sable colored german shepherd puppies
This will be the age when Boxer newborn is fully weaned and ready to go to his new home. His world expands at this time. Some have a difficult adjustment leaving littermates and dam and transitioning to their new family. A planned introduction to the home will set a good foundation for introduction to other situations. Housebreaking should begin at this age. With an excellent plan and follow-through, expect it to take 4 to 6 weeks for your Boxer to be doing well in this regard. Command training simple commands can be worked in with housebreaking and other daily activities. For example a 2 month old Boxer puppy can learn to sit while his harness and leash is being put on and then learn that walking over to the designated chosen area equals a trip to the bathroom. Sleep may be erratic at this time and a Boxer puppy can sleep as little as 9 hours per day rare or up to 18 hours. Most will take quite a few naps during the day and then wake up 1 to 2 times per night. We've seen 2 month old little ones sleep right through the night, but it is rare - in these cases, the dog is able to enter deep REM sleep quickly and stay there, keeping the number of nap times to a minimum. This is the minimum age a dog must be in order to enter a dog show event. Many clubs, such as the AKC require a dog to be 6 months old; however if you truly want to show your Boxer, you may do so at 3 months with many other dog clubs. By this age, the pup has a good idea of his home environment and since the rounds of puppy shots are almost done, owners should plan on how they will proceed in regard to introduction to the world. To a dog, his world is as big as the owners choose. For some, it is just the neighborhood, for others it is the entire town! The reason that we say "plan" is because how a pup is introduced to other dogs, people and new environments affect how the dog reacts and responds. A planned transition to new elements is a huge part of Socialization Training. During this stage, some owners become a bit concerned if their Boxer is not barking ; however this is not a super vocal breed he makes lots of noises like groans and even some purrs, but doesn't typically bark at every little thing. A quiet puppy will often outgrown this and find their voice as they mature. It is at that time that a Boxer will bark when someone comes to the house, etc. By 1 year, if owners follow through, the Boxer is well trained, for both commands simple and complex and house training. Still, the dog has learned the basic workings of the world. He has been trained to know where his belongings are, who you consider to be friend or foe and is very used to his daily schedule. This is a great Boxer age, the dog looks young, still has the mentality of a puppy with playfulness, etc. You'll have a 40 to 55 pound 20 to 25 kg size puppy jumping on you and acting silly. Females will be on the lower end, males on the higher end. The body structure is slim, the chest is still relatively narrow. Over the course of this year, from the beginning of year 1 to the beginning of year 2, most will gain an additional 15 to 20 pounds 6. Height will increase. The most noticeable physical change will be the widening of the chest, a sure tell sign of a 2 year old adult. It is not uncommon for a Boxer dog to seem too skinny during a quick, temporary phase around this mark. Generally from 14 to 22 months old, a Boxer may have some visible ribs and appear too slim as he struggles to catch up to a quick growth spurt. For most, this is nothing to be concerned about. This is a huge milestone. At 2 years old, a Boxer is considered to be an adult. The dog will be at his adult weight and height. If you are offering commercial food, now is the time to switch to an adult formula. Temperament will gradually change. That playful puppy temperament will slowly turn more serious, but even older adults can have a sense of humor. That puppy that used to leap after butterflies in the field may change into the adult that stands proud and strong, scanning the yard for trespassers. The Boxer will now begin to age at a more steady rate. Still active, yet fully trained, this is a wonderful stage. By this age, status in the house if full established. Other family members may have come and gone kids off to college, a new roommate moves in, etc. However, if the dog was properly trained, he knew, throughout any changes, that his place was as Beta to his Alpha human leader. A Boxer dog is considered to be a senior at the age of 7 or 8 years old. Since there is no official age, it is the veterinarian who makes this declaration. Though, even if it has not been declared, with this breed typically living to a range of 9 to 12 years, 9 years is about as long as you can extend this before you dub your Boxer a senior. It is important to recognize this transition, so that geriatric care needs can be met. Regular visits will normally increase from 1 time per year to twice a year. Changes will happen once again to the diet, moving over to one that is a bit lower in fat, yet higher in fiber. This helps a less active dog maintain weight and fiber is one element that aids in digestion. A geriatric screening will check for kidney function. A Boxer dog with decreased kidney function should be fed a lower protein diet. The vitamin and mineral supplement will now switch to a senior formula as well. Don't let the senior age label fool you, Boxers at this age should still be taken for a daily walk for exercise , will enjoy outings to the beach, etc. One thing to keep in mind is that an older dog will sometimes have less tolerance for puppies and young children. It is a good idea to have a designated area for your senior Boxer to retreat to, should he desire.Older dogs still like to see the family and be aware of comings and goings, but will often want to retreat when youngsters or puppies are at play. Each dog has his own tolerance for the loud noises and commotion that accompanies younger humans and dogs. The average life span of a Boxer is years old. At this age, a senior dog most likely has lived through some health issues. A dog of this age will most likely have some arthritis. Movement may become difficult, it is suggested to have steps and ramps for the dog if he or she is used to climbing up onto your bed or the couch. The dog bed should be evaluated for comfort and support. An orthopedic bed is highly recommended. Any time after this age that your dog is still with you is a blessing. Some Boxers live late into their teens; however you should prepare yourself that your dog is nearing the end of his life cycle. Related: Oldest Boxer Dogs in the World - Though this breed generally lives 9 to 12 years, some Boxers have reached into their teens. Bruno's first week—7 weeks old, 12 pounds, 10 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders the withers. We adopted Bruno when he was 7 weeks old. We had to wait until he was ready to leave the breeder before we could pick him up and bring him home. The breeder's policy was not to let the pups go until they are 8 weeks old, however Bruno's mother had died at birth and therefore he was not going to get that extra week with her and because of a schedule conflict on our end she made an exception. We decided to crate train our new puppy. Most puppies will cry all night in the beginning days because they miss their mother and their littermates. I placed Bruno's crate in the kitchen since it has a floor that can easily be cleaned in case of an accident. Dreading the sound of a crying puppy all night, and knowing this was the first night away from his litter I told two of my children to set up camp on the kitchen floor next to the crate. I did not want to bring the pup into our bed since we do not plan on allowing him on the beds when he is older. It worked, Bruno slept in his crate and didn't yip all night because he was not alone. Allie, our adult Boxer and two of our children were next to his crate. This allowed Bruno to learn what the crate was for, yet not be left alone. Bruno was exhausted from his three-hour car ride home and all of the attention he was receiving. Amazingly enough, he slept until a. I jumped out of bed and ran down to take him out to pee. It was then time for breakfast, another trip outside and playtime. I was up for the day because when he woke up, he needed to be taken right outside to pee and poop. Then he was hungry. After he ate he needed to be taken immediately outside once again to go to the bathroom. After a puppy eats, it stimulates them and the vast majority of time, they need to eliminate, it's a rule of thumb with a puppy. Then he wanted to play. After all, he just woke up! No time like the present to get hyper and want to play. He had three accidents in the last two days, which is very good for a brand new puppy. If Bruno is out of his crate, he needs to be watched constantly. I don't mean watched from across the room, I mean watched as in "hovering over him watched" to ensure he does not pee, poop or chew anything he is not supposed to inside the house. During the day we try not to crate him. He's either being held, hovered over or outside. We are lucky enough to have a very large fenced yard for him. If we did not, he'd have to be walked on a leash to go to the bathroom, which would be much more time-consuming. We have to teach Bruno not to bite our hands and feet. Yes, it is cute now and kind of funny, but when he is pounds it will not be so cute anymore. Rule of thumb with a puppy: if you do not want him doing it when he is full grown, do not allow him to do it when he is a puppy. This includes sitting with him on the furniture. Another thing we must break him from is chasing our cats. Again, it's cute and funny now, but this tiny little Boxer puppy will not be tiny for long and our cats would not appreciate an adult dog chasing them around. Cats are smart, if we allow this to go on they may even decide to take up residence elsewhere. Allie the Boxer meets her new brother. Adult dogs usually do not attack puppies and Allie rather liked the little guy. She did have to put him in his place a few times, which is normal dog behavior. An adult dog will often growl at a puppy to let it know its behavior is not acceptable. For example, when Bruno wanted to play and Allie did not, she let out a small growl and stomped at the pup to tell him enough was enough. Bruno took the hint and backed off his play and started chewing on Allie's collar and dog tags instead. Allie didn't seem to mind getting her tags chewed. She realizes Bruno is just a baby. I am lucky enough to be home with the puppy. If I had to leave for work things would be much more complicated. Bruno is young and he can only hold his pee and poop for a certain amount of time. The point of crate training a dog is you put the dog in a small enough crate so there is only room to comfortably sleep. Dogs do not like to eliminate where they sleep. However, if you leave a young puppy in a crate for too long, they cannot physically hold it in and they must go, even on their bedding. If you allow this to happen, you are going backwards in your housebreaking. If you are going to be gone for many hours a day, longer than the puppy can physically hold it, it is better to pen the dog in an area such as the kitchen where the floors are easy to clean up and place some pee pads down. It is not fair to crate a puppy or dog longer then they can comfortably hold in their waste. It is much harder to housebreak a dog if you are not home. This can really give the puppy a bad start in life and will be no fault of its own when they do not understand the concept of housebreaking. Keep in mind, you cannot yell at a dog for something after the fact, you must catch it in the act. If you do not catch it in the act, your yelling is pointless and confusing to the dog. I am writing this at a. However, he will be up bright and early wanting to eliminate, eat and play.It's now a. Bruno had to go to the bathroom. I walked him outside to the spot where I prefer him to do his business. He peed and I decided to give him some time to see if he had to poop as well; he is still outside and I must go and check on my adorable bundle of a puppy.Bruno is back in his crate. Bruno is yipping. I instinctively go and see him. Goodnight, Bruno, you have a lot to learn my young puppy. Sshhhh, lets only hope he does not keep me up all night because I will have to put up with his yipping in order to teach him what nighttime means. As I type this he is yipping from his crate. I am off to shower and go to bed. I decide to let Bruno get a drink and put him outside with Allie one last time before I go to bed to ensure he does not have to go when I ignore his plea to come out of his crate. When I turned off the shower water I could hear Bruno yipping up a storm. It woke my 9 year old who was almost sleepwalking when she opened his crate to put him outside to pee. I did her the favor of taking the pup out and told her to go back to bed. I put Bruno outside. He stayed out for a few minutes then wanted back in. It is only his third night away from his littermates and he's a tiny pup. After getting the usual puppy kisses all over my neck yeah, nice after my shower, huh? I will give him a few minutes to get good and sleepy then place him back in his crate and hope for the best. Even with all of this work, I look at him like I did my newborn babies; I just love this little puppy! The next morning: 7 weeks and 3 days old a. Bruno's up, hungry and ready to play! Bruno is tired and ready to go back to sleep. But first, his head smells like pee; he must have rolled in it. Time to clean him up and then put him back to sleep. He's taken outside to go to the bathroom and to play. He is now awake for the day but will take numerous naps as puppies need a lot of sleep. We will try not to allow his naps to last for hours on end, as those long sleep periods should be adjusted to the middle of the night hours. This size crate is the perfect size for this puppy. There needs to be room to sleep, stretch out and stand, but not enough room for him to pee in one section and still have a dry place to sleep. It's Bruno's fourth day with us and he has already picked up on the concept that his crate is the place to sleep without being disturbed. We are not being extra quiet as it is the middle of the day and he must get used to noises. Also most of his quiet sleep should be adjusted for the middle of the night. He'll soon wake to eat his lunch, go to the bathroom and play. He'll be awake for a few hours and then need another nap. This crate may be perfect for now, but very soon he'll outgrow it and we'll have to get him a larger one. I let Bruno sleep for two hours and decided it was time to wake him. As soon as he turns his hours around and is sleeping through the night I will no longer worry about the length of his daytime naps. I know he can sleep through the night; he did it the first two nights, but not the third. Bruno's 4th night: 7weeks and 4days old Bruno woke up at a. I came downstairs and put him outside. He peed and pooped. I carried him back to his crate and closed it. He laid down, then a few minutes later he started crying again. I walked back to the kitchen and was about to tell him to be quiet and give him a bone to chew when some motherly instinct inside me opened the crate door. Bruno walked out of his crate and over to my feet then sat down, leaning on my leg. I picked up the little fellow, he put his head on my shoulder and started to go back to sleep. My typical advice would be to put the puppy back in the crate if you are sure he no longer has to go to the bathroom, however I walked over to the rocking chair and rocked him back to sleep. I then put him back in his crate and he woke back up in the process, but this time he went to sleep and stayed asleep until a. He is just like a newborn baby and he's sweet as can be. Bruno's 5th night: 7 weeks and 5 days old Bruno woke up at a. I came down and took him outside and he went to the bathroom. I held him for just a bit until he calmed back down, then put him back in his crate and he fell back to sleep by a. Bruno woke up again. He was ready to play and eat his breakfast. I was beat, so at a. I tried putting him back in his crate to see if he would go back to sleep. It seemed like it just might work. I headed back to bed. At he started yipping just as I lay down. I went back to his crate and held a bone up to him to chew on and talked quietly to him. His eyes started drooping as he half chewed his bone still inside his crate. I waited there for just a bit until his eyes stayed closed for a minute or two, then I went back to bed for an hour. Housebreaking Bruno is now 7 weeks and 5 days old. He seemed to be doing so well with housebreaking. He was either inside being watched, in his crate or outside. As soon as he woke we put him outside to pee. He is not in his crate unless he's sleeping. Bruno was falling asleep so I decided to put him in his crate for a nap. As I leaned down to put him in his crate I smelled something. I felt his blankets and sure enough they were damp. Bruno had been peeing in his crate and sleeping in it! I changed his bedding and he seemed quite pleased. Now I have to figure out how to stop him when he's not doing it in front of me. The crate is not too large, which would have been my first advice to someone, to check the crate size. He is only 7 weeks. Maybe I am not always hearing him wake up in the middle of the night. At this age, puppies can only physically hold it for so long before they have to go, no matter what. Baby monitor??? Bruno smells like pee from sleeping in his crate. Time for a bath. Bruno's 6th night: 7 weeks and 6 days old Bruno was up at a. I let him out to pee. He went back to sleep shortly after and re-awoke at a. Bruno peed in his crate again, in the very back corner. I had to throw his bedding in the wash again and replace it with new bedding. His crate is not too large. I believe I need to watch how much he drinks right before bedtime. Puppies at this age have small bladders and cannot physically hold it in for too long. Bruno asked to come back inside the house and wanted to curl up in my lap, which means he's ready to go back to sleep. I put him back in his crate with the fresh bedding. Allie and Bruno sharing the dog bed. Yes, I do believe they like one another. Why Bruno.Bruno peed on his dog bed, the bed we keep on the porch for him. I had to hose his bed off and prop it up to dry. This is him asking mommy why she got his bed all wet with the hose. Actually, it is him discovering some new and interesting smells the moisture is bringing out from the bed!
Moreover, in case your Labradoodle has any sensitivity, weight, allergy, or other health issues, the Purina Pro Plan product range has got you covered. So, if your Labradoodle is struggling with a food allergy, you might not have to switch to another brand altogether. Instead, you can switch the chicken formula for lamb or fish, for example. The same goes for grains. This makes it perfect for all Labradoodles weighing more than 70 pounds. Although the list is not short and has some rather tricky names listed, it does contain a lot of vitamins and minerals, and even added glucosamine, which is great for Labradoodles who are at a risk of developing joint problems like hip dysplasia. Labradoodle owners know how important a beautiful coat is! Dicalcium phosphate DCP has been linked to kidney stones and the calcification of soft tissue Contains soy, which may be difficult to digest, cause bloat and gas, and trigger allergies 2. Fromm Fromm has formulas for all stages of life, large and small breeds, for weight management, and offers grain-free and grain-inclusive variations. The main sources of protein are beef, chicken, turkey, duck, pork, salmon, tuna, lamb, goose, pheasant, quail, venison, rabbit, and whitefish. Chicken is listed as the first ingredient, but it also includes fish meal, duck, lamb, and chicken liver. This formula is grain-inclusive and uses whole grains like oat groats and barley. Likewise, other natural ingredients like flaxseed, alfalfa meal, and inulin provide additional fiber. Not only are the most important vitamins and minerals included, this dry dog food is formulated with prebiotics and probiotics. PawTree formulas are made from real ingredients and they offer a variety of different formulas, specializing in grain-free recipes, and formulas that are free from certain ingredients to minimize allergic reactions. Allergies and food sensitivities are a common concern for many Labradoodles, especially when it comes to certain proteins or even grains. Other highlights in this formula include apples, blueberries, coconut oil, salmon oil, and flaxseed. In addition to quality animal proteins and plants, this dry kibble also contains added vitamins, minerals, and even prebiotics for good tummy health. In fact, this recipe has been designed for reduced stool volume and also to keep those smelly farts at bay. Pros First ingredient listed is real duck. Packed with nutritious ingredients that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Perfect for Labradoodles who are allergic to chicken and fish. Ideal for overweight Doods. Supports good skin and coat health. Naturally occurring glucosamine helps support the joints. Designed to be easily digestible. No corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-products, or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Cons None! Victor Victor Pet Food has formulas suitable for all life stages. Additionally, they offer special formulas for joint health, weight management and performance, and grain-free and high-protein formulas. For some Labradoodles, the food sensitivity, digestion, weight management, and joint support formulas might be beneficial. Royal Canin Royal Canin offers formulas that many Labradoodle owners might find useful like special food for large breeds, formulas for food sensitivities, weight management, and digestive health. All of which Labradoodles are at risk of. However, as Labradoodles tend to inherit the health issues of both Labs and Poodles, this option might work well for your Labradoodle. Diamond As with other brands, Diamond offers a variety of dog food options for different needs. Labradoodle owners might find their formulas for weight management or sensitivity issues helpful. It contains a decent amount of fiber that helps with proper digestion, as do added probiotics. The key ingredients in raw dog food diets are: muscle meats, organ meats like liver, kidney, spleen, brain, sweetbreads, whole, powdered or meaty bones, raw eggs, dog-friendly fruit and vegetables, and sometimes dairy, like yogurt. Kirkland Kirkland is another popular dog food brand that Labradoodle parents love. It offers formulas for all life stages, weight management, and also grain-free and organic options. However, they do have other formulas with different protein sources Ingredients To Avoid In Labradoodle Dog Food You already might know that there are ingredients your Labradoodle should never eat. Naturally, responsible dog food brands do not include these ingredients, anyway. Related Content. However, there are a few issues with Instinct Dog Food that outweigh the benefits. The first thing we noticed is a significant lack of raw freeze-dried chicken bits, which is disappointing considering how expensive this brand is compared to others. Another problem is the inconsistent quality that this recipe has faced with multiple recipe changes in the past few years. For higher quality and a better value, we recommend trying Blue Buffalo Wilderness first. Although the first Labradoodles were large-sized dogs, generations of Labradoodles have made different sizes available. Labradoodles are highly intelligent and require lots of daily exercise. They excel in areas like agility, service, and obedience competitions. Labradoodles also require grooming and clipping to keep their coats from matting and snarling. They will need diets with skin and coat support to keep them in tip-top shape. Image Credit: litthouse, Pixabay Important Things to Consider There are important factors to consider when buying dog food for your Labradoodle that will influence your decision. Here are some things to consider: Protein Sources Protein allergies can cause skin irritation and itching, as well as other serious side effects. When looking for dog food, make sure it contains a protein source your dog can have. Cost Cost is always something to keep in mind. While premium dog food brands may have all-natural ingredients, there are value-priced brands that still maintain high levels of quality. Before going out and buying the expensive stuff, think about the long-term cost of the food. Check the labels to make sure all essential daily nutrients are there for a complete and balanced diet. Lastly, double-check with your veterinarian before starting a new dog food. Conclusion After carefully reviewing each product, we found Ollie Fresh Dog Food Subscription to be the best overall Labradoodle dog food. Plus, they only use all-natural, whole ingredients, with real meat as the first ingredient, and the food is conveniently shipped to your door on your schedule. It also has a flavor that most dogs enjoy. Hopefully, we have made it easier to navigate through the market of dog foods that would be best for your Labradoodle. See also:. Fruits and vegetables Labradoodles can eat Dairy If your Labradoodle is not lactose intolerant, he can eat some dairy foods in moderation. Dairy foods provide protein, calcium, vitamin D, A, B12, zinc, magnesium, and selenium. They build strong bones, reduce the risk of diabetes, and may improve heart health. Experimenting with small amounts of dairy foods is best to see what your dog can handle. Some dogs have trouble digesting milk but can enjoy small pieces of cheese or a blob or two of plain yogurt. My dog loves small chunks of cheese but cannot tolerate even a small spoonful of heavy cream — although she is okay with some milk. World of Dogz Commercial Dog Food Aside from the foods listed above, you can also feed your Labradoodle commercial dog food. Labradoodles can eat dry, wet, semi-dry food technically wet, too , raw, dehydrated, or freeze-dried food. However, you must be careful not to select a food package for a different breed with macro nutritional requirements other than Labradoodles. The most remarkable thing about commercial dog food is that it is far less expensive than homemade dog food and takes much less time to prepare, store, and feed. Labradoodles cannot eat chocolate, macadamia nuts, black walnuts, onion, garlic, grapes, or avocado. Standard market-packed sardines are the safest fish for dogs. Even onion powder in a broth can have this effect. Garlic Garlic can also make your dog anemic. Make sure any food you prepare contains no garlic flavor. Chocolate Theobromine and caffeine in chocolate and chocolate-adjacent products are toxic to dogs. Ensure you choose an organic brand. Nuts Some nuts can lead to weakness, vomiting, and tremors. Macadamia and black walnuts are the worst at this. Other varieties are also too high in fat. Avocado The avocado skin can result in vomiting and diarrhea, so your Labradoodle should be kept away from this fruit. Your dog can OD on alcohol. Sugar Dogs love sweet treats, but if you feed a sugar-rich diet, they will get fat. Yeast Dough If you bake bread at home, keep your dog away from unbaked dough. It can ferment in the stomach causing alcohol toxicosis, and the yeast can rise in the gut, causing a severe blockage. The first is to sit down and curate a Labradoodle diet that dodges the above. The second is to simply opt for packaged dog food. Specific fruits can be toxic to your Labradoodle — especially grapes and starfruit. You can feed your dog veggies — yet garlic and onion can be problematic. You can provide your dog fish — but not if it is completely raw. However, organic food is healthier than extruded kibble cooked at high temperatures which reduces its nutritional value. On the other hand, packaged dog food is easy to get, feed, and store. Wet Dog Food If your Labradoodle turns his nose up at dry kibble, you can try wet dog food as it contains much higher moisture content than dry food. Some larger dogs like it, whereas others prefer a bit of crunch. Take note, though, that canned wet food can be expensive for dogs the size of Labradoodles, as you will need to provide much more. Ensure you check the protein content, as wet food contains a lot of water. Dry and Wet Mix This is one of the most widely preferred Labradoodle food types, and you get the best of both worlds. Most Doodles who dislike dry or wet food like a wet and dry mix. Adding a few scoops of wet food to dry food changes the texture and palatability of the food, making it enticing to your dog. You can also add water to dry dog food making it easier to digest and more appetizing, especially if you have a fussy eater or a dog with general appetite loss due to illness. This gives your dog added variety — but remember to adjust the calories accordingly. You may also consider semi-moist dog food. You can use one of countless dog chow recipes to produce homemade dog food. Some dog owners enjoy home cooking for their dogs as it gives them complete control of what they feed them. However, preparing a homemade diet can also be expensive and is very time-consuming. Check out the directory of certified vet nutritionists from the American College of Veterinary Nutrition to help you find one in your area. Raw Dog Food Of course, if you grasp the idea of feeding chow made from leftover meat, you can always get your Labradoodle a prime Wagyu steak. A raw food diet consists of raw meat and organs mixed in — and raw bones. This method of feeding your dog has grown in popularity in recent years. You can prepare a raw diet at home, similar to a home-cooked meal except raw , or buy pre-prepared complete and balanced raw food, which is more convenient. While weighing up your options, you might want to consider the price of feeding a raw diet. Dehydrated Dog Food Dehydrated dog food also known as air-dried is often confused with dry dog food because it is technically dry. However, you must add water to get the food into the shape it is intended to be served. A dehydrated doggy diet is a healthy and minimally processed feeding option as it uses a low-heat and gentle drying method. It combines the convenience of dry food with the nutritional benefits of raw. It is easier to store and far more portable, but it can be costly. Freeze-Dried Dog Food Freeze-dried dog food is prepared at the factory and brought into its wet form, then freeze-dried into solids that dissolve in the water. It is dehydrated at a lower temperature. Once the food is put in a sealed package, it can take years to degrade because there is no moisture for microorganisms to survive. When you buy freeze-dried dog food, it is still raw. For example, a Labrador mixed with a Standard Poodle will need far more food than a much smaller Lab mixed with a Toy Poodle. A smaller adult female needs 1. A Labradoodle puppy needs 12 — 16 ounces of food per day divided into 3 meals initially and then 2 meals at 6 months old. Labradoodles tend to control their weight pretty well. However, some dogs may be food-motivated and greedy, especially if they carry the POMC mutated gene , which is responsible for an increased appetite in Labradors. Labradoodle Feeding Schedule You should consider the energy your dog expends during the day when creating a healthy feeding schedule for them. Mini Labradoodles, for example, will burn off energy more quickly than the standard variety. However, it is advised to offer one cup of dry dog food or its equivalent and then wait eight hours before feeding another cup to avoid canine bloat. When your Labradoodle is a puppy, you must split his intake into 3 or 4 meals. Feeding your pup can be slightly complicated because of your, and not his, schedule. Labradoodle Puppy Meal Plan Puppies need feeding more often, as they need extra calories for growth and to satisfy their energy requirements. Labradoodle puppies should be fed 4 meals a day up to 3 months of age, 3 meals a day up to 6 months of age, and 2 meals a day from 6 months to adulthood. Age of Labradoodle. Labradoodles are unique because they come in a variety of sizes and shapes. In general, Labradoodles need protein-rich foods that contain essential fatty acids like omega-3s. These will help keep their coats shiny and their energy levels high. Additionally, Labradoodles need glucosamine to help support healthy joints, as well as probiotics for digestion and immunity. Proteins Labradoodles require a lot of protein in their diets. Look for foods that have high-quality sources of animal proteins such as chicken, fish, and lamb. Look for foods that contain healthy sources of fats, such as fish oil and flaxseed. Carbohydrates When shopping for food for your Labradoodle, you want to look for foods with complex carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, brown rice, and oats. These will provide your pup with sustained energy throughout the day. Look for foods that contain essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin E, iron, zinc, and B Vitamins. These will help keep their immune systems strong and give them the energy they need. Overall, when shopping for the best food for Labradoodles, you want to look for proteins, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals. By doing this, your pup will get all of the nutrition he or she needs to stay happy and healthy! What Ingredients Should You Avoid? When it comes to dog food, you want to make sure you avoid ingredients like corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives. These can all be difficult for your pup to digest and may cause allergies or stomach issues. Additionally, you want to make sure you avoid any food that contains by-products or fillers as these are not nutritious and could potentially be harmful. Labradoodles can suffer from a variety of health issues, including joint pain, allergies, and skin irritations. Depending on the issue your pup is facing, you may want to look for foods that are specifically formulated to address these problems. Joint Pain If your pup is suffering from joint pain, look for foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin. These are natural supplements that help to lubricate the joint and reduce inflammation. Skin Irritations If your pup is suffering from skin irritations, look for foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fats help keep the skin hydrated and can reduce inflammation. Sensitive Stomachs If your pup has a sensitive stomach, look for foods that are easy to digest and have limited ingredients. This will help minimize the chances of any digestive issues or allergies. Ultimately, finding the right food for your Labradoodle is an important part of keeping them healthy and happy. By following these tips and understanding their nutritional needs, you can ensure your pup is getting all of the nutrition they need to live a long and healthy life! Best Labradoodle Puppy Food When it comes to the best dog food for labradoodle puppies, you want to look for something that provides high-quality proteins and carbohydrates. These ingredients will help support healthy development and provide your pup with all of the nutrition they need. Best Labradoodle Adult Food When looking for adult food, you want to look for something with protein and carbohydrates as the primary ingredients. Additionally, make sure the food contains essential vitamins and minerals as well as omega-3 fatty acids. Orijen Puppy Food Orijen puppy food is one of the best options on the market. It is made with high-quality proteins and carbohydrates, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. A diet that meets these life-stage needs is essential for proper development and health maintenance. Labradoodle puppies. They also need a balanced calcium and phosphorus diet for healthy bone growth. Feeding high-quality puppy food formulated explicitly for Labradoodles puppies can help ensure they receive the necessary nutrients during this crucial developmental stage. Adult Labradoodles. Require a diet that is moderate in calories and protein to maintain their weight and prevent obesity. They also need a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to support their overall health and energy needs. You must slowly transition your dog to an adult recipe at one year old. Senior Labradoodles. Senior dogs may require a diet lower in calories and fat to maintain a healthy weight and higher fiber to support digestive health. Senior dog foods often contain joint supplements to help mobility and joint health. At around 8 or 9, you should slowly transition your Labradoodle to senior food. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are important to boost their weakening immune system. Labradoodles are a hybrid breed that combines the traits of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. They are known for their high energy levels and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Feeding a Labradoodle a balanced diet that meets its nutritional needs will ensure it has the necessary energy for physical activities. If a Labradoodle is not receiving adequate nutrition or is being overfed, it may experience weight gain or become lethargic, which can decrease its activity level. Conversely, if a Labradoodle is not consuming enough food or getting the proper nutrients, it may lack the energy required for vigorous exercise. By providing the right amount of nutritious food, owners can help maintain an optimal activity level in their Labradoodles and promote their overall well-being. Although certain health issues that Labradoodles may experience are congenital and beyond our control, others can be influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet. Some of the most common health issues faced by Labradoodles include the following: Food allergies. Certain ingredients in their food can cause allergies in Labradoodles. Food allergies in Labradoodles may present as dry, itchy skin, ears, or paws. However, unlike allergies, food intolerances do not involve the immune system but can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. Hip dysplasia. Some dogs show signs of pain and lameness. Elbow dysplasia. This can lead to painful lameness. It can cause mild or severe seizures. Progressive retinal atrophy PRA. This is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, dogs become night-blind; as the disease progresses, they also lose their daytime vision. Sebaceous adenitis SA. This serious skin disease destroys the sebaceous glands that produce the skin and coat essential oils. This is a genetic bleeding disorder similar to hemophilia in people. It occurs in poodles and can show up in doodle hybrids. This thyroid gland disorder is thought to cause conditions such as epilepsy, alopecia hair loss , obesity, lethargy, hyperpigmentation, pyoderma, and other skin conditions. Heart disease. It can cause underlying conditions such as heart valve degeneration, irregular heart rate and rhythm arrhythmia , and dilated cardiomyopathy DCM. Labradoodle-Specific Dog Food Qualities To Look For Providing Labradoodles with a well-balanced and nutritious diet and preventative supplementation, as advised by your veterinarian, is crucial in maintaining their health and preventing potential health issues that may arise from poor nutrition. Here are the key qualities to look for in dog food for Labradoodles. Avoid common allergies. Because Labradoodles can develop allergies or food intolerances, we highly recommend conducting an at-home dog allergy test like the 5Strands kit. This particular kit can test for up to ingredients and determine which ones may cause food intolerance in your dog. Once you receive the results, you can use the list to avoid dog food formulas that contain potential allergens. Labradoodles can have sensitive digestive systems. Look for a dog food that adds probiotics to its formula. Dog probiotics support a healthy digestive system and immune system. Labradoodles can be prone to digestive issues, so look for dog food that is minimally processed, such as fresh dog food or homemade dog food for Labradoodles. Lower-quality kibble may contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and other ingredients that can be harder to digest and may cause digestive upset in some dogs. Skin and coat support. These nutrients help to maintain the health of the skin and coat. Joint support. Foods with added supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin can help support joint health, which is crucial for breeds prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Adrenal support. Choose a high-quality, balanced diet that provides all the necessary nutrients, and avoid foods with high potassium levels, as these can exacerbate symptoms. Low glycemic index. Foods with a low glycemic index can help manage conditions like epilepsy. They can help to avoid sudden spikes in blood sugar levels that can trigger seizures. Eye health support. A diet rich in antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, and certain carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin can support overall eye health. Heart health. For heart conditions, food should be low in sodium and rich in taurine and L-carnitine to support heart function. Omega-3 fatty acids may also support heart health. Hypothyroidism management. Some research suggests that kelp and other seaweeds, rich in iodine, can support thyroid health. Chapter 2: The Reviews. Labradoodles can eat either wet or dry food or a combination of both. If you have a larger Labradoodle, feeding them a full wet food diet will likely be cost-prohibitive. Although there are plenty of wet and canned foods that provide complete nutrition, wet food costs significantly more per ounce than kibble. For picky dogs, using wet food as a topper to dry food can help improve the appeal of the food, or you can mix the two. For dogs with dental issues or tooth loss, wet food can be easier to chew. There is no scientific evidence to support grain-free dog foods being healthier than foods including grain. Do Labradoodles Have Stomach Sensitivities? Any dog can have a negative reaction to their food. Sometimes a dog picks something out of the trash can or outside without us knowing, and we attribute the upset stomach to their food. If you are certain that your dog is having a reaction to their food or that their food is making them sick, it is best to speak with your veterinarian to determine the exact cause of the problem. Conclusion Labradoodles are popular pets due to their calm natures and non-shedding coats. But they need quality nutrition to stay healthy. The customized meal plan means your dog will be getting the exact nutrition that they need, with food tailor-made just for them. This dry dog food provides high-quality ingredients and superior nutrition at a budget-friendly price. This dry dog food is designed to support bone and joint health and promote healthy digestion. It is also lower in calories and fat than other brands, so it can help promote overall lean body mass.
These hybrids are going to inherit a lot of physical features and quirks from both sides of the family. The alert and active Boxer Previously known as Deutscher Boxers, Boxers are playful, energetic dogs that are recognized for their flat-faced heads and blunt muzzles, which give them a unique look. The typical weight of Boxers is around 55 to 70 pounds 25 to 32 kg. Males can grow up to 23 to 25 inches 58 to 64 cm , while females are between 21 to 23 inches 53 to 58 cm in height. Boxer As a purebred, the Boxer is recognized by the American Kennel Club AKC and is prized as an affectionate companion, a great guard dog, and an excellent family pet. Due to their short and silky coat, they are temperature-sensitive. But, with, proper care, they have a life expectancy of 11 to 14 years. A Labrador Retriever or Lab is a medium-sized, high-energy purebred that can grow to weigh 80 pounds 36 kg. How big will a Lab Boxer mix get? They can grow up to 23 to 25 inches 58 to 63 cm and can weigh up to pounds 45 kg when fully grown. If you want a smaller pet of the same breed, choose a female that only weighs around 50 to 65 pounds 22 to 30 kg. Most Boxer Labs have a mix of any of the two colors such as black and white or black and tan. This intelligent, friendly, and loyal companion is also quite the social butterfly. They are great service dogs, too! Just keep in mind, they easily get separation anxiety if you leave them alone for too long. They need training and socialization at a young age. If not, they can grow to be stubborn. You can start training your puppy as soon as you take it home at 8 weeks old. Boxadors are easy to train because of their Labrador and Boxer parentage. Remember to always use positive reinforcement to make good behavior stick! Boxadors are no couch potatoes. A Boxer Lab mix needs regular physical activity since one of its parents the Labrador has a gene mutation that leads to obesity. Some owners walk their Boxadors thrice a day, but a 30 to minute walk twice a day is good enough. Keep them happy by providing them plenty of space to run around and play with you or on their own. This crossbreed can get depressed if you leave it alone for long periods and it will make sure everyone knows about its frustration by whining or howling. They want to make you happy. Boxadors are a playful bunch and would do anything to please their humans. TLC goes a long way! Think you can manage its high energy level and training needs? This hybrid has a fairly manageable coat, but this Boxer Lab mix is not hypoallergenic, as it sheds a moderate amount of fur. The fur usually comes off during spring and autumn, so, during these seasons, you have to brush their coat every day. Even after the shedding season, maintain that glossy hair by brushing it once a week. Brushing their pearly whites once or twice a week. Cleaning their ears two times a month. Checking the fur under their eyes at least twice a week. Trimming those pretty nails twice a month or when needed. The proper diet Just like Labradors, the Boxador loves to eat! Control their feeding by giving them two meals, one in the morning and one in the evening. Boxadors can be fed with around 4 to 5 cups of dry kibble per day. You can also include some tasty snacks and treats. You can reduce the risk of bloat by using slow-feeder bowls and avoiding giving your pup large meals. Lab Boxer Mix health issues Even if health issues can be passed on to Boxadors by their parent breeds, keep in mind that the chances of your hybrid getting these illnesses are quite low. The Lab Boxer mix has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, after all. These are some of the health issues the Boxer Lab mix may be prone to: Hypothyroidism. As owners, we need to make sure that they are cared for and their needs are met. Below are detailed tips on taking the best care of your Pitbull Boxer Lab mix. Food and Diet To ensure optimum growth for your Pit Boxer Lab mix, it is vital to provide your dog with a healthy and balanced diet. Make sure you give them at least one to two cups of dog food rich in protein per meal every day. If you want to make your Pit Boxer Lab mix more lean or muscular, it is best to introduce a muscle-building diet consisting of essential protein, carbs, and fats. For added reference, you can follow our proven ways to make your Pitbull more muscular. Brushing their coats at least once a week goes a long way in keeping them clean and shiny. Also, remember that your Pit Boxer Lab mix is a moderate shedder that sheds all throughout the year, so investing in a good-quality deshedding brush will make your life easier. To keep them fresh and clean, Pit Boxer Lab mixes can be bathed once every 4 to 6 weeks or as needed. Since they have short fur and natural oils to protect their fur and skin, you need not bathe them too often. Additionally, they may also require weekly ear cleaning to avoid wax build-up and nail trimming at least two to three times per week. Likewise, their teeth should be brushed weekly to avoid tartar build-up. Training and Exercise Training your Pit Boxer Lab mix should be fairly easy since these are highly intelligent dogs. However, due to their stubbornness, this task can be quite challenging. As with any other breed, the key to more successful dog training is starting out while they are still young. It is also essential to train them using positive reinforcement along with a healthy amount of treats and lots of praise. Likewise, taking them to dog parks where they can meet and play with other dogs is also helpful. Exposure to different sounds and triggers is also a huge help in training, socializing, and exercising. Thus, expect that you will have a highly active dog that requires at least an hour of vigorous exercise daily. Here is the initial cost of expenses that you need to consider when you take home a Pit Boxer Lab mix: Type of Expense. Chopped carrots or celery make great little healthy treats. Your vet can help you develop a care routine. Boxadors love to eat and will rapidly gain weight if they are allowed to free feed. Pick a high quality dog food and stick to a feeding schedule; two feedings per day could be ideal to keep this pooch happy. They also need an exercise schedule. A 30 minute hike, walk, or game of fetch, plus an hour of active running around a yard will help burn off pent up energy. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. Keeping them clean and dry is the best way to avoid doctor visits. If your dog develops a pungent aroma or is scratching their ears excessively, they may have an ear infection and will require a vet exam. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth a minimum of three times a week. Clean your dogs eyes as you would your own. You can use a cloth or your fingers to wipe away discharge or debris that collects in the corners. Boxador Feeding An ideal Boxador diet should be formulated for an active, medium- to large-sized breed. Limit their amount of treats, as well. The main colors of Boxadors are; black, brown, brindle, and white. Rarely solid, their coats typically have a blend of two or more colors. Luckily, their coats are very easy to groom. A good brushing per week will probably do. They may self groom and are considered a pretty clean dog. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any tail pulling or biting on the part of either party. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this pup by reading about their parent breeds, the Boxer and Labrador Retriever. Boxador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Boxadors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Boxer or Labrador Retriever breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Brindle 2. She needs plenty of exercise and lots of play! Given that both the Boxer and the Pitbull were bred for use as working dogs, these breeds are very energetic, so your Boxer Pitbull Mix requires a lot of exercise. This is what a well-exercised Boxer Pitbull Mix should look like: The Boxer Pitbull Mix is very playful and will need lots of toys at home. Careful, though! With her strong jaw and love of chewing, this dogs can destroy a chew toy within minutes. When you take her out, take a ball or a Frisbee to play fetch. She will love it! You should take her out for a brisk one-hour walktwice a day. If you are running, twenty minutes to half an hour should be enough. If your dog tires you will notice her slowing or beginning to pant excessively you should stop for a five-minute break and hydrate her. I recommend taking out a collapsible doggie bowl in which you can give her water. A note on exercising your Pitbull Boxer Mix puppy This advice on exercise applies to the adult dog only, as when large-breed puppies do too much running and ball-chasing this can cause long-term injuries. With your Pitbull Boxer Mix puppy, it is best to do lots of short walks and indoor play until she matures, at about 1 year — 16 months. Watch this 11 week old Pitbull Boxer Mix. She is curious, playful, active, and absolutely, jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Whatever the weather — not with this dog! In rainy weather, she will need a doggie coat to keep her warm. During summer months, it is best to take her out in the early morning or the evening when the sun is less intense. She may still need sunscreen, but make sure you purchase one without zinc oxide, as it is toxic for dogs. The Pitbull is also a very affectionate dog when well-socialized, who will lick you all over if you give her an inch. She was in fact bred for both work and companionship , and due to her gentle nature, is beginning to be used more and more as a therapy dog. Both Boxer and Pitbull are also great with children , which makes them excellent family dogs. The Boxer is very patient and protective, while the Pitbull is solid, a people-pleaser and highly trainable. So mix them together and what have you got? A companionable, affectionate dog who fits in perfectly with a family, wants a lot of attention and gives in return. It is, of course, worth noting that as puppies they are going to be more hyper, and so their contact with children must be supervised. Also, your dog must be well-exercised to be around children, as if not she will be incredibly excitable and could knock over a small child. Her guard dog instinct is strong, which can be useful if there is an intruder or attacker. These are courageous dogs who used to risk their lives baiting bulls, so have no doubt that she will defend you and yours if necessary. If this instinct gets out of hand, however, it can become a problem. You must make sure that you socialize your Boxer Pitbull Mix from a young age with as many people as you can. Invite friends and neighbors to your home and provide her with a positive association by having the person give her a treat when they arrive. As long as you train her well and stay consistent, this dog will be the friendliest dog around. She might be too hands-on for older pets Providing they are both socialized properly, both breeds can get on well with other animals, particularly Boxers. As for play style, Pitbulls can be rough and Boxers like to use their front paws when playing much like a boxer… oh, that makes sense! People are also beginning to look past the negative stigma around Pitbulls and realize their high intelligence and trainability, too. Director of Operations at Universal K9 claims that out of the hundreds of dogs he has trained for police work, the Pitbull, Kiah, is one of the top three he has ever placed. These dogs can be stubborn, though, meaning that you need to be firm and consistent with them. As long as you are in charge, your Boxer Pitbull Mix should pick up basic commands quickly. Make sure you do enough repetition and provide rewards and lots of praise. As puppies, they are boisterous and energetic little characters. You will need to be assertive in order to get their focus. She is a moderate shedder Though these dogs have a short coat, they are moderate shedders and will require a good grooming session once a week. They will probably lose more fur in the Spring, from April through May, so it may be a good idea to brush her twice a week during these periods. She will also need her ears checked monthly, either at the vet or with a reputable groomer. She is usually healthy but has some potential health concerns The Pitbull Boxer Mix is generally a healthy breed, as both pure breeds are as long as she gets sufficient exercise, of course and as I mentioned in the intro it can live for up to 13 years. Having said that, it is always worth being informed on any potential health issues this breed can develop, so here are the main ones your dog could be prone to: Cancer While the majority of Boxers are healthy , they are at risk of an aggressive form of cancer called hemangiosarcoma , which occurs in the blood vessel cells. It can be difficult to detect, but signs can include weakness, a distended abdomen, difficulty breathing and weight loss. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, talk to your veterinarian as soon as possible, as this cancer can spread rapidly. Hip dysplasia This condition consists of a malformation of the hip joint, where it is unstable or loose in the socket. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals shows that this condition occurs in both breeds , although Pitbulls are more susceptible. Severe cases can lead to arthritic joints and lameness. Signs can include walking or running with an altered gait and reluctance to fully extend their rear legs or jump. Weight control helps enormously with this condition; keep her slim, as any excess weight will put stress on her joints. Heart disease The Boxer is prone to a heart problem called aortic stenosis , which in most cases of the disease the dog is born with. This disease causes narrowing of the aortic valve, which puts pressure on the heart. Symptoms can include rapid breathing or difficulty breathing, sudden loss of consciousness, and congestive heart failure. If your vet picks up a heart murmur, the diagnosis can be confirmed with an X-ray and a cardiac ultrasound. Allergies Pitbulls can have various allergies , so your Pitbull Boxer Mix may be susceptible. They can be treated with antihistamines, and in the case of skin irritation, you should use shampoos specifically designed for sensitive skin. Conclusion Are you a family with children without any older pets? Are you ready to dedicate your days to plenty of exercise and play with your new lively companion? Can you give her the consistent training she needs? If the answer is yes to all of the above, you are more than ready to own a Pitbull Boxer Mix, and she will be more than happy to have you. Have you got a Pitbull Boxer Mix and a story to share? Comment below! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. Had her posted on the local shelter site but no takers. We have a year-old Chihuahua and 8-year-old Yorkie so keeping the new dog inside is not possible. For a temporary measure we put a cardboard box with lots of pillows and blankets warmed in the dryer on the porch swing. It has since warmed up into the range. She appears to be happy running around outside and sleeping on the porch swing near the now chewed up box. We have ordered a dog house for her and are having her spayed tomorrow. We are a late middle-aged couple but I hope to be able to walk with her at least once a day. I hope you can wish us well for rescuing her. The recipe features real meat, garden veggies, and fruit plus whole grains and LifeSource Bits rich in antioxidants. It also features ingredients that support healthy growth and development for a growing pup. Natural sources of chondroitin and glucosamine are the building blocks of healthy joints and cartilages ideal for mobility. It is packed in vitamins and minerals with antioxidant benefits for lifelong health and happiness. This kibble made for large breed adult dogs also features Iams DHA Gold to promote mental sharpness and alertness and also to encourage healthy cognitive ability. It is crafted with prebiotics for healthy digestion and strong defenses. Puppies and adult pooches have diametrically different nutritional needs, and senior canines require kibble that is gentle on their aged teeth and stomachs. We suggest you pick one of our recommendations for the best puppy food brands and the best senior dry dog food and see how your pup responds. Who knows? Given that your Pitbull Boxer is neither big nor small, they may like the taste of the best dry dog food for small dogs and the best large breed dry dog food alike, so you might want to offer them both kinds! Pitbull Boxer Mix Exercise Requirements The general advice for most dogs would be to train them while they are young. But in the case of your Pitbull Boxer cross, you have to very cautious. Puppies of large-breed origin that exerts too much energy from running or playing can cause injuries that may last his lifetime. For puppies, activities may be limited to regular short walks or play until it has reached a certain maturity, around one year up to 16 months. As it gets old, the daily exercise requirement will also change. For an adult Pitbull boxer, minutes of exercise should be adequate to maintain good health. It is a very energetic hybrid so they will thrive in a lively environment. An ideal home would mean lots of space to move around, inside or in the backyard. Some states enforce restrictions with regards to Pitbull mixes like your pitbull boxer, so you have to keep it on a leash while out exercising. Using a leash will also prevent them from running into or jumping into everyone they encounter. They are most happy walking around in the city or the Dog Park or even trudging in the mountains. Another essential thing to consider is the weather. During the rainy season, your dog will need a raincoat to protect her from the rain and also to keep her warm. Sunscreen can be used but avoid products with zinc oxide, as it is a poisonous substance. The jacket provides full chest coverage, and the solid print is stylishly chic. The elastic leg straps and adjustable fastener guarantees a snug band comfortable fit. It also features reflectorized stitching so you can see your dog even at night. It is guaranteed durable — it features a galvanized cable and coated with crack-resistant vinyl. It should be able to withstand up to 7x the weight of your dog. My Dog Nose It! Pitbull Boxer Cross Training The combination of Pitbull and Boxer is explosively stubborn, so it is a suitable pet for someone with a firm and unyielding grip in training and socialization. And as always, your dog will react and respond best with positive reinforcement, rewards, and incentives. Punishment will never work, and more often than not, will only create or aggravate behavioral problems. It is essential to reward your pet to encourage positive behavior. Early socialization and training from puppyhood will form the foundation of a well-adjusted dog. Training your Pitbull Boxer should be a piece of cake because of their ability to pick up commands. To get their focus though, you would need to be tough and establish yourself as the master and make him obey you. We listed some training activities you can try out with your petpal: Behavior Training — How do you train him to stop barking mad? Constant practice will help you achieve the desired effect but never shout at him even if he continues to bark. Also, allow him to learn commands other than barking. Keep in mind that the goal is to reward your pup for being silent. Chores Training — Teach him to fetch your newspaper for you. Playing fetch with a toy or a ball should prep your dog for this activity. All you have to do is replace the toy with the newspaper and tech your Pitbull boxer how to get it, pick it up or bring it back to you. Fun Training — Rollover is one activity designed with your big Boxer Pitbull in mind. Start with getting your dog to lie down, and eventually how to roll over. Make sure you reward each action accordingly, and of course, practice makes perfect. Pitbull Boxer Combination And Families The Pitbull Boxer will become accustomed to any family dynamic most especially when trained well and socialized correctly. Their energetic and sometimes rowdy nature can knock off small bodies, so be extra careful if you have kids. There are specific training designed to help you manage this kind of behavior. Check with your local authorities with regards to the legal status of Pitbull mixes in your area. Find out if your Boxer pitbull mix is banned or restricted. Not only will they thrive in large spaces to allow lots of movement, but they will also want owners who will dedicate their time to train and socialize and to love and care for them. The Boxer Lab mix is playful, energetic, loyal and loving. Boxador puppies are known for being intelligent and enthusiastic dogs. But their spirited temperament is not right for every family setup. Watch these cute Boxer Lab mix puppies playing! The boxer lab mix, also known as the Boxador, is a hybrid of the Boxer and the Labrador Retriever breeds. Compared to its parent breeds, the Boxador mix itself is very new. But, its parents have long histories living and working alongside humans. Labs originated as working dogs, retrieving game for fishermen in Newfoundland, Canada. When they were first bred in 19th century Germany, Boxers were used as fighting dogs. Boxer Lab Mix Characteristics With cross breeds it is often hard to predict which parent a puppy will resemble. Boxers can weigh up to 80lbs and reach 25 inches tall. Labradors are similarly large. Boxador full grown tend to be between 23 and 25 inches tall and weigh up to 80lbs. Although females are smaller than males. Regardless of the mix of your genes your pup ends up with, your Boxer Lab Mix dog is likely to be a medium to large dog, active, loyal, easy to train and very fond of challenges — of both the physical and mental kind! Boxers are fawn or brindle. Often with white patches. Their offspring can be any mixture of these! The Boxador is usually brindle, and these dogs often have white markings. If you want a black Lab Boxer mix, your puppy will likely still have some white on them. Your best bet is to mix a black Lab with a dark Boxer. But, even a black Lab Boxer mix can have unpredictable coloring, despite the dominant genes for black fur. Do Boxer Lab Mixes Shed? When it comes to coat, the Boxer Lab mix usually takes after its Boxer parent. These pups typically have short, smooth hair that sheds very little and is easy to care for. However if your Boxador dog has more Labrador in its genes you might have to deal with some shedding. Thankfully this is usually seasonal and can be kept in check with regular grooming. Are Boxadors Hypoallergenic? The Boxer Lab mix might have a short coat, but it is likely to be a high shedder at least part of the time. They produce allergens in their dander and saliva, and are not suitable for dog allergy suffering owners. Boxador Temperament The Boxer Lab mix will fall somewhere between its parents. But, luckily, the Labrador and Boxer breeds have quite similar temperaments. Both Boxers and Labradors are very loving and loyal. They think nothing of climbing on their people for a cuddle, despite their large size! Both Boxers and Labradors are usually great with older children. They are considered gentle giants and will eagerly run after little ones. Although they have been known to accidentally bowl over smaller family members in their excitement. Labradors also love playing with canine companions, but Boxers are less reliable in this area. Poorly socialized Boxers can be prone to aggression towards strangers and other dogs. Boxers are instinctive guardians and proud to play the role of family protector. But you can reduce this through thorough socialization during the puppy stages and by meeting the Boxer parent and ensuring that they seem happy and confident around strangers. Even the most friendly breed, like the Labrador, will benefit. Finding them puppy friends to play with will encourage them to be calm and docile with other dogs when fully grown. Attending puppy classes is a great way to do this. But, make sure you also socialize them to unfamiliar people, children, cats, other animals, and more. This will ensure your Boxador dog is as friendly outside the home as he is inside. They require a lot of exercise and enjoy running around with the family or playing a game of fetch. This can result in unwanted behaviors like barking, digging, or chewing. But, be wary of a shorter snout in the Boxador. Boxers suffer from a conformity issue called brachycephaly, which can cause trouble breathing and overheating when exercising. Use positive reward techniques for best results. You could even take your mix to a puppy training class, or attend an online dog training class. Boxador Health and Care Genetic diversity is improved in a cross breed compared with the parent breeds and the coefficient of inbreeding COI is much lower. Put simply, the COI of any mating describes how closely related the parent dogs are. Higher COIs are associated with an increase in health problems. The risk of this happening is lower if the puppies parents are not closely related. There are however, some health issues that are not recessive and can be passed on from just one parent. And there are common ancestors in some of our dog breeds that mean some diseases are present in both breeds. For that reason it is still possible that a cross bred dog could inherit genetic health problems. Labrador Health Labradors are not without their issues. This breed can suffer from hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. It can cause lameness and severe arthritic pain. Another issue to be aware of in Labs is eye disease. Retinal dysplasia was first noted in the breed in .Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a degenerative eye disease that is common in Labs. Only buy your puppy from a breeder who health tests the parents for all the potential problems their respective breeds could suffer from. Boxer Health A study found that Boxers are one of the most likely breeds to get cancer. According to Petplan, mast cell tumors are the 5th most common illness in Boxers. This breed is unfortunately also associated with heart disease. Aortic Stenosis is the most common major problem in the breed. The causes are not known but it is genetic and passed along certain bloodlines. ARVC affects males more than females and is most common in dogs older than .Symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing and weight loss. Boxers can also suffer from Canine Degenerative Myelopathy. This is a neurodegenerative disease that can cause paralysis. Unfortunately more is not necessarily better and brachycephaly causes breathing difficulties and overheating It may be that being the Boxador rather than a purebred Boxer offers some protection against these diseases. It certainly reduces the skull shortening we see in brachycephalic breeds. This is a bit of a two edged coin because while the Boxer physique may benefit from a longer muzzle, the Labrador physique is unlikely to be improved with a shorter one. Reputable breeders will only breed from dogs that have been tested and cleared of these serious hereditary health problems. To give your pup a long and healthy life, make sure he gets plenty of exercise, a balanced diet and regular vet check-ups. Boxador Life Expectancy Labrador Retrievers have a lifespan of years. And, on average, Boxers live around years So in theory you can expect Boxer Labrador mix puppies to reach anywhere between 9 and 12 years old. In practice studies tend to find that crossbred dogs in general, live longer on average than most purebred dogs. But we currently have no evidence that this is the case for the Boxador in particular. Only you can decide if the Boxer Lab mix is the right fit for your home. These are large dogs with big hearts that will give as much as they take. Boxadors love being part of a family. They are great with children and enthusiastic playmates for families with school age children and up. But this cross breed needs lots of exercise. They are fiercely attached to their people and dislike being left for long periods of time. This is a dog that suits a family with an active lifestyle and lots of love to give. Boxer Lab Mix Rescue Adopting a shelter dog always comes with risk. But Boxadors in shelters need homes and rescuing puppies or older dogs can be very rewarding. Labrador and Boxer breed rescues also sometimes have crossbreeds available. Dogs from adoption centers are usually much cheaper than puppies. But, remember you may need to spend lots of time helping them work through behavioral issues from past experiences. Finding Your Boxador Puppy Never buy a dog from a puppy mill or pet store. Or from the back of a vehicle. Always visit the puppy in his own home in the presence of his mother, who should be relaxed, healthy and friendly. Sadly with any very fashionable breed, or breed mix, there are many out there who are just looking to make a quick buck. Socialize your Boxador very thoroughly, exposing him to all kinds of fun experiences and making sure that he meets many different types of people, places, machinery etc. Given Boxadors intelligent nature and working history, get started on training your dog right away. Boxador Breeders It can be challenging to find a responsible breeder of cross breeds as there is currently quite a stigma against mixed breeding in the dog world. You must ask to see those certificates — they are very important. The parent dogs must have been screened for any genetic diseases and the breeder should be very forthcoming with any questions. This is going to be a loyal and protective dog with the aloofness of the Boxer and Pit combined wiht the congeniality of the Lab. He will make a great watchdog and family pet. All dogs need proper socialization and training to help equip them for life. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Boxer Pitbull Lab Mix. Note that this hybrid can consist of the black lab, yellow lab, or chocolate lab. While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Boxer Pitbull Lab Mix puppy, if they have any American Bullador puppies for sale. If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. Please sign our petition to stop puppy mills. They make great family pets as well as a companion, show dog, hunting dog, canine athlete, guide dog, service dog, sniffer dog, search and rescue dog , and therapy dog. They are very active dogs that need daily exercise and mental stimulation. When they start to become bored and destructive is when they miss their exercise. People who research this stuff have a couple of different theories about how the breed came to be called the Labrador. The first is that it was borrowed from the Spanish word for laborer — labrador — which is certainly a fitting description. The second is that it is related to the dogs that accompanied Portuguese fishermen who trawled the Grand Banks off the coast of Labrador and its neighbor Newfoundland. American sportsmen who admired their positive traits brought them back over. Pitbull History: I know it is hard to believe today, but bear and bull baiting was a popular spectator sport in the s. This led to the foundation of the breed, to partake in this activity. As archaic as it sounds, when it was banned dog fighting took its place. Fighting has been in their blood and their lineage for generations. They were bred to be powerful, courageous, and aggressive. They can still be rather docile towards their handlers today. When they made it across the pond to America they were bred to be larger and were used as farm dogs. They would help hunt, guard and be a companion. When bred responsibly, this is a confident, strong but gentle dog. He is alert but is not aggressive unless he has to protect you from a real threat. He loves people and having company and wants to be at the center of it all as much as possible. He might just jump in your lap while you are watching T. V and have no idea that he is there. Boxer History: The Boxer is a relatively new breed from the late 19th century. It hails from Germany. He hails from the Bulldog and some German Mastiffs. As most dogs he is a mix of many breeds. He was bred to be a working dog and has hunting and fighting in his past. He was a voracious worker in both World Wars. He is a very playful dog and really not very aggressive, but is extremely loyal. He is extremely alert and will be good with your kids. If he or his family feels threatened, he will show his protective side.
French Bulldog Breathing Problems: Things to Know If you are thinking of owning a French bulldog, then you should be aware of French bulldog breathing problems. The set of their eyes and the reduced muzzle size gives the French bulldog a more human-like appearance. But the face of the French bulldog has not evolved naturally. It has been designed by deliberately breeding together dogs with smaller muzzles. This has caused the French bulldog to experience some very serious health problems. French bulldog breathing problems can range from moderate to severe. The Frenchie is a loud, heavy breather and most French bulldogs snore. Many owners become concerned when they hear their French bulldog breathing heavily, and this may or may not be normal. This is a condition that is common with French bulldogs and other dogs with short airways and scrunched faces. The problem can range from mild to serious with the most serious cases requiring surgery. These dogs have short facial bones but the same amount of facial tissue as a dog with a normal muzzle length. Brachycephalic dogs have narrow nostrils, which leads to French bulldog breathing problems. The nostrils on the French bulldog are barely visible. This makes it hard for them to breathe and they cannot get enough air. Brachycephalic Syndrome is an upper airway abnormality that is commonly seen in flat-faced dogs. The condition can include narrowed nostrils stenotic nares and an elongated soft palate. As a result, the dog suffers from breathing problems and symptoms that include exercise intolerance, noisy breathing, snoring, wheezing and difficulty breathing. All brachycephalic dogs have compromised airways to some degree and many of them suffer severe symptoms. Speak to your veterinarian if your dog is experiencing any symptoms of Brachycephalic Syndrome. There are both surgical and medical treatments to help manage the condition. If a French bulldog requires surgery, it may be very difficult for your veterinarian to intubate your dog because of his physical attributes. When you buy a French bulldog, you should be prepared for the financial and emotional cost of dealing with a breed that has a lot of health issues. Managing mild cases of heavy breathing can be done by keeping your dog at a normal weight and controlling the amount of exercise your dog gets. If it is hot outside, you should keep your Frenchie inside in the cool air. Keep stress to a minimum. Your veterinarian may also recommend medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroids. Oxygen therapy may also be used for short term treatment of dogs who are in respiratory distress. Things to Avoid French bulldog breathing problems can worsen when you do not take the necessary precautions. Do not over-exercise your dog. Too much exercise can cause breathing difficulties as the dog is unable to take in the air it needs. Stick to a short 10 to 15 minute walk each day. If you notice that your dog is having trouble keeping up, or if he seems fatigued, pick him up and carry him home. Avoid walking your French bulldog in heat and humidity. Early morning and evening walks are best. Any exercise that increases the demand for oxygen should not be overdone. The exercise needs of an adult Frenchie and a puppy are quite different. With a puppy, over strenuous walks are unnecessary — and they could possibly harm your pup. As a general rule, walk your French bulldog puppy about two minutes for every month of age. So a three-month-old puppy would walk about six minutes. During the walk, monitor your puppy for signs of fatigue and end the walk if they seem too tired to continue. Keep your dog out of the heat. French bulldogs are prone to overheating and breathing issues that are directly related to the structure of their faces. Brachycephalic dogs like the French bulldog are prone to heatstroke because they cannot take in enough oxygen to keep them cool and refreshed. They have trouble regulating their body temperature effectively. Go for walks in the morning and evening and avoid the hot temperatures during the day. Keep your French bulldog comfortable by keeping him in a cool air-conditioned environment. With Brachycephalic airway syndrome, the bony chamber of the nose is physically smaller but the soft palate that separates the back of the nose from the throat remains the same size. This is like having a curtain that's too long for a window in place. As the dog breathes in, the pressure change tends to suck the soft palate against the entrance to the trachea windpipe , blocking it off. Go to source This causes the French bulldog to choke and gasp for breath. Laryngeal saccules also affect breathing. These are tonsil like tissue located just inside the larynx voice box. Changes in air pressure created by the anatomical changes have the effect of sucking the laryngeal saccules in the way of the trachea, and block it. Also, a hypoplastic trachea impacts breathing. The windpipe of French bulldogs can be much narrower than a normal windpipe. This produces increased resistance to airflow and yet more breathing problems. They will be able to diagnose breathing problems and help you to decide if you're open to the idea of surgery. Assess how bad your dog's breathing is and whether you are willing to change it surgically. Some dogs struggle so hard to breathe that corrective surgery is required to improve their quality of life. It's important to discuss whether or not your dog should get surgery with your dog's veterinarian. Unfortunately, some problems, such as the hypoplastic trachea and a large tongue, cannot be changed with surgery. Under general anesthesia, the vet cuts out a triangle of flesh from the outside border of the nostrils. This will create a larger gap for air to pass through. Go to source The effect of widening the nostrils makes it easier for the dog to breathe through its nose. Under anesthesia, the surgeon assesses how much extra tissue there is at the back of the throat. He or she then trims the soft palate back. Go to source The aim is to resect remove enough so that there is no tissue flapping in the turbulence of the opening to the windpipe. The vet may opt to resect the laryngeal saccules. This surgery removes two obstructions from the crowded space at the back of the throat, allowing more space for air to pass. Go to source Advertisement. Animal Emergency Center Why is my French bulldog breathing so fast while sleeping? Like us, dogs will dream throughout their sleeping pattern. This is part of the REM process. This part of the sleep cycle will involve a lot of brain activity. Your Frenchie may use more energy during this time frame. They will begin to breathe more rapidly to take in extra oxygen, which can then be transported from the lungs into the bloodstream and converted into energy. The REM phase of a puppy would be much more intense than that of a grown french bulldog as they go into REM sleep more often. Most likely, your Frenchie is dreaming about chasing something around the yard. Older dogs tend not to breathe rapidly for extended periods in their sleep, though. In that case, they can develop heat strokes; this can become serious and can even kill them. If your French Bulldogs show signs of heat exhaustion, move them to a cool, shady spot and try to get them to your Vet as soon as possible. Frenchies are more susceptible to heat strokes than very old dogs. Little French Dog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Douse your Frenchie immediately with cool water to prevent shock. If appropriate, you could also use a wet towel or put them in front of a fan. Allow your French Bulldog to drink small amounts of cool water. Keep dousing your Frenchie with cold water until their breathing is not as quick and they start to settle. Rapid breathing is a symptom of anemia. Though rapid breathing alone should not be seen as the only indicator, your dog suffers from anemia. Red blood cells and the main hemoglobin purpose are to take oxygen from the lungs to other areas of the body. Several forms of dog anemia can affect your Frenchie with various symptoms. Severe forms of the disease may present life-threatening symptoms to your Frenchie. Still, mild forms can be controlled with proper veterinary care, and your Frenchie will recover. Here are several signs that you can look for and obtain veterinary care if you see a combination of them: Rapid breathing. Frenchies have become wildly popular, thanks in part to celebrities flocking to the breed. Lady Gaga, Taraji P. French Bulldogs also have wonderful personalities and are great dogs for living in small spaces because they don't need a lot of exercises. But there are some known health issues in the breed that include breathing fast. In this article, learn what you need to know if your French Bulldog has started breathing fast and you are not sure what is wrong. But if your Frenchie is in obvious distress, don't wait — call your dog's veterinarian right away! French Bulldog Breathing Fast French Bulldogs breathing fast is a known health concern for short muzzle breeds like the Frenchie, as Vets Now explains. Sometimes fast breathing is a simple case of your dog getting overheated. They will pant because that is a form of canine sweating to help their bodies cool down. But sometimes fast breathing can also mean your dog is anxious. Frenchies are prone to separation anxiety because they get so bonded to their people. And sometimes fast breathing in French Bulldogs is related to their facial structure and anatomy. Their short, cute faces can also mean shorter respiratory passages and narrowed nostrils that make it harder to get enough air in with each breath. Listen to a Veterinarian Talk About French Bulldog Breathing Problems In this short and useful YouTube video , you can hear from an experienced canine veterinarian who is treating a French Bulldog puppy with breathing problems. As you will learn, many of the breathing issues French Bulldogs have are related to their facial anatomy. And some of the problems are fixable with surgery, but since surgery can be pricey it is good to know about these possibilities as early as possible. In the remainder of this article, we will talk about what causes these breathing problems and your options to make sure your Frenchie stays safe and healthy. So let's take a look at the main reasons your Frenchie might start breathing fast. When in doubt, always take your dog to the nearest veterinary emergency room! Brachycephalic muzzle type As dog expert Stanley Coren, Ph. The three main shapes are dolichocephalic long muzzle , mesocephalic medium muzzle , and brachycephalic short muzzle. The French Bulldog has a brachycephalic shape. However, there can be some variation between the three shapes, which means some French Bulldogs may have shorter muzzles than others. The shorter the muzzle, the less room for everything that needs to fit inside, including teeth, nostrils, nasals passages, tonsils, larynx, tongue, palate, eyes — there are a lot of necessary anatomical parts that have to fit in your dog's head! Because of this, sometimes all that extra tissue gets bunched up inside the nostrils, which causes them to be smaller and thinner. That makes it harder to draw air in. This can lead to fast breathing or panting in Frenchies. Obstructive airway syndrome Because of both their short muzzle shape and a co-occurring unrelated genetic issue, French Bulldogs can develop a very serious lifelong genetic health issue called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, or BOAS for short. As Discover Magazine explains, this genetic issue basically means your dog spends their life trying to breathe in all the air they need through the equivalent of a drinking straw. While not all dogs that have BOAS have a short muzzle shape, having the gene that causes BOAS and having a short muzzle can make the health concerns even more worrisome for a Frenchie. Getting overheated Many people don't realize that dogs don't sweat like people sweat. Dogs can't sweat through their skin. They sweat by panting and through their paw pads. As the American Kennel Club AKC explains, French Bulldogs can be unusually challenged to keep cool in hot weather and should be kept indoors during the warm hours of the day. Otherwise, fast breathing may represent a desperate attempt on the part of your dog to stay cool. Getting over-anxious As French Bulldogs of Texas breeder points out, French Bulldogs have a tendency to develop separation anxiety. These dogs just really don't like being left alone! A Frenchie that is expected to self-entertain for hours each day is likely to become very anxious when you leave for yet another long day away from the house. One of the hallmark symptoms of separation anxiety can be panting and fast breathing. Here, context will help you figure out if separation anxiety could be at the root of your French Bulldog's fast breathing. Getting over-excited French Bulldogs are also quite easily able to get themselves worked up to the point where they get over-excited and start breathing fast. Something as simple as you coming home or a new tasty treat could send your Frenchie into a tailspin frenzy of activity, with the end result being a dog that is panting to calm down and cool down. Ignore your dog when you first come home This can be a hard one, especially since you probably missed your pup as much as they missed you! But especially if separation anxiety may be at the root of your dog's fast breathing, you need to help your French Bulldog learn how to greet you in a calm way that is not dangerous to their health. One of the best methods is to simply not act like you coming home is a big deal. Ignore your dog until they calm down and only then greet them. Frenchies are so smart it probably won't take long before your dog catches on and adjusts its behavior. Be careful not to over-exercise or play in hot weather French Bulldogs are very vulnerable to overheating, especially when they are outdoors in the warm season. But since your Frenchie is never going to grasp the need to take it easy, you will have to be the one to moderate your dog's activity level. Limit outdoor activity to cooler hours and make sure your pup isn't playing too vigorously or walking too fast. Sit down and encourage your dog to sit on your lap If your French Bulldog is overheated or over-excited, the best thing you can do is model the behavior you want your dog to adopt. In other words, just sit down and become calm. Your dog will probably want to join you and sit on your lap most French Bulldogs love to do this. Speak gently and softly to your dog and give them pats to ease any anxiety or distress they may be feeling. Talk with your dog's veterinarian about options While no dog owner loves to hear this, for some French Bulldogs a surgical intervention may be what gives them the best quality of life. It is anxiety-producing when a dog cannot breathe fully — for both your dog and for you. In some cases, simply removing some of the extra tissue in the nasal passages may help ease your dog's breathing problems. Your veterinarian may also want to try medications either over-the-counter remedies or prescription medications to keep your dog calmer and quieter before recommending surgery. Talk to your vet and find out what all your different options are so you can make the best decision for your dog. So if your young French Bulldog puppy is already showing signs of chronic fast breathing and other BOAS symptoms, the situation is not likely to improve on its own. You definitely want to get your dog's veterinarian involved from the start to avoid any unpleasant or expensive surprises later on. The very same qualities that can make French Bulldogs such charming and sociable canine companions can also cause health problems for these naturally excitable dogs. While French Bulldogs are not known for having a high energy level in general, they can always find the energy to spend time with their people. This is why, as a Frenchie owner, you will have to make sure you are moderating your own behavior so your dog stays safe and healthy and is able to breathe easily. By watching for signs of distress, you can give your French Bulldog the best life. Shannon Cutts As a freelance pet writer and blogger, Shannon is passionate about crafting knowledge-based, science-supported articles that foster healthy bonds of love and respect between people and animals. But her first and very most important job is as a dog auntie and cockatiel, tortoise, and box turtle mama. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to this site. Shih Tzu dog breed. This condition can affect short nosed cats as well which can lead to moderate or severe respiratory problems. BOAS is not a single health problem, but can manifest in different forms including: Labored breathing Inability to exercise for a sustained period due to reduced oxygen intake Tendency to suffer from heat stroke because of their inability to pant efficiently Brachycephalic dogs suffer from all these conditions because of the shape of their head. These dogs have an elongated soft palate which obstructs the windpipe which is very narrow in brachy dogs, cutting off air supply from the outside. Your Frenchie is particularly vulnerable to the hot weather. It is easy for Frenchies to accidentally overheat, which can quickly turn dangerous leading to serious complications such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and death if not immediately addressed. The signs of overheating can be subtle, too, making it especially important for you to stay vigilant in the hotter months. Moderate to severe stenotic nares. A hypoplastic trachea. An everted laryngeal saccules. These anatomical abnormalities make it more difficult for Brachycephalic dogs like the French Bulldog to breathe which can quickly become life-threatening. It is well known that dogs with BOAS are more likely to die during a flight and have been banned by many airlines. Is Boas hereditary in French Bulldogs? This is the reason it is extremely important to find a reputable Frenchie breeder. When it comes to French bulldogs and other dogs with short muzzles, breathing fast immediately triggers concern as it is a known health symptom. But sometimes breathing fast may simply be because your dog is getting hot or over-excited. Frenchies and canines in general will pant and breathe fast because that is a way to help their bodies cool down. Frenchies are also very capable of working themselves up to frenzy and thus have difficulty breathing. Something as simple as seeing your car drive in could get them over-excited and panting for breath. Other times, breathing fast could mean that your dog is anxious. French bulldogs love and crave your attention; hence they are prone to separation anxiety. So, if you leave your dog alone a lot and they see you leaving again, they could begin to get anxious and breathe fast. Many times, breathing fast in French bulldogs is because of their anatomy and facial structure. Their short cute faces mean that they have shorter respiratory passages and narrowed nostrils. This makes it harder for them to get enough air in with each breath. The French bulldog has short facial bones but with the same amount of facial tissue as a dog with normal facial bones. Sometimes, these tissues block the airways so completely that the dog needs to undergo surgery to be able to breathe. This breathing disorder is called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Disorder. And as a result, the dog could suffer from breathing related issues like exercise intolerance, noisy breathing, snoring, and wheezing. If you suspect that your dog may have breathing problems, watch out for these signs and symptoms. As soon as you notice any of them, do not hesitate to contact your vet immediately. But if you hear noisy breathing that sounds like rasping, snoring or wheezing, your Frenchie may have a breathing problem. The noisier their breathing is, the worse their condition may be. Pay attention to your Frenchie dog during exercise: If your dog seems reluctant to exercise or lags behind on walks, you may want to check on their breathing. If you notice that your French Bulldog is panting heavily with their tongues sticking out, stop exercising for a bit. Their bodies will need more oxygen during exercise and they cannot supply it because drawing in air is laborious. Their gums and tongue may begin to have a blue, gray or purple color, this is due to low blood oxygen. Healthy mouth membranes should appear pink. You may also notice that your French bulldog is drooling. This is because they are concentrating really hard on breathing that they cannot afford to swallow. If your Frenchie has a breathing problem like BOAS, the symptoms become more pronounced and other signs of heatstroke may occur. These symptoms may include heavy panting, glazed eyes, increased pulse, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, excessive drooling, increased body temperature, staggering etc. Overheating or heatstroke can be life threatening, the Frenchie may have seizures, collapse, faint and in some cases, may die. If you notice your dog is overheating, take immediate action while contacting your vet for help. Move your Frenchie to a cool place, tepid sponge them to try and bring the temperature down faster or you can just soak them with water moderately as they can start to feel cold , provide a small amount of water they can drink to re-hydrate. Your vet will consider your dog's breed, physical examination and clinical signs. Visual inspection will be enough for your vet to diagnose Stenotic nares In order to diagnose an elongated soft palate, or everted laryngeal saccules your Frenchie will need to be under anesthesia. Several tests may be conducted to pinpoint any blockage or to determine if surgery is crucial. If your vet does not recommend the BOAS surgery or if your Frenchie is not eligible to get the surgery there are things you can do to help your Frenchie breathe better. Keep your Frenchie out of the heat: French bulldogs cannot stand the heat as they have trouble regulating their body temperature. So, go for walks in the morning and evening to avoid the heat of the day and always keep your Frenchie comfortable and in cool environment. Reduce excitement: If your French is over-excited, the best way to reduce it is to either model a calm behavior for him, that is, sit down, even your breathing and become calm. Your Frenchie will most likely follow suit. Or ignore him until he is calm, only go to him when has calmed down. If you do this repeatedly, he will eventually catch up. Do not over exercise: Too much exercise will cause breathing problems. Reduce your exercise to a short minute walk each day. Do not make your Frenchie exert himself. You can also use a dog carrier or a dog stroller. Avoid leaving your French bulldog alone for long periods of time: Separation anxiety could trigger a breathing attack in Frenchies. If you must leave, make sure you have a monitor that you can check how your French Bulldog is doing when you are not there. Also don't leave for a long periods of time. In the alternative you can get a dog sitter or another Frenchie so they can keep each other company. Speak to your vet about other options. Frenchiestore Health Harness innovated design is the first and only reversible harness with dual D rings in the pet industry for no pull no choke walk which supports your Frenchies' physical and mental well being. Always have your vet on speed dial: To help your Frenchie journey smoother, you need a vet you can trust. Find one that lives close by and is dedicated to your pet's well being. This is when your Frenchie is not considered a puppy anymore and a breathing obstruction will be more apparent. Look at many hospitals and surgeons. Get several surgery consultations until you feel comfortable and confident with the doctor and the facility. Don't be afraid to ask the success rate of the surgeon as well as how many dogs died in their care. This question alone will have a huge impact on the surgeon you'll pick. One thing the surgeon or vet will not tell you is that BOAS surgery is not a fix for life. In time BOAS does come back somewhat. The nose and other parts do close up and resort to the genes of the dog. An an owner of a French Bulldog with a previous diagnosis of BOAS you will never be care free however there are many ways you can help and manage this condition and give your dog the best quality of life possible. BOAS surgery procedure in French Bulldogs Widening your Frenchie's nostrils, Removing the dog's excess tissue of an elongated soft palate Removing everted laryngeal saccules if neccessary. Please ask your surgeon if they plan on prescribing steroids post BOAS operation. Please note: with CO2 surgical lasers in French Bulldogs the above complications are greatly diminished. Risks of Anesthesia in French Bulldogs Due to their compromised airways, brachys face a higher risk of complication due to anesthesia compared to dogs with normal facial physiology. The reason is the dog cannot get enough oxygen during the anesthetic and while trying to wake up from the procedure. Many vets feel jittery to perform surgeries on brachys due to the increased risk of something going wrong during and after the operation. If you own a brachy which needs surgery, make sure the veterinary doctor informs you of the risk involved in the procedure and take necessary precautions. How much does a BOAS surgery cost? Furthermore there may be other charges associated not mentioned above such as cardiovascular assessment and tests prior to the BOAS surgery which may result in additional costs. If you had the pet insurance well before your vets BOAS diagnosis or it is not within the exclusion section treatment should be covered by the pet insurance. If you have any doubt or question you should call your pet insurance and ask in advance. To avoid breeding French bulldogs that highly suffer from BOAS, Frenchie breeders should aim for moderate features like a longer muzzle instead of extremely short or flat. French Bulldogs with the BOAS diagnosis that are eligible for the surgery, should not be bred and removed from the breeding program. The breeder should examine neck girth, body condition, type, nares, genes and more when determining who is eligible to be bred. Regurgitation in French Bulldogs Gagging, vomiting or regurgitating in Frenchies or other brachycephalic breeds all describe their inability to digest food and water properly due to the shape of their head. This is one of the most common symptom of BOAS. The only way dogs release excess body heat is panting. However, brachycephalic dogs have a smaller mouth and inefficient airway, making it difficult for them to dissipate heat. This weakness makes them susceptible to heat stroke. It is important to know heat stroke can lead to death in brachys, which is why such dogs must never be allowed to become overweight. An overweight brachy dog has more fat that traps in heat, increasing the chances of heat stroke. Eye Challenges in French Bulldogs and other brachy dogs Due to the smushed face of brachy dogs, their eyes have limited socket space. Further, the overly exposed eyes of brachycephalic dogs make their eyes dry and irritated frequently. This is one of the reasons a collar is never recommended for daily walks and could potentially be dangerous especially if your Frenchie dog is a puller. If you own a French Bulldog chances are you dealt with eye ulcer at some point in their life. This is a very common injury since they don't have a nose to protect their eyes. How do your vet checks if your dog have a Corneal Ulcer? The following video demonstrates the process of how your vet can check for ulcers in French Bulldogs or other dog breeds. The shape of the skull and nose of these dogs make it difficult for them to breathe effectively and dissipate heat. The result is that brachys tend to overheat quickly, putting them at a higher risk of heatstroke, which can become an emergency. Know the clues that your Frenchie may be overheating: Panting or wheezing Enlarged eyes, ears back, distessed look Excessively floppy tongue Foaming at the mouth or drooling Convulsions and seizures 2 Never Leave Your Brachy Dog Outside Keeping the dog inside will protect them from the high humidity and heat of the outdoors which increases the risk of dehydration and heatstroke. It might be cool and breezy outside, but make sure your brachy dog stays indoors as much as possible during the summer. Try to walk your Frenchie early in the morning, or later in the afternoon, to prevent them from overheating during the peak daytime hours. Also do not let your Frenchie stay in your fenced yard alone outside in the heat. We have heard a tragedy happening this way too many times. Always supervise your dog and if you see any of the warning signs above please be aware that things can decline quickly and you must act fast. Never leave your Frenchie in a hot car Hot cars are death traps for French bulldogs. It is a fact that your car can rapidly climb to a whopping degrees in just a few minutes. Your Frenchie is not able to sweat; instead, they pant to cool down. You can buy a cooling mat at the store or online at relatively affordable prices. Alternatively, you can make a simple cooling mat by freezing water and wrapping the frozen water inside a heavy towel. Place the towel in the canine's bed but make sure it does not touch your dog's skin directly. If you want an inexpensive and effective cooling accessory you can place directly on your dog you can purchase Frenchiestore cooling bandana. These perfect innovative cooling bandanas are compact, small and effective. All you have to do is wet it, wring it and place it on your dog. The cooling light mesh fabric will stay cold for a long time. Frenchiestore cooling bandanas are simple to use and can help keep your Frenchie cool for hours. We have several adorable options from which you can choose. When going out in the heat we recommend placing your cooling bandanas under your Frenchie's Health Harness. Make sure the bandana is placed and covering their whole chest. Keep them comfortable with minimal wear. Our Adjustable Health Harness is a great option for the naked feel. It is like putting a collar on your Frenchie without the risks of a collar. Frenchiestore Strap Harness has a dual d rings for a no choke walk. The same applies to your smushed face pup. During the high heat season, make sure there is always an abundance of cool drinking water in your dog's bowl. A good rule of thumb is to monitor your Frenchies' sounds. If the breathing becomes labored or too noisy, let your Frenchie rest immediately. Remember that the head shape of a brachy dog can make it difficult to breath. Exercise your brachy during the summer, but in moderation. You can reduce the risk of overheating by providing a kid pool to cool down the summer heat. However, the pool must be under a shade and you need to change it whenever it becomes warm or hot. Otherwise, you will end up overheating your French Bulldog instead of cooling them. Offer your dog a shallow pool under supervision off course since Frenchies are known to drown. Offer your French Bulldog water activities A great way to get your dog cooled off fast is by letting your dog play with sprinklers or have a water gun fight. You can quickly wash your dog in cool water if you see any signs of overheating. Never aim the water on the Frenchie's face while panting as this can cause a pneumonia episode. This condition affected our family. The Health Harness inspired and created for Bluenjy has been a life saver for us and many dogs around the world. Dog safe frozen fruit - almost any fruit will do. Bluenjy 's favorite frozen fruit treats are watermelon bites, blueberries, and bananas. Pro Tip: You can freeze bite size pieces on an ice cube tray and top with water to make fun frozen treats that are limited on sugar. Perfect for the high sugar fruit such as bananas, apples and mango. Dog safe frozen vegetables - like broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower provide a great nutritional value plus keep your dog cool. Toppers - if you are used to topping your dog's food with yogurt, tuna broth etc. DIY frozen treats for your Bulldog to help regulate their body temperature We all know French Bulldogs have a hard time regulating their body temperature, this is due to their compacted airway and the way they are built. In a hot day this could be potentially very dangerous for a Frenchie. There are ways we can help our French Bulldogs in the heat. One of our favorite way is simply make them a dogsicle dog popsicle or frozen treats. There are many recipes online, however a general rule of thumb is whatever they like and is edible for dogs you can blend mash freeze and give your dog. You should experiment to see what your Bulldog likes best. Obviously peanut butter is one of their favorite, blend that with some yogurt, freeze and you have a fantastic treat for your dog. Other idea is to blend some yogurt with real fruit. During the hot months you should take away the heavy blankets, pillows and dog beds. You can offer a cooling pad, or a raised ventilated dog bed for your French Bulldog. What should I do if my Frenchie is overheating? If you suspect that your Frenchie is overheating, you need to react quickly, as time is of the essence. Find shade and water. Use your Frenchiestore cooling banana to cool your Frenchie off. Offer your dog water to drink. If water is not available locate the nearest air condition. You can find an air conditioner in every car, building place of business. You don't want them overheating more. If your Frenchie is foaming from the mouth we recommend squeezing a bit of lemon into their mouth. By monitoring your French Bulldog closely, keeping them out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day, and outfitting them in cute but protective! Reach Out to Us For More Information If you would like to know more about caring for your Frenchie, do not hesitate to reach out to us. Brachycephalic dogs need constant supervision. As a responsible pet owner, know your dog and pay attention to their sounds. Make sure to provide as much comfort and love. Support their physical and mental well being and give them the best quality of life possible. BOAS is not a death sentence, with your help your pooch can live a long and healthy life. Leave a comment. This is because they are in a state of relaxation and are not fighting for air. This is normal and part of their growth and development. Puppies will breathe a little faster as they get more active during the night. This is also why they may snore a little bit. Pulmonary Hypertension is a disorder in which the pressure inside the lungs is too high. This makes it difficult for the heart to pump enough blood to the lungs. If you notice any of the following signs, contact your vet: Noticeably labored breathing engaging stomach muscles to help breathe Pale, blue-tinged or brick red gums. If your dog is showing signs of struggling to breathe, including excessive panting, laboured or heavy breathing — the chest and stomach may heave when breathing — then you should begin to worry. If your dog is not able to exercise normally and might have to rest on walks, then they may also be having trouble breathing. If your dog has a blue or grey tinge to their gums a sign of low blood oxygen hen they may also be in trouble. Owners may become concerned when they hear their French bulldog breathing heavily. Breathing heavily may or may not be normal for French bulldogs. French bulldogs with breathing problems may experience moderate to severe symptoms. French bulldogs with breathing problems should be monitored closely by a veterinarian. If French bulldogs have breathing problems, proper treatment may be available. French bulldogs with breathing problems should be kept as healthy as possible. French bulldogs with breathing problems should be monitored by a veterinarian. What Help French Bulldogs Breathe Better Early morning and evening walks are best for French bulldogs because they have a hard time breathing due to their short nose and compromised airways. Exercising that increases the demand for oxygen should not be overdone. Do All Frenchies Have Breathing Problems French bulldogs are a popular breed of dog, but they are known to have breathing problems. This can cause them to have problems breathing, and it can be serious. If you have a French bulldog, it is important to make sure he or she is regularly checked for breathing problems, and if there are any, to get treatment. It is always best to be safe than sorry, so if you see any of the signs above, make sure to take your pup to the vet as soon as possible. It is also important to know that most French Bulldogs do not overheat very often, but if it does happen, you will want to take care of your pet as soon as possible to prevent any serious health problems. Why Do French Bulldogs Hyperventilate French bulldogs are often considered to be one of the most popular breeds of dogs. They are known for their friendly nature, and are often used as service dogs. However, French bulldogs can also be prone to a number of health problems. One of these problems is metabolic acidosis. Among these symptoms are hyperventilation and metabolic acidosis itself. French bulldogs are particularly prone to metabolic acidosis due to a number of factors. These factors include their size, their genetic makeup, and their diet. In particular, French bulldogs are known to be prone to eating a high-calorie diet. This diet can lead to obesity, which in turn can lead to metabolic acidosis. Diabetes also plays a role in metabolic acidosis in French bulldogs. This is because diabetes is a condition in which the body produces too much glucose. Glucose is a type of sugar, and when too much of it is produced, it can lead to metabolic acidosis. There are a number of things that you can do to help prevent metabolic acidosis in your French bulldog. First, you should make sure that your dog is diet is properly balanced. This means that the dog should be eating a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Second, you should make sure that your dog is exercising regularly. People with this condition have a short nose and flat head, which can cause difficulty breathing. In some cases, the obstruction can also cause the Frenchies to snort and snore. Other causes of snorting and snoring can include an obstruction in the airways, an allergic reaction, or the position the Frenchie is sleeping in. Genetics can also play a role, as can other health issues. While these are all common reasons for Frenchies to snort and snore, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Each Frenchie will experience these noises in a different way, and it is important to consult with a veterinarian if the snoring or snorting is causing problems. This is influenced by many factors, but you can help your dog live a longer life by making a few small changes. Feed them a healthy diet, provide plenty of exercise, and keep them clean and healthy. Most pet owners should expect to pay between a few hundred dollars to one thousand dollars. The surgery is usually done on dogs between the ages of one and seven years old. The surgery is usually successful in correcting the problem and the dog typically recovers quickly. There is a small risk of complications post-surgery, but they are relatively rare. Do French Bulldogs Need Clothes French Bulldogs are known for their short hair, but this does not mean that they do not need clothes. French Bulldogs are prone to hyperthermia and overheating, so it is important to provide them with clothes to protect them from the heat. The most important part of buying French Bulldogs clothes is to make sure they fit well and are comfortable. Post Views:
German Shepherd Puppies are lovingly home raised and socialized at our modern 5 acre park like Kennel Facility in Florida Miami. These are just a few words that describe our German shepherds. Life with a German Shepherd is a joy that one must experience to appreciate and understand, and the intelligence of these great dogs must be seen to be believed. AKC Registered Puppies In Tampa Our dogs have provided countless individuals and families with a loyal pet that has a high aptitude, as well as the ability to provide protection. Each of the German shepherd puppies we have for sale are AKC registered and come from a superior lineage. Notably, our German Shepherds go through rigorous testing to qualify for breeding, as our dogs are bred with top sires that have at least a V or VA show rating. German Shepherds are well known for their character and temperament. Poised and confident, our pups are faithful and intelligent companions. They are also great protection dogs, as many safeguard homes, property or livestock. Our breeding program has earned the the highest level of accomplishments that a kennel in the United States can achieve. All of our German Shepherds come with a written guarantee and have been vet-checked, socialized, vaccinated to date, temperament-tested by a professional dog trainer, and above all, have been very much loved. Our German Shepherds are gorgeous Black and Red color, big boned, and correct structure. This price is determined by the size of the puppy, and includes the flight ticket, pre-flight vet exam, a crate the perfect size for your puppy, and travel to the airport. Every year we hand select dogs to add to our breeding program to improve the breed. Breeding top producing west German Sieger show Line German Shepherds is number one in producing quality German Shepherd puppies for sale. Being a German Shepherd dog breeder requires breeding high quality German Shepherds from some of the top rated German Shepherds in Germany They are superior in health with parents being x-rayed with clear hips and elbows by the OFA or the SV. These German shepherd litters of puppies for sale will make great companion dogs as well as excellent conformation, show and working dogs. Their inclination towards making their masters happy, their mental soundness and their high degree of intelligence have made this dog a successful working dog and masterpiece companion for their owners. Our breeding male shepherds are from top pedigrees. You can also visit us on our Facebook page to see recent news. Visit our website, at any moment you may feel you need more information than what we supply here feel free to Contact Us. Our main goal is to produce dogs that will become very special to you. Contact Us with any questions you have about our puppies or anything else. These dogs have a long, square-cut muzzle with a strong jaw, domed forehead, black nose, and dark eyes. Most have a medium-length double coat, but there are long-haired German Shepherds as well. No matter the coat length, all German Shepherds will shed , so they are not the best dogs for people prone to dog allergies. When looking for a top-quality German Shepherd puppy, you need to make sure the dog is healthy and up to the breed standard. First and foremost, a good GSD puppy should have a good temperament. They should be outgoing, inquisitive, and courageous. Despite their somewhat intimidating appearance, they should be affectionate. To see his true personality, take him away from the litter and let him open up. Unfortunately, skittish dogs can also be aggressive , as aggressive behavior is the only way they know how to defend themselves. No good German Shepherd breeder in Florida will sell you a dog younger than 8 weeks of age. Many breeders might appear great at first glance, but there are a few traits that will set reputable breeders apart from backyard breeders. Most importantly, no good German Shepherd breeder in Florida will agree to sell their puppies to pet stores. Only puppy mills and backyard breeders sell to pet stores, so if the breeder tells you that you can buy their dogs elsewhere, this is a huge red flag. It is in their best interest to have you meet the parent dogs, especially the mother. Once at the kennel, you need to inspect it. The rooms have to be clean, and all the dogs should look happy and healthy. Responsible German Shepherd breeders in Florida will also make sure their dogs have been vetted before they leave to their forever homes. This includes up-to-date vaccinations and deworming, as well as other health tests. Expect these breeders to request you spay or neuter your dog, as they want to prevent unwanted dogs on the streets. Not to mention that fixing your dog can help lower the chances of many health issues, including various forms of cancer. Reputable breeders will also care about their dogs long after they have been adopted. Finally, all good breeders will give you all the important documents and paperwork, such as pedigree, registration papers, and a health guarantee. This is so you can be certain that your dog is healthy and purebred, but it can also be proof of a good bloodline. Trusted Guardian German Shepherds has been breeding high-quality GSD puppies for more than 20 years, making them one of the oldest breeders in your state. All of their parent dogs are AKC registered and come from bloodlines experienced in protection and police work. Despite this, they treat all of their dogs as pets and make sure they get enough affection and love. They raise their dogs on their huge 30 acres of land, where they also keep horses, goats, peacocks, cows, and guinea pigs. While they encourage visits, they insist that only dogs older than 4 weeks can be seen. Also, they conduct various hygiene steps before anyone can come in contact with the puppies to protect their immune systems. They are very transparent about their kennels and the conditions they keep their dogs in, which can be seen in the pictures on their website. Website: Trusted Guardian German Shepherds 2. This is one of the best German Shepherd breeders in Florida who is certified by the AKC and takes exceptional care about all of their dogs. The breeder is passionate not only about producing quality puppies but also about finding the right forever homes for them. They sell puppies that are suitable for many tasks, such as companionship, entertainment, security, and personal protection. All of their dogs have been carefully selected for their breeding program. They have been DNA tested, health screened, and approved by the OFA to ensure they are free of all genetic health conditions, such as dysplasia. As such, their dogs are as healthy as can be. Email: [email protected] 3. This is one of the best German Shepherd breeders in the U. This is a breeder who is very passionate about their dogs. They even import dogs straight from Germany and the rest of Europe to make sure they only get the best dogs possible! Unlike many other breeders on our list, Ruskin House of Shepherds breeds and sells dogs in both standard and rare coat colors , such as solid black, black , black and red, sable , silver , panda , blue , black and tan, even solid white! While not all of these dogs can come from show lines, as not all coat colors are approved by the AKC, they make sure their pups are healthy, playful, and athletic. Email: [email protected] 4. They raise balanced German Shepherd puppies in a family environment to make sure all dogs have been properly socialized. In addition, all of their dogs have been DNA tested and licensed by a veterinarian. They focus on giving their pups high-quality dog food and try to make sure all dogs have enough mental stimulation by giving them the best toys possible. Website: Florida German Shepherd 5. This kennel has been producing dogs for law enforcement since , making them very experienced in producing the best-behaved GSDs you can find. They even claim that their dogs are such good watchdogs that their owners prefer calling them instead of ! They breed imported DDR lines, and all of their dogs are certified against hip and elbow diseases. Their pups come with a two-year health guarantee against these health conditions. They carefully choose their breeding stock and look at each individual dog and its traits before deciding to combine them in the breeding program. Still, they remind customers that every German Shepherd is a versatile dog, no matter its bloodline. Email: [email protected] 6. Their goal is to create dogs for performance, which is why many of their GSDs become outstanding K9 and service dogs. In fact, this kennel started by training horses for mounted police. This gives it a rather unique background in tactical special sensory techniques that helps them get the best breeding results possible. Website: Southernwind Kennels 7. This is one of the most famous German Shepherd breeders in Florida, located right next to Lakeland. They breed German Shepherds that are a perfect combination of affection and protectiveness, making them amazing family pets and guard dogs alike. They sell German Shepherds in various colors, including red and black, solid color, bicolor, and sable. Also, they only breed imported bloodlines and not American line Shepherds. Email: [email protected] 8. This breeder imports dogs, usually DDR German Shepherds but sometimes also West German ones, to make sure they have only the best of the best in their breeding program. Many of their dogs come from champion bloodlines. To make sure everything is transparent, they encourage potential buyers to visit their kennels and meet the parent dogs. Other than breeding and selling dogs, they also offer exporting and importing services, selling AKC registered dogs, male stud services, and microchipping. Email: [email protected] 9. They breed dogs from several champion bloodlines but train them to be well-balanced and to successfully fulfill their duties as watchdogs. They promote positive reinforcement and treat all their pups like family members. They provide all of their dogs with proper dog training with the help of CampCan Ecuador, their training partners. In fact, they make sure the puppies get an individualized training program based on their personality and future purpose. All of their puppies come microchipped and vaccinated. Website: Grace German Shepherds .Their dogs are so successful in the show ring that they even have their own Bestinhaus line that other kennels use for their breeding programs. They put a lot of work into choosing each dog for the production of their litters, as their goal is to perfect the GSD breed. Despite their experience, they devote a great deal of time learning new tips about breed care, as they claim everyone still has much research to do about these glorious dogs. They provide their puppies with individualized dog training to make sure they provide customers with only the best dogs possible. Website: Vombestinhaus .This can ensure this intelligent and active breed gets all the mental stimulation and playtime it needs for healthy development. K-9 Specialist Florida focuses on educating clients on various topics regarding taking care of a German Shepherd. They are one of those breeders who produce high-quality GSD puppies and carefully select who they sell their dogs to. Email: [email protected] German Shepherd Puppies Florida Rescue Many aspiring German Shepherd owners would prefer to adopt their dogs from a shelter rather than buy. While this is an ethical decision, there are a few things you should know. Unfortunately, GSDs are prone to a number of health problems, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, arthritis, progressive retinal atrophy, and gastric torsion bloat. Some good online spots you can look at are Adopt-a-Pet and PetFinder. Both have extensive lists of various pets placed up for adoption. While some dog lovers believe that dog breeders are bad because they profit off of selling dogs, there is one thing you should be aware of: Proper German Shepherd breeders in Florida help the betterment of the breed. They conduct extensive DNA tests to ensure all of their dogs are healthy and that there are no bad genes passed on to future litters. This means that future GSD litters will be much healthier than their ancestors. If anything else, reputable breeders help dogs stay off the streets and ensure they go to the right home! German Shepherds are versatile dogs that make great working dogs but also amazing family companions. They are loyal to the core and love to make their owners happy. Related articles:. Website: appleridgegsd. They have been deeply committed to the breed for over a couple of years, and they are one of the only breeders in the state to have both AKC and SV German Shepherd Dog Club of America breeding permits. They are a small, family-run kennel that breeds German Shepherds for companionship or working purposes. They breed German Shepherd dogs that are versatile, stable, loving, loyal, extremely smart, and trainable from the best West German lines in the world. Their breeding stock is all OFA certified for hips, elbows, heart, and diabetes. Their breeding stock is also VWD-free, so their puppies will not contract the disease. They strive to breed German Shepherds that are healthy, happy and have good temperaments. They also have a small number of retired adults who are looking for loving homes! Please contact them if you are interested in adopting one of these pets. You are guaranteed lifetime support and coaching! Provided at no additional cost. Emial: mechezarreta yahoo. They breed German Shepherds and provide a stud service, drawing on the best genetics acquired from Germany to achieve their success. Their puppies come with a health guarantee, which makes them one of the few breeders who do so. If you decide to purchase a German Shepherd puppy from them, they can assist you with the full process of