dry eye are some potential eye problems that can occur. Additionally, Pugs can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and encephalitis. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see health clearances can help allay concerns for some of these health issues. Pugs are also big foodies. They love to eat! Their love for food means this dog breed is prone to obesity. As a brachycephalic dog, their large head and short snout often cause respiratory problems, which can limit their exercise at times and contribute to weight gain. This will cause them to quickly gasp and snort, which can sound relatively alarming. These episodes are usually not harmful as your Pug is just clearing their palate and throat. The Pug tends to be easy to train and is a good fit for owners of any experience level. They are eager to please their owners and tend to pick up on commands quickly. They are sensitive souls and their feelings can be hurt easily, so they will not respond well to harsh corrections. This dog breed responds best to consistent training that focuses on positive rewards and will benefit from participation in puppy training classes. Pugs have a smooth, glossy, and short coat. Their fur is fine and soft. Although their coat is generally low-maintenance, it will shed throughout the year. Aside from brushing, Pugs only need occasional baths on an as-needed basis. Because Pugs have ears that drop down, they can be susceptible to moisture, dirt, or debris. Checking their ears regularly and cleaning as needed helps to keep them healthy and comfortable. The same goes for their iconic face wrinkles. Daily brushing is ideal, but if your Pug is not allowing you to do that, a few times a week should be sufficient. Getting your Pug used to these grooming tasks as a puppy will help make it a positive bonding experience and a much easier process throughout their life. This dog breed has a low to moderate energy level. Generally, daily walks and some play sessions are enough exercise for this dog breed. They may have short bursts of energy as they have a very playful nature, but they will tire easily. Some Pugs can handle a little more activity and even compete in some dogs sports like agility, rally, and obedience. Make sure you check with your vet first before jumping into dog sports with your dog. A full-grown Pug will usually stand 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. The Pug was a popular pet of the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. Featured Pug Article. Whether you're creating marketing materials, designing a website, or working on a personal project, incorporating black pug images can be a great way to communicate your message and connect with your audience. The Selection of Black Pug Images Available Our stock image library offers a wide variety of black pug images to choose from. We have high-quality photos and vector graphics that showcase black pugs in different poses, settings, and moods. Some of our images feature black pugs on their own, while others show the dogs in group settings with other animals or people. Our black pug images can be used for a range of purposes, including marketing and advertising, social media, web design, print media, and personal projects. Whether you need a cute and playful image for a children's book or a serious and professional image for a corporate website, we have the perfect black pug image for your needs. How to Choose the Right Black Pug Image for Your Project Choosing the right black pug image for your project can be a challenging task, but with a little guidance, you can make the process easier and more effective. Here are some tips to keep in mind: Consider your audience — Who are you trying to reach with your project? What kind of message do you want to convey? Make sure the black pug image you choose is appropriate and relevant to your target audience and fits with your branding and messaging goals. Think about the context — Where will your image be used? Consider the layout, colors, and style of your project and choose a black pug image that complements and enhances those elements. Focus on quality — Our black pug images are of the highest quality, but make sure the image you choose is clear, well-lit, and visually appealing. Avoid using low-resolution or poorly composed images that can distract or detract from your message. Benefits of Using Black Pug Images for Your Projects Using black pug images in your projects offers a range of benefits, including: Adding personality and character — Black pugs are known for their playful and affectionate personalities. Using black pug images can help to inject those qualities into your project and make it more relatable and engaging for your audience. Enhancing emotional appeal — Black pug images can evoke a range of emotions, from joy and happiness to nostalgia and comfort. Using black pug images can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level and create a more meaningful and memorable experience. Standing out from the competition — Incorporating black pug images into your project can help it stand out from the crowd and differentiate it from the competition. With many different black pug images to choose from, you can find the perfect image that sets your project apart and captures your audience's attention. With the wide variety of black pug images we offer, you're sure to find the perfect image for your project. From playful and whimsical to serious and professional, our black pug images can help you enhance the personality and emotional appeal of your project and connect with your audience on a deeper level. A dog with the original black body was created using the Black Collie. These dogs have Black colouring as a result, giving them blue to green eyes, pure black paws, and blue to grey skin. The available Black female Pug is incredibly clever and energetic. Because they exert pressure on livestock and deter predators, this has made them well-known on farms. They enjoy playing, but they can be obstinate and need frequent praise. Black Pugs have frequently devoted friends and are helpful with kids. They might not get along with other pets in the house as well unless they were raised together since they occasionally view them as prey. Their double coat is another distinguishing characteristic of this breed. Their entire individuality and appeal are enhanced by the Black colouring, which causes differences in coat lengths and textures across the body. With their owners, they are highly affectionate, yet they can be distant from outsiders. They can live with whom? The Black Pug is a highly well-known breed. They are referred to as the clown of the dog world and like playing with other dogs. Nearby Black Pugs for sale get along well with other dogs and enjoy social interactions with people. However, if you have to leave your house for an extended amount of time, make sure someone is watching them. These Pugs for sale nearby do not enjoy being left alone. Children, other dogs, cats, and even rabbits are all acceptable housemates for our Black Pug for sale! However, due to their high requirement for care and socialisation, they are not recommended for novice dog owners. They may reside in an apartment building or a home with a yard. They thrive in households with a continual presence of people because they require constant company. Where can I find Black Pugs for sale locally? Our selection of Black Pug pups for sale is incredible, and they are all very sweet! Related products.

Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Bernedoodle Overview The Bernedoodle is a companion dog, through and through. The breed inherits the intelligence of its Poodle parents and the charming, goofy, happy-go-lucky temperament of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Sometimes they get more Poodle traits, and other times they more closely resemble the Bernese. That said, fans of Bernedoodles adore their friendliness, playfulness, intelligence, and affection. They also tend to be more hypoallergenic, which is a blessing for allergy sufferers. In addition to their personalities, Bernedoodles can differ in appearance. Their coats can be curly and wavy or straight and come in a variety of colors. They come in three sizes; tiny, miniature, and standard. These sizes are determined by the size of the Poodle parent, which can be toy, mini, or standard. Bernedoodles are fairly adaptable and go with the flow. Smaller sized Bernedoodles make better apartment pets than Standard Bernedoodles, who do best with a yard to burn off energy. This breed has moderate exercise needs that are usually met with at least one long daily walk. Bernedoodle Highlights Gentle and loving: Bernedoodles are known for their gentle and loving personalities. They are good with children and other pets. Intelligent and trainable: Bernedoodles are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They can learn basic commands quickly and can be trained to perform more complex tasks. Hypoallergenic: Bernedoodles are considered to be hypoallergenic, which means they are less likely to shed and cause allergies in people. Active but adaptable: Bernedoodles are active dogs that need a moderate amount of exercise. However, they are also adaptable and can do well in apartments or homes with small yards. Loyal and devoted: Bernedoodles are loyal and devoted dogs that make great companions. They are always happy to see their owners and love to cuddle. If you are looking for a loving, intelligent, and hypoallergenic dog, the Bernedoodle may be the right breed for you. Here are some additional details about the Bernedoodle breed: Size: Bernedoodles are medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 45 and 90 pounds. Lifespan: Bernedoodles have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Coat: Bernedoodles have a wavy or curly coat that can be either single- or double-coated. Colors: Bernedoodles can be a variety of colors, including black, brown, white, and cream. Bernedoodles are a relatively new breed, so there is still some debate about their exact origins. However, it is believed that they were first bred in the United States in the early s. The goal was to create a dog that was hypoallergenic and had the best qualities of both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. Bernedoodles are becoming increasingly popular dogs. They are a good choice for families with children and other pets. They are also a good choice for people with allergies. If you are thinking about getting a Bernedoodle, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder. Bernedoodle History The Bernedoodle is a relatively new breed. While this is considered a designer breed, they do appear in shelters, and rescue groups that focus on Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs will sometimes work with mixes of those breeds. There is no reason that you have to rely on a breeder for a Bernedoodle, and you should always adopt before shopping. Bernedoodle Size There are three sizes of Bernedoodle: tiny, miniature, and standard. These result from the size of the Poodle parent, which can be toy, mini, or standard size. The Tiny Bernedoodle stands at 12 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder, and weighs about 10 to 24 pounds. The Miniature Bernedoodle stands at 18 to 22 inches tall and weighs 25 to 49 pounds. The Standard Bernedoodle stands at 23 to 29 inches and weigh 70 to 90 pounds. Males are generally larger than females. Bernedoodle Personality Bernedoodles seem to get many of the best personality traits from the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle breeds. Exactly which traits they inherit from their parents can differ a bit, though, and individual personalities of dogs within the breed vary. Bernedoodles tend to be highly intelligent, hardworking when necessary, loyal, and just a bit goofy. They are good with children and other dogs, provided they have been well socialized. Once they begin training, their intelligence helps them pick up commands more easily than other dogs. Bernedoodles can have high energy levels and crave attention and at least moderate exercise. They do best in homes where they are not left alone for long periods of time. Tiny and Miniature Bernedoodles do better with apartment and city life than Standard Bernedoodles. Generally, they want nothing more than to be with their humans and are just as ready to go outside and play with them as they are to join them on the couch for cuddles. Bernedoodle Health Bernedoodles are generally healthy dogs, but they are prone to some health problems, including: Hip dysplasia : This is a condition in which the hip joint does not fit together properly, causing pain and lameness. Elbow dysplasia : This is a similar condition that affects the elbow joint. Bloat: This is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach twists, cutting off blood flow. Progressive retinal atrophy PRA : This is a degenerative eye disease that can lead to blindness. Hereditary cataracts : These are cloudy areas in the lens of the eye that can cause vision problems. Demodex mange : This is a skin condition caused by mites. Inflammatory bowel disease IBD : This is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. Hypothyroidism : This is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. It is important to take your Bernedoodle to the vet for regular checkups to monitor their health and catch any potential problems early. You should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of these health problems so that you can seek treatment promptly if necessary. Here are some tips for keeping your Bernedoodle healthy: Feed them a healthy diet that is appropriate for their age and activity level. Make sure they get plenty of exercise. Keep them at a healthy weight. Brush their teeth regularly. Take them to the vet for regular checkups. By following these tips, you can help your Bernedoodle live a long and healthy life. Bernedoodle Care Tiny and Miniature Bernedoodles are more suited to apartment life, while Standard Bernedoodles do better with a nice yard to run around. They love being around their humans, so the less time they spend alone, the better. Like Poodles, Bernedoodles are quite intelligent, which means they can learn bad habits just as easily as good ones. It is important to keep up with training. Early socialization and exposure to other dogs and humans is always a good idea and will help keep them well-behaved when meeting new people or pets. Bernedoodle Feeding The appropriate amount to feed a Bernedoodle depends on their size, age, and activity level, which means it is highly individualized. You should ask your veterinarian for dietary recommendations that suit your particular dog. Sometimes Bernedoodles can have straighter coats, which shed more and are less hypoallergenic. The thickness of their coat helps this breed thrive in cool temperatures while providing them a fair amount of protection from the heat of summer months, as well. The color of Bernedoodle coats have quite a range. Some are pure black, others are black and white, and others are black and brown. Sometimes Bernedoodles are tri-colored with patches of black, white, and brown. They may even have other colors, as well. The most popular coat colors and markings for people seeking a Bernedoodle tend to resemble the tri-colored Bernese Mountain Dog. Because they shed less, they need to be brushed more often to prevent their coat from getting matted. Their coat must also be trimmed every few months, depending on how quickly it grows. Bernedoodle Children And Other Pets Bernedoodles are excellent for families with children, though it is always important to make sure children are instructed on how to properly treat animals, especially with Tiny and Miniature Bernedoodles that may be injured more easily. This breed is affectionate and loves to play, and they absolutely adore spending time with their families. Bernedoodles usually do well with other dogs, but it is important to begin socialization at an early age and keep up with it to make sure they are comfortable around new animals. Bernedoodle Rescue Groups Please search your local area for Bernedoodle up for adoption. Bernedoodle Breed Organizations Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have health problems and behavioral issues More Info For You. They were bred solely for companionship, so they love attention and lots of cuddles from their families. Bernedoodles are just as happy curling up on the couch as they are hiking a trail alongside their humans. They're playful and active dogs who can be willful as puppies but are highly trainable thanks to their big brains. Appearance Though Bernese mountain dogs have a black, tan, and white uniform, poodles can have a much wider range of coat colors. Because of this, Bernedoodles can vary in color. While they're typically tricolor like their mountain dog mom or dad, they can also be pure black, black and white, or a random mix. Their fur can also be curly like their poodle parent or straighter like a Bernese mountain dog. As a general rule, the straighter the coat, the more your Bernedoodle will shed. In both cases, the thickness of a Bernedoodle mane makes this breed suitable for colder temperatures. A curly Bernedoodle coat is typically sought-after because it's considered hypoallergenic. While no dog is percent allergen-friendly, this breed's coat can be a good option for those who tend to sneeze, sniffle, or itch around dogs. Bernedoodle breeders typically offer a tiny, miniature, and standard size, which allows for flexibility with the care and living needs of each pup. A smaller mix could easily live in an apartment as long as she gets plenty of walks and exercise. The standard Bernedoodle can reach up to 29 inches in height and weigh up to 90 pounds. A mini is between 18—22 inches tall and weighs 20—45 pounds. A "tiny," bred from a toy poodle, is only 12—17 inches and weighs 10—24 pounds, according to the United Bernedoodle Registry. Temperament Affectionate and playful, Bernedoodles are a perfect family pet. They are especially fond of younger kids and provide a wonderful lifelong companion as children grow into adults. Though they're intelligent pups , they tend to be goofy and love attention from their humans. Though they can't get enough of their family, Bernedoodles might first be apprehensive, sensitive, and skittish around strangers. As with all breeds, it's important to socialize your Bernedoodle puppy so she'll be comfortable and affectionate around new people, too. She can be very charming and charismatic with positive reinforcement training. Personal space is not a part of their vocabulary, and they should not be left alone much. Loneliness can result in separation anxiety, which could cause nervous habits like whining or chewing. They will end feeling more fulfilled and have less anxious, OCD behaviors. And no matter the size, this hybrid is especially gentle-natured and loves children. They're so gentle, in fact, they don't make good guard dogs: They bark infrequently and are more likely to befriend an intruder than scare them away. Care Most often, a Bernedoodle will have a wavy or curly coat that's ideal for those with allergies. In some cases, a Bernedoodle can have a straighter coat similar to that of a Bernese mountain dog. This means they'll shed more and might not agree with an owner who's allergic to pet dander. Once the litter is a few weeks old, a Bernedoodle breeder will be able to tell what kind of coat each puppy will have in order to match the right dog to the right owner. But with that curly coat comes a greater need for grooming. Bernedoodles don't shed much , so they'll need frequent brushing to prevent painful matting. Most doodles love being brushed, and the routine allows the owner to bond with their dog. Keep in mind a very curly, "hypoallergenic" dog will need a haircut every few months. Just because they're low-shedding doesn't mean they're low maintenance! They'll need daily walkies to burn off their energy, but so long as their physical needs are met, they likely won't turn to undesirable behaviors like digging to keep themselves entertained. They'll also need consistent social stimulation to reinforce positive behaviors. The more exposure they have to new pets and humans, the more likely they are to be well-behaved when introduced to a foreign person or situation. A Bernedoodle's smarts makes her typically easy to train. It also means she can learn behaviors good or bad quickly—that's why it's important to keep up with training, even past her puppy days. Training a Bernedoodle requires positive reinforcement and, in some cases, a high level of patience. Should the puppy inherit the Bernese's willfullness or the poodle's high energy, they'll need more of your time and attention. Health The Bernedoodle lifespan is 12—18 years. Luckily, the hybrid breed does not inherit the same health risks as the Bernese mountain dog. The Bernese side of their lineage has a life expectancy of only seven years and a high rate of cancer , hip and elbow dysplasia , heart disease , and epilepsy. And while Bernedoodles are far healthier than a purebred Bernese, they can still be "predisposed to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, ocular diseases, and some allergies ," Christman says. Just be on the lookout for [warning signs like] excessive drooling and ability to gain some weight quickly. Hot spots are primarily caused by excessive licking or chewing of an area. This is why it's so important to keep up with grooming—a Bernedoodle is more likely to pick at their skin when her coat is dirty and matted. History Being a relatively new breed, the history book on Bernedoodles is a short one. After years of breeding Bernese mountain dogs, Sherry Rupke of SwissRidge Bernedoodles wanted a way to make the purebreds more allergen-friendly and free from the health issues that plague the breed. Thus, the Bernedoodle or at least the first intentional pairing of a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle was born in .Now, dog owners everywhere have fallen in love with the loyal, loving breed that looks like a huggable teddy bear. She has more than 26, followers! Actress and filmmaker Greta Gerwig reportedly takes her mini Bernedoodle, Wizard, everywhere with her. Was this page helpful? Bernedoodle vs. There are pros and cons to owning both breeds, but we have been so happy with our Bernedoodle. If you are trying to decide between a Bernedoodle vs. This post may contain affiliate links. Bernese Mountain Dog Bernedoodle dogs and Bernese Mountain Dogs are two popular breeds of dogs that are gaining a lot of attention. Both breed types are loyal and affectionate, but there are some major differences between them that should be