bringing your new pet into the country in order to make it as seamless as possible for you and your loved ones. A hereditary hip and elbow guarantee, current vaccinations and deworming, a microchip, and AKC registration papers are all included with every puppy purchased from Puppy Heaven. The puppies are available in two sizes: small and medium. According to their owners, a number of championships, including Best In Show, have been won by their Shepherds at both the regional and national levels. If you are looking for a reputable and reliable breeder of German Shepherds in Florida, then these 11 breeders should be at the top of your list. Each of them has a long history of breeding healthy, happy, and beautiful puppies that make excellent family pets or working dogs. We hope this list will help you decide which of these kennels are best for your family and pets. Do any of them sound like a good fit? What other factors do you think should be considered before making this decision? Remember, this is one of the most important decisions that you will make in your life, so take some time to research these breeders before contacting them. The German Shepherd makes a wonderful companion dog, as well as a guard dog if trained properly. The breed has been used in many roles throughout history, including therapy and search-and-rescue. If you have any questions about the breed or their temperament then feel free to contact your local German Shepherd rescue for more information on how this amazing dog can enrich your life. Are there any other Florida German shepherd breeders that should be on this list? Please let us know by leaving a comment below. I've been breeding German Shepherds of sound body and mind for over 30 years and specialize in providing families with loving companion dogs, and dogs for emotional support therapy, for veterans suffering PTSD, and for other special needs. I'm trying to share my extensive knowledge on breeding and training the perfect German Shepherd with the wider community. We offer lifetime guarantees on health and temperament. Our bloodlines started out of the top 2 bloodlines in the world, Vom Arlett and Bad-Boll. As I continue this blog I will help you learn how to assure you are picking a healthy and happy pup for your next family companion. Recent Posts. Our Rescue implemented its program in early .We operate the rescue with dogs received from shelters and from owner turn-ins. We post all info on the rescue there as well as on the site. Our Mission: To take in discarded or turned-in German Shepherd Dogs, give them a positive environment, healthy food, medical attention, socialization and lots of love and understanding in order to find them new forever homes in our local communities and throughout the State. We are breed specific but at times fall in love with a dog or two that are mixes of GSD's, but that require and are deserving of our help. We seek qualified families and individuals who wish to own German Shepherd dogs. If you wish to adopt, please send us an email to schedule a qualification interview in Punta Gorda FL. You can also download and fill out an application form set of 3 documents, on line and PDF it to us from the site, no printing necessary. The interviews and meeting and greets are held in Punta Gorda. Our ideal adopter is someone who has had a GSD in their past and knows the breed. We seek people who believe in training and the proper care of these great dogs. We especially want people who get dogs from us to dedicate the appropriate time and resources to train and socialize the dog. Adoption Process: Our adoption process begins with an application form set of 3 documents sent on the website and then an interview by phone based on the information we gather from your applications. We will ask you about your current pets, if any and we will ask you for evidence of their 'up to date' vaccinations, your vets name and number, your track record in keeping animal shots and registrations up to date, your training experience and about your commitment. We will ask to meet your entire family and anyone else that lives in the home with the dog. We will also ask that if you have pets, that you bring your dog here to meet his new friend. We will require that you sign an agreement regarding the care of the dog you may be given as well as a liability letter indemnifying The Hoffer Family Foundation and GSD Rescue from any liability or legal issue surrounding any dog received from us. Additionally we now require you to sign a Hold Harmless agreement before coming in for an interview or to evaluate your dog. We will ask that upon adoption that you provide your vets name and address and phone for verification purposes. At the point when dogs are surrendered to SWFLGSD Rescue we require all medical records be given to us along with any chip registration information and numbers, complete shot record and the contact detail on the vet who administered them. We do require a current heart worm test paid for by the owner prior to turning the dog over to us. When you receive a dog from us he or she will have all shots, be spayed or neutered and will have a chip. If any of these things is not done at the time of pick up we will arrange for that item to be done at Gulf Coast Humane in Ft Myers or at the Animal Welfare League in Port Charlotte; at our expense. Money we take in can be paid to us in cash or preferably check or Zelle. Those funds remaining after expenses are donated to the Ya Ya Girls Back Pack Kidz or one of our eight other local charities we support through the Hoffer Family Foundation. We will always take any of our rescue dogs back at any time, however we will only offer a refund in the animal is returned to us within 14 days from adoption. PLEASE NOTE we rarely have puppies but when and if we do the fee structure is quite a bit different from regular adult dog adoption in that we will require a bond to make sure the dog is neutered and a bond to make sure the puppy goes through the appropriate training. We will be responsible for the spay or neuter and all shots as part of the fee. The bond is forfeited if the sterilizing is not done as agreed and the dog can legally be recovered from the adopter by contract. We strongly recommend researching the breed before deciding on a GSD. We have many articles to ready on the breed and adopting a GSD posted on the web site. Once you have adopted a dog, we recommend a qualified socialized training program and not an individual trainer. This type of socialization training will insure a bond between you and your pet and it will give you the tools you will need to have the best experience with your pet possible. Remember nothing is more stressful than having an animal you love be out of control, unruly or unsocialized. You can read more about the breed and training on this site. It is important to note that we are not in the pet business, but rather a rescue. When we get dogs in we do our best to find them qualified adoptive families. We do not seek out dogs to rescue nor do we take every dog that comes to us. Each dog tendered to us by a person or shelter comes to our Punta Gorda location and is tested for sociability with people and dogs. If the dog demonstrates any aggression or if we deem that the animal is not suitable, we will reject it and not accept it into the rescue. This is done at the sole discretion of Erik Hoffer and all decisions are final. We are very dog choosy and take dogs in on temperament and not cosmetics or age. When we choose a family to adopt the dog we do not ever go in any particular order, but rather we try and match the family from info from the interview and application to the animal in so far as temperament, training ability, health of the family members and the dog, energy of the dog, family situations and other relative data. Clearly this is not to prejudice a renter, but rather to insure the animal has a consistent place to live. If a renter is displaced, finding another rental unit here in South FL, that will take a GSD is rare if not impossible to find, hence the position we take of not adopting to renters. If you are in a condo, you will have to have a certification from the Board of Directors of the home owners association specifically allowing a German Shepherd to be kept on the property. .We will never ask that you take any dog, but rather show you what we have in our system and allow you to decide after a family meeting if that dog is suitable for your family. We will always take any dog back, but refunds are only good for 14 days with notification of your desire to return the dog. One final note. My time and that of our foster volunteers is extremely valuable, as is yours and your families. If you make an appointment with any of us we expect that you will keep it. If you are going to be late, we expect a call at or at the number provided at least a few hours before your appointment. Even if you are just running a few minutes late, a call to tell me your ETA is expected. If you are a no show with no call, please understand that we will no longer keep your application as active nor adopt to you or accept a dog from you in the future. Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite in Tampa location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Dog Training Elite in Tampa recommends starting dog training as early as possible, soon after a puppy is ready to leave its mother. Puppies are capable of learning basic commands, and smart German Shepherd puppies do great with early training. Dog Training Elite in Tampa has adult dog training programs as well. A complete puppy training typically takes a few months. Adult dog training can take longer or shorter, depending on whether a dog needs to unlearn bad habits in addition to being trained. Working with a German Shepherd and the owner directly in the home allows dog trainers to create personalized training plans for individual dogs, as well as address any unique needs or issues. Once a dog has completed in-home training, they can take group classes for more in-depth training - Dog Training Elite in Tampa offers both puppy and adult dog group classes. Beginning training in the home also helps owners bond with their dogs so when the dog trainer leaves, no progress is lost. This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form after proper conditioning , when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter. Empowering Owners We empower owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times. Personalized We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis. Environment Specific We train wherever issues tend to arise i. Supportive We support owners in the off-hours when training is "not in session". Involved We work with all members of the household. Satisfaction Ratings Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors. Also, be consistent about rules - establish at the beginning, for example, whether or not your dog is allowed on the couch. An energetic dog with little to no exercise can become a destructive, disobedient dog. Training is a great way to give German Shepherds the mental and physical stimulation they need. Dog Training Elite in Tampa has developed training programs for puppies and adult dogs alike based on positive reinforcement. German Shepherd training with our in-home option is entirely possible. Read on to learn more about the Dog Training Elite in Tampa training method. All Sizes. All Ages.
Early Start Method STEP 1: Take your Golden retriever to group obedience classes The so-called peer-pressure works on dogs, too, and they are thus more likely to remember the useful commands when trained in groups. It will also help socialize your furry friend with other dogs. STEP 2: Play games with your dog Playing fetching games with decoy toys is highly beneficial since it will help familiarize your dog with its future prey. STEP 3: Introduce your Golden retriever to its future hunting environment Grab a leash and take your canine buddy to the future hunting environment. Make sure the dog is not overly excited and never let him or her run wild. Quiet walks will be much more beneficial as you want your pet to get acquainted with all the sounds and sights he or she will experience. STEP 4: Use a reward system Your dog should be rewarded whenever he or she obeys the command, especially when chasing prey. You can opt for words of praise, pet on the back, or a tasty treat- it is up to you! Never punish your dog, or it might become discouraged and give up altogether. Punishment techniques can make your retriever aggressive and even dangerous. Scent Method STEP 1: Play with a decoy toy for at least a few minutes every day Spray the decoy toy with a scent spray and play with your dog. Decoy play will make your dog all worked up at the very sight of a toy so spend at least a few minutes every day playing tug of war and fetching. Take the scented toy out into the yard, wipe it onto the ground over and across, and then hide it. STEP 3: Teach your Golden retriever to follow a trail Grab a leash and take your future hunting buddy to the beginning of the trail he or she should follow. Guide him or her by pointing or whispering; if it gets distracted, pull him or her back gently and encourage him or her to continue in the right direction. STEP 4: Reward your dog When your four-legged friend gets to the end of the trail and sniffs out the decoy, he or she should be adequately rewarded. Praise them, play with them, and give them their favorite treat! Therefore, every time you set up a scent trail, try to make it harder than the one before. Introduce new distractions until your retriever can sniff out the prey on its own no matter where it is. So, if you seem excited every time you are around the prey, your dog will be too. You can point or whisper — it is up to you! You can shout or wave your arms — once again, it is all up to you! STEP 3: Reward your furry friend as soon as he or she joins you in what you are doing As soon as your dog starts charging at the prey too, reward him or her! Do it each and every time. Keep your enthusiasm for as long as it takes! If you lose interest, your golden will lose it too. So, even if you are tired or bored — do not let your dog see that! It would be best if you chase the prey every time you see it until your dog starts doing it as a routine too. When your dog starts chasing the prey even before you do, you can finally relax. Of course, your pet will not be successful every time, but you should reward him or her nonetheless. Conclusion I hope you enjoyed this intro to teaching your golden retriever to hunt! Big thanks to Robert from ArcheryTopic. Golden retrievers have a charm all of their own, as Patrice Fellows reports. Register for our newsletter To continue reading this content please register for our newsletter. Since their foundation in midth century Scotland, these attractive retrievers with a keen desire to work in both cover and water, and famously soft mouths, have contributed massively to shooting. Although not as common as the ubiquitous Labrador, goldens have made up for the disparity in numbers by the quality of their contribution to the field. As a consequence Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Baron Tweedmouth, developed a vision of a specialist retriever to meet these requirements. In he bought a pup named Nous from a cobbler in Brighton, the only yellow dog in an unregistered litter of black wavy-coated retrievers. Three years later he crossed Nous with a Tweed water spaniel named Belle; this mating produced four yellow pups that became the foundation of the breed. Through a combination of line breeding and judicious crosses he attained his ideal companion: a powerful retriever that was also gentle and trainable. His Highland estate and line of Guisachan Retrievers are honoured today as the home and foundation of the breed. For almost 50 years the breed remained little known; as Lord Tweedmouth developed his bloodlines he kept some puppies, gave some to keepers in nearby estates and gave others to friends and relatives. This changed in when a friend of the family, Viscount Harcourt, exhibited the first golden under the affix Culham at a Kennel Club event. He was joined by Mrs Charlesworth the next year, who exhibited the offspring of her bitch Normanby Beauty, a highly intelligent and tireless worker. Eight goldens were exhibited at Crufts in , all registered as yellow flatcoated retrievers. A small group of enthusiasts formed the Golden Retriever Club in , which has grown to over 2, members across the world today. It is joined by 12 regional breed clubs in England, Scotland and Wales, as well as 14 breed rescue organisations scattered throughout England. Many early breeders competed both on the bench and in the field, but today most dogs are divided into show or working strains. There are, however, a handful of dual-purpose breeders that continue to pick up or shoot over their goldens. These dogs may not compete at the highest levels, but they more than prove their worth in the field. From the beginning Golden Retrievers have maintained a strong presence in field trials, winning the annual IGL Retriever Championship four times. Mazurka went on to win three more awards, including second place. There have been more than FTChs in the history of the breed, and many have won any variety as well as single-breed stakes. It is considered intelligent, kind, gentle and confident. One of the most adaptable of the sporting breeds, it can carry out many tasks in addition to its original purpose in the field. With its kind and patient nature it is an ideal choice for families with children, making them better suited to living in the house than in kennels. They are typically friendly with other dogs, pets and livestock, as well as people. A common question is, are Golden Retrievers smart? They are widely used as disability assistance dogs, such as guide dogs for the blind and hearing dogs for the deaf. They excel in obedience training at all levels and can be trained for work in numerous disciplines, including detection, search and rescue, and lifesaving. They are also consistent top performers in agility, obedience and working trials. The size of Golden Retrievers can vary from medium to large, and they are strongly built with a balanced body and powerful gait. They have a broad skull and powerful muzzle, black nose, round dark eyes and moderate sized ears. The dogs stand about 22—24" at the shoulder and females slightly less at 20—22". Their topcoat is medium length and slightly wavy or flat with good feathering and a dense undercoat, which keeps them cool in summer and warm in the winter. Any shade of gold or cream is permitted, with some white on the chest. Working Golden Retrievers are generally lighter in build and more athletic than show varieties, with a shorter coat suited to working in the field. With dark yellow to reddish-gold coats, they look more like their early ancestors. When the first breed standard was written in , cream was not permitted as a coat colour, and throughout the s very dark dogs were favoured. Health And Care Adult goldens need up to two hours a day of exercise as well as mental stimulation. Their coats shed copiously, especially at the change of seasons twice a year. With puppies this will entail just brushing, but with working adults it will be necessary to check for burrs, knots and tangles, and to keep their feet trimmed with scissors. Like other pedigree dogs, goldens are prone to a number of hereditary conditions. There are currently three health schemes offered by the British Veterinary Association in conjunction with the Kennel Club. Although breeding stock is screened under these schemes, there is no guarantee that pups will be clear, although the likelihood is increased. Breeding stock should also be x-rayed for hip and elbow dysplasia. These are multifactorial conditions influenced by genes, nutrition and exercise, so always follow the advice of breeders in the care of a young pup, even if its parents have good results. Cancer is one of the main causes of death. Aside from the hereditary conditions listed above, goldens can also suffer from skin problems and allergies, ear infections, epilepsy and thyroid conditions. Unlike spaniels, a retriever is not required to quarter ahead to quest and flush live game, although some people use retrievers in the beating line or for rough shooting. Early days focus on obedience commands, steadiness and walking to heel, single marked and memory retrieves, as well as hunting in a restricted area. Once basic skills and control are established, more advanced dummy work incorporating multiple or blind retrieves, handling at a distance with whistle and voice commands, water, gunshot and obstacles are introduced. Once these skills are mastered, there is a transition period of working with cold game before the first introduction to the field. A young dog might spend its first season sitting up at drives or walking to heel while other dogs are sent for retrieves, with a reward of a few birds at the end of the day. Throughout the process, the emphasis is on acquiring new skills on a step-by-step basis to encourage success, simplifying and backtracking whenever necessary. Harsh handling is never advised, especially in the case of goldens, who are sensitive and prone to stubbornness when treated with force or coercion. During the off-season, Golden Retriever clubs and gundog societies hold retriever gundog working tests GWTs , which seek to further good gundog work without live game. GWTs are divided into puppy, novice and open categories, and each club publishes its entry rules on its website. Three or four tests simulate varying shooting scenarios requiring single and double retrieves, blind retrieves, hunting in an area, walking-up and retrieves in or near water. Field Trials for Golden Retrievers Retriever field trials have grown immensely in popularity in recent years and are usually oversubscribed. That said, it is still primarily an amateur sport, open to anyone willing to take on the required commitment. Golden Retriever field trials are run as closely as possible to an ordinary shooting day. If feasible, they are conducted on ground where dogs can be tested walking in line to heel in roots or cover and waiting off the lead at drives, but the day may consist of just one or the other. In August a few trials are held on grouse moors in the north, and in September there are some walk-up days on partridge. The majority of trials are held in October and November as walked-up or driven days over partridge and pheasant, leading up to the annual IGL Retriever Championship at the end of November. Most trials are held under a four-judge system, where pairs of judges evaluate the performance of the competitors, working down the line in numerical order. In the first round, dogs are usually sent for two retrieves each, and can be discarded for a variety of misdemeanours such as running-in, chasing, whining or being eye-wiped by the judges or another competitor. Dogs that survive are called up for further rounds until the top few dogs remain, at which point the judges confirm the final placings with a run-off, usually working all together at the centre of the line. Why Not A Golden? One major drawback is the extra care and attention their coat requires. They are large dogs and prone to getting dirty, especially in the field. Burrs and tangles must be dealt with - and not just brushed aside, so grooming your Golden Retriever is an important daily task. Another drawback for some people is they do not make good kennel dogs. Sarah Gadd, a prominent trialler who started out with both goldens and labradors, gave them up for this reason. While show-bred Golden Retrievers are very popular, working kennels are few and far between. Finally, there is the issue of training your Golden Retriever. Although the breed is considered biddable and easy to train, it is sensitive and perhaps not as resilient to handler mistakes or short cuts as the labrador. Captain HFH Hardy, who won the first field trial award for the breed in , favoured them amongst all gundog breeds. In order to achieve success, you have to have a feel for what makes them so distinctive. But if you are definitely up to the challenge, and willing to learn the secrets to their success, gold-dust beckons. Broad skull and powerful muzzle, black nose, dark eyes and moderate sized ears. Medium length coat with feathering in any shade of gold. Character: Intelligent, kind, gentle, playful, biddable and confident. Ideal for families with children. Usually friendly with other dogs and animals and likes people. Easy to train and adaptable to many jobs as well as work in field. Slow to mature, sensitive and at times stubborn if treated harshly. Daily care: Requires up to two hours of daily exercise and mental stimulation. Coat requires daily or frequent grooming. Basic obedience and gundog training recommended. Health: A healthy breed. Average lifespan of 12 years. Prone to cancer and skin ailments. At work: Tireless worker with a good nose and excellent in cover and water. Also a good tracker of wounded game with a soft mouth. Well-suited to field work as a peg dog, picking up or wildfowling. May be used for beating or rough shooting. Trained for many other jobs, such as assistance, detection and search and rescue. Top performer in obedience, agility and working trials. More Information About This Gun Dog Breed We love sharing our trusted resources, the more we learn about each breed the better we are able to take care of our beloved dogs. Below we have listed some of our favourite websites and books used to create this article and to learn more about this fantastic gun dog breed. Take a look at some of these resources: www. Print When to start training your retriever to hunt As a professional retriever trainer, I am often fielding calls from people who need advice regarding dog training. One question that I hear the most is: At what age should I start training my retriever puppy to hunt? My answer is always the same — start now! Everything you do with your puppy from the time you pick him or her up from the breeder is technically training. Who can I jump on or step on? Is it okay to steal food off the table or counter? What things in the house are okay to chew and which are not? Even this most basic training can substantially impact the ability for your retriever puppy to transition into a hunting machine. What age to start training retriever as gun dog or duck dog? There is no specific age that you should start training your dog for bird hunting. These traits will determine how fast or slow you are able to progress through hunting training. But the good news is, you can help shape and develop these traits in your new puppy! During this time, and ongoing through that first year, you can and should do some essential training. And the more socialization you do, the better. How can I socialize my hunting dog? Socialization is simply the process of introducing your puppy or young dog to new things and teaching him or her how to adjust quickly to changing circumstances. As a hunting dog, your retriever is required to adjust quickly to new locations, new terrain, and new hunting situations. You will expect your dog to hunt well and consistently regardless of the day, the weather conditions, or the type of bird you are hunting. To do this, your dog must be very well socialized. Like young people, young dogs are eager and ready to learn new things. So, while you can socialize an older dog, it is much more difficult. Here are some suggestions on how to socialize your hunting dog: Take your dog to new places. Expose your dog to different terrain, weeds, or cover. Expose your dog to water — both dirty weedy and clean. Put your dog in new situations. Walk your dog in the rain and snow. Attend family gatherings where your dog will be exposed to new people, young and old. Walk your dog in the country or on a dirt path, through a weedy field, anywhere there will be many new scents. Introduce your dog to new people, noises, and equipment. Have your dog sit in a boat or hunting blind with you. No shooting! We are just looking for exposure! Expose your dog to noise from cars, trucks, ATVs and other loud noise. These are just some ideas. Every new experience will help your dog learn and adjust. The importance of socialization cannot be understated. Learn more about preparing your dog to be a hunting dog in this post. If you want your dog to be well-adjusted and quick to adapt, socialization is how you do that. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Housebreaking and crate training Even if your dog is going to be an outside dog, I highly recommend house breaking your hunting dog. Because you will never regret having a clean dog! House broken dogs tend to keep their kennels and runs clean because they have learned that there is a right place to empty go to the bathroom and a wrong place. Outdoor dogs do not always learn this lesson. Crate training is also an essential step for preparing your dog for hunting and home life. I know some people think using crates is cruel, but I wholeheartedly disagree. Dogs are den animals. They like small, confined spaces because these spaces make them feel secure and protected. Introduced your dog to a crate when he is brought home from the breeder. Our dogs often go into their crates to sleep on their own. We leave the crate door open during the day and they willingly go into the crate to sleep or just have some time alone. Manners Teaching a dog manners while they are young is critical. By setting up rules and boundaries, you will be teaching your dog to handle pressure, a trait that is vital to teaching a dog to hunt. Some behaviors are cute when a dog is a puppy, but these same behaviors can quickly become problematic as the dog grows. Learn more about these behaviors in this post. Use the OFF command with a correction to keep your dog from jumping on you. Yes, even when they are only months old. In fact, especially then. If your puppy learns at this young age that jumping on you or others is not acceptable, you are less likely to have a jumping problem as the dog ages. A few other ways to teach good manners include making your pup SIT before he is allowed to eat and SIT before you allow him to go through the door to outside. Your corrections do not need to be harsh, but they do need to be firm and consistent. Getting used to a collar will take some time, that is okay. This is also a good time to get your pup used to a leash. Every once in a while, pick up the leash and hold on to it. Each dog will react differently to this type of pressure. Some may throw themselves on the ground in a full-blown temper tantrum, others will think nothing of it. This would be the worst thing you could do. Rather, just remain calm and hold or step on the leash until the dog settles down. Once they settle down, let go of the leash and repeat this exercise often so that your dog learns to handle pressure and not throw a fit. There is a correct process of working on these first retrieves, and it is important that you follow it. For complete details on how to do this properly, check out this post. Lastly, you should remember that your puppy is growing, so do not do too much running or exercise during these first two months or you could damage or injure your pups growing bones and muscles. After socialization, the next most important trait we look for in hunting dogs is high prey drive or desire. High prey drive is not something you can create in your dog. It is something that is handed down genetically through the pedigree. But there are things you can do, to help develop the drive and desire provided the dog already has a genetic inclination in this area. Many high-quality breeders will introduce the pups to a pigeon or bird wing while they are still in the litter. Even if this is the case, you will still want to do a live bird introduction with your pup. We will discuss this more in the next section. Hunting dog training age months You should start obedience training for SIT and HERE when your pup is around 3 months old, but around the 5—6-month age, your dog is ready to learn formal obedience. Obedience is always the first step. All our programs here at Otter Tail Kennels begin with obedience. In my opinion, a dog can never have too much obedience training. It is the foundation on which all other training will rest. Even older dogs can benefit from obedience tune up drills. Teach these commands on-lead, with a chain collar, and in short sessions minutes each day. Taking your dog for a short walk and stopping frequently to make him or her SIT is a great way to get obedience work in each day. Doing obedience work with a flat collar will create more problems than it will help. Your dog needs to learn how to handle the pressure of a chain collar and you will get much better heeling results. Introductions to hunting equipment and situations In addition to obedience, if you have not already, now is the time to start introducing your dog to various hunting equipment and situations. If the weather is appropriate, this is the best age to introduce your dog to water. Make sure that you find a shallow area and allow the dog to enter on his own terms. You can encourage him or her to get into the water using a rubber bumper or other toy. You should also take time to introduce your dog to a hunting boat, a hunting blind, decoys and live and dead birds as we discussed previously. Lastly, you can start working on gun introduction at this time. Gun introduction MUST be done slowly and correctly. The last thing you want is a gun-shy dog. For more information on how to properly introduce your dog to gunfire, check out this post. If your dog is not firm on the HERE command, make sure you do all retrieving on a long check cord. We do not want the pup to get away with not returning to us with the bumper. That is a bad habit that we do not want to start. With a long check cord, you can gently direct the pup back to your side. Do not get carried away throwing retrieves with your young dog. Too many people love to play fetch with their dog so much that they throw a bumper dozens of times — resulting in the dog getting exhausted or bored with the game. This can cause other issues to pop up. Limit the amount of retrieves you do each session to three or four and work instead for quality — a good retrieve and a good delivery. This is where the real hunting training begins. This is also the age, if you are considering having a professional train your dog that you would want to make that decision. What age to send my dog to a professional trainer? If you are considering sending your dog to a professional trainer for retriever training, generally trainers accept the dog any time after the adult teeth have come in. Formal training ideally should begin around the 6—7-month age, but, generally, any time under 2 years is considered acceptable. Preparing your dog for hunting Up until now, the training has been generic — the training focused on making your pup a good citizen and family dog. But at this age it is time to dig into preparing your dog for his future hunting career. It is also at this age that many retriever owners get anxious, or impatient, and decide they can jump right into actual hunting. Training beyond obedience will depend largely on what you plan to use your dog for. Moving to e-collar pressure Hopefully, you have been doing the obedience work with a chain collar as previously recommended. If you have, your dog should be obedient on-lead and now its time to start working with an electronic collar. If you are using an electronic collar, make sure you take time to properly collar condition your dog. Not sure how to do this? We have a series of posts on this topic. If your need help understanding electronic collars and training with them, check out this post. Finish up hunting equipment introductions If you have not completed the introductions suggested in the 5—6-month-old training, now is the time to work on that. Gunshot exposure should be ongoing during these months, but make sure that you are doing this correctly. This is one area that can quickly spell disaster if it is done incorrectly. Learn how to do it correctly here. Do I have to force fetch my retriever? I am constantly getting emails from people who have dogs that recently stopped retrieving. They wonder what they can do to fix this problem, and I will admit it frustrates me. I know that if they were following a proven, reliable training plan for their dog, the dog would never have gotten to this point. Force fetch is a controversial topic, but as a retriever trainer for over 30 years I can attest to the importance of the process. Learn more about force fetch in this post. Lastly, force fetch will clean up mouth and delivery problems you might be having with your dog. If your dog is dropping the bumper on return and not delivering it to hand, force fetch will fix that problem. Retrieving with a 7—month-old dog Around age months, your retriever should be retrieving consistently and bringing the bumper back to you. Now is the time to really put some energy and focus into setting up marking scenarios for your hunting dog. There are limits to how far you can throw a bumper and it is rare that a bird would approach you from your back and fly directly in front of you. By using another thrower, you can set up marking scenarios that more closely represent what your dog might see while hunting. Vary the distance and direction of the marks, and preferably take time to learn about marking drills and how they can help your retriever. Now is also the time to set up simulated hunting scenarios. Think about how you hunt, and then do marks with your dog that mimic that. If you hunt from a boat, incorporate that. Or if you hunt from a blind, or sitting on a bucket, add those elements to your training. Try to make the scenarios as close to reality as you can. Specific training for bird dogs During age months is also the time to start working on field and hunting blind manners. If you are strictly an upland hunter, this may mean working hard on control and keeping the dog quartering close to you while walking through a field. It may also include enforcing a HERE command under exciting and difficult conditions so that your dog does not keep chasing after a bird that you missed shooting. For waterfowl and duck dogs, blind manners could include working on noise issues so that you can hunt without your dog whining or barking. It can also mean just getting your dog to sit still for long periods of time in the boat or blind. When can I take my dog to the field? At this age, I understand if you are anxious to get your dog out in the field or blind hunting. And if you have been following these guidelines, you are getting close. You will notice I call it on-the-job-training and not hunting. Tips for that first hunt No matter how many simulated hunts you do, simulated hunts cannot exactly duplicate the experience of actual hunting. So, you need to make sure that your first hunts will produce quick success for your dog. If you do this, you will be on the right road to helping your dog develop into a super hunting machine. Learn more about how to introduce those first few hunts and why this is so important. Reasons to skip that first season While I understand being anxious to get your pup hunting, I cannot overstate the importance of waiting until your dogs training is at the point that your first hunt will likely be successful. If your dog is not ready, if you have skipped some training steps and are seeing issues like startling at gunshot, or not picking up or delivering birds, your dog is not ready to hunt and you would be wise to back up and hold off until your dog is ready. Here are a couple other reasons to skip that first season if your dog is not ready. Bad habits are often extremely hard to break if they have been allowed to go on for any time. You very well may have to go back to earlier training to fix issues that arose due to hunting a dog that was not ready. Risking bad experiences This one is even more important. You cannot always control the experiences your dog runs into while hunting. What if your inexperienced dog gets bitten by a goose? Or, severely startled by several guns going off all at once? These are only a couple examples of bad experiences that can ruin or severely delay your dogs hunting education. If your dog is not quite ready, you are better to wait. Keep training, keep socializing, keep exposing your dog to new situations, but make sure that the first hunts you go on are controlled and produce easy success and learning for your dog. What if I am not starting with a puppy? Older dogs can be taught hunting too. But the key is to start training an older dog as if they are a week-old puppy. Skipping steps is how you get a dog that is afraid of gunshots or even birds. And those are very difficult problems to address without the help of a professional. For more training tips and education, visit our education section of our website. Final thoughts on what age to start training a puppy to hunt Every day your retriever is learning. Retrievers are smart, resourceful dogs. They bring such joy to our lives. But they are like children, they need direction, rules and boundaries. Take time to train your retriever. Follow a complete training program and you will greatly increase your odds of success. If you are looking for a professional retriever trainer with proven hunting and hunt test programs, check out our training programs or give us a call .We also do one-on-one training to guide owners who want to do the training themselves. Until next time, happy retrieving. What age should you start training a puppy to hunt? Blog Do you want to learn how to train your golden retriever to hunt? Some people may believe that golden retrievers are not good hunting dogs because they are not bred for that purpose. Others may believe that golden retrievers are good hunting dogs because they are versatile and can be used for a variety of hunting activities. Golden retrievers are bred to be versatile and to have a strong hunting instinct. This makes them good hunting dogs for a variety of activities, including waterfowl hunting, upland bird hunting, and small game hunting. Golden retrievers are also good family dogs. They are friendly, social, and easy to train. This makes them a good choice for people who want a hunting dog that they can also enjoy as a member of their family. They have a high level of intelligence and are easy to train. Golden retrievers are versatile dogs that can be used for a variety of hunting activities. They are naturally loyal, eager to please, and have a high level of intelligence. They are also versatile, meaning they can be used for a variety of hunting applications. The first step in training a golden retriever as a hunting dog is to start early. Puppies as young as weeks can be started on basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. As they get older, you can begin to introduce them to the concepts of hunting. This can include things such as carrying a dummy in their mouth, retrieving objects from water, and being steady around gunfire. It is important to be patient and consistent when training a golden retriever as a hunting dog. This breed is known for being one of the most trainable breeds, but they still require a lot of time and patience. As with any training program, it is important to set realistic goals and to keep sessions. A golden retriever is a versatile hunting dog that can be used for bird hunting, waterfowl hunting, and upland game hunting. They are also used as service dogs and family pets. Golden retrievers are bred for their intelligence, obedience, and trainability. They are also known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. When hunting with a golden retriever, you will need a shotgun, a hunting vest, a dog vest, a dog bed, a dog bowl, a hunting license, and a first-aid kit for your dog. The most important piece of equipment for a golden retriever is its hunting vest. The vest will protect him from the cold and wet weather, and it will also have a built-in harness to attach a leash. In addition to the required hunting supplies, you will also need to have a good supply of dog treats and a positive attitude. A golden retriever will respond best to a positive reinforcement training program. It is best to work with your dog every day for at least fifteen minutes. The more often you train, the sooner you will be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor. If you cannot make that happen, at least make sure that there is enough space. If you do not have a large enough yard, find a suitable local field. Retrievers are fast at short and long-distance running, they love water, they can jump high, and they have a unique sense of smell. Their coat helps them adapt to various conditions. This is quite literally a perfect dog. That is how he is known as probably the best hunting dog in the world. If you have or are just thinking of adopting a Golden Retriever, you should be able to train them to hunt quite easily because this is his innate skill. The key is starting his training early and focusing on generic training first. Hunters looking for an intelligent, shorter-coated retriever that will hunt from dark to dark need to research field-bred goldens. By Tony J. Peterson With a charming, eager-to-please personality and looks to match, the golden retriever has plenty to offer. Yet its skyrocketing popularity is the reason golden retrievers have become victims of their own demand. It's also why those in search of a hard-working golden need to be very careful when choosing a pup for hunting purposes. Advertisement A Rich History Among the many reasons for the golden retriever's popularity is the rich history of the breed, which, according to the American Kennel Club, dates back to the early s. Europe is responsible for a good number of our current sporting breeds including goldens, which came into being in England and Scotland well over years ago. During that time, a medium-sized sporting breed was an asset for obtaining food both in the waterfowl and upland gamebird worlds. Throughout the s the breed became even more desirable, and in it was recognized by the AKC. Goldens soon became one of the go-to breeds for many hunters and folks looking to run a dog in an obedience or field trial. They also started showing up in television shows, as well as print and television advertisements, and one needs only look at a single golden to understand why. Very few breeds are as photogenic or as easy to work with as goldens, which contributed further to their popularity. This also led to division in the breed, with an ever-increasing portion of the litters born each year to less stringent standards. Show dogs with their long flowing coats became much more common and they were bred to field-bred dogs as well as other show dogs. Advertisement It has been a couple of decades since the breed hit its high-water mark and since then we've witnessed a decline in the health and hunting-drive of the breed overall. That's not to say that excellent pedigrees don't exist, because they do. They just aren't as easy to locate as a run-of-the-mill, mystery-bred golden. If there is one person that understands this more than most, it's Jackie Mertens. Mertens has owned and operated Topbrass Retrievers since and is undoubtedly one of the most respected names in the world of golden retrievers. Every once in a while, I get to meet someone who was put on this earth to work with dogs, and Mertens fits that category. From her schoolgirl days, Mertens knew she'd work with animals, and as soon as she could she got her first golden. That dog, Ch. Mertens recalls, however, that she almost lost Torch before it all started. Advertisement "Torch had a lot of desire, she was fearless, and she was a good producer — and she did it all on three legs after getting caught in a fox trap," Mertens recalls. She had survived by eating snow and pawing up any plants she could reach. Since then, Mertens has been at the forefront of field-bred goldens, and when someone wants a great housedog, a great hunter — or both — they go to her. And it's all about the breeding. Hunters looking for a waterfowl and upland dog will often steer toward Labs for obvious reasons, but the right golden will fill the role just fine. A field-bred golden with a proper water introduction will bring ducks to hand all day long. They look a bit different and they will exhibit the right drive and retrieving desire. Now, I hear people say all of the time that their dog was the best ever, but they are comparing it to maybe a few other dogs they've owned. To have the best chance of getting a truly good hunting dog, it's field-bred or nothing. There are so many issues that can come up with poor breeding, that it's a process to ensure a healthy litter these days. For us that means looking at all health clearances like hips and elbows, of course, but other things. We use a canine ophthalmologist for eye clearances, a canine cardiologist for heart clearances, and also conduct a litany of DNA tests to ensure proper breeding. Having gone through the heartbreak of losing a golden to kidney failure when she was only six years old, I am particularly sensitive to proper health clearances. All breeds can suffer unfortunate medical issues, but goldens are exceptionally prone to them given the amount of unchecked breeding. Another golden retriever expert I asked to weigh in on this issue is Theresa Bilava, who operates Platte River Retrievers with her son Nick. She started with goldens as a child and has been raising and breeding them for 22 years. Having over two decades of experience devoted to the breed has given Bilava a unique perspective on the current state of the golden retriever, and she was more than willing to offer advice to anyone looking for a pup. Like Mertens, Bilava makes sure all of her Platte River dogs are health checked in all manners. Now people think they can pick up any golden puppy and it will hunt, but that's not the case. With us, we're breeding for athletes, not models. Our dogs are field-bred, and quite frankly, a lot of the people that contact me about getting a dog don't even know what a field-bred dog is. We want dogs that want to play the game and that will have the right temperament. All of our dogs will be companion dogs, and some will be used for agility or therapy, but many of them end up being upland and waterfowl hunters as well. As long as they are well-bred they'll become people-pleasers that will take to training and look to make you happy. A good sign of a dog that is working for you not for itself is if the dog checks back often and looks you in the eye. Goldens are well known for this trait, especially in the field where it matters most. They aren't wired the same as a Lab that might be able to run the same drill times in a row. They are different, and have to be trained differently. When I asked him why he chose to hunt with goldens he responded by saying, "The golden is a gentleman's dog. He will give you percent if you are fair to him. And he can turn it on and turn it off, which is something other breeds struggle with. When a good golden is asked to hunt, he'll give you his all. When the hunt is over, he'll transition back into that lovable housedog. They need to be introduced to water properly, and if you do it wrong it's like pushing a rope — it doesn't work. Goldens will work for you, but if you lose your cool they'll shut down. It has to be fun for them, and you've got to work with their intelligence by keeping it interesting and positive. They respond to teaching, not pressure. Finding a well-bred golden puppy that has all of its health clearances and is a true hunting dog is a different story. The right pedigree takes time to locate, and it will cost more than a run-of-the-mill dog. The upside? You'll get an amazing hunting and family dog. Nick Bilava has spent plenty of time hunting South Dakota roosters for himself and for clients while he was guiding, but his dogs can do much more than hunt ringnecks. They can hunt anything and handle any new hunting situation provided you've got them prepared. I hunt doves with my dogs, ducks, everything. They can do it all, and will, if you ask them with respect. When my pheasant opportunities disappeared with the loss of habitat, we switched gears to ruffed grouse, doves and eventually ducks. And just for fun, I threw in shed antler hunting to see how she'd do. As long as my golden got to retrieve something for me and earn a little praise, everything was just fine. This willingness to please is without question one of the greatest reasons to own this breed. Nick Bilava got into golden retrievers in no small part because his mother, Theresa, has been breeding field-bred goldens for years. Together they operate Platte River Retrievers, where they focus on producing a few litters each year that are bred to be smart, athletic and will hunt everything they are asked to hunt. For the hunter looking to have a rock star in the field and a good-looking house pet all in one dog, they are the ideal choice provided they come from a breeding program that has focused on health concerns and strong hunting instincts. Picking A Golden Puppy When shopping for that perfect golden pup, here are some things that prospective owners should be mindful of. That's the going rate, and it is worth it for the peace of mind you'll have from getting a truly high-quality, healthy pup. Your job doesn't end with research and writing a check, however. Trust Your Breeder After that, it's a matter of being honest with your breeder and allowing him or her to pick the right dog for you. Jackie Mertens stressed this by saying, "I don't let people pick their puppy. I pick it for them. Some people don't like this, but I've already spent seven weeks with the puppies and have watched how they act, and interact, so I know their personalities well. Too many people want to pick their own puppy, and they often take the first dog to run up to them but that is often a bad deal because that puppy might be the most dominant in the litter. It's better to put your faith in the pedigree and the breeder to match you up with the best bet out of a litter. You won't regret it. More Articles From How-To. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Golden Retrievers were originally bred to be hunting companions to the elite. Are Goldens still as good at hunting as they used to be? Yes, Golden Retrievers are excellent hunting dogs and are still used for this purpose today. However, finding one as skilled as they used to be is a bit more challenging. The 5 Things That Make Golden Retrievers Good Hunting Dogs Even though dogs were bred to retrieve small game, there are certain characteristics about them that make them perfectly suited for the sport. Breeding Golden Retrievers were created to fill a gap in the world of hunting dogs. A lord took some of the best characteristics of many different dogs and gave us the Goldens that we know and love today. Image Credit: Mordasova Elena, Shutterstock 2. Strong Sense of Smell One of the things that set these hunting dogs apart from others is their incredible sense of smell. This breed has one of the strongest senses of smell of all dog breeds that makes it easy for them to track down birds no matter how far away they glide after being shot. Goldens are intelligent and eager to please; the two perfect characteristics that make training easy. They can also figure out shortcuts and solve puzzles that they come across while out hunting. Energy Golden Retrievers seem to never tire. This breed is energetic and easily build up their stamina with the right training. This means they can run and retrieve for hours without getting too winded. Choosing a Dog for Hunting As time has gone on, many Goldens are bred less for hunting and more for companionship. If you are hoping to purchase one of these dogs to hunt with , we recommend finding a reputable breeder that is field bred. Conclusion Golden Retrievers are some of the best hunting dogs you can have. You might also be interested in:. Photo credit: Joop Snijder, Shutterstock Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More Easily one of the most popular dog breeds on the planet, the field-bred golden retriever is also a phenomenal gun dog. Their countenance is often seen in dog parks, hanging out of car windows, accompanying kiddos on a neighborhood walk, working avalanche duty on the ski hill, or in the halls of hospitals in a therapy vest. To say the golden retriever might be the happiest breed of dog could even be an understatement. Their sunny disposition and puppy-like attitude make them entirely irresistible. The good news is that a field-bred golden retriever is also one of the best, most versatile gun dogs you can take into the field. And they have a more-than-interesting origin story. A man by the name of Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks founded the breed singlehandedly in the late s. He bought a brown, wavy-haired dog named Nous, and then bred him to Tweed Water Spaniels now extinct and Irish Water Spaniels, with the first true golden retriever litter born in .Today, the typical golden retriever averages inches in height and typically weighs pounds, with males on the higher end of both. They have a life expectancy of years and throughout their life, their attitude for work and play remains exuberant. Of course, daily exercise and high-quality dog food will keep your golden in good health for the long haul. Golden retrievers take on jobs that range from hunting to search and rescue to seeing-eye dogs to avalanche work and more. But with the popularity of the breed, a split happened between field- and show-bred retrievers. Read on for more. Field-Bred vs. Show-Bred Golden Retrievers A field-bred golden sports a shorter, denser coat than a show-bred golden; photo credit: Jed Packer, Shutterstock As with labrador retrievers, the popularity of golden retrievers brought a dark side to its breeding history. For decades, many lines of golden retrievers were diluted, and new health problems arose through poor breeding practices. According to the American Kennel Club , goldens are at risk for elbow and hip dysplasia, juvenile cataracts, pigmentary uveitis, progressive retinal atrophy, and heart diseases, including subvalvular aortic stenosis. And this is not an exhaustive list. These days, veterinarians and responsible breeders have worked together to test and pair up genetically sound animals that are less prone to health issues through genetic testing and physical certifications. Field-bred golden retrievers take on a more compact, athletic form, and a key feature is their shorter, denser coat. The show-bred lines tend to have luxurious and often very beautiful flat coats, but these longer coats do not serve a golden well in wet or cold working conditions. The needs are simply different. Be sure to interview a few reputable breeders and learn about the lines, genetics, and intent of their kennels before purchasing a field-bred golden retriever. Did their parents hunt? And what genetic testing and health certifications are offered? These are two required questions if you plan on adding a field-bred golden to your family. Think of this as both an investment in a better future for the breed as well as a healthy future for you and your beloved family member. Hunting the Golden Retriever Photo credit: Linn Currie, Shutterstock Hunting a golden is typical of hunting most of your bigger retrievers. They retrieve naturally but will require shaping to perfect their bird retrieve to hand. And their high energy levels keep them engaged in any field of work. The hunting-bred golden does tend to be more intense than other lines within the breed. But, this serves a purpose in the field. Goldens remain fabulous house dogs, family dogs, and best friends once your day in the field is complete. And goldens love you back in spades. A true gem of a breed, this one. It was a somewhat chaotic scene. There were all variety of dogs on the ground and birds in the air, and the constant echo of gunshots. She recalls seeing a Chesapeake retriever pulling around its owner, a big man himself, the pooch overcome by the excitement of the situation. But the dog was listening to me and not overreacting. And they live to please. Golden retrievers resulted from a mix of water spaniel and retriever and was created to be a versatile breed for wildfowl hunters that could retrieve game on land and in the water. The first golden retriever registration with the AKC was in .English goldens tend to be lighter in color, and they have large, muscular bodies. American goldens tend to have darker colors and are lankier and less muscled than the English type. Canadian goldens have a thin, dark coat, and generally are taller than dogs from the American and English subtypes. While golden retrievers have enjoyed some level of popularity in America for decades, they popularity hit a new pinnacle in the s and s, when they could be seen as all-American dogs in a number of television shows and movies. Standards declined and some people gave little thought to the dogs they were breeding. By the late s, the golden retriever world began to turn around, in part, she says, because potential dog buyers themselves began asking tough questions of breeders and demanded to see health clearances. Over the years, the reasons people have been attracted to the golden retriever breed — whether the individual dogs are big or small females generally weigh between 50 and 60 pounds, and male range between about 65 and 80 pounds , or have dark coats or light coats — have remained largely the same: Golden retrievers have good personalities and are versatile dogs. Those traits endear them to a wide variety of people. But they are equally at home and adept in vast fields of grass and among standing stalks of corn, following their noses and working in front of shotgun-toting pheasant hunters. Golden retrievers work in that magic to yard range. We are sort of used to seeing these big, lumbering goldens with flowing coats. But the hunting line goldens are smaller, their coats are shorter, and they are built like little canine athletes. Several years back, I was hunting as part of a several-man group that contained a mix of dog breeds, including both Labrador and golden retrievers. One of the golden retrievers flushed a big rooster from a wooded edge of a plowed field. One of my hunting partners fired at the cackling, long-tailed bird, hitting it and sending on a steep trajectory to the ground. But as one of the dogs approached — they were outside of shotgun range — the bird took to flight again and we watched as it sailed into the grove of trees somewhere up ahead. We marked the location we last saw the bird and hunted toward the spot, figuring one of the dogs would find the rooster upon our arrival. Perhaps forty yards later, one of the golden retrievers started to show signs of excitement, its tail wagging vigorously and an intent look on its face. That dog, a veteran of the pheasant fields, eventually located the dead rooster amid a tangle of brush. That combination of a good nose and never-quit attitude also makes golden retrievers a good choice for those cold, late-season pheasant hunts when the birds are hunkered in heavy cover such as cattails. Add to that the fact that golden retrievers are relatively easy to train to be anything from hunting dogs to therapy dogs. Their intelligence helps in that regard. It just depends on your passion. But all in all, they are very intelligent and highly trainable. While golden retrievers are highly adaptable dogs and can succeed in many situations, a wrong move early in their lives could forever reduce their utility as hunting dogs. The biggest issue in them — and in the vast majority of other dog breeds — is cancer. Sad stories about good dogs succumbing to cancer are just as likely to include Labs as goldens, for example. While they shed year-round, it can be especially pronounced when the seasons change from warm to cold. However, golden retriever owners can largely alleviate the shedding issue with frequent brushing. Using an undercoat rake, albeit less frequently than a regular grooming brush, can further reduce the amount of hair deposited inside the house. One final piece of advice: Golden retrievers are not good guard dogs. While they may bark at an approaching stranger, they quickly revert to the affectionate creatures they naturally are upon contact with humans. Joe Albert is a freelance writer from Bloomington. Read more at www. Follow him on Twitter writerjoealbert.
Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article. German Shepherd Puppies are lovingly home raised and socialized at our modern 5 acre park like Kennel Facility in Florida Miami. These are just a few words that describe our German shepherds. Life with a German Shepherd is a joy that one must experience to appreciate and understand, and the intelligence of these great dogs must be seen to be believed. Petersburg Our dogs have provided countless individuals and families with a loyal pet that has a high aptitude, as well as the ability to provide protection. Each of the German shepherd puppies we have for sale are AKC registered and come from a superior lineage. Notably, our German Shepherds go through rigorous testing to qualify for breeding, as our dogs are bred with top sires that have at least a V or VA show rating. German Shepherds are well known for their character and temperament. Poised and confident, our pups are faithful and intelligent companions. They are also great protection dogs, as many safeguard homes, property or livestock. Our breeding program has earned the the highest level of accomplishments that a kennel in the United States can achieve. All of our German Shepherds come with a written guarantee and have been vet-checked, socialized, vaccinated to date, temperament-tested by a professional dog trainer, and above all, have been very much loved. Our German Shepherds are gorgeous Black and Red color, big boned, and correct structure. This price is determined by the size of the puppy, and includes the flight ticket, pre-flight vet exam, a crate the perfect size for your puppy, and travel to the airport. Every year we hand select dogs to add to our breeding program to improve the breed. Breeding top producing west German Sieger show Line German Shepherds is number one in producing quality German Shepherd puppies for sale. Being a German Shepherd dog breeder requires breeding high quality German Shepherds from some of the top rated German Shepherds in Germany They are superior in health with parents being x-rayed with clear hips and elbows by the OFA or the SV. These German shepherd litters of puppies for sale will make great companion dogs as well as excellent conformation, show and working dogs. Their inclination towards making their masters happy, their mental soundness and their high degree of intelligence have made this dog a successful working dog and masterpiece companion for their owners. Our breeding male shepherds are from top pedigrees. You can also visit us on our Facebook page to see recent news. Visit our website, at any moment you may feel you need more information than what we supply here feel free to Contact Us. Our main goal is to produce dogs that will become very special to you. Contact Us with any questions you have about our puppies or anything else. German shepherd with its puppies resting on green lawn Tags in St. Petersburg German Shepherd Puppies in St. Petersburg German Shepherd in St. Petersburg GSD in St. Petersburg German Shepherd Dogs in St. Petersburg German Shepherd Breeder in St. Petersburg Pure German Shepherd bloodlines in St. Petersburg German Shepherd studs in St. Petersburg German Shepherd Female in St. Petersburg German Shepherd dog trainer in St. Petersburg Healthy German Shepherd in St. Petersburg Working line German Shepherd breeder in St. Petersburg Long hair German Shepherd breeder in St. Petersburg Long coat German Shepherd breeder in St. Petersburg Plush coat German Shepherd breeder in St. Petersburg Site Links. The breed is well proportioned and strong with a sturdy, muscular, slightly elongated body that has a light but solid bone structure. The head should be in proportion to its body and have a little bit of a rounded forehead. The nose is most often black, but blue or liver colors still do sometimes occur. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. Its eyes are dark and almond-shaped but never protruding. The ears are wide at its base, pointed, upright, and turned forward. However, it is natural for German Shepherd puppies under about six months to have ears that droop slightly. It also has a bushy tail that reaches below the hocks and hangs down when resting. There are three varieties of the German Shepherd: double coat, plush coat, and longhaired coat. It has a double coat made-up of a thick undercoat and dense, slightly wavy or straight outer coat. Most German Shepherd dogs have tan and black or red and black hair, medium in length and tend to shed all year round. There are some other, more rare color variations such as solid black, solid white, liver and blue. The white coat version is recognized as a separate breed by some breed clubs and is called the American White Shepherd. A piebald color has also occurred and is now being called a Panda Shepherd. Discover more about our German Shepherd puppies for sale below! Disposition The German Shepherd is an intelligent and versatile breed. The breed requires an active lifestyle and makes for an ideal companion, protector, and guard dog. Very devoted to its family and home and usually maintains a suspicious demeanor around strangers. German Shepherds can be dominating and assertive towards other dogs, though normally friendly with other pets in the home. Therefore, it is important to begin training your dog beginning as a puppy in order to avoid negative behaviors later. Exercise This breed is very active and athletic. It requires a lot of physical and mental exercise. Without the proper amount of exercise, it can become frustrated and develop negative behaviors. Participating in canine activities such as agility, herding, tracking, and diving is great exercise and fun for the dog. Training Puppy socialization and training are critical, as well as continuing obedience training to ensure the puppy will become a well-mannered adult. The German Shepherd is a highly intelligent companion and extraordinary worker. Use consistent and positive reward-based training for best results. Grooming The German Shepherd sheds regularly and is a heavy seasonal shedder. As a result, it is best to brush them daily. You only need to bathe them when necessary, however, as over bathing can cause skin irritation from removal of oil on their skin. Check their ears and trim their claws regularly. Origin The German Shepherd Dog originated in Karlsruhe, Germany from longhaired, shorthaired, and wire-haired local herding and farm dogs in the mids. Its now famous qualities of intelligence, agility, speed, stealth, and courage were developed not in a police or military academy but in the sheep pastures of s Germany. The breed gained popularity in the United States during the early s due to the canine movie stars Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart. Unfortunately, because it is among the German breeds including the Dachshund it suffered a decline in popularity due to anti-German sentiment during and after both world wars. However, due to the rise of modern livestock management and the decline of herding as a dog occupation, von Stephanitz promoted his breed as an ideal K-9 worker and today is therefore the preferred breed for police and military units all over the world. See store for details on this particular puppy. American Canine Association. We have answers. All you have to do to begin is browse the top-rated German Shepherd breeders in Baltimore below until you find one who has a litter or even individual puppy that you are interested in. Does Uptown recommend a specific food for my dog? While there are definitely some foods that are higher quality than others, it can be very difficult for any expert to recommend a specific food for any dog. Each and every german Shepherd has different taste preferences and dislikes which means that you may have to try out a few different flavors or styles before you find the perfect food. Can I own a German Shepherd in an apartment? You can but if you have the option these dogs prefer larger homes with backyard space to run around and stretch their legs. If you do plan on moving into an apartment with a German Shepherd or are looking to adopt a new puppy you should be prepared to get them outside as much as possible during the day so that they are exhausted and ready to sleep at night. Having trouble finding a German Shepherd for sale in Baltimore? Fortunately when you work with an expansive breeder network like Uptown Puppies you never have to settle for a fraudulent breeder just because they are in your hometown and have German Shepherd puppies for sale in Baltimore. Most of the expert breeders who are accepted into the Uptown Puppies network have experience arranging transport for dogs especially if they are headed to their forever home. When we receive an application from a breeder or puppy business with cheap German Shepherds for sale in Baltimore claiming to have immaculate facilities and use top of the line food it does raise a flag. When it comes to raising dogs there are not many ways to cut costs while also still treating puppies the way they deserve to be treated in the first few weeks of their life. Instead of leaving fate up to online search results, pay per click advertisements and sponsored ads maybe you should be trusting a team of vetting professionals who are prepared to screen each and every breeder who shows up on our site. With Uptown Puppies you never have to lose sleep at night wondering whether your Baltimore German Shepherd for sale was bred by a backyard breeder or a puppy mill. What is a puppy mill? A puppy mill is a term used to describe a facility that breeds hundreds of puppies each and every month in order to maximize their profit. Sometimes puppy mills cut corners with breeding and other times they fail to properly clean and sanitize the puppy pens which can lead to all sorts of unwanted health issues. Is it enough to walk my German Shepherd, or do they need more exercise? German Shepherds can grow to be quite large and muscular. Compared to smaller dogs you should expect to get your German Shepherd outside and exercising at least a few times a week in addition to daily walks. Rather than relying on paid ads the team at Uptown screens breeders based on how they treat dogs and the type of facilities they operate out of. What is the difference between a purebred dog and a mixed breed dog? A purebred dog is one that has been bred for specific standards and has a genetic history of pedigree that ensures that their puppies down the line will continue to produce excellent pups. A mixed breed dog is simply any dog whose ancestry involves two or more breeds. In the case of a German Shepherd most owners are looking for purebreds because of the athletic abilities that these dogs naturally possess.
About Us Why Australian Labradoodles? We raise Australian Multi-Generational Labradoodles for many reasons. The Australian Labradoodle has become a breed that is noted for its high intelligence, asthma and allergy friendliness and no to low shedding, and easy trainability. Their playful and endearing personalities make them loving and loyal family companions. Combine all this with excellent health and fantastic temperaments and you have the dog we love! A Love For Dogs Our Labradoodles are hand raised and whelped in our home with love and lots of attention from our family, extended family, and full-time staff. Our dogs have plenty of room to run and play indoors or outdoors. We take great care in socializing our Australian Labradoodle puppies so they will be a treasured companion from our family to yours! Our Australian lines come from the two main research and development centers, Tegan Park and Rutland Manor in Australia. We are a gold paw breeder with the Australian Labradoodle Association of America ALAA and go above and beyond their minimum requirements for health testing. Along with my family and full-time staff, we raise genuine quality miniature, medium, and standard Australian Multi-Generational Australian Labradoodles. After researching the breed, it became apparent to me that the Australian Labradoodle was the right choice for my family with a history of allergies and asthma. We fell in love with these incredible dogs and one thing led to another! We have been in business now for sixteen years. Rainmaker Ranch Labradoodle Breeders Mission: To bring families an exceptional labradoodle, exceptional in labradoodle health, temperament and conformation. We have completed all the canine expert suggested labradoodle genetic health testing on all the generations of your labradoodle puppy to ensure a lifetime of health. Labradoodle Breeders since We believe that to breed a healthy labradoodle family companion, then the parents of your labradoodle puppy must also be healthy family companions! We are very careful in ensuring that the parents of your labradoodle puppy have the same temperament you would want in a family labradoodle dog. We are three expert labradoodle breeders working together, we only have one or two Australian labradoodle dogs each and one litter at a time so we can focus on the labradoodle puppies and the families who are adopting them, our labradoodle breeding dogs are loved family pets always living inside with us. We breed labradoodles in our home under the supervision of our veterinarian breeding specialist, we do not cage or kennel our dogs or puppies. Our Australian Labradoodle breeding dogs are members of our family, sleeping on our kids' beds at night, living indoors, and are loved constantly. Our belief is that being a labradoodle breeder is not a right, but a responsibility to the labradoodle breeding dogs and puppies. We only breed fleece coats, soft and loopy. We breed wide body, stocky, silly labradoodle dogs. We do not think labradoodles should look like any other breed; just a cool looking casual dog. We breed labradoodles for non shed and allergy friendly as much as a dog can be coats. Australian Labradoodle Breeders It takes years to develop a solid program of healthy, great temperament Labradoodle parent dogs who in turn bring along consistent, soft fleece coated, incredible Australian Labradoodle puppies. Come visit our home, be greeted by our incredible labradoodle dogs and talk with us about our labradoodle breeding program. This includes everything you need to know about our excellent Labradoodle Puppy breeder Program, from wait list, labradoodle health, labradoodle size, color, available labradoodle puppies, and labradoodle information to prepare you for your new Labradoodle puppy. Their adorable curly fur and expressive faces make you want to cuddle them — and these little guys love nothing more than a good squish. All this and more makes our labradoodle puppies for sale one the most in-demand in our center. Activity-loving families adore these dogs for their propensity towards sports, and anyone who prefers low-shedding pooch benefits from their wooly or fleecy fur. Labradoodle puppies for sale are so cute and come in such a wide range of colors that it makes choosing your new best friend super-hard! While spearheading the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia breeding program, he conducted the crossbreeding of a standard poodle and Labrador retriever in view of it being a hypoallergenic guide dog for blind people. The first example of this type of dog, called Sultan, went to live with a lady in Hawaii, where other breeders saw him as an inspiration and this is how Australian Labradoodle puppies started. Both the International Australian Labradoodles Association and the Australian Labradoodles Association of America are working hard to incorporate more intergenerational breeding so these dog breeders can register this type of dog as a purebred dog. Its gentle, obedient and intelligent personality combined with a hypoallergenic coat make it ideal for family members with allergies, but it also makes an excellent service or therapy dog. Labradoodle Puppies Lifespan When properly taken care of, healthy dogs tend to live anywhere from 10 to 13 years. The lifespan of our Labradoodle puppies for sale is slightly above average at 12 to 14 years. Here are the life stages of multigenerational Australian Labradoodles: Puppyhood: First five months Adolescence: Between five months and two years Adulthood: Between two and three years Middle age: Between seven years and 10 years Senior: Over 10 years Labradoodles need the most attention and care in the first and last stages of their life. During puppyhood, their minds are highly impressionable, which is ideal for training. During their senior years, Labradoodles are more susceptible to health problems, which means owners need to keep a watchful eye. Labradoodle Size The size of labradoodle puppies for sale directly relates to the size of their parents and which generation of breed Labradoodle breeders chose. The larger the puppies, the larger the adult dog will be, and the faster their growth will be coming out of the puppy stage. A standard labradoodle puppy will weigh from pounds by the time it reaches two months of age. By a year old, it will have grown dramatically to up to 80 pounds, depending on the size of its parents. Medium Labradoodles occupy a spectrum of sizes between standard and mini Labradoodles, with the specifics depending heavily on the details of the breeding pair that birthed them and the breeding program they come from. Labradoodle Puppies Temperament While Labradoodle breeders originally bred the Australian Labradoodles as therapy dogs, their fun, friendly personalities made them popular pets. Now you can find these sociable dogs in homes across the globe. Here are some of the top personality traits of our Labradoodle puppies for sale. They tend to do best in active households where they can work off all that pent-up energy. You can fulfill their needs through the following activities: Walks or jogs: Labradoodles make great walking companions and can even keep up with you during a jog. Playing in the yard: Enjoy a game of fetch with your furry friend in the yard or just let it loose on its own. Dog sports: If you stay active through sports, consider making your labradoodle a part of your routine. Bring it on bike rides, go for a run together or kick a ball around in the yard. Obstacle courses: Set up an obstacle course for your dog using household items. Scavenger hunt: Creating a scavenger hunt for your canine is a great way to exercise its body and brain. In general, Labradoodles need anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. You can also enroll them later at a Labradoodle puppy alumni school for proper training. Friendliness What makes Labradoodles the perfect puppy compare to other dog breeds is their ability to get along with just about anyone. They inherit this trait from their Labrador retriever parent, a breed also known for its outgoing nature. You can trust your labradoodle to form friendships with everyone, from children and older adults to strangers and other puppies. Thanks to their affectionate, sociable personalities, Labradoodles make great pets for first-time owners, families, or anyone looking for a companion. Intelligence Thanks to their poodle parent breeds, Labradoodles are incredibly intelligent dogs. Because Labradoodles are intelligent, they often crave mental stimulation. Labradoodle Puppies Grooming Our Labradoodle puppies for sale have a variety of coat textures that dog owners enjoy, but in general, their low shedding coat needs brushing at least twice a week. Not only does this keep them tangle-free but it also removes excess debris from their coat, keeping them fresh and hygienic. Regularly trim the hair around their eyes and in between their paws to prevent these problem areas from causing irritation. Pooches with fleece coats tend to have longer fur and benefit the most from going to a professional groomer — although every dog loves getting pampered once in a while. At Pride and Prejudoodles, we send a can and a bag of the foods we use for free with your hand-delivered bundle of joy. If you need to change it for any reason, it must be done gradually to avoid stomach upsets. Just bear in mind that a diet is such a crucial aspect of wellness that feeding them good quality food will add years to their lives compared to opting for low-quality feed. Pride and Prejudoodles is here to help. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Labradoodle puppies for adoption. Life Span Did You Know? A Labradoodle is a popular designer dog breed. It is a cross between a Standard Poodle and a Labrador Retriever. This designer dog breed originated in Australia around .The main goal of the Labradoodle was to create a hypoallergenic guide dog for people living with disabilities who were also allergic to dog fur and dander. Now, they are still a popular choice for service, guide, and therapy dogs and are also a popular companion dog. Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are both friendly, gentle, intelligent, and affectionate dog breeds. The Labradoodle tends to be similar. They are open and friendly and crave human attention and affection. They are happiest when they are with people. Labradoodles also tend to have an energetic and playful personality. They get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and strangers. They are alert enough to bark or let you know when someone is at the door, but they are not generally good watchdogs or guard dogs as they are more interested in making friends. A Labradoodle is a highly adaptable dog breed. They do very well in homes with space to run and they can adapt well to apartment living as long as they are given plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They also do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat and cold. Because they enjoy being around people, they do not generally like to be left alone for long periods of time. They can also become bored if not given enough attention, exercise, or mental stimulation, which can result in destructive behavior. This dog breed is generally healthy, but they do have the chance of inheriting common health conditions from both of the parent breeds. Some health conditions to be aware of include elbow and hip dysplasia, ear infections, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, and epilepsy. Good breeding practices can reduce the likelihood of passing on many of these health issues. Be sure to talk with the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and ask to see any health clearances; this can help allay potential health concerns. A Labradoodle tends to be eager to please and highly intelligent, which makes them highly trainable. They are a good fit for dog owners of any experience level. As with most dog breeds, Labradoodles respond best to training that is consistent and uses positive reinforcement. There are some grooming tasks that are common to every dog breed. When it comes to coat care, it can vary with a Labradoodle. Poodles have a low-shedding coat that is also high maintenance in terms of brushing, trimming, and professional grooming. Labs tend to have a higher shedding coat that needs minimal brushing and grooming. For the most part, a Labradoodle will have a low or non-shedding coat that will need to be brushed a few times a week. But, they can have a higher shedding coat should they take after their Labrador parent. You may also need a few professional grooming sessions throughout the year. Nail trimming once a month is usually enough to keep movement comfortable and prevent longer nails from snagging on things. Proper dental care for your dog will help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Drop-down ears are more prone to infection because floppy ears are more likely to trap moisture, dirt, and debris. This will make grooming throughout their life a much more enjoyable process for both you and your dog. It can even become a bonding time for you both as well. Labradoodles tend to be high-energy dogs. They require a few daily walks plus some time to run and play in order to stay happy and healthy. They certainly love to play and you may tire out before they do sometimes. They may calm down a little as they get to be a couple of years old, but they tend to be quite energetic as puppies. Going swimming with your dog , taking a hike with them, going on a trip to the dog park, playing a game of fetch, and more are all great supplemental activities to ensure your Labradoodle gets plenty of exercise. You can even train them to compete in dog sports like dock diving, flyball, agility, obedience, and more. A fully-grown Labradoodle will usually stand between 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 50 and 65 pounds. Labradoodles generally live 12 — 14 years. However, it did not become popular until when the mix was specifically bred to create hypoallergenic guide dogs. Featured Labradoodle Article.