considered when deciding which one is the right dog for you. Bernese Mountain Dog. All About Bernedoodles A cross breed between the Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles, Bernedoodles are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and loving nature. They come in different sizes, ranging from mini to standard and have a thick double coat that comes in black, white, or a variety of colors. Bernedoodles are highly trainable and make great pets due to their friendly temperament. They love attention and need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Common health issues include hip dysplasia, eye problems, allergies, and ear infections. Grooming is essential for Bernedoodles as they shed throughout the year. Regular brushing will help keep Bernedoodle coats clean and prevent matting. Bernedoodles range in many different sizes. Traditionally, Bernedoodles are larger dogs. Known for companionship, attention and cuddles, this breed is gaining popularity among families. Though the American Kennel Club does not currently recognize the Bernedoodle as an official breed, they are quickly becoming one of the most popular breeds in America. Bernedoodles have high intelligence and high energy levels. It is important to keep them active for their health. They are highly trainable due to their intelligence and require plenty of mental stimulation. Appearance Bernese mountain dogs have black, tan and white coat colors, but Poodles can have a wider range of colors. Because of this, Bernedoodles can range in color. Often, they are tricolor, but they can also be pure black, black and white, or another color. Bernedoodles can have curly coats like their poodle parent or straighter fur like their Bernese Mountain Dog parent. Typically, the straighter the coat, the more the dog will shed. Bernedoodles have thick coats which makes them suitable for cold weather temperatures. A curly Bernedoodle coat is highly sought after because of its hypoallergenic qualities. Bernese Mountain Dogs are bred with each size of poodle parent, though their smallest size is called tiny instead of toy. This allows for dog owners to raise Bernedoodles in different environments, including apartments. As long as they get proper exercise, smaller sizes will be happy in smaller locations. Sizes of Different Bernedoodle Dogs: Tiny Bernedoodle — 12 to 17 inches tall and 10 to 24 pounds Miniature Bernedoodle — 18 to 22 inches tall and 20 to 45 pounds Standard Bernedoodle — Up to 29 inches tall and up to 90 pounds Temperament Bernedoodles make a wonderful family pet because they are affectionate and playful. They are fond of young children and provide great companionship to them. They are intelligent and love human interaction. They may be apprehensive or nervous around strangers, which is why it is important to socialize your Bernedoodle puppy early on and often so he or she will be comfortable around others. They will be very sweet and gentle with positive reinforcement training. Bernedoodles love to be active, but also love to snuggle. They are happy to accompany you on hikes, swims and runs, but also enjoy lounging on the couch. If they are too often, this could cause nervous habits like chewing or whining to appear. The dogs have fewer health issues than their Bernese Mountain Dog parent and are generally a more healthy breed than a purebred Bernese overall. However, they are still predisposed to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, ocular diseases and some allergies. Some warning signs to look out for are excessive drooling and gaining weight quickly as this could indicate a serious problem. Skin issues such as hot spots can occur in Bernedoodles due to their thick coats. They are primarily caused by excessive licking or chewing of an area of their fur. Originating from the Swiss Alps, they are large, sturdy dogs with a thick double coat that comes in black, white and rust colors. This breed is known for their calm and gentle nature, making them great family pets. They have a shorter life expectancy of around 7 to 10 years with proper care and nutrition. Bernese Mountain Dogs are an active breed that require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Grooming is also important as they have a long coat that needs to be brushed at least twice per week to prevent mats and tangles. Common health concerns include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat, eye problems and cancer. They are known for their gentle, affectionate nature and have become popular family pets. The Bernese mountain dog was originally bred as a working farm dog, but has since been recognized by the American Kennel Club AKC as one of the most popular breeds in the world. The Bernese Mountain Dog is an intelligent breed that loves to work and play with its family members and are incredibly loyal. They make great companions for people of all ages and is known for a good-natured temperament with friendly personality traits. The history of this breed dates to hundreds of years ago when it was first found in Switzerland helping with farm work such as herding cattle and pulling carts filled with milk or cheese from farms to marketplaces. Today, they still make excellent working dogs, but are primarily kept as beloved family pets due to their loving personalities and playful behaviors. Appearance Bernese Mountain Dogs can measure between 23 and 28 inches tall at the shoulder. They weigh between 70 and pounds. Their fur is tricolored with a thick black coat and white and rust markings on the face. Their coats are somewhat long and soft with straight or wavy fur. Their eyes are big and brown and Bernese puppies are often compared to stuffed animals. Temperament Bernese Mountain Dogs are very trainable as they are eager to please their owners. They are smart, quick learners and very loyal dogs. They are calm and affectionate, which makes them a great family dog. They may be shy around strangers, but with proper socialization, they will become more comfortable. They also do well with cats and other dogs when socialized young. Bernese dogs have a history of guarding livestock on farms because they are a protective breed. Because of their thick coats, Bernese Mountain Dogs love to live in cold climates. They like to have space to explore freely, so a fenced in yard is a good idea for these dogs. Regular walks are important for Bernese Mountain Dogs and they would make a great companion on runs or hikes. Common Health Issues Unfortunately, Bernese Mountain Dogs may face a handful of health conditions throughout their lives. They are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia, as large dogs often are. They may also deal with blood disorders, eye conditions, and cancer. Gastric dilation-volvulus GDV , which is bloating of the stomach is another thing to look out for when owning a Bernese Mountain Dog. Bernese Mountain Dog Comparison The standard Bernedoodle is a smaller dog than the purebred Bernese Mountain Dog, but still larger than most other breeds. They tend to be more active dogs than the Bernese Mountain Dog, so they need more exercise and long periods of time to play. They also require regular grooming due to their long coats. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a larger dog than the Bernedoodle and has an impressive stature. They are known for being gentle giants and tend to be calmer than other breeds like Golden Retrievers or Old English Sheepdogs. They require less exercise than the Bernedoodle but still need daily walks and playtime to stay healthy. They need regular grooming in the form of brushing and they shed a lot. They are an active breed that enjoys being outside and can be very energetic dogs. The Bernedoodle loves to bark and cuddle with its family members. They tend to be calmer than other breeds. They have a high intelligence level and require proper training and early socialization. Reputable Breeders Bernedoodles are a hybrid breed of dog, created by crossing two purebred dogs — a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. This new breed has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its intelligence, loyalty, and low-shedding coat. When looking for a reputable breeder of Bernedoodles, it is important to do your research and make sure you are getting this designer dog from parent dogs that have been properly health tested. It is also important to consider the temperament of both the Bernese parent and the Poodle parent when selecting your puppy. With proper research and care, you can find the best dog for your family. Both dogs are great companions and will make your family complete. We have loved Penny so much and I will continue to try to convince Sam to get another friend for Penny. There is nothing better than the love of a dog. Related Posts:. Life Span Did You Know? These large, fluffy dogs are known for their non-shedding coats and lovable personalities. Bernedoodles tend to be a great addition to any family! Although the Bernedoodle is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other dog registries. As long as they are properly socialized, they tend to be open and friendly dogs that get along well with just about anyone. These dogs tend to do well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they can be initially wary and watchful at first, they even tend to warm up quickly to strangers once introduced. Bernedoodles are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. Despite their size and energy, they can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise and attention. These dogs tend to handle the cold better than the heat; you may even have some trouble getting them to come back inside after some playtime in the snow. Because Bernedoodles bond so closely with their families and enjoy nothing more than being around them, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. They can also be prone to skin issues like sensitive skin, allergies, and hot spots. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large dog breed, the Standard Bernedoodle is also at risk for bloat like both parent breeds. The Bernedoodle is a highly intelligent and easily trained dog breed. Some facts about Bernedoodles are that they are a good fit for owners of any experience level and tend to pick up commands easily. Although they tend to grow out of this initial stubbornness with age, puppy training classes will certainly help with training and socialization early on. Bernedoodles tend to have a longer coat that ranges from curly to wavy. Although they tend to be non-shedding, they still need a lot of maintenance to keep their coat looking great. Daily brushing to remove tangles and prevent mats along with grooming every weeks are recommended. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Brushing daily along and cleanings at the vet as needed are an ideal start to a good dental care routine for your Bernedoodle. Standard Bernedoodles can range from moderate to high energy. They tend to sit in a more moderate activity range and have bursts of higher energy when they play. These dogs are known to play hard and energetically until they are tired, but are not usually considered high-energy dogs. Daily walks plus playtime and some time to run should be enough for a Bernedoodle. But, these dogs will likely be up for more activity if you are. They will love the opportunity to spend more time being active with you. A fully-grown Standard Bernedoodle usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. Standard Bernedoodles generally live for years on average. A Bernedoodle is also sometimes called a Bernese Mountain Poo. Featured Bernedoodle Article.

Excellent example of a 7 week old Salhaus Champagne pup, genetically white, produced by 2 colored parents who carry the white gene. This pup comes from a kennel in the UK. See him below as an adult. Just stunning! Shown here as an example of the champagne coloring. The champagne color is technically "white. Anyone can have a White German Shepherd, but why not join the few who own a more "rare" Champagne Shepherd! We only get 1 or 2 in each litter, so don't hesistate! More to Come! He's super gentle, as well as a wonderful family protector even at this young age! See his gorgeous champagne overlay! Both are gorgeous, just slightly different. Both are "whites" one just has more pigment. Beau This dog's name is Kai. He loves his stuffed "lambie! Both boys love toys! Certified at just 5 months of age! Our dogs are family dogs, but are super smart! Notice his champagne saddle! Shown on the left at 3 months. On the right as a young adult. Stunning, heavy built Salhaus Champagne Shepherd! Also, the whole creamy champagne enhancement through his body! Notice how the white backdrop of the snow really accentuates the gorgeous champagne coat on this young Salhaus dog! Champagne saddle on one of our white pups. So well behaved in the house! She still thinks she's her 9 week old size in her mom's lap! All of our white pups have champagne in their coats to varying degrees. None of our whites are snow white. Anyone can have a white Shepherd. Why not get one of our more eye catching Champagne Shepherds to add to your family! Our whites are "champagne," which means they get lots more color pigmentation than a regular white dog would, since their parents are both colored dogs. There's much to see here. So, take your time, look around, and learn all there is to know about our females. The first three dogs are Greta, Tillie, and now Lady. They are our current breeding females. At the bottom of our page are our retired females, Mady and Dayna. They are enjoying their retirement right here at Schutzhaus German Shepherds. So, be sure to check them out as well. All of our dogs are AKC registered. The puppies will get the AKC application for you to register your puppy when you adopt him or her. Since we are really only concerned with the normal range for the breed, logically: 0. Therefore, make sure to check out all of my dogs' testing results with each dog. Each dog's PennHIP results are listed with each dog. As you will notice, my dogs have fantastic hips. She is a champagne color. She may look white. However, she has the champagne top-coat color. We are hoping for a lot of color with her and Kaiser. Greta is our Dayna's half-sister. Stryker is a silver sable. Rosy is a blue. Testing: Greta has had her Embark testing completed and she is completely clear of over genetic health conditions that Embark tests for. Greta's parents are both DM normal. Therefore, through parentage Greta will be DM normal. Greta's PennHIP distraction index was 0. Her PennHIP test is shown below. Greta is going to be a big girl, like her sister, Dayna. At 10 months old Greta was 88 pounds. Since she still has a lot of growing to do, she is going to be a very big girl topping at well over pounds. I predict her to be about pounds when mature. She is a very sweet and gentle little lady with a loving personality. Greta has been easy to train and is very smart. She is a Salhaus puppy from Salhaus German Shepherds. She is a black and tan. Bravo is a black and silver. Gray is black and tan. Based on what we see right now, she is going to be a stocky girl. Tillie is the traditional Black and Tan saddle-back color. She still has a lot of growing to do. Based on Tillie's Embark test, she is going to be a large female. Tillie weighed .I predict Tillie will be a stocky pounds when mature. Tillie loves to play with the other dogs and is very athletic. She is very sweet and loves attention. Tillie is very clever and uses her intelligence to maneuver well while playing with the other dogs. Testing: Tillie has had her Embark testing completed and she is completely clear of over genetic health conditions that Embark tests for. Tillie's PennHIP distraction index was 0. As you can see, Tillie has phenomenal hips. This would be considered supurb if OFA was to ever go there. We are taking deposits on this beautiful girl for around September puppies. We have started taking deposits on this beautiful girl and she does have some female spots available. She also has the Royalair's German Shepherd bloodlines. Her sire is Menard's Legendary Royalair's Natsu. Natsu is bicolor. Koa is black and tan, but she is a very light black and tan. Lady's color has been hard to figure out. We thought she was a black and tan. However, her true colors have finally come out and she actually is a dark black and tan sable. This is due to her under coat being a different color than her top-coat. Either way, as you can see by the photos, Lady has a lot of color. I predict Lady to be around pounds when she fully matures. Lady is very playful and energetic. If you are looking for a puppy to run with you or go on hikes, I highly recommend one from Lady. She is a very happy and an intelligent little lady who loves to have her belly rubbed. Testing: Lady has had her Embark testing completed and she is completely clear of over genetic health conditions that Embark tests for. Lady's PennHIP test reveals her hips to be in good range with a distraction index of 0. Her PennHIP results is shown below. We are starting to take deposits on this beautiful little lady and her list has already started and is filling up fast. Lady's Photo Gallery. For several reasons not necessarily good reasons , white dogs aren't appreciated by the German Shepherd's national breed club nor by German Shepherd breeders who compete at dog shows. Despite their disapproval, a white puppy who pops up in a litter of German Shepherds can still be registered with the American Kennel Club as a German Shepherd. So if you're considering acquiring an AKC-registered German Shepherd who just happens to be white, you can expect a similar temperament and behavior as if he were a more familiar black and tan color. If you're considering acquiring a UKC-registered White Shepherd, you need to find out whether the breeder's goal was to make the temperament of his dogs the same as or different from normal-colored German Shepherds. White Shepherds are often bred to have a softer, more mellow, more sensitive personality. Because of this sweeter temperament, White Shepherds are seldom used as police dogs, guard dogs, or to participate in protection dog sports such as schutzhund. A White Shepherd can certainly be a very good watchdog, but his "watching" is usually limited to alerting you that someone is coming. White Shepherds are not typically aggressive. In fact, if a White Shepherd is going to have any temperament fault, it's more likely to be timidity or skittishness. White Shepherds need a great deal of early socialization to build a confident attitude toward strangers and strange situations. White Shepherds do need plenty of physical and mental exercise. This smart breed should not be relegated to a home that simply wants a casual pet to walk around the block. White Shepherds can be quite vocal, tending to whine, mumble, and grumble. Though they seldom have dominant personalities, White Shepherds still need a confident, consistent owner who will establish and enforce rules. I'm currently working on an article about that breed. If you want a dog who.Is strong, athletic, and natural-looking Has a "softer," more mellow personality than a traditionally-colored German Shepherd Thrives on challenging activities and exercise Is exceptionally intelligent, loyal, and versatile — when well-socialized and well-trained, can learn and do almost anything Makes a sensible watchdog and is not inappropriately hostile A White Shepherd may be right for you. If you don't want to deal with.Providing plenty of exercise and interesting things to do Skittishness or shyness in some lines, or when not extensively socialized Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough Potential aggression toward other dogs, especially of the same sex Constant heavy shedding A White Shepherd may not be right for you. Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult White Shepherds have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics. If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Unfortunately, you usually can't tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up. The range of temperaments. You should know what kind of personality you're looking for before you ever start looking for a White Shepherd. Otherwise you might end up with an individual who is very different than what you can handle. You should be especially cautious with this breed because there are a good number of them with inherited temperament problems such as nervousness and timidity. Serious health problems. White Shepherds share a number of health problems with German Shepherds of all colors. Crippling hip and elbow dysplasia, skin diseases, and autoimmune diseases are some examples. Read more about White Shepherd Health. Heavy shedding. White Shepherds shed constantly. Longhaired individuals "appear" to shed less because much of their shed hair gets caught in their long wavy outer coat. But you still need to brush it out and you'll be amazed at how much hair this breed can produce. Make sure you're okay with this. Socialization requirements. Standoffish by nature, White Shepherds need extensive exposure to people so that their natural caution does not become shyness or fearfulness, which are very difficult to live with. Read more about the importance of careful socialization. Providing enough mental stimulation. German Shepherds of all colors are so intelligent and capable. I hate to see them chosen by owners who just want a dog to hang around the house and yard. Shepherds of all colors thrive when you find interesting things for them to do that challenge their minds. Get your White Shepherd involved in agility obstacle course , or advanced obedience classes. Play fetch games. Take them hiking. They must have physical outlets for their energy, and mental outlets for their intelligent minds. Potential animal aggression. Most White Shepherds are good with other dogs and cats in their own family. But some individuals aren't so tolerant of other dogs of the same sex. Legal liabilities. White Shepherds may be lumped in with other German Shepherds for purposes of "banning" in certain areas, or refusal of homeowner insurance policies. In this day and age, the legal liabilities of owning any breed that looks intimidating and has a history as a guardian dog should be considered. People are quicker to sue if such a dog does anything even remotely questionable. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. To help you train and care for your dog Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. If your dog is over 18 months, you'll want Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Teach Your Dog English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. Related posts you might enjoy.

July 12, If you are looking for the perfect French Bulldog puppy to add to your family then this list of French Bulldog breeders in Virginia should get you started down the right path. Before contacting any Virginia Frenchie breeder I highly recommend reading these tips to find a reputable French Bulldog breeder. Below is a list of some of the Virginia French Bulldog breeders to begin your search with. You want your puppy to be healthy, happy, and safe as possible and proper breeding practices can ensure you get a great Frenchie to add to your home. Their kennels are located in Virginia, and they have a large selection of beautiful French Bulldogs that are all well-socialized, up-to-date on vaccines, and ready to go home with you. They offer various options regarding the type of French Bulldog puppy you want such as color or temperament and the gender s you wish to breed your puppy with. They also have an online store where you can purchase some items for your new puppy. Their goal is to produce healthy, happy puppies with excellent temperaments and personalities. They breed for temperament, health, and longevity. They also breed for longevity by including hip dysplasia screening on all their dogs. They have various options for their future customers: black, blue, chocolate, and white pups; males and females; short coats or long coats; short legs or longer legs; healthy hips or not; the list goes on. The Kaigan Kennels team takes its time to ensure that every puppy leaves their home with proper care instructions and socialization tips. They also offer a lifetime support program that includes training classes held every month at their house, allowing customers to come to watch puppies grow up from birth while they develop. They can help you find the perfect puppy for your lifestyle and needs. Brick House Bulldogs breed only French Bulldogs—they have no other breeds of dogs on their roster. If you want a great-looking French Bulldog that will be a joy to own, this is the breeder for you. Their focus is on quality over quantity when it comes to breeding Frenchies. They only have 15 puppies per year, so they can spend time preparing them for their future homes without sacrificing quality control or consistency. They also strive to maintain an environment that promotes healthy relationships with humans and dogs—they will only sell fully vaccinated puppies and microchipped at 8 weeks old or older depending upon what vaccine was given. They specialize in breeding Frenchies with health problems such as hip dysplasia or blindness, which makes them easy to adapt to families looking for a companion or therapy dog. They offer several options for choosing what type of puppy you want: boy or girl; black or white; short-haired or long-haired; purebred or mixed breed; Labrador Retriever mix or standard poodle mix this option is only available if you live outside VA. The McCoy family started with two dogs—a male named Mac and a female named Piper. Their first litter consisted of three puppies: One male and two females. The second litter was a bit larger, with six puppies: Two males and four females. The third litter had seven puppies total: Four males and three females. Some are females only, others both male and female; some are purebred French Bulldogs, while others are crossbreeds mixing other breeds. Throughout all this time, Jackie McCoy has always focused on finding the right mix of personality traits in her dogs so they can be loved by everyone who comes into contact with them. The owner has been breeding Frenchies for over 20 years and has no other French bulldog breeders Virginia. They have had many litters of puppies over the years but are currently only breeding one litter per year. They do not open up for tours or meet visitors as more extensive facilities might, but they let visitors see the dogs at their homes or in a local park. The dogs are all born to parents registered with the American Kennel Club since birth and have been DNA tested to ensure that they are purebreds. The dogs are raised indoors in a free-range outdoor area with fencing so they can safely roam around when outside is too cold or too hot for them. However, most people purchase them as pets right away so they can start training immediately instead of waiting months after being purchased before training begins. They are located in Virginia and currently have two litters on the ground at any time. Their current focus is on Frenchies, but they can also take in other breeds. They only use certified genetic parents who have been tested for every health condition their puppies could inherit. This includes hip dysplasia and eye conditions like patellar luxation, which can affect the quality of life for your puppy if not caught early enough. The owner, Sueann Merrick, has been breeding Frenchies for over 20 years and has been thrilled with the results. Shenandoah Valley Bulldogs is located in Virginia but serves clients from all over. The dogs they raise are always kept indoors, where they can get plenty of exercise and playtime with each other. Shenandoah Valley Bulldogs also offers puppy training classes so owners can learn how to train their new pup without having to do it themselves this helps them avoid any potential accidents at home or in public. Shiloh French Bulldogs breed healthy and happy puppies of all sizes. They focus on producing well-balanced puppies in all aspects: health, temperament, conformation, and movement. The dogs at Shiloh are all purebred French Bulldogs, meaning they all share the same genetic makeup and bloodline. The owners do not use any other breeders or kennels for their dogs; instead, they only use them for breeding purposes. Shiloh French Bulldogs offers two different types of dogs: Standard and Miniatures. Both breeds are 25 pounds or under, making them perfect for families with children or small apartments. The Standard is a medium-sized dog, while the Miniature is smaller than the Standard but more significant than its companion breed, the Toy Poodle. Proper breeding practices and care is essential in order to get the French Bulldog your heart desires. Meet the puppies! We are located in Powhatan County in Virginia and have over seven years of breeding Bulldogs. We love dogs just as much as you do! We make sure that all of our puppies are raised and treated with lots of love, and have special attention paid to them. Both English and French Bulldogs are an attractive and eye-catching breed. They love car rides, leash walks and just spending time with you. They are the most lovable and sweetest dogs available, learn quickly and are always eager to please you. Our selective breeding process ensures you get the best dogs available. We make sure our puppies are of the highest quality around. We take pride in our process. All of our puppies come with a 6-month health guarantee, club registration, microchip and have age appropriate vaccinations and deworming. We would love the opportunity to be a blessing in helping you find the perfect English or Frenchie for your family. Let us guide you to the perfect addition to your family! Check out our available puppy page. Meet the Puppies! See all of the puppies! I would highly recommend Cute Ugly Bulldogs if you are looking for a puppy. We are considering adding a second one to our family. They are honest, fair, and good people to work with. I would do business with them again! Carly Kimble Johnson We got our Frenchie in January and the vet says he is by far the healthiest she has seen in a long time. We love our Zeke boy! Thank you guys for allowing us to make him part of our little family! Rebecca Cash Rawe We just added a new addition to our family today…. The vet saw her and just could not express how healthy she was and how well kept she is. I would definitely be coming back for another addition!!!! Liz Yun Veronica was super nice and answers texts if I have questions about our pup. We love our pup. I definitely recommend. Winnie McKinstry My family got our Frenchie from Veronica and she was so nice, helpful, and responsive. We love our baby Bella!! Thanks so much! Taylor Colly We have a beautiful new baby girl from this wonderful family! Talullah is a bundle of energy and sweet kisses. We would do business with them again! Jourdan Jones Veronica and her husband are wonderful and care a great deal about their bulldogs. Melissa Reinhold McDaniel. Questions about French Bulldog puppies for sale in Virginia? We have answers. How does French Bulldog puppies for sale in Virginia work? You might have noticed that the prices from Virginia French Bulldog breeders tend to be a little higher than they would be with other breeds. The reason for this is that breeders of Frenchies have to spend more money to raise these dogs due to their unique skeletal structure. The females have to have C-sections in order to deliver their litters safely, leading to higher expenses for both breeders and buyers. What are some health issues associated with Frenchies? French Bulldogs for sale in Virginia can live for 14 years or more in some cases, but they are also at risk of several health issues. Their snub noses make it hard to breathe, so they can snore and wheeze quite a lot, and they often develop bone and joint issues too. Be sure to buy your Virginia French Bulldog puppy for sale from a trusted breeder to have the best chance of a happy, healthy dog. How do you vet businesses selling Frenchies? Trying to find the best French Bulldog breeders Virginia can feel like quite a challenge, and it can be hard for a typical person to tell breeders and businesses apart from one another. At Uptown, we have lots of experience when it comes to finding top tier breeders, and we've developed one of the strictest screening processes around to help our users find French Bulldog puppies Virginia from only the best sellers. How does Uptown work for finding a Frenchie pup? Ready to begin your journey to find French Bulldog puppies for sale in Virginia? It all starts here, and the first step is to browse through the various pups that are currently available from our listed breeders and businesses. Speak with the sellers to learn more about any pups that catch your eye and then make arrangements to bring one home. It's as simple as that. Can I find the cheapest Frenchies here? If you're trying to find the cheapest possible French Bulldog for sale Virginia, we urge you to reconsider. There are many scammers and bad breeders out there who sell their pups at super low prices, tricking people into buying unhealthy, socially difficult dogs and then having to spend way more money later on for vet bills and socialization training. You'll find fair, competitively priced pups on Uptown. Why shouldn't I buy my dog from a shelter instead? For example, if you're looking for a specific breed, like French Bulldogs for sale Virginia, you might not be able to find the right pup at local rescue centers. How do I know that my French Bulldog will be healthy? The vetted breeders and businesses of the Uptown Network always carry our nose-to-tail veterinary checks of their French Bulldog puppies in Virginia, providing you with full health reports and giving you all the details you need to know. This way, when you buy a Virginia French Bulldog for sale from one of our featured sellers, you won't have to worry about any hidden health problems Is it enough to walk my Frenchie, or do they need more exercise? French Bulldog puppies for sale Virginia aren't the most energetic dogs around, and they can get by with a single moderate-length walk each day, but they still need regular playtime and other forms of physical and mental stimulation in order to lead happy, fulfilling lives. If a French Bulldog for sale in Virginia doesn't get enough exercise, it might start gaining weight and developing health issues. How do I know I can trust Uptown? Looking for a French Bulldog Virginia online can feel quite intimidating, and it's hard to know which sites you can trust. At Uptown, we strive on a daily basis to be your No. What type of dog is a French Bulldog? Virginia French Bulldogs for sale are all unique, with their own little quirks and personality traits, but most Frenchies tend to be very fun, affectionate, inquisitive animals that like to spend time with people of all ages. They're super friendly and like to learn new things too, so can be quite active around the home, but also appreciate a good nap and lots of cuddles on their best friend's lap.

Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Goldador Overview The idea was to create a working dog with the sensitivity of the Golden Retriever and the tolerance of the Labrador Retriever. It worked. Cross them, and the result is the unequivocally genial Goldador. Thanks to their easygoing nature and keen intelligence, Goldadors have proven outstanding guide dogs, service dogs, search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and bomb detection dogs. But like their parent breeds, Goldadors are happiest simply working alongside a person they love. Goldadors are active and require at least half an hour of daily exercise — most enjoy retrieving games as well as hiking and swimming. Training the eager-to-please Goldador is relatively easy — they come from a long line of dogs who work closely and willingly with people. This makes them an excellent choice for first-time owners, provided they get the exercise, structure, and positive reinforcement they crave. Goldadors are also a good option for families with children though they can be a bit rambunctious for toddlers , as they want nothing more than to be part of family activities. The ideal residence for a Goldador is a home with a fenced yard, but with regular exercise and companionship they can live and thrive in apartments and condos. Whatever his home, a Goldador should live indoors with his people. Goldadors are good family dogs and generally do well with children of all ages. The Goldador sheds moderately and requires weekly brushing. Goldadors require about 30 minutes of exercise per day. They enjoy being outdoors and can make excellent jogging companions. Although a house with a fenced yard is the ideal home for a Goldador, he can do well in an apartment or condo with proper exercise. Goldadors can be a good choice for first-time dog owners. Goldador History The Goldador was first developed more than a decade ago: the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever were crossed with the hopes of creating a sensitive, tolerant working dog. The effort proved successful. At this time, there are no breed clubs or any efforts to create a breed standard for the Goldador. Goldador Size The Goldador is one of the few designer breeds with a fairly predictable size, as both parent breeds are large and similar in size and shape. The Goldador is usually 22 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 60 to 80 pounds. Goldador Personality The Goldador is affectionate and loyal, alert enough to make an excellent watchdog, but too friendly to be an effective guard dog. His intelligence and desire to please render him highly trainable, and he responds best to positive reinforcement techniques. Socialization helps ensure that your Goldador puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Goldador Health Goldadors are prone to certain health conditions. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but it can be worsened by environmental factors, such as rapid growth from a high-calorie diet or injuries incurred from jumping or falling on slick floors. Elbow Dysplasia is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem, or medication and weight loss to control the pain. Cataracts are an opacity on the lens of the eye that causes difficulty in seeing. The eye s of the dog will have a cloudy appearance. Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels are regulated in part by insulin, which is produced in the pancreas. Glucose sugar is needed by the cells of the body to burn for energy; insulin is the key that lets the glucose into the cell. Without insulin, the glucose cannot enter the cell, so the cells are hungry even though there are high levels of glucose circulating in the blood. A diabetic dog will eat more food to try to compensate, but he will lose weight because food is not being used efficiently. Signs of diabetes are excessive urination and thirst, increased appetite, and weight loss. Diabetes can be controlled by diet and daily insulin injections. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA : This is a degenerative eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. PRA is detectable years before the dog shows any signs of blindness. Fortunately, dogs can use their other senses to compensate for blindness, and a blind dog can live a full and happy life. Both parents should have health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for hips, elbows, heart, and thyroid and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation CERF certifying that the eyes are normal. Goldador Care The ideal home for a Goldador is a house with a fenced yard where he can play safely; however, he can do well in an apartment or condo if he gets daily walks or runs. Interested in dog sports? Goldadors make formidable competitors in agility and flyball. Mental stimulation is crucial as well. Teach your Goldador to fetch the paper or your slippers, practice obedience training regularly with him, and put his mind to work from time to time with an interactive dog toy. As with all dogs, positive reinforcement techniques praise, play, and food rewards work best with the Goldador. Goldador Feeding Recommended daily amount: 3. Note: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. For more on feeding your Goldador, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Goldador Coat Color And Grooming A Goldador should have the same double coat as a Labrador Retriever, with a short, thick, straight topcoat and a soft, dense undercoat some have a slight wave down the back. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush will remove dead hair, helping to keep it off your clothes and furniture. During seasonal shedding periods, however, daily brushing is recommended. Bathe your Goldador as needed, and be sure to give him a thorough freshwater rinse any time he goes swimming. The Goldador can be prone to ear infections, so check and clean the ears weekly. Other grooming needs include dental hygiene and nail care. Trim his nails once or twice a month, as needed. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth and ears. Goldador Children And Other Pets Goldadors are an ideal family companion and are generally gentle and loving toward children of all ages. As puppies, they can be a bit rambunctious and may knock over smaller children unintentionally, so close supervision is important. Social and easy-going, Goldadors do well with other dogs and pets, especially when raised together. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how good-natured, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Goldador Rescue Groups There are no official rescue groups for the Goldador, but this cross is frequently available at private and municipal animal shelters. More Info For You. Breed Title Goldador Puppies Temperament Goldadors are an amazing combination of the intelligence and trainability of the Labrador and the friendly, gentle personality of the Golden Retriever. With their outgoing, friendly character and sweet disposition, Goldadors make excellent family pets around children and other animals as they have a great aptitude for understanding people. In terms of temperament, these beloved pups are highly sociable but not overly boisterous or hyper; they enjoy playing fetch but rest just as happily on your lap or at your feet while you work. Golden Labrador Retriever Puppy Health Considerations Though generally very happy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around years — our Goldadors for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Golden Labrador Retriever puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. Finding a Golden Labrador puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can also dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. Depending on the climate they live in, Goldadors may need regular baths — however omitting shampoo once or twice a year will ensure their coat retains its natural oils. Finally it is recommended to check the ears regularly and trim nails as needed. Adopted Golden Labrador Retriever Puppies. Labrador Retriever Mix, or a Goldador Dog. The Goldador dog is a playful and good-natured, large dog. When you cross a purebred Labrador Retriever with a purebred Golden Retriever , even though both parents are recognized purebred dog breeds, the result — the Goldador — is a hybrid dog; recently known as a designer dog. Designer breeds come in a variety of coat colors and types, depending on the genes and appearance of the parent breeds. This cross-breed dog has parents with hunting and retrieving skills. They are often used as therapy dogs, guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and other types of service dogs, even bomb detection: but not as a guard dog or watchdog! This hybrid dog breed has the classic appearance of the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever dogs; inheriting their friendly, smiley face and their big brown eyes. The Labrador Golden Retriever mix is soft, loving, and intelligent. This is a large, bouncy, and easy-going dog that loves to be active. It will want to be wherever you are; in your bed, on your sofa or in the bathroom with you! A Goldador puppy is simply adorable. But remember, nowhere is private with a Goldador around! Fact: When two different dog breeds are intentionally mixed it called a designer dog; any hybrid dog will inherit its characteristics and health problems from both parent breeds but the result will not be seen until the puppy is born and observed as it grows up. A Goldador is friendly and will always want to be close to you. In , Lord Tweedmouth, a British Aristocrat, wanted a loyal and hard-working gundog to retrieve waterfowl while hunting on his estate in Scotland. So he crossed a wavy-coated yellow retriever sire with a Tweed Water Spaniel dam and produced 3 Golden-colored Retriever puppies. Fact: the Tweed Water Spaniel is now an extinct dog breed. Lord Tweedmouth mixed this new breed Retriever with an Irish Setter dog to breed the recognized Golden Retriever dog breed. In , the Golden Retriever dog breed was registered by the UK Kennel Club, and they quickly became popular as family pets and show dogs. Parent 2: A brief history of the Labrador Retriever parent — a purebred dog The Labrador Retriever is the best-loved and most popular dog breed in the world! It has a solid- color double coat in one of 3 colors; pure black, chocolate brown, or yellow. Whatever the coat color this is just a good looking dog breed for any level of dog owner or family member. The Labrador Retriever dog is from Newfoundland, Canada, and was used by fishermen to retrieve fish from nets and catch those that escaped back into the sea. They are good swimmers and have a gentle mouth grip that will not further destroy any prey they are ordered to retrieve. The Newfoundland and Labrador Province, in Canada, provided this hunting and retrieving dog with its name — the Labrador Retriever or Lab to its friends! The Newfoundland Labrador Retriever dog breed came to Great Britain around , to be used as gun dogs for retrieving waterfowl from land and water, during the shooting season, in Scotland and England. Ongoing breeding is believed to have continued the pure Newfoundland lab bloodline in our Labrador Retriever breed today. Meet the offspring: The hybrid offspring of these two purebred dogs is the Golden Retriever Lab mix — the Goldador puppy. This mixed breed puppy will be happy, affectionate, and will easily become a family member for sure. Fact: Designer dogs are increasing in popularity and so is the trend to give them a cute combo name that reflects a bit of both parent names. The Goldador puppy will inherit characteristics from both parents. What are the main characteristics of a Golden Retriever Lab Mix? Like any other crossbreed, a Labrador Golden Retriever Labrador mix can inherit the characteristics of either parent or both. Crossbreed dogs, like The Goldador, are no more likely to inherit health issues than purebred dogs; in fact, it is believed they may actually be stronger. Any mixed puppy can inherit all, some, or none of the health issues its parent breeds have. It can be heavily weighted towards the characteristics of one parent more than the other. The characteristics of The Goldador are a combination of nature and nurture: genetics of the parents, the environment, and the quality, type and amount of training and socialization. The Goldador — possible coat colors Both Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever parents have a thick, double coat: a water-resistant topcoat and a warm undercoat. Therefore the Goldador will inherit the same double coat but is likely to be short-haired like the Labrador. With its impressive and popular parent breed mix it will be loyal with a loving temperament and good around children and other dogs. It will be caring and become and active companion, that just wants to be by your side all the time. Reputation: This large Golden Labrador mix breed dog comes from two of the best-loved and most popular dog breeds. This is why they can make such good service and guide dogs, therapy dogs or even search and rescue dogs. They will still need to be trained and socialized early to teach them how to use that energy positively and learn how to behave in public. They are people-friendly and need exercise. They would not make a good guard dog, or watchdogs as they are approachable with strangers and make friends easily. So watch your slippers! Trainability: The trainability of this intelligent Golden Labrador mixed breed should be easy. The Goldador needs to be trained and socialized early as it will inherit a herding instinct and be highly active. They may attempt to take over and herd small children and smaller pets so they need to be controlled. Positive reinforcement and small treats will work well but not harsh discipline, or any form of negative punishment or physical restraint. Power and intelligence: This mixed breed dog is very intelligent, strong, and active with a herding and working drive. It will enjoy and need working challenges incorporating mental and physical stimulation, but it will be curious and want to investigate the other side of the fence. Socialization: Early socialization and discipline are strongly recommended for any crossbred dog especially those with herding and service dog parents. The Labrador Golden Retriever Mix wants to be active and occupied; if bored it may become destructive and bark. When trained and socialized this mixed breed dog will be approachable and friendly around all types of people, children, and other animals. Purpose: Any herding or working dog will want to be useful and please its owner. It will need to be trained and socialized early as it will help with control its excitement in public and develop obedience norms. It will form an early bond and lasting companionship with its owner. Either parent will still give it an athletic, well-balanced build and a strong working ethic. Tomato leaves stem or unripe fruit Alcohol, beer, wine or liquor Grapes or raisins Golden Retriever Crossed with Labrador Exercise Requirements The Lab Golden Retriever Mix has an active temperament so they might get destructive if they get bored. It is recommended to exercise them at least 2 hours daily. Getting them to do physical activities every day will help keep him happy and healthy. Here are some outdoor activities that you can try with your Golden Retriever Lab Mix: Hiking: It is a great way to turn your daily walk more challenging and exciting for your dog. Swimming: Utilize your private pool and do a swimming exercise with your dog companion. Swimming does not only serve as an exercise activity to yourself and to your companion dog, but it is also a great bonding experience. It also provides relief from the heat during the summer months. Make sure you supervise your dog all the time while doing this activity. Dock Diving: This is a fun sports activity to enjoy with your dog. All you have to do is throw a floating toy and encourage your dog to jump and swim out to retrieve it. If you and your Golden Retriever Lab Mix want to upgrade the challenge, you can try joining a Dock Diving Club and compete with other dogs. Play Fetch: This is a classic outdoor game that is great to do in summer. Challenge your dog by putting a twist to the activity, you can either use a Frisbee or a tennis racquet to make the object travel farther for your Golden Labrador to retrieve and return back to you. However, you should not be working them too much because when it comes to recovering objects, both parent breeds of Golden Retriever Lab Mix can be overly enthusiastic. However, even though they are intelligent dogs and has a friendly nature, you still need to put time and effort to train them better. Both parent breeds were bred to carry things. The best way to teach your Goldador not to bark is to socialize them frequently with strangers. Use Positive Reinforcement The Labrador crossed with Golden Retriever is a sensitive type of dog, so training them using positive reinforcement will be very helpful. Make sure to avoid negative punishment-based training since this hybrid dog may end up fearing you rather than respecting you as their leader. Make it a regular routine to reward your puppy whenever they do something right. Training your Goldador consistently in a positive method will give you pet companions that are obedient and good-natured. Do Mental Exercise The Golden Retriever mixed with Lab is an intelligent dog, and they need stimulating mental activities to avoid developing any aggressive behaviors, such as nuisance barking and chewing. Without proper mental exercise, Goldador puppies will grow into a passive, timid and uninspired dog. Labrador Golden Retriever Mix and Families Despite its large size, the Labrador mixed with Golden Retriever is a great family dog because of its easy-going personality. It is extremely friendly and affectionate. The Goldador is the type of dog that goes well in a loving and active family — one that considers him as a family member. The Golden Labradors cherish the company with children. They are naturally gentle, but they can play tirelessly as long as your kids can keep up. However, due to their sheer size, supervision is still needed around toddlers and infants. The Goldadors makes an excellent therapy and companion dog. Because of their affectionate nature, they generally do well when given lots of attention and affection. These hybrid dogs love to be with people, and hence it is tough for them to cope with solitude. So give love lots of love and affection to your Goldador Lab Retriever Mix and expect that it will shower you back with love. The double coat has a soft undercoat below a rough top coat that is water resistant. Either way, their coat will be fairly high maintenance. Shedding and Grooming Your new friend is going to shed, sometimes a lot. Both parent breeds heavily shed their coats with the change of seasons twice a year. For the rest of the year, expect a moderate level of shedding. Increased brushing during transitional times can help catch the loose hairs and stop them from spreading everywhere. Golden Retriever Labrador mixes will need weekly brushing, likely more during shedding season. Their nails should be trimmed regularly as well. Are They Hypoallergenic? The Goldador dog will not be hypoallergenic. They are high shedders, spreading dander from skin and saliva liberally around your home! With designer breeds like the Golden Retriever Lab, you can only make an educated guess about their temperament based on the general demeanor of their parents as well as the temperament of the parent breeds as a whole. If they are left alone a lot, they may become very destructive to your home. They will chew out of boredom or anxiety. As many Lab lovers know, these dogs do not know a stranger. Generally, the Goldador will get on well with children and other pets. Socialization Socialization from an early age is important for any breed, including the Golden Retriever Lab. Even though it hails from overly friendly and sociable breeds, there are still no guarantees to the temperament of your dog. Since training and socialization are both best started early on, puppy training classes can be a great way to both train and socialize your puppy at the same time. Training Tips The Goldador has an easygoing and eager to please temperament that helps make them highly trainable. Owners should start training early, from the time their puppy comes home. The parent breeds have a long history as service dogs, bomb detection dogs, hunting dogs, and now therapy dogs. Obedience classes will help create a well-mannered dog but also strengthens the bond between the dog and owner. Since Goldadors grow to be large dogs, obedience is also important to prevent them from jumping up at your guests! Energy Levels Golden Retriever Labrador puppies will grow into high-energy adults with a love for playing and a passion for retrieving! A Labrador Golden Retriever Mix makes a great companion for jogging, hiking, or cycling. This is a breed that also loves to swim. Canine sports, like agility, obedience trials, and tracking, are also a great way to keep your dog physically active, mentally stimulated, and out of trouble. As a very social breed, they do best as indoor dogs, but with a large, fenced in yard to run around. In addition to self-exercise, they need walks or other forms of daily activity with their owners. Exercise is especially important for the health of your Goldador since both Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers have a tendency to develop elbow and hip dysplasia. Weight management is one way of combating these joint problems. Health and Care All pedigree dog breeds are inbred to some extent. The measure of this is called the coefficient of inbreeding COI. The higher the COI, the greater the risks of health issues arising specifically from inbreeding. In a crossbreed such as the Goldador, the COI is usually much lower than it is in a purebred dog, and this is a good thing. To begin to look at the health and care of a Goldador we first need to consider the inherited health risks from both parent breeds Labrador and Golden Retriever. Labrador Health Labrador Retrievers are prone to a few hereditary health conditions and joint problems, as well as some health issues common to most dogs. To help minimize the likelihood of hereditary health issues in your new Goldador pup, check that your breeder has followed the recommended testing for the Labrador Retriever breed: Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis HNKP. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Labrador is a designer dog breed that originated in the United States. They are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever. The goal was to combine these two highly popular breeds to create a dog that exhibits the best traits from both of them. A mixed dog breed can take after one parent breed more than the other or any combination of traits from the parent breeds. This can result in some variation among individual puppies. But, overall, a Golden Labrador is friendly, intelligent, energetic, and affectionate. Although this mixed breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club and more. This large designer breed is characterized by their energetic personality and friendly disposition. Both of the parent breeds in this cross are open, friendly, and affectionate, so you can expect the same in your Golden Labrador puppy. They are very playful and get along fabulously with children, other dogs, and other pets. They may be alert enough to be a good watchdog, but they do not make good guard dogs. They are instinctually more interested in making new friends and getting attention than they are with anything else. They can have a slight prey drive, but most of the time, they are just curious and interested in playing and making friends. The Golden Labrador is a moderately adaptable dog breed. Their large size and energy tend to make them a better fit for larger homes with room to run. They can adapt well to apartment living as long as they are given enough exercise and mental stimulation. But, small spaces can be a challenge because they are large dogs that are so playful and energetic. Golden Labradors do well in just about any climate. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because they love their families, thrive on attention, and get bored easily, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. As a mixed breed, a Golden Labrador can inherit the potential health conditions of one or both of the parent breeds. Although the Golden Labrador is a relatively healthy dog breed, there are some potential health conditions to be aware of. These include eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy and joint issues common to large dogs like patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. Like their parent breeds, the Golden Labrador can be prone to weight gain, which does put them at risk of diabetes later in life. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to ensure genetic conditions are not being passed on to puppies. Regular vet visits, proper nutrition, and sufficient exercise can help keep your dog healthy and reduce preventable diseases. Both of the parent breeds in this cross are highly intelligent and highly trainable, so the Golden Labrador should be no different. Eager to please their owners, these dogs pick up on things quickly and respond best to positive training methods focused on praise and reward. This dog breed, like both of the parent breeds, is a great fit for owners of all experience levels, including first-time dog owners. Their high energy can sometimes be a challenge, so you may want to consider puppy training and obedience classes. This designer dog breed may be called a Golden Labrador, but they can show up in many colors. A cream, yellow, or golden coat may be the most common, but a Golden Labrador can also have a black, red, or brown coat. It tends to be a dense double coat that is short or medium in length. This dog breed will shed moderately year-round with heavier shedding sessions twice a year as the seasons change. During seasonal changes, you may want to increase to daily brushing. Not only will this make your dog more comfortable, but it will also decrease the amount of loose fur that ends up around your house. In addition to coat care, you will also need to handle nail, ear, and dental care for your Golden Labrador. Floppy ears tend to trap more dirt, moisture, and debris, which makes them more prone to developing ear infections than ears that stick straight up. Unfortunately, this is often overlooked, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Beyond that, you can use vet-approved dental hygiene chews and treats and even a specially-formulated dental care diet to supplement your efforts. Getting them used to it early and keeping it a positive experience can make grooming a lot easier as your puppy grows into a big dog! Plus, it can become a bonding experience that your dog looks forward to. Golden Labradors are high-energy dogs. Daily walks, playtime, and some extra activity are generally enough for this dog to stay happy and healthy. But, they will probably tire out before you do! Their friendly nature makes the Golden Labrador a great fit for trips to the dog park. Try teaching your dog how to play frisbee. With their retriever background, it could become one of their favorite activities. You can also train your Golden Labrador for several dog sports like agility, dock diving, obedience, and more. A fully-grown Golden Labrador usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. A Golden Labrador generally lives years. Although Golden Labrador is the most popular name for this designer dog breed, they are also sometimes referred to as a Goldador or a Goldador Retriever. Featured Golden Labrador Article.