We are planning a teddy bear Bernedoodle litter with Harper and Ollie. Harper is expected to be due January 29th with puppies going home in March. All of her puppies will be traditional tricolors and parti tricolors. These teddy bear Bernedoodles will be pounds. If you are looking for a teddy Bear Bernedoodle puppy check out our planned pairings below and fill out our Bernedoodle puppy application. In technical terms they are f2b Bernredoodles. They are a cross between a f1 Bernedoodle and a f1b Bernedoodle. We decided to call them teddy bears because the name fits them. We decided we wanted to add the Teddy Bear bernedoodles to our program back in .I talked with Tammie at Rocky Mountain Bernedoodles. We decided it was a good idea and we would be able to get the perfect Bernedoodle. I am excited about the potential for the Teddy Bear Bernedoodles. My idea is that we can produce a litter of puppies with consistent structure, hair type, temperament, and color. The way we can do this is to take the best of the best in health, structure, and temperament and test them to make sure they do not catty IC. Ic stands for improper coat. It is the coat you would see on a Bernese Mountain dog or a Golden retriever. We have had many requests for this coat type but as of right now we are not producing the IC affected coats in our Teddy Bear Bernedoodle program. All of our Teddy Bear Bernedoodles will have the beautiful fleece non shedding coat. Our Teddy Bear Bernedoodles will be pounds full grown. We will introduce the larger Teddy Bears in .We love the medium sized because they are great for all living situations. Teddy Bear Bernedoodles are great for families with allergies because they are little to no shed. Our teddy bear Bernedoodles are calm, quiet, social, intelligent, affectionate, and goofy. Our Teddy Bear Bernedoodles make great family companions and can double as a therapy or service dog. They need to be a part of a family and do best around people. Accepting Holding Fees We were truly blessed when we found our home with its beautiful view of the valley and the snow covered San Jacinto mountain range, one of the tallest mountains in the Southern California area. Our dream home is nestled at the base of a majestic rocky mountain in a very picturesque setting. The perfect location to live and share with you, our beautiful Teddy Bear Bernedoodle puppies. We are located on a 7 acre ranch in Southern California in the beautiful rural community of the San Jacinto Valley. Our family has more than 25 years of breeding dogs and we have a wealth of knowledge and information that we share with our customers. On occasion we have Black Bernedoodle pups for sale. We only use the healthiest and the finest bloodlines. Most of our breeding dogs are imported as we have found superior health, beauty and longevity from the imported Poodle and Imported Bernese mountain dogs. We have found this to be a very important part of our breeding program as not only do the adult dogs get to live the family companion lifestyle but also the puppies are born inside the home and grow-up socializing with children, adults and other family pets which makes your puppies transition to your family easier. We have seen the ill effects on dogs far too often who have lived kennel lives and that is why we believe it is important not to have too many dogs in one location. Our four legged friends and family members deserve to get the love and attention they need. Please contact us if you are interested in the ultimate family companion, have any questions about our beautiful Teddy Bear Bernedoodle puppies for sale or would just like to visit and see for your self what we are talking about. .Life Span Did You Know? They tend to be affectionate and loving dogs that make great family pets. They are even known to make great therapy dogs! Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other canine registries. One of the facts about Bernedoodles is that they are true companion dogs. They are cuddly companions that love nothing more than being with their favorite humans. As long as they are well-socialized and trained, Mini Bernedoodles tend to get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Miniature Bernedoodles are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in larger homes as well as apartments. They are sensitive to heat and extreme cold, but do well in most climates. Because they bond so closely with their families and thrive on attention, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time and can develop separation anxiety if you do not work with them early on. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. You can ask about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Mini Bernedoodles are intelligent dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. This makes them a highly trainable dog that is a good fit for owners of all experience levels. They can become stubborn if training is not consistent or clear. Although their coat tends to be low-shedding and will range from straight to wavy or curly, the Mini Bernedoodle coat requires some maintenance. Daily brushing is recommended to remove tangles and prevent mats. Professional grooming is recommended every weeks. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep them from growing too long and causing issues. Ear checks on a weekly basis with careful cleanings as needed help to prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, Mini Bernedoodles are more prone to developing gum disease. Good dental care for dogs early and consistently throughout their life can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Daily tooth brushing, plus cleanings at the vet as needed, is ideal. Although Mini Bernedoodles will be playful and have bursts of energy while playing, they are not high-energy dogs. They tend to sit in a more moderate range. Daily walks plus some playtime throughout the day are usually enough for them. But, they love spending time with you and will likely be up for more activity if you are. They may be smaller dogs, but they also tend to be relatively athletic. When puppies finish growing , you can try higher-impact activities like running, hiking, training for dog sports, and more. Fully-grown Mini Bernedoodles usually stand inches tall. They can range from pounds. F1B and F2 Mini Bernedoodles usually weigh pounds and are on the shorter side of the range. Mini Bernedoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Bernedoodle Article.
sable colored german shepherd puppies - Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Welcome to Russford Labradors! We strive to produce healthy, even tempered, and beautiful companions that families can be proud to own. Our dogs are true to their breed standard - in both conformation and in temperament often called "English" labs. Our versatile puppies are suitable as both family members and hunting companions, and we spend many weekends traveling around the country to AKC shows competing in conformation, rally, and obedience. We are a family made up of 4 adult daughters, plus mom and dad - we each have a Russford Lab or two or three in our homes, so that they can live like the spoiled pets they deserve to be. While puppies are raised at the family home in Bath, some of our adult dogs live with our daughters in different areas of New York State. We keep a small number of breeding dogs, usually between 2 and 4 adults, and we occasionally have puppies available to select homes. Our dogs have DNA, hips, elbows, hearts, and eyes tested at a minimum to prevent genetic diseases. Our puppies are raised in our home utilizing the Puppy Culture Program for rearing and socializing, and they are placed into loving pet homes on AKC limited registration. We typically have homes waiting for our puppies before they are born; if you are interested in our plans for future litters, please watch our Facebook and Instagram pages and contact us for more information when a litter is coming up. Thank you for visiting our site. If you are a dog lover residing in New York, the Labrador Retriever would be the perfect furry companion for you. Its high intelligence, beautiful temperament, loyalty, and overall playful nature make the furry creature a perfect companion, which would make your stay in the Empire state a lot more interesting and generally enjoyable. But when getting a Labrador Retriever, it would have to be done the proper way. This would involve getting your Labrador Retriever puppy from a respectable, and reputable breeder. But how do we find such a reputable and respectable breeder in New York? Well, luckily, we have compiled a list of some of the best Labrador Retriever breeders residing in New York State. These are reputable Labrador Retriever breeders that have produced some of the finest quality Labradors for numerous families in the Empire State. This breeding facility is owned by the dynamic duo, Sue and Joe carpenter. They are top Labrador Retriever breeders of the finest English-styled Labs, with colors; yellow, black, and chocolate. Ever since Rhumbline Retrievers was established in , they have long strived to improve the quality of the breed by being very strict with the selection protocol. Only the best of the best dog pedigrees are used, as their bloodline boasts of numerous champions in various competitions and hunt tests. They aim to breed well-rounded Labrador Retrievers that excel in multiple roles and purposes. Their dogs make great competitors in obedience, agility, dock-diving, hunt tests, and field trials. They also make great therapy, service and music videos, commercials, law enforcement, and hunting dogs. They are healthy, with the appropriate genetic, hip, eyes, and heart clearances to show. They are well socialized and raised in the family home; they enjoy Early Neurological Stimulation ENS and are introduced to a wide variety of sights, sounds, and textures throughout their stay at the facility. All their Labrador Retriever dogs are registered by the American Kennel Club, they are well vaccinated and properly dewormed and each has their dew claws clipped at an early age. They all come with health guarantees and can be sold on full AKC registrations. Although, certain conditions must be met. Rhumbline Retrievers Contact Details. During this time, they have learned that good breeding is not seldom. This is why they conduct DNA genetic testing on the mating Labs, research pedigrees, and perform x-rays. At other times, they fly in semen from other states to guarantee the best quality future Labs. They have produced family dogs, show dogs, hunting dogs, and service dogs. If you want to reserve a puppy from Humehill, they will send you a questionnaire and a deposit contract. The puppies leave the facility after they are eight weeks old. Prior to this, the puppies are taken to the vet for a checkup, dewormed, microchipped, and receive their first vaccine. They consider themselves knowledgeable breeders because they have degrees in Animal Science and Agricultural Engineering. They focus on producing and raising genetically quality dogs, a reason why the parents undergo Embark tests. In addition, they raise the puppies in an acre home with fenced-in yards instead of kennels. The dogs also have a large pond to swim or play in. All Hidden Pond puppies have veterinarian health certification, a one-year written health guarantee, have their first shots, and are microchipped. They also give a lifetime placement warranty and offer stud service. They aim to breed championship Labs that can go to the show program. The pups that do not qualify for show programs are trained for companionship, hunting, therapy, or response dogs. The breeder is dedicated to guaranteeing that future Labs have the best genetics to live a long, happy life. They also receive year-long preventative health care. Stoneleigh Labrador puppies are hand-raised with abundant affection then socialized before they leave the facility. Even though the breeder does not always have available puppies all year round, they will be happy to have you on a waiting list. Legacy puppies receive the same socialization programs as service and guide dogs. They are paper trained, crate trained, taken for car rides, and receive daily playtime. They are also microchipped and AKC registered. Unlike other Labrador breeders, Legacy accepts applications only when there is a litter available. This means you must be on the lookout since they do not keep a waiting list for potential buyers. Occasionally, they have older dogs available after they have finished their show careers. These dogs are suitable for children of all ages because they are socialized at a young age. All pups receive their first shots and worming before they leave. To purchase one, contact the breeder via email or the website. She has a passion for Labradors and loves their sweet temperament. This is proof that not only are the Labs well-bred, but they are healthy and with easy to live temperaments. To find and purchase a pup , visit the website, or contact the breeder via email. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. Thank you David for all the joy you have given us. We love our beautiful dogs! He is just perfect! My vet said he has never seen a better put together Lab. He is the hit of our community and has to say hello to everyone he meets. Hidden Ponds is just the best place to purchase a Lab. David is so kind and informative. His dogs are gorgeous and well mannered. They treat their dogs with kindness and it shows. They are smart, their costs are beautiful! He has a great personality and is wonderful with the kids! He is lbs and thinks he is a lap dog. We would definitely buy from Dave again!! Lindie is an incredible athlete, as you can see by the photo. Lindie also volunteers at our local hospital in Glens Falls, NY comforting anyone that needs fur therapy! She is an amazing ambassador for the Labrador breed! Thank you! He hiked his first mountains this weekend in the Adirondacks. He is such a wonderful addition to our family and we will be back for a companion for him next year. Read more testimonials Bentley Bentley is almost 4 years old and is absolutely amazing! She is the happiest, cuddliest, wiggliest ball of fur, and I love her more than I can say. She is super smart, very curious, and a little mischievous. She has already learned to walk very well with my wheelchair. Thank you, Hidden Pond! At 9weeks she has accomplished stairs,swimming learned to sit and give paw. Play time and eating remain 1 LOL but,she is full of kisses and love all the time too. My sweet service dog, Rhett, came home in October of and has been the biggest blessing in my life. This breeder not only breeds for confirmation and health but for perfect personality and temperament. They are perfect in every sense of the term responsible breeder. I cannot imagine life without my Labs. And not to mention how welcoming everyone was when we went to pick Rhett up. They care about each puppy they welcome into their home. And they strongly support several forms of care to keep the puppies happy and healthy in their new homes like food and supplements! I cannot thank them enough or recommend them enough!! Savannah Stevens Read more testimonials Chip Chip is a crazy, funny, lovable gem. He is the most gorgeous dog. He has the most regal head. Everyone who sees him stops to tell us what a handsome dog he is. Thank you to Hidden Pond for letting him be ours. We picked her up in early July , and she made our family complete! She is such an amazing dog: sweet, gentle, loving, and playful. It is wonderful to see how much she loves our three young boys. We love how much she loves being outside — especially swimming and playing in the snow. Thank you Dave and your family for bringing her into our lives. She was exactly what our family needed to be complete. She is the sweetest, spunkiest and most wonderful dog we could have asked for. We picked him up this past September. He is a joy, fully housebroken, and so very funny. Everyone who meets him always comment on how handsome he is. He is really beginning to look like his dad, Thunder. He loves walking and meeting all his dog friends in our community. Thanks, David, for this wonderful dog! He has made our house a home again!! She brings so much joy to our home. She is loyal, smart and a lot of fun. She loves going on walks or long hikes in the woods and is a big snuggler in the house. Scout has a very sweet disposition and people comment on what a beautiful girl she is. She enjoys people and dogs of all ages. Thank you Dave, we are enjoying every day with one of your Hidden Pond pups! Courtney Hundley Read more testimonials Raemo This Lab is truly a best friend to everyone that comes his way. Very kind and affectionate. Raemo is now 6 months old and is great with the family, friends and the neighborhood. He is great with other dogs too! David and his Labs are simply the best and worth the wait! Rob Amurao Read more testimonials Daisy We got Daisy in June , but Dave introduced us to her the day she was born; it was love at first sight!!! Dave kept us updated with pictures and short videos as we anxiously awaited the day we could pick her up. She has been an absolute joy in our lives! She is incredibly smart, a sweetheart along with being an active puppy. She was swimming at 10 weeks with our other dogs. She is now 10 months old; everyone she meets loves her. Thank you, Dave, for such an awesome new family member!!! Marilyn Morey Read more testimonials Mabel Mabel is 6 months and we thank you for this blessing. She is a wonderful addition to our family. We love going on adventures with our little girl. Highly recommend and reasonable pricing! He has an amazing temperament, his favorite activities are long walks and swimming! Marlana Broderick Read more testimonials Chip Chip is the best dog we have ever had. He is funny, silly, smart and so handsome. We get stopped on the street every 5 feet. Everyone asks where he is from and tells us how gorgeous he is. Thank you Dave. This photo is with his sister Cocoa. Chip on the left Cocoa on the right. She has such a great personality. Gets along so well with the grandkids ,and so adaptable she took to the crate and house breaking so easily. Accepts new experiences so calmly. Dave has been great to work with a fountain of info. We also went with the dog food he recommended an love the results that we switched our cat to it as well. She is the most beautiful, sweet tempered, smart lab. We could not be happier having her as part of our family. Romy Ziegler. For nearly 50 years we have produced English Labradors in the true style of the all-around dog they were meant to be. Our ultimate goal has been a beautiful dog conforming to breed standards with soundness of temperament and body. Our Labradors retain the hunting ability that has made them the supreme hunting retriever. This intelligent, well-tempered dog is a perfect family companion and service dog. We are pleased to not only have many of our On The Bluff Labradors in pet, show and hunting homes, but also used as guide dogs for the disabled and specialist for airscent detection. Our breeding program strives for perfection in every litter. We use the highest quality stud dogs with a background of multiple Grand Champions. We combine their linage with the outstanding genetics of our females. The result are not just cute, adorable puppies, but dogs that can be well trained, healthy companions for a lifetime. We have never lost sight of our initial goal to produce the perfect Labrador- in mind and body. Feel free to email us for additional information or to get on a waiting list for one of our puppies. Staffed by professional trainers- each puppy receives several weeks and hundreds of hours of individual lessons- Obedience Training, House Living Training, Group Socialization, and Outside Etiquette. We believe our unique training methods and individualized programs sets us apart from any other breeder. Here you will find many adorable pictures of our current puppies.
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sable colored german shepherd puppies - The Silver Lab is a relatively new and rare type of Labrador. Still, many regulatory agencies like the AKC refuse to allow Silver Labs to be fully registered as purebred dogs. This basically waters down their normal color, creating a much fainter version. If a Yellow Lab has two recessive genes, it will create a Champagne Labrador, and two recessive genes will turn a Black Lab into a Charcoal one. The fact is, while most of them are silver, Silver Labs come in several other hues, such as blue and gray. These dogs love nothing more than to play — and play and play. If they ever catch you with a tennis ball in your hands, expect to have to throw it for them for the rest of the afternoon. This makes them agreeable companions for people of all ages, but they do need a great deal of attention. They can get destructive if left alone all day without any stimulation. Their intelligence shines through in training, and they need to be challenged mentally as much as physically. Luckily, they tend to put their formidable brains to work looking for ways to please their owners, not undermine them. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Just know that the entire family might need to get involved with caring for these dogs, as their indefatigable nature makes them a challenge for a single person. Also, if your family prefers to lounge around all day instead of being active, a Silver Lab or any Lab, really might not be the best choice. They look to befriend strangers rather than challenge them. Just monitor the situation to make sure no aggression occurs, and let the friendship develop naturally. Sometimes that means just peacefully coexisting in the same house, while at other times, lifelong friendships can occur. However, there are several things to consider before getting your own, and we cover many of the most pressing concerns in the space below. Carb-heavy foods give shorter, more intense bursts of energy and can also lead to weight gain long term. Look for a kibble that uses real ingredients: lean meat, high-quality fruits and vegetables, and foods you actually recognize and can pronounce. Try to avoid things like animal by-products, wheat, corn, and soy. Letting Silver Labs free-feed is generally discouraged; instead, offer them two reasonable meals a day. Also, it should be noted that most Labs have cast-iron stomachs. They can and will devour anything that even seems remotely edible, so be careful about what kinds of foods you leave lying around. You could spend all afternoon playing fetch without a word of complaint from these pups. Silver Labs are made for agility training, but they can also be taught to do just about anything you like. They love to learn and are extremely eager to please, so teaching them is fairly painless. Show them what you want them to do, and reward them for doing it. Yelling at them or otherwise disciplining them is likely to be counter-productive. Simply ignore unwanted behavior and reward positive actions. If you do this, you can convince a Silver Lab to do just about anything. This can come in handy for hunting ducks or going swimming, but it can create a bit of a nightmare when it comes to keeping shedding under control. Beyond that, taking care of these dogs is relatively easy. Minor Conditions. How the dilute gene works Labrador coat color is controlled by a set of genes. You can read about the way B genes and E genes influence coat color in this article on Labrador color inheritance. However, the silver color is controlled by a different gene, the D gene. The D gene acts as a type of switch. Some would like to see silver labradors banned In simple terms, genes come in pairs. Big D produces full strength coat color. Little d produces a dilute color. This means that a Labrador needs two copies of the dilute gene in order to have dilute fur. Only the third combination would produce a silver coat. Unless little d is paired with another little d, it will have no effect. In some breeds of dog, all individuals have two little d genes. Weimaraners, for example. And the recent appearance of the double little d gene in chocolate Labradors is what has enabled the silver Lab to appear on the scene. Where do silver Labs come from? Reports of silver Labradors seem to have first appeared in the United States in the s. Culo Silver Labs was one of the early kennels to produce this new silver color. You may be interested to read this report of an interview with the owner Dean Crist giving his account of the history of the silver Lab. Exactly how this new color came to be is a question that many people are asking, and arguing about. People want to know where silver Labradors came from and how they were created. In particular, they want to know how the double dd gene got into the purebred Labrador. How did the dilute gene get into Labradors? There are a number of options that can explain the appearance of a new gene in a purebred dog mixed breeding spontaneous mutation hidden genes The first and most obvious explanation is that at some point, an outcross occurred, between a Labrador and a breed of dog that carries the dilute gene. A Weimaraner for example 1 Mixed breeding Many people believe that the first silver Labs were crossbreeds. Not only is this theory plausible, there are clear motives for dog breeders to create a new color variation in an existing breed. I will let you be the judge, as there is no evidence at this time, one way or the other. However, it is interesting to note that Silver Labradors can be traced back to two breeders. An update to her original article, however, also notes that she previously claimed that Weimaraners were also bred in those same kennels, but found out that that fact was in doubt. Those in favor of the Weimaraner outcross theory often claim silvers have a houndy look about them. To be fair, this is true of many field-bred Labradors of any color. And most silver Labradors today look pretty much the same as any other Labrador Retriever — apart from the fact that they are silver. The cross-breeding theory has been a very popular one. But recently it has lost some credibility due to genetic testing of silver Labs which has failed to show a link to Weimaraners. This is another way that a rare or unusual characteristic can appear in a family of dogs that were previously unaffected by it. Partly because the other two explanations are both so plausible. For a mutation to be identical to a gene that already exists for an unusual coat color in another breed would be something of a coincidence. Many people feel that the spontaneous appearance of this dd dilution gene in the Labrador Retriever gene pool is, to say the least, unlikely. However, it cannot be entirely ruled out. This explanation for the appearance of the silver Labrador in the s is perhaps the most valid alternative to the cross breeding theory. We know that some genes are dominant over others. And can mask or hide them. We call the masked or hidden genes recessive. Many diseases are caused by recessive genes and only appear when the unfortunate individual inherits two copies Genes carrying rare diseases can remain hidden for decades, only to appear when closely related dogs are mated together. This happens more frequently when gene pools are small, as they are in our pedigree dog populations. Colors can be dominant or recessive too The B color gene that determines whether or not a Lab is basically black or brown, and favors black dogs. Brown is recessive and a Lab needs two copies of the little b brown gene to have a brown coat. Brown labradors only became common when breeders deliberately set about mating them to one another. Some people argue that the rare dilute gene has also been present in Labradors all along, and that it only appeared, as rare diseases sometimes do, when two closely related dogs were bred. The first Labradors were not registered by the AKC until .Before then there would have been regular outcrossing with other similar breeds. Including the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, a breed that does have the dilute gene. So it is entirely plausible that the little d gene passed from Chesapeakes into one or two Labs before the Labrador pedigree registers were closed and remained hidden in the breed only to reappear in the s when the demand for Chocolates was beginning to rise. Silver Lab temperament and training Whatever the origins of the silver Lab, the silver Labradors we see today are very much Labrador in both temperament and conformation. Training a silver Lab puppy is a huge amount of fun. It takes a little time and patience as Labs can be rather bitey when small and rather bouncy as they grow into teenagers. Silver Lab Poppy makes friends easily thanks to lots of positive experiences meeting all kinds of people. Photo credit — Alison Hanks.