However one of the kids was too small. Instead, we shopped for something nice to take home, and to have a fab meatball lunch. The older child chose Gosig, and he is just the right size for a 5 year old. Perfect travel buddy. Except Grandma wants one, too! So soft and cuddly. I really love this Dogs I bought the big one and the small one to give them to my daughter and she will always remember that I love her since the day she was born from my heart5 Cute dogDamaris A. I had one of these for our golden that passed away a couple years ago. I needed a new one for me to keep to remember all the good times she had with her baby golden plushy. I bought this puppy for my grandson. It is so cute and very soft. I'm sure he will love it when he comes to visit! Soft and good quality. Nieces love it!!! Lexi B. My daughter has had this thing forever, her big sister passed it on to her and it still holding up! But his name is chicito! She loves them both! This one is no exception. It is very soft and my son loves it. CathySo soft and very cuddly! The 5th we've purchased! ROBOh we have this toy for our dog and we've also given it to several friends for their dogs. Interestingly our dog never tears apart IKEA toys and they are very easy to machine wash. We luckily found it a few weeks later… but even a back up wont suffice at this point. This was a major setback for Children's IKEA, but it was a setback that would lead to important safety improvements. All soft toys were removed from the store as Carina tried to call her colleagues in Sweden. The fact that the eye came off despite all risk analyses and safety checks was very serious. Still, in hindsight, he still sees that it led to something really good. More personal expression The incident also led to the decision to not use plastic eyes at all. Embroidered eyes were not only safer, they also proved to give more character and personality to the toys. It's a loved friend to play with and find comfort with - and which parents can always feel secure about. We put our toys to the test — up against the toughest in the world much tougher than any two-year-old. All so you can worry less and they can play more. Function solution Soft toys to hug, again and again We know our soft toys should handle many years of love. Simple to keep clean and fresh since they can be machined washed. It's all free. Reviews excellentPat F. He has the puppy and the loin and he tries to cuddle with both of them at the same time. MariaHe loves it! Well built, it should easily stand up to the elementary school students at my wife's school. He is fairly gentle with these soft wonders but when small holes develop where he is overzealous, I sew then rebuy. Same with the big Goldens - we always have at least two of each. Thanks, Ikea!! He loves it! Thanks for this wonderful product. He loves tossing it around! I throw it in the washer when needed. This is his second one; they get a little limp over time but otherwise hold up well. Barbara S. He was a little broken hearted so I bought him the larger one since he is a big boy of 4 now. Thank you so much for such beautiful, well made, easy to love soft toys! KristinI bought this cutie because it reminds me of my sister's dog. It's almost as cute as the real thing- almost! It's a great plush overall - I love the details and the size. This was a major setback for Children's IKEA, but it was a setback that would lead to important safety improvements. All soft toys were removed from the store as Carina tried to call her colleagues in Sweden. The fact that the eye came off despite all risk analyses and safety checks was very serious. Still, in hindsight, he still sees that it led to something really good. More personal expression The incident also led to the decision to not use plastic eyes at all. Embroidered eyes were not only safer, they also proved to give more character and personality to the toys. It's a loved friend to play with and find comfort with - and which parents can always feel secure about. We put our toys to the test — up against the toughest in the world much tougher than any two-year-old. All so you can worry less and they can play more. Function solution Soft toys to hug, again and again We know our soft toys should handle many years of love. Simple to keep clean and fresh since they can be machined washed. It's all free.

They are almost square in appearance, with a strong body and sturdy legs. The maximum height for a male is 24 inches, which puts them in the medium-size dog category, but their sturdy build can make them seem much larger. Weights range from 85 pounds for a large male to 55 pounds for a smaller female. Field line bred dogs are often taller and somewhat thinner in build. Labrador retrievers are easily recognized by their broad head, drop ears and large, expressive eyes. Two trademarks of the Lab are the thick but fairly short double coat, which is very water repellent, and the well known "otter tail. The feet are described as "webbed," with longer skin between the toes to aid in swimming. The Labrador retriever is a moderately fast maturing breed, reaching adult height from six to 12 months, but possibly still filling out up to 2 years of age. Many Labs reach 12 to 14 years of age. Personality: In general, Labrador retrievers are excellent family dogs, as long as you keep in mind their need for exercise and training. These are dogs bred to work and work hard and they love to have jobs to do, particularly retrieving. Labs are usually good with other dogs, other pets, and children as long as training has toned down their natural exuberance. They are strong dogs and need some obedience training at an early age or they can be seen dragging their owners down the street at will. Owing to their energetic nature, Labradors who are left alone or not well exercised can become destructive — chewing, digging and barking to excess. The field line dogs are especially high-energy dogs, while some of the show line dogs become perfect couch potatoes at an early age. Chewing can be a problem because the strong retrieve urge gives them an oral fixation. Sturdy chew toys, exercise and training all help with this. Living With: Obviously, Labradors have a number of endearing traits or they would not be so popular. They are intelligent and fairly easy to train, partly from their desire to work with people. They are "easy keepers" and can become overweight if they are not exercised and food portions adjusted as needed. Labs are excellent family dogs because they do want to be with people and many do not do well as kennel dogs. Labradors do tend to be protective of their families and homes but are usually happy to greet company, too. With the strong retrieving instinct, they can develop into destructive chewers if not given appropriate toys and guidance. Labs may tend to "mouth" people and the solution is often simply to give them a toy to carry around, so their mouths are already full! These are very strong dogs and early training is necessary to have a dog that walks nicely on lead. The wonderful double coat that keeps the Labrador warm while retrieving in icy water also gives this breed top billing as shedders. Normally, their coats do fine with a quick weekly grooming, but at shedding time daily grooming is needed. The amount of exercise they need varies with the different lines: field line dogs can run all day, whereas show line dogs only need moderate exercise. History: Early in the s, some of the multipurpose dogs used in North America mostly Canada by hunters were shipped back to England. Many of these "water dogs" were of the Newfoundland type, but the smaller ones were often designated "St John's" dogs. In England, the breed was developed and refined probably with some flat-coated retriever input into the breed we recognize today. As is evidenced by their name, Labrador retrievers were bred and selected for their outstanding retrieving abilities, particularly in water. They have worked as partners with duck hunters in all kinds of weather and conditions. Their intelligence and desire to work as a partner with man has led to many other jobs, and to their current status as popular pets. Today, Labradors excel as service and guide dogs, family pets, scenting dogs for the military, customs and arson task force dogs, search and rescue dogs as well as hunting companions and performance dogs. The breed's good nature has propelled it to the number one ranking in popularity in America, a position it intends to keep. Despite their fame as indoor pets, they are even more at home outdoors. It should always be remembered that Labradors are water retrievers at heart and from early on, puppies show a strong desire to carry things around with them and a strong attraction to water, even puddles! Related Pet Care Articles. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Built for sport, the Lab is muscular and athletic. They have a short, easy-care coat, friendly demeanor, keen intelligence, and plenty of energy. Devotion to this breed runs deep; Labs are loving, people-oriented dogs who live to serve their families, and owners and fans sometimes liken their Labs to angels. The breed originated on the island of Newfoundland, off the northeastern Atlantic coast of Canada. Originally called the St. Today, most Labs skip the hard labor and spend their days being pampered and loved by their people. However, some Labs still serve as indispensable working dogs. They also excel as a search and rescue dog or as a retriever for hunters, thanks to their athletic build, strong nose, and courageous nature. And Labs have also become the breed to beat at dog sports such as agility and obedience competitions, especially obedience. In fact, owners say their sweet, helpful Lab is likely to greet an intruder and happily show them where the goods are stashed. One role has remained constant: wonderful companion and friend. Labrador Retriever Highlights Friendly and outgoing. Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are good with people of all ages and other animals. Intelligent and trainable. Labrador Retrievers are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are often used as working dogs, such as guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and therapy dogs. Active and playful. Labrador Retrievers are active dogs that need plenty of exercise. They enjoy playing fetch, swimming, and other activities. Loyal and devoted. Labrador Retrievers are loyal and devoted dogs that make great family pets. They are known for their gentle nature and love of children. Grooming needs are minimal. Labrador Retrievers have a short, thick coat that is easy to groom. They only need to be brushed a few times a week and bathed as needed. Overall, the Labrador Retriever is a versatile and popular dog breed that makes a great family pet. They are friendly, intelligent, and trainable, and they have a low grooming requirement. If you are considering getting a Labrador Retriever, be sure to do your research to find a reputable breeder. Labrador Retrievers are wonderful dogs, but they require a lot of time and attention. They are not a good choice for people who are not active or who do not have a lot of time to spend with their pets. Originally called St. Although their heritage is unknown, many believe the St. The second Earl of Malmesbury was one of the first, and had St. The third Earl of Malmesbury was the first person to refer to the dogs as Labradors. In Newfoundland, the breed disappeared because of government restrictions and tax laws. Families were allowed to keep no more than one dog, and owning a female was highly taxed, so girl puppies were culled from litters. In England, however, the breed survived, and the Kennel Club recognized the Labrador Retriever as a distinct breed in .They also top the list in Canada and England. Today, Labs work in drug and explosive detection, search and rescue, therapy, assistance to those with disabilities, and as retrievers for hunters. They also excel in all forms of dog competitions: show, field, agility, and obedience. Labrador Retriever Size Males stand .Females stand .Aside from a winning personality, they have the intelligence and eagerness to please that make them easy to train. Training is definitely necessary because this breed has a lot of energy and exuberance. The working heritage of the Lab means they are active. This breed needs activity, both physical and mental, to keep them happy. There is some variation in the activity level of Labs: some are rowdy, others are more laid back. All thrive on activity. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia : This is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem or medication to control the pain. Osteochondrosis Dissecans OCD : This orthopedic condition, caused by improper growth of cartilage in the joints, usually occurs in the elbows, but it has been seen in the shoulders, as well. It causes a painful stiffening of the joint, to the point that the dog is unable to bend his elbow. It can be detected in dogs as early as four to nine months of age. Cataracts : As in humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow over time. Cataracts can usually be surgically removed with good results. Early in the disease, dogs become night-blind. As the disease progresses, they lose their daytime vision, as well. Many dogs adapt to limited or complete vision loss very well, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Epilepsy : Labs can suffer from epilepsy, which causes mild or severe seizures. Seizures may be exhibited by unusual behavior, such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Puppies are born with TVD, which is a malformation of the tricuspid valve on the right side of the heart. It can be mild or severe; some dogs live with no symptoms, others die. TVD is detected by ultrasound. Research is ongoing to learn how widespread it is in the breed, as well as treatment. Myopathy : Myopathy affects the muscles and nervous system. The first signs are seen early, as young as six weeks and often by seven months of age. A puppy with myopathy is tired, stiff when he walks and trots. He may collapse after exercise. In time, the muscles atrophy and the dog can barely stand or walk. There is no treatment, but rest and keeping the dog warm seems to reduce symptoms. Dogs with myopathy should not be bred because it is considered a heritable disease. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid themselves of the excess air in their stomach, and blood flow to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is drooling excessively, and retching without throwing up. Theyalso may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. If you notice these symptoms, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Acute Moist Dermatitis: Acute moist dermatitis is a skin condition in which the skin red and inflamed. It is caused by a bacterial infection. The more common name of this health concern is hot spots. Treatment includes clipping the hair, bathing in medicated shampoo, and antibiotics. Cold Tail : Cold tail is a benign, though painful condition common to Labs and other retrievers. The dog may bite at the tail. It is thought to be a problem with the muscles between the vertebrae in the tail. Weekly checking and cleaning if necessary helps prevent infection. Labrador Retriever Care The lovable Lab needs to be around their family, and is definitely not a backyard dog. Labs show some variation in their activity levels, but all of them need activity, both physical and mental. Daily minute walks, a romp at the dog park, or a game of fetch, are a few ways to help your Lab burn off energy. However, a puppy should not be taken for too long walks and should play for a few minutes at a time. It is up to you to end play and training sessions. Without training, a rambunctious Lab puppy will soon grow to be a very large, rowdy dog. Luckily, Labs take to training well; in fact, they often excel in obedience competitions. Start with puppy kindergarten , which not only teaches your pup good canine manners, but helps them learn how to be comfortable around other dogs and people. Look for a class that uses positive training methods that reward the dog for getting it right, rather than punishing them for getting it wrong. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility, with its one-inch jumps. Labrador Retriever Feeding Recommended daily amount: 2. They've won the dog personality popularity contest for so many years, as Labs are devoted to their owners—always willing to show you their affection and receive your adoration in return—are highly intelligent, and are happiest doing any and all family activities. Their enthusiasm not only makes them fun to be around, but also makes them a hard-working breed. Labs are companionable, bonding with all family members, and famously friendly to every person and pup they meet. While they have high energy and require lots of activity , they are eager to please and highly trainable. Appearance Thanks to their role as a hunter's companion, the Labrador retriever is a sturdy dog, weighing in at anywhere from 55—80 pounds. Labs come in three colors: chocolate, black, and yellow. While black Labs were an early favorite with breeders, all three types of Labs are common today. Some breeders do offer "rare" Labs, including polar white, fox red, and even silver, but these are simply variations of the three original Lab coloring combinations. Their top coat is short and thick. Their undercoat is softer and helps provide protection from the weather, especially cold temperatures and water, a nod to their original role as retrievers. A Lab's tail serves a purpose in their heritage as well. They are thick and tapered, an "otter tail" that acts as a rudder when Labs swim. But watch out on land—this happy breed gets to wagging their tail often and eagerly, and won't stop if you happen to be in the way. Yellow Labs might be easy to confuse with golden retrievers. Though both are friendly pups and popular with families, they distinctly different breeds. Temperament "The ideal disposition is one of a kindly, outgoing, tractable nature; eager to please and non aggressive towards man or animal," the breed standard says. They are friendly with new people and animals they meet. Tops in the personality department, Labs are also highly intelligent, making them very trainable. They do have lots of energy, so you'll need to stay active with them, but they are also happy to relax at home for family movie night. What many veterinarians do find, however, is that each Lab is an individual with his own personality. Some Labs are more mellow, while others can be higher energy. Some tend to be more anxious dogs. And you can even have a Lab that is a bit of a goofball. But no matter what personality your Lab puppy grows to develop, one thing is always the same. Living Needs Labs adore their owners. They will want to live indoors and sleep as close as possible to you—or even on you. They like to get outside to play, but don't leave them unattended for too long as they may prove they have a naughty side. Labs have been known to dig and chew, so invest in plenty of sturdy chew toys to keep yours entertained. If properly introduced and trained, Labs can also get along well with other pets in the home including cats , other dogs, and small animals. They are competitors, doing well in agility, field tests, and at dog shows. And they absolutely love to swim. Care When you welcome a Lab to your home, be prepared for lots of shedding. Grooming isn't substantial, but brushing your dog daily will help reduce the tumbleweeds of fur scattered about your house from their thick double coat. They should be bathed every other month to keep them smelling fresh. Brushing their teeth a couple of times a week, keeping their nails trimmed —likely once or twice a month—and checking their ears for redness or odor should also be on your Lab care checklist. A daily minute walk or a lively game of fetch will help your pup burn off some of his energy. Lack of activity could lead to undesirable behavior, but don't overdo it—this "workaholic" breed is apt to exhaust itself. Don't let Lab puppies run and play on hard surfaces for their first two years so they don't damage their joints. Of course their reputation for good behavior precedes them, but that doesn't mean you can skip training sessions with your Lab. Training is important to ensure they don't grow to become too rowdy. Introduce Labrador puppies to other humans and animals early to help socialize them properly. This, coupled with ample positive reinforcement , will allow your pup to grow into the friendly Lab many know and love. Health Labs are a pretty hearty and healthy breed , living 10—12 years. But, as with all breeds, there are some common conditions to be aware of. Elbow and hip dysplasia , heart disorders such as tricuspid valve dysplasia TVD , epilepsy , and hereditary myopathy or muscle weakness can all affect Labs. They can also face eye conditions, including progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts. Owners should also be aware of a condition called exercise induced collapse EIC. Labs may also develop hot spots —or acute moist dermatitis—cold tail, and ear infections. History A bit misnamed, Labs actually come from Newfoundland—off the northeastern coast of Canada—not Labrador, according to the Labrador Retriever Club. Descended from St. John's water dogs, Labradors are a traditional waterdog used to retrieve ducks and keep fishermen company. At the end of the work day, Labs were then happy to head home to spend the night with the fishermen's families. They became increasingly popular starting in the early s, when they were brought to England by nobles who appreciated their work ethic and disposition. Public Domain It may be hard to believe, but by the s, Labs were almost extinct because of government restrictions and tax laws—the same laws that led to the St. John's water dogs' extinction, according to the Canadian Broadcast Corporation. Thankfully saved by English breeders, they were introduced to the U. After World War II, the Lab's popularity took over and grew for decades until they ultimately achieved the status of America's—and England and Canada's—most popular pooch. Fun Facts In , for the 29th year in a row, the Lab was voted the number one most popular breed. King Buck was the model Labrador retriever featured on a U. Another famous Lab is Ben of Hyde , born in .Considered the first documented yellow Lab, today most lines of yellow Labs can be traced to his bloodline. The star of the show, Marley, is actually several different Labs who played the role to reflect the various age stages of Marley during the film. His family adopted another chocolate Lab, Seamus , after Clinton's presidency ended. Was this page helpful? Dog domestic dog The Labrador Retriever, or simply Labrador, is a British breed of retriever gun dog. It was developed in the United Kingdom from fishing dogs imported from the colony of Newfoundland now a province of Canada , and was named after the Labrador region of that colony. It is among the most commonly kept dogs in several countries, particularly in the European world. The Labrador is friendly, energetic, and playful. It may also be trained as a guide or assistance dog , or for rescue or therapy work. Another early advocate of these Newfoundland fishing dogs was the 2nd Earl of Malmesbury , who bred them for their expertise in waterfowling. The dogs Buccleuch Avon and Buccleuch Ned, given by Malmesbury to Buccleuch, were mated with bitches carrying blood from those originally imported by the 5th Duke and the 10th Earl of Home. The offspring are the ancestors of all modern Labradors. John's water dogs bred by European settlers in Newfoundland were first introduced to Britain from ships trading between Canada and Poole in Dorset. These were then bred with British hunting dogs to create what became known as the Labrador Retriever. Early writers have confused the Labrador with the much larger Newfoundland and the Lesser Newfoundland , with Charles St. John even referring to the Lesser Newfoundland as the Newfoundland. Colonel Peter Hawker describes the first Labrador as being not larger than an English Pointer , more often black than other colours, long in its head and nose with a deep chest, fine legs, and short and smooth coat, and did not carry its tail as highly as the Newfoundland. John's breed of these dogs [6] [7] in the fifth edition of his book Introductions to Young Sportsman, published in .Black Chocolate There is a great deal of variety among Labradors. The following characteristics are typical of the conformation show bred bench-bred lines of this breed in the United States and are based on the American Kennel Club standard. Size: Labradors are a medium-large breed. They should be as long from the withers to the base of the tail as they are from the floor to the withers. The AKC standard includes an ideal weight for dogs of 25—36 kg 55—80 lb and for bitches as 25—32 kg 55—70 lb. The coat is water-resistant, so the dog does not get cold when taking to the water in the winter. That means that the dog naturally has a slightly dry, oily coat. Acceptable colours are black, yellow, and chocolate. The eyes should be kind and expressive. Appropriate eye colours are brown and hazel. The lining around the eyes should be black. The ears should hang close to the head and be set slightly above the eyes. Jaws: The jaws should be strong and powerful. The muzzle should be of medium length and should not be too tapered. The jaws should hang slightly and curve gracefully back. Body: The body should have a powerful and muscular build. The tail and coat are designated "distinctive [or distinguishing] features" of the Labrador by both the Kennel Club and AKC. If a dog carried wild type alleles at all three loci, the dog will have a yellow coat. If a dog has a loss-of-function mutation at MC1R, it will also have a yellow coat, regardless of their genotype at the other two loci. Within the breed, this trait is not visible. Show and field lines[ edit ] Head and muzzle appearance: field left , and show right , showing the shorter muzzle length, more solid appearance head, and "pronounced" stop of the latter As a result of specialised breeding, there are significant differences between field and trial-bred and show-bred lines of Labradors. In the United States, the former are sometimes mistakenly referred to as "American" and the latter as "English", in fact, both field and show types are bred in both countries and all Labrador Retrievers are descended from British lines. In this experiment, German Shepherds had the highest chance of not completing it. However, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers had a higher success rate after going through longer training than the training required for Labrador Retrievers. For retrieving the Labrador Retriever has a soft mouth , a trait that allows it to carry game and waterfowl without damaging it. It continues in that role today, along with the Leonberger , Newfoundland and Golden Retriever dogs; they are used at the Italian School of Canine Lifeguard. During the Vietnam War they were used as scout dogs to track down dead or wounded soldiers or enemy positions. Notable issues related to health and well-being include inherited disorders and obesity most are missing all or parts of the appetite-regulating POMC gene. As of , it was widely considered the most popular breed in the world. Vocality level 4 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament Few breeds so richly deserve their popularity as does the Labrador Retriever. When trained, the breed is obedient and amiable and tolerates the antics of children, other dogs, and other pets. The Lab is a calm house dog, playful yard dog, and intense field dog, all on the same day. Labs are eager to please, enjoys learning, and excel in obedience. It is a powerful breed that loves to swim and retrieve. Labradors need daily physical and mental challenges to keep occupied. A bored Lab can get into trouble! Upkeep Labradors are active and sociable dogs. They need daily exercise, preferably in the form of retrieving and swimming. Owners with swimming pools either must fence them out or be prepared to share the pool with dogs. The Lab coat sheds water easily. Weekly brushing is needed to remove dead hair. Health Major concerns: CHD, elbow dysplasia, OCD, obesity, patellar luxation Minor concerns: cataract, CPRA, hot spots, retinal dysplasia, hypothyroidism Occasionally seen: diabetes, entropion, distichiasis, tricuspid valve dysplasia, centronuclear myopathy, exercise-induced collapse Suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye, exercise-induced collapse DNA , centronuclear myopathy , knee Life span: 10—12 years History The original Labradors were all-purpose water dogs originating in Newfoundland, not Labrador. Not only did the breed not originate in Labrador, but it also was not originally called the Labrador Retriever. These dogs—medium-sized black dogs with close hair—not only retrieved game but also retrieved fish, pulled small fishing boats through icy water and helped the fisherman in any task involving swimming. Eventually, the breed died out in Newfoundland in large part because of a heavy dog tax. However, a core of Labradors had been taken to England in the early s, and it is from these dogs, along with crosses to other retrievers, that the breed continued. It was also in England that the breed earned its reputation as an extraordinary retriever of upland game. Initially, black labs were favored over yellow or chocolate colors. By the early s, the other colors had become more accepted. The popularity of this breed has grown steadily until the Labrador Retriever became the most popular breed in America in and remains so today. Related Content.

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. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Texas 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 Texas? 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 Texas? 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. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Located on a 40 acre farm east of Denver, Colorado we have plenty of space for our dogs to run around and get exercise. Unlike typical breeders we do not confine our golden retrievers to small kennels, but instead let them run and play as much as their hearts desire. Health Guarantee To ensure the health of our golden retrievers we make sure they are always up-to-date on: Health Checkups Shots Health Screenings - OFA certification for hips, elbows, and thyroids We also focus on the mental health of our dogs by keeping them happy interacting with people and other dogs on a daily basis. This ensures excellent temperaments, great dispositions, and that they are extremely well mannered. Before they are sent to their new homes each puppy gets a health checkup from the vet and their first round of shots. We also offer to microchip your puppy when you pick them up to keep them safe. In addition to all of this, we offer a health guarantee protecting against many hereditary problems. At birth: We help the mama clean the puppies so they are introduced to human scent from birth. Birth - 4 weeks old: We bottle feed the puppies in supplement to their mother's milk to ensure they are getting adequate nutrition. Handled from birth to get used to human scent Free time outside their kennel so they can explore their surroundings. Introduced to our pet cat and other dogs to become comfortable around all kinds of animals. All of the things mentioned above are part of how we ensure that our puppies are happy, healthy, and playful when they are ready to go to their forever homes. To see information about available golden retriever puppies and to see pictures from past litters click the links below. We're located in the heart of the Arkansas mountains the Ozarks , and our pups grow up on a ten-acre farm. We are looking for dedicated families to adopt our fur babies and love them like we do. We are not a discount breeder; we take this job of placing each pup very seriously and their future and well-being is of utmost importance. Please contact Dogwood Farms if you're ready for this loving commitment. CALL The Dogwood Difference When you purchase a fur baby from Dogwood Farms, they come complete with a puppy care package which includes: a care package, AKC registration paperwork, immunizations completed by a licensed veterinarian along with immunization paperwork and food each pup is used to eating. We are dedicated to these dogs and our promise is to make sure you have the support and equipment you need to take wonderful care of your new fur baby. We also have in person delivery options for each of our puppies. Rates available to St. In Person Flight options are also available as well to most major airports across the nation for example to California, Florida, New York and even Alaska. If for any reason you need to re-home your fur baby, we are more than willing to help you with that process.

All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Young labs are the Energizer bunnies of canines. They have boundless energy and seem like puppies for a longer time than many other breeds. But they do eventually calm down. And how you can deal with his energy throughout his youth. Labrador Purpose and Types Labrador retrievers are friendly dogs who love everyone—human and canine alike. No doubt that they make great family companions. They have boundless energy and were bred to work. They were originally bred to help with hunting and fishing and were tireless workers even in the icy waters of Newfoundland, Canada. Labs currently are also used in hunting, to flush and retrieve game. So their origins and current abilities demonstrate that the breed is still energetic in line with its heritage. There is one recognized labrador breed. Even though there is no official distinction, lab aficionados recognize two types of labs : the American lab and the English lab. The American labrador is leaner and was bred to work whereas the English type has a stockier build and is bred for the conformation ring. Because of their breeding, the American type generally is more energetic. If bored, they can become destructive. So you wonder when your tireless, bouncing lab will calm down. Most dogs noticeably calm down between 18 and 24 months old. Generally, smaller dogs calm down at a younger age than larger breeds. Labrador retrievers are a slow-maturing breed. But they will start to show more self-control in the home around two years old. A healthy lab will still have bursts of energy then and even later in life and may do zoomies around your family room. And most labs will still have a lot of energy, exuberance, and enthusiasm until four or five years old. But your pup will have more innate impulse control than he previously had and he will noticeably have less excess energy. Based on our experience, our first black Lab, Stetson began to calm down at around 2 years old. Our current black Lab, Elsa is almost 3 years old and still a ball of energy! Stages of Development As is true with any breed, a lab passes through various stages of development as he reaches maturity. During the first six months, the lab is truly a puppy. He will become increasingly independent and ignore known commands. Between six and 18 months, your lab is an adolescent. He will be full of energy, boisterous, and exuberant and will keep learning new things and socializing with new people, animals, environments, and experiences. By 12 months old , your lab will reach his full adult height. And he will add muscle and fat to his frame and will fill out between 18 and 24 months old. Then he will appear as an adult, not a gangly adolescent. But appearances can be deceiving. Although he may look like an adult, he still needs to develop emotionally and mentally. So he may engage in many unwanted behaviors such as excessive barking, chewing and destroying items, jumping on people, and pulling on clothes. After all, they can be dangerous to your lab and others. If he inadvertently ingests something, a vet visit will be in order. And jumping around people can knock them down like bowling pins. But also challenging. These practices will help your lab calm down. Physical Exercise Make sure that your lab has enough daily exercise. This can be a few long walks and some retrieving. Or even using a flirt pole can help. Labs generally love water, so having them swim can be a great way to dispel excess energy. Most will be natural swimmers. Stetson really disliked water and many of the other guide dog pups refused to swim in the pool. Second, we are taught not to allow our guide dog pups to go swimming anytime they feel like it. They are only allowed in the pool if we give them the okay. Just a few thoughts. And doing other activities can help. These include hunting with your lab, field trials, tracking, dock diving, agility, obedience, rally, and flyball. Mental Exercise Mental stimulation is as important as physical exercise in releasing excess energy from your lab. It also helps expand his mind. After all, labs are intelligent dogs who need a job and want to work alongside their people. Have him explore puzzle toys. There are many, ranging from easy to more difficult. I set up various puzzle toys for my dogs and, after exploring them, my pups are happily tired and ready for a nap. Obedience Training Training helps communicate with your lab and sets forth behavior rules that he should follow. Manners training also helps with impulse control and calmer behavior. They should be small, no larger than a pea. Always have your reward treats ready before giving your obedience cue. Using a special treat such as small pieces of cheese or boiled, deboned chicken can help a dog have a positive association with something. At a minimum, you should teach your lab to do the following on cue : pay attention, come when called, walk on a loose leash, sit, lie down, leave it, stay, give and drop items, and be quiet. And teaching tricks such as spin or wave can also help. Socialization Socializing your lab is important throughout his life. Labs are naturally inquisitive, outgoing dogs and love to meet new people and friendly dogs. So take your dog out to new places to have new experiences. I teach this after a dog has had some physical exercise such as a walk or session playing fetch. You always want to set your dog up to succeed. I often use my rescued Aussie mix Millie as an example of why impulse control exercises are so important. Teach a place command. Teaching your dog to go to a place, such as a bed, and to lie down and stay there can help him calm down. First decide where the bed will be located. Gradually increase your criteria for when he will get rewarded. After he will readily go stand onto the bed without the lure, praise and reward him for remaining there for longer periods of time. When he knows the commands sit, down, and stay, you can have him perform those behaviors on the bed. Teach sit, down, stay, and leave it. These obedience commands are essential for any impulse control program. After your lab knows these basic commands, you can start adding distractions so that he will be reliable in any setting. And you can then use them in everyday life. Have him sit before releasing him to eat his food and before exiting a door or crossing a street. And have him sit before other activities too such as putting on or removing his leash and harness. Have him leave the rabbit that he wants to reach while on his walks. Capture and reward calm behavior. So have treats ready around the house out of reach from your dog. The goal is to have him naturally perform desirable behaviors. You can play this same game with a flirt pole. Teach a polite greeting. Teaching a dog to greet people calmly is a great way to enforce impulse control. And labs are so naturally friendly, they may be too boisterous when naturally greeting people. First do the training sessions with people your dog knows. This exercise is great for labs, as they are usually so friendly and want to greet everyone face-to-face. You can start out with your dog safely tethered on a six-foot lead to a solid object while wearing a harness. You approach. If your dog begins to jump, turn around and walk away. After a few times, your pup should offer to sit. Instead, you want your dog to think what behavior we want and to repeat it. You can also do a separate training exercise where you are holding the leash as someone approaches and you tell your dog to sit. If your lab goes to jump, the person should turn and walk away. As the person approaches, cue your dog to sit. Calmly praise and reward when he sits. Play a TV or white noise machine. Instead, be present to redirect him to a desirable behavior. Reward calm behavior. If you seem too excited, your lab will feed off that energy. And his excitedness will probably be off the charts. So try to keep a calm voice around him. If you wave your arms around or use a high-pitched tone, your lab will probably become so boisterous that it would be very hard for him to calm down. There are many holistic aids that can help a dog to calm down. A ThunderShirt correctly used can help alleviate stress and anxiety. And there are calming tabs and Rescue Remedy that can be ingested to help a dog be serene. Always check with your vet first before giving anything to your dog that he needs to consume. There are specific techniques described in the Tellington Touch that can help your pup relax. Even though you should see your lab become calmer over time, it will take two to four years for him to noticeably calm down. Instead, meet his exercise and training needs. He still acts like a puppy. Is this normal? Labs are a slow-maturing breed and, even though they may begin to appear as adults, they still are really puppies at heart. Your lab will become mentally mature between two and four years of age and will noticeably calm down then. In the meantime, make sure that you provide enough physical and mental exercise to meet his needs. And enjoy his puppy-ness! Why is my six-month-old lab so out of control? Will he calm down? So make sure that he has enough physical and mental exercise and train him. Do impulse control exercises with him. Eventually, over the next few years, he should become calmer. A lab rescue has a four-year old lab for adoption. Is this too old? Will he still be playful? A four-year-old lab can be a perfect companion. By that age, the puppy silliness and over-activity should be gone and he should be calm when needed. A healthy lab is playful and fun into old age. Final Thoughts Young labs are full of vim and vigor. They are constantly in motion and sometimes a blur of activity. Like any dog, they will naturally calm down over time. Between the ages of two and four, your lab should noticeably calm down. But still expect—and enjoy—his natural bursts of puppy-like energy. Do you have a lab? At what age did he calm down? Please tell us about it in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. As a Labrador owner myself, I know firsthand how energetic and excitable they can be, especially when they are young. I appreciated the detailed breakdown of the stages of development in a Labrador, as well as the different techniques and exercises that can be used to promote calm behavior. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us, and for helping us be better pet owners to our furry friends! We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Sometimes I look at photos of my dog when she was small enough to sit in the palm of my hand. When did she get so big?! Times like those make me wonder, too: how much bigger will she get? Exactly when is my puppy likely to reach her full size and stop growing? If these sound like questions you have asked yourself, then you are not alone as a pet parent. Puppies change so much in the first months of their lives, but then things slow down. As a result, their changing size can sometimes creep up and surprise you. Exactly how long it will take for your dog to reach their full size depends on their breed, and them as an individual. Read on as we look at when different types of dogs reach full size and signs that indicate whether your pup may still be growing or has finally stopped. Puppies can reach their full adult size anywhere between six and 24 months of age. Smaller dogs tend to reach their full size sooner, and live for longer, while larger dogs tend to take a bit longer to fully mature and have slightly shorter overall lifespans, but these rules do not hold true for all dogs. Below you will find a list of some of the most popular breeds and when you can expect them to reach full size. Labrador Retrievers One of the most popular breeds in the United States often used as working dogs, Labrador retrievers measure between .They tend to reach their full size at around 12 months of age. Golden retrievers are another dog popular as both family pets and working dogs. They measure between 20 and 24 inches and weigh between 55 and 75 pounds. They will reach their full height at around 12 months. German Shepherds Popular as police dogs, affectionate family pets, and guard dogs, German shepherds measure between 22 and 26 inches and weigh 50 to 90 pounds. They are not considered fully grown until they are at least 18 months old. French Bulldogs These adorable compassion dogs usually stand about 12 inches tall and can weigh between 16 and 28 pounds they have a tendency to put on weight when overfed. Unusually for such a small dog, they need months to reach their full size. Bulldogs A little bigger than their French cousins, people love these dogs for their distinctive faces. They are usually 12 to 15 inches tall and weigh about 15 pounds. It takes them about 18 months to reach their full size, skin rolls and all. Poodles Among the most intelligent dogs, poodles are fantastic companions and are often used in mix-breed dogs because of their hypoallergenic coats. While toy and miniature poodles are common, standard poodles are inches tall and weigh 45 to 70 pounds. They do not reach their full size until two years of age. Beagles These little English hunters with their floppy ears measure 13 to 16 inches and weigh between 20 and 25 pounds. They reach their full size at around 18 months. Rottweilers While rottweilers can have a bad reputation because of the ways that they have been used in the past, they are naturally intelligent and non-aggressive. They are big dogs, measuring inches and weighing 80 to pounds. They are slow maturing and will only stop growing somewhere between two and three years old. Daschunds Sausage dogs come in many shapes and sizes, but all have distinctive long bodies with short legs. The standard size is 14 to 19 inches and can weigh between 12 and 30 pounds. They grow up fast and will reach their full size at around eight months. Pembroke Welsh Corgis These little herders from Wales will measure between 10 and 12 inches and weigh between 25 and 30 pounds. Most will be pretty much their full size by one year of age, but they may have additional growth spurts until they are as old as three. Australian Shepherds These intelligent working dogs from California despite the name measure 18 to 23 inches and weigh between 35 and 70 pounds. They will reach their full size at around 16 months of age. Yorkshire Terriers Yorkshire terriers are one of the smallest dog breeds measuring just inches and weighing just pounds. They stick to the height-related growth rules and will stop growing when they are only months old. Great Danes Great Danes are great in terms of both their size and their personality. These German kings and queens grow to between 28 and 35 inches and weigh between and pounds. They will keep growing until at least 18 months, and will probably be full size before two years. Boxers Boxers are another German dog of medium to large size. They grow to between 21 and 24 inches tall and weigh pounds. They will reach their full height somewhere between 18 and 24 months old. Siberian Huskies These dogs were bred to pull sleds in cold places, but their cute wolf look makes them popular household pets. They grow to inches tall and weigh 35 to 60 pounds. They will reach their full size at 15 months of age. Cavalier King James Spaniels These dogs can look a bit bigger than they are thanks to their flowing locks. They will reach between 12 and 13 inches tall and weigh pounds. They will reach their full size at around 18 months. Doberman Pinschers Regular Doberman pinschers are quite large dogs, measuring inches and weighing pounds. They will reach their full height at around one year old but will continue to fill out noticeably until around two years old. Shih Tzu This Asian toy dog breed from Tibet measures between 8 and 11 inches and weighs pounds. They will be their full adult size by the time they are about 10 months old. Pomeranians Fluffy Pomeranians are inches tall and weigh just pounds under all that hair. Most will reach their full size at six or seven months old. English Mastiffs English mastiffs are big dogs , measuring around inches and weighing up to pounds. They will only reach their full size at about three, but growth slows significantly around the one year mark. Chihuahuas Another of the toy breeds, Chihuahuas, hailing from Mexico, measure inches and weigh between 4 and 6 pounds. They will reach their full diminutive height by around 9 months of age. Basset Hounds The short legs of a basset hound mean that they only grow to about inches, but they can weigh as much as 75 pounds. Maltese These white balls of love and fur measure inches tall and weigh pounds under all that hair. They will reach their complete size at months old. Dalmations Dalmations are known for their distinctive spots, but they are also strong and intelligent dogs. They reach between 19 and 23 inches and have an athletic physique of pounds. Greyhounds There is more to these spindly littler racers than it seems. They grow to between 27 and 30 inches and weigh pounds. They will reach their full racing height at months old. Mixed breed dogs are likely to reach full size sometimes between the time period for their two purebred parent breeds. If your dog is not on the list, you can compare them with dogs of a similar size for a general guide. The best thing to look at as a guide is their paws. Look at the size of paws of similar dogs to help you determine whether they are the right proportions for your pup. If you are desperate to know how big your dog will be, you can also do a dog DNA test that can help you narrow down the possibilities. Factors That Influence The Size Of Your Dog While breed and genetic hereditary factors are the most important factors when it comes to the size of your dog, there are a few lifestyle factors that may result in your pup being bigger or smaller as well. Worm Infections If your puppy becomes infected by hookworms or roundworms as a puppy, this can stunt their growth. The worms steal calories and nutrition from your dog, which means that it is unable to grow the way that it should. Worm infestations are more common than many people imagine, as they are easily picked up in the environment. Poor coat quality, potbelly, and regular diarrhea are all signs that they may have worms. Other puppy diseases such as Parvo can also stunt their growth. Most dogs are vaccinated against Parvo, but it can be a problem when they have not yet been vaccinated. Prioritize food that is rich in protein and healthy fats, and keep carbohydrate intake under control to ensure they can reach their full size in top health. Spaying Or Neutering While many dog owners will tell you that spaying or neutering their dog seems to have stunted their growth, the evidence is anecdotal. In studies that have been run, it seems to have a negligible effect. It is often a good idea to delay spaying female dogs until they are fully grown, rather than at around six months, but this is to prevent related cancer risks as opposed to size considerations. Excessive Exercise Exercising your puppy too much can be detrimental to their growth. While it may not stunt their overall growth, it can cause different parts of their body to grow at different speeds. This can lead to malformations such as elbow and hip dysplasia. This is most common in larger dogs since the puppies have lots of energy to burn off, but as a general rule, until your dog is fully grown you should exercise them for five minutes per day for each month of their life. If your dog is six months old, then, they need just half an hour of exercise a day. If they are still growing at one year, they will need just 60 minutes, rather than the 90 minutes they will want when they are a full-grown dog. You can read more about the right way to exercise Labrador puppies here. FAQs Do dogs double in size from six months? No, at six months old most small dogs will be almost fully grown. Larger dogs, on the other hand, are likely to be about two-thirds of their adult weight at six months. Only very large breeds such as Rottweilers and Great Danes are likely to still be half their adult size at six months. Do the back legs of puppies grow faster? It is true that not every part of your dog will grow at the same pace, and it is not unusual for them to be a bit disproportional while they are growing. Puppies often have legs that are too long for their body. It can happen that their hind legs grow faster than their front legs, but this is not an overly common phenomenon. Do dogs have growth spurts? Rather, they have short rapid growth spurts that make it seem like they grew an inch overnight. They also tend to put on a bit of weight and then lean out as their body goes through its quick growth stage. Their appetite will also increase before a big growth period. If you are worried that your puppy is not growing at a normal rate, you should speak to your vet to see if there really is something wrong. Slower growth could be normal for them. If you want to give your dog the best chance to reach their full size, focus on good nutrition. The Verdict As your adorable puppy seems to just keep getting bigger each day, it is normal to ask yourself when exactly they will stop growing. How long it takes dogs to reach their full size depends significantly on their breed, so there is no single rule for all dogs. As a general guideline, vets will tell you that small dogs grow quickly and will reach their full size between six months and one year. Larger dogs grow more slowly and can take up to two years to fully grow, but there are many exceptions to the rule. It is best to research your breed and see what is normal for them. If you have a mixed breed, their age will sit somewhere between the ages of their two parent breeds. In terms of skeletal growth, paws are generally the thing that the rest of the body is catching up with, though they might still fill out. Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Related Article. Can you tell how big a puppy will get? Your puppy will be growing very fast when you first bring them home. But that growth rate slows down quite quickly. So when do dogs stop growing for good? And how will you know when your puppy has reached their adult size? Labrador Puppy Growth Chart We have a fascinating and long running thread on our forum, where members enter the weights of their puppies at different ages. The Labrador growth chart below shows the data we have collected, in a Labrador weight chart by age. Labrador dog weight chart by age and breed Each dot represents a snapshot in time of an individual puppy. You can find his or her age in weeks along the bottom of the chart and his weight in pounds up the left hand side. You can see how all the dots taken together follow a pattern, but there is still a considerable range of puppy weights at each age. When Do Dogs Stop Growing? But what about a two year old Lab, or a one year old? Well, in broad terms, dogs stop growing sometime between one and two years old. But it varies between breeds. Most dogs are fully grown by their first birthday. In general small breeds reach their adult height several months before large breeds do. Yet dog size varies greatly among individuals, even within the same breed. Larger dogs are often slower to mature than little dogs, and carry on growing for longer. Small dogs are sometimes fully grown by the time they are 9 months old. Whereas giant breeds can take up to three years to reach full size. Adult size, temperament, and coat type are all likely to affect energy requirements, and affect the rate a puppy grows. In fact even breeds which end up similar in size can grow at very different rates. There is very little scientific research — but a lot of anecdotal evidence — about when Lab puppies stop growing. In , a UK study following 37 Lab puppies through to adulthood revealed that all of them had reached their adult weight by their first birthday. But more recently, a much larger lifestyle study of over 4, UK Labradors found that their weight continued to increase between one and four years old. When Do Labs Stop Growing? The Labrador puppy growth chart finishes when the dog reaches adulthood. General wisdom from breeders, vets, and experiences Labrador owners is that Labs stop growing during their second year. In fact, he will be quite close to his final adult Labrador height at around nine months of age. Does color change the Labrador puppy growth chart? When is a chocolate Lab full grown? Is it the same time that a full grown black Labrador or yellow Lab? So your average chocolate Lab will be adult sizes at the same time as the average yellow or black Lab. How Quickly Do Labradors Grow? Our Labrador puppy growth chart shows that all Labrador puppies follow the same breed specific pattern of growth spurts and slower growth, even though the actual numbers on the scale will vary from individual to individual. The most rapid period of growth will take place in the first month or so after you bring him home. In , a study of Labrador puppies in Norway found that Labrador weight gain is most rapid at 89 days old in females, and 95 days old in males. So around the week mark. And Labradors usually reach half of their adult weight by the time they are 18 or 19 weeks old. How much do Labs grow after 6 months? Another trend you can see in our Labrador puppy growth chart is that Lab puppies gain weight much less rapidly after their 6 month birthday. Once your Lab has hit this milestone you can expect them to gain a little height, and probably continue to fill out for up to a year or so. In other words, the point when you Lab stops getting any taller. It is estimated that in the UK the average height at the shoulders of a male Lab is cm taller than the breed standard. Will my dog still grow after being neutered? Whether or not dogs should be routinely spayed or neutered is a subject which divides opinion. Labrador owners deciding whether and when to neuter usually end up with a lot of questions, few of which have straightforward answers. Many veterinary care providers and shelters advocate neutering at a young age, or even make it a requirement of the adoption contract. A study found that neutering before 37 weeks old is linked to very slightly more rapid growth, and neutering after 37 weeks leads to very slightly slower growth. How big do Labrador Retrievers get? As we all know, very few dogs fit the mathematical average — they are much more likely to occupy a range of normal sizes. But most of us like a more precise answer than that before we commit to sharing our home with a puppy. So, how big do Labs get? Labradors are remarkably variable in height and weight. The biggest male Labs can be almost twice the size of the smallest female ones. But you want me to give you some numbers, so here are some averages. Many adult female Labradors reach a weight of lbs and stand inches high at the shoulder. This will be the same whether they are a female chocolate Lab or a female black Labrador. Many adult male Labradors reach a weight of lbs and stand inches at the shoulder. But remember, your dog is probably not an average dog! Can you always predict size with a Labrador puppy growth chart? These Labrador height and weight numbers are very broad guidelines, and they may give you a rough idea of how big a pup will grow. How big your Labrador will get depends partly on his parents. Assuming that your puppy had healthy not overweight parents, their own weights will give you an idea of how big your Lab is likely to grow. But there are always surprises in any group or family of dogs! Has your puppy stalled on the Labrador puppy growth chart? It is possible that your puppy will weigh less than the average examples. Labrador puppy weight and size can vary widely depending on a number of different factors, many of which are normal and harmless. American Labrador puppy growth Labrador puppies from working stock are often less heavy than those bred for the show ring or pet homes. Dogs bred for hunting and field trials tend to be faster and lighter in build because they are expected to be agile and quick when working in the field. Small parents Size is also partly genetic. In other words, if your puppy had small parents he might well be on the small size for his age, throughout his life. Again, this is only a general guide. Even puppies from the same litter can vary quite considerably in size when plotted on a Labrador puppy growth chart. How much should my Labrador puppy weigh? But this kind of rule of thumb is of limited use, and there are problems with judging whether or not a puppy is thriving by his weight alone. Because it is so difficult to know exactly what size your puppy will be as an adult, no-one can really say what he should weigh today, or any other day. It may however give you an indication if your puppy is seriously under or overweight. It is rare for puppies to have any kind of growth disorder. Or for their families to starve them by mistake! But it is also normal to worry a little if your puppy seems on the small side. Is my puppy is too fat or too thin? The very best guide to whether a puppy is the right weight for him, is how he looks and feels. Not where he falls on an average Labrador puppy growth chart. Physically examining and observing your puppy will help you decide if they are doing ok in this respect. Just like older Labradors, puppies should not be too heavy. Most experts nowadays like to see a waist on even quite young puppies. Does it matter if my puppy is a bit plump? We all used to think that puppy fat was a good thing. When I was a child fat puppies were the norm. Perhaps this extra layer of fat was helpful in sustaining the puppy during illness before vaccinations were widely available for dogs? Nowadays, the thinking is that puppies should be slim. With a defined waist, just like an older dog. It causes their bones to grow too rapidly as well. And this may result in painful skeletal abnormalities in later life. Chubby Lab puppies might be plotted higher than average on the Labrador puppy growth chart, but if they are a shorter stature they could be following the line. You need to assess your pup by how they look and feel. Weighing your puppy If your puppy has been ill and is very thin, or if he has become rather overweight , you might consider weighing him in order to monitor his progress on a Labrador puppy growth chart of your own. If you can see his ribs, or feel them very easily just beneath his skin, your Labrador puppy is too thin. If in doubt, check with your veterinarian. You can show them your Labrador puppy growth chart too, so they have a good idea of how they are progressing. My dog weighs 35lbs at six months old. Is that OK? I mentioned above that an average Labrador might weigh around 50lbs at six months old. But there is huge variation around this figure. To illustrate how much very healthy puppies may vary, there are 6 month old Labs on our forum weighing 30lbs, and others weighing 60lbs! These are very different points on the same Labrador puppy growth chart, but could both be healthy animals. And the truth is, no-one can tell you exactly what your six month old pup should weigh, or indeed your Labrador of any age. What age does a puppy turn into a dog? When does a puppy no longer belong on a Labrador puppy growth chart but instead have reached their adult size? And when will your puppy be a fully grown up dog? There are three aspects to changing from puppy to dog: physical maturity and mental maturity. Sexual maturity in puppies People are often surprised to discover that puppies become sexually mature before they are full grown. These sexually mature pups still belong on the Labrador puppy growth chart, and will gain weight and height. Most Labradors are physically capable of breeding while still puppies. Though of course they should not be allowed to do so. Many female Labradors come into season for the first time between at between six and nine months old. Though some will be over a year old. And most male Labradors are ready and willing to mate well before their first birthday! Mental maturity in puppies Not only is your Labrador physically still a puppy when he or she reaches sexual maturity. He is also very much a puppy mentally and emotionally. In fact, many experts do not consider a Labrador to be fully grown up and mature until they are around two years old. In practice, there is no exact age at which you can definitely say your puppy is a grown up. Some puppies mature mentally and physically quicker than others. As a broad guide, you will often hear people use 18 months as the divide between Labrador puppy and adult dog. When do dogs stop growing? Most Labradors will have completed much of their growth by their first birthday and will stop growing completely before their second. Beyond this point there is no need to plot their weight on a Labrador puppy growth chart, but instead they should just be monitored physically. Weights vary greatly among individuals of this breed and puppy weight unless very extreme, is not a great guide to health. Enjoy your puppy for what he is, large Labrador or small. Just remember to check with your vet if you think he is unwell or not growing as he should. Is your Labrador puppy still growing? Do you think the runt of the litter is going to surprise you by reaching the upper end of the scale? Were your predictions at X months completely confounded? Share your anecdotes in the comments box down below! When do Labradors calm down? If your Lab seems to be acting out, or is refusing to follow commands, you may need to reflect on their training. Sometimes you need to go back to the beginning to move forward. When Do Labradors Mature — Physical Maturity Large breeds like the Labrador Retriever will reach physical maturity somewhere between the ages of 11 and 18 months. This can vary based on genetics, sex, and more. Physical maturity can affect a lot of things, including, the type of food your dog eats. When are Labradors Fully Grown? This question will depend a little on the size of your Lab when fully grown. Even within one breed, adult sizes can vary a lot. Fully grown Labs can range from 55 to 80 pounds in weight, and from .Females are usually smaller than males. Your Lab will usually reach their full grown height and weight at some point between 11 and 18 months old. But, the exact time will depend on their adult size. When Should I Neuter my Lab? This is because, after being neutered, your dog lacks the hormones that would switch off his growth. Studies have shown that early neutering or spaying Labradors before 6 months old can increase their risk of developing joint problems like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cranial cruciate ligament tear. Speak to your vet to get the latest information on this topic. Neutering or spaying your dog can have a number of health benefits, including the obvious birth control. This study suggests that neutering a Lab before 6 months old can significantly increase their risk of joint problems. So, you may choose to wait until your Lab is physically mature before you neuter or spay them. Puppy food and adult dog food have very different balances of nutrients. Puppy food will contain higher levels of protein than adult dog food. But, this can vary from dog to dog. Some dogs will still be growing at this age, so should wait a little longer. The best person to advise you about this is your vet. They will be able to offer advice tailored to your specific Lab. Generally, Labradors will usually reach sexual maturity somewhere between 6 and 9 months old. Although, this stage could be later. This means it is very possible for your Lab to get pregnant whilst she is still a puppy. When Can my Labrador Breed? As Labradors can reach sexual maturity from as early as 6 months, some Labradors can technically mate from this young age. When your female Lab has her first heat, it is possible for her to get pregnant. Male Labs will usually start showing interest to females at around this age, so you should assume they can impregnate another dog from this age. Whether you have a male or female Lab, you should avoid breeding them at this age. Female dogs need to be both physically and sexually mature before they are bred. But, they also should not be too old. Ideally, somewhere between 2 and 4 years old is the right age for breeding your Labrador. If you are not looking to breed your Lab, you may wish to talk to your vet about spaying or neutering them after they reach sexual maturity. Just remember the affect this can have on their physical growth, and the risk of joint problems. When do Labradors Mature Mentally? The third type of maturity that will be of interest to Labrador owners is mental maturity. Labs have a reputation for being friendly, affectionate, and eager to please. Lab puppies, like any puppies, can be boisterous, destructive, and bitey. This can lead to stress, exhaustion, and hopelessness in puppy owners. The bad news is that this stage of maturity takes the longest to reach. In fact, some Labs can take up to two years to reach full mental maturity. Labrador puppies are known for their biting phase. But, this stage does pass as your Labrador puppy matures. Some of this biting is down to teething. Lab puppies will usually start teething from around 3 or 4 months old. This stage can last until around 7 months old, when your Lab will have their full set of adult teeth. But, not all biting is due to teething. Puppies will also bite during play. So, practice calm behavior and ignore any biting that does happen. These steps can help to shorten the bitey period. When do Labradors Calm Down? Along with biting, Labrador puppies can seem very boisterous and over-excited, particularly when they are playing with you. So when do Labradors mature and settle down? It can take up to 2 years for Labs to completely mature mentally. This means, boisterous and excitable play can last up to two years. But, there are things you can do whilst your puppy is growing to reduce this boisterous behavior. Make sure to reward your puppy when he or she is calm. This could be when they are entertaining themselves with a toy, or just when they are chilling around your house. This way, your puppy will learn that calm behavior earns them great things! And, they will be more likely to act this way in the future. There may still be times when your Lab seems boisterous, noisy, or over-excitable, even with this tactic. But, it will help calm your pup down before they reach their full mental maturity. Save to Pinterest The Stages of Puppy Growth and Development Month by Month The following are the stages of puppy growth and development, starting at birth and ending when your dog reaches adulthood. The Neonatal Stage 0 to 2 weeks This is the newborn puppy growth stage that lasts until two weeks of age. At this developmental stage, puppies are blind and deaf. Expect puppies at this point to sleep almost constantly and their mother will take care of everything, keeping them warm, feeding them, and keeping them clean. The Transitional Stage 2 to 4 weeks At this puppy growth stage , they will start to open up their eyes and respond to sounds, light, and movement around them. You will also notice a puppy at this point starting to get more mobile, although they will still tend to crawl instead of walking. They do, however, have enough strength to stand up, but will stumble a lot. A puppy in this developmental stage will just be starting to recognize their siblings and mother. Lab puppies open their eyes at about two weeks old. By this time, Labrador puppies will have their eyes fully open and most will be at least partly open. Ears open at this point too and your puppy will begin to hear. Period of Awakening of Senses 3 to 4 weeks At this period , a puppy develops various senses rapidly. They start to get fully alert and aware of their environment and may recognize you and other humans that are frequently around. The Socialization Period 4 to 7 Weeks Once a puppy is around four weeks old, they start to learn the most important things in life-related to social development. They will learn to not bite all the time and how to interact with their siblings. Interactions with humans are especially important between five and seven weeks. This is also the time they will start to understand discipline thanks to their mother. She will start weaning her puppies and teaching them manners, like acknowledging she is in charge. As the owner, you can start introducing food to your puppy when they are around four weeks old. Start small and begin to give them more food as the mother continues to wean them. You should also continue handling the puppy every day. However, be sure not to separate them from their siblings or mother for over ten minutes each day, since this can lead to issues with training and socialization. Dogs who are separated too soon may also be nervous and more likely to bark and bite. During this period, let the mother dog take care of discipline; you should not correct the dog for mouthing or housebreaking mistakes until later in life. To help ease them through this process, avoid traumatic events, loud voices, or harsh discipline. You should also make sure your pooch has plenty of human contact during this stage. If you want, you can start leash training and even teach simple commands such as sit, down, stay and come. In terms of development, you will notice that your puppy can sleep through the whole night and starts to develop better control of its bowels and bladder. Most vets suggest that new outings should wait until they are fully vaccinated. We rub the Calmeroos Puppy Toy on littermates and mom to get their scent. When we get home the Calmeroos Puppy Toy helps our puppy feel comfortable and adjust more quickly to his new environment. Many puppies will go to their new homes at around 8 weeks old. We recently put together a blog post on our sister site detailing what you can expect from an 8-week-old puppy. The Juvenile Stage 3 to 4 Months At this point in development, a puppy can be compared to a juvenile. They will be more independent and may ignore the basic commands that they know very well. If this happens, firmly and gently reinforce the commands and other training. You may also notice your pup starting to test your authority by play biting or similar actions. You can also redirect your dog to a toy that they can bite. Either can end up teaching your pooch that it is okay to fight with you and challenge your authority. The Ranking Period 3 to 6 Months When your puppy is between four and six months old, you should expect them to be somewhat bratty, showing more willfulness and independence. They are more likely to test your limits and may try to show dominance over children or other family members. If they fail to listen to you or come when called, it can be dangerous as it puts them at risk of injury when in public. It can also hurt future responses to you, making them less likely to listen. This is also when your dog will be teething, so give them toys like frozen dog Kong toys to relieve pressure and pain. Chewing behaviors will also start growing at this point so look for some safe chew toys to keep your dog entertained. This is when hormonal changes start to occur and is the ideal time to spay or neuter your pup. UC Davis published a study comparing the long-term health effects of neutering in Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. Adolescence 6 to 18 Months After six months, your pup is already in the final stage of puppy development but is still young. This is a fun and exciting time for your pooch since they will be learning, full of energy, and exuberant. During this time, it is important to remember that even if your puppy now looks like a grown-up dog, they are still a puppy, at least in its mental capacity and emotional maturity. Work to slowly increase training and other activities. You can even work on advanced training such as agility or herding. Another option is to simply keep training them to ensure they interact in a non-aggressive and non-threatening way with other animals. It is also possible that your dog will go through another fearful period of time at some point after they reach six months. You can speed up the process with counter-conditioning and desensitization. It fits very well and is quite apt! Final Thoughts With the knowledge of how and when your new puppy will develop, you are better able to meet their needs. Provide socialization at the appropriate times and be sure to give your puppy plenty of social interactions with their siblings as well as humans and any other pets in your home. Your dog should reach maturity at some point between one and two years old with plenty of variation based on breed, Labradors are considered mature at between 2 and 2. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining. Labradors were originally bred to assist their owners with many tasks, such as helping pull nets of fish in off the coast of Newfoundland, retrieving stray fish escaping from the nets, and doing all this all day in ice cold water. Later, they were used for water fowling because many of the same elements were present: the ability to work all day in cold water, and the ability to find and retrieve small animals. What does this mean for you, the modern day owner, who is likely as not, neither trying to pull in nets of cod through the winter nor duck hunting up in frozen Montana? It means you have a dog that was bred to WORK. He was bred to be active, smart, intelligent, companiable. Most of these attributes are what makes a Labrador a perfect family pet in this day and age…but the first one causes much trouble at the same time. Labs are meant to have a job. Because they are intelligent, they are easily trained, but if they are NOT trained, they become bored. And when bored, that same intelligence and activity level, remember that activity level conspires to find other things to do…excavate your backyard, redo the carving on your wooden mouldings, reupholster your favorite sofa, move the living room carpet into the den, tackle your underwear collection, and other similar projects. To cope with this, you must give your dog the physical and mental challenge he was bred for. But you do need to rearrange your daily schedule to spend time with him. He needs daily exercise, and daily training. Why training? Because that exercises his mind, which is nearly as good as exercising his body. Teach your dog tricks if you like. Given daily exercise and training, your lab should become much more tractable in other areas of your life. Labradors are known for having a long and delayed puppyhood and adolescence that completely disregards their physical maturity. A few labradors are quiet and sedate from early puppyhood onward, and a few others are bouncing puppymaniacs until well into old age, but by and large, you can expect to see mental maturation happening between two and four years of age. It is our experience that Labrador owners who understand this before they get a Labrador do much better in the long run than owners who were completely surprised by how much energy and work that cute little Labrador puppy was. So think carefully before picking a Lab!